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PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN UKRAINE

Ukrainian opposition blasts ‘idiotic’ decision to ban all Ukraine-Russia flights

Earlier, Kiev introduced a ban on irregular flights to/from Russia after presidential candidate Boiko, Opposition Platform- For Life party political council Chairman Medvedchuk paid a visit to Moscow

KIEV, April 3. /TASS/. The Opposition Platform - For Life party has castigated the Ukrainian cabinet’s decision to ban all irregular flights to Russia following the official visit of the party founder Yuri Boyko and Chairman of its Political Council Viktor Medvedchuk calling it "absurd", a statement published on the party’s website on Wednesday reads.

"This seemingly "idiotic" decision has a serious explanation for Ukrainian citizens. "The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers of [Prime-Minister Vladimir] Groysman is in agony, just like the authorities, and are fully aware that the negotiations between Viktor Medvedchuk, Yuri Boyko and Russian top officials have every chance of being successful. Which will, in turn, lead to a tariff reduction for ordinary Ukrainians and the inevitable prosecution of officials who enrich themselves using corruption schemes like Dusseldorf+ and Rotterdam+," the statement points out.

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Kiev bans all direct flights to Russia

The opposition considers this decision as an attempt to introduce "personal sanctions" against Boyko and Medvedchuk "instead of addressing the raging issues of reducing utility bills for the public, ensuring social protection for the citizenry and normalizing the economic situation in Ukraine." At the same time, the party stressed that making this decision "the cabinet recognizes that all earlier flights were conducted in full compliance with the law."

"It’s to somehow hamper the normalization of relations with Russia, to hinder the negotiations and to take revenge for the political stance of Viktor Medvedchuk and Yuri Boyko, as well as the Opposition Platform - For Life party as a whole, that this absurd decision has ben made," the statement concludes.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ukrainian government introduced a ban on all irregular flights to and from Russia after presidential candidate Yuri Boyko and Opposition Platform - For Life party political council Chairman Viktor Medvedchuk paid an official visit to Moscow.

Yuri Boiko and Viktor Medvedchuk visited Moscow on March 22 to discuss avenues of restoring trade and economic relations with Russia, solutions to the gas issue and possibilities of creating a joint gas transit consortium. The Ukrainian politicians were greeted by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, followed by a meeting that was also attended by Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller. Later, Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Yuri Lutsenko promised to initiate criminal proceedings against Boyko and Medvedchuk for illegally crossing the border, while Prime Minister Vladimir Groysman and Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said that an investigation was needed to determine the details of the issue.

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Mobilization campaign makes Ukrainians see state as enemy — retired colonel

According to Oleg Starikov, common citizens increasingly seek to stay away from people in military uniform

Plane that crashed in Kazakhstan suffered damage outside of country — deputy PM

It is reported that the law enforcement agencies of Kazakhstan will conduct ballistic and explosive ordnance examinations

Ukraine’s army reports forced retreat to ‘last defensive line’ in Donbass area

Ukraine’s General Staff admitted earlier that the frontline situation remained tense for the Ukrainian army

Ukraine loses over 250 servicemen over past day in Kursk Region, another surrenders as POW

Russia's army continues to defeat Ukrainian formations in the Kursk Region

Kazakh president warns against misinformation, provocations about plane crash near Aktau

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the General Prosecutor's Office and the government commission to conduct an impartial investigation of the plane crash near Aktau

Gazprom to limit gas supplies to Moldova up to zero from January 1 over contract breach

The company notes that the restriction will remain in effect until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz in writing otherwise

Press review: Ukraine eyes missile programs as EU considers new sanctions on Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 25th

Norwegians who refused to rescue sailors from Ursa Major acted like non-humans — senator

Konstantin Kosachev noted that the West was in the habit of discussing values, but the true Western values are not about legalizing same-sex marriage or overthrowing unwanted regimes or supporting Ukraine

Number of homeless people in US up to record 770,000

The surge in homelessness came amid a shortage of affordable housing, inflation, as well as a stagnating salary growth, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development said

