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Coronavirus pandemic

Omicron variant infects rodents unlike previous COVID-19 strains — sanitary doctor

On November 26, the WHO designated B.1.1.529 as a "Variant of Concern" and assigned it the Greek letter Omicron

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Omicron variant of coronavirus infects mice and rats, which other variants of COVID-19 strains didn’t do, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said on Tuesday.

"At present, the result of our studies reveals the Omicron strain infects mice and rats. We did not observe this pattern in the previous types of strains, we used to search for animal models since mice and rats were insensitive. Today, we see that they [rodents] get infected and develop the disease," she said at a meeting of the state coordination council on fighting the coronavirus infection.

On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated B.1.1.529 as a "Variant of Concern" and assigned it the Greek letter Omicron. To date, the Omicron strain has been registered in almost 80 countries worldwide. Experts believe that the new Omicron coronavirus strain poses a threat, since it spreads faster and is more contagious than other variants of COVID-19 strains discovered by scientists amid the pandemic, and contains a high number of mutations.

Russian authorities make major drug bust in St. Petersburg, seize 60 kg of cocaine

"Customs officers found 60 kg of cocaine when inspecting a container of fresh bananas, which had arrived from the Ecuadorian port of Puerto Bolivar," the statement said

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

Ukrainian drone attacks bus in Belgorod region, one person injured

Two passengers and the driver were inside the vehicle at the time of the attack

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

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

Trinidad and Tobago recognizes State of Palestine

As of today, 141 out of the 193 UN member states, including Russia, recognize Palestine as an independent nation

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"

ICRC says two staffers killed in Sudan

"They must never be directly attacked," the organization said

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

Donetsk official says Ukrainian troops left positions near Arkhangelskoye

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

Turkey does not intend to transfer S-400 to any country — defense minister

Britain and Spain are not against the sale of fighter jets to Ankara, while Germany, as a member of the consortium that produces the Eurofighter, has not yet approved the deal

Washington wants Europe to spearhead anti-Russian struggle — Hungarian official

Balazs Orban stressed that his country was not satisfied with this attitude

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

HAMAS leader in Gaza to reject deal with Israel without due guarantees — WSJ

According to the newspaper’s sources, Yahya Sinwar’s primary objective is to release hundreds or even thousands of Palestinians from Israeli prisons in exchange for hostages held by HAMAS

Retaking Chasov Yar is just a matter of time for Russia — Ukrainian intelligence

Vadim Skibitsky admitted that the Russian forces now operate as a "single body, with a clear plan, and under a single command"

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

Orban sees Europe ‘playing with fire’ as it gets dragged in Ukraine conflict

"I am not saying that European leaders are marching toward a war but, every day, they are taking more steps in that direction," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned

Ukraine's intelligence recognizes impossibility of victory on battlefield

According to Vadim Skibitsky, "meaningful negotiations can begin only in the second half of 2025 at the earliest"

Ukraine deploys reserves due to challenging situation near Ocheretino

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

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"

Building housing offices, production lines catches fire in Moscow

The flames are covering an area of 2,500 square meters

Death toll in China highway collapse climbs

At least 24 people were killed

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

Ukrainians to reunify with Russia in ten years — Medvedchuk

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

This week in photos: Putin-Shoigu taiga tour, tending goats and online study, lava franks

Take a look at the world in pictures from a TASS photo gallery

US destroyed Germany’s domestic energy supply as it blew up Nord Stream — Carlson

The journalist emphasized that the alliance "is terrible for the United States and should be disbanded immediately"

Turkish ministry confirms halting trade with Israel

Turkey's trade sanctions will remain in force until Israel declares a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip

No decisions in EU to send troops ‘in a direct way into Ukraine’ — Latvia’s top diplomat

"Discussions take place all the time, but again, we only can talk when the decisions are made," Baiba Braze added

Price of gas for Moldova from EU to decrease by €119 per 1,000 cubic meters in May

In 2022, Gazprom, which was previously the only gas supplier to the republic, reduced its daily supply by 30%

Around 40% of US voters see possibility of civil war in their country — survey

The survey also found that 37% of voters believe another civil war is more likely to happen if incumbent President Joe Biden is re-elected

Russia urges partners not to take part in conference on Ukraine in Switzerland — diplomat

Bern had invited more than 160 delegations to the conference on Ukraine

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

Russian, Algerian officials discuss situation in Sahara-Sahel Region — MFA

According to the department, the sides also "reviewed the current situation in the Sahara-Sahel Region with a focus on further coordination of efforts in order to promptly establish a constructive political dialogue"

China may review its US investment after Washington’s new sanctions on Russia — investor

According to Kyle Shostak, the new restrictions imposed by the United States may affect bilateral trade in consumer goods between Russia and China as "Chinese banks will be increasingly selective toward the servicing of Russian and related Chinese counterparties"

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

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

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

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

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

Russian artillery wipes out Ukrainian field ammo depot near Avdeyevka

Artillery of the Battlegroup Center delivered a strike on the Ukrainian army’s field ammunition depot in the Krasnoarmeisk direction

Hungarian politician sees US primed for continued Ukraine conflict

According to Balazs Orban, in this way the United States is trying "to weaken Russia," "stop German-Russian energy cooperation" and find new export markets for LNG

