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2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris

Pope Francis calls for Olympic truce

Earlier, several Nobel laureates appealed to the Pope and other religious leaders to support an Olympic truce

VATICAN CITY, July 19. /TASS/. Pope Francis has called for all conflicts to be put on pause during the Olympic Games.

"The Olympic Games are, by their very nature, about peace, not war. It was in this spirit that Antiquity wisely instituted a truce during the Games, and that modern times regularly attempt to revive this happy tradition. In these troubled times, when world peace is under serious threat, it is my fervent wish that everyone will take this truce to heart, in the hope of resolving conflicts and restoring harmony," the pontiff said in a letter to the Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich ahead of the start of the Olympic Games in the French capital, which will take place from July 26 to August 11.

Earlier, several Nobel laureates appealed to the Pope and other religious leaders to support an Olympic truce.

Military operation in Ukraine

Journalists from Australia's ABC News illegally cross border into Russia’s Kursk Region

"Crossing the border here doesn’t just carry the physical risk of being in a war zone; it also means that as individuals, we’re unlikely to ever be able to return to Russia," reporters Kathryn Diss and Fletcher Yeung write

Chery tops rating of largest foreign companies in Russia — Forbes

The rating includes companies that are more than 50% owned by foreign companies or individuals as of August 23, 2024

Germans afraid of being dragged into big war — Wagenknecht

"Two-thirds in the east reject plans to deploy US missiles," she said

Kiev regime reveals its true self: Kremlin comments on Ukrainian plans in Russia’s Kursk

"And we must go our way to complete the special military operation and accomplish the tasks facing us," Dmitry Peskov added

Russian scientists register four powerful solar flares

The most powerful of them occurred at 7:02 p.m. Moscow time

Trump vows to blow lid off UFOs, JFK assassination if elected

In September 2023, Donald Trump claimed that, when he served in the Oval Office between 2017 and 2021, the military privately briefed him about UFOs, which they saw with their own eyes

Ukraine wants to exempt its military from international law — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the reputation of both the Kiev regime and the ICC is "well known"

US fails to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, Russian ambassador says

Anatoly Antonov ridiculed what might have been the downing of the first such fighter delivered to Kiev with a US-provided Patriot missile battery

Procedure to enter Russia for foreigners not sharing Western values simplified

Such visitors will be issued three-month visas based on the decision by the head of a Russian diplomatic mission or a consulate

Russia to supply fuel to Mongolia, ready for nuclear projects — Putin

"Last year, more than 90% of gasoline and diesel fuel entered the Mongolian market from Russia," the Russian leader noted

Corvette Gremyashchy takes part in air defense exercise off Kamchatka

The Pacific Fleet said the anti-submarine aircraft IL-38 was involved in the capacity of a hypothetical enemy

Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European integration resigns

"The resignation submission will be considered at one of the next plenary sessions," Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said

Dutch court seizes Gazprom's shares in Wintershall venture in North Sea

Gazprom had previously planned to sell this stake

Russia’s opponents may go for peace talks after failure in Kursk Region — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the Ukrainian provocation is doomed to failure

Power of Siberia-2 gas pipe to be launched successfully — Chinese ambassador

A number of media outlets reported in August that Mongolia has not included it into its national development project until 2028

Press review: Mongolia shoves Putin's arrest warrant and big deals abound at EEF

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 4th

Ukrainian commander-in-chief temporarily dismisses unmanned systems command chief of staff

Alexander Syrsky appointed Gladky to his current position in late August

Russia equips missile troops with modern weapons — Patrushev

"Russia's maritime policy is aimed at further developing the forces and bases of the Pacific Fleet," the Russian presidential aide pointed out

Expert says Power of Siberia-2 talks complex, project may be launched outside Mongolia

"It is obviously possible to pave the route through Russia as well," Alexey Maslov noted

Serbia vows not to join NATO, become part of anti-Russian hysteria — deputy PM

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic during talks with NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge in late August yet again confirmed the Balkan republic’s commitment to its military neutrality

Top Ukrainian diplomat Kuleba submits letter of resignation

Verkhovna Rada speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk published a photo of Kuleba’s letter where he asks to resign without specifying any reasons for his decision

Ukraine will lose in Kursk — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the Kursk attack was meant to stop the Russian advance in Donbass

Russian forces shoot down Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet, 37 drones in past day

Units of Battlegroup South continued advancing deeper into enemy defenses, inflicting losses on Ukraine’s 24th, 32nd, 100th, 117th mechanized, 46th airmobile, and 10th assault brigades and 116th Territorial Defense Brigade

