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Coronavirus pandemic

Additional dose of Russia’s Sputnik Light can boost effect of Pfizer jab — center chief

Pfizer has a problem with the Delta variant which is now responsible for 90%, Alexander Gintsburg said

MOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. The proposal of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to use the Sputnik Light shot to additionally inoculate people who had the Pfizer vaccine has a scientific basis and will help to improve the effect of the first two jabs, head of the Gamaleya Center Alexander Gintsburg told TASS.

"Pfizer has a problem with the Delta variant which is now responsible for 90% and in some regions of the world 100% [of the cases]. Their efficacy is not as high as they declared against the original strain, their efficacy halved to almost 50-40% which is not observed in Sputnik V. Therefore, the RDIF proposal is quite logical and scientifically based," the scientist said.

The RDIF announced its proposal to use Sputnik Light for a third jab for those vaccinated with Pfizer on August 11. Moreover, it suggested cooperation to AstraZeneca last fall.

Earlier, scientists said that the Pfizer efficacy dropped from 76% to 42% amid the Delta surge. At the same time, the Russian Health Ministry said that the Sputnik V is 83% effective against this strain.

Protesters against 'foreign agents' law block Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi

Meanwhile, Heroes' Square, located a few kilometers from Rustaveli Avenue, has become another center of protests against the law on foreign agents

US court sentences Binance founder to four months in prison — Bloomberg

A judge handed down a much lighter sentence than the three years sought by the prosecution, the agency reported

French politician demands Macron drop plans to send troops to Ukraine

The French president said earlier in an interview with The Economist that sending troops to Ukraine could be considered based on Kiev’s request if Russian forces broke through the front lines

Russian troops liberate Berdychi community in DPR over past day — top brass

Russian troops inflicted casualties on four Ukrainian army brigades in the Kherson area over the past day, the ministry reported

Russian flag hoisted over northern outskirts of Rabotino in Zaporozhye — politician

Rogov remarked that there were no houses left in the village now, for which reason it made no sense to fortify positions there

Russia, Vietnam expanding cooperation in traditional, new spheres — Russian Ambassador

Further to traditional spheres like electric power sector, oil and gas production, culture, science and education, Russia is also interested to cooperate in Vietnam in new areas of interaction, such as green energy, Gennady Bezdetko noted

Musk says Ukraine should have reached agreement with Russia in Istanbul

Musk responded that he saw eye to eye with billionaire David Sacks, who said on the social network X that Kiev probably should have agreed to a deal in Istanbul

Protest rally against Poland’s military support for Kiev held in Warsaw

The organizers noted on the X social network that the rally is attended by several hundred people

Russia not invited to Ukraine conference 'at this stage' — Swiss MFA

It is reported that Switzerland is convinced that Russia must be involved in this process as "a peace process without Russia is unthinkable"

Georgian authorities decline invitation to visit US to discuss partnership — ambassador

Robin Dunnigan also pointed out that the United States urges the Georgian government to "recommit the country to its Euro-Atlantic future, as written in Georgia’s constitution"

Snowden says shot down UFOs meant to divert attention from Nord Stream sabotage

According to him, "it’s just the old engineered panic" to ensure that national security reporters "get assigned to investigate balloon" nonsense "rather than budgets or bombings"

Zelensky cannot be legitimate president after May 21 — Medvedchuk

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

Global Russia Manufacturing PMI down to 54.3 points in April — S&P Global

According to the study, higher raw material and transportation costs led to a faster rise in input prices

Donetsk official says Ukrainian troops left positions near Arkhangelskoye

Igor Kimakovsky also said Ukrainian troops suffered heavy losses at this section of the front

Tucker Carlson interviews Russian philosopher Dugin

The interview lasted over 20 minutes

Foreign agents law to accelerate Georgia's European integration, prime minister says

Irakli Kobakhidze said that Georgia will avoid even mental revolutionary processes

Odessa to break free from extremist grip — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova expressed confidence that rightful punishment would sooner or later come to those who committed what she said was a "barbaric crime that has no statute of limitations"

NATO proposes $100 bln aid fund for Ukraine — top Hungarian diplomat

"In the coming weeks, during the negotiations, we will fight for Hungary’s right to stay away from this madness, from collecting these 100 billion dollars and pumping them out of Europe," Peter Szijjarto said

