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Coronavirus pandemic

Expert believes world passed ‘equator’ of coronavirus pandemic, hardest time left behind

According to the latest statistics, about 183 million people have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The world crossed the so-called equator of the pandemic back in February, and the most difficult period is behind, so the incidence rates of COVID-19 are not expected to soar exponentially, said Alexander Lukashev, director of the Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, in a televised interview on Rossiya-24 channel on Friday.

"I believe it can be said today that we have gone through the hardest time of the pandemic, as we crossed the equator at some point in February. What we have now is already the tail. Yes, it is unpleasant. Yes, it is a new threat, but now we are not facing that danger of explosive growth, which happened last year. Now we know that we are not expecting a catastrophe," he said.

Lukashev pointed out that the coronavirus pandemic has evolved into a problem that can be addressed "routinely" as there are already scientific means, knowledge and vaccines.

"I think the worst has been left behind," he concluded.

According to the latest statistics, about 183 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 3.9 million deaths have been reported.

To date, 5,561,360 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 5,035,518 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 136,565 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.

Russia actively cooperates with other countries in science, education — minister

"Moscow State University has reached an agreement with Beijing University to establish an institute for fundamental research, and now this initiative will be implemented," Valery Falkov noted

India’s PM adviser shares with Putin possible ways of settling Ukraine crisis — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that it was not "a clear-cut peace plan"

Bank of Russia confirms resumption of consultations with IMF

Head of the regulator Elvira Nabiullina said that it is "a routine, permanent practice for all IMF members"

Four US nationals convicted of conspiracy to work for Russia — US Justice Department

The statement alleged that they acted under the direction of Russian anti-globalization human rights activist Alexander Ionov

Severing diplomatic relations with UK out of question — Kremlin

Earlier, an anonymous representative of the Russian security services said that six UK diplomats had been expelled from Russia

White House taking Putin’s words about NATO’s involvement in Ukrainian conflict seriously

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that by allowing Ukraine to use its weapons to strike deep inside Russia the West will get directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict

Russian army approaches Seversk to increase range of weapons used — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that this development will allow Russian troops to "increase pressure" on the enemy and "expand the range of weapons used"

Russia pushing Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Region, will undoubtedly succeed — Lavrov

The foreign minister pointed out that "it is the West that supplies Ukraine with offensive weapons that are used in terrorist attacks"

Russian deputy defense minister presents Russia’s approaches to security issues in Beijing

Alexander Fomin met with heads of delegations from China, Brunei, Laos, Mongolia and Iran

Strategic partnership between Russia, China guarantees peace, stability — Defense Ministry

Alexander Fomin also noted that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, testifying to the strength of their alliance

West afraid to even discuss interception of Russian missiles over Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky noted that Western states did discuss ensuring Israel’s air defense during the Iranian attack on April 13, but they refuse to make the same steps for Ukraine

US imposes Ukrainian military experience on Asia-Pacific

Under the pretext of creating a free and open Indo-Pacific region, western countries are creating military alliances similar to NATO in the region

Russia, Turkey disagree on Crimea’s status, Moscow keeps persuading Ankara — Kremlin

"We hope that over time this will allow Ankara to understand us better and to agree with our arguments," Dmitry Peskov explained

Press review: BRICS challenges existing security concepts and Europe's economy in trouble

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 13th

US decision to strike deep into Russia won’t solve Ukrainian problems — newspaper

It is pointed out that Washington has tempered its expectations of what Kiev can achieve in the near future

Putin's statement on consequences of strikes deep into Russia reaches addressees — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Putin's statement admitted of no dual interpretations

Stoltenberg to become new Munich security conference chairman — media

According to the report, Jens Stoltenberg will assume the office after the Munich Conference in February 2025

Trump’s plan on Ukraine envisages demilitarized zone, Kiev’s neutrality — running mate

Apart from that, "the Germans and other countries have to fund some Ukrainian reconstruction", David Vance said

Trump refuses to hold new round of debates with Harris

US ex-President noted that Polls shows that he won last debate

Less volunteers join Ukrainian army due to command's poor attitude — POW

It is reported that servicemen were deployed to build fortifications near the front line and could be left out of contact for an indefinite period

Ukrainian trench system discovered in settlements liberated on way to Krasnoarmeysk

DPR head Denis Pushilin announced that he had visited Karlovka, Novosyolovka Pervaya, Peski and seven other settlements

Local residents testify to Ukraine's atrocities in Kursk Region

On September 9, the Investigative Committee announced that criminal cases had been filed against Ukrainian servicemen suspected of committing various crimes in the Kursk Region

