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Lavrov blasts US embargo against Cuba as absurd

Russia consistently calls for the removal of Cuba from the US list of so-called state sponsors of terrorism, Sergey Lavrov said

HAVANA, February 19. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described Washington's trade and financial embargo against Cuba as absurd.

"We have reaffirmed our position by strongly condemning the illegal US trade, economic and financial embargo against Cuba. We consistently call for an immediate end to this shameful practice and the removal of Cuba from the US list of so-called state sponsors of terrorism," Lavrov said at a news conference following talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.

"The absurdity of this situation is obvious to everyone except, perhaps, those who run the show in Washington," he went on to say.

Military operation in Ukraine

Four people killed, two injured in Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk

Four women died on the Petrovskogo Street

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr wipes out 40 Ukrainian drone control centers in 24 hours

The enemy has lost up to 30 troops, battlegroup spokesman Roman Kodryan said

Russia hails any peace initiatives for Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

"We know the situation on the Ukrainian side, which excludes any talks for itself even from the legal point of view," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia, China warn US, NATO against setting up military infrastructure in Afghanistan

The leaders of Russia and China also expressed their intention "to boost Afghanistan-related partner interaction both at the bilateral level and on multilateral platforms"

International Military Forum Army-2023 opens in Patriot Park near Moscow

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, nearly 60 countries have confirmed their participation in this year's forum events

Russian Pacific Fleet warship wraps up visit to Eritrea

The missile frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov is currently transiting the Red Sea, accomplishing assigned missions of its long-distance deployment

Russia and China to set up commission for development of Northern Sea Route — Rosatom CEO

"Our task is to create in the shortest possible time a joint program for expanding Chinese transit along the Northern Sea Route, as well as for a number of other projects in the interests of using this global artery," Alexey Likhachev pointed out

Fico shot multiple times, undergoes five-hour operation — doctors

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, confirmed that doctors had managed to stabilize Robert Fico’s condition overnight

Belarus says Ukraine keeping up to 120,000 troops near border between countries

Konstantin Molostov said Belarus is taking "appropriate measures" in response to the actions of Ukraine

Russia-China relations not opportunistic, not directed against anyone — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Russia and China together uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and a world order based on international law

Hezbollah drones attack Israeli military base some 50 km from border with Lebanon

"The operation was carried out in response to the killing of field commander Hussein Makki near Tyre", Hezbollah said on its Telegram channel

Blinken says Ukraine may engage in talks if Russia shows 'interest'

Antony Blinken noted that in terms of negotiations, these are "decisions for Ukraine to make"

Moscow ready to navigate market challenges amid US' uranium import ban

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that this latest move from Washington showed just how low it would go to try to hurt the Russian economy

Four people killed, two injured in Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk

Four women died on the Petrovskogo Street

New positioning system improves flamethrower accuracy

This system also makes it possible to reduce combat time at a firing position without the combat vehicle leaving by a crew and a commander

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine to inevitably become Russia’s targets — MFA

"Any weapons supplied to Kiev’s Nazi regime are considered by Russia’s Armed Forces as legitimate military targets and must be destroyed," Maria Zakharova stressed

US did not enable Ukrainian strikes beyond Ukrainian territory — Blinken

The US secretary of state noted that Ukraine must decide on how to carry out combat action on its own

Putin arrives in China on state visit

The Russian president is scheduled to visit Beijing and Harbin

Russian air strike destroys bases of militants exiting Al-Tanf area in Syria — top brass

Drones belonging to the US-led counterterrorism coalition have violated the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 seven times

Assassination attempt on Slovak PM Fico was planned in advance — defense minister

It is reported that doctors are doing everything possible to stabilize the patient

Ukraine’s military has about 2,000-strong garrison in Kherson — resistance fighters

Ukrainian service members have been moving little in the city lately and normally only at night, the Kherson Resistance guerilla unit commander added

China offers to provide security guarantees on Ukraine, West not ready — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister specified that Beijing has "an absolutely correct position, essentially, to sort out root causes and collectively remove them"

Zelenodolsk shipyard to float missile, patrol ships on May 7

Project 22800 ships with Kalibr missiles are brown-water multirole missile-artillery boats designed to destroy surface warships and boats and repel air attacks

Russia and China plan to sign contract on Power of Siberia-2 in near future — Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak mentioned the construction of a gas pipeline with a capacity of 50 billion cubic meters of gas through the territory of Mongolia

Russia, China praise dialogue as best form of settling Ukrainian crisis — statement

"The parties proceed from the fact that in order to ensure a sustainable settlement of the Ukrainian crisis it is necessary to eliminate its root causes and to adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security," the document said

Russian president’s visit to Vietnam to propel deepening of bilateral ties — envoy

The exact dates of the visit are yet to be coordinated

Putin arrives in Harbin to open Russia-China Expo

At the request of the Chinese president, his deputy Han Zheng will accompany Putin in Harbin

Ukrainian servicemen complain about heavy losses due to shortage of equipment, munitions

Ukrainian forces lose a large number of armored vehicles to Russian FPV drones, platoon commander Alexander Belyayev said

Russia, China to continue strengthening military ties — joint statement

The two countries are also set to hold joint naval and air patrols on a regular basis

Russia increases glide bomb output

The gliding and correction module increases the bomb range to dozens of kilometers and allow dropping them from outside the hostile air defense zone

Some OSCE countries try to make it affiliate of NATO — Russian envoy

Alexander Lukashevich said the OSCE Chairpersonship, represented by Malta, is conducting work related to Ukraine in a confrontational manner

Czech president speaks out in favor of halting hostilities in Ukraine

Petr Pavel believes it is "naive" to imagine that Kiev will be able to regain territory taken by Russia in the foreseeable future

Russia to resolve security issues on its own — diplomat

In particular, Vladimir Yermakov said that the security issues will be resolved by implementing the tasks on the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine set forth by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as on preventing its absorption by the "hostile NATO bloc"

Patriot supplies unlikely to impact Russia’s plans to liberate Kharkov, expert says

According to Roman Shkurlatov, two Patriot systems will not make Kharkov safe

Ukrainian forces fired at least 203 munitions at Belgorod Region over past day — governor

Most of the damaged houses, 79, are in Belgorod and the Belgorod District

Russia’s new defense minister should pay attention to strategic nuclear forces — expert

"In case of a first nuclear missile strike against Russia we should be able to destroy the aggressor with a retaliatory strike in a guaranteed manner," Igor Korotchenko noted

Slovakia’s PM in 'very serious' condition, president-elect says

Peter Pellegrini added that "the next few hours and days" will be decisive for Robert Fico, who is staying at a hospital in the town of Banska Bystrica

China expects peace to recover on European continent shortly — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader added that Beijing "is ready to play its constructive role"

Russia designs remotely detonated counter-UAV shell

The projectile explodes by command and sends a swarm of destructive elements towards the drone

Russia, China note constructive role of Moscow format in Afghan settlement process

The last, fifth meeting was held in September 2023 in Moscow

Erdogan says government knows 'puppet master' behind reported conspiracy

The Turkish leader said it is unacceptable to break laws, and warned that "anyone who goes beyond the limits will be held accountable"

Kalashnikov to buy 450 new machine tools

The new digital, milling, processing and grinding tools are installed in new gunsmith and instrument production workshops

Putin, Xi sign statement on deepening relations

The document was signed after extensive Russian-Chinese negotiations

Russia, Iran working to create single BRICS currency — Iranian ambassador

Kazem Jalali pointed out that the United States uses the dollar to create restrictions, and therefore the use of national currencies in mutual settlements is on the agenda

Russian-Chinese heavy helicopter project implemented on schedule — First Deputy PM

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov noted that "the contract implementation stage is already underway"

Prime Minister of Slovakia shot by 71-year-old assailant — report

The man reportedly owned his weapon legally

State Duma approves Mikhail Mishustin as Chairman of Russian Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin thanked State Duma lawmakers for approving his candidacy for the prime minister’s office

Rostec works to accelerate Derivatsia ADS delivery to frontline

Floating 57mm Derivatsia-PVO 2S38 is mounted on BMP-3 undercarriage and can fire controlled-detonation shells at air targets

CIS foreign ministers unanimously call for stepping up struggle against terrorism

