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Coronavirus pandemic

Russian lower house drops bill on COVID-19 certificates — chairman

According to the suggested amendments, Russia’s adult population would be able to visit public places only with either a QR code confirming vaccination, a document certifying that a person had recovered from COVID-19, or a medical exemption from inoculation

Russian State Dum Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

Russian State Dum

© Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

MOSCOW, January 17. /TASS/. The Russian State Duma (lower house) has unanimously decided to withdraw the bill on introducing COVID-19 certificates with QR codes for visiting public places, Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin said on his Telegram channel.

"The State Duma unanimously dropped the bill on [introducing] QR codes," the senior lawmaker revealed.

The chairman of the lower house also thanked people for the feedback received while discussing the draft law. Earlier, Volodin’s post relating to the bill on the COVID-19 certificates with QR codes gained 1 mln views and over 700,000 comments. The Russian parliamentarian noted that the deputies received more than 120,000 official appeals concerning this initiative.

"It is essential to listen to each other. This will help to avoid mistakes and hammer out the right decisions based on dialogue," the State Duma’s chairman emphasized.

On January 14, Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Social Policy Tatyana Golikova revealed that the government, together with the United Russia ruling party, decided to suspend the bill on the COVID-19 certificates amid the epidemiological situation in the country.

According to the suggested amendments, Russia’s adult population would be able to visit public places only with either a QR code confirming vaccination, a document certifying that a person had recovered from COVID-19, or a medical exemption from inoculation. This measure does not affect pharmacies, grocery stores and shops with essential goods.

Early detectability of cancer in Russia gained 8% from 2021

Tumors are found at the first and the second stages of the disease in more than 60% of cases, chief executive of the Radiology Research Medical Center Andrey Kaprin noted

Court arrests US mercenary for invading Russia's Kursk Region as part of Ukrainian army

According to the report, US citizen Daniel Bernard Rebar is accused of committing a terrorist act, engaging in mercenary activities, and committing murder and attempted murder of two or more persons

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

Hamas did not receive official notice to leave Qatar — TV

The AFP news agency reported that the Qatari side had refused to mediate between Israel and Hamas

Putin announces era of radical, revolutionary changes

As the Russian leader noted, the society gets "to not only comprehend, but be direct participants of the extremely complex processes"

Tens of thousands to march 'on Washington' ahead of Trump's inauguration — newspaper

In January 2017, before the beginning of Trump's first presidential term, hundreds of marches of various sizes took place in many US cities, including Chicago (Illinois), Boston (Massachusetts), New Orleans (Louisiana), Miami (Florida), and Denver (Colorado)

Trump’s leadership key to quick resolution of Ukraine conflict, says Erdogan

"More weapons, more bombs, or more chaos will not end this war," the Turkish leader argued

Bloodshed in Ukraine to end soon, Musk says

The Axios portal reported earlier that Musk took part in a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Zelensky

EU foreign policy chief Borrell arrives in Kiev for official visit

Borrel noted that this is his fifth visit to Kiev and the last one in the capacity of the EU diplomatic service’s head

Ukrainian military to blow up experimental nuclear reactor at Kharkov Institute — ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that "on March 6, foreign journalists arrived in Kharkov to register the consequences of the provocation, followed by accusing Russia of creating an environmental disaster"

Putin doesn’t expect Trump to offer alliance against China

Putin said he believes that Trump realizes that this issue is "very far from the realities in which we live"

Russia’s only candidate for post of US ambassadort still under considerations — diplomat

"This person currently undergoes through all of the formal stages of registration," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added

FACTBOX: Developments in Kursk Region: Russian advance, Ukrainian losses

The battlegroup North repulsed 11 enemy counterattacks toward the settlements of Daryino, Zeleny Shlyakh, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

Russia ratifies comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea

In particular, the treaty provides for the immediate provision of military and other assistance if one of the parties is subjected to an armed attack in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter

Ukraine loses over 300 troops in borderline Kursk area over past day — top brass

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian army’s losses amounted to over 300 personnel, two infantry fighting vehicles, an armored combat vehicle, six mortars, two electronic warfare stations and four motor vehicles

Borrell admits Ukrainian conflict all about West backing US desire to remain hegemon — MFA

"This is not about 'love for Ukrainians,' whom the Westerners have practically completely destroyed," Maria Zakharova stressed

Juno space probe images of Jupiter useful for popularization of science — scientist

"One of the spacecraft's instruments is JunoCam, a two-megapixel camera designed to capture the dynamics of Jupiter's clouds and satellites," Dmitry Bisikalo said

Relations with Russia to improve for mutual benefit, says Finnish President Stubb

The Ilta-Sanomat daily pointed out that Alexander Stubb had been in the presidential office for eight months already, but never managed to hold any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia warns Canada of retaliation for hostile actions, accuses Ottawa of provocations

"The Canadian authorities should exercise caution and refrain from harmful steps that could escalate confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized

Russian Navy should operate at least four aircraft carriers, expert believes

The US Navy currently operates 11 aircraft carriers

Battlegroup Center inflicts damage on units of five Ukrainian brigades — spokesman

The enemy lost up to 460 troops, Alexander Savchuk said

Fifty Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions overnight

On-duty air defense capabilities eliminated and intercepted 50 Ukrainian drones, including 28 drones over the Bryansk Region, 12 drones over the Kursk Region, four drones over the Novgorod Region, two drones over the territory of the Smolensk Region

Russian troops destroy group of foreign mercenaries in Kharkov area

Two militants sustained wounds incompatible with life and one militant was hospitalized in severe condition, Andrey Marochko specified

Pentagon confirms lifting of ban on entry into Ukraine for US military contractors

The Department made this decision "after careful risk assessment and in coordination with interagency stakeholders," the official said

Press review: Trump’s victory stuns investors while Russia’s economy holds strong

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 7th

Houthis say they hit Israeli base with hypersonic missile

The movement’s military spokesperson said that "the Yemeni armed forces conducted a military operation and attacked the Nevatim Airbase in Negev"

Putin's speech at Valdai Forum gives a chance to end Ukrainian conflict — expert

"It has long been known about [the conditions for ending the conflict, which include] Kiev’s neutrality, determination of Ukraine's new borders along the division line, maybe with taking our new regions into account," Alexander Dynkin noted

Qatar stops mediation efforts in Gaza ceasefire talks — news agency

According to the AFP, the Qatari authorities have already informed both the parties to the conflict and the US administration of their decision

Russian air defenses destroy two Ukrainian drones over Bryansk Region

There were no casualties or destruction and emergency services are working at the scene, the governor said

Russian, Ukrainian ombudspersons meet in Belarus

Russian Human Rights Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova noted that the sides "discussed further humanitarian cooperation in providing assistance to civilians, including efforts to locate those missing"

IN BRIEF: What President Putin told the Valdai discussion club

TASS has compiled a summary of the Russian leader’s remarks

Russia’s National Wealth Fund exceeds $130 bln as of October 1 — ministry

As of October 1, the amount of liquid assets of the NWF amounted to 5.255 trillion rubles ($54.9 bln), having increased by around 400 bln rubles compared with the same period in the previous month

Qatari diplomat denies reports of closure of Hamas political bureau office in Doha

Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari emphasized that the main purpose of locating the Hamas political bureau office in Doha was to maintain "a channel of communication between the parties concerned"

US missile defense system in Romania threatens Russia’s security, says diplomat

The US missile defense system Aegis Ashore was deployed at the Deveselu Military Base in May 2016

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

Hungarian PM denies allegations of being isolated in EU due to position on Ukraine

According to Viktor Orban, had Hungary really been isolated, it would have been unable to hold discussions with its allies, while discussions continue despite disagreements

Russia signs documents on military cooperation with 33 African countries — advisor

Anton Kobyakov also noted that delegations from 54 countries and 45 African ministers are taking part in the first Russia-Africa ministerial conference

Western failure, Kiev's terrorism: what Shoigu told top security officials at CIS meeting

The Russian Security Council secretary pointed out that Kiev's aggression in the Kursk Region was aimed at seizing the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

Trump sees possibility of talks with Putin

The president-elect went on to say that he had already talked to approximately 70 world leaders

Russia pounds Ukrainian military-industrial sector, army, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russia’s Battlegroup South repelled 11 Ukrainian army counterattacks and inflicted more than 4,420 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past week, the ministry reported

Some find Trump’s election win shocking because of legacy media’s lies, Musk says

The United States held its presidential election on November 5

Putin’s congratulations to Trump can be viewed as official — spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the US president-elect at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club

US expert sees Ukraine as biggest loser in wake of Trump’s election victory

"There are no European champions that can take the place of America as the alliance’s leader, so its future ability to stand up to Russia and China is in grave doubt," Francis Fukuyama noted

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

About 10,000 Ukrainian troops are blocked on the bank of a water reservoir. In another area near Kupyansk, about 5,000 troops are blocked, Russian President said

Putin considers premature to talk about common BRICS currency

Other variants are impossible and harmful, the Russian leader added

Trump's ideas on Ukraine to be more favorable to Moscow than Kiev — US expert

"Given the current status quo on the ground, the settlement is likely to favor Russia more than Ukraine," Michael Desch said

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine to Sudzha totals 42.4 mcm

On the previous day, the pumping equaled 42.4 million cubic meters

Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

Central Election Commission confirms Sandu's victory in Moldovan presidential election

According to the CEC, Maia Sandu won 55.33% of the vote in the second round, beating opposition candidate Alexander Stoianoglo

Putin signs law on legalizing cryptocurrency mining in Russia

Only Russian legal entities and individual entrepreneurs included in a register will have the right to mine

Biden, Harris aides blame each other for presidential election loss

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s contender, in the November 5 election

Russia ready to supply Su-57E fifth-generation fighter to foreign partners — UAC

The aircraft will take part in the airshow’s flight demonstration program while visitors will also be able to see the aircraft at the show’s static display

Russia not to mess around if Japan returns to cooperation – Putin

He underscored that Russia is ready to build relations with Japan "both for the next 5 and for the next 50 years"

Trump may put pressure on Kiev to give up portion of territory — ex-NATO chief in Europe

At the same time, "the free path to NATO" will be open then and Ukraine will be accepted to NATO during three-five years," James Stavridis added

Chukotka universal nuclear-powered icebreaker to be floated in St. Petersburg November 6

Project 22220 universal nuclear-powered icebreakers are the largest and most powerful icebreaking vessels in the world

Russia not rejecting dollar use — Putin

Russia is not struggling with the US currency but is thinking of creating new instruments in response to new trends of global economic development, he added

Trump to push Ukraine to talks with Russia — Swiss expert

"Trump has repeatedly stated that he can bring this conflict to a close in 24 hours, but this is an exaggeration, though the US has very strong instruments of political, economic and financial pressure that it may use," Jacquet said

Organization of Turkic States has no plans to establish joint army yet — Erdogan

The Turkish leader also noted that "issues of cooperation in education and technology transfer" are under discussion within the OTS

West allocates money to Kiev to detriment of aid to Africa — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also added that "Russia supports all those who need not imaginary patronage, but real defense"

Kremlin redirects question on DPRK troops in special op area to Defense Ministry

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the satellite images published by Seoul, which allegedly indicate the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia, calling them "a serious matter"

Putin congratulates staff, veterans with Interior Ministry Personnel Day

"We honor real professionals, for whom serving the nation, ensuring order in society, protecting the rights and security of our citizens has become a life’s cause," the president said

Russia will always pay tribute to Interior Ministry staff died as heroes — Putin

"This year alone, 659 officers have been decorated with state awards. Among them are those who, despite the deadly danger, did not waver and did not retreat, who died as heroes while performing their duties," the head of state said

US, UK attack Houthi targets in Sana’a — source

"American and British forces carried out three strikes on Sana’a on Saturday night, attacking military bases and weapons depots in several districts of the city," the source specified

Press review: Trump’s foreign policy reshapes alliances while Germany’s coalition crumbles

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

Russia ready to supply test batch of 50 Moskvich cars to Cuba

A partner company, Taxis Cuba, has already agreed to step in and provide Havana's taxi depot

Putin notes contribution of law enforcement personnel to special military operation

The president particularly underscore courageous efforts of Interior Ministry’s units in regions situated in the immediate vicinity of the line of engagement

Russia dealing with tragic consequences of Soviet foreign policy of mid-1980s — Putin

He pointed out that in the middle of the 1980s, the Soviet Union had called for ending ideological confrontation, overcoming the legacy of the Cold War, and removing the barriers preventing common integration and universal development

Mutual interest in place to expand ties between African Union, Eurasian Economic Union

The parties also affirm the mutual disposition towards strengthening the comprehensive Russian-African partnership for purposes of supporting peace, security, stability, and establishment of conditions for sustainable development

Russia to raise wheat export duty to $26.32 per ton from November 13

The duty on corn will increase to $33.69 per ton

Trump established inauguration committee — politician’s team

The committee will be headed by investor Steve Witkoff and ex-Senator from Georgia Kelly Loeffler

Binance chief says Trump’s victory ushers in golden age for cryptocurrencies — newspaper

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong also pointed out that after Trump's victory, "America is going to follow a path towards economic freedom"

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

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

Qatar suspends mediation efforts in Gaza talks — diplomat

Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari emphasized that if Hamas and Israel seek to end the conflict, Doha will be among the first to "exert all efforts to end the war and release hostages and Palestinian prisoners

Stupinets fast attack craft to be handed over to Russian Navy in 2025 — source

The main strike weapon of the Project 12418 fast attack missile boat is the Uran anti-ship missile system fitted with Kh-35 missiles

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Putin expects next 20 years to be even more difficult

"Experts point to the threats stemming from new regional conflicts, global epidemics, the complicated and controversial ethical aspects of interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, as well as to the way traditions and progress go together," the head of state noted

Ukraine needs to adopt 'realistic vision for peace, ’ Crimea is Russian — Trump adviser

Bryan Lanza also criticized the Democratic administration's policy toward Ukraine

Baku, Yerevan close to final agreement on peace treaty — Aliyev

Both sides will continue talks after the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Baku on November 11-22

Russian diplomat says White House likely works to cover up corrupt deals in Ukraine

"It is remarkable that US Department of State Inspector General Cardell Richardson was sent to Ukraine on November 4 to inspect the transparency and accountability of how it spent aid from across the ocean under the guise of supporting Kiev's Euro-Atlantic aspirations," Maria Zakharova said

Europe unable to finance Ukraine conflict without US — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the number of people who think they need to adjust to the new circumstances is rising"

Hezbollah attacked Israeli military base

A flight of Islamic resistance drones for the first time attacked a strategic facility to the south of the Sea of Galilee, where the base of the Israeli signal corps are located, the Lebanese paramilitary group said in its statement

Pompeo, Haley will not be invited to new administration — Trump

Inauguration of the president-elect will be held on January 20, 2025

Putin calls racist stereotyped ideas of 'civilized West,' 'barbarism' of other peoples

The Russian leader added that a sustainable international order can be based only on the principles of sovereign equality

IN BRIEF: What is known about aftermath of drone attack on Russia’s Saratov

First responders and representatives from the local administration were dispatched to the site of the incident

US citizen shared with Russia locations of Ukrainian army targets since February 11, 2022

The information received from him over two years was repeatedly used to inflict losses on Ukraine’s infrastructure, equipment and personnel, the security services said

Russian troops cut off Zaporozhye-Kurakhovo highway — official

Previously, press officer of Ukraine’s 33rd Brigade Nazar Voytenkov said on Ukrainian Liberty (deemed foreign agent and undesirable in Russia) that Ukrainian forces may get surrounded under Kurakhovo on the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic

Russia to end special op after removing threats caused by NATO’s colonization of Ukraine

The special military operation will end when its tasks are fulfilled, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's second CIS department Alexey Polishchuk said

No place for hegemony in new world order, Putin says

Putin stressed once again that Russia did not see the Western civilization as an enemy

Europe interested in Ukraine as subject of confrontation — Iran’s top diplomat

"As far as our cooperation with Russia is concerned I am ready for talks with the Europeans," Abbas Araqchi said

Western plot to strategically defeat Russia failed — Shoigu

It is noted that the countries where color revolutions, supported by the West, took place had experienced "decreased living standards, weakened economic potential, the uncontrolled drain of capital and resources, and, in the worst-case scenario, the country becoming an instrument for implementing the interests of Western elites"

Air balloon capable of increasing FPV drones’ range to 40 km to be tested in combat zone

The plan is to use the balloon to distribute a signal from a repeater so that drone operators can see farther and the vehicles can fly farther, the product’s engineer said

Ukraine terminates air service agreement with Iran

Ukraine’s decision means that after it opens its airspace, flights to and from Iran will not be resumed

Senior Russian lawmaker urges African countries to check US labs on their territory

In addition, according to Russian State Duma Deputy Speaker Irina Yarovaya, African countries need to "maximize the line of defense of life and safety" of their citizens

Hezbollah attacks Israeli air base near Tel Aviv

According to the statement, the training camp of an Israeli airborne brigade in the Carmel settlement in the western Galilee came under missile attack

Putin demands from Interior Ministry ‘to be tough on terrorism’

"We also need to be proactive in suppressing extremism in all its forms and manifestations," the head of state added

Trump's headquarters denies alignment with his adviser — news agency

"Bryan Lanza was a contractor for the campaign. He does not work for President Trump and does not speak for him," Reuters reported, citing an unnamed representative of Trump's transition team

А-50 plane that was attacked never flew into Ukraine — Lukashenko

On Tuesday, Lukashenko announced an agent of Ukrainian special services and his accomplices had been detained in Belarus for their involvement in the sabotage attack on the A-50 aircraft at the Machulishchy airfield near Minsk

Elon Musk takes part in Trump-Zelensky phone call — Axios

The Republican reportedly promised to continue supporting Ukraine, but the sides did not delve into such details as Trump’s purported plan to end the conflict

Early detectability of cancer in Russia gained 8% from 2021

Tumors are found at the first and the second stages of the disease in more than 60% of cases, chief executive of the Radiology Research Medical Center Andrey Kaprin noted

Battlegroup West’s artillery destroys Ukrainian MLRS Olkha — Russian Defense Ministry

After analyzing the intelligence received, a decision was made to destroy the enemy's combat vehicle, the report said

Zelensky to try to rebrand himself as peacemaker after Trump's victory — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk explained that no one asks Zelensky's opinion anymore