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Crisis in Belarus

Protesters come close to Lukashenko’s residence in Minsk

The residence is cordoned off by riot police and interior troops units

MINSK, August 30. /TASS/. Thousands of demonstrators have come close to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s residence in central Minsk, a TASS correspondent reported from the site.

The residence is cordoned off by riot police and interior troops units. The adjacent streets are blocked by police cars and servicemen with antiriot shields. Several armored vehicles have been deployed, with at least eight more moving to the site.

The protesters however are taking no actions. They have been joined by members of the opposition coordination council Maria Kolesnikova, Maxim Znak, and Lilia Vlasova.

Kolesnikova came to the police cordons asking to let her in for talks.

Meanwhile, law enforcers are warming that enforcement actions may be taken as this is an unauthorized rally. People are chanting "Every Day!" in response.

It is not known whether President Lukashenko is in his residence at the moment.

US did not enable Ukrainian strikes beyond Ukrainian territory — Blinken

The US secretary of state noted that Ukraine must decide on how to carry out combat action on its own

Putin sees training of fresh talent for government service as priority

"We have a whole range of relevant programs, competitions and projects in place," the Russian leader stressed

Russia’s onslaught on Kharkov may compel Ukraine to truce — NYT

On May 11, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported liberating several populated localities in the Kharkov Region

Moscow, Ankara maintain dialogue via special channels — diplomat

Maria Zakharova did not comment as to who may be behind the coup attempt

Russian, Ukrainian people to restore relations sooner or later, senior diplomat says

"The Anglo-Saxons have always feared our unity and they have long been trying to pit us against each other and drown us in a bloody fratricide," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

Palestine Red Crescent Society warns of looming famine in Gaza Strip

The PRCS called on the international community to urgently intervene and pressure the Israeli authorities

Russian diplomat slams mobilization bill approved by Kiev

Maria Zakharova added that the regime of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is sacrificing Ukrainians to save itself and achieve the geopolitical goals of its "Anglo-Saxon handlers"

Specialized anti-drone units set up within Russian Federal Guard Service

According to Russia’s Federal Guard Service Director Dmitry Kochnev, the service has been working in the area of drone suppression since 2012

Federal Protective Service begins testing newest anti-drone systems

FSO Director Dmitry Kochnev pointed out that the agency seeks to study the newest technical solutions, "which the enemy attempts to use," taking the seriousness and credibility of threats into consideration

Georgian parliament approves foreign agents bill in third reading

According to the procedure, the bill will be submitted to President Salome Zourabichvili, who has already vowed to veto it

Ukrainian crisis may be resolved by yearend, says former Virginia senator

"The shortage of artillery and other weapons causes problems, but the critical issue is their shortage of fighting men," Richard Black emphasized

50 Russians killed, nearly 190 wounded in Ukraine’s shelling attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik, Ukrainian troops used foreign-made drones, Czech-, Turkish-, and US-made projectiles, including ATACMS missiles

Law banning import of Russian uranium to US wreaks havoc on system — expert

Speaking about numerous statements on allocation of financing for the creation of additional capacities on uranium enrichment, it is unclear what is behind those statements, editor-in-chief of the Geoenergetika.ru online magazine Boris Martsinkevich noted

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Countries of 'global billion' don’t view Earth as common home of humanity — Putin

"Earth is the cradle of humanity, our common home, and we are all equal as its inhabitants," he noted

Taiwan registers approach of 45 Chinese aircraft

Earlier, the military agency reported spotting 23 Chinese aircraft near the island on Tuesday night, including Su-30 fighter jets and drones

New head of Taiwan claims readiness for dialogue with mainland China

China’s authorities have repeatedly noted that what is known as the 1992 Consensus is a condition for dialogue with Taiwan, however, Lai Ching-te claimed not to support it

US to reassess ties with Georgia if foreign agents bill becomes law — White House

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to preview any actions that the US could take

US not ready for conflict with Russia, Americans don't want it — former Virginia senator

Richard Black stressed that in the event of a shift to the Democrats following the results of the November elections in the lower house of Congress, Jeffries could take the post of Speaker, the third most important position in the US government hierarchy

All agencies in Tatarstan on high alert, press service of regional head says

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that air defenses had shot down a Ukrainian drone over Tatarstan at about 7:30 a.m. Moscow time (4:30 a.m. GMT)

Liberation of Rabotino to accelerate Russian advance in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov said Ukraine still holds the heights to the north of the village, and fierce battles are underway to control them

