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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.

PREVIEW: Putin to lay flowers at monument on Red Square to mark National Unity Day

Representatives of religious denominations, public and youth organizations will take part in the ceremon

NATO number one threat to global peace, says French politician

It is stted that NATO considers the EU as "a registration office of its members"

Ukraine admits number of deserted soldiers from Armed Forces of Ukraine surpasses 100,000

Earlier, military lawyer from the Center for Support of Veterans and Their Families Roman Likhachev said that more than 100,000 servicemen had voluntarily left their units

US State Department says 10,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia’s Kursk Region

They "could enter combat in the coming days," Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman said

Western military assistance to Ukraine tops 100 bln euros — minister

Ukraine regularly asks for additional military assistance from its Western partners, occasionally criticizing them for delays and insufficient amount of supplies

Israeli minister’s suggestion of nuclear strike on Gaza raises questions — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that such statements by Israeli officials shed light on the true reasons why Tel Aviv was opposing the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East

Moscow bars over 130 Australians from entering Russia — Foreign Ministry

The decision was made "in response to the Australian government's politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities, imposed as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West’"

Kiev's violation of agreements means less territory for Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also recalled the Istanbul agreements

Prosecutor's Office deems activities of US-based business society undesirable in Russia

The international company incorporated in the United States has been engaged in promoting the policies of unfriendly states regarding the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and actively supports the LGBT community, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office explained

Press review: Putin highlights GDP growth while the Russian military claims top rank

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, October 29th

Russia says its troops mined, blocked one route used by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Region

According to the ministry, soldiers of the regiment's reconnaissance company with the call signs Porsh and Pochta destroyed the enemy that was covering the passage in the engineering barriers and moved forward to fulfill the combat mission

Russia’s Medvedev cautions next US leader against adding fuel to fire in Ukraine

The politician doubted the deep state in the United States wants another global war

Russia is not going to attack Poland, Baltics, Ukraine through Belarus rule — Lukashenko

The Belarusian President called for building relations in a neighborly manner

BRICS countries dominate world economy — official

He pointed to the improved quality of life in the BRICS countries, the birth rate among the key factors and noted other demographic and socio-economic reasons

Ukraine lost 6,000 more fighters on LPR borders in one month than in September

During this period the Russian Armed Forces destroyed 746 vehicles, 365 various armored vehicles, 61 tanks, 12 launchers of multiple launch rocket systems

Austria accepts terms of payment for Russian gas in rubles — Chancellor

On March 23, the Russian president ordered that unfriendly states must pay for Russian gas in rubles

Sandu is winning in 2nd round of Moldovan presidential elections with 55.04% — CEC

Votes at a number of polling stations abroad are yet to be counted

Medvedev sees West waging real war on Russia in Ukraine

"Our current adversaries argue that they have a right to send any weapons to Ukraine or that they have a right to dispatch their advisors to consult on how to conduct hostilities," the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

Russian forces liberate settlement of Vishnyovoye in Donetsk People’s Republic

Iran has hundreds of missiles capable of inflicting severe damage Israel — WSJ

The article states that the Israeli attack has compromised the air defense systems protecting key Iranian facilities

Moscow calls on Seoul to refrain from sending weapons to Ukraine — diplomat

"We call on our South Korean colleague to think twice and not to embark on this extremely dangerous path, which will lead Seoul to nothing good", Anna Yevstigneyeva said

West itself signed death warrant for dollar, turning it into punishment tool — Lavrov

At the same time, the volume of mutual settlements in national currencies in foreign trade between the BRICS member countries reaches around 65%

Soyuz-2.1b blasts off from Vostochny spaceport carrying 55 Russian, foreign satellites

The Ionosphere-M satellites, which are the main payload, are set to be put into a sun-synchronous orbit within an hour

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg appears at a rally in Georgia

According to some reports, she came to the country at the invitation of a non-governmental organization

For US losing dollar as a standard of settlements would be like losing a war, Trump says

The Republican presidential candidate criticized the current US administration for allowing the unification of Russia, China, Iran, the DPRK and a number of other countries into one group

Missile engine blast at testing site in northern Russia kills two

A rise of the radiation level was registered

US citizen who shared data on Ukrainian military with Russian army wants to stay in Russia

Daniel Martindale noted that after peace is restored, he would like to go back to farming

PREVIEW: Putin to lay flowers at monument on Red Square to mark National Unity Day

Representatives of religious denominations, public and youth organizations will take part in the ceremon

Israel steps up readiness for potential Iranian strike — report

The IDF has not ruled out the possibility of an Iranian response from Syria, Yemen, or Iraq, rather than directly from Iran, the newspaper reported

Kremlin spokesman says he cannot recall Putin ever talking to Kamala Harris

"When Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US President Joe Biden, Mrs. Harris was not in Geneva," Dmitry Peskov said

Bulgaria, Westinghouse sign engineering deal for additional reactors at Kozloduy NPP

The cost of construction has not been determined yet, but is expected to be between $14 billion and $30 billion

Events in Bangladesh show similarities with color revolutions — Indian expert

According to Melkulangara Bhadrakumar, "these developments signifying the ascendance of Anglo-American influence in the highly strategic Bay of Bengal region are a setback for both India and Russia — and China"

Fencing installed around Harris’ residence in Washington ahead of election

Apart from that, additional fencing will be installed around the US Capitol and the US Department of the Treasury in Washington

Ukrainian ombudsman asks Russia to provide lists of Ukrainians POWs for exchange

Dmitry Lubinets contacted his Russian counterpart Tatyana Moskalkova

US warns it won’t be able to restrain Israel if Iran attacks — report

An Israeli official said the message was passed from Washington to Tehran through the Swiss

Putin participates in Russia’s strategic deterrence force training

The Russian president observed the drills from the Kremlin’s situational center

Moldova’s presidential runoff can be considered valid — CEC

Turnout in the second round has amounted to 54.18%

Russian Air Defense Forces shot down four HIMARS missiles, Hammer bomb, 42 Ukrainian UAVs

Russia’s East battlegroup improves its position, Ukraine loses up to 110 servicemen

Russia says 6 Ukrainian drones shot down over Bryansk Region overnight

Bryansk Region Governor Alexander Bogomaz said there were no casualties and destruction as debris of the downed drones hit the ground

Around 100 air attacks of Ukrainian Armed Forces in DPR were foiled in one week

In particular, a fixed-wing drone without a warhead or visual surveillance equipment was eliminated in the Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk, near an energy facility

Russian forces destroy US-made Stryker armored fighting vehicle in Kharkov Region

The target was attacked by an FPV drone, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Press review: Turkey to mediate in Russian-Ukrainian conflict while IDF strikes Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, November 2nd

Cargo Dragon lifts off from Florida launch site to head for ISS

The 31st commercial mission to deliver cargo to the orbital outpost departed from John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 9:30 p.m. US East Coast time

Gazprom supplies 42.1 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe via Ukraine

The day before the pumping volume reached 42.1 mln cubic meters

Kremlin spokesman denies Russia ships explosives across EU

"We have never heard any official accusations," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian diplomat says Ukraine took back just 279 POWs, although 935 were offered

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called such actions of the Kiev regime "political tourism on the blood of its own citizens, its own servicemen"

Press review: Lavrov embarks on EU visit and Russia permits individual crypto mining

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 1st

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Germany ‘shamefully resigned’ itself to destruction of Nord Stream — Lavrov

Lavrov also drew attention to the fact that "reckless proposals" are being made about strikes with Western long-range systems deep into Russian territory

Ukrainian forces lose 11,800 soldiers on LPR borders in a week — military expert

During the mentioned period, the Russian military destroyed 196 vehicles, 89 various armored vehicles, five tanks, three multiple launch rocket system launchers

