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Marijuana use outpaces daily drinking in US for first time

The legalization of marijuana is reported to be the main driver of this trend

NEW YORK, May 24. /TASS/. In 2022, marijuana use by US residents surpassed alcohol consumption for the first time in more than 40 years of data collection, the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing a study by Carnegie Mellon University.

Jonathan Caulkins, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States, systematized data among US residents across 27 national surveys from 1979 to 2022, in which more than 1.6 million people participated. As a result, it was found that in 2022, 17.7 million Americans reported using marijuana daily or almost daily, compared to 14.7 million daily or frequent drinkers of alcohol. The agency cites the legalization of marijuana as the main driver of this trend.

Currently, at the federal level, US law does not allow the use of marijuana, but different states can independently regulate legislation in this field. Meanwhile, recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in several states, and more than 30 other states permit the sale of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Red-listed whale entangled in a net rescued in Murmansk region — environmental watchdog

Svetlana Radionova clarified that the whale still had scars

G7 decision to use seized Russian assets for Kiev’s needs is illegitimate — envoy Antonov

Anatoly Antonov noted that the loan proposed by the G7 for Ukraine is secured by stolen money, and the United States is trying to force its satellites to take responsibility for it.

Putin made it clear that conditions for peace in Ukraine will be set by Russia — opinion

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with senior officials of the Russian foreign ministry on June 14 that a peace solution to the Ukrainian conflict is impossible without Russia’s participation and an honest dialogue with it

France turns down Russian request to hold UNSC meeting on downed plane Wednesday — mission

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting at 3:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. GMT) on Wednesday

Turkish foreign minister, Putin discuss elections on Syria’s Kurdish areas — Erdogan

The Turkish president said that his country "has already shown how deftly it can expose such games."

Battlegroup Center improves tactical position in 24 hours — Russian Defense Ministry

"Four counterattacks by assault groups of the 23rd, 110th mechanized and 68th ranger brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces were repelled," the ministry added

Four conditions for negotiations with Kiev: what Putin said at Foreign Ministry

Russia considers Ukraine's neutral, non-aligned, non-nuclear status and the lifting of all Western sanctions as a necessary condition

Conference on Ukraine reveals differences in viewpoints — Swiss president

The final communique of the conference was supported by 80 out of 91 participating countries

Moscow accepted Ukraine security guarantees formulated by Kiev in 2022 to stop war — Putin

Under that compromise agreement, Kiev agreed to conditions of demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, the Russian leader said

Iran calls on G7 not to link conflict in Ukraine to its relations with Russia

The spokesperson emphasized "Iran's unwavering commitment to human rights"

Press review: G7 pushes EU to tap Russian assets and BRICS sends strong message to West

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 11th

Ukrainian troops in Volchansk will soon be trapped in a pocket — Russian lawmaker

As the State Duma deputy Viktor Vodolatsky noted, despite the fact that it is a small city, it is heavily fortified

Trump vows to halt ‘never-ending’ payments to Kiev if winning election

Ex-US President repeatedly stated earlier that he would be able to stop the conflict in Ukraine in case of his return to the White House

US rejects WTO, puts pressure on competitors — Putin

"It is enough to look at how they are draining European economies that are balancing on the brink of recession," the Russian leader stressed

Peace in Ukraine requires involvement of all parties — Reuters

We, therefore, decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties," agency said, citing the draft document

New Russian proposals call for Kiev’s surrender, says Harris

According to Harris, President Zelensky and the United States share their vision for the end of this conflict. She added that nothing about the end of this conflict should be decided without Ukraine

Russia will liberate Kremensky district of Lugansk republic in month and a half — lawmaker

According to State Duma deputy Viktor Vodolatsky, after the liberation of the Kremensky district, Russian forces will begin to form a sanitary zone

Russia-Egypt Mediterranean drills to strengthen cooperation — top brass

Egypt’s navy was represented by Al-Qadeer frigate

Georgian Legion POWs say they were trained by NATO instructors — video

The ideology of the Georgian Legion, the POW said, was Russophobia: "kill Russians and do not to take prisoners"

