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Senator has reason to view Facebook’s blocking of Russian delegation’s page as deliberate

Alexey Pushkov noted that Facebook had earlier repeatedly violated Russian laws and regulations

MOSCOW, January 19. /TASS/. There are reasons to believe that Facebook deliberately blocked the page of Russia’s delegation to the Vienna talks on military security and arms control, Chairman of the Russian Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Commission on Information Policy Alexey Pushkov told TASS.

A spokesperson for Facebook owner Meta Platforms said earlier that the company apologized for the inconvenience as the page had been blocked automatically by mistake. "However, a number of questions remain to be answered. First, why the automatic system’s mistake occurred at a time when everyone’s attention was focused on talks on security guarantees for Russia and the OSCE and Russia’s position on the issue. Second, why was it a nameless representative who offered apologies instead of a statement by the company’s top officials, given that it was the page of an official Russian delegation that had been blocked and not an individual account," Pushkov explained. "Third, why did the automatic system block a page where official documents were posted?" he added.

Pushkov noted that Facebook had earlier repeatedly violated Russian laws and regulations, refusing to delete banned content and blocking Russian news outlets and individual users.

Earlier, Facebook limited access to the Russian delegation’s official page. Russia’s telecom watchdog demanded on January 16 that the account be immediately unblocked, saying that the blocking was "an act of censorship, prohibited under the Russian Constitution." Facebook unblocked the Russian delegation’s page on January 17.

A source close to the watchdog told TASS that "the possibility of slowing Facebook down in Russia has been discussed.".

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The summit will start in the evening, with a friendly dinner for all arrived leaders

BRICS considering 15 countries as its potential partners — BRICS aide

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Brazilian, Cuban presidents not to attend BRICS Summit in Kazan — Kremlin aide

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Turkey sees threat in Greater Israel plans — ruling party

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Lavrov slams 'deception' Biden's words about US readiness for nuclear talks with Russia

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Around 85 small-capacity LNG facilities may be built in Russia — Energy Ministry

At the same time, there are currently 22 small-capacity LNG plants operating in Russia, with an average capacity utilization of 56%

Putin, Guterres to discuss Middle East, Ukraine at BRICS Summit — Kremlin aide

The UN secretary-general last visited Russia more than two years ago, on April 26, 2022

Moving frontline 40 km away from Nikopol needed to start Zaporozhye NPP — Governor

The two cities are located on the right bank of the Dnieper controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Ukraine becomes hostage of West's colonial philosophy — governor

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US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace 20 times in past day

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Russian forces block Ukrainian group in Selidovo — security forces

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Russian forces strike Ukrainian energy sites, military airfields over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel, two motor vehicles and a 122mm D-30 howitzer

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine will not have POW status — Russian military

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned that all foreign mercenaries, detained in Ukraine, would be brought to justice on criminal charges

Nearly 40 countries to take part in BRICS Plus/Outreach format in Kazan — Kremlin

The BRICS leaders will exchange views on topical issues on the global and regional agenda, discuss the three main areas of cooperation outlined by the Russian chairmanship

Moldova’s president alleges 'unprecedented' plot to buy off votes

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Putin grants Russian citizenship to Finnish human rights activist

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Russian forces strike Ukrainian seaborne drone factory in Zaporozhye

As Vladimir Rogov pointed out, "the Ukrainian regime tried to present it as if our troops delivered a strike at a shopping mall"

Repelling enemy counterattacks, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Russian troops have repelled a Ukrainian counterattack in the area of Novoivanovka, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia-North Korea cooperation not directed against South Korea — embassy

Earlier, South Korean diplomats reported that First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun had met with the Russian ambassador

India eyeing coal imports from Mongolia via Russia — newspaper

"This route allows India to avoid over-reliance on transit through China," a government source told The Economic Times

In Moldovan election Sandu gets 42.45%, Stoianoglo, 25.99% with 100% reports reviewed

Since none of the candidates collected more than 50% of the votes, a runoff will have to be held on November 3

Guterres’ visit to Kazan shows BRICS became important for West — official

President of the BRICS International Forum Purnima Anand pointed out the importance and the value of the upcoming event

Russian tourist visas being denied en masse by Argentinian authorities

According to Georgy Polin, the migration service justifies its refusals by the provision of the Russian-Argentinian agreement on visa-free travel "according to which the holders of ordinary Russian passports may enter, exit, transit and stay in Argentina without a visa for not more than 90 days within each period of 180 days"

