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Crew Dragon spaceship with all-private crew blasts off towards ISS under Axiom-1 mission

The commercial mission’s crew is made up of three businessmen and investors from the United States, Israel and Canada

NEW YORK, April 8. /TASS/. The US-based SpaceX launched on Friday a carrier rocket with a Crew Dragon spaceship that will deliver a fully private crew to the International Space Station (ISS), according to a live broadcast on the website of SpaceX and Axiom Space aerospace company that arranged the Axiom-1 commercial mission.

The Falcon-9 launch vehicle lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral (Florida) at 11:17 local time (18:17 Moscow time). The commercial mission’s crew is made up of three businessmen and investors from the United States, Israel and Canada: Larry Connor, Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy. Former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria is participating in the mission as the crew commander.

The SpaceNews web portal earlier reported that Connor, Stibbe and Pathy had paid $55 million each for an opportunity to travel to the orbital outpost. Lopez-Alegria’s flight is sponsored by Axiom Space where he holds the post of a vice-president. After the spaceship docks with the ISS, which is scheduled for 07:45 on Saturday (14:45 Moscow time), the crew will spend eight days aboard the space station.

The crew is set to implement 25 projects that include both researches, in particular, the study of the impact of spaceflights on the cells and the heart, and educational undertakings.

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Undocking of Crew Dragon with cosmonaut Grebenkin on board due on Oct. 20 or later — NASA

The undocking was again delayed by weather conditions

North Korea discovers remains of crashed South Korean drone in Pyongyang — KCNA

The General Staff decided to keep the combined artillery units and the units "with important fire duties near the border" in full combat readiness, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense of the DPRK added

US economy has 'lots of problems' despite decent GDP growth this year — Putin

"Good relations with the BRICS countries - and we are open to these good relations - will have a beneficial effect on the entire global economy," the Russian leader said

Ukraine’s losses, captives, strikes on reserves: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aviation and missile forces hit the enemy reserves in the Sumy Region

Russia performs 95% of trading operations with partners in national currencies — Putin

Western countries thought that "everything will collapse" in Russia when abandoning the dollar use, the head of state pointed out

Russia and Indonesia plan to hold first major naval exercises in November — ambassador

Sergey Tolchenov noted that in the future these exercises could be held "with a certain frequency," such as once every two years

UNSC to hold two Russia-initiated meetings on Ukraine in late October — Russian mission

Apart from that, Russia’s mission has requested a meeting on Western weapons supplies to Ukraine and their impacts on the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

BRICS share in global GDP already exceeds G7 share and continues to grow — Putin

The Russian leader underscored that the joint work of BRICS to accelerate socio-economic growth and ensure sustainable development brings tangible results

Sixteen drones intercepted over Belgorod, Bryansk, Rostov regions overnight

There were no casualties in the region, Governor of the Bryansk Region Alexander Bogomaz said

Over 47,000 cholera cases registered globally in September — WHO

The number of deaths reached 580, the World Health Organization reported, noting new outbreaks of the disease in Niger and Thailand

FATF will not blacklist Russia, expert says

This would create the threat of disintegration of the organization, EHESS Director of Studies Jacques Sapir said

Russia ranks fourth globally by purchasing power parity — Putin

China is the largest economy of the globe by that parameter, the head of state said

Cuba to re-submit resolution against US embargo to UN General Assembly

The country’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ernesto Soberon Guzman also stressed that the role of the UN General Assembly needs to be reformed so that its decisions have a real impact

EU countries must take clear stand against Israeli aggression — Hamas

According to the militants, the calls to open the Gaza border crossings, deliver humanitarian aid to the population of the enclave and institute a ceasefire in the Strip contained in the final document of the Brussels meeting "require tangible steps and actions aimed at forcing Israel to cease hostilities and comply with the solutions adopted by the international community"

Slovak prime minister predicts imminent end of Ukrainian conflict

Robert Fico also noted that "there are talks again about the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO"

In Russia’s Kursk Region, Ukraine suffers losses and captured soldier gives testimony

In the Kauchuk area, Ukrainian mobile groups riding armored vehicles were stopped as they attempted a breakthrough into Russian territory

Germany still against inviting Ukraine to NATO — Zelensky

The Ukrainian president noted that Germany was still reluctant to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons

Trophy active protection system 'toothless’ against Russian anti-tank weapons, says source

