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This week in photos: Biden sworn in as US president, blast in Madrid and snowfall in Sochi

Take a look at the world in pictures from a TASS photo gallery

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 11

Joe Biden being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holding the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol, in Washington, January 20

© Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS

Russia's President Vladimir Putin taking a dip in an ice hole on the feastday of Epiphany, Moscow region, January 19

© Mikhail Klimentyev/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

SKA St Petersburg’s goaltender Yaroslav Askarov concedes a goal in a 2020/2021 KHL Regular Season ice hockey match between CSKA Moscow and SKA St Petersburg at CSKA Arena, Moscow, January 17. CSKA Moscow won 3-1

© Yelena Rusko/POOL/TASS

Van cats, relatively large, have a chalky white coat, sometimes with ruddy coloration on the head and hindquarters, and have blue or amber eyes or have heterochromia, are seen at "Cat Villa", established to protect the cats in Van, Turkey, January 20

© Mesut Varol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

People walking past 'The World Turned Upside Down' sculpture by Mark Wallinger in London, Britain, January 20

© REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Employees of My Documents public service centre standing outside a temporary COVID-19 vaccination site at the Helikon Opera Theatre, Moscow, January 20

© Artyom Geodakyan/TASS

People are seen on Ipanema Beach during sunset in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January 21. Brazil registered 1,316 new deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, completing three days in a row with more than a thousand deaths a day and exceeding 214,000 victims since the start of the pandemic, the Government reported on January 21

© EPA-EFE/Fabio Motta

Funeral home workers carrying the coffin of Pedro Miguel Infante Vilchez, 80, who died from COVID-19, to the "Martires 19 de Julio" cemetery in Comas, on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, January 21

© AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd

Several Guatemalan soldiers clashing with Honduran migrants at a police control in the city of Chiquimula, Guatemala, January 17. Some 9,000 Honduran migrants are crossing western Guatemala on their journey to USA

© EPA-EFE/Esteban Biba

Fire-fighters are seen next to a damaged building at Toledo Street following an explosion in Madrid, January 20. A powerful explosion apparently caused by a gas leak has ripped the facade off a residential building in central Madrid

© AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

A man walking past palm trees on Gorky Street during a snowfall, Sochi, January 20

© Dmitry Feoktistov/TASS

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States, a powerful explosion in Madrid, and heavy snowfall in Sochi are among some of the developments captured in this week's photos.

Most Russians believe survey results — pollster

According to VCIOM Director General Valery Fyodorov, 83% of respondents think public opinion polls are fairly necessary

Russian Marines destroy Challenger 2 tank with FPV drone in Kursk Region

Previously, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the enemy lost 10 tanks in the Kursk region in the past 24 hours

Western efforts to vilify Russia climax, Moscow fights back — MFA

"We are witnessing the culmination of the Anglo-Saxons' systematic efforts to vilify our country, exerted over decades, and maybe even centuries," Maria Zakharova said

Russia's newest Su-57 fighter jet superior to China's new J-35 — test pilot

Sergey Bogdan emphasized that the newest Russian fighter was a "magnificent platform for a future generation of configurations, just as the Su-27 aircraft in its heyday"

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

US missile defense site to defend Poland from Russia too — Polish minister

At the same time, the official evaded a direct question of whether the facility is capable of protecting country from missiles

Press review: US to maintain aid to Israel while Kiev regime faces challenge to retain it

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 14th

Musk says Trump, himself have public mandate for change

US President-elect Donald Trump announced earlier that Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy would lead the Department of Government Efficiency in his new administration

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

Israeli anthem booed before start of football match in Paris

Prior to the event, leftist politicians and activists staged a protest at a square in Paris’ northern suburb of Saint-Denis

White House official sees possibility of DPRK nuclear test soon

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that transition periods in the US 'have historically been time periods when the DPRK has taken provocative actions'

Swedish minister in charge of gender equality suffers from bananaphobia

The phobia is so strong that special precautions need to be taken before her meetings

Trump picks ex-congressman Collins for veterans’ affairs secretary

Doug Collins is a former lawmaker representing Georgia in the House of Representatives

Crimean amateur astronomer discovers new comet in solar system

In April, the astronomer said that he had discovered a large asteroid with a diameter of about 200 meters, potentially dangerous for the Earth

Ukrainian troops surrender as Russian forces advance — captive

Alexander Rapolyuk noted that they had originally been sent to the Kursk Region under the pretext of replacing their comrades, but upon arrival, they found that the servicemen they were meant to replace had already been killed

