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Russian fencer Bida, spouse seek to compete as part of Team USA at 2024 Paris Olympics

The media reported that the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the USA Fencing federation submitted official requests with the US Congress asking to speed up the procedure of granting American citizenship to Sergey and Violetta Bida

WASHINGTON, January 12. /TASS/. Russia’s Olympic silver medalist in fencing Sergey Bida is seeking to obtain American citizenship and to compete under the banner of Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in July-August in Paris, the USA Today daily reported.

Bida’s spouse, Violetta, told the newspaper in response to a question about whether she and her husband were seeking to represent the American team at the upcoming Olympics: "We are ready."

USA Today added that the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the USA Fencing Federation had filed official requests with the US Congress to expedite the naturalization process to grant US citizenship to Sergey and Violetta Bida, as well as to another Russian fencer, Konstantin Lokhanov.

The daily also cited Jack Wiener, a New York attorney representing the Russian fencers, who explained that in order "to become American citizens in time for the Olympics, set to start July 26, the Senate and House of Representatives would have to pass a bill granting the fencers US citizenship <…> [and then] President [Joe] Biden would have to sign the bill [into law]."

Bida, 30, is the silver medal winner of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in the epee team competition. He was also ranked the world’s top fencer in 2020 in addition to winning three European championship titles in epee fencing. His wife, Violetta Bida (maiden name Khrapina), is the silver medal winner of the 2019 World Fencing Championship in Budapest.

On March 10, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in international competitions under a neutral status and in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

At its session on January 25, 2023, the IOC Executive Board put forward a proposal to permit individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in international sports tournaments, but only under certain conditions. Athletes from the countries in question should not be "actively supporting" Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and must compete under a neutral status.

The FIE followed the IOC’s recommendations and did not issue neutral status permits to Russian fencers representing top Russian sports franchises CSKA and Dinamo. Only five Russian athletes took part in the 2023 European Fencing Championship in June of last year.

Paris is scheduled to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games between July 26 and August 11, 2024.

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German-made Leopard tanks prove inefficient on battlefield, says DPR

According to Yan Gagin, Ukrainian servicemen perish both in operations as Leopard 2 crews and in attempts to evacuate the armor from the battlefield

Starliner undocks from ISS, returns to Earth without crew

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INTERVIEW: Ban on export of gasoline not to cause decline in its production — minister

The ban on export of gasoline from Russia has been extended from September 1 until the end of 2024

Russian Air Defense shoots down 4 HIMARS MLRS missiles, 3 Hammer bombs, 30 Ukrainian UAVs

The Russian Defense Ministry added that since the beginning of the special military operation, Russian troops have destroyed 17,953 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 14,226 field artillery pieces and mortars, and 25,766 special military vehicles

Russia to continue raising topic of West’s involvement in attacks on Kursk Region at UN

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Ukrainian forces daily send troops to Kursk area, suffering losses — commander

In particular, three Baba Yaga drones and three mortars were destroyed during the day

Ukraine’s 80th Brigade mopped up Kursk Region villages — captured solder says

Oleg Ivanenko surrendered to the Akhmat special forces on August 16

Kiev reiterates hopes for Moscow’s attendance of second peace conference

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Houthis down US MQ-9 Reaper drone — rebel representative

This is the eighth drone of the US air forces of this type downed by the rebels over the airspace of Yemen since the start of escalation

Russian forces advance in some areas in Kursk direction, senior commander says

According to Apty Alaudinov, while there has been "heavy fighting since this morning," Russian forces "have been gradually eliminating the enemy, driving them out, while pressing forward"

White House irked by Putin’s ironic comment about US elections

Earlier the Russian leader said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Durov declines Russian, Emirati diplomatic assistance — Politico

"The person concerned refused Russian consular protection and an Emirati consular visit but agreed that the Emirati embassy be kept up to date on his situation," the official said

Expert who predicted Biden, Trump victories says Harris to win

American historian and political scientist Allan Lichtman explained that he bases his predictions on his own system, which takes into account 13 key factors

Syrsky to be fired over fallout from attack on Kursk Region, says Ukrainian politician