ICC arrest warrant will not limit Putin's international contacts — Kremlin

According to Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the authorities see "great interest in the country [Russia] from the global majority"

Putin inspects Pacific Fleet corvette in Russia’s Far East

The flotilla chief told Putin about the troops and means from his unit as well as their operational procedures

Russian companies interested in developing in BRICS markets

BRICS countries are capable of developing their economies without the use of the dollar equivalent in payments by building up trade and economic relations among such countries, expert Dmitry Prokhorenko said

Ukrainian lawmaker says top diplomat Kuleba will be next to resign

The chairman of the pro-presidential party’s faction in the legislature, David Arakhamiya, said the cabinet is undergoing a reshuffle that will affect more than 50% of its members

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian training center with NATO instructors in Poltava

Vladimir Saldo stressed that the military bloc is providing both financial and administrative support for the operation of such centers

Ex-German chancellor ties SPD’s loss in regional elections to party line toward Russia

At the September 1 elections in Saxony and Thuringia, the Social Democrats garnered only 7.3% and 6.1% votes, respectively

Putin ends visit to Mongolia

The Russian leader held talks with the Mongolian leadership, took part in celebrations on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the victory in the battle of Khalkhin-Gol

Ukraine shells 20 settlements in Belgorod Region over day

Five drones attacked three settlements in the Borisovsky district

IAEA chief to pay his fifth visit to Zaporozhye NPP

Rafael Grossi’s first visit to ZNPP took place on September 1, 2022

Ukrainians may see their front collapsing in Donbass, Austrian expert warns

According to Markus Reisner, Russian troops occupy more localities east of Krasnoarmeysk "every day"

Luna-26 project proceeds according to schedule — first deputy premier

A decision was made to expand ground tests of the spacecraft

Ukrainian troops shoot women, kids, elderly people in Kursk Region — Russian commander

Apty Alaudinov noted that Russian forces had never tortured captives

Russia must eliminate any dependence on Western systems — Lavrov

The minister noted that Russia does not just aspire to be an independent country, it already is one

Musk on his refusal to activate Starlink above Crimea: it’s not a military system

He said that he decided not to switch on Starlink above the Crimean Peninsula in 2022

Russian air defenses down four Ukrainian drones over Kursk, Belgorod regions, Black Sea

Black Sea Fleet forces destroyed four unmanned boats in the northwestern part of the Black Sea

Russian naval infantry soldiers ambush enemy convoy in Kursk region

Ukrainian militants failed to stage a direct assault on Russian soldiers as they were caught off guard by a Russian storm unit

Zelensky dismisses deputy chief of presidential staff Rostislav Shurma

A decree announcing the move is posted to the Ukrainian presidency’s website

Germany failed to reply to any Russian inquiries on Nord Stream blasts, Russian MFA says

Maria Zakharova stressed that Berlin is attempting to present the situation around the investigation into the circumstances of the act of sabotage as "developing in the right direction"

Press review: Kiev sends SOS to NATO and legacy of USSR's first atom bomb test

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 29th

Kursk battle to pave way for Russian victory in special op — Russian commander

Apty Alaudinov stressed that the enemy's "entire frontline has collapsed and our troops are advancing, liberating several settlements every day"

Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Sweden's, Finland's drills indicate preparations for escalation near Russia — expert

Alexander Stepanov specified that about 1,000 servicemen from three countries - Finland, the United States and Sweden - took part in the maneuvers

ICC should be wary of acting on Putin's arrest warrant — Medvedev

On March 17, 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian presidential commissioner for children’s rights, for their alleged involvement in war crimes "consisting of the illegal deportation of the population," including children, and their illegal transfer to Russia

Battlegroup North wipes out up to 75 enemy servicemen in Kharkov Region — top brass

The Battlegroup East liberated the settlement of Prechistovka in the Donetsk People's Republic in one day

West conducts bioweapons experiments on psych patients in Ukraine — research institute

According to Mikhail Kovalchuk, advancements in genetics have now reached such heights that it is possible to modify the genome as needed

Foreign media's illegal stay in Russia 'criminal' — diplomat

"Illegal means that these foreign citizens don't have Russian visas, neither the Russian nor journalist visa, and, accordingly, no accreditation to report about anything on the territory of our country," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Russia supports Malaysia's interest in joining BRICS — Kremlin

According to Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, "to this end, a large summit will be held in Kazan at the end of October"

Russia, China have reliable system for mutual transactions — deputy minister

The official added that the two states plan to boost trade turnover to 27 trillion rubles (almost $306 billion at the current exchange rate) by 2030

Today’s US going back to McCarthy-era ‘witch hunts’ — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that these days, unlike the McCarthyism of the 1940s-1950s, this process was proceeding in the US "in a more colorful, more sophisticated way, given the level of technological development"

Russian forces taking out big chunks of Ukrainian hardware in Kursk daily

Apty Alaudinov specified that in recent days, the adversary has been tentative in advancing its hardware

Russia takes measures to protect Kursk, Zaporozhye nuke plants from external impact

Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov stressed that by ensuring the security of the two nuclear power plants, Russia is protecting not only its own people from potential negative developments, but also Ukrainians and Europeans

Some 50,000 Russian servicemen to get Ratnik-2 ‘soldier of future’ gear

The second-generation Ratnik gear kits will be procured for servicemen of the Land Force, Airborne Troops and the marines of the Russian Navy

Japan loses Russian car market for long — Russian Foreign Ministry

Tokyo did itself a disservice in attempts to isolate Russia, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted

Turkey's bid for full BRICS membership to be considered — Kremlin aide

Bloomberg earlier reported, citing sources, that Turkish authorities had applied to join BRICS several months ago

US fails to impose its interests on Vietnam, Hanoi chooses BRICS — expert

Scientific director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vitaly Naumkin noted that Vietnam was one of the key powers in the Asia-Pacific region

Russian forces launch missile attack on Ukrainian military school in Poltava — politician

It is reported that the enemy's losses amount to hundreds of people

Ukrainian forces trapped north of Krasnogorovka in DPR try to get out — source

The source added that the Ukrainian soldiers were trying to escape in small groups and sustaining heavy losses

Updates of Russia’s nuclear doctrine caused by West’s actions — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia is reviewing its approaches "against the backdrop of challenges and threats, prompted by countries of the so-called collective West"

Putin to hold bilateral talks, infrastructure development meeting in Vladivostok

Russian President will take part in the Eastern Economic Forum

Russia, China work on Xi Jinping’s participation in BRICS summit — ambassador

"Both countries currently maintain very close contacts on the issue," Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said

Rada lawmaker accuses Kiev of downplaying death toll of strike at Poltava military school

Artem Dmitruk noted that the Ukrainian armed forces command did not order the servicemen to go down to basements during an air raid alert, which resulted in most servicemen getting killed

Russian diplomat points to EU’s likely involvement in planning attack on Kursk Region

According to Maria Zakharova, the European Union "justifies any terror attacks, war crimes, slaughter and kidnapping of civilians, sexual violence against women committed by militants and mercenaries of the puppet Kiev regime"

Press review: Putin goes to Mongolia and Berlin gives Kiev free run to use its weapons

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 3rd

Ukrainian lawmakers block access to parliament’s lectern over mobilization bill

Thus, the draft bill was only approved in the first reading

Russia, China officially confirm renunciation of territorial claims, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova stressed that the mutual renunciation of territorial claims by Moscow and Beijing had been enshrined in the July 16, 2001, Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, with Moscow and Beijing putting border issues to bed once and for all by signing the Additional Agreement on the Eastern part of the Russia-China Border on October 14, 2004, and ratifying the document later"

Ukraine loses over 600 men after Russian attack on Poltava military school — politician

Igor Mosiychuk noted that the blame for what happened lies mainly with the Ukrainian military authorities, who allowed such a large number of servicemen to gather in one place

Trump refuses to disclose details of his Ukrainian peace plan until election victory

Trump has repeatedly pledged to resolve the conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration, if elected

Russian forces wipe out dozen of Ukrainian military hardware pieces in Kursk region

The situation along the line of engagement has not changed much, with the enemy sustaining very heavy casualties in this direction, Apty Alaudinov said

FACTBOX: Striking Ukrainian reserves: situation in Kursk Region

Russian aviation has hit Ukrainian reserves in 15 localities in the Sumy Region over the day

Half of Ukraine’s government ministers to be replaced — head of pro-presidential faction

On Tuesday afternoon, Verkhovna Rada member Yaroslav Zheleznyak announced reshuffles in the government and the presidential office

BRICS expansion has its limits, members are to decide on it — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that "all these issues will be discussed in Kazan," referring to the organization’s summit in Russia in late October

Ukrainian forces use drones configured in UK for strikes inside Russia — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, these drones were assembled in the Vyshgorod district of the Kiev Region, and they were launched near Slavyansk in the Kiev-controlled part of DPR

Certification of engines for SJ-100 plane to be over by late 2025 — minister

Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said that the engine is now undergoing ground tests

Process of revision of Russian nuclear doctrine due to West’s irresponsible position — MFA

As Maria Zakharova pointed out, Russia has many times warned the West and is warning it again that such a policy is fraught with strategic risks

Russia’s Emergencies Ministry eliminates 313 explosive objects in Kursk Region

The agency noted that the radiation background is normal and no excessive concentrations of dangerous chemicals have been detected

Serbia’s deputy premier arrives at Eastern Economic Forum

The Serbian deputy premier is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin later on Wednesday

Slovakia keeps receiving contracted volumes of oil via Druzhba pipe -— SITA

According to the report, the country’s oil transportation company Transpetrol has not registered any declines in oil deliveries despite last week’s remarks by Ukrainian officials

Ukrainian Minister of Reintegration of non-controlled territories submits her resignation

"After almost three years in the government, I submitted my resignation today," Irina Vereschuk said

Commander says Ukraine suffers heavy losses after attempted night attacks on Kursk Region

Earlier, Apty Alaudinov reported that the Russian military had destroyed three units of Ukrainian equipment near Russkoye Porechnoye in the Kursk Region

Putin calls Mongolia friendly country, Russia’s decades-old ally

The Russian president noted that Mongolia "turned out to be a very loyal, reliable ally of the Soviet Union and Russia" in the fight against Nazism and militarism

Special Rock-2024 CSTO rescue unit drills kick off in Kazakhstan

The testing ground includes a tent camp for participants, a field hospital, a stationary viewing platform and sites for exhibition performances, the ministry noted

Three civilians killed, five injured in Ukrainian strike at market in Donetsk

All injured people are being provided with medical aid, Denis Pushilin said, adding that a female civilian, born in 2004, got injured the settlement of the Abakumova mine in the same part of the city

Putin yet undecided on his participation in G20 summit — spokesman

"Russia continues its work within the G20 framework; our sherpa continues to actively work with his colleagues," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Kiev seeks lifting of restrictions on strikes on Russia amid dire battlefield situation

However, according to Maria Zakharova, this will turn out to be "a plan of trouble" for Kiev rather than "a plan of victory"

NATO stirs the pot in Asia-Pacific region — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova quipped that she had not heard anyone inviting NATO to the region

West's 'brazen' involvement in Ukraine conflict shining through — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that not so long ago, Western leaders had said that their key goal in Ukraine "is to support the Kiev regime on its journey to democracy"

Pentagon refrains from commenting on possibility of long-range missile delivery to Kiev

Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder said "I don't have anything"

Russia designates Dnepr-1 Battalion as terrorist group

The organizations that were earlier put on the list include the Noman Chelebidzhikhan volunteer battalion of Crimean Tatars

China displayed Kinzhal-like hypersonic missile as warning to US — newspaper

According to the experts cited by SCMP, "the Chinese variant is more powerful and would deter US warships from entering the region in the event of a conflict"

Consequences of further Ukrainian terror to be 'extremely painful' — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the European politicians "now only have one so-called Western piece of rhetoric left, the one about strategically defeating Russia" and they are not even mentioning the people of Ukraine anymore, or democracy

Another Ukrainian supply route cut off near DPR's Ugledar — law enforcement

The source stressed that the road had served as one of several key arteries on that frontline section

Zelensky asking India to host Ukraine conference presumptuous — MFA

"It seems to me that Zelensky just does not understand the position India and its leadership hold," Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova underlined

Russia sees no limit to US involvement in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia must take into account the destructive actions of the West and ensure a reliable future for future generations amid them

Serbia’s defense minister denies it could transfer MiG-29 jets to Ukraine

The defense minister said the country owns revamped MiG-29 aircraft thanks to the responsible policy of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic

Commander of Rezky corvette briefs Putin about upcoming exercises near Hawaii

Project 20380 corvettes are designed to accomplish green-water missions, fight enemy surface ships and submarines and provide artillery support for amphibious assault operations

Russia, China can resolve issues with bank transactions — ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui did not give a time frame

Ukrainian group in DPR’s Ugledar almost encircled — law enforcement

It is reported that the circle around Ugledar is gradually tightening

Ukrainian armed forces vow to increase security measures after Poltava strike

A military source told TASS that over 300 Ukrainian militants, including foreign instructors, were killed or injured at the training facility in Poltava