3 Apr, 07:04

NASA raises near-Earth asteroid’s chance of impacting the Moon to almost 4%

After mid-April, the asteroid will be "too far and faint" to be observed by ground-based telescopes, NASA added

WASHINGTON, April 3. /TASS/. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has slightly increased the Lunar impact probability for Asteroid 2024 YR4.

"Experts at NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies <…> have updated 2024 YR4’s chance of impacting the Moon on December 22, 2032 from 1.7% as of late February to 3.8% based on the [James] Webb [Space Telescope] data and observations from ground-based telescopes. There is still a 96.2% chance that the asteroid will miss the Moon," NASA said in a press release on Wednesday.

After mid-April, the asteroid will be "too far and faint" to be observed by ground-based telescopes but the James Webb Space Telescope will observe it again in May, NASA added.

The near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered by a Chile-based telescope from the Atlas network in late December. The European Space Agency (ESA) said it has an almost 99% chance of safely passing Earth on December 22, 2032.

Yesterday, 09:48

China launches Shenzhou-20 spacecraft with three taikonauts to its space station — TV

The current crew replaces the previous Shenzhou-19 mission, which was at the station for six months

Ukrainian Security Service seizes Asian-flagged cargo ship, arrests crew

The service claims that the vessel was allegedly loaded with wheat in the port of Sevastopol in late 2024

Yesterday, 09:50

NATO establishes new 'strike fist' near Russia's western borders — Shoigu

The Russian official highlighted that NATO was transitioning to a new combat readiness system, capable of deploying a force of 100,000 troops within 10 days, 300,000 within 30 days, and up to 800,000 after 180 days

Putin, Witkoff meeting for more than 2 hours now

From the Russian side, the meeting is also attended by Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and the head of Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev

Russian air defenses eliminate 79 Ukrainian drones over various regions overnight

In particular, 59 UAVs were intercepted over the Republic of Crimea

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 21% per annum for the fourth time in a row

The regulator noted that it will maintain monetary conditions as tight as necessary to return inflation to the target in 2026

Kiev says received no US warnings of withdrawal from peace process

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Paris that US President Donald Trump may abandon efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine if no progress is made soon

Quitting head of Georgia’s ruling party not to join opposition

Earlier, Georgian media reported that Garibashvili was leaving the ruling party and joining the opposition over disagreements with party members

Russian Security Council prepares to update national security strategy — head

The science and expert council of the Russian Security Council, created in December 2024, is "actively taking part in this work, ensuring a profound scientific study of national security issues and assessment of existing challenges and threats," Sergey Shoigu noted

Yesterday, 03:21

Russian FPV drone destroys British-made AS-90 howitzer in Kharkov Region

A FPV fiberoptic combat drone operator delivered a precise strike on a 45-ton self-propelled system of the 155mm caliber

Houthis down seven US drones worth $200 mln in past few weeks — AP

While the defense officials suggested the Houthi militants’ targeting of drones flying over Yemen had improved, they said the US military campaign against the Ansar Allah movement had so far been running successfully

Russia, US planning to continue active dialogue — Kremlin aide

Russian President Vladimir Putin received US Special Envoy Witkoff in the Kremlin on Friday

Yesterday, 13:59

Zelensky's sabotage of negotiations to have dire consequences for Ukraine — magazine

Editor-in-chief Roger Koppel said that Vladimir Zelensky is taking a "completely unrealistic position" in these negotiations, preventing Russia from recognizing the territories it has liberated

Yesterday, 15:47

Ukraine has time until May 31 to reach deal with creditors, preventing default

Earlier, the Ukrainian Finance Ministry confirmed that Kiev had not yet reached a deal with foreign holders of GDP-linked government debt bonds but emphasized its commitment to constructive talks

Russian air defenses destroy seven Ukrainian UAVs over Crimea, Belgorod Region

Six Ukrainian fixed-wing UAVs were intercepted over the Republic of Crimea

Serbian president hopes to bring together leaders of Russia, US, France, Germany, Italy

Aleksandar Vucic said that he has an idea "to hold a large global forum to discuss various subjects in Belgrade next year"

Yesterday, 20:53

Trump says NATO important for Europe

Trump again mentioned the issue of financial contributions to support NATO, and said Europe should pitch in more

Russian general killed in car explosion in Moscow Region

The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case into the incident

Russian troops liberate six communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,320 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks and seven multiple rocket launchers in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 20:20

New Jerusalem Temple complex near Belgorod burns down fully after Ukrainian drone attack

The construction of the all-wooden temple complex on Mikheyevskaya Hill in the village of Sukharevo has been underway since 2001

Yesterday, 17:10

Rostec ready to produce more tanks, airplanes if needed

Since the onset of the special operation and the increase in the state defense order, many Rostec defense enterprises have shifted to round-the-clock, multi-shift operations

Europe, Ukraine push back against some US peace settlement terms — Reuters

According to the agency, primary disagreements between the US’ suggestions on the one hand and Europe and Ukraine’s proposals on the other, "are over the sequencing for resolving questions over territory, the lifting of sanctions on Russia, security guarantees and the size of Ukraine's military"

Yesterday, 17:22

Russia, Iran ready to work on new overland gas corridors

"Alexander Novak noted that Russia is ready to provide assistance to expansion of trade and economic ties between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran," the Russian Cabinet stated

Russia remains in touch with US on Ukrainian settlement — Lavrov

"There are several signs that we are moving in the right direction," the minister said

Ukraine submits peace terms to US, ready to trade land for security guarantees — newspaper

According to the report, the Ukrainian plan consists of five points, the first of which concerns renouncing its claims to Crimea and the regions that became part of Russia after the start of the special military operation

Kremlin confirms Putin meeting with Witkoff

This is the second meeting between Vladimir Putin and Steve Witkoff in the last two weeks

Trump doubts Ukraine's prospects of ever joining NATO

Earlier, Reuters news agency published a draft proposal from the US for resolving the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 15:41

Iran offers US interim deal on its nuclear program — news outlet

According to Axios, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pointed out that the sides may not be able to reach a final agreement on the nuclear program within the timeframe proposed by Donald Trump

Putin-Witkoff meeting ends after lasting three hours

The previous encounter took place in St. Petersburg on April 11 and lasted for more than four hours

FSB detains Romanian citizen in Sochi for spying on air defense sites for Ukraine

According to the FSB, in exchange for his actions, Ukrainian security agencies promised to facilitate his safe departure from Russia and arrange for him to join a Ukrainian volunteer unit to take part in combat operations against Russia

Yesterday, 19:08

Russia stopping short of taking all of Ukraine 'big concession' — Trump

He was asked what concessions Russia is making towards a peaceful settlement in Ukraine

SVR chief informs TASS of constructive meeting with Syrian security official

On April 17-18, Sergey Naryshkin visited Baku to participate in the conference titled Afghanistan: Regional Interconnectivity, Security and Development

Allies alarmed by Trump’s plans to recognize Crimea as part of Russia — CNN

Any deal that can get Russia on board will look unfavorable to the Ukrainians, but "within reason the Ukrainians will have to come to terms with something that may be second best to a deal they would have wanted two years ago," the diplomat said

Yesterday, 21:32

Trump does not think Russia to drag its feet to sign Ukraine deal with future US leader

US leader also suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could drag on for a long time if it is not resolved

Yesterday, 15:34

Kremlin spokesman clarifies own words about prospect of resuming gas transit via Ukraine

According to Dmitry Peskov, "if the buyers show interest, if the transit route works, then, of course, the seller will be ready to discuss all this"

Yesterday, 13:15

Trump says unhappy with massive Russian strike on Ukraine, calls for peace deal

The US leader called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to order a halt to such strikes

Yesterday, 09:48

Intense fighting continues in Gornal village as Ukraine seeks to deploy reinforcements

The Ukrainian army command tried to deploy several assault groups equipped with armored units but they were eliminated

US ambassador, other envoys pay tribute at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Moscow

The foreign diplomats paid respects to the fallen soldiers with a minute of silence

Business jet traveling from US towards Moscow crosses Russian border — dispatchers

The source did not specify the further route of the plane

Yesterday, 21:29

Vucic says Europe can’t stand up to US, China so it puts pressure on Serbia

"You also have to take into account that many in Europe need to demonstrate they can exert influence on someone," Serbian leader said

New Delhi has no proof of Pakistan’s involvement in Indian terror attack — top brass

According to Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, the Lashkar-e-Taiba group "does not exist in Pakistan anymore" and US and Indian intelligence drew false conclusions

Yesterday, 16:22

Lifting US sanctions on Nord Stream 2 could be part of a deal with Russia — expert

Russian gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream 2 will lead to a sharp drop in prices on the spot market, which is also disadvantageous for American LNG producers, Alexey Belogoryev noted

Yesterday, 15:57

Fighting near Zaporozhye nuke plant continues daily, threatens security — Grossi

The IAEA director general said the agency's inspectors at the nuclear power plant were forced to take shelter indoors the day before after hearing loud bursts of gunfire from near the main administrative building

Yesterday, 11:28

NATO has several options on table regarding Zelensky's fate — foreign intel chief

In February, the SVR press bureau reported that "NATO headquarters is preparing a large-scale operation to discredit Zelensky"

Yesterday, 12:09

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine contains provisions on potential response to West

"This doctrine is available to the public," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian MFA sees killing of senior general near Moscow as terrorist attack

"The main question is how to stop the war in the center of Europe and the world," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Yesterday, 17:31

Russia to hold international drone technology forum in August

"UAS application scenarios are planned to be presented by the time of the international forum on drone technologies," head of the unmanned system and robotics division at the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Alexey Serdyuk said

Yesterday, 16:28

Belgium to withdraw 1.2 billion euros from aid to Kiev for its military needs

These funds are generated from emergency taxes on income derived from the reinvestment of frozen Russian assets

Yesterday, 15:08

EU no longer 'safe haven' for businesses it once was — Russian diplomat

As Maria Zakharova stressed, the European Union is not what it was 20 years ago

Recognizing Crimea as Russian territory risks splitting NATO — media

European member states now face a difficult decision between continued support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and preserving close ties with the United States

Special flight from US arrives at Vnukovo Airport

There are no regular flights between the two countries

Europe eventually to take path of peace in Ukraine conflict, Hungarian PM says

According to Viktor Orban, "it's time to end the military frenzy in Europe," which persists in spite of the US’ efforts on settling the Ukrainian conflict

Explosive device triggers blast of car in Moscow Region

Fragments of the device were found at the site and will be sent for examination, the emergency response services said

Kremlin spokesman describes US envoy Witkoff’s visit to Russia as shuttle diplomacy

According to Dmitry Peskov, "it is about mediation efforts that the United States is making"

Europe incapable of deploying military contingent in Ukraine, says French military expert

According to retired French colonel Peer de Jong, France and the UK, which are the main advocates of this idea, do not have any resources in support of such ambitious plans

Trump points to progress in talks with Russia, Ukraine amid 'fragile' situation

The US president stressed that it would be "a big honor" for him to broker an agreement between Moscow and Kiev

Yesterday, 20:41

Zelensky admits Washington's assistance to Kiev exceeds $100 bln

"I have my own internal audit, and my country clearly documents how much assistance has been provided," he said

Two days ago, 22:54

Entire Kursk Region to be mopped up soon — Russian Security Council chief

According to Sergey Shoigu, the situation in the special military operation zone is now the key factor influencing both international affairs and the situation inside Russia

Trump never deterred Israel from striking Iran — media

The US president added that he would not rule out US military involvement in a probable conflict between Israel and Iran

Yesterday, 19:52

‘I think they both want peace’: Trump on Russia-Ukraine negotiations

Trump answered in the negative when asked if Russia was an "obstacle to peace" in Ukraine

Yesterday, 20:38

US-Iran deal could save many lives — Trump

"We are doing very well with respect to Iran, and we're having very serious meetings, and there are only two options, and one option is not a good option," the president said

Leader of Georgia’s ruling party Garibashvili says quits politics

According to the former Georgian Prime Minister, he fulfilled his role by holding various positions in the government and the party and sees no need to stay in the party and in politics in general

Yesterday, 16:14

More than 2,600 repatriates have come to Russia since 2024 — Interior Ministry

According to the statement, the ministry’s offices have already taken in about 1,100 applications for Russian temporary residence permits

Yesterday, 09:26

Zelensky frames Washington by using US-made weapons during Easter truce — Russian MFA

"Targeted attacks on Russian civilian facilities in the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, and Kherson regions, as well as in the Donetsk People’s Republic and Crimea, were reckless and shameless," Maria Zakharova said

Yesterday, 19:09

Kiev lost much territory, would struggle to get it back — Trump

"They lost a lot of territory," US President said

Kiev may resort to terror attacks with use of biopathogens — Shoigu

According to the official, "the Ukrainian special services are actively seeking those supporting pro-Ukrainian nationalist and neo-Nazi groups"

Trump is the only leader ready to address root causes of Ukrainian crisis — Lavrov

According to Russian foreign minister, US leader said "it was a huge mistake to pull Ukraine into NATO, and this was a mistake by the Biden administration, and he wants to rectify this"

Trump names Kiev’s desire to join NATO as cause of Ukraine conflict

Earlier, the media published a draft peace settlement, reportedly proposed by the US

Yesterday, 17:06

US intends to push Russia to accept Kiev's right to its own army — news agency

At the same time, Bloomberg emphasized that these proposals have not yet been finalized and may be changed

Yesterday, 07:00

Russia reserves right to use nuclear arms in event of Western aggression — Shoigu

According to the official, Russia is "carefully monitoring Europe’s military preparations"

Global economy is at critical point — Russian finance minister

"TWe are witnessing heightened risks to financial stability, mounting inflationary pressures, and a weakening of fiscal discipline," Anton Siluanov said

Yesterday, 08:13

French general predicts Russia will be through with special military op by Christmas

The French military expert confidently stated that Russia will continue its operations not only until it fully liberates the four federal regions but may even advance as far as Odessa

Yesterday, 17:28

Trump says he has 'his own deadline' in talks on Ukraine

The US president declined to specify what timeframe he was referring to

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Europe, Ukraine undermine US peace plan and Washington seeks return to Libya

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 24th

Motorcade leaves Vnukovo-2 Airport amid reports of Witkoff's arrival

US special envoy Steven Witkoff may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday

Yesterday, 18:36

Next few days to be very important for negotiations on Ukraine — Trump

The US leader also expressed confidence that a peace deal would get done soon, one that satisfies both Russia and Ukraine

Two days ago, 16:32

Russia is not going to attack anyone — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia has not had any problems with Finland or Sweden

Talks between Russia, US give hope for global international reset — lawmaker

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Crimea became part of Russia 11 years ago during the Obama administration without "a bullet fired"

Pollster says 13% of Ukrainians plan to leave country within six months

Ukrainians usually choose to move to Germany or Poland

Yesterday, 18:15

India weighs scrapping 2021 ceasefire agreement with Pakistan

The media said that despite the ceasefire agreement, terrorist groups based in Pakistan continue to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir

Russia's Vladimir Region still on safety alert after ordnance explosions

Gas, heat and water supplies to residential and public areas in the affected zone have been restored

Crimea to remain Russian — Trump

According to the US president, "everybody understands" that Crimea has long been part of Russia

Yesterday, 18:36

India plans new 'stricter measures' following Kashmir terror — minister

"All parties said that they are with the government in this fight against terrorism," Kiren Rijiju said

Lavrov hears 'whispers' from French about mending ties

The Russian foreign minister criticized what he described as a "false and crude primitive explanation" of the Ukraine conflict being promoted in French society

Yesterday, 17:00

European Commission will 'in two weeks' present plan how to phase out Russian gas imports

In practice, this only concerns gas, since the European Union has imposed an embargo on the purchase of Russian oil since December 2022, and petroleum products since March 2023

Putin-Witkoff talks see progress made — Putin’s envoy

The meeting between the Russian president and the US special envoy lasted three hours

Yesterday, 06:30

Sending peacekeepers to historical Russian lands may lead to WWIII, Shoigu warns

According to Sergey Shoigu, rather, the notion of `peacekeepers’ conceals the pursuit of control over Ukraine and its mineral resources

Russian Foreign Ministry cites Kiev's link to killed Russian general

"If the investigation confirms that Ukraine is behind this, it will again demonstrate to the international community the barbaric and treacherous nature of the Kiev regime," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Yesterday, 12:46

FACTBOX: 'Soft landing' to counter inflation

Russia should "use opportunities opening" in the world economy to develop its production, export and trade ties, the president said

Yesterday, 23:37

Russia ready to strike deal on Ukraine, but some details yet to be agreed — Lavrov

"We are busy with this exact process," the minister said

Russian Embassy to participate in celebrations of meeting on Elbe

The meeting will also be attended by Michael Kretschmer, minister president of the Saxony federal state

Yesterday, 18:56

Trump believes Putin to heed call not to launch massive strikes on Ukraine

Previously, the US leader said that he was "not happy" about Russia's massive strike on military installations in Ukraine, and called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict

EU must stop funding wars in the world — MEP

Harald Wilimsky urged the EU to adhere to its core principles

Yesterday, 15:06

Ukraine masses up troops, vehicles in village close to Russia’s Belgorod Region — official

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, Ukraine is also busy assembling various military equipment

Press review: White House irritated with Zelensky’s behavior as India-Pakistan ties worsen

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 25th

Sanctions could not stop Russia’s trade growth — top security official

"Over the past two years, the Russian economy grew by 4.1%," Sergey Shoigu noted

Yesterday, 20:18

Trump says question about tightening sanctions against Russia can wait a week

"I want to see if we can have a deal," the American leader said

Pakistan, India exchange gunfire on Line of Control — media

No casualties have been reported so far

Putin, Witkoff exchange brief greetings in English upon their meeting in Moscow

After the handshake the Russian leader and the US special envoy retreated to a negotiating table in the Kremlin

FACTBOX: Senior Russian military officer killed in explosion near Moscow

The person is Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, the Russian Investigative Committee said

Yesterday, 13:03

Visa suspensions, airspace closures: terror attack creates tension between India, Pakistan

Indian authorities have nearly halved the size of their embassy in Islamabad, declared military advisers to Pakistan's diplomatic mission in India personae non gratae, and closed the key Attari checkpoint on the border with Pakistan