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China’s Qinwen Zheng defeats Russia’s Kalinskaya to reach 2024 Australian Open semis

In the semifinals, Qinwen Zheng will face off against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, who earlier defeated Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals

SYDNEY, January 24. /TASS/. Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya failed to advance to the 2024 Australian Open semifinals after she was defeated in the quarterfinals on Wednesday by China’s Qinwen Zheng.

In a match that lasted two hours and 20 minutes, the Chinese 12th-seeded player dropped the opening set to her unseeded Russian opponent but took the next two to win the match with a final score of 6-7 (4-7); 6-3; 6-1.

In the semifinals, Zheng will face off against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, who earlier defeated Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals.

Qinwen Zheng, 21, is currently 15th in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Rankings and has won two WTA titles. Zheng’s previous best result in a Grand Slam was when she reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open.

Kalinskaya, 25, is ranked 75th in the Women Tennis Association (WTA) Rankings and has zero WTA titles in her career. She has never advanced past the second round at any Grand Slam. This year’s Australian Open will mark her best result ever.

The 2024 Australian Open tournament is being played on hard courts at Melbourne Park on January 14-28 and has a purse of $57.8 mln in prize money up for grabs. The opening tournament of the annual Grand Slam series in Australia marks its 112th edition this year. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka are the reigning Australian Open champions in men’s and women’s singles, respectively.

German journalist admits his charges against FIE president were false

In August 2024, the nationwide German TV channel ARD published two articles and a video report on fencing competitions at the Paris Olympics in which Hans-Joachim Seppelt accused Alisher Usmanov, of setting up a system of bribing judges in this sport

Rare bird species settling in Moscow’s natural areas

Gray herons, black kites, blue hawks, and popinjay honey buzzards are among them

UN to vote on Russia's resolution on combating neo-Nazism

Belarus and Turkmenistan co-authored the draft resolution, which has been traditionally introduced by Russia and adopted annually since 2005

Indian minister notes urge to redress trade balance with Russia

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pointed out that "the two economies are complementary," which he said is a key consideration

Russia initiates creation of Eurasian multipolarity charter — top Russian diplomat

"This is a strategic document that will encompass all the proposals put forward during the discussions at the Minsk Conference and other forums," Sergey Lavrov stressed

Russia signs documents on military cooperation with 33 African countries — advisor

Anton Kobyakov also noted that delegations from 54 countries and 45 African ministers are taking part in the first Russia-Africa ministerial conference

Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

Serbia Trump's strongest supporter in Europe during presidential race — president

Aleksandar Vucic expressed desire to further develop relations across all areas of public life

Russian troops advance to Ukrainian army’s supply route near Selidovo in Donbass area

The road is also the basic route to Krasnoarmeisk with a distance of no more 6 km in that road section, the source noted

Trump to launch largest mass deportation of immigrants after inauguration — spokeswoman

According to Karoline Leavitt, Trump is ready to take action to secure the US southern border - "something that the Biden-Harris administration has refused to do"

Defense Ministry reports destruction of 96 UAVs over Russian regions

The department emphasized that most of the drones were eliminated over the Moscow Region

India keen to expedite negotiations on investment agreement with Russia — MFA

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also noted Russia’s "growing attention" to the program for development of domestic production in the republic dubbed "Make In India"

Ukraine needs to adopt 'realistic vision for peace, ’ Crimea is Russian — Trump adviser

Bryan Lanza also criticized the Democratic administration's policy toward Ukraine

No indications from Scholz on readiness to talk with Putin, says Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov also recalled Putin's remark that Scholz, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, had gone out of touch and shown their unwillingness to communicate

Europe on the verge of sweeping changes — Hungary’s Foreign Minister

"It is obvious that the European strategy [in respect of Ukraine], which has clearly failed, cannot be continued," Peter Szijjarto said

Chancellor Scholz ready to hold talks with Putin soon, but only if partners agree

It involves many contacts and negotiations with many people, he said

Belarus officially becomes BRICS partner state — Foreign Ministry

According to the ministry, the status of a partner country entitles Belarus, among other things, to participate in special sessions of BRICS summits and meetings of BRICS foreign ministers on a permanent basis

Israel’s strike on Damascus targeted Hezbollah commander in Syria — media

According to the news portal, Ali Mousa Dakduk was in charge of operation against Israel in Syria

FSB informs Putin about thwarted hijacking of Russian military helicopter — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the president is to decide whether the Russian counterintelligence officers will be recognized

Russian forces advancing in seven directions in Avdeyevka area, expert says

According to Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov, the advance in the Avdeyevka area makes it possible for Russian forces to move towards the city of Zaporozhye

