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Olympic TV broadcasts enjoyed by nearly 64 million TV viewers in Russia

A total of 93.5% of the Russian TV audiences have watched Olympic broadcasts and the opening and closing ceremonies

© EPA/FREDRIK VON ERICHSEN

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More than 100 million people visited Olympic website

MOSCOW, February 25. /ITAR-TASS/. A total of 63.7 million TV audiences in Russia's big cities have watched the TV footage of the Olympic Games broadcast by First Channel, Rossiya 1 and Rossiya 2 TV channels, the press service of the VGTRK holding told Itar-Tass onTuesday, citing TNS Rossya company which interviewed around 68 million people who live in cities with the population of over 100,000.

A total of 93.5% of the Russian TV audiences, who make up 63.7 million people, have watched Olympic broadcasts and the opening and closing ceremonies on First Channel, Rossiya 1 and Rossiay 2 channels.

The number of the TV audiences who watched Olympic broadcasts on all TV channels has grown immensely, the VGTRK press service said.

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Winter Olympics in Sochi aim to show new, open Russia to world

Russia prepared to host World Aquatics Championships in 2031, 2033 — sports official

Dmitry Mazepin noted that Russia's Aquatic Sports Federation proposes the cities of Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg as of today

Saudi Arabia, Russia compare investment notes — Saudi minister

The global investment climate cannot be currently considered ideal but the specific feature of the industry and the mining sector is that investments there are made usually for a very long term, Bandar Al-Khorayef said

Two US nuclear submarines ‘closer to Russia,’ Trump says

"We always want to be ready", US president added

Saudi Arabia to boost trade turnover with Russia — minister

Bandar Al-Khorayef said that he he sure there is room for a lot of cooperation

US to continue to seek deal with Iran regardless of Israel's position — Vance

The vice president says this is in the best interest of the US

Russia strongly condemns Kiev’s criminal attack on civilian train in Crimea — diplomat

Maria Zakharova said the train was not involved in any military logistics and was a purely civilian target

West promotes dubious plans for association of Palestine with Arab countries — MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that attempts to act in the Middle East settlement bypassing the positions of the Arab states are doomed to failure

Final results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections to be announced on June 14 — CEC

According to Chairman Vahagn Hovakimyan, until that date, the authority will continue ballot counting, will also consider complaints and statements

Pokemon Go player data could be used for military drone navigation system — paper

According to Trouw, at the end of 2025, Niantic Spatial, a company based on the Pokemon Go developer, set up a collaboration with Vantor, which uses a visual positioning system to navigate military drones, robotic platforms, vehicles, and other equipment

Further phases of BRICS expansion will follow, says South African president

It is noted that the membership will take effect from January 1, 2024

Fighting in Ukraine may spread to other regions, top Turkish diplomat warns

According to Hakan Fidan, the parties are seeking to strike an increasing number of different targets in order to change the current military balance

Ukraine’s strike on train in Crimea meant disrupt tourist season, intimidate — expert

Kiev continues its terrorist activities against civilians, Andrey Marochko said

Trump tells Netanyahu he could lose support if Iran situation escalates — Axios

The US president said, as cited by the news portal, that Israel only notified the US of the impending strikes on Iran shortly before their launch

Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un reach important consensus on advancing bilateral ties

The Chinese president said that during the visit he and Kim Jong Un reached important agreements, including maintaining high-level contacts, deepening strategic coordination, expanding practical cooperation and strengthening people-to-people ties

US did not help Israel in repelling Iranian missile strike — journalist

"The US military didn't take part in the Israeli attacks against Iran, the first since the ceasefire," CBS News correspondent Jennifer Jacobs said

Iran wants to end war rather than normalize relations with US — parliament speaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf blamed the United States and Israel for the latest escalation

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage"

Roscosmos invites NASA chief to Russia

The US Senate unanimously voted to appoint Nelson to the post of NASA chief in late April

Riyadh ready to work with Moscow in rare metals sphere — minister

Both Saudi Arabia and Russia are currently looking for ideas of creating economic projects capable of developing sustainably in conditions of the current market dynamics, Bandar Al-Khorayef added

Stubb's comment about Russia worst disaster for supporters of escalation in Europe — paper

According to a commentary by Junge Welt, the Finnish president could become one of the few European politicians capable of conducting a dialogue with Russia

Ukraine peace talks 'alive and well', will benefit everybody involved — US lawmaker

Anna Paulina Luna highlighted that the media were trying to destroy the Donald Trump administration’s peace efforts

Several EU countries want to resume dialogue with Russia in OSCE — Russian envoy

These countries are unable to promote their stance independently, bypassing the European Union and NATO, because they are not ready to go against the 'bloc' approach, Dmitry Polyansky said

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

What is known about prison terror plot foiled by FSB in Russia’s Ulyanovsk Region

The attack was plotted by a supporter of an international terrorist organization, banned in Russia

US shows no interest in returning to understandings reached in Alaska — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the Russian president has recently confirmed that Moscow was ready to follow the understandings outlined at the Anchorage meeting

Yemeni missile near Saudi Arabia's border was aimed at another country — defense ministry

"For technical reasons related to the ballistic missile itself, it malfunctioned, distorting the target data," Turki al-Maliki said

Forum opportunities in Russia are positively surprising — minister

Bandar Al-Khorayef said that he really enjoyed when he visited Innoprom in Moscow and also in Riyadh is the innovation part

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Kalashnikov Group delivers large batch of GP-34 grenade launchers to state customer

According to the press office, the volumes of the weapon’s production remain at a high level

Up to 500 Ukrainian soldiers may be trapped in center of Konstantinovka — expert

Andrey Marochko previously said that Russian troops were advancing on Konstantinovka from two directions

IAEA opts to ignore incident with drone attack on Russian field engineers — diplomat

Russian servicemen demonstrated courage and valor and continued mine clearance works, Mikhail Ulyanov said

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Houthi rebels claim strike on Tel Aviv, announce ban on Israeli shipping in Red Sea

The Houthi military claimed that all targets of the missile strike had been precisely hit

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan suspended from office — statement

The measure will remain in force until a decision is made on disciplinary proceedings in connection with allegations of sexual harassment

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

Moscow to move threat further away if long-range weapons supplied to Kiev, says Lavrov

On June 1, Washington announced that it would provide a new military aid package to Ukraine that would include the delivery of HIMARS weapons and ammunition

Saudi Arabia plans to cooperate with Russia during next one hundred years — minister

In 2026, the 100th anniversary of relations between the two countries will be celebrated

Moscow, Minsk ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Union State — Russia

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin also noted the demonstrative and provocative build-up of NATO's armed forces in the immediate vicinity of the borders of the Union State

Zaporozhye nuke ready to share its experience in combat conditions with Bushehr — director

Yury Chernichuk says the plant will be able to provide some consultations to any nuclear power plant in the world

Riyadh sees Moscow’s success with solving technology access problems — minister

The Russian experience in the sphere of innovations would enjoy the demand in Saudi Arabia, Bandar Al-Khorayef noted

IN BRIEF: Kremlin spokesman’s remarks on Crimean train strike, Armenian polls

Dmitry Peskov said the Ukrainian armed forces’ strike on a passenger train in Crimea makes the start of the peace process more difficult

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

US president threatens strikes on Iran’s energy, civilian infrastructure

Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that otherwise the country "will be living in hell

Israel stops striking Iran but will respond to any new attack, Netanyahu warns

The Israeli prime minister added that Iran and Hezbollah are "weaker than ever"

Container shipments by Russian Railways up 1.9% in 5M 2026 — company

Over five months, 3.249 mln empty and laden TEUs were carried in all kinds of service, including domestic Russian, export, import and transit

IN BRIEF: EU authorizes its ships to detain tankers carrying Russian oil

This applies to tankers described by Brussels as "shadow fleet"

US interested in calling on Arab nations to help pay for cost of Iran operation — official

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

IAEA chief Grossi says not involved in talks on nukes deployment in Baltics, Poland

"These matters are in the realm of the defense policies of these countries," Rafael Grossi said

Riyadh reengineered logistics from Hormuz to Red Sea — minister

Current events have shown the world that Saudi Arabia, regardless of the political tension and the challenges, always will continue to show ability to grow and to be resistant, Bandar Al-Khorayef added

NATO drills aimed at practicing coordination during potential anti-Russia operation — MP

Alexander Boroday said that NATO countries are building up their forces near Russia's borders

EU authorizes ships in Mediterranean to detain tankers carrying Russian oil — Kallas

The EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy said the main objective of the measure is to "curb Russia from funding" its military operation in Ukraine

Car bomb explosion outside Moscow kills driver — investigative authority

According to investigators, a car was blown up while passing by an apartment building in Balashikha at about 5:30 a.m.

Russia’s Baltic Fleet kicks off maneuvers with over 10 fighter jets and bombers

The pilots will practice destroying convoys of a potential enemy’s military equipment, command posts and amassed manpower, military-industrial installations and warships

Zelensky holds phone talk with Witkoff, Kushner — Axios journalist

Barak Ravid gave no further information about the conversation

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

FSB foils prison terror plot in Russia’s Ulyanovsk region

The Federal Security Service reported that the convict, "driven by religious hatred and enmity, attempted to undermine the foundations of traditional Islam"

Kim Jong Un says ready to bring relations between North Korea, China to new level — KCNA

The official stressed that North Korea and China are connected not only by their neighborhood, but also by a common ideology, as well as a history of cooperation

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe

Kiev makes no secret of its growing intent to strike civilians — expert

Alexander Mikhailov said that Ukraine is trying to break the will of Russians

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

Russia calls for realistic, comprehensive approach to Afghanistan — diplomat

According to Anna Yevstigneyeva, key elements of such an approach are constructive cooperation of the international community on the Afghan issue, due account of the needs of the Afghan people, and a trust-based dialogue with the country’s authorities