US fails to shoot down Iranian missiles, drones in strike on Israel — IRGC general

Ali Belali described Iranian weapons as "an important factor of strength and the exercise of power in the world"

Iran used Ghadr, Emad and Kheibar missiles to strike Israel, IRGC general says

It is reported that the US believes Iran has the largest ballistic missile force in the Middle East. Iran insists that its missile program is solely for defensive purposes

Press review: US to ban Russian uranium and Georgia pushes ahead with controversial bill

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 2nd

Paris, London should reflect on need for tactical nuclear weapons — Macron

The French leader also emphasized that the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was in the interests of the whole of Europe and the world

Range of Russian EMP weapons increased to 10 km — sources

Фn electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately, travelling with the speed of light

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

US Congress passes bill to ban enriched uranium imports from Russia

It now needs to be signed by US President Joe Biden

Ukraine talks without Russia's participation not aimed at result — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Russia's position on the peace talks is well known

Protesters in Tbilisi tear Russian flag

At first, protesters flocking around the staff entrance to the parliament building put the flag on the building’s gate and attempted to set it on fire, a TASS correspondent reported

Colombia to sever diplomatic relations with Israel on May 2 — president

The Colombian government is radicalized against Israel, but at the same time it has not condemned the Palestinian Hamas movement for its attacks

Much to be done for recognition of Kiev regime's crimes as genocide — Kremlin

"There are already quite a few results, but some hard work in this area is still ahead," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Gazprom posts net loss under IFRS for 2023 amounting to $6.8 bln

The group’s EBITDA amounted to $19 bln in 2023 against $44.9 bln in the previous year

Russian forces use Kornet anti-tank system to hit heavy Ukrainian drone

According to the Russian defense ministry, man-portable anti-tank missile systems are widely used in coordination with drone operators to hit the enemy positions

Russian air defense forces block Ukrainian attempt to use ATACMS on Crimea — politician

The Ukrainians used several ATACMS ballistic missiles in an attempt to attack civilians on the peninsula

Death toll in China highway collapse climbs

At least 24 people were killed

Russia to continue cooperating with other countries mitigating sanctions-related risks

Russia plans to continue cooperation with other countries, and concurrently "mitigate risks related to such unfriendly, or rather hostile manifestations," Dmitry Peskov noted

Truck runs over 29 children in Kyrgyzstan

According to preliminary information, the hit-and-run on a group of schoolchildren was unintentional

French president doesn’t rule out sending troops to Ukraine if Russia breaks front lines

Emmanuel Macron pointed out that "many countries understood" Paris’s approach and agreed "that this position was a good thing"

Zelensky bowing to Western pressure, ready to give Ukrainian lands away — official

"Contrary to the Ukrainians' interests, Zelensky, blindly obeying the external control of the collective West, wants to give its lands, cities and subsoil to other countries," Viktor Medvedchuk pointed out

Azerbaijan’s president points to highest level of cooperation with Russia

Speaking of his recent visit to Russia, Ilham Aliyev stressed that it had been "very productive" and "once again demonstrated the strategic nature of allied relations" between the two countries

Ukrainians to reunify with Russia in ten years — Medvedchuk

Ukraine is "genetically linked with Russia," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

China holds objective, fair position on Ukraine — embassy to US

Liu Pengyu said that China had "never provided lethal weapons or equipment to any party"

Ukraine joining EU impossible while fighting continues — European Commission ex-head

Jose Manuel Barroso pointed out that setting specific conditions for some countries joining the EU is not a good idea, as it "could lead to disappointment"

Zelensky’s gang must be severely punished — Medvedchuk

The ukrainian president, "his closest mates, their accomplices and those who committed crimes against civilians" should receive just punishment no matter which country they may be staying, leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

OSCE leadership ignores Odessa tragedy — Russian mission to OSCE

According to Maxim Buyakevich, there is no pressure on Kiev to investigate what happened

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

Wounded Ukrainian soldiers have to pay ambulances to take them to hospital — US expert

The ex-Pentagon adviser Douglas Macgregor also noted the continued Russian advance on the front line

Example of Great Patriotic War veterans inspires amid current trials — Putin

President expressed hope that the festival would arouse great interest among the participants and become a bright event among the events dedicated to Victory Day

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Accusations of Russia using chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces unfounded — Kremlin

"Russia was and remains committed to its obligations under international law in the aforementioned area," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Hamas to release Israeli soldiers, hostages under deal with Jerusalem — TV

The document provides for three phases, each of which will last about 40 days

Russia holds rehearsal of Victory Day air parade over Moscow

Two groups of aircraft, namely, a flight of Su-27 fighter jets, and Su-25 close support aircraft flew over Moscow’s Red Square, releasing fumes in the colors of the Russian national flag

Exhibition of captured NATO military hardware kicks off in Moscow

In all, there are 32 items

US authorizes energy-related transactions with Russian banks until November 1

According to the document, the banks in question include the Central Bank of Russia, VTB, Alfa Bank, Sberbank, Vneshekonombank, Otkrytiye, Sovkombank, Rosbank, Zenit and Sankt-Peterburg

Zelenodolsk shipyard to float missile, patrol ships on May 7

Project 22800 ships with Kalibr missiles are brown-water multirole missile-artillery boats designed to destroy surface warships and boats and repel air attacks

Syria introduces electronic visas — embassy

Syrian diplomats explained to TASS that a relevant platform will issue visas online, obliterating the need to visit an embassy or a consulate

US military aid unlikely to help Ukraine unless Kiev mobilizes more troops, expert says

According to senior research fellow at the London-based Royal United Services Institute Jack Watling, the US "aid package alone will not solve Ukraine’s larger problems" on the frontline

Soros family makes deal with Kiev to use Ukrainian land as toxic waste dump — journalist

"This agreement authorizes the disposal of chemical waste from companies linked with financier George Soros in the black soil of Ukraine," he said

US embassy in Georgia supports protests against foreign agent law

Anti-government protests have been cropping up sporadically in the Georgian capital since April 15, when the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party started discussing the bill on the Transparency of Foreign Influence

Iran sanctions UK Defense Secretary for supporting Israel's actions — MFA

The ministry notes that Tehran introduces the sanctions against London "on a reciprocal basis"

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

Serbia sees China as reliable ally — candidate for premiership

Vucevic expressed the certainty that the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Belgrade "will mark a new stage in the development of the firm friendship between Serbia and China"

EU eyeing response to Russian decision on assets of Italian, German companies

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree earlier, whereby 100% of participation interests in the Russian entity of Ariston and the Russian entity of BSH Hausgerate are transferred to be managed by Gazprom Butovye Systemy company

Kiev troops face 'two-week difficult situation' near Chasov Yar in DPR — journalist

Kirill Sazonov noted that the situation is difficult for Ukrainian troops and especially dangerous on the flanks with roads leading to the city under constant fire

Sweden approves Quran-burning rally ahead of Eurovision Song Contest

In Malmo, two pro-Palestinian demonstrations are planned for May 9 and 11

Kalashnikov ups firearms output 9% in first quarter

The company also upped civilian output 50% in the first quarter

Russia’s UN envoy calls on UNSC to prevent conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Vasily Nebenzya said that the situation in the country was getting worse

US mercenaries let their fighting skills 'atrophy,' one of them says after trip to Ukraine

It is reported that a lot of Western soldiers struggle in Ukraine as things were not as they had expected

Europe facing 'triple existential risk,' Macron warns

According to the French leader, "a new geopolitical, economic and societal paradigm for Europe" is needed to address these challenges

Protesters in Tbilisi toss smoke grenade into parliament building’s window

Currently, the situation around the parliament building is relatively calm, with the square in from of the building being empty

Unaware of decline of its military industry US gets trapped in Ukraine — French historian

Emmanuel Todd believes that "one of Washington's goals is to prevent a rapprochement between Russia and Germany"

China strongly opposes illegal unilateral US sanctions — embassy

The anti-Russian sanctions imposed by Washington affected 21 chinese companies

Russian Defense Minister attends meeting on special military operation

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu gave instructions to take measures to reduce the maintenance and repair time for military hardware, increasing supplies of spare parts in combat zones and support areas

Russian defense ministry reports losses among Russian troops during special operation

Konashenkov also said that several Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner

Colombia withdraws diplomats from Israel — Foreign Ministry

Earlier, Colombian President Gustavo Petro promised to sever diplomatic relations with Israel on May 2

Ukraine deploys reserves due to challenging situation near Ocheretino

Nazar Voloshin conceded that Russia had "certain tactical success" in the area

Odessa tragedy split world into condemners, silencers — DPR head

"Every person who died ten years ago in the fire of the 'Odessa Khatyn' stands together with us in spirit," Denis Pushilin noted

Russian air defenses down fourth Ukrainian UAV over Belgorod Region

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that air defense systems had intercepted three Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod Region

West plans to give Kiev not only F-16s, but also weapons for them — Pentagon

"It’s not only the airplanes, but also the training of the pilots, training of the maintenance and also making sure we have the weapon systems to go with it," US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Brown said

Iran sanctions 5 US companies, 7 individuals for supporting Israel

The sanctions list includes the largest US arms corporations Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, and the company Skydio, which specializes in the production of drones

Russia making incremental progress in special operation — US intelligence official

Avril Haines said the supplies accelerated a "reconstitution of Russia's military strength" after a "costly" start of the country’s special military operation

Peace talks on Ukraine make no sense without Moscow — Russian Embassy

"We do not accept the language of ultimatums," the embassy stressed

NATO accuses Russia of being behind 'hybrid, malign' activities on alliance’s territories

It is reported that NATO Allies express their deep concern over Russia's hybrid actions, which constitute a threat to Allied security

Conflict in Ukraine may develop into nuclear war, top Hungarian diplomat warns

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto recalled that after the outbreak of the conflict western politicians promised to supply the Ukrainian army only with helmets and blankets, then came weapons, tanks, warplanes

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

Ukraine’s military command throws soldiers into battle without training, says POW

The POW said that the Ukrainian army was experiencing a shortage of personnel

Riot police detaining protesters near parliament building in Tbilisi

Several dozens of protesters are still staying in front of the parliament building, a TASS correspondent reported

Mexico buys 30 Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft from Russia — ambassador

According to the Ministry of Economy of Mexico, in 2014 the volume of trade between Mexico and Russia amounted to $1.78 billion

Putin to talk global security issues on visit to China — Kremlin

"Both international and regional security issues will be mentioned and touched upon one way or another," Dmitry Peskov said

West bears responsibility for Afghanistan’s plight — Russian delegation

As the Russian delegation’s spokesman emphasized, "the determination of the Afghan authorities to correct the human rights situation in the country as a whole deserves support"

Russian forces strike Ukraine’s Operational Command South headquarters

The enemy’s troops and military hardware had been hit in 112 districts

Ukrainian politician names those behind Odessa tragedy in interview with TASS

Viktor Medvedchuk pointed out that in a premeditated act of intimidation, the Kiev regime led by then acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov burned people alive inside Odessa’s Trade Union House

Georgian parliament cancels plenary session after protesters storm building

On Wednesday, Georgia’s parliament passed the second reading of the bill "On the Transparency of Foreign Influence," which had been opposed by President Salome Zourabichvili, the opposition and Western diplomats

Police detain 63 people at protest rally in Georgian capital

Six operatives of the Interior Ministry sustained various serious injuries

Kyrgyzstan advises citizens not to travel to Russia

According to the Kyrgyz side, so far there have been no signals about cases of mass refusal of entry to Russia "to Kyrgyz citizens from the [country’s] diplomatic mission and consular offices"

Russia calls for investigating mass graves in Gaza — Russian diplomat

"An independent international investigation in needed to bring the criminals to responsibility," Vasily Nebenzya said

US’ anti-Russia sanctions cast doubts on its constructive role in world — diplomat

The United States is seeking "to intimidate Russia’s partners, including China, to block the channels of normal foreign trade cooperation", Anatoly Antonov said

Crimea asks to initiate proceedings against Zelensky for terrorism against Russia

The territory of the Crimean peninsula is regularly being attacked by Ukrainian missiles and drones

UNSC becomes hostage to US Middle East policy — Russian envoy

"The actions of our American colleagues do not reflect the principled position of the rest of the UN Security Council members," Vasily Nebenzya said

Latvia must name countries that allow Ukraine to hit Russia — MFA

In this way Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on a statement by the Latvian Foreign Ministry that Kiev had already received from some partners Western weapons with permission to use them for strikes on Russian territory

Georgia’s riot police fire rubber bullets at protesters near parliament building

At least one person was injured

West attempts to bury Odessa tragedy — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry's special envoy for the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik noted that the regime of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky will not conduct this investigation