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Entranceway of apartment building collapses near Tula, people may be trapped under rubble

Crews of first responders are heading to the scene

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. An entranceway of an apartment building collapsed in the town of Yefremov in the Tula Region, potentially trapping some people under the rubble, a representative of emergency services told TASS on Tuesday.

"An entranceway of a five-story apartment building collapsed in the town of Yefremov, tentatively because of a natural gas explosion. People could be trapped under the rubble," the person said.

Crews of first responders are heading to the scene.

Death toll in Los Angeles County fires rises to five — TV channel

The fire has destroyed more than 1,000 buildings

French politician Jean-Marie Le Pen dies at 96 — AFP

On the day of his death the founder of the National Front party was in a medical facility in Garches

Russia’s Utair plane lands in Moscow after malfunction of engine stabilizer

Prosecutors are looking into the incident

BRICS’ own payment system is feasible, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister believes

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the group also needs clearing mechanisms and transaction insurance systems, including insurance for the movement of goods and cargoes

Trump's statements on Greenland should be assessed after he takes office — MFA

He has not yet taken office, Maria Zakharova noted

Canada's opposition leader vows to prevent his country from joining the US

Pierre Poilievre also claimed that in the future he intends to ensure the complete security of Canada's borders

Russian army captures 18 Ukrainian servicemen west of DPR's Kurakhovo

Russia’s army also destroyed a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, seven pickup trucks, two artillery pieces and an ammunition depot

Seismologists count 515 aftershocks after earthquake in Tibet

Up to 95% of cases of ongoing seismic activity in the area of the city of Shigatse were tremors with a magnitude of less than 3.0

Serious conflict between Israel, Turkey possible — Russian expert

"It’s important to note that the primary development in this context is the markedly increased role of non-Arab states in the region, particularly two key players," Vitaly Naumkin said

Chisinau's block of power supplies to Transnistria is mockery — Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that it 'is happening under the model the West is promoting around the world, under the false slogans of freedom and democracy'

Reuters: Alaska sues US government over restrictions on oil development

The agency notes that the Alaskan authorities were dissatisfied with the decision of the US administration made last December to limit the development of oil and gas leases in the state

Russian air force takes down Ukrainian MiG-29 — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, it was taken down by combat aviation

Experts forecast moderate gas price growth in 2025, then a decline in 2026-2027

Finam analyst Sergey Kaufman forecasts a moderate increase in Europe's average gas price to $420 per 1,000 cubic meters

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

Pope Francis discharged from hospital after abdominal surgery — TV

According to the TV channel, before returning to the Vatican, he will stop by the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome to pray

Iran presents drones, electronic warfare systems at Russia's Army-2023 military expo

In addition, the country's stand also features the Shahin combined-type UAV, the first Iranian-made digital drone

Russia hopes Armenia won’t follow in Ukraine’s footsteps — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said Russia is determined to develop relations with Armenia

FACTBOX: Orthodox Christian world celebrates Christmas

On January 7, Christmas is celebrated by the Russian, Georgian, Jerusalemite, Polish and Serbian Orthodox churches, the Athos monasteries in Greece, as well as the Eastern Catholic Church and the Old Believers

Panama Canal Administration will not prevent passage of Russian ships — EFE

The Canal remains safe and open for peaceful transit of vessels of all nations on conditions of full equality either in peace time or in war time, it added

At least 19 people killed in attack on presidential palace in Chad — authorities

There were 18 militants among them

Slovak PM says stable gas supplies at acceptable prices outcome of his visit to Russia

Robert Fico accused Ukraine of damaging Slovakia's energy security by refusing to extend an agreement on the transit of Russian gas through its territory

Moldova offered no help to Transnistria in resolving energy crisis, president says

He pointed out that, previously, the authorities of Transnistria have repeatedly asked Moldova to reject economic pressure measures

Chad’s president indignant at Macron’s comments about Africa — report

Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was reacting to the French president's remarks on the decision of Chad and several other French-speaking African countries to break off military cooperation with Paris

Russian forces hit infrastructure of military airfields, weapons depots in 164 districts

