{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Kiev introduces foreign passports to restrict trips of Ukrainians to Russia, says expert

The Ukrainian nationals’ foreign passports will be checked by special equipment, the Ukrainian PM informed earlier, noting that the procedure would reduce queues at border control

KIEV, December 18. /TASS/. The Ukrainian government has obliged Ukrainian citizens to visit Russia only using foreign passports to increase border control and to restrict the amount of trips to Russia, head of the Ukrainian Institute for Analysis and Political Management Ruslan Bortnik told TASS on Wednesday.

Ukrainian citizens will use only foreign passports when traveling to Russia starting from March 1, 2020. "Starting from March 1, 2020 border crossing with Russia for Ukrainian citizens traveling from Ukraine will be carried out only on foreign passports," Ukrainian Prime Minister Alexei Goncharuk informed earlier on Wednesday.

"There are several reasons for this decision. Firstly, unlike a national passport, a foreign document includes stamps on border crossing, which raises the level of border control," Bortnik said.

The second goal is to restrict the number of Ukrainian citizens travelling to Russia, the expert added. "Only a third of the Ukrainian population has foreign passports. According to various estimations, only 14-15 mln Ukrainians have them, which is why this decision will lead to a decrease in trips to Russia, especially in border areas, where people visit relatives, neighbors, friends across the border, especially those who did not have the need to get a foreign passport before."

The Ukrainian nationals’ foreign passports will be checked by special equipment, the Ukrainian PM informed earlier, noting that the procedure would reduce queues at border control. Citizens traveling from Russia to Ukraine will be allowed to use their internal passports and birth certificates.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry explained the decision to cancel the simplified procedure of entry to Russia for Ukrainian citizens by "existing threats to national security in the conditions of armed aggression against Ukraine.".

Tags

Middle East conflict

Israel only understands language of force, must be stopped, Iranian diplomat says

According to Kazem Jalali, Israel has created a dangerous situation for regional players

Winner of Miss Russia 2024 pageant vows to do her best to win Miss Universe title

Valentina Alekseeva told TASS that she is overwhelmed with happiness, joy and excitement for the future

Russia’s Ambassador to US Anatoly Antonov returns to Moscow

According to earlier reports, Antonov had concluded his tenure as the Russian Ambassador to the United States

Orban hopes to see right-wingers come to power in Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister recalled that by now the right-wing forces had won elections in the Netherlands, Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as formed a government in Italy.

Surprise was ‘key factor for success’ in Ugledar — battle group East’s deputy chief

All those who took part in storming this stronghold will be nominated for state decorations

Everything you need to know about Russia’s Su-35 multirole fighter jet

February 19 marks ten years since a prototype of Russia’s Su-35 fighter jet performed its debut flight

Press review: Russia urges Israel to see reason and NATO at wits end on how to help Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 4th

Iranian authorities cancel flights until morning of October 7

"Due to operational restrictions, flights from the country's airports will be canceled from 9:00 p.m.

Israeli army reports new attacks on Hezbollah facilities in Beirut

Israeli military targeted the intelligence headquarters of Hezbollah's militant wing in Beirut, including intelligence-gathering means, command centers

Russian troops seize control of fortifications in DPR's Ugledar

The DPR head pointed out that Ugledar was important for the Ukrainian military because its high-rise buildings made it possible to set up observation posts and a system of repeaters

Japan's new prime minister accuses China, Russia of 'violations of airspace'

Shigeru Ishiba voiced his belief that Japan is currently facing the most challenging security situation since the end of World War II

Russia’s drone industry needs to crush enemy Ukraine — expert

"This year, the main goal of the Dronnitsa meeting is to search for ways to achieve systemic superiority over the enemy and create a consistent industry that will outstrip this enemy both in terms of quality and quantity," Alexander Lyubimov said

More than 5,400 cross into Syria from Lebanon in one day — Russian military

The Russian center has observed a worsening in the humanitarian situation in the southern provinces of Syria following Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Liberation of Ugledar shows that Western arms supplies to Kiev have no effect — diplomat

US administration officials refrain from commenting on the liberation of Ugledar "because it is impossible for them to admit the failure of their plan to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," Anatoly Antonov said

Soviet, Russian cardiac surgeon Renat Akchurin dies at 78

Akchurin was an internationally recognized authority in the field of cardiovascular surgery, who created in Russia such branches of heart and vascular surgery as cardiac microvascular and hybrid cardiac surgery

Russian soldiers eliminated Ukrainian militants who shot civilians in Kursk region

During one of these clashes, fighter eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers in hand-to-hand combat

Biden’s administration pushes world towards nuclear catastrophe — Russian ambassador

Anatoly Antonov also said he had tried to explain the essence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed amendments to the Russian nuclear doctrine to officials in the White House and the Department of State

Israel says 14,000 terrorists eliminated in Gaza Strip

The Israeli military may also have wiped out another 3,000 terrorists

Russian artillery wipes out Ukrainian UAV control post in borderline Kursk area

"After determining and confirming exact coordinates of the enemy’s location, a decision was made to deliver a strike at the target," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

China ready to strengthen strategic coordination with North Korea — Xi Jinping

According to him, the friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of time

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine to Sudzha totals 42.1 mcm

On the previous day, the pumping equaled 42.4 million cubic meters while pumping in October has averaged over 42 million cubic meters

Russia rolls out first flight prototype of state-of-the art Okhotnik heavy strike drone

The drone’s serial deliveries to the troops are due to begin from 2024

Putin to celebrate his birthday in office

The Russian President turns 72

Iranian missiles managed to pierce Israel’s air defenses in some areas — WSJ

Tehran's attack failed to deal a more or less serious blow to Israel’s defense capabilities, the newspaper wrote

Cuba already applied for partnership status in BRICS — Russian ambassador

Viktor Coronelli also confirmed that President Miguel Diaz-Canel has received an invitation to participate in the BRICS Plus/Outreach format meeting to be held on the sidelines of the summit

Israeli army launches new attacks against Hamas targets in Gaza Strip

No details were given

Nicaragua congratulates Putin on his birthday and wishes him all the best

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo also wished the President of Russia all the best

Officials refute reports of emergency situation being introduced in Crimea’s Feodosia

Earlier, Oleg Kryuchkov, an aide to the head of Crimea, said that a fire broke out at an oil depot in Feodosia earlier this morning, causing no casualties

Europe's military potential inferior to Russia's — Stoltenberg

Jens Stoltenberg complained that the European countries now had too few weapons, equipment and soldiers in a state of high readiness for a potential conflict

Ties between North Korea, China correspond to key interests of their peoples — Kim Jong Un

Continuation and development of friendship between the DPRK and China corresponds to the fundamental interests of both countries, leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un said

Israeli Air Force attacks Hamas command centers in central Gaza Strip — army

IDF said that Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital were used to plan and execute attacks

Zaporozhye governor does not rule out Ukrainian hit on spent fuel reservoirs at nuke plant

According to Yevgeny Balitsky, "the actions of a terrorist regime are hard to predict"

Israeli Air Force destroys Hezbollah fuel depot on southern outskirts of Beirut

A series of powerful explosions occurred in the city during the night hours

Press review: Israeli reprisal against Iran looms and Iraq bets on Russia amid US exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 3rd

Israeli army attacks Jenin in West Bank — news agency

The military, accompanied by military vehicles and bulldozers, stormed the eastern part of the city towards the Halima Saadia and Al-Bayader neighborhoods

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts up to 460 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Battlegroup Center units continued advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses

Government involvement in Nord Stream blasts undeniable, says Russian envoy

Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya stressed that "it’s the basic desire of the masterminds and perpetrators of the crime to cover up their tracks and mislead investigators"

Moscow may expand list of countries citizens of which can move to Russia easier — MFA

Russia approved a list of foreign states and territories that promote destructive neoliberal ideologies contradicting traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's consular department Alexey Klimov noted

Russian Marines evacuate 20 people from liberated Obukhovka in Kursk Region

The serviceman added that mainly elderly people remained in the village

North Korea once again launches garbage balloons at South Korea

This was the 25th such launch since the end of May

Ukraine's losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russian troops started demining the territories of the Kursk Region

Russia's warning has been heard in most Western capitals — intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin pointed out that speculations about the possibility of crossing Russia's red lines on the issue of strikes with long-range Western weapons was a great delusion

Voting in NPP construction referendum ends in Kazakhstan

According to the latest statistics available from the Central Referendum Commission, the turnout amounted to 61.56%; about 7.5 million cast their ballots

RUSADA reports 27 cases of 'availability for testing' rule violations in September

Since the start of the year, RUSADA inspectors registered cases of violations of the ‘availability for testing’

