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Over half of US voters back Musk as DOGE leader, latest poll shows

The poll was conducted on February 6 and 9-10 online and by phone, covering about 1,200 potential US voters

NEW YORK, February 14. /TASS/. At least 55% of US voters endorse President Donald Trump's decision to appoint entrepreneur Elon Musk as director of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a survey conducted by the research organization Rasmussen Reports revealed.

At the same time, 45% of respondents hold the contrary point of view, and 37% of them strongly disagree with Trump's personnel decision.

The poll was conducted on February 6 and 9-10 online and by phone, covering about 1,200 potential US voters. The margin of error amounted to 3%.

In November 2024, Trump announced that Musk will head DOGE, an advisory panel focused on improving governmental operations and combating bureaucracy. The US leader specified that the new agency would work with the White House and its Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement large-scale structural reform.

Immediately after the inauguration of the US president on January 20, the agency began a large-scale audit of spending from the country's budget. In total, Musk expects to cut US government spending by $2 trillion. At Musk's prompting, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was temporarily suspended in order to further reorganize it.

Winter season in Russia may become shorter — expert

Variability of weather characteristics is growing during the climate warming period, Research Director of the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia Roman Vilfand said

Kiev shows unready for peace initiatives by attacking energy facility in Zaporozhye

Ukrainian troops attacked a power substation in Pologi, leaving more than 11,000 subscribers without electricity

Russian army hit Ukraine’s Azov brigade location

Seven Starlink terminals, 21 drone control points and a field ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army were destroyed, the Russian Battlegroup West spokesman Ivan Bigma added

Houthis say they attacked Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport with hypersonic missile

The Israel Defense Forces said earlier that a missile launched from the Yemeni territory had been intercepted before it reached Israel’s airspace

Abrau-Dyurso holds firm on two-million-bottle export target for 2025

Abrau-Dyurso exported about 1.5 mln bottles in 2024

First fast food restaurant in Chukotka’s capital: what’s on the menu?

Recently, the menu has been expanded: instead of 50 dishes, guests are now offered 200

Confines of Ukraine deal already there, following contacts with Putin, Zelensky — Trump

The US leader also reiterated that the Ukrainian conflict would have never happened if he had been president in 2022

Around world in 75 years: Sergey Lavrov celebrates milestone anniversary

Back in 2021, the minister said that he had visited about 150 states, but Russia was always the most attractive country for him

Almost whole Kursk Region has been liberated — Russian commander

Russia’s military advance gave strong results, with almost all settlements taken at once, and the enemy’s personnel destroyed, Akhmat Special Forces Commander Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov added

'Train has left the station' for Western companies whose niches already filled — Putin

"There will be no privileges or preferences for those returning," the Russian leader went on to say

Russia to speak separately with brands that quit leaving loopholes — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council opined that those companies would most probably want to get back

Russia’s top security official thanks North Korea for solidarity on Ukraine

Sergey Shoigu emphasized that "Russia highly values the achieved level of strategic relations between the countries and is committed to deepen them"

Shoigu hands over message from Putin to North Korea’s Kim

The Russian Security Council secretary stressed that Vladimir Putin pays the utmost attention to the implementation of agreements reached with the North Korean leader

Imamoglu supporters reconvene for mass rally near Istanbul City Hall

Protests in support of him take place in front of the city hall every day

US, Ukrainian delegations take break at talks in Riyadh

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the delegation includes "energy experts as well as military representatives from the naval and air components."

Yemen's Houthis report attack on US Harry Truman aircraft carrier in Red Sea

The group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that the strikes continued for several hours

Trump may break NATO up without formal withdrawal — media

According to the magazine, "the White House does, in fact, have many options, if it wishes to undermine the alliance"

Superjet, MC-21 aircraft could be exported to friendly countries — expert

A prototype of the Superjet aircraft equipped with Russia-produced PD-8 engines completed its maiden flight on March 17

Istanbul Exchange suspended deals again due to BIST100 Index dip

Analysts link the situation at the Istanbul Exchange, where trading was suspended several times over the last three days, with the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu

Russia’s Navy tracks movements of US guided-missile destroyer in Black Sea

US naval ships regularly sail into the Black Sea

Serbian Deputy PM says plotters against Trump behind protests in Serbia

According to Aleksandar Vulin, "same actors are behind attack on president Dodik and Republika Srpska"

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Putin requests allocation of extra funds for development of satellites for drone control

The execution deadline is June 1, 2025

German official calls for working to restore relations with Russia

However, according to prime minister of the German state of Saxony Michael Kretschmer, Russia poses a threat at the moment

Putin calls for technological leadership in unmanned aerial systems within five years

The Russian president also ordered to take measures providing for the use of solutions based on artificial intelligence in manufacturing and operation of drones

Serbian authorities will not allow western services to orchestrate ‘color revolution’

Vulin expressed his gratitude to Shoigu and to Russian President Vladimir Putin for their "attitude and position" amid the ongoing events

Year of 2025 can be among top warmest in history — expert

"This is because recent years are becoming increasing warmer under influence of growing concentration of greenhouse gases," Research Director of the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia Roman Vilfand said

Russia, US to discuss territories, verification at talks in Riyadh — advisor Waltz

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz noted that the talks will constitute "some type of discussion of territory for permanent and lasting peace."

Russian forces shot down MiG-29 aircraft of Ukrainian Air Force

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have also lost more than 500 servicemen per day as a result of the actions of Russia’s Center battlegroup

Rosatom CEO expects Putin-Trump dialogue to strengthen nuclear safety

Commenting on the prospects of joint exploitation of the Zaporozhye NPP by Rosatom and Ukraine’s Energoatom, Alexey Likhachev emphasized that he saw "no point in it"

Russian budget received $71.8 bln from Rosneft in 2024 — CEO

Igor Sechin noted that he was pleased with high assessment of responsible business leaders dealing with socioeconomic development of the country

Kiev and allies fear Trump will force them to make peace on Russia's terms — Bloomberg

US president’s critics are concerned that Trump "may offer consessions to Russia without Ukraine’s consent, putting President Vladimir Zelensky in a perilous position"

Tourist flow from Russia to Thailand soars in 2022 — ATOR

In total, 11.2 million foreign tourists visited Thailand in 2022

Putin and Trump could have other contacts alongside with official ones — Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also noted that the meeting between the two presidents must be carefully prepared and requires difficult technical negotiations first

Navy development strategy to account for Ukraine operation experience — Maritime Board

The document is expected to contribute to the defense of Russia and the protection of its national interests in the World Ocean

Issue of dividing Ukrainian territories being discussed right now — Trump

On March 3, Donald Trump described Vladimir Zelensky’s remark about the conflict being far from over as "the worst statement that could have been made"

Opposition nominates Imamoglu as Turkey's presidential candidate

Chairman of Turkey's opposition Republican People's Party Ozgur Ozel also called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to hold early presidential elections

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Putin thanks Trump for CIA tip that foiled terror plot in St. Petersburg

According to the Russian president, the CIA alert was enough to expose and arrest the criminals

Protests in Serbia may be ‘radicalized’ in coming days — Deputy Prime Minister Vulin

The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed that the security forces of Serbia are "strong enough to protect the country "

Ukrainian, US delegations begin meeting on ceasefire terms in Riyadh

On March 20, US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg stated that the US was eager to hold proximity talks in Riyadh between the technical teams of Russia and the Kiev authorities

Politicians interested in peace to emerge in Europe at some point — Kremlin

VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin recalled the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who remarked in early February that US leader Donald Trump would quickly restore order among European elites, saying they would soon "stand at the master's feet and wag their tails."

Medvedev urges to feel free to follow Trump’s example in protecting domestic brands

Russian companies quickly reacted to the withdrawal of Western brands, taking free niches, well done to them, the politician added

Hungary not lifting veto on Ukraine’s admission to EU due to situation in Transcarpathia

"Therefore, until such sad situation remains, any progress in talks on Ukraine’s admission to the EU is out of the question," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said

Russian stock market in the red on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 0.98% to 3,191.61 points, while the RTS Index edged down by 1.26% to 1,187.89 points

Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu arrives in North Korea

It is planned that Shoigu will meet with the leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un and other leaders of the country

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu arrested by court order — A haber TV channel

He is charged in two cases related to corruption in the mayor's office and aiding terrorism respectively

Pope Francis appears in public for the first time in five weeks

Several hundred people gathered in front of the hospital, and the Vatican News portal broadcast the event live

Serbia withdrew its vote on anti-Russian UN resolution, not wanting to ‘offend friends’

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin also noted that Serbia has not joined Western sanctions against Russia and will continue to adhere to this stance

Envoy Witkoff 100% certain Russia has no plans to attack Europe

US Presidential Special Envoy noted he finds the claims that 'the Russians are going to march across Europe' odd

Ukrainian troops 'cling' to Chasov Yar, unwilling to give up strategic height — DPR head·

"We see that the enemy 'clung' to Chasov Yar, realizing that this settlement is located on elevated ground, the dominant height, and in the future our units will have operational space in terms of advancing in a number of directions: to Kramatorsk, to Slavyansk, to Konstantinovka, so, of course, the enemy is impeded," Denis Pushilin said

IN BRIEF: In Kursk Region, Ukraine forces regroup, suffer losses

A total of more than 4,400 Ukrainian servicemen have been destroyed during the hostilities

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 27th

Over 50,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 2023 — Health Ministry

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip, launching massive strikes on the enclave breaking the ceasefire established in January

Russia’s new Ambassador to US Darchiyev to travel to Washington next week — source

In early March, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing Alexander Darchiyev as the Russian ambassador to Washington

Press review: Moscow forms delegation for US talks as EU fails to approve aid for Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 21st

Macron's remarks on nuclear umbrella highly dangerous — Kremlin

In early March, Macron announced in an address to the French people that he would initiate discussions with allies about placing European countries under the protection of France's nuclear deterrent

Belgian PM warns confiscating Russian assets to be 'act of war'

The European Union, Canada, the United States and Japan froze $300 billion worth of Russia's assets after the start of the special military operation

Missing plane found crashed in Alaska, all 10 people aboard killed — report

It is unclear yet what caused the accident

Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu calls on population to go to rallies after his arrest

Speaking about voting, Imamoglu was referring to the primaries organized on Sunday by the opposition Republican People's Party to approve his candidacy for participation in the upcoming presidential elections

Europe trying to multiply root causes to Ukraine conflict — Kremlin

Peskov expressed bewilderment that Europeans are questioning where to find €800 billion - not for healthcare or infrastructure development, but for militarization

Macron's talk of sending 'peacekeepers' to Ukraine shows disconnect from reality — MFA

"We have repeatedly said that introduction of so-called peacekeepers into Ukraine in practice would mean a foreign military intervention that further escalates the conflict," Maria Zakharova stated

NATO plotting major smear campaign against Zelensky — Russian intelligence

Thus, according to the SVR, it is planned to "make public information that the 'president' personally and his team have misappropriated more than $1.5 billion only from funds meant to buy munitions"

Aeroflot extends closure of 88 international flights until April 30

The closure refers to destinations without formally resumed air traffic at the moment

Bundestag approves 3-billion-euro package of additional military aid to Kiev

Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that he would only approve additional arms deliveries if the debt brake is eased

Russia’s Operation Pipeline triggers panic among Ukrainian troops — newspaper

The situation had already been critical when he and his fellow soldiers heard that Russian forces had broken through Ukrainian lines, Ukrainian Senior Sergeant Zenon Dashak said

US, Russia to talk cessation of hostilities in Black Sea, trade in Riyadh — advisor Waltz

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov announced earlier that Russian and US experts would hold consultations in Riyadh on March 24

Turkish Interior Ministry suspends Imamoglu from office

The heads of Istanbul’s Beylikduzu municipality, Mehmet Murat Calik, and the head of the Sisli district, Emrah Sahan, have also been suspended

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

Macron looks for excuses for involvement in Ukraine conflict — Russian diplomat

Earlier, Macron stated in an interview with Le Parisien that European countries willing to send a military contingent to Ukraine

Russian delegation comes to Riyadh for consultations with US — senator

The Russian delegation will be led by Karasin and Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the FSB director

Putin orders to establish separate airspace class for drones

The Russian leader also tasked to ensure creation of an efficient state governance system in the unmanned aviation sphere

Ukrainian troops execute comrades attempting to surrender in Kursk — army

Major General Apty Alaudinov added that getting captured Ukrainian soldiers out of the combat zone is no easy task

Britain may be behind explosion of Sudzha gas metering station — Russian politician

The destruction of the gas metering station in Sudzha by Ukrainian forces is a provocation designed to undermine the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump, Sergey Mironov stated

BMW's net profit falls by around 37% in 2024

According to the company’s data, the largest share of the group's revenue (42.7%) came from the European market, with Asia (32.7%) and North and South America (22.4%) in second and third place

Hamas ready to be flexible for reaching agreement on Gaza

Hamas is in discussion with mediators on the plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza proposed by US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanou said earlier

Russian troops liberated settlement of Sribnoye in DPR — Defense Ministry

Russian troops hit military airfield infrastructure, unmanned aerial vehicle operator training centers, their production workshops and storage sites, as well as concentrations of manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries in 138 districts over the past 24 hours, the ministry added

Israeli attack kills two, leaves 11 injured in Lebanese city of Tyre

Israel carried out airstrikes on facilities allegedly belonging to the Hezbollah Shia militia in eastern and southern Lebanon

Ukraine's leadership agrees to hold presidential election — envoy Witkoff

American journalist Tucker Carlson recalled that 'the Russian position is he is not elected,' so one 'can't sign any kind of treaty with him'

Putin orders establishment of unmanned aviation development center in Samara Region

A report on the implementation of the order must be submitted to the head of state by June 15

Ukrainian armed forces lost over 190 soldiers in Kursk direction in 24 hours

The Russian Defense Ministry added that units of the Battlegroup North inflicted losses on formations of a mechanized, airborne assault brigade, a marine brigade and three territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces in the areas of the settlements of Gogolevka, Gornal, Guevo and Oleshnya during offensive operations

Russia ready to show what true de-communization means for Ukraine - Putin

Present-day Ukraine was wholly created by Communist Russia, Putin said

Air defense systems downed 59 drones at night

The Russian Defense Ministry said that air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 29 drones over the territory of the Rostov Region, 20 drones over the Astrakhan Region, three drones over the Voronezh Region, three drones over the territory of the Volgograd Region, two drones over the territory of the Republic of Crimea, and one drone in each of the Kursk and Saratov Regions

OPEC keeps outlook on oil demand growth for 2024, 2025

In absolute terms, global oil demand may reach 104.4 mln barrels per day in 2024, and 106.25 mln barrels per day in 2025

Federal Customs Service says pays $78.2 bln into Russia’s coffers in 2024

Valery Pikalev noted that this number was 11% higher than in 2023, but 1% short of its projected target

"Angara-1.2" puts military satellites into orbit

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket being monitored by the ground automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Center.

Russian forces hit Ukrainian military airfields, ammunition depots in 135 districts

At the same time, Russia’s air defense systems have shot down a MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Envoy delivers Trump’s portrait commissioned by Putin to US president

Witkoff said in an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson that the two leaders had sent signals to each other of their readiness for dialogue

NATO buildup in Black Sea violates Montreux Convention — Russian deputy

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said earlier on Wednesday that NATO would continue adapting and building up its military capabilities in the Black Sea region

EU does not understand meaning of independence — Russian diplomat

The European Union’s office in Ukraine informed that it would allocate further 10 billion euro to Kiev to finance "independent media

How Russia’s population changed over the years

Key facts about Russia's population since the year 1897

Death toll from new Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip rises to 23 — Al Masirah TV

The Al Jazeera channel reported that the Israeli military struck an ambulance near the city of Rafah in the south of the enclave

Envoy Witkoff cites status of five Russian regions as key issue in Ukraine conflict

According to him, 'that's the key issue in the conflict'

Russia has no plans to attack Germany — MFA on Merz's remarks

"If Berlin makes such claims, it means that Germany may have such plans itself; but in that case, Berlin needs to call things by their proper name," Maria Zakharova stated

Russia calls on Israel to stop expanding settlements in Palestine — Russian mission to UN

As Dmitry Polyansky underlined, he is convinced that "the Security Council can and must play a role in the negotiating process and make sure that its results are observed by all parties"

Taiwan detects 47 Chinese PLA warplanes near island

Taiwan’s defense agency has regularly recorded the approach of Chinese warplanes and warships of late

The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh to host Russia-US talks

A representative of The Ritz-Carlton told a TASS correspondent that the meeting will be held "behind closed doors."

Israeli strike on southern Gaza kills Hamas senior official — media

The channel said that Barhoum, who was in charge of Hamas's financial assets in Gaza, was killed in an attack on the Nasser medical complex in the town of Khan Yunis

US carries out strikes on airport in Yemeni city of Hodeidah — TV

Al Hadath added that Houthi Naval Forces Chief of Staff Mansur al-Sa'adi had suffered injuries in the attack

Many in Western Ukraine want to become part of Poland, Romania, Hungary — Putin

"The people living there - many of them, at least, I know it for certain, 100% - they want to return to their historic homeland," the Russian president noted

Russia receives slew of people’s requests for resettlement from West — Zakharova

The Russian diplomat stressed that for most countries, Russia is becoming a "pioneer" that strives to defend vital things regardless of sanctions and restrictions, because they are universal