RuStore surpasses AppStore in terms of user audience in Russia — minister

Maksut Shadayev noted that Chinese developers have increased investments in promoting their applications in the store fivefold this year and spent 60 million rubles ($590,088)

Finnish police detain oil tanker on suspicion of damaging communication cables

It is also reported that the Eagle S "noticeably slowed down" presumably at the moment when the cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged

Scholz polling increasingly worse as German chancellor candidate — Bild

For comparison, ahead of the 2021 election, the CDU/CSU bloc enjoyed the support of 27% voters in opinion polls and came ahead of Scholz’s party by just a 9.5% margin

Biden administration to send $1.25 bln in military assistance to Kiev — AP

The new package of aid to Kiev includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system, the agency said

Kazakh, Russian specialists jointly investigate Azerbaijani plane crash — president

"Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the Government Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan continues the investigation with the involvement of specialists from Azerbaijan, Russia, and Brazil," the Kazakh presidential press service said

Mobilization campaign makes Ukrainians see state as enemy — retired colonel

According to Oleg Starikov, common citizens increasingly seek to stay away from people in military uniform

Kremlin says no comment on 'highly specialized' issue of Finland’s seizure of oil tanker

On December 25, Reuters reported that Finland’s police and border guards have detained an oil tanker, which flies under the flag of the Cook Islands, suspecting that an anchor of the vessel may have damaged the EstLink 2 cable

Almost 37,000 tons of contaminated soil removed from Black Sea beaches

"Almost 8,000 people were employed in this work today," according to a statement by the region’s crisis center

Houthis report attacking Santa Ursula vessel in Arabian Sea

The container ship Santa Ursula, sailing under the flag of Denmark, is bound from Spain’s Algerciras to the Omani port of Salalah, Marine Traffic data showed

Russia to convene UNSC meeting in January to discuss Ukraine’s crimes against civilians

The report on Ukrainian atrocities in Selidovo will be presented

Slovakia ready to host peace talks on Ukraine — Prime Minister

Robert Fico noted that Bratislava would be ready and hospitable

Kalashnikov improves combat capabilities of Vikhr-1 aviation missile

"I will not comment on that in any further detail, it is our client’s prerogative," Kalashnikov CEO Alan Lushnikov said

Over 340 military officials’ cars set on fire in Ukraine over year

According to the report, the majority of these crimes occurred between Spring and Summer this year

Nearly 40 people killed, 100 injured in Gaza in past day — health ministry

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

US may face bankruptcy if situation with national debt does not change — Musk

The US national debt for the first time climbed above $36 trillion on November 15

Russian state arms seller reports record high orders portfolio of over $57 bln in 2024

Rosoboronexport clarified that the priority of the defense industry sector today is to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces

Russia’s FPV drone Gortenzia with fiber-optic cable control used in military operation

The design bureau added that the drone is also equipped with a universal payload attachment system

Trump's words on Greenland escalate tensions in the Arctic — Russian ambassador to Norway

Nikolay Korchunov pointed out that Greenland and Denmark are not the only Arctic Council members feeling pressure on their sovereignty, and are in a difficult position in light of possible moves by the incoming Trump administration

Russia, Turkey in talks about friendly football match in 2025 — Russian sports minister

Since sanctions were introduced, the Russian national football squad has played a series of friendlies against other countries, namely against Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Cameroon, Kenya, Cuba, Serbia, Belarus, Vietnam, Brunei, and Syria

CENIPA experts arrive in Aktau to investigate plane crash

"The investigation commission held a meeting at its headquarters, where joint tasks at the aircraft incident site were established," the statement reads

German post-conflict presence in Ukraine should be coordinated with Russia — politician

Friedrich Merz did not provide a clear response to a question about security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that "a ceasefire is still a long way off"

Russia practically eliminates remnants of Ukraine’s Air Force — source

The source said that attempts to recruit more pilots in Poland and other Eastern European countries were not particularly successful

Ukraine opens second front in Africa — envoy

Igor Gromyko noted that in August, Mali's transitional government announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Ukraine

Russia substantially expands blacklist of EU officials in response to sanctions — MFA

"Any unfriendly actions on the part of the European Union will continue to be met with a timely and proportionate response," the ministry warned

No countries interfere in Kazakhstan’s airplane crash probe — deputy prime minister

Kanat Bozumbayev recalled that Kazakhstan had been a member of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation since 1992

Lukashenko pardons 20 people convicted of extremism

The Belarusian president last granted pardon to more than 30 individuals convicted of extremist offenses in November of this year

Transnistria must become part of negotiations on Ukraine — Foreign Minister of Moldova

The authorities of Transnistria call on the Moldovan leadership to intensify the negotiations on all platforms

Putin, Kazakh president to remain in touch over plane crash in Kazakhstan — Kremlin

"The two countries’ leaders will remain constantly in contact on matters related to investigation into the circumstances of a tragic incident involving the Azerbaijani airplane and on important issues of fostering Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation," the statement says

Russian, Kazakh presidents vow transparent probe into passenger jet’s crash near Aktau

Both presidents also exchanged their condolences in regard to the tragic death of nationals from Russia and Kazakhstan following the fatal crash of the passenger airliner earlier this week, the statement says

Expert sees the collective West behind Ursa Major terrorist attack

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that "the goal of the enemy’s terrorist campaign on international shipping routes was to disrupt trade and economic cooperation"

NATO considers use of ATACMS missiles in Ukraine reckless, indiscriminate — NYT

The newspaper notes that, since Ukraine received an authorization from the UK and the US, Kiev carried out at least six missile strikes, using 31 ATACMS and 14 Storm Shadow missiles

Russian Investigative Committee’s head office takes over plane incident investigation

Alexander Bastrykin held a situation meeting in Grozny

About 70 former Syrian troops deported back after fleeing to Lebanon

According to Elnashra, they was detained on December 27 in the town of Byblos

Putin apologizes for AZAL airliner incident in Russia’s airspace — Kremlin

The Russian leader conveyed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the plane crash victims

FACTBOX: Orthodox Christian world celebrates Christmas

Until 1917, Christmas had been one of the official holidays in the Russian Empire. It had not been celebrated in Russia until the 1990s

Russia withdraws from agreement on multilateral nuclear environmental program

The agreement also involved Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, as well as EURATOM and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Russia may develop 6th-generation fighter jet under MiG-Sukhoi brand

Among the typical characteristics specialists note its capability to perform combat missions without human participation and its AI, the availability of a radio-photonic radar, the ability to develop hypersonic speed and fly into the near-Earth space and employ weapons based on new physical principles

Russia concerned over escalation of tensions on Pakistani-Afghan border — diplomat

Earlier, Afghanistan's Ariana News reported clashes on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Baku creates international group to investigate plane crash — president

According to the Azerbaijani presidential press service, Aliyev mentioned this during a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone to serve as ‘windows to Russia’ — deputy PM

According to Alexey Overchuk, it is important to create comfortable conditions for the activation of business contacts

Russia ratifies agreement on outer space cooperation with Tajikistan

The areas of cooperation are space science and exploration, including astrophysical research and planetary study, remote sensing of the Earth, satellite systems and related technologies, manned space flights and personnel training, provision and use of launch services and other areas

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

Press review: Middle East may host Putin-Trump talks as experts probe Kazakhstan crash

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 26th

Four injured in plane crash in Kazakhstan now in intensive care in Aktau hospital

It is reported that the condition of three is stable

New Syrian authorities do not intend to annul agreements on Russian military bases

On December 9, a TASS source said that Russia has commenced the negotiations with the new Syrian authorities on the continued presence of its military bases

Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine ready to join Russian Navy — Sevmash Shipyard CEO

Project 885M nuclear-powered submarines carry Oniks and Kalibr-PL cruise missiles as their basic strike weapons

Kiev loses nearly 400,000 soldiers on Lugansk’s frontline in 2024

Andrey Marochko noted that over the year the Russian army did not just manage to withstand the onslaught of the Ukrainian armed forces and mercenaries, but also "successfully advanced" deep into the enemy’s defense

