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Ukraine’s Zelensky wants to hold elections in Ukraine in October, ‘in Crimea as well’

At the same time, he underlined that Donbass "needs elections that will be recognized by Ukraine and the whole world as legitimate"

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky

© EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

MUNICH, February 15. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has revealed that he would like to hold local elections in all Ukrainian territories in October and "in Crimea as well."

"Our aspiration is to hold local elections in the whole of Ukraine in October, we would like [to hold] them in Crimea as well," he said, delivering a speech at the Munich Security Conference.

At the same time, he underlined that Donbass "needs elections that will be recognized by Ukraine and the whole world as legitimate." "They cannot be held as such if they are not hold in accordance with the Ukrainian law under gunfire and without us controlling our border," he said.

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israeli troops conduct night raids in West Bank

The military used sting grenades and tear gas, the news agency noted

Death toll in Armenian bus accident rises to five

Nine people were injured, the country’s Interior Ministry said

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

Regulators close US’ Republic First Bank — FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation signed an agreement with Fulton Bank to assume all of the closed bank’s deposits and on purchase of all its assets.

Russian cabinet extends obligatory sale of foreign currency revenue for one year

The move is to facilitate maintenance of stability of the foreign currency exchange rate and sustainability of the Russian financial market, the government noted

Belgium’s rejection of exchange of assets in Russia to impede process — Kremlin

It was reported earlier that the Belgian side did not recognize the exchange of blocked assets

Russian cutting-edge missile frigate holds artillery firings in Arctic drills

"The combat exercises were conducted in the Barents Sea waters closed for shipping," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 16% per annum again

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Ukraine’s army chief reports deteriorating battlefield situation to Western allies

The Ramstein group meeting also discussed the state of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Alexander Syrsky said

Protests at Washington university peaceful, no arrests — police

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Portuguese government refuses to pay reparations for colonial past

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US first caused, now purposefully drags out Ukraine conflict — Shoigu

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Kiev refused to sign Istanbul agreements under pressure from London, Kremlin says

"Everybody knows very well that the document was actually initialed and everyone is also well aware, thanks to a statement from the Ukrainian side, of the reason behind Ukraine halting negotiations and not finalizing the document," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russian T-14 Armata tanks tested in Syria

Serial supplies of Russia’s new T-14 tanks on the Armata platform to Russian troops will begin in 2021

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Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Checks on Russian-Kazakh border due to remaining terrorist threat — diplomat

Russian border guards are in direct contact with foreign partners, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

US can send Ukraine Patriot air defense systems currently deployed in other regions

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that the his country had doubled artillery production in order to help Kiev

UNRWA to dissolve only when Palestine becomes full-fledged state — agency chief

And if there is a political solution, agency can phase out, Philippe Lazzarini said

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket with European Galileo satellite on board

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Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

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US intel finds no proof of Russian leadership’s involvement in Navalny’s death — newspaper

"Some European intelligence agencies have been told of the US view," The Wall Street Journal added

‘Pointless’ to talk Easter ceasefire with irreverent Ukraine — Russian Orthodox Church

Since the onset of Kiev’s military operation in Donbass in 2014, ceasefires have been repeatedly declared on major holidays, including religious ones and most of them were broken by Ukrainian forces within hours

India confident Russia’s pivot to East profitable for both countries’ economies

"Russia is India’s long-standing and reliable partner," Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rajesh Kumar Singh said

Over 3,100 foreign mercenaries fight for Ukraine, most of them from US

The Russian Investigative Committee added that measures are underway to locate their whereabouts and bring them to criminal liability

Settlement proposal on Gaza to Hamas provides for release of 20-40 hostages — TV

A source told the news outlet that the agreement will be most likely reached in the next couple of days

Refinery in southern Russia partially suspends operations after Ukrainian drone attack

Ten unmanned aerial vehicles flew directly into the plant, causing a big fire

Polish general expects Russia to continue wiping out Abrams tanks in Ukraine

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Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

Kremlin vows legal action against US bill on seizing Russian assets

Dmitry Peskov noted that the trial will be "very complex," but will cause severe damage to US economic interests if the US authorities finally approve the bill regarding Russian assets

Bill submitted to Russian legislature seeks more control over immigration

One of the bill's provisions would limit the stay of a foreigner to 90 days within one calendar year

Ukraine struggles to use GLSDB efficiently due to Russian jamming capabilities — report

When the GPS signal is suppressed by Russian electronic warfare equipment, the munitions can only rely on their inertial navigation system to calculate their impact location, and this causes them to miss the target

US airdropping humanitarian aid to Gaza not enough — UNRWA chief

According to Philippe Lazzarini, currently, no other agency can quickly and efficiently replace UNRWA

Network of international conspirators plotted Crocus terrorist attack — watchdog

Yury Chikhanchin pointed out that the perpetrators of the attack were provided with money, weapons, transportation and ammunition

Repaired strategic bomber Tu-22M3 re-enters service with Russia’s Aerospace Force

The bombers will get advanced precision weapons while their radio-electronic devices and engines will be similar to the equipment aboard the latest Tu-160M2 aircraft

VTB supervisory board recommends not to pay 2023 dividends

VTB Group received record net profit under International Financial Reporting Standards in the amount of $4.6 bln for 2023

Russia provides UNRWA with platform to explain Gaza situation to BRICS — agency chief

Philippe Lazzarini explained that against the backdrop of the terrible crisis in Gaza, he wanted to warn the BRICS members of the consequences of banning UNRWA's activities in the conflict zone

Russian investment in India’s strategic sectors of economy reaches $1.26 bln

India plans to step up cooperation with Russia in the area of oil and gas, metals, strategic natural resources and industrial equipment related to railways, ports and shipping industry

Moscow court orders arrest of 12th suspect in Crocus City Hall terror attack

Dzhumakhon Kurbonov, a Tajik citizen, will remain in custody until May 22

Azov units suffer heavy losses in fighting near Avdeyevka, DPR official says

Igor Kimakovsky specified that the number of Azov members killed in action was in the hundreds

Shoigu talks about ties with NATO, attacks on Zaporozhye NPP as he attends SCO meeting

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Russia closely watches all NATO maneuvers — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the lion’s share of the alliance’s wargames is designed precisely as the unfolding scenarios of confrontation with Russia

Scholz reiterates German soldiers, Taurus long-range missiles not to be sent to Ukraine

"There will be neither German soldiers nor NATO troops in this war," the German Chancellor emphasized

Serial production of missiles for S-500 air defense systems begins in Russia — source

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Armenians protesting against border delimitation with Azerbaijan disrupt concert

A similar protest took place at the Paronyan Musical Comedy Theater

Russian Interior Ministry puts Ukrainian lawmakers, TV anchors on wanted list

In addition, former Ukrainian Prosecutor General Vitaliy Yarema and businessman Seyar Kurshutov were included in the database

Ukrainian forces fire 72 rounds of ammunition at DPR settlements over past 24 hours

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Gagauzia’s political leadership under Chisinau's pressure — official

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China, US free to have their own friends, partners — President Xi

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Ukrainian troops fire at least 60 rounds at borderline Belgorod Region

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Erdogan’s May 9 visit to US postponed to more convenient date — Foreign Ministry

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Erdogan moves back from May 9 his trip to US — report

The report hasn’t been officially confirmed

Kiev may use ATACMS missiles to hit Crimean Bridge — Russian defense ministry official

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Kiev recognizes difficulties, losses on battlefield over six months of waiting for US aid

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Russia to grant asylum to Kyrgyz citizen convicted of participation in special military op

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Economic figures turn out above projections in early 2024 — Putin

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Israeli police arrests seven people after protest in Tel Aviv

The demonstrators burned pyrotechnics and refused to obey police orders, the press service of the Israeli police said

West prepares puppet structures in case of coup in Belarus — KGB

Ivan Tertel said various methods were being considered, up to "instigating a forceful seizure by illegal armed groups" being trained in the West and Ukraine

UNRWA chief considers involving ICC in investigation into deaths of his staff in Gaza

It also could be the Board of Inquiry or the Commission of Inquiry, Philippe Lazzarini said

Belarus detects 7 violations of its airspace from Ukraine so far this year

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UNRWA Chief: Number of child lives lost in Gaza is staggering

Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

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Alrosa may leave Catoca project in Angola — Finance Ministry

Alrosa is working in Angola since 1992

UNRWA chief believes Israel preparing large-scale military operation in Rafah

"There is more than 1.45 million displaced people already concentrated in the south," Philippe Lazzarini pointed out

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

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Southern neighbors of US to regain stolen lands — Russian Security Council’s secretary

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Bus carrying Iranians overturns in Armenia, killing three

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Germany lukewarm to China’s idea of international investigation into Nord Stream blasts

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Reuters producer in custody over YouTube publications posted on NavalnyLIVE web platform

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No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

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Russian mission to UN critisizes post of Lithuanian ambassador on Crimean Bridge

On Friday, Lithuanian Ambassador to Sweden Linas Linkevicius published the photo of the bridge, saying "If someone hasn't had a chance to take a photo at the Kerch bridge, it's still time

Ukrainian forces trapped on outskirts of Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky reported that the enemy "experiences problems with logistics and the supply of ammunition and essentials"

Russia’s Tasoyev wins 2024 European Judo Championship in over-100kg weight category

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More children killed in Gaza over 6 months than in all world conflicts in 4 years — UNRWA

Philippe Lazzarini pointed out that it is very difficult to get precise figures under war situation

Air defenses down three drones near oil depot in Kaluga Region — governor

There are no casualties and no destruction

One of 12 dismissed from UNRWA over October 7 massacre reinstated — agency chief

This person has been completely cleared, Philippe Lazzarin said

Russia’s top racket Medvedev through to next round of 2024 Madrid Open

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Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

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Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Russia proposes new rules for foreigners buying sim cards, requires biometric data

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Istanbul accords could have stopped hostilities in Ukraine — German newspaper

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Musk travels to China — Reuters

He had not advertised the trip in advance

Russia delivers 35 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week — top brass

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Russian stock indices rising on Saturday

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World Badminton Federation extends indefinitely its ban against Russia

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Court places Forbes reporter under house arrest for discrediting Russian armed forces

The press service specified that investigative and procedural actions are underway in coordination with Russia’s Federal Security Service