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NAVALNY'S ALLEGED POISONING

Kremlin says Navalny case not central focus of Putin-Merkel conversation

On Monday, the Kremlin press service reported that the leaders discussed the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh, the issues of settlement in Ukraine and implementation of Minsk-2, as well as agreed upon further contacts between the health ministries of Russia and Germany

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russian and German leaders Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel in a recent phone conversation touched on the subject of blogger Alexey Navalny, which, as the spokesman revealed, did not top the agenda.

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Kremlin says cause for sanctions against Russia over Navalny ‘more than dubious’

"In our statement we pointed out those conversation subjects that were the most fully discussed and that are the most important," the spokesman told journalists on Wednesday commenting on the phone conversation between Putin and Merkel on December 7. According to him, "the subject of the Berlin patient was indeed touched upon, which the German side reported on." The Kremlin representative added that no changes were introduced to the statement by the Kremlin press service.

"Neither Putin, nor Merkel are physicians to discuss the issues of [Navalny’s] treatment," the spokesman noted answering a question of how exactly the situation around Navalny was discussed. The spokesman did not provide any explanation, reiterating that "the subject was mentioned."

On Monday, the Kremlin press service reported that Putin and Merkel in a phone conversation hashed over the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh, the issues of settlement in Ukraine and implementation of Minsk-2, as well as agreed upon further contacts between the health ministries of Russia and Germany on the issue of vaccines, among others. The Kremlin did not mention the discussion of the situation around Navalny while Germany’s cabinet of ministers reported about it later.

Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. Later, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital. On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family. According to Berlin, these conclusions were confirmed by laboratories in France and Sweden.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeatedly emphasized that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany and pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.

BRICS looking at creating common digital payment platform

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Nearly half of those present in UN Security Council hall walk out before Israel’s address

israeli Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan was to address the council after Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour

American Abrams tanks vulnerable even to Soviet-era weapons, says expert

US President Joe Biden announced on January 25 that Washington would hand over 31 M1 Abrams tanks to the Kiev regime

Russia knows French military instructors working in Ukraine — Lavrov

At the same time, the top Russian diplomat pointed out that "there is information that not only French mercenaries, but also instructors, maybe even together, but along with some other representatives of military and special services of European countries are working there [in Ukraine]"

Russia open to help resolve situation in Sudan — ambassador

Andrey Chernovol recalled that the Russian embassy is currently located in the temporary capital of Sudan, Port Sudan, and diplomats are in contact with the country's official authorities

Final statement by G7 top diplomats to call for supplying more air defenses to Kiev

Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister said Kiev required US-made Patriot systems and Italian-French Samp-T theatre antimissile systems

Mauritania needs Russian experience in growing grain-crops — Agriculture Minister

According to information presented at the conference, Mauritania has in recent years achieved certain results in the cultivation of several varieties of wheat on its territory

Security guarantees on Ukraine did not apply to Crimea, Donbass — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that "Ukrainian negotiators came and said that, for example, on the issue of maneuvers with the participation of third countries, let's replace the wording 'if all guarantor countries agree' with 'unless the majority agrees'"

US assured Israel that Iranian drones will be intercepted — US journalist Hersh

He also said that the US military contacted Russia and the United Kingdom while evaluating the potential of the Iranian attack

Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

Investigators have established that the funds that were received through commercial organizations, such as the oil and gas company Burisma Holdings operating in Ukraine, have been used to carry out terrorist acts in Russia and abroad

Zelensky's presidential powers to expire May 21 — Ukrainian legislator

Alexander Dubinsky argues that the only situation where the president can continue to fulfill his duties after the expiration of his term is the period until the president-elected takes office

Major Western investor accuses Zelensky's office of extorting millions of euros

Arnulf Damerau said that he provided details of the meeting, along with evidence and a list of names of those involved, to US and European intelligence agencies

Musk says he will not vote for Biden in presidential election

The billionaire commented on his interview with CNBC, published in May last year, when Musk said that he voted for Biden in the 2020 elections

Court arrests another man accused of blowing up car of former SBU officer in Moscow

Ivan Paskar is charged with illegally transporting explosive substances, but he does not recognize his guilt

Russia might register coronavirus vaccine by end of summer - expert

Now the development of the vaccine is at the stage of preclinical trials, they might last another month

Russia to begin next week clinical trials of anti-COVID-19 vaccine for children

This is for the age group of 6 to 11 years old

West frightens voters by 'Russian threat' to win elections — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat pointed out that the anti-Russian rhetoric of Western politicians in power intensifies as the elections approach

Polish premier refuses to hand over his country’s Patriot systems to Ukraine

Donald Tusk said that German Chancellor’s call to send more air defense systems to Kiev had no relation to Poland, provided the country's geographical position near the frontline

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

North Korean leader arrives at public event in Aurus luxury car gifted by Putin

On April 10, the vehicle was also spotted when the North Korean leader visited Kim Jong Il Military and Political Academy

Russia’s sanitary watchdog trains African colleagues on using mobile labs

The exercise involved two mobile laboratories based on Kamaz vehicles, which Russian President Vladimir Putin presented to his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni as a gift at the Russia-Africa summit

Russia forms Moscow, Leningrad military districts amid NATO expansion

"Two new strategic territorial units of the armed forces - the Moscow and Leningrad military districts are being created in response to NATO’s expansion," Valery Gerasimov specified

Indonesia cancels forty flights due to volcano eruption — Internet portal

The Mount Ruang volcano erupted five times on April 17, ejecting an ash column to the height of about three kilometers during its strongest eruption

Russia ready for Ukraine talks, but not with Zelensky — Lavrov

The first negotiations between Russia and Ukraine after the start of the special military operation took place in early March 2022 in Belarus, but they did not bring tangible results

Three Ukrainian soldiers swim across Dnieper to surrender to Russian troops — governor

Vladimir Saldo called on other Ukrainian servicemen to switch to the Russian side and request the corresponding assistance

Kiev ordered mandatory evacuation from Kharkov Region to accommodate mercenaries

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Russia's revenues from oil exports remain high despite price ceiling — IMF

Earlier in its report on the development of the world economy, the IMF noted that Russian oil is sold on the world market mainly above the price ceiling that the West tried to set

West wants to make Transnistria hotbed of tension — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the leaders who rule countries where they claim to be from while holding foreign passports "will not enjoy support and authority for long"

NATO discussing transfer of ‘deep precision strike capabilities’ to Ukraine — Stoltenberg

Stoltenberg said NATO believes Ukraine has the right to strike "legitimate military targets" inside Russia

Iran suspends flights above several cities amid reports of air attack — IRNA

Fox News said the Jewish state delivered a limited strike on Iran

Lavrov labels way West ramping up sanctions against Russia as mindless

According to the foreign minister, Russia has decided not to depend on the West in all spheres, including those in which it can limit the country's development

US blocks Security Council resolution granting full UN membership to Palestine

A total of 12 countries, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the document

Switzerland does not suit Russia for negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

The Foreign Minister pointed to the fact that Switzerland is on board with all Western sanctions

US gives nod to Israeli operation in Rafah in exchange for canceling major attack on Iran

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Russian government increases customs duties on beer from unfriendly countries

This measure is not a prohibitive one and will make it possible to make competitive conditions equal for Russian producers, the ministry said

Ukrainian drones continue to fly over Zaporozhye NPP — press service

On April 19, the Ukrainian military attacked the training center of Zaporozhye NPP again, but the drone was neutralized over the roof of the building

West close to sending military to Ukraine, this would 'drag Europe to bottom' — Orban

"This military whirlpool can drag Europe to the bottom. Brussels is playing with fire and angering God," the Hungarian prime minister said

KazMunayGas, Sibur, Sinopec sign protocol on plant construction in Kazakhstan

Construction of the plant in the Atyrau region is planned to be completed by 2029

Lavrov speaks of West’s agony, Russia’s approach to any future talks with Kiev

The Russian foreign minister also described Armenia and Russia as more than formal allies

Caucasus Investment Forum to take place in Grozny this year — organizer

The Caucasus Investment Forum "will serve as a platform for negotiations and a place to conclude business contracts for investment projects and public-private partnerships in Russia’s regions," the Foundation said

US volunteer Russel Bentley missing in Donetsk killed — RT editor-in-chief

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Iran may target Israeli nuclear center in Dimona in case of Israel’s attack — TV

Ahmad Haghtalab said on April 18 that Tehran has identified the location of Israel's "nuclear centers" and will be ready to destroy them in case the Jewish state responds to the recent Iranian attack on Israeli military facilities

Armenia has to define CSTO’s zone of responsibility on its territory, says Lavrov

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US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

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One crew member of jet crashed in Stavropol Region killed, search for another continues

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, an Aerospace Forces’ Tu-22M3 bomber crashed after completing a combat mission while returning to the airfield

Russia has significant amount of West’s funds in case of confiscation of its assets

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G7 leaders to decide on Russian assets use — Italian Deputy PM

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Ukrainians abroad storming embassies to avoid mobilization, Russian diplomat says