Russian sailors from Ursa Major freighter departed from Spain to Russia

Earlier, the embassy’s consular department provided them with all necessary papers

Baku creates international group to investigate plane crash — president

"President Ilham Aliyev announced that, at Azerbaijan's initiative, a team of international experts has been formed to investigate the causes of the accident in detail, and this team has already begun its work," the press service said

Two crew members of Ursa Major yet to be located — vessel’s owner company

The Ursa Major bulk carrier sank in the Mediterranean Sea

Russian policy paper says foreign NGOs step up extremist activity aimed against Russia

Russia views the support of such activities by unfriendly countries, including the initiation of "color revolutions," as an extremist threat

Russian fighters advance in Volchansk in Kharkov Region, force Volchya River — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Russian servicemen "start preparing the way for further advancement southwest of this locality"

Russian Railways tests robodogs for work on dangerous railway sections

The iron dogs are equipped with cameras and lidars that automatically transmit data to the operator's computer

Fighting erupts on border between Afghanistan, Pakistan — report

According to sources, light and heavy weapons were employed in the skirmishes

Yemen’s Houthis claim strikes on Israeli Nevatim airbase

The missile successfully hit its target, the organization’s military spokesperson Yahya Saree said

Germany seen defenseless against Russia’s Oreshnik missile system — report

Bild said the German Foreign Ministry commissioned an internal government analysis on defense from ballistic missiles

Project 885M latest nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk joins Russian Navy

During the ceremony, the Russian Navy chief handed in the St. Andrew’s naval flag to the submarine commander, Captain First Rank Alexander Gladkov

Russia says battlegroups North, Dnepr cause Ukraine to lose up to 160 troops over past day

"Units of the battlegroup North struck manpower and equipment of Ukraine’s mechanized and motorized infantry brigades, a territorial defense brigade and formations of foreign mercenaries near Volchansk, Liptsy, Slatino and Neskuchnoye in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said

Russia’s still paying for gas transit through Ukraine — Putin

Pumping also continues through the Sudzha station, where military activities are ongoing

US, UK special services plotting terror attacks on Russia’s bases in Syria — intel agency

"Washington and London presume that in such conditions they will be able to achieve more quickly their geopolitical goal of ensuring their long-term dominance in the region on the basis of a repulsive concept of the rules-based order," the statement reads

External forces to prevent Syria’s collapse — expert

Israel "does not need this territory, as the Israelis have already taken the Golan Heights," Vitaly Naumkin said

Putin signs law on increased penalties for armed mutiny

According to the law, a participant in a mutiny may be exempted from criminal punishment if they voluntarily and promptly inform the authorities or otherwise contribute to "preventing further harm to the interests of Russia"

Over 380 square kilometers surveyed following Black Sea tanker accident

The Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 oil tankers collided on December 15

Roscosmos to extend flight duration of Soyuz manned spacecraft to 7-9 months next year

Next year, Roscosmos and NASA are set to sign the third supplement to the agreement on seat swap flights to the International Space Station

Kremlin points to a wide range of countries to host negotiations on Ukrainian conflict

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow respects the peacekeeping efforts of various countries

Russian flag hoisted on nuclear-powered icebreaker Yakutia in St. Petersburg

It is reported that the vessel is equipped with a twin-reactor nuclear power plant RITM-200

Moldova can go to court over Gazprom's decision to suspend supplies — Prime Minister

Dorin Recean confirmed that his government does not recognize the debt to Gazprom for supplied gas, which representatives of the Russian gas holding estimate at $709 million

Expert offers to use navy ships to escort tankers after Eagle S incident

Alexander Stepanov believes that NATO intends to lock the Kaliningrad enclave, to lock the Russian trade fleet in Neva estuary and to simultaneously block the Leningrad naval base

Kiev loses nearly 32,000 troops at Lugansk region borders in December —military expert