Some Westerns consider large-scale military conflict possible — intelligence service

According to Sergey Naryshkin, "this could happen if the so-called Western bloc considers it, firstly, profitable for itself and, secondly, sufficiently safe"

Ukrainian commanders flee Kupyansk, leaving covering force — Russian lawmaker

The Kharkov direction is the most important and challenging frontline area for Russian troops, Viktor Vodolatsky pointed out

Ukrainian politician calls for international tribunal for NATO crimes

According to Andrey Derkach, a base is being created for "a far international legal probe" into terrorism, war crimes, corruption, crimes against the freedom of speech and human rights committed by NATO member countries

Russia seeking comprehensive, just settlement of Ukraine conflict — Putin

"Such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including Russia's," the Russian President pointed out

West must accept responsibility for Ukraine crisis, engage in peace talks — Maduro

Nicolas Maduro stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is enjoying his greatest political power over the last 20 years" while Russia "beat sanctions in the economic war" and bolstered its economy

Russia’s new defense minister should pay attention to strategic nuclear forces — expert

"In case of a first nuclear missile strike against Russia we should be able to destroy the aggressor with a retaliatory strike in a guaranteed manner," Igor Korotchenko noted

Russian tech firm develops portable EW system to shield assault teams from drones

One system suppresses munition-dropping drones, creating a dome of 250-300 meters and shielding an assault group while the other suppresses FPV drones

Putin’s informal meeting with Xi Jinping seen as most important part of his trip to China

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, this communication will revolve around the subject of Ukraine

Switzerland conference on Ukraine aims to issue ultimatum to Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the conference has long been the talk of all those who are trying to defeat Russia on the battlefield"

Air defenses destroy ten ATACMS missiles over Crimean Peninsula — Russian Defense Ministry

"The attacks involved US-made ATACMS missiles, French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, US-made HARM, large-caliber projectiles and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the statement says

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."

Putin appoints acting governors of five regions

All of the appointed acting governors, except Dmitry Milyayev, are participants in the School of Governors - a program created on presidential instructions to train administrators for possible promotion at the regional and federal levels

Russian MFA sees Western media focus on Georgian protests, silence on Armenian rallies

According to Maria Zakharova, Western news media "forgive everything" to protesters in Georgia

Israel hits Hamas headquarters in UNRWA school in Gaza — IDF

According to the Israel Defense Forces, fifteen militants were eliminated as a result of the strike, with more than ten being Hamas members

Putin gives interview to Xinhua news agency ahead of China visit

Putin will make the highest-level state visit to China on May 16-17

Press review: New Russian government taking shape and Georgia's path to EU gets cloudy

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 14th

Russian Foreign Ministry slams IOC chief Bach’s recent statement as 'criminal'

Maria Zakharova stressed that the fundamental principle of the Olympic Charter stipulates that everyone should have the right to take part in sports without any discrimination

Russian air defenses down several projectiles near Sevastopol, Belbek airfield

The city’s Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev noted that there had been no reports of damage to civilian infrastructure

NATO unable to prevent GPS jamming in Baltic region — retired Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak said he believes Russia is involved in the suppression of the GPS signal over the Baltic Sea to "test the alliance's reaction"

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine to inevitably become Russia’s targets — MFA

"Any weapons supplied to Kiev’s Nazi regime are considered by Russia’s Armed Forces as legitimate military targets and must be destroyed," Maria Zakharova stressed

Georgian government members could face sanctions over ‘erosion of democracy’ — US official

The Georgian parliament passed a bill on foreign agents in the final reading on May, 14

Blinken’s visit to Kiev shows US concerned over Ukrainian failures on frontline — diplomat

"He sang a song, ate some pizza and left," Maria Zakharova noted

Russia rejects Western attempts to impose order based on lies, hypocrisy — Putin

The Russian President pointed out that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS group "have well established themselves as key pillars of the emerging multipolar world order"

Shoigu to oversee Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, not head it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the service is headed by Dmitry Shugayev

Capital flow from Russia to Central Asia to intensify 'anti-sanctions immunity' — expert

Central Asian countries expect an increase in Russia’s economic presence in the region, Rustam Khaydarov said

Nearly 8,000 people evacuated from borderline districts in the Kharkov Region

Oleg Sinegubov specified that 2,202 people had been evacuated from the Chuguevsky District, 3,533 - from the Kharkovsky District, 79 - from the Bogodukhovsky District and 2,177 people had been evacuated by volunteers

State Duma approves Mikhail Mishustin as Chairman of Russian Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin thanked State Duma lawmakers for approving his candidacy for the prime minister’s office

Head of Main Personnel Directorate of Russia’s Defense Ministry Yuri Kuznetsov detained

A search was conducted at both Kuznetsov's job and his home, other specifics about the criminal case have not been revealed, law enforcement agencies told TASS

Russia-China relations reach highest-ever level, getting increasingly stronger — Putin

Trade relations between Moscow and Beijing are developing at a fast pace, the Russian President noted

Russia, China want to be at forefront of establishing democratic world order — Lavrov

According to Sergey Lavrov, the West speaks about democracy "only when it wants to interfere into domestic affairs of any country"

Supply of munitions for special military operation currently sufficient — Zolotov

Viktor Zolotov also said the National Guard had started to take delivery of heavy equipment

Blinken says current special military operation stage critical for Kiev

According to the US secretary of state, Russia is "ramping up another offensive against Ukraine, at Kharkov and across the east"

Blinken says Ukraine may engage in talks if Russia shows 'interest'

Antony Blinken noted that in terms of negotiations, these are "decisions for Ukraine to make"

Putin appoints Russian new government

This is the first Russian government formed under the new procedure envisaged by the 2020 constitutional amendment

Conflict between Russia, Ukraine may last about 10 years — Polish foreign minister

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that the conflict in Ukraine may last for a few more years, and no one, in his opinion, can say whether it is to last for five years

Picking China for Putin’s first visit reflects 'personal chemistry' with Xi Jinping — aide

"This tradition is a clear evidence of the high level of bilateral relations and priority attention, paid to the Russian-Chinese partnership by both sides," Yury Ushakov noted

Putin highlights successful trade between Russia, China

"Over the past five years, we have doubled the Russia-China turnover: it reached $227.8 billion last year, against $111 billion in 2019," the Russian leader said

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russian troops repulsed ten Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the ministry reported

All Ukrainians who covered up Nord Stream sabotage identified, politician says

According to Andrey Derkach, members of the group led by Roman Chervinsky acted under instructions from Christopher Smith, "the No.2 at the US Embassy in Ukraine at that time and a well-known" CIA agent

Diplomat says US words on possible reconsideration of relations with Georgia 'open threat'

Commenting on the situation surrounding the law on foreign agents in Georgia, Maria Zakharova pointed out that "internal processes in a sovereign state are a purely personal matter of that country, of the people"

Erdogan says government knows 'puppet master' behind reported conspiracy

The Turkish leader said it is unacceptable to break laws, and warned that "anyone who goes beyond the limits will be held accountable"

Russia to invite numerous global South leaders to BRICS summit — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the participants in last year's BRICS summit in Johannesburg (South Africa) decided to form a new category of partner countries, which "will largely replace the BRICS+ format that has existed so far"

Nord Stream saboteurs prepped in Ukraine, Romania — Ukrainian politician

According to Andrey Derkach, they trained on the South Stream, rented a large yacht, and then they were taken to Poland

Slovak PM Robert Fico wounded in shooting — portal

The suspected shooter has been apprehended

Blinken arrives in Ukraine amid nervousness over special military op — Kremlin

According to a statement released earlier by the US State Department press service, Antony Blinken intends to discuss the situation on the battlefield and issues of military support to Kiev

Nominee for Russian defense chief urges need to outpace Ukrainian army in technology

"It is necessary to generalize the experience of applying new technologies and, correspondingly, test new forms and methods of warfare," Andrey Belousov added

Press review: Putin keeps government core intact and Blinken gives Kiev NATO assurances

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 15th

Russian troops liberate Bugrovatka community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on ten Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area where the enemy lost more than 520 troops over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Sea-launched Bulava ICBM accepted for service in Russian Armed Forces

Currently, Russia’s Northern and Pacific Fleets operate seven strategic subs of this type built by the Sevmash Shipyard in Russia’s northwest

Czech president speaks out in favor of halting hostilities in Ukraine

Petr Pavel believes it is "naive" to imagine that Kiev will be able to regain territory taken by Russia in the foreseeable future

Russian diplomat puts blame for Kiev’s crimes on West

"The Zelensky regime’s sponsors are openly and publicly allowing it to hit civilian targets with the weapons they supply," Vasily Nebenzya said

UNSC meeting on Western weapons supplies to Kiev to be held on May 20 — Russian mission

"We will respond to the Westerners," Dmitry Polyansky said

Belarus says Ukraine keeping up to 120,000 troops near border between countries

Konstantin Molostov said Belarus is taking "appropriate measures" in response to the actions of Ukraine

Moscow ready to navigate market challenges amid US' uranium import ban

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that this latest move from Washington showed just how low it would go to try to hurt the Russian economy

Kremlin says no mechanisms in place to exchange info on Nord Stream sabotage with Kiev

Dmitry Peskov added that Kiev's information about the Nord Stream explosions, if it is of any value at all, "is something that the Dutch, the Swedes and others should scrutinize"

Russia, OIC to combat Islamophobia, Russophobia worldwide — top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov asserted that Russia is a consistent supporter of shaping a more fair and democratic multipolar world order based on the principles of the UN Charter

Upgraded tank anti-FPV drone systems arrive for Russian troops in Ukraine operation

New Triton drone suppression systems can be mounted on both armor and quad bikes, sea boats and any objects that require protection against FPV drones, Denis Oslomenko elaborated

Putin-Xi meeting to be held in '1+4' format on each side — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, the meeting will take place after a gala concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries and the opening of the Years of Culture of Russia and China

US, EU divided on how to use frozen Russian assets — newspaper

According to The New York Times, European countries "would like to transfer them to Ukraine yearly or biannually," while the US wants "to find a way to get more money to Ukraine more quickly"

Air defenses down two HARM missiles, two Hammer air bombs over Belgorod Region

Five UAVs were wiped out over the Kursk Region and three drones were intercepted over the Bryansk Region

Putin announces plans to promote Intervision song contest

"China is the key partner in this project, which aims to spread and popularize national song schools," he noted

Some Russian border guards to stay in Armenia — Bortnikov

Alexander Bortnikov also noted that Russian border guards will protect Armenia's border with Turkey and Iran

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft wipe out Ukrainian equipment, personnel over past day

After employing air-launched munitions, the pilots performed a missile evasion maneuver, fired flares and returned to their airfield, it said

NATO risks provoking major conflict with Russia, says former Virginia senator

"From the start of Russia’s special operation, Russia has pointedly reminded NATO that it is a powerful nuclear power," Richard Black asserted

US Congress has evidence of Biden family’s involvement in terrorism — Ukrainian politician

Andrey Derkach pointed out that "the criminal case that was initiated against Burisma was being actively investigated under [Ukrainian] Prosecutor General [Viktor] Shokin [in 2014-2016]"

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Putin to visit China May 16-17 — Kremlin

The visit to China will be Putin’s first foreign visit after his re-election as the Russian president, and, as Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier, will be a "reciprocal step to the first official visit of President Xi Jinping which took place last year also following his re-election"

Russian troops destroy over 16,000 armored vehicles in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian troops improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on the Ukrainian army in the Kharkov area over the past day, the ministry reported

Kiev reports difficult situation in Kharkov region

This direction has been strengthened, Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky said

China, Turkey could mediate Russia-Ukraine peace talks — former Czech president

According to Milos Zeman, a ceasefire must be reached first

Dyumin, Patrushev, Yampolskaya et al. — who joined Russia’s renewed presidential staff

Alexey Dyumin, who quit the post of the Tula Region’s governor, and Nikolay Patrushev, who left the post of secretary of the Security Council, have become new aides to the Russian leader

If West wants to solve Ukraine conflict on battlefield, 'so be it' — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia was ready to negotiate peace not only in words, but also in deeds

Serbian president thanks Russian authorities for supporting Belgrade’s sovereignty

Aleksandar Vucic met with Moscow’s Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko

Russian MFA denounces Western plans to seize assets as aggression

Maria Zakharova stressed that Western countries, through their actions, are destroying the global monetary and financial system and violating their own laws

PM Mishustin to chair first meeting of Russia’s new cabinet

The meeting’s agenda includes a lot of financial issues

West would try to exhaust Russia’s resources in potential conflict — Naryshkin

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the West is also seeking to force Russia to stop its anti-NATO efforts

Russia knows how to achieve large-scale goals, Putin says

Moscow prioritizes increasing people’s well-being in terms of economic development, the Russian President said in an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua

Ukrainian commanders trading blame with each other over defeats near Kharkov — NYT

Many in Ukraine reportedly believe that their country’s situation in the conflict with Russia has significantly worsened

Israeli losses surpass 620 troops since Gaza conflict escalated

It is reported that since the onset of the ground operation in Gaza the Israeli army has lost 273 troops

Russia’s UN mission expects Georgia to be wise enough not to sell out to US like Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier the US demand that Tbilisi change its policy course raised the question of Washington’s true values