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Putin and Merkel discuss Ukraine, Syria and Libya by phone

Russian President and German Chancellor confirmed particularly the significance of the Minsk peace deal, inked at the Normandy Four meetings on Ukraine, to be implemented

Russia's President Vladimir Putin Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Russia's President Vladimir Putin

© Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

MOSCOW, October 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks by phone, confirming particularly the significance of the Minsk peace deal, inked at the Normandy Four meetings on Ukraine, to be implemented, the Kremlin said on Saturday adding the call was requested by the German side.

"When discussing a solution to the Ukraine crisis, [they] confirmed the significance of strict compliance with provisions of the Minsk Package of Measures and the agreements reached at Normandy Four summit meetings," the Kremlin said.

The Kremlin pointed out that "primarily, it concerns the implementation of ‘Steinmeier formula’ into the Ukrainian legislation along with disengagement of forces in designated areas along the contact line near the inhabited localities of Zolotoye and Petrovskoye."

Under various pretexts, Kiev has been refusing to withdraw its troops and weapons from those areas, the statement says.

"As for the possibility for another Normandy Four summit, it needs to be thoroughly prepared and to bring about tangible results. It was agreed that this work will be continued between the leaders’ aides and the foreign ministers," the Kremlin added.

The situation in Syria

Russian President also said in a phone conversation that interests of any ethnic and religious group should be taken into account when seeking a political solution in Syria.

Putin and Merkel "focused on the situation in northeastern Syria. The Russian president emphasized that long-term and stable stabilization in the Syrian Arab Republic might be possible only if based on respect for the principles of the country’s national unity and territorial integrity," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Along with that, the interests of each ethnic and religious group of the people of Syria must be considered," it says.

In addition, both leaders agreed that it was crucial to promote the process of political settlement in Styria, in particular, by holding a first meeting of the constitution committee scheduled for October 23 in Geneva.

The tensions in Libya

Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel noted, that Russia and Germany stay poised to help Libya de-escalate tensions and will support any effort seeking a peace solution to the conflict in that country.

"The leaders touched upon the Libya crisis and agreed to help de-escalate tensions, facilitating the mediatory efforts brokered by the United Nations for the conflict to be resolved peacefully," the Kremlin said.

Military operation in Ukraine

Russian forces dislodge Ukrainian troops from half of positions in Kurakhovo in DPR

The Ukrainian military is attempting to move reserves to the city’s western outskirts as shown by data-recording equipment, the source said

Normal interaction between Russia and Sweden will not resume yet — Russian ambassador

Sergey Belyaev also highlighted the worsening situation for Russian diplomatic missions in Stockholm

Washington refrains from naming those responsible for Baltic Sea cable rupture — DoS

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Press review: Uranium costs soar as Moscow updates nuclear doctrine and US OKs attacks

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Viktor Orban asserted that the government’s mission is to prevent Hungary from being dragged into the Ukrainian conflict

Allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with US weapons irresponsible — Slovak PM

Robert Fico noted that authorizing the use of long-range weapons for strikes against Russia would not alter the balance of power in the conflict zone

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"The direct line and press conference are being prepared," Dmitry Peskov said

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Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Zelensky to have no input if Russia, US negotiate, ex-Prime Minister says

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German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

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Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

Xi Jinping calls for unification of more voices for peace in Ukraine

"We need to bring together more voices of peace and pave the way for a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis," Chinese president said

No laymen in Western intel agencies despite decline of ruling class — Russian spy chief

Sergey Naryshkin emphasized that irrationality had particularly affected leading European countries, where presidents, prime ministers, and chancellors unfailingly served the interests of globalist capital

Training Ukrainian troops makes France direct participant in combat — top Russian diplomat

"The same goes for talk about using French-made SCALP missiles [in Ukraine] which are identical to the UK’s Storm Shadow," Sergey Lavrov noted

More desperation in Zelensky's appeals, ex-NATO commander says

According to Stavridis, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing "mounting personnel losses," while Kiev is growing concerned about the possibility of the incoming US administration

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Canada neglects its sovereignty by approving transfer of land mines to Kiev — diplomat

According to Oleg Stepanov, since the authorities of the country have long acted, "especially in security matters, according to the rule 'what Uncle Sam says, so Ottawa will do' and don’t blush about this."

