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Merkel, Macron and Johnson urge Iran to abandon moves violating nuclear deal

Merkel, Macron and Johnson also urged the Iraqi authorities to ensure support for the US-led anti-terrorist coalition

German Chancellor Angela Merkel AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

© AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

BERLIN, January 6. /TASS/. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed concern in a joint statement over a "negative" role that Iran plays in the Middle East, urging it to refrain from the moves going against the nuclear deal.

German government’s Spokesperson Steffen Seibert uploaded the statement to his Twitter account on Sunday. The three leaders emphasized the importance of taking measures to deescalate the situation in the region and urged all parties, specifically Iran, to exercise restraint and responsibility. "We specifically call on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation, and urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal)".

"We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility. The current cycle of violence in Iraq must be stopped," the joint statement, released late on Sunday night, said. The three leaders pledged that they would continue efforts to reduce tensions in the region and stabilize the situation.

Merkel, Macron and Johnson also urged the Iraqi authorities to ensure support for the US-led anti-terrorist coalition. "We also reaffirm our commitment to continue the fight against Daesh (Islamic State), which remains a high priority. The preservation of the Coalition is key in this regard. We therefore urge the Iraqi authorities to continue providing the Coalition all the necessary support," it said.

On Sunday, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution calling for the government to end the presence of foreign troops in the country in the wake of the killing of General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force, in the country.

On January 2, General Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy leader of Iraqi Shiite paramilitary force Hashd al-Shaabi, were killed in Baghdad in a US strike.

Middle East conflict

Israel could annex West Bank in two weeks, journalist Hersh says

US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters last week that statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich about preparations for a possible annexation of parts of the West Bank in 2025 run counter to the two-state solution and are not conducive to peace

US uses veto right to block new UN Security Council draft resolution on ceasefire in Gaza

The resolution was drafted by ten non-permanent members of the Security Council and consists of nine paragraphs, the first of which calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire respected by all parties

Allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with US weapons irresponsible — Slovak PM

Robert Fico noted that authorizing the use of long-range weapons for strikes against Russia would not alter the balance of power in the conflict zone

Ukraine creates 'sabotage manual' showing former citizens how to get Russia — lawmaker

"We must recognize that under martial law, when aggression threatens any part of our territories or the whole country, we need to create conditions for thwarting and repelling [sabotage], including in society," Andrey Kartapolov stressed

Swedish armed forces to help investigate Baltic Sea cable ruptures

Earlier, the Swedish Prosecution Authority launched a preliminary investigation into the cable rupture on suspicion of a sabotage act

Humanitarian situation in Gorlovka harsh as Ukraine targets key infrastructure — DPR head

More than 80,000 users were left without power in Gorlovka on Tuesday morning due to the Ukrainian armed forces' shelling

West fails to bring Ukrainian issue to forefront of G20 summit agenda — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that "no one from the countries of the world majority, the Global South, supported it"

More desperation in Zelensky's appeals, ex-NATO commander says

According to Stavridis, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing "mounting personnel losses," while Kiev is growing concerned about the possibility of the incoming US administration

Putin approves Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Current escalation of Ukrainian conflict not seen as world war harbinger — Pentagon

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

According to former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, the United States "is a direct party to the invasion and occupation of Russian soil," because it helped Kiev plan its incursion into the Kursk Region

Freezing Ukrainian conflict unacceptable for Russia, says Kremlin

"It is important for us to achieve our goals, which are well known to everyone," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

FACTBOX: What is known about Russian nuclear deterrence policy

The first Russian nuclear doctrine was ratified and published by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 21, 2000

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

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Houthis report striking commercial ship in Red Sea

The rebel forces had registered a direct strike on the ship’s hull, the group's military spokesman Yahya Saria said

Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

Ukraine’s allies doubt impact of US approval of strikes against Russia on conflict balance

According to the media, the Ukrainian army has been losing ground in recent months "amid heavy pressure from more numerous and better-equipped Russian troops"

Zelensky to have no input if Russia, US negotiate, ex-Prime Minister says

Previously, Elon Musk said on the X social platform, commenting on Zelensky’s supposition that the United States cannot force Ukraine to "sit and listen" at the negotiating table because Ukraine is an independent country, that Zelensky has an "amazing sense of humor"

Strikes inside Russia to escalate conflict instead of changing its course, says expert

"The US is making it clear that as the main sponsor of the war, it intends to continue military activities, using Ukraine as a proxy and seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," Mauricio Estevez pointed out

FACTBOX: Central Bank chief’s statement in State Duma

The national economy is in the "breaking point" and inflation slowdown can be expected in coming months

Potential adversaries, criteria for use: Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

Russia will also engage in nuclear deterrence against those countries that offer their territory, maritime zones, airspace, and resources for aggression against it

Trump may soon start talks with Russia following Biden’s decision on ATACMS — news agency

According to Andreas Kluth, the decision on ATACMS may have been another attempt by the current Washington administration to provide Ukraine with support until the president-elect comes to power

Russian forces strike ammo plant in Ukraine’s Sumy Region in drone attack

The Impulse plant is Ukraine’s sole enterprise producing explosive devices: detonation primers, electric detonators, detonating cords, cartridges and ammunition for automatic and under-barrel grenade launchers

Washington refrains from naming those responsible for Baltic Sea cable rupture — DoS

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

Russia delivers strong response to US by revising nuclear doctrine — Chinese expert

Wang Yiwei suggested that outgoing US President Joe Biden and the American "deep state" are trying to intensify the situation in Ukraine because President-elect Donald Trump "is unwilling to support Kiev"

UK police say no video evidence of Russians’ involvement in Salisbury case

According to the report, CCTV cams were not installed on Christie Miller road in Salisbury

Biden administration tries to prevent Trump from ending war in Ukraine — expert

Wang Wen called the next few months a "high-risk period" in the conflict

Putin ready for talks on Ukraine, including with Trump — Kremlin

The Russian president has repeatedly affirmed Moscow's readiness for negotiations on Ukraine, however, such talks have been legally prohibited by the Kiev regime

Pentagon refrains from commenting on Ukraine’s missile attack on Bryansk region

Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also declined a request to comment on the US permission to use ATACMS missiles for deep strikes on Russia

Russia, North Korea agree to increase number of charter flights

Russia introduced e-visas for North Korean tourists last year

Russia must be able to defend itself — Erdogan on revised nuclear doctrine

The Turkish leader reiterated that "both Russia and Ukraine are Turkey’s neighbors"

Ukraine’s former top commander sought to blow up Turkish Stream pipeline, report says

According to the media, Valery Zaluzhny was so thrilled when he learned of plans to sabotage the submarine Nord Stream pipelines across the Baltic Sea that he sought to expand that operation

German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

Putin confirms Russia’s readiness to assist CAR with security challenges

"Both leaders exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on the fight against the terrorist threat and ensuring stability across the Central African Republic," the statement reads

Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

US trying to save Zelensky from inevitable failure by allowing attacks on Russia — expert

Mehdi Seif Tabrizi pointed out that, at the same time, "Trump’s return to the White House does not guarantee that the West will abandon its violent and hostile agenda"

Defeating Ukrainian forces near Olgovskaya wood, enemy losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian Armed Forces have completed the destruction of a Ukrainian battlegroup blocked in the area of the Olgovskaya wood

Ukrainian losses, captives, aid to civilians: situation in Kursk Region

Russian tactical and operational/tactical aircraft, missile forces hit enemy manpower and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions, the Defense Ministry reported

Trump plans to counter China 'all over the world' — transition team

When discussing Donald Trump's use of US import taxes, the representative noted that this is "one of the favorite [foreign policy] tools" of the incoming US leader

US gives Ukraine green light to use Storm Shadow for strikes deep inside Russia — media

According to the newspaper, although these are British missiles, their successful use is impossible without American guidance systems

Turkey ready to continue mediatory efforts toward settling Ukrainian crisis — Erdogan

"Ukraine is our neighbor. Russia is our neighbor too," the Turkish leader noted

Russian, US presidential spokespersons not contacted since Obama presidency — Peskov

At the same time, the Kremlin spokesman said he did not have a chance to communicate with Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s press secretaries

No laymen in Western intel agencies despite decline of ruling class — Russian spy chief

Sergey Naryshkin emphasized that irrationality had particularly affected leading European countries, where presidents, prime ministers, and chancellors unfailingly served the interests of globalist capital

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

OPCW technical secretariat involved in Kiev’s chemical provocation against Russia — Moscow

The OPCW report will be reviewed during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties, due in The Hague on November 25-29, 2024

Serbian president calls for talks on Ukraine amid nuclear escalation threats

He warned that further escalation is fraught with a "full-scale nuclear conflict"

Ukraine has around 50 ATACMS missiles — The Times

According to the report, the Ukrainian military has sufficient launchers that are capable of firing them

US Embassy in Kiev to be closed on November 20

"The US Embassy recommends that US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced," the statement on the official embassy website said

Pentagon official admits US arsenals shrinking amid Ukraine, Mideast crises

Сommander of United States Indo-Pacific Command Samuel Paparo emphasized he was speaking about "the stocks of the United States of America, and the high end capabilities of the United States of America"

Putin orders protection of critical infrastructure, including Crimean Bridge — Kremlin

Kiev has not accepted the legitimate results of the 2014 referendum, in which the people of Crimea and Sevastopol voted to become part of Russia, and is displeased by the operation of the Crimean Bridge, which connects the Kerch Strait with the Krasnodar Region

Ukraine conflict moves towards NATO-Russia direct clash — expert

Commenting on Ukraine's long-range missile strikes on Russian territory, Elena Basile remarked, "US President Joe Biden has decided to make the task of resolving the Ukraine conflict even more difficult for his successor"

Russia’s renewed nuclear doctrine unlikely to alter special mil-op’s nature — senator

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

The likelihood of a direct armed conflict with NATO is increasing because some individuals in the alliance are ready to raise the stakes ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Andrey Bystritsky emphasized

Training Ukrainian troops makes France direct participant in combat — top Russian diplomat

"The same goes for talk about using French-made SCALP missiles [in Ukraine] which are identical to the UK’s Storm Shadow," Sergey Lavrov noted

Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

Sergey Naryshkin observed that the military and political elites in the West are increasingly recognizing the gravity of Russia's intentions and the need for greater caution in their actions

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine makes defeat over its army impossible — SVR chief

According to the latest version of the document, the core principle is that nuclear weapons are a last resort to ensure the protection of the country’s sovereignty

UN concerned about possible escalation amid Ukrainian strike on Bryansk

"The UN has always expressed our concern about the escalation and <…> the fact that this conflict is even continuing, let alone escalating," UN secretary-general’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said

Russian embassy warns UK about dangers of calling for Moscow’s ‘defeat’

According to th statement, London is promoting new rounds of escalation

Lavrov says EU goes through deep crisis as more countries refuse to support US policies

The minister mentioned the import duties that the EU imposed on cheaper and higher-quality electric cars from China, as well as the purchases of low-quality Ukrainian grain to the detriment of its own farmers and consumers

Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

In this role, Indonesia "will actively contribute to and participate in any initiatives of BRICS," Jose Antonio Morato Tavares emphasized

NATO enters conflict, Russia has every right to attack its targets now — expert

Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson confirmed to TASS that the launch of ATACMS missiles would be impossible without "US/NATO satellite feeds and/or personnel"

Russia says its forces downed 5 ATACMS missiles that Ukraine fired into Bryansk Region

According to the report, the missiles fell on the technical territory of a military site in the Bryansk Region, causing a fire, which was extinguished

Ukraine admits responsibility for Odessa missile incident where civilians injured

Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shary commented on the statement by saying that Ukraine’s air force officials only agreed to recognize this because "the media started posting photos of Patriot wreckage"

Iran claims to have disabled Israel’s Iron Dome air defense in past strikes

Major-General Gholamreza Soleimani stressed it was essential to inform the world that Israel had failed and now survives solely relying on support from the United States

Spanish Embassy in Kiev closes its doors to visitors

The diplomatic mission informed Spanish citizens living in Ukraine about this via email

Moscow-Washington hotline not in use now — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that there have been no contacts via this new channel lately

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Press review: Uranium costs soar as Moscow updates nuclear doctrine and US OKs attacks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 20th

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"

Lawmaker suggest scrapping post of president in Ukraine

Alexander Dubinsky outlined a number of other initiatives as well, including the adoption of the law on foreign agents, similar to the ones currently in force in the European Union and the United States

ATACMS strikes on Bryansk Region sign West wants escalation — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the Russian leader had warned Western countries how Russia’s position would change if "this range of weapons that we are now talking about, i.e. up to 300 kilometers, is approved"