Trump suggests Kennedy Jr. as US secretary of health and human services

He assured that Kennedy Jr. will "end the Chronic Disease epidemic"

Israeli practices ‘consistent with characteristics of genocide’ — UN committee

The document points out that 'civilians have been indiscriminately and disproportionally killed en masse in Gaza'

India increases imports of goods from Russia by 8.8% in April — October

Russia has become India's fourth largest trading partner after the US, China and the UAE

Trump nominates his lawyers to key Justice Department jobs

Emil Bove will be nominated to be principal associate deputy attorney general and Todd Blanche to the post of the US deputy attorney general

Colombia would like to join BRICS — foreign minister

The top Colombian diplomat went on to say that his country has been following the BRICS expansion and activities carefully

Kamala Harris’s campaign team continues fundraising efforts after election defeat — TV

Republican candidate Donald Trump defeated current US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s contender, in the November 5 presidential election

Grossi oversteps authority by talking about freeze of Ukraine conflict — Russian MFA

The Russian diplomats also said that IAEA experts will stay at the ZNPP as long as Russia deems their presence there necessary

Iran will never try to build nuclear weapons, president tells IAEA chief

Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US of derailing the agreements around Iran's nuclear program

Russia inks first deals to deliver Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to foreign customers

Alexander Mikheyev also explained the expectations and effect of the demonstration of Russian military hardware at Airshow China in Zhuhai

Court sentences ‘Russian Volunteer Corps’ members to life in prison in absentia

According to the investigation, the defendants, acting as part of a Ukrainian sabotage group, armed with firearms and explosives, illegally crossed the Russian border and infiltrated two settlements in the Bryansk Region, opening fire at civilian cars and people

Football fans clash during France vs Israel football match in Paris

The match is taking place a week after a Europa League match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv football club wreaked havoc in Amsterdam

Su-57 fighter jet shows exceptional performance in Russia’s special op, senior official

A Su-57 multirole fifth-generation fighter jet (NATO codename Felon) was designed to eliminate all air, ground, and water surface targets

Violence against Kupyansk residents refusing to evacuate reported in Kharkov Region

The press service of the Military-Civil Administration of the Kharkov Region clarified that the Ukrainian militants view such people as traitors, "waiting for the Russians," so they are not entitled to either humanitarian aid or human dignity

Baltic Sea will never turn into 'NATO lake' — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Baltic Sea "will always be a common space for all of the region’s countries without exception"

Russian air defenses destroy 51 Ukrainian drones overnight

Krasnodar Region Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said two municipalities in the region - the town of Krymsk and the Krasnoarmeisky district - came under attack

Most Ukrainian soldiers drafted against their will, from rural areas

According to Miroslav Borisenko, there are "almost no" residents of major cities among the forcibly mobilized, although in 2022 the "social composition was entirely different" in the Ukrainian armed forces

US views Russia as present-day threat, Trump may prioritize containing China — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that reputation matters the most to the United States which does not care about the real fates of peoples, in particular the Ukrainian one

Demographic crisis threatens Ukraine’s viability as state — think tank

Ukraine’s "overall population had declined to 29 million people in 2023 - compared to 48.5 million in 2001," Responsible Statecraft writes

Russian forces liberate Voznesenka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 655 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian air defenses down multiple aerial targets over Belgorod, with one injury reported

Vyacheslav Gladkov noted that the windows of 11 apartments in six apartment buildings were damaged in Belgorod

South Korea to support Ukraine in response to Russia-North Korea alliance — president

As Yoon Suk Yeol said, the reported dispatch of North Korean servicemen to participate in Russia’s special military operation "poses a serious security threat not only to the Korean Peninsula and Europe but also to the entire world"

All weapons pledged by Biden to Kiev to be delivered before he leaves office — Pentagon

Department’s Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh expects that for the 'next coming months of this administration'

APEC leaders to discuss digitalization, sustainable economic growth in Peru

The official part of the summit will be held, resulting in the adoption of the final declaration

Over 7,400 attacks on healthcare facilities registered worldwide since 2018 — WHO

Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that over the past three years frequency, scale and impact of attacks on healthcare has increased

Israeli strike on southern Lebanese village leaves at least six dead

Four of the victims were rescue workers

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Musk, Iran’s UN envoy discuss ways to ease tensions between Iran, US — NYT

According to the report, the meeting took place in New York on Monday and lasted for more than an hour

US-led coalition's aircraft violate Syrian airspace nine times in past day

In a separate development, a total of 3,516 people crossed into Syria from the territory of Lebanon in the reported period

