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Coronavirus pandemic

Vaccine developer reveals effectiveness of Russia’s CoviVac jab against Omicron

In fact, CoviVac coronavirus vaccine was effective against all the known coronavirus mutations

MOSCOW, February 8. /TASS/. Russia’s CoviVac coronavirus vaccine is about 62% effective against the Omicron variant, according to preliminary data, Director of the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research Aidar Ishmukhametov told the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Tuesday.

"According to our data, it is about 62%, but this is <...> preliminary data that would relate to lab-based, preclinical research," he said in response to a question.

Ishmukhametov earlier told TASS that the Chumakov center would carry out a study to determine CoviVac’s effectiveness against Omicron.

He pointed out that the jab was effective against all the known coronavirus mutations and suggested that Omicron would be no exception.

Indians hold Russia in high regard — writer

Achala Moulik noted that Russia is the only European nation which has neither offended or oppressed India

Russia concerned about Japan’s militarization plans — Putin

The Russian president said that Moscow is concerned about the policy of creating military-political blocs in the region

IN BRIEF: What to know on summoning of Hungarian charge d'affaires, expulsion of diplomats

Gabor Gergics received a strong protest over Hungary’s "unfounded and openly unfriendly" demand that several Russian diplomatic staff leave the country

Offer to transfer enriched uranium from Iran to Russia still on the table — Putin

The Russian president noted that everyone initially agreed

Ukraine sustained damage of $600 bln during conflict with Russia — diplomat

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Hungary Fyodor Shandor added that the figures are growing day by day

Crew Dragon spacecraft with Russian cosmonaut on board docks with ISS

The flight to the orbital station took seven hours and 55 minutes, which makes it the fastest journey to the ISS in the history of manned spaceflights

DreamLine’s datacenter destroyed in Kiev

DreamLine is a provider of corporate Internet, DDoS attack protection and servers placement services

West's real global influence declining — Putin

The Russian president pointed out that a group of Western countries currently enjoys disproportionately large influence within the UN

Fire in 18th century mansion in St. Petersburg put out

Open fire was put out at 10:45 p.m. Thursday GMT

Putin says Russia agreed to US proposals on Ukraine at Anchorage summit

The US has asked for time to think this over, the Russian president added

Putin says he supports idea of meeting with US, Chinese leaders, but agenda is needed

The Russian president noted that any dialogue is beneficial overall

BRICS could serve as prototype for building future world order — Putin

The Russian leader stressed that BRICS' share of the world economy is steadily growing

Ukrainian army reinforcing positions in Orekhov with Colombians — Russian defense source

The source noted that the heavy casualties among Latin American mercenaries in the Orekhov area are directly linked to this

Russia hopes Strait of Hormuz reopens, Iran sanctions lifted — Putin

The president also stressed that Russia opposes all forms of aggression and favors resolving every issue peacefully

Russia to raise standard of living while restoring historical regions — Putin

The Russian president said the authorities will proceed from the principle of expediency and from the fact that the people living in these territories are full-fledged citizens of the Russian Federation

IN BRIEF: Trump comments on Kiev’s refusal to buy US ammunition, destroying Iran

The US may launch new bombing campaigns against Iran after the midterm elections to Congress in November

Crew-13 mission, including Russian cosmonaut, enters ISS

Sergey Teteryatnikov thanked NASA, SpaceX and Roscosmos for the opportunity

Ukrainians tired of Zelensky’s PR built on their blood — former spokeswoman

According to Yulia Mendel, Ukrainians are also tired of the laundering of Western aid

Russian forces were never first to attack non-military facilities — Putin

As the head of state pointed out, the Russian Armed Forces have always followed the principle of the inviolability of humanitarian norms

London’s new sanctions aimed at escalating Ukraine conflict — Russian embassy

As the Russian diplomats stated, "the British government’s reliance on sanctions pressure and escalation instead of dialogue merely confirms its lack of interest in a political and diplomatic settlement"

Conflict escalation never one-sided — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the moment when nothing can be changed may arrive very quickly and unexpectedly for everyone

Russia to retaliate swiftly if NATO implements threats against Kaliningrad Region — aide

Nikolay Patrushev empasized that Russia had stated this repeatedly

Crimea left without power, 330 UAVs: aftermath of attacks on Russian regions

A 16-year-old teenager was injured in Russia’s western Bryansk Region

Putin says Ukraine lost elements of statehood

The Russian president added that Ukraine is being controlled from outside

IN BRIEF: Putin speaks on Russia’s economic sustainability, Europe’s aggression

Russia’s offensive in the special military operation zone is gaining momentum, the president says

Germany’s Franz Reindl elected as new president of International Ice Hockey Federation

It took two rounds to elect the new president

Situation in Europe so critical that it is being ‘eaten alive’ — Trump

The US president made the statement while addressing his supporters in Texas

Drone crashes into apartment block in Russia’s Volga area, one hospitalized

First responders are working at the scene, Governor Andrey Bocharov says

Drones connection to ERA-GLONASS system may help to ease flight restrictions

"Such transparency is precisely what is needed for a gradual transition from case-by-case permits and restrictions to broader industrial applications of drones," Maxim Chizhov said

Ukraine losing war, must seek peace agreement — Rada lawmaker

A day earlier, Alexey Goncharenko expressed the view that Ukraine’s population should pressure the authorities and demand peace

Houthis report new Saudi strikes on Sana’a, other provinces

No information on casualties or damage is available at this point

New US bombing of Iran would destabilize Middle East, should be avoided — diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko saud that such a scenario should be avoided

Russia interested in expanding industrial cooperation within EAEU — PM Mishustin

According to the Russian PM, the Intergovernmental Council meeting is discussing the development of transport infrastructure, a common electricity market and new free trade agreements with potential partners

Indian prime minister has good ideas for Ukraine settlement — Putin

The Russian president noted that Narendra Modi constantly raises the issue and asks questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine

Russian stock market declines at start of trading session

By 09:30 Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices declined by 0.18%

Ukrainian forces suffering heavy losses in Zaporozhye area — governor

Behind every liberated settlement lies the courage and heroism of Russian soldiers, Yevgeny Balitsky said

Putin says he has fairly good relationship with Trump

The Russian leader said that he is grateful to Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis

Russia expels employees of Hungarian embassy, consulates in response to Hungary — MFA

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that a strong protest was lodged with the head of the Hungarian diplomatic mission

No one has weapons of destruction like Russia — Putin

The head of state stressed that it is Russia's competitive advantage

Stubb pulls Lavrov aside to talk on sidelines of UNGA — Russian deputy foreign minister

According to Alexander Alimov, the so-called isolationists and those who accuse Moscow of all mortal sins, also sought contact with the Russian delegation

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 83.25 rubles for October 2

The official euro rate was lowered to 94.53 rubles

IN BRIEF: Kremlin comments on Putin’s remarks at Valdai and warning over Kaliningrad

According to Dmitry Peskov, the whole world is waiting for today's Russian president's address

Western community is trying to lower new Iron Curtain — Putin

The president said that the "Iron Curtain" is being built through sanctions against Russia

Gun on wall to definitely fire at end of play — Putin on danger of world weapons

The Russian president pointed out that today’s world powers possess weapons capable of "destroying all life"

One injured, fire in apartment building in Volgograd, 646 UAVs: aftermath of drone attacks

Ukrainian drones attempted to attack industrial infrastructure in Russia’s southern Volgograd Region

Ukrainian events constitute Western act of aggression against Russia — Putin

The Russian leader emphasized that Moscow is in favor of resolving all issues peacefully, through mutual agreement

Soviet Union’s collapse is tragedy for tens of millions — Putin

Russia has been through a complicated path of fundamental transformations and this process is ongoing, said russian leader

Rubio ordered Iranian delegation to UNGA leave US immediately after talks stalled — media

The White House thought that talks with Iran could yield some progress but later it became clear that the talks had reached an impasse

Russia has no intention to use nuclear weapons — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that hysteria is being whipped up in Europe in this way

Other countries’ involvement in combat operations against Russia causes concern — Putin

At the same time, the Russian president said that arms deliveries by some countries to other states are nothing new as this is military-technical cooperation

Putin says EU countries may 'collapse on their own' due to economic mistakes

The Russian president also pointed out that all problems stem from the economy and cited assessments of the economic conditions of Western countries

18th-century mansion on fire in downtown St. Petersburg

The Emergencies Ministry specified that the area affected by the fire is 2,000 square meters

Belarus’ refusal to stab Russians in the back, gratitude to Trump: Lukashenko’s statements

The Belarusian president stressed that Minsk will always remain committed to a common course with Moscow

Budget deficit to be about 2% in 2027 — Putin

The Russian state debt is just 17% of GDP, russian leader added

Putin says EU plans to twist Russia's nuclear statements to justify aggression

The Russian leader said the European states will divert the attention of their citizens from the fact that they themselves are pursuing an aggressive policy toward Russia

Ukraine paying price for Black Sea strikes, need for lasting peace: Kremlin remarks

No specific details are available regarding the Turkish and UN initiative to hold talks involving Russia and Ukraine on a ceasefire in the Black Sea, Dmitry Peskov said

Ukraine corruption scheme funded by EU taxpayers: SVR statements

According to the intelligence service, Vladimir Zelensky and his inner circle refuse to end the conflict as they continue lining their pockets, "driven mad by the prospect of easy pickings"

Russia wants to end conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible through talks — Putin

The head of state urged to stop the accusations that Russia does not want these negotiations

Russian-US economic cooperation to overcome Biden’s short-sightedness — envoy

Earlier, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev continues to discuss prospects for resuming bilateral economic cooperation

European companies to get their assets in Russia back in favorable scenario — Putin

The Russian leader stressed that certain European companies took large Russian businesses in gross violation of every rules

Fire at 18th-century mansion in downtown St. Petersburg contained

The category of the fire was downgraded to two out of possible five

Many G20 countries see need to consolidate, reach consensus — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov stressed that the G20 has strong potential to resolve issues constructively

Russian troops liberate three communities in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

Russia's Battlegroup North units took control of the settlements of Nesternoye, Rublenoye and Vysokaya Yaruga

Europe more aggressive towards Russia than US — Putin

Commenting on the possible influence of the EU on US policy, the Russian president expressed confidence that it is "excessive" to assume that "someone from the outside determines US policy in certain areas"

Russia’s oil and gas revenues to fall to 2.7% of GDP in 2029

After reaching 5.5% of GDP in 2024, oil and gas revenues have been steadily declining, taking into account exchange rate trends, global energy prices, as well as the structure of hydrocarbon production and export volumes, and are estimated at 3.3% of GDP in 2026

Two ex-Ukrainian defense chiefs held responsible for crimes against Donbass people — IC

"In 2021-2023 and 2026, they issued criminal orders and instructions to their staff to carry out punitive paramilitary operations in Donbass," Svetlana Petrenko added

'Hegemon' knows multipolar world here, says Putin

The Russian president said the global situation and its entire system will reach a state of some kind of stable balance

Europe should not be dictating terms for renewing dialogue with Russia, says Putin

The Russian president pointed out that Moscow was ready to begin a dialogue without preconditions

New world’s conflicts, chaos, West’s attempts to destroy Russia: Putin’s speech

The Russian president says the world needs to think about what should be done to avoid the most catastrophic scenarios, in which humanity could slide to the brink of survival

US sends two additional Patriot batteries to Saudi Arabia, Qatar — Axios

According to the report, Washington will protect key energy sites

Institutions working since 1945 no longer reflect current international situation — Putin

The Russian president added that all new international communities still have a lot of work to do in terms of defining their functions

Kyrgyzstan sends its first satellite into space

The launch was performed from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and involved a Falcon 9 carrier rocket by SpaceX

FACTBOX: What we know about Russian strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure

Authorities in the Ukrainian capital closed three bridges across the Dnieper river to traffic

Europe enters heating season with lowest gas inventories on record

EU countries are seeking to take advantage of the warm weather in early autumn

Japan mulls new anti-Russian sanctions — newspaper

Yomiuri cited government sources as saying that the restrictive measures may target vessels of the so-called shadow fleet

US to deploy 10,000 troops, third aircraft carrier strike group to Middle East — newspaper

US officials told The Wall Street Journal that the ships, fighter jets, Marines, and sailors are expected to arrive in the region by the end of November

Russia builds defense plants in safe areas — Putin

The Russian president said construction is underway

Russia’s Unmanned Systems adapting its UAVs to meet new customer requirements

Yekaterina Zgirovskaya emphasized that the company’s current production capacity is sufficient to reliably meet its contractual obligations in both domestic and international markets

Putin says work begins on Eurasian Charter of Multipolarity and Diversity

The Russian leader stressed that Eurasia is capable of becoming a prototype for international interaction amidst a diversity of cultures, approaches, and interests

Putin estimates damage from strikes against Russian refineries at 1% of GDP

The Russian leader said the strikes were launched deliberately

Sanctions prevent Russian diesel fuel from flowing to global markets

The head of state assured that Russia has enough diesel fuel

Signal 2.0 perimeter surveillance system is deployed in Zaporozhye front of special op

"The Signal 2.0 mobile system is designed for the rapid deployment of security systems at technically unprepared front lines and temporary facilities," Igor Potapov said

Everyone responsible for tomorrow, no exaggeration — Putin

The Russian leader expressed hope that future generations will be able to learn from future history textbooks that the second quarter of the 21st century became a positive turning point

Press review: Flydubai incident raises Mid East escalation risks and US ends Iraq mission

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 1st

Russia will never allow attempts to seize Kaliningrad Region — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the media greatly "exaggerates" reports about the region's security

Humanity has not yet grasped magnitude of current challenges — Putin

The Russian president highlighted that the challenges humanity is confronted with herald the beginning of a new reality

Putin, Xi understand each other 'without words'

According to the Russian president, there is no language barrier between him and Chinese leader

US may create military base in Europe

US President Donald Trump says he "might have made" this decision

Monuments in Bucha have 198 names of people unrelated to civilians on them — GFCN

In particular, 57 of them are members of the Ukrainian Security Service, servicemen of the Ukrainian army, "including militants from the Azov neo-nationalist battalion" and policemen and 26 of them are unofficial combatants

NATO strikes on Serbs ‘preparation’ for Ukraine conflict — war correspondent

Danijel Simic stressed that Russians should remember the lessons of history and not allow NATO and the European Union to dictate what they should do

West sought Russia’s collapse despite its attempts to mingle with Western culture — Putin

According to the Russian president, despite all the internal political changes that have taken place in Russia, the West still viewed it as a key part of the historical Russian Empire

Press review: NATO escalates Russia tensions as Putin's envoy, economy minister visit US

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 2nd

Russian premier to take part in Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Minsk

Attendance will initially be restricted to heads of governments of the member countries, and then other delegates from member countries and observer states will join them

Investigative Committee holds senior Ukrainian officials responsible for attacks on Russia

According to the IC, their criminal actions caused mass civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure

Europeans tired of Ukrainian conflict, want peace there — WSJ

The report says that more and more European voters start to view financial and military assistance to Ukraine as a harmful and dangerous practice

Rada urges concessions on NATO, language, faith to secure peace with Russia

According to Verkhovna Rada deputy Alexey Goncharenko, Kiev should "send a signal" to Moscow that it is willing to discuss Ukraine’s neutral status to launch a peaceful dialogue

Russia must look to future, but never forget past — Putin

The Russian president added that the legacy of our ancestors, who built a great and unique country, must be preserved and strengthened

Kiev sacrifices entire generations for illusion of victory — Zelensky’s former spokeswoman

According to Yulia Mendel, Ukrainians have grown "tired of militarization" and of "Ukraine’s autocratic system"

Special op to continue until Kiev regime’s total military collapse — envoy

"The special military operation will continue until Europe’s 'party of war' is sidelined and European elites stop obstructing efforts to achieve genuine peace," Dmitry Polyansky added

Kiev troops shell DPR 14 times in past day, two civilians wounded

Two residential buildings were damaged

EU rejects Kiev’s request to allocate additional 27 billion euros — Bloomberg

European sources also told the news agency that the EU would not speed up payments as part of the 90-billion-euro loan