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Weather balloon neutralized in Russia’s central Kaluga Region — authorities

According to the report, the area around the discovered balloon was cordoned off and residents of nearby houses were evacuated

KALUGA, April 18. /TASS/. An unmanned balloon discovered in the Tarussky district of the Kaluga Region in central Russia on April 17 was neutralized, with no injuries or damage reported, local authorities reported on Thursday.

"Yesterday, an unmanned balloon was discovered in the Tarussky district. As of now, the object has been neutralized. There are no victims or damage," District Administration Head Mikhail Golubev said on his Telegram channel.

The area around the discovered balloon was cordoned off and residents of nearby houses were evacuated, he said.

Leader of Georgia’s largest opposition party beaten by police at rally — report

Levan Khabeishvili is a chairman of the party called United National Movement

Clashes between protesters and police begin in Tbilisi

Several protesters have been detained

Russia’s Battlegroup South repels attacks of Ukrainian assault groups in three directions

The head of the group's press center, Vadim Astafiev, said that artillery in the area of the village of Ivano-Daryevka destroyed an enemy infantry fighting vehicle

Ukrainian forces lost up to 50 soldiers in a day in Kupyansk area — top brass

"In the Kupyansk direction, air strikes and artillery fire from the Western group of forces hit units of the Ukrainian armed forces in the areas of the settlements of Gryanikovka in the Kharkov region and Rozovka in the Lugansk People's Republic" Konashenkov said

Zelensky says Kiev negotiating with Washington its support for next 10 years

According to Zelensky, Kiev wants this agreement with the United States to be "the strongest" one among similar documents it has already signed or is planning to sign with other allies

Houthis attack two commercial vessels, two US destroyers

Movement’s representative Yahya Saria said that the Ansar Allah delivered drone strikes on two US destroyers in the Red Sea. According to him, the hits "reached their targets"

Prosecutors call to arrest one of Russia’s richest men over alleged alcohol smuggling

Media reports said that the businessman flew to Moscow on Monday and was detained the next day

Putin emphasizes Russia’s pension reform conserves almost all benefits unlike France

The Russian head of state recalled that the draft being considered in France had sparked trade union demonstrations

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin "is well-known"

Russian drone operators destroy Ukrainian positions near Semyonovka, Spornoye

Troops of the combat group "South" destroyed Ukrainian positions near two settlements

Russia’s Battlegroup East improves positions in DPR, hits roughly 100 Ukrainian troops

Ukrainians lost two pickup trucks and two US-made 155mm M777 howitzers

Russian troops in Crimea receive S-400 antiaircraft missile system

The S-400 Triumf is the newest long-range antiaircraft missile system, designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, it can also be used against ground objectives

Denmark to give Ukraine $1 bn in military hardware

"It is essential that purchases from defense industry companies are based on Ukraine's specific military support needs," Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said

Russian envoy says US puts at risk OPCW’s work by aiding 'chemical provocations'

According to Vladimir Tarabrin, it is ever more obvious for many that the Anglo-Saxons and their closest allies are ready to encourage, "and sometimes even to provide direct assistance in the implementation of chemical provocations"

Bank of Russia does not rule out keeping key rate at current levels until year's end

The Bank of Russia also does not rule out raising the estimate of the neutral key rate in the near future

Police using tear gas against protesters in Tbilisi

Police are trying to push the protesters off the building

Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the European Union’s financial system is not very stable and people are losing confidence

Russian troops recover first Abrams tank from special military operation zone

It will be put on public display at the Patriot Park on Poklonnaya Hill

US dragging Papua New Guinea into geopolitical games against Russia, China — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the agreement on defense cooperation allows the US military to move freely across Papua New Guinea and its territorial waters and grants limitless access to its transport infrastructure

Russia’s upgraded MiG-31 fighters to provide security for Northern Sea Route

It was reported on March 26 that for the first time in the Russian Navy’s history two MiG-31 fighters performed a flight over the North Pole with mid-air refueling

