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Griner satisfies all pardon procedures before release from prison — Kremlin spokesman

Russian national Viktor Bout, who had been serving a prison term in the United States on arms trafficking charges, was returned to Russia in exchange for Griner, convicted in Russia of drug trafficking

MOSCOW, December 12. /TASS/. US basketball player Brittney Griner completed all the necessary procedures before being released from Russian prison and returning home, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.

"All the necessary procedures were completed," he said, when asked if the athlete had applied for a pardon.

Russian national Viktor Bout, who had been serving a prison term in the United States on arms trafficking charges, was returned to Russia in exchange for Griner, convicted in Russia of drug trafficking. Bout and Griner were pardoned before the swap and won’t have to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries.

Russia in talks with other countries on supplies of radiopharmaceuticals

New technologies for treatment of metastatic cancer are already being implemented at present, chief executive of the Radiology Research Medical Center and chief oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Andrey Kaprin said

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Georgian opposition holding march in Tbilisi protesting against elections outcome

A similar protest march was held in Tbilisi on Saturday

Russia downs 23 Ukrainian drones over four regions last night

Air defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 23 Ukrainian UAVs, including 17 over the Bryansk Region, three over the Rostov Region, two over the Belgorod Region, and one over the Kursk Region

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

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

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

West using intimidation, blackmail to set global majority against Russia — Lavrov

According to the top Russia diplomat, during the conference, Russian and African countries exchanged a range of proposals on how to improve their relations

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

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

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

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

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

Russian forces continue offensive in Kursk region, repelling 11 enemy counterattacks

The Russian Defense Ministry put the number of Ukraine’s casualties since its Kursk incursion at over 31,090, adding that the enemy has so far lost 194 tanks, 126 IFVs, 107 APCs and 1,102 armored combat vehicles

Russia in talks with other countries on supplies of radiopharmaceuticals

New technologies for treatment of metastatic cancer are already being implemented at present, chief executive of the Radiology Research Medical Center and chief oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Andrey Kaprin said

What we know about massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

Strong earthquake hits off Cuba’s coast

The epicenter was located 41 kilometers south of Bartolome Maso municipality in the Granma Province, with a population of 53,000

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

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

Air defenses down 70 drones over six Russian regions on Sunday morning

Almost half of them were destroyed in the skies over the Moscow Region

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

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

IN BRIEF: What President Putin told the Valdai discussion club

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

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

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

Bitcoin extends gains to $80,000

Bitcoin was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or a group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto

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

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

Japan open to contacts with Russia — Japanese ambassador

"Mutual understanding is possible via official dialogues and contacts between people. We are still open (to contacts with Russia - TASS)," Akira Muto said

Russian Defense Ministry reports liberation of Volchenka in DPR

Russian air defenses down three Hammer bombs, 36 enemy drones in special military operation zone

Associated Press forecasts Trump’s victory in all seven swing states

Arizona has become the last swing states where experts gave the victory to Trump

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

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

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

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

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

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

Europe on the verge of sweeping changes — Hungary’s Foreign Minister

"It is obvious that the European strategy [in respect of Ukraine], which has clearly failed, cannot be continued," Peter Szijjarto said

Russian Security Council chief to visit China on November 11-14

Apart from that, he will hold talks with Chinese Communist Party secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission overseeing national security and intelligence Cheng Wenqing

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

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"

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

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

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

Bitcoin extends gains to $81,000

At 9:35 p.m. Moscow time (6:35 p.m. GMT), Bitcoin continued to trade at $80,800

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

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

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

Qatar loses hope to promote talks between Israel, Hamas — senior Russian diplomat

"First, they tried to help, but certain disappointment is felt," he told TASS

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

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

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)

Uganda receives invitation to become BRICS partner — ambassador

"Yes, Uganda has received the invitation," the ambassador said on the sidelines of the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Russia to continue cooperating fully with Africa across the board — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the global prestige of African countries has been growing

Russia’s Battlegroup East suppressed Ukrainian engineering team actions

The adversary lost four fixed-wing type drones and an ammunition supply point over the day, Battlegroup Spokesperson Oleg Chekhov said

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

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"

Trump established inauguration committee — politician’s team

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

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"

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

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

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 relations with Africa can serve as example for UN, G20 — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat thanked his African colleagues lauded the former Soviet Union’s role in the process of decolonization and noted that Russia will continue working in the spirit characteristic of the two Russia-Africa summits

Ukraine attacks Russian civilian infrastructure facilities with 84 drones — top brass

"In all, Ukraine used 84 long-range fixed-wing drones", the Russian defense ministry said

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

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

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

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

The US Navy currently operates 11 aircraft carriers

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

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

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

Bitcoin reaches new record peak of $79,000

As of 8:10 a.m. Moscow time (5:10 a.m. GMT), the Bitcoin price hovered at around $79,158 as the cryptocurrency continued to grow

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

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

The enemy lost up to 460 troops, Alexander Savchuk said

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"

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

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

Russia’s TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower hits Ukrainian troops’ shelter

The crew of a TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower of Russia’s Battlegroup North struck a shelter of Ukrainian militants with the use of thermobaric munitions, eliminating the enemy manpower

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

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

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

Russia, Africa to unlock potential for cooperation despite Western hurdles — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that an all-time record in trade has been reached

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

Netanyahu says has spoken with Trump three times in recent days

During his previous presidential term, Trump recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and relocated his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

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"

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

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

South Africa eager to launch direct flights to Russia — ambassador

"We remain highly interested in launching direct flights to Russia," the ambassador said on the sidelines of the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

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"

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

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