The Trophy active protection system is operational in the Israeli and US armies

Counterproductive to set deadlines for ending special military op — Putin

While speaking about the possibility of peace talks, the Russian leader said: "We are in favor of it. I have already explained how this can be achieved. If this is the other side's honest position - they should act, the sooner the better"

No consensus on withdrawal of restrictions on long-range strikes at Russia — Biden

According to Biden, in foreign policy, there is no such thing as never changing one’s mind

Arab countries not letting West muddy relations with Russia — senior diplomat

Mikhail Bogdanov emphasized that the Arab countries have always been regarded by Russia as "a natural ally, playing a significant role in global affairs and possessing vast cultural, economic and political potential"

Situation gets bleaker for Ukrainian military, US thinks about negotiations — news agency

Columnist Hal Brands pointed out that none of the plans of US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris so far provide an answer to how to "turn a deteriorating battlefield situation into a decent peace" for Kiev

Indonesia is strong candidate for interaction with BRICS — Russian Ambassador

"It is quite possible that soon, when the government is already formed and political life in Indonesia has improved, decisions on the BRICS issue will be made," Sergey Tolchenov noted

Human race cannot exist without BRICS countries — Putin

The Russian leader meant food markets, energy and high-tech areas, in particular the development of artificial intelligence and its use

Cuba supports UN Security Council reform amid injustice in Gaza — diplomat

In addition, Ernesto Soberon Guzman proposed the introduction of regional representation in the Security Council, stressing that the interests of developing countries are insufficiently represented

Ukraine cannot engage in talks with Russia from position of strength, as it loses — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister emphasized that this is why it is necessary to reach a ceasefire and start peace talks as soon as possible

Ukraine’s military created network of underpasses near Ugledar — Russia’s top brass

As Russian servicemen say, the enemy is poorly trained and only few fighters, largely foreign mercenaries, put up fierce resistance while the others try to retreat or surrender

Russia has unique icebreaker fleet and is developing it — Putin

The President recalled that Russia had seven nuclear icebreakers and 34 diesel ones

Russia hammers Ukrainian military-industrial sector, energy sites over week

Russian troops liberated five communities in the Donbass area and the Zaporozhye Region over the week, the ministry reported

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft destroy Ukrainian armor in borderline Kursk area

After the Su-25 attack aircraft conducted their sorties, the ground personnel carried out maintenance work, the report said

Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' plays on West's desire to defeat Russia — Lavrov

"We will not accept any option for Ukraine to remain in a position when it is used by the West in order to impose direct threats to Russia," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Putin’s meeting with BRICS media lasted two hours

The head of state answered dozens of questions

Russian troops liberate Zoryanoye settlement in Donetsk People's Republic

Russian air defense systems also destroyed 31 aircraft-type UAVs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Iran to respond 'painfully' if Israel attacks its facilities — commander-in-chief

Recalling Operation True Promise-2 (a massive missile strike on Israel on October 1 in response to the assassination of key leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and the IRGC), Salami emphasized that it was only a warning for Israel to "learn a lesson"

Kiev ready for ceasefire along current front line, without recognizing new border — media

A significant number of Ukrainian troops "find themselves trapped" on Russian territory (near Kursk) and are unable to come to aid in Donbass where they are outnumbered in men, the report added

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

US should think of adverse effect for dollar from anti-Russian sanctions — Putin

All the countries of the world are now thinking of whether it is worth to use the dollar if the US limits the dollar use as a universal international settlement unit due to political considerations, the Russian president noted

Hamas Rafah battalion commander killed in Israeli attack that eliminated Sinwar

The Israeli army’s press service said on Thursday that Sinwar had been killed during an Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza Strip on October 16

Istanbul Agreements is only way leading to dialogue on Ukrainian settlement, says Putin

"The document exists, we have it. This is a draft treaty," the President noted

Repelling Ukrainian counterattack and enemy losses: situation in Russia’s Kursk region

The losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction over the past day reached over 270 servicemen

True sovereignty and reliable partners: what Putin said at BRICS Business Forum

BRICS plays a prominent role in the global economy not only of today

Situation between Israel, Iran tense, Russia stays in contact with both countries — Putin

The Russian President underscored that the solution lay on the track of looking for compromises, which were still possible in the current situation

Zelensky's military plan to lead to his defeat, Hungary not involved in this — Orban

It is reported that the defeated now want to move on to a victory plan

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts up to 75 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

"Battlegroup North units inflicted casualties in the Liptsy and Volchansk directions on formations," the group’s Spokesman Yaroslav Yakimkin said