Press review: GOP tussles over Ukraine bill and Putin, Aliyev talk partnership

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 23rd

20 houses on fire near Ulan-Ude

Firefighting operation involved more than 70 rescuers and 19 fire vehicles

Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

Russian troops improved their tactical position and repelled eight Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Avdeyevka area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

One woman killed, another one wounded in Ukraine’s shelling of Kursk Region village

According to region’s governor Roman Starovoit, two civilians were wounded in the shelling attack on the village in the morning

NATO defense ministers to discuss support for Ukraine in Brussels on May 16

The first session will see the Chiefs of Defense meet in a NATO-Ukraine Council format to discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation on the ground, and NATO and Allied continued support to Ukraine

Manufacturer of Kalibr, Iskander missiles builds up capacity as state defense order grows

The result was achieved thanks to the expansion of the company's production capacity and transition to 24-hour three-shift mode of assembly of components at all affiliated plants

Russia developing new combat helicopter for Airborne Force

The new chopper will be a follow-up of Mil Mi-24 and Mi-35 models, a source said

US undermines participation of Russian representative in UN Committee on Information

Dmitry Polyansky added that Moscow hoped that the current situation will be "cardinally corrected." He also reiterated that legally binding agreements with the host country existed

Fire in Ulan-Ude suburb put out — emergencies ministry

Seventeen summer cottages have burnt down

Ukraine to either surrender on Moscow’s terms or cease to exist — top Russian lawmaker

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, the outcome also includes economic problems in Europe and the US, as well as a lack of manpower for the Ukrainian armed forces

Russian air defense forces block Ukrainian attempt to use ATACMS on Crimea — politician

The Ukrainians used several ATACMS ballistic missiles in an attempt to attack civilians on the peninsula

Russian stocks mixed as Tuesday trading opens

The MOEX was higher at 3,479.14 points, while the RTSwas down at 1,177.03 points

Russian forces liberate settlement of Semyonovka in Donetsk People’s Republic

Inflicting a defeat on forces of the 68th Infantry Brigade, the 23rd and 115th mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces, the 109 Territorial Defense Brigade and mercenaries from the International Legion near Novoalexandrovka, Arkhangelskoye, Tarasovka and Zavetonoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Ukrainian government allocates $392 million to buy more drones

Ukraine’s government has already allocated more than $1 billion to purchase drones this year

Xi Jinping to pay official visit to Serbia on May 7-8

It was previously reported that Xi Jinping will visit France, Serbia and Hungary from May 5 to May 10

Russia’s Battlegroup East takes new positions near Ugledar — top brass

One of the assault regiment commanders told that Ukrainian units frequently deliver erroneous artillery strikes on their own positions

Operation in Rafah to have ‘devastating’ impact on Middle East — UN chief

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres recalled that more than 1.2 million people are seeking shelter in Rafah

Money transfers between Russia, Turkey close to standstill since start of year — newspaper

The bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Russia has been growing against the background of the Ukraine conflict and sanctions imposed by the EU and US, the media reports

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

Dmitri Hvorostovsky: Tomorrow will be brighter still

People's artist of Russia, singer Dmitri Hvorostovsky in TASS special project Top Officials

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

Tucker Carlson interviews Russian philosopher Dugin

The interview lasted over 20 minutes

Unaware of decline of its military industry US gets trapped in Ukraine — French historian

Emmanuel Todd believes that "one of Washington's goals is to prevent a rapprochement between Russia and Germany"

Riot police dispersing protest rally in Tbilisi

Police are detaining the protesters who are tossing bottles and other objects at them

Panic on frontline growing on Ukrainian side — Kremlin

Russia must support the current dynamics in the special military operation zone, Dmitry Peskov said

Two police officers killed in militant attack in Russia’s North Caucasus

Several improvised explosive devices were found at the scene

Russia, Turkey to hold consultations on issues on UN agenda — Russian foreign ministry

It will be another round of bilateral consultations, a Russian foreign ministry official said

Report on alleged North Korean missile in Ukraine made by non-field experts — UN source

"There were three experts: on finance, general issues and the nuclear program", the source said

Putin makes 90-year-old writer, US resident Garri Karolinsky Russian citizen

According to media outlets, Garri Karolinsky resides in New York and in recent years, at the invitation of the Russian side, has participated in the Congress of Compatriots in Moscow and in compatriot forums held in Crimea

Yandex launches super-express grocery delivery service in London

London has become the second European city after Paris where this delivery service emerged

Russia to launch missile ship Taifun, patrol ship Viktor Veliky in May

A solemn ceremony will be held at the Gorky Zelenodolsk shipyard

Musk sees plans for ten-year security agreement for Ukraine as ‘insane’

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said earlier that Ukrainian and US officials were discussing the amount of military, financial and other aid to Kiev for the next ten years as part of talks on a bilateral security agreement

German minister highlights Soviet troops’ role in liberating Auschwitz-Birkenau camp

According to German Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir, the lesson of National Socialism is that war must never happen again

Russia develops world’s first light drone with hybrid engine

The hybrid powerplant boosts the drone’s flight duration

Republika Srpska president praises Moscow-Banja Luka relations, favors strengthening them

Milorad Dodik also touched upon the topic of sanctions mentioned by Patrushev earlier

Russian air defenses down aerial target near Belgorod, governor says

There were no casualties or damage though

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

US defeat in Ukraine only matter of time, says North Korean Defense Ministry official

The head of the North Korean Defense Ministry’s Department of External Military Affairs slammed the US for pushing for an escalation of the conflict and trying to change the situation in Ukraine at any cost

New York resident pleads guilty to conspiracy to smuggle drone technology to Russia

According to the US Department of Justice, the man may face up to five years in jail

US wants to create military base on territory contested by Venezuela, Guyana — minister

"We denounce that the government of the United States of America intends to militarize the situation," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said

West reluctant to punish those responsible for Nord Stream blasts — Russian diplomat

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the situation is as though a year-long probe into a murder yielded a conclusion that "the victim was murdered"

Ukrainian command throws unfit soldiers to front line in Ocheretino, POW recounts

Alexander Vedernikov was mobilized for military service in the Rovno Region as "relatively fit" and had not received any special training

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

Russian troops pummel Ukrainian army, equipment in 131 areas over past day

It is reported that Russian forces repulsed four counterattacks by formations of the Ukrainian army’s 5th and 92nd assault brigades near the settlement of Krasnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Press review: Belarus' new national security strategy and Russia, US butt heads at UN

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 26th

Dollar, euro in the red as trading session kicks off

Yuan ticked up by 0.25 kopecks to 12.7 rubles

Russian aerospace forces hit two terrorists base in Syria’s Homs governorate

Deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria Yury Popov also said that during the day, no shelling attacks on the positions of government forces were reported in the Idlid de-escalation zone

Dollar unchanged, euro up to 99.57 rubles on Moscow Exchange

The yuan remained at 12.74 rubles

Mueller report contains no evidence of Russian intervention in US election, says diplomat

The US Department of Justice on Thursday published the final report of special counsel Robert Mueller

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

Yet another Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

The attack occurred around 8:00 pm Moscow time on April 30

Russian envoy attends solemn event dedicated to liberation of Sachsenhausen death camp

Participants the mourning events laid flowers and wreaths to three memorials

Conflict in Ukraine may develop into nuclear war, top Hungarian diplomat warns

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto recalled that after the outbreak of the conflict western politicians promised to supply the Ukrainian army only with helmets and blankets, then came weapons, tanks, warplanes

Russia favors increasing role of SCO, BRICS, CIS, CSTO globally — foreign policy concept

The document notes the promotion of "constructive dialogue, partnerships, and cross-fertilization of various cultures, religions and civilizations"

US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

"The American aid won’t save Zelensky. New weapons will be destroyed, and the special military operation goals will be achieved," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Putin praises liberation of Maryinka as success, thanks military servicemen

