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Crimea and Sevastopol

First day of French MPs visit to Crimea triumphant — Russian lawmaker

This is the first visit of West European parliamentarians to Crimea since March 2014, Leonid Slutsky, coordinator of the parliamentary group for relations with the French Parliamen, notes

View over Balaklava, Crimea ITAR-TASS/Mikhail Pochuyev

View over Balaklava, Crimea

© ITAR-TASS/Mikhail Pochuyev

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French lawmakers make 'a courageous political step' — Crimea’s speaker

YALTA, July 24. /TASS/. The visit of French parliamentarians to Crimea has started triumphantly, Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Ties with Compatriots Committee at the State Duma lower house of parliament, coordinator of the parliamentary group for relations with the French Parliament said on Friday.

"I don’t like high-flown words. But I can say with confidence that the visit is beginning triumphantly," he told TASS, commenting on the results of the French delegation’s first day of visit to Crimea on Thursday. The head of the Duma committee said that this is the first visit of West European parliamentarians to Crimea and Sevastopol since March 2014.

On Friday, July 24, the group of French parliamentarians will continue its tour of the Republic of Crimea, visiting the Federal City of Sevastopol. The delegation members will meet there its governor Sergey Menyailo and representatives of the City Legislative Assembly. The guests will also visit several exhibitions and museums.

The delegation of members of both houses of French parliament, which is led by Thierry Mariani, France's former Transport Minister who represents the Republicans party in parliament and chairs the Franco-Russian Dialogue association, arrived in Crimea on Thursday.

The MPs have contacts with local officials and rank-and-file residents.

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Crimea and Sevastopol France

Airshow China exhibition opens in Zhuhai

In total, representatives from 47 countries and regions of the world

Ukraine is running low on Storm Shadow missiles — The Daily Telegraph

Reports on whether Kiev is authorized to use the UK-supplied missiles for deep strikes on Russia have been controversial over the past few months

West to face 'devastating' response if it allows Kiev to strike deep into Russia — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukrainian social media accounts are meanwhile speculating that the Zelensky regime plans to present the received Western missiles as Ukrainian, changing the labels to use the weapons to attack Russia

US using Ukraine as instrument for fighting against Russia — Kremlin

Russia still urges the Kiev regime to stop sending its citizens to death and killing Russians in Ukraine, Peskov noted

Poland may hand Russian consulate’s building in Poznan over to Ukraine — minister

The lease term for this property by the Consulate General of the Russian Federation expires at the end of this month, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said

Trump team fears negative impact of allegations against Hegseth — media

According to sources, many in Trump's team are reportedly disappointed

G20 summit in Brazil brings together over 40 countries — president

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov represents Russia at the event

Secret prisons in Ukraine overseen by Western intelligence — former SBU officer

Alexander Mazur stressed that all the information is reported to the top officials

Biden sets stage for WW3 by letting use US weapons to attack deep into Russia — senator

Earlier, The New York Times reported, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized strikes from the territory of Ukraine deep into Russia with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

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

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace 12 times in past day

Apart from that, two violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported

Western intelligence services operate in Ukraine since 2005 — former security officer

Western intelligence services have effectively become the SBU’s overseers, Aleksandr Mazur noted

Blast occurs at Udmurtia facility, preliminarily due to drone

The blast did not cause serious damage, the staff have been evacuated

US should not get involved in disputes in South China Sea — Xi

Separatist activities in Taiwan are incompatible with peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Xi Jinping added

Talks on Iran Nuclear Deal to resume soon, Iranian foreign minister says

According to Abbas Araghchi, since the presidency of late Ebrahim Raisi, Iran-US talks were held through the mediation of Oman, but the process has been suspended since May

Scholz, Biden have nothing to offer Putin — German expert

"He [Scholz], like another lame duck in the US - Joe Biden, has nothing to offer," Prof. Thomas Eger of the University of Cologne told the Bild newspaper

Biden authorizes use of US long-range weapons to strike inside Russia — media

According to the report, it is not ruled out that Joe Biden may allow to use American missiles to deliver strikes not only on the Kursk Region but also elsewhere in Russia

Russian missile frigate enters Mediterranean Sea in long-distance deployment

In the Mediterranean Sea, the missile frigate’s crew will accomplish missions as part of the Russian Navy’s standing taskforce

RFK Jr. calls for immediate US-Russia talks on Ukraine

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward his latest peace proposal for the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, which envisages the recognition of the status of Crimea, the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions as Russian constituencies

US, West use Ukraine as ‘strike force’ against Russia, says North Korean leader

"The global situation is approaching the dangerous threshold," Kim Jong Un said

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Europe’s financial, military resources depleted due to Ukraine situation — Fico’s adviser

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga said earlier that the total military help from the US and European states to Kiev had exceeded 100 bln euro

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Decision to allow use of long-range weapons against Russia is ‘insane’ — Maduro

"The American imperialism has entered a phase of madness and revenge," the Venezuelan president noted

Top Hungarian diplomat blames West for trying to expand war in Ukraine

Peter Szijjarto pointed out that "the supporters of war in Washington and Brussels have launched a final, desperate attack on the new reality"

Clear Zelensky won't be the one to decide about talks with Russia, says Lavrov

"Russian President Putin has repeatedly said that we have never refused to negotiate," the Russian foreign minister reiterated

Fico’s adviser says special military operation underway between US, Russia

Military and financial support provided to Ukraine is not a way of solving the crisis, Mazgut said

Chinese diplomat urges to cool situation in Ukrainian conflict

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian pointed out that Beijing has always encouraged and supported all efforts aimed at the peaceful settlement of the crisis

US permission to strike deep into Russia unlikely to change Ukrainian conflict — NPR

US-based NPR broadcaster notes that the stock of such missiles in Ukraine is limited, since they have already been used during the conflict

One third of Mariupol residents, who fled to Ukraine, already returned

Lack of due support, and accommodation issues, are the reason

Rising stakes and escalation: Reaction to US decision on strikes inside Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already clarified his position on US long-range missile attacks on targets inside Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented

Trump likely to revoke Biden's authorization to attack deep into Russia — magazine

"Nevertheless, there is every possibility Trump will repeal the decision - indeed, his camp has already accused Biden of trying to 'escalate' the conflict", Lisa Haseldine pointed out

Swedish minister in charge of gender equality suffers from bananaphobia

The phobia is so strong that special precautions need to be taken before her meetings

Relations with Russia to improve for mutual benefit, says Finnish President Stubb

The Ilta-Sanomat daily pointed out that Alexander Stubb had been in the presidential office for eight months already, but never managed to hold any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian troops liberate DPR's Leninskoye, Makarovka

Russian army hits Ukrainian energy facilities

Situation with strikes deep inside Russia dangerous, as West may get involved — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that "these strikes are carried out by those countries that give permission, because targeting, other maintenance is not done by Ukrainian servicemen"

Ukrainian troops surrender as Russian forces advance — captive

Alexander Rapolyuk noted that they had originally been sent to the Kursk Region under the pretext of replacing their comrades, but upon arrival, they found that the servicemen they were meant to replace had already been killed

Kremlin says tone of Putin-Scholz conversation was businesslike, quite frank

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 15

Putin made Russia’s position on long-range missile strikes perfectly clear — Kremlin

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, namely the Kursk Region

Actions of those seeking to stage coup in Abkhazia harming relations with Russia

Abkhazia should rely on the union with Russia and build its own state, Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania said

Erdogan to present proposal to freeze Ukraine conflict on current lines at G20 — Bloomberg

The Turkish proposal envisages establishing a demilitarized zone in eastern Donbass and placing international troops there

Damage to infrastructure reported in southeastern Ukraine

According to Dnepropetrovsk Region Governor Sergey Lysak, damage was reported in the region’s Nikopol District

Trump may pressure Ukraine to end war with Russia, Turkish expert suggests

According to Ilter Turan, Ukraine lacks the capacity to sustain its confrontation with Russia for an extended period without support from the US and Europe

Ukrainian army attempts to redeploy reserves to DPR — republic’s head

Denis Pushilin specified that the situation in Kurakhovo is hopeless for the Ukrainian army, however, the Ukrainian units have not been ordered to retreat

Phone conversation between Putin, Scholz lasted one hour — Kremlin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, marking their first phone conversation since December 2022

Russia inflicts damage on gas production facilities used for Ukraine’s defense industry

Energy facilities backing Ukrainian defense industry extensively attacked

Chechen leader reports eliminating Ukrainian troops in Sumy Region

According to Ramzan Kadyrov, fighters from the 34th Akhmat-Russia motorized rifle regiment conducted reconnaissance using unmanned aerial vehicles

Strikes on Ukrainian military sites to prevent launch of missiles — Russian lawmaker

According to Andrey Kartapolov, Russia "will definitely" respond to such a decision by Western countries

China stands against any steps aimed at Ukrainian conflict escalation — diplomat

Spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States Liu Pengyu stressed that Beijing stood for a peaceful and diplomatic settlement of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine

Long-range US missiles in Ukraine to be legitimate target for Russian troops — senator

The potential launch of long-range weapons from Ukrainian territory or elsewhere is defined in detail in Russia’s new nuclear doctrine, Viktor Bondarev noted

Lavrov arrives in Rio de Janeiro to take part in G20 summit

On November 18, the top Russian diplomat is expected to speak at plenary session on issues of fighting against poverty and famine, as well as of reforming global institutions

European politicians repeat their position on Ukraine like mantra, says Kremlin

"Russian President Vladimir Putin told Olaf Scholz in detail about Russia's vision of what is happening, about possible prospects for the development of the situation," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia sees 'freezing' of Ukraine conflict as unacceptable, Kremlin spokesman says

"The conditions that President Putin laid out in June remain fully relevant," Dmitry Peskov said

Paris, London authorize strikes inside Russia — newspaper

According to Le Figaro, Kiev "will be able to use SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles for these purposes"

US decision to allow strikes inside Russia could trigger global war — Serbian deputy PM

Aleksandar Vulin stressed that such an action leads to "devastating consequences for the global community"

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

Japan may toughen sanctions against Russia, North Korea over their cooperation — NHK

According to the Japanese broadcaster, Tokyo is concerned that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has allegedly an impact on security in Europe and Asia

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Kremlin says decision to launch ATACMS missiles deep into Russia 'escalation of tensions'

Moscow's position should be absolutely clear to everyone, Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Scott Ritter says US decision to allow attacks deep into Russia proves West’s desperation

According to Scott Ritter, Ukraine and Western countries are also concerned about the results of the US election and the victory of Donald Trump

Houthis say they attacked Tel Aviv, Ashkelon

According to Sarea, the Houthi drones "successfully hit their targets" in Israel

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

According to former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, the United States "is a direct party to the invasion and occupation of Russian soil," because it helped Kiev plan its incursion into the Kursk Region

Developments in Kursk Region: Ukrainian fighters suffer losses, face charges in Russia

Ukraine lost more than 100 servicemen, a tank, an armored fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, two D-30 122-mm howitzers, a mortar and an electronic warfare station over the past day

Eight killed, 17 injured in knife attack in China

No further details have been provided

Russia awaits Trump’s proposals on Ukrainian settlement — Lavrov

"Russia's position was clearly worded by the Russian president on June 14, 2024," Sergey Lavrov stressed

German defense minister calls for trying to build dialogue with Russia on Ukraine

Boris Pistorius, however, noted that he sees no changes in Moscow’s course

Putin-Scholz phone conversation was arranged promptly — Kremlin spokesman

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday

Le Figaro removes statement about France authorizing strikes against Russia

The newspaper has not yet responded to a TASS inquiry asking why the statement was removed

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

Hostages taken in restaurant in Paris suburb — TV

Meanwhile, Le Figaro reported that the perpetrator stated his intention to commit suicide

Ukraine loses up to 420 troops in Kursk area over day — top brass

The Russian troops destroyed two US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, one German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle and a German-made 155 mm PzH 2000 howitzer over the past day

Netherlands regrets leak of Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia

Meanwhile, the Netherlands has repeatedly stated that it imposes no restrictions on the use or range of weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, the country is supplying to Kiev

Abkhazia’s opposition agrees that vice president will act as head of state

Adgur Ardzinba, Leader of the Abkhazian Popular Movement, said that the entire cabinet is to resign

German envoy doubts time is ripe for talks on Ukraine ceasefire

"It’s quite clear that Europe will play its part in resolving" the conflict, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff said

Ukrainian militants trained in special camps since 2005 — former SBU officer

Students from technical schools and institutes attended these covert camps, which were also overseen by Western intelligence agencies, Aleksandr Mazur noted

Bzhania says he remains Abkhazia’s elected president

"There is the law, and from the viewpoint of the law I am an elected president," he said

Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon

Ukrainian intel officers in Syria to be eliminated as terrorists’ accomplices — diplomat

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, there are "in fact Russian troops stationed" in Syria

Putin congratulates Gazprom on completion of work on Nord Stream 2

The gas pipeline is ready for operation, the Russian President said

Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov to participate in G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the minister will hold a series of bilateral talks and meetings on the summit’s sidelines

Ukrainian people don't need support promised by Scholz after talks with Putin — Lavrov

Commenting on the Russian side's assessment of the conversation, the top diplomat emphasized that there is already a corresponding comment from the Kremlin

Press review: Switzerland open to hosting Putin-Trump talks as NATO and EU back Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 15th

US communicates its decision to authorize Kiev to strike inside Russia 3 days ago — Axios

These weapons were authorized for use in the Kursk Region only, the news outlet said

Foreign mercenaries fighting on Ukraine’s side near Kupyansk, says military expert

Most of the intercepted talks deal with military issues, using a special talk chart, Andrey Marochko specified

Trump may review Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia with US missiles

"I suspect most everything will be under review," a member of Trump’s transition team said

Macron doesn’t rule out phone call with Putin — TV

The French leader said that a conversation with Putin is possible "when relevant conditions and circumstances appear," the BFMTV television channel reported

Trump to zero in on fragmenting BRICS, Ukraine to take back seat — expert

According to the political scientist Boris Mezhuyev, in all likelihood attempts to replace the presidents of Brazil and Venezuela, and pit India, Russia and China against each other are coming

Kursk Region’s newspaper editor-in-chief killed in Ukrainian drone attack on her car

Apart from that, in his words, a newspaper employee and a police officer received wounds

Kremlin says Putin spoke with Scholz in Russian through interpreter

"In Russian, of course, through an interpreter," he said in an interview for the "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin"

Actions by Abkhazia’s opposition suggest attempt to seize power

Justice Minister Anri Bartsits emphasized that President Aslan Bzhania had already proposed a perfectly legal solution to resolve the current political crisis

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Pentagon chief believes Ukraine conflict will be resolved through talks

Pentagon chief said that following a meeting with his Australian and Japanese counterparts

US military industrial complex seeks to unleash World War III — Donald Trump Jr.

"The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives," he said

US denies possession of extraterrestrial technologies

According to Sue Gough, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, an office at the US Department of Defense that investigates unidentified anomalous phenomena, "is continuing its review of the historical record of US government UAP programs"

Ukraine loses almost 10,100 troops while trying to counterattack in LPR last week — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, from November 9 to November 15, the battlegroups North, West and South destroyed 32 Ukrainian tanks, 75 field artillery guns and over 320 different combat vehicles

Top diplomat says no change in France's position on attacks deep into Russia

Earlier, The New York Times reported, citing sources, that Biden had authorized strikes from Ukrainian territory deep into Russia using ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Putin has already voiced his position strikes inside Russia with US weapons — diplomat

Earlier The New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden has allowed to use US-supplied long-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, to strike inside Russia

Russia open to Ukraine talks based on June proposals, Putin tells Scholz

"Russia's proposals are well known and outlined, in particular, in a June speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry," the Russian president said

Scholz describes his phone call with Putin as important and detailed

"The conversation was detailed but revealed that little has changed in the Russia president’s views. This is not good news," Scholz said

US responsible for escalating conflict in Ukraine, says Iranian diplomat

"We insist on a peaceful and diplomatic settlement of the crisis by its parties," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed