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FATF will not blacklist Russia, expert says

This would create the threat of disintegration of the organization, EHESS Director of Studies Jacques Sapir said

PARIS, October 17. /TASS/. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will not add Russia to the blacklist because it will discredit the organization, EHESS Director of Studies Jacques Sapir told TASS.

"I do not think the decision to include Russia into the black list will be made but if it takes place, this step will discredit FATF," the expert said. "This would create the threat of disintegration of the organization," Sapir noted.

"In no way FATF should be politicized," Sapir stressed. "The world needs this organization but on condition that it relies on facts and not on ideology and politics," the economist added.

Germany prepares to give Ukraine AIM-9L missiles and 4,000 attack drones

The list also contains weapons that were already transferred to Kiev over the past month

EU fails to persuade Gulf states to support anti-Russian sanctions

The document’s section, devoted to Ukraine, says that the sides "reaffirm our respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and commitment to fundamental principles of the UN Charter"

Ukraine’s military created network of underpasses near Ugledar — Russia’s top brass

As Russian servicemen say, the enemy is poorly trained and only few fighters, largely foreign mercenaries, put up fierce resistance while the others try to retreat or surrender

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

Report on alternative payment systems will be prepared by BRICS summit in Kazan — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also drew attention to the growth of trade in national currencies between Russia and other countries

Russian government to allocate $6.2 mln for drug development equipment — PM

Creation of drugs to prevent severe diseases, including cancer, is the priority, Mikhail Mishustin stressed

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

Ukraine run by CIA, MI-6 specialists, not Zelensky — former PM

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov said the Ukrainian authorities are fulfilling ready-made plans "under supervision from Western specialists"

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

Russia has proof of US’, UK’s involvement in sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines — diplomat

The publication of the evidence will depend on how the situation around the investigation unfolds, Maria Zakharova said

Israel may strike Iran soon — media

Iran had launched a massive missile attack on Israel on October 1, in retaliation for the assassinations of key figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Russian Emergencies Ministry’s plane delivers 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza — agency

The batch included food, tents and sleeping bags

US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House national security advisers

Russia to fully provide itself with critical raw materials by 2030 — official

Surplus minerals will be exported, Head of the Federal Agency for Mineral Resources Yevgeny Petrov said

Ukraine to receive drones with range of up to 2,500 km in 2024 — report

The names of the drone making companies were not specified

FACTBOX: Russian zookeeper dies after being mauled by lions

Leokadia Perevalova, who worked in the Crimean Taigan Park, was killed by lions while she was cleaning their enclosure

BRICS nuclear sector companies resolve to create common platform

Chief executives of relevant majors and organizations of BRICS+ countries, including Russia, Bolivia, Brazil, Iran, China, Ethiopia and South Africa, held the first meeting within the framework of the platform to be created

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

Putin set to present Russian Paralympians with state awards at ceremony in Kremlin

Russian Paralympians, who were allowed to participate in the 2024 Games under a neutral status, coined 20 gold, 21 silver and 23 bronze medals

Russia ready for possible hurdles during Nord Stream 2’s operation — diplomat

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced earlier that the pipelaying operation for the first string of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was successfully completed

Zelensky claims nukes only option for Ukraine if NATO denies it entry

The Ukrainian president said that he raised this issue during his meeting with US ex-President Donald Trump in September

Pope's envoy for Ukraine meets with Russian presidential aide in Moscow

As the report specified, the talks focused on humanitarian issues to facilitate the rapprochement of positions in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia

Traffic across Crimean bridge up a quarter from May to October

Almost 1.8 million automobiles and buses moved over the Crimean Bridge in both directions

Hamas head Sinwar eliminated during operation in Gaza’s south on October 16 — IDF

The identification process is complete

Scholz says nothing changes in Germany’s position, decisions on Ukraine

"Otherwise, there are strategic issues that need to be discussed. You know what decisions I have made, and nothing will change in them," the German chancellor assured

Bundestag lawmaker calls Zelensky’s initiative a 'world war plan'

According to Sevim Dagdelen, the German government must deny such an initiative

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

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

One Direction’s former member Liam Payne falls to death in Buenos Aires

He was 31 years old

Ex-SBU officer sees Ukraine, US cooking up plot to expel Russia from OPCW

According to Vasily Prozorov, the OPCW received "advice" from its Western curators not to react to Russian statements about Ukraine's violating the convention

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

Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran's nuclear facilities — senior diplomat

"This would be a catastrophic development and a complete rejection of the existing postulates in the sphere of nuclear security," Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Putin points to attempts of employing global sports arena for ‘unnatural norms’ propaganda

Russian President said that he is certain that global majority chooses a "path to follow that is based on equality"

NATO cannot confirm reports about DPRK troops’ involvement in special op — Rutte

"We have no confirming reports, but we believe that the DPRK is already supporting Russia's military efforts in technical terms," NATO Secretary General said, answering questions from South Korean reporters

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

FATF will not blacklist Russia, expert says

This would create the threat of disintegration of the organization, EHESS Director of Studies Jacques Sapir said

