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The highlights of the 18th FINA World Aquatics Championships

The 2019 FINA World Championships is hosted by the South Korean city of Gwangju between July 12 and 28

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 13

Mexico performing their routine during the artistic swimming team free final at the World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea

© AP Photo/Mark Baker

Team Russia performing during the team free combination final at the 18th FINA World Swimming Championships

© AP Photo/Mark Baker

Swimmers reaching for drink bottles while competing in the men's 10km open water swim in Yeosu, South Korea

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Silver medalist Russia's Yuliya Efimova posing with her medal following the women's 100m breaststroke final at the World Swimming Championships in Gwangju

© AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

Japan's Yumi Adachi performing with partner Atsushi Abe during the artistic swimming mixed duet technical preliminaries in Gwangju

© AP Photo/Mark Baker

Swimmers competing in the men's 10km open water swim at the World Swimming Championships in Yeosu, South Korea

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Britain's Adam Peaty is seen after winning the men's 100m breaststroke final in Gwangju

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Gold medalist Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil kissing the podium after the women's 5km open water swim in Yeosu, South Korea

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Jeremy Desplanches of Switzerland is seen during the Men's 200m Individual Medley heats in Gwangju

© EPA-EFE/PATRICK B. KRAEMER

Maddison Keeney and Anabelle Smith of Australia competing in the finals of the women's 3 meter springboard synchronized diving competition in Gwangju

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Swimmers leaping into the water at the start of the 5km mixed relay open water swim in Yeosu, South Korea

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Japan competing in the finals of team competition free artistic swmming at the World Swimming Championships in Gwangju

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Alessandro de Rose of Italy performing a warm-up dive before the men's high diving competition in Gwangju

© AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

The Russian national swimming team is currently second with nine gold and eight silver medals in the overall medal standings of the 2019 FINA World Championships after leaders China (16 golds, ten silver and three bronze medals). The 2019 FINA World Championships is hosted by the South Korean city of Gwangju between July 12 and 28. Spectacular leaps and symmetry of synchronized swimming — in photo gallery by TASS.

Putin postpones World Friendship Games indefinitely

The World Friendship Games were supposed to take place in Moscow and Yekaterinburg between September 15 and 19 this year in Moscow and Yekaterinburg

Western handlers beginning to dump Zelensky — Ukrainian politician

"Polls are now emerging where Zelensky is no longer at the top but in second or even third place," Viktor Medvedchuk noted

UN doesn’t encourage further escalation of Ukraine conflict — spokesman

Stephane Dujarric was commenting on a statement by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, who said it was necessary to maintain unlimited European support for Kiev

Georgian president will have to resign despite rejection — PM

On Saturday, Zourabichvili said that she would not resign despite the expiration of her mandate because the parliament is "illegitimate."

Zelensky acknowledges Ukrainian army’s inability to reclaim lost territories

The Ukrainian president added that the conflict in Ukraine had entered "a difficult phase."

US Navy amphibious assault ship enters Black Sea

It joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter, according to the Ukrainian web portal Dumskaya

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 107.18 rubles for December 3

The official euro rate was reduced by 1.51 rubles to 112.80 rubles

Trump warns about ‘all hell to pay’ if Gaza hostages not released before his inauguration

US President-elect also regretted that all the talk about hostages are not followed by any action

Russian scientists start research in exclusive economic zone of Guinea

According to Mikhail Tarasov, scientists from the two countries held a meeting to agree on the program of upcoming research

Scholz during visit to Kiev declares commitment to decision not to supply Taurus

"This decision is related to the range of the missiles and the need to control the choice of targets," Olaf Scholz explained

Over 300,000 personnel undergo combat training for Ukraine operation — Russia’s top brass

Military instruction pays special attention to servicemen’s individual training

Putin, Iranian president discuss situation in Syria

According to the Kremlin, unconditional support was expressed for the actions of the legitimate government in Syria to restore constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity

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"

Berlin details new military aid package to Kiev

German Deputy Government Spokesperson Wolfgang Buechner said the bulk of weapons supplies to Kiev had been announced in October

Trump's threats to BRICS states if they ditch dollar are untenable, says Indian expert

The expert explained that, theoretically, a common BRICS currency could protect the group from the dangers of dollar dominance

Mutual investments between Hungary, Russia gain 6% in first quarter of this year

Hungary remains an important European trade and economic partner of Russia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

The process, which can today be confidently called the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia, began after the 2014 coup, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian temporary deployment site in Nikolayev Region

