{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Process of SCO expansion to continue thus strengthening its potential — Russian envoy

"The SCO today is not only ten member states and two observers for now, the SCO also unites 14 dialogue partners," Bakhtiyer Khakimov said

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The process of expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will continue, strengthening its potential, the Russian president's special representative for SCO affairs Bakhtiyer Khakimov said.

"The SCO today is not only ten member states and two observers for now, the SCO also unites 14 dialogue partners. <…> Naturally, the expansion process will continue thus, strengthening the SCO potential," he told a roundtable via video link.

"[Russia’s] foreign policy concept, which was approved last March, clearly determines the task of raising the role and potential of the SCO," Khakimov said, adding that amid the current environment the Eurasian continent is becoming an engine of the global development.

Tags

Foreign policy SCO

INTERVIEW: Russia to keep winning, West understands no other language — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that people have become united in the face of the war

Syrian air defenses repel Israeli airstrike at targets near Tartus

According to the report, the strikes come from the Mediterranean Sea

Biden, Zelensky to discuss strikes inside Russia — White House

According to National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby, US President has not made a policy change on topic

Iran opposes war, whereas Israel seeks major conflict — Iranian president

Massoud Pezeshkian also pointed to the double standards of the US and other Western countries that ignore "Israeli atrocities" in the Gaza Strip

Expert predicts ‘passport-based access’ to Internet following words of Telegram founder

"The situation is quite logical. Today we are observing a total de-anonymization of the Internet in all its manifestations," Anton Sergeyev noted

FACTBOX: Ukraine's failed attacks, losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 360 servicemen and 13 armored vehicles, including an infantry fighting vehicle and 12 armored fighting vehicles

Russian budget revenues will grow by 12% in 2025 to $433 bln — Prime Minister

According to Mikhail Mishustin, the share of non-oil and gas revenues in the total volume will grow to 73%

Press review: EP extends hand to Russia and Tehran ready to talk nuke deal with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 24th

Iran's president ready to discuss conflict in Ukraine with Europe, US — AFP

Massoud Pezeshkian said his country had never approved of what he described as aggression against Ukraine

Special operation to end after Russia achieves its goals — Kremlin

"For us there is absolutely no alternative to achieving our set goals," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Tver region governor says no serious injuries in drone attack on Toropets

Earlier reports said a fire occurred at the scene where drone fragments fell in Toropets

Russian budget deficit expected at 0.5% of GDP in 2025 — PM

Revenues of the Russian federal budget will grow by 12% next year to 40.296 trillion rubles ($433 bln) while budget expenditures will go up to 41.47 trillion rubles ($445 bln)

Israel destroys 80 buildings in West Bank — media

Palestinian authorities report that over the past month, the Israeli military has demolished a total of 78 structures across Bethlehem, Jenin, Jerusalem, Nablus, Ramallah, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Hebron

Israeli Air Force fire 2,000 munitions at 1,500 Hezbollah targets in past 24 hours

The strikes were carried out "in order to eliminate threats for Israeli civilians," the statement reads

Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Drones for export: Russian display at ADEX 2024 show in Baku

ADEX 2024 international defense industry show opened in Baku on September 24. The Russian display for the first time features Lancet-E kamikaze drone. TASS reports about the exhibits

Ukraine wants faster in to NATO as part of conflict resolution plan, official says

According to Andrey Yermak, in the long term, bilateral agreements can never compare with the effectiveness of Article Five of the NATO Treaty

Burkina Faso accuses Ivory Coast of attempts to destabilize country

According to the country's Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, these people recently paid terrorist groups to attack the presidential palace of Koulouba

Russian army liberates 12 villages in Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces — top brass

According to Major-General Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian military sustained heavy losses

Ukraine's accusations against Russia over Crimean Bridge go beyond UN convention — MFA

"Just as it was in the UN International Court of Justice, Ukraine's accusations in this arbitration are not serious, they are nothing more than another example of systematic abuse of the international justice system for purely political purposes," Gennady Kuzmin emphasized

Western companies still working in Russia, despite promises to leave — Bloomberg

It was noted that most of these companies rebranded instead of leaving the country

Kremlin gives no info on Erdogan-Assad meeting in Kazan

Dmitry Peskov added that preparations for the summit in Kazan "are now in their final stages"