Russia, Iran almost completely shift to national currencies — Kremlin

Russia and Iran are implementing several large-scale mutual projects in the sphere of transport and energy, the press service added

Kiev's Kursk gamble alienates prospects for conflict settlement — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya stressed that "by invading the territory of Russia recognized by all the states of the world, the Ukrainian armed forces have demonstrated to the world majority their terrorist and aggressive nature"

Date of Iranian president’s visit to Russia to be agreed soon — Kremlin aide

"We have agreed that neither we nor the Iranian side want to delay this visit," Yury Ushakov stressed

Kalashnikov arms producer to deliver Kub kamikaze drones to foreign customer

Kub guided loitering munitions designed to strike enemy armor and manpower have proven their worth in the special military operation in Ukraine

Kremlin keeps lid on Putin's secretive talks with world leaders

"We continue to prefer maintaining a very responsible stance in terms of not making public the conversations that are held at the highest level," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Biden, Putin didn’t communicate directly recently — White House

US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby also added that the US is doing an "awful lot" to counter Russia’s purported attempts to meddle in the American election

Hamas leader disguises himself in women's clothing to avoid capture by Israel — media

The Israeli army believes that Yahya Sinwar’s arrest or killing would mean the collapse of Hamas’ leadership hierarchy and its subsequent dissolution

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Turkey's Kazan Summit participation shows strong BRICS interest — ambassador to Russia

Anton Kobyakov is confident that this coperation "will contribute to the further development of relations"

Russian troops destroy several dozen mercenaries from Latin America in DPR over two weeks

The location of the Ukrainian army’s foreign mercenaries is uncovered by data-recording equipment and radio intercepts, the defense circles said

Vietnam's parliament elects General Luong Cuong as country's new president

According to the National Assembly, the resolution to elect Luong Cuong, 67, as head of state was supported by 440 out of 440 lawmakers present at the session

Germany inaugurates new NATO naval HQ in Rostock

The new headquarters will be tasked to plan join naval drills with allies and partners and will direct NATO’s naval operations in times of peace, crisis and war

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Back in the USSR: The Young Pioneers, the Soviet Union’s version of the Boy Scouts

On May 19, 1922 All-Union Young Pioneer Organization was founded

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West wanted Georgia to begin 3-4 day war on Russia — ruling party founder

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Belarusian tennis star Arina Sobolenko back in top place of WTA Rankings

The Belarusian player, who competes at the international tournaments under a neutral status, returned to the top of the WTA Rankings for the second time in her career after she reigned the list of the world’s best female players last year for eight weeks - between September 11 and November 5, 2023

Pentagon chief Austin arrives in Kiev — news agency

According to the agency, the purpose of the Pentagon chief's visit is to demonstrate support for Ukraine ahead of the US elections

Ukrainian forces out of chances to break through to Kursk NPP — Russian fighter

According to a Russian commander, more than 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers died in an attempt to implement the so-called blitzkrieg plan in Kursk region to give Russia a nuclear ultimatum

Putin meets with his UAE counterpart in Kremlin

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Press review: Kazan readies for BRICS summit and Israel's plan to attack Iran leaked

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Indian company makes agreement on Russian Standard vodka distribution in India

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Record 93,200 new Chinese cars sold in Russia in September

According to the report, the previous record was set in August, with 90,098 vehicles sold

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The new route iscussed during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Kyrgyzstan will run across the territory of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea

Russia calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon — ambassador in Israel

Anatoly Viktorov noted the "strategic failure" of the US policy

France in discussion with partners about inviting Ukraine to NATO immediately

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is on a two-day visit to Kiev

Post-Soviet security bloc thwarts enemy invasion in Tajikistan drills

Under the scenario of the drills, the notional enemy crossed the state border in several directions, the report specified

Putin to hold talks with UAE president at Kremlin

The Kremlin press service announced that the two leaders plan to discuss "the state and prospects for the development of multifaceted Russian-UAE cooperation and pressing issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and North Africa region"

Independent payment system to protect BRICS against economic pressure — expert

Gao Jian noted that 45% of the Earth population are living in BRICS countries and BRICS members reached 36% of the global GDP by the purchasing power parity, being above G7 figures

Right-wing conservatives in Europe loyal to their electorates, not Russia — Lavrov

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Abnormal voting for Sandu, Eurointegration seen in Moldovan election — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov explained what the unfree election campaign in Moldova was all about