Pentagon doesn’t see any signs that Russia prepares to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

The US Department of Defense wasn’t surprised by Russia's update to its nuclear doctrine, according to the spokeswoman

US Congressman urges to impeach Biden for allowing strikes deep into Russia

"By authorizing long range missiles to strike inside Russia, Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War that endangers the lives of all US citizens," Thomas Massie said

Six European countries accuse Russia of allegedly attacking security architecture

"Moscow's escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are unprecedented in their variety and scale," the statement reads

Russian troops liberate Ilyinka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 500 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day

Closure of Russian trade mission in Sweden to affect Sweden more, Russian envoy says

Earlier, Markus Selin, a member of the Swedish parliament from the Social Democratic Party in his request to Minister for Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, called for the closure of the Russian trade mission and to raise the issue of Russian trade missions in the EU

Sweden detected ship movements when cable damage occurred, minister says

According to the police, the situation is currently being monitored and work is underway to determine measures that need to be taken

Pentagon confirms that US authorized use of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine

Ukrainian side had committed to not using the mines in areas populated by civilians

Kremlin spokesman says not acquainted with US counterpart, but ready for dialogue

Donald Trump announced that his campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt will be the new White House press secretary

Russia’s foreign intelligence agency successfully adapting to new challenges — SVR chief

Russia has no need for its "Foreign Intelligence Service to act similarly to the CIA and MI6 and disclose secrets of its everyday activity," Sergey Naryshkin said

Biden’s ATACMS decision aimed at tying his successor’s hands — expert

In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning"

List of trade with Russia expanding in Sweden — Russian envoy

"Over eight months of 2024, the number of goods subcategories of Swedish imports to Russia increased 1.5-fold, while Swedish exports to our country rose 2.3-fold," Sergey Belyayev noted

US to keep sharing intel with Ukraine for operations against Russia — official

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller was commenting on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks about direct American involvement in strikes on Russian territory

FSB arrests German citizen who arrived from Poland to sabotage Russian energy facility

According to the FSB, "Nikolai Gaiduk, born in 1967, a resident of Hamburg, was detained upon arrival in the Kaliningrad Region from the Republic of Poland"

Admiral Nakhimov cruiser to sail out on auxiliary engines in November

The physical launch of the two nuclear reactors will take place after the return to Sevmash, the source said

Russian forces gain foothold in central Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

While Ukrainian commanders have been making every effort to stabilize the situation in Chasov Yar, Kiev does not have enough soldiers, weapons or military hardware for that, Andrey Marochko said

Outgoing US administration determined to prolong war in Ukraine, says Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov also pointed out that Kiev was a signatory to the UN convention banning anti-personnel landmines

West uses 'big guns' to project control over global situation — SVR

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the joint interview of the leading Western intelligence services, along with the article by Bill Burns, director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, and Richard Moore, chief of the UK Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) for the Financial Times, serves as an example of professionalism and a deep understanding of the geopolitical challenges their countries are facing

Netanyahu arrives in Gaza, offers $5 mln for each released hostage

"The choice is in your hands, but the result will be the same," the prime minister said

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

Ukraine, not Russia, posing a threat to the Baltic region — Kremlin

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

US sees no preconditions for Russia to use nuclear weapons — news agency

According to the report, the updated nuclear doctrine did not come as a surprise for Washington

Biden’s actions increase likelihood of escalation in Ukraine — PM

Viktor Orban asserted that the government’s mission is to prevent Hungary from being dragged into the Ukrainian conflict

Decision on strikes inside Russia seals US puppet Zelensky’s fate — commentator

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Russia could deploy new weapons if Ukraine hits Russia with US missiles, warns senior MP

"It is not out of the question that new weapons systems, which have not yet been used against Ukraine, could be employed," Vyacheslav Volodin said

More than 5 drones attack industrial enterprise in Russia’s Voronezh Region — governor

According to Alexander Gusev, firefighters and other emergency management services are working at the scene

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the special military operation is taking longer because it started against the Kiev regime and is continuing as a war between Russia and NATO

FACTBOX: Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania resigns

The president’s resignation was supported by 28 out of 31 lawmakers who took part in the vote

Rubicon center drones hit Ukrainian equipment in Russia's Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry released footage showing the destruction of the enemy equipment