Attempts to dissuade leaders from taking part in BRICS summit to be made — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia offers "a model of relations that is fundamentally different from the one proposed by the so-called collective West"

IMF Chief notes significant decline in global inflation rate

Nevertheless, Kristalina Georgieva noted, that "inflation rates may be falling, but the higher price level that we feel in our wallets is here to stay"

Zelensky has no chance of implementing his settlement plan — news outlet

On October 16, Zelensky presented his plan for ending the conflict, in which he ruled out territorial concessions

Hamas leader Sinwar eliminated thank to US intelligence - White House

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that it is "a credit to the IDF for taking out Sinwar," but the United States is "proud of the support it has given to the IDF all along the way

Press review: Zelensky's Victory Plan jumbled mess and SCO helps usher in new world order

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 17th

Russia promotes true ideals in sports, such as honor and respect for opponents — Putin

"Building on the vast experience of holding large-scale sports festivals, including the Winter Games in Sochi and the FIFA World Cup, Russia promotes new formats of cooperation," the Russian leader said

Harris close on Trump’s heels, latest poll shows

The poll was conducted online and by phone on October 10 and from October 13 to October 15

US claims of China’s help to Russia in Ukrainian conflict hypocritical — Chinese embassy

"China always handles the export of military products in a prudent and responsible way, and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles, including drones for civilian use," the spokesperson for Chinese embassy in the US, Liu Pengyu, said

Ukrainian troops attack volunteers aiding in evacuation of civilians for sport — volunteer

Maria shared a story of Ukrainian forces trying to attack a civilian car carrying eight civilians with a kamikaze drone in the settlement of Krasnooktyabrskoye

Command of Ukraine's 59th brigade executes Russian POWs — Ukrainian captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov urged his fellow soldiers to surrender and stressed that in the current conditions this is the only way for the Ukrainian soldiers to survive

Russian pipeline gas supplies to Europe up 3 bcm in 9M — GECF

Imports of pipeline gas to the EU amounted to 10.8 bln cubic meters in September, down by 17% month-on-month and up by 2% year-on-year

India’s imports from Russia up to $32 bln in April-September — ministry

Russia is one of India's leading trading partners and is among the top ten key importers to the South Asian republic along with China, the United States, the UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, South Korea, Switzerland and Singapore

Ukrainian troops try to leave Selidovo in small groups — security forces

It is noted that the operational situation for the Ukrainian armed forces around the city is deteriorating

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"

Russian women's futsal team 'didn't have to wear hijabs, but chose to' — coach

According to the team's coach, the Russian players were really interested in experiencing what it felt like to wear the hijab and play in it all the time

Ukrainian trench system discovered in settlements liberated on way to Krasnoarmeysk

DPR head Denis Pushilin announced that he had visited Karlovka, Novosyolovka Pervaya, Peski and seven other settlements

Yearly plan for staffing of armed forces with contract servicemen 78% complete — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that "this rate is rather good"

Putin visits Borodino Battle Museum

He visited the Borodino Battle Museum founded in 1839 on the orders of Emperor Alexander II

EU, West losing Ukraine conflict — Hungarian PM Orban

"This indicates that we have adopted an unsuccessful strategy in this conflict," Viktor Orban went on to say

Russian forces push Ukrainian troops beyond LPR administrative border

With the advance near Myasozharovka, Russian troops have begun to deliver "more precise fire" at enemy units stationed in the area of the community of Lozovaya, Andrey Marochko said

Concept for common exchange market of goods signed at meeting of EAEU prime ministers

It was decided that "the issues of oil and petroleum products should be regulated by other documents," the official added

Top Israeli diplomat confirms killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

Israel Katz described the assassination as "a major military and moral achievement"

Death toll in Makeyevka increases to 89 — Russian Defense Ministry

All the efforts were taken to save injured individuals immediately after the tragedy, the General noted

Armenian PM asks Azerbaijani leader to meet, sign peace treaty — politician

According to the statement, the suggestion was that "the foreign ministers hold a two-day meeting and get on the same page on one or two unagreed articles of the peace treaty, and then the leaders sign the agreement before COP29 in Baku"

Israeli defense minister suggests Hamas leader definitely killed

The Israel Defense Forces said previously that three Palestinian radicals had been killed in Gaza fighting and one of them could be Yahya Sinwar

EU’s rejection of dialogue on Ukraine with Russia major mistake — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban has repeatedly stated that Hungary believes the Ukrainian conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, that there can be no winners, and that it should be settled at the negotiating table

Russia’s ruling party leader says US political traditions should be treated with respect

Some of US political traditions may seem hilarious to an outsider, Dmitry Medvedev added

Russia to launch mass production of world’s heaviest transport helicopter in 2022

There are a few flights remaining to wrap up the Mi-26T2V’s flight tests, CEO of the Russian Helicopters rotorcraft manufacturer Andrei Boginsky revealed

US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

According to Alexey Leonkov, if after the possible election of Trump as president of the United States "it is possible to carry out a provocation against a symbolic target, things may turn around for the United States"

Potential fall of Krasnoarmeisk to deal heavy blow to Ukraine’s economy — media

According to the media outlet, Russia’s offensive in the area "threatens to finally topple the city of Pokrovsk - and that carries both military and economic risks."

Russian government presented draft federal budget to lower house of parliament

The State Duma is to review the draft budget within 60 days

Russian, Chinese ships arrive at Qingdao port after joint patrols in Asia-Pacific region

The press service recalled that from the Russian detachment was represented by the Pacific Fleet’s Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs large anti-submarine ships

Russian Olympic Committee’s work requires adjustments, says Putin

Accrording to Russian President, it is important to step up efforts in international cooperation

Growing autonomy of Russian strike drones prompts US to boost its defenses — portal

According to Defense One, the United States plans to employ the Leonidas high-powered microwave system, which is designed to overload an incoming drone’s circuits with energy and knock it out

All African states to take part in Russia-Africa meeting of foreign ministers in Sirius

The ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum will be held on the federal territory of Sirius on November 9-10, 2024

Russia to keep up training athletes despite their int’l tournaments’ suspensions — Putin

According to Russian President, this is not the reason for reducing the quality of training

Kiev ready for ceasefire along current front line, without recognizing new border — media

A significant number of Ukrainian troops "find themselves trapped" on Russian territory (near Kursk) and are unable to come to aid in Donbass where they are outnumbered in men, the report added

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

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

US connivance with Kiev fraught with risk of full-scale West-Russia conflict — MFA

"We need not some signals, but real evidence that there is an understanding of the futility of unconditional support for the minions in Kiev, and of the dangers that are exacerbated in a situation where this policy is not revised," Sergey Ryabkov stated

Ukraine’s losses, captives, strikes on reserves: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aviation and missile forces hit the enemy reserves in the Sumy Region

Polish national security official calls for producing, stockpiling cluster munitions

"We have production facilities that are capable of producing them," Jacek Siewiera said

North Korea fully severs transport communication with South

A spokesman for North Korea’s Defense Ministry said Pyongyang would take more measures "to permanently fortify the closed southern border"

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

Russia invites UN secretary-general to attend BRICS summit in Kazan

According to the statement, the UN expects that important agreements will be reached at the summit and that it will "give the necessary forward momentum to ensure that the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" are implemented

Ukrainians in Poland show no interest in fighting for Ukraine — Polish defense minister

On July 8, following his talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced the establishment of a Ukrainian volunteer military unit he dubbed the "Ukrainian legion" in Poland

Gazan GDP plummeted 85% over year — ILO

"In the West Bank, the unemployment rate averaged 34.9 per cent between early October 2023 and the end of September 2024, while in Gaza it averaged a staggering 79.7 per cent," the International Labor Organization said

World Bank improves forecast for Russian GDP growth in 2024-2025

Russia is expected to have economic growth by 3.2% in 2024, 1.6% in 2025, and 1.1% in 2026, the document indicates

NATO chief admits Ukraine won’t be next country to join organization

Mark Rutte opined that the best security guarantees are arms supplies and bilateral security agreements between Ukraine and NATO countries

Russian forces liberate Maksimilyanovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 460 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy ammunition depots over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

ICQ messenger will stop working from June 26

The VK press service clarified it to TASS that the holding will focus on the development of VK Messenger, as well as solutions for corporate users based on VK WorkSpace

Germany prepares to give Ukraine AIM-9L missiles and 4,000 attack drones

The list also contains weapons that were already transferred to Kiev over the past month

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

State Duma passes draft law on fines for childfree propaganda in first reading

The biggest fine is 5 million rubles ($51,000), which would be imposed on legal entities who promote childfree to minors using the Internet or mass media

Russian diplomat dubs Zelensky’s plan as 'collection of incoherent slogans'

Maria Zakharova stressed that the Ukrainian president is using his plan to push NATO toward a direct conflict with Russia

Venezuela wants into BRICS due to its growing influence in global economy

According to Delcy Rodriguez, the US and European Union members no longer play a decisive role in the global economy

Number of deserters in Ukraine quadruples in 9 months

Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies are not capable of investigating such a large number of cases

Kazakh leader explains Russia's invincibility by military potential, population's support

Peace, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, is the only option, not destroying each other

Russia not threat to Hungary, rest of EU — Hungarian minister

"Hungary is a member of NATO, and NATO is rather powerful," Viktor Orban said

US sanctioned three companies, individual, for alleged development of Russian drone

Two Chinese companies, one Russian firm and one Russian national were blacklisted

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Portugal’s Ronaldo world’s highest-paid footballer in 2024 — Forbes

Second on the Forbes list was Argentina’s Lionel Messi

Putin thanks outgoing ROC President Pozdnyakov for his work

He earlier proposed that the ROC Executive Committee hold elections in December

Iraqi radical group claims capable of hitting Israeli nuclear facility near Dimona

The spokesperson stated that if the readiness of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias is raised to level five, the highest level, they "will engage in open combat with no restrictions"

Russian troops close to encircling Kurakhovo after liberation of Maksimilyanovka in DPR

"Maksimilyanovka brings closer the encirclement of Kurakhovo from the southeast," the defense circles said