Russian sailors meet with Cuban officials, go sightseeing in Havana

Russian ships have stirred a genuine interest in the Cuban capital

Russia hammers Ukrainian military-industrial sector’s energy sites over week — top brass

Russian air defense forces shot down a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet and two Mi-8 helicopters over the past week, the ministry reported

Kremlin has nothing to say to participants of Swiss summit on Ukraine

The Swiss authorities plan to hold the conference on Ukraine on June 15-16 at the Burgenstock resort

Ukraine's Zelensky calls Russia's peace offer ‘an ultimatum’

Vladimir Zelensky said that accepting Moscow’s was tantamount to ceding territories

Sweden says Russian military aircraft violated its airspace

The Swedish Armed Forces claim that they had to scramble two JAS-39 Gripen fighters to force the military jet to leave the country’s airspace

Colombian president not to attend Swiss conference on Ukraine

According to Petro, the Swiss conference is not "a free forum to discuss the path to peace between Russia and Ukraine."

Ukraine loses up to 495 troops in Russia’s Battlegroup West responsibility zone

The adversary has also lost three armored fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, five howitzers, a self-propelled artillery system and a Grad combat vehicle

President of Cuba visited Russian warships

"Welcome, friends from Russia," Miguel Diaz-Canel said

Unfreezing of Russian assets tied to peace process, support for Ukraine — Meloni

The G7 said in the joint statement that Moscow should pay Ukraine for damage, which the World Bank estimates at $486 billion

Russian MP slams Burgenstock conference’s document as void and dead

Addressing the closing ceremony, Swiss President Viola Amherd admitted that different viewpoints had been voiced during the conference

Conference in Burgenstock calls for Ukraine’s sovereignty over ZNPP

The communique was not signed by 13 participating countries

British Navy reports a new attack on a ship off the coast of Yemen

Vessels are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO

Putin’s proposals need to be discussed to save world — diplomat about Swiss forum

Putin put forward new peace proposals seeking to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Ukraine conference in Switzerland risks failing short — Bloomberg

Аgency pointed out that the meeting’s attempts to find a path for a "just peace" may be futile

Israel announces pause in fighting in southern Gaza Strip for humanitarian purposes

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it will introduce a tactical pause in combat operations from 08:00 to 19:00 (Moscow time) daily

Press review: G7 to tap iced Russian assets for Ukraine loan and BRICS candidates unveiled

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 14th

Detainees in Rostov pre-trial detention center take two employees hostage

According to the department, negotiations are underway to release the hostages

Bern sees no problems with Putin’s participation in potential conference on Ukraine

According to Swiss President Viola Amherd, such exceptions are possible when the participation of government officials in conferences are needed

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

Criminals who took hostages in Rostov accused of preparing terrorist act in 2023

As the court found, being followers of a radical ideology, Akiyev, Gireyev and Tsitskiyev voluntarily united to commit terrorist crimes

Some Ukrainian legislators begin to discuss Putin’s peace proposal — Duma speaker

"Actually, according to our information received over the parliament’s channels, some Verkhovna Rada deputies have already begun doing that," Volodin added

No one waits for Armenia, Ukraine to join European Union — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council warned that the ‘mountains of gold,’ including membership in the European Union, were offered to Yerevan in exchange Armenia’s complete loyalty

Basis of US economy 'cracking' due to government debt, inflation — Putin

"It is an unequivocal problem for all holders of the dollar assets," the Russian president went on to say

Implementation of Putin’s conditions to mean achievement of Russia’s goal — NATO chief

Jens Stoltenberg has repeatedly said that the alliance cannot decide for Ukraine about acceptable conditions for ending the conflict

Putin appoints Titov his envoy for relations with international organizations

This position was occupied by Anatoly Chubais in 2020-2022

No time frame for Putin’s proposal on peace talks but front situation changes — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian president has chosen this moment to announce his proposal in view of the conference in Switzerland

Canadian patrol boat calls at Havana port

The Canadian ship is moored out of sight and cannot be seen from the embankment

Putin congratulates Muslims of Russia with Eid al-Adha

Russian President also underlined the contribution of the Muslim Ummah "to promoting unity of our people and fostering inter-ethnic and inter-faith dialogue in Russia"

Russia ranked world’s second largest military power — GFP

More than 60 individual criteria were factored into the rankings, including the number of military troops, financial and logistics capabilities, as 145 world powers were considered

Russia wins 33 gold medals on fourth day of BRICS Games

The Russian team also won 28 silver and 18 bronze medals

Conference on Ukraine in Switzerland is a trial of Russia — lawmaker

The senator noted that the countries participating in the conference know the statements that Russian President Vladimir Putin made on June 14 at a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry and they are discussing them

NATO to build three large bases to supply weapons to Ukraine, Orban says

The Hungarian Prime Minister expressed concern that should these bases be built in Poland, Romania, Slovakia and other Ukrainian neighbors they will "become military targets"

Death toll in collapse of stairwell in Belgorod region rises to 5

It is a woman who was taken to the regional hospital the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said

Scholz admits peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without Russia

Scholz went on with the customary accusations of Russia for presumably being the one that failed to engage in the dialogue with NATO and the United States regarding European security

Putin slams statements about Russia’s intention to attack Europe as ‘absolute nonsense’

According to the Russian president, it is not Russia that poses a danger to Europe, but its dependence on the US

New Russian regions not going back to Ukraine, end of story — Putin

"The people of the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions expressed their position in referendums," the Russian president reiterated

Armenian PM suggests Baku set up mechanism to look into ceasefire violations

On June 13 and 14, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said that Armenian troops had opened fire against Azerbaijani positions

Peace process without Russia inconceivable — Swiss president

Amherd said that in Burgenstock, they "will be making that first crucial step. It is up to us to make sure it is followed by a second."

NATO chief, Zelensky’s reaction to Putin’s peace proposals quite predictable — Kremlin

This was not a warning, neither was it an ultimatum as Zelensky nervously took it, Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said

American Abrams tanks vulnerable even to Soviet-era weapons, says expert

US President Joe Biden announced on January 25 that Washington would hand over 31 M1 Abrams tanks to the Kiev regime

West to stop Kiev from responding to Putin’s peace initiatives — politician

"So the collective West is losing more than acquiring from the standoff with Russia," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine totals 42.3 mcm via Sudzha

Earlier it was reported on the website of the GTSOU that nominations for transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukrainian territory on June 15 could be about 42.4 mln cubic meters

Houthis claim Verbena vessel attacked by them sinks in Gulf of Aden

Attecked ship "is at risk of sinking in a few hours," the Houthi spokesman said

Putin discloses he spoke with Obama amid 2014 coup in Ukraine

According to the Russian leader, "there was an opportunity for a civilized way out of the situation" in Ukraine at that time

Harris assures Zelensky US seeks settlement in Ukraine on Kiev’s terms

At a meeting with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky on the sidelines of the conference in Switzerland, Harris "underscored the United States’ unwavering support for the people of Ukraine."

German politician calls for heeding Putin's initiative for Ukraine

Ukraine's long-term nuclear-free status and renunciation of NATO membership ambitions, Sahra Wagenknecht said, are Russia’s demands that are easy to understand

Russia to give military-technical response if F-16 jets appear over Ukraine — Lavrov

Russia had presented "a very serious demarche" within the framework of the UN Security Council panel "nuclear five" in connection with the possibility of F-16 aircraft being prepared for transfer to Ukraine to carry nuclear weapons

Cuban President comes to Havana port where Russian ships stay

The event is closed for the press

Hostage takers in Rostov detention center eliminated, hostages safe — authorities

A criminal case has been opened into the hostage taking

Russian troops approached Kiev in 2022, but no decision to storm city was made — Putin

That was actually an operation to force the Kiev regime into peace, the Russian president explained

First regiment of S-500 air defense systems to defend Moscow — source

The S-500 will replace the S-400 Triumph air defense system

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

Russian Foreign Ministry to implement president's orders to a tee — Lavrov

"Because everyone understands that the fate of our country depends on this, the fate of our people and, to a certain extent, the fate of the whole world," the top Russian diplomat noted

Battlegroup West defeats eight Ukrainian brigades in one day — Russian Defense Ministry

The enemy lost up to 430 military personnel, more than 20 units of weapons and special equipment, senior officer of the battlegroup Leonid Sharov said

West’s reaction to Putin’s peace initiative unconstructive, says Kremlin

There may be no Ukraine in 50 years due to US betrayal — Tucker Carlson

US is selling off lands in Ukraine to foreign investors, and will flood country with third-world migrants, journalist stated

Participants in Swiss forum on Ukraine may be charged for adopted initiatives — diplomat

Switzerland is hosting a conference on Ukraine in the resort town of Burgenstock on June 15-16

United States actively supports unrest in Georgia — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova compared two statements made by the US Embassies in Armenia and Georgia about the continuing protests in those countries

Russia hopes Argentina to keep neutral stance on Ukrainian conflict — ambassador

Dmitry Feoktistov stated that Russia voiced its disappointment over Argentina's participation in the contact group meeting on Ukraine’s military assistance

Kiev, West’s attempts at defeating Russia have failed — Russian diplomat

"Since the very first days, Russia has been proposing options for settling the crisis diplomatically," Vasily Nebenzy said

Ramaphosa re-elected as President of South Africa for next five years

"Ramaphosa received 283 parliamentary votes", Chief Justice of South Africa, Raymond Zondo said

Putin underscores professionalism, courage of military medics

"I thank all military medics for the highest professionalism, courage, resilience, and constant tenderness," Russian President said

Document of Ukraine’s surrender to be Russia’s next proposal to Kiev — diplomat

Konstantin Gavrilov said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposals were realistic

Documents being signed by Kiev legally null and void — Putin

"It is clear that there is a political and propagandistic component involved," the Russian president said

Ukrainian lawmaker says conference in Switzerland was a failure

According to the Ukrainian lawmakers, the conference in Switzerland was not meant to look for ways of settling the conflict

Lavrov urges West to listen to Putin as 'nothing good' came out of disregard before

The top Russian diplomat said he is unaware of the US desire to have official communication with the Russian Foreign Ministry

Kiev to get $1.5 billion from frozen Russian assets in July

90% of them will be used to finance Kiev’s military spending, the remaining 10% will be directed for reconstruction

Putin’s peace initiative being last chance to save Ukrainian state — politician

"The peace proposals returns not only the peace to Ukraine but also rights of Ukrainian citizens," Viktor Medvedchuk said

US sends submarine to Cuba as Russian warships visit island

The US Southern Command said the US submarine pulled into the Cuban bay as part of a "routine port visit"

Ukrainian parliament will not oppose against Zelensky on peace proposals — politician

"They are fully under external control of the collective West," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Trump attributes presence of Russian ships at the port of Havana to Biden's weakness

Former american president added that neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor other foreign leader have any respect for Joe Biden

Danish F-16’s to be priority target for Russian forces if supplied to Ukraine — MP

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said earlier after a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen that Kiev expects Denmark to supply F-16 fighter jets in the near future

Pentagon not denying report on its discrediting of Chinese vaccines

US military also said that it counters China in the information space

Russia did not start war in Ukraine, Kiev continues fighting — Putin

"This is aggression," the Russian leader pointed out

About 20 NATO countries involved in conflict in Ukraine — lawmaker

"I believe they are in a state of war with Russia," Sergey Tsekov said

Russian team wins 160 medals during first three days of BRICS Games

The competition will end on June 23

Russia’s strength 'to grow with the Arctic,' says Putin

The Russian president noted that the center of economic development was gradually shifting further eastwards and northwards

Zelensky should think about Putin’s peace proposal, Kiev’s situation’s worsening — Kremlin

Peskov stressed that "every time Putin voices peace initiatives and when attempts are made to enter the political and diplomatic channel, there are certain conditions on the ground, each time they worsen for Ukraine."

Final document of conference in Burgenstock backed by 80 countries out of 91 — organizers

Among the countries that supported the document are includes Switzerland, Turkey, EU countries and the USA

Lasting solution to conflict in Ukraine must involve both parties — Swiss conference

"One key question remains: How and when can Russia be included in the process?" the Swiss president said

Russia to continue establishing buffer zone until Ukraine stops shelling attacks — Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier in the day that Russia offers a new peace proposal on settling the conflict in Ukraine

Engagement between both parties needed for peace in Ukraine — Indian foreign ministry

India was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Pavan Kapoor