Russian air defense systems downed 6 HIMARS projectiles and 50 unmanned aerial vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Yemeni Houthis claim strike at US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

According to the movement’s military spokesman Yahya Saree, during the Houthi strike, the US aircraft carrier group was preparing to attack the Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory

Russia warns Japan of countermeasures over military drills — MFA

The Japanese side "was told that provocative military activity next to the Far Eastern borders of our country, conducted also in cooperation with extra-regional countries - NATO members - is categorically inadmissible"

Kamala Harris' Los Angeles home placed in evacuation zone due to wildfire — media

The vice president is currently in Washington

Death toll from Tibet earthquake rises to 126

At the same time, 188 others are injured, Xinhua reported

Switzerland ready to act as mediator in settlement of Ukraine — Swiss President

Earlier, the Swiss Foreign Ministry told TASS that the country's authorities were participating in the preparation of negotiations on establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine

Death toll in Los Angeles County fires rises to five — TV channel

The fire has destroyed more than 1,000 buildings

Trump says ‘it was always understood’ that Ukraine can’t join NATO

Trump said Moscow had consistently opposed Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO

Liege court to consider whether EC President is immune to corruption charges

The court hearing on January 6 will be held upon an address of the EU office of prosecutor

Trump blames Biden for conflict in Ukraine

Trump also said his term will start in a world engulfed in conflict

Trump's special envoy for Ukraine Kellogg postpones visit to Kiev

Keith Kellogg is expected to visit Ukraine after the US president-elect takes office; the date of the visit has not yet been set

Trump labels Ukraine crisis as ‘a Biden fiasco,’ sees chance of escalation

Trump said Russia wouldn’t have started its special military operation if a more competent leader than Biden had been at the helm of the US

Ukraine loses over 290 troops in Kursk Region over past day

Kiev ready to conflict settlement talks in late January

Secondly - Europe, then the talk with Russians can take place, Vladimir Zelensky said

Moscow ready to provide help to Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

Russia is going to "continue providing multi-faceted assistance to the Syrian people, including through relevant international agencies by supplying humanitarian help, reconstructing social infrastructure facilities destroyed during the conflict, laying the groundwork for the return of Syrian refugees and temporarily displaced persons," Vasily Nebenzya said

Ukraine loses up to 49,800 servicemen since beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction

Sever fighters in the Kursk region have also defeated formations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Kazachya Loknya, Kubatkin, Lebedevka, Nikolskoye, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Two people die in firefighting at industrial facility in Saratov Region

The state of emergency will be declared in Engels due to extension of the fire area

Pentagon unveils NATO plans on granting military assistance to Ukraine until 2027

The Pentagon representative said that eight "capabilities coalitions" have been created within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group

Scientists present Russia's first 50-qubit cold atom quantum computer — MSU

The experiment that allowed testing the supercomputer prototype took place on December 19, the Moscow State University said

Baku and Yerevan to hold another round of border talks in January — Azerbaijani President

It may take place in January

Russia manages situation in Ukraine, while West in big trouble — US political scientist

According to John Mearsheimer, Russia has become much stronger over the past two to three years because it has managed to become "a truly sovereign country"

Putin says Russia should have launched special op earlier

The Russian leader recalled that the 2014 events in Crimea had been spontaneous

Turkey establishes state-run Cybersecurity Directorate — decree

The headquarters of the department will be located in Ankara, employing 135 people

Large package of documents to be prepared for BRICS summit in Kazan — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, Russia plans more than a hundred various BRICS events throughout its presidency

Zelensky uses foul language, blames West for not providing help

In his opinions, Western partners were to attempt to "intimidate" Moscow by sanctions and arms supplies to Kiev even before February 24, 2022

Putin shows initialed draft agreement with Ukraine to African leaders

"This draft agreement was initialed by the head of the Kiev negotiation team. He put his signature there. Here it is," the Russian president said

Greenland will benefit from joining the US, Trump believes

The US President-elect also confirmed that his son, Donald Trump Jr., will travel to the island "to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights"

