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Coronavirus pandemic

Russia documents 6,406 cases of COVID-19 in past 24 hours

The total amount of the people infected has reached 759,203

© Sergei Bobylyov/TASS

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Russia has documented 6,406 cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, with the total amount of people infected reaching 759,203, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Friday.

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Russia may finish first in race for coronavirus vaccine, says expert

The daily increase rate has not surpassed 0.9% for the past 11 days.

The lowest growth rate has been documented in the Chukotka Autonomous District (0%), Sevastopol (0%), Moscow (0.2%), the Moscow Region (0.3%), Kabardino-Balkaria (0.4%), North Ossetia (0.4%), the Nenets Autonomous Region (0.4%) and the Bryansk Region (0.4%).

Moscow has documented 575 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the Sverdlovsk Region - 301, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region - 249, St. Petersburg - 244 and the Altai Region - 228.

Currently, there are 207,707 active cases of COVID-19 in Russia.

PREVIEW: Putin to hold annual meeting with Human Rights Council on Tuesday

The president and rights advocates are expected to exchange opinions on "pressing issues of human rights

Assad rejected deal with US before his ouster — Washington Post

According to the report, the former Syrian president also refused to establish relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who suggested normalizing relations with Damascus in exchange for the containment of Kurdish forces

Syrians begin to return home from Turkey — Erdogan

"From Monday, Turkey opened the Yayladagi checkpoint [on the border with Syria] to facilitate migrants’ movement and avoid traffic jams," the Turkish leader said

Press review: Putin declares Russian economy's recovery as US reevaluates BRICS stance

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 5th

India’s share in Russia’s weapons exports up by 16% in six months — official

According to Viktor Yevtukhov, the construction of project 11356 multi-role frigates is one of the basic projects of Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation

Deteriorating situation along entire front, Ukrainian General Staff reports

The Ukrainian news outlet reported explosions in the Vinnitsa, Ivano-Frankovsk, Kiev, Odessa, Rovno, Sumy, Ternopol, Khmelnitsky, and Chernovtsy regions on Monday night

Iran establishes direct contact with Syrian opposition leaders — agency

According to a senior Iranian official, the move was aimed at preventing "a hostile trajectory" between the countries

Events in Syria surprised the whole world — Kremlin

"What happened in general probably surprised the whole world, and we are no exception in this case," Dmitry Peskov said

South Korea's Justice Ministry bans president from leaving country

This is the first time such a ban has been imposed on a sitting president

Russia, Dominican Republic discussing introduction of direct flights — ambassador

When asked whether he expects the flow of tourists from Russia to increase next year, Alejandro Arias Zarzuela replied in the affirmative

NATO looking to divide up Western Ukraine among members — Russian diplomat

"No NATO ally would ever receive the copious amounts of [funds and weapons] that non-member Ukraine has," Maria Zakharova argued

Russia delivering on overseas arms contracts despite restrictions, industry CEO says

On Monday, Kaliningrad’s Yantar plant hosted a ceremony where Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport handed the Tushil frigate over to the Indian Navy

Press review: Syria’s future after Damascus takeover and Trump calls for ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 9th

Erdogan says he and Putin are the only two leaders in world

Turkish President also said that he respects Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder

Syria’s UN envoy unaware about future of Russian bases in country

Qusay al-Dahhak said that he don’t have any information about this

Putin describes ban on Russia’s use of US dollars as ‘complete foolishness’

The Russian president pointed out that this desision damaged the US economy and undermined the power of the United States across the world

Israel to keep Golan Heights under its control — Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister thanked US President-elect Donald Trump for his support for Israel and for recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over this territory

Functioning of Russian bases, Israeli army in the buffer zone: situation in Syria

The Syrian armed opposition currently controls the Latakia Governorate, where Russian military bases are located

Israel attacks Syria’s largest airbases, destroying dozens of helicopters, fighter jets

According to Al Arabiya, strikes were also delivered the special force headquarters in the city of Qamishli

Israel delivers series of strikes on Damascus’ neighborhoods — TV

Immigration situation must be comfortable for citizens, Putin says

The Russian president also underscored that all this must be organized in such a way "so that it would also be comfortable for the people living in one or another country on a permanent basis"

Assad became victim of foreign conspiracy, Iranian newspaper says

According to the media outlet, the main reason foreign states were interested in changing the political regime in Syria was Assad’s support for the Iranian "Axis of Resistance"

Decision to grant asylum to Assad, his family, was made by Putin — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted, however, that no official statements had been made on the matter

Moscow says shelling of Kramatorsk by Ukraine confirms Russian operation is justified

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed confidence that Kiev won’t be able to evade responsibility for the shelling of civilians in Kramatorsk

Russia hammers Ukrainian railway sites of Western arms deliveries

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 455 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed eight enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Israel deems Disengagement Agreement with Syria as invalid — Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister stressed that Israel will not let "any hostile force" entrench near its borders

Orban meets with Trump, Musk in US

Orban supplemented the post with a photo of Trump and himself at the Florida estate

Iran calls on UN Security Council to prevent further occupation of Syria by Israel

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei condemned the military invasion of the Zionist regime Israel

Russian submarine docks in Qingdao, China

"The Pacific Fleet diesel-electric submarine Ufa, escorted by the Alatau rescue tug, has conducted a business call at the Qingdao port of the People's Republic of China," the statement reads

European Commission not in contact with forces that seized power in Syria — spokesman

Anouar El Anouni also underscored that the European Commission is not yet ready to reconsider the several rounds of sanctions it imposed against Syrian officials during the reign of Bashar Assad since 2011

Dutch F-35s escort Russian planes over Baltic Sea

According to the Defense Ministry, the fighter jets flew the rapid response missions on December 6

Trump's threats to BRICS countries for abandoning the dollar will have no effect — expert

According to Ash Narain Roy, Trump is carried away by his victory in the elections and is now inclined to say whatever comes to mind

Change of power in Syria may lead to its split, breakup — newspaper

The first scenario of possible developments in Syria suggests the creation after the president Bashar Assad’s administration is overthrown of the Syrian Democratic Republic as an alliance of the opposition with various factions and ideological differences

With Syria in flux, Israel will try to swoop up its territory, expert says

Vladimir Fitin added that the international community would not recognize Israel’s right to the occupied lands but the Jewish state would de facto gain a foothold in the areas it would like to capture

Israeli finance minister calls for occupation of Gaza

Bezalel Smotrich pointed to the current events in Syria as an example of how leaders "run away when they realize they have lost power and control over the people."

Syria’s UN envoy demands Israel pull troops from country

According to the diplomat, Israel should abide by UN Security Council resolutions and the 1974 separation of forces agreement

Russia believes West heard its signal on plans to deploy Oreshnik system in Belarus — MFA

"The signal given in the form of a test firing of this missile was more than clear, meaningful and informative," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin pointed out

Ex-Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu appointed as OSCE Secretary General

"After months of intense negotiations, we have reached consensus on the top posts of the OSCE for the next three years," Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg said

Another wave of anti-government protests erupts in Georgian capital

According to the report, the protesters blocked traffic along Rustaveli Avenue

Russia in dialogue with Turkey on Syria — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that "it is very important to maintain dialogue with all regional countries"

Zelensky admits it's time for Ukraine to start talks with Russia — Trump

"I’m formulating a concept of how to end that ridiculous war," the president-elect stressed

Israel delivers massive strikes on dozens of targets in Syria — radio

The Israel Defense Forces have been unavailable for comments

Chechen leader Kadyrov’s incomes up by almost $2 million in 2019

Kadyrov’s property includes a house of 2,344.3 square meters and a land plot 3,668 square meters in area

Defeating enemy formations, Ukrainian losses: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, two tanks, eight armored combat vehicles, two motor vehicles and three mortars

US Army Ranger among mercenaries eliminated in Bryansk Region — expert

One of the destroyed mercenaries was linked with the 75th Ranger Regiment, which is a deep reconnaissance unit specializing mainly in staging acts of sabotage behind enemy lines and destroying military infrastructure facilities and airfields, Alexander Stepanov noted

Israel strikes Syrian army facilities in Latakia — TV

According to Al Mayadeen, Israel’s strike targeted the facilities near the villages of Saqubein, al-Musheirifa and the port of Latakia

Syria’s armed opposition guarantees safety to previously conscripted military servicemen

According to the media, "the opposition fighters who overthrew Assad have announced a general amnesty for all military personnel conscripted into service under the former ruler"

Extremists should not be in power in Syria — Hungarian foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto stressed that "special attention must be paid to protecting the rights of religious communities and minorities in full, and the security of these communities"

Situation near Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in Syria calm — witnesses

There have been no shootouts with militants, a witness told TASS

Iran sent plane with aid to Assad, but turned back due to Israeli threats — newspaper

At the same time, according to the newspaper, Syrian officials said that Tehran had ordered the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps not to intervene in the Syrian conflict

Russia’s UN envoy sees Israel’s statements on Golan Heights as contradictory

According to the diplomat, Syria's mission to the UN on Monday sent a letter to the organization's secretary-general and Security Council

Russian shipyard on Baltic Sea to hand over guided-missile frigate to Indian Navy

A handover ceremony for the first in a new series is scheduled to take place on December 9

Syrians, not Americans should decide future of Russian bases in Syria — US official

US didn't have any information about the status of those bases, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said

At least 28 killed in shootouts in Damascus on December 8 — health minister

More than 450 received wounded, Syrian Health Minister Ahmad Damiriyah said

Russian, Egyptian diplomats discuss situation in Syria

"The sides stressed the need for preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of this Arab country," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

CSTO countries must oppose destructive narratives — Putin

"The traditional values we are talking about, regardless of which religion is prevalent in any given country, are largely the same," the Russian president emphasized

Russia open to negotiating Ukraine settlement, unlike Kiev regime — senior diplomat

"However, we see that the West has not yet even bothered to tell the Kiev regime to lift its self-ban on talks with Russian leaders," Mikhail Galuzin stressed

Moscow expects Trump's team to familiarize itself with Russia's position on Ukraine — MFA

"It is this initiative that should be the basis for any further contacts on the settlement of the crisis in Ukraine, if the West and the Kiev regime controlled by it show readiness for such contacts," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stressed

Zaporozhye region reports damage to 46 agricultural companies due to Kiev forces shelling

According to the report, processing plants were also damaged as a result of Ukrainian aggression

Thirteen Ukrainian drones downed over three Russian regions last night

An attempt to conduct an attack against facilities on Russian soil using fixed-wing UAVs was thwarted

FSB makes public Nazi policeman’s testimony about shootings of Jews in Ukraine in 1941

Interrogated in early November 1945, Walter Schwarze, 33, a baker from Halle, had volunteered to join the police in 1940

Former Syrian President Assad in Moscow, Syrian Embassy in Russia confirms to TASS

As the Russian Foreign Ministry previously said in a statement, Assad stepped down as the president of Syria and left the country, issuing an order to transfer power peacefully

Syrian opposition controls city of Tartus hosting Russian base — source

The opposition's armed forces did not and have no plans to penetrate the Russian military bases, which continue to operate normally, the local source noted

Turkey supports Syria’s integrity but will not tolerate terrorism — Erdogan

According to the Turkish leader, Ankara is not interested in territories and is not seeking to infringe upon the sovereignty of a foreign state

Assad, his family arrive in Moscow — Kremlin source

Russia has granted asylum to them, the source said

Al-Jalali cabinet to be useful during transitional period — Syrian armed opposition leader

A meeting between Syrian armed opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali was organized to "coordinate the transition of power in the country"

Russian troops employ silhouette-blurring stealth suits in Ukraine operation — designer

The suits are designed to hide troops from enemy thermal imaging systems, the tech firm HiderX specified

Putin urges CSTO states to look into activity of foreign biolabs on their territory

The Russian president said he knew that a draft law was in the works that could be used as a model act for CSTO member states to optimize national regulation and prevent military bioactivity

Russia's main New Year's tree cut down outside Moscow

Specialists from Mosavtodor organized an access road 180 meters long and arranged a site of 5,000 square meters for the event

Kremlin refutes Trump’s remarks on losses in Ukrainian conflict

The Ukrainian army’s losses surpass those of Russia exponentially, Dmitry Peskov said

US to equip Ukrainian recruits if country lowers mobilization age – US official

On December 4, Blinken told Reuters that the US and allies are pushing Ukraine to lower the draft age to 18

Russia does not perceive West as enemy through 'either-us-or-them' lens — Putin

"The former hegemons, who have been in the habit of ruling the world since colonial times, are increasingly surprised to discover that they are no longer being obeyed," the Russian leader stated

Turkey to exert efforts to ensure permanent ceasefire in Lebanon — Erdogan

The Turkish leader also stated that Israel must be held accountable for crimes in the Gaza Strip

Israel takes control over Syria’s side of Mount Hermon in Golan Heights — media

According to The Times of Israel, the operation in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria was conducted by the Israeli Air Force Shaldag (Kingfisher) special forces unit

Israel, US, Turkey benefit from Assad’s resignation as Syrian president — expert

"The loss of the Tehran-Damascus-Beirut land corridor will significantly reduce Iran's influence and weaken Hezbollah," Roostum Vansu said

IN BRIEF: Assad in Moscow, security of Russian bases: what Kremlin source said

According to the source in the Kremlin, Russia has granted asylum for Syria’s former President Bashar Assad and his family members

Russian army has liberated Blagodatnoye settlement in Donetsk People’s Republic

The Ukrainian army lost up to 190 troops, two 152mm self-propelled Akatsiya artillery systems, two MaxxPro armored combat vehicles and a US-made 155mm self-propelled Paladin artillery system in 24 hours

Syrian government ready to relinquish power — PM

According to Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, talks are under way with the armed opposition which has come to power in Syria

Woman’s body found at explosion site at fireworks warehouse in Moscow Region

The explosion occurred in the industrial area in the settlement of Lesnoy, Pushkinsky city district, causing fire and collapse of the building walls

Russia’s budget deficit preliminarily totals $3.9 bln in January-November — ministry

According to preliminary data, federal budget expenditures increased by 23.7% in the reporting period

Lavrov envisions inclusive, polycentric Eurasian architecture

The Russian foreign minister expressed regret that "the OSCE leadership and those who manipulate it deliberately keep this organization from doing constructive work and outside the objective course of history"

Russia remains firmly committed to strengthening post-Soviet security bloc — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the CSTO’s coordinated approaches to key regional and international issues are particularly reflected in the political statements that the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly passes on a regular basis

Putin extends permission not to account votes of shareholders from unfriendly countries

The document covers joint stock companies operating in energy, machinery construction and trade sectors

Kremlin not obliged to officially report on Assad's asylum — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said it was wrong to link the conditions of prisoners in Syria with the granting of asylum to the former president

Israel to keep Golan Heights under its control — Netanyahu

The prime minister said that Israel’s presence there guarantees its security and sovereignty

FACTBOX: Syria under President Bashar Assad

Bashar Assad took over as the leader of the Syrian Arab Republic in the summer of 2000 after the death of his father Hafez Assad, who had been at the helm of power since 1971

Chechen leader demands harsh punishment for attackers of Emelianenko’s daughter

Kadyrov said those who assaulted the girl knew whose daughter she was

Russia controls most of high-rise buildings in western part of Kurakhovo — politician

Fighting also continues in the southern part of the city

Russian fishermen catch record number of iwashi sardines in 2024

Efficiency has increased owing to the fishing fleet revamp, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries Ilya Shestakov noted

Press review: South Korean crisis deepens as Kremlin rules out talks with Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 4th

Prices gain 44.2% in Ukraine from February 2022

Prices are expected to continue growing at least until the end of winter

PREVIEW: Nobel Prize award ceremonies to take place in Stockholm, Oslo on Tuesday

The day, December 10, is the anniversary of Alfred Nobel

'Street rat' Zelensky fumbles Paris talks — Ukrainian lawmaker

"After Trump’s team slammed Zelensky’s inappropriate attire, he’ll either need to start wearing a suit or continue to be looked at as a street rat," Alexander Dubinsky said

Iraq receives over 1,000 Syrian army troops — media

According to the Iraqi News Agency, "the soldiers were welcomed and provided with required assistance"

Russian diplomat warns of potential dangers from blocs in Southeast Asia

"The formation of blocs is always hazardous, and what we see now in Europe illustrates what bloc confrontation and a bloc mentality can result in," Andrey Rudenko said

Zelensky wants to get NATO invitation from Biden before Trump's inauguration

According to Zelensky, it makes "no sense" to discuss the issue with President-elect Donald Trump

PREVIEW: Putin to hold annual meeting with Human Rights Council on Tuesday

The president and rights advocates are expected to exchange opinions on "pressing issues of human rights

Syria’s new authorities task politician al-Bashir to form transitional government

Mohammed al-Bashir serves as the head of the so-called Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib

Over 4,000 Syrian troops cross into Iraq as opposition seizes Damascus — agency

A security official, in turn, said that the governor of the Syrian province of Hasakah had also crossed into Iraq with a convoy of Syrian army soldiers on Sunday night

Zelensky claims he discussed freezing Ukraine conflict with Trump, Macron

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president claimed that Russia doesn’t want the crisis to end, urging his allies in the United States and Europe to reinforce Ukraine militarily