{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Kyrgyzstan to resume air travel with Tajikistan after 4-year hiatus, president says

As highlighted by Sadyr Japarov, the results of today's talks also included the signing of a border agreement between the two republics

BISHKEK, March 13. /TASS/. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have agreed to reestablish air connections that were interrupted in 2021, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov announced in Bishkek after discussions with Tajik leader Emomali Rahmon.

"We agreed to resume air transportation," Japarov stated. According to him, bus services between the two countries will also be reinstated shortly.

Air routes between Bishkek and Dushanbe were halted in May 2021 following an armed conflict at the border.

As highlighted by the Kyrgyz leader, the results of today's talks also included the signing of a border agreement between the two republics. Negotiations on disputed sections had been ongoing since 2002.

"From now on and forever, the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will become a symbol of everlasting friendship between our brotherly peoples," emphasized the Kyrgyz president.

Another result of the discussions was the reopening of two border crossings that were also closed in May 2021.

"All necessary steps will be taken to foster trade and economic cooperation," Japarov assured. In particular, it is planned to enhance the status of the joint intergovernmental commission.

Rahmon arrived in Kyrgyzstan on March 12 for a two-day official visit.

The first flight between Dushanbe and Bishkek is scheduled for March 14, Rahmon announced as a result of talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. A flight route from Khujand, the administrative center of the Sughd region of Tajikistan, to the Kyrgyz capital and back will also be launched.

"We have already given instructions, starting tomorrow, the first day of opening flights Dushanbe — Bishkek, Bishkek — Dushanbe, and Bishkek — Khujand will commence, which means two flight paths," said the Tajik leader.

According to him, the presidents instructed the relevant authorities to take action to resume land travel, including routes between border areas. Rahmon emphasized that the mutually beneficial use of each other's transit and transport capabilities will ensure sustainable economic growth for both countries and the region as a whole.

During Rahmon's state visit to Bishkek, talks were held with an expanded delegation from both nations. As a result of these discussions, bilateral documents were signed, and the border crossings along the common state border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were officially opened via videoconference. The border had been closed since 2021 following a series of serious conflicts among residents in disputed border areas, which also led to the suspension of direct air communication between Dushanbe and Bishkek.

Russia interested in building new power plants in Tajikistan — Novak

The deputy prime minister noted that Russia invested in construction of the Sangtudinskaya Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan

Europe must cut social spending to boost military budget — FT

According to the publication, a return to the level of military spending in the 1980s will require a change in budget policy and an increase in government borrowing

US hopes for deal with Russia within weeks to address Ukraine crisis — presidential envoy

Earlier, the US special presidential envoy said he expected that there would be a phone conversation between the US and Russian presidents next week

Russia to insist on Ukraine’s neutral, NATO-free status to achieve peace deal — diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, concrete security guarantees should be the part of the agreement

Ukrainian army's morale at rock bottom after defeat in Kursk — regional official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, Ukrainian propaganda "is trying to magnify" frontline successes but soldiers on the engagement line see the actual state of things and have a different view about what is going on

Europe's security without Russia and Belarus is utopia, Matvienko says

Federation Council Speaker emphasized that Russia has consistently urged Europe to convene at the negotiating table to establish a security framework that is common and indivisible

Lavrov urges to halt use of force in Red Sea during talk with Rubio

The parties also "discussed specific issues regarding the implementation of the mutual understanding reached during the meeting of high-ranking Russian and US officials on February 18 in Riyadh. Sergey Lavrov and Marco Rubio agreed to maintain contact."

External instigators of protests in Serbia tried to organize revolution — Russian envoy

According to Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, the West is "trying to show that it has nothing to do with it"

US maintains contact with European countries on Ukrainian conflict resolution — Witkoff

According to US Special Presidential Envoy, Washington is 'in discussions with European countries and that includes France, Britain, Norway, Finland and all the others'

Ukraine's own air defenses shoot down half of Kiev's aircraft declared lost — Rada MP

Maryana Bezuglaya noted that the findings of the investigation into the loss of one of the first F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine last August have yet to be made public

Over 370 people taken out of Kursk Region's liberated territories since March 12

"Today, 70 more people were evacuated", Alexander Khinshtein, announced on his Telegram channel

Press review: Russia prepared for US ties as EU blocks Ukraine resolution

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 17th

Russian forces hit energy facilities that support Ukraine's military-industrial complex

According to the ministry, Russian air defenses shot down seven JDAM bombs, three HIMARS rockets and 170 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones

French PM says Europe should prepare for trade war with US

At the same time, the prime minister expressed the view that Europe and the US still have the opportunity to resolve the situation through negotiations

Russia’s import-substituted SJ-100 equipped with PD-8 engines takes off for maiden flight

According to First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, it was an important and long-awaited step towards certification of a technologically independent version of the Superjet