Situation in Chad under control, Infrastructure Minister says

There is no reason to panic, the country's Infrastructure Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh said

Congress approves Trump’s victory in US Presidential election

The meeting was attended by US Vice President-elect James David Vance

Georgia evaded Ukrainian scenario, but struggle for peace continues — government

The political council of the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party reminded that as long as the fighting in Ukraine persists, there will always be efforts to establish a "second front" in Georgia

Termination of Russian gas transit by Kiev contradicts its plan to join EU — Szijjarto

Ukraine, which is a candidate for joining the EU, is obliged to keep energy supply routes, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade noted

Russian stocks close in the green on Wednesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 0.87% to 2,840.79 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 0.87% to 880.13 points

No comments from Kremlin spokesman about Putin’s alleged apology for Lavrov’s remarks

During the press conference, reporters noted that the Israeli Prime Minister’s office told about Putin’s apologies in its statement, published after the phone call between the two leaders, while the Kremlin did not

Belarusian presidential candidate proposes to strengthen work within Union State

According to Alexander Khizhnyak, the friendly policy will strengthen the image of the republic as a peaceful state and a source of sound initiatives

Over 15,000 Ukrainian troops engaged in Kurakhovo, says Russian top brass

Control over Kurakhovo hinders supplies to Ukrainian troops

Range of Russian EMP weapons increased to 10 km — sources

Фn electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately, travelling with the speed of light

Russians to get opportunity to pay with Mir cards in Iran by June 30 — envoy to Moscow

"The third stage, when Iranian citizens will be able to pay with their cards in Russia, is planned in the second half of 2025," Kazem Jalali said

Putin orders "special service regime" in Russia’s deterrence force

Russian President stressed that the Western countries were also taking unfriendly actions against Russia in the economic sphere

Russian military has no plans to scrap traditional ushanka hat

"The decree only changes the terminology. The headgear itself did not change in any way," a Defense Ministry official said

Trump wants conflict in Ukraine to end as soon as possible — envoy

Keith Kellogg emphasized that ending the conflict in Ukraine is important for the national security of the United States, Europe and the world

Former Armenian defense minister detained in Moscow

Arshak Karapetyan has been put on the international wanted list under a number of articles of the Criminal Code, law enforcement bodies told TASS

Russia to expand gas supplies to Central Asia and consider India pipeline — experts

Gas supplies to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline could surpass the design capacity of 38 billion cubic meters in 2025

Russia says its Su-34 launched glide bombs at Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kursk Region

Upon receiving confirmation from reconnaissance personnel that the Ukrainian manpower and military vehicles were destroyed, the crew safely returned to the airfield of departure

Trump says Putin wants to hold talks with him on Ukraine

Trump declined to say when the meeting could take place

Russian opera diva Anna Netrebko leads rating of highest-paid Russian musicians — Forbes

Netrebko’s annual income amounted to $7.5 mln, according to Forbes

Israel threatens Syria’s territorial integrity, violates international law — Russian envoy

"Israel’s actions outrageously violate the international legal decisions, including numerous decisions by the Security Council and the General Assembly," Vasily Nebenzya said

Situation in Chad’s capital back to normal — General Staff

"The situation is fully under our control, the attempt to destabilize the situation has been foiled," he said

AZAL air carrier indefinitely suspends flights between Baku, Kazan

This decision was made due to security issues

Trump's statements on Panama Canal, Greenland not productive — expert

As the expert added, all statements by President-elect Trump are perceived by members of his future administration, members of Congress, and those who voted for him as "priorities and promises"

Envoy slams decision not to negotiate with Putin Biden's biggest mistake

Keith Kellogg stressed that he believes the new administration will succeed in creating an environment in which Trump will have the opportunity to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky

Sandu regime may seize Moldavan power plant in Transnistria — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that "under such a scenario, the Russian peacekeeping presence in the region will be jeopardized"

Russia’ special operation has every chance to reach Transnistria — French expert

Regis Chamagne added that Ukrainian men were now being chased on the streets and sent to fight 'as cannon fodder'

Trump's coming to power won’t affect international military aid to Ukraine — Pentagon

The Pentagon spokesman expressed confidence that Western countries' work to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities "will continue one way or another"

Boko Haram terrorists attack presidential palace in Chad — TV channel

The country's President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was in the palace at the time of the attack, Al Arabiya reported

Turkey continued to cooperate with Russia, Iran even in most difficult situations — Fidan

He said this on the air of the CNN Turk television channel, answering a question about Ankara's relations with Moscow and Tehran in light of the situation in Syria

Realities for settlement in Ukraine have changed significantly — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said that "the issue of the day should be ending the conflict, not establishing a ceasefire"

Ukraine to fall within 12-18 months without US aid — expert

According to Robert Kagan, an American political analyst, if Ukraine falls, it will be hard to present it otherwise than as a failure of the United States and its president

Polish MFA reports shutdown of country's consulate general in St. Petersburg

According to a TASS correspondent in St. Petersburg, Polish and EU flags were removed from the flagpoles on the building

Zelensky decides to run for re-election — report

The information has not been confirmed or denied officially yet

Lavrov expresses condolences to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi over earthquake in Tibet

Earlier, the US Geological Survey reported that a magnitude 7.1 earthquake had struck the Tibet Autonomous Region on the border with Nepal

President Putin congratulates Russians with Orthodox Christmas holiday

"During the Christmas season we clearly feel with all our heart how important for us are parental, family traditions that are being handed down from generation to generation," Vladimir Putin said

Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Putin says Biden in 2021 proposed to postpone Ukraine's admission to NATO

The Russian leader recalled that the US President spoke about Ukraine's unreadiness to join the alliance

Press review: Middle East may host Putin-Trump talks as experts probe Kazakhstan crash

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 26th

US, UK launch airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa — TV

According to Al Mayadeen, the shelling also targeted Houthi facilities in the Amran province in the northwest of the country

Russia’s freshly launched satellite transmits images of US, China, UAE

Data obtained from satellites in the Resurs-P series are used to study natural resources and monitor pollution and environmental degradation, water protection areas and natural reserves

Russia forcibly expels over 80,000 immigrants in 2024

Over 44,200 foreign citizens and stateless persons were expelled from Russia to 60 countries throughout 2023

Russia’s Su-35S fighter hit stronghold of Ukrainian forces in Kursk region

As the ministry noted, the strike from the Su-34 was carried out using universal planning and correction modules

Trump vows to settle conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration

He also pledged to prevent World War Three

Diplomat calls on top German diplomat to stop speculating about Russian bases in Syria

Commenting on the top German diplomat’s statement that Russia should refuse from having military bases in Syria, Maria Zakharova noted

Qatar doesn’t plan to ship gas to Europe via Syria, Turkey — MFA

According to Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, Doha is currently focused on preserving stability in Syria and "meeting the needs of the Syrian people"

Israeli troops kill 50 Palestinians over past day — media

According to Al Jazeera, all the incidents have injured people, but their number has not been specified

Solidarity with Africa now cornerstone of China's diplomacy — MFA

Wang Yi emphasized that Beijing's commitment to developing relations and promoting cooperation with African countries "is not weakening, but only strengthening," regardless of shifts in the international situation

Explosions heard in Damascus, Immigration and Passport Department on fire

The Syrian Al Watan newspaper said that a curfew was imposed in Damascus from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time

IN BRIEF: Chadian authorities repel terrorist attack on presidential palace

During the counter-terrorist operation, 19 people were killed, including 18 attackers

Armenia not considering removal of Russian military base — Foreign Ministry

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia requires an EU civil mission to monitor the situation on the border with Azerbaijan until the delimitation process is fully completed

Russia finalizing development of strike systems — Putin

The head of state warned that in case of materialization of US plans Moscow will drop the memorandum on deployment of small and medium range strike assets

Top Chadian diplomat slams terrorist attack as attempt to destabilize country

"The destabilization attempt has been foiled," Abderaman Koulamallah said in an address to the nation