It was destroyed with an Iskander missile system, the Defense Ministry said

Top Hamas officials leave Qatar after mediation efforts stall — TV

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said on November 9 that his country’s authorities had decided to suspend their mediatory efforts toward a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip because they didn’t see a desire to end the conflict on the part of the parties

Georgian PM says forcing children to participate in rallies ‘immoral’

Earlier, representatives of opposition parties called on students as well as school teachers to go on strike, not to attend school and to take part in protests

EU diplomacy chief sees Putin's global reach expanding

Kaja Kallas took up her post as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on December 1

Georgia’s special forces push protesters away from parliamentary building in Tbilisi

Members of the law enforcement have demanded that the protesters disperse, sometimes using water cannons

Russia has workforce shortage problem — Putin

The problem can be solved through implementation of new technologies, including the artificial intelligence sphere, the head of state noted

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

Russia offers world’s first hydrofoil cruise missile gunboat

The new Project 133RA gunboat has been named the Antares RA while Club missiles have been chosen as its main armament, the chief executive said

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Pezeshkian tells Putin destabilization in Syria serves Israeli, US interests

The Iranian President highly praised the role that Russia and its leader play in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, for example in preserving the territorial integrity of Syria

US senior official says decision on territorial concessions is up to Ukraine

According to Sullivan, Kiev understands that the conflict would be ultimately settled through talks

Brazilian MFA dismisses Trump’s threats of 100% duties on goods from BRICS countries — TV

The future head of the White House would be wise to take the current state of the global economy into account, unnamed Brazilian diplomats believe, according to the publication

Army aviation brigade in Urals gets four Mi-24P attack helicopters

The helicopter’s armament includes 23mm twin-barrel automatic guns placed in a nacelle under the wing

Putin postpones World Friendship Games indefinitely

The World Friendship Games were supposed to take place in Moscow and Yekaterinburg between September 15 and 19 this year in Moscow and Yekaterinburg

Tokyo to push for renewing visits to Southern Kuril Islands — Prime Minister

Earlier, during parliamentary debates, Ishiba reiterated the government's claims to the southern part of the Kurils, which Tokyo calls the "four northern islands"

No plans to hold Putin-Erdogan call over developments in Syria — spokesman

The two leaders' previous phone call was held on November 24

Russia blocks US-drafted UNSC agenda for December over meeting on Ukraine

The United States took over the UN Security Council presidency on December 1

Syrian ministry says terrorists suffered heavy losses of troops, equipment in Hama

Syrian and Russian military aircraft acted in cooperation

Ceasefire in Syria is desirable but hardly achievable goal

A special group under two co-chairs - Russia and the United States - will oversee the efforts

Houthis say they attacked US destroyer, three support vessels in Arabian Sea

According to Sarea, coming under the attack were the Stena Impeccable tanker, the Maersk Saratoga container vessel, and the Liberty Grace bulk carrier

Russian politician sees Stoltenberg’s statements as Western attempt to fool Russia

"The West only talks about negotiations, peace or truce when it smells defeat," Russian Civic Chamber member Vladimir Rogov noted

Israel fueling terrorism in Muslim world, Iran's president says

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pointed out that "the situation in Syria once again proves that stability and security in Syria can only be achieved through dialogue and a political solution"

El Dabaa NPP will turn Egypt into regional tech leader — Rosatom executive

"The El Dabaa NPP will meet Egypt's growing needs for electricity and ensure its energy security," vice-president of JSC Atomstroyexport Alexey Kononenko noted

Russia ready to consider Ukraine proposals based on sincere desire for peace — Lavrov

According to the minister, Russia's position is based on the will of the people who found themselves in the area of hostilities "after the Kiev regime declared them terrorists"

Developments in Georgia look like attempt to stage color revolution — Kremlin

"This is Georgia’s purely internal affair, and we don’t interfere in such affairs," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Hamas says 33 Israeli hostages killed since start of Gaza fighting, some still missing

Nine hostages died from October 9, 2023 through November 21, 2024 because of Israeli bombardments, Hamas said, warning Israel that it "may lose all the hostages who are still alive" if it "continues its aggression" in Gaza

Russia’s first newly-built Tu-160M ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber performs debut flight

Russia’s newly-built Tu-160M strategic missile-carrying bomber has 80% of its equipment upgraded

Transneft expects first oil deliveries by rail in Kozmino Port by end of year

Transneft - Kozmino Port de-mothballed two railroad discharge racks for four tracks with an option of emptying 144 railtank cars at a time

German company Helsing launches production of AI-equipped drones for deliveries to Kiev

As the company notes, advanced on-board AI enables full electronic warfare and jamming resistance, capabilities developed and tested through Helsing’s extensive experience in Ukraine

Netanyahu condemns Hezbollah’s shelling attack as blatant ceasefire violation

The IDF reported that Hezbollah had fired two projectiles toward the area of Mout Dov in northern Israel

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

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

Syrian Armed Forces begin advancing in several directions in Aleppo, Idlib, Hama — command

The statement noted that the army continues to bring troops to areas facing clashes with terrorists

Putin describes ban on Russia’s use of US dollars as ‘complete foolishness’

The Russian president pointed out that this desision damaged the US economy and undermined the power of the United States across the world

US president's son above the law with his father's pardon, celebrity entrepreneur believes

Earlier, Musk pointed out that Biden's pardon of his son coincided with the period of Hunter's work at the Ukrainian energy company Burisma and ironically called it a coincidence

IN BRIEF: Pardon of US president's son, Hunter Biden

The statement indicates that the matter involves legal proceedings in Delaware and California

Biden grants his son pardon on two criminal cases

According to the statement, the issue concerns Hunter Biden’s federal gun charges in Delaware and federal tax evasion charges in California

Recent Putin-Scholz conversation positive thing even as Berlin supports Kiev — Kremlin

On November 15, the two leaders spoke over the phone at Berlin’s initiative

Syrian jets destroy terrorist headquarters in Idlib, kill dozens of militants — report

According to the report, "dozens of militants were killed and wounded," including one of their leaders of Arab descent

Putin praises pace of import substitution in scientific sector

The President stressed that Russia is not going to give up all imported scientific equipment, but key technologies must be domestic

Dollar losing appeal as reserve currency, Kremlin reiterates

Dmitry Peskov stressed it’s not just with BRICS countries that this trend can be seen

US, NATO’s aggressive policies may result in clash between nuclear powers — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that Russia was fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and "systematically sends sobering signals to the Western countries"

Export of Russian pipeline gas to Europe up 15% over 11 months

Total November gas deliveries from Russia to Europe equaled 2.75 bln cubic meters compared to 2.8 bln cubic meters in October, and 2.5 bln cubic meters in November 2023

West may well just set money intended for Ukraine on fire — Russian diplomat

Politico reported earlier that US President Joe Biden had asked the Congress for another $24 bln to provide additional military aid to Kiev and replenish US stocks

Peru refrains from supplying Ukraine with military equipment — Russian Ambassador

Igor Romanchenko admitted that Russian-Peruvian relations are currently going through difficult times

Syrian armed forces eliminate nearly thousand militants — state broadcaster

The units of the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group "launched a large-scale attack on a broad front" on the morning of November 27

US funds 'Nazis, maniacs' in Ukraine, Israel — American journalist

Jackson Hinkle also pointed out that the US authorities are no friend of "freedom-loving American patriots"

Lawyers are working to solve problem with US sanctions against Gazprombank — Szijjarto

"Supplies of energy resources from Russia are playing an important role in providing for security of energy supplies to Hungary," the minister said

Russian fishermen reel in record number of iwashi sardines in 2024 — Association

The iwashi sardine is Russia’s second-most fished product by volume, topped only by the Alaskan pollock

Lavrov dismisses West's ceasefire idea: 'not a path to peace'

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow is ready for an honest discussion

Syria downed Russia's plane because Israeli F-16s used it as cover — Russian top brass

The bombing raid was not far from France’s frigate The Auvergne

Chinese MFA warns Germany against manipulations related to Ukraine issue

Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that his country "has repeatedly said that it strongly opposes any accusations and attempts to shift the responsibility to China"

Russian forces maintain initiative, block Ukraine from gaining foothold in DPR — official

Denis Pushilin noted that Russian forces are also steadily advancing in the Krasny Liman area in the north of the region

Press review: Ukrainian trace behind militants in Syria as protests in Georgia radicalize

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 2nd

Russian ombudsman publishes list of 630 POWs Kiev refuses to take back

Tatyana Moskalkova pointed out that these POWs have been in Russian captivity for over one year

Georgian president calls on protesters in Batumi to exert pressure on Constitutional Court

Several thousand people have blocked traffic along Rustaveli Avenue in front of the building

Russia’s Ufa submarine, Malaysian Navy ships complete drills in South China Sea

The vessels from both countries practiced joint maneuvering, communication, and other forms of cooperation

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

Trump wants to set 100% duties on BRICS goods if they create single currency

"There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US dollar in international trade and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added

Over 100 members of Georgian law enforcement injured in Tbilisi protest rallies

According to the agency, overall, 113 law enforcement officers have been injured with 21 sustaining wounds last night

Medvedev says Zelensky's fate won't be pretty if Ukraine faces second Maidan

The Russian senior official was indignant over the fact that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry "condemned the crackdown on protests in Georgia"

Syrian army with Russian air support destroys terrorists’ 5 command centers, 7 warehouses

The command expressed the readiness of "the Syrian army to continue coping with its tasks"

Kiev failed to inform Ottawa Convention signatories about its plans to violate it

The Ukrainian delegation has not yet informed on this development, the convention’s Secretariat said

Romania, Poland, Germany, UK plan to divide Ukraine — Russia's foreign intel

"A total of 100,000 so-called peacekeepers are planned to be sent to Ukraine," the SVR noted

Syrian air defenses repelling terrorists’ drone attacks in Hama province — radio

The Syrian military command reported on November 28 that units of the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group (outlawed in Russia) "launched a large-scale attack on a broad front" in the north of Syria on the morning of November 27

IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

DPR records fewest weekly civilian injuries since February 2023

Five civilians died in Ukrainian strikes over the past week

Ukrainian captives, losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the past day, the Ukrainian army lost more than 250 troops, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, two cars and four mortars

US sanctions against Gazprombank jeopardize Central Europe’s energy security

"The security of energy supplies to the country is a matter of sovereignty," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto added

UN secretary-general calls for immediate end to hostilities in Syria

Antonio Guterres also called for the protection of civilian infrastructure and a safe passage of civilians that are fleeing hostilities

Syrian government army liberates several neighborhoods in Hama — agency

According to the news agency SANA, government forces regained control over the towns of Karnaz, Tal Meleh, Jalma, Jubbayn, Hayalin, and Sheikh Hadid

Israel violates ceasefire 54 times in southern Lebanon — Lebanese parliament speaker

"Israeli bulldozers continue tearing down houses in border villages, artillery is shelling the area and aircraft are making flights inside Lebanon’s territory," Nabih Berri noted

Ukraine may make territorial concessions to achieve peace — former NATO secretary general

"However, actually we do not see that this can be realized in the near future," Jens Stoltenberg noted

Russian MFA accuses US justice system of covering up Biden-Ukraine corruption link

Maria Zakharova pointed out that "the US judiciary didn't dare address" the corruption network established during Barack Obama’s presidency, where millions of dollars changed hands

US to ship $725 mln worth of weapons to Ukraine, including anti-personnel landmines

According to the report, the aid package will also include anti-drone systems and HIMARS munitions

Russia's newest Su-57 fighter jet superior to China's new J-35 — test pilot

Sergey Bogdan emphasized that the newest Russian fighter was a "magnificent platform for a future generation of configurations, just as the Su-27 aircraft in its heyday"

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV control posts over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 490 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Peace efforts in Ukraine must be ramped up amid escalation risks — top Hungarian diplomat

"The last 1,000 days have shown that this war cannot be resolved on the battlefield," Peter Szijjarto said

Unidentified UAVs continue to appear over US Air Force bases in UK — newspaper

On Tuesday, about 60 British military experts were stationed at US airbases across the UK to operate a counter-UAV system to operate a counter-UAV system designed to detect, track and destroy them

Novaya Zemlya facility prepared for resumption of nuclear tests — Russian general

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS that Russia was considering a resumption of nuclear tests amid the United State’s policy of escalating tensions

Houthis say they attacked target in Israel with hypersonic missile

According to the Houthi spokesman, the Houthis will double their armed attacks with the use of missiles and drones amid Israel’s continuing operation in the Gaza Strip

Russian tech firm to modify latest RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun for new ammo

The RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun will be operational in the Army, the Airborne Force and special operations units

Oil pipeline from Hungary to Serbia to be built by 2026 year-end — Transneft

The new branch pipeline will be connected to the Druzhba oil pipeline

Iran ready to assist Syria in combating terrorists — president

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, the ambitions of the US and Israel "are directed against the countries and peoples of the region," and the ongoing situation in Syria is "a manifestation of these ambitions"