Europe's special services less willing to cooperate with Kiev's intelligence — FSB

"In this case, the Ukrainian military intelligence initially planned to bring the serviceman's family to Ukraine via Poland or Latvia, but later the Ukrainian intelligence chose the Moldovan secret services as partners in the operation," the source said

EU chief outlines his visit to Ukraine's first line of defense

Josep Borrell did not specify which of Ukraine’s borders he had actually seen

Scholz 'honored' by Musk's 'Olaf buffoon' statement

German Chancellor added, that he 'don't comment on tech billionaires'

Trump, Putin speak over phone — newspaper

Neither Washington not Moscow have officially confirmed this information

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"

Russian presidential aide warns of possible new sabotage attempts by US, UK

On September 27, 2022, Nord Stream AG reported "unprecedented damage" on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines of the Nord Stream system

Musk rejects charges of treason for not allowing Ukraine to activate Starlink near Crimea

"No matter what happens, I will fight for and die in America," Elon Musk said

Trump may be set to change US course on global conflicts, Russian envoy believes

Alexander Lavrentyev also pointed to the potential withdrawal of US troops from Syria

Trump vows to sit down with Russia, Ukraine at negotiating table on first day in office

Donald Trump defeated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the November 5 election

Russian servicemen raise flag in Makarovka — official

It is located in the Vremya direction, slightly north of Staromayorskoye and Urozhaynoye

Six memorandums of understanding between Russia, India to be signed in Mumbai

"This year, a very optimistic trend of further expansion of economic cooperation and growth of trade between our countries has been observed," Sergey Cheremin said

Russia warns Canada of retaliation for hostile actions, accuses Ottawa of provocations

"The Canadian authorities should exercise caution and refrain from harmful steps that could escalate confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized

Russia destroys virtually all Ukrainian military equipment near Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov added that Russian airborne regiments near Chasov Yar are successfully carrying out combat operations with the support of volunteer units

Russia says Su-35S fighter jets provide cover to bombers, attack aircraft in Kursk Region

Also, one aircraft used onboard weapons systems to detect enemy air defense sites, according to the ministry

Russia for the first time displays Su-57 jet at China show

Su-57 multirole fifth-generation fighter jet was designed to destroy all air, ground, and water surface targets, monitor the airspace at major distances from deployment bases, make adversary headquarters, command posts and control systems inoperative

Russia’s TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower hits Ukrainian troops’ shelter

The crew of a TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower of Russia’s Battlegroup North struck a shelter of Ukrainian militants with the use of thermobaric munitions, eliminating the enemy manpower

Russian troops advancing in all frontline areas in Donbass region, says DPR head

Russian troops are making a major advance in the Kurakhovo area, Denis Pushilin said

Donbass, Novorossia had right to declare independence under UN Charter – Putin

Residents of Crimea, and southeastern Ukraine disagreed with the state coup - which is an illegitimate and an anti-constitutional act - and they have the right for self-determination, Putin said

Malaysia receives invitation join BRICS as partner, set to respond soon — envoy to Russia

The invitation has been forwarded to Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan

What we know about massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

US plans to remove 'arrogant' Zelensky and stage 2025 elections in Ukraine — SVR

"At the initial stage, it is planned to encourage entities within the Ukrainian civil society under their control, through US 'democratization' foundations and think tanks, to come up with a corresponding initiative," the statement reads

Ukraine offers up to 750,000 dollars to Russian pilot for hijacking helicopter — TV

The correspondent also reported that the Ukrainian intelligence officer obtained the phone number of the pilot's wife and persuaded her to leave Russia before the helicopter was hijacked

German journalist admits his charges against FIE president were false

In August 2024, the nationwide German TV channel ARD published two articles and a video report on fencing competitions at the Paris Olympics in which Hans-Joachim Seppelt accused Alisher Usmanov, of setting up a system of bribing judges in this sport

Kremlin spokesman denies media reports of phone call between Putin, Trump

Dmitry Peskov described the Washington Post and Reuters reports about the alleged telephone conversation as "the most remarkable example of the quality of the information that is published nowadays, sometimes even by quite respected outlets"

FSB stops Ukrainian attempt to hijack Russian military helicopter

Ukrainian military intelligence agents attempted to recruit a Russian military pilot to hijack the aircraft to Ukraine, the security service reported

Russian advances, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup North have continued their offensive, defeating Ukrainian formations near several settlements in the Kursk Region

Trump offers Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to become US permanent envoy to UN — media

She graduated from Harvard University

Ukraine dismisses ‘media noise’ about alleged Trump peace plan — official

Commenting on reports that Trump has allegedly spoken over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sergey Leshchenko noted that such reports "are backed by nothing"

Trump may put pressure on Kiev to give up portion of territory — ex-NATO chief in Europe

At the same time, "the free path to NATO" will be open then and Ukraine will be accepted to NATO during three-five years," James Stavridis added

Biden to try to persuade Trump to sustain assistance to Ukraine — advisor

Jake Sullivan also pointed out that Biden had promised Ukraine that the US administration "will have sent the full amount of resources and aid to Ukraine the Congress has authorized" by January 20

Kiev receives no notification about Trump's alleged conversation with Putin — MFA

Earlier, The Washington Post, citing sources, claimed that Trump had already held a phone conversation with Putin

Putin orders to simplify foreign tourists’ entry to Far Eastern regions

The relevant authorities are ordered "to consider the possibility of simplifying the procedure of electronic visas issuance for entry of foreign citizens to the territory of the Far Eastern Federal Districts for tourist purposes" by April 15, 2025

Leader of Liberal Democratic Party Shigeru Ishiba elected Japan’s PM

Within the day, Shigeru Ishiba will form his second government since his administration first began on October 1

Pompeo, Haley will not be invited to new administration — Trump

Inauguration of the president-elect will be held on January 20, 2025

Russian forces steadily advance on Boguslav direction — Belousov

The Russian Defense Minister congratulated the command and the personnel of the 153rd Armored Regiment with the liberation of the settlement of Kolesnikovka

Russian traitor Kuzminov dead, buried in Spain — CBS

On February 19, the media confirmed, citing sources close to the investigation, that Maxim Kuzminov had died in Villajoyosa, a Spanish seaside town with a large contingent of Russians and Ukrainians living there

Chancellor Scholz strongly opposes Germany possessing nuclear weapons

He noted that Germany has agreed with France and UK to develop long-range missiles that are not equipped with nuclear warheads

Russia insists on inadmissibility of justifying Nazi ideology by freedom of speech

"We call on states to strictly obey Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which envisages a legislative ban on such manifestations," Grigory Lukyantsev said

Republican congressmen have no interest in passing more aid for Kiev — newspaper

In the November 5 presidential election, Donald Trump defeated Democratic Kamala Harris, who has held the post of US Vice President since January 2021

UAC delivers Su-57, Su-35S fighter jets

"Other batches of Su-57 fifth-generation and Su-35S multirole fighter jets of generation 4++ will be delivered by the end of the year," CEO Vadim Badekha added

Ukraine attacks Russian civilian infrastructure facilities with 84 drones — top brass

"In all, Ukraine used 84 long-range fixed-wing drones", the Russian defense ministry said

Tens of thousands to march 'on Washington' ahead of Trump's inauguration — newspaper

In January 2017, before the beginning of Trump's first presidential term, hundreds of marches of various sizes took place in many US cities, including Chicago (Illinois), Boston (Massachusetts), New Orleans (Louisiana), Miami (Florida), and Denver (Colorado)

Europe shows nervousness after Trump's victory — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that it is too early to talk about a change in Europe's position on the Ukrainian conflict

Trump to reverse Biden’s executive orders in first week in office — press secretary

According to Karoline Leavitt, the 94 executive orders that Joe Biden signed in his first week in office led "to a border crisis and the economic crisis"

Chancellor Scholz may raise vote of confidence in his government before December 25

Earlier, he had announced that he would do so on January 15, 2025

Japan's government resigns ahead of regular prime ministerial election

Divisions within the opposition are still expected to secure Shigeru Ishiba’s election as prime minister and allow him to form a minority governmen

Russian Defense Ministry reports liberation of Volchenka in DPR

Russian air defenses down three Hammer bombs, 36 enemy drones in special military operation zone

Activity of terror groups, radicals intensifies in Syria — Russian envoy

"All this raises alarm because there are forces seeking to destabilize the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic," Alexander Lavrentyev stressed

Erdogan wants Israel to 'pay' for aggression, calls for economic blockade against it

The Turkish leader recalled that his country’s initiative on banning weapons supplies to Israel had been supported by 52 United Nations members and two international organizations

Russian Security Council chief to visit China on November 11-14

Apart from that, he will hold talks with Chinese Communist Party secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission overseeing national security and intelligence Cheng Wenqing

Relations with Russia to improve for mutual benefit, says Finnish President Stubb

