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Russia welcomes US plans to reduce troop size in Afghanistan to 4,000

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. Moscow welcomes Washington’s plans to reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan to 4,000, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information and Press Alexei Zaitsev said at a briefing on Thursday.

"We welcome Washington’s intention to reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan to ‘anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000’," he said in response to a TASS question.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian drone operators destroy Ukrainian positions near Semyonovka, Spornoye

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

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

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

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

One civilian died in a subsequent fire

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

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

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

Dollar, euro in the red as trading session kicks off

Yuan ticked up by 0.25 kopecks to 12.7 rubles

Majority of Germans against sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine — poll

37% favored such supplies

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

Yandex launches super-express grocery delivery service in London

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

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

Several improvised explosive devices were found at the scene

Dollar unchanged, euro up to 99.57 rubles on Moscow Exchange

The yuan remained at 12.74 rubles

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

Chinese diplomat comments on Blinken’s warning on support to Russia

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that the US was supplying Ukraine with arms and ammunition and at the same time making unfounded accusations regarding trade between China and Russia

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

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

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

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

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

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

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

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

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

Russian tourists flock to North Korea — embassy

"Today, under the two countries’ leaders’ special attention, political contacts, exchanges, cooperation in the economic, culture, science and other areas are developing with renewed momentum," Minister Plenipotentiary of the republic's embassy in Russia Lee Yong Zin said

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

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

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

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

Netanyahu vows Israel will conduct operation in Rafah in any case

Israeli Prime Minister stressed that this will be done regardless of the potential agreement with the Palestinian radicals on the release of hostages

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

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"

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

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

Clearing explosive threats in Gaza to take 14 years, UN estimates — TV

Israel’s destruction of Gaza has generated around 37.5 mln metric tons of debris across the enclave, the bulk of this being laced with unexploded bombs and other munitions

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

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

Hamas receives proposal to release 33 hostages in exchange to ceasefire — TV

The proposal consists of two phases, the first of which calls for 20 to 33 hostages to be released in exchange for the pause in hostilities

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

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

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

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

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

Armenia, Russia in dialogue to resolve problems in relations — top Armenian diplomat

Some issues require complete mutual understanding, but Isuch problems exist in any relations, said Armenian Foreign Minister Aarat Mirzoyan

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

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

Tucker Carlson interviews Russian philosopher Dugin

The interview lasted over 20 minutes

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

Netanyahu asks Biden to prevent issuing of ICC warrants against Israeli officials — report

A spokesperson of the US National Security Council refused to comment on the phone call between the two leaders, but pointed out Washington’s position, which says that the ICC jurisdiction does not cover the situation in Palestine

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

Ukrainian government allocates $392 million to buy more drones

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

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"

Another attempted military coup thwarted in Burkina Faso, media outlet reports

According to the report, the plotters planned to stage an explosion inside the presidential residence

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

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

Russia’s response to West’s seizure of Russian frozen assets to be tough — diplomat

Maria Zakharova drew attention to The Wall Street Journal’s report that Germany allegedly wants to leave Russia’s frozen assets intact to used them as a tool during the conflict settlement talks to force Russia cede part of the Ukrainian territory it has taken control of

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"

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

Panic on frontline growing on Ukrainian side — Kremlin

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

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

A solemn ceremony will be held at the Gorky Zelenodolsk shipyard

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

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

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"

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

Riot police break up protest rally near parliamentary building in Tbilisi

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

20 houses on fire near Ulan-Ude

Firefighting operation involved more than 70 rescuers and 19 fire vehicles

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

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

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

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

Slovak PM says will always stand for peaceful settlement of conflict in Ukraine

Robert Fico voiced criticism about the initiative of Slovak civic activists who have raised some four million euro to provide military assistance to Kiev

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

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

Armenia still CSTO members, wants its mechanisms to operate duly — top diplomat

It is necessary to make efforts to ensure due operation of all mechanisms within it, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirziyan said

Police using tear gas against protesters in Tbilisi

Police are trying to push the protesters off the building

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

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

Fatah, Hamas officials express desire to achieve reconciliation at Beijing talks — envoy

The parties agreed to continue dialogue and seek Palestinian unity as soon as possible

Fire in Ulan-Ude suburb put out — emergencies ministry

Seventeen summer cottages have burnt down