Sweden detected ship movements when cable damage occurred, minister says

According to the police, the situation is currently being monitored and work is underway to determine measures that need to be taken

UK police say no video evidence of Russians’ involvement in Salisbury case

According to the report, CCTV cams were not installed on Christie Miller road in Salisbury

US decision on strikes inside Russia stems from malice rather than strategy — journalist

According to Sumantra Maitra, Washington’s move will not improve Kiev’s situation

Media from unfriendly states will be admitted to Putin's annual press conference — Kremlin

The last Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference was held on December 14, 2023

Ukraine has around 50 ATACMS missiles — The Times

According to the report, the Ukrainian military has sufficient launchers that are capable of firing them

Ukraine conflict moves towards NATO-Russia direct clash — expert

Commenting on Ukraine's long-range missile strikes on Russian territory, Elena Basile remarked, "US President Joe Biden has decided to make the task of resolving the Ukraine conflict even more difficult for his successor"

US sees no preconditions for Russia to use nuclear weapons — news agency

According to the report, the updated nuclear doctrine did not come as a surprise for Washington

Gallup poll shows sharp decline in Ukrainian support for American policies

The number of people who oppose what the US authorities are doing has risen by 21% and now stands at 37%

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

Putin previously warned about Kiev's attempts to blow up TurkStream pipeline — Kremlin

According to the newspaper, Zaluzhny was so enthusiastic about the Nord Stream pipelines sabotage that he "even wanted to expand" the operation

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Trump may soon start talks with Russia following Biden’s decision on ATACMS — news agency

According to Andreas Kluth, the decision on ATACMS may have been another attempt by the current Washington administration to provide Ukraine with support until the president-elect comes to power

Trump's new presidency will be fundamentally different from his first — expert in the US

"It is therefore reasonable to expect him to govern for the next four years in a more emboldened, assertive way, and many of his outsider cabinet picks are indicative of precisely that kind of approach," the analyst believes

Moscow-Washington hotline not in use now — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that there have been no contacts via this new channel lately

FACTBOX: What is known about Russian nuclear deterrence policy

The first Russian nuclear doctrine was ratified and published by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 21, 2000

Humanitarian situation in Gorlovka harsh as Ukraine targets key infrastructure — DPR head

More than 80,000 users were left without power in Gorlovka on Tuesday morning due to the Ukrainian armed forces' shelling

Moscow won’t allow US to silence UNSC as Washington backs Israel — Russian UN envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the Security Council should "bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Middle East"

Biden's decision to use ATACMS on Russia threatens to kill Americans — Tucker Carlson

The journalist also criticized US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (a Republican representing the state of Louisiana) for "not even mentioning it in public or in leadership meetings" with factions in the lower house of Congress

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

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Iran claims to have disabled Israel’s Iron Dome air defense in past strikes

Major-General Gholamreza Soleimani stressed it was essential to inform the world that Israel had failed and now survives solely relying on support from the United States

World Aquatics withdraws ban on participation of Russian athletes in relay races

Previously, Russian and Belarusian athletes were authorized to compete only in individual disciplines

Russian embassy warns UK about dangers of calling for Moscow’s ‘defeat’

According to th statement, London is promoting new rounds of escalation

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Vladimir Zelensky also talked about the Crimean Peninsula, stating that Kiev is ready to "bring Crimea back diplomatically"

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"The nuclear forces is ready on January 19, just like it will be ready on January, 20," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

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"Moscow's escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are unprecedented in their variety and scale," the statement reads

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Ukraine’s former top commander sought to blow up Turkish Stream pipeline, report says

According to the media, Valery Zaluzhny was so thrilled when he learned of plans to sabotage the submarine Nord Stream pipelines across the Baltic Sea that he sought to expand that operation

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The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

NATO enters conflict, Russia has every right to attack its targets now — expert

Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson confirmed to TASS that the launch of ATACMS missiles would be impossible without "US/NATO satellite feeds and/or personnel"

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US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller also declined to discuss the presumed first strike on Russia with the missiles

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"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

Putin ready for talks on Ukraine, including with Trump — Kremlin

The Russian president has repeatedly affirmed Moscow's readiness for negotiations on Ukraine, however, such talks have been legally prohibited by the Kiev regime

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Сommander of United States Indo-Pacific Command Samuel Paparo emphasized he was speaking about "the stocks of the United States of America, and the high end capabilities of the United States of America"

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Russian forces push Ukrainian troops 10 km away from Lisichansk in LPR — expert

Russian troops have taken new lines and positions northwest of Zolotaryoka as a result of successful operations

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The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

US gives Ukraine green light to use Storm Shadow for strikes deep inside Russia — media

According to the newspaper, although these are British missiles, their successful use is impossible without American guidance systems

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Ukrainian side had committed to not using the mines in areas populated by civilians

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Russia will also engage in nuclear deterrence against those countries that offer their territory, maritime zones, airspace, and resources for aggression against it

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The minister mentioned the import duties that the EU imposed on cheaper and higher-quality electric cars from China, as well as the purchases of low-quality Ukrainian grain to the detriment of its own farmers and consumers

French Foreign Ministry refuses to disclose number of SCALP missiles shipped to Ukraine

Ministry Spokesman Christophe Lemoine also avoided answering if Paris supports strikes with these missiles on Russian territory, only saying that the missiles were shipped to Ukraine, and Ukraine

Rubicon center drones hit Ukrainian equipment in Russia's Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry released footage showing the destruction of the enemy equipment

Ukraine creates 'sabotage manual' showing former citizens how to get Russia — lawmaker

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Russia to use revenues from frozen assets of Western investors — Finance Minister

Tit-for-tat measures will be implemented after receiving information about unfriendly actions of Western countries, Anton Siluanov noted

Avtovaz plans exporting about 20,000 cars by year-end

Main export destinations are non-CIS countries, Belarus in the first instance, Maxim Sokolov noted

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine makes defeat over its army impossible — SVR chief

According to the latest version of the document, the core principle is that nuclear weapons are a last resort to ensure the protection of the country’s sovereignty

Bitcoin price exceeds $96,000, sets new historical record — Binance platform

Experts previously told TASS that Bitcoin could easily reach the $100,000 mark in the coming days and continue to grow further - up to $300,000 in the current growth phase

Putin confirms Russia’s readiness to assist CAR with security challenges

"Both leaders exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on the fight against the terrorist threat and ensuring stability across the Central African Republic," the statement reads

US takes responsibility for Palestinian deaths by vetoing UNSC resolution — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that Russia has no doubt that "the Israelis themselves are also interested in ending the spiral of violence"

US Senate refuses to block arms supplies to Israel

More than 60 out of 100 senators voted against the three corresponding resolutions, while 17 legislators supported them

Pentagon refrains from commenting on Ukraine’s missile attack on Bryansk region

Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also declined a request to comment on the US permission to use ATACMS missiles for deep strikes on Russia

Railroad development to strengthen ties with foreign partners — Russian PM

Mikhail Mishustin added that "it is necessary to modernize border crossings in coming years, including introduction of practice of electronic paperwork"

Russian forces dislodge Ukrainian troops from half of positions in Kurakhovo in DPR

The Ukrainian military is attempting to move reserves to the city’s western outskirts as shown by data-recording equipment, the source said

Belarusian security agency says Minsk aware of Poland’s efforts to prepare terrorist cells

"The Polish authorities were notified about this through the channels of countering international terrorism, but the only response to this, unfortunately, was increased secrecy measures on the part of the participants in these terrorist cells," the committee’s investigative department chief, Konstantin Bychek, said

Biden’s ATACMS decision aimed at tying his successor’s hands — expert

In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning"

Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

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Ex-UK Labor party leader wants PM to clarify situation with Storm Shadow missiles

Jeremy Corbyn called for de-escalation of the situationin Ukraine and the search for a diplomatic solution to achieve peace

Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

In this role, Indonesia "will actively contribute to and participate in any initiatives of BRICS," Jose Antonio Morato Tavares emphasized

Zelensky begs ‘for his country to be flattened’ — US journalist

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Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

Sergey Naryshkin observed that the military and political elites in the West are increasingly recognizing the gravity of Russia's intentions and the need for greater caution in their actions

West fails to bring Ukrainian issue to forefront of G20 summit agenda — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that "no one from the countries of the world majority, the Global South, supported it"

Defeating Ukrainian forces near Olgovskaya wood, enemy losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian Armed Forces have completed the destruction of a Ukrainian battlegroup blocked in the area of the Olgovskaya wood

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the special military operation is taking longer because it started against the Kiev regime and is continuing as a war between Russia and NATO

Russia must be able to defend itself — Erdogan on revised nuclear doctrine

The Turkish leader reiterated that "both Russia and Ukraine are Turkey’s neighbors"

At least 66 people killed in Gaza Strip by an Israeli strike — Al Jazeera

It was also reported that over 100 people were wounded

Russian stock indices falling on Wednesday — market data

The forecast for the MOEX Russia Index for tomorrow is 2,550 - 2,650 points, according to BCS Investment Worl

Belarusian TV to air documentary film about foreign mlitary invasion plan

Tonight, the film, titled "Demons: How They Want to Take Over Belarus," will be debuted, based on the findings of investigative journalists

Russian forces gain foothold in central Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

While Ukrainian commanders have been making every effort to stabilize the situation in Chasov Yar, Kiev does not have enough soldiers, weapons or military hardware for that, Andrey Marochko said

Putin orders protection of critical infrastructure, including Crimean Bridge — Kremlin

Kiev has not accepted the legitimate results of the 2014 referendum, in which the people of Crimea and Sevastopol voted to become part of Russia, and is displeased by the operation of the Crimean Bridge, which connects the Kerch Strait with the Krasnodar Region

US admiral says Washington should be ready for talks with Russia, China

The Department of State and other US agencies "should continue to engage our competitors in real and substantive dialogue," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

US Congressman urges to impeach Biden for allowing strikes deep into Russia

"By authorizing long range missiles to strike inside Russia, Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War that endangers the lives of all US citizens," Thomas Massie said

Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

The likelihood of a direct armed conflict with NATO is increasing because some individuals in the alliance are ready to raise the stakes ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Andrey Bystritsky emphasized

US Embassy in Kiev to be closed on November 20

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Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

Israel could annex West Bank in two weeks, journalist Hersh says

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Ukrainian losses, captives, aid to civilians: situation in Kursk Region

Russian tactical and operational/tactical aircraft, missile forces hit enemy manpower and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions, the Defense Ministry reported