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

Ukraine’s military command re-focuses on training mobilized soldiers for defense, says POW

As the POW elaborated, the intensity of Russian strikes on Ukrainian army positions was very high and it was hardly probable to hold the positions in these conditions

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

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

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

Sweden approves Quran-burning rally ahead of Eurovision Song Contest

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

Russian ministry puts Ukrainian lawmaker Nalivaichenko on wanted persons list

Investigators determined that the lawmaker made threats to Russian servicemen participating in the special military operation during one of his appearances on Ukrainian television

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

Exhibition of captured NATO military hardware kicks off in Moscow

In all, there are 32 items

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

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

Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce suspends ruble payment mechanism

The mechanism of paying in rubles for Italian goods not covered by sanctions was launched by the Chamber for its members in the test mode in February

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

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

US confirms Russian troops enter US base in Niger

News of the Russian deployment to the airbase follows after Niger’s military rulers told Washington in March that it must withdraw the nearly 1,000 US military personnel stationed in the country

Half of Avdeyevka’s territory cleared of explosives — newspaper

"We begin by talking to civilians and asking whether they came across anything unexploded," said the commander, identified by only his call sign Panda

Russian tech firm ramps up production of glide bombs — CEO

Rostec is "building up the production of air bombs of all calibers and types," Sergey Chemezov said

NORAD tracks four Russian military planes off Alaska — statement

"This Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat," the statement says

Georgian protestors block traffic via Kura River embankment

No vehicles are allowed to pass, except for ambulances

Cocoa beans prices plummeting on mercantile exchanges

The price weakening process has started recently because many companies halted procurements, the experts said

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

Zelensky cannot be legitimate president after May 21 — Medvedchuk

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

Crowd blocks traffic at key junction in Tbilisi in protest against bill on foreign agents

Groups of protestors blocked all access and exit roads leading to an elevated highway nearby, thus completely paralyzing all traffic

Russian troops using FPV drone destroy enemy recon group in LPR — military expert

The entire group of Ukrainian militants was killed in the strike

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev retires from quarterfinal with injury

The match ended 6-4 in favor of the Czech tennis player

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"

Eight Syrian servicemen wounded in Israeli strike on Damascus — SANA

Al Hadath channel said the attack targeted a base of Lebanon’s Shia militia, Hezbollah, located southwest of Damascus International Airport

Russian users having full access to TikTok

TikTok halted streaming and posting of new videos in Russia on March 6, 2022

Russia puts former Ukrainian finance minister, national bank chief on wanted list

Charges against them were not specified in the ministry’s database

TikTok again restricts app operation in Russia

TikTok has earlier become fully accessible for users of iOS and Android mobile operation systems in Russia

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

Forest fire sources growing twofold over day in Russia

More than 2,000 people, 440 vehicles and 14 aircraft are now engaged in firefighting

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

US recruits Russian journalists for information warfare training — lawmaker

The State Duma Commission on Investigation into Foreign Interference in Russia's Internal Affairs "paid attention to the updated strategic plan of the US Agency for Global Media" for 2022-2026, which names Russia as an adversary and outlines measures to counter the country in the information space

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

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

Reuters again publishes its previously withdrawn Cameron’s interview

According to the news agency, the publication was withdrawn to review some of its details, and the news agency promised to publish the new version in due time

Macron, despite statements, still hesitant to send troops to Ukraine — media

On May 2, in an interview the French leader named two conditions for sending troops to Ukraine: Kiev's request and Russia's breakthrough on the front line

Russian forces strike Ukraine’s Operational Command South headquarters

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

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

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

G7 countries privately recognize Russian assets seizure not on the table — FT

Western countries are "exploring alternative ways of extracting funding" for Ukraine from the frozen assets, the newspaper said

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

Russia puts top Ukrainian security official on wanted list

Secretary of the Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Alexander Litvinenko it put on wanted list on unspecified criminal charges

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

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"

Turkey to continue efforts for Black Sea to remain calm — defense minister

Turkey strictly complies with the Montreux Convention by not allowing warships into the Black Sea

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

Ban on Russian uranium supplies to have negative effect on US economy — investor

"It will be very hard to replace such volumes within a very short period of time," Navigator Principal Investors CEO Kyle Shostak said

Operation in Rafah to have ‘devastating’ impact on Middle East — UN chief

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres recalled that more than 1.2 million people are seeking shelter in Rafah

Turkish parliament passes bill on LNG sales as part of gas hub project — TV

The bill was submitted to parliament in January

Car imports via Vladivostok returns to figures before last August

The geography of car imports by individuals remains the same - these are Japan and South Korea

Republika Srpska president praises Moscow-Banja Luka relations, favors strengthening them

Milorad Dodik also touched upon the topic of sanctions mentioned by Patrushev earlier

Solar storm reaches Earth earlier than planned — scientists

Powerful solar flares were registered on April 30 and May 1

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

Raiffeisen to drop Strabag stake purchase if deal breaches sanctions

In December 2023, Raiffeisen announced its plans to buy from Rasperia Trading Limited their stake in Strabag for 1.51 bln euro

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"

Russia not to take part in any events on 'Zelensky's formula' — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Switzerland cannot serve as a platform for a settlement dialogue

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

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

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

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

Officials request aircraft to help put out fire in Moscow building

Two traffic police crews have also been asked to be dispatched to the scene