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Over 93,000 coronavirus cases confirmed globally, growing by 2,223 in past day

Overall, 2,984 people have died in China and 214 people have died in other countries

© Ali Shirband/Mizan News Agency via AP

TASS, March 4. The World Health Organization has reported 2,223 new coronavirus cases globally over the past 24 hours, with China accounting for 120 of them, the updated coronavirus situation report says.

According to the WHO, 93,090 coronavirus cases have been confirmed globally, including 80,422 in China and 12,668 in other countries. Overall, 2,984 people have died in China (38 in the last 24 hours) and 214 people have died in other countries (48 new deaths in the last 24 hours).

On December 31, 2019, Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - now named COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, over 70 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. South Korea, Iran and Italy are the hardest hit outside China, where most of the coronavirus cases are reported.

Middle East conflict

Over 40 people killed in Israeli air strikes on Gaza Strip over past day — TV

The Israeli Defense Forces delivered air strikes targeting the districts in the center and north of the enclave, according to Al Jazeera

Bank of Russia to raise key rate to 23% per annum at December 20 meeting — experts

At its previous meeting the regulator raised the key rate to an all-time high of 21% per annum

More than 1.7 mln submissions filed for Putin’s Q&A session — spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, artificial intelligence has been enlisted to process submissions this year

Uzbek citizen accused of killing Russian general previously resided in Kazan

Law enforcement officials indicated that additional suspects might surface as efforts continue to track Akhmad Kurbanov’s connections and analyze his mobile devices for evidence of potential accomplices

Erdogan calls for preventing Syria from turning into hotbed of terrorism

"Turkey is the only country and ally that defeated both of these terrorist organizations," the Turkish leader stressed

Trump could try to resolve Ukraine conflict before year ends, envoy says

Trump said on numerous occasions during his election campaign that he would find a diplomatic way out of the Ukraine crisis even before his inauguration

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 50 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy howitzers in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day, the ministry reported

Rutte announces launch of Command on Ukraine, calls to refrain from discussing peace

NATO secretary general claimed that Western states should focus on arms shipments to Ukraine

Press review: EU imposes new anti-Russian sanctions and Russia braces for NATO conflict

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 17th

Ukrainian forces execute over 100 civilians in Selidovo

According to Maxim Grigoriev, all Ukrainian units participated in the shooting of civilians in Selidovo

Ukraine unlikely to be invited to join NATO under Biden, US security official says

He also stressed that Ukraine’s accession to NATO would require a cessation of hostilities and a show of political will by the bloc’s members

Tajik president re-elected as leader of country’s ruling party

Additionally, the congress approved nominations for the party’s new central executive committee, its leadership, and the composition of other party bodies and structures

Kremlin sees Putin’s end-of-year presser as chance to speak to world

However, it’s Russian journalists that are expected to ask the majority of questions, primarily members of the Kremlin pool, "who have been with the president for the entire year," the Kremlin spokesman pointed out

Zelensky admits the impossibility of reclaiming Donbass, Crimea

Vladimir Zelensky responded negatively when asked whether Kiev could temporarily abandon its claims to Crimea or Donbass

Many countries mull response to US’ withdrawal from arms control agreements — Gerasimov

"Overall, the issue of arms control is now a thing of the past, because the return to even a minimum level of trust is impossible due to the West’s double standard policy," Valery Gerasimov said

Two Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers perform flight over Baltic Sea

At some stages of the flight, the Russian Su-22M3 bombers were escorted by fighter jets of foreign states, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Alrosa plans to produce 33 mln carats of diamonds by 2024 end — CEO

In addition, by the end of the year, Alrosa will perform a record volume of mining, having extracted almost 95 mln cubic meters of rock mass, the report noted

US creating NATO bases in Ukraine under guise of training centers — Belarusian president

"Unfortunately, the Ukrainian authorities don't care a bit about their own people and they don't hear our concerns," Alexander Lukashenko noted

Azerbaijani president denies reports about plans to fix Turkish military bases in country

Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan and Turkey now hold more than ten joint military exercises annually

Press review: South Korean president impeached as Ukraine turns to foreign mercenaries

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 16th

Half of YouTube traffic moved to Russian video hosting websites — minister

The YouTube started malfunctioning on August 1, which also affected Russian users of the video hosting app on iOS and Android

Hungary's Orban presses Zelensky to take stance on Christmas ceasefire: yes or no

The Hungarian Prime Minister stressed that he would not "succumb to provocations" in regards to Zelensky’s attempts to mock his peacemaking initiative

Video camera used to surveil Russian general found inside car sharing vehicle — source

Items of interest to the investigation were seized from the car

EU Court rejects Oleg Deripaska's sanctions appeal

The EU blacklisted Oleg Deripaska in April 2022 for connections to Russia's military operation in Ukraine

Two Ukrainian border guards desert their posts, flee country

The incident occurred in September

Russian monastery fire didn’t threaten Andrey Rublev’s Trinity icon, official says

The flames, which are suspected to have been set off by a short circuit, were put out and no casualties were reported

NATO takes over coordination of military aid to Ukraine from US — report

The source said the move is an attempt to safeguard the supply of armaments to Ukraine from a potential shift in sentiment in Washington under incoming President Donald Trump

Use of several Oreshnik missiles comparable to nuclear weapons — Putin

It is reported that the Oreshnik system, which has already proven itself well, is very powerful

Kiev redeploys troops from Kharkov area to Krasnoarmeysk — security forces

In addition, according to the security forces, the Ukrainian military is also transferring equipment and weapons to this section of the line of engagement

Moscow identifies masterminds behind terror attack on Russian general — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov refrained from responding to a question regarding potential involvement of third countries in Kirillov’s assassination

West continues losing influence in Africa — Russian General Staff

Valery Gerasimov reminded that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger proclaimed the Alliance of Sahel countries to support regional security and strengthen control over the national territory and left the Economic Community of West African States because of its inability to help in fighting terrorism

Ukraine loses most of its forces while trying to break out of encirclement near Kurakhovo

According to the security services, Ukraine has been losing dozens of servicemen in this area every day for the past two weeks

Russia sees Belarus' role in Ukraine peace talks as essential — diplomat

Maria Zakharova further stressed that "consideration of Belarusian interests, particularly its security concerns, is Russia’s top priority"

US actually turned into conflict participant after strikes against Russia

"The Ukrainian Armed Forces are unable to enter space intelligence data on their own and provide for preparation of flight tasks for missiles," Valery Gerasimov said

Ukrainian expert doubts existence of ‘laser trident’ in Kiev’s arsenal

Ukrainian expert on defense technologies Sergey Zgurets explained that, according to his information, work in this field in Ukraine has remained at the level of scientific research

'Sanctions marathon' against Russia caused stagnation in EU economy — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov pointed to "stagnation in Europe and a fairly high rate of development in our economy"

Crimean air assault regiment destroys Abrams tank in Russia’s Kursk Region

The statement highlighted that advanced FPV drones, equipped with munitions and operated via fiber optics, take off for daily missions

Russian forces setting up fire pocket for Ukrainian troops in Kharkov area — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that if the Ukrainian command "does not react to these risks in time," up to a battalion of Ukrainian soldiers will be pushed against the Lozovaya River, cut off from any routes of retreat

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Russia to cut electricity supplies to China by 2 bln kWh to 0.9 bln kWh in 2024

The decrease in supplies to China is due to restrictions in the Far Eastern energy system

Two dead, 27 injured after collision of trains near Russia’s northern city of Murmansk

One passenger died on the way to the hospital

Kalashnikov displays Kub drone at Vietnam show

Kub kamikaze drones of Kalashnikov destroy hostile armor and troops and properly perform in Ukraine operation

EC not interested in continuation of Russian gas transit via Ukraine

"The Commission does not support any discussions on the contract extension nor other solutions to maintain transit flows and has not been involved in any kind of negotiations on this," the statement reads

It is necessary to maintain stable operation of power grids in 2025 — PM Mishustin

"The stable dynamics of the Russian economy is largely due to its power grid complex and its stable operation," Mikhail Mishustin said

Russian troops advance deep into northern Chasov Yar neighborhood

It is reported that the neighborhood is mainly composed of private residences, most of which have been burned or destroyed

Russian commandos redeploy to Uzbekistan for drills on Afghan border

In the course of joint practical measures, the troops will accomplish the combat training tasks of ensuring the state’s territorial integrity

Russian MFA sees attack on general as consequence of West’s connivance of Kiev’s crimes

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that "general Igor Kirillov and his aide were killed in a planned manner"

European nations discussing deployment of up to 100,000 troops to Ukraine — agency

The sources also point out that "the debate so far revealed confusion over whether a future European mission would undertake a traditional peacekeeping role, such as monitoring a ceasefire line, or provide a robust deterrent against" Russia

BRICS’ own payment system is feasible, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister believes

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the group also needs clearing mechanisms and transaction insurance systems, including insurance for the movement of goods and cargoes

UN General Assembly adopts Russian-backed resolution on fight against neo-Nazism

The document was supported by 119 countries, 53 were against

Few journalists from unfriendly countries to attend Putin’s press conference — Kremlin

As Spokesman Dmitry Peskov added, there will be some foreign journalists who "expressed a wish to come specifically for the press conference"

MOEX, RTS indices rise by 1.35-1.57% on Wednesday

The yuan exchange rate rose by 8 kopecks in a day to 14.15 rubles

Russia trusts Turkey committed to Syria’s sovereignty — MFA

"We view these remarks as purely hypothetical and trust that the Republic of Turkey is committed to the principles of Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and to the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2254," Maria Zakharova said

Moscow sees no reason to exclude Hungary, Slovakia from list of unfriendly nations

The Russian government approved the list of unfriendly countries in March 2022

Russia remains among EU’s main liquefied natural gas suppliers in October

LNG imports from Russia in value terms were the highest since November 2023

US games against Russia, China, DPRK could lead to nuclear catastrophe — Russian MFA

"The United States and its allies long ago began to trample on the principle of equal indivisible security and the fundamental security interests of other states," Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized

Trump’s call to Putin may put an end to Ukrainian conflict – US expert

In his opinion, the core reason behind the conflict needs to be addressed in order to resolve it

Oreshnik test launch forces London to take a step back — Russian ambassador

According to Andrey Kelin, the UK’s official reaction to the launch of the Oreshnik missile was rather vague

Lebanese PM says Israel violating ceasefire 'several times a day, every day'

According to Mikati, the Lebanese people "have suffered much and continue to suffer from Israel’s aggression."

Accident in Russia’s Murmansk Region leaves 1 person dead, 17 injured — official

Ambulance crews continue to be available at the scene

South Korea's president fails to show up for police questioning in mutiny case

CIO head Oh Dong-woon said the day before that the summonses were not accepted intentionally and that the law enforcement agencies would act according to the law

Zelensky’s rudeness towards Orban shows lack of culture in Kiev regime — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the Kiev regime refused to support Viktor Orban’s efforts, while Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the contrary, did support them

Department of State denies US had hand in attack on Russian nuclear defense chief

Matthew Miller said that he don’t have any assessment

Russian authorities do everything to minimize consequences of sanctions — Kremlin

"These sanctions are aimed at containing our country, at suppressing economic, political and other interests," Dmitry Peskov stressed

US keeps silent its money turns Zelensky regime into terrorist cell — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the State Department "did not hesitate to include blatant falsehoods in its report"

Results of Russian cancer vaccine’s preclinical studies due in late 2024 — minister

The research "is financed by the state as part of the governmental order," Mikhail Murashko said

Press review: Who benefits from Russian general's murder as Trump lacks Kremlin strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 18th

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

According to the Turkish newspaper, the former Syrian president did it to ensure his own safety

FSB detains Uzbek national for carrying out terrorist attack that killed Russian general

It is reported that the security forces identified and detained a citizen of Uzbekistan, born in 1995, who detonated a homemade explosive device near a residential building on Ryazansky Avenue in Moscow

First ATM servicing Russia’s Mir cards open in capital of Nicaragua — Ambassador

According to the ambassador, a more active entry of Russian financial structures into the Nicaraguan market is on the agenda

West picks and chooses which terrorists are okay — senior Russian diplomat

"However, the perpetrators and masterminds must be identified and held accountable," Sergey Ryabkov stated

Medvedev suggests that Elon Musk launch campaign to amend US Constitution

Article II of the US Constitution stipulates that: "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President"

New regions may join Russia, Medvedev says

"This is quite possible," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Beach in Russian Black Sea village cleaned of spilled oil — officials

A total of 2 kilometers of the coastline was cleaned that day in the Krasnodar Region’s Temryuk District, with almost 5 tons of oil-soiled sand removed, according to the statement

Financial watchdog adds Aum Shinrikyo branch to list of terrorist organizations

In 2016, Russia’s Supreme Court recognized Aum Shinrikyo as a terrorist organization and banned its activities in Russia

US oil reserves fell by 0.9 mln barrels over week — Energy Ministry

The US department noted that the current volume of reserves is 6% lower than the five-year average for this time of year

Israeli tanks open fire on civilians in southern Gaza Strip — TV

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza

NATO’s intention to integrate Ukraine prevents long-term settlement — Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, this is an attempt by the world's largest military bloc to make one of the largest nuclear powers suffer a strategic defeat

London’s opposition to Washington aimed at preserving Zelensky, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Britain does not hide its intention to "ruin the European Union with the Ukrainian conflict, and then traditionally hide behind the US as soon as things get tense"

Italian couple appeals to Putin for Russian citizenship — TV

Italian war correspondent Andrea Lucidi also said that he had requested a Russian passport from the president

Russia seeks to reduce nuclear risks — deputy foreign minister

Sergey Ryabkov added that at the same time, the United States continues to exert increasing pressure on Russia and on some other nuclear-armed countries

Russia’s IT industry will show an even higher growth rate in 2024 than in previous years

Russian Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev noted that this year alone, the industry has increased the number of employees by 100,000

Russia-Japan trade down by 15.9%, to $650 mln in November — TASS calculations

Russian exports grew by 11.3%, while imports declined by 22.2%

Medvedev takes The Times to task over story saying Kirillov murder 'legitimate act'

According to the official, by this logic all NATO officials who decided to provide military aid to Ukraine can and should be considered a legitimate military target for the Russian state

Russian nuclear defense chief's aide Ilya Polikarpov killed in Moscow explosion

Ilya Polikarpov had been involved in humanitarian activities with TASS and the Russian Heritage Foundation

Former Ukrainian president says frontline situation more difficult than ever

Pyotr Poroshenko specified that Ukrainian troops stationed in the Krasnoarmeisk and Kupyansk areas "are desperately calling out" about the lack of drones

Russia, Brazil need to create direct air service bypassing unfriendly nations – ambassador

He added that the two nations need to "create maritime transport routes

Air defenses shoot down four missiles over Zaporozhye Region, governor says

"The fragments of one of the missiles fell into the Sea of Azov near Berdyansk, while the fragments of others fell in a field west of Tokmak," Yevgeny Balitsky said

What is known about apprehension of perpetrator of terror attack on Russian general

The suspect admitted to being recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services

Annual inflation in Russia on December 10-16 accelerates to 9.52% — ministry

According to the macro forecast published by the Ministry in September 2024, the inflation forecast in Russia in 2024 has been adjusted from the previously expected 5.1% to 7.3%

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

IN BRIEF: What is known about collision of freight, passenger trains near Murmansk

According to Russian Railways, their passenger train had 326 people on board

Kremlin spokesman highlights need for Russia to clarify its position globally

"Our country and our president are the focus of increased interest from the global media," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Gazprom shares reach bottom first since 2009

The decline is possibly due to US sanctions imposed against Gazprom on December 17

Massacre staged by retreating Ukrainian troops in Selidovo — report

According to Maxim Grigoryev, videos of interviews with witnesses and preliminary forensic examination of the bodies indicate that most of the victims are elderly women

UN General Assembly adopts resolution against glorification of Nazism

In the document, the General Assembly "urges States to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination by all appropriate means, including legislation as required by circumstances"

Russian defense ministry notes slain general’s contribution into Russia’s security

He became a true mentor for many young specialists, inspiring their research, the Russian Defense Ministry said in an obituary

Russia condemns US decision to keep Cuba listed as state sponsor of terrorism — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, this latest hostile move by Washington toward Cuba is nothing but an artificial reason for justifying the illegitimate policy to economically suffocate the independent nation

Russia’s Medvedev threatens punishment over attack on senior general Kirillov

The politician condemned the attack by what he called the collapsing Kiev regime

Ukrainian army’s losses exceed 41,660 troops: Situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Russian tactical and army aircraft and artillery forces struck enemy troops and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions

Gerasimov says international security deteriorates as West wants to keep dominating

It is reported that the Russian forces keep the initiative and advance in the whole front despite colossal aid to Kiev from the West