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Coronavirus pandemic

Global coronavirus cases double, exceeding 200,000, reports say

The global death toll has reached 8,125

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases across the world has doubled since March 6, exceeding 200,000, as seen from data collected by TASS correspondents based on statements by officials and experts from countries hit by the outbreak. On March 6, about two and half months into the epidemic, the number of confirmed cases reached 100,000.

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The global death toll has reached 8,125. The estimated average death rate currently stands at 4.06%. The rate is 3.98% for China, where the outbreak has passed its peak, and 4.11% for the rest of the world.

Among countries with over 1,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, the death rate is the highest in Italy (7.95%). Iran is second (6.54%), followed by Spain (4.07%).

According to the Russian coronavirus response center, 147 cases have been identified in the country so far.

Anti-Russian sanctions

Vice-premier says Serbia will not impose sanctions against Russia despite EU’s demands

"Serbia is an independent and free country, which can hardly be said about most EU members," Aleksandar Vulin said

Russian proposals about Ukraine time-sensitive — Medvedev

The politician said this proposal is based on two positions

French PM may limit president’s actions in foreign policy — expert

"The prime minister may introduce red lines or restrictions to the president," Sebastien Chenu said

Search for ATACMS fragments in Sevastopol after Ukrainian attack to take at least 2 days

Alexey Krasnokutsky pointed out that the sub-munitions scattering area of ATACMS missiles was rather large, but a significant part of the territory has been inspected already

Discussions on South Caucasus need to be moved out of Switzerland — Russian delegation

"This is related to the fact that the Geneva venue is no longer comfortable for Russia and its allies," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin added

No French troops to go to Ukraine if Bardella becomes PM, says politician

Marine Le Pen reiterated her statements that the 28-year-old Jordan Bardella should take over as head of the country's Cabinet

UK ducking Moscow’s requests for information in treason case — Russian envoy

Former Russian military intelligence Colonel Sergey Skripal, who had been convicted in Russia of spying for Great Britain and later swapped for Russian intelligence officers, and his daughter Yulia, were exposed to an alleged nerve agent in the British city of Salisbury on March 4, 2018

Russian embassies overflowing with requests to relocate to country — MFA

Maria Zakharova also drew attention to the fact that the Russian Foreign Policy Concept touches upon the topic of traditional values 11 times

Rutube again available in App Store

The app was removed from the App Store on June 17

Ukrainian troops withdraw from some important areas near Toretsk — DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky specified that the Ukrainian armed forces had lost dozens of troops in the Toretsk area in recent days

Yemeni Houthis report joint attack with Iraq’s Islamic Resistance on Haifa

The US and its allies launched Operation Prosperity Guardian aiming to ensure both the freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime traffic in the Red Sea

Lavrov says West will allow killing Russians in Ukraine if conflict becomes frozen

According to the top Russian diplomat, American experts proposed to end hostilities and suggested "looking at the Korean scenario"

US weaponizing Taiwan just like it did with Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Ivan Zhelokhovtsev also pointed out that Russia and China "are well aware of the risks of the Asia-Pacific region’s NATOfication"

No way right to veto will disappear, says UN secretary-general

"Whenever there is a veto, there is an explanation given to the General Assembly," Antonio Guterres said

Global community slowly accepting Taliban’s authority in Afghanistan — Russian envoy

The Afghan crisis will be the focus of an upcoming UN meeting in the Qatari capital of Doha

Theft of sovereign assets can be regarded as act of aggression — Medvedev

"We will have to take tit-for-tat measures in accordance with the reciprocity principle," the politician said

Lavrov condemns coup attempt during phone call with Foreign Minister of Bolivia

The Foreign Ministry underscored that, during the conversation, Sergey Lavrov stated "Russia’s full and unwavering support for the government of President Luiz Arce"

Two bodies found at site of train derailment in Komi — Russian Railways

Russian Railways said that it had opened an investigation to establish all the details of the incident

Trump says Kiev not winning in conflict with Russia

At the same time, Trump also claimed that Russia "is going to take [entire] Ukraine"

Trump dodges question on whether he is ready to recognize Palestine’s independence

In his opinion, Biden fails to provide Israel enough support to allow the Jewish state defeat the radical Hamas movement

Russian analyst says US helped engineer coup in Bolivia

Among other reasons for the attempted coup, Alexander Stepanov named a deal with Russia to build a $600 million industrial complex in Bolivia to mine and produce lithium carbonate

European leaders approve heads of major EU institutions for next 5 years

Ursula von der Leyen was re-appointed president of the European commission, former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa will head the European Council, while Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will become the new EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy

Russian forces destroy 12 Ukrainian drone control centers — defense ministry

Apart from that, seven fixed-wing reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by air defense systems and electronic warfare tools, spokesman for the Battlegroup West Ivan Birma said

South Korean arms supplies to Ukraine to require parliament's consent — speaker

According to Woo Won-shik, the security situation around the Korean Peninsula is serious and of concern to him

Attempts to expel Russia from Interpol deserve international assessment — minister

"Members of transnational criminal syndicates, who ignore territorial or state borders, will be the ones to benefit from this in the first place," Vladimir Kolokoltsev said

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian troops trying to entrench near Belogorovka, says LPR

After suffering casualties, the Ukrainian troops "had to retreat to their previous positions," Andrey Marochko said

UN chief says conflicts in Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan most dramatic

"The United Nations was created for peace and in peace, we are in trouble," Antonio Guterres pointed out

Russia never interfered in US electoral processes, not to do that now — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "there have been repeated investigations in the US itself, many accused Russia there," however, Washington "concluded on its own that no interference took place"

Over 30 buildings, 20 cars damaged in Ukraine’s June 23 missile attack on Crimea

Alexey Krasnokutsky added that damage is still being assessed

West plays nuclear roulette by prolonging conflict in Ukraine — experts

According to the scholars, the dynamics of the conflict indicates that the search for its political resolution is more relevant than ever before

UN secretary-general says will attend SCO summit in Kazakhstan

In Antonio Guterres' opinion, there is a number of situations "in which the regional organizations can solve problems the UN cannot solve"

Russia’s Navy to receive over 40 new ships in 2024 — Putin

In 2023 the number was 33

Zelensky admits Ukraine unwilling to prolong conflict due to high casualties

Previously, Ukraine announced that it will prepare a settlement plan after the first conference in Switzerland, which will be presented to Russia at the second similar meeting

What is known about failed coup attempt in Bolivia

On June 26, a group of Bolivian military officers led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, who was dismissed as army commander on June 25, occupied the square in front of the government building in La Paz

Russia strikes Ukrainian military airfields by precision weapons — top brass

Russian troops struck massed Ukrainian manpower and military hardware in 117 areas over the past day, the ministry reported

US permits oil supplies from Sakhalin-2 to Japan until June 28, 2025

The general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by restrictions against Russia imposed earlier

Press review: US, Russian defense chiefs touch base and new sheriff in town at NATO

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 27th

Electronic warfare systems jam 32 Ukrainian drones in Kursk Region

According to Governor Alexey Smirnov, the roofs of a house and an administrative building were damaged in the village of Tyotkino after an attack by Ukrainian drones

Vovan and Lexus say prank call to Joe Biden possible

The prankers noted that they do not utilize AI algorithms in their pranks yet, but they do not rule out that they might use them in the future

European Council approves plans to bolster EU defenses, military sector — Polish premier

"Defense plans accepted,".Donald Tusk said

Russia for clear mandates for UN peacekeepers — Interior Minister

Vladimir Kolokoltsev noted that the contribution of UN police units to the protection of civilians was undeniable

Disrespect for immunity of countries could be step toward war — Medvedev

"Russia, like most countries of the world, including, incidentally, the United States of America and the largest countries - China, India - is not a party to this theatrical institution called the ICC," the official stressed

Ukraine signs security agreements with Lithuania and Estonia

The contents of these agreements was not disclosed

MQ-9 Reaper drone buzzes dangerously close to Russian warplane in Syrian skies — military

The Russian pilot demonstrated high professionalism and took timely measures to prevent a collision

Putin highlights good relations between Russia, Republic of Congo

"I am talking about the political level, where relations have been growing noticeably, as well as trade and economic ties," the Russian leader noted

Polonez MLRS battalion deploys to Belarusian border with full ammunition load

The Belarusian Defense Ministry did not specify the border area that the Polonez MLRS battalion had deployed to

Georgia, Moldova reject EU’s decision to hand over income from Russia’s assets to Kiev

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell noted that these countries will make sure that their national policies comply with the European Council decision, adding that the Council welcomes it

Is Gaddafi's gloom prophecy in regard to Europe bound to be fulfilled?

