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China’s coal imports up 22.9% in January-February to 74.51 mln tons

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that Beijing boosted purchases of Russian coal by 52% in 2023

BEIJING, March 7. /TASS/. China’s imports of coal (including lignite) amounted to 74.51 mln tons in January-February 2024, up by 22.9%, the General Administration of Customs of China reported.

In value terms, coal imports fell by 5.1% in the reporting period to $7.93 bln, according to figures released on the website of the customs service.

Russia’s coal exports to China are on the rise. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that Beijing boosted purchases of Russian coal by 52% in 2023. This roughly stands at 90 mln tons.

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Container shipments by Russian Railways add 9.4% in 4M 2024 — company

The increase was the highest in container traffic of lumber and chemical and mineral fertilizers

Putin may propose candidate for prime minister as early as today — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov recalled that after the inauguration, the Russian government resigned and the members of the Cabinet continued to work in the status of acting ministers

Russian sniper reports elimination of Ukrainian serviceman wearing helmet with SS emblem

He specified that his group took the helmet as proof of the elimination

Russian military intel declassifies WWII documents, hands them over to Victory Museum

"This is the first time in history that reports of the heads of military intelligence and cipher telegrams from foreign hubs in Germany on preparations for an attack on the Soviet Union are shown here," Igor Kostyukov said

French Foreign Ministry denies France sent troops to Ukraine

Earlier, media reports said that France had sent 1,500 troops to Ukraine, citing a statement by former US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Stephen Bryen

SBU claims it prevented plot to kill Ukrainian president

The SBU reported that two colonels from Ukraine’s state security administration had been arrested for purportedly handing over classified information necessary to carry out assassinations

Thousands of trucks crowding on EU and Russia borders — newspaper

The record high queue is registered at the moment at the Terekhovo - Burachki border crossing between Latvia and Russia

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

US not to send troops to Ukraine — Department of State spokesman

Matthew Miller commented on the statement by US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who said that Washington would probably have to deploy its troops to the Ukrainian conflict zone in case of Kiev's defeat

US may send troops to Ukraine if Kiev defeated, Democratic leader says

The US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also pointed out that a pro-Russian faction in the Republican Party is gaining momentum, which he accused of delaying the approval of additional funding for Kiev's military needs

Emergency Ministry employee detained in Kherson Region over collaboration with Ukraine

According to the investigators, he kept improvised explosive devices for sabotage operation

Two more Ukrainian drones shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

This happened in a period from 8:10 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Moscow time

Top Russian security official mocks Macron as 'failed president'

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged it might be possible to consider sending troops to Ukraine in case of Kiev’s request

Putin’s inauguration kicks off in Kremlin

The main event will be held at the Grand Kremlin Palace but parts of it will take place outside at Cathedral Square where the Kremlin Presidential Regiment will march following the ceremony

US intensifying efforts to find replacement for Zelensky — SVR

It is reported that all those politicians may be sought-after were the situation on the front line to deteriorate sharply or if the need arises to replace Zelensky as soon as possible

US envoy leaves Russia for certain amount of time — senior Russian diplomat

"The Foreign Ministry was told about this some time before the issue with inviting ambassadors to the inauguration ceremony of the Russian president was resolved," Sergey Ryabkov said

Aurus Merlon electric motorcycle available for pre-order — acting Deputy PM

The Aurus Merlon made its public debut at the inauguration of the Russian President

Putin will now use restyled Aurus car — Kremlin

Putin made the first trip on the Aurus exactly six years ago, on May 7, 2018, when he also departed to the inauguration

Russian government resigns

The cabinet will continue to carry out its duties until a new government is appointed

British envoy reiterates London’s course on aiding Kiev will continue — Foreign Office

British Ambassador to Russia Nigel Casey was warned that any British military facilities and vehicles on Ukrainian territory and beyond may become targets in response to Ukrainian strikes, carried out via British-made weapons

Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacks Israeli airbase in Eilat

The news outlet said that on Saturday, the movement launched a missile at Israel’s port of Haifa on the Mediterranean

EU's handling of Ukrainian refugee issue could lead to new crisis, says Russian official

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, European Union countries would like "to get rid" of refugees because supporting them has taken a toll on the economy

Russia looking into reports about sending of French troops to Ukraine — Kremlin

Earlier, media reports said that France had sent 1,500 troops in support of Ukrainian forces in Slavyansk, citing a statement by Stephen Bryen, a former US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense

Vladimir Putin to take his fifth presidential oath

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

West recognizes deteriorating situation in Ukraine — Lavrov

Western countries need to think how not to lose to Russia in the conflict, the minister said

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian missile solid propellant workshop over past day

Russian troops gained better positions in the south Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

Australian Navy’s destroyer, helicopter impede Chinese drills in Yellow Sea — top brass

The Australian side "calls black white and lays the blame on someone else" in its comment on the incident, Zhang Xiaogang noted

Belarusian forces to rehearse tactical nuclear strikes as part of snap readiness test

An Iskander missile system battalion and a squadron of Su-25 airplanes are being brought to readiness to perform planned missions

Israeli tanks enter Rafah in south Gaza — newspaper

IDF said it was delivering targeted strikes on Hamas facilities in the eastern part of Rafah

Medvedev gives warning amid talk of deploying Western troops to Ukraine

According to the politician, the cause of the discussion on dispatching Western troops to Ukraine, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, is a "shameless calculation for political bonus points"

Turkish expert says Putin's inauguration speech echoes what he said in Munich years ago

Aydin Sezer recalled that during the Munich Security Conference back in 2007 "Putin said that the unipolar world had no future and a multipolar world order was needed"

After drone attack on Kremlin Russia has no choice but to eliminate Zelensky — Medvedev

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, according to Dmitry Medvedev, "is not even needed for signing an instrument of unconditional surrender"

Ukrainian counteroffensive unfeasible despite arms promises — Estonian military expert

In May, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said that the total losses of the Ukrainian armed forces in 2024 surpassed 111,000 troops and 21,000 units of arms and military hardware

Expert on inaugural speech: Putin proposes equal dialogue, West will hear these signals

It is stressed that Vladimir Putin proposes a certain general model, a certain general solution to the security system

Hamas agrees to Gaza truce proposal

It hasn’t been reported under what conditions the radicals agreed to the proposal or whether the proposal they approved is the same as the one that was endorsed by Israel

Detention of US soldier in Russia’s Vladivostok has no relation to espionage — diplomats

Russian Foreign Ministry’s mission in Vladivostok that "not following the case of the US citizen closely"

Kremlin aide chides ambassadors that didn’t come to Putin’s inauguration

Such behavior "speaks volumes in and of itself," Yury Ushakov told reporters

Southern neighbors of US to regain stolen lands — Russian Security Council’s secretary

Nikolay Patrushev speculates that country may split into the North and the South again to get back to its original shape

US citizen detained in northwest Moscow on charges of petty hooliganism

Law enforcement sources told TASS that Nycum arrived in Russia on a tourist visa and was staying with his friends, making a living as an English tutor

Russia to defend its security, sovereignty by all means — deputy foreign minister

"The ambassadors’ job is to properly report to their capitals what is happening here [in Moscow]," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Ceasefire proposal envisages Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza

Al-Hayya said the proposal also paves the way for unhindered return of displaced persons to their homes

Appeal for Western troops posted on Ukrainian president’s website

A petition needs to be signed by at least 25,000 people to be referred to the president for consideration

Latvian Air Force chief says Ukraine could have to give up some territory for sovereignty

If that happens, NATO could reach an agreement with Russia for Ukraine to join the alliance, Viesturs Masulis noted

Claims about Russia’s plans to attack NATO a lie, US intelligence ex-officer says

According to Rebekah Koffler, US intelligence agencies regularly leak classified information to certain media, if it benefits the American political establishment

Israel’s operation in Rafah comes as response to attack on border crossing — diplomat

Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov said that Israel, together with its international partners, has created a humanitarian zone, providing safety and vital infrastructure for displaced Gaza residents

France not at war with Russia — Macron

"We are also not seeking a change of power in Russia," the French leader underscored

Chinese President Xi supports Olympic truce initiative for 2024 Summer Games in Paris

Chinese President Xi Jinping is traveling to Europe for the first time in five years and he has scheduled visits to Paris, Belgrade and Budapest upon invitations of the leaders of France, Serbia and Hungary

Russian troops to practice employing non-strategic nuclear weapons in missile drills

The missile drills will aim to maintain troop combat posture and will also come as a response to inflammatory statements and threats by some Western officials against Russia, the ministry specified

Russia may strike Britain's military facilities if London's threats materialize — MFA

Maria Zakharova described British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that London considered it legitimate for the Kiev regime to use British weapons for strikes on Russian territory as "something absolutely insane"

US concocting latest counter-offensive narrative to justify aid to Kiev — DPR head

Denis Pushilin stressed that Ukraine would not be able to launch a new counteroffensive before 2025

Press review: Russia flexes nuclear muscle and Israel signals imminent offensive in Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 7th

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The Israeli army announced that it had "eliminated about 20 terrorists" of Hamas since the launch of the operation

Russia signals unfriendly countries by inviting ambassadors to inauguration — diplomat

"We assumed that some of them (ambassadors from unfriendly countries - TASS) would not come, which is what happened in the end," Sergey Ryabkov pointed out

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The atmosphere in society has changed, now "reliability, mutual responsibility, sincerity, decency, nobility and courage" are highly valued, the Russian leader stressed

Cuban president departs to Russia on working visit - administration

Miguel Diaz-Canel visit is "aimed at discussing priority issues on the bilateral agenda," the statement says

Putin formally takes office as Russian president for six-year term

After being sworn in, the head of state delivered a speech

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Putin signs decree setting Russia’s development goals for 2030

The decree is titled On the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation until 2030 and for a Longer Term until 2036

UK ambassador leaves Russian MFA after being summoned

The diplomat, who spent more than 30 minutes at the ministry, provided no comment as he was leaving

Xi Jinping’s visit to Belgrade has huge importance for Serbia — president

"The honor that he shows to our country by visiting it, is immeasurable for all of us, particularly taking into account Serbia’s plans for speeding up its comprehensive development, and providing the current global geopolitical context," Aleksandar Vucic said

FSB declassifies Hitler aide’s testimony how Red Army rescued Allies in Ardennes in 1945

Hitler's former adjutant Otto Guensche was captured during the battle of Berlin in April-May 1945 and, while being kept in custody in an investigative prison in Moscow, presented a firsthand account of what was happening at Hitler's headquarters in the last months of the war

Draft Israel-Hamas deal envisages release of all hostages

During phase one of the agreement, Hamas undertakes releasing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of a a large number of Palestinians kept in Israeli prisons and detention centers

Russian embassy slams ‘unacceptable’ Berlin’s decision to ban Russian flag on May 8-9

"We consider the bans discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of post-war historical reconciliation of the peoples of Russia and Germany," the Russian diplomats pointed out

Russia's opponents tried to destroy it from within, but failed — Putin

The President stressed that the result of anti-Russian sanctions turned out to be "exactly the opposite of what was expected"

Putin says Russia had to use force to defend people in Donbass as peaceful means failed

"A little later it became clear that we were simply being led around by the nose, and we had to take extraordinary measures to protect these people with military force," the Russian leader said

West’s latest escalation in Ukraine requires Russian response — Kremlin

"Deploying NATO soldiers to confront the Russian military in the latest escalation of tensions is an unprecedented move, and, of course, it requires special attention and special measures," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian Foreign Ministry tells French ambassador Paris’ policies destructive

Pierre Levy was told that the French authorities' attempts to create some kind of "strategic uncertainty" for Russia with their "irresponsible statements about the possible dispatch of Western military contingents to Ukraine are doomed to fail"

Russia ready to engage in equal dialogue on security, strategic stability — Putin

The Russian leader emphasized that together with its partners in the Eurasian integration process and other sovereign centers of development, Russia would continue working to establish a multipolar world order and a system of equal and indivisible security

Zelensky's authority dwindling as term clock ticks down — Russian intel agency

The SVR pointed out that the US does not care "who heads Ukraine"

West plotted aggression against Russia on eve of special military operation — top brass

"History repeats itself," Chief of the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Department, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Hero of Russia Admiral Kostyukov said

Ukraine used at least 37 drones to attack Belgorod Region in past 24 hours

Over 40 buildings were damaged in the Belgorodsky district

NATO wants 'hot war' with Russia which may destroy US, Carlson says

According to the journalist, everything that Washington does shows that it wants this war

Kremlin refrains from speculating on preferred successor to Zelensky

Earlier, the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reported the US was in contact with several Ukrainan political leaders as possible successors to Vladimir Zelensky

Zelenodolsk shipyard floats two warships

Project 22160 ships are designed to guard and protect maritime economic zone

China to look for ways of settling Ukrainian crisis jointly with France — Xi

Xi arrived on a state visit in France on Sunday

Top UK diplomat knows nothing of repentance, Lavrov says

David Cameron "reiterated his position that British weapons can be used by the Ukrainians to attack any target on Russian territory," the minister emphasized

Insolent western policy makes Russia hold tactical nukes drills — ambassador

"We do not threaten anyone. However, the strategists in Washington and their satellites have gone nuts but must understand that Russia will use all the means to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the rising stakes," Anatoly Antonov said

UK Ministry of Defense subjected to major cyberattack — Sky News

The report says that hackers breached into payroll systems and got access to personal data of ministry officials, current service personal and veterans, including their names and bank details

Putin’s schedule of foreign travels almost finalized — Presidential Aide Ushakov

It is noted that this schedule primarily concerns "major summits"

Lavrov, senior Serbian officials discuss Kosovo, top-level dialogue

Particular attention was paid to the situation in the Balkans, the Kosovo problem resolution, and the situation in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Russian Foreign ministry said

NBC reports US soldier allegedly detained in Russia on suspicion of theft

The soldier is accused of stealing from a woman

Russia hands over last RD-180 rocket engines to US under existing deal

The United States has received 122 RD-180 rocket engines over more than 20 years of cooperation

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russian air defense forces shot down a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet and 23 unmanned aerial vehicles over the past day

US doesn’t plan to adjust nuclear posture due to Russia’s announced drills — official

"We have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture and in response to these announcements, nor any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine," Matthew Miller said

Macron’s Ukraine troop talk ego-driven, not strategic — Marine Le Pen

The head of the parliamentary faction said she is convinced that the conflict in Ukraine "is not a war for France," and stated that she opposes the admission of Ukraine to the European Union and NATO

UK government’s delegate to skip Putin’s inauguration

The inauguration of Vladimir Putin is set to take place at noon Moscow time on May 7

Russian lawmaker sees 'scare effect' in West as Russia prepares for nuclear drills

Vladimir Chizhov insisted that the drills do not mean "the Russian side is ready or intends to use these weapons immediately"

Trump develops plan on peaceful resolution in Ukraine — Telegraph

Former US President will not reveal it until the election, the Daily Telegraph reported

Diplomats from friendly countries only invited to May 9 parade — Kremlin aide

The heads of structures of the CIS, the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the CSTO, the EAEU, the SCO, "heads of diplomatic missions of friendly states, as well as military attaches from friendly states" have been invited to attend, Yury Ushakov said

Dutch MEP congratulates Putin on his inauguration

"Congratulations president Putin and congratulations people of Russia with your president," Marcel de Graaff from the Dutch party Forum for Democracy said

China to never forget NATO bombing of Chinese embassy in Belgrade — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader noted that the China-Serbia friendship, sealed with blood, will remain in the common memory of the Chinese and Serbian peoples

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Russia aims to avoid escalation but will not bend to Western pressure — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia’s moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-and shorter-range missiles has been put in question by Washington’s destructive and dangerous policies

Polish judge asks for political asylum in Belarus

Tomasz Szmydt noted that he currently considers returning to Poland impossible, including due to safety reasons

Medvedev warns Russia will pull no punches with France in response to Macron

The politician also wrote, "In hostem omina licita," a Latin phrase that can roughly be translated as "everything is legal if it is done to an enemy"

Xi, Macron condemn Israeli assault on Rafah — Chinese Foreign Ministry

"The two heads of state stressed that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to enable the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip," the statement reads

Macron’s aggressive rhetoric baffles even his allies — diplomat

"Very often France’s allies from the UK and Germany, as we understand, try to get clarifications as to what the French leadership means, without getting a direct answer," Maria Zakharova pointed out

China to support peace conference on Ukraine approved by Moscow, Kiev — Xi

Chinese President stressed that China is neither the cause nor a party to the conflict

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

FACTBOX: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s biography

Since June 12, 2013, Putin has been the leader of the non-governmental movement All-Russia People’s Front, created at his initiative as a coalition of social and political forces