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2018 WINTER OLYMPICS

Russian curler Krushelnitsky says he has never taken banned substances

B-sample of Alexander Krushelnitsky has tested positive for meldonium

Alexander Krushelnitsky Valeriy Sharifulin/TASS

Alexander Krushelnitsky

© Valeriy Sharifulin/TASS

MOSCOW, February 20./TASS/. Russian curler Alexander Krushelnitsky said on Tuesday he had never taken banned substances or used any other unfair means in sports competitions. The athlete’s statement has been posted on the official website of the Russian Curling Federation.

B-sample of Alexander Krushelnitsky has tested positive for meldonium, spokesman for the Olympic Athletes from Russia team Konstantin Vybornov said in a statement on Tuesday. Krushelnitsky and Anastasia Bryzgalova won bronze in mixed doubles curling in PyeongChang.

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Russian curler’s B-sample tests positive for meldonium

"First of all I want to apologize to my partners in the Olympic team, our delegation and all the fans for having failed to secure myself and Nastya (Anastasia Bryzgalova) against the problems we have faced today," Krushelnitsky said.

"I am so sorry that a historic victory of Russia’ curling has now come into the focus of a doping scandal, which deals a blow at our sport and Russian sports on the whole," he went on to say.

"At the same time, I am ready to state openly that I have never used banned substances and any other unfair means of sports competitions since I engaged in sports. I am categorically against doping and I have always tried to do my best to ensure the observance of all anti-doping rules," he said.

"Testing positive for meldonium has not just shocked me and Nastya. This is a huge blow at my reputation and carrier. Needless to say that only a person absolutely deprived of common sense can take any performance-enhancing drugs, especially such as meldonium, in the run-up to the Olympic Games, where the testing procedures are most stringent. That is why I am interested in a prompt probe like nobody else," the athlete added.

On Monday, news surfaced that the CAS anti-doping division had opened a case against the Russian curler.

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CAS session on Russian curler’s case preliminary set for February 22

The Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) hearing on the case of the Russian curler over doping violations at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 22, President of the Russian Curling Federation Dmitry Svishchev informed TASS over the phone earlier in the day.

"Today, practically all members of the Russian Curling Federation are flying to PyeongChang to attend the CAS session, which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday," Svishchev said. "I do not rule out, however, that it could be held tomorrow, so we want to fly to PyeongChang in advance. Team leader Tatiana Kharchenko and I are flying [to South Korea], while all the rest are waiting for us there. We cannot leave these guys all alone in this situation."

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2018 Winter Olympics

Russia’s Alisher Usmanov elected president of International Fencing Federation

The election took place in Tashkent

Russia, China conduct air patrol over western Pacific Ocean

According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the two countries’ aircraft "completed the second phase of the ninth joint air patrol"

Leonardo booking system’s functionality restored — Rostec

Aeroflot airline said earlier that the issue and the return of tickets and provision of extra services in all sales channels were temporarily complicated due to the system’s failure

Riot police fully clears square in front of Georgian parliament from protesters

The protesters moved up Rustaveli Avenue

Press review: CSTO discusses Russian weapons as US and Russia continue prisoner talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 29th

US suspends strategic partnership with Georgia

The Department of State said in its press release that the United States condemns the excessive use of force by police

Peacekeepers deployment in Ukraine possible only with consent of all conflict parties

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said in a statement earlier in the day that the West may seek to achieve its objectives in Ukraine by implementing an actual occupation, deploying a so-called peacekeeping contingent of 100,000 personnel, with plans to divide the country among Romania, Poland, Germany, and the UK

Slovakia starts investigating possible preparation of terrorist acts against pipelines

Minister of Interior Matus Sutaj Estok noted that an organized group of suspects in the possible preparation of terrorist acts is showing interest in the area where the Druzhba oil pipeline are running

Senior Russian diplomat points to risk of nuclear exchange

But Moscow will do everything possible to prevent it, Sergey Ryabkov said

Syrian forces conducting strikes on terrorists infiltrating Aleppo — high command

The Syrian Armed Forces are waiting for reinforcements to launch a counterattack

Western handlers beginning to dump Zelensky — Ukrainian politician

"Polls are now emerging where Zelensky is no longer at the top but in second or even third place," Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Flight program for Cuba can be revised due to jet fuel shortage — Russian air regulator

Rossiya and Nordwind air carriers are flying from Moscow to Havana and Varadero airports, the Russian air regulator added

Medvedev says Zelensky's fate won't be pretty if Ukraine faces second Maidan

The Russian senior official was indignant over the fact that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry "condemned the crackdown on protests in Georgia"

Presidential aide blames West for attempts to harm Russia at sea

Nikolay Patrushev said that in a situation like this Russia should firmly defend its position and prepare tools for the "comprehensive management of maritime activities aimed at ensuring national interests"

Russian Cabinet introduces compulsory marking for cosmetics, engine oils

Compulsory marking of lubricants and special vehicle fluids will be introduced from September 1, 2025, the Cabinet added

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Putin approves budget of pension and social insurance fund for three years

According to the law, total forecast revenues of the Fund stand at 16.623 trillion rubles in 2025

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Putin apologizes to Merkel over labrador incident

The president said that he "wanted to create a casual, friendly atmosphere" and did not know that the former German chancellor was afraid of dogs

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Britain’s MI6 chief admits London's involvement in covert operations in Ukraine

According to Richard Moore, the cost of supporting Kiev was "well known"

Scholz shares details of talks with Putin, Zelensky says

The conversation between the Russian president and the German chancellor took place on November 15

Protestants in Tbilisi set fire in Georgian parliament’s building

Protesters were throwing firecrackers and launched fireworks directed to the parliament building for several hours

West refuses to accept proof of Ukraine’s use of chemical weapons — Russian envoy

Vladimir Tarabrin noted that instead, the West is trying to present Russia as violating the Chemical Weapons Convention

Child killed in drone strike in Russia’s Bryansk region — governor

Alexander Bogomaz stressed that the family would receive all necessary assistance

Banning import of food from New Zealand won’t affect Russia — watchdog

Earlier on Friday, the Russian government extended the food embargo for countries that imposed sanctions against Russia until the end of 2026

Iraq, Kazakhstan to compensate for excess oil output of 164,000 bpd under OPEC+ deal

Russia will not reduce production further in December, according to the schedule

Situation in Syria requires urgent discussion in Astana format — Russian Foreign Ministry

The two ministers expressed support to actions of authorities and the army of Syria of thwarting the terrorist attack against the northern part of the country, the Foreign Ministry of Iran informed in its turn

US mercenary in-absentia arrest, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 340 troops, an armored personnel carrier, an armored combat vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, an artillery piece and six mortars

Trump wants to set 100% duties on BRICS goods if they create single currency

"There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US dollar in international trade and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added

Russia to ensure continued uranium exports, senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, debates have been going on for a while about the need for Russia to stop supplying strategic goods to its opponents

Ukraine trains terrorists in Syria in coordination with US — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that the Western coalition continues to carry out strikes in Syria, "effectively encouraging the Kiev regime to engage in similar terrorist activities in Russian regions, where civilians and civilian infrastructure are targeted with direct support from the West"

North Korean leader sees missile strikes inside Russia as Western involvement in conflict

According to the North Korean leader, it should be shown to the "US-led provocative forces" that they will achieve nothing useful if they ignore Russia's warning

Putin signs law on Russia’s federal budget for 2025-2027

According to the law, federal budget revenues in 2025 are expected to be 40.296 trillion rubles ($378.5 bln)

TASS Alley appears in Moscow

Dozens of TASS employees with their families, led by Director General Andrey Kondrashov, planted the alley of thirty trees near the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Ukrainian servicemen abandon military units due to fear of Russian army — official

Kiev is constantly losing control over populated areas because "tens of thousands of tired and desperate Ukrainian servicemen are leaving their positions to flee in an unknown direction," the agency reported

Strike on NATO bases possible in case of escalation, Medvedev says

He made this comment answering a question if Russia can strike military hubs in Romania and Poland

Romania, Poland, Germany, UK plan to divide Ukraine — Russia's foreign intel

"A total of 100,000 so-called peacekeepers are planned to be sent to Ukraine," the SVR noted

Ukraine loses over 36,800 troops, 225 tanks: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Russian forces destroyed two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, an armored combat vehicle, four motor vehicles and two mortars

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards eyes big response to Israel's latest attack

Iran’s Operation True Promise was carried out in April in response to the Israeli bombing of the Islamic republic’s embassy in Damascus

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Russians wipe out three Ukrainian strongholds, over 20 Azov fighters in advance on Kharkov

According to Andrey Marochko, during their advance near Kopanki, which was liberated earlier this week, the Russian forces improved their tactical positions southwest of the locality as they also expanded their control zone at this sector of the line of engagement

Niger receives delivery of military equipment from Russia — TV

The report also stated that this delivery highlights the strengthening of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Niger

Lavrov clarifies Russia's position on Ukraine crisis to foreign diplomats — MFA

"Participants in the roundtable exchanged views on the conflict and other pressing international topics," the ministry stated

Syrian army wiped out at least 300 militants over day

The operation to thwart the aggression of extremists continues

Police start using water cannon against protesters in Tbilisi

The situation between protesters and police officers aggravated in Chichinadze Street near the parliament

Putin approves budget of Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund for 2025-2027

The main source of revenues for the Fund are insurance contributions for compulsory medical insurance

Top Turkish diplomat calls for taking note of Putin’s remarks about nuclear weapons

The Russian President said that Russia would be forced to use all weapons at its disposal if Ukraine obtained nuclear arms

Putin believes that US President-elect Trump’s life may be in danger

Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts this year: one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, and the second one in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida

West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, this represents the "confrontational logic" of the West

Russia toughens penalties for data leaks

Sanctions are toughened for repeated leaks

Russian forces strike infrastructure at Ukrainian military airfields

Russian tactical aircraft crews, drone units, missile troops and artillery forces also struck enemy troops and equipment in 132 areas

Japan's PM reiterates desire to sign peace treaty with Russia

Moscow and Tokyo have been negotiating a peace treaty to mark the end of World War II since the mid-20th century

Russian diplomat says US won’t stop Russia from accomplishing special operation goals

Sergey Ryabkov was responding to a request to comment on news reports that US President Joe Biden had asked Congress for an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine

Forty-two police officers heavily injured during two days of protests in Tbilisi

Large-scale protest actions took place in Georgia over the last two days

IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

Ukraine, not Russia, posing a threat to the Baltic region — Kremlin

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk area, Kharkov Region over week

Russian forces delivered one massive and 32 combined strikes by air-launched, seaborne and ground-based precision weapons, hitting Ukrainian military airfields and power facilities of defense enterprises over the past week, the ministry reported

Russia’s Alisher Usmanov elected president of International Fencing Federation

The election took place in Tashkent

Protesters make barricades near parliament in Tbilisi

Protesters set a tin sheet and fortified it with iron benches taken from nearby footpaths

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

Tbilisi police occupy square in front of parliament, disperse protesters

Another part of the protesters moved up Rustaveli Avenue

Lavrov, Fidan pointed to importance of Astana format for Syria

"The need was confirmed to coordinate joint activities for purposes of stabilizing the situation in Suria, in the first instance with the use of the Astana format’s potential," the ministry added

Zelensky reshuffles Ukrainian military command

According to the statement, Mikhail Drapaty has been appointed as the new commander of the Ukrainian ground forces

Russia weighs resumption of nuclear tests — senior diplomat

"The situation is quite complicated," Sergey Ryabkov said

German Office of General Prosecutor identified two suspects in Nord Stream case

"Yes, we are moving forward in the investigation [of sabotage acts at Nord Stream pipelines]. We managed to identify two suspects," Rommel said

Peru shows interest in BRICS - Russian ambassador

Igor Romanchenko also noted the interest of Peru's academic and journalistic communities in discussing BRICS issues

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Georgia determined to prevent Ukrainian coup-like scenario, PM says

Mass protests took place in Georgia in the past two days, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police officers, who used tear gas and water cannons

Foreign Ministers of Russia, Turkey discuss situation in Syria

"The situation in Syria and the Astana process were discussed at the meeting," the source said

Customs duty on coking coal in Russia canceled

The decision is aimed at supporting companies in the coal industry

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 27th

Novaya Zemlya facility prepared for resumption of nuclear tests — Russian general

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS that Russia was considering a resumption of nuclear tests amid the United State’s policy of escalating tensions

West may well just set money intended for Ukraine on fire — Russian diplomat

Politico reported earlier that US President Joe Biden had asked the Congress for another $24 bln to provide additional military aid to Kiev and replenish US stocks

Putin signs law on taxation of digital currencies

According to the law, digital currency is recognized as property

Syria capable to defeat terrorists with help of allies and friends — President's office

According to message, country continues defending its territorial integrity

Dialog with Japan on peace treaty possible if Tokyo gives up its hostile course

"Not a single agreement can be made without holding negotiations," official spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said

Russian passengers on Antarctica cruise liner with engine failure go on hunger strike

The liner left Cape Town on November 13 for a 20-day cruise, and passengers say they paid between $9,000 and $12,000 for the trip

Violent upheaval attempt takes place in Georgia — security service

US actions undermine Washington’s competitiveness — Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Washington’s policy causes harm to the United States

Putin slams election mudslinging against Trump’s family as 'vile'

According to the Russian president, when gangs fight with each other, they "don’t target women and children but leave them alone"

Root causes need to be addressed to settle Ukrainian conflict — Kremlin spokesman

"Everything here is much deeper than a decision to send a peacekeeper mission," Dmitry Peskov said

Hungarian PM sounds alarm over presence of US, French troops in Ukraine

Additionally, the news that Russia used its latest Oreshnik high-precision ballistic missile, which has significant destructive power, to destroy Yuzhmash, a Ukrainian defense plant in Dnipro (previously known as Dnepropetrovsk), is alarming, Viktor Orban stressed

US Navy amphibious assault ship enters Black Sea

It joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter, according to the Ukrainian web portal Dumskaya

West deploying troops to Ukraine to up ante in fight with Russia — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin described such plans as provocative and noted that they "confirm the West’s intention to continue its profound engagement in a direct standoff with Russia"

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Syrian army eliminates hundreds of terrorists, repelling their attack on Aleppo, Idlib

The Syrian army command reported on November 28 that units of the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group had staged a large-scale attack on Syria’s northern governorates the day prior

NATO growing more inclined to freeze Ukraine conflict — Russia’s SVR

"NATO has been unfolding training centers in Ukraine in an effort to train at least 1 million mobilized Ukrainians," the SVR highlighted

Russia, Peru are not yet discussing Mir cards — ambassador

The flow of tourists from Russia is small - we are talking about only several thousand tourists a year due to the high prices of travel, Russian Ambassador to Peru Igor Romanchenko said

UK continuing arms supplies to Kiev fraught with conflict of nuclear powers — diplomat

Andrey Kelin noted that "the British have utterly ignored all our warnings and opted for escalatory actions to further worsen the Ukrainian crisis"

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

The process, which can today be confidently called the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia, began after the 2014 coup, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Russia says Ukraine lost up to 140 troops in battlegroup East’s zone of responsibility

The enemy also lost up a MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, a Caesar self-propelled artillery unit, a motor vehicle and four fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, said Oleg Chekhov, a spokesman for the battlegroup

Israel prohibits residents of 60 villages in southern Lebanon from returning home

According to the army statement, those moving south of the line may endanger themselves

Russia against sending OPCW reps to probe into chemical incidents in Ukraine — diplomat

According to Vladimir Tarabrin, Russia doesn’t want to "expose to danger the lives and health of international experts amid the extensive use of various weapons" along the engagement line

No countries reject invitations to become BRICS partner states — Russian diplomat

"All participants to a meeting of sherpas and sous-sherpas in Yekaterinburg were informed about it. Everyone agrees that this is the right path," Ryabkov added

Georgian president not going to step down

"I remain your president; there is no legitimate parliament existing," Zurabishvili said in her televised address

Russian, Chinese strategic aircraft complete joint patrol mission

Foreign fighter jets escorted Russian, Chinese aircraft on certain route segments

US funds 'Nazis, maniacs' in Ukraine, Israel — American journalist

Jackson Hinkle also pointed out that the US authorities are no friend of "freedom-loving American patriots"

Putting Oreshnik's in Eastern Russia strategic play to help allies, counter US

According to Alexander Stepanov, the deployment makes sense in a situation where the Pentagon continues to project its military presence on Russia's eastern borders

Kiev's defeatist rhetoric may be masking planned attacks on Russia — expert

The enemy may be trying to lull us into a false sense of security by saying that their situation is bad, only to hit us by surprise, Andrey Marochko said

Finland eyeing return of antipersonnel mines to inventory — president

Finland became the party to the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in 2012