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Russia returns two notes on Crimea to Ukraine — diplomat

In the first one, Kiev protests against archaeological excavations and earthworks in Crimea; in the second one, it demands a report on measures taken to fight the coronavirus epidemic in Crimea and Donbass

A view of Simferopol, Crimea Sergei Malgavko/TASS

A view of Simferopol, Crimea

© Sergei Malgavko/TASS

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry returned two diplomatic notes on Crimea to Ukraine, the ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said Thursday.

"This week, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs returned two [diplomatic] notes to Ukraine," she said. "In the first one, Kiev protests against archaeological excavations and earthworks in Crimea. In the second one, Kiev demands a report on measures taken to fight the coronavirus epidemic in Crimea and Donbass."

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"Such steps of the Ukrainian diplomacy never cease to surprise us," the diplomat said. "At the time when a pandemic is rampant in the country, wildfires ravage Chernobyl, when Russian planes repatriate Ukrainian citizens from third countries and Russian diplomats help them to return home, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry put all efforts into bombarding the aggressor state, as they call us, by fearsome notes of protest."

In this regard, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman called on the Ukrainian colleagues to "save paper."

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"It feels like the Ukrainian authorities live in a parallel universe," she continued. "First, they cut Crimea off water and power supply, blockade Donbass, and then demand reports from Russia on how it protects people of these regions from the coronavirus infection. It’s actually pretty funny at this point."

She recalled that "Kiev has an option of direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk, in case the Ukrainian authorities are really concerned about the destiny and health of the people living there."

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"Russia is not a side of the conflict in southeastern Ukraine and does not control the Donbass territory," she added.

"The issue of Crimea’s identity is closed," she concluded. "The Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol have voluntarily reunited with Russia in 2014. All notes of protest regarding actions of the Russian government for the exercise of sovereignty over the Crimean Peninsula — be it visits of officials, construction of infrastructure facilities, including archeological excavations, or elections — will be returned to the Ukrainian side due to absence of grounds for their review."

Diplomat slams statements that CSTO 'did not protect Armenia' as untrue

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia in its relations with Armenia continues to advocate "for full-scale bilateral dialogue, for cooperation, for a return from manipulative rhetoric to real full-fledged interaction, including in the work of the CSTO"

Turkey’s top diplomat confirms Ankara seeks to join BRICS

Ankara always looks for new opportunities to expand its trade and economic cooperation anyway, Hakan Fidan added

Israeli attacks Hezbollah facilities, red lines: Middle East escalation

The constant shelling of the Lebanon-Israel border continued amid Israel's operation in the Gaza Strip

Ukrainian forces create concentration camps in Russian border areas — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that one of the Ukrainian prisoners of war reported an attack on a passenger train being prepared in the Kursk Region

US mistaken if it thinks nuclear conflict would affect Russia, Europe only — diplomat

Anatoly Antonov reiterated that there must never be a nuclear war and that there can be no winners in any nuclear conflict

Senior Russian lawmaker warns that calls for long-range strikes open way to nuclear war

Vyacheslav Volodin commented on a recent resolution of the European Parliament to allow strikes inside Russia with Western weapons

Russia cautions Chisinau against involvement in Ukrainian conflict — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova drew attention to the speculations about Romania's plans for redirecting to Moldova the mobile maintenance stations for F-16 fighter jets received by Bucharest for their subsequent deployment at the Marculesti airbase

Investigator charge 33 people in case of shooting at office of retailer in central Moscow

The Russian Investigative Committee wants the suspects to be kept in custody until trial

Court arrests six individuals as part of investigation into shooting at Wildberries office

The court granted the investigators’ request and ruled to place six individuals in custody for one month and 30 days

Ukraine participates in NATO’s counter-drone drills for first time

The document says that "more than 60 counter-drone systems and technologies such as sensors, drone-on-drone systems, jammers and cyber interceptors were tested live" during the exercise

Russia ready to give Uzbekistan access to high-precision GLONASS signal — document

The Russian global navigation satellite system is designed to promptly provide navigation information to users of land, sea, air and space

Putin instructs authorities to support small producers of drones

The Russian leader noted that products manufactured by small enterprises, including drones, are not inferior in quality to those made by large ones

Hezbollah fires anti-tank missiles at Israeli positions in Metula

According to the broadcast, at least three of them hit targets

Ukrainian servicemen captured: developments in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost up to 400 troops and 23 armored vehicles

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Belarus ready to cooperate with Ukraine on same terms as with DPR

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that by cooperating with the DPR, Belarus "is absolutely not violating any international norms"

