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Coronavirus pandemic

Russia reports over 9,800 daily COVID-19 cases

The total caseload has reached 4,428,239

© Pyotr Kovalyov/TASS

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia’s COVID-19 cases rose by 9,803 in the past day, reaching 4,428,239, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday.

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Russia has unprecedently high COVID-19 vaccine quality control, minister says

In relative terms, the growth rate hit 0.22%. The lowest growth rates were recorded in the Tuva Republic (0.01%), the Sakhalin Region (0.05%), the Magadan Region and the Republic of Adygea (0.06%).

Moscow confirmed 1,934 new COVID-19 cases. Over the past day, 918 COVID-19 cases were recorded in St. Petersburg, 537 in the Moscow Region, 349 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 240 in the Rostov Region and 219 in the Samara Region.

Currently, 297,379 people are receiving treatment.

Military operation in Ukraine

Death toll in Sunday’s apartment building collapse in Belgorod climbs to 16

Belgorod and its surroundings were subjected to massive Ukrainian shelling on May 12

Kiev describes situation in Volchansk as extremely challenging

According to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, "fierce fighting" is taking place in the Kharkov Region

Dollar rises to 91.36 rubles, euro falls to 98.4 rubles

The yuan increased by 1.2 kopecks to 12.59 rubles

Kharkov regions aspiring to join Russia — interim administration

According to Head of the Kharkov Region’s interim civil administration Vitaly Ganchev, residents are already making numerous enquiries about receiving the Russian citizenship

Ukrainian politician calls for international tribunal for NATO crimes

According to Andrey Derkach, a base is being created for "a far international legal probe" into terrorism, war crimes, corruption, crimes against the freedom of speech and human rights committed by NATO member countries

Germany to give Ukraine IRIS-T air defense system in May — ambassador

Martin Jaeger added that Germany also provided Ukraine with Gepard self-propelled air defense systems and a completely new system that was developed in Germany: the Skynex

Russia’s onslaught on Kharkov may compel Ukraine to truce — NYT

On May 11, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported liberating several populated localities in the Kharkov Region

Putin pardons 52 female convicts — Kremlin

First and foremost, the pardon covers women with minor children, pregnant women and women, whose relatives are involved in the special military operation

Shoigu to oversee Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, not head it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the service is headed by Dmitry Shugayev

Kremlin clarifies Patrushev’s new appointment

Since 2008, Patrushev has been the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, serving the longest in this capacity

Ukrainian commanders flee Kupyansk, leaving covering force — Russian lawmaker

The Kharkov direction is the most important and challenging frontline area for Russian troops, Viktor Vodolatsky pointed out

Putin proposes Belousov as Shoigu's replacement: what is known about cabinet reshuffle

Other heads of security ministries and services, as well as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, will retain their posts in the government

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian army positions in area bordering Belgorod Region

"The personnel of the Battlegroup North actively employ FPV drones in the special military operation to eliminate the Ukrainian army’s dugouts, manpower and various military equipment," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Kiev reports difficult situation in Kharkov region

This direction has been strengthened, Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky said

Fire on motor ship in Russia’s Arkhangelsk extinguished

The North-Western Transport Prosecutor's Office organized a probe into the incident

50 Russians killed, nearly 190 wounded in Ukraine’s shelling attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik, Ukrainian troops used foreign-made drones, Czech-, Turkish-, and US-made projectiles, including ATACMS missiles

Ukraine shells Krasnodon in LPR due to Russia’s successes in Kharkov area — ruling party

"They think that they can intimidate us but we know that our victory is near," Ivan Sanayev noted

Russia’s Dnepr group destroys 15 Ukrainian watercraft on Dnieper’s right bank

In addition, the enemy lost 2 armored combat vehicles, 5 electronic warfare stations, 2 vehicles, and 28 drone control points, head of the group’s press center Roman Kodryan

China supports Serbia in defending its sovereignty on Kosovo issue — Xi

Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Serbia on May 7-8

Maxim Oreshkin promoted to deputy chief of Kremlin staff

Oreshkin has served as presidential aide since 2020 and was Russia's economic development minister in 2016-2020

Press review: Russia installs new defense minister and Ukrainian terror in Belgorod

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 13th

US, NATO policy in Central Asia fraught with danger of 'color revolutions' — diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin stressed that Russia was and is a reliable partner of Central Asian countries

Conflict between Russia, Ukraine may last about 10 years — Polish foreign minister