Russia uses yuan in settlements not only with China, but also with third countries — Putin

The Russian leader pointed out that it "helps strengthen the yuan as an international currency"

Russia successfully test-fires Kalibr cruise missile in Arkhangelsk region — top brass

The missile firing area was closed to civilian shipping and flights in advance by ships from the Kola Flotilla and the Northern Fleet’s hydrographic ships

Russian companies interested in cooperating with Ethiopia — Putin

"These are energy, machine-building companies," the Russian leader said

BRICS countries showing interest in Northern Sea Route — Putin

BRICS have plenty of projects in the infrastructure development sphere but transport corridors are the most notable, the Russian leader said

Biden warns of 'difficult winter' in Ukraine conflict

At the same time, the US leader promised to provide Kiev with support

FACTBOX: Russian zookeeper dies after being mauled by lions

Leokadia Perevalova, who worked in the Crimean Taigan Park, was killed by lions while she was cleaning their enclosure

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

Iraqi radical group claims capable of hitting Israeli nuclear facility near Dimona

The spokesperson stated that if the readiness of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias is raised to level five, the highest level, they "will engage in open combat with no restrictions"

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Russian PM to meet his Kyrgyz counterpart on October 21

This is going to be the first joint meeting of governments of the two countries ever

Share of non-oil and gas revenues in Russian budget reaches two-thirds — Finance Minister

At the same time, oil and gas revenues in the total federal budget revenues will amount to 27% in 2025, and 23% in 2027, Anton Siluanov said

Press review: Zelensky sees nukes as only alternative to NATO and Hamas loses its leader

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 18th

Ukraine uncapable of building nuclear weapons ‘now or in the future’ — expert

"Serious leaders understand that nuclear weapons are mass terror weapons not simply a bigger kind of bomb, and therefore nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought," Daryl Kimball said

BRICS to become alternative to global financial institutes — Cuba’s envoy to UN

BRICS countries have common interests and huge possibilities for foreign trade, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ernesto Soberon Guzman said

Annual strategic nuclear drills kick off in US

"The purpose of GT25 is to enhance nuclear readiness and ensure a safe, secure, and effective strategic deterrent force," The US Strategic Command said

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy six militant bases, drone depot in Syria

According to Captain 1st rank Oleg Ignasyuk, aircraft of the so-called international anti-terrorism coalition led by the US continue to create dangerous situations

US, German, French, British leaders discuss Zelensky’s plan at a meeting in Berlin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron "discussed plans for providing Ukraine with additional assistance in the area of security, economic support and humanitarian aid"

Lavrov slams Kiev’s statements about developing nuclear arsenal as reckless

"You could spend an eternity analyzing what this man and his team say, but we realize that such attempts are in vain, unnecessary, and even counterproductive," the top Russian diplomat stressed

Anti-Russian sanctions hurt European exporters more than Russia — IRTP

According to President of the Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce Ferdinando Pelazzo, the main problem is related to the payment system - the European Central Bank is forcing European financial institutions to curtail operations in Russia

BRICS countries working on their SWIFT alternative — Putin

Opportunities are also being explored of broadening the use of national currencies and creating instruments enabling to make this work safe, the Russian leader noted

First deal to sell Russian carbon units abroad completed

Chairman of Equity International General Trading, Salem Humaid Saif Almzaini, said that the company views the transaction as the first step to integration of the BRICS countries’ carbon markets

Zelensky believes EU to take over aid for Ukraine if US stops it

According to Zelensky, EU leaders spoke in favor of a backup plan in case the US’ policy changes

Chinese president to attend BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24 — MFA

On September 12, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Chinese President Xi Jinping had accepted an invitation to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan

China never supplied lethal weapons to Russia or Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

Mao Ning stated that China would take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses and citizens

BRICS is not ‘bloc organization’ and is useful to non-member states, says Putin

The organization boasts a universal character and, in the Russian President's opinion, will have a beneficial effect on world affairs in general, including the global economy

NATO to continue ramping up military presence on Russian border, arms procurement — Rutte

According to Mark Rutte, NATO member states decided to boost their work on the standardization of NATO weapons

US will consider Russia adversary regardless of outcome of its elections — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister also added that US President Joe Biden's statements on nuclear arms talks with Russia are aimed at helping Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential elections

Half of Ukrainian group in Maksimilyanovka destroyed — security forces

It is reported that the Ukrainian armed forces lost many fighters on this section of the line of engagement