Investigators record cases of Ukrainian troops’ terrorism in Russia’s Kursk Region

Investigative bodies are dealing with the cases of residents of Sudzhansky, Glushkovsky, Korenevsky, and other border districts of Kursk Region

Zelensky complains West refused to use long-range weapons against Russia

"If restrictions are lifted on some weapons for which there are no missiles, that is not a lifting of restrictions," the Ukrainian president said

Kim Jong Un oversees tests of new 600mm multiple rocket launcher

The trials included "the driving test and volley test"

EU prolongs individual sanctions against Russia, removes two persons from blacklist

The EU Council stressed that the blacklist against Russia currently includes more than 2,200 individuals and legal entities

No weapon can become game changer for Kiev — Pentagon

In Washington’s opinion, Ukraine should focus on employing capabilities currently at its disposal

Netherlands unable to send Patriot system to Ukraine after unnamed ally leaves it hanging

In June, the Netherlands announced that it and an ally had teamed up to jointly provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system

Russian army hits airfields, Ukrainian military’s energy facilities

Russia’s battlegroup West has repelled three Ukrainian counterattacks over the past day, eliminating up to 445 enemy servicemen, the Defense Ministry emphasized

Biden could allow strikes inside Russia with European missiles, but not ATACMS — report

The US President could greenlight the use of UK’s Storm Shadow missiles and French Scalp missiles

NATO has been prepping Ukraine for war with Russia for eight years, Ukrainian POW says

It is noted that the Ukrainian media outlets have been deliberately shaping Russia’s negative image

Six UK diplomats working in Moscow engaged in intelligence, subversive activities — FSB

"The revealed facts give grounds to consider the activities of UK diplomats sent to Moscow by the Directorate as a threat to Russia’s security," the report said

Double standards unacceptable while resolving Ukraine, Mideast conflicts — minister

In Dong Jun's opinion, root causes of these conflicts need to be studied in order to resolve them

Ten settlements liberated by Russian forces in Kursk Region in past week

Ukraine's losses stood at 3,520 troops in the operational area of the battlegroup North

Drug supplies to Ukrainian army come from US — POW

It is reported that under some psychotropics a person can stay awake for a week

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

Kiev unhappy about three-fold drop in supplies of HIMARS missile systems from US

Vladimir Zelensky emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces continue to experience a shortage of artillery shells of both 155 mm caliber and other types, FPV drones, air defense systems and missiles to them

BRICS security leaders convene in St. Petersburg to discuss new world order

According to the preliminary agenda, the representatives of the BRICS group, chaired this year by Russia, intend to talk about how to work together to counter the "rules-based order" imposed by the West

Ukrainian forces attempt to eliminate their own troops captured by Russian units

"Look at us: there are injuries but these wounds came from the drones that attacked us," the Ukrainian soldier said

Ukraine’s army loses roughly 300 troops, seven tanks in Kursk area over past day

As the Russian Defense Ministry specified, "the operation to destroy Ukrainian armed formations continues"

Top Polish diplomat laughs with pranksters, talking about Nord Streams sabotage

Radoslaw Sikorski added that "the Americans had advance knowledge of it and didn’t stop it"

Ukraine suffers heavy losses after repeated attempts to advance in Kursk Region — army

Apty Alaudinov emphasized that "the situation remains difficult but under control"

US delays solution to Ukrainian conflict, causes destabilization in Europe — North Korea

The statement came in response to remarks by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Press review: US moves to allow strikes inside Russia and Trump, Harris trade debate blows

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 12th

IMF supports Turkey's decision to join BRICS — fund representative

Earlier Julie Kozak stated that the IMF supports the expansion of BRICS in order to take advantage of global integration

Ukrainian breakthrough attempts repelled: developments in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost up to 300 troops and seven tanks, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

West's decision to attack deep into Russia won’t change situation on front — commander

"For us, nothing will change directly on the front, because the front is moving and will continue to move until Russia wins," Apty Alaudinov emphasized

Moscow reaches breaking point with British spies in Russia — intelligence official

According to the statement, "any diplomatic etiquette has been thrown completely out the window"

North Korea shows off enriched uranium production facility for first time — media

The news agency noted that this was the first time that North Korea had publicly disclosed any details about its uranium enrichment site via state media

Russia, China, countries of global South seek just world order — Putin

"We will do everything to prepare relevant decisions on the basis of consensus, customary in our relations," the Russian leader stressed

European elites seek to bring iron curtain back, which is way to nowhere — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president noted that at times it seems as though people coming to the country "leave their mutual quarrels, reproaches, and grudges at the border crossings"