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that the conflict in Ukraine may last for a few more years, and no one, in his opinion, can say whether it is to last for five years

All Ukrainians who covered up Nord Stream sabotage identified, politician says

According to Andrey Derkach, members of the group led by Roman Chervinsky acted under instructions from Christopher Smith, "the No.2 at the US Embassy in Ukraine at that time and a well-known" CIA agent

Forum on future of BRICS countries may be held in 2025

According to The Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives, the VISION FORUM BRICS+ may be held in 2025 in the UAE

Tula Region governor becomes presidential aide — Kremlin

On February 2, 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Alexey Dyumin as the acting governor of the Tula Region

Russian robotic drone jammers shield evacuation groups in Ukraine operation

The innovation was prompted by the existence of gray zones in areas of combat operations that are dangerous for groups to evacuate wounded personnel, Denis Oslomenko noted

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."

Russia’s S-300PS in Tajikistan confirm combat readiness

In April, at a meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the CIS armed forces special attention was paid to the development of the joint communication and air defense systems

Experts of Ukraine’s Energoatom inspecting Belene NPP equipment for purchase — news portal

The Ukrainian side expressed hope of signing an agreement on the purchase of the equipment in June

Russian Defense Ministry personnel chief arrested for allegedly taking bribe

According to investigators, Yury Kuznetsov, who was the head of the 8th Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, received a bribe from commercial entities in return for doing certain favors for them from 2021-2023

Russia’s Federation Council holds consultations on security, intelligence appointments

The candidates were nominated by President Vladimir Putin and their names were submitted to the council on May 12

Aerospace Forces receive new Su-35S fighters

Su-35S have passed ground and flight trials and flew from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to the deployment airfield

Russian air defense systems destroy 25 Vampire MLRS shells over Belgorod region

It was reported earlier that multiple explosions were heard in Belgorod after the missile threat was declared, according to a TASS correspondent

Death toll in Sunday’s apartment building collapse in Belgorod climbs to 16

Belgorod and its surroundings were subjected to massive Ukrainian shelling on May 12

Kharkov authorities acknowledge advance of Russian troops

The head of the military administration cited the delay in Western arms deliveries as the reason for the Ukrainian forces' failures

Motor rifle troops in Urals receive upgraded T-72B3M tanks

The T-72B3M is a heavily upgraded version of the T-72 main battle tank

Upgraded tank anti-FPV drone systems arrive for Russian troops in Ukraine operation

New Triton drone suppression systems can be mounted on both armor and quad bikes, sea boats and any objects that require protection against FPV drones, Denis Oslomenko elaborated

Sullivan, Austin, Brown spend 90 minutes discussing military assistance with Ukrainians

The officials on the Ukrainian side were Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the presidency’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, the US official said

Protesters in Cyprus call for end to funding Kiev following terrorist attack on Belgorod

The terrorist acts committed by the regime of Ukrainian President Vladimir "Zelensky against the civilian population of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and other Russian border territories are criminal," said Mikis Filaniotis head of the Cypriot branch of the International Russophile Movement

US ban on Russian uranium imports leads to turmoil in international relations — ambassador

"The delicate balance between exporters and importers of uranium products is under threat," Anatoly Antonov said

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Part of Burisma’s bribe used to sponsor army of drones for Ukrainian forces — politician

"Under a classified court ruling, this money was transferred to a military unit of the Ukrainian defense ministry’s main intelligence directorate," Andrey Derkach said

Yemen interested in supplies of Russian equipment for its thermal power plants

Deputy Energy Minister Sergey Mochalnikov and member of the Yemeni Advisory Council Rashid Barabaa also discussed prospects for implementing joint projects in the field of green energy

Ukrainian commanders trading blame with each other over defeats near Kharkov — NYT

Many in Ukraine reportedly believe that their country’s situation in the conflict with Russia has significantly worsened

State Duma approves Mikhail Mishustin as Chairman of Russian Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin thanked State Duma lawmakers for approving his candidacy for the prime minister’s office

Kremlin says no mechanisms in place to exchange info on Nord Stream sabotage with Kiev

Dmitry Peskov added that Kiev's information about the Nord Stream explosions, if it is of any value at all, "is something that the Dutch, the Swedes and others should scrutinize"

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Egypt threatens to end its mediation between Israel, Hamas — WSJ

The officials said Egypt is also blocking any humanitarian aid trucks from entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing

Ukrainian military redeploys reserves towards Kharkov

"Depending on the development of the situation the build-up of the group will continue," according to the report

Figure skater Valieva to play several roles in Tatiana Navka’s ice show

Earlier, Navka’s team said on its social networks that the Ruslan and Lyudmila ice show will be performed in Sochi in the summer

State Duma approves deputy prime ministers of the Russian government

On May 7, the day of Vladimir Putin’s inauguration, the Russian government resigned, in accordance with the law

North Korean delegation arrives in Russia’s Primorsky Region — news agency

Bilateral exchanges between Russia and North Korea have intensified since the second half of 2012

Polish authorities persecute supporters of relations with Moscow, Minsk — ex-judge

Tomasz Schmidt sees some "positive" trends in Polish society, which, unlike the authorities, is determined to restore relations with Moscow and Minsk

Lavrov, Libyan representatives discuss resuming intergovernmental commission

Parties expressed "mutual interest in establishing and strengthening mutually beneficial multifaceted cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Russian troops wipe out 10 pieces of Western armor in DPR

It is noted that the number of destroyed Western armored vehicles could be considerably larger

Developer shows first image of Russia's new Sarmat ballistic missile

The RS-28 Sarmat is the newest heavy liquid-propelled intercontinental ballistic missile currently being co-developed to replace the world’s largest and most formidable ballistic missile, the Voyevoda

Putin to visit China May 16-17 — Kremlin

The visit to China will be Putin’s first foreign visit after his re-election as the Russian president, and, as Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier, will be a "reciprocal step to the first official visit of President Xi Jinping which took place last year also following his re-election"

Gazprom builds up gas supplies to China via Power of Siberia by 37.4% since year’s start

Gazprom regularly provides daily supplies above contractual obligations, the company noted

At least 20 people killed in Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip

According to the TV channel Al Mayadeen, they were killed during the strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp

Press review: New Russian government taking shape and Georgia's path to EU gets cloudy

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 14th

Protesters end rally against foreign-agents bill in Georgia without scuffles with police

Even though there was an announcement to end the rally, people are staying near the legislature at Rustaveli Avenue

Head of Main Personnel Directorate of Russia’s Defense Ministry Yuri Kuznetsov detained

A search was conducted at both Kuznetsov's job and his home, other specifics about the criminal case have not been revealed, law enforcement agencies told TASS

Blinken arrives in Kiev to discuss US aid to Ukraine — Reuters

According to the report, US Secretary of State "hopes to send a strong signal of reassurance to the Ukrainians who are obviously in a very difficult moment"

Russian official lauds defense industry as world’s most powerful in basic arms output

Denis Manturov noted that the geopolitical situation was prompting the need constantly to improve operational characteristics of armaments and military hardware

Russian aluminum inventories at LME warehouses fall by over 60% in April

According to LME, aluminum reserves at the end of April amounted to 116,300 tons

Putin, Xi to discuss strategic partnership, sign documents — Kremlin

The Kremlin noted that "it is planned to sign a joint statement of the heads of state following talks and a number of bilateral documents"

Fit nation: Russia to see widespread increase in people exercising by 2036 — official

"We will build at least 350 sports facilities per year in our regions for all age categories until 2030," Dmitry Chernyshenko noted

Central Asian countries aware of risks of joining anti-Russian sanctions — diplomat

"Apparently, overseas and in Brussels they naively think that Central Asian countries will not resist this Western expansion," Mikhail Galuzin stated

Armenian opposition leader Bagrat Galstanyan calls for more protests across country

He said that the opposition movement "will increase pressure across the entire country, from the north to the south"

Georgian legislature to pass foreign-agents bill in final reading on May 14 — PM

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, it "will play a crucial role in ending the so-called polarization that was imposed from the outside"

Switzerland conference on Ukraine aims to issue ultimatum to Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the conference has long been the talk of all those who are trying to defeat Russia on the battlefield"

Russian troops destroy over 16,000 armored vehicles in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian troops improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on the Ukrainian army in the Kharkov area over the past day, the ministry reported

Putin reappoints Ushakov, Medinsky as his aides — Kremlin

Larisa Brycheva was appointed presidential aide - head of the presidential state legal department, Dmitry Kalimulin will be presidential aide - head of the presidential reference office, Dmitry Shalkov will serve as presidential aide - head of the presidential control department

Russian diplomat says NATO sees Ukraine as tool against Russia

Zakharova expressed confidence that Stoltenberg is interested in Ukraine's future only in the context of confrontation with Russia, while he "takes no interest at all" in the future of Ukrainians

Detention of US citizens caused by their violations of law — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that "each case includes its own circumstances, its own details, so it is unlikely that any generalizations could be made here"

Profit of Russian microfinance organizations in 2024 may rise by 39% — experts

According to the Bank of Russia, in 2022, the profit of microfinance organizations also increased by 39% year-on-year, and by 40% - in 2023

Nord Stream saboteurs prepped in Ukraine, Romania — Ukrainian politician

According to Andrey Derkach, they trained on the South Stream, rented a large yacht, and then they were taken to Poland

Freight train cars derailed near Russia’s Volgograd

According to the press service of the Volga Railway, it was a result of the interference of unauthorized persons

Russian budget expenditures on national projects reach $12.32 bln

This is 37% of planned budget assignments, the Ministry of Finance said

Swiss singer wins Eurovision 2024 contest

Nemo Mettler won with The Code song

Russian troops destroy 28 Ukrainian UAV control posts in Kherson area over past day

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on May 13 that the Ukrainian army had lost as many as 55 personnel, 2 armored combat vehicles, 2 motor vehicles, a US-made 155mm M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system

Western strikes on Yemen have no excuse — Russia’s ambassador to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also noted the failure of attempts "to justify this aggression by Security Council Resolution 2722 or by references to the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter"

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace six times in past day

Apart from that, in his words, one shelling attack on positions of Syrian government troops by militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra was reported in the Aleppo governorate in the Idlib de-escalation zone

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Dyumin, Patrushev, Yampolskaya et al. — who joined Russia’s renewed presidential staff

Alexey Dyumin, who quit the post of the Tula Region’s governor, and Nikolay Patrushev, who left the post of secretary of the Security Council, have become new aides to the Russian leader

If West wants to solve Ukraine conflict on battlefield, 'so be it' — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia was ready to negotiate peace not only in words, but also in deeds

Blinken arrives in Ukraine amid nervousness over special military op — Kremlin

According to a statement released earlier by the US State Department press service, Antony Blinken intends to discuss the situation on the battlefield and issues of military support to Kiev

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister highlights EU’s double standards to Ukraine, Gaza Strip

Alexander Grushko discussed with Deputy Foreign Minister of Egypt Khalid Emara in Cairo "the processes of formation of a multipolar world, key trends in the evolution of international relations, and the changing role of international organizations and associations"

Biden signs decree banning uranium imports from Russia — White House

The United States believes that a ban on imports of uranium from Russia will allow the United States to eliminate dependence on Russia in the field of peaceful nuclear energy

Discussions of candidates for security bloc, Foreign Affairs ministers to finish in Russia

The plenary session is expected to begin at 14:00 Moscow time with the personal participation of all candidates

Economic effect from introducing AI to surpass $10.9 bln — official

By 2030, this figure is expected to exceed $120.77 bln, Candidate for the post of Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said

Africa sees Russia as key security partner amid competition from global players — diplomat

Mikhail Bogdanov described Africa as "the continent of the future," a place of "truly inexhaustible natural and human resources" with "an increasingly large and high-margin market"

Armenian police detain 38 opposition activists since morning

Archbishop Bagrat, the leader of Armenia’s Tavush for the Homeland opposition movement, on Monday night called for tougher pressure on the authorities through civil disobedience

NATO unable to prevent GPS jamming in Baltic region — retired Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak said he believes Russia is involved in the suppression of the GPS signal over the Baltic Sea to "test the alliance's reaction"

Kremlin spokesman says it is wrong to see Shoigu's new appointment as demotion

On May 12, Putin nominated Andrey Belousov for defense minister to succeed Shoigu

Serbia’s ambassador to return to Kiev soon — President Vucic

Serbia’s embassy in Kiev suspended operation in March 2022 due to security considerations

Nikolay Patrushev to oversee shipbuilding as presidential aide — Kremlin Spokesman

In 1974, Patrushev graduated from the Leningrad Shipbuilding Institute - currently known as the St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University

US Secretary of State plans to visit Kiev — Politico

Antony Blinken will travel to Ukraine this week, the newspaper reported

US forms new anti-China, anti-Russia proxy alliances in APR — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that the Pentagon has formed a kind of strike group comprising Japan, the Philippines and Australia, which includes high-accuracy and long-range weapons systems and components of the US missile defense and air defenses

Protesters in Georgia reconvene to rally against foreign-agents bill

The Georgian parliament's Legal Affairs Committee endorsed the third reading of the bill on foreign agents on Monday