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Thai Airlines set to launch direct flights to European cities, including Moscow — official

There are five Russian airlines, including the national carrier Aeroflot Russian Airlines, which organizes regular and charter flights from 22 Russian cities in seven federal districts to three airports of Thailand

BANGKOK, October 16. /TASS/. Thai Airlines, the national air carrier of Thailand, is preparing to launch direct flights to a number of European cities, including Moscow, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Thapanee Kiatphaibool told TASS in an interview.

"Based on our current information, there are five Russian airlines, including the national carrier Aeroflot Russian Airlines, which organizes regular and charter flights from 22 Russian cities in 7 federal districts to 3 airports of Thailand - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Phuket International Airport and U-Tapao Airport," she said.

"According to the information about Thai Airlines, Thai Airways is now in the process of preparing to open a new series of direct flights to some European destinations, including Moscow. However, there appear to be some challenges related to aircraft availability and additional insurance requirements," the official noted.

Statistical data gathered by TAT indicate that "the number of Russian tourists who visited Thailand during the 9 months of 2024 (January-September) reached 1,158,000 persons, and the number of Russian visitors is expected to reach an impressive 1.7 million by the year's end," the TAT Governor added.

Russia suggests organizing second investment forum in Pakistan — PM

The first investment forum held in Moscow gave a strong impetus to development of economic interaction between the two countries, Mikhail Mishustin said

EU's 'Potemkin armies' leave Europe vulnerable — Bloomberg

The number of ground troops in NATO’s European member countries declined by 61% in 1994-2024, from two mln to 784,000

Pentagon urges not to compare US support to Ukraine, Israel

US Department of Defense Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said that the two conflicts require different capabilities and approaches and "it is a little bit of apples and oranges here"

Disabled man missing three fingers, unable shoot gun forced into Ukrainian army

"The command sits in the rear, playing their war games," Vladimir Gavroshenko told the ministry

Zelensky wants West to deploy 'non-nuclear strategic deterrence package' to counter Russia

The Ukrainian president proposed to "conclude a special agreement on joint protection of Ukraine's critical resources and joint use of its economic potential"

Putin says new world order reflecting diversity is emerging

The Russian leader pointed out that new powerful centers of economic growth, financial and political influence are now emerging, primarily in the Global East and South

Press review: Kiev's allies getting ready to bail and US, EU hit Iran with sanctions

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 14th

Russian Airborne Force snipers daily destroy Ukrainian manpower in borderline Kursk area

Sniper pairs pay special attention to camouflaging their positions

North Korea blows up roads connecting it to South Korea, Seoul says

"The military is closely monitoring the North Korean military's activities and maintains a firm readiness posture amid strengthened surveillance under South Korea-U.S. cooperation," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said

Bookmakers give Trump 53.7% chance of winning US election

However, the latest opinion polls show that Harris, who is running for the highest office from the Democrats, is ahead of Trump

Russian diplomat says US 'can’t wait to see' things flare up in Korean peninsula

Maria Zakharova was commenting on the US State Department's appeal to North Korea to stop actions that increase the risk of conflict on the Korean peninsula

Russian military experts set for humanitarian demining mission in Laos

Major General Andrey Kruglov noted that specialists from the center had swept almost 470 acres of land over their first six missions, uncovering and disposing of more than 3,500 explosive hazards

Zelensky passes off fighting to last Ukrainian as new 'peace plan' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that there are still possibilities for a peaceful resolution under specific conditions

Ukrainian troops preparing to retreat from Russia’s borderline Kursk Region — blogger

Russian forces continue operations to destroy Ukrainian army units in the borderline Kursk Region

US expects Zelensky to discuss territorial compromises — former ambassador

According to Valery Chaly, Ukraine's partners, including the US, plainly said that they are not ready to allocate $100 billion annually for the next few years, a minimum amount required to balance out Russian spending on the special military operation

Russian military seizes logistics center south of Chasov Yar

The situation in the outskirts of Chasov Yar has been deteriorating for the Ukrainian unit, according to the source

Nine counterattacks repulsed: situation in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian military lost more than 350 personnel, twenty-one armored vehicles, including two tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles and 16 armored combat vehicles, as well as five mortars and seven automobiles

Ukraine’s Zelensky rules out territorial concessions in his so-called settlement plan

Other key provisions of the plan include inviting Ukraine to join NATO, allowing the country to strike deep into Russia, increasing arms supplies to Ukraine

Russian, Chinese sailors practice maritime rescue in East China Sea

In accordance with the scenario of the drills, sailors responded to a mayday call issued by a civilian vessel in the vicinity

IRGC confirms destruction of numerous Israeli F-35s in Iranian missile strike

It was earlier reported that more than 20 Israeli Air Force F-35 aircraft were hit during an IRGC missile strike on Israel

Russia to give military help to North Korea if it comes under attack — senior diplomat

Andrey Rudenko said clauses to that effect are contained in the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea that was submitted to the State Duma for ratification the day before

Zelensky unveils his plan without getting West's approval — media

It is reported that Ukrainian officials were expecting a response during a meeting of the contact group on military assistance to Ukraine at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany

US, Europe recognize insufficiency of Zelensky's plan — media

Meanwhile, "there’s a fracturing consensus among Western governments about how much of Zelensky’s 'wish list' should be granted," Ishaan Tharoor noted

City beach in Australia closed after mysterious black balls washed ashore

They suggested that the discovery may be "tar balls which are formed when oil comes in to contact with debris and water, typically the result of oil spills or seepage," the officials said

Russia, unlike West, does not interfere in Georgia’s internal affairs — Kremlin

"We see indiscriminate attempts by Western countries to put pressure on the current Georgian authorities and to directly influence the course of the election campaign," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Saudi Arabia’s status to be clear after BRICS summit — Kremlin spokesman

The BRICS summit will be held in Kazan from October 22 through 24

Kiev upset about West’s refusal to open ‘second front’ against Russia

Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the chief of staff of the Ukrainian president’s office, expressed hope that anti-Russian sanctions will be stepped up

One in five munitions used by Ukrainian troops fails — defense minister

According to the report, Kiev "developed a procedure, which will make it possible not only to dispose of dangerous items, but use them to benefit" the troops

Israel obstructs Gaza ceasefire deal — Qatari premier

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani added that Qatar will continue its efforts aimed at resolving the conflict

Eyewitnesses say not only Ukrainians fighting for Kiev in Kursk Region

It is also reported that the Ukrainian armed forces fired "everything they could" - assault rifles, machine guns, artillery

Russia, DPRK show opponents that strategic treaty 'not a sheet of paper,' expert says

Commenting on the rumors that have been spreading after Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership with North Korea to the State Duma for ratification, Alexander Vorontsov pointed out that "the demonization of both countries has been going on consistently and for a long time"

Qatar will not allow using its territory for attacks on other countries — premier

The remarks came in response to a question about whether the Al Udeid Air Base, considered to be the largest US military facility in the Middle East, is being used by the United States in its support the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip

Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits eastern Turkey

According to the report, the quake struck 47 kilometers east of the city of Malatya which has a population of some 441,000

Press review: NATO postures with nuke drills and Biden's arms control calls miss mark

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, October 15th

Musk spends over $1 billion to fund failed coup in Venezuela — Maduro

"The US government was behind the attempt, there is a constant conspiracy by the 'North American empire,'" the Venezuelan president stressed

Ukrainian troops sent to areas seized by Russia to become 'cannon fodder,' POW says

According to the soldier, retreating from the settlement of Karlovka was especially hard for him and his fellow servicemen

Russian army’s control of highway prevents Ukrainian rotations in Kupyansk area — official

"We have control over the Kruglyanovka area, which is almost the Kupyansk suburbs, just to the south along the Oskol River," Vitaly Ganchev said

Hezbollah changes its tactics of anti-Israeli actions — deputy leader

According to Naim Qassem, in compliance with these "new tactics," Hezbollah is delivering strikes on Tel Aviv, Haifa and other Israeli territories "further from Haifa"

Russia requests electricity imports from Azerbaijan, Georgia — Inter RAO

The company has not yet received answers

President of Nicaragua sees Zelensky as 'spawn of Hitler' for fighting Russia

According to Daniel Ortega, Hitler also believed that his attack on the USSR would be successful, but he underestimated the resilience of the Soviet people

Tula engineers deliver 4,000 kamikaze drones with computer vision to Russian troops

The drone features a remote detonation function, a self-destruct system and a payload-loading multilayered protection system, the People’s Front specified

US pushes Ukraine to allow mobilization from age of 18 — Ukrainian official

In March 2022, Ukrainian general mobilization applied to men aged 27 years to 60 years, but in April 2024 the permitted mobilization age was reduced to 25 years

Russian forces liberate two communities in Donbass region over past day

Battlegroup Center units liberated the settlement of Krasny Yar in DPR and battlegroup West units liberated the settlement of Nevskoye in LPR as a result of active offensive operations

Prisoner of war says Ukraine has no missiles for anti-tank systems

Yevgeny Khotenko noted that he did not want to cross into the Kursk Region

Russia informs Israel of concerns about its military operations in Syria, envoy says

"We use the relevant channels to convey our deep concern about the ill-considered and insufficiently thought-out actions of Israeli forces," Anatoly Viktorov said

Russia-China cooperation on the rise despite external pressure, PM says

Moscow and Beijing are also creating new international transport corridors and paying special attention to agriculture and strengthening food security in Russia and China, Mikhail Mishustin noted

UN reform to top BRICS agenda after Kazan summit, says expert

The reform of global governance could include both reforming the UN and creating alternative financial organizations to replace such existing institutions as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Jose Osmando noted

Ukrainian General Staff says situation difficult along entire frontline

According to the General Staff, the majority of clashes have been registered on the Kurakhovo direction

Ukraine loses key road previously used for supplies for forces — security agencies

This will make the situation for the Ukrainian armed forces in this area worse, as well as make it easier for the Russian troops to advance in strategically important areas, the source clarified

China voices concern about situation on Korean peninsula — MFA

Mao Ning also emphasized that "China’s position on maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula and promoting a political solution to the peninsula issue remains unchanged"

Forces behind 2003 coup want another uprising in Georgia - politician

"They once again resort to lies, propaganda and false symbols to seize power in a divided and conflict-ridden society and bring about the same misfortunes that we have already experienced," Bidzina Ivanishvili said

North Korea says South Korean military behind drone flights over Pyongyang

"The instigators will pay a tough price," Kim Yo Jong noted

West's endgame to make Moldova part of Romania — Foreign Ministry

"This is a historical battle that has been going on for decades and centuries, and now it has simply reached a new level," Maria Zakharova stated

Bodies of Russian climbers killed in Nepal evacuated — Russian embassy

According to it, the bodies will be brought to Kathmandu within a day

Slovak prime minister predicts imminent end of Ukrainian conflict

Robert Fico also noted that "there are talks again about the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO"

EU, Persian Gulf leaders to discuss conflicts in Ukraine and Middle East

The first EU-GCC summit will be co-chaired by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the rotating President of the GCC

Iran tells US it wouldn’t respond to 'limited' Israeli strike — report

According to the media, the "behind-the-scenes" message from Iran to the US differs from the Iranian public statements, which threaten a painful response to a possible Israeli strike

Scholz says ready to discuss Ukrainian settlement with Putin

At the same time, the German cabinet has nothing to say at the moment about the possible telephone conversation between Putin and Scholz

West failed to provide enough ammunition to Ukraine, Turkish defense minister says

According to Yasar Guler, existing risks have prompted Turkey to ramp up the development of its defense industry

Ukrainian front in Kursk area may collapse within month — Russian commander

"If we observe the events on the entire front, that is, in about ten areas in total, where the units of the Russian Defense Ministry are advancing, we can see that the prospects of the ministry and its units are quite serious and massive," Major General Apty Alaudinov said

French-formed Ukrainian brigade no match for Russia’s military might — expert

"The brigade will not change the course of the conflict as it will be defeated by Russians who use powerful artillery and equipment and have crucial dominance in the air," Alain Corvez pointed out

Domestic problems should not make US stop support to other states — Harris

"America should never pull ourselves away from our responsibility as a world leader," US Vice President said

Russian premier to attend SCO events, hold bilateral meetings in Islamabad

SCO member States will be represented by the Prime Ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as the First Vice President of Iran and the External Affairs Minister of India

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Kazakhstan not ready to join BRICS — presidential spokesman

According to Berik Uali, Kazakhstan "follows with interest the development of BRICS and supports the calls to the founding member states to work on the establishment of a just, democratic world order, free from hegemony and superpowers"

US unlikely to supply Ukraine with THAAD systems — military analyst

According to Igor Korotchenko, if the THAAD missile defense system "was to be destroyed by the Russian armed forces, it would mean a huge loss of image for the United States"

Russian Lancet munition destroys Polish-made Krab howitzer in Kharkov Region — top brass

It is reported that data recorders showed the destruction of a Polish-supplied 155mm Krab self-propelled artillery system of the Ukrainian army by a Lancet loitering munition

US ditches project for next-gen Patriot missiles due to high costs

US Maj. Gen. Frank Lozano added that the United States would focus on "a tighter coupling between the THAAD system and the Patriot system"

NATO disintegration is just a matter of time, says Politico

It is reported that the only real question the election will resolve for Europe’s security is the timing of NATO’s collapse

New NATO command center for Ukraine to 'make real difference' on battlefield — Rutte

The new NATO headquarters in Wiesbaden is being established based on a decision made during the NATO summit in Washington

US to avoid shooting down Russian missiles over Ukraine as afraid of war — media

It is reported that several representatives of US President Joe Biden's administration also expressed a similar view

Russian forces pummel Ukrainian army, equipment in 129 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 590 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day

Ukraine fatigue very 'real' in West — Finland’s Foreign Ministry

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has diverted both attention and resources away from Ukraine, Elina Valtonen stated

EU contributions to Kiev to be voluntary, Hungary won't participate — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto also noted that Hungary is against sending Western military instructors to Ukraine to train the Ukrainian army

Trilateral Russia-Mongolia-China meeting at prime ministers’ level begins in Islamabad

This is the first meeting at the level of heads of governments in this trilateral format

China, Russia, Mongolia ready to boost mutual trust, cooperation — premier

Li Qiang emphasized that this cooperation aligns with shared aspirations and the prevailing global trends

Zelensky’s so-called victory plan has two secret annexes that won’t be made public

The public part of the third provision spoke about the deployment of a kind of "comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" on the territory of the country

Russian Office of General Prosecutor sues Shell for one bln euro

The lawsuit claims that Shell did not meet its obligations in the Sakhalin Project, and therefore must pay damages

Russian weapons outpace NATO weapons provided to Ukraine — official

Viktor Yevtukhov added that "the key task currently is to meet the Russian Armed Forces’ needs to make sure that they achieve their main goal"

Ukraine kills nearly 400 in terror attacks on Russia’s borderline areas — commissioner

Tatyana Moskalkova emphasized that "shooting civilians, including women, children, the elderly, in their own homes, during evacuation attempts, is a gross violation [of the rules] of treatment of civilians in an armed conflict zone"

Putin to hold meeting with Cabinet tomorrow — Kremlin

The meeting was scheduled earlier for October 9 but did not take place

Russia’s UN envoy calls for pressure on US-led coalition to stabilize situation in Yemen

Vasily Nebenzya reiterated Russia's unchanged support for the safety of international navigation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the rest of the water areas

Sanctions won’t achieve their goal — Russian Prime Minister

Mikhail Mishustin recalled that at the July summit in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that in the current conditions, when rapid and irreversible changes are taking place in the world, the SCO, along with BRICS, is becoming the backbone of the emerging new world order, and the SCO's active proactive position in international affairs is undoubtedly in demand

Russian helicopter strikes Ukrainian infantry, equipment in Kursk region

The attack was carried out with air missiles on reconnaissance enemy targets

Russia’s Su-25 attack aircraft disrupt rotation of Ukrainian forces in Kursk region

After the use of aviation weapons, the crews performed an anti-missile maneuver, releasing decoy flares, and returned to their airfield of departure

Ex-Ukrainian security officer says Zelensky okayed terror attacks on Russia

According to Vasily Prozorov, the SBU organizes much more of these kinds of operations than the GUR, although the latter "is far ahead in terms of hyping its activities"

Kaspersky Lab sales surge 23% in MENA in H1 2024

The rise in company’s sales in the region is driven by high rates of the IT sector development, corporate business director of the company Timur Biyachuev said

Press review: Kim Jong Un dynamites Seoul links and NATO, US lay plans to deter Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 16th

Burkina Faso wants more Russian military instructors, weapons — PM

"Russia is an ideal partner in anti-terrorist fight" and is capable of "resisting the West as a military power," Joachim Kyelem stressed

Poles shocked by Ukrainians’ luxurious lives — defense minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed support for Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski’s idea to cut social benefits to Ukrainians of draft age living in the EU

Kiev realizes liberation of Kupyansk inevitable — official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, this is not the first time that the Ukrainian authorities have carried out a mandatory evacuation

UN gives ‘bureaucratic reply’ to note about US sanctions on Russian media — diplomat

In the comment, published by the Russian mission's official Telegram, Gatilov said Russian diplomats requested Turk "to properly assess how Washington's sanctions against the Russian media and journalists align with the US international human rights obligations, and to publicly respond"

Ukrainian nation fragmented, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Ukrainian draft officials take advantage of the army’s combat failures "to extract money from male civilians"

Investigation into former Defense Ministry's personnel chief case extended until 2025

Kuznetsov was detained and placed under arrest in May on suspicion of receiving a plot of land and a house as a bribe

Former Ukrainian militant wants to become Russian citizen, serve in Russian special forces

The detachment led by the commander with the call sign Shustry is liberating the Donetsk People's Republic in the area of Chasov Yar

Russian army about to breach Ukraine’s logistics in Zaporozhye Region

"Russian forces are operating along three sections of the Vremevsky area," Vladimir Rogov said, adding that Russia’s quick advance in this area was a surprise for Ukrainian troops

Erdogan says Palestinians view Israel's founding in 1948 as 'catastrophe'

"The so-called State of Israel is the only UN member country with vague official borders," Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted

Residents to be obligatory evacuated from Kupyansk in Kharkov Region

According to Oleg Sinegubov, this decision was motivated by "the worsening military situation"

Russia urges Argentina not to support Kiev by attending Ottawa conference — envoy

Dmitry Feoktistov pointed out that Russia views the conference as a "blatantly anti-Russian project"

Ukrainian forces near Kupyansk face encirclement — retired Ukrainian officer

Oleg Starikov also said Russian forces could then continue their advance toward Kharkov

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian military must encircle and eliminate the Ukrainian servicemen operating in the Kursk Region, Major General Apty Alaudinov stressed