In December, Russian forces also destroyed 48 Ukrainian tanks, 2 Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 multiple rocket launchers, 31 electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations, 49 field ammunition depots, 317 field artillery guns and more than 700 enemy combat vehicles, Andrey Marochko specified

Key facts about Russia’s Su-30 multirole fighter jet

Su-30 is a Russian two-seat multipurpose heavy fighter jet developed in the late 1980s

Russian policy paper says foreign NGOs conduct destructive activities

Signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the strategy includes the clause on the list of the main extremist threats to Russia

Kremlin announces creation of blockchain-based payment system in BRICS

Work will continue to develop the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, primarily regarding the use of currencies different from the US dollar," the Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov pointed out

Russia’s FSB foils assassination attempts on defense officer, military blogger

The plotter allegedly contacted an employee of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate via Telegram messenger

Kazan airport in Russia’s Tatarstan suspends service — regulator

"The air harbor is temporarily not accepting or sending flights," the statement reads

Russian Su-35S jets cover combat aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian troops in Kursk area

It is highlighted that the Su-35S fighters practiced aerial cover in the designated area for sorties by bombers and attack aircraft and army aviation helicopters in delivering air strikes at Ukrainian armor and manpower

Russia sees elimination of threats in Ukraine as critical condition for fighting extremism

According to the strategy, the widespread occurrence of neo-Nazi ideas and the increasing strength of radical nationalist armed formations in such countries as Ukraine create "most serious extremist threats"

Colorectal cancer vaccine to be able in Russia in 2025

Veronika Skvortsova noted that research is currently ongoing on drugs targeting glioblastomas and melanomas - malignant brain tumors and skin cancers

US believes Ukrainian forces to be pushed out of Kursk Region in few months — Bloomberg

According to the report, Ukraine lacks personnel and Kiev has no confidence in further provision of military aid by the West

Fall conscription concluded with 133,000 individuals drafted — Russian Defense Ministry

As in previous conscription campaigns, conscripts had the right to choose service branches based on their health status and the results of psychological testing

Recruitment for unauthorized rallies aims to destabilize Russia — strategy

It is specified that to this end, various ways of manipulating public opinion and spreading unreliable information are being increasingly used

Roscosmos buys Earth observation satellite data from private company for first time

The Sputnix Group confirmed that the contract had been signed

Rescuers save approximately 1,500 birds in Anapa after oil spill from distressed tankers

Birds affected by the fuel oil receive assistance in specialized rescue points and are later transported to rehabilitation centers and zoos

NATO to boost military presence in Baltic Sea following cable incidents — Rutte

Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas attributed responsibility for the Baltic Sea incidents to the tanker fleet transporting Russian oil, even before the investigation concluded

Ukrainian agents attempted to deliver booby-trapped documents to Archangel Project head

The project's curator Vitaly Romanov noted that the bomb was defused, and no one was injured

Russia employs over 16,000 former servicemen and personnel of Ukrainian armed forces

Drills have been organized for newly employed officers who are trained on programs of upgraded professional education at educational establishments of the Russian Defense Ministry

Ukraine receives first 100 mcb of LNG from United States

It was noted that this delivery was aimed at ensuring Ukraine's energy security and took place several days before the end of Russian gas transit through the country's territory

Russian, Azerbaijani presidents discuss details of passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan

According to the latest updates, 38 people, including seven Russians, lost their lives, while 29 others survived

Houthis say they shot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen

According to the group’s military spokesman Yahya Saree, the rebels have destroyed 13 such US drones since the escalation began in the Middle East

Moscow Exchange index tops 2,800 first time since October 16

The index climbed by 1.56% at 10:56 p.m.

Russia's annual GDP grew by 4% in 11 months of 2024 — ministry

Russia's GDP grew by 3.6% by the end of 2023

Europe must be punished, US ignored after hybrid war between West, Russia — Medvedev

According to the politician, Europe "became the primary stronghold of Russophobia globally," undermined the Istanbul agreements, initiated the sanctions campaign, and fueled the most extreme war factions without considering the losses suffered by both sides of the conflict