As Europe’s migrant crisis grows far and wide, many Russian media are recalling the late Libyan leader Muamar Gaddafi’s gloom prophecy made several months before his violent death

UN has no issues with Russia’s training of peacekeepers — minister

According to Vladimir Kolokoltsev, "41 Russian law-enforcers are participating in missions in zones of armed conflicts, including 12 women"

Putin hands Order of Honor to Congolese president

Talks between the two leaders are taking place at the Kremlin

EU, Ukraine sign agreement on security guarantees for Kiev

The signing took place on the sidelines of a two-day EU summit, whose agenda includes discussions of the conflict in Ukraine and related issues, among other things

No NATO invitation for Kiev during July summit — US diplomat

Julianne Smith reiterated that NATO will not accept countries engaged in a military conflict as its members

Russia remains fundamental pillar of UN work — secretary-general

Antonio Guterres also said problems that problems in the UN "normally come from big powers"

Direct Russia-US clash to entail massive use of nuclear weapons — expert

Yevgeny Buzhinsky pointed out that despite all the modeling that had been carried out over decades, it is impossible to accurately predict what effect a massive use of nuclear weapons would have on the globe

IAEA sees no threat in loss of radiation monitoring station at ZNPP

The team of IAEA experts was unable to visit the site of the incident "to confirm the damage" due "to the security situation"

US diplomat says Russia ramped up its defense industry after starting special operation

Nicholas Burns stressed that it is "far stronger now than it was even in the beginning" of the conflict

Russia ranked world’s second largest military power — GFP

More than 60 individual criteria were factored into the rankings, including the number of military troops, financial and logistics capabilities, as 145 world powers were considered

West harbors Ukraine's vain hopes of returning to pre-2014 borders — experts

The experts also point to the Western misconception that Russia will allegedly attack Europe after achieving the special military operation goals, starting with Poland and the Baltics

Tanks playing major role in Russian army’s advance in south Donetsk area — top brass

The T-80BVM tank was engineered to operate in a tense environment under heavy enemy fire

Belarusian border guards thwart airspace violation by Ukrainian quadcopter

According to the report, the unmanned aerial vehicle was forced to land 150 meters from the state border

Restoring military ties with Russia to be hard for UK, says Russian ambassador

@I think it will be long before they can be restored," Andrey Kelin said

Putin hopes construction of warships will be cheaper

Russian President said it at a meeting on shipbuilding

Russia to expedite creation of register of damage from Western sanctions — Medvedev

"Claims for compensations will be presented later in our country and in foreign jurisdictions," the official said

Finland planned genocide of Soviet people in 1940-1941 — Russian Security council

Rashid Nurgaliyev pointed out that, on July 8, 1941, one day before the beginning of the Finnish offensive north of Lake Ladoga, Carl Gustaf Mannerheim issued the order number 132, its fourth clause reading: "capture the Russian population and send it to concentration camps"

BRICS to suspend admitting new members for a while — Lavrov

"By the overwhelming majority, the ten nations decided to ‘take a pause’ with new members to ‘take in’ the new members who have doubled the association," he said at a meeting with speaker of Belarus

Chinese defense official warns of hellish consequences for US’ Taiwan drone plans

"Those who are clamoring about turning other people's homes into hell should first prepare to be sent to a hell of their own," Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesman Wu Qian said

NATO won’t be part of Ukraine conflict, it won’t cross this line, says Scholz

According to the German chancellor, the NATO summit will discuss the strengthening of its role in coordinating support for Ukraine and training the Ukrainian armed forces

Ex-British envoy to Russia points to West’s role in provoking conflict in Ukraine

According to Anthony Brenton, "when NATO enlargement first loomed, both former Director of the US Department of State Policy Planning Staff George Kennan and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger warned of the likely disastrous effects for Russia-West relations"

Lavrov horrified by Israel's statement there are no civilians in Gaza

Moscow hopes that Israel will hear the voice of the world's overwhelming majority on the situation in Gaza, the top Russian diplomat said

West interferes into Iranian presidential vote through its agents — diplomat

"The West has never stopped interfering into Iran’s internal affairs," Zamir Kabulov said

Press review: Putin receives Congolese president and rumors fly after failed Bolivia coup

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 28th

Musk assesses US presidential election debate as preparation to replace Biden

Atlanta was the site of the first-ever televised election debate between a sitting president and a former president in US history

China brings back panda diplomacy with US, to send two giant pandas to San Diego Zoo

Zoo officials will restrict visitor access to the animals for several weeks after their arrival

Attempted coup in Bolivia could have happened because of lithium — president

Luis Arce explained that economic issues were often behind coups d'etat in Latin American countries

Russia taking measures in response to US involvement in strikes on Sevastopol — diplomat

Commenting on the likelihood of the Russian side using tactical nuclear weapons in response to the shelling of Sevastopol, Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "the Russian president, as the supreme commander-in-chief, makes such fateful decisions"

Most Americans consider Biden too old to be efficient president — poll

The poll also revealed that, if the elections took place right now, 48% of voters would have picked Donald Trump, 78, while only 42% would have cast their ballots for Joe Biden

Production at former Volkswagen car plant in Kaluga will restart on August 1

In May 2023, German automaker Volkswagen completed the sale of its Russian assets to the local investor Art-Finance LLC for 125 million euros

Diplomat calls Ukraine’s attack on Sevastopol direct result of Burgenstock conference

Alexander Grushko said that peace was an easy goal to attain through the Minsk agreements, which provided for the Lugansk and Donetsk regions reunification with Ukraine

Trump says Putin’s conditions for peace in Ukraine ‘not acceptable’

"Look, this is a war that never should have started if we had a leader," former US President said

Body of US diplomat found in Kiev hotel — report

Medical data provided by the US Embassy show he had a high level of cholesterol

Arresting foreign officials may trigger declaration of war — Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev made this statement at a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum

First group of Toretsk residents evacuated amid heavy fighting in DPR

Efforts are underway to figure out the extant number of those rescued and those who remain in the city

EU fails to approve measures to allocate $50-billion loan to Kiev — EC president

Charles Michel said that discussions on the subject will continue over the next few weeks

Russian Defense Minister tasks General Staff with measures to respond to US drone missions

The ministry pointed to the increased intensity of activities of US strategic unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea, which are conducting reconnaissance and targeting of precision weapons supplied by Western countries to the armed forces of Ukraine for attacks on Russia

West trying to make another anti-Russia out of Finland — Security Council

Washington, 'under NATO’s umbrella,' has turned Finland into a dependent semi-vassal,"Rashid Nurgaliyev pointed out

Another six jet-powered drones downed over Russia’s Bryansk Region, governor says

According to Alexander Bogomaz, there were no casualties or damage

UN chief admits he is not fully pleased with results of his work

Antonio Guterres noted that the humanitarian action of the UN all over the world was remarkable

UK remains vague on issue of Kiev’s attacks on Russian territory — ambassador

"They are deliberately dodging the question in an attempt to maintain ambiguity, saying the same thing - the weapons are being supplied for defensive purposes," Andrey Kelin said

Russia, US keep communication channels open — senior diplomat

"There are contacts at other levels and along other lines, along the lines of presidential administrations, in particular along the lines of intelligence services, diplomatic agencies are in contact with each other on their own issues," Sergey Ryabkov said

Russia-EU relations face 'bad' prospects under new EU leadership — Kremlin

Commenting on the appointment of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas to the post of the top EU diplomat, Dmitry Peskov pointed out that she "has not shown any diplomatic inclinations so far" and "is known in our country for her absolutely intransigent and sometimes even denounced Russophobic statements"

Outcome of election campaign in France is of interest to Moscow — Kremlin

"We see that there are dynamics related to the loss of popularity by some political forces and the growth of popularity of other political forces," Dmitry Peskov noted

US prepares to evacuate citizens from Lebanon — NBC

According to the report, Washington fears that Israel may launch a ground operation in Lebanon in the coming weeks

Europe’s KNDS defense holding unveils new howitzers, come may be sent to Ukraine — TV

According to the report, the Kiev government may receive 50 such howitzers

European Council urges to intensify arms supplies to Ukraine — statement

The document says that "further efforts are needed" in terms of military support to Ukraine

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Russia vows comprehensive defense measures in nuclear conflict — senior diplomat

Russia has never favored the US idea of limited nuclear war, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Labour Party’s program reflects London’s anti-Russian attitude — Russian ambassador

Commenting on the 136-page document, Andrey Kelin said it contained "a standard set of provisions" with regard to Ukraine, including declarations of support to Ukraine and calls to set up a special tribunal for Russia, as well as calls to confiscate Russia’s assets with subsequent transfer to Ukraine

Democrats discussing replacing Biden after his poor debate performance — Politico

According to three strategists close to the Democratic party, Joe Biden’s fellow party members "are panicked" over his poor performance in the debate with former US President Donald Trump

Trump vows to end Ukraine conflict even before he assumes office if elected US president

He pointed out that Joe Biden had "given $200 billion now or more to Ukraine"

Assets to be withdrawn from US jurisdiction — Russian Security Council

"The most efficient mechanism will be the withdrawal of all the sovereign assets out of the US jurisdiction and structuring of deals without using the dollar," Dmitry Medvedev noted

West-imposed order contradicts international law, says Medvedev

"Meanwhile, approval of the will of states is the original act that international law norms emerge from and this cannot be done in any other way," the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said