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Angosat-2 telecom satellite going live — Russian space corporation

In October 2022, the Russian launch vehicle Proton-M coupled with the DM-03 transfer orbit stage delivered the satellite into orbit

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The Angosat-2 telecom satellite launched in the interests of Angola has been put into service, press service of the Russian state space corporation Roscosmos said on Friday.

"The satellite has undergone all the required orbital checks, including testing the performance of onboard equipment of service systems and payload in operating conditions. Following the completion of flight tests, the spacecraft was handed over to the customer," Roscosmos said.

In October 2022, the Russian launch vehicle Proton-M coupled with the DM-03 transfer orbit stage delivered the satellite into orbit. The Angosat-2 will support communication, the Internet and digital TV broadcasting in Africa.

Russia and Angola agreed earlier to develop the Angosat-2 communication satellite to replace the lost Angosat-1 spacecraft. It was launched on December 26, 2017 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, but communication with it was lost the next day.

Spacecraft with NASA astronauts sets off for Moon for first time in over 50 years

The mission is scheduled to last 10 days

Strait of Hormuz to be closed to US, Israel for long time — Iranian General Staff

A representative of the Iranian armed forces Abolfazl Shekarchi stressed that "under no pretext will they approach it"

Doomsday Clock chief points to risk of nuclear weapons use in Iran conflict

According to John Mecklin, editor-in-chief of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, there is currently a "low probability" that the US or Israel could use nuclear weapons on Iran

Iran destroys US bases in Middle East, says Houthi leader

Abdul Malik al-Houthi is convinced that the Iranian operations were accompanied by "heavy losses among officers and soldiers" of the armies of the United States and Israel

IN BRIEF: What to know on Arctic Metagaz breaking loose from tow, now adrift at sea

It is impossible to predict which way the gas carrier will drift, said Khaled Ghulam, official representative of the Libyan Emergency Committee dealing with the incident

Russia completes deliveries of Su-35 fighter jets to China

The contract worth about $2.5 billion on the deliveries of 24 fighter jets to China was signed in 2015

No foreign leaders to be invited to Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

This is not a jubilee year, the Kremlin spokesman noted

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to meet Egyptian counterpart Abdelatty

The main issue on the ministers' agenda is expected to focus on the escalation of the Iranian conflict

Iranian ambassador to Russia outlines Iran’s demands to US, Israel

Kazem Jalali said the Islamic Republic of Iran "has always welcomed any constructive and sincere efforts to establish stability and security in the region"

Russian troops pound Ukrainian military-industrial, energy, transport sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,305 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russian foreign trade not declining since 2022, despite sanctions

According to Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin, the geography and currency of payments changed over that period

Iran attacks US steel plants in UAE, Bahrain, strikes Israel's Rafael plant

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the strike had been launched in response to attacks on Iranian industry which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of workers

Modi says looks forward to further dialogue with Putin

The Indian prime minister conveyed warm regards to the Russian leader

Iranian deal offer, US stance: what we know about situation around Strait of Hormuz

Head of the Government Information Council Elias Hazrati said that Iran will invite European, Asian, and Arab countries that want to use the Strait of Hormuz to enter into an agreement

Arctic Metagaz tanker attacked by sea drone from Libyan territory — radio station

According to radio station sources, the gas tanker was attacked by a Ukrainian Magura V5 sea drone

Halting US weapons deliveries to Ukraine fastest way to achieve settlement — Russian MFA

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Moscow's signals are conveyed to Washington, but they do not yield the necessary effect

Argentina declares charge d'affaires of Iran persona non grata — Foreign Ministry

According to the ministry, the decision was made in response to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in which Tehran condemned Buenos Aires for its decision to recognize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization

Oil refinery in Kuwait on fire after Iranian drone attack

According to available information, there were no casualties

Two NATO reconnaissance aircraft spotted over Black Sea

The British aircraft traversed Dutch, German, and Central European airspace before beginning a flight along the Romanian Black Sea coast

Hormuz conference participants refuse to send military forces to region

The conference, chaired by the United Kingdom, was held as a virtual call and brought together 41 countries

US-Israeli strikes on civilian facilities will not force Iranians to surrender — Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "every bridge and building will be built back stronger"

Iran, five nations submit IAEA attack-ban resolution — Iranian diplomat

Esmaeil Baghaei noted that the draft resolution underscores that all countries hold the "inalienable right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes" and are entitled to "effective protection against any attack or threat of attack"

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

Ex-NATO chief agreed to consider buffer zone between alliance, Russia in 2021 — portal

Jens Stoltenberg wrote in his memoirs that he agreed to consider the possibility of withdrawing some NATO troops from Eastern Europe

Russia’s international reserves down $21.4 bln over week — Central Bank

Russia’s international reserves totaled $755.4 bln

US-initiated regime changes in other countries never end with promised results — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov's commentary comes in the wake of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement, who said earlier that Cuba's economy "needs to change"

Russia’s Shoigu pushes for collective efforts to resolve Middle East conflict

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Explosions reported in Iran’s southern city of Bushehr — TV

According to TV channel, missile launch systems were shelled

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Dmitry Peskov said the current situation in the Middle East should be "shepherded to the peace track" as soon as possible

Pakistan says ready to host US-Iran talks

A five-point initiative proposed earlier by China and Pakistan to restore peace and stability in the Middle East has been met with approval in the region and beyond

Russian First Deputy PM discussed expansion of trade, investment ties with India

Denis Manturov was received by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

Issue of Russian companies’ presence in Armenia to raise similar question in Russia

Foreign economic relations are a two-way road, Alexey Overchuk noted

Russia, Ukraine are working hard on prisoner exchanges ahead of Easter — ombudswoman

Tatyana Moskalkova revealed that an agreement had been reached with Ukrainian authorities prior to the holiday to ensure that prisoners of war can observe Easter in a manner that honors their traditions

Russia sees signs of crisis in NATO, EU — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister remarked on Western countries' approach to non-Western organizations, referencing a line from the film A Cruel Romance, based on Alexander Ostrovsky's play Without a Dowry

Russian troops destroy 496 drones, 2,388 tanks in Ukraine operation — top brass

According to Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov, Russian missile and artillery troops delivered strikes against 1,053 Ukrainian military facilities overnight

Long-term outlook for loading Trump Route uncertain — Russian deputy PM

Alexey Overchuk said the development and maintenance of port infrastructure to support the required level of cargo traffic "carry serious investment risks"

More bridges, power stations to be destroyed in Iran — US President Trump

Donald Trump stressed that Iran has should go for a deal with the United States

Drone strikes on Nakhichevan impact transportation along North-South corridor

Alexey Overchuk said the strikes "did not inspire confidence among investors looking to invest in the restoration of the Meghri section"

Checkmate fighter’s designers took into account Lockheed F-117A’s weaknesses — patent

The invention’s technical result was the achievement of the aircraft’s better stability and controllability without compromising radar invisibility characteristics, the document reads

Iran’s IRGC claims attack on Amazon’s computing center in Bahrain

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps emphasized that this is only a first warning, and if the aggression continues, "the next companies, which have already been mentioned, will be punished much more severely"

Russian official says Trump Route agreement upset regional balance in South Caucasus

Alexey Overchuk emphasized that Moscow’s participation in the trilateral working group of deputy prime ministers allowed for a balance of interests among all countries present, taking into account Armenia’s sovereignty, jurisdiction, territorial integrity, and economic interests

Kiev attack on Zaporozhye kills several rare horses

It will take at least ten years to restore livestock, Gennady Shcherbak, the owner of the herd, told

FACTBOX: What is known about new drone attack on TurkStream compressor station

The holding company clarified that the attack was carried out by three fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles

Today’s world faces highest degree of conflicts — Russia’s senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed that "today’s international relations system is under severe stress as a result of the subversive activities carried out by a number of governments regarding the international law"

Russia to request observance of ceasefire during evacuation of staff from Bushehr NPP

Alexey Likhachev did not specify the exact date for the start of the next wave of evacuation

Russian companies capable to increase oil, LNG supplies to India

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Egypt, Russia see eye to eye on threats from conflict around Iran — foreign minister

Badr Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt's position fully coincides with that of the Russian Federation regarding the need to find a political-diplomatic solution to this crisis

Russian-Tajik defense cooperation is strategic in nature — Russian defense minister

Andrey Belousov said the countries work closely within the CIS, CSTO, and SCO

BRICS' share of global GDP exceeds 40% and will continue to grow — Russian official

Maxim Oreshkin noted that the rapidly growing countries of Southeast Asia, which played a key role in economic growth in the first quarter of this century, will be joined by countries in South Asia and Africa

US wants corridor through Armenia to supply minerals, control Iran — Russian deputy PM

According to Alexey Overchuk, there are a lot of interests surrounding this road

Iran not warring on Arab nations, has no choice but to strike US bases there — envoy

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Iran offers agreement on use of Strait of Hormuz

Tehran is ready to reach agreements with European, Asian, and Arab countries on this issue, Head of the Government Information Council Elias Hazrati said

Russia ready to do everything to stabilize situation in Middle East — Putin

The situation in the region is of universal concern, the Russian leader said

Russia to send second oil vessel to Cuba — Energy Minister

Russia won't leave the Cubans hanging, Sergey Tsivilyov said

Russian deputy foreign minister discusses Middle East situation with Israeli ambassador

The diplomats also discussed some issues of Russian-Israeli relations

Press review: Russian control of LPR reshapes Ukraine talks as Trump pressures NATO allies

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 2nd

Russian air defenses destroy seven Ukrainian UAVs in airspace over Leningrad Region

Two people were hospitalized without life-threatening injuries

Russian envoy lists EU countries which suffer most from Gulf oil shock

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Russian operation in Ukraine contributes to freeing world from Western oppression - Lavrov

It is obvious that the collective West’ attempts to hinder the natural course of history, to solve its problems at the expense of others are doomed, the minister said

Death toll from strike on bridge in Iran rises to eight — authorities

95 people were injured

Russia develops new cartridge with lead-free bullet — Rostec

This ammunition will expand the IGLA range of cartridges, which replace products from foreign manufacturers that have withdrawn from the Russian market, the company said

US not intending to give back frozen assets — White House

According to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the US' goal is "to put them to a better use"

Russian UAV operators in Zaporozhye using fiber optics, have no need for Starlink

According to the Russian serviceman, the unmanned system operators are successfully carrying out their missions

US reconnaissance drone detected off Iran coast calls Italian base home

The UAV, which has been repeatedly detected in this area, including near the city of Bushehr, has been in the air for multiple hours and is operating at an altitude above 14.5 km, according to the source

US should remember consequences of neglecting other countries’ interests — diplomat

In response to a question whether US commitments, made under the context of the Caribbean crisis, remained legally bound today, Sergey Ryabkov pointed out to the efficiency of all agreements breached by the US side

Japan wants to send business delegation to Russia in May — Kyodo

The delegation's visit is planned with the focus of resuming the business activity after the end of the conflict in Ukraine

First batch of Skvorets-opto drones deployed to special military operation zone

Radio jamming of all kinds is not a problem for Skvorets-opto drones

Beijing not source of Europe's challenges — Chinese foreign minister

Wang Yi expressed hope that the European side would develop a comprehensive and objective view of China and support the right direction for the development of relations between the EU and Beijing

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 80.33 rubles for April 3

The official euro rate was lowered by 71.17 kopecks to 92.7326 rubles

Reconnaissance work excludes Russian UAV strikes on civilian targets — operator

The serviceman emphasized that the absence of collateral damage is a priority for Russian UAV operators

Turkey rejects compromise on Montreux Convention — Turkish Defense Ministry

Turkey’s approach to Black Sea security is based on maintaining the balance and stability ensured by the convention and on the leading role of the Black Sea littoral states, the ministry noted

Russia testing new night-time FPV interceptor drones in special military op in Ukraine

The use of night-time homing UAVs operating by the "fire and forget" principle will complement the actively used Yolka-type daytime interceptor drones

No new full members of EAEU expected in near future — Russian MFA

Mikael Agasandyan, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s First CIS Department, said there are applications for observer status

Two people injured in Leningrad Region as 192 drones attack Russia overnight

Russian air defenses destroyed 24 UAVs over the Novgorod Region overnight on April 3

Russia’s LNG exports to Europe hit record high in March as Middle East supplies suspended

In January-March, EU imports of Russian LNG amounted to approximately 6.8 billion cubic meters, compared to 5.7 billion cubic meters a year earlier

Iran can't have unilateral control over Hormuz - Arab League secretary general

In the opinion of Ahmed Aboul Gheit, "the draft document on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz proposed by the Gulf Cooperation Council should be supported"

Press review: US may end Iran war as Ukraine drones strike Russia’s Ust-Luga

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 1st

Yemen’s Houthis claim missile attack on targets in Tel Aviv

The movement’s military spokesman Yahya Saree also indicated the Houthis "will act according to further developments, based on escalation or de-escalation by the enemy"

Russian troops complete liberation of Lugansk People’s Republic — top brass

Russian troops liberated two communities in the Kharkov and Zaporozhye Regions over the past 24 hours, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Russia urges to lift blockade of Cuba, says Russian diplomat

Cuba is experiencing severe shortages of gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as shortages of food and medications

Moldovan Parliament approves withdrawal from CIS core treaties

The decision was enacted through a two-thirds majority vote during a session livestreamed on the legislative body's official website

Russia gets export access to 22 countries for 72 agricultural products — deputy PM

Dmitry Patrushev noted that the Chinese market offers significant prospects for Russian companies

West has declared total war on Russian World — Lavrov

The top diplomat warned that the Western policy of "cancelling" Russia would continue for a long time

US reliance on use of force behind series of crises across world — Russian senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov highlighted that the emphasis on exclusivity, hegemonism, and the use of force was absolute in Washington’s current policy

US ambassador to NATO demands allies prove their value to Washington

They have a culture of talking, the United States has a culture of action, Matthew Whitaker told

China blames US, Israel for crisis in Hormuz Strait

Official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Mao Ning also called on the parties concerned to "work together to de-escalate the situation and prevent further negative effects of regional instability on global economic and energy security"

Russia ratifies comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea

In particular, the treaty provides for the immediate provision of military and other assistance if one of the parties is subjected to an armed attack in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter

Russian stock market mixed on Thursday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 0.03% to 2,774.41 points, while the RTS Index edged up by 0.33% to 1,087.97 points

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic three times over past day

A civilian was wounded

Grain supplies to Egypt, helping bring peace to Middle East: Putin’s statements

The Russian president invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Russia and expressed hope that Egypt will be represented at a high level at the Russia-Africa summit in October

Iran reports shooting down US F-35 fighter jet

The Iranian military specified that the likelihood that the crew had managed to eject was low

EU has no plans to stop importing Russian LNG this year — FT

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Europe’s largest airliner opts to cancel 10% of its flights due to lack of fuel

Chief Executive of Ryanair Michael O’Leary blamed the announced air traffic disruptions on the United States that jointly with Israel had launched a military operation against Iran

Moscow receives tourists from smorgasbord of countries — official

Over the past 12 months, nine additional flights to Moscow from five countries, chairman of the Russian capital’s tourism committee, Yevgeny Kozlov, said

Iran’s elite army unit dismisses US back-to-Stone-Age threats as Hollywood fantasies

Earlier, the US leader asserted that Iran’s Navy and Army have been obliterated, while the Islamic republic’s missile capabilities will soon be reduced to a minimum

Iran targets Oracle data center in Dubai — IRGC

Earlier on Thursday, Iran’s elite army unit claimed to have carried out strikes on a cloud computing center of US tech firm Amazon in Bahrain

Melania Trump mediated reunification of seven children with their families in Ukraine

Reunifying children with their loved ones in this region of the world remains one of the most important global issues today, the First Lady said in a statement