First MC-21 flight in fully imported version expected this year — minister

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First five Baikal aircraft will be delivered in 2026 — minister

"It has been decided that we will switch to the domestic VK-800 engine," Anton Alikhanov said

US to step up efforts to limit Russia’s fuel exports, defense imports – White House

Sanctions and export controls are "our tools", US Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Daleep Singh said

Devices blasts in Lebanon make escalation in Middle East conflict inevitable — newspaper

According to columnist Ishaan Tharoor, "Israeli officials have not publicly taken responsibility for the attacks, but have in private in confirmed their hand in them with their interlocutors in Washington"

Russia’s Akhmat special force destroys military storage facility in Kursk direction

Akhmat also eliminated one armored personnel carrier and one self-propelled artillery weapon, the deputy chief of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces Apty Alaudinov said

Russia’s battlegroup Center repels 9 Ukrainian attacks, inflicts over 510 enemy casualties

According to the report, the enemy sustained more than 510 casualties and lost two vehicles, a Msta-B 152mm howitzer, a D-30 122mm howitzer, a US-made M101 105mm artillery mount and a Rapira 100mm anti-tank gun

Putin has no plans to attend Mexican president's inauguration — Kremlin

Earlier, the Mexican embassy in Moscow stated that the Russian president had received an invitation to Sheinbaum's inauguration ceremony

Two-thirds of Abrams tanks in Ukraine already destroyed — Russia’s deputy OSCE envoy

As Maxim Buyakevich noted, the discussion is afoot in the West about the possibility of using high-accuracy long-range weapons against facilities deep inside Russian territory

Hezbollah fires rockets at seven Israeli barracks

Large-caliber Burkan missiles were used in an attack on the town of Metula and its environs, causing several fires and disrupting power supply to the settlement

Israel’s explosive gadget operation in Lebanon took 15 years of preparation — ABC

ABC sources confirmed that the Jewish state was involved in the production of these communication devices

Israeli intel officials sent messages in Arabic to pagers before they exploded — media

According to the report, the officers assumed that some pager owners believed the messages were from the supreme leadership of the Shiite Hezbollah movement

Taliban say Afghanistan will now rely only on Sharia law

The supreme leader said that the negotiation process with the US in Doha was based on Sharia, "not a single step in these negotiations was taken against religion"

Putin calls for meeting Russian army’s demand for drones

The Russian leader emphasized that "drones of various classes have already become an indispensable attribute of modern combat operations"

MFA calls UN resolution on Palestine important step to recognize Israel's illegal actions

The Russian diplomats pointed out that it would also help develop concrete measures to uphold international law, end the longest occupation in modern history and implement a two-state solution

Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine unlikely to happen in near future — DPR head

As Denis Pushilin noted, for now the word "peace" is interpreted in different ways, but everything should end in negotiations sooner or later

Russian forces take control of two settlements in Kursk Region

According to Major General Apty Alaudinov, the entire frontline in moving forward, with Ukrainian soldiers surrendering

Theft of Russian assets to nullify trust towards EU — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the European Union had lost independence

Stoltenberg's statements on use of long-range missiles against Russia senseless — MFA

According to the outgoing NATO Secretary-General, Ukraine's use of long-range missiles will not lead to the alliance being drawn into a conflict with Russia

Putin examines kamikaze drones, unmanned systems at St. Petersburg defense plant

The Russian president was accompanied by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin and Presidential Aide Alexey Dyumin

Russian Baltic Fleet's training ship Smolny makes port call at Equatorial Guinea’s Malabo

The Baltic Fleet’s sailors and cadets will meet with military sailors from Equatorial Guinea to share experience

Russian naval communications center provides reliable communications with ships

According to Admiral Vladimir Kasatonov, "the communication center effectively completes the mission of protecting the national interests of the Russian Federation"

US Treasury sanctions two banks from Russia and South Ossetia

Inclusion in the sanctions list entails the freezing of assets in the US and a ban on American citizens and companies doing business with sanctioned persons and entities

Russian military in Syria help 26 refugees leave US-occupied Al-Tanf zone

No attacks on Syrian pro-government forces were registered in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past day, the Russian military official added

West is persuading Ukraine to give up claims to 1991 borders — legislator

Yegor Chernev shared a "feeling" that the Western world is ready to declare as a victory for Ukraine at least the fact that "Kiev has not fallen" and that it "has not lost its sovereignty"

Russia's military to restore control of all districts of Kursk Region — Kremlin

"The situation in those areas which are under the control of the Ukrainian militants is extraordinary, of course," Dmitry Peskov stated

