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PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN UKRAINE

First round of Ukrainian election fair, says former Ukrainian president Yushchenko

Earlier, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry informed that there had been no systematic violations of the electoral law during Sunday’s presidential election

KIEV, April 1. /TASS/. Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko stated that the March 31 Ukrainian election was fair in an interview with the 112 Ukraine channel.

"What is important is that the elections are held in a fair, calm, just manner, without incident," he said. "There are some violations, but they are not fatal, which confirms that Ukraine is on the list of countries where the problem of their transparency and legitimacy has been resolved."

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Showman Zelensky well ahead of rivals with 90% of ballots counted in Ukraine election

Earlier, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry informed that there had been no systematic violations of the electoral law during Sunday’s presidential election. "On the day of the voting, our employees detected 2,605 violations and opened 61 criminal cases," Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov stated.

The first round of Ukraine’s presidential election was held on Sunday, March 31. The country's Central Election Commission earlier said that none of the candidates had been able to secure the majority of votes in the first round. The runoff is scheduled for April 21.

Most experts say head of the Servant of the People party Vladimir Zelensky and incumbent head of state Pyotr Poroshenko will contest the presidency.

Iran nuclear deal

Talks on Iran Nuclear Deal to resume soon, Iranian foreign minister says

According to Abbas Araghchi, since the presidency of late Ebrahim Raisi, Iran-US talks were held through the mediation of Oman, but the process has been suspended since May

FACTBOX: Putin, Scholz hold phone talks first time in two years

The talks were initiated by Berlin

APEC leaders approve three outcome documents at Lima Summit

According to the president, three documents were put to vote: the statement of the APEC leaders, the Lima Roadmap to Promote the Transition to Formal and Global Economy, and the Ichma Statement on a New Look to Advance the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific

Putin-Scholz phone conversation was arranged promptly — Kremlin spokesman

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday

Egypt president to visit Russia August 25-27 — spokesman

Egyptian media reported earlier this week that al-Sisi had indefinitely postponed his visit to Russia following his mother’s death

Abkhazian president leaves capital after opposition’s ultimatum

At present, Aslan Bzhania is staying in his home village of Tamysh

Russian troops liberate DPR's Leninskoye, Makarovka

Russian army hits Ukrainian energy facilities

Russia awaits Trump’s proposals on Ukrainian settlement — Lavrov

"Russia's position was clearly worded by the Russian president on June 14, 2024," Sergey Lavrov stressed

Russian troops liberate five communities in Donbass region, Kharkov area over week

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 4,715 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 10 Western-made artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian people don't need support promised by Scholz after talks with Putin — Lavrov

Commenting on the Russian side's assessment of the conversation, the top diplomat emphasized that there is already a corresponding comment from the Kremlin

Russian energy ministry proposes to ban cryptocurrency mining in some regions

"The Energy Ministry sees it as prudent to ban the mining of digital currency in areas facing critical regulatory and fiscal parameters and regions with subsidized electricity prices during forecasted shortages," the source said

Gazprom has the right to stop gas supplies to Moldova due to country’s debts — Moldovagaz

Chairman of the Board of the Russian-Moldovan gas distribution company Vadim Cheban noted that he was not aware of any plans by the Russian gas holding to take advantage of this opportunity

Russia open to Ukraine talks based on June proposals, Putin tells Scholz

"Russia's proposals are well known and outlined, in particular, in a June speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry," the Russian president said

Hostages taken in restaurant in Paris suburb — TV

Meanwhile, Le Figaro reported that the perpetrator stated his intention to commit suicide

Iran to speed up development of nuclear program in response to upcoming IAEA’s resolution

On November 14, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami said that Tehran will not allow the European trio to pressure the republic in regards to its nuclear program

Zelensky announces work on new action plan

In terms of weapons, the plan will focus on production in Ukraine and cooperation with partners

Russian naval aircraft hit targets by missiles in drills over Barents Sea

The fighter jets launched air-to-air missiles against targets simulated by illumination air bombs

Oil and gas account for third of Russian-Chinese trade turnover — Deputy Prime Minister

In 2023, Russia supplied 107 million tons of oil to China, meeting 20% of China's needs for it

German government confirms death of ten Germans in Ukraine since February 2022

The request was filed by Bundestag member Andrej Hunko of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance - Reason and Justice party