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Russia not to go for settlement on Ukraine based on 'Zelensky formula' — Lavrov

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Russia delivers 34 strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure over week — top brass

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UK imposes sanctions against leading Iranian military figures — Foreign Office

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Russian military closely monitors all Ukrainian 'novelties' — Kremlin on UAVs

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World’s anti-doping agency WADA still waits for Russia’s 2023 financial contribution

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Ukrainian president admits Russian troops’ advancement

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Russia’s export duty on wheat to be $37.42 per metric ton from April 24

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Bank of Russia supports accelerating bill on international cryptocurrency payments

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Russian forces destroy Ukrainian army’s aircraft park near Nikolayev — defense ministry

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Proposals on Russian assets confiscation undermine financial system — Finance Minister

Russia urges the International Monetary Fund to resume the effort of improving the global monetary and financial system, Anton Siluanov noted

Izvestia correspondent Semyon Eremin killed in special operation zone

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US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace 13 times in past day

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Russia handed over draft agreement to Ukraine on April 15, still no response — diplomat

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Swiss parliament votes against joining task force on frozen Russian assets

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Egypt’s Ambassador talk BRICS cooperation, arms control

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US, UK refuse to discuss document about Israel’s strike on Syria — Russian mission to UN

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BRICS looking at creating common digital payment platform

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that BRICS nations have already established a special channel for information exchange between their central banks

Unidentified man attempts suicide outside courthouse where Trump trial is underway

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Israel may have used banned white phosphorus munitions while shelling Lebanon — TV

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French president says creating Israeli-type air defense network for Ukraine impossible

Emmanuel Macron added that Europe’s resources are limited, and the European Union will continue helping Kiev keeping in mind its own reserves

US House passes procedural vote on Ukraine aid bill

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Hungarians in western Ukraine should get their rights back, Budapest says

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Armenia’s relations with Russia not at their highest — top diplomat

Ararat Mirzoyan also said that Yerevan is currently making efforts to expand cooperation with the European Union and the United States

BRICS’ expansion makes it much stronger — senior Russian diplomat

Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia, became full-fledged members of BRICS from January 1, 2024

Kiev lacks both troops and equipment near Chasov Yar in DPR, says retired general

Military commanders of Ukrainian army brigades "lack both personnel and the required amount of equipment" while Russian troops enjoy a considerable superiority, especially in artillery, Sergey Krivonos noted

Russian economy proves resilience amid large-scale sanctions — IMF

The IMF states that the restrictions led to the need to rebuild the economy

Ukrainian trace obvious in Crocus City Hall attack — Russian prosecutor general

The law enforcement employees exert efforts to identify the instigators of this crime, Igor Krasnov said

Drones downed over Isfahan cause no damage, says Iranian foreign minister

It is reported that several drones had been intercepted by the national air defense forces over Isfahan

Russia bans 235 Australian local government officials from entering country — MFA

"Taking into account the fact that Canberra does not intend to give up its anti-Russian course and continues to introduce new sanctions, work on updating the Russian stop list will continue," the ministry said

Crimea, Donbass to forever remain within Russia, Slovak PM tells national parliament

Robert Fico believes Moscow will win in its confrontation with Kiev

Putin signs law on holding World Friendship Games

Funding will be provided from the federal, regional and local budgets, as well as taxes from gambling transferred to the organizer

Russia’s defense chief inspects production of tanks, flamethrowers at Siberian enterprise

Sergey Shoigu handed down an instruction for the defense enterprise to ramp up the production of T-80BVM tanks, the Defense Ministry said

Iran has no plans to immediately retaliate to attack on its soil — agency

"We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack," a senior Iranian official reported

French, US, British nukes all interwoven — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova described France’s decision to place its aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, directly under NATO control as a symbolic move marking the end of "the era of an independent Paris in the international arena"

Pipeline explodes in Kharkov Region

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Two pilots of jet that crashed in southern Russia hospitalized

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Russian instructors help train over 10,000 Central African troops — CAR president

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Russia’s advanced radar in Kaliningrad to monitor entire territory of Europe — source

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Russia to scrap moratorium on intermediate missiles if US deploys them anywhere — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov said the US seeks to maintain military superiority in a great variety of areas

Russian economy positively influences neighboring countries — Deputy PM

In 2023 the Russian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, Alexey Overchuk said

Russian military base may appear in CAR’s eastern region — President Touadera

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No plans for pauses in fighting if talks on Ukraine begin, Lavrov says

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that the situation on the ground had changed significantly

Russian stock indices rising on Friday

The MOEX Russia Index edged up by 0.44%, the RTS Index surged by 1.13%