Authorities of southeastern Ukrainian region report ‘infrastructure damage’

In addition, a power transmission line was reportedly damaged in the Dnepropetrovsk Region

What is known about Sevastopol car blast

Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev did not rule out the possibility that the incident was the result of sabotage

Presidential election in Abkhazia to be held within legal period — president

The country’s opposition said the election may take place in January 2024

Hamas ready for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, official says

According to Basem Naim, the last "well-defined, brokered deal was the deal of July 2"

Scholz promises to transfer sixth IRIS-T system to Kiev by yearend

Ukraine and Germany also discussed further defense cooperation

No plans for major government reshuffle after parliamentary election — Georgian PM

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, increasing national GDP by some $14.6 bln will be the Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia ruling party’s goal for the next four years

Kalashnikov concern trains first group of operators for Bars-Sarmat UAV unit

The soldiers studied the hardware, including the drones’ electronics, internal systems and rules of operation

Press review: Trump forms foreign policy team and Europe sets course for militarization

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 13th

Russian forces capture 10 km of LPR border — military expert

On October 16, Andrey Marochko informed TASS that Ukrainian forces were still operating near three key towns in the LPR’s west: Svatovo, Kremennaya, and Lisichansk

Trump’s return to power unlikely to change US approach to Ukraine crisis — Lavrov

Washington will always seek to control everything that is happening within NATO’s orbit, especially on NATO territory, the Russian foreign minister said

Attempts being made to drag Syria into armed confrontation in Middle East — diplomat

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, the top priority today is to prevent such attempts

Clear Zelensky won't be the one to decide about talks with Russia, says Lavrov

"Russian President Putin has repeatedly said that we have never refused to negotiate," the Russian foreign minister reiterated

Most Russians say special op doesn't bleed into their daily life

While public anxiety remains high, the percentage of Russians who view the situation as catastrophic or as a crisis has noticeably decreased, and the share of citizens who accept the current circumstances as a new normal is rising

Biden to discuss support to Kiev with EU colleagues before Trump’s inauguration

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that European support to Ukraine should continue and that should intensify

Security Service of Ukraine operated ‘concentration camp’ in Kiev in 2022, lawmaker says

"This concentration camp was organized by SBU Head Ivan Bakanov and his first deputy Vasily Malyuk," Alexander Dubinsky claims

Erdogan praises Russia, China for backing arms embargo on Israel

According to the Turkish leader, Israel "will become more and more aggressive if arms and ammunition supplies continue"

Trump to zero in on fragmenting BRICS, Ukraine to take back seat — expert

According to the political scientist Boris Mezhuyev, in all likelihood attempts to replace the presidents of Brazil and Venezuela, and pit India, Russia and China against each other are coming

Gagauzian public figure sees possibility of early parliamentary polls in Moldova

Mihail Vlah told TASS in an interview that the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity 'has started urgent preparations'

Two injured in bridge collapse in Crimea

"A car and a truck were on the bridge at the moment of collapse. Russian Emergencies Ministry rescuers retrieved two injured people," the ministry said

Russia, US have many annoyances, it is hard to pick worst one — Kremlin spokesman

Earlier, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Baku

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 430 troops, ten tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, 19 armored combat vehicles, 33 motor vehicles, one Anklav-N electronic warfare station

Russia to collaborate with Arab nations for Middle East de-escalation — diplomat

"A call was made to the international community to contribute to the achievement of this goal," Maria Zakharova added

Russian troops storm into Kupyansk outskirts in Kharkov Region — military expert

Troops from various Russian army units are engaged in battles in the outskirts of Kupyansk, Andrey Marochko said

Russian troops secure ground near Novodarovka, Rovnopol in Zaporozhye Region — official

On November 13, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces had liberated the settlement of Rovnopol in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), located near the administrative border with the Zaporozhye Region

Ukrainian intel officers in Syria to be eliminated as terrorists’ accomplices — diplomat

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, there are "in fact Russian troops stationed" in Syria

Top diplomats from UK, France, Germany to discuss Ukraine’s future

Reuters wrote with reference to anonymous sources that the sides would also discuss what Trump’s return to the Oval Office could mean for the world

Lavrov arrives in UAE to take part in Sir Bani Yas Forum

The forum kicks off on November 15

Trump plans to appoint special envoy on Ukraine to hold peace talks with Russia — TV

