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Russia leader of free world, cannot be influenced externally, Patriarch says

The Patriarch stressed that Russia may serve as an example to other countries

MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. Russia is the leader of the free world, the country that cannot be influenced from the outside, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the 16th Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said.

"Listen carefully, Russia is the leader of the free world. We are indeed a free country, this is a real fact. <...> We are free from the most potent external influences, we are developing along our own path, and I hope to God this path is successful," he told the Russia-1 TV channel in an interview on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

The Patriarch stressed that Russia may serve as an example to other countries. "We have a lot of problems but these problems can be resolved. We currently don’t have any pressing issues around which societal interests may collide and profound irreconcilable differences may emerge. I think this is the grace of God. And the existing difference of opinion is a normal difference of opinion that does not destroy the foundations of human life, the statehood, the spiritual life - it creates the fertile ground for a creative clash of opinions which may result in new ideas, new projects directed at the further development of our Motherland," he explained.

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Moscow International Film Festival to open in Russian capital

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West, Kiev indulge in nuclear blackmail by demanding control of ZNPP — Russian MFA

"Without noticing it themselves, they spoke the language of an ultimatum," Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova underlined

Russian Aerospace Forces strike five militant hideouts in Syria’s Homs

Yury Popov said that aircraft of the so-called international anti-terrorism coalition, led by the United States, continue to set dangerous precedents in skies above Syria

Iran intends to bolster military cooperation with Russia — envoy to Moscow

Kazem Jalali noted that Iran had demonstrated its ability to ensure security and nudge the region toward a de-escalation

Ceasefire necessary for implementation of UN humanitarian resolution on Gaza — UN envoy

"The Israeli forces carry out strikes at humanitarian forces, block their access, slow down the cargo clearance," Vasily Nebenzya said

Israel to not take responsibility for attack on Iran — newspaper

Israeli sources also said that they did not understand why the Pentagon had leaked information about Israel's involvement in the attack to the media

US blackmails other countries at United Nations — Russian mission

Dmitry Polyansky said "this shameful neocolonial tactics are fully exposed now in the context of Gaza War"

US blocks Security Council resolution granting full UN membership to Palestine

A total of 12 countries, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the document

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Kiev continues to openly announce terrorist attacks on Russia — diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed to the fact that Ukraine's special services do not give up attempts to "massacre their former compatriots"

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Vehicles, equipment participating in Victory Day parade depart for Moscow — ministry

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Infrastructure is required to implement the investment project, both power transmission lines and the railroad, Andrey Chibis noted

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Energy prices help US economy to develop better than Europe — IMF

It is reported that the US has benefited from more favorable conditions in terms of energy prices, something that has been quite a serious factor for Europe, not a positive factor for Europe

At least 16 Syrian troops killed in terrorists’ ambush in east Syria — TV

According to the Al Hadath television, a military bus was ambushed by members of the Islamic State terrorist group

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Ukrainian military reportedly uses HIMARS rocket launcher to attack Gorlovka

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Iran suspends flights above several cities amid reports of air attack — IRNA

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Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Israel will "most likely" respond to the recent Iranian attack

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Swiss parliament votes against joining task force on frozen Russian assets

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Israel assesses effectiveness, consequences of strike on Iran — media

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Nord Stream AG's refusal to pay compensation destroys Western insurance system — diplomat

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US veto for Palestinian membership proves Washington’s anti-Palestinian stance — Hamas

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Nuclear sites in Iran’s Isfahan province are safe — Tasnim agency

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Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport suspended their operations until 10:30 a.m. local time

Investigation into Crocus terrorist attack underway, traces lead to Ukraine — diplomat

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Russian forces destroy Ukrainian command post, two S-300 missile launchers over day

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Russian artillery thwarts Ukrainian army’s rotation near Kupyansk — underground resistance

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Russia-China military-technical cooperation not directed against other states — diplomat

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Iran tells US about April 13 attack on Israel, it does not want escalation — top diplomat

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Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

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Sounds in Isfahan due to air defense work to repel attacks by suspicious objects — general

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Germany fails to present evidence in case of espionage suspects — Russian embassy

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Water in Kurgan above dam, breaking records

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MiG-31I fighters receive air refueling system

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Ukraine convicts 12th world chess champion for recognizing Donetsk, Lugansk republics

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Chief prosecutors of Russia, Venezuela sign cooperation agreement in Caracas

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Ukrainian president admits Russian troops’ advancement

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