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Russia to promote closer ties with Venezuela as BRICS chair, Lavrov says

Russian Foreign Minister noticed that Russia knows "Venezuelan friends are interested in closer ties with BRICS"

CARACAS, February 21. /TASS/. Moscow is aware of Caracas’ interest in boosting ties with BRICS and will facilitate the process as the group’s chair, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

"We know that our Venezuelan friends are interested in closer ties with BRICS and Russia will facilitate the process as the group’s chair this year," he said.

Russia assumed BRICS’ one-year rotating chairmanship on January 1, 2024, and plans to hold over 200 events as the group’s chair. BRICS’ summit is set to take place in Kazan in October.

The BRICS group has expanded twice since being created in 2006. South Africa joined the four founding nations - Brazil, Russia, India and China - in 2011. Six more countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were invited to become BRICS members in August 2023. However, Buenos Aires abandoned the idea in late December. BRICS currently brings together ten member states.

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Foreign policy Sergey Lavrov

Russian envoy sees good prospects for energy, fishing cooperation with Mauritius

Russian investors are also interested in working in Mauritius, Moscow’s Ambassador to the Indian Ocean island country Konstantin Klimovsky said

ISS orbit not to be adjusted over solar flares, subsequent geomagnetic storm

The Institute of Applied Geophysics told TASS that the geomagnetic storm on Earth has intensified from the G3 (strong) to G4 (severe) level

Town, four villages left without power in Russia’s Belgorod Region following drone attack

Emergency teams would soon start working to restore power supplies

Protest against foreign agent bill underway in Tbilisi

The demonstration organized by the opposition started at 7:00 p.m. local time from three downtown locations places, namely First Republic Square near the Georgian parliament

New US arms shipment to Ukraine a reaction to Russia’s success at frontline — envoy

Anatoly Antonov also castigated the US administration for shrugging off responsibility for Ukrainian attacks at civilian facilities in Russia with the use of weapons being supplied from the United States

Russia’s Battlegroup West destroys Ukrainian armored vehicles, M777 howitzer

Crews manning the Msta-SM2 self-propelled artillery system from the 1st Guard Tank Army also destroyed a manpower, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russian IT infrastructure operating stably in cyberwar environment — Rostelecom

A quick transition to autonomous development of the industry, import substitution and achievement of the technological sovereignty occurred, President of the company Mikhail Oseevsky said

Swiss singer wins Eurovision 2024 contest

Nemo Mettler won with The Code song

UN General Assembly recommends Security Council consider making Palestine UN member state

The resolution was supported by 143 states; 9 states, including Argentina, Hungary, Israel, the US and the Czech Republic, voted against; 25 states abstained

Russian envoy sees good prospects for energy, fishing cooperation with Mauritius

Russian investors are also interested in working in Mauritius, Moscow’s Ambassador to the Indian Ocean island country Konstantin Klimovsky said

IDF launches operation against Hamas in Jabaliya in northern Gaza — spokesman

"The troops have begun operations against terrorist infrastructure in the Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya neighborhoods," Daniel Hagari said

Fire breaks out in Volgograd Refinery due to drone crash

No casualties, the regional administration said

Russia’s Dnepr group repels counterattack by 118th brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Over the week, units of the Dnepr group of troops defeated the manpower and equipment of three brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukrainian shelling leaves civilian injured in Donetsk

Kiev forces have carried out two attacks on the Petrovsky and Kirovsky districts of Donetsk since the beginning of the day

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine totals 42.4 mcm via Sudzha

The nomination for the Sokhranovka gas pumping station has been rejected

Ukrainians actively using British weapons to strike Russian regions, diplomat says

"According to the English themselves, since 2022, London has already donated around 7.1 bln pounds for Ukraine’s defense purposes," Sergey Belyaev said

Mauritius working on Mir system introduction — Russian Ambassador

Mir cards are now accepted in nine countries but operations of the system are limited in six of them

Air defenses down 21 Vampire rockets, nine drones over Russia’s Belgorod Region

Also, seven UAVs were intercepted and destroyed over the Kursk and Volgograd regions, tthe Russian Defense Ministry added

