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Coronavirus pandemic

Belgium’s coronavirus death toll tops 6,000

In the past 24 hours, 933 new coronavirus infections were identified, bringing the total to 41,889

BRUSSELS, April 22. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Belgium increased by 266 in the past 24 hours to reach 6,262, the national health ministry said Wednesday.

This number is almost 100 death more than in two previous days when the agency was expressing hope that the death peak had been passed in the country.

In the past 24 hours, 933 new coronavirus infections were identified, bringing the total to 41,889. Today’s figures are almost identical to the ones reported yesterday. However, the health ministry warned that the real infection number is likely to be higher since Belgium is only testing people with clear and serious COVID-19 symptoms due to lack of tests.

Read also

Russia doesn’t have explosive growth in coronavirus cases, says expert

Belgium has been placed under a strict nationwide lockdown since March 14. It was initially planned to be in effect only until April 5, but on March 27 the authorities decided to extend it until April 19 and later until May 3. All educational, cultural and social facilities are shut down, students and schoolkids are practicing distance learning, all mass events are banned irrespective of the number of participants. All private companies are recommended to tell their employees to work from home, working hours of government agencies are cut down, while only emergency services operate without any changes.

Belgium also shut down its borders and banned any trips around the country, residents are only allowed to travel within their district of residence. Citizens are obliged to practice social distancing in transport and shops.

In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.

According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.

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Outgoing US administration working on new $725-mln military aid package for Kiev

Delivery would include land mines, drones, Stinger missiles, and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)

US continues to plunder Afghanistan with impunity, says Shoigu

"In my opinion, the United States should invest in the reconstruction of Afghanistan after everything it has done and abandoned there," the top security official emphasized

Russian plants are successfully substituting composites in shipbuilding

The use of composites in shipbuilding provides the whole range of advantages in terms of specific strength, durability, stealth pattern, small signature and higher speed of ships, Boris Bogomolov said

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

According to the Russian foreign minister, this represents the "confrontational logic" of the West

Ukrainian media reports plant in Lvov Region destroyed

The plant specializes in manufacturing bits for drilling artesian, oil, and gas boreholes

West should consider Russia’s signal on weapons, no point in discussing details — MFA

Maria Zakharova underscored that Russia's response to deployments of missile systems by the West that create additional threats to Russia could involve both tit-for-tat and asymmetric countermeasures

West receives Putin’s message about weapons, Russian senate speaker says

Valentina Matviyenko said that it wasn’t an ultimatum or a threat, which is how Western media outlets tried to present the message

Netherlands joins European long-range missile initiative

Under the French ELSA (European Long-Range Strike Approach) initiative, European countries want to develop land-based cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers

US authorities launch antitrust investigation of Microsoft — Bloomberg

According to the agency’s sources, the investigation focuses on the US software giant’s focuses on Microsoft’s possible bundling of its office productivity and security software with its cloud services

Russian forces now control about eight hectares of land near LPR’s Stelmakhovka — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that after liberating Pershotravnevoye in the Kharkov Region and creating a bridgehead there for further advance, the Russian servicemen advanced to the west of the occupied borders

Moscow, Astana don’t have any unresolvable issues — Putin

"The most important thing is that there is a desire to seek answers to all these questions and find them," the Russian leader stressed

Strike on NATO bases possible in case of escalation, Medvedev says

He made this comment answering a question if Russia can strike military hubs in Romania and Poland

Ukrainian group of 22 servicemen surrenders in Kursk Region — law enforcement officials

Photos and videos of the surrender were also posted by military reporter and expert Boris Rozhin on his Telegram channel

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Western discussion of transferring nuclear arms to Kiev no bluffing — expert

Endre Simo also recalled that "a few days ago, Admiral Rob Bauer, the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, called for preventive strikes against Russian facilities"

Those who voice idea of transferring nuclear weapons to Kiev are insane — Russian MFA

As Maria Zakharova underlined, she does not know what this motivation is aimed at

Air defenses repel massive drone attack on South Russia, woman wounded

In the town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban, drone fragments fell near a house, the female owner of the house was wounded

West tired of Ukrainian conflict, while Russia ready to continue it — magazine

The article noted that the West "no longer has the political will to help Ukraine win by military means" and is trying to achieve peace through negotiations with Russia"

Unemployment rate in Russia reaches 2.3% in October

Of the 1.8 mln unemployed, about 1.1 mln are urban residents, while 0.7 mln are rural

Defense contractor delivers new batch of Su-34 bombers to Russia’s Aerospace Forces

The new fighter-bombers have undergone necessary testing and have been sent to the places of their operation, Vadim Badekha noted

Zaluzhny, not Zelensky, would become president if Ukraine held election today — poll

According to the survey, 27% of respondents would vote for Valery Zaluzhny, while only 16% said they would stick with Vladimir Zelensky

Press review: Russia to mass-produce Oreshnik missiles and EU gas prices reach record high

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 25th

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

FACTBOX: Collective Security Treaty Organization

The six member-countries are Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

Biden administration won’t be able to spend remaining $6.5 bln to arm Ukraine — report

In order to spend the remaining funds in December and January, the US would have to send $110 million worth of weapons every day, the Wall Street Journal reported

No requests yet for CSTO assistance from Russia over ATACMS strikes — secretary general

Imangali Tasmagambetov also stressed that the agenda for the CSTO session does not specifically address the matter of the ATACMS strikes on Russian territory, but member states will discuss the situation in the CSTO responsibility zone and on its borders

Russia’s Medvedev warns Europe could face 'catastrophic damage' from Oreshnik missile

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman also commented on Vladimir Zelensky’s "resilience plan"

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

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West is directly involved in the use of long-range weapons against Russia, as not a single missile could be launched without its involvement

Russia, Kazakhstan sign 20 documents during Putin’s visit

The heads of state approved a joint statement on deepening strategic partnership

Russian church to be built in Myanmar’s former capital in 2025

According to the statement, "the number of compatriots living in Southeast Asian countries on a long-term or permanent basis has been growing since the early 2000s"

Ukrainian front collapsing due to lack of willing soldiers, Russian offensive — magazine

Additionally, Ukraine "does not have enough weapons, munitions or hardware," the news outlet said

Russian deputy foreign minister, UN secretary-general discuss Mideast crisis solution

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations

Europe's inability to resolve Ukrainian conflict on its own 'is a disgrace' — expert

Ab Gitelink noted that Europe "needs a right-wing conservative businessman in the White House in order to put an end to the war on European territory"

FBI informed about threats against Trump cabinet picks

US President-elect’s campaign spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, said that a number of his cabinet nominees and administration appointees were the targets of bomb threats and swatting

Israeli troops raid West bank cities — TV

According to the report, the Palestinians opened fire at Israeli soldiers in the Nur Shams refugee camp in the north of the West Bank

Russia files terrorism charges against Ukrainian militants, reports enemy losses in Kursk

Over the past day, Ukraine has sustained over 250 casualties, losing two tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored personnel carrier, two armored combat vehicles, three motor vehicles and a mortar gun

Executioner of Nazi war criminal Eichmann dies in Israel aged 86

The Israeli authorities have long kept his name secret

Europe bracing for influx of Ukrainian troops after conflict is over — agency

According to the agency, the European intelligence community is preparing for potential threats, namely the possibility of Ukrainian troops flooding the continent and arms trafficking

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 108.01 rubles for November 28

The official euro rate was increased by 2.6 rubles to 113.0947 rubles

US, NATO on brink of being recognized as parties to conflict with Russia — diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the West harbors a dangerous delusion that it can defeat Russia strategically

Russia ‘shows teeth’ with launch of Oreshnik missile while avoiding escalation — media

"Russia has shown that it has a weapon, previously unveiled, and was prepared to use it," the report says

Russia may block agenda of US Security Council presidency next month — mission to UN

First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said that the US may try to complicate life for the successors to the presidency

Biden wants Trump to inherit hopeless Ukraine situation — Medvedev

According to the politician, this is why the US administration decided to allow strikes with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles deep into Russia

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

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

Western analysts describe Russia's Oreshnik as longest-range weapon ever used in Europe

The recent strike on the Yuzhmash missile-producing plant in Ukraine demonstrated Russia’s "real military capability", a nuclear nonproliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies said

Kazakh president describes Putin’s state visit as ‘historic event’

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Russia as his country’s strategic partner and reliable ally

Drones to replace fighter jets in future wars, Musk says

At the end of September, Elon Musk predicted battles between "drone swarms" in the future

Long-term gas supplies from Russia to Kazakhstan being considered

These projects will promote strengthening of energy security in Central Asia at large, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev added

Ukraine demolishes buildings with soldiers inside as Russian forces advance — DPR leader

Amid the successful advance of Russian forces, Ukrainian troops have been indiscriminately attacking civilian neighborhoods in Gorlovka, which is adjacent to Dzerzhinsk, Denis Pushilin said

Allowing Kiev to fire deep into Russia had no effect on nuclear escalation risks — Reuters

Over the past seven months, US intelligence services compiled a series of intelligence assessments

Key energy facility in Ternopol Region almost completely destroyed

Vyacheslav Negoda noted that a power shortage will remain in the region for a long time

Russian diplomat says West sought to misrepresent Oreshnik strike, cast it as aggression

Maria Zakharova pointed out that for some, this was obviously a sobering moment, while for others it came as an unexpected surprise

Russian military engaged in tough battles with Ukrainians in Kharkov Region — official

"Our forces continue their coordinated efforts to liberate the Kharkov Region from the enemy," Vitaly Ganchev said

Outgoing US administration working on new $725-mln military aid package for Kiev

Delivery would include land mines, drones, Stinger missiles, and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)

Kiev has ‘no chance’ of retaking lost territories — Blackwater founder

Erik Prince noted that it was necessary to end the Ukrainian conflict as soon as possible

Russia has no confirmation of Ukraine's intention to obtain nuclear weapons — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that it was in the interests of "truly responsible states" to prevent Ukraine from having nuclear weapons

West disregards Russia’s signal with Oreshnik’s launch to shift blame for escalation

Alexander Tokovinin said that the next NATO-Ukraine session at the level of foreign ministers of the Western military bloc’s member states is scheduled to take place on December 3-4 in Brussels

Palestinian president issues constitutional document on his possible successor

In accordance with the document, his duties should be temporarily assumed by the chairman of the country’s parliament

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Sergey Ryabkov advised the new US administration and President-elect Donald Trump to treat this issue "with all seriousness"

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Moscow can't develop ties with Kabul until Taliban taken off terrorist list — diplomat

Maria Zakharova also mentioned a draft law that was submitted to the Russian Parliament’s lower house, that cancels previous bans on terrorist organizations

Kiev failed to inform Ottawa Convention signatories about its plans to violate it

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Explosives kit, drone found in abandoned building on Energodar’s outskirts

The city administration did not rule out the possibility that the items in the stash were intended for use in a provocation at the power plant and other critical infrastructure

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Unidentified UAVs continue to appear over US Air Force bases in UK — newspaper

On Tuesday, about 60 British military experts were stationed at US airbases across the UK to operate a counter-UAV system to operate a counter-UAV system designed to detect, track and destroy them

Russian military repels Ukrainian attack, destroys two targets over Sevastopol waters

According to Mikhail Razvozhayev, all services are on high alert

Trump’s adviser ponders on idea of ceasefire in Ukraine — CNN

According to the report, the future administration’s strategy on Ukraine is still in the works

Russia’s nuclear potential is powerful 'security blanket,' US admits — top researcher

Mikhail Kovalchuk noted that Russia should continue strengthening this potential

Russia to take proportionate steps, if US missiles appear in Japan — MFA

"Tokyo can get a clear idea what these steps will be like by studying Russia’s updated principles of nuclear deterrence policy," Maria Zakharova stressed

FACTBOX: Overview of Ukraine's ATACMS strikes on Kursk Region

The Ukrainian armed forces have delivered two strikes using Western-made long-range missiles on sites in the Kursk Region over the past three days

Russia’s UN mission expects US presidency in UN Security Council to be difficult

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Former MI6 chief says Europe at war with Russia

Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, has referred to it as a pre-war situation, former head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service MI6 Richard Dearlove said

Germany orders closure of Russia’s Channel One bureau in Berlin

According to Ivan Blagoy, his bureau received the corresponding documents, a 10-page report that substantiates the move, citing EU sanctions, from the German authorities on Tuesday

Russian troops liberate Novaya Ilyinka community in Donbass region over past day

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Iran challenges US, UK, France military capabilities, IRGC general says

"The entire military potential of the US, UK, and France was mobilized to prevent Iran's operation, but the IRGC completed its mission," Ali Fadavi said

Russia developing echeloned system for air and missile defense — expert

Alexander Stepanov pointed out that "this also applies to intermediate-range high-precision systems such as the Tomahawk and other weapons that NATO countries may provide to Ukraine"

Pakistan expects to become BRICS partner soon — parliament speaker

Commenting on whether Pakistan is likely to join the list of BRICS partner countries, Ayaz Sadiq said that this was possible

Trump’s team, Biden administration sign memorandum of understanding

This engagement allows to begin critical preparations for transition of power

Senators support Putin's decision to launch Oreshnik missile — speaker

Valentina Matviyenko noted that the Federation Council is willing to further support actions aimed at protecting Russia

Russia to thwart any missile attacks on its territory — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that "what is happening now crosses all red lines," referring to American ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles attacks on Russia

Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia committed to peace — adviser

In a post on the X social network, Waltz congratulated 80-year-old Kellogg on the appointment

Putin arrives in Astana for state visit

Throughout the day, the leaders are to work together, holding private talks as well as discussions with delegations

US cutting aid to become death sentence for Ukraine — Russia’s mission to UN

According to Dmitry Polyansky, the Kiev authorities "have stolen so much in these almost three years that even many Western experts' hair stands on end"

Ukraine loses more than 250 servicemen in Kursk area over day — top brass

The Russian armed forces continue to defeat the Ukrainian formations on the territory of the Kursk Region, the Defense Ministry added

Giving Ukraine regular nuclear weapons 'technically impossible,' analyst says

According to Boyan Chukov, some Western politicians don’t take seriously these warnings from Russia about a proportionate response

Kremlin spokesman notes Europe’s obvious clampdown on Russian journalists

The statement came in response to the German government’s decision to shut down the German bureau of Russia’s Channel One

One in three relocated individuals return to Russia from Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the Kiev regime itself brands these figures as "terrible"

Bank of Russia halts foreign currency purchases from November 28 until year end

At the same time, the Bank of Russia will continue to conduct foreign currency sales operations on the domestic currency market in accordance with the previously announced procedure

Kiev 'experimented' with using NATO troops in Kursk hostilities — official

Igor Kimakovsky added that the addition of foreign troops didn't help the armed forces of Ukraine because of effective measures taken by Russian intelligence and Aerospace Defense Forces

Annual inflation in Russia gearing up to 8.78% over week — Economy Ministry

According to the statement, consumer inflation stood at 0.36% over the week from November 19 to 25

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Conflict in Middle East continues because of US’ interest in it – Medvedev

Medvedev, the situation in the region, related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, is very difficult

Slovak PM accepts Putin's invitation to attend Victory Day festivities in Moscow next year

Robert Fico pointed out that "the Red Army and the peoples of the former Soviet Union made the greatest contribution to the defeat of fascism and the victory in World War II"

Potential handover of nuclear arms by US to Kiev ‘act of treason’ — US congresswoman

Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that the Biden administration is "trying to start a nuclear war and use it as the reason to stop the transfer of power to Donald Trump"

NATO disregards all etiquette in discussing possible preemptive strikes on Russia — Lavrov

NATO Military Committee Chairman Rob Bauer earlier called for producing more weapons for precision strikes inside Russia in case a conflict broke out

Russia ready to talk prisoner exchanges with Ukraine, has 630 POWs for trade — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, these servicemen were included in the list of 935 POWs that the Russian Defense Ministry proposed for exchange earlier, but Kiev refused to do any deals

Ukraine requests to buy weapons from South Korea — TV

The South Korean government had "no enthusiasm" about the proposal, the report says

US no longer objects to use of S-400 air defense systems by Turkey, Defense Minister says

According to the Pentagon, these missile air defense systems could help revealing certain specifications of jet fighters and thus negatively affect their combat capabilities

Three countries express interest in BrahMos missiles

"Talks are being held with Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates," Alexander Maksichev revealed

Work continues on placing the Sarmat missile complex on combat duty — commander

Currently, the Russian Strategic Missile Forces already have over 88% of modern missile hardware in their operational inventory

Putin to participate in CSTO summit, hold a press conference

During the event, Kyrgyzstan will formally assume the rotating CSTO presidency for 2025