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Smuggled cocaine worth $1.8 mln found in cases of bananas at St. Petersburg port

The compressed briquettes were packed in polyethylene; a forensic examination confirmed the composition of the drug

ST. PETERSBURG, March 1. /TASS/. Officers of the Baltic Customs division have uncovered 11 kilograms of cocaine hidden in briquettes among cases of imported bananas at the Great Port of St. Petersburg, the Federal Customs Service (FCS) told reporters.

The estimated street value of the drugs, which arrived by ship from Antwerp, Belgium, is 165 mln rubles ($1.8 mln).

"More than 11 kilograms of the drug, the value of which on the black market exceeds 165 mln rubles, have been seized. The contraband was revealed during the inspection of a container arriving from Antwerp, Belgium. Customs officers found briquettes with compressed white powder packed in a case full of bananas," the FCS press service said.

The compressed briquettes were packed in polyethylene; a forensic examination confirmed the composition of the drug. A criminal case was initiated under Paragraph B, Part 4, Article 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Smuggling of Narcotic Drugs on a Large Scale"). The circumstances of the crime are currently being established.

Citizens of Poland, Germany, Italy apply for residence permit in Lugansk Republic

The decisions will be made in response to these applications in the near future

US did not contact Russia after use of Oreshnik missile — Deputy Foreign Minister

In his televised address to the nation on November 21, Putin stated that the United States and its NATO allies had authorized the use of long-range high-precision weapons before US and British missiles struck Russian military facilities in the bordering regions of Kursk and Bryansk

Biden’s decision to use ATACMS against Russia may 'blow up in America’s face' — US expert

According to Daniel Davis authorizing US long-range weapons to be used against Russia is "foolhardy to the highest order," "especially because there is no military upside for doing so"

France, UK may deploy troops to Ukraine following ceasefire — expert

According to Elie Tenenbaum, European countries may send troops to east Ukraine to ensure the observation of a ceasefire regime and guarantee Kiev’s security

Weapons supplied to Ukraine cannot reach Russian territory, Spanish defense minister says

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Diplomat mocks US Senator for talking about invading Netherlands

Maria Zakharova quoted the US Senator, who called the ICC a "Kangaroo court" and ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan a "deranged fanatic"

Kremlin doesn’t see Trump’s future term through ‘rose-colored glasses’ — spokesman

Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as president on January 20, 2025

Russian diplomat doesn’t rule out missile deployment in Asia as response to US’ actions

Sergey Ryabkov warned Russia’s adversaries against settling into a "false sense of security"

Russia acted responsibly in warning US about Oreshnik missile launch, Kremlin says

The US was notified automatically 30 minutes before the launch by Russia's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center

France, UK will have to pay for their helping Ukraine strike inside Russia — diplomat

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov said that what has been done by the White House is very dangerous

Abkhazia did not reach point of no return, ex-president says

Aslan Bzhania believes that the recent developments in the republic have inflicted reputational damage on it

Senior envoy sees Putin’s statement as signal of Russia’s readiness for military responses

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that Russia has its underlying security interests "that will be ensured by every means that we have at our disposal"

Warehouse catches fire in southern Moscow, over 2,500 square meters on fire

According to the emergency response services, the fire is spreading rapidly

Russian forces eliminate Ukrainian MiG-29 on ground

Additionally, Russian units eliminated one munitions depot

Zelensky begs ‘for his country to be flattened’ — US journalist

"Ukraine should be forever grateful that President Putin is calm, rational and kind - because Zelensky is practically begging for his country to be flattened," American political commentator Jackson Hinkle said

Press review: Russia to mass-produce Oreshnik missiles and EU gas prices reach record high

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 25th

Citizens of Poland, Germany, Italy apply for residence permit in Lugansk Republic

The decisions will be made in response to these applications in the near future

Europe's 'hotheads' for sending troops to Ukraine, but there is no unity — Kremlin

"Earlier, of course, such ideas were heard from different European capitals, but various counterarguments were also voiced not in favor of this idea," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia to toughly respond to Japan’s steps against it — Deputy Foreign Minister

According to Andrey Rudenko, Tokyo has no intention to change anything to the positive side

Putin, Turkish president hold phone talks — Kremlin

The leaders also discussed some international issues

Kremlin refrains from predicting outcome of Romanian elections

Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia is well aware of Romania’s current government’s policy

Romanian presidential candidate vows to end military aid to Ukraine

It is pointed out that Simion’s popularity has propelled him to number two in the polls after Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu

Guterres condemns supply of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine

The UN Secretary-General urged world leaders to join the Ottawa Convention

Restrictions under New START treaty don’t apply to Oreshnik missile — Russian diplomat

"As for New START, you are well aware of our decision to suspend it," Sergey Ryabkov said

Putin has high hopes for cancer vaccine being developed in Russia

Head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency Veronika Skvortskova briefed the Russian President on the vaccine's development

Any escalation scenario possible in Ukraine conflict — Medvedev

According to the politician, Western nations need to understand that they are fighting on Ukraine’s side

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine is a signal to the West, Kremlin confirms

Dmitry Peskov also noted that the outgoing US administration is taking increasingly reckless steps, increasing tensions around the Ukrainian conflict

US, European officials suggest returning nukes to Ukraine — NYT

US officials believe that ramping up weapons supplies to Ukraine is unlikely to change the situation in the combat zone short term, but it may help Kiev strengthen its stance in case a truce is reached

T-90M tank shows itself as best in the world in real fight — Medvedev

Many experts believe this is the best tank of our time, compared to Western counterparts in particular, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council said

Turkey to investigate causes of Russian Superjet emergency at Antalya airport

The Turkish side will also provide information on the progress of the investigation

US, West have no capabilities to intercept new Russian hypersonic missile — expert

"There is more in the Russian arsenal than many believe," said Karin Kneissl, the former Foreign Minister of Austria

British mercenary claims he was sent to Russia’s Kursk Region against his will

The captive explained that he had served as a private in a battalion for four months

Gazprombank’s UnionPay cards no longer serviced in several countries

Most of Russian weapons manufactured inside Russia — Medvedev

Ukraine abandons Selidovo, laying mines in wells — security services

The Ukrainian armed forces used various modified Western-made mines and improvised explosive devices during the process

Press review: Russia fires missile at Ukraine plant and Biden forgives Kiev $4.65 bln debt

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 22nd

Independent candidate Georgescu leading first round of presidential election in Romania

Georgescu is reserved about Romania’s NATO membership and he has been cautiously pushing for normalization with Russia

Defense contractor delivers new batch of Su-34 bombers to Russia’s Aerospace Forces

The new fighter-bombers have undergone necessary testing and have been sent to the places of their operation, Vadim Badekha noted

Pilot killed in cargo plane crash near Lithuanian capital

According to preliminary reports, there were two pilots and two DHL employees aboard the plane en route from the German city of Leipzig

Russian armed forces defeat Ukrainian assault Battalion Shkval in DPR

Kiev forces lost over 440 troops in battlegroup group West responsibility zone

US missile defense base in Poland long among Russian army’s targets — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stated that the US-NATO construction project, ongoing for nearly a decade with complete disregard to Russian security concerns, has consistently been a focus of Russia's attention

Ukrainian commander-in-chief reports threats to troops in Zaporozhye Region

Earlier, it was reported that the Russian forces had advanced for over 2 km near Malaya Tokmachka in the Zaporozhye Region

Comprehensive partnership agreement between Russia, Iran to cover defense sphere

The agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership is called to become the most important stage in development of bilateral relations

US needs Ukraine's rare earth metals, including lithium — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that American companies had already bought up most of the fertile land

Russia’s launch of new missile illustrated assured retaliation capability, lawmaker says

Andrey Kartapolov also noted that the enemy currently has no defenses against the Oreshnik.

FACTBOX: What is known about Russian flight incident at Antalya Airport

A Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by the Azimuth airline caught fire as the plane landed at Antalya Airport on Sunday, TASS has compiled the key facts about the situation

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

FACTBOX: Cargo aircraft crashes into apartment building in Vilnius, Lithuania

Twelve local residents have been evacuated from the scene

West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, this represents the "confrontational logic" of the West

Netanyahu approves deal with Hezbollah 'in principle' — report

The Israeli news website Ynet also reported earlier that Israel tentatively approved a proposed ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and it is now subject to final endorsement by the cabinet

Kremlin explains why Oreshnik missile came as surprise

"I am sure that neither of us is even aware right now of any new future developments," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia may soon push Kiev troops out of Kursk Region — Ukrainian battalion commander

It is noted that Russia has about three times as many men as the Ukrainians in the Kursk Region and six times as many explosive drones

Developments in Russia’s Kursk Region: Counselling for residents, enemy’s losses

Doctors, including psychologists, are working with the Kursk Region residents that returned from Ukraine

Ukrainian strikes inside Russia impossible without Western support — newspaper

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 12 that Ukraine was unable to strike inside Russia without the West’s assistance because it would require intelligence data from satellites and flight assignments

Europe resumes talks of troop deployment to Ukraine — newspaper

According to the sources, this is driven by the fact that Washington may scale back support for Ukraine after Donald Trump returns to office as US president on January 20, 2025

Western air defense systems unlikely to intercept Russian missiles — France’s Le Monde

According to the French military source, Russia's recent use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile should be taken in the context of possible negotiations regarding the ongoing Ukrainian conflict

Rome plans to arrange Ukraine conference with Russia's participation

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga is set to attend the G7 foreign ministers' meeting on November 26, marking the end of Italy’s presidency of the informal group

Putin doesn’t let US feel comfortable on global stage — Turkish columnist

Melih Altinok also praised Putin for "not surrendering to the World Health Organization during the pandemic" and pursuing the nation’s own policy in fighting the virus

Ukrainian army mercenaries from Colombia linked to US-controlled drug cartels — expert

Commenting on the motivation of Colombian fighters to join the hostilities in Ukraine, Alexander Stepanov explained that it is linked to the situation in the South American drug trafficking market

Peace deal between Israel, Hezbollah 'very close' — TV

The Ynet news website reported earlier that Israel had given a preliminary green light to a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, subject to final approval by the cabinet

Russia will respond 'in every way' to Seoul’s arms supply to Kiev — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Andrey Rudenko called on South Korean to soberly assess the situation and refrain from "reckless steps"

Trump ‘incredibly concerned’ about escalation in Ukraine, his NSA pick Waltz says

Trump is "incredibly concerned" about the escalation that is taking place and "where it’s all going," he said on Fox News

Large number of Ukrainians to lose mobilization exemption after February 28 — deputy

In recent months, the number of Ukrainian employees with exemptions from military service has increased from 900,000 to 1.6 million

Kremlin spokesman says EU will look back on its foreign policy under Borrell with shame

According to Peskov, the EU is far from taking an independent, sober view of what is happening

Retreating Ukrainian troops leave dozens of bodies behind in Chasov Yar

According to the sources, some of these makeshift morgues were destroyed by retreating Ukrainian troops

UK mercenary taken prisoner in Russia’s Kursk area — source

"A mercenary from Britain has been taken prisoner in the Kursk area," the person said

Moscow to announce new Russian ambassador to US after relevant decree is signed — Kremlin

Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Anatoly Antonov from the office of Ambassador of Russia to the United States

US Army under Trump may fire all trans persons — media

Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth has publicly railed against weak and "effeminate" leadership in the Armed Forces, saying that the next commander-in-chief will have to get his house in order

Ukrainian officer says 90% of fellow servicemen have no desire to fight

According to Vyacheslav Khomenko, soldiers in his platoon don’t have required combat experience

Ukraine sustains almost 65,000 casualties from Russia’s Battlegroup North since May

Also, since mid-May, the Ukrainians have sustained at least 2,500 casualties per week from the Battlegroup West which has been active in areas adjacent to the area of the Battlegroup North’s responsibility

Ciolacu, Lasconi to face off in presidential runoff in Romania next month — exit polls

Voter turnout in the election stood at 52.41%

Zelensky shook up by Russia’s response to permission to attack it — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West is directly involved in the use of long-range weapons against Russia, as not a single missile could be launched without its involvement

Ukraine’s military loses nearly 10,000 troops at LPR borders over week — military expert

Over the reporting period, Russian forces also destroyed 11 tanks, 89 field artillery guns, 16 electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations, 33 field ammunition depots and more than 230 combat vehicles of the Ukrainian army in those frontline areas, Andrey Marochko said

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Kremlin spokesman says missiles like Oreshnik are developed in secrecy

Dmitry Peskov said that he himself did not know about this work before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced it

Russian official describes OPCW note on use of chemicals in Ukraine as absurd

According to Kirill Lysogorsky, who leads the Russian delegation at the OPCW conference, Moscow is checking the information and will report on the outcome through its permanent mission to the OPCW

Kremlin accuses Biden’s team of trying to thwart Trump’s efforts for settlement in Ukraine

According to the Kremlin spokesman, the Biden administration continues escalation because it is a "party of war" that sees Ukraine as a tool to fight Russia

Kremlin sees US-led West ready to do anything to suppress Russia

The situation is "unprecedented," the spokesman told the reporter from the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company

Kiev has ‘no chance’ of retaking lost territories — Blackwater founder

Erik Prince noted that it was necessary to end the Ukrainian conflict as soon as possible

Russian forces pound Ukrainian military airfields, energy sites over day — top brass

It is specified that the Ukrainian army’s losses in the area of responsibility of Russia’s Battlegroup North in the Kharkov Region over the past 24 hours amounted to 30 personnel, two armored combat vehicles and four motor vehicles

Europe unable to wage war attrition on Russia — Ukraine’s ex-commander-in-chief

According to Zaluzhny, European countries lack munitions to shoot down air bombs

British military instructor captured, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy has lost more than 35,510 troops since the fighting began in the region

Oreshnik can reach targets across entire Europe — missile troops commander

"Based on the tasks and the range of this weapon, it can hit targets across entire Europe, which sets it apart from other high-precision long-range weapons," Sergey Karakayev said

Russia encircles largest Ukrainian fortification in southern DPR — security services

"The enemy positioned in the fortified area in Velikaya Novoselka in the south of the DPR is already trapped in a kill zone," the source said

Scholz vows to continue supporting Ukraine following his chancellor nomination

The German chancellor listed supporting Ukraine at the top of his priorities should the SPD win and form a government

French politician calls for protests against deployment of Western troops to Ukraine

Florian Philippot called on his supporters to rally "in support for peace and against this madness" on December 1

Cyprus submits NATO accession plan to US — report

Nicosia reportedly asked to buy some military equipment from Washington as part of a three or five-year agreement, and sought help in bringing Cyprus’ military capabilities to NATO standards

Potential deployment of intermediate-range missiles depends on US moves — Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that "any escalation scenarios, if they start to materialize, will be a direct consequence of the reckless" and "inhumane policy that is pursued by Washington and leading European countries"

Russian national Nikita Zhuravel sentenced to 14 years in prison for high treason

Nikita Zhuravel was detained in May 2023 in Volgograd for setting fire to the Quran in front of a mosque, and during questioning, he confessed that he did it for money, under instructions from Ukrainian intelligence

Russians liberate about 8 square kilometers east of Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

Earlier, Rogov said Russian forces had pushed toward that locality from Novodonetskoye in the southeast and Yasnaya Polyana in the northeast

Conflict in Ukraine no longer regional war — German defense minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on November 21 that strikes on Russian territory with Western long-range missiles had made the conflict in Ukraine a global one

Russian troops mopping up enemy positions in Yelizavetovka in Donbass region — politician

On November 20, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported the liberation of Ilyinka in the DPR

Cargo plane crashes near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania

One of the pilots reportedly survived the crash, while no information is currently available about the other people on board

German activists demand compensation from Ukraine for Nord Stream explosion

The statement’s authors stressed that blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines was not aimed at Russia alone but "above all, was directed against Germany, its interests, and economy"

Russia gave OPCW over 30 reports proving Ukraine used banned substances, official says

Kirill Lysogorsky noted that "the Kiev regime continues to systematically use toxic chemicals and chemical riot control agents"

Russia’s Medvedev warns Europe could face 'catastrophic damage' from Oreshnik missile

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman also commented on Vladimir Zelensky’s "resilience plan"

Russia’s Sukhoi jet catches fire while landing in Turkey

According to HaberGlobal television, all 79 passengers on board were evacuated

Georgescu wins first round of Romania’s presidential vote as ballot tally ends

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who leads the Social Democratic Party, ended up third with 19.15% of the vote

Moscow doing everything to bring Russian citizens back home — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the return of the Kursk residents "was the result of very challenging negotiations"

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

No int’l restrictions on deployment of Oreshnik systems — senior Russian diplomat

When asked if the 1998 Russian-US memorandum of understanding on notifications of missile launches remained in effect, Sergey Ryabkov answered in the affirmative