Trump develops plan on peaceful resolution in Ukraine — Telegraph

Former US President will not reveal it until the election, the Daily Telegraph reported

Three people wounded by rocket firing against Israel’s Ashkelon — newspaper

The rocket fired from the Gaza Strip fell together with the intercepting missile on a residential house, resulting in heavy damage, The Jerusalem Post said

Ukrainian army loses up to 160 troops in Battlegroup East responsibility zone

The military agency added that Ukrainian losses included two armored fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, a Grad multiple launch rocket system combat vehicle, a self-propelled artillery system and three howitzers

Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev

According to the politician, "Poland's reckless actions, if rashly supported by its NATO allies, may have far-reaching dangerous consequences for the entire world"

Woman killed, 29 more wounded in Ukrainian shelling of Belgorod

The Ukrainian armed forces have shelled Russia’s borderline city of Belgorod, as a result, 49 apartments in 22 apartment buildings, four commercial facilities have been damaged, as well as glazing in two hospitals

Russia, US to straighten out relations despite difficulties — US WWII veteran

The veteran answered in the negative to a question as to whether the US-Russian ties had been ruptured for good

Russia pre-emptively plans intermediate-range missile sites to counter US moves — diplomat

Correspondingly, specialists are carrying out preliminary pre-emptive planning, Sergey Ryabkov said

Russia to bring peace to Donbass — Putin

The Russian president highlighted the fact that entire Russia supports the residents of Donbass while over the years of blockade, the people of Donbass have confirmed their will to be together with Russia

Kharkov Region’s authorities continue evacuation of civilians

A total of 1,377 local residents have been evacuated from the Chuguyevsky District, 2,097 form the Kharkovsky District, and another 29 from the Bogodukhovsky Sky District

Putin approves structure of new government

According to his decree, the distribution of authority between deputy prime ministers has changed

US veteran says Soviet Union turned the tide of World War II

Frank Cohn said the people that refuse to do justice to the Soviet role in the war simply don't understand what was going on

Twelve Vampire missiles destroyed over Russia’s Belgorod Region

The on-duty air defenses destroyed 12 missiles over the Belgorod Region

Ukraine turns into self-imposed pariah over past ten years — diplomat

Ten years have gone by and nowadays it is obvious to everyone that the people of Donbass made the right choice then and defended it on the battlefield, said Maria Zakharova

Actions by Finland, Sweden pose increasing threats to Russia’s security — diplomat

Sergey Belyaev said that Moscow is closely watching the integration of Finland and Sweden to the military bloc

Ukrainian drone attack damages two industrial facilities in Russia’s Belgorod Region

Response teams are working at the scene

Moscow issues agrement to new Finnish envoy

According to Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Second European Department Sergey Belyaev, Marja Liivala is an "experienced and highly professional diplomat"

White House claims Russian forces started offensive on Kharkov

" We’ve been coordinating closely with Ukraine to help them prepare", John Kirby said

Russian PM Mishustin proposes Denis Manturov as his first deputy

During the State Duma’s debate on the candidacy for prime minister, the lawmakers proposed to promote the industry sector supervisor to first deputy prime minister

Top British diplomat concerned about potential Russian advance in Kharkov Region

The West expects the Ukrainian army to be able to stand its ground this year

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Russia remaining second largest supplier of LNG to Spain

In the first four months of 2024, Madrid purchased 26,854 GWh of gas from Russia, according to data provided by Spanish energy company Enagas

Russia knows how to deal with Ukrainian drones — Putin

The Russian leader noted that those tasks that until recently were solved exclusively with the help of aviation systems are now being solved with small means, but with great effect

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

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

US veteran calls Washington’s decision to drop Elbe Day celebrations with Russia ‘dumb’

That was the last good link that we had, Frank Cohn said

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Mauritius set for friendship with Russia — Russian Ambassador

Mauritius also took place in the second Russia-Africa summit

Geomagnetic storm on Earth reaches extreme levels first time since 2005

The extreme level of a geomagnetic storm on Earth may trigger damage to energy systems

Police used water cannons, detained three protest action participants in Tel Aviv

An antigovernment action followed the manifestation demanding early elections in Israel and the soonest possible rescue of hostages

Death toll in Ukrainian strike on LPR oil depot climbs

At this time, 15 people have been affected by the catastrophe at the Rovenki oil depot

Developer shows first image of Russia's new Sarmat ballistic missile

The RS-28 Sarmat is the newest heavy liquid-propelled intercontinental ballistic missile currently being co-developed to replace the world’s largest and most formidable ballistic missile, the Voyevoda

Russia to restore peace in Donbass regardless of Zelensky’s attempts — MFA

Russia will bring back the long-awaited peace and will solve the most complex tasks, Maria Zakharova said

British national dies of wounds in Gaza, says Hamas

One of the hostages, a 51-year-old man "who was of a British national, died of wounds sustained in an attack by an Israeli aircraft on the location where he was being held"

Three people dead in bus crash in St. Petersburg, nine rescued, four — in clinical death

The Ministry of Emergency Situations added that diving rescue work has been finished at the accident site

Russian defense ministry reports losses among Russian troops during special operation

Konashenkov also said that several Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner

Missile fragments damage residential building in Belgorod — Russian Defense Ministry

Аir defenses downed six Tochka U missiles, four Vampire rockets and two Olkha rockets

US Army veteran urges Moscow, Washington to prevent WWIII from happening

According to Frank Cohn, life would never be the same in the event of a global military conflict

Russia didn’t invite officials from unfriendly countries to victory parade, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova said veteran organizations in unfriendly countries weren’t affected by the decision not to invite officials

US, allies destroy four drones over Red Sea — CENTCOM

Three drones were also destroyed on May 11, the Command informed

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Main buyers of Russian arms during the next 10-15 years will be Global South countries in the first instance, the ones pursuing an independent foreign and defense policy, defense analyst and general director of the Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade Igor Korotchenko said

Residents in DPR, LPR commemorate vote in favor of independence

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Russia’s Battlegroup East strikes Ukrainians near Staromayorskoye in DPR

According to Spokesman Alexander Gordeyev, the Ukrainians lost roughly 50 troops

UK announces expulsion of Russian defense attache, new diplomatic visa restrictions

According to Home Secretary James Cleverly, this is a message to Moscow in response to its actions allegedly aimed at undermining British assistance to Ukraine

West attempted to disrupt Aeroflot flights to Mauritius — Russian Ambassador

The Western countries "stoop to nothing" in order to prevent other countries from developing relations with Russia, Konstantin Klimovsky said

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

Israeli army attacking Rafah in southern Gaza — media

Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen television said the Israeli air force is also delivering airstrikes at Khan Younis

At least 19 people killed in Israeli Air Force strikes against Gaza Strip

During the last few hours, Israeli aviation delivered massive strikes against Deir al Balah and Gaza cities, according to the news agency WAFA

Starship’s next test flight to be in 3-5 weeks — Musk

"Objective is for the ship to get past max heating or at least further than last time," the chief executive said

Russian armed forces attack military airfield in Ivano-Frankovsk region, target reached

According to Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov, the facilities hit

Death toll from flood in Afghanistan reaching 311 — AFP

The flood caused by storm rains occurred in Afghanistan on Friday

Russian forces hit Ukrainian points of deployment and equipment at railway stations

Тhe Russian Ministry of Defense noted that "air defense systems, arsenals, fuel depots, workshops for the production and repair of unmanned boats and UAVs, temporary deployment points for foreign mercenaries

Israel Defense Forces continues operation in Rafah — spokesman

The Israeli army "eliminated dozens of terrorists, exposed underground terror tunnels and vast amounts of weapons," Daniel Hagari informed

Residential building partially collapses in Russia’s Komi Region

The press service told TASS that 14 people had been evacuated which is everyone who was present in the building at the time of the collapse

Trump sees Biden willing to stop all aid to Israel soon

Earlier, former US President said that the Democratic Party actually hates Israel

Iran confirms acquisition of Russian Mi-28, Su-35, Yak-130 aircraft

The agency said the aircraft were already in Iran and accepted into service

Ceasefire in Gaza to occur after hostages release — Biden

"There would be a cease fire tomorrow if Hamas would release the hostages," US President said

Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the European Union’s financial system is not very stable and people are losing confidence

Russia’s 6th-generation fighter jet to get lasers capable of burning missile homing heads

In addition to electromagnetic guns, the Russian sixth-generation fighter jet will also get guided electronic munitions

Those complicit in terrorist attacks on Russian territory to be inevitably punished — MFA

On May 11, the day of the anniversary of the DPR, Ukrainian neo-Nazis fired US-made HIMARS missiles at the city of Donetsk, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reminded

Lithuania to hold presidential election, citizenship referendum

Eight candidates are running for presidency

Hezbollah drones attacked Iron Dome sites in north Israel

The artillery base of the Israel Defense Forces in Khirbet Maar was early exposed to rocket and mortar shelling

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

Mishustin plans to increase volume of non-resource, non-energy exports by 2/3

The Russian government will increase the attractiveness of Russian jurisdiction for business, acting Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

Regional election kicks off in Spanish region of Catalonia

Over 5.5 mln people have the right to take part in the election

Houthis cooperate with Russia, China to destroy idea of unipolar world — politburo

According to the Houthi representative, the shift towards the multipolarity in the global balance of powers happened after the beginning of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and accelerated during the current escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

Relations with Russia are really important for Israel — Ambassador to Moscow

Dialogue between Israel and Russia is important, including on those topics where the parties "absolutely disagree," Simona Halperin said

Germany prepares for war against Russia, says Russia’s security official

All attempts to present the [recorded] conversation of Bundeswehr officers as a simple game of missiles and tanks were malicious lies, said Dmitry Medvedev

Aeroflot may start year-round flights to Mauritius — Russian Ambassador

Aeroflot will resume flights to Mauritius in October - November 2024, Konstantin Klimovsky told TASS in an interview

Russian PM Mishustin proposes Denis Manturov as his first deputy

During the State Duma’s debate on the candidacy for prime minister, the lawmakers proposed to promote the industry sector supervisor to first deputy prime minister

West may benefit from Zelensky’s elimination to put blame on Russia — DPR head

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Air defense system destroyed two Tochka-U missiles over Belgorod Region

The Russian Air Defense assets also destroyed five drones over Bryansk and Lipetsk Regions, and intercepted a drone over the Begorod Region, the Ministry of Defense said

Seventeen people hospitalized after Belgorod shelling — governor

Two women are in an extremely grave condition; doctors are endeavoring to rescue their lives," Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote

State of emergency triggered in two districts of Omsk Region due to flood

The emergency situation was earlier announced in the Ust-Ishimsky District

Pentagon awards $332 mln contract to produce GMLRS

The estimated completion date is October 20, 2027, the US Department of Defense added

Ukrainian shelling causes section of high-rise building to collapse in Belgorod

The Russian Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into the Ukrainian attack

Putin confident in Russia’s victory in special military operation

The Russian people show their best qualities in difficult moments, their courage and heroism, which is confirmed by the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with military on May 7, following the inauguration ceremony

At least 90,000 soldiers attend Victory Day celebrations across Russia

Celebrations marking have been held in over 300 cities and towns across Russia

US State Department approves possible sale of three HIMARS systems to Ukraine

The cost of multiple rocket launchers is $30 mln, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced

Mercenaries’ flow to Ukraine declining — Business Insider

A half of coming mercenaries now is from Latin America, Carl Larson, a US veteran that participated in hostilities in Ukraine in summer 2022

Section of high-rise residential building collapses in Belgorod

Five people suffered injuries

London refuses to engage with Moscow on Skripals — senior Russian diplomat

According to Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Second European Department Sergey Belyaev, the Russian Embassy in London has sent over 60 written inquiries to the UK Foreign Office since the provocation in March 2018

IIHF implements 24-month ban on international transfers by CSKA Hockey Club

The ban is imposed from the day the original one-year transfer ban concludes

Russian envoy vows both mirror, asymmetrical response to provocations by Baltic states

According to Sergey Belyaev, diplomatic relations with the three Baltic states have been downgraded to a charge d’affaires level