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PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN UKRAINE

Frontrunning comic swarmed by public as he votes in Ukraine’s presidential race

Ukraine's presidential election is underway and polls will close at 20:00 local time on Sunday

Vladimir Zelensky/TASS Anna Marchenko/TASS

Vladimir Zelensky/TASS

© Anna Marchenko/TASS

KIEV, March 31. /TASS/. The frontrunning Ukrainian presidential candidate nominated by the Servant of the People party Vladimir Zelensky has cast his ballot in the country’s presidential election.

"I hope that this will be a victory for democracy," he told reporters after he cast his ballot at a polling station in Kiev’s Marine and River Fleet College.

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Ukraine's presidential election

His arrival at the ballot box sparked a huge commotion among locals and the media. Crowds mobbed Zelensky making it difficult for him to move around the polling station.

Ukraine's presidential election is underway and polls will close at 20:00 local time on Sunday. A record number of candidates - 39 - are running in the presidential race.

Middle East conflict

Russia delivers more humanitarian aid to Beirut

The aid was delivered on instructions from the Russian president

IN BRIEF: US news media call election for Trump, oldest man to be elected president

According to NBC News, Trump is winning the election after the victory in Wisconsin allowed him to overcome the threshold of 270 electoral votes

Trump's victory increases prospects for Ukraine conflict settlement — top diplomat

Earlier, the Hungarian government repeatedly said that it attributed hopes for a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine to Trump's possible return to the White House

Billions needed to rebuild, destroy enemy: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 250 servicemen, eight fighting infantry vehicles, including two US-made Bradley IFVs, six armored combat vehicles, two artillery guns, two mortars and eight motor vehicles

Netanyahu speaks with Trump over phone — Israeli PM’s office

According to the office, Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump discussed "the Iranian threat" and "agreed to work together for Israel's security"

Israeli Air Force resumes strikes on Hezbollah facilities in southern Beirut — source

Israeli jets struck overnight the suburbs of Uzai, a source in the local civil defense service said

Trump declares 'magnificent' victory, calls himself 47th US president

"I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president," the politician said

Russian envoy believes Trump to review US participation in Paris climate agreement

According to Boris Titov, the main internal risk for the United States is the cancellation of benefits for green energy and electric vehicles introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act under Joe Biden

US military base in Syria attacked by Iraqi Shiite units

Witnesses say that the Shiite units that are fighting on the part of the Syrian government army used kamikaze drones to attack the US base

Trump, Harris spend $3.5 bln in most expensive presidential election — newspaper

According to Financial Times, Harris attracted more than $2.3 bln and spent $1.9 bln, Trump, in turn, took in $1.8 bln and spent $1.6 bln

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

29 settlements in southern Lebanon totally ruined by Israeli army — newspaper

The media cited military analyst General Hassan Juni as saying that such actions reveal Israel’s plans to create a "3-5-kilometer deep lifeless buffer zone in Lebanese territory"

Over 10 UAVs destroyed over Russia’s borderline Voronezh Region

The governor Alexander Gusev wrote that the threat of more UAV attack in the region had remained

Trump, Harris note importance of unity in US — Trump campaign team

According to a statement, leaders discuused it during their phone call

Sofia has no information about Lukoil’s plans to sell its Bulgarian refinery — minister

Vladimir Malinov added that after receiving the requested information, the Energy Ministry will conduct an additional analysis of the state of the fuel market in the country and assess the possible risks from the sale of the enterprise

Era of global changes to last for decades — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the world is moving from the unipolar model to a "multipolar system, a fairer, non-colonial system, where relations of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect prevail"

US may consider pulling out of Iraq after presidential election — top Turkish diplomat

According to Hakan Fidan, the US is discussing withdrawing troops from the Baghdad-controlled area of Iraq in 2025 and from Iraqi Kurdistan in 2026

Trump to offer deal on Ukraine unacceptable to Russia, conflict to go on — expert

In his comments on the results of the US presidential election, Dmitry Suslov noted that Trump "will indeed try to quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine"

Musk slams Harris for false claim about US troops in combat zones

Earlier, Harris had said, "There is not one member of the US military in active duty in a combat zone — in any war zone around the world"

Unable to counter Russian tactics, Kiev’s forces may retreat to Dnieper — Ukrainian expert

"The opponents are now using tactical techniques that we still have nothing to counter with," Oleg Starikov said

Russian Defense Ministry presents slideshow of Ukrainian plot to capture Kursk nuke plant

Ukraine planned to engage 20,000 troops, 27 tanks, 50 units of armored hardware, 30 units of tube artillery and five multiple launch rocket systems

Israel stages 33 air raids on eastern Lebanon, 45 people killed — TV

The media called it the most massive airstrike on Lebanon’s eastern and northeastern areas since the beginning of the ongoing escalation in October 2023

NATO prepares for open armed confrontation with Belarus and Russia — top brass

According to Major General Vladimir Kupriyanyuk, "the collective West continues to demonstrate an increase in the intensity of activities aimed at early preparations for military action"

Situation dire for Ukrainian troops along entire frontline, says DPR head

Meanwhile, the potential of Ukrainian armed forces should not be underestimated, Denis Pushilin cautioned

Chinese President Xi congratulates Trump on US presidential election victory — CNN

The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded that it had no commentaries to make regarding this information

Gathering of Harris supporters resembles 'funeral' — NBC

Earlier, the New York Times reported that the number of supporters at Harris’ residence began to dwindle amid Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s strengthening positions

Kamala Harris’ memecoin down 91.8%

The cost of memecoins linked to politicians extended losses after Donald Trump declared a political victory at the presidential election, calling himself the 47th president of the US

Putin still open to dialogue with US — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the future of Russian-US relations, which are currently at their lowest point, rests with the US administration

Americans were on the Moon but footage may have been filmed in advance — Russian cosmonaut

Sergey Prokopyev pointed out that the fact that US astronauts did land on the Moon "is confirmed by automatic probes and cannot be subjected to doubt"

Zelensky congratulates Trump on victory in US presidential election

He stated that he held a telephone conversation with elected President

List of BRICS partner countries agreed, Putin says

According to the Russian leader, the list of potential candidate countries was also agreed upon

Russian Ocean Way expedition completes journey in Kronstadt

Leader of the expedition Yevgeny Kovalevsky emphasized that despite the Russophobia promoted by Western media, they faced no difficulties communicating with ordinary people from other countries

Israeli top brass say plan for expanding operation in Lebanon is needed

The Israel Defense Forces "continues to strike Hezbollah targets according to plan in the entire region, in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, Beirut and Syria"

China hopes for peaceful coexistence with US — Foreign Ministry

Mao Ning also noted that the current presidential election is a US domestic political issue, and indicated that China "respects any choice of the American people"

Trump to pressure multiple countries to end conflict in Ukraine, expert says

"Wars suck the political oxygen (and financial resources) from other administration initiatives, so the goal is to find solutions quickly," John Kavulich added

Dollar use against Russia giving rise to other countries’ concerns

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "not all of the countries are ready so far to close interaction as regards creation of some payment systems"

Russia responds to Western sanctions with benefit for itself — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow did everything to fulfil the potential of bilateral economic ties with European countries

Elon Musk claims war mongers back Kamala Harris’ 'puppet regime'

According to Elon Musk, those within the US administration who support Vice President Harris "profit off of wars," a situation he described as "insane"

Bitcoin hits new all-time high, surpassing $76,000

However, as of 0:22 Moscow time, Bitcoin’s price slowed down

Putin to address plenary session of Valdai discussion club in Sochi

The Russian president has taken part in the club’s meetings every year since it was established in 2004

Ukrainian attacks after incursion kill about 100 people in Kursk Region — official

The press service highlighted that the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights documents cases of arbitrary detention of civilians by Ukrainian servicemen, their torture and ill-treatment

Ukrainian military fears that Trumps’ victory will be fraught with loss of Donbass — media

The report also cited an adviser to the Ukrainian government, who said that he is afraid that Donald Trump "may push the whole world into the era of chaos"

More than 3 mln tons of transit cargo carried along Northern Sea Route in 2024

The interest of friendly countries in transporting cargoes along the Northern Sea Route is growing, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev added

US foreign policy community recognizes Ukraine policy ‘not on sustainable track’ — expert

"This recognition is likely to figure more prominently in the policy debate regardless of who wins," he noted

Israel fails to achieve any aim of its ground operation — Hezbollah

Sheikh Qassem said Hezbollah units were prepared to continue the war of attrition and will force Israel to cease fire

Russian ground forces commander inspects contingent being trained in Belarus

The Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov looked into the personnel’s accommodation, had a word with soldiers and assessed the quality of instruction

Lukashenko congratulates Trump on winning US presidential election

The US held its general election on November 5, with the voting having concluded when it was Wednesday morning in Moscow

US election outcome of no importance for Russia — senior lawmaker

Valentina Matviyenko called for focusing on Russia’s domestic affairs instead of placing too much emphasis on the US election

Press review: Lavrov embarks on EU visit and Russia permits individual crypto mining

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 1st

Russian air defenses intercept drone in Dagestan

According to Sergey Melikov, the investigation of the incident is now underway

During 'honeymoon' with the West Russia became object for pumping out dividends — Kremlin

"In fact, it was a neocolonial regime, all other countries were squeezed dry, all other countries were effectively turned into an object from which dividends were pumped out," Dmitry Peskov stated

Moscow court rules to arrest former Novaya Gazeta editor Martynov in absentia

The arrest was on charges of organizing activities of an undesirable organization

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

Trump won’t be able to break up Russian-Chinese strategic alliance — expert

However, Alexander Dynkin noted that Russia and China have their own independent agenda

Harris calls Trump to congratulate him on winning presidential election — media

She is expected to address her supporter with a concession speech later in the day

Russia hammers Ukraine’s missile armament workshops, military airfields over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 510 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Russian strike UAV wipes out Ukrainian tank in borderline Kursk area

"After the exact location coordinates of the enemy’s combat vehicle were determined and confirmed, a decision was made to deliver a pinpoint strike," the Russian defense ministry said in a statement

US needs new strategy on Ukraine, expert says

"Over the next four years, we collectively need to figure out how to end this thing," Michael O’Hanlon, senior fellow and director of research in the Foreign Policy program at the Washington-based Brookings Institution, said

No impacts registered during Ukrainian drone attack on ZNPP

Previously, Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said that at least five explosions were heard during the Ukrainian drone attack on Energodar infrastructure facilities

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donetsk area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West improved its tactical position and inflicted roughly 450 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Democrats blame Biden for Harris’ election loss — report

The party "needs a complete reboot," hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said

Russia already reached oil production targets in OPEC+, Novak says

The OPEC+ will discuss the market situation and decide on the joint action from January 1 in December 2024 at the ministerial meeting, the Russian deputy prime minister said

Trump may end Ukrainian conflict if he acknowledges reality, expert says

As for the Middle East, the situation surrounding this conflict is likely to be more complicated with Donald Trump in the White House because of his even stronger alignment with Israel, and his stance on Iran could be even harsher

Trump’s election win inspires with hope of Ukrainian conflict settlement – US expert

This could involve a cease-fire in place, an Armistice agreement along the lines of the Korean War Armistice of 1953,a professor of international law at the University of Illinois College of Law said

Harris calls on Democrats to accept election results, congratulates Trump on his victory

America, we will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, US presidential candidate and Vice President said

Protest expressed to Moldovan ambassador over discrimination of Russian observers

The Russian Foreign Ministry recalled that ahead of the first round of voting and the constitutional referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union, Moldova’s authorities had denied accreditation to five international observers from Russia, with no reasons provided

Refugee says Ukrainian forces killed 20 civilians in town of Ukrainsk

The regional branch of the United Russia party in Donetsk helps evacuate civilians from frontline settlements

Single BRICS currency not discussed extensively — Kremlin

It is much more interesting at present to talk on the BRICS platform about new joint instruments or platforms for investments from countries of a higher development level to countries with a lower development level, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia’s grain harvest of 130 mln tons in 2024 expected to meet export targets

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev noted that this year's harvest is "extremely difficult"

Trump says he will work to end wars

Donald Trump also promised to usher in a "golden age of America," saying that he had won a "magnificent victory’" in the elections "for American people"

Russia’s National Guard destroys Ukrainian M2 Bradley IFV

The agency clarified that the M2 Bradley IFV is designed to transport infantry and provide fire cover for troops

US can stop conflict in Ukraine quickly because it is involved in it — Kremlin spokesman

"America is the country, which can bring the conflict around Ukraine to a close very quickly, because this is a country that is involved in this conflict directly and indirectly," Dmitry Peskov said

Kiev conceals true casualties from Russian strike on Motor Sich Factory

Vladimir Rogov emphasized that all the victims were involved in the production of drone components

Russia managed to reach 4th - 5th position by GDP globally in 24 years

"This is the country that survived on fractures of the Soviet Union and became the successor to that once-great power," Dmitry Peskov underlined

Russia most likely to send compensation schedule to OPEC — Novak

According to the schedule posted on the OPEC website, Russia is to reduce production by 480,000 barrels per day in total by the end of September 2025

China-US relations in line with interests of both countries, says Chinese leader Xi

Xinhua also reported that the Chinese President Xi "expressed the hope that the two sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation"

Press review: Putin urges Syrian-Turkish talks while ASEAN rejects NATO-style alliance

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 6th

Russia not attempting to 'defeat dollar' — Kremlin

Russia is not doing anything against the dollar but it is standing for its interests, Dmitry Peskov noted

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

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

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace seven times in past day

Three pairs of the coalition’s F-15 and one MQ-1C multi-role unmanned aerial vehicle violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area

Lavrov arrives in Astana for talks with Kazakh counterpart

The top Russian diplomat is also expected to meet with the faculty and students of Astana university

Orban hails Trump victory in US election as 'much needed' for world

The Hungarian prime minister openly supported Trump in the US bipartisan struggle and made no secret that he was counting on his return to the White House

Russian diplomat praises Trump’s recognition that US must address domestic issues first

According to Maria Zakharova, Donald Trump’s position is radically different from the ideology imposed by "ultra-liberal circles"

Dollar-based system cannot be reformed — expert

According to Paulo Nogueira Batista Jr., "BRICS needs to join forces with other countries to build alternatives to the system"

Almost 75% of Americans negative about domestic situation — NBC News exit poll

Only seven percent were enthusiastic about the domestic situation and another 19% were satisfied with it

West’s erroneous course and preventing major war — what Putin told foreign ambassadors

Russia remains ready for talks with Ukraine, the Russian president noted

Russia waging financial wars with states that imposed sanctions on it — Finance Minister

Anton Siluanov noted that Russia turned out to be ready for such challenges

Russia’s upper house ratifies comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea

Article 4 of the treaty states that in the event of an imminent threat of an act of armed aggression against one of the sides, the sides shall, at the request of one of the sides, immediately activate bilateral channels for consultations with a view to coordinating their positions and agreeing on possible practical measures to assist each other to help eliminate the threat

Over 3,700 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

The Russian reconciliation center conducted one humanitarian operation in the settlement of Hatla in the Deir ez-Zor governorate and distributed 2.9 tons of food among its residents

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

Mi-28NM helicopter eliminates Ukrainian outpost in Kursk Region with aviation missiles

The Ministry noted that the pilots fired missiles at coordinates, provided by the spotter on the ground

Two Russian strategic submarines arrive in Pacific fleet base

They were welcomed by Navy Commander-in-Chief Alexander Moiseyev and Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Fradkov

Macron Calls for EU Coordination After Trump's Victory in US Election

"It is essential to ensure that EU states do not succumb to the 'every man for himself' principle," the French president said

US-China trade up by 2.8% to $564.17 billion over Jan-Oct 2024 period — customs service

Chinese supplies to the United States increased by 1.2%

Putin orders to launch Chukotka nuclear-powered icebreaker

Chief executive of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Andrey Puchkov reported to the president that the ice-breaker is ready

Kremlin spokesman dismisses rumors about Russian planes with incendiary devices

"Frankly speaking, I do not know anyone who takes such publications seriously," Dmitry Peskov noted

Trump defeated Harris because Dems made wars abroad a priority, expert says

James Carden added that the 'brilliant start' of Harris’ campaign was unable to cover for her 'glaring weaknesses'

Russian forces step up daily attacks on Ukrainian positions in Kupyansk area — expert

The most active operations are observed near the settlements of Petropavlovka, Kucherovka, Peschanoye, Lozovaya, Kruglyakovka, Kondrashovka, Kolesnikovka and their outskirts, Andrey Marochko said

Kremlin names two reasons preventing Putin from congratulating Trump

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov also said the Russian president had no plans for congratulating Donald Trump

Erdogan discusses with Trump over telephone future of US-Turkish cooperation

He expressed his wishes for the development of cooperation between Turkey and the United States in the future