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Coronavirus pandemic

Death toll from novel coronavirus in Italy grows by 368 in past day

The total number of confirmed cases in Italy increased by 2,853 in the past day and reached 20,603

© EPA-EFE/STEFANO CAVICCHI

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Number of coronavirus cases outside China exceeds that in that country

ROME, March 15. /TASS/. The death toll from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Italy has reached 368 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 1,809, Italy's Head of Civil Protection Angelo Borrelli said on Sunday.

The total number of confirmed cases in Italy increased by 2,853 in the past day and reached 20,603.

"We have 369 more recoveries, and the total number of recoveries across Italy is 2,335. Around half of those infected are staying at home, around 10% of those infected remain in intensive therapy units," Borrelli said. The total number of cases since the start of the outbreak is 24,747.

Officials from the northern region of Lombardy said earlier that 250 people died from the novel coronavirus in the region in the past day.

The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.

Russia to toughly respond to Japan’s steps against it — Deputy Foreign Minister

According to Andrey Rudenko, Tokyo has no intention to change anything to the positive side

Zelensky fine with conflict continuing due to Western help — Slovak PM

Robert Fico pointed out that "more and more evidence show that the West seeks to prolong the war in Ukraine for various reasons"

Gazprombank’s UnionPay cards no longer serviced in several countries

Biden’s decision to use ATACMS against Russia may 'blow up in America’s face' — US expert

According to Daniel Davis authorizing US long-range weapons to be used against Russia is "foolhardy to the highest order," "especially because there is no military upside for doing so"

Bundeswehr prepares plan for Operation Germany in case of war with Russia — newspaper

According to it, the 1,000-page "Operation Germany" plan lists all infrastructure facilities that deserve special protection, and also contains a procedure for defense or "measures to deter Russia on NATO’s eastern flank"

Western air defense systems unlikely to intercept Russian missiles — France’s Le Monde

According to the French military source, Russia's recent use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile should be taken in the context of possible negotiations regarding the ongoing Ukrainian conflict

France only finishes off Ukraine by allowing it to strike inside Russia — diplomat

Zakharova said earlier that no attempts by "French warmongers" would change the outcome of the conflict

Eliminating best enemy units: Defense Minister visits special op area

Andrey Belousov stressed that Russian troops have accelerated their advance in the special military operation zone and have effectively disrupted Kiev's 2025 military campaign

US expects Russia-North Korea cooperation to be formidable challenge in coming years

Mira Rapp-Hooper mentioned the US administration’s version, according to which North Korea has allegedly sent troops to engage in active combat in Ukraine

Trump seeks to restore peace in entire world — transition team on Putin’s address

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US, West have no capabilities to intercept new Russian hypersonic missile — expert

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Press review: Russia fires missile at Ukraine plant and Biden forgives Kiev $4.65 bln debt

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Ukrainian frontline may 'collapse' under onslaught of Russian forces — BBC

According to the experts, Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s borderline Kursk Region turned out to be a "strategic catastrophe" amid "manpower shortages"

Zelensky begs ‘for his country to be flattened’ — US journalist

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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"

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Bulgarian politician sees Oreshnik missile strike as wake-up call for peace

"European politicians need to think twice about what they do next, especially since Donald Trump, who will take office in two months, replacing the current White House occupant, has already expressed his commitment to the policy of peace," Krasimir Karakachanov said

NATO countries engaged in full-fledged war against Russia — Medvedev

According to him, the alliance is "fully engaged" in the Ukrainian conflict

Europe unable to wage war attrition on Russia — Ukraine’s ex-commander-in-chief

According to Zaluzhny, European countries lack munitions to shoot down air bombs

Putin says Oreshnik missile system cutting-edge innovation by Russia, not Soviet byproduct

The Russian Defense Ministry announced earlier in the day that the country’s latest Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile hit all the targets at a major Ukrainian military-industrial enterprise in Dnepr (Dnepropetrovsk) with its MIRVed warheads

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Kurt Campbell said that it is important to 'keep attention on the horizon'

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Answering a question about the supply of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to India, Andrey Rudenko stressed that Moscow "strictly fulfills its contractual obligations"

Russia, CSTO partners to discuss West’s authorization of strikes on Russia — TASS source