The Ilta-Sanomat daily pointed out that Alexander Stubb had been in the presidential office for eight months already, but never managed to hold any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian troops liberate Kolesnikovka community in Kharkov area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 530 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Netanyahu says has spoken with Trump three times in recent days

During his previous presidential term, Trump recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and relocated his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Venezuela ready to help Cuba hit by earthquakes — Foreign Ministry

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of the island

Russia to start trials of most advanced Katran combat drone this year

Several options of arming the Katran drone are being considered, the rotorcraft developer said

Russia taking additional security measures in Baltics — official

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the US and its allies in Europe have decided to militarize the Baltic Sea

Thirteen displaced Russians from Kursk Region found in Ukraine, ombudsperson says

"We are negotiating with the Ukrainian side their possible return to Russia," Tatyana Moskalkova said

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

About 10,000 Ukrainian troops are blocked on the bank of a water reservoir. In another area near Kupyansk, about 5,000 troops are blocked, Russian President said

Uganda receives invitation to become BRICS partner — ambassador

"Yes, Uganda has received the invitation," the ambassador said on the sidelines of the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Press review: Russia, Belarus finalize security deal as China readies for Trump’s new term

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 11th

Ukrainian army to retreat near Krasnoarmeysk in coming weeks — expert

Colonel Vitaly Kiselev explained that on the flat terrain in this area the Ukrainian army would be unable to hold on for long and will be forced to retreat

US intelligence agencies must prevent new attempts on Trump’s life — Kremlin aide

Trump survived two assassination attempts this year, one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, when a sniper shot at him, grazing his ear, and a second in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-o-Lago residence in Florida

Houthis claim attack on Israeli military base near Jaffa

Yahya Saree described the missile attack on Israeli territory as part of the "fifth stage of escalation" in opposition to Israel. Saree emphasized that Ansar Allah will persist in its attacks until Israel's "aggression" against Palestine and Lebanon is stopped

Japan open to contacts with Russia — Japanese ambassador

"Mutual understanding is possible via official dialogues and contacts between people. We are still open (to contacts with Russia - TASS)," Akira Muto said

Russian embassy in Cuba receives no appeals over earthquakes

Russian citizens have not requested assistance from the embassy or Consulate General

DPR skeptical about Ukrainian conflict resolution following Trump's victory

Denis Pushilin clarified that the DPR will monitor the US leader's real actions

Putin says once invited ex-German Chancellor Schroeder to banya and it burnt to ground

Because of this, the Russian President reminds, he never invites his foreign colleagues to Russian traditional steam house any more

Hamas calls on Arab, Islamic countries to sever relations with Israel

They called on the leaders who plan to take part in the upcoming summit in Riyadh to forge an international alliance

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Ukraine admits to mismanagement of military personnel

Maria Berlinskaya recounted how Ukraine’s army received tens of thousands of people, including "the smartest managers, the smartest economists, and very good businessmen, for free"

Belarus, Russia finalize treaty on security guarantees

Work on documents has been completed

Ukraine may become 'first victim' of Trump’s second term, British expert predicts

According to Timothy Garton Ash, many in Europe realize that it should shoulder more responsibility for its own defense

Israeli foreign minister says preparations underway for annexing some West Bank areas

"2025 should be the year of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria," Bezalel Smotrich said

Italian producer announces two collaborative projects with Russia

An attempt at cultural isolation of Russia has not borne fruit, Paolo Maria Spina said

Zakharova blasts self-proclaimed liar Seppelt for fabricating Usmanov story

Commenting on Seppelt's confession, Maria Zakharova recalled that the German journalist has been "clinging to the lone issue" of doping abuse in sports since 1997

Bitcoin extends gains to $81,000

At 9:35 p.m. Moscow time (6:35 p.m. GMT), Bitcoin continued to trade at $80,800

West using intimidation, blackmail to set global majority against Russia — Lavrov

According to the top Russia diplomat, during the conference, Russian and African countries exchanged a range of proposals on how to improve their relations

Kremlin aide insists only NATO forces capable of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines

According to Nikolay Patrushev, it is known for a fact that US and UK intelligence services have combat swimmers and relevant equipment

IN BRIEF: Congratulations on Trump's victory in US election

TASS has compiled congratulatory messages and reactions to Donald Trump's apparent win

Russian troops push forward in Kharkov Region post-liberation of Kolesnikovka — official

Russian army continues to advance towards Oskol, smoothing out the front line along the river and towards the settlements of Glushkovka and Borovaya

Bloodshed in Ukraine to end soon, Musk says

The Axios portal reported earlier that Musk took part in a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Zelensky