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FSB thwarts smuggling of 250 kilograms of amber from Kaliningrad region

The question of initiating criminal proceedings is being decided

MOSCOW, August 18. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service has foiled an attempt to smuggle 250 kg of amber abroad, the FSB press office told TASS.

"Two Russian citizens were detained in the Krasnoznamensky district of the Kaliningrad Region, about 250 kg of raw amber of various fractions was found and seized. The preliminary estimated value of the smuggled amber exceeds 5 million rubles ($53,000)," the FSB reported.

They added that amber is a strategically important resource.

The proceedings are underway, the question of initiating criminal proceedings is being decided.

Italian producer announces two collaborative projects with Russia

An attempt at cultural isolation of Russia has not borne fruit, Paolo Maria Spina said

Russia initiates creation of Eurasian multipolarity charter — top Russian diplomat

"This is a strategic document that will encompass all the proposals put forward during the discussions at the Minsk Conference and other forums," Sergey Lavrov stressed

EU chief outlines his visit to Ukraine's first line of defense

Josep Borrell did not specify which of Ukraine’s borders he had actually seen

Trump to launch largest mass deportation of immigrants after inauguration — spokeswoman

According to Karoline Leavitt, Trump is ready to take action to secure the US southern border - "something that the Biden-Harris administration has refused to do"

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

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

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

Erdogan wants Israel to 'pay' for aggression, calls for economic blockade against it

The Turkish leader recalled that his country’s initiative on banning weapons supplies to Israel had been supported by 52 United Nations members and two international organizations

Russian advances, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup North have continued their offensive, defeating Ukrainian formations near several settlements in the Kursk Region

Putin says once invited ex-German Chancellor Schroeder to banya and it burnt to ground

Because of this, the Russian President reminds, he never invites his foreign colleagues to Russian traditional steam house any more

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

Leader of Liberal Democratic Party Shigeru Ishiba elected Japan’s PM

Within the day, Shigeru Ishiba will form his second government since his administration first began on October 1

Ukraine admits to mismanagement of military personnel

Maria Berlinskaya recounted how Ukraine’s army received tens of thousands of people, including "the smartest managers, the smartest economists, and very good businessmen, for free"

Donbass, Novorossia had right to declare independence under UN Charter – Putin

Residents of Crimea, and southeastern Ukraine disagreed with the state coup - which is an illegitimate and an anti-constitutional act - and they have the right for self-determination, Putin said

Trump to reverse Biden’s executive orders in first week in office — press secretary

According to Karoline Leavitt, the 94 executive orders that Joe Biden signed in his first week in office led "to a border crisis and the economic crisis"

Ukraine offers up to 750,000 dollars to Russian pilot for hijacking helicopter — TV

The correspondent also reported that the Ukrainian intelligence officer obtained the phone number of the pilot's wife and persuaded her to leave Russia before the helicopter was hijacked

Russian embassy in Cuba receives no appeals over earthquakes

Russian citizens have not requested assistance from the embassy or Consulate General

Serbia Trump's strongest supporter in Europe during presidential race — president

Aleksandar Vucic expressed desire to further develop relations across all areas of public life

Russia for the first time displays Su-57 jet at China show

Su-57 multirole fifth-generation fighter jet was designed to destroy all air, ground, and water surface targets, monitor the airspace at major distances from deployment bases, make adversary headquarters, command posts and control systems inoperative

Russian troops advance to Ukrainian army’s supply route near Selidovo in Donbass area

The road is also the basic route to Krasnoarmeisk with a distance of no more 6 km in that road section, the source noted

Defense Ministry reports destruction of 96 UAVs over Russian regions

The department emphasized that most of the drones were eliminated over the Moscow Region

Kiev receives no notification about Trump's alleged conversation with Putin — MFA

Earlier, The Washington Post, citing sources, claimed that Trump had already held a phone conversation with Putin

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

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

DPR skeptical about Ukrainian conflict resolution following Trump's victory

Denis Pushilin clarified that the DPR will monitor the US leader's real actions

Trump vows to sit down with Russia, Ukraine at negotiating table on first day in office

Donald Trump defeated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the November 5 election

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

Russian troops push forward in Kharkov Region post-liberation of Kolesnikovka — official

Russian army continues to advance towards Oskol, smoothing out the front line along the river and towards the settlements of Glushkovka and Borovaya

Russian traitor Kuzminov dead, buried in Spain — CBS

On February 19, the media confirmed, citing sources close to the investigation, that Maxim Kuzminov had died in Villajoyosa, a Spanish seaside town with a large contingent of Russians and Ukrainians living there

Japan's government resigns ahead of regular prime ministerial election

Divisions within the opposition are still expected to secure Shigeru Ishiba’s election as prime minister and allow him to form a minority governmen

Activity of terror groups, radicals intensifies in Syria — Russian envoy

"All this raises alarm because there are forces seeking to destabilize the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic," Alexander Lavrentyev stressed

Europe shows nervousness after Trump's victory — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that it is too early to talk about a change in Europe's position on the Ukrainian conflict

India keen to expedite negotiations on investment agreement with Russia — MFA

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also noted Russia’s "growing attention" to the program for development of domestic production in the republic dubbed "Make In India"

Trump may be set to change US course on global conflicts, Russian envoy believes

Alexander Lavrentyev also pointed to the potential withdrawal of US troops from Syria

German journalist admits his charges against FIE president were false

In August 2024, the nationwide German TV channel ARD published two articles and a video report on fencing competitions at the Paris Olympics in which Hans-Joachim Seppelt accused Alisher Usmanov, of setting up a system of bribing judges in this sport

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

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 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"

FSB stops Ukrainian attempt to hijack Russian military helicopter

Ukrainian military intelligence agents attempted to recruit a Russian military pilot to hijack the aircraft to Ukraine, the security service reported

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

Russia taking additional security measures in Baltics — official

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the US and its allies in Europe have decided to militarize the Baltic Sea

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

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

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

Malaysia receives invitation join BRICS as partner, set to respond soon — envoy to Russia

The invitation has been forwarded to Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan

Europe's special services less willing to cooperate with Kiev's intelligence — FSB

"In this case, the Ukrainian military intelligence initially planned to bring the serviceman's family to Ukraine via Poland or Latvia, but later the Ukrainian intelligence chose the Moldovan secret services as partners in the operation," the source said

Belarus, Russia finalize treaty on security guarantees

Work on documents has been completed

Russia says Su-35S fighter jets provide cover to bombers, attack aircraft in Kursk Region

Also, one aircraft used onboard weapons systems to detect enemy air defense sites, according to the ministry

Ukraine may become 'first victim' of Trump’s second term, British expert predicts

According to Timothy Garton Ash, many in Europe realize that it should shoulder more responsibility for its own defense

Republican congressmen have no interest in passing more aid for Kiev — newspaper

In the November 5 presidential election, Donald Trump defeated Democratic Kamala Harris, who has held the post of US Vice President since January 2021

Moldova claims that two drones found in its north and south were launched from Russia

"Two Russian drones were found in Moldova’s sovereign territory during the day - one in the Causeni district and one in the Riscani district", the Moldovan foreign ministry said

IN BRIEF: Congratulations on Trump's victory in US election

TASS has compiled congratulatory messages and reactions to Donald Trump's apparent win

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

Israel’s strike on Damascus targeted Hezbollah commander in Syria — media

According to the news portal, Ali Mousa Dakduk was in charge of operation against Israel in Syria

What we know about massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

Russian servicemen raise flag in Makarovka — official

It is located in the Vremya direction, slightly north of Staromayorskoye and Urozhaynoye

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

Six memorandums of understanding between Russia, India to be signed in Mumbai

"This year, a very optimistic trend of further expansion of economic cooperation and growth of trade between our countries has been observed," Sergey Cheremin said

Thirteen displaced Russians from Kursk Region found in Ukraine, ombudsperson says

"We are negotiating with the Ukrainian side their possible return to Russia," Tatyana Moskalkova said

Russian Foreign Ministry gives Israeli ambassador talking-to over critical remarks

According to the ministry, a rebuttal to Simona Halperin’s statements was posted on its official website

Russian troops advancing in all frontline areas in Donbass region, says DPR head

Russian troops are making a major advance in the Kurakhovo area, Denis Pushilin said

Scholz 'honored' by Musk's 'Olaf buffoon' statement

German Chancellor added, that he 'don't comment on tech billionaires'

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

Russian presidential aide warns of possible new sabotage attempts by US, UK

On September 27, 2022, Nord Stream AG reported "unprecedented damage" on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines of the Nord Stream system

Biden to try to persuade Trump to sustain assistance to Ukraine — advisor

Jake Sullivan also pointed out that Biden had promised Ukraine that the US administration "will have sent the full amount of resources and aid to Ukraine the Congress has authorized" by January 20

Ukraine dismisses ‘media noise’ about alleged Trump peace plan — official

Commenting on reports that Trump has allegedly spoken over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sergey Leshchenko noted that such reports "are backed by nothing"

Chancellor Scholz may raise vote of confidence in his government before December 25

Earlier, he had announced that he would do so on January 15, 2025

Venezuela ready to help Cuba hit by earthquakes — Foreign Ministry

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of the island

Russian troops liberate Kolesnikovka community in Kharkov area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 530 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin aide insists only NATO forces capable of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines

According to Nikolay Patrushev, it is known for a fact that US and UK intelligence services have combat swimmers and relevant equipment

Russia to start trials of most advanced Katran combat drone this year

Several options of arming the Katran drone are being considered, the rotorcraft developer said

Four civilians wounded after Ukraine’s shelling attack on Gorlovka in DPR

The number of Gorlovka residents who were wounded after the shelling attack by Ukraiian terrorist amounts to four

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 destroys virtually all Ukrainian military equipment near Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov added that Russian airborne regiments near Chasov Yar are successfully carrying out combat operations with the support of volunteer units

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

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

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

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

IN BRIEF: What President Putin told the Valdai discussion club

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

Ukrainian army to retreat near Krasnoarmeysk in coming weeks — expert

Colonel Vitaly Kiselev explained that on the flat terrain in this area the Ukrainian army would be unable to hold on for long and will be forced to retreat

Chancellor Scholz ready to hold talks with Putin soon, but only if partners agree

It involves many contacts and negotiations with many people, he said

Belarus officially becomes BRICS partner state — Foreign Ministry

According to the ministry, the status of a partner country entitles Belarus, among other things, to participate in special sessions of BRICS summits and meetings of BRICS foreign ministers on a permanent basis

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

Indian minister notes urge to redress trade balance with Russia

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pointed out that "the two economies are complementary," which he said is a key consideration

Lithuania to tighten control over dual-use goods within sanctions against Russia

The republic's customs department intends to pay special attention to electronics components, as well as products subject to exemptions

FSB informs Putin about thwarted hijacking of Russian military helicopter — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the president is to decide whether the Russian counterintelligence officers will be recognized

Trump offers Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to become US permanent envoy to UN — media

She graduated from Harvard University

Russian forces advancing in seven directions in Avdeyevka area, expert says

According to Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov, the advance in the Avdeyevka area makes it possible for Russian forces to move towards the city of Zaporozhye

Russian Defense Ministry reports liberation of Volchenka in DPR

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

US plans to remove 'arrogant' Zelensky and stage 2025 elections in Ukraine — SVR

"At the initial stage, it is planned to encourage entities within the Ukrainian civil society under their control, through US 'democratization' foundations and think tanks, to come up with a corresponding initiative," the statement reads

Putin orders to simplify foreign tourists’ entry to Far Eastern regions

The relevant authorities are ordered "to consider the possibility of simplifying the procedure of electronic visas issuance for entry of foreign citizens to the territory of the Far Eastern Federal Districts for tourist purposes" by April 15, 2025

Press review: Russia, Belarus finalize security deal as China readies for Trump’s new term

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 11th

Trump, Putin speak over phone — newspaper

Neither Washington not Moscow have officially confirmed this information

Rare bird species settling in Moscow’s natural areas

Gray herons, black kites, blue hawks, and popinjay honey buzzards are among them

UN to vote on Russia's resolution on combating neo-Nazism

Belarus and Turkmenistan co-authored the draft resolution, which has been traditionally introduced by Russia and adopted annually since 2005

US intelligence agencies must prevent new attempts on Trump’s life — Kremlin aide

Trump survived two assassination attempts this year, one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, when a sniper shot at him, grazing his ear, and a second in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-o-Lago residence in Florida

Houthis claim attack on Israeli military base near Jaffa

Yahya Saree described the missile attack on Israeli territory as part of the "fifth stage of escalation" in opposition to Israel. Saree emphasized that Ansar Allah will persist in its attacks until Israel's "aggression" against Palestine and Lebanon is stopped

UAC delivers Su-57, Su-35S fighter jets

"Other batches of Su-57 fifth-generation and Su-35S multirole fighter jets of generation 4++ will be delivered by the end of the year," CEO Vadim Badekha added

Chancellor Scholz strongly opposes Germany possessing nuclear weapons

He noted that Germany has agreed with France and UK to develop long-range missiles that are not equipped with nuclear warheads

Musk rejects charges of treason for not allowing Ukraine to activate Starlink near Crimea

"No matter what happens, I will fight for and die in America," Elon Musk said

No indications from Scholz on readiness to talk with Putin, says Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov also recalled Putin's remark that Scholz, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, had gone out of touch and shown their unwillingness to communicate

Kremlin spokesman denies media reports of phone call between Putin, Trump

Dmitry Peskov described the Washington Post and Reuters reports about the alleged telephone conversation as "the most remarkable example of the quality of the information that is published nowadays, sometimes even by quite respected outlets"

Hamas calls on Arab, Islamic countries to sever relations with Israel

They called on the leaders who plan to take part in the upcoming summit in Riyadh to forge an international alliance