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2018 FIFA WORLD CUP IN RUSSIA

Ronaldo, Messi, Modric: Football graffiti fever sweeps Russia

Graffiti portraits depicting famous football players appeared in Russian cities

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 10

Murals depicting Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi in Kazan

© Yegor Aleyev/TASS

A mural depicting Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo by the Ramada Kazan City Center Hotel

© Yegor Aleyev/TASS

Russian graffiti artists of the SuperNovaNet team making a mural of Argentina's Lionel Messi

© AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis

A mural depicting Croatian footballer Luka Modric being painted in Kazan

© Yegor Aleyev/TASS

A mural depicting Russian national football team goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev at a sports complex in the town of Shchyolkovo outside Moscow. Igor Akinfeev was chosen the Man of the Match in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 football match against Spain

© Maxim Grigoryev/TASS

A wall mural with a likeness of Brazilian football player Neymar da Silva Santos Junior in central Kazan

© Yegor Aleyev/TASS

Street artists retouch mural depicting Russian men's national football team head coach Stanislav Cherchesov as it was damaged following the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Russia and Croatia

© Peter Kovalev/TASS

A graffiti featuring Spanish men's national football team player Sergio Ramos on an apartment block in Krasnodar

© Yegor Reznikov/TASS

A mural in the town of Shchyolkovo outside Moscow

© Maxim Grigoryev/TASS

A mural depicting football fans who wore kokoshniks [traditional Russian headdress] and had a snack during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Spain and Russia

© Alexander Ryumin/TASS

Street artists in Russia seem to be affected by World Cup fever as well as football fans. Graffiti portraits of world class football players, Russian head coach Stanislav Cherchesov and iconic football fans appeared in several Russian cities. See the most brilliant works.

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2018 World Cup in Russia

Over 4,300 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

The Russian reconciliation center conducted one humanitarian operation in at the Hmeymim airbase and distributed 5.9 tons of food among its residents

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The Kowsar satellite is intended for the Earth’s remote sensing and satellite imagery, while the Hodhod satellite is a telecoms spacecraft designed to improve the quality of data transmission in Iran after its launch

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The Russian foreign minister also recalled the Istanbul agreements

Russia fully supports North Korea’s actions to curb US aggressive policy — MFA

Sergey Lavrov and Choe Son Hui reaffirmed their firm commitment to the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, which secured "bringing the traditionally friendly Russian-Korean relations to a new level"

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The West will continue to allocate funds to Kiev, the Russian senior official noted

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US citizen shared with Russia locations of Ukrainian army targets since February 11, 2022

The information received from him over two years was repeatedly used to inflict losses on Ukraine’s infrastructure, equipment and personnel, the security services said

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Ali Khamenei noted that the authorities are doing everything to strengthen the state's defense capabilities

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Russian tactical aircraft and artillery hit clusters of manpower and equipment of 13 Ukrainian brigades in the Kursk Region

NATO undecided on intercepting projectiles over Ukraine — top Polish diplomat

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier said that Warsaw and its NATO partners will discuss the possibility of taking down projectiles over western parts of Ukraine near the Polish border

TASS acquires new photos of Ukrainian troops training on UK ranges

The group photos were taken during training sessions in the UK and during the presentation of certificates of completion of a special course as part of Operation Interflex

Iranian Armed Forces warn Israel of 'unthinkable' surprise attack

According to Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, Israel is "mistaken in thinking that Iran is afraid of engaging in war and direct confrontation with it, leaving military attacks unpunished"

Captured Ukrainian officer says chances of command mutiny rising

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Hezbollah says it hit Israeli Hetz missile defense system’s radar south of Tel Aviv

Hezbollah also said that its units shelled the Israeli Glilot military base in the Ramat Hasharon neighborhood north of Tel Aviv and the Zvulun industrial area housing Rafale military enterprises with high-precision missiles

Russian government orders to hold auction for oil and gas areas in the Sea of Okhotsk

Forecast recoverable oil resources on the Tossi-more area stand at 0.1 mln metric tons under Category D1, as indicated in the decree

Musk says Trump’s potential second term to be 'the most fun' for US

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Iran says Israel struck from US-controlled area in Iraq

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Israel expects Iranian strike ‘in coming days’ — report

Amid expectations of an Iranian strike, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on November 1 announced the US is sending additional forces to the Middle East, including destroyers, fighter jets and bombers

Syrsky admits Ukraine faces one of strongest Russian offensives since 2022

"Active combat operations that continue in certain directions require constant renewal of resources," the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief said

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Russia is not going to attack Poland, Baltics, Ukraine through Belarus rule — Lukashenko

The Belarusian President called for building relations in a neighborly manner

SCO condemns Israeli strikes on Iran's military sites — statement

The organization also stressed that the SCO member states stand for the prompt adoption of effective measures to stabilize the situation in the region exclusively by political and diplomatic means

Ukrainians do not want war with Russia, but US keeps them trapped — expert

According to Professor Ruhollah Modabber, Washington has effectively banned free elections in Ukraine

Foreign scientists intrigued by Russia’s grant program, ready to relocate — minister

The goal of the Mega Grants program is to create world-class laboratories headed by leading researchers within Russian universities and scientific organizations

First-ever TV-bridge concert held in Moscow

It has connected the Rachmaninov Concert Hall of Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Rachmaninoff Conservatory in Paris

Russia-DPRK strategic partnership treaty to stabilize Eurasia — Lavrov

According to the Russian Foreign Minister, the treaty "has laid a solid foundation" for the further deepening of Moscow-Pyongyang relations

Russia successfully puts spacecraft into orbit to serve its defense needs

The spacecraft was launched and orbited normally, the Russian Defense Ministry stressed, saying that it has already been taken under the control of ground-based facilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces

Arms supplies to Kiev will not coerce Russia into anything — ex-German chancellor

Schroeder believes that Putin’s goal is to protect Russia from foreign attacks

Thirteen countries receive BRICS partner status — Indian Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that partner country status is distinct from full membership

Medvedev says Ukraine’s example stops Georgia from siding with West to oppose Russia

"We are in general a friendly neighbor of Georgia," Russian security council deputy chairman noted

Ukraine admits number of deserted soldiers from Armed Forces of Ukraine surpasses 100,000

Earlier, military lawyer from the Center for Support of Veterans and Their Families Roman Likhachev said that more than 100,000 servicemen had voluntarily left their units

Sanctions reveal weakness in Western understanding of Russian economy — Medvedev

"These sanctions returned to Europe as a boomerang," the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council added

Russian Lancet kamikaze drone wipes out Ukrainian artillery gun in Sumy Region

The strike’s accuracy and efficiency were confirmed by data-recording equipment in real time

US citizen who shared data on Ukrainian military with Russian army wants to stay in Russia

Daniel Martindale noted that after peace is restored, he would like to go back to farming

Press review: US election set to shape politics while Kiev seeks 'energy deal' with Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 31st

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US, South Korea decide on response to cooperation between Russia, DPRK

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Anwar Ibrahim said the call came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos

Russian Defense Ministry releases video of Bulava missile launch

The launch was carried out from the Sea of Okhotsk

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According to Dmitry Medvedev, the Americans are making money on arms supplies, on allocating money to their military-industrial complex

Nine seek nomination to run for president of Belarus

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Georgian president provokes coup by calling election outcome pro-Russian — Medvedev

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Evo Morales added that he decided to go on a hunger strike "until the government begins dialogue on two subjects - the economy and politics"

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French mercenary involved in transporting internal organs of Ukrainian soldiers — official

Maxime Roger Henri Barrat is also under investigation by the civilian-military administration’s department of the interior in connection with the crime against a female civilian from the village of Glubokoye in the Kharkov Region

Russian Ka-52M helicopter wipes out Ukrainian equipment in borderline Kursk Region

The forward air controller confirmed the target’s destruction

US, NATO plot regime change in Black Sea straits — Kremlin aide

Nikolay Patrushev noted that unfriendly Western countries are working to diminish Russia's role in the Black Sea region

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According to the command, the US aircraft will fly on a "pre-filled flight plan through international airspace"

Iran’s military response to Israel to involve Axis of Resistance forces — MP

Esmaeil Kousari noted that the Islamic Republic's new operation "will be a lesson" for the Israelis to avoid similar mistakes when striking Iran again

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The article states that the Israeli attack has compromised the air defense systems protecting key Iranian facilities

Tanker suspected of carrying goods under anti-Russian sanctions detained in Germany

"The tanker was prohibited from continuing moving until loaded materials will be finally inspected," the Kiel police added

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About statements by a number of Western countries about their readiness to support Ukraine further on, the politician said that "by supporting a conflict in another country one can manage one's own quite well"

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Nikolay Patrushev stressed how important it was "to determine not only the promising tactical-technical characteristics of warships and their weapons but also to ensure the balance of forces that make up the combat power of the fleet and means of supporting them"

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass region, Kharkov area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South improved its tactical position and inflicted roughly 800 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian frigate carrying hypersonic weapons embarks on first deployment in distant waters

"The group comprises the frigate Admiral Golovko carrying long-range precision weapons and the medium sea tanker Vyazma," the Northern Fleet’s press office said

Liberation of Kurakhovka in DPR to increase pressure on Ukrainian battlegroup in Kurakhovo

The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier on Saturday that Russian troops had liberated the settlement of Kurakhovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic

French, German citizens detained for unlawfully entering Baikonur cosmodrome

When questioned, Axel Olivier Robert and Lorenz Julian Karl Jurgen said they wanted to take a look at the Energia rocket at the Baikonur spaceport

Mop up operation north of DPR‘s Kurakhovo — official

The enemy is attempting to obstruct it from the neighboring settlement of Zarya, which has not been liberated yet, Vladimir Rogov said

Monastery attack case, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russian tactical aircraft and artillery hit clusters of manpower and equipment of 13 Ukrainian brigades in the Kursk Region

Russian forces liberate another 20 square kilometers in DPR — politician

"The very fact that tens of square kilometers of DPR territory are being liberated says that the enemy has problems with moral and combat training," Vladimir Rogov said

Former CIA, Pentagon chief describes incursion into Kursk as Kiev’s ‘strategic mistake’

In Robert Gates opinion, Russia is capable of continuing its special military operation in Ukraine until it decides that its goals are met, and underestimating its ability to carry on "is a huge mistake"

Ukraine fortifies Dnepropetrovsk Region amid fears of losing Krasnoarmeysk — official

According to Igor Kimakovsky, the entry and exit to Kranoarmeysk have been blocked while the Ukrainian armed forces prepare to defend the city

Most residents forcibly evacuated from Kupyansk — local authorities

According to Head of the Kharkov Region military-civilian administration Vitaly Ganchev, the Russian soldiers have made serious advances in the Svatovo and Kupyansk areas recently

Iran plans to carry out major strike on Israel from Iraq within days — report

The US doesn't know if Tehran has made a decision to go ahead with the strike soon, a US official told Axios

Ukrainian lawmaker Bezuglaya calls out ‘catastrophic situation’ in country’s army

Maryana Bezuglaya accused Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky for his alleged failure of the military operation in Russia’s borderline Kursk area and the complicated situation in the southern directions of the frontline

Putin to hold meeting with Russian Security Council

The previous meeting was held on October 25

Russian Lancet munition wipes out French-made Caesar howitzer in Sumy Region

The ministry uploaded a video transmitted by data-recording equipment, showing the destruction of the Ukrainian army’s artillery system

Most countries share ideas of Russian World, Putin believes

As the Russian leader noted, there are nations that "demonstrate a willingness to contribute to humanitarian cooperation and establish an equal dialogue while taking mutual interests into consideration"

EU aid enough to keep Ukraine alive, but not win conflict — lawmaker

According to General Christophe Gomart, Ukraine now finds itself "cornered" amid a lack of resources in Europe

Kremlin aide urges need to develop underwater drone production

The Russian Navy should develop as a single combat unit and a well-run force "through the introduction of advanced technologies and digital solutions," Nikolay Patrushev stressed

Medvedev sees West waging real war on Russia in Ukraine

"Our current adversaries argue that they have a right to send any weapons to Ukraine or that they have a right to dispatch their advisors to consult on how to conduct hostilities," the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

Russia blocks adoption of UK agenda for UNSC presidency

A meeting is only considered agreed upon on the day it is held, when the Security Council approves the agenda

Russian diplomat says Ukraine took back just 279 POWs, although 935 were offered

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called such actions of the Kiev regime "political tourism on the blood of its own citizens, its own servicemen"

Russia strikes Ukrainian General Staff’s unmanned systems command center over week

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted damage on manpower and military hardware of 17 Ukrainian army brigades in the borderline Kursk area over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Nord Stream 2 completed, Trump's statements about its destruction unclear — Kremlin

Earlier, in an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump strongly denied Democrats' claims that he has ties with Russia, recalling that he blocked the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

Number of casualties in shelling attack on central Israel climbs — radio station

According to Kan, three individuals were hospitalized in moderate condition while eight others sustained light wounds

Ukraine’s top brass tells Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff frontline situation is hard

Alexander Syrsky said the Russian forces had a significant superiority in artillery shells

Medvedev says NATO has easy choice on Ukraine, as admission could lead to WWIII

"With all due respect, I believe he was mistaken about that. This is not inevitable. Because, choosing between some promises and the possibility of starting a third World War, the choice is quite clear," the politician underscored

FACTBOX: Russian government sets up requirements for cryptocurrency mining

The law introduced the definition of mining, a set of security requirements, and the possibility of trading digital financial assets on special platforms

Trump will not dare challenge US 'deep state' — Medvedev

The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council also pointed out that "it does not even matter how this or that candidate feels about Russia"

Export of Russian pipeline gas to Europe up by 15% over 10 months

Over the same period in 2023, pipeline gas deliveries to Europe amounted to about 23 bln cubic meters

Czech President Pavel imperiling citizens by sending them to Ukraine — Zakharova

Czech President Petr Pavel earlier authorized 60 Czech citizens to join the Ukrainian army

Polyus produces first ton of gold from Sukhoi Log goldfield ore

"This field is the largest in Russia and one of the most promising worldwide," the company said

Ukraine abandons Selidovo, but not before planting mines everywhere — security services

According to the security forces, demining the city may take up to several months

US to deploy additional forces to Middle East — Pentagon

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder added that these forces will begin to arrive in the Middle East in coming months

Russian Soyuz 2.1b rocket with space weather satellites installed at Vostochny launch pad

Four Ionosfera-M satellites and one Zond-M satellite will make part of the Ionozond constellation that Russia is creating to monitor geophysical processes

NATO allies hesitant to provide more support for Ukraine as they fear escalation — report

According to the report, the pessimistic sentiment is starting to embrace Ukraine more broadly as Russia makes gains, advancing faster than at any other point this year

Press review: Turkey to mediate in Russian-Ukrainian conflict while IDF strikes Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, November 2nd

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

Erdogan calls on Middle East, world to unite against Israeli aggression

"The international community, especially the countries in the region, must act in solidarity to counter it and ensure peace and tranquility," the Turkish leader said