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Merkel warns against speculation over Georgian national’s murder in Berlin

The German chancellor believes it is necessary to wait for the results of the prosecutors' investigation

German Chancellor Angela Merkel Sven Braun/dpa via AP

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

© Sven Braun/dpa via AP

BERLIN, December 5. /TASS/. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned against any speculation over the Georgian national’s murder in Berlin until German prosecutors complete their investigation.

"We heard that the Prosecutor-General’s Office has initial suspicion [regarding Russia’s involvement]. I don’t think there is any sense in responding to this speculation now, but we should rather wait until the outcome of the Prosecutor-General’s Office’s work," Merkel told a news conference after talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

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German prosecution suspects Russian link to Berlin killing

In comment on whether the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Germany would be an obstacle to the upcoming Normandy Four summit of German, French, Russian and Ukrainian leaders, Merkel replied that she had nothing to add to her earlier statement made after the NATO summit on Wednesday.

At a news conference in London on Wednesday, Merkel stated that she did not believe that the diplomats’ expulsion would affect the Paris meeting due on December 9, which would focus on Ukraine and how to make progress in the Minsk process.

The German Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of two Russian embassy staff members on Wednesday allegedly over insufficient cooperation of Russia’s authorities in the murder case. The German prosecutors said there was "enough reason to believe that the killing was ordered by either Russian state bodies or the authorities of the Chechen Republic, which is part of the Russian Federation."

Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed allegations about Russia’s involvement in the murder as "absolutely groundless."

A 40-year-old Georgian national was killed in the German capital on August 23. The Berlin prosecution reported later that same day that a 49-year-old Russian suspect had been detained.

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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"

Post-Soviet security bloc holds arms control consultations in Moscow

The participants in the consultations "stressed the importance of stepping up efforts to prevent further erosion of the relevant international legal framework"

Ukraine turns into testing ground for future world order, says Belarus president

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Russian children’s commissioner holds first face-to-face talks with Ukrainian counterparts

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Stockmann company to buy Russian business of Hugo Boss — Industry Ministry

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Ukraine’s EU accession to require 20% increase in union’s budget — European Commissioner

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Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

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Drone crashes in industrial zone in Russian city of Lipetsk

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Blinken’s visit to China meant to shatter Russian-Chinese ties — senior Russian diplomat

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Dmitry Peskov pointed out that a year ago the opponents "were telling everyone that they were waiting for the moment Russia would be defeated on the battlefield"

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According to the agency, the companies being assessed for potential sanctions are based outside Russia but have links to Russian and Belarussian individuals and firms

Annual inflation in Russia gearing down to 7.82% over week — Economy Ministry

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Dust from Sahara turns rain in Ukraine yellow

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Top US diplomat Blinken arrives in Shanghai

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Russia has "very constructive and friendly relations" with Turkey, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia tasked with 'building new world' — Putin

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"Washington’s plan is sickeningly simple, as it means dragging everyone under the pretext of ‘peace intentions’ to an empty gathering, while bolstering Zelensky’s terrorist potential," Maria Zakharova said

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US shifted conflict in Europe onto EU, NATO shoulders to weaken Russia, says Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader specified that the US had organized the conflict in Europe, in this case in Ukraine, and "shifted it onto the shoulders of the European Union and NATO, promising to help with money"

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Simultaneously, the Air Force conducted two more military operation using a huge number of drones to target a US destroyer in the Gulf of Aden

Russian athletes have right to decide on Olympic participation — aide

Russian and Belarusian athletes will be able to compete only under a neutral status, provided that they are not associated with security agencies and do not represent team sports

US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

"It’s not about any mythical aspirations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but about banal opportunistic and predatory ambitions," Anatoly Antonov said

Russian troops wipe out Ukrainian UAV production workshop over past day

The Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on five Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Lukashenko says US rues giving rise to Russia-China alliance

"The world has already changed and not the way they dreamed of across the pond," the Belarusian president emphasized

Russian Navy’s Bastion missile systems practice massive strike in Baltic drills

The Bastion coastal defense missile system is designated to defend the coastline over 600 km long

Russia’s top brass reports destroying US-made Hawk air defense system in Ukraine operation

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted casualties on personnel and equipment of two Ukrainian army brigades and improved its tactical position over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia discourages use of UN sanctions for interference in African affairs — envoy

Vasily Nebenzya underscored that Russia continues to "make an important contribution to strengthening of African countries’ potential, including UN Security Council and General Assembly"

Switzerland unblocks Russia-related assets worth 290 mln Swiss francs

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Radicals, intel services behind terror attacks in various countries, says Putin

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Maria Zakharova pointed out that Russia reaffirms its "strict commitment" to the international legal obligations under space law