The Russian leader is going to talk to Shoigu separately to discuss further plans for the special military operation following the liberation of Maryinka

Lavrov informs Tajik counterpart about terrorism-prevention measures in Russia

Tthe two top diplomats agreed that it is necessary to continue developing the time-tested Russian-Tajik allied relations of strategic partnership and strengthen their positive dynamics

S-500 system to be supplied to Armed Forces after 2015

Victor Gumenny said the advanced systems may solve the tasks of air-space defence and may fight hypersonic weapons

Top security official advises West to keep door open for joint research work with Russia

Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Senior security official says Russia isn’t at war with Ukraine

Nikolay Patrushev said Ukrainian traditions are familiar to Russians, just like the Russian heritage is inseparable from Ukrainian culture

European banks’ tax payments in Russia rise four-fold in 2023 — newspaper

The Financial Times notes that more than half of the European banks’ tax payments correspond to Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International

Press review: NATO flexes muscles near Russian border and South China Sea runs hot

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 24th

Popular singer Vitas cleared of part of charges for presumed drunk driving

The investigation claims that after the incident Vitas escaped from the scene

Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

The US businessman commented on remarks by Gad Saad, a Canadian professor of Lebanese origin, who insisted that "the path that the West is taking will result in civil war"

NATO has had no designs against Russia, will never have them, Blinken claims

During the July 2023 summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders called Russia "the most serious and direct threat to security"

Ukrainian army loses up to 135 troops, two cars in South Donetsk area

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian military personnel repelled two enemy attacks

Several settlements come under shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

A shelling attack on the village of Tetkino caused fire, which damaged four single-family houses and an auxiliary building

Kiev regime’s brutality: Ukrainian POWs open up about ruthless anti-retreat squads

According to one of them, a platoon, which refused to fight, left, and no one ever saw them again

Ukrainian drone drops munition onto house in Kursk Region village, killing civilian

One civilian died in a subsequent fire

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace ten times in past day

Three pairs of the coalition’s F-15 fighter jets and two pairs of A-10 Thunderbolt attack bombers violated airspace in the al-Tanf area

Majority of Germans against sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine — poll

37% favored such supplies

US authorizes energy-related transactions with Russian banks until November 1

According to the document, the banks in question include the Central Bank of Russia, VTB, Alfa Bank, Sberbank, Vneshekonombank, Otkrytiye, Sovkombank, Rosbank, Zenit and Sankt-Peterburg

Russian Pantsir-S air defense takes down some 100 drones around the world

Pantsir-S system is designed for close-range air protection of civilian and military objects

Moscow urges international bodies to stop covering up Kiev role in Bucha events — diplomat

Maria Zakharova added that previous calls by Russia for international organizations, including agencies of the United Nations, to conduct a serious investigation have to date remained unanswered

G7 agrees to work toward transitioning away from Russian gas imports

In a separate statement, the Group of Seven reaffirmed its commitment to reduce reliance on civil Russian nuclear-related goods

Riot police break up protest rally near parliamentary building in Tbilisi

Several thousand people have been protesting against the law on foreign agents

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Kiev openly flaunts involvement in murder of Russian journalists — Russian mission to UN

Dmitry Polyansky noted that Russian journalist Daria Dugina, military reporter Vladlen Tatarsky, Tavriya broadcasting company editor-in-chief Rostislav Zhuravlyov, Rossiya-24 TV reporter Boris Maksudov were killed by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and their agents

UN chief calls for letting int’l investigators to sites of mass graves in Gaza

According to the Al Mayadeen television channel, more than 330 bodies have been recovered from mass graves following Israeli troops’ withdrawal

Russian drivers bought 500,000 baseball bats last year to settle road disputes — police

Only one pair of baseball gloves and one ball was sold over that year

France denies Olympic accreditation to volunteers from Russia

Paris 2024 volunteer program director Alexandre Morenon-Conde said on March 21, 2023 that the volunteer program was open for all, without any exclusions