Sergey Lebedev pointed to the confidential nature of the exchange of views that took place during the meeting

New relations, successes of China's automobile industry: what Putin, Xi said in Beijing

According to the Russian leader, the partnership between Moscow and Beijing "will serve as a model of how ties between neighboring states should be built"

Israel to send additional forces to Rafah operation — defense minister

Yoav Gallant made the statement after travelling to an area near Rafah on May 15 to assess the situation

Putin says Russians, Chinese 'brothers forever'

The audience, listening first to the Russian speech and then to the Chinese translation, applauded the Russian president's words

Rostec increases munitions output for grenade launchers

The launchers increase the offensive potential of the Russian forces in the close tactical zone, Bekhan Ozdoev noted

Putin warns against imbalances in economy, industry related to special military operation

The Russian leader also stated the importance of diversification of military production at a meeting with commanders of military district troops

What we know about attempt to assassinate Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico

Robert Fico was shot after a cabinet meeting in the city of Handlova in western Slovakia

Russia offers paratrooper training to friendly countries

"The company sees a major potential for its offer in Asia and Pacific region, the Middle East and African countries," Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev said

Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 470 military personnel in Donetsk direction over day

The Russian forces destroyed up to 55 military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kherson direction and defeated the enemy in the Rabotino area in the Zaporozhye region

Kalashnikov tests Voevoda webgear

The institute designed the webgear for short-distance shootout, active combat, as well as extreme weather and long-distance movement

Russia mulls supply of powerplants for joint aircraft project with China — First Deputy PM

Denis Manturov recalled that the format of participation in this project has been revised, and Russia is ready to provide the necessary in-house competencies for the project on the basis of an agreement between the parties

Russian troops destroy 600 combat aircraft in Ukraine operation — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost over 520 troops in battles with Russian forces in the Donetsk area over the past day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Emergency blackouts renewed in Ukraine

Over the past two days, blackouts have been introduced in all Ukrainian regions

Yemeni Houthis claim delivering missile strike on US destroyer

Additionally, according to Yahya Saree, in the Red Sea, the Houthis attacked the commercial vessel Destiny en route to the port of Eilat in Israel

Russia, China express concern over effect of AUKUS agreements on stability in Asia Pacific

AUKUS was established in September 2021 to implement the defense initiatives of Australia, the UK and the US in two areas

Russia expels UK defense attache from Moscow in tit-for-tat move — Foreign Ministry

Adrian Coghill "must leave the territory of the Russian Federation within a week," the ministry said

Slovak leader urges suspension of country's campaign for European Parliament elections

Peter Pellegrini emphasized that "Slovakia must choose the path of peace and coolheadedness"

Dnepr battle group destroys 15 Ukrainian boats in one day — Kherson governor

In addition, 23 drone control centers were destroyed and 34 drones shot down or disabled

Xi Jinping says ready to maintain close communication with Putin — Xinhua

The Chinese president said "the world is now facing changes unprecedented over the past century and has entered a new period of turbulence and change"

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy three militant bases in Syria — Defense Ministry

Strikes by Russian Aerospace Forces destroyed three bases of militants who came out of the (US-controlled) al-Tanf zone

About 20% of weapons sent to Kiev end up on black market – Russia’s UN mission

Dmitry Polyansky said that some of the weapons supplied to Kiev are "in the darknet, which means that it is available to anyone"

Ukrainian forces use US-made GLSDB munitions against DPR civilians for the first time

DPR head Denis Pushilin said that two civilians were killed and three were injured by Ukrainian strikes on Thursday

Confiscation of Russian assets by Estonia for transfer to Ukraine is theft — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin stressed that Russia considers this "a violation of international law"

‘Alyosha’ tank crew hit two Ukrainian T-72B tanks, six military vehicles in battle

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that after eliminating the remaining enemy combat vehicle, for about 40 minutes the tank crew had still been giving cover to Russian motorized rifle units that were being arrayed in battle formation

Treaty on Russian-Iranian strategic partnership 85% ready — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, "what is going on between Palestinians and the Israelis" have no impact of the negotiating process on the big treaty between Russia and Iran

West should assess risks of Russia's response to asset confiscation — Foreign Ministry

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin noted that retaliatory measures "can be both symmetrical and asymmetrical in a variety of instruments, including legal, financial, and administrative"

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."

Urals defense firm boosts armored vehicles output 20% — Rostec

Kurganmashzavod is the largest enterprise in the Kurgan Region and a leading producer of the Russian defense industry

Russia, China to work on creating equal, fair conditions for investment

According to the statement, the parties agreed "to actively use and unlock the potential of interstate coordination mechanisms in the area of investment"

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft wipe out Ukrainian equipment, personnel over past day

After employing air-launched munitions, the pilots performed a missile evasion maneuver, fired flares and returned to their airfield, it said

King of Bahrain announces intention to boost cooperation with Russia

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said he was grateful to Russian President Vladimir Putin for sending his envoy to the Arab League summit, and commended his "desire to strengthen relations with Arab countries"

US imposes sanctions against Russian police training center in Nicaragua

According to Washington, the training center "contributes to anti-democratic actions and repressions from the Ortega-Murillo regime"

Zelensky admits possibility of Ukraine losing Kharkov

The Ukrainian president asked US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to provide two Patriot systems to defend Kharkov, but the US diplomat did not give him an unequivocal answer

Ukraine’s terror attacks on Russia 'revenge' for military failures — North Korean envoy

According to Sin Hong Chol, "the Zelensky puppet clique committed hundreds of unethical atrocities of killing innocent inhabitants by striking civilian objects"

Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus in place, 'in good condition' — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president stressed that military personnel were undergoing routine daily training

Russia’s onslaught on Kharkov may compel Ukraine to truce — NYT

On May 11, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported liberating several populated localities in the Kharkov Region

New head of Taiwan claims readiness for dialogue with mainland China

China’s authorities have repeatedly noted that what is known as the 1992 Consensus is a condition for dialogue with Taiwan, however, Lai Ching-te claimed not to support it

Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts

Seaborne Pantsyr system engaged Storm Shadow missile

CEO of High Precision Weapons company Oleg Ryazantsev said that the Pantsir-M "is the system designed to counter threats of such kind"

Ukrainian troops shelling civilians in Kharkov Region villages they were driven from

According to the ministry, units of Russia’s Battlegroup North continue to improve their tactical positions

Russia developing thermal imager for Black Sea Fleet to repel night naval drone attacks

The devices help detect targets at a distance of over 1 km

Russian defense ministry reports losses among Russian troops during special operation

Konashenkov also said that several Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner

US law banning imports of Russian uranium will not cause problems — Rosatom CEO

Alexey Likhachev admitted that the Russian side is worried about this, but not much, as "the demand for Rosatom’s uranium products in the world is constantly growing"

Press review: Putin embarks on state visit to China and assassination attempt on Slovak PM

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 16th

Russian envoy slams Washington’s allegations of Moscow posing threat to US elections

Anatoly Antonov emphasized that US intelligence agencies had failed to provide any evidence

Slovak PM Fico’s life out of danger — deputy PM

Robert Fico was wounded in a shooting incident that happened after a government meeting in the city of Handlova in the western part of Slovakia

Russia’s Soyuz 2.1b rocket carrying remote sensing satellite takes off from Baikonur

According to Roscosmos, the satellite will enter its intended orbit nine and a half minutes after the takeoff

Terrorist groups, cyberattacks are common threats to CIS — anti-terrorist center

The terrorist risks significantly grow with the illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition into the CIS territory, the use of the latest information and technical achievements - artificial intelligence technologies, unmanned systems and other robotic complexes - in criminal activities

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

China firmly against US deploying missiles in Asia-Pacific — diplomat

Mao Ning called on Washington to "sincerely respect the interests of other countries in the security sphere and stop undermining peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific

UK to participate in joint exercises with Japan, US from 2025

The Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Grant Shapps said that the defense relationships of the countries were not limited by distance and they stood ready to respond to any threat

Russian Guardsmen neutralize Ukrainian drone with 40 kg explosive in LPR

The Russian Guardsmen neutralized and destroyed the dangerous object, observing safety rules

Blinken’s visit to Kiev shows US concerned over Ukrainian failures on frontline — diplomat

"He sang a song, ate some pizza and left," Maria Zakharova noted