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Tennessee zoo welcomes world’s only giraffe missing its spots — daily

According to the zoo’s founder, the unique calf may create what he described as "a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation"

NEW YORK, August 22. /TASS/. The world’s only spotless giraffe was born at a private zoo in North East Tennessee, the New York Post reported, citing the zoo.

"Giraffe experts believe she is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere on the planet," the newspaper quoted Bright’s Zoo as saying in a statement. The baby giraffe without any spots, currently standing at around two-meters (six-feet) tall, was born at the zoo back on July 31.

According to the zoo’s founder, Tony Bright, the unique calf may create what he said would be "a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation." In just the past three decades, he said, 40% of the wild giraffe population was lost.

West loses information freedom over unification attempts

Chair of the Federation Council Commission on Information Policy and Media Relations Alexey Pushkov added that the US is conducting an intense diplomatic war against Russian media

Georgia under Saakashvili went to war in 2008 on orders from abroad — prime minister

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, "it is not the issue of starting a war that has enraged the radical opposition, but the topic of mutual forgiveness and reconciliation" with Ossetians

Ukrainian breakthrough attempts thwarted: developments in Kursk Region

According to the report, the Russian military repelled five attempts of the enemy to break through the border towards the settlements of Veseloye and Medvezhye

Ukrainian troops captured: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy has lost over 11,800 servicemen since fighting began in the region

Shoigu says Russian army is most combat capable in world

"Modern Russian hardware was rigidly tested in conditions of the special operation and displayed supremacy over similar weapons of NATO countries," the defense minister stressed

Russian Railways increases eastern shipments by 2% to 195.5 mln tons

Russian Railways added that exports to the East grew by 0.6% to 102.5 mln tons

Kiev's allies discuss possible end to conflict in Ukraine — report

According to Bloomberg, as the conflict drags on without significant changes on the battlefield, some Western officials started to consider using diplomacy to break the stalemate

In case of deep strikes Russia to respond with more powerful weapons — Duma speaker

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, it is crucial for the parliaments of the United States and European countries to "understand and realize what can happen"

Russia not involved in WHO discussion of global threat of mpox — top sanitary doctor

Anna Popova specified that declaring mpox a public health emergency makes it possible for the WHO to earmark substantial funds

Drug supplies to Ukrainian army come from US — POW

It is reported that under some psychotropics a person can stay awake for a week

West is persuading Ukraine to give up claims to 1991 borders — legislator

Yegor Chernev shared a "feeling" that the Western world is ready to declare as a victory for Ukraine at least the fact that "Kiev has not fallen" and that it "has not lost its sovereignty"

Ukrainian leadership appointed from outside, as was Saakashvili in 2003 — Georgian PM

In Georgia, it resulted in total racketeering of businesses, murders of people in the streets, prisons, Irakli Kobakhidze said

FBI has no info about accomplices of suspect in assassination attempt on Trump — agent

Special agent Jeffrey Veltri said that the investigation will determine that

Suspect in Trump attempted assassination visited Ukraine in 2022 — TV

Ryan Wesley Routh previously said he was disappointed with the West's "limited response" to the Ukrainian conflict, saying that it was "extremely disappointing"

Israel won’t dare to invade Lebanon for fear of heavy losses — parliament speaker

"Our enemy knows he will pay dearly if he tries to move forward by land, so I rule out that he will resort to such a scenario," Nabih Berri said

Ukrainian military carry out at least five artillery strikes on Energodar — politician

Earlier, the mayor of Energodar, Eduard Senovoz, said that as a result of the Ukrainian bombardment there was an emergency power outage

Many Europeans 'on the right side of history' — Russian intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin expressed confidence that "the memory of the heroic participants of the Slovak Uprising unites Russians and Slovaks"

Ukraine turned into bargaining chip in West’s pursue of geopolitical ambitions — Putin

According to the Russian president, "The main reason for today’s tragic situation in Ukraine is the deliberate anti-Russia policy pursued by the US-led collective West"

No specific proposals from Scholz on Ukraine talks, Russian envoy says

Sergey Nechaev stressed that the proposals should be valid and completely clear in essence

Russian GDP growth reaches 3.6% in 2023 — statistics

The GDP deflator index in 2023 against 2022 prices moved up by 6.3%

RTS, MOEX indices rise by 0.77-1.09% at the end of trading session on Tuesday

The exchange rate of the yuan to the ruble fell by 0.29% over the day to 12.88 rubles

Russia’s red caviar production to fall to 11,000-13,000 tons in 2024 — fisheries agency

The agency projects fish catch at around 5 mln tons by the end of 2024

Russia destroys key Ukrainian highways leading to DPR’s Krasnoarmeysk — security forces

As a result, according to the security services, Krasnoarmeysk has been virtually cut off from supplies

Two more settlements liberated: developments in Russia's Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost over 350 servicemen and 13 armored vehicles, including two tanks and 11 armored fighting vehicles, as well as two artillery pieces, three mortars, two multiple rocket launchers, including one US-made M270 MLRS, and eight vehicles

Some European countries echo WWII pro-German line — Russian intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin stated that today, as Russia is engaged in a challenging struggle against Nazism, "preserving the memory of the anti-fascist resistance in Europe" is especially important

US lawmakers call for helium sanctions against Russia — Politico

According to the report, the aim is to limit Russia's ability to become a global supplier of the substance

West needs to sacrifice Zelensky to avoid World War III — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Russia may intensify its attacks on Ukraine which practically lacks its own air force or nuclear weapons

Slovaks care about remembrances of struggle against Nazis — intel chief

The Russian Historical Society recalled that the uprising, which broke out on August 29, 1944, was one of the major episodes of popular resistance to the Nazi invaders

Russian ambassador, head of UN mission to Golan Heights discuss situation in region

The sides discussed issues of the current activities of the UNDOF peacekeepers amid the continuing escalation of tension in the Middle East

Top Russian, North Korean diplomats discuss developing ties, strategic partnership

According to the statement, Sergey Lavrov warmly congratulated Choe Son Hui on the traditional Chuseok harvest festival celebrated in the country today and wished her a fruitful and busy trip to St. Petersburg

Iranian ambassador to Beirut receives minor injuries in pager blast — agency

According to earlier reports, pager explosions occurred practically at the same time across Lebanon

Size of Russian army increased due to threats to country — Kremlin

"This is triggered by an extremely hostile situation on western borders and instability on eastern borders," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Three civilians wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during day

Apart from that, DPR head Denis Pushilin said that seven residential houses were damaged in Donetsk and Gorlovka

Medvedev says Trump assassination attempt could be orchestrated by Kiev

The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, recruited mercenaries for the Ukrainian army

Far East becomes Russia's flagship in global economy — Putin

The president recalled that the development of the region was defined as a national priority for the 21st century

Zaluzhny objected to attacking Russia’s Kursk Region — media

Russia’s tactical successes and ongoing offensive in Donbass cause big losses in the Ukrainian army, Politico said, citing the Ukrainian military

IN BRIEF: Ex-Ukrainian intel officer’s car blown up in northern Moscow

The explosion occurred in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado off-road vehicle parked on Korovinskoye highway in the north of Moscow, when the driver started the SUV

New Russian shipyard planned for commissioning in 2031-2032

"The decision on the location of the new shipyard will be made based on further comparative analysis, taking into account all risks and limitations of the sites that affect the feasibility, timing, and cost of the project," Russia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Evtukhov said

Press review: BRICS challenges existing security concepts and Europe's economy in trouble

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 13th

Palestine records 690 Arab fatalities in West Bank since Israel started Gaza operation

The ministry pointed out that the largest number of Arab casualties occurred in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas, which saw the fiercest clashes between the Israeli military and Palestinian resistance groups

No talk about return to wearing masks in Russia — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the topic of possible pandemics was not on the agenda in general

Bank of Russia raises key rate by 100 bp to 19% per annum

At the same time, operational indicators and GDP data for the Q2 of 2024 indicate a slight slowdown in Russian economic growth mainly due to rising constraints on the supply side and a declining external demand, the Bank of Russia said

Russian envoy to Germany warns of consequences of strikes on Russia

"This would be a completely new situation for us and President Putin highlighted this a couple of days ago. For us, this will be a completely new situation with all ensuing consequences," the diplomat noted

Khibiny Mountains pass in Murmansk Region to be named after TASS

"The name TASS, proposed by scientists and supported by the region, will be put on the federal catalog of geographical names and will appear on all maps," the expedition's head of headquarters Oksana Tolstykh said

Press review: Kiev may get nod for long-range strikes and Israel-Hamas truce hope fades

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 16th

Venezuelan President believes Russia will put an end to surge of Nazism in Ukraine

Nicolas Maduro said that "there are very balanced, very calm, very strong people, such as President Vladimir Putin"

Random regrouping of Ukraine’s troops stems from shortage of manpower, arms — opinion

According to Vladimir Rogov, the Kiev regime’s hasty actions along the combat engagement line can also be explained by Russia’s decision to increase the number of army personnel

Ukrainian troops complain about poor fortifications, lack of men — report

According to the report, the 110th mechanized brigade numbered less than 40% of required staff as of July 2024

Germany to deliver 6 PzH 2000 artillery guns to Ukraine within 2 months — Pistorius

Germany is the second largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the US

US uses sanctions to show off harsh stance toward strategic rival Russia — ambassador

Anatoly Antonov said sound-minded US analysts and journalists repeatedly questioned the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia

NATO making plans of sending its troops to Ukraine — Russian deputy defense minister

According to Alexander Fomin, this may lead to a direct military confrontation of nuclear powers

West already involved in Ukrainian conflict, issue needs to be formalized — Kremlin

"We see a lot of information fiddling around this, a lot of rumors, a lot of predictions by different analysts," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukrainian shelling cuts Energodar off from water, power

Eduard Senovoz added that there is still a threat of repeated attacks on the city

Solutions to problem of payments with China exist, work in hand — MFA

Earlier, the media reported of Russian entrepreneurs complaining about conducting transactions with Chinese partners

BRICS platforms alternative to dollar, euro attract increasing number of states — Lavrov

"Many are attracted by the fact that payment platforms are being developed within BRICS, which allow trading, investing, carrying out other economic operations without being dependent on those that decided to weaponize the dollar and the euro," the foreign minister said

Meta blocking accounts of Russian media to complicate normalization of relations — Kremlin

"Such selective actions with regard to Russian media are unacceptable," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia’s battlegroup West repels three Ukrainian counterattacks in past day

The Ukrainian army losses in the responsibility zone of the group include a tank, three armored combat vehicles, six vehicles, a Bogdana 155mm self-propelled artillery mount and roughly 600 servicemen

Georgia could reconsider US ties if Washington imposes more sanctions — prime minister

The previous sanctions brought the US to "a critical point," the prime minister’s office said in a statement following the meeting

Medecins sans Frontieres terminates its activities in Russia

MSF points out that in August it received a letter from the Russian Ministry of Justice with a decision to withdraw the organization from the register of affiliate and representative offices of foreign NGOs

Musk points to absence of assassination attempts on Biden, Harris

The American billionaire responded to a subscriber's comment on X "Why do they want to kill Donald Trump?"

Body of US diplomat found in Kiev hotel — report

Medical data provided by the US Embassy show he had a high level of cholesterol

Kennedy Jr., Trump Jr. call for direct talks with Russia on Ukraine

"Nuclear war would mean the end of civilization as we know it, maybe even the end of the human species," they said

Helicopter carrying three people gone missing in Amur region — Emergencies ministry

About 20 people and seven pieces of equipment involved in the search

Head of Chechnya denies reports of 'black market' to swap prisoners of war

Ramzan Kadyrov said Levitsky's legs were broken and his hands frostbitten when he surrendered

Brent oil price rises on London’s ICE to $74 per barrel, first time since September 5

WTI futures for November delivery grew by 1.81%, rising to $71.83 per barrel

US coalition's drones fly too close to Russian fighter jet in Syria — top brass

A pair of the coalition’s F-15, a pair of F-16, and a pair of Rafale fighter jets, as well as a pair of A-10 Thunderbolt attack bombers violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area, across which international air routes run, twelve times during the day

Over half of Russians trust election results, poll reveals

"Russians generally appreciate the transparency and fairness of the elections: 37% of those surveyed are convinced that the results can be fully trusted, as many as 23% admit minor violations that do not affect the vote outcome," the survey said

International journalistic organization can be created based on BRICS

"It is necessary to create an information dimension within the framework of BRICS, here we can cooperate, many people from other countries will join this," Alexey Pushkov noted

Russian units, advancing toward Seversk in DPR, force Ukrainian troops out — expert

North-west of Zolotarevka, an enemy stronghold located at a strategic high point was eliminated, Andrey Marochko said

Russian fish export volume in 2024 to remain at last year's level — expert

In terms of volume, we will reach last year's figures, I have no doubt about it, Chairman of the Fish Union Alexander Panin said

Georgian parliament adopts in final reading bill banning LGBT propaganda

The bill, which will now be sent to the country’s president Salome Zourabichvili for signing, was approved by 84 lawmakers

High technologies important for strengthening Russia’s industrial sovereignty — Putin

The Russian leader highlighted "the popularization of professions related to high technologies, which are especially in demand today"

Meta Corporation blocks RT, Rossiya Segodnya accounts on its platforms — NBC

Meta has not yet responded to a request from TASS to comment

Financing of Russian fishing industry in 2025 planned at this year’s level

"Around 34 bln rubles ($371 mln) is suggested," Head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries Ilya Shestakov said

Russia appreciates Egypt's sensible stance on Ukraine — Lavrov

"We outlined our vision of the challenges currently emerging, including within the international community, and our view on how to overcome these difficulties while considering Russia's legitimate interests," the Russian foreign minister said

Lebanese government puts blame for mass pager explosion on Israel

The press service also said that the Lebanese government contacted the United Nations and a number of countries to call on them to bring Israel to responsibility for its actions

Press review: Russia moves to boost its army and Zelensky to present victory plan to Biden

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 17th

Putin: Russia stands for demilitarization of Ukraine

Russian President said he wished the Donbass problem could be settled through talks and the implementation of the Minsk agreements, but "regrettably, this is no longer relevant"

Rising number of dead foreigners in Ukraine proves West's involvement — envoy to UN

"We have warned from the beginning that those who help the Zelensky clique stay afloat will become our legitimate targets," Vasily Nebezya reminded

Countries need to grasp consequences of hosting US military bases — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited Germany, which portrays itself as a democratic state with a well-developed legal system, as an example

Russia’s response to long-range weapons supplies to Kiev will be brutal — MFA

"The opponents in Washington, London, and other places clearly underestimate the degree of danger of the game they continue to play," Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said

Three more Ukrainian missiles shot down in Kursk Region

Governor Alexey Smirnov warned people against touching missile fragments and called on them to report any suspicious-looking objects to the police

Suicide drones Kub destroy Ukrainian MLRS, self-propelled gun, howitzer over weekend

The Kub guided barrage munitions, designed to defeat armored vehicles and enemy manpower, have proven very effective in the course of the special military operation in Ukraine

Russia's successor to McDonald's prepares to enter foreign markets

The chain's owner Alexander Govor said in early September that Vkusno I Tochka was ready to open restaurants in the Chinese city of Heihe and is waiting for the US company's decision on this issue

Russian forces eliminated two Ukrainian armored vehicles in borderline Kursk Region

"Detected targets were swiftly eliminated with the use of FPV drones which was confirmed by objective control means," the Russian Defense Ministry said

At least 8 people killed, some 2,800 injured in pager explosions across Lebanon — official

Firas Abiad said that more than 170 injured people are in serious condition, and about 100 medical institutions are providing assistance to the wounded

Establishing Routh's ties with Kiev should be US secret services’ headache — Kremlin

"In any case, playing with fire has its consequences," Dmitry Peskov said

Operation with pagers in Lebanon approved by Netanyahu, his cabinet — media

According to Axios, citing to US officials that Israel had not informed the United States about its plans

White House taking Putin’s words about NATO’s involvement in Ukrainian conflict seriously

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that by allowing Ukraine to use its weapons to strike deep inside Russia the West will get directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict

Dynamics of special op are positive, everything is going according to plan — Putin

"The dynamics are positive. Everything is developing within the plan of the Defense Ministry and the General Staff. And I hope that our fighters will please us more than once again with the results of their combat work," Putin said, answering questions from journalist Pavel Zarubin

Snowden said exploding pagers in Lebanon likely to be stuffed with explosives

Former NSA employee and whistleblower blamed Israel for this, slamming its actions as reckless, bordering on terrorism

West downplays threats to nuclear plants posed by Ukraine — Rosatom

Alexey Likhachev said Russia would defend its point of view and communicate to the world community "the authors of the real threats to the nuclear power industry"

UK Foreign Secretary offends memory of fallen, accusing Russia of fascism — embassy

The embassy said that it took note a long time ago of "propensity for inappropriate and provocative statements"

Bank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate for September 18 to 91.43 rubles

The official euro exchange rate was increased by 23 kopecks to 101.5057 rubles

Finland's shutdown nuclear power plant will restart in October

Plant’s owner Teollisuuden Voima clarified that the plan for repairing the generator malfunction has been updated and that’s why the date of commissioning of the NPP has also changed

Exhibition of captured NATO military hardware kicks off in Moscow

In all, there are 32 items

EU’s overall assistance to Kiev amounts to €118 bln — EC

The EU and its Member States have so far mobilized around €43.5 billion in military support to Kiev, of which €6.1 billion comes from the European Peace Facility

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Ukrainian forces lost up to 520 troops in Battlegroup West zone of responsibility

The enemy also lost six vehicles, a UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled howitzer, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer and two electronic warfare stations

Pager exploding near Iranian ambassador to Lebanon did not belong to him — TV

According to the television channel, the ambassador doesn’t have such a device

Ukraine suffers major infantry losses in Sudzha area — Chechen commander

Major General Apty Alaudinov specified that the Akhmat fighters shot down several drones and eliminated one motor vehicle and one self-propelled artillery system