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WHO reports 16% drop in global COVID cases over week

According to the statement, the organization received reported about 4,588,532 new cases and 13,541 deaths over the week

GENEVA, August 31. /TASS/. Over 4.5 mln people have been infected with coronavirus over the past week, more than 13,000 have died. The number of cases decreased by 16% compared with the previous week, and the number of deaths decreased by 13%, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the organization received reported about 4,588,532 new cases and 13,541 deaths over the week.

The organization reported a particularly significant decrease in the COVID incidence rate was reported in the Eastern Mediterranean region (-37%) and Europe (-20%). Mortality declined significantly in Africa (-64%), the Eastern Mediterranean region (-35%) and Europe (-30%). At the same time, the number of deaths increased in Southeast Asia (+15%) and the Western Pacific region (+3%).

French movie star Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

Bardot was previously hospitalized in the city of Toulon in southern France

Russia rescued Ukrainians abandoned by Kiev in Sumy Region — human rights commissioner

Russian troops brought them to a safe place in Belgorod

Nearly 970 ceasefire violations by Israel reported in Gaza Strip since October 10

418 people were killed and more than 1,140 were injured

Trump says he understands Putin who questions need of ceasefire for Ukraine referendum

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov revealed that in the phone call the two presidents "generally shared the view that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans would only prolong the conflict"

Iran exercises maximum restraint in view of provocations — Lavrov

In 2025, five rounds of Iran-US talks on nuclear issues, mediated by Oman, ended without results due to Israel’s military operation against the Islamic Republic and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

West’s eyes are 'wide shut' to corruption scandals in Kiev, says Lavrov

These scandals did nothing to prevent Europe from using the Kiev regime as a battering ram against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister said

Netanyahu flies to US for talks with Trump on Gaza, Iran — media

According to its sources, the meeting will take place at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on December 29

Press review: Zelensky peace plan is no-go for Russia and Trump puts on peacemaker hat

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 25th

Air defenses destroy 43 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within three-hour period

15 of them were destroyed over the Rostov Region

Russia’s figure skating star Valieva excluded from national team’s roster

"Everything is done in compliance with the legislative documents," Director General of the Figure Skating Federation of Russia Alexander Kogan said

Armenia doesn’t want to sever ties with Russia — top diplomat

When Armenia promotes relations with the United States and the European Union, there is no secret agenda for pushing Russia away behind this, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said

Russia to support China in case tensions escalate in Taiwan Strait — top diplomat

Earlier, in an article for Rossiyskaya Gazeta on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russia and China, Lavrov emphasized that the West is deliberately escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait

Fregat upper stage with 52 satellites separates from Soyuz-2.1b upper stage

The Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket was launched from the Vostochny spaceport at 4:18 p.m. Moscow time

Authorities discussing establishment of Islamic bank in Russia — lawmaker

Anatoly Aksakov said that he expects this work to be completed next year

Trump rejects suggestions Russia not serious about peace in Ukraine

The US leader stated that Kiev had carried out strikes in various parts of Russia

Updated US National Security Strategy questions for first time NATO’s expansion — Lavrov

According to Sergey Lavrov, one thing worth mentioning is the fact that the strategy does not contain any calls to subject Russia to a system-wide containment and deterrence policy

Senior Russian senator extends hope for a pivotal 2026 for Ukraine peace

If the 'peace camp' led by Russia can deactivate the destructive policy course being pursued by the still influential 'war camp', mutually acceptable solutions could be found, quite fast and easily, Konstantin Kosachev said

Sunday’s Putin-Trump phone call was their ninth in 2025, 1st since October 16

According to the Kremlin press service, along with the Ukrainian settlement, the two leaders focused on the situation in the Middle East

Russian scientists create 72-qubit quantum computer — Rosatom Quantum Technologies

According to Yekaterina Solntseva, Director of Quantum Technologies at Rosatom State Corporation, it is especially important that the scientists have taken another step toward progressively improving the reliability of operations

Globalization promoted by West fades into obscurity, Lavrov says

According to the top Russian diplomat, more and more countries are realizing that it is safer to rely on regional mechanisms

US abandons decades-old partnership with Europe in 2025 — newspaper

The newspaper also emphasized it was now unclear whether Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defense was anything more than an empty declaration

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

West's policy on Ukraine rules out peaceful coexistence with Russia — German expert

Werner Patzelt emphasized that regardless of the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia "will not cease to be part of European geography and geopolitics"

Over 100 rioters detained in Latakia city — TV

The defense ministry has deployed additional forces and armored vehicles to Latakia and Tartus

Europe's biggest nightmare is Ukraine deal on Russia's terms — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that nobody can rewrite history

Houthi leader warns rebels will view Israeli presence in Somaliland as military target

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stressed that the movement will consider any Israeli presence as threat to security in the region

Trump says has spoken with Putin over phone ahead of meeting Zelensky

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS that such a phone call did take place

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian units in northwest of Kupyansk — Defense Ministry

Offensive actions are underway

Trump believes prospects for new meeting with Putin hinge on settlement progress

The US president added that he believes the essential elements of a deal have already been outlined

At least 20 years for Ukraine to meet EU accession criteria — German MP

According to the MP, the EU has long ceased to be a community of economic and social cooperation and has become an instrument of unilateral political orientation of European states

Three killed, dozens hurt in riots in Syrian western governorates — TV

According to the television channel, an officer of the new government’s security forces was among those killed

Comex silver futures climb to new all-time high of over $82 per troy ounce

By 2:05 a.m. Moscow time, the silver price accelerated gains to trade at $82.67 per troy ounce

President Vucic confirms plans to organize parliamentary elections in Serbia in 2026

According to the Serbian President, the snap elections will be a political response to the demonstrators

Protests erupted in western Syrian provinces, gunfire reported — TV

Some demonstrators said they were demanding the release of activists previously detained by the new authorities

Last of world-famous Dionne quintuplets dies at age 91 — New York Times

According to its information, Dion passed away on December 26 in a hospital

Liberation of Gulyaipole opens good prospects for offensive — Putin

Vladimir Putin also noted the effective actions of the Battlegroup Center in eliminating Ukrainian forces near Krasnoarmeysk in the Dimitrov agglomeration

Russia’s response to any attack to be 'devastating', worth repeating it — top diplomat

Earlier, the Russian head of state warned that any strikes deep inside Russia with long-range Western-made weapons would be met with a "crushing response"

Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia becomes new FIDE World Rapid Women's Champion

She grabbed the title after defeating Zhu Jiner of China 1.5:0.5 in a blitz tiebreaks match

Working groups on Ukraine, cooperation prospects: details of Putin-Trump phone call

According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and prospects for cooperation between the two countries prior to Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Zelensky

Kupyansk under control of Battlegroup West — Russian defense ministry

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

Tu-214 to be produced step by step after all modifications are completed by 2026

Earlier on Saturday, the updated Tu-214 received approval for a major redesign of its standard configuration

Kremlin spokesman confirms Putin-Trump phone call

Trump described this call as "good and very productive"

Eight Tu-214 aircraft may be produced in 2026, 12 in 2027, industry minister says

Anton Alikhanov emphasized that current efforts and ongoing work provide confidence in meeting the 20-aircraft annual production goal by the end of 2027

France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

Mount Etna erupts, sending lava up to 400 meters into the sky

The institute described the episode as the strongest so far within a generally normal and closely monitored phenomenon

Ukraine loses over one million troops in three years of fighting

The 2024 toll exceeded 595,000, which is more than in the first two years taken together

Russia launches satellites for its allies from Vostochny spaceport

These include satellites to serve scientific research and technology needs of companies based in Russia and friendly states

Europe openly states about its preparations for war with Russia — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that after a new administration came to power in the United States, Europe and the European Union emerged as the main obstacles to peace

Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

TASS has compiled the key statements by the official representative of the Foreign Ministry

American expert expresses his frustration with Trump-Zelensky talks

Retired diplomat and former advisor to the US-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission James Carden opined that negotiations in Miami offered vague promises

Samsung registers two trademarks in Russia

The trademarks are registered under Class 9 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which includes various types of televisions and monitors

Russia can receive unlimited number of Indian specialists — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov confirmed that the labor mobility agreement was signed during the Russian-Indian summit in New Delhi

EU wants closer cooperation with Russia to remove economic barriers - Merkel

According to the German Chancellor, Russia “has already confirmed its committement to the principles of free trade”

Iran may agree to limit level of uranium enrichment or volumes — Foreign Minister

The Iranian delegation at the consultations was led by Araghchi, while the American delegation was led by US special envoy Steven Witkoff

Hezbollah refuses to disarm until Israel withdraws troops from Lebanon — leader

The group’s leader Naim Qassem emphasized that the government’s striving for a monopoly over weapons now is in the interests of the United States and Israel

US National Security Strategy does not contradict dialogue with Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow will assess its results based on the following steps made by Washington

EU goods imports into Russia exceed exports — Eurostat

Exports of Russian goods to the EU amounted to 21.7 bln euro, while imports of goods from the EU into Russia totaled 22.2 bln euro

Russian forces now occupy both banks of Seversky Donets River — military expert

Andrey Marochko said that significant success has been achieved in this area in a very short time

Putin agrees to US proposal for settlement in framework of working groups — Kremlin aide

One of them will deal with "various aspects of security issues," and the other with "economic issues," Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said

Trump, Zelensky holding phone call with European leaders — news agency

The talks between the two leaders lasted around two hours

Russia to increase number of high-tech defense industry enterprises — factsheet

The state armaments program for 2027-2036 envisions the widespread integration of innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence

Politico awards anti-prizes to Sarkozy, Trump, von der Leyen for 2025

In addition to them, the Titanic award "for grand ideas that fail" went to the Italian bridge project intended to connect Sicily to the mainland

Russian, US lawmakers reach preliminary agreement on meeting — senior Russian MP

Slutsky urged patience, noting that the details still need to be worked out to ensure tangible results

Special op experience, work of defense industry sector: Putin's statements

The president noted that the Russian defense-industrial complex is operating steadily, providing the armed forces with the necessary equipment

Aist-2T satellites launched from Vostochny spaceport put into orbit

They are designed to photograph the planet's surface and obtain stereoscopic images to create digital terrain models

‘Crucial’ power line repairs begin near Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant — IAEA

An IAEA expert team is overseeing the repairs, which are expected to last several days

Trump describes his phone call with Putin, meeting with Zelensky as excellent

The US leader said that he discussed a lot of points with his Russian counterpart

Attempt to ‘give Ukraine time’: Merkel on Minsk agreements

She expressed doubt that at that time NATO states would have been able to support Kiev to the extent that they do now

Gazprom reports record gas withdrawals from European storage facilities during holidays

In particular, gas storage levels in Germany have fallen below 60%

At least 13 people killed as train derails in Mexico

98 people were injured, the country's president Claudia Sheinbaum said

Russia terminates agreement on cross-border cooperation with Finland — decree

The Russian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to notify the other party of the decision

Russia stands against Taiwan’s independence in any form — Lavrov

Russia recognizes Taiwan as an integral part of China and stands against the island’s independence in any form

Japan should weight everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov noted that the detrimental influence of such an approach on the regional stability is obvious

Paris to host another meeting of coalition of the willing in January — Macron

Emmanuel Macron said that he along with other European leaders as well as US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky were making progress on security guarantees for Kiev

Press review: Ukraine mulls elections and Trump plans laser fleet as gold prices soar