Lavrov rejects British PM’s remark about Istanbul talks between Russia, Ukraine as lie

In his latest memoir, Boris Johnson attempted to deny responsibility for derailing the Istanbul talks, Russian foreign minister said

Putin to have a series of bilateral meetings on sidelines of BRICS Summit

The summit will start in the evening, with a friendly dinner for all arrived leaders

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BRICS member states are now overtaking the G7 countries in terms of output, Andrey Koshkin emphasized

Russia says its Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kursk Region

The strike on the previously detected enemy targets were delivered with air-borne missiles

Biden suffered undisclosed ‘medical emergency’ in Nevada on July 17 — journalist

According to Jordan Schachtel, the emergency was far more serious than the general malaise

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

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

West ready to blow up dam in Kiev to pin blame on Russia — Zaporozhye head

Yevgeny Balitsky stressed that Russians and Ukrainians are a single nation

US’ new aid package to Ukraine to include munitions, anti-tank systems — White House

According to the report, the package includes "more 155 artillery ammunition, as well as 105 millimeter ammunition, HIMARS ammunition and additional Javelin anti-tank systems"

Kremlin sees no links between cancellations on Russia, Brazilian leaders’ visits

The press service of the Brazilian president said earlier in the day that Lula da Silva would not be able to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24 because of health problems

Every participant in BRICS summit can feel free to discuss Ukraine — Kremlin

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Putin to summarize BRICS summit results, Kremlin aide says

Yury Ushakov added that "BRICS leaders will adopt the summit's final document"

UK journalist Phillips granted temporary asylum in Russia

He was blacklisted by the UK over the situation in Ukraine

Cargo plane downed over Sudan by mistake, no survivors reported — website

According to the report, one RSF commander said on a video, published by the militia, that it downed an "Egyptian Antonov plane" using "guided missiles

Israeli military says Hezbollah bunker holding $0.5 bln discovered in Beirut

IDF demonstrated a 3D animation of the bunker under the hospital

Concern mounts in Netherlands about superbug from Ukraine

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Putin grants citizenship to first US political refugee in Russia — decree

The media wrote that John Robles had lived in Russia since the 1990s, working as a teacher and international journalist

Lavrov calls on West, Kiev to abandon idea of Ukraine joining NATO

"In Kiev, separate regulations have been issued to cancel any cultural activities in Russian," Russian foreign minister noted

FSB seizes 41 kilograms of gold from illegal miners

According to the report, the illegally mined gold was sold in Yekaterinburg

Putin, Abbas to exchange views on measures to halt bloodshed in Gaza — Kremlin

Russia's position on the Middle East settlement calls for a political and diplomatic solution, as part of which an independent Palestinian state should be established to coexist in peace and security with Israel

BRICS to become major power in 20 years — body’s treasurer

At the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan, the leaders of the organization's member countries plan to discuss "the challenges their countries are facing" at the moment, as well as "providing financial assistance to the alliance members" and "transition to trade in national currencies," Ruhail Ranjan pointed out

Hezbollah attempts to assassinate two more Israeli politicians — TV

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused an Iranian proxy of trying to kill him and his wife in a drone attack near the city of Caesarea on October 19 and vowed it will not stop Israel from pressing on with its military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah

Ukrainian military losses mounting, Russian forces continue to advance — Foreign Affairs

According to Jack Watling, "Ukrainian forces have become dangerously stretched"

Putin to meet with Erdogan, Xi, Modi, Abbas, Guterres in Kazan

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said that the series of talks will begin on October 22

South Korean Foreign Ministry summons Russian envoy

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Reactor assembly completed at first power unit of Rooppur nuclear plant

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Israel’s war cabinet discusses 'new ideas' for releasing hostages from Gaza — adviser

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory

US private military company’s main forces leave Kursk Region — Russian serviceman

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Russian Office of General Prosecutor closely monitors Northern Sea Route expansion

"The Arctic region remains one of global environmental security zones," Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said

BRICS summit, not US elections, will determine course of history — Russian official

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Press review: Zelensky sees nukes as only alternative to NATO and Hamas loses its leader

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US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

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Referendum on accession to BRICS possible in Serbia — Vucic

According to president, the BRICS’ popularity rating in Serbia has reached 42%

Sandu must prove that 'criminal groups' stole her votes — Kremlin

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Medvedev says Russia's tasks are to weaken West, disintegrate US

The politician emphasized that Russia is also helped in this by the United States, "because their goal is to dominate the Old World (as well as the rest of the world)"