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Coronavirus pandemic

Minsk to open borders for citizens of neighboring states who want to get COVID-19 jab

We have enough of these checkpoints to receive people coming from the territory of Poland, Lithuania and other states, especially Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said

MINSK, May 28. /TASS/. Belarus is ready to open several border checkpoints for citizens of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland who want to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday during a meeting with the heads of delegations to the session of the CIS Heads of Government Council.

"Although their governments are behaving inappropriately towards Belarus, you see the huge demand for Sputnik V vaccines in Western countries, and a lot of people are trying to get here in every possible way," Lukashenko said, quoted by the BelTA news agency.

"We agreed with the Russian president that Belarus will open several border checkpoints and set up tents there, if necessary. We have enough of these checkpoints to receive people coming from the territory of Poland, Lithuania and other states, especially Ukraine. These are our people, we speak the same language. We need to help them get vaccinated. We are now working on this issue, given that we have no frenzy regarding the pandemic itself and the vaccination campaign," the Belarusian leader noted.

At least 90,000 soldiers attend Victory Day celebrations across Russia

Celebrations marking have been held in over 300 cities and towns across Russia

Belgorod Region attacked with 37 Ukrainian drones in past day

There were no casualties, but reported damage caused by drone and shelling attacks

At least 90,000 soldiers attend Victory Day celebrations across Russia

Celebrations marking have been held in over 300 cities and towns across Russia

Aurus Merlon electric motorcycle available for pre-order — acting Deputy PM

The Aurus Merlon made its public debut at the inauguration of the Russian President

More than 2,000 people took part in "Immortal regiment" in Montreal

Before the march, a small concert was held, and then the column passed along the Saint-Catherine Street to Dorchester Square

Putin congratulates parade participants on Victory Day

Putin is confident in ensuring free and safe future of Russia and its united people

Russia observes moment of silence for those killed fighting against Nazism

The television program showed portraits of fallen heroes and animated candles of remembrance

Polish PM says NATO troops are in Ukraine

Polish prime minister emphasized that NATO’s direct engagement in the military conflict in Ukraine must be avoided

Russia didn’t invite officials from unfriendly countries to victory parade, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova said veteran organizations in unfriendly countries weren’t affected by the decision not to invite officials

Opponents’ escalation policy forces Russia to enhance nuclear deterrence, says diplomat

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier that the General Staff had launched preparations for drills with missile formations of the Southern Military District jointly with aircraft and naval forces

EAEU proves its effectiveness in the face of sanctions challenges — Putin

According to the president, the EAEU institutions and mechanisms are constantly fine-tuned, which makes it possible to adapt to changes and develop dynamically despite the crisis phenomena in the global economy

Su-75 Checkmate’s design modified to optimize its cost — Rostec

The company said that because of the aircraft’s modular design and the use of modern digital technologies, technical changes could be introduced within the shortest possible timeframe

Chinese diplomat comments on Blinken’s warning on support to Russia

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that the US was supplying Ukraine with arms and ammunition and at the same time making unfounded accusations regarding trade between China and Russia

Hitler could have won if not for USSR, says American WWII veteran

Attempts are currently underway in the West, following the logic of "containing Russia," to hush up the Soviet Union’s decisive contribution to the 1945 Victory over Nazi Germany

Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the European Union’s financial system is not very stable and people are losing confidence

Death toll from May 6 drone attack on Russia’s Belgorod Region rises to eight

Earlier, Vyacheslav Gladkov said that seven people had been killed in a Ukrainian kamikaze drone attack on minivans carrying farm workers

Press review: Israel, Hamas inch closer to elusive truce and Xi tries to charm EU on visit

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 6th

Putin confident in Russia’s victory in special military operation

The Russian people show their best qualities in difficult moments, their courage and heroism, which is confirmed by the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with military on May 7, following the inauguration ceremony

Ukrainian nationalists financed by US, Britain after WWII — declassified archives

In particular, Ukrainian nationalists carried out terrorist acts in small groups of 3-5 members and sometimes engaged in individual terrorism

NATO wants Ukraine to fight until victory, it is unrealistic — Hungarian foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto pointed out that NATO is crossing its own red lines by stating that "the war in Ukraine is our war"

FACTBOX: What is known about string of blasts at Ukraine’s power facilities

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strikes were carried out with drones as well as sea-and air-launched precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles

Fugitive Warsaw judge surveilled for months by Polish intelligence

According to the sources, Poland’s counterintelligence was collecting evidence to make a case against him for spying for a foreign state