Ukraine’s former Interior Minister Yury Lutsenko said that the best Ukrainian units and equipment had been deployed to the Kursk Region

Trump puzzled by Putin’s ironic comment about supporting Harris

Puyin said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Serbia sees how high Putin values it — deputy PM

The deputy prime minister pointed out that the presence of high-ranking officials at the meeting was meaningful for Serbia

Scholz says it is time for discussing ways out of conflict in Ukraine

At the same time, he pledged that Germany would continue its assistance to Kiev but admitted that the results of the regional elections in Germany, where parties opposing weapons supplies to Ukraine won the majority, "stem from the fact that some people are against support for Ukraine."

Ingushetia's People's Assembly re-elects Kalimatov regional head for second term

The number of votes cast for Mahmud-Ali Maksharipovich Kalimatov is 25, chairman of the counting commission Batyr Khamkhoev said

IAEA intends to increase cooperation with Russia

"I hope everybody understands the work of the IAEA, the technical basis of what we do, and our un-relentless compromise with nuclear safety," Director General Rafael Grossi stressed

Medvedev touts Russia as global leader in drone warfare thanks to special op

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman pointed out that no one could have imagined that drone usage would become so widespread before the special military operation

Fire area in Chernobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine exceeds 2,600 hectares

The radiation background in the area is normal, with critical infrastructure facilities not at threat

Gazprom gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine reach 42.1 mln cubic meters

Earlier, Gazprom spokesman Sergey Kupriyanov said that the events in the Sudzha area of the Kursk region have already led to a sharp increase in the price of natural and liquefied gas

Kremlin spokesman denies Russia meddles in US elections

"This is not the first time that Russia has been blamed for interfering into America’s elections," Dmitry Peskov told

Russia plans to create 90 nm lithography machine — minister

The first commercial specimen of the lithographic printer operating on the 350 nm topology already appeared this year

Ruslan Kukharuk elected governor of Khanty-Mansiysk Region

Thirty-three out of 36 deputies voted for him

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

Russian sanitary watchdog sees no grounds for beginning of new coronavirus pandemic

"However, our main task is to be ready for any developments as the virus mutates and it will continue mutating," head of the service Anna Popova said in an interview with TASS on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum

West escalates situation in Ukraine, does not want a ceasefire — Iranian Ambassador

The ambassador stressed that "this is the West's approach not only to Ukraine".

Over 100,000 people take to streets in France protesting against Macron’s policy

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Author of "My Heart Will Go On" hit dies in US

He had been in declining health for the past 5-6 years

French war correspondent says country had hand in planning attack on Kursk

It is reported that France strategically calls its military specialists in Ukraine mercenaries to avoid responsibility

Collapse of Operation Citadel 2.0

Russian units expand offensive bridgehead in DPR over week

According to the report, the Russian forces liberated several residential areas in the region

Landing humans on Mars needs international collaboration — former NASA chief

However, the former chief of the US space agency was skeptical about the prospect of a private company’s capability of sending humans to Mars alone

First Starships to Mars to launch in two years, Musk says

If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years

Three civilians wounded in Ukrainian shelling attack on borderline Belgorod Region

The governor added that two houses and four outbuildings caught fire after shells hit them

Putin calls West's policy to ban Russia from dollar settlements ‘stupid’

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Kremlin won’t help US 'decipher' Putin's remarks on Harris

Dmitry Peskov noted that unfortunately the issue of Russia is an integral part of the political struggle in the United States

US, Europe working on substitutes for S-300 system, R-27 missile — Pentagon chief

Earlier, Western media outlets reported that Ukraine had failed to fully replace Soviet-made S-300 missile systems with Western-manufactured ones

Kiev’s allies worried Ukraine could be pushed out of Kursk border area in a few months

Bloomberg reported that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that Kiev could use the situation in the Kursk Region "as a bargaining chip in talks"

Ukraine runs out of money to pay its military — Rada committee

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BRICS summit in Kazan to bring together leaders of important, powerful countries — Vucic

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Chernobyl would pale in comparison to strike on Kursk NPP — Rosatom chief

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Final day of regional, municipal elections starts in Russia

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Striking Ukrainian reserves: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Ukrainian military lost up to 370 servicemen and 17 armored vehicles

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, the Russian military repelled two attacks by enemy assault groups towards Matveyevka and Olgovka, and foiled Ukrainian attempts to attack three settlements

Paris sees 26,000 people take to streets protesting against Macron’s policy — prefecture

Against this backdrop, Jean-Luc Melenchon, founder of the leftist France Unbowed party, said about the onset of the "right of the strongest" in France and called on supporters for a "long-term struggle" against Macron’s policy

Four villages in Belgorod Region attacked by Ukrainian drones

According to the governor, a minivan was damaged in the village of Dronovka, two single-family houses were damaged by in the villages in Novopetrovka and Murov

Germany to do its utmost to investigate Nord Stream pipelines blasts — Scholz

In an interview with the ZDF television channel, he was asked whether he trusted Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky following reports about Kiev’s involvement in the blasts

Former NASA chief hopes for US-Russia-China cooperation in outer space

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Iran’s mission to UN denies country supplies weapons to sides of conflict in Ukraine

The statement followed a report by the Wall Street Journal that alleged, citing unnamed US and European officials, that Iran supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia

Ukrainian shell hits residential house in Belgorod Region, two children injured

A 9-year-old boy with a head injury and a laceration of the left shin and his 7-year-old brother with a closed head injury are in serious condition, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported

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"

Russia says its Grad MLRS destroys Ukrainian positions near border in Kursk Region

The ministry said that, in cooperation with forward reconnaissance teams and unmanned aircraft, Grad crews strike enemy locations, strongholds and observation posts

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

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Putin slams Germany's refusal to turn on Nord Stream 2 as lunacy, nonsense

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Russia becomes largest economy in Europe, 'being right in hot pursuit of Japan' — aide

Maxim Oreshkin stressed that the gradual loss of all these elements leads to long-term stagnation of the European economy

Putin congratulates city residents on Moscow City Day

The Russian President called Moscow a symbol and a reliable stronghold of Russian statehood

Belarusian tennis player Sobolenko wins US Open

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Ukraine loses over 11,220 troops since start of hostilities in Kursk area

Russian servicemen repelled five Ukrainian attacks, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Ukraine’s troops cling to outskirts of Krasnogorovka, sustain daily losses — DPR head

Denis Pushilin said Russian soldiers were very resourceful in selecting methods and tactics of liberating the city, as well as rescuing the local population

Lavrov says his only meeting with Kuleba lacked constructiveness

The minister noted making an exception while visiting Antalya - there were no plans to participate in this diplomatic conference, because it did not fit into the schedule

Trump says he was offended by Putin’s ironic remark about endorsing Harris

Earlier, the Russian leader said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Kremlin not yet started preparations for Putin's Direct Line Q&A session

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Direct Line session would be held closer to the New Year and would again be combined with the year-end press conference

German fighter jets practice landings in Finland, 180 km from Russian border

The German Air Force told the newspaper that the German fighter jets had been practicing landings in Finland since September 4

Iranian President plans to attend BRICS Summit in Kazan — Ambassador

There Masoud Pezeshkian plans to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Kazem Jalali said

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

INTERVIEW: Russia to address issue of efficient use of ports for energy export

Currently, in Russia, only 50-60% of the port capacity for energy exports is used

US allocates new $250 million military aid package to Ukraine — Pentagon

According to the statement, the package includes RIM-7 missiles and air defense support, ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, artillery shells of 155 mm and 105 mm caliber, Stinger MANPADS, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems

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

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

Russian government orders to set up embassy in Dominican Republic

According to the order, the Russian Foreign Ministry is to determine the number of the embassy staff and to endorse the schedule

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea for the second day

On Wednesday evening, Pyongyang launched nearly 420 trash balloons

Top Spanish diplomat says Venezuelan opposition figure Gonzalez on his way to country

Jose Manuel Albares also added that the Spanish government is "committed to respecting the political rights and physical integrity of all Venezuelans"

Press review: Big bucks flow at EEF and Macron's PM pick has left talking impeachment

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 6th

Ukraine may receive about 2 million FPV-drones by year-end — expert

"According to open sources, in 2023, about 40 billion rubles was allocated to finance the Ukrainian project Drone Army," a representative of the Center for Unmanned Competences said

Turkey's entry into BRICS will encourage other countries to join association — expert

It is reported that Turkey's corresponding decision stems from its intention to enhance its status in the changing geopolitical order amid the world’s irreversible drift to multipolarity

Russian forces liberate DPR’s Novogrodovka

Also the Defense Ministry said that Russian servicemen have hit a temporary deployment site of Ukraine’s Special Operations Center South

Putin didn’t pass along new information about potential unrest, Kremlin spokesman says

"We continue to have regular communication at various levels, including in very, very sensitive areas," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukrainian army loses 444,000 troops during military operation — Shoigu

According to the Russian defense minister, the liberation of several residential settlements in Donbass, disclosed Kiev attempts to prevent the collapse of the front

Russian Defense Ministry announces liberation of Kalinovo settlement in DPR

The Armed Forces of Ukraine lost up to 810 servicemen in the area of responsibility of Russia’s South battlegroup over the day

Russian forces use drones in road mining to wipe out enemy vehicles — businessman

According to Alexey Chadayev, the new method has an advantage in that a mining device can be produced directly at the site of combat

Germany does not give Russia reliable information on Nord Stream sabotage case — envoy

Ambassador to Berlin Sergey Nechayev emphasized that the project involves not only Russia, but also many other countries as well

There should be less talk about militarization of space, says former NASA chief

According to Charles Bolden, he felt that his job was to to maintain peace

US cannot confirm downing of MQ-9 Reaper drone by Houthis

The movement’s military spokesman Yahya Saree said earlier that a US MQ-9 drone had been downed when it was carrying out hostile actions over the airspace of the Marib province

Putin says Russia 'backs' Harris post-Biden exit

The Russian president joked that Harris’ "laughter is so expressive and contagious," that you can assume "she’s doing well"

Scholz wants to know who is behind Nord Stream blasts — government spokesman

According to Steffen Hebestreit, the topic of the Nord Steams act of sabotage is still on the agenda, including in contacts with Kiev

Russian Su-34 jet hits Ukrainian forces in Kursk border area with aerial bombs

According to the Defense Ministry, after receiving confirmation from the intelligence service that the targets had been destroyed, the crew returned safely to the airfield

Russia’s elections going on correctly, apart from individual party representatives — CEC

Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova added that the CEC also registered unsuccessful attempts by pro-Western opponents to destabilize the election through the information space

Foreign aid to Ukraine a money laundering scheme, head of Chechnya says

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that there is no need to worry about hostilities currently happening on Russian territory

Russia already won special military op — army official

"Our next task is to do everything possible to ensure that we remain a united family ready for future challenges," Apty Alaudinov said

More than 500,000 Israelis protesting in Tel Aviv — organizers

Similar protests took place in Jerusalem, Haifa, Kfar Sava, Be'er Sheva, Netanya, Rehovot and Rishon LeZion

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

Conflict in Ukraine to be settled through talks — Pentagon chief

"We are going continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position" for peace talks, Lloyd Austin pledged

China interested in cooperation with Russian technology companies

"China also has its own experience in creating technology parks built with private investment," lawmaker Alexey Govyrin said, adding that "this experience is also very useful" for Russia

EU officials focus on serving US energy interests, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova noted that the EU distorted facts and spread direct disinformation to portray Russia as an unreliable energy supplier

Friendly football match between Russia and Thailand canceled — source

The match was scheduled to take place on September 7, but was canceled due to bad weather

Ukrainian ambassador’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine 'affronts' Asian peoples — Chinese daily

The newspaper also recommended Sergey Korsunsky not to forget about China's peacekeeping efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict

Putin convinced Russia to keep boosting ties with Tajikistan

Putin pointed out that relations between the two countries are "making progress in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance."