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Two Zaporozhye NPP employees detained for directing Ukraine’s artillery fire — police

The Zaporozhye NPP, located in Energodar, is currently under the control of Russian forces

MELITOPOL, August 17. /TASS/. Two employees of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant have been detained in Energodar for directing Ukraine’s artillery fire, the Zaporozhye Region’s police force said on its Telegram channel.

"Two forward observers have been detained in Energodar. Both are the nuclear power plant’s employees. For international terrorism (in particular, for directing artillery bombardments of Europe's largest nuclear power plant) they now face prison terms from ten years to life," the report says.

The ZNPP has two weaknesses the Ukrainian military prefer to target: the cooling systems and spent nuclear fuel. The nuclear reactors are behind thick walls that protect them from artillery fire.

The Zaporozhye NPP, located in Energodar, is currently under the control of Russian forces. In recent days, the Ukrainian military has carried out several strikes on the NPP’s premises, using drones, heavy artillery and multiple rocket launchers. In most cases, air defense systems repelled the attacks, but some shells hit infrastructure and the area of nuclear waste storage.

Part of YouTube issues linked solely to Google’s position — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that this situation stems from Google’s refusal to follow Russian laws, despite being legally obligated to do so

Russia routs Brunei 11:0 in friendly football match

That is the biggest ever victory for the Russian team

Russian forces capture 10 km of LPR border — military expert

On October 16, Andrey Marochko informed TASS that Ukrainian forces were still operating near three key towns in the LPR’s west: Svatovo, Kremennaya, and Lisichansk

Abkhazian president leaves interior ministry’s building

Aslan Bzhania headed to the village of Tamysh, his press service told TASS

Scholz, Biden have nothing to offer Putin — German expert

"He [Scholz], like another lame duck in the US - Joe Biden, has nothing to offer," Prof. Thomas Eger of the University of Cologne told the Bild newspaper

US denies possession of extraterrestrial technologies

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Ceiling collapses at Siberian mine, at least one trapped - investigators

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday

Foreign mercenaries fighting on Ukraine’s side near Kupyansk, says military expert

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Russian missile frigate enters Mediterranean Sea in long-distance deployment

In the Mediterranean Sea, the missile frigate’s crew will accomplish missions as part of the Russian Navy’s standing taskforce

FACTBOX: Putin, Scholz hold phone talks first time in two years

The talks were initiated by Berlin

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Ukraine lost more than 100 servicemen, a tank, an armored fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, two D-30 122-mm howitzers, a mortar and an electronic warfare station over the past day

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One third of Mariupol residents, who fled to Ukraine, already returned

Lack of due support, and accommodation issues, are the reason

Abkhazian president’s office says investment agreement with Russia not revoked

Aslan Bzhania has not signed the document

Air defenses destroy 34 Ukrainian UAVs over five Russian regions

"Alert air defense forces destroyed 34 Ukrainian UAVs: 20 over the Kursk Region, 11 over the Bryansk Region, one UAV over the Republic of Crimea, one UAV over the Belgorod Region and one UAV over the Kaluga Region," the ministry said in a statement

Scholz, Putin agree to maintain contact — source in German cabinet

It is reported that Scholz expressed concern over reports about the alleged deployment of North Korean servicemen to Russia

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Putin states degradation of Russian-German relations due to Berlin’s policy — Kremlin

After 2022, Berlin has been pursuing an openly unfriendly policy against Russia, supporting the anti-Russian sanctions

Abkhazia’s opposition demands cancelation of investment agreement, president’s resignation

In case the authorities do not accept the opposition's demands, former lawmaker Natali Smyr called on the protesters not to leave the square around the complex of government buildings

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In his opinion, decades of economic globalization boosted global wealth

FACTBOX: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

APEC economies account for 62% of the world’s GDP and 47% of global trade, with approximately 3 billion people living in countries that participate in the forum

Release of 23 Russians taken to Ukraine from Kursk Region being discussed — ombudswoman

The documents are currently being considered by the Verkhovna Rada’s commissioner for human rights, Dmitry Lubinets and his office

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In a video address on November 14, the Ukrainian president unveiled a ten-point plan covering the issues of security, energy, weaponry, production in Ukraine, and cooperation with allies

Armenia’s statements indicate its reluctance to take part in CSTO events — diplomat

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Ukrainian people don't need support promised by Scholz after talks with Putin — Lavrov

Commenting on the Russian side's assessment of the conversation, the top diplomat emphasized that there is already a corresponding comment from the Kremlin

Hypothetical Russia-US arms treaty needs to take other threats into account — Pentagon

According to Washington, future bilateral agreements or arrangements with Russia will need to account for U.S. deterrence requirements and other strategic threats globally

German chancellor calls for peace talks with Ukraine in phone call with Putin

Olaf Scholz also highlighted "Germany’s unwavering determination" to support Kiev "for as long as it takes”

Kremlin comments on possible return of Japanese, European cars to Russia

No official statements have been received so far from European automakers regarding the return to the Russian market, Dmitry Peskov noted

Zelensky announces work on new action plan

In terms of weapons, the plan will focus on production in Ukraine and cooperation with partners

Trump team fears negative impact of allegations against Hegseth — media

According to sources, many in Trump's team are reportedly disappointed

Artillery shell hits office of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

There was no injury among peacekeepers, but only minor damages to the gym, UNIFIL said

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand become BRICS partner countries — Russian MFA

"The BRICS Summit in Kazan demonstrated the desire of the global majority to establish a fair world order, reform global institutions and build equitable economic ties," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said

RFK Jr. calls for immediate US-Russia talks on Ukraine

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward his latest peace proposal for the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, which envisages the recognition of the status of Crimea, the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions as Russian constituencies

China receives first batch of Russian S-400 missile systems — source

Russia’s S-400 Triumf is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range missiles, and surface targets

Japanese foreign minister to visit Ukraine

No announcements on the issue were made previously

Russia open to Ukraine talks based on June proposals, Putin tells Scholz

"Russia's proposals are well known and outlined, in particular, in a June speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry," the Russian president said

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Zelensky tried to dissuade Scholz from telephone talks with Putin — news agency

According to the source, Vladimir Zelensky told Scholz that the conversation with Putin "will only help to reduce the isolation" of Russia

Politician slams Western elites for behaving like 'collective Hitler' on Ukraine issue

Viktor Medvedchuk added that there was no unified position in the West regarding the situation in Ukraine

Polish foreign minister confirms meeting with European counterparts to discuss Ukraine, US

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski added that apart from the top diplomats from France and Germany, Warsaw also invited Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga

Press review: Switzerland open to hosting Putin-Trump talks as NATO and EU back Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 15th

Russia inks first deals to deliver Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to foreign customers

Alexander Mikheyev also explained the expectations and effect of the demonstration of Russian military hardware at Airshow China in Zhuhai

Finland seizes over 30 more real estate properties owned by Russian government

The value of these confiscated apartments is more than ten million euros, the agency said

Lavrov outlines Moscow’s approach to Ukrainian crisis during visit to UAE — ministry

Lavrov arrived in Abu Dhabi to take part in the Sir Bani Yas international peace and security forum

Israel hits nuclear research facility in Iran, Axios claims

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Swedish minister in charge of gender equality suffers from bananaphobia

The phobia is so strong that special precautions need to be taken before her meetings

Russian troops organizing logistics, ammo delivery in Kupyansk outskirts — military expert

"Logistics is being organized to enable our troops to retain their positions they are trying to secure," Andrey Marochko explained

Russian Rubicon drones strike Ukrainian trench shelters

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"It was underscored that Russia has always been committed to its treaty and contractual obligations in the energy sector and is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation if the German side shows interest in this," the statement says

Opposition in Abkhazia demands early presidential election

A Central Election Commission official has told TASS that if the president agrees to resign today, an early election should be held within three months

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Opposition members made several attempts to break into the parliament building and managed to enter the square in front of parliament

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"We have sent people with this ultimatum to him," Levan Mikaa, an opposition spokesman said

