{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Prague shooter leaves confession in killing father, baby

Ballistic examinations had earlier revealed a match between the weapon used in the Klanovice Forest and the one found in the house where the university shooter lived

PRAGUE, December 27. /TASS/. Police have found a letter from the student who carried out the December 21 shooting at the Philosophy Faculty of Prague’s Charles University, in which he confessed to killing a 32-year-old man and his two-month-old baby in the Klanovice Forest, police spokesman Jan Danek said.

"A letter [by the killer] was found during a search of his house. He left it before [he carried out the shooting]. He confessed therein that he had committed the murder in the Klanovice Forest," said Danek, quoted by the news portal novinky.cz.

Further details were not reported. Ballistic examinations had earlier revealed a match between the weapon used in the Klanovice Forest and the one found in the house where the university shooter lived.

A man out for a walk who was carrying his two-month-old daughter in a stroller was killed with a firearm in the afternoon of December 15 in the Klanovice Forest. Fourteen people fell victim to the shooting at the Philosophy Faculty of Prague’s Charles University. The 24-year-old student David Kozak set it off and committed suicide after the start of a police operation to disarm him.

One in two Germans believe Russia unlikely to attack NATO, poll shows

Only two percent of respondents are confident that the German army is well prepared to defend the country, while 39% believe the armed forces are in poor condition.

New US arms shipment to Ukraine a reaction to Russia’s success at frontline — envoy

Anatoly Antonov also castigated the US administration for shrugging off responsibility for Ukrainian attacks at civilian facilities in Russia with the use of weapons being supplied from the United States

Top British diplomat concerned about potential Russian advance in Kharkov Region

The West expects the Ukrainian army to be able to stand its ground this year

Putin requests focusing on curbing of inflation in Russia, says its decline outlined

Amid the Central Bank’s key rate hike lending has slowed down slightly in Russia, the president noted

Putin’s decision to appoint Belousov as Russia’s defense chief explained by Kremlin

"On the battlefield today, the winner is the one who is more open to innovation <…>. Therefore, at this stage, the president has made a decision for a civilian to head the Defense Ministry," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Department of Treasury removes Alfa-Bank’s Kazakh subsidiary from Russia’s sanctions list

The statement points to Alfa-Bank Kazakhstan under two names, but with one actual address and website

Russia-Japan trade turnover falls by 45.3% in 2023

The key cause for the fall in trade turnover between the two countries was the Japanese side's restrictive measures implemented in light of the situation in Ukraine

Kiev troops presumably used ATACMS missiles to strike Lugansk — politician

"Missiles hit an oil storage facility within city limits," Vladimir Rogov said

Nine Russian canoeists cleared for 2024 Olympics qualifiers in Hungary’s Szeged

The International Olympic Committee Executive Board convened for a meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 19-20 and following the opening day it decided to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in the Parade of Athletes and also exclude them from the 2024 Olympics overall medal standings

France’s Bonduelle to continue operations in Russia, observe sanctions, says company head

It was stressed that Bonduelle’s mission is to "feed people, not to wage a war against Russians, Kazakhs or Central Asia"

Several explosions heard in Belgorod after civil defense sirens start to wail again

Rescuers clearing the rubble of a partially collapsed ten-storey building in the city had to once again pause the rescue and recovery effort and take cover in a nearby shelter

Russian ombudswoman urges world to denounce terrorism in wake of Belgorod attack

Tatyana Moskalkova also said she had asked her counterpart in the Russian borderline region of Belgorod to give necessary assistance to those affected as she wished soonest recovery to people injured in the attack

Putin proposes Belousov as Shoigu's replacement: what is known about cabinet reshuffle

Other heads of security ministries and services, as well as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, will retain their posts in the government

US veteran calls Washington’s decision to drop Elbe Day celebrations with Russia ‘dumb’

That was the last good link that we had, Frank Cohn said

Russian envoy vows both mirror, asymmetrical response to provocations by Baltic states

According to Sergey Belyaev, diplomatic relations with the three Baltic states have been downgraded to a charge d’affaires level

Russia introduces new domestically-produced protective helmets for military pilots

Russia has created new light helmets made of Kevlar for military pilots

Woman killed, 29 more wounded in Ukrainian shelling of Belgorod

The Ukrainian armed forces have shelled Russia’s borderline city of Belgorod, as a result, 49 apartments in 22 apartment buildings, four commercial facilities have been damaged, as well as glazing in two hospitals

Section of high-rise residential building collapses in Belgorod

Five people suffered injuries

Kiev tried to kill Chief of Russia’s General Staff Gerasimov, The New York Times says

According to the daily, Kiev allegedly launched the attack when Gerasimov was on the front line

FACTBOX: Key facts and figures about Russia’s Victory Day

Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

Russia knows how to deal with Ukrainian drones — Putin

The Russian leader noted that those tasks that until recently were solved exclusively with the help of aviation systems are now being solved with small means, but with great effect

Russia offers China various 'green' projects, including carbon units trading

According to Alexander Novak, Russia increased coal supplies to China to more than 64 mln tons in 2022 and supplies are also rising this year

Swiss singer wins Eurovision 2024 contest

Nemo Mettler won with The Code song

US is plotting another pandemic — Russian Defense Ministry

"We do not rule out the United States may use so-called defensive technologies for offensive purposes, as well as for global governance by creating crisis situations of biological nature," lieutenant general Igor Kirillov stressed

Russia’s cutting-edge weaponry capable of ‘blinding’ enemy's army

TASS outlines domestic electronic warfare systems

Gerasimov to continue his duties as chief of Russian General Staff — Kremlin spokesman

"The military component has always been a prerogative of the Chief of General Staff, and he will continue his duties. In this sense, no changes are expected at this point," Dmitry Peskov said

Government spent 4tn rubles on crisis support of Russia’s economy, first deputy PM says

Russia’s government took from banks in the form of loans, Andrei Belousov said

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

Real wages in Russia rise by over 30% in six years — minister

Anton Kotyakov also recalled that based on the results of 11 months of 2023, the growth in real wages amounted to 7.6%

State of emergency triggered in two districts of Omsk Region due to flood

The emergency situation was earlier announced in the Ust-Ishimsky District

West may benefit from Zelensky’s elimination to put blame on Russia — DPR head

Fire breaks out in Volgograd Refinery due to drone crash

No casualties, the regional administration said

China ready to make car models meeting Russian market’s demand — envoy

Beijing expects Chinese car producers to uphold the image of their brands, Zhang Hanhui added

Zelensky's presidential powers to expire May 21 — Ukrainian legislator

Alexander Dubinsky argues that the only situation where the president can continue to fulfill his duties after the expiration of his term is the period until the president-elected takes office

Russian forces hit Ukrainian points of deployment and equipment at railway stations

Тhe Russian Ministry of Defense noted that "air defense systems, arsenals, fuel depots, workshops for the production and repair of unmanned boats and UAVs, temporary deployment points for foreign mercenaries

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Death toll in partial building collapse in Belgorod climbs to 11

Earlier reports said 10 people were missing and being searched for as a section of the building collapsed following a Ukrainian attack

Russian air defenses destroy two Ukrainian drones over Belgorod Region

Russian Defense Ministry said that Another attempt by the Kiev regime to use fixed-wing drones to carry out a terrorist attack on targets in Russia was foiled at about 1:30 p.m. Moscow time

FSB declassifies archival evidence on Nazi executions of Poles, Katyn case

There are many accounts of interrogations of Poles who served with the Germans in the Smolensk Region, forensic expert of the Budapest City Royal Court, Imre Szecsody, and other key figures involved

Kiev describes situation in Volchansk as extremely challenging

According to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, "fierce fighting" is taking place in the Kharkov Region

Mauritius working on Mir system introduction — Russian Ambassador

Mir cards are now accepted in nine countries but operations of the system are limited in six of them

Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares said that around 30% of weapons in service with his country’s armed forces are Russian-made

At least 11 Belgorod residents killed in Ukrainian shelling attacks in past day

According to Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, 25 people have been injured in the city over the past 24 hours, of whom three have been taken to hospital

Multiple deaths, at least 20 wounded in Ukraine’s shelling of Belgorod

At least eight people were reported to have been killed and 20 - wounded, including two children

Series of explosions reported in Berdyansk — authorities

According to the city administration, the explosions were heard at about 4:30 p.m. local time

Mercenaries’ flow to Ukraine declining — Business Insider

A half of coming mercenaries now is from Latin America, Carl Larson, a US veteran that participated in hostilities in Ukraine in summer 2022

Putin hears reports on `barbaric’ attack at Belgorod, gives all instructions — Kremlin

"All necessary instructions have been given," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said as he condemned the latest missile attack on Belgorod as barbaric

Lithuania to hold presidential election, citizenship referendum

Eight candidates are running for presidency

Those complicit in terrorist attacks on Russian territory to be inevitably punished — MFA

On May 11, the day of the anniversary of the DPR, Ukrainian neo-Nazis fired US-made HIMARS missiles at the city of Donetsk, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reminded

US, allies destroy four drones over Red Sea — CENTCOM

Three drones were also destroyed on May 11, the Command informed

Battlegroup North liberates four settlements in Kharkov Region in past day

Russian air defenses also downed a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet

Relations with Russia are really important for Israel — Ambassador to Moscow

Dialogue between Israel and Russia is important, including on those topics where the parties "absolutely disagree," Simona Halperin said

Russian National Guard uncovers nationalists’ weapons in Kharkov, Zaporozhye Regions

It was noted that during clashes in one of the communities in the Zaporozhye Region, Russian National Guard senior lieutenant N. Perkov eliminated two nationalists from the adversary’s sabotage and reconnaissance group

Tucker Carlson reports on death of American reporter in Ukrainian custody

Gonzalo Lira was in prison because of criticism of the governments of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and US President Joe Biden, the TV presenter said

Hezbollah drones attacked Iron Dome sites in north Israel

The artillery base of the Israel Defense Forces in Khirbet Maar was early exposed to rocket and mortar shelling

Life on tusk tip. Chukchi bone-carving workshop upholds tradition for 90 years

People there work hard in long winter or short summer afternoons

Russia’s defense minister to use droptop Aurus car during VE Day parade in Moscow

The cars are now undergoing final trials during the parade rehearsals

West attempted to disrupt Aeroflot flights to Mauritius — Russian Ambassador

The Western countries "stoop to nothing" in order to prevent other countries from developing relations with Russia, Konstantin Klimovsky said

Seventeen people hospitalized after Belgorod shelling — governor

Two women are in an extremely grave condition; doctors are endeavoring to rescue their lives," Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

One in two Germans believe Russia unlikely to attack NATO, poll shows

Only two percent of respondents are confident that the German army is well prepared to defend the country, while 39% believe the armed forces are in poor condition.

Press review: Vladimir Putin sworn in for fifth term and EU, Ukraine talk arms deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 8th

Explosives seized in northwest Russia could have blown up 5-story apartment block — police

The explosives were attached to the reverse side of the icon frames

Russian military fights Nazi followers in special military operation — Shoigu

He stressed that during the war, the qualities of a multinational people were revealed — its strength and fortitude, incredible mutual support, and a commitment to fight for the ideas of justice and humanism

Three people wounded by rocket firing against Israel’s Ashkelon — newspaper

The rocket fired from the Gaza Strip fell together with the intercepting missile on a residential house, resulting in heavy damage, The Jerusalem Post said

Russia’s new Security Council secretary to assume senior posts in other bodies

Dmitry Peskov said that the new structure of the Russian executive branch places the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, previously under control of the Russian Defense Ministry, under direct subordination of the Russian presiden

Putin nominates Boris Kovalchuk as head of Accounts Chamber

The nomination is yet to be approved by the Federation Council

Putin approves structure of new government

According to his decree, the distribution of authority between deputy prime ministers has changed

Lawmakers support all candidates to Russia’s new government — first deputy speaker

In Zhukov’s words, the candidates "demonstrated their competence, as well as clear understanding of their duties in the government"

Putin relieves Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev of duty

The announcement about Nikolay Patrushev’s new post will be made shortly, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Developer shows first image of Russia's new Sarmat ballistic missile

The RS-28 Sarmat is the newest heavy liquid-propelled intercontinental ballistic missile currently being co-developed to replace the world’s largest and most formidable ballistic missile, the Voyevoda

Fans banned from bringing Russian flags to IIHF World Championship matches

The tournament is taking place in the Czech Republic on May 10-26

Russia’s 6th-generation fighter jet to get lasers capable of burning missile homing heads

In addition to electromagnetic guns, the Russian sixth-generation fighter jet will also get guided electronic munitions

Ukrainian army loses up to 160 troops in Battlegroup East responsibility zone

The military agency added that Ukrainian losses included two armored fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, a Grad multiple launch rocket system combat vehicle, a self-propelled artillery system and three howitzers

Kiev troops shell Kherson Region’s Skadovsk, casualties reported — governor

The Vladimir Saldo added that power and water supplies were disrupted in some parts of the city

Combat aircraft fly over Moscow’s Red Square in Victory Day parade

Nine Su-30SM heavy multirole fighter jets and MiG-29 frontline fighters flew over Moscow’s Red Square, performing the Kubinka Diamond stunt

Ceasefire in Gaza to occur after hostages release — Biden

"There would be a cease fire tomorrow if Hamas would release the hostages," US President said

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Kharkov regions aspiring to join Russia — interim administration

According to Head of the Kharkov Region’s interim civil administration Vitaly Ganchev, residents are already making numerous enquiries about receiving the Russian citizenship

Some countries reevaluating reliance on dollar over national security concerns — IMF

Meanwhile, "despite increased geopolitical risks, the latest data show that the US dollar remains dominant," Gita Gopinath noted

Protest against foreign agent bill underway in Tbilisi

The demonstration organized by the opposition started at 7:00 p.m. local time from three downtown locations places, namely First Republic Square near the Georgian parliament

Entrepreneurs flock back to Russia amid improved business climate — Kremlin

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing data from the Finion company, that up to 45% of citizens who left the Russian Federation since the beginning of the special military operation have returned to the country

Russia to restore peace in Donbass regardless of Zelensky’s attempts — MFA

Russia will bring back the long-awaited peace and will solve the most complex tasks, Maria Zakharova said

Russia’s ice cream production rises by 12% to 110 mln kg in Q1

In comparison with the previous quarter, when 66 mln kilograms were produced, the production of ice cream for January-March 2024 increased by 66%

Russia urges OSCE to condemn Ukraine's criminal attack on Belgorod — mission

Russia’s mission to the OSCE said that "there should be no double standards or political filters at the OSCE when it comes to obviously brutal violations of international humanitarian law by the Kiev regime"

Russia’s Dnepr group repels counterattack by 118th brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Over the week, units of the Dnepr group of troops defeated the manpower and equipment of three brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

French tired of supporting Ukraine — war correspondent

Christelle Nahan noted that people were tired of the fact that there was not enough money for the development of infrastructure, hospitals and schools, for pensions and benefits for children

Iraq, Kazakhstan to compensate for over-produced oil volumes by year-end

Iraq and Kazakhstan were to submit their detailed compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by April 30, 2024

BRICS member states to consider creating common digital payment platform

The gradual integration of the new BRICS member states into the work of the financial tracks and strengthening of cooperation at the expert level was noted as being one of the crucial tasks for 2024

Gazprom delivering 42.1 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe through Ukraine via Sudzha

The volume also stood at 42.4 mln cubic meters on May 11

Egypt decides to join South Africa’s UN court case against Israel

Egypt called on the Jewish state to "implement the ICJ’s provisional measures ordering Israel to ensure the entry of enough humanitarian aid to meet the needs of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip"

White House claims Russian forces started offensive on Kharkov

" We’ve been coordinating closely with Ukraine to help them prepare", John Kirby said

Ukrainians actively using British weapons to strike Russian regions, diplomat says

"According to the English themselves, since 2022, London has already donated around 7.1 bln pounds for Ukraine’s defense purposes," Sergey Belyaev said

Russia remaining second largest supplier of LNG to Spain

In the first four months of 2024, Madrid purchased 26,854 GWh of gas from Russia, according to data provided by Spanish energy company Enagas

Russian commandos redeploy to Uzbekistan for drills on Afghan border

In the course of joint practical measures, the troops will accomplish the combat training tasks of ensuring the state’s territorial integrity

Kharkov Region’s authorities continue evacuation of civilians

A total of 1,377 local residents have been evacuated from the Chuguyevsky District, 2,097 form the Kharkovsky District, and another 29 from the Bogodukhovsky Sky District

Russian security chief urges measures against 'ethnic enclaves' in Russia

The Russian president has ordered that migration policy be overhauled taking into account the national interests and security of the population, and the importance of preserving Russia’s culture and language, Nikolay Patrushev reiterated

General staff chiefs of CIS armies discuss ways of counteracting drones — Russian general

The meeting participants also discussed developing joint (unified) military systems

Trump sees Biden willing to stop all aid to Israel soon

Earlier, former US President said that the Democratic Party actually hates Israel

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."