Kiev working on dirty bomb, Medvedev warns

Bild reported earlier that Kiev is seriously considering replenishing its nuclear weapon stocks

Russia to offer BRICS partners to use digital currencies for investments — Putin

The Russian president added that creating "such an instrument that will be practically non-inflationary" could be another step in the development of the Global South

US provocations, Ukraine: Putin's remarks to BRICS media leaders

According to the Russian leader, Western countries, led by the United States, have caused the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and have started the war back in 2014

Hamas leader Sinwar eliminated thank to US intelligence - White House

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that it is "a credit to the IDF for taking out Sinwar," but the United States is "proud of the support it has given to the IDF all along the way

US aware when, how Israel will respond to Iran’s missile strike — Biden

US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

According to Alexey Leonkov, if after the possible election of Trump as president of the United States "it is possible to carry out a provocation against a symbolic target, things may turn around for the United States"

Russian troops fight for native Russian territories during special op — Putin

He said it, commenting on the discussion moderator’s remark that Western states have already abandoned their idea to "defeat Russia on the battlefield

Russia’s export duty on wheat to be $22.27 per metric ton from October 23

The duty on corn will be 2,671.7 rubles ($28.05) per metric ton

Khaled Mashal becomes new Hamas leader after Sinwar’s death — website

According to Lebanon's LBCI news website, he is now responsible for communication with the key parties involved in talks on the release of Israeli hostages

Russian finance minister says revised list of firms for privatization submitted to cabinet

The ministry’s privatization target will probably be beaten, Anton Siluanov added

Economic growth to be in Russia, China, India and Saudi Arabia — Putin

"Forming of new centers of development" is the sign of time, the Russian leader underlined

Zelensky claims nukes only option for Ukraine if NATO denies it entry

The Ukrainian president said that he raised this issue during his meeting with US ex-President Donald Trump in September

Kiev realizes liberation of Kupyansk inevitable — official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, this is not the first time that the Ukrainian authorities have carried out a mandatory evacuation

China buys Russian energy resources with pleasure — Putin

"This is significant for everyone, we measure every step very attentively," the Russian president stressed

Only Ukrainian commanders allowed to retreat in Krasnoarmeysk area — captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov surrendered as a prisoner of war in the area of the village of Pervomayskoye

Russia repels two Ukrainian counterattacks in Rabotino, Kamenskoye

According to the report, the Russian Armed Forces also continued their offensive in the Vremevsky area

Press review: Zelensky's Victory Plan jumbled mess and SCO helps usher in new world order

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 17th

Further Russian offensive, Ukraine’s losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Russian military repelled 2 enemy counterattacks towards the settlements of Zeleny Shlyakh and Lyubimovka, the Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin welcomes Scholz's readiness for dialogue with Putin

At the same time, the Kremlin has not yet received any real proposals from Germany or other Western countries to organize contacts with the Russian president, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Baku, Yerevan agree to sign peace treaty as soon as possible

The sides agreed to continue talks on the agreement on establishing peace

Russian strategic nuclear-powered sub Knyaz Pozharsky enters state trials

The Sevmash Shipyard floated out the strategic nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Pozharsky on February 3

Russia has long been ahead of countries considered developed — finance minister

In May, the World Bank updated its GDP data at purchasing power parity, taking into account data for 2021, Russia entered the top four economies in the world

Potential fall of Krasnoarmeisk to deal heavy blow to Ukraine’s economy — media

According to the media outlet, Russia’s offensive in the area "threatens to finally topple the city of Pokrovsk - and that carries both military and economic risks."

Russia fully ensures Kyrgyzstan’s demand for petroleum products — cabinet

Trade with Russia accounts for 20% of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign trade, according to the government

US, Britain, Ukraine behind Crocus City Hall attack — FSB chief

Alexander Bortnikov believes that Ukraine has been trying to prove it is capable enough

Press review: Kim Jong Un dynamites Seoul links and NATO, US lay plans to deter Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 16th

Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' speaks to his wishful thinking — expert

According to Wang Wen, the motivation for ending the conflict should be based on both sides' consensus on the goals of a ceasefire and compromise in their mutual interests

BRICS summit, not US elections, will determine course of history — Russian official

Russia’s Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko believes that truly responsible leaders of sovereign states understand this, and the level of representation at the summit and the ever-growing number of applications for membership are clear proof of this

NATO's involvement in Ukrainian conflict to lead to disaster — Scholz

The German Chancellor reiterated that Germany would continue to support Ukraine