China's leader refuses trip to Brussels to honor anniversary of relations — media

The newspaper notes that the venues for such meetings usually alternate, with the prime minister typically attending in Brussels, while the president hosts summits in Beijing

IN BRIEF: What is known about operation to liberate Kursk Region

The battlegroup North units inflicted losses in offensive operations on formations of a mechanized brigade, two air assault brigades, a marine infantry brigade and two territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Gogolevka, Gornal, Guyevo and Oleshnya in the Kursk Region

Russian envoy says US speech at recent IAEA meeting was very constructive

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, Hungary and Slovakia refused to sign off on a joint statement of 47 IAEA member countries in support of Ukraine

Russian army captures outskirts of Shcherbaki, Malye Shcherbaki in Zaporozhye — politician

Vladimir Rogov previously told TASS on March 15 that Russian units had reached the outskirts of Shcherbaki in the Zaporozhye Region and had begun fighting to take control of the settlement

Ukrainian forces continue to threaten to blow up Crimean Bridge — city head

According to Sergey Aksyonov, the priority at the moment remains safety when crossing the bridge, in case of threats, the traffic on the Crimean bridge will be closed to protect citizens

Houthis hit US Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier using missiles, drones

Earlier, it was reported that the US had targeted underground facilities of the Houthis in the Amran Province, located in the northwest of Yemen, along with the movement's positions in the Saada Province

Foreign mercenaries target retreating Ukrainian troops, POW says

According to Nazar Valechenko, he had initially paid five thousand dollars to stay in the rear and guard a factory in the Poltava Region, which was later destroyed by Russian troops

EU approves payment of 3.5 bln euros to Kiev as part of macrofinancial assistance program

"With this third disbursement, Ukraine will have received close to 20 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility since its entry into force a year ago," the statement reads

Over 460 people evacuated from Kursk Region’s Sudzha district — Emergencies Ministry

According to the ministry, people are provided with drinking water and food, as well as medical and psychological support

Air defenses down 72 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions since past evening

"Between 6:20 p.m. (3:20 p.m. GMT) on March 16 and 07:00 a.m. on March 17, air defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 72 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, including 36 UAVs over the Kursk Region," the ministry specified

Over 36 people killed in devastating natural calamity in US, says President Trump

According to US media outlets, the natural calamity struck residents of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas

Taiwan detects 13 Chinese PLA warplanes, nine vessels, two balloons near island

Taiwan’s defense agency has regularly recorded the approach of Chinese warplanes and warships of late

Zelensky signs law on sending army to other states

The decision to send the army to other states during martial law is made by the president, while simultaneously submitting a bill to parliament for its ratification

Death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen rises to 23 — TV

Among the dead are four children and one woman

Kinzhal missile wipes out Patriot air defense system in Kiev — Russian Defense Ministry

On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces hit a US-made Patriot system in Kiev with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile

US to exit international center on ‘investigating’ Russia’s actions in Ukraine — NYT

Washington will officially announce this decision today, the sources said

Russian commander expects buffer zone to be created after Kursk Region liberated

According to Major General Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian military is suffering heavy losses, despite deploying its best reserves to the Sudzha and Sumy directions

Trump ready to discuss rebuilding of bridges with Russia — White House

Trump did not rule out introducing new anti-Russian measures as part of the process of resolving the conflict, Waltz said

Kremlin confirms Putin-Trump conversation being prepared for Tuesday

The last telephone conversation between the Russian president and the US leader took place on February 12

Ukrainians residing in Poland started receiving summonses — Strana

According to the media outlet, the authenticity of summonses has not been established

US President Trump says plans to speak with Russia’s Putin on March 18

"A lot of work's been done over the weekend," the US president said

US proposal for ceasefire in Ukraine may replicate scenario of Minsk agreements — expert

According to Krissada Phromvek, there are many complex issues that must be resolved before reaching an agreement

Verkhovna Rada member accuses chief of General Staff of corruption

"Bargilevich was involved in a number of dubious activities related to bribery and commerce, all without any investigations," Maryana Bezuglaya said

Germany delivers new military aid shipment to Kiev, including MRAPVs and drones

The shipment also includes 556 laser ranging devices, 255 IR binoculars, two border protection vehicles, 8,000 mortar rounds of 120mm caliber

Russia no longer willing to rotate IAEA experts at ZNPP via Ukraine — diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that the rotation on February 12 "was completely derailed when heavy weapons were used against the convoy"

Macron looks for excuses for involvement in Ukraine conflict — Russian diplomat

Earlier, Macron stated in an interview with Le Parisien that European countries willing to send a military contingent to Ukraine

Hungary opposes EU proposals on military aid to Ukraine — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto believes that Brussels is now in international isolation "because liberal European politicians who advocate conflict are constantly trying to prevent the success of peace talks" between Russia and the United States on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