"A top-level session of the CSTO Collective Security Council will be held in the near future, and this matter will naturally be addressed", the source told TASS

Ex-German Chancellor considers dialog with Russia necessary to settle conflict in Ukraine

Angela Merkel advised politicians "to be authentic" when building up relations with US President-elect dondald Trump

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

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France, UK will have to pay for their helping Ukraine strike inside Russia — diplomat

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov said that what has been done by the White House is very dangerous

NATO secretary general, US President-elect hold first meeting

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Maria Zakharova quoted the US Senator, who called the ICC a "Kangaroo court" and ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan a "deranged fanatic"

Most of Russian weapons manufactured inside Russia — Medvedev

Ukrainian army admits loss of 40% of territories it controlled in Kursk Region — agency

"At most, we controlled about 1,376 square kilometers, now of course this territory is smaller," the source said

Russia will not artificially impede process of terrorist status lifting from Taliban

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said that completion of legal procedures of removing the terrorist organization’s status from the Taliban Movement will attribute a positive impetus to Russian-Afghan interaction in various spheres

Kremlin clarifies notification process for Oreshnik missile launch

"An automated warning was sent 30 minutes before the launch," Dmitry Peskov said

Biden’s actions on Ukraine meant to 'muck things up' for Trump — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, such behavior is "typical of the Democrats"

Russian military to warn Ukrainian civilians of future Oreshnik attacks — Kremlin

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T-90M tank shows itself as best in the world in real fight — Medvedev

Many experts believe this is the best tank of our time, compared to Western counterparts in particular, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council said

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The former Austrian foreign minister stressed that she "counted on rational Western decision-makers, but irrationality is unfortunately on the rise among them"

Zelensky shook up by Russia’s response to permission to attack it — Lavrov

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Attempted infiltration of Syrian government army positions by saboteurs foiled in Idlib

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Putin congratulates Serbian film director Kusturica with seventieth birthday

Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in Serbia Natalia Klischenkova read the text of the telegram to Kusturica

Trump to tap Richard Grenell as US special envoy on Ukraine — agency

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West builds up military presence near Russia’s Arctic borders — presidential aide

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Maria Zakharova stated that the US-NATO construction project, ongoing for nearly a decade with complete disregard to Russian security concerns, has consistently been a focus of Russia's attention

Russia encircles largest Ukrainian fortification in southern DPR — security services

"The enemy positioned in the fortified area in Velikaya Novoselka in the south of the DPR is already trapped in a kill zone," the source said

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Conflict in Ukraine no longer regional war — German defense minister

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Russia will expand network of direct flights to Asian countries — Deputy Foreign Minister

Russian airlines are now making direct flights to Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailan

Ukraine should consider territorial concessions to Russia in return for peace — magazine

Foreign Policy pointed out that Western officials should stop insisting in public speeches on the need to achieve a strategic defeat for Russia

NATO pours with weapons prohibited by INF Treaty to Asia — Russian Foreign Ministry

"This vector highlighted as early as by the Republicans was legally formalized under the Democrats administration and resulted in the dramatic surge of militarization in Asia," Andrey Rudenko said

Oreshnik can reach targets across entire Europe — missile troops commander

"Based on the tasks and the range of this weapon, it can hit targets across entire Europe, which sets it apart from other high-precision long-range weapons," Sergey Karakayev said

Enemy losses, mercenary intrigue, humanitarian aid: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost 150 troops, four motor vehicles, an artillery piece and two mortars

West’s trying to turn Seoul into accomplice of Zelensky regime — Russian Foreign Ministry

Andrey Rudenko stressed that bilateral cooperation between Russia and the DPRK "is built in accordance with the generally recognized norms of international law and is not directed against any third countries"

Shooting took place near Israeli embassy in Jordan — TV

Adjacent streets are blocked by security forces

Commissioning of Oreshnik and new developments: Putin’s meeting with defense specialists

Here are the key statements, made during the meeting

Japanese lawmaker praises Putin's restraint amid decision to strike deep into Russia

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell confirmed that the US administration had lifted restrictions for US-supplied missiles to be used for strikes up to 300 kilometers inside Russia

Putin to address parliament next year, preparations underway — Kremlin

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Russian forces gain foothold in Chasov Yar’s industrial zone — expert

The units of the Ukrainian armed forces have created "a very serious defense line" along the railroad and along one of the streets of the settlement, military expert Andrey Marochko told TASS

West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

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Ukraine hopes to see US peace plan in January

Zelensky said he doesn’t know when he will be able to meet with Trump but this will obviously happen after his inauguration

US, European officials suggest returning nukes to Ukraine — NYT

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Kremlin explains why Oreshnik missile came as surprise

"I am sure that neither of us is even aware right now of any new future developments.", Peskov said

IDF verifying Hamas’ allegations about death of Israeli hostage in Gaza

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Russia to toughly respond to Japan’s steps against it — Deputy Foreign Minister

According to Andrey Rudenko, Tokyo has no intention to change anything to the positive side

US, Europe openly side with Kiev by supplying it with weapons — top Turkish diplomat

He stressed that today "it is vital prevent economic and political confrontation in certain regions of the world from growing into a real war."

Comprehensive partnership agreement between Russia, Iran to cover defense sphere

The agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership is called to become the most important stage in development of bilateral relations

Oreshnik missile to change course of Ukrainian conflict, Medvedev believes

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said it in an interview

Russia to view F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as threat in nuclear sphere — Lavrov

"During combat operations, our military will not be clearing out whether or not each particular jet of this class is equipped to carry nuclear weapons," the minister added

US admiral says Washington should be ready for talks with Russia, China

The Department of State and other US agencies "should continue to engage our competitors in real and substantive dialogue," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

Russia's Oreshnik missile poses significant threat to West, Turkish expert warns

These missiles pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to the entire Western world, including continental Europe and Great Britain, Abdullah Agar stressed

Oreshnik missile to go into serial production, Putin says

The president stressed that given the weapon’s special power, it "will be provided precisely to the Strategic Missile Forces"

34 rounds fired by Ukrainian troops at Kherson Region’s left bank settlements

Apart from that, according to the governor, shelling attacks were stages on the settlements of Golaya Pristan, Aleshki, Gornostayevka, Kairy, Obryvki, Zavodovka, and Sergeyevka

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

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

Zelensky’s actions make Ukraine vulnerable to coup, says politician

"Democratic institutions in the country have been destroyed, rendering dialogue between the government and the people impossible," Viktor Medvedchuk said

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

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Putting Sarmat ICBM systems into combat among Russian military's top priorities in 2024

Based on experts’ estimates, the RS-28 Sarmat is capable of delivering a MIRVed warhead weighing up to 10 tons to any location worldwide both over the North and South Poles

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine is a signal to the West, Kremlin confirms

Dmitry Peskov also noted that the outgoing US administration is taking increasingly reckless steps, increasing tensions around the Ukrainian conflict

Western countries should 'be afraid, tremble' after Putin's statement — lawmaker

Andrey Kartapolov added that the special military operation in Ukraine "will continue its course until all tasks are completed"

Moscow not ruling out Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader

The restart of the negotiating process between the United States and North Korea "on previous conditions appears problematic", Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said

Russia entitled to use weapons against military sites of states attacking it — Duma

"Russia has repeatedly stated that such actions will receive a response – and it will be a stronger one," Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stressed

Topol ICBMs to come out of service in Russia in 2024

It is planned that some of Topol ICBMs coming out of service will be used for civilian purposes as Start-1 carrier rockets

Ukraine was warned about possible missile strike — Pentagon

Department of Defense Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh gave no answer to the question of how could Ukraine prepare for this kind of attack

Man opening fire near Israeli Embassy in Jordan killed — TV

Three security guards were wounded

Russian forces eliminate Ukrainian MiG-29 on ground

Additionally, Russian units eliminated one munitions depot

Russia’s Oreshnik has no analogues worldwide — Putin

"We know what kind of developments are being carried out there, but this will happen tomorrow or in a year or two, but we have such a system already today," the president said

Houthis say they attacked Israeli military base with hypersonic missile

The Israel Defense Forces said on Thursday evening that it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered the Israeli airspace

Israel strikes checkpoint on Syrian-Russian border — agency

The Jusiyah checkpoint is located on the border with Lebanon in the al-Qusayr area in the Syrian Homs governorate