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Withdrawal of gas from European UGS facilities first exceeds pumping this fall

European UGS facilities are currently 94.33% full (3.8 percentage points higher than the average as of this date in the past five years), with 104.66 bln cubic meters of gas stored in them

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. Withdrawal of gas from European underground gas storage (UGS) facilities has exceeded pumping into them for the first time this fall, having reached a record level for early October. The gas price on the exchange in Europe is $450 per 1,000 cubic meters.

Gas pumping into UGS facilities in EU countries amounted to 65 mln cubic meters on October 2, according to data provided by Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). Meanwhile, withdrawal equaled 103 mln cubic meters.

European UGS facilities are currently 94.33% full (3.8 percentage points higher than the average as of this date in the past five years), with 104.66 bln cubic meters of gas stored in them.

Total LNG supplies from terminals to Europe’s gas transport system in August hit the lowest level since October 2021, though they returned to growth in September. Facilities for regasification of liquefied gas and its further pumping into Europe’s pipelines are loaded by 38% of their capacity now. The gas purchase price averaged $416 per 1,000 cubic meters in Europe in September and around $448 in October.

Putin discusses international settlements system with Russian Security Council

"The work is underway on the whole, it is going normally but it is better to timely talk about difficulties and outline required actions to overcome these difficulties attempted to be created for us from the outside," the Russian president noted

Russia does not exclude Europe from Eurasia’s security dialogue — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that "the degradation of the military and political situation caused by the course of the collective West towards undermining the sovereign development of the continent's leading powers cannot in itself be acceptable to responsible Eurasian states"

Iran ready to respond to any aggression from Israel — deputy foreign minister

Iran's recent missile strike on Israel was dubbed Operation True Promise 2, similar to True Promise 1, an Iranian attack on the Jewish state in April 2024

Russia’s Kalashnikov gunmaker to boost output of aircraft guns for fighter jets

The aircraft gun has been dubbed the Ballerina for its lightness and high rate of fire: it outshines rivals in terms of precision, accuracy and rate of fire

Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region aimed to provoke Russia’s tough response — FSB chief

"Without improving the Ukrainian army’s situation in Donbass, this act was meant from the start to provoke Russia to react in a disproportionately tough way and to eliminate any grounds for settling the conflict in the near future," Alexander Bortnikov explained

Russia sees no possibility for direct communication with Kiev — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia could not turn a blind eye to blatant violations of the rights of Ukraine’s Russian-speaking population

Israel bears all blame for Middle East escalation — Russia’s UN envoy

"As part of its mandate to maintain international peace and security, the UN Security Council must compel Israel to immediately cease hostilities," Vasily Nebenzya went on to say

Some 115 civilians remain in Ugledar, they receive all necessary assistance — DPR head

Denis Pushilin added that the DPR's specialized agencies would later provide assistance to the civilians remaining in the city

Hezbollah leader agreed to ceasefire before being killed, Lebanon’s foreign minister says

According to Abdallah Bou Habib, movement informed US and French representatives about the decision

Pink Floyd founder Waters confesses now he has more respect for Putin — Daily Telegraph

Kim Jong Un says North Korea to use nuclear weapons if attacked

In DPRK leader’s words, the threatening rhetoric by hostile countries will not stop North Korea’s military buildup

US, UK stop at nothing to preserve fleeting hegemony — FSB

According to Alexander Bortnikov, "in order to weaken and contain the competition, Washington and London intentionally undermine the system of international law and multilateral diplomacy, engaging all available instruments of economic and technological blockade; they carry out and systematically encourage propaganda directed at dehumanizing the population of unwanted countries"

Russian Defense Ministry announces liberation of Ugledar in Donetsk People’s Republic

According to the statement, the result was achieved due to "decisive actions by units of the battlegroup East"

Ukraine trains terrorists in Syria in coordination with US — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that the Western coalition continues to carry out strikes in Syria, "effectively encouraging the Kiev regime to engage in similar terrorist activities in Russian regions, where civilians and civilian infrastructure are targeted with direct support from the West"

Putin has no common topics to discuss with Scholz now — Kremlin

However, Dmitry Peskov said, the Russian president has always been and remains open to dialogue

Russia's Pantsir to have no problems with shooting down F-16 fighter jet — Rostec

Earlier this year, the manufacturers said that the Pantsir system successfully coped with the destruction of both ATACMS ballistic missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles in the special operation

Lavrov sees US trying to 'insert' itself into Afghan peace process

The foreign minister emphasized that Russia has been consistently pursuing "a line to assist in solving the numerous ongoing problems of Afghanistan, developing for this purpose both the Moscow Format and the mechanism of meetings of neighboring countries"

Russian Aerospace Forces hit four militant bases in Syria

In addition, representatives of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Enemy Parties in the Syrian Arab Republic held a humanitarian action in the Aleppo governorate

Press review: Israeli reprisal against Iran looms and Iraq bets on Russia amid US exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 3rd

Breakthrough attempts: situation in Kursk Region

Ukraine carried out five unsuccessful attempts to infiltrate Novy Put

Borrell warns against attacks on nuclear facilities during conflict in Middle East

"The European Union has always taken a firm position on an attack on any nuclear facility in the world," the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy said

Russian tank crews helped seize last Ukrainian army positions in Ugledar — top brass

Ugledar was part of a network of large Ukrainian army strongholds in the south Donetsk frontline area

Kiev sends team of foreign medics to near Seversk in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the team is well-equipped has its own equipment and seems to have extensive experience in working in a combat zone

Russia ready for long-term confrontation with US — Deputy Foreign Minister

"We are sending warning signals to our opponent so that they don’t underestimate our determination," Sergey Ryabkov said

Ukrainian army loses almost 200 soldiers in two weeks near Ugledar — POW

The dead and wounded are just left on the battlefield, since there is no one to take them away, Viktor Neverko added

Possible permission to strike deep inside Russia paves way to nuclear conflict — diplomat

In Antonov’s opinion, Russia needs to do its best to avert a nuclear war, as there can be no winners in this kind of a standoff

Situation with external power supply to ZNPP continues to get worse — IAEA chief

In Rafael Grossi words, earlier this week the ZNPP lost the connection to its only remaining back-up 330kV power line for 36 hours

Russian forces entrap Ukrainian troops near Lisichansk in LPR — expert

Russia’s Battlegroup South liberated the settlement of Verkhnekamenskoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic on October 2

Kiev 'playing with fire' by its continued attempts to attack Kursk NPP — Kremlin

Earlier, Shot Telegram channel reported that, according to preliminary data, the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack the Kursk NPP in Kurchatov with a French aerial bomb

Slovak Prime Minister ready to restore EU-Russia ties once Ukrainian conflict ends

According to Robert Fico, Bratislava will also take care to maintain "normal, friendly relations" with Kiev

Ukrainian snipers in Ugledar worked under NATO techniques — sniper

It is reported that in practice, the specifics of the Western principle of snipers’ operation do not stand out any particularly and do not make this category of fighters any special

Lavrov to hold talks with foreign ministers of Abkhazia, South Ossetia

The sides are expected to address a broad range of issues of mutual concern

US chooses not to discuss Kiev’s attack on Kursk with Russia — Russian ambassador

"There was no compassion, not a single word of sympathy," Anatoly Antonov said

Drones now capable of missions that used to be assigned exclusively to planes — Putin

"Modern unmanned aerial vehicles are gradually but fundamentally changing the principles of military operations," the Russian leader underlined

Israeli warplanes strike southern outskirts of Beirut

At least two strikes targeted the Bourj el-Barajneh refugee camp

Israeli military says it eliminated senior Hezbollah member

According to a statement, issued by the IDF press service, Mahmoud Yusef Anisi was killed in "a precise, intelligence-based strike" on the capital of Lebanon "earlier this week"

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army’s energy sites over past day — top brass

It is specified that Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 145 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, two motor vehicles, a 152mm D-20 howitzer and a 122mm D-30 howitzer

Press review: Russia urges Israel to see reason and NATO at wits end on how to help Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 4th

Ukraine’s 'International Legion' includes 18,000 militants from 85 countries — FSB chief

According to Alexander Bortnikov, the continued deployment of foreign mercenaries and militants from international terrorist organizations confirms the West’s determination to crank up the intensity of military actions

Orcas, stranded off Russia’s Kamchatka, escape to open sea

On the morning of October 2, four orcas became stranded in an estuary in the Sobolevsky District of Kamchatka

Power generation by nuclear plants to grow by 37% by 2036 — Novak

The country has also completed certain groundwork in the hydrogen energy sphere, the Russian deputy prime minister said

Seoul rebukes Moscow to justify nuclear weapons-related preparations — Russian MFA

According to the statement, "South Korea’s demands that Moscow 'must' do something go beyond diplomatic communication"

Ukraine contact group to discuss lifting restrictions on strikes at targets inside Russia

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said it is up to each individual country that gives Ukraine weapons to decide whether to lift the restriction

Kiev allies not ready to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, Zelensky admits

The Ukrainian president complained that Western countries are ready to provide assistance in protecting the airspace of Israel, but not Ukraine

Russian ambassador says he received threats in US

"I have a feeling that as the important day in America - namely, the November 5 presidential election - is approaching, it is getting harder and harder to work here," Anatoly Antonov said

Turkish leader confirms participation in BRICS summit in Kazan — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia keeps Turkey’s position on Ukraine in mind

Hezbollah says it hit Israeli city of Safed

The group didn’t elaborate on the consequences of the attack

Russian troops seize control of fortifications in DPR's Ugledar

The DPR head pointed out that Ugledar was important for the Ukrainian military because its high-rise buildings made it possible to set up observation posts and a system of repeaters

Deployment of foreign military bases in Afghanistan unacceptable — Lavrov

"History proves that the projection of power by external players in this region only serves to aggravate its problems," the top Russian diplomat noted

Recruiters of perpetrators of Crocus terrorist attack belonged to IS-K — FSB

The recruiters of the perpetrators of the terrorist attack were specifically targeting the Tajik diaspora in Russia through the Internet from Afghanistan, Alexander Bortnikov said

Security Council expresses support to Guterres after Israel declares him persona non grata

The statement also says that "any decision not to engage with the UN Secretary General or the United Nations is counterproductive, especially in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East"

IEA expects Russian gas transit via Ukraine to halt after 2024

This will result in the loss of supplies of about 6 bln cubic meters of natural gas to the EU in the first quarter of 2025 alone, the International Energy Agency noted

Russia set to continue helping Lebanon after Israeli attacks — ambassador

Alexander Rudakov noted that Russia recognizes the gravity of the situation Lebanon had encountered, that is why the humanitarian aid was provided to its residents

Liberation of Ugledar paving way to large lithium deposit — expert

"Full-scale lithium production on already explored reserves can be an important element of replenishing the budget of the Donetsk People’s Republic and significantly help the Western countries in making the energy transition," Nikolay Novik noted

Arab League to view invasion into Lebanon as infringement on Arab national security

Participants of the emergency meeting underscored their "full solidarity with Lebanon in the face of this aggression" and called upon international organizations to speed up their aid deliveries to the country

US to do everything to hush up involvement in attacks on Lebanon — Lavrov

"We understand that the Americans always deny everything and will do everything this time again to cover up the hard facts," the Russian top diplomat stated

Provocations against Belarus draw Baltic states, Poland into conflict, says FSB chief

The actions by the Kiev regime and its handlers at the Belarusian borders are clearly inflammatory, Alexander Bortnikov stressed

Iran attacked Mossad headquarters, two Israeli airbases, says chief of General Staff

Iran also attacked radars of anti-missile systems and clusters of Israeli tanks

Decision on Putin’s visit to G20 summit has not yet been made, Kremlin says

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov said that the issue of Putin’s visit was in the works

Friendly countries showing interest in Russian analog of Starlink — minister

Maksut Shadaev expressed hope that the constellation would have the huge export potential

Japan set to continue course toward peace agreement with Russia, new PM says

At the same time, Shigeru Ishiba stressed, Japan will continue with its sanctions pressure on Russia and support to Ukraine

Biden doesn’t reject potentially meeting Putin at G20 or APEC, but doubts Putin will come

The G20 summit is expected to take place in Brazil from November 18-19, while the official dates of the APEC summit in Peru are November 9-16

Israeli air force intercepts aircraft that violated country’s airspace — IDF

Other details of the incident are unknown at this point

Belarus helped identify terrorist plots targeting senior Russian officers — FSB chief

A number of people plotting attacks on senior officers from Russia’s Aerospace Forces as well as EU-based accomplices of pro-Ukrainian paramilitary units have been identified jointly with the State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus

Ukrainian General Staff says situation remains tense in two DPR areas

Retired Ukrainian General Sergey Krivonos said earlier that only a miracle can save Ukraine after its recent failures on the frontline

Russian piped gas supplies to Europe to grow by 10% in 2024 — IEA

Piped gas supplies from Russia to Europe added more than 5% or 1.5 bln cubic meters annually in January - September 2024

Russian troops advance: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian military repelled two Ukrainian attempts to break through the border towards Novy Put

Russia's warning has been heard in most Western capitals — intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin pointed out that speculations about the possibility of crossing Russia's red lines on the issue of strikes with long-range Western weapons was a great delusion

At least three killed, some 10 wounded in Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon — agency

According to the report, Israel’s air raids targeted Ras al-Ain and Temnine et Tahta residential localities near Baalbek

Iran has no need to buy Russia’s S-400 missile systems — defense minister

Iran’s Bavar-373 long-range mobile air defense system, believed to be an equivalent of Russia's S-300 systems, will become operational by the year-end

Putin open for meeting with Biden, but no talks on this issue as of yet — Kremlin

"There have been no talks on this issue and as of today, at this moment, there are no prerequisites for it," Dmitry Peskov said

West destroying Russian projectiles over Ukraine would involve US in war — Pentagon

Washington believes that Kiev can defend itself, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said

Biden’s administration pushes world towards nuclear catastrophe — Russian ambassador

Anatoly Antonov also said he had tried to explain the essence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed amendments to the Russian nuclear doctrine to officials in the White House and the Department of State

China needs strong Russia while Russia needs prosperous, stable China — Lavrov

"Our friendly and good-neighborly relations are not within an alliance, but they are superior in their effectiveness to military-political alliances that exercise the logic of confrontation," the Russian foreign minister said

US seeks to consolidate its military advantages with talks on strategic stability — MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov pointed to the fact that US calls for negotiations on strategic stability with the prospect of concluding a new treaty on strategic offensive arms reduction have a dual purpose

Kazakhstan asks Russia for clarifications after request to suspend grain deliveries

"We have asked Rosselkhoznadzor in a reply letter to provide us with confirming facts about the violations found," Ermek Kenzhekhanuly said

Russia, Azerbaijan foil provocation against Russian diplomat — intelligence chief

"Cooperation between the Foreign Intelligence Service and our Azerbaijani counterparts largely stems from the strategic partnership between the two states, as well as the historical, fraternal ties between our peoples," Sergey Naryshkin stressed

Stoltenberg could face life imprisonment for his crimes — lawyer

"We are talking about very serious charges," Philippe Vanlangendonck pointed out

US fans flames in Middle East by not condemning Israeli actions — Lavrov

"Since Israel launched its ground invasion of Lebanon on the night of October 1, there has not been a single word of condemnation on behalf of the US administration about this act of aggression against a sovereign state," the top Russian diplomat noted

Israel drops 73 tons of bombs on Hezbollah intel headquarters near Beirut — media

The strikes targeted "command centers," "intelligence gathering facilities," and fighters belonging to the movement's intelligence unit

Conflict US escalating with Russia may 'destroy the entire world' — Tucker Carlson

"In a year, no one could be alive if we continue sleep-walking into a wider war with Russia," the reporter emphasized

Lebanon fires nearly 230 projectiles into Israel over day — army

"The IDF will continue to operate against the threat of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, in defense of the State of Israel and its residents," the press service added

Ukrainian army retreats from positions near Tsukurino station in DPR — security forces

According to the report, Russian troops are putting more pressure on the Ukrainian army in the Selidovo area

Iran proves that Israel's Iron Dome is more fragile than glass — president

Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran does not want war, but is not afraid of it, and "will stop at nothing to protect the country's national security, honor and authority"

Pentagon silent on start of training additional 18 Ukrainian pilots

Earlier, US President Joe Biden ordered the Pentagon to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, by supporting the training of an additional 18 pilots next year

Russia warns Kiev’s sponsors against attempts to affect BRICS summit in Kazan — diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia can see "what is happening in terms of West sponsoring the most instigating and far-reaching plans of the Kiev regime," and is ready to repel such attempts in all fields

Russian army in Donbass moves at 'unseen pace,' Finnish analyst tells The Washington Post

The Russian army’s greatest advances "occurred from mid-August to mid-September, coinciding with the Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region," Pasi Paroinen said

Russia boosts LNG exports to Europe by 16% in 9M 2024 — IEA

Russia became one of global leaders of LNG production growth due to increased capacity utilization at Yamal LNG and Sakhalin-2 plants as compared to the prior year

Georgian parliament speaker signs law banning LGBT propaganda

Shalva Papuashvili said the president’s refusal to sign the law came as no surprise, describing her as "the nominal opposition leader"

IAEA inspectors continue to hear explosions near ZNPP — IAEA head

On Thursday, the team of inspectors that spent the past several weeks at the site was replaced by another group of IAEA staff

G7 leaders call for restraint, de-escalation in Middle East

They also said they would continue to be in close contact with all actors in the Middle East in order to de-escalate the situation

Russian embassy hands over humanitarian aid to Lebanese government

A plane of the Russian emergencies ministry delivered food, tents, medicines and mobile power stations to Beirut on October 3

One thousand sappers, 12 months needed to demine Ugledar — expert

According to Andrey Shenaurin, a great deal will depend on the real conditions on the ground, including the absence of hostilities

Ugledar served as Ukraine’s stronghold on Russia’s way to further liberate Kurakhovo

"The capture of the fortified areas would enable to secure further approaches to Mariupol and railroad communications in the south of the DPR," the source reported

Elimination of mercenaries, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy lost more than 17,750 people during the fighting

Baby kangaroo kidnapped from Russia’s Yaroslavl zoo found alive in Moscow Region

Earlier, a suspect in the theft of three kangaroos from zoos in the Yaroslavl and Kaluga regions was detained

OSCE is on decline by serving interests of 'golden billion' states — Russia’s intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin stressed that the restless bloc of the Western countries keeps interfering in the internal politics of the South Caucasus states

Russian Aerospace Forces hit three militant bases in two Syrian provinces

The Russian Aerospace Forces have carried out strikes on three bases of militants coming from the Al-Tanf area

Handlers from Washington, London prohibit Kiev to conclude peace — FSB chief

On the other hand, "[Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky who has cancelled the presidential election in the country understands himself that he can remain in power only if hostilities continue," Alexander Bortnikov said

Japan's new prime minister accuses China, Russia of 'violations of airspace'

Shigeru Ishiba voiced his belief that Japan is currently facing the most challenging security situation since the end of World War II

Bold Russian jet maneuver near Alaska shows who ‘rules the roost’ — analyst

Accordnig to the expert, "It's not so much about professionalism as the extreme courage"