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Gagauzia against Chisinau’s policy of severing ties with Russia

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Russia vetoes US-backed UNSC resolution on banning nuclear weapons in outer space

The resolution gained 13 votes

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Ukraine "is carrying a heavy burden" for the benefit of the EU, and therefore EU member states must "provide Ukraine with means to defend themselves," European Commission president said

Russia, Africa united by common vision on global issues — senior diplomat

Mikhail Bogdanov noted that "the African continent is a dynamically developing part of the world with an enormous growth potential, attractive domestic market and expanding export prospects"

Russian tourists flock to North Korea — embassy

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"Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Vladimirovich Ivanov was detained on suspicion of committing a crime under part 6, article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code," the Russian Investigative Committee said

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Putin informed about detention of Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov

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Ukraine exhausted, needs constant money flow from outside — defense official

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13 violations by US-led international coalition’s aircraft recorded in Syria

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North Korean film shown in Moscow to mark anniversary of Putin-Kim meeting

Minister Plenipotentiary of the North Korean Embassy in Russia Lee Yeong Jin emphasized that "today's screening will contribute to further intensifying cultural exchanges, deepening mutual understanding and friendly relations between the peoples of North Korea and Russia"

Ukraine could send special forces to capture Zaporozhye NPP — politician

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Russia’s new Supreme Court chief justice doesn’t plan drastic changes

Irina Podnosova said courts have been receiving an increasing number of complaints, attributing it to the rising trust that people have to the judicial system

Radioactive cloud from Ukraine’s eliminated munitions drifts to Europe — Security Council

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White House alleges that Russia working on satellite carrying nuclear device

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Russia’s Viner vows to set up International League of Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs

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Press review: Dissecting US aid package to Ukraine and sands of global economy shifting

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Top Russian security official meets with counterparts at international security meeting

Nikolay Patrushev met with the heads of delegations from BRICS states

Russian forces take Ukrainian strongholds near Klescheyevka under control

Apty Alaudinov posted a drone video footage of elimination Ukrainian personnel and Russian forces capturing enemy trenches

Russian diplomat thanks Tajik authorities for help in probe into Crocus terrorist attack

The sides also exchanged views on the progress in the implementation of large-scale tasks set by the heads of the two states and heads of government along the political, trade, economic and migration trajectories, the implementation of projects on the cultural and humanitarian fronts

US waging hybrid war against Serbs to snuff them out for good — Republika Srpska head

"Republika Srpska comes under direct pressure and under constant US sanctions; and we are looking for ways to solve this problem," Milorad Dodik said

Russians not let to Turkish Airlines flights to Mexico due to US pressure on it — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that such problems exist for Russians using Turkish Airlines flights to other Latin American countries

Russian defense minister dismisses his deputy Ivanov

Timur Ivanov was removed from the office of deputy defense minister of the Russian Federation of the federal government’s civil service

Niger would like Russia to train its troops — interior minister says

Mohamed Toumba noted that the training of troops could help in the fight against terrorism

Global community changing tune about how Ukraine conflict started — security official

According to Nikolay Patrushev, these countries "understand perfectly well who is financing" the Kiev regime

Ukrainian army short about 150,000-200,000 troops, says Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak also said it was "a matter of hours" until Kiev received the weapons allocated by the US as part of its latest military aid package

Russian court arrests in absentia four foreign agents charged with terrorism

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US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

"The American aid won’t save Zelensky. New weapons will be destroyed, and the special military operation goals will be achieved," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Senior Russian, Tajikistani diplomats talk about fighting terrorists, radicals

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized the importance of creating a new architecture of Eurasian security as one of the elements of a multipolar world

US military aid for Kiev cannot stop Russian army’s advance — North Korean diplomat

The US Congress House of Representatives earlier passed bills on military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

Ukraine’s draft dodger makes attempt to cross Dniester into Moldova on air mattress

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Modern weapons make up 82% in Russian air defense troops — Shoigu

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Agreements on security with Iran, Myanmar, Ethiopia to come into force in 2024 — MFA

"A whole number of similar agreements with Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Latin American countries are being worked out," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin added

Over 330 bodies recovered from mass grave at hospital in Khan Yunis — TV

According to the Al Mayadeen, more mass graves continue to be found following the withdrawal of Israeli troops

US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House national security advisers

Russia to retaliate immediately if Kiev gets ATACMS missiles — diplomat

Konstantin Gavrilov also noted that the "manic efforts" of some Western OSCE member countries to isolate Russia "are futile and will backfire on their initiators"

US will have to take Russia into account and find common ground with it — Putin

Russian President said in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel journalist Pavel Zarubin

Ukrainian army strikes own surrendering soldiers — POW

Andrey Babenko said that after a crash course in Britain he had been sent to the frontline near Liman