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Conflict in Syria

Syrian presidential election due in 2021 as scheduled — foreign minister

It will not be linked with the activity of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, according to the country's top diplomat

DAMASCUS, September 7./TASS/. A presidential election in Syria will be held next year, in accordance with the constitution, and it will be free and transparent, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem told a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov on Monday.

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Work of Syrian Constitutional Committee might be under threat — Russian foreign minister

"The holding of the future presidential election in Syria is not linked with the activity of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, and it will be held in time, in 2021," the top diplomat said. According to him, the election "will be free and transparent and any citizen whose nomination does not run counter to the requirements of the constitution will be able to take part," Walid Muallem said.

He explained that all recommendations as to constitutional amendments, as well as the text of a possible new constitution, pending approval by the participants in the Syrian Constitutional Committee, would be then put to a nationwide referendum.

"There are no time limits for drafting a new constitution, the main demand is that it should be in line with the aspirations of the Syrian people," he stressed.

The Syrian Constitutional Committee kicked off its work in October 2019. It is tasked to elaborate the country’s new constitution or amend the one in force since 2012.

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Syrian conflict

OPCW technical secretariat involved in Kiev’s chemical provocation against Russia — Moscow

The OPCW report will be reviewed during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties, due in The Hague on November 25-29, 2024

German defense minister says wrong time to discuss peace in Ukraine

Boris Pistorius claimed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz's phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin did not affect Moscow's position

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

Russia says its forces downed 5 ATACMS missiles that Ukraine fired into Bryansk Region

According to the report, the missiles fell on the technical territory of a military site in the Bryansk Region, causing a fire, which was extinguished

Russia national football team enjoys 4-0 win over Syria at home friendly match

The goals in the match, which was attended by over 35,620 spectators at the stadium, were scored by Maxim Osipenko (33rd and 80th minutes), Ilya Samoshnikov (53rd minute) and Alexey Miranchuk (66th minute)

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

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

Ukraine’s allies doubt impact of US approval of strikes against Russia on conflict balance

According to the media, the Ukrainian army has been losing ground in recent months "amid heavy pressure from more numerous and better-equipped Russian troops"

Russia adapts its nuclear doctrine to modern realities — Kremlin

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the Foundations of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence, the country’s updated nuclear doctrine

Egyptian Prime Minister announces installation of 'melt trap' at El Dabaa NPP

According to Mostafa Madbouly, "the current global energy crisis confirms Egypt’s right choice to embrace renewable energy sources"

Strikes on Ukrainian military sites to prevent launch of missiles — Russian lawmaker

According to Andrey Kartapolov, Russia "will definitely" respond to such a decision by Western countries

Borrell condemns Russia’s decision to update nuclear doctrine

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the Foundations of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence, the country’s updated nuclear doctrine

Turkey ready to continue mediatory efforts toward settling Ukrainian crisis — Erdogan

"Ukraine is our neighbor. Russia is our neighbor too," the Turkish leader noted

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Russian UAVs strike Zaporozhye infrastructure — official

The Russian Armed Forces carried out the attack at night

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine released on schedule, says Kremlin

Earlier today, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ratifying the updated nuclear doctrine, Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence

Kiev won’t benefit from permission to strike Russia due to manpower shortage — expert

According to Jennifer Kavanagh, the decision to allow attacks on Russian territory won’t change the course of hostilities in the special military operation zone as Ukraine has no significant stockpiles of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Current escalation of Ukrainian conflict not seen as world war harbinger — Pentagon

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

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

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

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

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"

Russian troops liberate Novoselidovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored vehicles over the past day, the ministry reported

Serbian president calls for talks on Ukraine amid nuclear escalation threats

He warned that further escalation is fraught with a "full-scale nuclear conflict"

Zelensky presents 10-point plan about country's future to Rada, omits several key points

The plan’s ten points are unity, the front, weapons, finance, energy, security, local governance, human capital, "cultural sovereignty," and social assistance to the military

Netanyahu arrives in Gaza, offers $5 mln for each released hostage

"The choice is in your hands, but the result will be the same," the prime minister said

Xi Jinping, Putin lay foundation for next level of strategic partnership — top diplomat

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Beijing "is ready to work with Russia to further strengthen cooperation and cohesion"

Top Iranian diplomat urges to 'prepare for war'

"We have announced that the recent Israeli operation against Iran is nothing but another aggression," Abbas Araghchi pointed out

Russian peacekeepers help five more refugees leave Rukban camp in Syria

More than 4,300 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon

Netherlands regrets leak of Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia

Meanwhile, the Netherlands has repeatedly stated that it imposes no restrictions on the use or range of weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, the country is supplying to Kiev

Ukraine will not compromise on territorial rights, Zelensky tells Rada

On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the country’s conditions for resolving the situation in Ukraine, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass and Novorossiya, and Ukraine renouncing its NATO membership ambitions

Repair of damaged cable in the Baltic Sea to start next week — operator

First information about the failure was received at 04:00 a.m. local time (02:00 a.m. UTC) on November 11

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

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

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Le Figaro removes statement about France authorizing strikes against Russia

The newspaper has not yet responded to a TASS inquiry asking why the statement was removed

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

Ukraine admits responsibility for Odessa missile incident where civilians injured

Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shary commented on the statement by saying that Ukraine’s air force officials only agreed to recognize this because "the media started posting photos of Patriot wreckage"

Astana will work with Moscow regardless of secondary sanctions threat — ambassador

Dauren Abayev reiterated that there is a strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Russia and the two countries are close allies

Biden’s decision to allow strikes on Russia fails to unite allies around Kiev — Bloomberg

The German leadership declined to follow the US’ example on long-range missiles, the news agency recalled

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

ATACMS strikes on Bryansk Region sign West wants escalation — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the Russian leader had warned Western countries how Russia’s position would change if "this range of weapons that we are now talking about, i.e. up to 300 kilometers, is approved"

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

Press review: Biden OKs long-range missile use as backlash to Scholz’s Putin call grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 18th

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"

Case against Georgian mercenary, prisoners, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Twenty-four Ukrainian servicemen surrendered as prisoners of war over the past day

US to keep sharing intel with Ukraine for operations against Russia — official

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller was commenting on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks about direct American involvement in strikes on Russian territory

Russia, North Korea agree to increase number of charter flights

Russia introduced e-visas for North Korean tourists last year

China’s new microwave weapon can scorch low-orbit satellites — expert

Engineers from China have surmounted obstacles and built a system consisting of seven emitting devices and their experimental firings have confirmed that it can effectively suppress signals of the US GPS and other satellites," Alexander Stepanov said

Russia to seek after transparent investigation of Nord Stream terrorist act — Lavrov

The minister explained why the provision of infrastructure protection was added to the declaration

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

According to former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, the United States "is a direct party to the invasion and occupation of Russian soil," because it helped Kiev plan its incursion into the Kursk Region

Zelensky asserts intention to use long-range ATACMS for strikes on Russia

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that on Monday night into Tuesday, Ukraine attacked Russia’s borderline Bryansk Region with six ATACMS missiles

Pentagon doesn’t see any signs that Russia prepares to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

The US Department of Defense wasn’t surprised by Russia's update to its nuclear doctrine, according to the spokeswoman

More than 5 drones attack industrial enterprise in Russia’s Voronezh Region — governor

According to Alexander Gusev, firefighters and other emergency management services are working at the scene

Lavrov says EU goes through deep crisis as more countries refuse to support US policies

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

Russian forces advance 1.5 km in Novoselka area of DPR — official

Vladimir Rogov added that Velikaya Novoselka is a major logistics hub for the Ukrainian armed forces

Iran ready to stop enriching uranium — Reuters

Tehran has also agreed to consider allowing four more IAEA inspectors to work in Iran, the news agency noted

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine contains 'very important messages' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also noted that Russia has consistently maintained a responsible position and taken necessary steps to mitigate the nuclear threat and prevent the worsening of international relations

US-made projectile strikes to destroy ties between Moscow, Washington — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin added that these weapons "may cause damage but it will not change the situation on the battlefield"

Time's up for canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church — Zelensky

According to Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Zelensky delivered his speech behind closed doors, with no broadcasting

FACTBOX: Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania resigns

The president’s resignation was supported by 28 out of 31 lawmakers who took part in the vote

Biden administration tries to prevent Trump from ending war in Ukraine — expert

Wang Wen called the next few months a "high-risk period" in the conflict

Biden’s missile strike decision complicates Trump’s Russia policy amid growing tensions

According to expert Zheng Renyi, "if Trump stops aid, he will face strong domestic criticism for appearing weak and will likely lose support, especially from Republican hawks who back Ukraine"

Decision on strikes inside Russia seals US puppet Zelensky’s fate — commentator

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

Six European countries accuse Russia of allegedly attacking security architecture

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

US State Department confirms US president authorized strikes deep inside Russia

Earlier, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to comment on reports that Washington had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Press review: Trump forms foreign policy team and Europe sets course for militarization

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 13th

New German government should focus on repairing and reactivating Nord Stream 2 — lawmaker

