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Military operation in Ukraine

Pope Francis’ visit Moscow, Kiev not being prepared at this point, Russian envoy says

Russian Ambassador to Vatican Ivan Soltanovsky said that good intentions of pontiff "raise no doubts"

© Mikhail Japaridze/TASS

MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. The Russian embassy in Vatican is aware of Pope Francis’ readiness to visit Moscow and Kiev, but these visits are not currently being planned, Russian Ambassador to Vatican Ivan Soltanovsky told TASS.

"We know about the Pope’s readiness for such trips within his efforts to reach peace. His good intentions raise no doubts. As far as we know, the issue of a visit is not being considered from a practical standpoint at this moment," he said, answering a question on whether the pontiff plans to travel to Moscow and Kiev.

"I believe, it is necessary to take the entire combination of circumstance into account - both external factors and the Pope’s status, who is not only a head of a state, but, first and foremost, is a religious leader, the head of the Roman Catholic Church," Soltanovsky added.

Previously, the Holy See said that Pope Francis remains ready to travel to Russia and Ukraine, adding that his trip would depend on the sides of the conflict, among other things.

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Foreign policy Military operation in Ukraine

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Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

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"It is important for us to achieve our goals, which are well known to everyone," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

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

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"The direct line and press conference are being prepared," Dmitry Peskov said

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

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

According to the report, CCTV cams were not installed on Christie Miller road in Salisbury

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

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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

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

More desperation in Zelensky's appeals, ex-NATO commander says

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

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Putin ready for talks on Ukraine, including with Trump — Kremlin

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

The Impulse plant is Ukraine’s sole enterprise producing explosive devices: detonation primers, electric detonators, detonating cords, cartridges and ammunition for automatic and under-barrel grenade launchers

US Congressman urges to impeach Biden for allowing strikes deep into Russia

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Russian forces dislodge Ukrainian troops from half of positions in Kurakhovo in DPR

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US Embassy in Kiev to be closed on November 20

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German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

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West fails to bring Ukrainian issue to forefront of G20 summit agenda — Lavrov

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

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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"

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

Russian troops have taken new lines and positions northwest of Zolotaryoka as a result of successful operations

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

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

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

Biden's decision to use ATACMS on Russia threatens to kill Americans — Tucker Carlson

The journalist also criticized US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (a Republican representing the state of Louisiana) for "not even mentioning it in public or in leadership meetings" with factions in the lower house of Congress

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

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 20th

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

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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"

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

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

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

Previously, Russian and Belarusian athletes were authorized to compete only in individual disciplines

US gives Ukraine green light to use Storm Shadow for strikes deep inside Russia — media

According to the newspaper, although these are British missiles, their successful use is impossible without American guidance systems

Russian troops liberate Ilyinka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 500 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day

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

Moscow-Washington hotline not in use now — Kremlin spokesman

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

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

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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

Moscow won’t allow US to silence UNSC as Washington backs Israel — Russian UN envoy

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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

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

According to Oleg Stepanov, since the authorities of the country have long acted, "especially in security matters, according to the rule 'what Uncle Sam says, so Ottawa will do' and don’t blush about this."

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

Russian stock indices falling on Wednesday — market data

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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

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

"We need to bring together more voices of peace and pave the way for a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis," Chinese president said

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

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Trump may soon start talks with Russia following Biden’s decision on ATACMS — news agency

According to Andreas Kluth, the decision on ATACMS may have been another attempt by the current Washington administration to provide Ukraine with support until the president-elect comes to power