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This week in photos: Indian funeral pyres, tragedy in Israel, China’s underwater mermaids

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

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The firefighter Haley Agnew wipes sweat from her brow as she works with fellow firefighters on Slieve Donard mountain. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service have been tackling the moorland and gorse fire on the slopes of Slieve Donard since Friday and have now declared the blaze a major incident, Newcastle, April 24

© Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Relatives perform the last rites before the cremation of their loved ones who died from COVID-19. In April, India took first place in the daily increase in coronavirus cases, updating the world anti-record, New Delhi, April 26

© Naveen Sharma/SOPA Images/Sipa via Reuters Connect

Director Nikita Mikhalkov (center) performs in a scene from a theater adaptation of the film 12 at the Bolshoi Theater, Moscow, April 24

© Sergei Fadeichev/TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits an ambulance and emergency medical care station in the town of Pushkin, St. Petersburg, April 28

© Alexei Druzhinin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Commissioned officers, who completed their military training, perform during a graduation ceremony at Ribat Law and Police Academy affiliated to the Palestinian Interior and National Security Ministry, Gaza, April 26

© Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Young Orthodox Jews gaze at stairs strewn with waste after the tragedy in northern Israel. On the night of April 30, on Mount Meron, during the religious Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer, a tribune collapsed triggering a stampede, in which 44 people died, and at least 150 were injured, April 30

© REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Workers carry the skating rink portion of Rockefeller Center on the New York City section of the Miniland area of the new Legoland New York Resort theme park during a press preview of the park, which is currently under construction, with plans to open to the public in the summer of 2021, New York, April 28

© REUTERS/Mike Segar

US President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress as Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House US Rep. Nancy Pelosi look on in the House chamber of the US Capitol. On the eve of his 100th day in office, Biden spoke about his plan to revive America’s economy and health as it continues to recover from a devastating pandemic, Washington, April 28

© Melina Mara-Pool/Getty Images

A participant prepares backstage during a local bodybuilding championship, Krasnodar, April 24

© REUTERS/Eduard Korniyenko

Female twin giant pandas Meng Bao and Meng Yu play at Beijing Zoo, Beijing, April 26

© Du Jianbo/VCG via Getty Images

Protesters throw objects and shout to riot police officers at Bolivar square during the national strike against the tax reform proposed by Duque's administration. Unions joined to call to a national strike and demonstrations in major cities, urging participants to follow COVID-19 protocols. They seek to sink a tax reform which proposes elimination of VAT free goods, Bogota, April 28

© Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images

110 divers perform under water as they set a new Guinness World Record for the largest underwater mermaid show at Atlantis resort, Sanya, April 28

© Wu Wei/VCG via Getty Images

Indian funeral pyres, tragedy in Israel, and other stories are among some of the developments captured in this week's photos.

Vladimir Putin's visit to China

Russia-China cross-cultural years to span beyond major cities — Putin

The Russian leader pointed out that Russians are very interested in Chinese culture, past and present

Dnepr battle group destroys 15 Ukrainian boats in one day — Kherson governor

In addition, 23 drone control centers were destroyed and 34 drones shot down or disabled

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 warns against imbalances in economy, industry related to special military operation

The Russian leader also stated the importance of diversification of military production at a meeting with commanders of military district troops

Attack on Fico targets friendship with Russia — former Slovak prime minister

"The assassination attempt can be blamed only on a political madman, brainwashed by Slovakia's opposition media," Jan Carnogursky stressed

US did not enable Ukrainian strikes beyond Ukrainian territory — Blinken

The US secretary of state noted that Ukraine must decide on how to carry out combat action on its own

Latin America refuses to sacrifice its future for US interests, Russian envoy believes

Dmitry Feoktistov noted that the EU industry, which refused direct supplies of Russian hydrocarbons due to sanctions, is currently experiencing a deep crisis, losing its profitability and competitiveness

US discusses deployment of Patriot systems in Kharkov with Ukraine — Blinken

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier that Russian troops had liberated several communities in the Kharkov Region

Russia, Vietnam register positive dynamics of rising trade turnover — trade representative

Business activity is on the rise, with certain progress and prospects in a number of joint projects in various fields in place

US Congress has evidence of Biden family’s involvement in terrorism — Ukrainian politician

Andrey Derkach pointed out that "the criminal case that was initiated against Burisma was being actively investigated under [Ukrainian] Prosecutor General [Viktor] Shokin [in 2014-2016]"

China expects peace to recover on European continent shortly — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader added that Beijing "is ready to play its constructive role"

Czech president speaks out in favor of halting hostilities in Ukraine

Petr Pavel believes it is "naive" to imagine that Kiev will be able to regain territory taken by Russia in the foreseeable future

General Lapin to command Leningrad Military District, General Kuzovlyov Moscow district

Colonel-General Alexander Lapin previously served as first deputy commander and chief of staff of the Ground Forces

Putin, Xi sign statement on deepening relations

The document was signed after extensive Russian-Chinese negotiations

Several airborne targets downed approaching Belgorod — governor

Vyacheslav Gladkov added that three houses were damaged in the settlement of Petrovka

Two civilians wounded in shelling attack on Shebekino in Belgorod Region

According to the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, a car shelter and a passenger car caught fire after the attack

Moscow, Beijing seriously develop practical cooperation — Putin

The Russian leader named energy, industry and agriculture as priorities

Russian president’s visit to Vietnam to propel deepening of bilateral ties — envoy

The exact dates of the visit are yet to be coordinated

Russian tech firm develops portable EW system to shield assault teams from drones

One system suppresses munition-dropping drones, creating a dome of 250-300 meters and shielding an assault group while the other suppresses FPV drones

Russia views positively China's plan on Ukraine, it addresses causes of conflict — Lavrov

In February 2023, the Chinese Foreign Ministry published a position paper on a political settlement to the crisis in Ukraine

UAE rates high Made in Russia brand, understands its reliability — REC

The UAE is a very competitive market, though the Russian brand has managed to prove its stability, due to a good marketing campaign in particular, Najibullo Jabbori said

World demands that Palestine be admitted as equal UN member — Venezuelan official

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stressed that Palestine is an example of the struggle for "self-determination, independence and sovereignty"

US imposes sanctions against Russian police training center in Nicaragua

According to Washington, the training center "contributes to anti-democratic actions and repressions from the Ortega-Murillo regime"

Russia-China relations not opportunistic, not directed against anyone — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Russia and China together uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and a world order based on international law

Afghanistan needs wheat and asks Russia to lower grain prices — minister

Nooruddin Azizi also said that he will work to ensure that exports from Afghanistan are subject to tariff preferences provided for least developed countries

WHO chief offers words of support for Slovak PM Fico after assassination attempt

Fico was wounded in a shooting incident that happened after a government meeting in the city of Handlova in the western part of Slovakia

At least three civilians killed in Israel’s air strike on Gaza City — TV

Casualties were also reported after Israel’s air raid on Gaza’s Daraj neighborhood

Putin, Xi begin talks

Russian and Chinese Presidents have begun talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

Discussing Ukrainian settlement without Russia to be empty scholasticism — Kremlin

"It is absolutely useless to discuss security issues that concern us without Russia," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Liberation of Rabotino to accelerate Russian advance in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov said Ukraine still holds the heights to the north of the village, and fierce battles are underway to control them

Israel hits Hezbollah targets in eastern Lebanon, casualties among civilians reported

One of the missiles hit a three-storey house, killing two civilians, the Al Mayadeen television channel reported

Putin asks Belousov to "open" Defense Ministry as much as possible

The Russian president set another task for the new defense minister to address - to continue handling economic matters

Hezbollah drones attack Israeli military base some 50 km from border with Lebanon

"The operation was carried out in response to the killing of field commander Hussein Makki near Tyre", Hezbollah said on its Telegram channel

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

Afghan Taliban no longer Russia’s enemy — Russian diplomat

According to Zamir Kabulov, relations between Russia and the Taliban are on the rise but "there are certain political limits"

Ukraine’s military has about 2,000-strong garrison in Kherson — resistance fighters

Ukrainian service members have been moving little in the city lately and normally only at night, the Kherson Resistance guerilla unit commander added

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft wipe out Ukrainian equipment, personnel over past day

After employing air-launched munitions, the pilots performed a missile evasion maneuver, fired flares and returned to their airfield, it said

Russian Tor air defense systems effective in destroying Storm Shadow missiles — top brass

Teams of Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile systems of Russia’s Battlegroup East shield first-echelon troops and civilian facilities in the south Donetsk direction

Moscow ready to navigate market challenges amid US' uranium import ban

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that this latest move from Washington showed just how low it would go to try to hurt the Russian economy

Putin, Xi to discuss Ukrainian crisis, development of bilateral ties

Priority attention will be focused on trade and economic cooperation

Russia condemns attack on Slovak prime minister — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent a telegram to express his support for the Slovak prime minister and wished him the soonest recovery

Russian air defenses down several projectiles near Sevastopol, Belbek airfield

The city’s Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev noted that there had been no reports of damage to civilian infrastructure

Putin signs law banning foreign agents’ participation in elections

The elections include those to federal and regional state bodies, to public authorities of a federal territory, as well as to local self-government bodies

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine to inevitably become Russia’s targets — MFA

"Any weapons supplied to Kiev’s Nazi regime are considered by Russia’s Armed Forces as legitimate military targets and must be destroyed," Maria Zakharova stressed

Yemeni Houthis claim delivering missile strike on US destroyer

Additionally, according to Yahya Saree, in the Red Sea, the Houthis attacked the commercial vessel Destiny en route to the port of Eilat in Israel

Press review: Putin embarks on state visit to China and assassination attempt on Slovak PM

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 16th

Duma speaker threatens more powerful response to attacks against Russian citizens

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, attempts by Ukrainian lawmakers to get Washington’s okay to use US-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia risk causing a tragedy that "may affect everybody globally"

No changes in General Staff management, none planned — Putin

"This combat operation bloc is well-established," the Russian leader went on to say

Germany's recalled ambassador to arrive in Russia 'in the near future' — embassy

The German Foreign Ministry earlier reported that its ambassador to Russia Alexander Lambsdorff was recalled for consultations following an alleged cyberattack by Russia against the Social Democratic Party of Germany

Prime Minister of Slovakia shot by 71-year-old assailant — report

The man reportedly owned his weapon legally

European countries still look up to US — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that it is too early to speak of any changes in the policy of European countries following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit

Russia’s new defense minister should pay attention to strategic nuclear forces — expert

"In case of a first nuclear missile strike against Russia we should be able to destroy the aggressor with a retaliatory strike in a guaranteed manner," Igor Korotchenko noted

Russia, OIC to combat Islamophobia, Russophobia worldwide — top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov asserted that Russia is a consistent supporter of shaping a more fair and democratic multipolar world order based on the principles of the UN Charter

Russia, China sign ten joint documents

The agreements penned included an initiative to develop the Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island, protocols on requirements for beef and other products exported to China

Kremlin clarifies Patrushev’s new appointment

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

Political motives behind assassination attempt on Fico

The shooter made a statement right after his detention, saying that he had opposed the government’s policy limiting media freedom

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russian troops repulsed ten Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the ministry reported

Russian forces advancing daily in special op, everything going according to plan — Putin

The Russian leader opened his meeting with commanders of troops of military districts by extending his greetings on the occasion of Victory Day

Russia hails any peace initiatives for Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

"We know the situation on the Ukrainian side, which excludes any talks for itself even from the legal point of view," Dmitry Peskov noted

Putin arrives in Great Hall of the People in Beijing for talks with Chinese leadership

The talks were preceded by an official welcoming ceremony

Slovak PM Robert Fico wounded in shooting — portal

The suspected shooter has been apprehended

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

Several people injured in knife attack in Switzerland’s Zofingen — report

The attacker has been detained, AFR reported

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

Russia's top brass stresses special nature of Russian-Belarusian armed forces relations

"Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin, Minister of Defense of Belarus, and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held a telephone conversation," the Belarusian Defense Ministry's press service reported

Russia developing thermal imager for Black Sea Fleet to repel night naval drone attacks

The devices help detect targets at a distance of over 1 km

Afghanistan ready to sign agreement on transit of goods with 3 countries, including Russia

Acting Industry and Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi noted that Afghanistan could become a convenient point for the transit of goods to the states of South Asia

Putin arrives in China on state visit

The Russian president is scheduled to visit Beijing and Harbin

Ukrainian drone shot down over Bryansk Region — governor

No one was hurt, no damage was reported, the region’s governor Alexander Bogomaz said

Putin appoints Russian new government

This is the first Russian government formed under the new procedure envisaged by the 2020 constitutional amendment

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

Russia, China to strengthen contacts through banks — Putin

Moscow and Beijing also consider rehabilitation of global economic institutions, including WTO, G20 and APEC, necessary, the president said

Taliban signals it doesn’t pose threat to India, Russia — Russian diplomat

"If they want to remain Afghan patriots, albeit with a large share of Islamism, they must act so that not to spoil relations at least with the surrounding world," Zamir Kabulov noted

Press review: Putin keeps government core intact and Blinken gives Kiev NATO assurances

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 15th

Russian MFA sees Western media focus on Georgian protests, silence on Armenian rallies

According to Maria Zakharova, Western news media "forgive everything" to protesters in Georgia

What we know about attempt to assassinate Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico

Robert Fico was shot after a cabinet meeting in the city of Handlova in western Slovakia

Kamaz recalls over 23,000 vehicles in Russia

Transport vehicles are remembered due to the lack of an accident emergency response device, Rosstandart reported

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

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

Cuban president calls on US to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism

Erdogan says government knows 'puppet master' behind reported conspiracy

The Turkish leader said it is unacceptable to break laws, and warned that "anyone who goes beyond the limits will be held accountable"

Putin says he is in constant contact with Xi Jinping

The Russian president also recalled that his state visit to China is taking place in the year of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states

Slovakia’s PM Fico in critical condition — defense minister

Robert Kalinak said that the prime minister had been undergoing surgery for more than 3.5 hours

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

Russia’s Strategic Missile Force builds up combat capabilities with new missile systems

Currently, Russia’s Strategic Missile Force is replacing Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile systems with Yars ICBM launchers and placing Avangard hypersonic missile systems on combat duty in its Yasny missile formation

Two single-family houses, passenger car damaged by missile fragments in Sevastopol

No one was hurt, Sevastopol’s governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said

Russia, China to continue strengthening military ties — joint statement

The two countries are also set to hold joint naval and air patrols on a regular basis

Ukraine’s terror attacks on Russia 'revenge' for military failures — North Korean envoy

According to Sin Hong Chol, "the Zelensky puppet clique committed hundreds of unethical atrocities of killing innocent inhabitants by striking civilian objects"

Ukrainian troops shelling civilians in Kharkov Region villages they were driven from

According to the ministry, units of Russia’s Battlegroup North continue to improve their tactical positions

EU agrees to ban access to three Russian media outlets, one European

The measure needs to be approved by the EU foreign ministers

Putin thanks outbound Russian defense minister for his work

The Russian leader added that Sergey Shoigu would now serve as Russian Security Council secretary

Israeli losses surpass 620 troops since Gaza conflict escalated

It is reported that since the onset of the ground operation in Gaza the Israeli army has lost 273 troops

Blinken says Ukraine may engage in talks if Russia shows 'interest'

Antony Blinken noted that in terms of negotiations, these are "decisions for Ukraine to make"

Fico shot multiple times, undergoes five-hour operation — doctors

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, confirmed that doctors had managed to stabilize Robert Fico’s condition overnight

President of Slovakia confirms PM Fico’s assailant detained — report

Zuzana Caputova called the attack on Fico an "attack on democracy," adding that such crimes are being motivated by the "hateful rhetoric"

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

Slovak PM Fico’s life out of danger — deputy PM

Robert Fico was wounded in a shooting incident that happened after a government meeting in the city of Handlova in the western part of Slovakia

Blinken’s visit to Kiev shows US concerned over Ukrainian failures on frontline — diplomat

"He sang a song, ate some pizza and left," Maria Zakharova noted

Slovakia’s Fico suffers several wounds, in life-threatening condition — PM’s Facebook page

As the post on the prime minister’s profile specifies, he was rushed by helicopter to a hospital of the city of Banska Bystrica in central Slovakia

New head of Taiwan claims readiness for dialogue with mainland China

China’s authorities have repeatedly noted that what is known as the 1992 Consensus is a condition for dialogue with Taiwan, however, Lai Ching-te claimed not to support it

Avtovaz to produce up to 50,000 Lada Largus cars by year-end

Earlier, Avtovaz resumed the production of gasoline-fueled Lada Largus cars at its facility in Izhevsk

Ukrainian crisis may be resolved by yearend, says former Virginia senator

"The shortage of artillery and other weapons causes problems, but the critical issue is their shortage of fighting men," Richard Black emphasized