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Coronavirus pandemic

Over 253,000 coronavirus cases recorded worldwide in 24 hours

The global death toll passed 662,000

© Sergei Bobylyov/TASS

GENEVA, July 31. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 253,793 to 16,812,755 in the past day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The global death toll passed 662,000.

As of 11:00 am on July 29, there were 16,558,289 confirmed cases worldwide and 656,093 fatalities.

The WHO statistics is based on official information provided by governments.

The Americas account for the majority of cases (8,980,181). As many as 139,657 new cases were recorded in the region in 24 hours, and the death toll rose by 3,919 to 346,554. A total of 3,307,388 cases and 212,079 deaths have so far been confirmed in Europe.

Southeast Asia is the third hardest-hit region, where the number of infections has reached 1,949,850 and 43,117 fatalities have been confirmed.

The United States has the highest number of cases in the world (4,323,160), followed by Brazil (2,483,191), India (1,583,792), Russia (834,499), South Africa (471,123), Mexico (402,697), Peru (395,005), Chile (351,575), the United Kingdom (301,459) and Iran (298,909).

Middle East conflict

Houthis say they shot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen

According to the group’s military spokesman Yahya Saree, the rebels have destroyed 13 such US drones since the escalation began in the Middle East

Kremlin points to a wide range of countries to host negotiations on Ukrainian conflict

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow respects the peacekeeping efforts of various countries

Ukraine receives first 100 mcb of LNG from United States

It was noted that this delivery was aimed at ensuring Ukraine's energy security and took place several days before the end of Russian gas transit through the country's territory

Russian security official says Poland gave Ukraine unusable helicopters

It is reported that corrupt Ukrainian officials will probably get their kickback from Poland, in another move that helps Ukraine’s downfall

Over 340 military officials’ cars set on fire in Ukraine over year

According to the report, the majority of these crimes occurred between Spring and Summer this year

Russia says battlegroups North, Dnepr cause Ukraine to lose up to 160 troops over past day

"Units of the battlegroup North struck manpower and equipment of Ukraine’s mechanized and motorized infantry brigades, a territorial defense brigade and formations of foreign mercenaries near Volchansk, Liptsy, Slatino and Neskuchnoye in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said

Putin approves possibility of suspending ban on organization listed terrorist

The suspension is possible if there is verified evidence that the organization, following its inclusion in the list of terrorist organizations, has ceased carrying out activities aimed at the propaganda, justification, and support of terrorism or committing relevant crimes described in the Criminal Code

Yemen’s Houthis claim strikes on Israeli Nevatim airbase

The missile successfully hit its target, the organization’s military spokesperson Yahya Saree said

Georgian PM sees US sanctions on party founder as reward for protecting national interests

"This is just a reward for the defense of our country's national interests," Irakli Kobakhidze said

Russia substantially expands blacklist of EU officials in response to sanctions — MFA

"Any unfriendly actions on the part of the European Union will continue to be met with a timely and proportionate response," the ministry warned

Russian Guardsmen destroy Ukrainian UAV team in Chernigov Region

The Guard’s press office said that images transmitted live from a drone confirmed the destruction of the enemy team

Russian Railways tests robodogs for work on dangerous railway sections

The iron dogs are equipped with cameras and lidars that automatically transmit data to the operator's computer

Ukraine’s army reports forced retreat to ‘last defensive line’ in Donbass area

Ukraine’s General Staff admitted earlier that the frontline situation remained tense for the Ukrainian army

External forces to prevent Syria’s collapse — expert

Israel "does not need this territory, as the Israelis have already taken the Golan Heights," Vitaly Naumkin said

Almost 37,000 tons of contaminated soil removed from Black Sea beaches

"Almost 8,000 people were employed in this work today," according to a statement by the region’s crisis center

Russia persuades most states it is essential to address causes of Ukrainian crisis — MFA

"This position was conveyed to the leadership of a number of NATO and EU countries, including Austria, Hungary, Malta, Slovakia, the United States, Turkey, and Germany, as well as the Vatican and Switzerland in direct contacts with them at the highest and highest levels," the commentary says

Scholz could make unexpected steps in relations with Russia amid German crisis — analyst

According to the analyst, Scholz's recent phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin came out of left field for the German political community

Russia sees elimination of threats in Ukraine as critical condition for fighting extremism

According to the strategy, the widespread occurrence of neo-Nazi ideas and the increasing strength of radical nationalist armed formations in such countries as Ukraine create "most serious extremist threats"

IN BRIEF: Putin talks to reporters about Oreshnik missile, natural gas transit

The president noted that the most important thing in the coming year is "the well-being of the Russian people, standard of living, stability"

Foreign powers seek to provoke mass riots in Syria — source

On December 27, security forces formed by the new Syrian government blocked districts of the city of Tartus, where Alawites organized riots

Putin apologizes for AZAL airliner incident in Russia’s airspace — Kremlin

The Russian leader conveyed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the plane crash victims

Russia to convene UNSC meeting in January to discuss Ukraine’s crimes against civilians

The report on Ukrainian atrocities in Selidovo will be presented

Roscosmos achieved significant progress in several major projects in 2024 — CEO

Yury Borisov announced that throughout next year, Roscosmos will continue working on the development of projects such as creating multi-satellite clusters, new launch vehicles, and Russia’s future orbital station

Ukraine's national debt reaches record $159.74 bln

In October, the national debt was $155.37 bln, which was also a record

Norwegians who refused to rescue sailors from Ursa Major acted like non-humans — senator

Konstantin Kosachev noted that the West was in the habit of discussing values, but the true Western values are not about legalizing same-sex marriage or overthrowing unwanted regimes or supporting Ukraine

Zelensky defines essence of next summit on Ukraine in four-letter explicit word — Lavrov

The first Kiev-initiated conference on Ukraine was held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on June 15-16

Plane that crashed in Kazakhstan suffered damage outside of country — deputy PM

It is reported that the law enforcement agencies of Kazakhstan will conduct ballistic and explosive ordnance examinations

Biden administration to send $1.25 bln in military assistance to Kiev — AP

The new package of aid to Kiev includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system, the agency said

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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

Houthis report attacking Santa Ursula vessel in Arabian Sea

The container ship Santa Ursula, sailing under the flag of Denmark, is bound from Spain’s Algerciras to the Omani port of Salalah, Marine Traffic data showed

Fall conscription concluded with 133,000 individuals drafted — Russian Defense Ministry

As in previous conscription campaigns, conscripts had the right to choose service branches based on their health status and the results of psychological testing

Kiev loses nearly 400,000 soldiers on Lugansk’s frontline in 2024

Andrey Marochko noted that over the year the Russian army did not just manage to withstand the onslaught of the Ukrainian armed forces and mercenaries, but also "successfully advanced" deep into the enemy’s defense

Finnish president says situation 'under control' after cables damage in Baltic Sea

According to Alexander Stubb, the cables were "significantly damaged"

Kiev loses nearly 32,000 troops at Lugansk region borders in December —military expert

In December, Russian forces also destroyed 48 Ukrainian tanks, 2 Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 multiple rocket launchers, 31 electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations, 49 field ammunition depots, 317 field artillery guns and more than 700 enemy combat vehicles, Andrey Marochko specified

Slovakia ready to host peace talks on Ukraine — Prime Minister

Robert Fico noted that Bratislava would be ready and hospitable

Airstrikes on Yemen’s capital target airport, Houthi military sites — source

Powerful explosions are going off in the city, a Houthi source told TASS

NATO to boost military presence in Baltic Sea following cable incidents — Rutte

Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas attributed responsibility for the Baltic Sea incidents to the tanker fleet transporting Russian oil, even before the investigation concluded

Decision-making centers in Kiev may be targets of Russia’s strikes, says Lavrov

Moscow selects targets for strikes on the territory of Ukraine, proceeding solely from threats to Russia, the foreign minister stressed

Kazan airport in Russia’s Tatarstan suspends service — regulator

"The air harbor is temporarily not accepting or sending flights," the statement reads

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

US, UK special services plotting terror attacks on Russia’s bases in Syria — intel agency

"Washington and London presume that in such conditions they will be able to achieve more quickly their geopolitical goal of ensuring their long-term dominance in the region on the basis of a repulsive concept of the rules-based order," the statement reads

Ukraine loses over 250 servicemen over past day in Kursk Region, another surrenders as POW

Russia's army continues to defeat Ukrainian formations in the Kursk Region

Kazakh president warns against misinformation, provocations about plane crash near Aktau

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the General Prosecutor's Office and the government commission to conduct an impartial investigation of the plane crash near Aktau

Press review: Middle East may host Putin-Trump talks as experts probe Kazakhstan crash

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 26th

Taiwan records approach of seven Chinese PLA warplanes, five vessels

According to the statement, one of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ air defense identification zone

Russian, Azerbaijani presidents discuss details of passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan

According to the latest updates, 38 people, including seven Russians, lost their lives, while 29 others survived

Politics discussed on board of ISS, but unlike on Earth crew members mingle — cosmonaut

According to Oleg Kononenko, there was no forbidden issues for the crew on board of the ISS

Azerbaijan Airlines states its passenger jet crashed due to external mechanical damage

Azerbaijan Airlines earlier announced the suspension of flights to several Russian cities

US believes Ukrainian forces to be pushed out of Kursk Region in few months — Bloomberg

According to the report, Ukraine lacks personnel and Kiev has no confidence in further provision of military aid by the West

Project 885M latest nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk joins Russian Navy

During the ceremony, the Russian Navy chief handed in the St. Andrew’s naval flag to the submarine commander, Captain First Rank Alexander Gladkov

Oreshnik missile systems still few, but they are enough — Putin

According to the head of state, the system's serial production has begun

Train service resumes in Voronezh Region after attack by Ukrainian drones

Governor Alexander Gusev said earlier that the UAV wreckage had broken down the railway catenary system in one of the districts of the Voronezh Region, with trains delayed until elimination of the consequences

Russian fighters advance in Volchansk in Kharkov Region, force Volchya River — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Russian servicemen "start preparing the way for further advancement southwest of this locality"

Russia says it carried out 38 strikes with high-precision weapons over past week

Russia’s Battlegroup West has repelled 25 Ukrainian counterattacks over the past week, wiping out over 3,080 enemy servicemen and destroying a German-made Leopard tank

NATO considers use of ATACMS missiles in Ukraine reckless, indiscriminate — NYT

The newspaper notes that, since Ukraine received an authorization from the UK and the US, Kiev carried out at least six missile strikes, using 31 ATACMS and 14 Storm Shadow missiles

US may face bankruptcy if situation with national debt does not change — Musk

The US national debt for the first time climbed above $36 trillion on November 15

New Syrian authorities do not intend to annul agreements on Russian military bases

On December 9, a TASS source said that Russia has commenced the negotiations with the new Syrian authorities on the continued presence of its military bases

Scholz polling increasingly worse as German chancellor candidate — Bild

For comparison, ahead of the 2021 election, the CDU/CSU bloc enjoyed the support of 27% voters in opinion polls and came ahead of Scholz’s party by just a 9.5% margin

Russia practically eliminates remnants of Ukraine’s Air Force — source

The source said that attempts to recruit more pilots in Poland and other Eastern European countries were not particularly successful

CIA station in Kiev targeted in recent Russian attack, military expert reveals

According to Alexander Stepanov, strikes are systematic efforts to gradually wipe out the military capabilities of Ukraine

Investigative Committee opens case against US mercenary who invaded Kursk Region

In August 2024, armed with automatic firearms, large-caliber weapons, explosive devices, and military equipment, Ryan O'Leary illegally crossed Russia's state border

Europe must be punished, US ignored after hybrid war between West, Russia — Medvedev

According to the politician, Europe "became the primary stronghold of Russophobia globally," undermined the Istanbul agreements, initiated the sanctions campaign, and fueled the most extreme war factions without considering the losses suffered by both sides of the conflict

Russia withdraws from agreement on multilateral nuclear environmental program

The agreement also involved Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, as well as EURATOM and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Number of homeless people in US up to record 770,000

The surge in homelessness came amid a shortage of affordable housing, inflation, as well as a stagnating salary growth, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development said

CENIPA experts arrive in Aktau to investigate plane crash

"The investigation commission held a meeting at its headquarters, where joint tasks at the aircraft incident site were established," the statement reads

WHO head says he escaped death narrowly as Israeli missile hit Yemen

"It’s a matter of luck, otherwise, if the missile deviated just slightly, it could have been on our head," Tedros Ghebreyesus told the British radio station

Fighting erupts on border between Afghanistan, Pakistan — report

According to sources, light and heavy weapons were employed in the skirmishes

Osamu Suzuki, who headed Japanese carmaker for 40 years, dies at 94

Osamu Suzuki joined the company in 1958, when he married the daughter of one of its founders and took her last name

Scholz says he would like to hold phone talks with Putin again

The German chancellor emphasized that he didn’t plan to "send German servicemen to this war"

German president dissolves parliament, schedules early elections for February 23

Frank-Walter Steinmeier also said that he had consulted with the leaders of all the parties represented in the Bundestag before making the decision and concluded that neither the current nor the new government, in any composition, would win a majority in the current parliament

Press review: Putin discusses EU gas supplies and Russia open to Ukraine talks with Trump

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 27th

Ukraine opens second front in Africa — envoy

Igor Gromyko noted that in August, Mali's transitional government announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Ukraine

US debt to reach limit in mid-January, authorities to take extraordinary measures — Yellen

The national debt of the US currently stands at around $36.2 trillion

Moldova can go to court over Gazprom's decision to suspend supplies — Prime Minister

Dorin Recean confirmed that his government does not recognize the debt to Gazprom for supplied gas, which representatives of the Russian gas holding estimate at $709 million

Mother of US citizen convicted in Russia plans to contact Trump on her son's case soon

"It was a quick conversation just before the shots rang out, but he [Trump] did tell me that he would remember his name and that he would try to get him out if he was elected," the mother stressed

Russia’s FSB foils assassination attempts on defense officer, military blogger

The plotter allegedly contacted an employee of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate via Telegram messenger

Expert offers to use navy ships to escort tankers after Eagle S incident

Alexander Stepanov believes that NATO intends to lock the Kaliningrad enclave, to lock the Russian trade fleet in Neva estuary and to simultaneously block the Leningrad naval base

Lukashenko pardons 20 people convicted of extremism

The Belarusian president last granted pardon to more than 30 individuals convicted of extremist offenses in November of this year

Turkish transport ministry’s experts to join AZAL plane crash investigation

"Our delegation will be working in coordination with Azerbaijan’s authorities <...> to explore all aspects of the incident within their competence," Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said

Kremlin says no comment on 'highly specialized' issue of Finland’s seizure of oil tanker

On December 25, Reuters reported that Finland’s police and border guards have detained an oil tanker, which flies under the flag of the Cook Islands, suspecting that an anchor of the vessel may have damaged the EstLink 2 cable

German post-conflict presence in Ukraine should be coordinated with Russia — politician

Friedrich Merz did not provide a clear response to a question about security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that "a ceasefire is still a long way off"

Russian forces repulse 25 Ukrainian counterattacks at LPR borders over week

The Ukrainian army also lost 14 tanks, 100 field artillery guns, 16 electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations, 21 ammunition depots and almost 200 various combat vehicles in that frontline area over the past week, Andrey Marochko specified

Russian state arms seller reports record high orders portfolio of over $57 bln in 2024

Rosoboronexport clarified that the priority of the defense industry sector today is to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces

Pentagon mum on F-16 fighter jet downed in Zaporozhye Region

The US Department of Defense "has no statement or information to provide," a department’s spokesperson said

Russian Su-35S jets cover combat aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian troops in Kursk area

It is highlighted that the Su-35S fighters practiced aerial cover in the designated area for sorties by bombers and attack aircraft and army aviation helicopters in delivering air strikes at Ukrainian armor and manpower

Trump's words on Greenland escalate tensions in the Arctic — Russian ambassador to Norway

Nikolay Korchunov pointed out that Greenland and Denmark are not the only Arctic Council members feeling pressure on their sovereignty, and are in a difficult position in light of possible moves by the incoming Trump administration

Spanish coordination center orders Norwegian captain not to take Ursa Major sailors

Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center in Cartagena ordered not to take crew from vessel in distress on board as their rescue boat was on the way to the scene

Russian flag hoisted on nuclear-powered icebreaker Yakutia in St. Petersburg

It is reported that the vessel is equipped with a twin-reactor nuclear power plant RITM-200

No confidence vote, Bundestag's dissolution, early elections: political crisis in Germany

Germany faces an acute crisis after the ruling coalition clashed on budgetary and economic policies, including aid to Kiev and easing the "debt brake" rule

Press review: US, Israel aim to curb Turkey’s gains while Moscow, Tehran strengthen ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 24th

Germany seen defenseless against Russia’s Oreshnik missile system — report

Bild said the German Foreign Ministry commissioned an internal government analysis on defense from ballistic missiles

Parliament impeaches South Korean acting president

The impeachment was supported by 192 delegates with at least 151 votes required

Russian MFA lists nine countries set to become BRICS partners from January 1

It is reported that Brazil’s BRICS chairmanship will announce the countries’ acquisition of the partner status as soon as it receives their confirmation

Transnistria must become part of negotiations on Ukraine — Foreign Minister of Moldova

The authorities of Transnistria call on the Moldovan leadership to intensify the negotiations on all platforms

Russian sailors from Ursa Major freighter departed from Spain to Russia

Earlier, the embassy’s consular department provided them with all necessary papers

Mali's army able to improve military potential owing to Russia — envoy

"We will continue to effectively assist Bamako in stabilizing the internal situation, including addressing the existing socio-economic challenges," Igor Gromyko emphasized

Ukraine’s General Staff admits tense situation along entire frontline

The Ukrainian army reported earlier on Friday that its forces were retreating to the border of the Dnepropetrovsk Region from the Kiev-controlled territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic "to the last defensive line" in that area

Houthis say they shot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen

According to the group’s military spokesman Yahya Saree, the rebels have destroyed 13 such US drones since the escalation began in the Middle East

Putin signs law on increased penalties for armed mutiny

According to the law, a participant in a mutiny may be exempted from criminal punishment if they voluntarily and promptly inform the authorities or otherwise contribute to "preventing further harm to the interests of Russia"

Gazprom to limit gas supplies to Moldova up to zero from January 1 over contract breach

The company notes that the restriction will remain in effect until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz in writing otherwise

No countries interfere in Kazakhstan’s airplane crash probe — deputy prime minister

Kanat Bozumbayev recalled that Kazakhstan had been a member of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation since 1992