Sahra Wagenknecht underscored that the pipeline explosions were "a devastating blow to the [German] economy and an act of sabotage targeting German and European infrastructure"

Area near US base in northeastern Syria comes under shelling attack — TV

The Sham FM radio station reported earlier that explosions were heard in the area, which could be a missile strike

Abkhazian parliament accepts resignation of republic’s president

Following talks between the government and the opposition that lasted from Monday night to Tuesday morning, Aslan Bzhania submitted his resignation "in order to preserve stability and constitutional order in the country"

Russia has no plans to ‘tango on its own’ in relations with US — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that it wasn’t Moscow but Washington that initiated "the race of sanctions"

Giving Kiev Taurus missiles tantamount to declaring war on Russia — German politician

Sahra Wagenknecht pointed out that the US decision to strike deep into Russia is another step towards a major war

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

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"

Lavrov lauds Scholz’s refusal to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine as responsible choice

The Russian foreign minister noted that the German chancellor's stance "differs from the position of the British and the French"

Russia’s renewed nuclear doctrine unlikely to alter special mil-op’s nature — senator

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

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

Russia could deploy new weapons if Ukraine hits Russia with US missiles, warns senior MP

"It is not out of the question that new weapons systems, which have not yet been used against Ukraine, could be employed," Vyacheslav Volodin said

UN concerned about possible escalation amid Ukrainian strike on Bryansk

"The UN has always expressed our concern about the escalation and <…> the fact that this conflict is even continuing, let alone escalating," UN secretary-general’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said

New doctrine means Russia can use nuclear weapons in Ukrainian conflict — analyst

"This document means a lot for the Ukrainian conflict," Vladimir Zharikhin noted

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

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

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

Putin approves Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Progress MS-27 fragments that survived re-entry land in Pacific — Roscosmos

The spaceship undocked from the ISS at 3:53 p.m. Moscow time (12:53 a.m. GMT) on Tuesday, brought its engines to a halt and switched to a free flight

Cable rupture in Baltic Sea caused by sabotage, German defense minister believes

Boris Pistorius is not "inclined to accept the explanation that the damage was caused by an anchor hitting the cable"

Lavrov hopes West will read Russia's updated nuclear doctrine 'in its entirety'

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine stipulates a potential nuclear strike in response to Ukraine’s use of Western-made conventional missiles against Russia

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

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’s updated nuclear doctrine mandates permanent readiness of nuclear forces

Both the updated and earlier versions of the document emphasize the existence of "combat-ready forces and means capable of inflicting irreparable damage to a potential adversary in any situation through the secure use of nuclear weapons"

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

Borrell confirms US greenlit deeper strikes inside Russia

According to the diplomat, EU foreign ministers discussed the issue at their meeting

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"

Russian air defenses destroy seven Ukrainian drones over Bryansk Region

There were no reported casualties or destruction and emergency response services are working at the scene, Alexander Bogomaz said

US approval of strikes on Russia derails hopes for peace talks — Slovak PM

"Those who support US President [Joe] Biden's decision are in favor of the start of World War III," Robert Fico noted

Governmental commission passes ban on cryptocurrency mining in some regions from December

The office of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that the Energy Ministry saw it as prudent to ban the mining of digital currency in areas facing critical regulatory and fiscal parameters

OPCW technical secretariat involved in Kiev’s chemical provocation against Russia — Moscow

The OPCW report will be reviewed during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties, due in The Hague on November 25-29, 2024

Lavrov says West wanted to downplay Gaza crisis in G20 declaration

According to the top Russian diplomat, the declaration contains a paragraph detailing what is going on in Gaza, highlighting the tragic, catastrophic situation Gaza’s population is in

Russian president to visit India — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that preparations for the visit which is of a great significance for Moscow will kick off soon

Potential adversaries, criteria for use: Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

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

US military industrial complex seeks to unleash World War III — Donald Trump Jr.

"The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives," he said

Putin, Trump have ways to get in contact with each other, Kremlin says

Trump said in an interview with NBC on November 8 that he had not yet spoken to the Russian president after his election win, but allowed for such a possibility

FACTBOX: Central Bank chief’s statement in State Duma

The national economy is in the "breaking point" and inflation slowdown can be expected in coming months

Admiral Nakhimov cruiser to sail out on auxiliary engines in November

The physical launch of the two nuclear reactors will take place after the return to Sevmash, the source said

Russia may retaliate with nuclear weapons if Kiev uses Western-made missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted the nuclear doctrine’s provisions that "aggression against the Russian Federation by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state is viewed as their joint attack"