According to the source, the job is not expected to be a salaried role

France wraps up training of new Ukrainian brigade — minister

The brigade is equipped with French weapons

Pilot lauds thrust, aerodynamics of smooth-flying Su-57 fighter jet

According to Sergey Bogdan, this fighter jet flies smoother than anything out there today

Trump does not rule out he may run in next US presidential election

Trump's participation in the next US election would be against the Constitution

Bloodshed in Ukraine to end soon, Musk says

The Axios portal reported earlier that Musk took part in a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Zelensky

US denies possession of extraterrestrial technologies

According to Sue Gough, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, an office at the US Department of Defense that investigates unidentified anomalous phenomena, "is continuing its review of the historical record of US government UAP programs"

Explosion heard in Damascus suburb

The circumstances of the incident are being established at the moment

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Israel achieves its goals in conflict with Hamas, time to 'end the war' — Blinken

"Israel, by the standards it set itself, has accomplished the goals that it set for itself," the US Secretary of State noted

US does not fulfill LNG contracts for Europe worth tens of billions of dollars — Gazprom

In addition, the United States is influencing the global gas market with its verbal interventions regarding the possible withholding of LNG supplies to China, as well as a temporary suspension of the issuance of export licenses, Deputy Head of the Department - Head of the Directorate at Gazprom Kirill Polous said

Israel carries out airstrikes on three Hezbollah targets on southern outskirts of Beirut

According to the report, about an hour prior to the attack, an Israeli military command spokesperson posted a warning in Arabic about the upcoming strikes on social media

Putin discussed Ukraine with Saudi crown prince — Kremlin

"The sides indeed touched upon the topic of the conflict. We have nothing more to say," Dmitry Peskov said

Zelensky announces work on new action plan

In terms of weapons, the plan will focus on production in Ukraine and cooperation with partners

Russia to ensure parity in response to US missile defense system in Poland — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that by placing the missile defense system in Poland, the United States is bringing its military infrastructure closer to Russia in an attempt to curb its potential

IN BRIEF: What is known about drone attack on Russia’s Krasnodar Region

Damage will be assessed, and local authorities will provide assistance with restoring the damaged buildings

Gazprom says EU artificially destroys gas demand to the detriment of its own economy

As for global gas demand, gas consumption in January-October increased by 80 bln cubic meters year-on-year, the company noted

One third of Mariupol residents, who fled to Ukraine, already returned

Lack of due support, and accommodation issues, are the reason

Foreign mercenaries fighting on Ukraine’s side near Kupyansk, says military expert

Most of the intercepted talks deal with military issues, using a special talk chart, Andrey Marochko specified

Most Russians believe survey results — pollster

According to VCIOM Director General Valery Fyodorov, 83% of respondents think public opinion polls are fairly necessary

Kremlin comments on possible return of Japanese, European cars to Russia

No official statements have been received so far from European automakers regarding the return to the Russian market, Dmitry Peskov noted

Hezbollah reports attack on Israeli military intelligence base near Tel Aviv

On Wednesday, Hezbollah reported attacks on Israel’s Glilot military base in the Ramat Hasharon

Trump to end NATO’s obsession to get on Russian territory — White House ex-strategist

Steve Bannon noted that Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement seeks to completely cut funding to Ukraine. According to Bannon, Europe, including Italy, will follow Trump’s lead, and, if "they [Europe and Italy] truly believe what they have been saying in recent years, they should be ready to pay"

PREVIEW: Russia’s national football team to play its first-ever game against Brunei

Based on the FIFA rankings, the team of Brunei will be Russia’s weakest opposent ever

Trump to nominate North Dakota governor Burgum as interior secretary

The official announcement will be made on Friday

Israeli military vows to keep Syrian-made weapons out of Hezbollah’s hands by any means

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Israeli troops have detected the movement's use of Syrian-produced weapons in its attacks on Israel

Ukraine's Kurakhovo Reservoir dam blast to help, not hurt Russian troops — expert

At least ten Ukrainian troops were killed

European Commission gives ‘positive assessment’ for payment of 4.1 bln euros to Kiev

The commission concluded that Ukraine had satisfactorily fulfilled the nine agreed reform indicators for this payment

Explosion of Kurakhovo reservoir dam disrupts water supply

Roman Pukalov noted that the blast killed many fish in the reservoir, washed away fertile soil, and inundated potentially hazardous sites, including cemeteries, cattle burial grounds, and fertilizer depots

Ukraine aims to call up 1 mln people in eastern areas by end of 2024 — official

According to the plan, 360,000 people are to be mobilized in October; 325,000 and 300,000 in November and December, respectively

Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon