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EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT

Death toll from Beirut blast rises to 154

Earlier, 149 casualties and over 5,000 injured had been reported

© Maxim Grigoriev/TASS

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. At least 154 people were killed as a result of the explosion in Beirut’s port, the Sky News Arabia TV channel reported on Friday.

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Russian dog handlers sifting through rubble in Beirut port

Earlier, 149 casualties and over 5,000 injured had been reported.

A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport district on August 4, sending a shockwave that ripped through residential areas of the Lebanese capital. The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars, leaving over 300,000 people homeless. According to local law enforcement, the blast was caused by the detonation at a warehouse during welding of over 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, confiscated by the customs services over six years ago.

Houthis attack two commercial ships, US destroyer — statement

Simultaneously, the Air Force conducted two more military operation using a huge number of drones to target a US destroyer in the Gulf of Aden

Saudi Arabia, UAE did not open airspace to Israel, US to repel Iranian attack — newspaper

According to the report, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi tried to remain neutral in the escalating conflict in the Middle East

Top Russian security official meets with counterparts at international security meeting

Nikolay Patrushev met with the heads of delegations from BRICS states

Russian tourists flock to North Korea — embassy

"Today, under the two countries’ leaders’ special attention, political contacts, exchanges, cooperation in the economic, culture, science and other areas are developing with renewed momentum," Minister Plenipotentiary of the republic's embassy in Russia Lee Yong Zin said

Polyus, Polymetal to explore deposit in Khabarovsk Region

"The final configuration of shares in the joint venture will depend on exploration findings," a spokesman of Polymetal pointed out

Ukrainian army strikes own surrendering soldiers — POW

Andrey Babenko said that after a crash course in Britain he had been sent to the frontline near Liman

Israeli strikes on refugee camp kill four civilians — TV

According to Al Jazeera , the Nuseirat refugee camp’s school area was hit

Russian court arrests in absentia four foreign agents charged with terrorism

"The court has selected a measure of restraint for Garry Kasparov, Gennady Gudkov, Yevgenia Chirikova and Ivan Tyutrin, charged with establishing and heading a terrorist society, funding terrorist activity and justifying it publicly," the court said

Throughput capacity of Baikal-Amur Mainline surging threefold in twelve years

Shipments over the Eastern Range uniting BAM and the Trans-Siberian railroad is to reach 270 mln metric tons per year over the ten-year period, the head of state said

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

Ukraine could send special forces to capture Zaporozhye NPP — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, the Ukrainian troops are holding drills to cross the Dnieper from the right bank to the left bank and capture a large industrial site

Russian Navy’s Bastion missile systems practice massive strike in Baltic drills

The Bastion coastal defense missile system is designated to defend the coastline over 600 km long

Ukraine exhausted, needs constant money flow from outside — defense official

Apty Alaudinov added that if the Ukrainian army received long-range weapons, it might try to attack Russia's civilian infrastructure due to its powerlessness on the front

Kremlin vows to resolve situation with Turkish Airlines refusing service to Russians

Russia has "very constructive and friendly relations" with Turkey, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Houthis attack two commercial ships, US destroyer — statement

Simultaneously, the Air Force conducted two more military operation using a huge number of drones to target a US destroyer in the Gulf of Aden

Switzerland unblocks Russia-related assets worth 290 mln Swiss francs

The total amount of blocked assets of the Russian Federation decreased by 150 million Swiss francs (about $165 million) due to the fact that a number of individuals "were removed from the EU sanctions lists"

Last year’s peace treaty between Russia, Ukraine thwarted by US — Orban

Ever since the Americans joined the action in Ukraine, the Hungarian prime minister said, "the path has been not toward containing or localizing the conflict, but toward expanding and escalating it"

US shifted conflict in Europe onto EU, NATO shoulders to weaken Russia, says Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader specified that the US had organized the conflict in Europe, in this case in Ukraine, and "shifted it onto the shoulders of the European Union and NATO, promising to help with money"

ATACMS shipment proves ‘Zelensky’s formula’ needed in US as ‘smoke and mirrors’ — diplomat

"Washington’s plan is sickeningly simple, as it means dragging everyone under the pretext of ‘peace intentions’ to an empty gathering, while bolstering Zelensky’s terrorist potential," Maria Zakharova said

Putin informed about detention of Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov

Minister Sergey Shoigu was also informed beforehand, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Russian court blocks JPMorgan’s funds in VTB lawsuit

The court also blocked any securities held by JPMorgan’s entities in Russia

Ukrainian troops in Kharkov Region lift antennas with kites to get better signal

Military expert Andrey Marochko speculated that the Ukrainian army had to resort to this tactic because the TV tower in Kharkov was damaged

Russia’s victory in Ukraine to change course of history in Europe — von der Leyen

Ukraine "is carrying a heavy burden" for the benefit of the EU, and therefore EU member states must "provide Ukraine with means to defend themselves," European Commission president said

Central African Republic expects Russia to supply weapons, munitions — defense minister

According to CAR Defense Minister Claude Rameaux Bireau, all necessary documents are ready but there are certain logistical difficulties

Dust from Sahara turns rain in Ukraine yellow

According to the agency, dust from the Sahara will be observed in Ukraine for two more days on April 25 and 26

Radicals, intel services behind terror attacks in various countries, says Putin

The tactics employed by these criminals are becoming increasingly complex and barbaric, the Russian leader pointed out

Ukraine’s draft dodger makes attempt to cross Dniester into Moldova on air mattress

Men of conscription age try to leave the country in every possible way, often putting their lives at risk

Russian children’s commissioner holds first face-to-face talks with Ukrainian counterparts

Maria Lvova-Belova thanked Qatar for setting up a venue for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine regarding children’s interests

Kremlin vows legal action against US bill on seizing Russian assets

Dmitry Peskov noted that the trial will be "very complex," but will cause severe damage to US economic interests if the US authorities finally approve the bill regarding Russian assets

West battlegroup destroys two Ukrainian drones, hit over 170 Ukrainian army’s facilities

The battlegroup’s spokesman Ivan Bigma said that a Gvozdika self-propelled system, nine mortar squads, two Furiya fixed-wing type unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed

US recruiting IS jihadists for terrorist attacks in Russia and CIS, says intel agency

The SVR stressed that the US was planning to send terrorists in small groups

Ukraine says Western systems ineffective against Russia's electronic warfare

Maria Berlinskaya emphasized that the real effectiveness was determined in real combat conditions, and not at "some training ground in Texas"

Ukraine’s EU accession to require 20% increase in union’s budget — European Commissioner

Johannes Hahn made it plain that he does not expect Ukraine to join the EU any time soon, noting that entry before 2028, when the next seven-year budget plan kicks in, is "unrealistic"

Top Swiss diplomat reiterates need for Russia’s involvement in resolving Ukraine issue

However, Ignazio Cassis declined to comment on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent statement that Switzerland had turned from a neutral country "into an openly hostile one"

Top brass posts video of Leopard tanks, Bradley combat vehicles seized by Russian troops

The video shows Russian troops examining the enemy tanks and infantry fighting vehicles seized in battles

North Korean film shown in Moscow to mark anniversary of Putin-Kim meeting

Minister Plenipotentiary of the North Korean Embassy in Russia Lee Yeong Jin emphasized that "today's screening will contribute to further intensifying cultural exchanges, deepening mutual understanding and friendly relations between the peoples of North Korea and Russia"

Press review: NATO flexes muscles near Russian border and South China Sea runs hot

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 24th

UNSC rejects amendment by Russia, China to resolution on nuclear weapons in outer space

The amendment gained seven votes from countries including Russia and China

Russian defense minister dismisses his deputy Ivanov

Timur Ivanov was removed from the office of deputy defense minister of the Russian Federation of the federal government’s civil service

EU may sanction 10 firms for allegedly shipping weapons tech to Russia — Bloomberg

According to the agency, the companies being assessed for potential sanctions are based outside Russia but have links to Russian and Belarussian individuals and firms

US arms supplies unable to change situation in Kiev's favor — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that a year ago the opponents "were telling everyone that they were waiting for the moment Russia would be defeated on the battlefield"

US waging hybrid war against Serbs to snuff them out for good — Republika Srpska head

"Republika Srpska comes under direct pressure and under constant US sanctions; and we are looking for ways to solve this problem," Milorad Dodik said

US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House national security advisers

IN BRIEF: Russian deputy defense minister, entrepreneur arrested for taking bribes

According to the investigation, Timur Ivanov and Sergey Borodin "criminally conspired with third parties" in order to receive a bribe "as providing monetized services when conducting contracted and subcontracted work" for the Defense Ministry

Carlson may be recognized as foreign agent in US, says human rights activist

Alexander Ionov stressed that the law on foreign agents worked differently in the United States than in Russia

Russia plans to win 20% of global hydrogen market by 2030 — official

Russia’s production of low-carbon hydrogen will reach at least 550,000 tons a year by 2030

Russia discourages use of UN sanctions for interference in African affairs — envoy

Vasily Nebenzya underscored that Russia continues to "make an important contribution to strengthening of African countries’ potential, including UN Security Council and General Assembly"

Gagauzia against Chisinau’s policy of severing ties with Russia

According to Yevgenia Gutsul, Gagauzia has never experienced such pressure from Chisinau

Continued threats to Pyongyang to put US, allies in danger, Kim Jong Un’s sister warns

"We will keep building up overwhelming and strong military capacity to protect our sovereignty and security, as well as peace in the region," Kim Yo Jong said

Calls for joint use of nuclear weapons with US dangerous — ICAN

The organization believes that the states that deploy nuclear weapons on their territory are "consenting to be party to mass murder of civilians"

Ukrainian army short about 150,000-200,000 troops, says Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak also said it was "a matter of hours" until Kiev received the weapons allocated by the US as part of its latest military aid package

NATO has no plans to deploy nuclear forces in Poland — Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General did not immediately understand the reporter’s question, forcing the reporter to explain that they were referring to the idea of deploying nuclear weapons in Poland

Russia vetoes US-backed UNSC resolution on banning nuclear weapons in outer space

The resolution gained 13 votes

Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

The US businessman commented on remarks by Gad Saad, a Canadian professor of Lebanese origin, who insisted that "the path that the West is taking will result in civil war"

Russia considers resuming flights with Georgia, senator says

Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin stated that Russia was ready to address the resumption of flights, however he found it challenging to name a specific date for the resumption of air traffic

Russia to retaliate immediately if Kiev gets ATACMS missiles — diplomat

Konstantin Gavrilov also noted that the "manic efforts" of some Western OSCE member countries to isolate Russia "are futile and will backfire on their initiators"

US State Department confirms secret shipments of long-range ATACMS missiles to Kiev

Joe Biden directed to send ATACMS to Ukraine in February, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State Vedant Patel said

Russia reaffirms readiness to support Armenia against foreign aggression — diplomat

Sergey Kopyrkin said that it’s up to Yerevan to decide whether to accept this help

Russian deputy defense minister detained on suspicion of bribe-taking

"Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Vladimirovich Ivanov was detained on suspicion of committing a crime under part 6, article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code," the Russian Investigative Committee said

Russian troops wipe out Ukrainian UAV production workshop over past day

The Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on five Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia tasked with 'building new world' — Putin

Speaking at a plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, the Russian leader also highlighted "the role and responsibility" of its members

Lukashenko says US rues giving rise to Russia-China alliance

"The world has already changed and not the way they dreamed of across the pond," the Belarusian president emphasized

No damage, casualties after drone attack over Russia’s Kursk Region

Roman Starovoit thanked air defense troops and the regional crisis center and cautioned residents against approaching the drone wreckage if found

Russia to submit its own resolution on nuclear weapons in outer space to UNSC

Proposal for a UNSC resolution will take into account the results of the discussion of the US-Japanese document, as well as the progress on this subject, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Russia, Africa united by common vision on global issues — senior diplomat

Mikhail Bogdanov noted that "the African continent is a dynamically developing part of the world with an enormous growth potential, attractive domestic market and expanding export prospects"

Republika Srpska president praises Moscow-Banja Luka relations, favors strengthening them

Milorad Dodik also touched upon the topic of sanctions mentioned by Patrushev earlier

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Nicaragua, Russia sign declaration to counter illegal sanctions — vice president

The document "contains provisions on methods to counter, mitigate and compensate for the negative consequences of this aggression," Rosario Murillo said

Nearly 70 Israeli hostages killed in Gaza, Hamas says

A day earlier, Abu Ubaidah, a spokesman for the Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam military wing, threatened that hostages held in the Gaza Strip could repeat the fate of Israeli pilot Ron Arad, who was kidnapped 36 years ago

Russia presents world’s first hydrogen-fueled luxury car at Innoprom exhibition

The unique vehicle was built on the basis of the Aurus Senat luxury car

US military aid for Kiev cannot stop Russian army’s advance — North Korean diplomat

The US Congress House of Representatives earlier passed bills on military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

Detained deputy defense minister suspected of taking grand bribe of over $10,000

This charges carries a punishment of up to 15 years behind bars

Russian athletes have right to decide on Olympic participation — aide

Russian and Belarusian athletes will be able to compete only under a neutral status, provided that they are not associated with security agencies and do not represent team sports

Press review: Dissecting US aid package to Ukraine and sands of global economy shifting

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 22nd

13 violations by US-led international coalition’s aircraft recorded in Syria

According to Major General Yury Popov, nine violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019

Ukraine turns into testing ground for future world order, says Belarus president

"The largest nuclear powers, albeit indirectly, are actually fighting on Ukrainian territory. And not indirectly," the president of Belarus noted

Niger would like Russia to train its troops — interior minister says

Mohamed Toumba noted that the training of troops could help in the fight against terrorism

Agreements on security with Iran, Myanmar, Ethiopia to come into force in 2024 — MFA

"A whole number of similar agreements with Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Latin American countries are being worked out," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin added

West balancing on edge of direct military confrontation between nuclear powers — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, it is especially concerning that the three Western nuclear powers are among the key sponsors of the Kiev regime and the main initiators of various inflammatory moves

Network of international conspirators plotted Crocus terrorist attack — watchdog

Yury Chikhanchin pointed out that the perpetrators of the attack were provided with money, weapons, transportation and ammunition

US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

"The American aid won’t save Zelensky. New weapons will be destroyed, and the special military operation goals will be achieved," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Oil exports via CPC total 21.1 mln tons year-to-date

"All Shippers’ nominations were fulfilled on a timely basis and in full," the statement reads

Press review: Ukraine not joining EU before 2030 and Israel wants non-Hamas rule for Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 22nd