Biden, Harris to meet with Zelensky at White House on September 26

The leaders will discuss the state of the conflict in Ukraine, including Ukraine’s strategic planning and US support for Ukraine

One killed in stabbing attack in Dutch city of Rotterdam

According to the NOS television channel, the attack occurred near the Erasmusbrug bridge in the city center

West assists Kiev in striking civilian facilities in Russia — diplomat

In his words, Kiev is not independent from the military point of view, having no material and technical capabilities for independent warfare that involves western weaponry

European Parliament urges end to restrictions on strikes on Russia with Western weapons

In addition, the EU member states and NATO allies are asked to "collectively and individually commit to supporting Ukraine militarily, with no less than 0.25% of their GDP annually"

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The minister to say that NATO is becoming increasingly interested in the Arctic region

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Source reveals number of people detained in shooting in downtown Moscow office

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EP resolution regarding strikes on Russia madness, EU seeks war — French politician

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Germany is also preparing to deliver 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery units

Lebanese citizens turn off phones, appliances for fear of more blasts — newspaper

The newspaper pointed out that the pager blasts have turned daily life in Lebanon into scenes of panic and violence

EU may cancel visa-free regime with Georgia due to ‘backsliding on democracy' — newspaper

According to the newspaper, under the 2017 agreement, Georgian citizens do not need visas to visit EU countries, where they can stay for six months a year

Businessman probably related to exploding gadgets in Lebanon missing in Norway

At this point, there is no evidence indicating that Rinson Jose had any knowledge about the operation to create the explosive gadgets

Russia delivers urgent assistance to Mali — portal

The delivery was organized as part of military cooperation between Russia and Mali to boost defense and security ties

Ukrainian forces in difficult situation in Kursk Region, try gain foothold — commander

Major General Apty Alaudinov added that, on Thursday, he visited the rightmost flank of the Russian troops on the Kursk direction - near cities of Rylsk and Lgov

Kiev still plans to attack Kursk NPP — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the US and the UK were behind all of Kiev's crimes

Cases against Ukrainian servicemen: situation in Kursk Region

Russian investigators have initiated three criminal cases against Ukrainian militants involved in crimes against civilians in the Kursk Region

Zelensky leads Ukraine to terrible finale, killing his own people — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova compared the Ukrainian president with a drug baron from classic US movies

Russia deeply concerned by events unfolding in Lebanon — diplomat

Maria Zakharova asserted Russia’s solidarity with the people of Lebanon

Ukrainian breakthrough attempts thwarted: developments in Kursk Region

The Russian military repelled three attempts by the Ukrainian military to break through the border near Novy Put, Malaya Obukhovka and Medvezhye

Kremlin slams Poland's idea to revise Crimea's status 'absurd'

"Russian territory and Russian regions cannot be the subject of any discussion or transfer to anyone," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

US afraid Israel may launch offensive in Lebanon — media

The newspaper emphasized that Israel had deployed a military contingent of thousands of special forces and paratroopers from the south to the north of the country

Russian aviation wipes out base of Ukrainian militants in DPR — expert

The Russian Aerospace Forces delivered a strike with a glide munition

Florida court rules to arrest Russian citizen Postovoy, take him to Washington

The date of the next court hearing, to take place in Washington, has not been set yet

Zelensky may be overthrown if Ukraine fails to hold elections — Ukrainian MP

Ukraine is still facing the question of the legitimacy of power in the absence of parliamentary and presidential elections, which cannot be held during martial law

North Korea convinced Russia to win special military operation in Ukraine — top diplomat

"The North Korean people express their support for the Russian people in their just struggle," Choe Son Hui stressed

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Putin extends food embargo on imports from Western countries for two years

The food embargo, introduced in response to the unfriendly actions of the West, has been in effect in Russia since August 7, 2014

Israel resists Washington's attempts to achieve de-escalation in Middle East — media

With the situation escalating, Washington’s control over the region appears weaker than ever, the publication says

Ukrainian troops captured: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy has lost over 11,800 servicemen since fighting began in the region

Press review: Israel declares new phase of war and Russia boosts drone production

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 20th

NATO sets new tasks for Tallinn in event of conflict with Russia — Estonian General Staff

Major General Vahur Karus noted that, as opposed to a decade ago, Estonia can unequivocally count on allied units, stationed on its soil, to immediately participate in a conflict with Russia

Hamas-Israel deal unlikely before Biden’s term expires — WSJ

According to the The Wall Street Journal , the sides are "in a wait-and-see mode" until after the upcoming US presidential election

Israeli forces kill over 300 radicals in southern Gaza — portal

Besides, they found and destroyed a cache with long-range missiles and an arms depot with sniper rifles