Israeli military declares Hamas’ Rafah brigade obliterated

According to the IDF, in recent weeks Israeli units also operated in the Tell al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah

Russia’s Su-34 fighter-bomber destroys Ukrainian troops, equipment in Kursk Region

The strike involved aviation bombs with universal planning and correction modules, which allow precise strikes from a safe distance from the line of contact

Zelensky says Biden responsible for his ‘peace plan’

The Ukrainian president said that he was unable to fully disclose his initiative because he had given his word to the American president

UK to be remembered in history as sponsor of Ukrainian terrorists — Russian embassy

The Russian diplomatic mission said that "in an attempt to overcome their clients’ negative developments on the battlefield, the UK government seems to be close to stepping onto a yet another dangerous turn in the escalation spiral."

ICRC says three staff members killed in Kiev-controlled territory of DPR

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said that she strongly condemned the "attacks on Red Cross personnel"

Storm Shadow missile strikes into Russian territory not to help Ukraine win — BBC reporter

According to Jeremy Bowen, if Ukraine is allowed to hit Russia with Western missiles, it might add another layer to the conflict and certainly give the Ukrainians another means to hit Russia with, but it will not bring Ukraine victory in the war

Russian air defenses destroy 20 Ukrainian drones above 6 regions overnight

Later, Oryol Region Governor Andrey Klychkov reported that one Ukrainian drone was jammed by electronic warfare systems and the other - by aviation equipment

NATO making plans of sending its troops to Ukraine — Russian deputy defense minister

According to Alexander Fomin, this may lead to a direct military confrontation of nuclear powers

US intends to adjust aid to Ukraine — Blinken on strikes deep into Russian territory

The high-ranking official avoided directly answering the question about strikes deep into Russian territory with US-made weapons

War correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny discharged from hospital

On August 7, Poddubny was injured in the Kursk Region near the border, where fighting with Ukrainian groups is taking place

Aerial bomb strikes Ukrainian personnel near DPR's Selidovo

Several pieces of hardware and ammunition were also destroyed in the area

Countries need to grasp consequences of hosting US military bases — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited Germany, which portrays itself as a democratic state with a well-developed legal system, as an example

Ukrainian troops use drones with thermite in special operation zone

It is stressed that they are a serious threat, given that the grass is very dry now, it doesn’t rain much here and the fire spreads to positions in all directions

Witnesses confirm Ukrainian citizen’s involvement in journalist Dugina’s assassination

The court ruling on Natalya Vovk’s arrest in absentia says that files presented to the judge prove that suspicions of her involvement were justified

West fully supported Ukraine’s assault on Russia’s Kursk Region — Defense Ministry

As Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin noted, it was proved "that the 'Ukraine project,' at least since the Maidan coup, has been and still remains an instrument of the collective West"

Poland has zero desire to defend Ukraine, top Polish diplomat says

According to Radoslaw Sikorski, Poland is now discussing whether to shoot down Russian cruise missiles over Ukraine's airspace from its own airspace without entering the Ukrainian territory

West tries to hide its desire to engage in hostilities against Russia — Duma speaker

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is studying the consequences of a nuclear explosion, Vyacheslav Volodin said

Bank of Russia raises key rate by 100 bp to 19% per annum

At the same time, operational indicators and GDP data for the Q2 of 2024 indicate a slight slowdown in Russian economic growth mainly due to rising constraints on the supply side and a declining external demand, the Bank of Russia said

Russia’s National Guard wipes out 5 Ukrainian strongholds in borderline Kursk Region

It is noted that its units in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region continue to detect and eliminate the camouflaged positions of Ukrainian military personnel and hardware

Expert calls on Russia, China to strengthen exchanges amid US missile deployment plans

Zheng Renyi sees in the situation with Japan and the US missiles the ancient martial arts idea of "seme," or getting in your opponent’s head before attacking

Scholz calls for peace talks on Ukraine to meet people’s will — MP

Steffen Kotre is very skeptical about the chances that the chancellor "will do everything in his power"

Ukraine’s failed attack on drilling rig may be sign of infighting in its military — expert

According to Vasily Prozorov, the attack might be a result of infighting between Kirill Budanov and Alexander Syrsky

Orban says EU countries start thinking about settlement in Ukraine after his initiative

The Hungarian prime minister added that he was preparing new events as part of the peace initiative, expected "in the coming weeks"

Ukrainian withdrawal from Kursk Region to deal 'symbolic blow' for Kiev — newspaper

At the same time, a Ukrainian military officer told the newspaper that the situation in the area was difficult for Ukrainian forces

