Military operation in Ukraine

8 Jul 2023, 22:03

Transfer of cluster munitions to Kiev to have no effect on battlefield — DPR head

Denis Pushilin said the idea to provide Ukraine with these munitions was born out of desperation and was directly linked to popularity ratings of US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky

DONETSK, July 9. /TASS/. The US decision to deliver cluster munitions to Ukraine will have no effect on the special military operation, the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), Denis Pushilin, has told TASS.

"This will have no effect on the progress of the special military operation. The goal of demilitarizing Ukraine will be met," he said.

The official said the idea to provide Ukraine with these munitions was born out of desperation and was directly linked to popularity ratings of US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky.

On July 7, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the United States has decided to send Ukraine cluster munitions, even as the United Nations opposes the use of them. He also said that Kiev has provided Washington with written assurances that those weapons will be used in a way that minimizes risks to civilians. Pentagon Spokesman Patrick Ryder said on Thursday that the United States is poised to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions that pose the least risk to civilians.

Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Farhan Haq said earlier, commenting on media reports that the US plans to supply such munitions to Ukraine, that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres supports the Convention on Cluster Munitions and is against the use of such weapons on the battlefield.

Cluster munitions

A cluster bomb, or a cluster munition, can contain hundreds of explosive submunitions. When a cluster munition detonates in the air, submunitions can be left scattered on an area of tens of square meters. If some of them fail to function immediately but land on the ground without exploding, these submunitions pose a threat to civilians long after a conflict has ended. The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions has been joined by 111 countries so far, while another 12 nations have signed but not yet ratified it.

According to Human Rights Watch, the dud rate of cluster munitions is usually much higher than the declared level, and that leads to civilian casualties.

Tags

Ukraine Military operation in Ukraine

Russian medics, rescuers arrive in Myanmar to deal with quake’s aftermath

According to the ministry, the rescuers have brought along all the equipment necessary for search-and-rescue operations

Two days ago, 05:35

Russian army extensively advances in Kupyansk direction — expert

"Though the advances here are quite small, they are observed on a broad section of the front stretching more than 35 kilometers," Andrey Marochko

Yesterday, 08:12

Russian troops exploiting success in Krasny Liman area in Donbass — DPR head

In the Velikaya Novosyolka frontline area, Russian troops are focused on liberating the settlement of Bogatyr where the Ukrainian military has concentrated its forces and built quite serious defenses, Denis Pushilin said

Russia unsurprised by Trump's threats to impose duties on Russian oil — Ryabkov

The minister stated that even during Trump's first term, Russia "noted and remembered" the distinct patterns of US behavior when desired results were not quickly achieved

EU plans to impose 25% tariffs on US yachts, diamonds, juices — radio

According to the radio station, tariffs on these goods will be implemented from May 16

Yesterday, 18:04

Putin thanks Lukashenko for seizing explosives on border with Poland — report

On April 6, Belarusian customs officers stopped the smuggling of 580 kg of pentaerythritetetranitrate in a Mercedes car

Two days ago, 23:02

Price of Brent oil down below $64 per barrel on ICE for first time since April 26, 2021

Meanwhile, the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for May delivery was down by 3.36% at $59.92 per barrel

Yesterday, 17:41

Putin, Lukashenko discuss upcoming Zapad 2025 drills — agency

According to the report, the two leaders also touched upon the developments in the zone of the special military operation

Yesterday, 15:05

Houthi field commander dies in US strike on Yemen’s Sa’dah province — TV

According to the report, other high-ranking Houthi officials accompanying him were also killed in the attack, including the head of the region’s education department

Yesterday, 13:31

Iran to never create nuclear weapons — Foreign Ministry

The development of nuclear weapons in the Islamic Republic is officially prohibited by Ali Khamenei's 2003 decree

Yesterday, 14:07

Russia's international reserves up by 2.37% in March to $647.358 bln — Central Bank

On April 1, 2024, Russia's international reserves amounted to $590.374 billion

Yesterday, 08:22

'Ovechkin makes history': world media discuss sportsman’s 'miracle goal'

Alexander Ovechkin set a new record for the number of goals scored in the regular season of the NHL, surpassing Canada's Wayne Gretzky

Yesterday, 16:15

UN Security Council to hold Ukraine-themed meeting on April 8 — Russian mission

The session was requested by Western powers

US would like to cut defense expenditures jointly with China — Trump

"I don't want them to take $500, $600 billion a year and spend it on their military," US President said

Yesterday, 10:11

Russia-China-Iran nuclear-related meeting due in Moscow on April 7-8 — Iranian MFA

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the parties had agreed to concentrate their efforts on finding "viable and sustainable negotiating solutions" to address Western prejudices against Iran's nuclear program

25 Nov 2020, 03:18

Russian Defense Ministry receives last three Su-35S fighters under 5-year contract

The Su-35S is designated to strike air, ground and naval targets and infrastructural facilities shielded by air defense systems and located at a considerable distance from home airfields

Yesterday, 18:23

Russia, Belarus almost fully switch to settlements in national currencies — prime minister

Mikhail Mishustin stressed that he is prioritizing strengthening trade and economic cooperation with Belarus

Yesterday, 12:03

NATO plans to increase alliance’s involvement in Asia-Pacific affairs — Rutte

The secretary general emphasized that Washington has clearly stated that it wants the help of NATO allies in implementing the strategy of "projecting collective power" in the Asia-Pacific region

Yesterday, 16:14

Ukrainian forces planted mines at cemeteries in Kursk Region during retreat — sapper

According to the report, bomb disposal specialists while surveying these territories are invariably wearing armored gear that can weigh up to 50 kg

Yesterday, 18:59

UN concerned over deteriorating relations between US, Iran, hopes for indirect talks

"We hope that the opportunity of using another country as an intermediary would be used as a way to lower tensions," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said

Yesterday, 19:01

Russian cosmonauts congratulate Ovechkin on becoming NHL goals king

Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov, his deputy Sergey Krikalev, Commander of the Cosmonaut Squad Oleg Kononenko, as well as the crew of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft which is to blast off from Baikonur on April 8, also tipped their caps to Alexander Ovechkin

Yesterday, 16:42

Russia seeks to increase its contribution into UN peacekeeping activities — mission

"Russia is making its contribution into the training of military peacekeepers, including foreigners, in accordance with training programs for staff officers and military observers certified by the UN Secretariat," Russian Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Anna Yevstigneyeva noted

Yesterday, 18:43

Leads of Egypt, Jordan, France insist that Gaza be governed by Palestinian Authority

The three leaders also expressed support for the Gaza reconstruction conference due to be held in Cairo in the near future

Yesterday, 17:17

Belarus' Customs seizes explosives, prevents incidents, casualties — Foreign Ministry

The Foreign Ministry remarked that the truck, which had traveled through several East European countries, narrowly avoided becoming a "time bomb" that could have endangered unsuspecting civilians in the EU

Yesterday, 15:50

EU lays out schedule of retaliatory measures against US tariffs

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic declined to mention what goods would fall under the EU’s tariffs

Yesterday, 16:04

Nigerian police disperse anti-government protests with tear gas

According to the report, members of the Takeitback protest movement took to the streets in the Maitama district of Abuja

Yesterday, 16:23

Trump threatens China with additional 50% tariffs if Beijing doesn’t nix retaliatory move

The US president added that all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with Washington will be terminated

Yesterday, 13:50

Trump tariffs to damage economy, not to bring China to consultations with US — MFA

The American leader’s actions contradict the WTO rules, "seriously undermining the normal international trade and economic order, and security and stability of global supply chains," Lin Jian said

Yesterday, 11:56

WHO should stay out of politics, Russia urges to drop double standards — Foreign Ministry

"Russia considers it extremely important that the organization's activities remain depoliticized, scientifically based and meet the interests of all member states," the statement reads

Protesters across US rally against Trump, Musk — TV

CNN points out that some 600,000 people have signed up to attend the events

Leaders of Egypt, Jordan, France support swiftest peace in Ukraine

According to the statement, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Emmanuel Macron and Abdullah II held a joint phone call with US President Donald Trump

Yesterday, 19:02

Russian companies eye oil and gas projects in Equatorial Guinea — Energy Ministry

The parties are also considering the introduction of industry standards of the Institute of Oil and Gas Technological Initiatives for equipment and technology

US not satisfied by current situation around Ukraine — Trump

"So we're meeting with Russia, we're meeting with Ukraine, and we're getting sort of close," US President added

Yesterday, 17:31

Gas supplies to Transnistria suspended for several days due to technical reasons

As noted at a meeting chaired by President Vadim Krasnoselsky, with the resumption of gas supplies, the heating season, which ended on April 2, will be extended by several days

Yesterday, 14:54

Audi hits brakes on US deliveries following new Trump tariffs — Bild

The company representative added that currently there are more than 37,000 cars sitting in Audi warehouses in the United States, and these are not subject to the new duties, meaning they can be sold

Washington would like to see conflict in Gaza over — Trump

"I like to see the war stop, and I think the war will stop at some point," US President said

Yesterday, 18:42

Lavrov discusses Russia-US dialogue, Ukraine crisis with envoys of Eurasian states

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on issues related to the implementation of the initiative put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin to create a new security architecture in Eurasia with the participation of all states of the continent and their associations

Yesterday, 15:28

Hungary not to support EU’s retaliatory tariffs against US — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary favors "talks on lowering tariffs in trade between the United States and the European Union, not raising them"

Trump's tariffs could plunge world into third global recession in last 20 years — Axios

The portal quoted consulting company Evercore as saying that in 2024, the US imported $3.3 trillion worth of goods, or more than $25,000 per household

Houthis hit US Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier using missiles, drones

Earlier, it was reported that the US had targeted underground facilities of the Houthis in the Amran Province, located in the northwest of Yemen, along with the movement's positions in the Saada Province

Yesterday, 18:41

Houthis report attacks on Israeli military site, US destroyers in Red Sea

Previously, the Israel Defense Forces reported that it intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle approaching the country’s eastern borders

Time has come to stop war in Ukraine, Musk says

US businessman said that he has 'no respect for the warmongers'

Yesterday, 13:40

Top Russian senator calls Europe's targeting of politicians 'medievalism of 21st century'

According to Valentina Matviyenko, what is happening in Europe today is hardly a democracy

Two days ago, 06:34

Ukraine deploys contracted soldiers 18-24 y.o. to Liptsy direction

The source also noted that Russian forces had previously eliminated some of the more experienced soldiers from this formation

Yesterday, 14:53

Roscosmos chief, NASA official discuss launches from Baiterek

The two space officials, who met at the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, also addressed cooperation on the International Space Station

Two days ago, 20:42

Ovechkin beats Gretzky to become best sniper in NHL Regular Season

The goal in the away match against the New York Islanders was forward's 895th

Yesterday, 17:08

Leaders of Egypt, Jordan, France reject any annexation of Palestinian territory

"The leaders expressed alarm at the increasingly deteriorating situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and urged to stop all unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two State solution and increase tensions," the declaration said

Envoys from Iran, US to hold talks in Oman — NYT reporter

According to Farnaz Fassihi, Iran had told Washington it is open & willing to hold direct talk if the first round goes well

Ukrainian attack that killed female civilian in DPR involved Slovakian-made missiles

The attack also involved 122 mm projectiles

Two days ago, 04:04

Battlegroup West destroyed five Starlink terminals — spokesman

Air defense crews destroyed two HIMARS projectiles and 22 fixed-wing drones

Yesterday, 17:58

Lavrov describes situation in Middle East as 'explosive'

The top Russian diplomat also said the Euro-Atlantic security paradigm was in crisis, and drew attention to the dangerous actions of NATO states aimed at destabilizing the situation in the Asia-Pacific region

Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

‘Deep state’ instructed Europe to continue conflict in Ukraine — Georgian PM

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, the same thing is happening with financing of organizations engaged in "anti-state processes," including in Georgia - these organizations are now funded only from the EU

Yesterday, 13:43

Urals oil price drops by almost $10 per barrel since beginning of April

On April 4, the price of Urals in the port of Novorossiysk fell to $54.76 per barrel against $63.45 per barrel on April 1

Yesterday, 15:21

Greece favors unified EU response to US tariffs, says prime minister

Kyriakos Mitsotakis still said it is better not to have high expectations on this issue as there is no certainty how the US will react

Yesterday, 11:57

European students keep enrolling in Russia, even as ties fray — cooperation agency CEO

"There are some fields where Russia is simply second to none, for example, like music and ballet," Yevgeny Primakov noted

Yesterday, 10:18

Russian economy attractive to western investors — minister

Maksim Reshetnikov pointed to a high current level of real interest rates in the Russian economy, which means that financial investments are attractive amid stable external trade turnover and steady exchange rate

Yesterday, 14:51

Gas actively pumped into Europe’s UGS, LNG imports at record rates

Gas pumping into UGS facilities in EU countries amounted to 250 mln cubic meters on April 5, according to GIE

Yesterday, 16:17

Russian, Bangladesh military officials discuss cooperation

The Russian Defense Ministry said the sides "expressed mutual determination to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between the armies and peoples of Russia and Bangladesh"

Tehran purchases Russian Su-35 fighter jets — Iranian general

"Any time that we have the need, we will purchase military equipment for strengthening our Air Force, Army and Navy," Ali Shadmani said

Two days ago, 03:10

Gutsul’s defense counsel accuses Moldovan special service of gross interference in process

The defense believes that charges voiced in mass media by Moldovan government and law enforcement representatives that Gutsul allegedly took money from a criminal group, are unjustified

Press review: Putin’s envoy holds talks with Trump's team as experts analyze tariff impact

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 4th

Yesterday, 14:44

Russia bans advertising on websites of extremist organizations

The law envisages a delayed implementation date for these new regulations, which will come into effect on September 1, 2025

Yesterday, 11:05

Iran ready to give harsh response if US, Israel attack — Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed that "any attempts by third parties to carry out provocations and arson will have consequences"

US has practically no trade with Russia, so no reciprocal tariffs were imposed — Trump

On April 2, Trump imposed customs duties on products from 185 countries and territories

Yesterday, 14:50

German politician calls for resuming gas supplies from Russia in response to US tariffs

"Stock markets are plummeting and there is a real threat of a global financial crisis," Sahra Wagenknecht said

Trump’s new tariffs pave way for new world order, says top EU lawmaker

In an interview with the Funke media group, he pointed out that "the Trump administration is bringing fundamental things into question for no reason at all"

Yesterday, 08:58

Moldova stands on verge of collapse of relations with Russia — ex-premier

"We stand on the brink of a collapse in relations not only with a friendly nation but also with a strategic partner with whom we share centuries-old socio-economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties," Vasile Tarlev wrote

Yesterday, 14:19

Musk reminds Russia, US only two miles apart

Elon Musk has posted a video which also notes that during icy winters, the Russian-American border in this area becomes traversable on foot

Yesterday, 19:09

Ukraine appoints notorious former ambassador to Germany as envoy to UN

The new envoy is replacing Sergey Kislitsa, who was dismissed on December 21, 2024

Yesterday, 10:54

Global oil market situation extremely turbulent — Kremlin

The authorities are doing everything to mitigate the global situation for the Russian economy, Dmitry Peskov stressed

2 Nov 2012, 16:23

Russian national dies in Mexico under unknown circumstances

The Russian Embassy in New Mexico has launched an inquiry into the death of Russian national Anton Alfyorov

Two days ago, 13:07

Russia strikes Ukraine’s central arms artillery base, defense enterprises — top brass

The strike’s goal has been achieved, its targets have been hit, the Defense Ministry said

Ukrainian army lost 19 Abrams tanks out of 31, rest taken off frontlines, NYT says

The newspaper noted that of "the 31 highly sophisticated Abrams tanks that the United States provided Ukraine in 2023, 19 have been destroyed, disabled or captured

Yesterday, 18:11

Putin holds phone talk with Lukashenko

According to Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the heads of state discussed current matters of bilateral cooperation

Court fines Telegram for keeping channels urging for terror attacks in Russia

The messaging service did not remove these channels and therefore was fined to the tune of seven million rubles (over $80,000)

Yesterday, 18:00

US duties, mass trader liquidations behind bitcoin fall — experts

Over the past day, bitcoin, according to the Binance exchange, lost more than 10% of its value, as it is now trading at $75,000

