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Olympic Facts and Figures

Armenian prime minister to attend closing ceremony of Sochi Olympics

YEREVAN, February 22, 3:43 /ITAR-TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisyan told Itar-Tass he planned to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games in Russia’s Black Sea resort city of Sochi on Sunday.

He also said he watched the TV coverage of the opening ceremony with admiration. “What I saw on TV produced the most benevolent impression on me, especially the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which was absolutely marvelous,” he said.

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Sochi Olympics Olympic Facts and Figures

Newly minted Russian citizen Santos could suit up for national football team — coach

The Brazilian-born defender has scored seven goals and served up 33 assists in his 198 match appearances with Zenit St. Petersburg FC

Turkey's F-16 fighter downs Armenia's Su-25 from Azerbaijani territory — Yerevan

According to official Yerevan, the pilot of the shot down aircraft died

Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon

Russia, Iran, Turkey condemn all Israeli military attacks on Syria — joint statement

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, a military operation by Turkey would only exacerbate an already tricky situation

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

Climate policy should be based on common sense, not ideology — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister noted that the problem of climate preservation held a prominent place in the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness

Medvedev warns that EU behavior in struggle with Russia fraught with 'bad scenario'

According to the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, European leaders are experiencing "autumn blues" after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election

Russia to insist that G20 declaration be based on principles of multipolarity — diplomat

Marat Berdyev mentioned that the fourth meeting of G20 sherpas kicked off on Tuesday, with one of the goals being to finalize the draft of the summit’s concluding declaration

Ukraine’s troops south of Kurakhovo caught in pincers — military sources

Small groups of Ukrainian soldiers have been trying to leave the communities, but all roads are under the Russian army’s fire

Lavrov to lead Russia’s delegation to G20 summit in Brazil

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with heads of BRICS media outlets that he will not be attending the G20 summit in Brazil, scheduled for November 18 and 19

Ukraine retreating fast, delaying peace to result in lost territories — entrepreneur

"The simplest path to peace in Ukraine is to go back to the draft deal signed in Istanbul," David Sacks said

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

Beijing ready to boost security coordination with Russia, top diplomat says

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the mechanism of strategic security consultations between China and Russia is an important communication platform that serves the diplomatic efforts of the two countries’ leaders

Japan remains ready to sign peace treaty with Russia — top diplomat

After Tokyo imposed anti-Russian sanctions over the situation in Ukraine, Russia halted consultations with Japan on a peace treaty

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

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"

Ukrainians play 'radio games' with Russian recon to spread disinfo on attacks — LPR expert

It is reported that Ukrainian fighters have recently been sending false signals about an impending offensive or strikes allegedly being planned on unconfirmed targets

Italian producer announces two collaborative projects with Russia

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

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

Kiev should sign peace treaty, but this will spell end of grift for many, billionaire says

"The longer the war goes on, the more territory Ukraine will lose," David Sacks added

Russian troops secure supply route to Plekhovo in Kursk Region — commander

It is reported that fighting in the settlement itself is taking place at the moment

Libya interested in joining BRICS, reviews possibilities

We are interested in joining, but joining is a guarantee of the value, the benefit that Libya can receive from joining the association, Acting Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Libyan Government of National Unity Taher al-Bawr said

Republican Party to retain control over US House — data provider

Earlier, Republicans secured a majority in the Senate, the upper chamber of the US legislature

Combat experience distinguishes Su-57 among fifth-generation fighters

The Russian Defense Ministry said it excellently performed in combat

Countries will line up for Russian gas when US stops exporting LNG — Serbian president

According to Aleksandar Vucic, Washington will use LNG "for the growing consumption of artificial intelligence, electric charging stations and everything else"

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"

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

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

Ukraine imposes sanctions on maintenance services of two Moscow airports

The decree, which lists a total of 63 legal entities, sets the restrictions for a period of 10 years

Lukashenko calls for support to developing nations in accessing green technologies

The Belarusian leader emphasized that global action to combat climate change requires a united international effort in practice

Trump may nominate Senator Rubio for Secretary of State — WSJ

53-year-old Marco Rubio has been a member of the Senate since 2011

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

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

Russian engine maker unveils cutting-edge aircraft engine

"The state-of-the-art 177S engine for tactical aircraft boasts improved characteristics and is of the fifth generation class," the press service 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

Europe's plans to replace US aid to Ukraine under Trump are 'idle talk'

Nikolay Azarov also raised the question of whether outgoing US President Joe Biden would allow the Kiev regime to use long-range Western missiles to strike deep into Russia before Trump's inauguration, as some foreign media had previously suggested

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

Trump, Putin speak over phone — newspaper

Neither Washington not Moscow have officially confirmed this information

Russia's Black Sea Fleet combat-ready to counter threats — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev noted that despite Kiev's aggressive actions in the region, coordinated by NATO specialists, there is nothing that might look like "defeat" of Russia's fleet in the Black Sea

Medvedev suggests that Elon Musk launch campaign to amend US Constitution

Article II of the US Constitution stipulates that: "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President"

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

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

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

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

Russia to equip 290 landing sites for drone operations by 2030 — regulator

The agency also plans to place landing sites in 16 constituent entities of Russia in 2025

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

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"

Czech intelligence warns of crime surge after Ukraine conflict ends

More than 380,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine to the Czech Republic since February 24, 2022

Trump, Putin could agree on limits of nuclear warheads — US expert

Nevertheless, in his words, "maintaining caps on strategic nuclear arsenals, even by way of an informal agreement between Trump and President Putin, would serve U.S. and global interests."

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

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

Russia demonstrates Il-76MD-90A(E) airlifter to 11 foreign customers this year

The latest modification is distinguished by new equipment, including a glass cockpit, modern PS-90A-76 engines, a modified wing and reinforced chassis

More than 1 800 cases of mpox confirmed in Africa on October 20 — November 3 — WHO

According to the WHO, 11,140 confirmed cases of mpox infection and 53 deaths were recorded in Africa from January 1 to November 3, an increase of 1,828 and 19, respectively, from October 20

North Korea ratifies treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia

The leader of North Korea Kim Jon Un signed the corresponding decree on November 11

Arab League, OIC countries insist on suspending Israel’s participation in UNGA

As follows from the document, countries of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation agreed "to consolidate efforts to mobilize international support while drafting a General Assembly joint resolution to freeze Israel’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly"

Ukraine building on ‘victory plan’ for incoming Trump administration — newspaper

According to the newspaper, "one idea would replace some US troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian forces" once the conflict is over

Libya invites Russian companies to cooperate in oil production

Libya is also working on the full return of Tatneft to the country

Russia keeps building defense capacity despite conflict in Ukraine — Polish general

According to Wieslaw Kukula, if the conflict in Ukraine ends soon, Russia will be able to build up its defense capacity to the point that it could take on all of NATO

Russian lower house passes third reading of bill banning child-free propaganda

The legislation stipulates preventing the distribution of information promoting voluntary childlessness online, through the media, movies and advertisements

US officer Gordon Black transferred to Russian prison in Far East

The regional Ministry of Internal Affairs previously reported that US sergeant Black had served in South Korea

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, energy sites over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 765 personnel, an armored personnel carrier, a motor vehicle and two 122mm D-30 howitzers

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

Russia’s Rubikon unmanned technology center team destroys Ukrainian armor in Kursk area

"The video shows a team of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Testing Center of Advanced Unmanned Technologies destroying Ukrainian armor by an FPV drone in the Kursk area," the ministry said

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"

Detentions, blocking of roads: what is known about situation in Abkhazia

The prosecutor general stated that following the incident, four Abkhazian residents were detained: Garry Kokaya, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Omar Smur, and Ramaz Dzhopya

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

Ukrainian General Staff reports difficult situation along entire frontline

It also acknowledged the supremacy of the Russian army in equipment and personnel

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

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

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

Moldova expresses displeasure about Georgian prime minister’s comments

Earlier, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters "gross violations" were committed during the presidential election in Moldova, but the country’s authorities were not investigating them

Trump to end NATO’s obsession to get on Russian territory — White House ex-strategist

Steve Bannon noted that Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement seeks to completely cut funding to Ukraine. According to Bannon, Europe, including Italy, will follow Trump’s lead, and, if "they [Europe and Italy] truly believe what they have been saying in recent years, they should be ready to pay"

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

Breakthrough near Krasnoarmeysk could enable Russian push toward the Dnieper — expert

Markus Reisner noted that many of the Ukrainian units on this section of the frontline are understaffed by 50%

Zelensky desperately seeks good relations with Trump, Ukrainian lawmaker

Alexander Dubinsky said that Viktor Pinchuk, a businessman and son-in-law of former advisor to ex-Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, had promised Zelensky to establish contact with Trump

Ukraine issue gets more attention at UN after Trump’s election win — Russian diplomat

"People started actively commenting behind the scenes, making forecasts about where things could go now," Dmitry Polyansky noted

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

Top Russian security official sees Moscow-Beijing relations as pillar of global politics

Shoigu arrived in China on a working trip on Monday

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

Freezing conflict will only allow Ukraine to rearm itself, fight Russia anew, says expert

Ruslan Kalinchuk noted that Russia "will not negotiate on Donbass and Novorossia," while Vladimir Zelensky will not do any deals unless Russia makes concessions because "he would immediately be ousted in such an event"

Dagestani deminer holds stronghold on his own for several weeks

According to the statement the enemy shelled Zakaria Aliyev almost daily but the Dagestani man’s spirit "turned out to be stronger than any weapon"

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian Stryker armored vehicle in Kharkov Region

The strike’s accuracy and efficiency were confirmed by data-recording equipment in real time

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

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

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

Houthis say they attacked US aircraft carrier in Arabian Sea

According to the movement’s military spokesperson, the Houthis place responsibility for "turning the Red Sea into a zone of military tension" and the impact on navigation in the area on Washington and London

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

Ukraine aims to call up 1 mln people in eastern areas by end of 2024 — official

According to the plan, 360,000 people are to be mobilized in October; 325,000 and 300,000 in November and December, respectively

Russian senator slams candidate for German chancellorship’s remarks as irresponsible

Konstantin Kosachev also emphasized that talking to Russia in the language of ultimatums "is not only counterproductive, but also short-sighted, especially for Germany"

Japan prohibits Russian bodybuilders to compete in world championship under national flag

It will take place in Tokyo between December 16 and 19

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

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

Extension of conflict not in Ukraine’s interest — analyst

According to Sean Bell, the West provided a "huge amount" of weapons to Ukraine, but that didn’t help the government in Kiev

What we know about massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

Top Russian security official hails strategic cooperation with China

Sergey Shoigu noted that Russia-China ties were based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, trust, non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs and support for each other on the issues that the parties found important

Bitcoin price hits all-time high, exceeding $89,000

As of 03:07 Moscow time, the price of bitcoin fell and reached $88,200

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

Japan finds Putin’s remark on relations positive, but sanctions will stay — top diplomat

"Unless the current situation changes, we will have no choice but to impose severe sanctions on Russia," Takeshi Iwaya noted

Press review: UK and French leaders discuss Ukraine as the dollar continues to climb

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 12th

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

Ukrainian losses, Sudzhansky district head retirement: situation in Kursk Region

Units of the battlegroup continued offensive operations, defeating Ukrainian formations in the areas of the settlements of Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

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