Air defenses down four Ukrainian drones over three Russian regions last night

Voronezh Region Governor Alexander Gusev wrote on his Telegram channel that, according to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage on the ground caused by the wreckage of downed UAVs

Trump thinks Israel should strike Iran’s nuclear facilities

In his opinion, the United States should be prepared for this scenario

Mali, Russia reaffirm mutual commitment to combat terrorism — portal

Russia welcomed Mali's efforts in the fight against rebel movements and expressed strong support for these efforts

If US moves to resume nuclear tests, Moscow will respond in kind — Russian diplomat

Ryabkov said Russia withdrew the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in November 2023 because it "ran out of patience"

Polish mercenaries in Ukrainian ranks openly shoot civilians in Sudzha

Eyewitnesses confirm the large presence of Poles in the area

Most Kazakhstanis support nuclear power plant project in referendum – exit polls

According to the Institute of Public Politics, the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan enjoys the support of 72.3% of the participants

World’s most famous stealth aircraft

TASS is reviewing world's most famous stealth aircraft while Japan is about to become the fourth country in the world possessing one

Iskander crew wipes out up to 80 Ukrainian troops, 12 armored vehicles in Sumy Region

According to the report, "Battlegroup North service members conducting reconnaissance operations discovered the gathering point of a company tactical group from one of the mechanized battalions of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces"

Air raid alert issued in four regions of Ukraine

The air raid sirens went off in the Dnepropetrovsk, Zhitomir, Kharkov and Cherkassk regions

UN General Assembly adopts Russian resolution against glorification of Nazism

The document was supported by 120 countries, while ten abstained and 50 voted against it

Su-34 destroys Kiev forces’ stronghold in Kursk border area — Russian Defense Ministry

Having received confirmation from intelligence about the destruction of personnel and a stronghold of the Ukrainian armed forces, the crew safely returned to the airfield of departure

Dutch Defense Ministry confirms delivery of first F-16s to Ukraine

There is no hint as to how many fighter jets have already been provided

SCO, OSCE, CICA find no violations in Kazakhstan’s NPP vote

Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vasilenko drew attention to the fact that more than 200 foreign journalists took part in covering the voting process.

Uganda gives US ambassador three days to leave country

According to Ugandan Armed Forces Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, William Popp engaged in activities that are inconsistent with his diplomatic status

Man-made emergency situation introduced in Crimea’s Feodosia in wake of fire at oil depot

Traffic was suspended on two streets in downtown Feodosia

IDF reveals number of enemy projectiles, drones launched toward Israel in past year

According to the Israeli military, around 13,200 projectiles were fired from the Gaza Strip and 12,400 from Lebanon

Trump says US will go to hell if he loses presidential election

The US will hold a presidential election on November 5

Hezbollah reports attack on military base in Israel's Haifa

In the Lower Galilee, the town of Safed was targeted twice by rockets

Lukashenko congratulates Putin, vows to open new horizons

Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus highly appreciates Putin's consistently firm position

Ka-52M attack Ukrainian military near Kursk Region’s border

Helicopters carried out strikes against Ukrainian manpower and armored vehicles

If Israel, US go to war with Iran, serious global crisis to follow — Turkish expert

Abdullah Agar said that Israel has received clear reasons for a strike on Iran together with the US, which until now "supported Israel only in the context of the principles and concepts of defense"

Lebanon shells Israel’s northern regions, firing some 20 projectiles — army

According to the army press service, shortly before midnight, "about five projectiles" from Lebanon were fired toward Haifa and its environs

Over 35,000 suspected cases of mpox detected in Africa since beginning of year — WHO

In the week of September 23-29, the number of infections rose by 4,098 and the number of deaths by 156

Antonov concludes his tenure as Russian ambassador to United States — embassy

He will fly back to Moscow in the next few hours

Ukrainian servicemen loot apartments of Ugledar residents before fleeing — top brass

The ministry emphasized that the Ukrainian troops tried to literally knock people out of the town

Fire occurs at Crimean oil depot, no one injured — authorities

The Russian Emergencies Ministry is working

Pope Francis calls for dropping ideology of vendetta in Middle East

Pope added that this attack entailed what he described as "devastating hostilities" that have harmed the Palestinian population, which is in need for help

PREVIEW: Nobel Week kicks off in Sweden with announcement of medicine laureate

In the coming days, the winners of other nominations will be announced

Friendly countries showing interest in Russian analog of Starlink — minister

Maksut Shadaev expressed hope that the constellation would have the huge export potential

Syria applied for BRICS membership, country’s ambassador to Russia says

We have sent written requests to join the organization, Bashar Jaafari said

Turkmenistan's leader hopes to strengthen strategic partnership with Russia

Turkmenistan also noted that it highly appreciates Putin's great contribution to the development of friendly relations between the states.

