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Coronavirus pandemic

Russia identifies four whole-genome sequences of Omicron variant in two patients

The WHO on November 26 assigned the Greek letter Omicron to coronavirus variant В.1.1.529 that was discovered in southern Africa

ST. PETERSBURG, December 10. /TASS/. Russia found four whole-genome sequences of the Omicron variant after studying the cases of two infected people, a senior Russian sanitary official said on Friday.

"Four whole-genome sequences of the Omicron variant from two tourists have been deposited at the Russian SARS-CoV-2 (VGARus) genetic diversity base," Rinat Maksyutov, director general at the Vektor Center of the Russian sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, said at the International Conference on Combating New Coronavirus Infection and Other Infectious Diseases.

Rospotrebnadzor said separately that two of the sequences were entered into the base by the agency, while the other two by the Gamaleya research center. There are still two Omicron patients, according to the agency.

The World Health Organization on November 26 assigned the Greek letter Omicron to coronavirus variant В.1.1.529 that was discovered in southern Africa. The WHO stated the variant has a large number of mutations, some of which cause concern. South Africa has the most Omicron cases, while the strain has been detected in a total of 57 countries. There’s no record yet of any deaths caused by the variant.

Russia on December 6 registered its first Omicron infections in Russians that arrived from South Africa.

Iranian President Raisi's helicopter crash

Iran cancels all sporting events in wake of President Raisi’s tragic death — agency

On May 19, a helicopter carrying Raisi crash-landed in Iran's East Azerbaijan province

Ukrainian troops leave positions in eastern Paraskoviyevka near Ugledar, says DPR

According to adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky, the Ukrainian military abandoned most of the bodies of dead soldiers in the combat area

Russia’s upgraded T-80BV tank to feature capability of firing depleted uranium shells

The use of depleted uranium ammunition does not violate any international treaties, expert says

Russia condoles with families, friends of Iran’s leader, top diplomat — Lavrov

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and people who accompanied them," the top Russian diplomat said

Russian artillery knocks out Ukrainian intel officers in Kherson — underground member

Attack had caused multiple casualties and that at least several Ukrainian security officers had been killed, said a member of the pro-Russian underground in the city

11 civilians hurt in Ukraine’s shelling attack o Shebekino in Belgorod Region

According to the governor, the city was shelled from a multiple launch missile system

Russian troops advance towards Borovaya in eastern Kharkov region — official

Vitaly Ganchev added that as of today, more than 200 square kilometers of the region had been liberated from the Ukrainian armed forces

Kiev deems dead fighters missing to avoid removing bodies from battlefield — Ukrainian POW

According to Andrey Lazarkevich, in the current situation Ukrainian servicemen prefer to surrender as prisoners of war

Russian troops destroy 44 Ukrainian UAV control posts in Kherson area over day

Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo added that the enemy lost 47 drones

Georgian parliament to block president's veto on foreign agents law — speaker

Shalva Papuashvili specified that the parliament will convene on Monday, when the president's veto will be registered and submitted to the committee on legal issues for consideration

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian Baba Yaga drones more effectively with thermal imagers

According to CEO of Laboratory PPSh Denis Oslomenko, the Baba Yaga drone flies through Starlink and cannot be supressed

Putin apologizes to Harbin residents for tight security measures over his visit

"The greatest impression lies in the power of Harbin," the Russian leader noted, adding that "Harbin has turned into a powerful world-scale megacity in recent years"

Expert says ‘sanitary zone’ in Ukraine should be 300 kilometers deep

it should be enough to make sure that US, French and British-made long-range weapons don’t reach Russia, including the country’s new regions, Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of Russia’s National Defense magazine told TASS

France preparing contingent of 2,000 troops to be sent to Ukraine — intelligence chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French military "fears that such a large military unit cannot be transferred and stationed in Ukraine unnoticed"

Russian forces reach Gulyapole’s suburbs in Zaporozhye Region

Russian force have advanced to about 1.5 kilometers and are now in Gulaypole’s suburb

Over 10,000 Ukrainian fighters surrender since summer using special radio frequency

According to the source, the radio frequency operates in all directions of the line of engagement in the special military operation zone

Lavrov arrives in Astana to take part in SCO ministerial meeting

Special attention will be focused on the prospects for the organization’s further development and its adaptation to the formation of a new world order

Tourist exchanges between Russia, North Korea gain traction — minister

Russian Natural Resources and Environment Minister Alexander Kozlov also said that the Moscow Zoo and ballet dancers recently paid a visit to North Korea

French Interior Ministry ignores Russian volunteers banned from working at Olympics

In the text of the letter, the volunteers recalled that they had been "selected by the Organizing Committee of the 2023 Olympic and Paralympic Games (for the 2024 Paris Olympics), each one given a mission" and had already received visas, bought tickets to France and were ready to start working

Starlink’s failure helps Russian army take Kiev forces by surprise in Kharkov Region — WP

In addition, Ukrainian forces were facing ammunition shortages due to a stalled US aid package

Ukraine’s real losses should be counted in millions — ex-Polish army general staff chief

"The Ukrainians are losing this war," Rajmund Andrzejczak said, describing the situation as "very, very dramatic"

Medvedev says Kissinger ‘completely wrong’ about main threat to humanity

Dmitry Medvedev stressed that "subtle considerations about preventing existential threats do not work during bloody conflicts"

Turkish drone discovers potential fragments of Raisi’s helicopter — Anadolu

The IRGC Commander Lieutenant General Hossein Salami confirmed it

Georgian president vetoes bill on foreign agents

The Georgian legislature passed a bill on foreign agents in the third reading on May 14

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

DPR head unable to confirm presence of French troops in Ukraine

According to Denis Pushilin, "mercenaries from France and other countries are still present" on the remaining territory of Ukraine

Russian rescue plane takes off for Tabriz to take part in search for Raisi

A second plane will take off shortly, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said

13 shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR during day

According to DPR’s head, Denis Pushilin, five passenger cars were damaged by munitions dropped from Ukrainian drone on Donetsk and Gorlovka

US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle hit near Avdeyevka — security forces

According to objective control data, the crew members of the armored vehicle were injured

Air defenses down 103 Ukrainian drones, 12 ATACMS missiles, 4 Hammer bombs over day

Russian forces also hit concentrations of Ukrainian manpower and equipment in 112 areas over the past 24 hours

Mistral delivery connected with implementation of Minsk accords — Hollande

The French leader made the statement after his impromptu visit to Russia on Saturday for crisis talks with President Vladimir Putin, Le Figaro reported

Russia to take response measures amid nuclear threats — senior diplomat

"Yet this vagueness has always been typical of the Western group’s doctrinal approaches, including nuclear weapons," Sergey Ryabkov noted

DPRK forced to take measures to increase nuclear deterrence after US test — statement

The US carried out a subcritical nuclear test at the proving ground in Nevada

Another five Chinese brands to enter Russian market in 2024

"By the end of the year the number of new Chinese brands may reach 10," analysts said

Nuclear drills to be held 'in due time' — Kremlin spokesman

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that on instructions from President Vladimir Putin the General Staff had begun preparations for an exercise to be held in the near future involving missile units of the Southern Military District, aircraft and naval ships

Ukrainian boxer Alexander Usik becomes absolute world heavyweight champion

He beat Briton Tyson Fury in a 12-round fight held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Russia to expose US lies about weapons in space — Foreign Ministry

"We will continue our efforts to prevent the deployment of strike weapons in outer space," Sergey Ryabkov pointed out

Kiev insists on unattainable demands for settlement — expert

According to Peter Kuznick, Professor of History and Director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, Zelensky’s approval rating has dropped to approximately 60%, because "the Ukrainians are tired of war"

Russia creates sanitary zone to protect its cities from Ukrainian shelling — Kremlin

On May 17, Putin explained the Russian military's offensive in the direction of Kharkov by the Ukrainian military’s continued shelling of residential areas in the border regions, including Belgorod

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Russian court seizes Deutsche Bank’s assets under RusChemAlliance’s claims

According to the files of arbitration cases, the court has partially upheld RusChemAlliance’s claim for interim measures against Deutsche Bank

Putin vows to cherish Raisi’s memory

On May 19, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crash-landed in Iran's East Azerbaijan province

It is time for Ukraine to recognize realities on the ground, Lavrov says

The conversation with the top Russian diplomat took place on the sidelines of the state visit of the Russian leader Vladimir Putin to China

Current Kiev regime rooted in coup — Putin

The Russian leader blamed Kiev’s sponsors in the West for organizing this coup, saying they escalated it into an armed conflict

Israel strikes back after ten launches from Lebanon — IDF

Throughout the day, approximately 10 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon into the areas of Malkia and Har Dov in northern Israel

Ukrainian forces unprepared to withstand Russian offensive near Kharkov — newspaper

It also emphasized that Russia had "a huge advantage in artillery shells," adding that "depleted Ukrainian air defenses" were unable to counter Russian air power

Assassination attempt on Slovak PM Fico was planned in advance — defense minister

It is reported that doctors are doing everything possible to stabilize the patient

Stock markets on record-hitting spree around the world — Bloomberg

As the agency says, of the world’s 20 largest stock markets, 14 have hit all-time highs recently

Finland may open its border with Russia after relevant law is passed — PM

The prime minister cited intelligence data indicating that the situation on the border is unchanged

Honduran ambassador to Moscow dies — Honduran foreign ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS that the Russian foreign ministry has extended its condolences over the Honduran ambassador’s death

Area of search operation for Raisi’s helicopter reduced to 2 km — report

Citing a high-ranking Iranian Army general, the TV channel noted that the weather has worsened significantly

Iran’s Red Crescent refutes reports that Raisi’s helicopter has been found

Earlier, the state-run Press TV reported that rescuers have found Raisi’s helicopter

Ukraine’s military strikes Lugansk outskirts with French-made missiles — authorities

LPR Head Leonid Pasechnik said earlier that Ukrainian troops had hit Yubileiny residential areas with Western-made weapons

US should explain to Ukraine that military aid won’t last forever — magazine

According to article, a security agreement between Washington and Kiev would prolong the fighting in Ukraine and could become "a liability for the United States"

Ukrainian president rejects French leader’s idea of Olympic truce

According to Zelensky, Kiev does not believe in the idea of an Olympic truce as it would "play into the enemy’s hands"

Russia ready to send rescuers to help find Iranian president’s helicopter — diplomat

"We have declared our readiness and are waiting for the decision of the Iranian side," Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Tehran added

At least 8 killed as helicopter carrying Iranian leader Raisi crashes — Tasnim

Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri confirmed reports about the death of Iran’s leader

Congolese armed forces thwart coup attempt — spokesman

Gunfire was heard in the morning near the residence of Vital Kamerhe

Russian troops use latest Upyr FPV drones in Kharkov push

Russian troops employed the Upyr FPV drone for the first time in the special military operation in Ukraine in May 2023

Rasisi’s helicopter passenger twice called to say he was feeling bad — senior diplomat

"Shortly after the accident, we managed to speak with Tabriz’s Friday Prayer Imam," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari said

Press review: Kiev eyes expanded strikes on Russia and takeaways from Putin's China visit

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 20th

Russia ready to help Iran in search operation for presidential helicopter — diplomat

The Tasnim news agency reported earlier that the helicopter carrying the Iranian president made an emergency landing near the village of Uzi in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province

Battlegroup North liberates settlement of Staritsa — Russian Defense Ministry

Russian air defenses down 37 drones, Tochka U missile, 21 HIMARS, Vampire, Olkha rockets in past day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Press review: Day one of Putin's China visit and US stands by Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 17th

FACTBOX: Iran confirms death of President Raisi in helicopter crash

All passengers and crew of the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi were killed in the crash, according to Iranian Red Crescent Society head Pir Hossein Kolivand

London High Court to hold hearing on Julian Assange’s extradition to US

According to Assange’s spouse Stella, the court is likely to announce its ruling on May, 20

Helicopter with Iranian president crash lands near border with Azerbaijan — agency

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several more officials were reported onboard

Russian MFA describes Putin’s China trip as defining for world’s future

The trip laid the groundwork for many years to come, Maria Zakharova said

Moscow expects implementation of agreements with Tehran — senior Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia and Iran would continue to develop their relationship gradually, including in terms of the tasks of "strengthening security"

Tokyo, Seoul to resume exchanges between armed forces, suspended after 2018 incident

According to the Yomiuri newspaper, the sides hold negotiations to organize a meeting of the ministers of defense during the security on conference in Asia, which will take place in Singapore between May 31 and June 2

Tehran gives assurances of no disruptions to cabinet work following leader Raisi’s death

According to the report, Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will become interim president of the Islamic republic

German Chancellor Scholz warns against a full-scale ground operation in Rafah

The Chancellor also said that sufficient humanitarian aid should be delivered to Gaza

Iranian president planned to visit Armenia on Sunday — source

The Tasnim news agency reported earlier that the helicopter carrying the Iranian president made an emergency landing near the village of Uzi in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province

Lai Ching-te takes over top office in Taiwan

More than 500 foreign guests attended the inauguration of 64-year-old Lai Ching-te, including representatives from 12 countries that recognize Taiwan as a separate state

Tanzania-flagged ships sinks in Black Sea

The ship sank 26 nautical miles from the Romanian town of Sfantu Gheorghe

One more Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

Russian defense ministry said that this happened at about 10:00 p.m. Moscow time (7:00 p.m. GMT)

Two powerful explosions rocks Kharkov

An air raid alert has been in effect in the Kharkov Region for almost eight hours

Russian forces cut off ammunition supplies to Ukrainian forces in Volchansk — lawmaker

Viktor Vodolatsky also said the liberation of Staritsa would make it possible to reduce to a minimum and later completely remove the threat of bombardments for the Belgorod Region

Russia warns US, EU, Kiev they are playing with fire — MFA about Ukrainian strikes

Maria Zakharova pointed out that behind these barbaric attacks with Western weapons the silhouettes of US and British handlers of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's were clearly visible

Contact established with two passengers of Raisi’s helicopter — vice president

According to Mansouri, there were three helicopters and radio contact was lost with the one carrying the president

Ayatollah Khamenei announces national mourning following death of Iran’s leader Raisi

The public mourning will last five days

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

Russian embassy in Tehran mourns Raisi's death, lowers flag in solidarity

"We wish endurance and fortitude in overcoming this gravest tragedy," the statement reads

Israeli fighter jets intercept suspicious target flying from Lebanon

No casualties or damage were reported

Investigation made final conclusions on Kursk submarine tragedy — Kremlin

The nuclear submarine missile cruiser K-141 Kursk sank on August 12, 2000, during exercises in the Barents Sea as a result of an explosion in a torpedo tube

Putin holds meeting on floods, wildfires

He said while flooding is not over yet, there are also fires or fire-hazardous situations in some regions

End of Zelensky’s term to have no effect on Russia’s operation — Kremlin

The powers of the current Ukrainian president under the current Constitution expire on May 21

Slovak PM's life no longer in danger, top defense official says

The prime minister has successfully undergone two surgical operations since Wednesday

T-80 tanks help Russian troops advance in Avdeyevka area

"Tanks delivered fire from a distance of 800 meters under constant enemy shelling," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Preparations for Putin’s visit to DPRK ongoing — Kremlin spokesman

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un invited the Russian President to visit his country when he traveled to Russia in September

Zelensky usurps power in Ukraine, Medvedev says

The constitutional powers of the current Ukrainian president expire on the night of May 21

West alarmed over plummeting support for Zelensky — Russian intelligence

The press bureau drew attention to the fact that history has shown time and again that attempts to retain power using lies and intimidation do not work

Iran cancels all sporting events in wake of President Raisi’s tragic death — agency

On May 19, a helicopter carrying Raisi crash-landed in Iran's East Azerbaijan province

Putin orders to send rescuers to assist in search for Raisi’s helicopter — aide

Russian President ordered to send two planes and helicopters with a group of 50 rescuers

Six drones fall near oil refinery in Krasnodar Region — authorities

Roman Sinyagovsky added that, according to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

President, Foreign Minister of Iran die in helicopter crash — Red Crescent

The helicopter carried Governor of the East Azerbaijan Province Malek Rakhmati and Tabriz Imam of Friday Prayer Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem

Situation in Kyrgyz capital under authorities’ control — top diplomat

At the same time, Jeenbek Kulubayev expressed "serious concern" about the fact that foreign media and social networks are spreading "fake and false, not corresponding to reality information about the incident and the current situation in Kyrgyzstan"

Putin offers condolences to Iran over Raisi’s death in helicopter crash

Vladimir Putin and Ebrahim Raisi last met in Moscow on December 7, 2023, and the two leaders took part in an online BRICS summit last November

Slovak PM Robert Fico’s clinical condition improves — doctors

"His clinical condition is improving, he is already talking [with doctors], and his inflammatory [process] indicators are on the gradual decrease," the statement reads

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian combat group in eastern Chasov Yar, says DPR

Despite intensive strikes by the Russian Aerospace Forces and artillery, the Ukrainian military is still attempting to redeploy reserves to the town’s eastern part, according to the report