EU foreign ministers fail to agree on €40 bln aid package for Ukraine — Kallas

The EU top diplomat stressed that everyone recognized that the EU needed to "show result" right now and support Ukraine "so that they can defend themselves"

US role helps persuade Hungary to approve sanctions against Russia — paper

However, Trump unexpectedly threatened to impose new restrictions on Moscow, the paper noted

No repetition of Kiev 'Maidan' in Belgrade — Serbian president

Mass anti-government protests took place in Belgrade on Saturday

Russian deputy foreign minister discusses situation on Korean Peninsula in Pyongyang

According to the report, Andrey Rudenko met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and held talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Gyu

Trump calls those who are trying to discredit US-Russia contacts ‘sick degenerates’

US President stressed that during his visit to Moscow, his special envoy Steve Witkoff had a series of other contacts

Trump declares his predecessor’s pardons `void and vacant'

On January 17, Joe Biden issued individual pardons to a number of persons, including former US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and former US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Director Anthony Fauci

Coordination of new Putin-Trump talk took several days — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the preparation time, in general, "depends on the decisions of the heads of state"

Rada MP calls organization of Ukrainian army retreat from Kursk Region barbaric

Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff tried to present the retreat from the Kursk Region as "regrouping," but many experts spoke of a "very difficult" situation for the remaining Ukrainian units there

Foreign mercenaries perpetrate brutal atrocities in Kursk Region — Russian diplomat

According to testimony of civilians evacuated from the liberated areas, Poles and Georgian Legion members were especially brutal

Trump says he sees 'very good chance' of resolving Ukraine conflict

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end," the US president said

Kiev does not rule out foreign companies returning to Russia is inevitable

Vladimir Zelensky's adviser for sanctions policy Vladislav Vlasyuk also did not rule out that European countries would conclude new agreements on the purchase of Russian oil and gas

Russian army begins fighting for Volnoye Pole near DPR-Zaporozhye border — politician

Vladimir Rogov earlier told TASS that the Russian army had driven Ukrainian forces out of the DPR’s settlement of Privonloye on February 28

Serbia ready to invite Russia, US to investigate use of 'sound cannon' against protestors

Mass anti-government protests took place in Belgrade on Saturday

Up to 90% of arms, munitions destroyed in Kursk Region belong to NATO — Russian diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, these are military and technical supplies, ammunition, small arms, mines, shells, and multiple rocket launchers

Lebanese troops carry out attacks on firing positions in Syria

According to earlier reports, a shelling assault from Syria killed a child and left four civilians injured

Russia, Tajikistan aligned on global issues — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Moscow and Dushanbe "are committed to the principles of the rule of international law, sovereignty and non-interference into internal affairs"

Trump to ignore Germany’s call to coordinate on Russia concessions — MP

According to Alexey Pushkov, Donald Trump thinks that "agreeing policies with Europe would mean burying any hope for a peaceful settlement"

Crimea would be ruined if not joined Russia in 2014 — official

Eleven years ago, the Republic of Crimea and the hero-city of Sevastopol rejoined Russia following a referendum held on March 16, 2014, amid the coup in Ukraine

Ukrainian army may have up to five launchers for ATACMS missiles left, expert estimates

According to the available information, Ukraine was provided with about 70 HIMARS and MLRS launchers

Liberation of Stepovoye in Zaporozhye area to impair Ukrainian logistics — politician

"There is a road running from Orekhov to Kamenskoye through Stepovoye, which the enemy constantly used," Vladimir Rogov said

Russian forces fully liberate Stepovoye community in Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russian forces struck a Ukrainian UAV training center and military airfields over the past day, the ministry reported

Sanctions against Rubio still in place, publications saying otherwise fake news — MFA

Rubio was added to the list of US citizens under individual sanctions, including a ban on entry to Russia, in May 2022

Britain does not want peace in Ukraine because of its interest in Odessa seaports — expert

Vladimir Karasev further elaborated that the British authorities were also interested in Ukraine's resources, which have been handed over to them by Vladimir Zelensky under a 100-year agreement

Court in Georgia sentences ex-president to 4.5 years in prison for illegal entry

Mikhail Saakashvili secretly arrived in the Georgian port city of Poti on a ferry from the Ukrainian city of Chernomorsk in October 2021, but was detained and charged with illegal border crossing

EU trying to get in on Ukraine talks, no openings yet — Kallas

The chief of European diplomacy said the EU has met with US negotiators to voice "different elements that could be brought up by the Russians"

France temporarily lifts court-mandated supervision over Telegram found Durov — source

The source said the decision was made "by the investigating judge"

US cutting 'unnecessary functions' with Ukraine probe exit — Kremlin

The media reported that the United States has decided to withdraw from the so-called international group "investigating" actions by Russia during the special military operation in Ukraine

Oreshnik gives Russia upper hand in confrontation with NATO — US expert

Decker Eveleth said that the Oreshnik is the perfect weapon for attacking dense targets like air bases, where its conventional submunitions can deal significant damage

Russian air defenses down four JDAM bombs, 141 Ukrainian drones in past day — top brass

Russian troops have hit Ukraine’s military airfields, drone production workshops and their storage sites in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Ceasefire may give Ukraine time to rearm — Kremlin aide

He added that Russia's stance and concerns on this issue "are well known to everyone."

Russia, Iran, China nuclear program meeting productive — envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that Russia, China, and Iran were closely aligning their positions

Press review: Putin backs ceasefire but calls for talks as Russian army shifts Kursk front

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 14th

Meeting with Putin lasted 3-4 hours, was ‘solution-based — Witkoff

Earlier, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that Putin received Witkoff late Thursday night and provided information for US President Donald Trump

Britain's wish to steal Russian assets stems from historical craving for piracy — MFA

Earlier, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for the swift appropriation of billions of dollars worth of Russian assets

Crimea protected against land threats from Ukraine, region's leadership says

Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov stressed that Crimea was also protected by air defenses

Risks of incidents at Kursk nuclear power station persist — Rosatom CEO

As Alexey Likhachev stressed, "there are no plans to reduce the level of protection and safety at the Kursk station"

Security forces detain Ukrainian soldiers disguised as Russian troops in Kursk border area

"They immediately inform the Russian military about suspicious persons," the source said.

Putin, Rahmon to meet for talks in Moscow on Monday

The two leaders are expected to exchange opinions on pressing regional issues

Violence against protestors in Belgrade unacceptable — Russian envoy

"Our position is that it is unacceptable to resort to violence, composure is necessary," Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko said

Europe’s words about sending troops to Ukraine is a bluff — Russian official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber, the introduction of third-country contingents into Ukraine would be illegal and would be contrary to the interests of security and the establishment of long-term peace

West can send troops to Ukraine without Russia’s consent — Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

Time running out for Ukrainian troops in Kursk area to lay down arms — Kremlin

Putin thus responded to the call of US President Donald Trump, who offered to "spare" the Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

Zelensky replaces chief of General Staff

The reasons for the personnel reshuffle are not given

"Angara-1.2" puts military satellites into orbit

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket being monitored by the ground automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Center.

Security central to Russian-Tajik agenda — President Rahmon

The Tajik leader expressed his willingness to discuss with Vladimir Putin the state and prospects of bilateral relations, including international and regional issues

Over 30 countries to join 'coalition of willing' to support Ukraine — spokesman

"The contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops and a larger group contributing in other ways," the statement reads

EU readying military package of at least 20 bln euro for Ukraine — Hungary’s top diplomat

Instead, Hungary favors negotiations between Russia and the United States to resolve the Ukraine conflict, Peter Szijjarto explained

Merkel views Russia as a strong nuclear power that captures Trump’s admiration

Commenting on the notorious clash between Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky in the White House, Merkel recalled thinking that she never wanted to see anything like this again

London seeking to use Ukraine to avoid being marginalized, Chinese expert argues

By convening "a coalition of the willing", London seeks to "demonstrate British influence and avoid being marginalized by the US and Russia," Cui Heng argued

Rubio briefed Lavrov on US military operation against Houthis in Yemen — State Department

Rubio and Lavrov also discussed further steps to restore Russian-American ties during a telephone conversation, the US Department of State added

Ukraine’s army trying to hold three communities in Kursk Region — Akhmat commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian army is failing in this attempt and suffering heavy casualties

Putin, Trump expected to talk next week — Witkoff

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion

Although Ukraine uses reserves Russian army pushes forward near Krasnoarmeysk — DPR leader

Denis Pushilin noted that the "most rapid" advance of Russian troops is taking place around Velikaya Novoselka

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

Russia liberates 8 sq km near Zaporozhye's Stepovoye, takes its eastern part — politician

The Russian troops are actively advancing toward the west in this settlement

Possible truce in Ukraine complicates EC's plans to militarize Europe — source

Confrontation with Russia is now becoming a new European project, which is being formed by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the source said

US military delivers two airstrikes on Yemeni’s governate of Hodeidah

No information followed immediately regarding possible casualties after the attacks

Putin-Trump meeting to occur once there is need — Kremlin aide

"We are preparing for the meeting, and it will be organized as soon as there is a need for it," he said

Rwanda severs diplomatic relations with Belgium — Foreign Ministry

"This decision was made after a profound analysis of multiple factors, all of them tied with the pitiable attempts by Belgium to sustain its neocolonial illusions," the statement reads