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Possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus raised by French leader — Kremlin

Earlier, the Belarusian foreign minister said that Belarus was ready to deploy nuclear weapons in case of a threat from NATO

MOSCOW, February 8. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron initiated the discussion on the possible deployment of Moscow’s nuclear weapons in Belarus during the talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Peskov stated that it was President Macron who put forward this issue at a meeting on February 7. At the same time, the Kremlin spokesman emphasized that he had nothing to add to the issues raised at the press conference.

Earlier, following the talks with the Russian head of state, the French leader said that he expressed some concerns over the new draft of the Belarusian constitution and President Alexander Lukashenko’s words about nuclear weapons, noting that he received assurances from Putin regarding this issue.

Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said that the country was ready to deploy nuclear weapons in case of a threat from NATO. Lukashenko has previously noted that Minsk would propose Moscow to take such steps if the alliance deployed nuclear weapons in Poland.

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Foreign policy France Dmitry Peskov Emmanuel Macron

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Maria Zakharova stated that the US-NATO construction project, ongoing for nearly a decade with complete disregard to Russian security concerns, has consistently been a focus of Russia's attention

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"

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

Admiral Nakhimov cruiser to sail out on auxiliary engines in November

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US sees no preconditions for Russia to use nuclear weapons — news agency

According to the report, the updated nuclear doctrine did not come as a surprise for Washington

Biden’s ATACMS decision aimed at tying his successor’s hands — expert

In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning"

US strategic forces ready for Biden-Trump transition — Pentagon

"The nuclear forces is ready on January 19, just like it will be ready on January, 20," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

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"

Pentagon confirms that US authorized use of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine

Ukrainian side had committed to not using the mines in areas populated by civilians

Russian troops raise flag in central Kurakhovo in Donetsk region — politician

Russian army units have advanced much farther into the city’s northern part, in particular, along the southern bank of the Kurakhovo reservoir, Vladimir Rogov specified

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Russian troops liberate Ilyinka community in Donbass region over past day

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At least 66 people killed in Gaza Strip by an Israeli strike — Al Jazeera

It was also reported that over 100 people were wounded

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

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World Aquatics withdraws ban on participation of Russian athletes in relay races

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UK police say no video evidence of Russians’ involvement in Salisbury case

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All restrictions that Western countries impose affect themselves in the first place, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov added

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The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

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Normal interaction between Russia and Sweden will not resume yet — Russian ambassador

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ATACMS missiles unlikely to keep Kiev from losing conflict — American expert

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Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

Russian Navy’s conventional sub makes business call at Malaysian port

It is reported that upon the completion of the friendly visit, the Russian and Malaysian Navies are set to conduct the PASSEX joint drills in the South China Sea

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

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Zelensky begs ‘for his country to be flattened’ — US journalist

"Ukraine should be forever grateful that President Putin is calm, rational and kind - because Zelensky is practically begging for his country to be flattened," American political commentator Jackson Hinkle said

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Ukraine’s former top commander sought to blow up Turkish Stream pipeline, report says

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According to Vasily Nebenzya, the Security Council should "bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Middle East"

Canada neglects its sovereignty by approving transfer of land mines to Kiev — diplomat

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Biden’s decision to use ATACMS against Russia may 'blow up in America’s face' — US expert

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FACTBOX: What is known about UAV attacks on Russian regions

During the night, air defenses intercepted and destroyed two Ukrainian UAVs in the skies over the Rostov and Volgograd regions

Humanitarian situation in Gorlovka harsh as Ukraine targets key infrastructure — DPR head

More than 80,000 users were left without power in Gorlovka on Tuesday morning due to the Ukrainian armed forces' shelling

Pentagon refrains from commenting on Ukraine’s missile attack on Bryansk region

Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also declined a request to comment on the US permission to use ATACMS missiles for deep strikes on Russia

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Jeremy Corbyn called for de-escalation of the situationin Ukraine and the search for a diplomatic solution to achieve peace

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US decision on strikes inside Russia stems from malice rather than strategy — journalist

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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

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Ukraine, not Russia, posing a threat to the Baltic region — Kremlin

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

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Russian forces push Ukrainian troops 10 km away from Lisichansk in LPR — expert

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

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Putin orders protection of critical infrastructure, including Crimean Bridge — Kremlin

Kiev has not accepted the legitimate results of the 2014 referendum, in which the people of Crimea and Sevastopol voted to become part of Russia, and is displeased by the operation of the Crimean Bridge, which connects the Kerch Strait with the Krasnodar Region

Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

Sergey Naryshkin observed that the military and political elites in the West are increasingly recognizing the gravity of Russia's intentions and the need for greater caution in their actions

French Foreign Ministry refuses to disclose number of SCALP missiles shipped to Ukraine

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Official declines to say if US gives Ukraine targeting data for Storm Shadow missiles

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller also declined to discuss the presumed first strike on Russia with the missiles

Moscow-Washington hotline not in use now — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that there have been no contacts via this new channel lately

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

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

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 forces gain foothold in central Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

While Ukrainian commanders have been making every effort to stabilize the situation in Chasov Yar, Kiev does not have enough soldiers, weapons or military hardware for that, Andrey Marochko said

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

NATO enters conflict, Russia has every right to attack its targets now — expert

Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson confirmed to TASS that the launch of ATACMS missiles would be impossible without "US/NATO satellite feeds and/or personnel"

Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

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US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

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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 uses veto right to block new UN Security Council draft resolution on ceasefire in Gaza

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Ukraine creates 'sabotage manual' showing former citizens how to get Russia — lawmaker

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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

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

Elon Musk denies his impact on Trump’s decisions on nominates for cabinet positions

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Ukraine conflict moves towards NATO-Russia direct clash — expert

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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

Biden’s actions increase likelihood of escalation in Ukraine — PM

Viktor Orban asserted that the government’s mission is to prevent Hungary from being dragged into the Ukrainian conflict

Putin confirms Russia’s readiness to assist CAR with security challenges

"Both leaders exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on the fight against the terrorist threat and ensuring stability across the Central African Republic," the statement reads

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

Belarusian TV to air documentary film about foreign mlitary invasion plan

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Russian forces strike ammo plant in Ukraine’s Sumy Region in drone attack

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Russia to use revenues from frozen assets of Western investors — Finance Minister

Tit-for-tat measures will be implemented after receiving information about unfriendly actions of Western countries, Anton Siluanov noted

Xi Jinping calls for unification of more voices for peace in Ukraine

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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

Rubicon center drones hit Ukrainian equipment in Russia's Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry released footage showing the destruction of the enemy equipment

Gallup poll shows sharp decline in Ukrainian support for American policies

The number of people who oppose what the US authorities are doing has risen by 21% and now stands at 37%

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

Russian embassy warns UK about dangers of calling for Moscow’s ‘defeat’

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Press review: Uranium costs soar as Moscow updates nuclear doctrine and US OKs attacks

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Russia’s reaction to Austrian OMV’s failure to pay for gas justified — MFA

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Belarusian security agency says Minsk aware of Poland’s efforts to prepare terrorist cells

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Railroad development to strengthen ties with foreign partners — Russian PM

Mikhail Mishustin added that "it is necessary to modernize border crossings in coming years, including introduction of practice of electronic paperwork"

Allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with US weapons irresponsible — Slovak PM

Robert Fico noted that authorizing the use of long-range weapons for strikes against Russia would not alter the balance of power in the conflict zone