Kremlin reserved over articles about Zelensky plan, would study official version

Earlier, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that he had some kind of plan for ending the conflict

UNGA member countries adopt Pact for the Future, despite Russia’s objection

Along with Russia, Belarus and Nicaragua, delegations from North Korea, Syria, Sudan, and Iran voted against

Over 30 injured during week of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region

Currently, 20 people are in hospitals

Up to 62 flights of Ukrainian drones reported near ZNPP every day — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov recalled that Ukraine had been shelling the ZNPP practically non-stop from mid-July to November 20, 2022

Most UEFA members support allowing Russian U17 teams to play on neutral fields

Earlier, President of the Hellenic Football Federation Chrysostomos Gkagkatsis offered to return Russian youth teams to international competitions

Lebanon risks sliding into Gaza-scale humanitarian crisis, Russian ambassador warns

According to Alexander Rudakov, hospitals in Lebanon are struggling as the death toll keeps climbing, and the scope of the crisis cannot be assessed

Draft budget includes $429 bln on national projects for next 6 years — Finance Minister

Among the main priorities, Anton Siluanov named social support for citizens and financial support for the country's defense and the needs of the special military operation

Hezbollah launches rocket attack on military airfield, airbase in northern Israel

The Islamic Resistance attacked the Megiddo military airfield, west of the city of Afula with Fadi-1 and Fadi-2

Kiev has not yet persuaded US to lift restrictions on strikes deep into Russia — WP

Washington "has not heard a convincing argument from Ukrainian leaders that the possible targets within missile range in Russia would make a significant difference in Ukraine's path to victory," the daily writes

Ukrainian army keeps attacking civilians in Kharkov Region, official says

Vitaly Ganchev specified that earlier, a civilian had suffered shrapnel injuries in a drone attack

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

Macron calls for reviewing ties with Russia

The French president also called for bigger presence of "densely populated countries, which did not exist when the current world order was only forming" in international organizations

Russia's newest satellites to change course of Ukrainian conflict — former UN inspector

According to Ritter this conflict would become "unsustainable for the Ukrainian sometime by the end of summer, early fall"

Russian prime minister approves list of countries imposing destructive attitudes

It includes the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and other states

FSB expands list of terrorist organizations

Overall, the list includes 54 terrorist organizations

Africa’s exclusion from UNSC must be addressed — African Union

African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed regret that discussions on the issue were dragging on, while the current developments required countries to take quick collective action

Russia says its Lancet loitering munition destroys Ukrainian artillery in Sumy Region

According to the ministry, the artillery unit’s destruction was captured in a live-recording feed

Israel attacks 1,600 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, Bekaa Valley over day

The IDF continues to strike Hezbollah terrorist targets in Lebanon as part of Operation Northern Arrows

Vucic awards Russia’s envoy to UN with Order of Serbian Flag

The ceremony was held at Serbia's permanent mission to the UN in New York

Russia’s position on potential Western strikes explicitly outlined by Putin — Kremlin

On September 12, the Russian leader noted that NATO countries are currently not merely discussing whether to allow Ukraine to use their long-range weapons, but are essentially deciding whether to become directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict and noted that Moscow would make decisions based on the threats posed to Russia

Russian investigators bust inmates that joined extremist group, plotted prison break

While in the colony, they developed an escape plan and prepared prohibited items for its implementation

Total growth of Russia’s GDP in 2024-2027 may reach 13% — Economic Development Minister

In total, for 2024-2027, GDP will grow by 13%

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts roughly 105 enemy casualties in past day

Ukrainian military losses included an APC, four motor vehicles, two D-20 howitzers, three D-30 howitzers and a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mount

Turkey tends to view BRICS as a political trump card against the West — expert

Turkish economist Bartu Soral noted that when looking at "the global distribution of power, it is clear that huge changes have occurred since the early 2000s"

US plans to announce more military aid for Ukraine worth $375 mln on Wednesday — report

The package is still being finalized and could change, according to the officials

Ukrainian shelling kills 11 Russian residents, injures 129 over past week — envoy

"At least 1,982 munitions were fired by Ukrainian armed formations at civilian targets in Russia's territories over the past seven days," Rodion Miroshnik said

Swiss parliament votes against export of protective vests to Ukraine

According to the report, the MPs considered that these dual-purpose goods may be used for military purposes rather than for civilian ones

UN Secretary General to meet with Sergey Lavrov on Thursday — Spokesman

According to the Secretary General’s Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the meeting has been planned for September 26

Ukrainian howitzer Bogdana destroyed by Lancet munition in Sumy Region

Objective monitoring of the strike on the Ukrainian artillery piece was carried by air reconnaissance means in the real time mode

At least 11 killed by Israeli strikes at Bekaa Valley in Lebanon — report

All victims were civilians

US secret services spied on Americans who might have fought on Kiev’s side — Politico

According to the newspaper, the US authorities have been monitoring Americans who traveled to Ukraine to fight, fearing some could become violent when they return home

Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares said that around 30% of weapons in service with his country’s armed forces are Russian-made

At least six people killed, 15 wounded in Israeli strike on Beirut

Hezbollah and Lebanese military sources have not yet commented on the Israeli attack

Middle East countries to increase share in global oil exports to 58% by 2050 — OPEC

At the same time, OPEC noted that OPEC's share in global exports could decline slightly by 2030 due to increased supply from Latin American countries, the United States, and Canada

OPEC+ countries to increase oil supply to 62.9 mln bpd by 2050 — OPEC

OPEC+ countries could provide 53.1 mill mln bpd of oil supply by 2029

TASS flag at 900 m above sea level. About new Arctic pass

The Clean Arctic — Vostok-77 expedition initiated the idea to mark the 120th anniversary of Russia's first state news agency and to remember its journalists who have actively participated in Arctic expeditions

FSB makes public documents detailing brutal massacre of ethnic Ukrainians in 1945 Poland

The FSB published letters from engineer Nikolay Demyanchik, the son of a priest, addressed to Patriarch Alexy, of Moscow and All Russia, and Metropolitan John, of Kiev and Galicia, describing the details of the murder of his family and other residents of the village of Skopow

Russian minister announces inflation slowdown after peak of its growth in July

According to Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov, "average annual inflation will continue slowing down while in 2026 it will reach its targeted level"

Israel's latest strike on Beirut targeted Hezbollah commander — media

Earlier, Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli army Herzi Halevi announced plans to intensify attacks on Lebanon throughout the day

Russia committed to Arctic progress despite complicated geopolitical situation — Lavrov

The Northern Forum on Sustainable Development is an international expert platform for discussing the problems and prospects of sustainable development of the North and the Arctic

African Union compares international situation to Leo Tolstoy's ‘War and Peace’ novel

"The international system - in the way it was established at the end of World War II - needs to undergo reforms, reforms at the level of the United Nations and, above all, reforms of the global economic and financial governance structure," Faki Mahamat noted

Hezbollah militants launch 9,000 rockets, drones at Israel since October 8 — army

Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari added that Hezbollah has been planning to do in northern Israel what the Palestinian movement Hamas did in southern Israel on October 7 last year

Death toll from Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon rises to 569

Among the victims are 50 children and 94 women

Telegram co-founder’s statement won’t lead to outflow of messenger’s users — expert

Pavel Pokrovsky noted that law enforcement agencies in almost all countries have the right to request user details, otherwise the services risk being blocked

Ukrainian forces carry out rotation in Kursk area — Russian commander

Hezbollah suffered severe damage, Israel has more blows ready — Israeli defense minister

"Today’s Hezbollah is not the Hezbollah of a week ago," Yoav Gallant said

Russia’s upgraded Tu-95 strategic bomber to make debut flight by late August

FACTBOX: Breakthrough attempts repulsed: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian military repelled two enemy attempts to break through the border towards Novy Put

Russia strongly condemns Israel's large-scale attacks on Lebanon — Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized Russia's "principled position on the inadmissibility of indiscriminate attacks that target civilians"

Harris will be unable to stop WWIII, Trump argues

Earlier, the politician also warned that the United States would head toward a third world war under a Democratic administration

Zelensky fears US may change Ukraine policy after presidential election

"Therefore we need to prepare in advance," the Ukrainian President said

Russian economy counteracts challenges, including sanctions pressure — PM Mishustin

Mikhail Mishustin noted that despite the difficult conditions, it is possible to "support our citizens, businesses, and development projects, creating the basis for further growth"

Tourist flow in Russia in 2024 will approach 100 mln trips — Economic Development Ministry

According to Georgy Grusha, July 2024 was a record month when more than 10 mln people traveled within the country

Global oil demand could reach 120.1 mln bpd in 2050 — OPEC

The organization also forecasts that oil demand would reach 112.3 mln bpd in 2029, an increase of 10.1 mln bpd from 2023

Ukraine loses nearly 150 troops, several strongholds during counterattacks near Volchansk

In recent days, Ukrainian militants have been trying to stabilize the situation in the Kharkov region, military expert Andrey Marochko said

Budget deficit will not exceed 1% of Russia's GDP in three years — Finance Minister

According to the government's forecast in the draft budget, the federal budget deficit in 2024 will amount to 2.12 trillion rubles ($22.84 bln), or 1.1% of GDP

Israel pushes Hezbollah 20 years backwards in past week — media

Officials believe that Israel has "significantly weakened" the movement by killing several senior commanders and impacting Hezbollah’s command and control structure

Trump calls Zelensky 'greatest salesman in history'

The politician added that Zelensky "wants them the Democrats to win this presidential election" because he receives financial aid from them

Hezbollah says it fired 50 rockets at Israel’s Dado military base

The base houses the headquarters of the Israel Defense Forces Northern Command, according to the group

Russia to display Supercam S350 drone at ADEX show

Supercam S350 is a light drone with video signal range of over 70 km

Russian forces hit Ukrainian facility producing gas turbine engines for combat aircraft

Battlegroup Center continued to advance deeper into enemy defenses, hitting the troops and equipment of 12 Ukrainian brigades near Dzerzhinsk, Nelepovka, Rozovka, Krasnoarmeysk, Dimitrov, Grodovka, Ukrainsk, Gornyak and Kurakhovka of the Donetsk People's Republic

Hezbollah fires Fadi-3 missile in first such case as it shells Israel

The missile has a range of more than 100 kilometers

Moscow reiterates will not test nukes if Washington refrains

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov drew attention "to recent media reports saying that the infrastructure on Novaya Zemlya is fully ready"

Kremlin downplays importance of US presidential election for Russia

"The political struggle is very fierce," Dmitry Peskov said, describing the situation in the US

Biden includes conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza to list of global challenges

"I truly believe we're at another inflection point world in history, but the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come," US President Joe Biden said, speaking at the UN General Assembly General Debate

Basayev gang’s member sentenced to 10 years for attacking military in 2000

The man was found guilty of infringement on the life of military servicemen, incitement of an official to abuse of power and escape from custody

Iranian president vows assassination of Haniyeh won’t go unanswered

The assassination of Haniyeh runs counter to all norms of international law and will definitely not go unanswered

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Press review: Prognosing upcoming Zelensky-Biden meetup and Hezbollah ups ante with Israel

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 23rd

Fine for propaganda promoting 'childfree' ideology could reach 5 mln rubles — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that the fine was determined based on existing fines for spreading LGBT and gender reassignment propaganda

Europe's new security architecture yet to be built — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that this would require great efforts in the future and be a matter of special concern for the Kremlin in order to ensure Russia's legitimate security interests

Hezbollah says it struck Israeli naval base

The attack was carried out with drones, which were able to hit the designated target

Advanced Sarmat ICBM systems go on combat alert in Russia — Roscosmos head

The RS-28 Sarmat missile to replace the R-36M2 Voyevoda ICBM operational in the Russian Strategic Missile Force since 1988

Ukrainian command deploys foreign fighters in some areas of Kursk Region — commander

Apty Alaudinov pointed out that the foreigners are carrying out, among other things, raids

Zaporozhye Region has everything necessary to ensure nuclear security — governor

Yevgeny Balitsky pointed out that the Ukrainian strikes at the Zaporozhye power plant are systematic, and they continue

Lebanon fires over 50 shells at northern Israel

Some of the rockets were intercepted, while the rest landed in unpopulated areas, the army's press service said

Russian GDP up 4.4% in 7M 2024 — PM Mishustin

According to the Russian Prime Minister, this is more than two times higher than last year’s level

IN BRIEF: Russian government completing draft federal budget

The document will be finalized and submitted to the State Duma, the lower house of the parliament, by October 1

Finance Minister lists priority articles of Russia’s budget

According to Anton Siluanov, resources will be allocated for equipping the armed forces, paying wages and supporting enterprises of the defense industry sector