Maximal interest rate on ruble deposits grows to 20.91% in early November

The rate was at the level of 19.66% in the middle of the last month and 20.17% from October 20 to 30

Developments in Kursk Region: Ukrainian fighters suffer losses, face charges in Russia

Ukraine lost more than 100 servicemen, a tank, an armored fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, two D-30 122-mm howitzers, a mortar and an electronic warfare station over the past day

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"

Russia always fulfilled its trade obligations, ready to cooperate with Germany — Putin

"It was underscored that Russia has always been committed to its treaty and contractual obligations in the energy sector and is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation if the German side shows interest in this," the statement says

Situation at OSCE security forum worsens under Danish chairmanship — Foreign Ministry

"The language of hostility and hatred was heard with renewed vigor at the Forum along with calls for the 'punishment' of the Russian leadership, which the Danish ambassador openly called 'a source of inspiration'," the department added

Russian missile frigate enters Mediterranean Sea in long-distance deployment

In the Mediterranean Sea, the missile frigate’s crew will accomplish missions as part of the Russian Navy’s standing taskforce

Hungary turning into nuclear technologies development center — Rosatom CEO

First concrete pouring at the Paks-2 nuclear power plant (NPP) in Hungary will start in the middle of the first quarter of 2025, Alexey Likhachev said

Scholz discussed his plans to talk to Putin with US, French, UK leaders — Bild

Scholz met with US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Berlin on October 18

Concrete pouring to start at Paks-2 in Q1 2025 — Rosatom CEO

This is the transition from the initial phase, from the preparatory phase to the systemic construction plan, Alexey Likhachev said

Zelensky’s new plan for Ukraine is ‘an attempt to imitate’ busy activities — politician

Vitaly Ganchev noted that Zelensky's plans "pose no particular interest anymore to anyone and they the proposals are certainly not taken seriously"

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand become BRICS partner countries — Russian MFA

"The BRICS Summit in Kazan demonstrated the desire of the global majority to establish a fair world order, reform global institutions and build equitable economic ties," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said

Eight killed, 17 injured in knife attack in China

No further details have been provided

Trump picks campaign spokesperson for White House press secretary

Karoline Leavitt served as an assistant press secretary during Trump's first presidential term

Russian investigators preparing query over case of Russian boy wounded on Crete

“We’ll press forward for getting familiarized with the course of investigation of that crime,” Markin said

Russia, Iran, Caucasus countries await full operation of North-South corridor

The goal of the North-South International Multimodal Transport Corridor project is to attract transit traffic from India, Iran, and Persian Gulf nations to Europe via Russian territory

Swedish minister in charge of gender equality suffers from bananaphobia

The phobia is so strong that special precautions need to be taken before her meetings

Finland seizes over 30 more real estate properties owned by Russian government

The value of these confiscated apartments is more than ten million euros, the agency said

Russia’s share in Indian fertilizer market growing to 28% — association

Andrey Guryev gave positive assessment to dynamics of supplies

Trump not to meet with foreign leaders before inauguration - Kyodo

According to the report, the Japanese government was notified about it by Trump’s team

Russia has potential to boost wheat and barley supplies to China — expert

In 2023, Russia supplied 533,000 tons of barley to China, and in the first 10 months of 2024 supplies exceeded 721,000 tons

Helsinki court hasn’t received Russia’s appeal against seizure of properties in Finland

Moscow can appeal the court's decision until December 5

Ceiling collapses at Siberian mine, at least one trapped - investigators

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday

Abkhazian Civic Chamber establishes group for negotiations between authorities, opposition

Previously, CC members Sokrat Dzhindzholia and Ruslan Khashig voiced their initiative to act as mediators in the negotiations between President Aslan Bzhania and the Abkhazian opposition

Women’s shelter near Moscow catches fire, six injured

In its statement, the Russian emergencies ministry named "a short circuit in an electric heater" as a potential cause

Russia's newest Su-57 fighter jet superior to China's new J-35 — test pilot

Sergey Bogdan emphasized that the newest Russian fighter was a "magnificent platform for a future generation of configurations, just as the Su-27 aircraft in its heyday"

Trump to nominate North Dakota governor Burgum as interior secretary

The official announcement will be made on Friday

Fesco’s container turnover between Russia and China reach 280,000 TEU in 9M 2024

Fesco will launch the direct service between China and the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk this month, the company's president Pyotr Ivanov said

Trump to zero in on fragmenting BRICS, Ukraine to take back seat — expert

According to the political scientist Boris Mezhuyev, in all likelihood attempts to replace the presidents of Brazil and Venezuela, and pit India, Russia and China against each other are coming

Sibur board of directors recommends 9M dividends amounting to 9.3 rubles per share

Sibur's dividend policy suggests a minimum dividend payment of 50% of adjusted net profit under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Russia introduced temporary restrictions on enriched uranium exports to the US

This is a tit-for-tat measure against the restriction of Russian uranium products imports introduced by the US for 2024-2027 and the ban to be imposed by it since 2028 onward

About 5,000 people took part in protests in Abkhazia Saturday — opposition representative

New people come to participate in the protest every day, they become numerous, Mikaa said

Lavrov outlines Moscow’s approach to Ukrainian crisis during visit to UAE — ministry

Lavrov arrived in Abu Dhabi to take part in the Sir Bani Yas international peace and security forum

FACTBOX: Abkhazian leader leaves capital amid opposition’s demands for polls

TASS compiled main facts about the situation in the country

Russia inks first deals to deliver Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to foreign customers

Alexander Mikheyev also explained the expectations and effect of the demonstration of Russian military hardware at Airshow China in Zhuhai

Russia routs Brunei 11:0 in friendly football match

That is the biggest ever victory for the Russian team

Russia, India agree to expedite making long-term oil supply agreement

The sides are also discussing in detail and focusing on deliveries of liquefied natural gas, Denis Manturov said

European politicians repeat their position on Ukraine like mantra, says Kremlin

"Russian President Vladimir Putin told Olaf Scholz in detail about Russia's vision of what is happening, about possible prospects for the development of the situation," Dmitry Peskov said

2026 APEC Summit to take place in China

The Chinese leader made this announcement on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Lima

Russian forces capture 10 km of LPR border — military expert

On October 16, Andrey Marochko informed TASS that Ukrainian forces were still operating near three key towns in the LPR’s west: Svatovo, Kremennaya, and Lisichansk

Putin tells Scholz agreements on Ukraine should proceed from realities on ground — Kremlin

"Possible agreements should take into account Russia’s interests in the security sphere, proceed from the new territorial realities and, above all, eliminate the causes of the conflict," the Russian leader said

Russia expects new projects with China in LNG, petrochemicals — Novak

Russia and China have agreed recently to cooperate in the hydrogen production sphere, the Russian deputy prime minister said

Russian fertilizer production expected to gain 9% in 2024 — association

According to RFPA Head Andrey Guryev, the fertilizers production volumes in Russia are steadily growing and new plants are being built

Chechen leader reports eliminating Ukrainian troops in Sumy Region

According to Ramzan Kadyrov, fighters from the 34th Akhmat-Russia motorized rifle regiment conducted reconnaissance using unmanned aerial vehicles

One worker injured, another missing after Siberian mine incident

The rescued miner was diagnosed with concussion

Real effective exchange rate of ruble down 4.1% in October — Central Bank

In October 2024, the real effective ruble rate edged down by 4.5% against the dollar (-2.3% from the year start) and lost 2.7% against the euro against the prior month (down 1.2% from the year beginning)

Scholz-Putin talk should be welcomed, as it is right step — Bundestag

The lawmaker emphasized that politicians who are "intoxicated by war" and advocate for an imposed peace or the continuation of the conflict "until Kiev's victory" are only contributing to further loss of life

Zelensky tried to dissuade Scholz from telephone talks with Putin — news agency

According to the source, Vladimir Zelensky told Scholz that the conversation with Putin "will only help to reduce the isolation" of Russia

Turkey does not consider pullout from NATO — Erdogan’s party

Earlier, on Wednesday, the deputy leader of the Turkish Motherland Party, Ethem Sancak, said that Turkey might leave NATO in five to six months due to provocative actions against Ankara

Putin, Roscosmos chief outline vision for Russia’s space program

Yury Borisov provided a brief report about what the National Project consisted of, its main objectives, tasks and expected outcomes

RFK Jr. calls for immediate US-Russia talks on Ukraine

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward his latest peace proposal for the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, which envisages the recognition of the status of Crimea, the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions as Russian constituencies

Georgia’s ruling party scores 53.93% in elections, wins 89 mandates — CEC results

Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party has won the parliamentary elections with 53.93% of the vote

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

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

Scholz, Putin agree to maintain contact — source in German cabinet

It is reported that Scholz expressed concern over reports about the alleged deployment of North Korean servicemen to Russia

Baikal Arctic cisco stock expected to surpass target levels

A comprehensive sonar survey of Lake Baikal was conducted this year, covering nearly all habitats of the Arctic cisco, Vasily Sokolov said

Press review: Switzerland open to hosting Putin-Trump talks as NATO and EU back Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 15th

Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania refuses to step down amid riots

According to him, the government is also staying in the country and continues its work

Press review: Trump forms foreign policy team and Europe sets course for militarization

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 13th

Fire in women’s shelter near Moscow put out

The fire in a safe house for women in the city of Odintsovo near Moscow has been put out

Abkhazian president’s office says investment agreement with Russia not revoked

Aslan Bzhania has not signed the document

Phone conversation between Putin, Scholz lasted one hour — Kremlin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, marking their first phone conversation since December 2022

IAEA inspectors notified of high voltage power supply line shutdown at ZNPP

The reason for the shutdown remains unknown

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

Russia's liberation of Stepanovka in DPR spells trouble for Ukrainian troops in Kurakhovo

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces had liberated the settlement of Stepanovka in the DPR

APEC Summit declaration negotiated, contains no politicized narratives — Russian envoy

According to Berdyev, the APEC "is returning to a normal constructive work."

Russian troops organizing logistics, ammo delivery in Kupyansk outskirts — military expert

"Logistics is being organized to enable our troops to retain their positions they are trying to secure," Andrey Marochko explained

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

APEC Summit declaration takes Russia’s interests into account — Deputy Prime Minister

He said that the document was adopted by a consensus, and the Peruvian presidency "even twice made sure" that it has been achieved, and was told in response: "yes, the consensus has been achieved."

Participants in Sir Bani Yas forum in UAE understand causes of Ukrainian crisis — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister arrived in Abu Dhabi to take part in the Sir Bani Yas international peace and security forum and has already held a series of bilateral meetings

Putin congratulates Gazprom on completion of work on Nord Stream 2

The gas pipeline is ready for operation, the Russian President said

All hostages held in restaurant near Paris released — TV

According to the report, no one was injured. The negotiations with the perpetrator continued for about two hours

Musk says Trump, himself have public mandate for change

US President-elect Donald Trump announced earlier that Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy would lead the Department of Government Efficiency in his new administration

Trump team fears negative impact of allegations against Hegseth — media

According to sources, many in Trump's team are reportedly disappointed

One third of Mariupol residents, who fled to Ukraine, already returned

Lack of due support, and accommodation issues, are the reason

Scholz's call to Putin speaks of intention to learn Russia's position firsthand — Kremlin

The conversation took place at the initiative of the German side

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Foreign mercenaries fighting on Ukraine’s side near Kupyansk, says military expert

Most of the intercepted talks deal with military issues, using a special talk chart, Andrey Marochko specified

Russia, China eyeing new gas route via Kazakhstan — Novak

Consideration of the route is at the initial phase, the Russian official said

Ukrainian battlegroup deprived of regular supplies in Kurakhovo in Donetsk area — expert

The Ukrainian battlegroup’s supplies have been impaired in the Kurakhovo area after Russian forces placed a road section west of that community under their gunfire control, Andrey Marochko clarified

Norilsk Nickel aims to enter carbon credit market

The company sees carbon credits, which are generated through climate-related projects, as a rapidly developing field, a kind of "cryptocurrency," Stanislav Seleznev said

Scholz, Biden have nothing to offer Putin — German expert

"He [Scholz], like another lame duck in the US - Joe Biden, has nothing to offer," Prof. Thomas Eger of the University of Cologne told the Bild newspaper

Kalashnikov concern trains first group of operators for Bars-Sarmat UAV unit

The soldiers studied the hardware, including the drones’ electronics, internal systems and rules of operation

Ukrainian troops surrender as Russian forces advance — captive

Alexander Rapolyuk noted that they had originally been sent to the Kursk Region under the pretext of replacing their comrades, but upon arrival, they found that the servicemen they were meant to replace had already been killed