India’s PM adviser says never conveyed any statements from Zelensky to Putin — Kremlin

Ajit Kumar Doval described the main content of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's contacts in Kiev and the main basics of Modi's approach to resolving the conflict over Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov said

Kiev lost some 7,000 troops in Sudzha district of Kursk Region — commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, Ukraine is taking heavy casualties

Russia will not tolerate activities of undeclared British secret service officers — MFA

"Our uncompromising stance on this issue will be formulated in accordance with the interests of national security," Maria Zakharova stated

Finland’s territory not to be used to attacks against Russia — General Staff

Finnish Defense Forces General Staff noted that it monitors the situation around the attack of Ukrainian drones in the Murmansk Region

Russian diplomat slams plans to simulate nuclear blast aftermath in Russia as absurd

Mikhail Ulyanov noted that such rhetoric is irresponsible

Russia puts some foreign reporters on wanted persons list over illegal border crossing

They are Italy’s RAI television reporter Stefania Battistini, Deutsche Welle reporter Nicholas Simon Connolly, CNN reporter Nick Paton Walsh and Ukrainian reporters Natalya Nagornaya, Olesya Borovik and Diana Butsko

Group of Ukrainian pilots trained to fly F-16s in Romania — defense minister

Rustem Umerov also said that a new Patriot air defense system, pledged by Romania, will be delivered to Ukraine soon

Musk warns of looming World War Three if US approves strikes on Russian soil

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Washington’s intention to let Kiev use its long-range projectiles for strikes deep into Russia’s interior is another step in escalating the conflict

Russia to see NATO’s permit to use long-range weapons as direct involvement in war

According to the Russian diplomat, such a scenario would cardinally change Moscow’s relations with Western countries

Russian forces advance in all directions, Kiev running out of resources — newspaper

Russia also sucessfully repelling the Ukrainian incursion into its borderline region of Kursk, the La Repubblica newspaper’s military columnist Gianluca De Feo wrote

Army liberates Krasnogorovka after taking enemy by surprise — Russian serviceman

According to the report, all the assault operations in Krasnogorovka were carefully planned

Reaction to permission to hit Russian territory with Western weapons to follow — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, "this raises significantly the degree of the collective West’s involvement in this war around Ukraine"

Germany does not supply arms to Ukraine for strikes on Russia’s interior — cabinet

According to the official, Berlin "has nothing to add" to its earlier statements about German weapons supplied to the Kiev regime

Putin discusses Foreign Ministry issues with Security Council members

"We will ask Sergey Viktorovich [Lavrov] to tell us about his recent contacts with his foreign colleagues," the president said

UK diplomats working in Russia engaged in harming Russian people — diplomat

"We fully share the Russian Federal Security Service's assessment of the activities of the so-called British diplomats," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Press review: UK may jettison Russian sanctions and Berlin eyes olive branch on Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 10th

Proposal to limit titanium, nickel exports not related to arms supplies to Kiev — Kremlin

No details on how the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin on restricting titanium and nickel exports will be implemented are available yet, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters

Ten settlements liberated: developments in Kursk Region

Russian troops also repelled four Ukrainian attempts to break through the border towards the settlements of Novy Put and Medvezhye

Criminal case into Ukraine’s attack on Kursk has over 200 volumes — official

Among the charges that are now being investigated are murders, attempted murders and terrorism

Attacks with Western weapons on Russia can backfire on NATO — expert

"It may even come to nuclear strikes, but I hope this won't happen," Sergey Karaganov said

Ukraine keeps Western tanks away from front due to high risk of losing them — newspaper

It is also pointed out that the US-made Abrams tanks "sit idle" "in a field miles from the front line"

Press review: US keeps itself at arm's length from Kiev and Russia, China flex naval power

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 11th

Ukrainian troops execute comrades attempting to surrender in Kursk — army

Major General Apty Alaudinov added that getting captured Ukrainian soldiers out of the combat zone is no easy task

Russian MFA says Ukraine set up ‘something like concentration camps’ in Kursk Region

"For example, from 70 to 100 civilians were forcibly taken into the basements of the Sudzha boarding school, where they were subjected to psychological abuse and used for filming propaganda stories by Ukrainian and foreign journalists," the report says

NATO views Russia as ‘most significant and direct threat’ now and in long term

The experts claimed that Iran’s alleged supplies of ballistic missiles to Russia "represents a substantial escalation"

Russian arms get the job done in special op — senior military official

Alexander Fomin noted that "Western weapon systems, purportedly possessing some high performance characteristics, according to promotional ads, burn perfectly well on the battlefield without any chances for restoration"