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Neustrashimy spent more than four months at sea and sailed approximately 30,000 nautical miles

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

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The brigade is equipped with French weapons

Russia's liberation of Stepanovka in DPR spells trouble for Ukrainian troops in Kurakhovo

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces had liberated the settlement of Stepanovka in the DPR

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Damage will be assessed, and local authorities will provide assistance with restoring the damaged buildings

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

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Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 4,715 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 10 Western-made artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Kalashnikov concern trains first group of operators for Bars-Sarmat UAV unit

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North Dakota governor to head Interior Department, newly-formed Energy Council — Trump

The president-elect said the National Energy Council would bring together all departments and agencies involved in the permitting

Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania refuses to step down amid riots

According to him, the government is also staying in the country and continues its work

Russia, China eyeing new gas route via Kazakhstan — Novak

Consideration of the route is at the initial phase, the Russian official said

Scholz's call to Putin speaks of intention to learn Russia's position firsthand — Kremlin

The conversation took place at the initiative of the German side

Ukrainian army attacks Kharkov Military-Civil Administration car with drones

The car's chassis, body, and cabin were badly damaged in the attack

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European politicians repeat their position on Ukraine like mantra, says Kremlin

"Russian President Vladimir Putin told Olaf Scholz in detail about Russia's vision of what is happening, about possible prospects for the development of the situation," Dmitry Peskov said

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Russian foreign ministet Sergey Lavrov visited the United Arab Emirates and talked with his colleague Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Musk says Trump, himself have public mandate for change

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Participants in Sir Bani Yas forum in UAE understand causes of Ukrainian crisis — Lavrov

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Lebanon receives draft ceasefire agreement with Israel from US — newspaper

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Ukrainian troops surrender as Russian forces advance — captive

Alexander Rapolyuk noted that they had originally been sent to the Kursk Region under the pretext of replacing their comrades, but upon arrival, they found that the servicemen they were meant to replace had already been killed

Putin, Roscosmos chief outline vision for Russia’s space program

Yury Borisov provided a brief report about what the National Project consisted of, its main objectives, tasks and expected outcomes

Opposition halts talks with officials in Abkhazia, plans to build up forces

Protesters seized control of key government buildings in the country’s capital earlier

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TASS compiled main facts about the situation in the country

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Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

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Russia awaits Trump’s proposals on Ukrainian settlement — Lavrov

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Chechen leader reports eliminating Ukrainian troops in Sumy Region

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Putin congratulates Gazprom on completion of work on Nord Stream 2

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Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

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US does not fulfill LNG contracts for Europe worth tens of billions of dollars — Gazprom

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Putin-Scholz phone conversation was arranged promptly — Kremlin spokesman

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday

Kennedy Jr. added to Mirotvorets list after Trump’s appointment

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Ukrainian battlegroup deprived of regular supplies in Kurakhovo in Donetsk area — expert

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Clear Zelensky won't be the one to decide about talks with Russia, says Lavrov

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Putin tells Scholz agreements on Ukraine should proceed from realities on ground — Kremlin

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Gazprom says EU artificially destroys gas demand to the detriment of its own economy

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Fire in women’s shelter near Moscow put out

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Ukrainian intel officers in Syria to be eliminated as terrorists’ accomplices — diplomat

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International experts at ZNPP regularly hear sounds of explosions nearby — IAEA chief

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Outgoing US administration should end military support for Ukraine — Hungary’s Orban

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Russia introduced temporary restrictions on enriched uranium exports to the US

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China-Japan relations far more than bilateral — Xi

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Trump picks campaign spokesperson for White House press secretary

Karoline Leavitt served as an assistant press secretary during Trump's first presidential term

Zelensky’s new plan for Ukraine is ‘an attempt to imitate’ busy activities — politician

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Russia's newest Su-57 fighter jet superior to China's new J-35 — test pilot

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Abkhazian president leaves capital after opposition’s ultimatum

At present, Aslan Bzhania is staying in his home village of Tamysh

German government confirms death of ten Germans in Ukraine since February 2022

The request was filed by Bundestag member Andrej Hunko of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance - Reason and Justice party