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2018 FIFA WORLD CUP IN RUSSIA

Participants of the 2018 World Cup draw ceremony

The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition will be held on July 25 in Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg

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FIFA President Joseph Blatter will make a welcoming speech to the participants of the FIFA 2018 World Cup Preliminary Draw

© AP Photo/Michael Probst

The draw will be conducted by Jerome Valcke, FIFA Secretary General

© AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky

Russia's sports and youth minister Vitaly Mutko

© Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

Director General of the Russia-2018 Organizing Committee Alexey Sorokin

© Sergei Fadeichev/TASS

Two-time world champion Brazilian Ronaldo will be assistanting FIFA Secretary General

© EPA/Marcelo Sayгo

Three-time winner of the Champions League Samuel Eto'o will be one of Valcke assistants too

© AP Photo/Carlo Baroncini

The best player of the World Cup 2010 Uruguay's Diego Forlan

© EPA/PETER POWELL

World Champion 2006, Golden Ball winner Fabio Cannavaro

© AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, file

Germany's team manager Oliver Bierhoff

© EPA/ANDREAS GEBERT

The winner of the World Youth Championship 2015 Predrag Rajkovic of Serbia

© EPA/Predrag Rajkovic

World Champion 2015, Portugal's Beach Soccer player Juan Madjer

© EPA/ESTELA SILVA

The former goalkeeper of the USSR national team, silver medalist of the 1988 European Championship Rinat Dasaev

© TASS/Grigoriy Sysoev

Former captain of the Russian national football team Alexey Smertin took the spot of Zenit FC striker Hulk in the team of Draw’s assistants

© ITAR-TASS/Valeriy Sharifulin

Another Valcke assistant, the top scorer in the history of Russian football Aleksandr Kerzhakov

© AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky

Russia’s TV presenter Dmitry Shepelev will run the show of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw

Russian model Natalia Vodianova who was part of the Russian delegation presenting the country’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup will also be a Preliminary Draw presenter

© EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT

The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition will be held at St. Petersburg's Konstantinovsky Palace, July 25. Russia selected 11 host cities to be the venues for the matches of the 2018 World Cup - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Saransk, Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg and Samara. In this photo gallery TASS presents those who will determine the pathway of national teams in FIFA 2018 World Cup

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2018 World Cup in Russia

Russia’s Rublev clears opening round of 2026 ATP Masters in Monte Carlo

The Russian is set to play in the next round against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs

EU’s move to abandon Russian energy signals 'tough times' for Europe — Russian envoy

Kirill Dmitriev also commented on an Economist article about new energy deals between Russia and Asian countries in Asia being "a telling marker" of the West’s failure to isolate Moscow

Israel says attacks IRGC headquarters in Tehran

Israeli aircraft attacked a warehouse with ballistic missiles and launchers, the Israeli army said

Trump hopes he doesn't have to destroy more of Iran's infrastructure

The US president that he believed Iran was negotiating in good faith

Lavrov points to life or death struggle for Russia’s existence on world map

"We have come to understand that it’s not just about Ukraine, it is about an aggression against all things Russian, including Russia’s interests, religion, culture, language, security and so on," Sergey Lavrov said

US drones gather data for Kiev’s future strikes on Russia — ambassador to US

Anatoly Antonov quoted US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby as saying that US UAVs make these kinds of overflights on a daily basis

Visa-free agreement between Russia, Saudi Arabia comes into force on May 11 — MFA

In accordance with this agreement, Russian citizens may enter and stay in Saudi Arabia without visas for a continuous period or for a total of no more than 90 days during a calendar year

Trump calls opening of Hormuz Strait 'very big priority'

The US president also suggested that if Washington takes control of the Strait of Hormuz, it may well charge a toll for passage through it

Alien signal detected by Russian astrophysicists turns out to be terrestrial disturbance

Earlier it was reported a telescope possibly registered a signal from an extraterrestrial civilization sent from a stellar system in the constellation Hercules

West wants to turn Eurasia into conflict hot spot, says Russia’s security chief

"We regard as a threat consistent efforts being made by the US and its allies to thwart post-Soviet alliances" like the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Nikolay Patrushev said

Trump says Iran could be destroyed in one night

On Sunday the US president said there was a good chance a deal with Iran would be signed by April 7

US military denies IRGC report about strike on USS Tripoli ship

"Fact: USS Tripoli has not been attacked and continues to sail in the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury," CENTCOM said

Improvement of Russia-US relations not visible in mid-term perspective — ambassador

Moscow is seeking to restore a full-fledged mutual dialogue, which was in fact scrapped upon Washington’s initiative, Anatoly Antonov said

Duma committee supports bill on suspending Russia's participation in New START

The treaty was signed between Russia and the United States and it provides for the reduction of the nuclear arsenals of both countries

S&P removes Russian and Belarusian bonds from its 11 indices

S&P Dow Jones Indices conducted a consultation with market participants

Trump says he would prefer to seize Iran’s oil, but Americans want US forces home

The US president added that the American people would like to see America win

Russia not conducting campaign to persecute US nationals — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that legal measures are taken only against those US citizens who violate the law

Iranian deputy minister calls for protests near power plants across country

Alireza Rahimi said he believes that "young people, athletes, artists, students, and professors" could join the protests

US, Israel lost 11 aircraft while searching for F-15 pilots in Iran — MWM

As MWM notes, this scale of losses demonstrates the significant risks associated with operating aircraft over Iranian territory

Iranian diplomat suggests US F-15 rescue operation had hidden purpose

According to Esmaeil Baghaei, the US rescue aircraft landed in southern Isfahan, what is far from the place where the downed pilot is believed to have been hiding

Ukrainian forces started counteroffensive, have a lot of personnel, weapons — Prigozhin

Yevgeny Prigozhin said that in the past 24 hours, Wagner PMC forces advanced 230 meters in Artyomovsk

Accomplice in Crocus terrorist attack sentenced to life in prison commits suicide

A medical staff member arrived at the scene immediately and attempted resuscitation, but the efforts were unsuccessful

Israel attacks several airports in Tehran — IDF

"Dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck numerous aerial assets, including aircraft and helicopters, as well as additional military infrastructure at three airports across Tehran: Bahram Airport, Mehrabad Airport, and Azmayesh Airport," the Israel Defense Forces said

IN BRIEF: Drone attack on CPC facilities and attempt to destabilize hydrocarbon market

The attack was geared to inflict maximum damage on its largest shareholders, companies from the United States and Kazakhstan

Ukraine’s military loses 2 battalions in Dnieper crossing — regional governor

Russian forces daily capture from 2 to 13 Ukrainian soldiers in the Kherson area, Vladimir Saldo said

Attack on Nord Stream aimed at cutting Russia-Europe ties – diplomat

The Russian Ambassador to the United States noted that from such steps "ordinary citizens and industrial enterprises turn out to be at a loss"

Russian embassy says US must disclose biological warfare activities in Ukraine

"During a special operation in Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry obtained evidence of creation of biological weapons components with the direct involvement of the Pentagon," the embassy said

Zelensky has lost interest in events on frontline, according to Russian security officials

For the past two months, Zelensky has refused Syrsky the opportunity to provide him with a personal briefing,

EBRD upgrades forecast for economic growth in region’s countries in 2026 to 3.6%

According to the bank's report, economic growth is expected to reach 3.4% in 2025

Russian-Syrian agreement on Tartus base under preparation — senator

Russia's deputy defense minister announced on October 10 that Russia planned to have its permanent naval base at Tartus

Israel intensifying attacks on Beirut in response to Hezbollah operations — expert

According to General Naji Malaeb, Israel was prepared for guerrilla warfare by the resistance forces

Putin invites BRICS nations to take part in events held by Russia’s Chairmanship

Over 200 events of different levels and types will be held in many Russian cities as part of the chairmanship, Russian President said

Catastrophic oil shortage inevitable — Russia’s envoy

"For the first time in history, Saudi Arabia is charging a $20 per barrel premium over the already sky-high benchmark for its oil," Kirill Dmitriev said

London is engaged in subversive activities against Russia — State Duma member

Mikhail Sheremet argued that it was logical to consider Britain as one of the opposing parties in the Ukrainian conflict

Russia suggests UN Security Council commission look into US biolabs in Ukraine

The draft document is to be considered during the Security Council’s session on October 27

Polish justice minister to make final decision on extradition of Russian scientist

Alexander Butyagin could face up to 10 years in prison in Ukraine

Russia repels attack by Ukrainian uncrewed speed boats in northeastern Black Sea

According to the report, four Ukrainian speed boats and a Neptune-MD long-range cruise missile have been wiped out

Nitric acid unit damaged in Ukrainian attack on chemical plant in Gorlovka, says mayor

The office of a power supply facility was damaged as a Ukrainian shell hit the roof of the building

Russian companies invest $4.5 bln in Iran’s oil and gas projects — Minister

"Certain projects are 7-35% implemented," Oil Minister of Iran Javad Owji said

Lavrov hopes warmongers eager to attack Syria won’t gain upper hand in US

Lavrov assured that the US Secretary of State never mentioned during phone talks or personal meetings that the Syrian crisis had a military solution

Russia ready for signing agreements with Ukraine to establish peace — upper house speaker

Russia is open for talks with Ukraine and signing agreements that would lead to peace, speaker of Russia’s Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko said

Medvedev dismisses claims of Russia being responsible for global food crisis

Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia noted that the deterioration of the situation in this area began several years ago

Press review: Russia to set up Caribbean base and meet Israeli brass to discuss Iran

Top stories in the Russian press on Wednesday, December 12

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

Serbia discovers planted explosives near its gas pipeline — top brass

According to the ministry, law enforcement officials are continuing their work on site to search for additional evidence and identify those involved

Ukraine loses some 1,210 troops in special military op zone over past day

Units of the Russia's Battlegroup Center destroyed four armored vehicles, two trucks, two artillery pieces

Russian ministry names risk of possible economic stagnation in the country

Russia’s economy will demonstrate stagnation if global economic growth rates slide below 2%

Hegseth could be next to get the ax over Iran — Turkish columnist

According to Fatih Cekirge, US President Donald Trump is feeling the heat over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian downings of US aircraft

Moldova freezes talks on trade barriers lifting with Russia — Minister

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova Vladimir Bolea specified that now the government is "not interested" in such contacts

Iran to strike US data centers in UAE over attack on university in Tehran — agency

According to its information, data centers of Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and Equinix could come under attack

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

Prototype of lunar nuclear power plant to be built in 2032 — Kurchatov Institute head

The nuclear power plant, with a capacity of at least 5 kW, is designed to operate for 10 years

Argentina, Chile suspended lithium supplies to Russia — official

According to deputy department director of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Vladislav Demidov, Russian companies are preparing to start lithium feedstock mining in Russia but the paperwork on licenses for their operation should be expedited

Putin convinced Africa will be among leaders of multipolar world order

The Russian president is convinced that all the objective prerequisites for this are in place

Trump shows West's true colors on democracy, human rights — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president said that the world has many problems, one of them being that some countries have too many weapons

Russia’s non-systemic opposition starts terrorist attacks, at war with people — Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev said members of the silent opposition murdered an unarmed reporter, wounded several dozens of innocent spectators at his event, opened fire on a car with children that were going to a village school, and blew up a car with a female reporter and a researcher

Press review: US, Iran threats escalate as Britain disrupts Ukraine peace efforts

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 6th

Mongolia ready to permit opening of Russian bank branch — prime minister

Gombojavyn Zandanshatar noted that this will help to resolve payment difficulties amid sanctions

US vice president could join potential direct negotiations with Iran — newspaper

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are underway with the participation of Vance and Witkoff

Iranian missile debris fall on energy sites in Saudi Arabia — Defense Ministry

The Saudi military also reported that the country’s air defenses had intercepted and destroyed seven missiles launched from Iran toward the kingdom’s Eastern Province"

EU, UK hide anti-Trump stance to keep US support for Kiev — Russian envoy

Kirill Dmitriev cited a chart with data on voting preferences in various European countries regarding the 2024 US presidential election, saying it "proves the abyss" between the EU and the UK on one side and the MAGA movement on the other

FACTBOX: What we known about foiled sabotage on Serbian section of TurkStream

The sabotage attempt against the pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary was intended to halt gas supplies to Bratislava and Budapest ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections on April 12, Srbijagas Director General Dusan Bajatovic said

Three dead and 4,000 evacuated: dam collapse aftermath in Dagestan

More than 2,000 residential houses have been flooded in nine settlements

West ‘shut eyes, ears with blinds,’ unwilling to hear Russia’s points on Bucha — Kremlin

"We continue to insist that all accusations against Russia, against Russian military are not merely groundless, but a well-directed show, nothing else but a tragic show," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Russian Foreign Ministry says Japan's aid to Ukraine hurts already strained relations

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Japan is becoming increasingly involved in the Ukrainian conflict by helping the neo-Nazi regime of Vladimir Zelensky

Artemis moon mission breaks record for distance from Earth

They sailed about 5,000 miles further than the Moon, said the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Situation in Middle East keeps getting worse — Russian foreign ministry

Moscow, the ministry says, believes that chances for a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict still exist

Oil storage facility in Iran’s Isfahan comes under attack — TV

There has been no information about the damage so far, according to Al Hadath

Medvedev: Cornering us won’t work, Russia strong enough to put brazen foes in their place

According to Dmitry Medvedev, the collective West "did not care about Russia becoming a strong power again, capable of ensuring its interests and protecting its citizens abroad"

Dry cargo ship attacked by Ukrainian drone in Azov Sea found, towed to shore

On April 3, the Ukrainian military attacked a dry cargo ship carrying wheat in the Sea of Azov

Task of rescuing Donbass to be fulfilled during special operation — Kremlin

"We state that the sovereignty of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics has been recognized by Russia", Dmitry Peskov noted

Russian air defenses down 693 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in past day

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup East have destroyed camouflaged positions and deployment sites of the Ukrainian army in the Zaporozhye Region, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia to send three missions to Moon by 2026

The Moon has now become a place for the space race (lunar race 2), President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev said

State Duma greenlights bill banning LGBT propaganda across Russia in first reading

It is reported that the bill also introduces a mechanism restricting children’s access to LGBT-related information on paid services

French retail network Auchan to continue its work in Russia

Auchan CEO Yves Claude’s comments come in the wake of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s calls on French companies to leave the Russian market

Trump claims US could help reconstruct Iran

The United States is unwilling to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure, the American leader said

Official says only triumph of Ukraine operation will quash West's Russophobic policy

Igor Barinov said that Russophobia was rooted deep in history and this issue is occasionally rears it’s ugly head

Russian army downs 11 Ukrainian helicopters, drones in past 24 hours — Defense Ministry

Since the start of the operation, a total of 3,213 Ukrainian military infrastructure facilities were disabled

Effect of sanctions less acute than expected so far — Bank of Russia

However, it is premature to say that the full effect of sanctions has showed itself, Elvira Nabiullina pointed out

Iran strikes bases in Kuwait, Iraq, several cities in Israel — IRGC

According to Tasnim News Agency, aircraft were hit at the Ali Al Salem Airbase, troops were targeted in Petah Tikva, and factories were struck in Beersheba

Price cap for Russian oil reshapes basic free market principles — Russian embassy

According to Russian diplomats, Washington is trying to hush up the fact that the current misbalance on the global oil market results from its own actions

Russian UN mission: Moscow disappointed with UNSC voting on biolaboratories in Ukraine

The UN Security Council did not adopt a draft Russian resolution on the investigation of the activities of American laboratories in Ukraine

Russia's Kamaz may start assembling trucks in Angola

Russian Railways may participate in upgrading the rail infrastructure in this country

Joint forces advance across almost entire contact line, DPR head Pushilin says

Fighters advance across the entire contact line despite enemy bringing fresh reserves, Acting DPR Governor said

West blocks attempts to investigate Kiev's crimes internationally — Russian diplomat

The Kiev regime's sponsors are making every effort on international platforms to ensure that Ukraine does not bear any responsibility, Rodion Miroshnik said

All workers evacuated from LPR mine after Ukrainian attack

According to the statement, the rescue operation went smoothly

Major Middle East war is real, but it can be avoided — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

"We call on all parties to exercise restraint," Sergey Ryabkov said

Never again will we rely on the West: Lavrov says Russia will solve its economic issues

"We will make sure that we never find ourselves in a similar situation again and that no ‘Uncle Sam’ or anyone else can make decisions that are aimed at destroying our economy," the top diplomat vowed

US obsessed with idea of dealing strategic blow to Russia, says envoy

The United States does not think that by such actions they are adding fuel and provoking the expansion of the geography of the Ukrainian crisis, Anatoly Antonov said

Bank of Russia supports idea of international depositary hub — Central Bank chief

VTB CEO Andrey Kostin suggested earlier creating an alternative international depositary settlement hub to be located in one of Persian Gulf countries

Moscow to take steps if Islamic State moves from Mosul to Syria — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat hopes pause near Aleppo will help separate terrorists from opposition

Iran says risk of closing Bab el-Mandeb Strait pushes US toward negotiations

Washington "is aware of the scale of the possible defeat following the failure of the special operation in Isfahan," a senior Iranian official said

Houthis report joint cruise missile attack with IRGC on targets in Israel

"According to its military spokesman, the joint operation "successfully achieved its objectives," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said

State Duma reappoints Nabiullina as Central Bank chief for new term

Elvira Nabiullina became the Central Bank chief in June 2013

US leader says he does not consider destruction of civilian facilities in Iran criminal

Allowing a sick country with demented leadership to have a nuclear weapon is a war crime, Donald Trump said

Putin tells Luxembourg’s PM about civilian casualties in Ukrainian shelling attacks

Russian President highlights danger of US biological activity in Ukraine

Kiev’s attacks on CPC energy facilities 'pure terrorism' — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, "Bankova Street knows how terrorists operate, and they act in the exactly same way"

Putin opens new, cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz auto assembly plant

The plant’s planned capacity is 25,000 cars per year

UNGA has no authority to collect any ‘reparations’ from Russia — Russian mission

According to the Russian diplomat, putting this draft for vote, Western nations are opening a Pandora’s box

Strengthening ties with Islamic countries among Russia's priorities, Lavrov says

The foreign minister emphasized that interethnic and interfaith harmony "has been and remains the most important element of the centuries-old Russian statehood"

Russian ambassador denies claims of decrease in Russian-Venezuelan contacts

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov recalled that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil Pinto had recently exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations