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Coronavirus pandemic

Jen Psaki tested positive for COVID-19

Jen Psaki didn’t travel on the foreign trip to Europe with US President Joe Biden

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki EPA-EFE/Al Drago/POOL

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki

© EPA-EFE/Al Drago/POOL

WASHINGTON, November 1. /TASS/. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki who didn’t travel on the foreign trip to Europe with US President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, according to her statement distributed by the White House on Sunday.

"On Wednesday, in coordination with senior leadership at the White House and the medical team, I made the decision not to travel on the foreign trip with the President due to a family emergency, which was members of my household testing positive for COVID-19. Since then, I have quarantined and tested negative (via PCR) for COVID on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. However, today [on Sunday - TASS], I tested positive for COVID".

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

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

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

Presence of French-speaking mercenaries identified in 20 cases in Zaporozhye — politician

Ethnic Poles and Georgians account for the largest groups of mercenaries in the Ukrainian army

About 15,000 children killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023 — authorities

At least 30 children died of malnutrition

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

MAKS air show may be canceled in 2024 — source

There are no dates for the event on its official website

Medvedev gives warning amid talk of deploying Western troops to Ukraine

According to the politician, the cause of the discussion on dispatching Western troops to Ukraine, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, is a "shameless calculation for political bonus points"

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

Battlegroup Center units fully liberated the settlement of Novokalinovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic and battlegroup West units fully liberated the settlement of Kislovka in the Kharkov Region

Russia, like most of the world, does not support sanctions against Cuba — Putin

The recent vote at the UN, which was devoted to the issue of lifting the blockade, showed that the vast majority of countries in the world are also on the side of Cuba, the Russian leader said

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

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

Opposition begins mass rally in downtown Yerevan

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

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

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

Russia is Tajikistan’s strategic partner and ally — Rahmon

He also noted that countries need to fight global challenges and threats together

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 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

Kiev troops presumably used ATACMS missiles to strike Lugansk — politician

"Missiles hit an oil storage facility within city limits," Vladimir Rogov said

FSB declassifies documents about Nazi Germany’s crimes in Crimea

As part of the No Limitations Period project, the FSB department for Crimea and Sevastopol declassified archival documents about the Great Patriotic War, including reports, reconnaissance data, protocols of interrogations of German captives

IMF warns against violations related to use of Russian assets for helping Ukraine

Deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund Gita Gopinath said that rebuilding mutual trust among countries requires a lot of time and effort and called for preserving "some of the enormous gains from economic integration"

Russia will not allow anyone to distort meaning of Victory Day — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the West was preparing "historical amnesia" for Russia, as happened with Ukraine, but Russian President Vladimir Putin managed to restore the country's memory and dignity

Ukrainian army leaving positions near Avdeyevka over Russia’s incessant gunfire — POW

The escape gives only a few a chance to survive as frequently incessant Russian artillery accurate strikes rule out this option for Ukrainian troops, Yury Yurechko noted

Cooperation within EAEU positive for all five members, including Armenia — Putin

"Armenia’s trade with the EAEU countries has rocketed 14-fold," the president said

Musk's assertions about ancient Martian civilizations could hold true — Roscosmos

Earlier on Tuesday, Elon Musk spoke at a conference in Los Angeles, during which he suggested that humanity could find evidence of ancient civilizations existing on Mars

Six people detained during protests against foreign agents bill in Georgia

Since April 15, opposition and civil activists have been holding rallies in Tbilisi against the adoption of the law on foreign agents

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

Grossi says IAEA concerned about Russia’s plans to hold nuclear exercises

"We are following the situation in accordance with a number of parameters we have set in order to avoid a nuclear accident there," IAEA director-general said

Ukraine to be able to mobilize no more than 10,000-15,000 convicts — report

According to the source, there are currently about 28,000 inmates, and this number includes women, people unfit for military service due to health conditions, age and their criminal offenses

Cooperation in EAEU contributes to development of Kazakhstan’s economy — Kazakh president

According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country’s trade turnover with the member countries of the union increased 1.7 times, reaching $28.5 billion, and exports more than doubled

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"

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

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

Ukrainian president appoints Zaluzhny ambassador to London

Zelensky dismissed Zaluzhny from military service for health reasons

Press review: Russia flexes nuclear muscle and Israel signals imminent offensive in Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 7th

Putin to participate in EAEU summit — his first international event of new term

A traditional friendly dinner for the heads of CIS delegations took place on Tuesday night

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

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

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

Cuba thanks EAEU countries for support amid US blockade — president

We are a small country, which has been under the [US] economic, trade and financial blockade for more than 60 years, Miguel Diaz-Canel said

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

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

Ukraine loses several hundred servicemen near DPR’s Novopokrovskoye due to lack of defense

It is noted that any Ukrainian activity on this section of the front is immediately suppressed by Russia’s precise and coordinated actions

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

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

Armenian PM tells Putin he wants to discuss bilateral relations

The Armenian prime minister thanked the Russian leader for the warm reception and perfect organization of the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union

President of Cuba wishes Putin success in special military operation

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

NATO wants 'hot war' with Russia which may destroy US, Carlson says

According to the journalist, everything that Washington does shows that it wants this war

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

French military already present in Donbass — French journalist

Christelle Neant said that the Ukrainian armed forces is drafting people with no military experience as part of its mobilization campaign and sends them to the frontline after "just two or three weeks of training"

West plotted aggression against Russia on eve of special military operation — top brass

"History repeats itself," Chief of the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Department, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Hero of Russia Admiral Kostyukov said

Putin ends talks with Pashinyan, starts meeting with Uzbekistan’s president — spokesman

Putin’s meeting with Pashinyan lasted a little more than an hour

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

Annual inflation in Russia speeds up to 7.81% over week — Economy Ministry

In the food products sector in the reporting week, price growth slowed to 0.02%

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

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

Putin says cooperation with ASEAN top priority of Russia’s policy in Asia

Russian President pointed out that Moscow and Vientiane cooperate "well and closely" on the world stage, including at the United Nations

China-Russia trade turnover rises by 4.7% to $76.58 bln in January — April

According to the report, imports from Russia over four months increased by 10.2% to $43.85 bln

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

Combat aircraft fly over Moscow’s Red Square in Victory Day parade

Nine Su-30SM heavy multirole fighter jets and MiG-29 frontline fighters flew over Moscow’s Red Square, performing the Kubinka Diamond stunt

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"

Cuba intends to expand participation EAEU mechanisms — President

According to the Miguel Diaz-Canel, it is necessary to improve coordination of actions to give impetus to joint projects in areas of mutual interest

Israeli forces eliminate commander of Hamas' naval unit in Gaza City

According to the IDF, Ahmed Ali, who has been involved in steering operations of Hamas' naval unit in the Gaza Strip in recent years, was eliminated as a result of an air attack

Russia vows not to deport Ukrainian citizens missing ‘green card’ deadline

The Interior Ministry said that this procedure does not cover the citizens who were released from imprisonment, who pose a threat to national or public security, who presented forged IDs or reported false information

Russian government resigns

The cabinet will continue to carry out its duties until a new government is appointed

Euroclear fighting over 100 lawsuits in Russian courts against investors demanding refund

According to Euroclear's new chief executive Valerie Urbain, the likelihood that the depository will win these cases is quite low

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

Belgorod Region attacked with 37 Ukrainian drones in past day

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

Putin congratulates parade participants on Victory Day

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

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

Kremlins spokesman calls for vigilance over deepfake technology

Dmitry Peskov noted that it was impossible to combat the deepfake technology

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"

Cosmonauts congratulate Russians on Victory Day from onboard space station

Now Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub and Alexander Grebenkin are onboard the International Space Station

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

Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares said that around 30% of weapons in service with his country’s armed forces are Russian-made

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 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

Arms supplies to Kiev unlikely to drastically change situation on battlefield — US expert

In Peter Kuznick opinion, despite Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's assertions, "Ukraine is not going to drive every Russian soldier from the country"

Some countries reevaluating reliance on dollar over national security concerns — IMF

Meanwhile, "despite increased geopolitical risks, the latest data show that the US dollar remains dominant," Gita Gopinath noted

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

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller had no specific announcements to make

Russia expanded its force of radar-evading ICBMs over past year, US general says

"Russia also continues to develop and test novel experimental weapon systems, like the nuclear-armed Poseidon transoceanic weapon and the Burevestnik nuclear-propelled cruise missile," said General Gregory Guillot, commander of the US Northern Command

European Commission confirms agreement on expropriation of income from Russian assets

This decision must now be approved by the EU Council at ministerial level

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian sniper reports elimination of Ukrainian serviceman wearing helmet with SS emblem

He specified that his group took the helmet as proof of the elimination

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.

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’s inauguration speech evokes key principle of Peace of Westphalia — analyst

"It is of existential importance that President Putin reiterated, in his inauguration speech, his openness to have a dialogue with the West," Helga Zepp-LaRouche said

US losing favor around world, while Russia's image improving — poll

The US’ image saw the biggest dip in the Middle East and North Africa (12 percentage points on average), as well as in Europe (seven percentage points)

Armenia to refrain from financing CSTO activity in 2024

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said earlier that his country cannot rely on the CSTO and he cannot answer Armenian society’s question why the country should be its member

China wants to work with Hungary to ensure global stability — Xi Jinping

The Chinese president said he is eager to bring relations between Beijing and Budapest to a qualitatively higher level

Russian canoeist Pavlov bared from 2024 Olympics for clicking Like under Putin’s video

Canoe rowers Mikhail Pavlov and his teammate Zakhar Petrov were scheduled to participate in the 500-meter distance Olympic qualifying distance race for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games

Moscow condemns Berlin’s ban on symbols connected to Russia, Soviet Union

Maria Zakharova called Germany’s decision to ban the symbols of the Victory "a most shameful page" in the republic’s history

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

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"

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