{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Coronavirus pandemic

China reports 48 new coronavirus cases in past day, one death

A total of 282 patients recovered in the reported period

BEIJING, March 31. /TASS/. As many as 48 new coronavirus cases were identified in China in the past 24 hours, all of those cases are imported, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday.

A total of 282 patients recovered in the reported period and one died.

"As of 24:00 local time (19:00 Moscow time) on March 30, the overall number of confirmed cases in China reached 81,518, including 76,052 people who recovered and were discharged from hospitals, and 3,305 patients who died," the commission said in a statement.

No new cases were recorded in the Chinese province of Hubei, the epicenter of the outbreak, in the past 24 hours.

The overall number of imported novel coronavirus cases in China reached 771 people; 104 have already been discharged from hospitals. A total of 667 patients are now being treated, including 18 people who are in intensive care.

In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 160 countries, including Russia.

The WHO on March 11 declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. As of now, more than 720,000 people have been infected around the world and over 35,000 have died.

Peru interested in starting direct flights with Russia — lawmaker

Peru "experiences external pressure from the US," member of the Peruvian parliament Jaime Quito said

Ukraine loses Plastun signal intelligence station in Donetsk area

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, enemy losses in the Donetsk direction per day exceeded 150 soldiers killed and wounded

Three Ukrainian drones disabled over Russian Smolensk, says governor

According to the head of the region Vasily Anokhin, no one was injured

Russian air defense systems intercept two Ukrainian Grom-2 missiles, debris fall in Crimea

According to the department, their debris fell on the territory of the Dzhankoy district

UK considering possibility of stationing its military in Ukraine to train fighters

According to the Telegraph, so far none of the NATO countries has openly implemented such steps, preferring to train the Ukrainian military outside Ukraine in order to minimize the risks for the Western military, whose deaths could become a reason for escalation of the conflict

Six airplanes in Sochi redirected to alternate airfields due to downed drone – airport

According to the mayor of the city Alexey Kopaygorodsky, everything is normal in Sochi

Hainan delegation visits UAE to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation

Hainan representatives invited UAE companies to invest and develop their businesses in the Chinese province and take full advantage of the construction of a free trade port on the island

Serbia wants no war, has no plans to introduce forces to Kosovo — Vucic

According to the FT, Vucic also underscored that Belgrade reduces its military presence at the Kosovo border instead of building it up, in order to reduce the risk of an escalation

Putin congratulates Xi Jinping on 74th anniversary of China's founding — Kremlin

Russian President intends to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the One Belt One Road forum in China

Russian Armed Forces hit Ukrainian army manpower in Kupyansk area

Msta-B and D-30 howitzers and a Grad MLRS combat vehicle were hit during the counter-battery fire, the Russian Defense Ministry said

US-Japan-South Korea alliance, NATO are cancerous tumors of world order, North Korea says

North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Im Chon Il added that it is the US-led alliances that pose a constant threat to the security of the independent states by displaying an "aggressive and chauvinistic nature" that poses the danger

Five Ukrainian drones disabled over Russian Smolensk Region – governor

According to Vasily Anokhin, no one was injured

Air defense systems shoot down missile over Dzhankoi, no victims reported

According to the head of Crimea Sergei Aksenov, there are no casualties or injuries

Two Ukrainian army attacks thwarted – Russian Defense Ministry

According to the department, we are talking about repelling attacks in the directions of Rabotin and Verbovoy in the Zaporozhye region

Russian forces destroy three Ukrainian ammo depots in Kherson Region, DPR

According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, operational-tactical and army aviation, missile forces and artillery of groupings of troops of the Russian Armed Forces hit enemy personnel and military equipment in 102 regions

Latin America not supplying weapons to Ukraine despite Western pressure – Russian diplomat

Director of the Latin American Department of the agency Alexander Shchetinin noted that the position of the continent’s states on this issue is fundamental

No-man’s-land area expanded by Russian forces in Maryinka in Donetsk republic - official

According to the head of the DPR, this happened as a result of the fighting on September 29

Ukrainian forces lose more than two platoons in Kupyansk area over day — top brass

The spokesman for the Russian battlegroup West Sergey Zybinsky pointed out that during the fighting in the Kupyansk area, the battlegroup West carried out two air strikes on the temporary deployment areas of the 44th Ukrainian mechanized brigade and the Radio-Technical units stationed near Cherneshchynavin the Kharkpv Reegion

Russia working on sea transportation to Latin America, Caribbean countries

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Dmitry Volvach

Russian troops repel ten Ukrainian attacks in Donetsk area in past day

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, enemy losses per day in the Donetsk direction amounted to over 150 Ukrainian military personnel killed and wounded

Robert Fico’s SMER Party leading in parliamentary election in Slovakia

The Direction - Social Democracy party received the support of 23.42% of voters

Creation of alternative to SWIFT to be discussed within BRICS — Russian minister

According to Anton Siluanov, next year it will be one of the issues on the agenda of this organization’s meeting

SMER Party wins parliamentary election in Slovakia — official

Social Democracy Party won the highest number of votes - 22.94%

US Congress passes bill to fund government without aid to Ukraine

The initiative, which includes $16 billion for the elimination of natural disasters in the US, was supported by 88 lawmakers, while nine opposed it. Earlier, the House of Representatives approved the bill

Explosions rock Kiev-controlled city of Zaporozhye

Earlier, an air raid warning was announced in Kyiv-controlled areas of the Zaporozhye region

Ukrainian army loses up to 430 troops in Donetsk area – Russian Defense Ministry

According to the department, the Russian Armed Forces repelled seven Ukrainian attacks, including at Kleshcheevka

Russia replaces Ukraine on global grain market — EU’s Borrell

EU High Representative said that Russia makes a lot of money. It makes more revenue from the export

About 50,000 construction workers engaged in reconstruction of new Russian regions

According to Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government Marat Khusnullin, 33 state-owned companies, 8 federal customers and 82 regional leaders were involved in this work

New regions’ accession to Russia creates more development opportunities – senior lawmaker

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that together with new regions Russia will overcome all challenges and become even stronger

Russia concerned that external players trying to activate meddling in Afghanistan — Lavrov

The full-fledged unification of efforts by the countries of the region with the member states of the NATO bloc, according to the minister, "is possible only if the latter fully acknowledge their full responsibility for the baleful results of their 20-year military presence in Afghanistan, which ended in a complete fiasco"

Russian commandos use newest anti-sniper robot in special operation in Ukraine — source

The remote-controlled Sosna-N scans an area for optical devices such as sniper rifle scopes, binoculars, or anti-tank missile targeting systems

Terrorist blows himself up near Interior Ministry in Ankara – minister

As a result of the explosion of one of them, two policemen were injured

White House steps up meddling in Slovakia as elections draw near — Russian intelligence

According to the statement, Washington "clearly does not want to see another nationally-oriented prime minister [like Hungary’s Viktor Orban] take over in Europe"

Battlegroup South artillery wipes out six Ukrainian strongholds in Kleshcheyevka

This was announced by the press secretary of the combat group Georgy Minesashvili

Press review: US parks missile launcher on Baltic Sea island and new Kosovo crisis brewing

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 26th

Moscow format participants agree that US should not return to Afghanistan

Iran's Special Representative in Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Komi noted that the Moscow format participants had reached a consensus that "it is necessary to prevent the return of the United States and hold it accountable for the damage caused by 20 years of occupation"

Putin congratulates Russians on reunion with new regions

The President of Russia noted that “millions of residents of Donbass, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions made their choice to be with their Fatherland”

Russian troops repel three Ukrainian attacks in LPR – Defense Ministry

According to the department, the enemy’s 63rd and 67th mechanized brigades were also hit by fire in the Torskoye area of the DPR and Serebryansky forestry

Hainan’s Haikou to step up comprehensive adjustments of state-owned enterprises

In addition to optimizing the sectoral structure, the authorities plan to strengthen the industrial potential of the state sector, focus on its role in building an advanced system of transport communications, modernizing agriculture, tourism and cultural spheres

NATO publishes article on preparing for full-scale conflict with Russia

Former high-ranking Pentagon official Gregory Weaver is confident that traditional nuclear deterrence based on the principle of mutually assured destruction in the event of a full-scale conflict with the Russian Federation is not enough

Ukrainian forces strike monastery near DPR’s Volnovakha, injuring monk, churchgoer

Ukrainian forces shelled the St. Nicolas and Basil Monastery of Dormition

Three people injured when Ukrainian troops shell marketplace in Belgorod Region

Ukrainian soldiers previously shelled the central market in Shebekino

Putin congratulates Ground Forces on professional holiday

The head of state noted that military and patriotic traditions are being continued with honor by the current generation of military personnel

UK Prime Minister rules out troops sending to Ukraine during conflict

Rishi Sunak noted that "that's something for the long term, not the here and now"

Russia backs Latin America’s independence, willing to cooperate with region — Putin

"We have advocated and are still advocating for Latin America to be strong, independent and successful in its unity and diversity," the Russian leader added

Russian Armed Forces hit Ukrainian ordnance depot in Nikolaev Region

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian military personnel also stopped the activities of two sabotage and reconnaissance groups in the Kherson direction

NATO authorizes more KFOR troops to address situation in Kosovo

The North Atlantic Council also urged all parties to de-escalate as soon as possible

Over 10,000 Ukrainian fighters surrender since summer using special radio frequency

According to the source, the radio frequency operates in all directions of the line of engagement in the special military operation zone

Arming Ukraine brings nothing but killing, ex-Slovak PM says

Robert Fico noted that the country no longer has weapons that could be transferred to Kyiv

Russian air defenses shoot down Ukrainian Su-25 in DPR – Defense Ministry

This was reported to the Russian Ministry of Defense

Russia ‘successfully adapting’ to pressure from G7, says envoy to US

Anatoly Antonov added that American officials realize the ineffectiveness of sanctions pressure on Moscow

Russian air defenses intercept five HIMARS rockets, JDAM bomb, destroy 37 Ukrainian UAVs

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, this happened in the area of the settlements of Kremennaya, Krivosheevka, Verkhnekamenka and Belogorovka in the LPR, Petrovskoye, Maryinka and Staromlinovka in the DPR, Ocheretovatoye, Novofedorovka and Vishnevoye in the Zaporozhye region

Biden signs bill to fund government without aid to Ukraine — White House

In a released statement on the draft approved by both houses of Congress, the US president earlier emphasized that the US "cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted"

Law on introduction of resort fee comes into force in St. Petersburg

From April 1, 2024, all adult travelers must pay a resort fee in the amount of 100 rubles ($ 1,04) per day

Ukraine concentrates Marines near Energodar, on Kakhovka Reservoir islands — official

According to Federation Council senator from the Zaporozhye Region and head of the "Tsar’s Wolves" military-technical center, this prediction is based on constant observation of the enemy

Terrorists kill owner of car they hijacked to drive to Ankara – A Haber news channel

According to the TV channel, the car was stolen in the province of Kayseri; it belonged to local veterinarian Mikail Bozlogan

Explosion rocks Yuzhny port area in Ukraine’s Odessa Region

According to the publication "Strana", an air raid alert was announced in the region

North Korean leader congratulates Xi Jinping on 74th founding anniversary of PRC

Kim Jong-un noted that Pyongyang and Beijing have "consistently supported each other on the long path of protecting and glorifying socialism"

Volume of Sanya's foreign trade up 12% in January-August

Duty-free imports took a significant part in the structure of the city's trade turnover

Blinken’s words on Babyn Yar ‘sacrilegious,’ Russian envoy to US says

"Apparently there are apologists of Nazi collaborators not only in Canada, but also in the US", Dmitry Polyansky said

Russian forces inflict fire defeat on Ukrainian troops in Kharkov Region

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, up to 20 Ukrainian military personnel and two enemy vehicles were destroyed

Press review: Kiev fears US will stop aid and Moscow taking steps to combat fuel crisis

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 28th

Biden supports bill passed by Congress to extend government funding

This bill ensures that active-duty troops will continue to get paid, travelers will be spared airport delays, millions of women and children will continue to have access to vital nutrition assistance, and so much more

Ukraine introduces military registration for female medical personnel

According to the law, all women between the ages of 18 and 60 who are doctors, dentists, midwives, nurses, and pharmacists must register

Ukrainian POW says deserters fear for safety of their families

According to the captured Ukrainian serviceman, in rare cases it is possible to strike a deal with a unit commander

Russian forces destroy military train loading point in Nikolayev Region

Russian reconnaissance means discovered a loading point of a train carrying armored vehicles of the 38th Marine Brigade, intended for reinforcement of Ukrainian forces on the contact line, the Russian Defense Ministry said

The Russian troops repel four attacks by Ukrainian assault groups in Zaporozhye Region

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the enemy lost up to 35 military personnel and two vehicles in the South Donetsk direction

US lawmakers approve government funding bill without aid for Ukraine

Now, the initiative must be approved by the Senate

Nagorno-Karabakh paramilitary forces surrender armored vehicles, munitions

They have surrendered 45 armored vehicles, 87 motor vehicles, and about 14 million ammunition supplies, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Air defenses destroy Ukrainian UAV over Krasnodar Region – Russian Defense Ministry

According to the department, the attack was carried out by an aircraft-type drone

Russia sets task to introduce visa-free travel with all Latin American states – diplomat

Director of the agency's Latin American department, Alexander Shchetinin, noted that this goal is achievable