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

IRGC calls for US Air Force chief to resign after aircraft downed in Iran

The IRGC Navy also congratulated the air defense forces of the Islamic republic’s army on intercepting an US F-15E fighter jet and an A-10 attack aircraft in the skies over Iran

Trump says US, Iran may sign deal in next two weeks

According to the US president, Iran is ready to forego nuclear weapons

Israel, Iran agree to stop strikes for a week, Trump reveals

The US president noted that he could not blame Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for retaliatory strikes on Iran

Zelensky’s impolite letter and woman as UN chief: Lavrov’s statements

The fact that Vladimir Zelensky’s letter was made public indicates that Ukraine is not interested in talks, the Russian foreign minister said

Ukraine loses 80 heavy hexacopters during day from actions of West battlegroup

53 unmanned aircraft control points were also discovered and destroyed

Russia-China January-May trade volume jumps by 22.9% to $109.5 billion — customs

In May, the turnover amounted to $23.72 billion, flat on April levels

West turns Ukraine into 'criminal empire' — Russian MFA

Department director Pyotr Ilyichev poitnted to dangerous attempts by Western countries to use terrorist groups and extremist forces in order to preserve hotspots of tension

Earthquake of magnitude 4.9 hits Iran

The epicenter of the tremors was located 113 km northeast of Bandar Abbas

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys nearly 60 Ukrainian heavy combat octocopters over day

The Russian servicemen uncovered and destroyed 38 UAV control posts over the past 24 hours

EU aid to Ukraine frozen — Borrell

The ex-chief of EU diplomacy said the situation is similar with the approval of new sanctions against Russia

Ukraine attacks settlements of Donetsk People’s Republic 12 times

Information has been received about the death of one and injury of two civilians

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Novak instructs to use all available instruments to provide Russia with fuel

The Ministry of Energy presented support measures aimed at maintaining the balance in the domestic fuel market during the meeting

Russia says supports direct negotiations between Palestine and Israel

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said it is important that all external forces adhere to the binding resolutions of the UN Security Council, send coordinated signals to the parties to the conflict

Zaporozhye nuke in more vulnerable position than Bushehr plant — director

Yury Chernichuk explained this by the fact that the enemy is located a few kilometers from the station

Russia hits 10 military enterprises in Kiev — Russia’s envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya says the Russian armed forces are attacking targets with precision weapons

Russian envoy calls Kiev’s attacks on Zaporozhye nuke challenge to international security

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that the attacks demonstrated the Kiev regime's disregard for the basic principles of nuclear safety

Elections in Armenia held with intervention of collective West — politician

Former Deputy Speaker of the Armenian parliament Eduard Sharmazanov says even during its April 4 congress, the Republican Party of Armenia signaled the beginning of rigging of the parliamentary polls

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Oreshnik missile system used in special military op to confirm its accuracy — expert

"This analysis was necessary for developing a more targeted strike policy against the enemy, including the destruction of critical military and government control facilities, as well as infrastructure in urban Ukraine," Igor Korotchenko said

Ukrainian strikes killed more than 40 Russians over past week — envoy

234 people, including 18 minors, sustained injuries

Air defenses down 20 drones flying toward Chongar bridge in Kherson Region — governor

The bridge was temporarily closed for traffic

Since beginning of war, 29 ships attacked in Middle East — UKMTO

The authority said it had also received 23 reports of suspicious activity and two cases of hijacking

North Korea and China agree to strengthen strategic coordination and cooperation

Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping agreed to hold celebrations in both countries on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the two countries

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

Russia says Kiev convenes UN Security Council meetings too often

Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Anna Yevstigneyeva added that these meetings do not lead to anything positive or constructive

Ukrainian army fired up to 677 projectiles at Russian territory daily last week — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the Ukrainian army’s strike on a commuter bus traveling from Podolsk outside Moscow to the Crimean capital of Simferopol caused "the most tragic consequences"

Russia, Belarus have no problems in gas cooperation — ambassador to Russia

Yury Seliverstov added that the countries would like to decide on a longer-term period of collaboration

NATO forces intercept missile presumably launched from Iran — Turkish Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, "all necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at Turkey's territory and airspace"

Permission to detain tankers with Russian oil escalates risks

"The decision is aimed not merely at the Russian economy but more against the prospects of restoring normal relations and building sustainable peace in the future," Konstantin Basyuk said

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

US’ Apache helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz — NYT

The cause of the accident is currently unclear, the newspaper reported

Death toll in Philippines earthquake increases to 37

According to the Office of Civil Defense, cited by GMA News, a total of 456 people were injured, and four more are missing

Ex-president’s bloc to dispute outcome of Armenian parliamentary election

Robert Kocharyan said the election process was held amid pressure from the authorities and was accompanied by arrests of opposition activists

Russian troops liberate Khimik community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 180 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Leader of Germany’s Left Party suggests Merkel as mediator in Ukrainian talks

According to the report, Jan van Aken said that Europe should assume a more active role in the diplomatic effort

Ruins of ancient Tyre damaged by Israeli airstrikes — minister

Ghassan Salame called on the international community to protect the antiquities of Tyre from destruction