Ursula von der Leyen arrives in Kiev

In the Ukrainian capital, von der Leyen intends to discuss defense issues, as well as G7 lending to Ukraine

Pakistan joins formation of corridor from Belarus to ports of Indian Ocean

"The Minister of Communications of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed this Memorandum, emphasizing the importance and significance of this project for the development of trade and economic relations and cargo transportation in the region," the statement reads

In case of deep strikes Russia to respond with more powerful weapons — Duma speaker

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, it is crucial for the parliaments of the United States and European countries to "understand and realize what can happen"

Russian Industry Ministry does not rule out restricting strategic raw materials exports

First Deputy Minister Vasily Osmakov noted that the regulator develops measures to counter sanctions pressure on Russia

Russia firmly committed to principles of UN Charter unlike West — Lavrov

In this context, the foreign minister noted with appreciation that the position of Russia enjoys "the broadest support from like-minded BRICS countries and other states of the world majority"

Russian National Guard eliminates about 30 Ukrainian vehicles in Kursk Region

The National Guard noted that its troops provide extra protection measures for important state facilities

Israeli air force attacks around 100 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon in past two hours

The strikes were directed by the IDF intelligence units and the IDF Northern Command, the Israel Defense Forces said

Turkish banks want to stop transactions with Russia, transfer them to one bank — source

The issue reportedly concerns private and state-owned Turkish banks that do not have foreign partners, mainly Western ones

IN BRIEF: Ex-Ukrainian intel officer’s car blown up in northern Moscow

The explosion occurred in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado off-road vehicle parked on Korovinskoye highway in the north of Moscow, when the driver started the SUV

Situation on Korean Peninsula becomes tenser because of US — North Korean Foreign Minister

Choe Son-hui underscored that "global peace and security are in jeopardy"

North Korean balloon carrying trash crashes again near government complex in Seoul

Police cordoned off the scene, military specialists checked the contents for hazardous substances and removed the debris

West’s attempts to turn UNGA into pro-Ukrainian show doomed to fail — Russian MFA

"The UN General Assembly always encompasses a very broad agenda," Sergey Ryabkov stressed

One Ukrainian drone attacks Energodar, another downed — administration

Meanwhile, according to ZNPP communications director Yevgeniya Yashina, no Ukrainian drone attacks have been recorded on the territory of the plant

Lifting ban on strikes deep into Russia won't help Ukraine much — Pentagon

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, for his part, said that Moscow was aware of the West's decision to attack deep into Russian territory and to send appropriate signals to Kiev

Russian troops entrenched in liberated settlements of Kursk Region’s Sudzha District

According to commander of the Akhmat special forces unit Apty Alaudinov, the situation is under control

Zelensky says Ukrainian troops in extremely difficult situation in two DPR areas

The situation on the frontline remains extremely difficult, Ukrainian President said

Ukraine's terrorist community growing by recruiting fighters in Syria — diplomat

Citing media information from Syrian sources, the Maria Zakharova said that 250 Ukrainian instructors arrived in Idlib the other day to train militants

Russia’s response to long-range weapons supplies to Kiev will be brutal — MFA

"The opponents in Washington, London, and other places clearly underestimate the degree of danger of the game they continue to play," Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said

Hezbollah sets up committees to look into circumstances of gadget explosions

According to the movement’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, experts are analyzing all circumstances surrounding the devices in question

European Parliament calls for arrest warrant for Maduro

The lawmakers recognized Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela and urged EU member countries to do the same

NATO was called obsolete, braindead in past 10 years — Stoltenberg

"During my time as Secretary General, the relevance of NATO has been questioned," Jens Stoltenberg noted

West switches to open support for Kiev's terrorist attacks against civilians — MFA

"The West continues to supply arms and money to the Kiev regime, propose pseudo-peace initiatives, and try to rally as many countries as possible to their side," Maria Zakharova said

Rising number of dead foreigners in Ukraine proves West's involvement — envoy to UN

"We have warned from the beginning that those who help the Zelensky clique stay afloat will become our legitimate targets," Vasily Nebezya reminded

US citizen Zenkovich, convicted in Belarus, asks Lukashenko for pardon

Zenkovich also addressed the US side

Mexican president-elect refuses to visit Ukraine

"I will attend certain international events, which we consider important, but we will not travel much - our responsibility lies here," Claudia Sheinbaum said

Russian forces move to better positions in Zaporozhye Region — politician

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Tver region governor says no serious injuries in drone attack on Toropets

Earlier reports said a fire occurred at the scene where drone fragments fell in Toropets