Russian Central Bank working with Latin American countries on use of Mir card – diplomat

Director of the Latin American Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Shchetinin noted that this is “a very serious, thorough work”

Russian forces destroy enemy personnel concentration area near Kurakhovo

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the brigade in question was the 72nd Mechanized Brigade

Zelensky, entourage embezzled at least $400 mln from aid sent to Ukraine — Hersh

According to Hersh’s sources, the level of corruption in Kiev is "approaching that of the Afghan war, although there will be no professional audit reports emerging from the Ukraine"

Russia keeping close eye on Ukraine’s actions - source

Hainan unveils report on China's energy cooperation with Arab countries

The report shows the ongoing expansion of cooperation between the two sides in trade, investment, finance and other fields

Russian forces hit Ukrainian command posts in DPR, Zaporozhye Region

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian military personnel also destroyed the enemy P-18 air target detection and tracking radar station

Ukrainian opposition demands parliament speaker's resignation over pro-Hitler remarks

The speaker’s shocking remarks sparked outrage among the public

Putin signs decree allowing Ukrainians to enter Russia visa-free with domestic passports

Additionally, they will be able to cross the border with the diplomatic or service passports, seafarer or aircrewman identification cards

Reservations for trips to Hainan increased 11 times over holidays

Reservations for trips to the southern part of the island account for 97% of the total number of bookings on the island

Trump plans to appear at New York court hearing in fraud case

The court is ready to provide additional security measures in connection with the arrival of the former American leader and is working with the New York police on this issue, Bloomberg reported

Medvedev expects number of Russian regions to grow

As the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council said, Moscow will achieve victory in the conflict in Ukraine

Venezuela’s Vice President to visit Russia next week – diplomatic source

Energy and tourism issues will be discussed, the agency’s interlocutor said

Haikou to hold more than 50 events during China's National Day

Local authorities also planned to hold various sports competitions

Press review: New Black Sea grain deal dead in water and US wants space hotline with China

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 27th

Fall conscription kicks off in Russia, including in new regions

Last year, fall conscription began a month later than usual due to the workload of military recruitment offices as a result of partial mobilization

Hungary says Ukraine’s decision on OTP Bank insufficient, not to endorse military aid

As noted by the press secretary of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, Mate Pazolay, in connection with the temporary suspension of the Ukrainian NAPC of the status of OTP Bank as an “international war sponsor”, no significant changes have occurred

Shoigu congratulates military on Ground Forces Day

The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation noted their courage, heroism, professional skill and significant contribution to the protection of the country’s national interests

Ukraine uses chemical weapons in attack on Russian positions near Gorlovka – DPR official

According to adviser to the head of the region, Yan Gagin, Ukrainian shells are filled with a substance that causes attacks of suffocation, lacrimation, nausea, swelling of the larynx, and skin irritation

Sanya holds forum on capitalizing Hainan's sustainable development projects

The conference focused on the ESG concept, which aims to manage risks related to environmental, social and governance criteria

Ukrainian army conducts some 100 shelling attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

According to the head of the region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, there were no casualties

EU provided 85 bln of aid to Kiev since last year — Borrell

During the meeting with Ukraine’s defense minister Rustem Umerov, the parties tried to better understand why the support of the European Union "is not being perceived as important as it is," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs added

US lacks strength, intelligence to confront North Korea, Russia — DPRK diplomat

North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Im Chon Il opined that the US hostility to the North Korea-Russia friendly relations has crossed the red line

Head of Saxony calls to repair Nord Stream pipeline for future use

Currently, Germany is dependent on liquefied natural gas supplies, and it builds new terminals to accept it

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

Moscow ranks 4th in World's 100 Best Cities

"International experts evaluate not only economic opportunities or cultural aspects, but they also analyze how well the city is developing," Deputy Mayor Natalya Sergunina noted

EU foreign ministers to meet in Kiev on October 2 — Borrell

According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, "informal councils are devoted to deeper political discussions and not to take concrete decisions"

Russia’s Su-25SM3 jets being used in Ukraine invulnerable to foreign man-portable systems

According to the sources, they are equipped with the Vitebsk-25 electronic warfare system, providing reliable protection from the enemy’s MANPADS missile strikes

Bomb disposal experts carry out controlled explosion near Interior Ministry in Ankara

According to the A haber TV channel, bomb experts are also studying the car in which the terrorists arrived at the Ministry of Internal Affairs building

West pushing Russia toward World War III, Medvedev warns

The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation noted that “the number of leading idiots in NATO countries is growing”

Ukraine planning offensive in early October, pulling troops to Dnieper - source