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 24th

Apple announces prices for new iPhones in Russia

Presale orders will be accepted in Russia starting from September 15, with official sales beginning on September 29

European contingents in Ukraine to be legitimate targets for Russian forces — Lavrov

In mid-December, leaders of major European countries issued a statement saying that security guarantees for Kiev should include the creation of European-led multinational forces for Ukraine

Europe’s so-called ‘War Party’ ready to go to full extent — Lavrov

Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say

Zelensky to call referendum for Trump’s plan if he is not satisfied — Axios

Vladimir Zelensky plans to agree on a framework agreement with the US leader to end the conflict

Threat of direct conflict between Russia, US in now past — senior Russian MP

Now, in his words, efforts are needed to reduce the number of conflicts

Zelensky’s inner circle transfers $50 mln every month to UAE accounts — Turkish newspaper

At the same time, it published no documents to prove the transfers, according to Aydinlik

Netanyahu expected to ask US support for another operation in Gaza — TV

The Israeli prime minister apparently needs such an operation to demonstrate strength to satisfy his partners before making further concessions

Europe ‘adding fuel to the fire’ in the Middle East — Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov

Lavrov noted that in 2025, we witnessed unprecedented events with Israel carrying out a direct act of aggression against Iran together with the United States, which targeted facilities related to the Iranian nuclear programme with missile and bomb strikes despite the fact that these facilities benefit from IAEA’s guarantees

Zelensky’s regime not ready to engage in constructive talks — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that Kiev's regime terrorizes civilians by targeting civilian infrastructure

EU’s decision on loan to Ukraine deals major blow to Zelensky, allies — newspaper

From a technical standpoint, this is a relief, but politically it is a defeat for Zelensky and his European allies, who promised to make Moscow pay, but in reality, settled for a compromise

Trump slams UN for not doing enough to settle conflicts, including in Ukraine

The United Nations must start getting active and involved in world peace, noted Trump

Greenland acquisition could raise US companies' market value by $1 trillion

Russia must focus on enhancing the valuation of its mineral resources in the Arctic Region, Alexey Chekunkov emphasized

Press review: Ukraine aid dips in 2025 and US, Europe tussle over tech dispute

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 26th

Russia will achieve all military operation goals by force if Kiev rejects peace — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at one of the command posts of the special military operation

Russia open to contacts, but Europe is not interested in that — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, political contacts between the sides are maintained but this in not done publicly

Zelensky uses elections to delay settlement — top Russian senator

Valentina Matvienko added that Zelensky is being pushed toward these statements by "European war instigators"

Japan should weigh everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Earlier, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is concerned about Japan’s remilitarization, warning that this trend could lead to the dismantling of the current global order

World appreciative of Trump’s peace efforts, Putin’s envoy says

Kirill Dmitriev made the following statement in English

Liberation of Gulyaipole and Dimitrov: Putin's statements at meeting with Gerasimov

The Russian leader also pointed out that the establishment of a buffer zone on the Russian-Ukrainian border is proceeding well

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

French movie star Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

Bardot was previously hospitalized in the city of Toulon in southern France

Global Fact-Checking Network exposes opposition’s fake claims about CAR president

The opposition’s attempt to invoke the constitution to justify the removal of Touadera as a member of a ‘tribe not residing in the CAR’ also does not stand up to scrutiny

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates efforts by Trump

Trump, Zelensky reveal names on working groups on Ukraine

The Ukrainian working group would involve National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces Andrey Gnatov and First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa

DPRK leader sends New Year greetings to Russian president — KCNA

"On behalf of the government of the DPRK and the Korean people, I extend the warmest and sincerest greeting of best wishes to you and, through you, to the government of the Russian Federation and the fraternal Russian people on the occasion of the New Year 2026," Kim Jong Un said

Moscow will give a harsh response to theft of Russian assets in European Union — MFA

"If the European Union dares to steal Russian assets, the consequences for the entire global financial system will be extremely negative," Maria Zakharova noted