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Russia’s Soyuz-2.1a rocket with manned spacecraft blasts off from Baikonur spaceport

The spacecraft will deliver Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov and NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei to the International Space Station

Soyuz-2.1a rocket booster with the Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft Roscosmos Press Office/TASS

Soyuz-2.1a rocket booster with the Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft

© Roscosmos Press Office/TASS

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Soyuz-2.1b rocket with OneWeb communication satellites launched from Vostochny cosmodrome

BAIKONUR COSMODROME /Kazakhstan/, April 9. /TASS/. A Russian Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with a manned spacecraft named after Yuri Gagarin blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The carrier rocket lifted off from Site 31 of the Baikonur spaceport (the Vostok launch pad) at 10:42 Moscow time. The spacecraft will deliver Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov and NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei to the International Space Station (ISS).

The manned spacecraft will be delivered into orbit in nine minutes. Its docking to the space station’s Rassvet module is scheduled for 14:07 Moscow time on April 9.

Space station’s orbit raised by 1 km — Roscosmos

According to preliminary information, the average altitude of the orbital outpost was increased to 414.8 km above the Earth’s surface

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

Russia has many questions for UN chief, Russia’s envoy says

Vasily Nebenzya said that he has "good personal relations" with the secretary general

China to send two pandas to American zoo in ten-year loan program

It is a part of international cooperation on conservation of bamboo bears

Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

Russian troops improved their tactical position and repelled eight Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Avdeyevka area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Polish leader cautions NATO allies against provoking Russia

Andrzej Duda slammed the reported instances of Russian missiles entering Poland's airspace as "a Russian provocation"

Russia strikes major thermal power plant in western Ukraine — underground resistance

Five missiles hit Dnepropetrovsk while a strong blow with the subsequent detonation was registered in Krivoi Rog, the spokesman specified

Serbia thrusts door open to Russian ruble

The financiers have taken into account the growing foreign trade transactions between the two countries

Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

Ukrainian troops fleeing Ocheretino in small groups, says DPR

"There is one more or less suitable road but it is also being shelled," adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky said

Russia grateful to DPRK for unconditional support of special operation in Ukraine — MFA

Ivan Zhelokhovtsev said that the agreements that were reached during the DPRK leader's visit to Russia represent "evidence of the mutual desire of the sides to consistently implement and expand the rich heritage" that was passed down from previous generations

US using human rights topics to shake political situation in Russia — embassy

"Attacks against Russia mainly focused on challenging the legality of the special military operation in Ukraine", the Russian embassy said

Belgium’s rejection of exchange of assets in Russia to impede process — Kremlin

It was reported earlier that the Belgian side did not recognize the exchange of blocked assets

Scholz reiterates German soldiers, Taurus long-range missiles not to be sent to Ukraine

"There will be neither German soldiers nor NATO troops in this war," the German Chancellor emphasized

Uniper notified Russia about Unipro dispute, company says

"Uniper had already decided to sell the stake in Unipro in the summer of 2021 and informed the Russian government of its decision in the autumn of 2021," the company noted

Bus carrying Iranians overturns in Armenia, killing three

Rescue work at the scene is ongoing

UN bound to stay as unique world organization — Russian ambassador

"If the UN did not exist, it should have been created," Vasily Nebenzya said

Repaired strategic bomber Tu-22M3 re-enters service with Russia’s Aerospace Force

The bombers will get advanced precision weapons while their radio-electronic devices and engines will be similar to the equipment aboard the latest Tu-160M2 aircraft

Kiev recognizes difficulties, losses on battlefield over six months of waiting for US aid

The office of the Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky notes that the Ukrainian army needs to stabilize the frontline

Russian stock indices rising on Saturday

The dollar edged up to 93.4 rubles, the euro - to 98.9 rubles

Economic figures turn out above projections in early 2024 — Putin

Russia’s GDP grew by 6% in January-February in annual terms, the Russian president stressed

US continues hunt for Russian citizens in third countries — Russian envoy

Anatoly Antonov says the Americans seek deportation of Russians to the United States

Ukraine struggles to use GLSDB efficiently due to Russian jamming capabilities — report

When the GPS signal is suppressed by Russian electronic warfare equipment, the munitions can only rely on their inertial navigation system to calculate their impact location, and this causes them to miss the target

US may risk military escapade in Far East — Russian ambassador to North Korea

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is a major concern, Russian Ambassador to Pyongyang Alexander Matsegora told

Russia fighting puppet regime in Kiev, people to win from its defeat, security chief says

As Nikolay Patrushev said, ordinary Ukrainians have long understood that they were simply used as a bargaining chip, a tool to contain Russia

Death toll in Armenian bus accident rises to five

Nine people were injured, the country’s Interior Ministry said

Kremlin spokesman describes European Parliament as 'Russophobic machine'

Dmitry Peskov added that the EP "has turned into a machine brimming with internal contradictions that keeps generating boorish statements"

Russia’s Tasoyev wins 2024 European Judo Championship in over-100kg weight category

The Russian clinched the gold after defeating in the final bout of the championship Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili

Russia to incorporate US nuke scenario in Poland in its military planning — diplomat

"Poland’s authorities make no secret of their striving to lean closer on the US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe and are actively using these ambitions in their hostile Russian policy," Maria Zakharova stressed

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

Alrosa may leave Catoca project in Angola — Finance Ministry

Alrosa is working in Angola since 1992

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

Russia’s second meteorological satellite Arktika-M launched from Baikonur put into orbit

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying the Arktika-M No. 2 satellite blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 12:18 p.m. Moscow time

Russia developing Start-1M carrier rocket as derivative of Topol-M ICBM — source

Like the ICBM, the carrier rocket is intended for launches from a mobile launching platform

China is able to defend its interests, Kremlin says about US pressure on Beijing

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow and Beijing would push ahead with developing cooperation

Russia delivers 35 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week — top brass

Russian troops liberated the communities of Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and advanced deep into the enemy defense

South Sudan asks for Russia's help to build oil pipeline to country — Undersecretary

South Sudan is also interested in construction of a high-capacity refinery in the country and in training fuel and energy sector specialists in Russia, Mayen Wol Jong said

Russian cabinet extends obligatory sale of foreign currency revenue for one year

The move is to facilitate maintenance of stability of the foreign currency exchange rate and sustainability of the Russian financial market, the government noted

Court places Forbes reporter under house arrest for discrediting Russian armed forces

The press service specified that investigative and procedural actions are underway in coordination with Russia’s Federal Security Service

Palestinian factions thank Russia for support at meeting in Moscow — Hamas statement

In their statement, the Palestinians also noted a "positive and constructive" atmosphere at the Moscow meeting and expressed their readiness to continue dialogue in order to "achieve comprehensive national unity"

Russian T-14 Armata tanks tested in Syria

Serial supplies of Russia’s new T-14 tanks on the Armata platform to Russian troops will begin in 2021

Russian, Belarusian troops to train in Belarus in 2025

The decision to hold an exercise once in two years in one of the countries was made in 2009

US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

"It’s not about any mythical aspirations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but about banal opportunistic and predatory ambitions," Anatoly Antonov said

Russia provides UNRWA with platform to explain Gaza situation to BRICS — agency chief

Philippe Lazzarini added that he wanted to warn the BRICS members of the consequences of banning UNRWA's activities in the conflict zone

NATO makes Russia its neighbor by expanding eastward, Russian envoy says

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg claimed that increased payments to the bloc’s budget were the cost of having Russia as a neighbor

Russia puts forward serious disarmament initiatives at UN, says envoy

Earlier, Russia vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council prepared by the United States and Japan on the non-deployment of nuclear weapons in space

US intel finds no proof of Russian leadership’s involvement in Navalny’s death — newspaper

"Some European intelligence agencies have been told of the US view," The Wall Street Journal added

Istanbul accords could have stopped hostilities in Ukraine — German newspaper

The deal still looks advantageous even after two years of war, Welt am Sonntag said

‘Pointless’ to talk Easter ceasefire with irreverent Ukraine — Russian Orthodox Church

Since the onset of Kiev’s military operation in Donbass in 2014, ceasefires have been repeatedly declared on major holidays, including religious ones and most of them were broken by Ukrainian forces within hours

Russia to open diplomatic missions in more African countries, diplomat says

According to Vsevolod Tkachenko, Moscow is in talks with African countries to launch flights to new destinations

Drone crashes in industrial zone in Russian city of Lipetsk

There were no casualties, egional Governor Igor Artamonov said

SCO should unite against foreign attempts to trigger revolutions — Shoigu

"The main emphasis should be placed on the development of military contacts between the SCO and the CSTO,"the Russian defense minister said

Bill submitted to Russian legislature seeks more control over immigration

One of the bill's provisions would limit the stay of a foreigner to 90 days within one calendar year

Over 3,100 foreign mercenaries fight for Ukraine, most of them from US

The Russian Investigative Committee added that measures are underway to locate their whereabouts and bring them to criminal liability

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

People in Armenia block road in protest to border deal with Azerbaijan

On April 19, Yerevan and Baku issued a joint statement saying that a tentative agreement had been reached for several sections of the border between both countries

Reuters producer in custody over YouTube publications posted on NavalnyLIVE web platform

Konstantin Gabov is accused of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 282.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (participation in an extremist community), the court’s press office said in statement

Hamas’s win may lead to 9/11-like attacks, Israeli minister warns

Nir Barkat also described Qatar as "one of the biggest challenges" for Israel, claiming that Doha supported various radical groups active in the region

China, US free to have their own friends, partners — President Xi

Beijing sticks to the principle of non-alignment with any blocs, the Chinese leader said and called on Washington "to refrain from teaming up in small groups"

Russia’s top racket Medvedev through to next round of 2024 Madrid Open

3rd-seed Daniil Medvedev outplayed his unseeded rival Matteo Arnaldi from Italy 2-6; 6-4; 6-4 and is now set to play in the next round against 25th-seed Sebastian Korda of the United States

Inflation in Russia slowing down gradually — Putin

"Inflation is slowing down gradually, same as inflation expectations, which is especially important, including households’ expectations, meaning their estimates, suggestions on how prices will behave in the future," the head of state said

Germany lukewarm to China’s idea of international investigation into Nord Stream blasts

"The investigation is already being conducted by the German Public Prosecutor General’s Office," the German foreign ministry spokesman said

US first caused, now purposefully drags out Ukraine conflict — Shoigu

The Russian top defense official added that in order to achieve its goals, Washington is exerting unprecedented pressure, including on its partners

Polish general expects Russia to continue wiping out Abrams tanks in Ukraine

Waldemar Skrzypczak underlined that "no tank is invincible"

Russia closely watches all NATO maneuvers — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the lion’s share of the alliance’s wargames is designed precisely as the unfolding scenarios of confrontation with Russia

Russian GDP gain 5.4% in Q1 2024 — Economy Ministry

In March 2024, the Russian economy grow by 4.2% annually

One more suspect in Crocus City Hall terror attack arrested — police

The detention was reported earlier by the media, which said that police had captured Tajik national Djumokhon Kurbonov

Gagauzia’s political leadership under Chisinau's pressure — official

On Friday, four members of Gagauzia’s Executive Committee delegation were searched and questioned at Chisinau Airport upon their arrival from a trip to Russia and Turkey

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

Eight violations by US-led international coalition’s aircraft recorded in Syria

The Russian military police had conducted patrols in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah provinces, Major General Yury Popov, the deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said

Development of Sino-Russian cooperation to be main topic of AmurExpo forum

AmurExpo is the off-site venue of the Eastern Economic Forum

Armenians protesting against border delimitation with Azerbaijan disrupt concert

A similar protest took place at the Paronyan Musical Comedy Theater

Russian cutting-edge missile frigate holds artillery firings in Arctic drills

"The combat exercises were conducted in the Barents Sea waters closed for shipping," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin "is well-known"

Azov units suffer heavy losses in fighting near Avdeyevka, DPR official says

Igor Kimakovsky specified that the number of Azov members killed in action was in the hundreds

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 16% per annum again

"The return of inflation to target and its further stabilization close to 4% assume that tight monetary conditions will be maintained in the economy for a longer period than previously forecast," the regulator said

Russia should maximize cooperation with friendly countries — PM

Mikhail Mishustin pointed out that another critical task is to establish modern infrastructure to strengthen connectivity of the Russian economy with CIS and Global South countries

Ukraine’s frontlines may collapse, if Russia decides to focus its offensive — paper

Ukraine is at a great risk of its frontline collapsing wherever Russian generals decide to focus their offensive

Ukrainian troops fire at least 60 rounds at borderline Belgorod Region

The debris from air defense operations shattered windows and damaged walls in four private residences in the Yakovlevsky Municipal District

Erdogan moves back from May 9 his trip to US — report

The report hasn’t been officially confirmed

Increased partnerships within SCO reflect organization's appeal — secretary-general

Zhang Ming noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a regional to transregional multifaceted association at this point

Top security official advises West to keep door open for joint research work with Russia

Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Settlement proposal on Gaza to Hamas provides for release of 20-40 hostages — TV

A source told the news outlet that the agreement will be most likely reached in the next couple of days

Refinery in southern Russia partially suspends operations after Ukrainian drone attack

Ten unmanned aerial vehicles flew directly into the plant, causing a big fire

Army officer some media point to as Nord Stream blasts coordinator goes missing in Ukraine

The man, Roman Chervinsky, was under arrest in the case of a failed operation to recruit a Russian pilot

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

Ukrainian forces trapped on outskirts of Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky reported that the enemy "experiences problems with logistics and the supply of ammunition and essentials"