Two days ago, 14:44

Iran’s Supreme Leader puts army on high alert — Reuters

Reuters said that Iran rejected direct negotiations with the US on a nuclear deal, but wants to continue indirect negotiations through Oman, a longtime channel for messages between the rival states

Yesterday, 18:18

EC proposes 25% retaliatory tariffs on US goods from April 16 — Reuters

As the agency says, the EC has removed whiskey from the list of goods subject to import duties

Yesterday, 18:40

Russian embassy chides British media for Jules-Verne-style fantasy of subsea sabotage

"Russia has never threatened the security of the United Kingdom and its residents," the embassy stressed

Two days ago, 09:59

American Tater forcibly hospitalized with mental disorder in Moscow

Psychiatrists diagnosed Joseph Tater with mental health

Yesterday, 11:33

Wildfires in Siberia destroy 65 buildings, including 33 residential houses

To combat the emergency, additional rescue teams from Tuva and Kuzbass have been deployed to Khakassia

Houthis claims attack against US carrier group

Strikes against US warships "continued for several hours" and prevented US attacks against Yemen’s regions controlled by the rebels, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea added

Yesterday, 12:50

Russian agency says Latvia plans to pull down World War II memorials to mar Victory Day

"To give this act of vandalism a semblance of being ‘civilized,’ it is planned to proceed ‘strictly within the Latvian legal framework,’ the statement says

Yesterday, 14:41

PM Starmer calls US duties challenge for British, global economy

Keir Starmer added that the world is changing and the rules of commerce that were perceived as normal recently are no longer appropriate

Yesterday, 08:34

Kiev’s partners to reduce financing of Ukraine due to US tariffs — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Ukraine had been brought to complete financial, political, and trade dependence on Brussels by "knowingly false European integration rhetoric"

Yesterday, 18:55

US may raise duties on Chinese goods to 104% — White House

The new increase may be approved on April 9

Yesterday, 12:56

Civilian hospital in Zaporozhye Region shelled by Ukrainian troops

"This is a flagrant terror attack targeting a civilian hospital with dozens of patients, many of whom cannot move receiving lung ventilation," Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said

Yesterday, 09:26

Initiative with deployment of EU troops in Ukraine makes no practical sense — experts

According to Jack Watling, a senior researcher for land warfare at the UK’s Royal United Services Institute, a "coalition of the willing" should not attempt such an undertaking

26 Nov 2021, 08:57

Investigation results into hole in Russia’s Soyuz MS-09 handed over to law enforcement

Earlier, a source informed that the hole had been drilled in weightlessness by a person not acquainted with the spaceship’s design

US to increase military pressure on Houthis — Pentagon chief

"We are not going to relent, and it's only to get more unrelenting, until the Houthis declare that they will stop shooting at our ships," Pete Hegseth said

Yesterday, 09:38

Russian troops advance to Loknya, Yunakovka following Basovka's liberation, expert says

Andrey Marochko noted that Russia’s advances in Sumy have stretched Ukraine’s frontline, compelling Kiev to divert troops and resources to this new sector

Yesterday, 12:36

NCPM scientists create prototype of computer operating at 'speed of light'

Research Director Alexander Sergeyev elaborated that one of the primary challenges facing the researchers is to integrate the device with fast interfaces compatible with classical electronic computing machines

Yesterday, 13:17

Russian troops liberate Katerinovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

Yesterday, 14:32

International acceptance of Mir cards grows despite sanctions — Bank of Russia

Currently, apart from Russia the Mir card is accepted in 13 countries

Yesterday, 13:45

Three cities in DPR cut off from water supply due to Ukrainian shelling

Repairs are expected to take up to three days

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: US sees first protests since Trump’s return and OSCE seeks Russia’s comeback

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 7th

Yesterday, 13:46

Belarus’ gold and currency reserves up 7% in March to $10.07 bln

The country's gold and foreign currency reserves totaled $10.069 bln as of April 1

US, Iran holding direct talks — Trump

According to the US leader, no country is acting as a mediator between the United States and Iran

Russian diplomat calls on US to audit Ukraine aid spending

In Rodion Miroshnik words, an audit is necessary so that "no illusions are left about what [the Kiev regime] really is"