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EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT

Damage from Beirut explosion may amount to $15bln

Half of Beirut is either partially or completely destroyed, the governor said

MOSCOW, August 5. /TASS/. The massive explosion in Beirut might cost up to $15 billion worth in damage, Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said in a televised interview with Al-Hadath channel on Wednesday.

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Lebanese authorities deny rumors about Israel’s possible role in Beirut blast

"The damage caused by the blast could be higher than it was announced. It could reach up to $15 billion," Abboud said adding that "half of Beirut is either partially or completely destroyed."

He pointed out that the capital "has some grain stocks, so the authorities are planning to cope with the food crisis without external interference."

On Tuesday, a powerful blast ripped through Beirut’s port located near the Lebanese naval base and generated a shockwave that either destroyed or damaged dozens of houses and cars and shattered glass throughout the city. According to local authorities, the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which was seized by the customs service back in 2014, caused the explosion. The country is in mourning on Wednesday. A two-week state of emergency is in place in Lebanon’s capital, which was declared a disaster-stricken city.

At least 4 people killed, 15 wounded in Israeli army attacks on Gaza — TV

Al Jazeera specifies that children were among the victims as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the western neighborhoods of the Palestinian enclave

Russia's hydro potential allows to build 250 GW of hydroelectric power stations — minister

Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev emphasized that Russia will use this potential in stages

Canada to send to Kiev more than 80,000 rocket engines, warheads, small arms

This batch is already being prepared for shipment to Ukraine via Poland

Putin didn’t pass along new information about potential unrest, Kremlin spokesman says

"We continue to have regular communication at various levels, including in very, very sensitive areas," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukraine’s 80th Brigade mopped up Kursk Region villages — captured solder says

Oleg Ivanenko surrendered to the Akhmat special forces on August 16

Russian swimmer Shabalina win complete set of Paralympic medals in Paris

The Russian came first in the women's 100m backstroke S14 final

Press review: Mongolia shoves Putin's arrest warrant and big deals abound at EEF

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 4th

Iran has long been asking for gas supplies from Russia, this is a feasible project — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Gazprom will restore gas supply volumes both through new markets and to the domestic market due to the growth of the Russian economy

Japan loses Russian car market for long — Russian Foreign Ministry

Tokyo did itself a disservice in attempts to isolate Russia, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted

Kiev seeks lifting of restrictions on strikes on Russia amid dire battlefield situation

However, according to Maria Zakharova, this will turn out to be "a plan of trouble" for Kiev rather than "a plan of victory"

Turkey's entry into BRICS will encourage other countries to join association — expert

It is reported that Turkey's corresponding decision stems from its intention to enhance its status in the changing geopolitical order amid the world’s irreversible drift to multipolarity

Putin to cast his ballot in election to Moscow’s parliament 'very soon' — spokesman

When asked if it was known when Putin would vote, Dmitry Peskov said, "It is known"

Kiev reiterates hopes for Moscow’s attendance of second peace conference

"It is very difficult to end this war diplomatically without the Russian side," Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said

Ukrainian ambassador’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine 'affronts' Asian peoples — Chinese daily

The newspaper also recommended Sergey Korsunsky not to forget about China's peacekeeping efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict

Passenger left note about bomb onboard Indian plane landed in Turkey in plane’s restroom

No attempt to identify the man that left the note has been made so far, it will be done later, Governor of the Turkish province of Erzurum said

Syrsky to be fired over fallout from attack on Kursk Region, says Ukrainian politician

Ukraine’s former Interior Minister Yury Lutsenko said that the best Ukrainian units and equipment had been deployed to the Kursk Region

Azerbaijan, Armenia agree on 80% of peace treaty’s wording — President Aliyev

"We are actively continuing negotiations, with almost 80% of the peace treaty paragraphs having been approved," the president noted

Twelve explosives destroyed in Russia’s Kursk Region over past day

"Region bomb disposal specialists of the Emergencies Ministry have eliminated 326 explosives," the press service said

Rosatom CEO describes consultations with IAEA as successful

Key topics on the consultations’ agenda included the safety and security of the Zaporozhye and Kursk Nuclear Power Plants

Saturn to appear extra large, bright in night sky on September 8

The opposition of planets is a configuration which puts their centers on a common line

Ukrainian troops flee blindly during liberation of DPR's Prechistovka — top brass

It also released a video showing Ukrainian servicemen fleeing en masse towards Zolotaya Niva and Shakhterskoye, leaving their wounded comrades on the battlefield

French war correspondent says country had hand in planning attack on Kursk

It is reported that France strategically calls its military specialists in Ukraine mercenaries to avoid responsibility

Another 400,000 people flee Ukraine in 2024

The report also pointed out that 60% of Ukrainian employers complained about the shortage of staff at their enterprises

Belarus won’t be drawn into military confrontation with Ukraine, Russian senator believes

According to Konstantin Kosachev, Russian-Belarusian cooperation is the most important element for preventing "this situation from developing in some unpredictable and uncontrollable direction"

Putin calls West's policy to ban Russia from dollar settlements ‘stupid’

The head of state noted that in this situation, Russia and its friendly countries are switching to national currencies in their mutual settlements

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace 14 times in past day

Two pairs of the coalition’s F-15 fighter jets (two times), a pair of F/A-18 fighter jets, as well as a pair of A-10 Thunderbolt attack bombers (two times) violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area

Russia to allocate $1.9 bln for purchases of currency, gold from September 6 to October 4

Daily volume of purchase of foreign currency and gold will equal 8.2 bln rubles

UK to extend training program for Ukrainian soldiers in 2025

Defense Secretary John Healey said that since early 2022, as many as 45,000 Ukrainian personnel have been trained under Operation Interflex, which provided them with "the vital skills they need to defend their nation"

Lavrov dismisses claims that payment problems intended to push Russia to accept peace

"This was said by those who want Russia to accept the ultimatum-like ‘Zelensky formula.’ This is just not serious," the top Russian diplomat said

Ukraine’s troops cling to outskirts of Krasnogorovka, sustain daily losses — DPR head

Denis Pushilin said Russian soldiers were very resourceful in selecting methods and tactics of liberating the city, as well as rescuing the local population

Chernobyl would pale in comparison to strike on Kursk NPP — Rosatom chief

On August 8, fragments of downed Ukrainian projectiles were discovered on the premises of the Kursk NPP

Trump puzzled by Putin’s ironic comment about supporting Harris

Puyin said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Voter turnout at gubernatorial election in Kursk Region nears 47%

As many as 55,040 people took part in the voting online

Russia to continue efforts to promote Gaza settlement — foreign ministry

"The Russian side reiterated its readiness to continue political and diplomatic efforts to stop bloodshed as soon as possible," Mikhail Bogdanov said

Russia plans to create 90 nm lithography machine — minister

The first commercial specimen of the lithographic printer operating on the 350 nm topology already appeared this year

Medvedev touts Russia as global leader in drone warfare thanks to special op

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman pointed out that no one could have imagined that drone usage would become so widespread before the special military operation

Bulgarian party suggests country leave EU, join BRICS — media

Revival also insists on delaying Bulgaria’s eurozone membership until at least 2043 and calls for a referendum on the issue

Russian units expand offensive bridgehead in DPR over week

According to the report, the Russian forces liberated several residential areas in the region

IAEA chief says nuclear power plants cannot be legitimate target in armed conflict

On August 27, Rafael Grossi visited the town of Kurchatov to inspect the Kursk NPP. During the visit, he saw traces of drone attacks on the plant and the debris of the drones

Kremlin spokesman denies Russia meddles in US elections

"This is not the first time that Russia has been blamed for interfering into America’s elections," Dmitry Peskov told

Putin says Russia 'backs' Harris post-Biden exit

The Russian president joked that Harris’ "laughter is so expressive and contagious," that you can assume "she’s doing well"

Ukrainian forces daily send troops to Kursk area, suffering losses — commander

In particular, three Baba Yaga drones and three mortars were destroyed during the day

Durov declines Russian, Emirati diplomatic assistance — Politico

"The person concerned refused Russian consular protection and an Emirati consular visit but agreed that the Emirati embassy be kept up to date on his situation," the official said

Japanese citizen detained in Belarus charged with agent activity

"The accused is being kept in the KGB’s pretrial facility, actively cooperating with investigators and giving them a detailed account of his unlawful actions," State Security Committee Konstantin Bychek said

China takes no interest in US election, has no plans to interfere — embassy

"China firmly opposes the rhetoric of ‘China's interference in the US election," Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said

US charges political scientist Simes, his wife with violating American sanctions

According to the statement, the two suspects sought to "launder funds obtained from that scheme"

US allocates new $250 million military aid package to Ukraine — Pentagon

According to the statement, the package includes RIM-7 missiles and air defense support, ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, artillery shells of 155 mm and 105 mm caliber, Stinger MANPADS, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems

Russia’s drone industry needs to crush enemy Ukraine — expert

"This year, the main goal of the Dronnitsa meeting is to search for ways to achieve systemic superiority over the enemy and create a consistent industry that will outstrip this enemy both in terms of quality and quantity," Alexander Lyubimov said

Zelensky complains that current fleet of F-16s not enough

On August 4, the Ukrainian leader confirmed that Kiev had received the first F-16s from its Western allies

Another Ukrainian projectile destroyed over Kursk Region

Earlier in the day, Governor Alexey Smirnov reported that two Ukrainian projectiles had been shot down over the Kursk Region

Teenager killed in shooting at Maryland school

According to the police, the shooter was apprehended

Ukraine may receive about 2 million FPV-drones by year-end — expert

"According to open sources, in 2023, about 40 billion rubles was allocated to finance the Ukrainian project Drone Army," a representative of the Center for Unmanned Competences said

Fish catch in Russia in 2024 may reach around 5 mln tons

According to Head of Russia’s Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov, since the beginning of 2024, about 3.5 mln tons of fish and seafood have already been caught, which is 8% lower than the figure for the same period last year

Focus on Africa and the Middle East: what weapons Russia offers in Egypt

The Egypt International Airshow 2024 is taking place for the first time on September 3-5. Russia is represented by a joint exposition organized by Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec State Corporation). What samples of weapons and military equipment are on offer from Russian manufacturers to foreign customers, how Russia's military-technical cooperation with other countries is developing and more in this TASS factsheet

EU officials focus on serving US energy interests, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova noted that the EU distorted facts and spread direct disinformation to portray Russia as an unreliable energy supplier

Miners’ power consumption in Russia above 2.5 GW — Bitriver

"Gray miners make connections to public utility networks using tariffs for households, which are not designed for the consumption profile characteristic for mining," the statement reads

Iran’s mission to UN denies country supplies weapons to sides of conflict in Ukraine

The statement followed a report by the Wall Street Journal that alleged, citing unnamed US and European officials, that Iran supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia

BRICS summit in Kazan to bring together leaders of important, powerful countries — Vucic

Vucic specified that during his conversation with Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko, they touched upon economic cooperation issues, including "the construction of the Russian Railways’ dispatch center

Ukraine looking at letting foreigners serve in military intelligence, become army officers

In January 2023, Ukraine adopted a law legalizing the status of foreigners who join National Guard units

Kremlin says Taiwanese statements about China's claims against Russia 'hardly serious'

The Russian-Chinese border is one of the most stable in the world

White House irked by Putin’s ironic comment about US elections

Earlier the Russian leader said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

China interested in cooperation with Russian technology companies

"China also has its own experience in creating technology parks built with private investment," lawmaker Alexey Govyrin said, adding that "this experience is also very useful" for Russia

Conflict in Ukraine to be settled through talks — Pentagon chief

"We are going continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position" for peace talks, Lloyd Austin pledged

Russia effectively fighting foreign military instructors in Ukraine — Kremlin

"Foreign countries are definitely involved in the conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukrainian mass resignations speak of Kiev's transition to full dictatorship — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that many deputies, even from the President's Servant of the People party, are no longer willing to follow the instructions of the President's Office

Russia already won special military op — army official

"Our next task is to do everything possible to ensure that we remain a united family ready for future challenges," Apty Alaudinov said

Slovak PM warns of assassination threats against country's politicians

Increased security measures have been taken in Handlova due to Robert Fico's arrival

Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Ukraine pulling fresh forces to Kursk area — Russian officer

According to the commander of the Akhmat special forces commando unit Apty Alaudinov, there were no large-scale attacks on Wednesday

Telegram founder may be forced to hand over encryption keys to France — Medvedev

The politician thinks that the French authorities will have to release Pavel Durov sooner or later in order not to tarnish their reputation due to the general negative reaction to his detention

Starliner undocks from ISS, returns to Earth without crew

The undocking occurred at 6:04 p.m. US East Coast time on Friday

US seeking to 'sterilize' national information space from dissent — Russian diplomat

These actions create a media background for implementing corresponding campaign decisions, Maria Zakharova said

In case of supplies of long-range weapons to Kiev buffer zone may reach Poland — Medvedev

"Obviously, we need to create a buffer zone for the future to ensure that nothing flies in," the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council said

Lavrov says his only meeting with Kuleba lacked constructiveness

The minister noted making an exception while visiting Antalya - there were no plans to participate in this diplomatic conference, because it did not fit into the schedule

Oil market still underestimates OPEC+ actions and geopolitical risks — experts

Finam analyst Nikolay Dudchenko noted that yesterday’s OPEC+ decision demonstrates the cartel’s readiness to continue controlling the situation on the oil market

Response to mpox requires $290 mln over six months — WHO

"The strategy, plan and resource requirement will be reviewed and adjusted quarterly," the organization said

Ukraine runs out of money to pay its military — Rada committee

Roksolana Pidlasa clarified that the difficulties regarding the payments arose as the US did not provide military assistance to Kiev in the first quarter of 2024 due to delays in the approval of the relevant bill in Congress

Iranian President plans to attend BRICS Summit in Kazan — Ambassador

There Masoud Pezeshkian plans to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Kazem Jalali said

Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses near Kleshcheyevka in DPR — source

It is retorted that the Ukrainian forces had suffered heavy losses on this section of the frontline

Russia says its Grad MLRS destroys Ukrainian positions near border in Kursk Region

The ministry said that, in cooperation with forward reconnaissance teams and unmanned aircraft, Grad crews strike enemy locations, strongholds and observation posts

Press review: Big bucks flow at EEF and Macron's PM pick has left talking impeachment

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 6th

Scholz wants to know who is behind Nord Stream blasts — government spokesman

According to Steffen Hebestreit, the topic of the Nord Steams act of sabotage is still on the agenda, including in contacts with Kiev

West, Kiev dropped Istanbul deal for sake of 'defeating' Russia, but to no avail — Putin

It is stressed that Boris Johnson instructed the Ukrainians to fight to the last Ukrainian

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, the Russian military repelled two attacks by enemy assault groups towards Matveyevka and Olgovka, and foiled Ukrainian attempts to attack three settlements

Former French officer involved in planning attack on Russia’s Kursk Region

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, the objective of the regiment where the officer was serving was to carry out sabotage operations deep in the enemy’s rear

Putin slams Germany's refusal to turn on Nord Stream 2 as lunacy, nonsense

If Nord Stream 2 is brought back online, 27.5 bln cubic meters of gas would immediately go to Europe, the Russian leader stressed

Russian forces use drones in road mining to wipe out enemy vehicles — businessman

According to Alexey Chadayev, the new method has an advantage in that a mining device can be produced directly at the site of combat

Russia’s top diplomat notes Turkey’s serious intentions to join BRICS

At BRICS, there are no rules forbidding members of certain organizations from having ties with the grouping, Sergey Lavrov emphasized

Striking Ukrainian reserves: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Ukrainian military lost up to 370 servicemen and 17 armored vehicles

IAEA intends to increase cooperation with Russia

"I hope everybody understands the work of the IAEA, the technical basis of what we do, and our un-relentless compromise with nuclear safety," Director General Rafael Grossi stressed

Kiev fails to get anything done during month-long foray into Kursk Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov pointed out that Ukraine was losing dozens of hardware units and hundreds of militants on a daily basis, which could have stabilized the positions of Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk and Zaporozhye areas where Russian forces are advancing

35 radicals eliminated, 45 detained by Israeli military in West Bank over past week

Dozens of weapons and explosive devices were seized and three laboratories manufacturing explosives were wiped out, the IDF said

Political stability in Russia is of particular importance today, says President Putin

"The Single Voting Day is held across Russia on September 8," the head of state said

Russia’s neutral athletes invited to attend 2024 Paralympics closing ceremony — RPC chief

"Not everyone will be in attendance at the closing ceremony, because on the following day our athletes are scheduled to take a lengthy flight to Russia with a stop in [Turkey’s] Istanbul," Pavel Rozhkov said

Rosatom wants IAEA to say out loud who is behind Kursk, Zaporozhye NPPs attacks

CEO Alexey Likhachev assured that Russia will constantly and meticulously present the facts and argue with objective events all the risks to the Zaporozhye and Kursk nuclear power plants

Top Hungarian diplomat condemns idea of using Western weapons deep inside Russia

According to the statement, Peter Szijjarto "reiterated Hungary’s commitment to diplomacy over arms, emphasizing that Hungary remains the only EU and NATO member that has not and will not supply weapons to Ukraine"

US intelligence doesn’t see attempts of foreign interference in American 2024 election

Representative of the office alleged that foreign countries including Russia, China and Iran seek to influence the outcome of the election

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian training center with NATO instructors in Poltava

Vladimir Saldo stressed that the military bloc is providing both financial and administrative support for the operation of such centers

Russian forces advance in some areas in Kursk direction, senior commander says

According to Apty Alaudinov, while there has been "heavy fighting since this morning," Russian forces "have been gradually eliminating the enemy, driving them out, while pressing forward"

Kremlin won’t help US 'decipher' Putin's remarks on Harris

Dmitry Peskov noted that unfortunately the issue of Russia is an integral part of the political struggle in the United States