Plane with 103 Russian POWs lands near Moscow

They were swapped for 103 Ukrainian POWs

Crowds throw mud at Spanish king during visit to flood zone

As a result, the king's visit to Paiporta was cut short

Hezbollah fires 105 rockets from Lebanon at Israel on November 3 — IFD

The army "will continue to protect Israel and its people from threats" from Hezbollah, the press service noted

Ukrainian lawmaker Bezuglaya calls out ‘catastrophic situation’ in country’s army

Maryana Bezuglaya accused Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky for his alleged failure of the military operation in Russia’s borderline Kursk area and the complicated situation in the southern directions of the frontline

Over 78 mln US citizens vote early in presidential election — Florida State University

According to the report, more than 42.6 million people attended polling stations

Kursk region will be cleared of Ukrainian forces — Putin

He added that victory is impossible without volunteers who support the fighters at the front

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Apart from that, in his words, as many as 5,175 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar, and Jdaidet Yabous during the past day

At least 70 people killed in Gaza over past 24 hours — TV

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 43,400 Palestinians have been killed and 102,300 wounded in the Gaza Strip since the conflict escalated in October 2023

Southern sector of Ukrainian defense in DPR close to collapse — The Guardian

Kupiansk military-civilian mayor Andrey Besedin described the situation as "critical" and said that approximately 1,400 people were refusing to evacuate from their homes, awaiting the arrival of Russian troops

Rheinmetall plant in Ukraine Russia's legitimate military target — Kremlin

Earlier, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced that the company was opening a plant in Ukraine specializing in the repair and production of armored vehicles

Former CIA, Pentagon chief describes incursion into Kursk as Kiev’s ‘strategic mistake’

In Robert Gates opinion, Russia is capable of continuing its special military operation in Ukraine until it decides that its goals are met, and underestimating its ability to carry on "is a huge mistake"

Attacks on reserves and Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian armed forces lost over 150 troops in the Kursk area in the past day

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

Industrial facility suffers damage in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region

Meanwhile, explosions have been reported in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev and the Kirovograd Region

Ukrainians do not want war with Russia, but US keeps them trapped — expert

According to Professor Ruhollah Modabber, Washington has effectively banned free elections in Ukraine

Putin to accept diplomatic credentials from 28 ambassadors of countries like Japan, Canada

The ceremony on Tuesday will be the first in 2024

Malaysia rejects US call to 'stop being friendly' with Russia — PM

Anwar Ibrahim said the call came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos

Attempts to destroy Iran’s nuclear capacity may expand conflict — top Turkish diplomat

According to Fidan, Israel continues to put forward conditions in talks with the Palestinian movement Hamas

Russia’s latest Lotos artillery gun for paratroopers to receive counter-drone system

After successfully undergoing all preliminary trials, the new self-propelled artillery system was sent for state tests

Putin meets with visiting North Korean foreign minister — Kremlin spokesman

On November 1, Choe Son Hui held talks with her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov

NATO undecided on intercepting projectiles over Ukraine — top Polish diplomat

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier said that Warsaw and its NATO partners will discuss the possibility of taking down projectiles over western parts of Ukraine near the Polish border

BRICS to consider expanding group in 2025 — Lavrov

"Criteria for the partner country category will be agreed upon," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Russian diplomat slams Moldova’s election as most undemocratic in country’s history

The outcome of the runoff presidential election "exposed a profound split in Moldovan society, which began after the first round of election and the referendum on European Union membership," Maria Zakharova noted

Press review: Russia strengthens nuclear triad while Ukraine awaits US strike approval

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 30th

Economic sanctions against Russia not working — top Hungarian diplomat

As an example, he cited Europe’s continuing purchases of Russian liquified natural gas and Russian uranium supplies to the United States for the production of fuel for US nuclear plants

Trump catches up with Harris in latest poll before election — The New York Post poll

Both candidates have received 49% support among likely voters, with 2% saying they would back another candidate

Putin to accept letters of credentials from 28 new ambassadors on November 5

The ceremony will also be attended by representatives from Argentina, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Finland

Russia says Т-80 tanks of battlegroup East disrupt Ukrainian attack in South Donetsk area

According to the statement, following the combat mission, the tank crews quickly left their firing positions and returned to the waiting area to evade retaliatory fire by enemy artillery

Final poll by NBC shows equal support for Harris, Trump in US presidential election

Both candidates are being supported by 49% of registered voters with merely 2% remaining undecided

NATO intends to fight 'defensive battles' thousands of miles from its territory — Lavrov

According to Lavrov, all reasonable observers understand "that this is a road to nowhere"

North Korea probably launched ballistic missile, Japan’s coast guard says

The missile, whose type remains unclear so far, fell about 20 minutes after launch, the agency said

Azerbaijan, Iran hold joint naval drills in Caspian Sea

The ministry said earlier that the drills involved two ships and more than 100 servicemen of the Azerbaijani Navy

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

Georgian opposition plans to disrupt first session of newly-elected parliament

He called on the opposition to hold a rally on November 21, when the Central Electoral Commission is to release the final protocol of the parliamentary election

Kiev wants to exchange only militants from its nationalist battalions — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Kiev is also "interested in the fate of foreign mercenaries who took part in combat operations against Russia"

Kiev may look at Qatar-mediated agreement with Russia on non-targeting energy facilities

According to Andrey Yermak, a principle like the one of the grain deal could be used in this context, but no talks between Kiev and Moscow are being held at the moment

Putin plans to discusses rural development with government

The Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut and the Governor of the Altai Territory Viktor Tomenko will make a report

Opposition rally near parliamentary building in Tbilisi ends without incidents

President Zourabichvili and all the opposition parties refuse to recognize the election results, slamming them as rigged

FACTBOX: Russian government sets up requirements for cryptocurrency mining

The law introduced the definition of mining, a set of security requirements, and the possibility of trading digital financial assets on special platforms

Syria demands UNSC take measures to stop Israel’s attacks

A source in the Syrian defense ministry told the agency earlier that Israel had staged an attack from the occupied Golan Heights on Monday evening

Russian Guardsmen uncover Ukrainian arms cache with over 100,000 munitions in LPR

The arms cache also stored more than 600 artillery shells and engineer explosive items, eight anti-tank missiles, over 100 grenade launcher projectiles

Japan’s defense minister says North Korea launched 7 missiles that flew 400 km each

Japan issued a protest to Pyongyang through diplomatic channels

Russian, Azerbaijani prime ministers discuss current issues of cooperation over phone

The two heads of government discussed current issues of Russian-Azerbaijani trade-and-economic and scientific-and-technical cooperation

Russian-North Korean partnership treaty called to stabilize region — Russian diplomat

"The treaty’s provisions, including article 4 on mutual support in case of an armed incursion, will be fully implemented, if need be," Anna Yevstigneyeva said

Mishustin to travel to Minsk for meeting of Russia-Belarus Union cabinet

The meeting’s agenda includes about 20 issues, such as mobile communications tariffs and development of suburban rail service

Russia’s Ionosfera-M satellites successfully put into orbit after launch

Soyuz-2.1b rocket also carried 53 other satellites

Moldova’s opposition to challenge presidential election results with Constitutional Court

According to Sor, the opposition has evidence of massive ballot rigging in favor of the incumbent president during the presidential election

Sandu wins Moldova's elections with 55.33% of votes, Stoianoglo gains 44.67%

In total, 1,699,025 people came to the polling stations in Moldova and abroad, which is more than 54.31% of the people included in the electoral lists. In the second round of the 2020 presidential elections, this figure reached 58.22%

US to hold 60th election of president, vice president on Tuesday

Election results must be officially certified in states by December 19

Total losses of Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Region reach over 29,600 servicemen

Meanwhile, over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost over 350 servicemen

Israel hits Hezbollah intelligence headquarters near Damascus — IDF

According to the IDF, Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters has a branch in Syria, "which includes an independent intelligence gathering, coordination, and assessment network."