Zelensky cannot be legitimate president after May 21 — Medvedchuk

"Ukraine has already lost its statehood," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Russia maintains its nuclear weapons policy, but situation is changing — diplomat

Moscow has repeatedly officially stated that Russia is taking all necessary measures to guarantee national security, but at the same time is firmly committed to the principle of the inadmissibility of nuclear war

Xi arrives on state visit in Hungary

The key topics of talks in Budapest are expected to include bilateral economic ties and the conflict in Ukraine

President of Cuba wishes Putin success in special military operation

Miguel Diaz-Canel said that Moscow can always count on the support of Havana

US veteran says Soviet Union turned the tide of World War II

Frank Cohn said the people that refuse to do justice to the Soviet role in the war simply don't understand what was going on

IN BRIEF: Unity, care for people, country-civilization: Putin’s inaugural speech

The atmosphere in society has changed, now "reliability, mutual responsibility, sincerity, decency, nobility and courage" are highly valued, the Russian leader stressed

Putin considers Cuba — EAEU interaction useful

Russian President drew attention to the participation of the Cuban leader in the EAEU summit

Russian military fights Nazi followers in special military operation — Shoigu

He stressed that during the war, the qualities of a multinational people were revealed — its strength and fortitude, incredible mutual support, and a commitment to fight for the ideas of justice and humanism

Pashinyan remains silent over opposition’s demand for his resignation within one hour

Neither the government’s press office nor Pashinyan himself have somehow responded to the opposition’s demands yet

Russia pre-emptively plans intermediate-range missile sites to counter US moves — diplomat

Correspondingly, specialists are carrying out preliminary pre-emptive planning, Sergey Ryabkov said

Russia does not accept US policy to limit Cuba’s development — Putin

According Russian President, the Cuban people have been fighting this for decades and they are confident

Parades, concerts across Russia to mark Victory Day on May 9

In Moscow, the celebration will open with a ceremonial parade on Red Square at 10 a.m.

Over 882,000 Ukrainian men now EU refugees — statistics agency

Most Ukrainian refugees live in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic

US war veteran says he would like go to Victory Day parade in Moscow

"If I were 10 years younger, I’d go right away," 98-year-old Frank Cohn said

Russian diplomat accuses EU spokesman of 'inciting terrorism' with Crimean Bridge remarks

According to Maria Zakharova, it is shocking that the statement was made by a European official who "in general speaks on behalf of the entire European Union"

Senior Russian diplomat warns about proportional response to threats coming from Finland

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, many of such measures have already been announced

Rafah’s main maternity hospital stops admitting patients due to Israeli operation

The agency said that the hospital had been handling about 85 out of a daily total of 180 births in Gaza prior to an escalation of fighting on the outskirts of Rafah

Opposition begins mass rally in downtown Yerevan

Republic Square is crowded, with Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a leader of the Bagrat movement, among the protesters

US plans to return to previous schedule of weapons deliveries to Ukraine

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller had no specific announcements to make

People in Donbass expected help from Russia, says Putin

Not somewhere thousands of kilometers away from its national borders, but right next door, under our noses, said Russian president

FACTBOX: Key facts and figures about Russia’s Victory Day

Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

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

Belgium explains absence of ambassador at Russian president’s inauguration ceremony

The European Parliament adopted a resolution at a plenary session in Strasbourg on April 25 alleging that the recent presidential election in Russia was undemocratic

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Prime Minister pointed out that the world had recently undergone serious transformations, as the world order had changed to become multipolar

More than 90% of payments in EAEU are carried out in national currencies — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the combined GDP of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, according to available estimates, increased from $1.6 trillion to $2.5 trillion

Biden says US to halt supplying some weapons to Israel if it starts Rafah operation

The president noted that Israel has not yet crossed the red line in the Gaza Strip conflict as it has not started the operation in Rafah

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

Russian air defense forces shot down a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet and 23 unmanned aerial vehicles over the past day

Putin's decree clears way for Renaissance Insurance, Ozon share deals

The relevant document was posted on the official web portal of statutory acts

Russia’s natural population decline shrinks by 24% yoy in January-August — statistics

The Federal Statistics Service noted that mortality in the eight months of 2023 decreased by 9.8%, and the birth rate dropped by 2.5%

West should engage in dialogue with Russia — US expert

In Peter Kuznick opinion, the world is on the verge of a most serious conflict while "NATO is conducting massive war games"

Russia hammers Ukrainian energy, military sites in retaliatory strike — top brass

The Ukrainian army’s losses in the Kupyansk direction over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel and two 122mm D-30 howitzers, it specified

Hungary, China ink 16 cooperation agreements, including on nuclear energy

The cooperation agreements tackle such fields as investment, energy, trade, finance, customs control, agriculture, tourism, science, culture and media

French tired of supporting Ukraine — war correspondent

Christelle Nahan noted that people were tired of the fact that there was not enough money for the development of infrastructure, hospitals and schools, for pensions and benefits for children

Putin signs decree setting Russia’s development goals for 2030

The decree is titled On the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation until 2030 and for a Longer Term until 2036

Russia hammers Ukrainian fuel and energy sites in retaliatory strike — top brass

Russian forces gained better ground and inflicted casualties on two Ukrainian army brigades in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the ministry reported

Ability to pay with Russia’s Mir card in Laos will attract tourists — Putin

Russian President noted that last year the countries showed a modest growth in trade and economic interaction

Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev

According to the politician, "Poland's reckless actions, if rashly supported by its NATO allies, may have far-reaching dangerous consequences for the entire world"

Russian embassy expresses regret over London’s new restrictions

Earlier in the day, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly announced in parliament that the British authorities will expel Russia’s defense attache, impose new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas and remove diplomatic status from some Russian properties

Russian diplomat slams Western ambassador for being absent from Putin’s inauguration

Maria Zakharova also asked a rhetorical question about what these countries’ new ambassadors would do when they have to hand over their credentials to the president

London blatantly lies to justify anti-Russian steps, including expulsion of attache — MFA

We have to state that not only does the UK government intend to abandon its policy of provoking Russia, but it also exerts substantial efforts to raise the degree of confrontation, Maria Zakharova said

Russia holds Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square

The parade began with the march of the banner group of the Preobrazhensky Regiment Honor Guard’s unit carrying the Russian national flag and the legendary Victory Banner across Red Square

Russia knows how to deal with Ukrainian drones — Putin

The Russian leader noted that those tasks that until recently were solved exclusively with the help of aviation systems are now being solved with small means, but with great effect

Russia may strike Britain's military facilities if London's threats materialize — MFA

Maria Zakharova described British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that London considered it legitimate for the Kiev regime to use British weapons for strikes on Russian territory as "something absolutely insane"

Belarus, Russia conduct tactical nuke drills amid current situation — Lukashenko

"An escalation is ongoing," the president said

Russian troops inflict 215 casualties on Ukrainian army in Donetsk area over past day

Russian troops advanced to better positions and inflicted casualties on four Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine

Moscow demands return of all Russian diplomatic properties seized by US

The Russian diplomat slammed the intrusion into the residence of Russian Consul General in Seattle as a gross violation of the international law

Russian troops to practice employing non-strategic nuclear weapons in missile drills

The missile drills will aim to maintain troop combat posture and will also come as a response to inflammatory statements and threats by some Western officials against Russia, the ministry specified

Hungary supports Chinese peace plan on Ukraine — Orban

Hungary urges for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, the prime minister said

Overall mortality rate in Russia falls by 7% in 2023 — Health Ministry

Deputy Minister of Health Evgeny Kamkin recalled that life expectancy at the end of 2023 was 73.4 years

Freak snowstorm hits Moscow

The snow falling on the ground does not melt immediately

Press review: Vladimir Putin sworn in for fifth term and EU, Ukraine talk arms deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 8th

Top Polish diplomat says that NATO troops are already in Ukraine

After a conference on Ukraine in Paris on February 26, Macron said that the participants had considered sending ground troops to Ukraine

Putin invites Guinea-Bissau president to come again to Russia on state visit

Meanwhile, Umaro Sissoco Embalo said that he hopes that the Russian president would visit his country in case he went on a tour of Africa

Russian battlegroup Dnepr destroys two Ukrainian boats on Dnieper — spokesman

According to Roman Kodryan, enemy losses totaled up to 55 servicemen over the past day

Russian embassy slams ‘unacceptable’ Berlin’s decision to ban Russian flag on May 8-9

"We consider the bans discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of post-war historical reconciliation of the peoples of Russia and Germany," the Russian diplomats pointed out

UK announces expulsion of Russian defense attache, new diplomatic visa restrictions

According to Home Secretary James Cleverly, this is a message to Moscow in response to its actions allegedly aimed at undermining British assistance to Ukraine

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

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