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Russia working on direct flights to Saudi Arabia, Indonesia

The demand of foreign tourists for trips to Russia is growing, the minister said

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Russia is working on the start of the direct air service with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said at the meeting of President Vladimir Putin with Cabinet members.

"Our key tasks at present are the direct air service with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia," the minister said. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also carrying very important work at present, talks with Saudi Arabia on the visa-free regime, present in all agendas," Reshetnikov noted.

The demand of foreign tourists for trips to Russia is growing, the minister said. The inbound tourist flow increased by almost a half to two million trips during six months.

Citizens of Middle East and Asian countries are visiting Russia more actively. In particular, the tourist traffic from Saudi Arabia increased by twelve times, from Oman and Kuwait by six times, and from the UAE by four times. The incremental growth for China is almost the same, Reshetnikov added.

Russian stock indices mixed as trading on Moscow Exchange closes on Thursday

The MOEX Index rose by 0.26%, to 2,758.91 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS index fell by 0.85%, to 937.6 points

Source reveals number of people detained in shooting in downtown Moscow office

"Yesterday, 13 people were detained and questioned, today 14. As far as I understand, the Investigative Committee intends to detain them all," the source, one of the participants in the trial, which took place in the Basmanny court, said

Zelensky may be overthrown if Ukraine fails to hold elections — Ukrainian MP

Ukraine is still facing the question of the legitimacy of power in the absence of parliamentary and presidential elections, which cannot be held during martial law

Snowden said exploding pagers in Lebanon likely to be stuffed with explosives

Former NSA employee and whistleblower blamed Israel for this, slamming its actions as reckless, bordering on terrorism

Israeli intel officials sent messages in Arabic to pagers before they exploded — media

According to the report, the officers assumed that some pager owners believed the messages were from the supreme leadership of the Shiite Hezbollah movement

Russian National Guard eliminates about 30 Ukrainian vehicles in Kursk Region

The National Guard noted that its troops provide extra protection measures for important state facilities

US citizen Zenkovich, convicted in Belarus, asks Lukashenko for pardon

Zenkovich also addressed the US side

Zelensky leads Ukraine to terrible finale, killing his own people — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova compared the Ukrainian president with a drug baron from classic US movies

Biden, Harris to meet with Zelensky at White House on September 26

The leaders will discuss the state of the conflict in Ukraine, including Ukraine’s strategic planning and US support for Ukraine

Putin instructs authorities to support small producers of drones

The Russian leader noted that products manufactured by small enterprises, including drones, are not inferior in quality to those made by large ones

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Russian troops entrenched in liberated settlements of Kursk Region’s Sudzha District

According to commander of the Akhmat special forces unit Apty Alaudinov, the situation is under control

Tver region governor says no serious injuries in drone attack on Toropets

Earlier reports said a fire occurred at the scene where drone fragments fell in Toropets

Russia ready to give Uzbekistan access to high-precision GLONASS signal — document

The Russian global navigation satellite system is designed to promptly provide navigation information to users of land, sea, air and space

Belarus ready to cooperate with Ukraine on same terms as with DPR

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that by cooperating with the DPR, Belarus "is absolutely not violating any international norms"

IMF supports Turkey's decision to join BRICS — fund representative

Earlier Julie Kozak stated that the IMF supports the expansion of BRICS in order to take advantage of global integration

Press review: Hezbollah pagers attack threatens wider war and Russia ready to test nukes

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 18th

Ukrainian forces in difficult situation in Kursk Region, try gain foothold — commander

Major General Apty Alaudinov added that, on Thursday, he visited the rightmost flank of the Russian troops on the Kursk direction - near cities of Rylsk and Lgov

Pakistan joins formation of corridor from Belarus to ports of Indian Ocean

"The Minister of Communications of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed this Memorandum, emphasizing the importance and significance of this project for the development of trade and economic relations and cargo transportation in the region," the statement reads

Russia ready to host IMF mission, too early to talk about timing — Finance Ministry

Earlier, the IMF decided to postpone consultations with the Russian authorities as part of the annual review of the Russian economy under the Article IV of its Charter

Senior Russian lawmaker warns that calls for long-range strikes open way to nuclear war

Vyacheslav Volodin commented on a recent resolution of the European Parliament to allow strikes inside Russia with Western weapons

Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine unlikely to happen in near future — DPR head

As Denis Pushilin noted, for now the word "peace" is interpreted in different ways, but everything should end in negotiations sooner or later

Experience gained in special op thoroughly studied to boost army capabilities — Putin

"We focus attention on the technical rearmament of the army and navy," the Russian leader underlined

Two people killed, seven injured in shooting in downtown Moscow

The list of wounded includes two law enforcement officers who arrived at the site to stop criminal actions

West is persuading Ukraine to give up claims to 1991 borders — legislator

Yegor Chernev shared a "feeling" that the Western world is ready to declare as a victory for Ukraine at least the fact that "Kiev has not fallen" and that it "has not lost its sovereignty"

Putin extends food embargo on imports from Western countries for two years

The food embargo, introduced in response to the unfriendly actions of the West, has been in effect in Russia since August 7, 2014

Mexican president-elect refuses to visit Ukraine

"I will attend certain international events, which we consider important, but we will not travel much - our responsibility lies here," Claudia Sheinbaum said

Ukrainian servicemen captured: developments in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost up to 400 troops and 23 armored vehicles

US Treasury sanctions two banks from Russia and South Ossetia

Inclusion in the sanctions list entails the freezing of assets in the US and a ban on American citizens and companies doing business with sanctioned persons and entities

Press review: Kiev may get nod for long-range strikes and Israel-Hamas truce hope fades

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 16th

US strengthens military alliances, groups against China — Chinese Foreign Ministry

"China seeks friendly cooperation with all countries of the world and normal relations with other states without targeting third parties," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said

Putin examines kamikaze drones, unmanned systems at St. Petersburg defense plant

The Russian president was accompanied by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin and Presidential Aide Alexey Dyumin

BRICS platforms alternative to dollar, euro attract increasing number of states — Lavrov

"Many are attracted by the fact that payment platforms are being developed within BRICS, which allow trading, investing, carrying out other economic operations without being dependent on those that decided to weaponize the dollar and the euro," the foreign minister said

Two-thirds of Abrams tanks in Ukraine already destroyed — Russia’s deputy OSCE envoy

As Maxim Buyakevich noted, the discussion is afoot in the West about the possibility of using high-accuracy long-range weapons against facilities deep inside Russian territory

IN BRIEF: Ex-Ukrainian intel officer’s car blown up in northern Moscow

The explosion occurred in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado off-road vehicle parked on Korovinskoye highway in the north of Moscow, when the driver started the SUV

NATO sets new tasks for Tallinn in event of conflict with Russia — Estonian General Staff

Major General Vahur Karus noted that, as opposed to a decade ago, Estonia can unequivocally count on allied units, stationed on its soil, to immediately participate in a conflict with Russia

Russia’s Akhmat special force destroys military storage facility in Kursk direction

Akhmat also eliminated one armored personnel carrier and one self-propelled artillery weapon, the deputy chief of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces Apty Alaudinov said

Lifting ban on strikes deep into Russia won't help Ukraine much — Pentagon

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, for his part, said that Moscow was aware of the West's decision to attack deep into Russian territory and to send appropriate signals to Kiev

First five Baikal aircraft will be delivered in 2026 — minister

"It has been decided that we will switch to the domestic VK-800 engine," Anton Alikhanov said

European Parliament calls for arrest warrant for Maduro

The lawmakers recognized Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela and urged EU member countries to do the same

Taliban say Afghanistan will now rely only on Sharia law

The supreme leader said that the negotiation process with the US in Doha was based on Sharia, "not a single step in these negotiations was taken against religion"

EU may cancel visa-free regime with Georgia due to ‘backsliding on democracy' — newspaper

According to the newspaper, under the 2017 agreement, Georgian citizens do not need visas to visit EU countries, where they can stay for six months a year

Russia’s response to long-range weapons supplies to Kiev will be brutal — MFA

"The opponents in Washington, London, and other places clearly underestimate the degree of danger of the game they continue to play," Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said

US mistaken if it thinks nuclear conflict would affect Russia, Europe only — diplomat

Anatoly Antonov reiterated that there must never be a nuclear war and that there can be no winners in any nuclear conflict

Israel doesn’t plan major invasion of Lebanon in near future — Jerusalem Post

The sources indicated that the IDF is now allegedly under instructions from the Israeli government to wait and see what Hezbollah will do next, according to the newspaper

Covert ring behind launches of attack drones from within Russia, senior lawmaker contends

Leonid Slutsky urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen controls and for all citizens to be on the alert and promptly notify the relevant authorities of any suspicious activity

Kremlin spokesman says he cannot recall Putin ever talking to Kamala Harris

"When Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US President Joe Biden, Mrs. Harris was not in Geneva," Dmitry Peskov said

Germany says supplies to Kiev included 22 Leopard 1A5 tanks, 3 Gepard air defense systems

Germany is also preparing to deliver 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery units

Moscow categorically disagrees with Armenian PM’s criticism of CSTO — Kremlin

"The CSTO cannot and does not pose any threat to Armenia’s sovereignty," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Hezbollah leader threatens reprisals to Israel for device explosions, doesn’t say when

On September 17 and 18, numerous explosions of communication devices and other electronic gadgets swept across Lebanon

Israeli attacks Hezbollah facilities, red lines: Middle East escalation

The constant shelling of the Lebanon-Israel border continued amid Israel's operation in the Gaza Strip

Businessman probably related to exploding gadgets in Lebanon missing in Norway

At this point, there is no evidence indicating that Rinson Jose had any knowledge about the operation to create the explosive gadgets

Court arrests six individuals as part of investigation into shooting at Wildberries office

The court granted the investigators’ request and ruled to place six individuals in custody for one month and 30 days

Russian naval communications center provides reliable communications with ships

According to Admiral Vladimir Kasatonov, "the communication center effectively completes the mission of protecting the national interests of the Russian Federation"

Turkey’s top diplomat confirms Ankara seeks to join BRICS

Ankara always looks for new opportunities to expand its trade and economic cooperation anyway, Hakan Fidan added

Russian forces move to better positions in Zaporozhye Region — politician

The Russian forces are making progress in the Orekhov direction near Malaya Tokmachka, Novodanilovka, and Marfopol

Russian Industry Ministry does not rule out restricting strategic raw materials exports

First Deputy Minister Vasily Osmakov noted that the regulator develops measures to counter sanctions pressure on Russia

US-led coalition's aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

The incidents were related to UAV flights that were not coordinated with the Russian side

Georgia under Saakashvili went to war in 2008 on orders from abroad — prime minister

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, "it is not the issue of starting a war that has enraged the radical opposition, but the topic of mutual forgiveness and reconciliation" with Ossetians

Palestine sits as state for first time at 79th session of the UN General Assembly

Palestine will be able to include its representatives in the list of speakers at meetings on Middle East issues, propose amendments and make procedural proposals on behalf of a group of countries

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

Russian aviation wipes out base of Ukrainian militants in DPR — expert

The Russian Aerospace Forces delivered a strike with a glide munition

One killed in stabbing attack in Dutch city of Rotterdam

According to the NOS television channel, the attack occurred near the Erasmusbrug bridge in the city center

US afraid Israel may launch offensive in Lebanon — media

The newspaper emphasized that Israel had deployed a military contingent of thousands of special forces and paratroopers from the south to the north of the country

Israeli forces kill over 300 radicals in southern Gaza — portal

Besides, they found and destroyed a cache with long-range missiles and an arms depot with sniper rifles

Israeli army says airstrikes hit 30 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon

According to the report, the strikes targeted Hezbollah rocket launchers which, Israeli intelligence said, were loaded with a total of 150 rockets and ready to fire at Israel

Zelensky says Ukrainian troops in extremely difficult situation in two DPR areas

The situation on the frontline remains extremely difficult, Ukrainian President said

Press review: US shifts rhetoric on Ukraine and walkie-talkie explosions rock Lebanon

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 19th

Court arrests first suspect in case of shooting at office of retailer in central Moscow

Seven people were injured in the shooting, including two policemen

Rising number of dead foreigners in Ukraine proves West's involvement — envoy to UN

"We have warned from the beginning that those who help the Zelensky clique stay afloat will become our legitimate targets," Vasily Nebezya reminded

NATO was called obsolete, braindead in past 10 years — Stoltenberg

"During my time as Secretary General, the relevance of NATO has been questioned," Jens Stoltenberg noted

In case of deep strikes Russia to respond with more powerful weapons — Duma speaker

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, it is crucial for the parliaments of the United States and European countries to "understand and realize what can happen"

Turkish banks want to stop transactions with Russia, transfer them to one bank — source

The issue reportedly concerns private and state-owned Turkish banks that do not have foreign partners, mainly Western ones

Russia strongly condemns unprecedented attack on Lebanon, its citizens — MFA

"In all likelihood the organizers of this high-tech attack purposefully sought to foment a large-scale armed confrontation with the aim to provoke a major war in the Middle East," Maria Zakharova said

Bulgaria denies involvement in supplying pagers detonated in Lebanon

The Bulgarian State National Security Agency said that it had initiated inspections "regarding the involvement of the company registered in Bulgaria" in cooperation with relevant agencies

European Parliament urges end to restrictions on strikes on Russia with Western weapons

In addition, the EU member states and NATO allies are asked to "collectively and individually commit to supporting Ukraine militarily, with no less than 0.25% of their GDP annually"

HAMAS-Israel deal unlikely before Biden’s term expires — WSJ

According to the The Wall Street Journal , the sides are "in a wait-and-see mode" until after the upcoming US presidential election

Russia’s battlegroup Center repels 9 Ukrainian attacks, inflicts over 510 enemy casualties

According to the report, the enemy sustained more than 510 casualties and lost two vehicles, a Msta-B 152mm howitzer, a D-30 122mm howitzer, a US-made M101 105mm artillery mount and a Rapira 100mm anti-tank gun

Russian military in Syria help 26 refugees leave US-occupied Al-Tanf zone

No attacks on Syrian pro-government forces were registered in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past day, the Russian military official added

Hezbollah fires rockets at seven Israeli barracks

Large-caliber Burkan missiles were used in an attack on the town of Metula and its environs, causing several fires and disrupting power supply to the settlement

US to step up efforts to limit Russia’s fuel exports, defense imports – White House

Sanctions and export controls are "our tools", US Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Daleep Singh said

Putin calls for meeting Russian army’s demand for drones

The Russian leader emphasized that "drones of various classes have already become an indispensable attribute of modern combat operations"

Russian Baltic Fleet's training ship Smolny makes port call at Equatorial Guinea’s Malabo

The Baltic Fleet’s sailors and cadets will meet with military sailors from Equatorial Guinea to share experience

Florida court rules to arrest Russian citizen Postovoy, take him to Washington

The date of the next court hearing, to take place in Washington, has not been set yet

Ukrainian troops captured: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy has lost over 11,800 servicemen since fighting began in the region

Ukraine participates in NATO’s counter-drone drills for first time

The document says that "more than 60 counter-drone systems and technologies such as sensors, drone-on-drone systems, jammers and cyber interceptors were tested live" during the exercise

First MC-21 flight in fully imported version expected this year — minister

The domestic MC-21 is the most promising aircraft for international markets, Anton Alikhanov said

Import-substituted SJ-100 to make about 200 test flights in 2025 — minister

"We are actually waiting for permission to conduct flight tests," Anton Alikhanov said

Israel’s explosive gadget operation in Lebanon took 15 years of preparation — ABC

ABC sources confirmed that the Jewish state was involved in the production of these communication devices

Russia firmly committed to principles of UN Charter unlike West — Lavrov

In this context, the foreign minister noted with appreciation that the position of Russia enjoys "the broadest support from like-minded BRICS countries and other states of the world majority"

IN BRIEF: What is known about new wave of explosions in Lebanon

Explosions of portable radios, phones and other devices running on lithium-ion batteries and solar batteries were recorded in different regions of Lebanon

Russian forces take control of two settlements in Kursk Region

According to Major General Apty Alaudinov, the entire frontline in moving forward, with Ukrainian soldiers surrendering

Hezbollah sets up committees to look into circumstances of gadget explosions

According to the movement’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, experts are analyzing all circumstances surrounding the devices in question

German authorities allocate almost 400 mln euros for extra military aid to Kiev — media

Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Finance Florian Toncar issued a warning that "Ukraine will face defeat without a substantial increase in material support"

MFA calls UN resolution on Palestine important step to recognize Israel's illegal actions

The Russian diplomats pointed out that it would also help develop concrete measures to uphold international law, end the longest occupation in modern history and implement a two-state solution

Russia delivers urgent assistance to Mali — portal

The delivery was organized as part of military cooperation between Russia and Mali to boost defense and security ties

West assists Kiev in striking civilian facilities in Russia — diplomat

In his words, Kiev is not independent from the military point of view, having no material and technical capabilities for independent warfare that involves western weaponry

Investigator charge 33 people in case of shooting at office of retailer in central Moscow

The Russian Investigative Committee wants the suspects to be kept in custody until trial

Russia fully ready to defend its interests in Arctic — Lavrov

The minister to say that NATO is becoming increasingly interested in the Arctic region

Israeli air force attacks around 100 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon in past two hours

The strikes were directed by the IDF intelligence units and the IDF Northern Command, the Israel Defense Forces said

Ukrainian breakthrough attempts thwarted: developments in Kursk Region

The Russian military repelled three attempts by the Ukrainian military to break through the border near Novy Put, Malaya Obukhovka and Medvezhye