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2018 FIFA WORLD CUP IN RUSSIA

World Cup tops Google searches this year

Among top five events in searches across Russia were the Olympic Games, the Kemerovo shopping mall fire, the Nurmagomedov-McGregor fight and the Russian presidential election

© AP Photo/Petr David Josek

MOSCOW, December 12. /TASS/. The World Cup topped Google searches in Russia and worldwide in 2018, the world’s largest search engine said on its official blog on Wednesday.

The World Cup, held this summer in eleven Russian cities, was the most searched item in the category News in Russia and worldwide. Former goalkeeper of the Russian team Igor Akinfeev, striker Artem Dzyuba and midfielder Aleksander Golovin were among top three popular searches in the category 2018 World Cup Names. The Russians also showed interest in Croatia’s Luka Modric and French striker Kylian Mbappe.

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Global football fans bolstered Russian exports during World Cup, reports Central Bank

Among top five events of the year in searches across Russia were the Olympic Games, the Kemerovo shopping mall fire, the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor and the Russian presidential election.

The top searched item in the category People was Russia’s UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, wife of British Prince Harry Meghan Markle and a national of Belarus Anastasiya Vashukevich, known as Nastya Rybka, who made international headlines after claiming she could reveal details about Russia's alleged meddling in the US election.

The Loss of the Year category included the deaths of English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, Russian singer Joseph Kobzon, US rapper XXX Tentacion, Russian actor Oleg Tabakov and US comic book writer Stan Lee.

Russians were also interested in how to become a blogger, a model, an observer at elections, a programmer and a cosmonaut.

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2018 World Cup in Russia

Japan grants entry visas to Russians for 2024 World Para Athletics Championship

The 2024 World Para Athletics Championships for Paralympic track and field athletes is scheduled to be held in Kobe, Japan on May 17-25, 2024

Diplomats from friendly countries only invited to May 9 parade — Kremlin aide

The heads of structures of the CIS, the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the CSTO, the EAEU, the SCO, "heads of diplomatic missions of friendly states, as well as military attaches from friendly states" have been invited to attend, Yury Ushakov said

Russia aims to avoid escalation but will not bend to Western pressure — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia’s moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-and shorter-range missiles has been put in question by Washington’s destructive and dangerous policies

US citizen detained in northwest Moscow on charges of petty hooliganism

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Top Russian security official mocks Macron as 'failed president'

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged it might be possible to consider sending troops to Ukraine in case of Kiev’s request

EU's handling of Ukrainian refugee issue could lead to new crisis, says Russian official

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, European Union countries would like "to get rid" of refugees because supporting them has taken a toll on the economy

West’s latest escalation in Ukraine requires Russian response — Kremlin

"Deploying NATO soldiers to confront the Russian military in the latest escalation of tensions is an unprecedented move, and, of course, it requires special attention and special measures," Dmitry Peskov said

SBU claims it prevented plot to kill Ukrainian president

The SBU reported that two colonels from Ukraine’s state security administration had been arrested for purportedly handing over classified information necessary to carry out assassinations

Israel’s operation in Rafah comes as response to attack on border crossing — diplomat

Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov said that Israel, together with its international partners, has created a humanitarian zone, providing safety and vital infrastructure for displaced Gaza residents

US not to send troops to Ukraine — Department of State spokesman

Matthew Miller commented on the statement by US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who said that Washington would probably have to deploy its troops to the Ukrainian conflict zone in case of Kiev's defeat

Medvedev warns Russia will pull no punches with France in response to Macron

The politician also wrote, "In hostem omina licita," a Latin phrase that can roughly be translated as "everything is legal if it is done to an enemy"

China to never forget NATO bombing of Chinese embassy in Belgrade — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader noted that the China-Serbia friendship, sealed with blood, will remain in the common memory of the Chinese and Serbian peoples

Detention of US soldier in Russia’s Vladivostok has no relation to espionage — diplomats

Russian Foreign Ministry’s mission in Vladivostok that "not following the case of the US citizen closely"

Russia looking into reports about sending of French troops to Ukraine — Kremlin

Earlier, media reports said that France had sent 1,500 troops in support of Ukrainian forces in Slavyansk, citing a statement by Stephen Bryen, a former US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense

After drone attack on Kremlin Russia has no choice but to eliminate Zelensky — Medvedev

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, according to Dmitry Medvedev, "is not even needed for signing an instrument of unconditional surrender"

Macron’s Ukraine troop talk ego-driven, not strategic — Marine Le Pen

The head of the parliamentary faction said she is convinced that the conflict in Ukraine "is not a war for France," and stated that she opposes the admission of Ukraine to the European Union and NATO

Top UK diplomat knows nothing of repentance, Lavrov says

David Cameron "reiterated his position that British weapons can be used by the Ukrainians to attack any target on Russian territory," the minister emphasized

France not at war with Russia — Macron

"We are also not seeking a change of power in Russia," the French leader underscored

Russian sniper reports elimination of Ukrainian serviceman wearing helmet with SS emblem

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Emergency Ministry employee detained in Kherson Region over collaboration with Ukraine

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Chinese President Xi supports Olympic truce initiative for 2024 Summer Games in Paris

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It is stressed that Vladimir Putin proposes a certain general model, a certain general solution to the security system

Dutch MEP congratulates Putin on his inauguration

"Congratulations president Putin and congratulations people of Russia with your president," Marcel de Graaff from the Dutch party Forum for Democracy said

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russian air defense forces shot down a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet and 23 unmanned aerial vehicles over the past day

Russia signals unfriendly countries by inviting ambassadors to inauguration — diplomat

"We assumed that some of them (ambassadors from unfriendly countries - TASS) would not come, which is what happened in the end," Sergey Ryabkov pointed out

Appeal for Western troops posted on Ukrainian president’s website

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Xi, Macron condemn Israeli assault on Rafah — Chinese Foreign Ministry

"The two heads of state stressed that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to enable the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip," the statement reads

Kremlin aide chides ambassadors that didn’t come to Putin’s inauguration

Such behavior "speaks volumes in and of itself," Yury Ushakov told reporters

West plotted aggression against Russia on eve of special military operation — top brass

"History repeats itself," Chief of the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Department, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Hero of Russia Admiral Kostyukov said

Aurus Merlon electric motorcycle available for pre-order — acting Deputy PM

The Aurus Merlon made its public debut at the inauguration of the Russian President

Putin formally takes office as Russian president for six-year term

After being sworn in, the head of state delivered a speech

Russian government resigns

The cabinet will continue to carry out its duties until a new government is appointed

Russia hands over last RD-180 rocket engines to US under existing deal

The United States has received 122 RD-180 rocket engines over more than 20 years of cooperation

US concocting latest counter-offensive narrative to justify aid to Kiev — DPR head

Denis Pushilin stressed that Ukraine would not be able to launch a new counteroffensive before 2025

NBC reports US soldier allegedly detained in Russia on suspicion of theft

The soldier is accused of stealing from a woman

Russian lawmaker sees 'scare effect' in West as Russia prepares for nuclear drills

Vladimir Chizhov insisted that the drills do not mean "the Russian side is ready or intends to use these weapons immediately"

Putin’s inauguration to be aired at noon on May 7 — TV channel

Russia may strike Britain's military facilities if London's threats materialize — MFA

Maria Zakharova described British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that London considered it legitimate for the Kiev regime to use British weapons for strikes on Russian territory as "something absolutely insane"

Trump develops plan on peaceful resolution in Ukraine — Telegraph

Former US President will not reveal it until the election, the Daily Telegraph reported

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"We have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture and in response to these announcements, nor any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine," Matthew Miller said

What we know about Israel’s military operation in Gaza’s Rafah

The Israeli army announced that it had "eliminated about 20 terrorists" of Hamas since the launch of the operation

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Xi arrived on a state visit in France on Sunday

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Belarusian forces to rehearse tactical nuclear strikes as part of snap readiness test

An Iskander missile system battalion and a squadron of Su-25 airplanes are being brought to readiness to perform planned missions

British envoy reiterates London’s course on aiding Kiev will continue — Foreign Office

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Cuban president departs to Russia on working visit - administration

Miguel Diaz-Canel visit is "aimed at discussing priority issues on the bilateral agenda," the statement says

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Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 7th

Latvian Air Force chief says Ukraine could have to give up some territory for sovereignty

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Pierre Levy was told that the French authorities' attempts to create some kind of "strategic uncertainty" for Russia with their "irresponsible statements about the possible dispatch of Western military contingents to Ukraine are doomed to fail"

Putin’s schedule of foreign travels almost finalized — Presidential Aide Ushakov

It is noted that this schedule primarily concerns "major summits"

Putin may propose candidate for prime minister as early as today — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov recalled that after the inauguration, the Russian government resigned and the members of the Cabinet continued to work in the status of acting ministers

French Foreign Ministry denies France sent troops to Ukraine

Earlier, media reports said that France had sent 1,500 troops to Ukraine, citing a statement by former US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Stephen Bryen

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Putin says Russia had to use force to defend people in Donbass as peaceful means failed

"A little later it became clear that we were simply being led around by the nose, and we had to take extraordinary measures to protect these people with military force," the Russian leader said

Putin will now use restyled Aurus car — Kremlin

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Australian Navy’s destroyer, helicopter impede Chinese drills in Yellow Sea — top brass

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The diplomat, who spent more than 30 minutes at the ministry, provided no comment as he was leaving

Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacks Israeli airbase in Eilat

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NATO wants 'hot war' with Russia which may destroy US, Carlson says

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Russian military intel declassifies WWII documents, hands them over to Victory Museum

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Two more Ukrainian drones shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

This happened in a period from 8:10 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Moscow time

Zelensky's authority dwindling as term clock ticks down — Russian intel agency

The SVR pointed out that the US does not care "who heads Ukraine"

Russia to defend its security, sovereignty by all means — deputy foreign minister

"The ambassadors’ job is to properly report to their capitals what is happening here [in Moscow]," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Zelenodolsk shipyard floats two warships

Project 22160 ships are designed to guard and protect maritime economic zone

Israeli tanks enter Rafah in south Gaza — newspaper

IDF said it was delivering targeted strikes on Hamas facilities in the eastern part of Rafah

Russia's opponents tried to destroy it from within, but failed — Putin

The President stressed that the result of anti-Russian sanctions turned out to be "exactly the opposite of what was expected"

UK government’s delegate to skip Putin’s inauguration

The inauguration of Vladimir Putin is set to take place at noon Moscow time on May 7

Medvedev gives warning amid talk of deploying Western troops to Ukraine

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US intensifying efforts to find replacement for Zelensky — SVR

It is reported that all those politicians may be sought-after were the situation on the front line to deteriorate sharply or if the need arises to replace Zelensky as soon as possible

Russian troops to practice employing non-strategic nuclear weapons in missile drills

The missile drills will aim to maintain troop combat posture and will also come as a response to inflammatory statements and threats by some Western officials against Russia, the ministry specified

Russia ready to engage in equal dialogue on security, strategic stability — Putin

The Russian leader emphasized that together with its partners in the Eurasian integration process and other sovereign centers of development, Russia would continue working to establish a multipolar world order and a system of equal and indivisible security

Putin signs decree setting Russia’s development goals for 2030

The decree is titled On the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation until 2030 and for a Longer Term until 2036

West recognizes deteriorating situation in Ukraine — Lavrov

Western countries need to think how not to lose to Russia in the conflict, the minister said

Polish judge asks for political asylum in Belarus

Tomasz Szmydt noted that he currently considers returning to Poland impossible, including due to safety reasons

FSB declassifies Hitler aide’s testimony how Red Army rescued Allies in Ardennes in 1945

Hitler's former adjutant Otto Guensche was captured during the battle of Berlin in April-May 1945 and, while being kept in custody in an investigative prison in Moscow, presented a firsthand account of what was happening at Hitler's headquarters in the last months of the war

China to support peace conference on Ukraine approved by Moscow, Kiev — Xi

Chinese President stressed that China is neither the cause nor a party to the conflict

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian missile solid propellant workshop over past day

Russian troops gained better positions in the south Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

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

Ukrainian counteroffensive unfeasible despite arms promises — Estonian military expert

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Hamas agrees to Gaza truce proposal

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Insolent western policy makes Russia hold tactical nukes drills — ambassador

"We do not threaten anyone. However, the strategists in Washington and their satellites have gone nuts but must understand that Russia will use all the means to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the rising stakes," Anatoly Antonov said

Thousands of trucks crowding on EU and Russia borders — newspaper

The record high queue is registered at the moment at the Terekhovo - Burachki border crossing between Latvia and Russia

Ceasefire proposal envisages Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza

Al-Hayya said the proposal also paves the way for unhindered return of displaced persons to their homes

Ukraine used at least 37 drones to attack Belgorod Region in past 24 hours

Over 40 buildings were damaged in the Belgorodsky district

Vladimir Putin to take his fifth presidential oath