US intelligence agency faces difficulties in obtaining data on Hamas — newspaper

According to its sources, since the October 7 attack, the US President Joe Biden administration has continued to prioritize intelligence gathering on other foreign crises

UN Secretary-General calls for end to suffering in Middle East on Oct 7 attack anniversary

Antonio Guterres said that Hamas "must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit hostages"

Russia demands that Ukraine’s claims in coastal state rights case be dismissed

Ambassador Gennady Kuzmin noted that the hearings on Kiev’s case against Moscow held at the PCA were successful for the Russian side

Russian frigate takes part in navy festival in South Africa

The warship Neustrashimy has arrived in South Africa on an invitation to attend the SA Navy Festival

Slovak prime minister calls for commemorating Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev

Marshal played a decisive role in organizing the operations carried out on section of the Soviet-German frontline in Slovakia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said

Georgia denies rumored plans for recognizing Abkhazia, South Ossetia

No recognition or similar anti-national issues are being considered, executive secretary of Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party Mamuka Mdinaradze said

Ukrainian troops leave key defense positions in Tsukurino in DPR

An uneasy situation has also emerged for Ukrainian troops in the neighboring community of Gornyak, the defense circles said

Taiwan records approach of 27 Chinese PLA aircraft, six vessels in past day

Aircraft, vessels and ground-based air defense systems were dispatched by the Taiwanese Army to monitor them

If Poles 'try to lay hands' on western Ukraine, Minsk will support Ukrainians — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president is certain that Poland pursues its own selfish interests in Ukraine

Israel does not rule out attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities – top defense official

According to CNN, the US has made it clear that it opposes attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure

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"

Decision taken on denazification, demilitarization of Ukraine — Putin

Justice and truth are on Russia’s side, President Vladimir Putin said

Russian tank crews helped seize last Ukrainian army positions in Ugledar — top brass

Ugledar was part of a network of large Ukrainian army strongholds in the south Donetsk frontline area

Strike on Israel shows that Iran's missiles can penetrate tight air defenses — expert

If Israel's allies join its attacks on Iran, their facilities, too, will become legitimate targets of the Islamic republic's armed forces, said Professor Ruhollah Modabber

Orban says his country 'will not surrender' to Brussels, world powers, migrants

Hungarian Prime Minister also praised Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, saying that in Hungary he was seen as a hero for securing Italy's borders and protecting Europe

Russia’s liberating Ugledar allows for encirclement of Kurakhovo — expert

The Russian forces liberated Ugledar on October 3

Ukraine attacks Belgorod Region with over 130 munitions over past day

26 munitions and four drones were fired at the settlements of Belomestnoye, Bessonovka, Zhuravlyovka, Krasny Khutor, Krutoi Log, Nizhny Olshanets and Orlovka

Iranian airports resume receiving, dispatching flights

Flights have been operating normally since 11:00 p.m. local time

Ukraine admits worsening of situation for its troops near Selidovo in DPR

According to spokesman for Ukraine’s 15th Kara-Dag brigade of operational assignment at the National Guard of Ukraine Vitaly Milovidov, the Russian military has intensified the suppression of Ukrainian firing positions

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace 14 times in 24 hours

Russia’s Aerospace Forces carried out strikes on two confirmed locations of militants who came out of the Al-Tanf zone.

Iran-Russia treaty on comprehensive cooperation ready for signing — ambassador

According to Kazem Jalali, the document was pre-approved by the presidents of both countries

American Abrams tanks vulnerable even to Soviet-era weapons, says expert

US President Joe Biden announced on January 25 that Washington would hand over 31 M1 Abrams tanks to the Kiev regime

NASA astronaut Dyson views her flight with Russian cosmonauts as privilege

"It has been an honor to represent NASA, living and working aboard our magnificent International Space Station for the past six months," Dyson said

Russian Defense Ministry announces liberation of Zhelannoye Vtoroye in Donetsk area

Ukraine lost up to 755 troops from operations of the battlegroup South over the past day

Death toll from Israeli strike on Deir al-Balah in Gaza rises to 21

According to the Al Jazeera television channel, there were displaced persons there