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US Senate Committee approves sanctions against Russia

The bill will be presented to the Senate now, where it can be revised

© AP Photo/Matt Rourke

WASHINGTON, December 18. /TASS/. The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved on Wednesday a huge package of sanctions against Russia, Communications Director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Minority Juan Pachon told TASS on Wednesday.

"Yes, the Committee passed the legislation," Pachon said.

The initiative was supported by seventeen senators, while five lawmakers were against it. The bill will be presented to the Senate now, where it can be revised.

The document provides for toughening of sanctions against Russia, restrictions against the Russian shipbuilding industry, energy projects, cyber-sector and financial sector. US lawmakers also suggest restricting transactions with the newly floated Russian sovereign bonds.

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Ukrainian forces shell Energodar in Zaporozhye Region, five hits registered — official

Vladimir Rogov noted that data about injuries is currently being updated, and called on residents to seek shelter

Ukraine's Kurakhovo Reservoir dam blast to help, not hurt Russian troops — expert

At least ten Ukrainian troops were killed

Erdogan praises Russia, China for backing arms embargo on Israel

According to the Turkish leader, Israel "will become more and more aggressive if arms and ammunition supplies continue"

Talks out of question: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 400 servicemen and 29 armored vehicles

Ukrainian intel officers in Syria to be eliminated as terrorists’ accomplices — diplomat

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, there are "in fact Russian troops stationed" in Syria

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All weapons pledged by Biden to Kiev to be delivered before he leaves office — Pentagon

Department’s Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh expects that for the 'next coming months of this administration'

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"Russian President Putin has repeatedly said that we have never refused to negotiate," the Russian foreign minister reiterated

Trump suggests Kennedy Jr. as US secretary of health and human services

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Zelensky announces work on new action plan

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Kremlin comments on possible return of Japanese, European cars to Russia

No official statements have been received so far from European automakers regarding the return to the Russian market, Dmitry Peskov noted

US does not fulfill LNG contracts for Europe worth tens of billions of dollars — Gazprom

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Explosion of Kurakhovo reservoir dam disrupts water supply

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Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Baltic Sea "will always be a common space for all of the region’s countries without exception"

Attempts being made to drag Syria into armed confrontation in Middle East — diplomat

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, the top priority today is to prevent such attempts

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

Israeli strike on southern Lebanese village leaves at least six dead

Four of the victims were rescue workers

US views Russia as present-day threat, Trump may prioritize containing China — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that reputation matters the most to the United States which does not care about the real fates of peoples, in particular the Ukrainian one

Most Russians say special op doesn't bleed into their daily life

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Finnish government requests EU sanctions exemption for Russian owners of sports arena

Finland's Foreign Ministry will need to obtain unanimous approval from EU countries

White House official sees possibility of DPRK nuclear test soon

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that transition periods in the US 'have historically been time periods when the DPRK has taken provocative actions'

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 430 troops, ten tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, 19 armored combat vehicles, 33 motor vehicles, one Anklav-N electronic warfare station

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"

Ukraine aims to call up 1 mln people in eastern areas by end of 2024 — official

According to the plan, 360,000 people are to be mobilized in October; 325,000 and 300,000 in November and December, respectively

Russia to collaborate with Arab nations for Middle East de-escalation — diplomat

"A call was made to the international community to contribute to the achievement of this goal," Maria Zakharova added

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Putin discussed Ukraine with Saudi crown prince — Kremlin

"The sides indeed touched upon the topic of the conflict. We have nothing more to say," Dmitry Peskov said

Trump plans to appoint special envoy on Ukraine to hold peace talks with Russia — TV

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India increases imports of goods from Russia by 8.8% in April — October

Russia has become India's fourth largest trading partner after the US, China and the UAE

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Violence against Kupyansk residents refusing to evacuate reported in Kharkov Region

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

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

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

Russia’s Vityaz, Viking air defense systems attract major attention at Airshow China

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Russia could return to international competition once new IOC chief elected — Tarpishchev

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Daniil Medvedev loses chances of reaching semifinals at ATP Tour Finals

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Su-57 fighter jet shows exceptional performance in Russia’s special op, senior official

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US denies possession of extraterrestrial technologies

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Russian air defenses down multiple aerial targets over Belgorod, with one injury reported

Vyacheslav Gladkov noted that the windows of 11 apartments in six apartment buildings were damaged in Belgorod