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2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN US

Joe Biden takes lead in Pennsylvania clinching 20 electoral votes

According to Fox News, Biden has secured 3,295,319 votes, while his Republican rival Donald Trump has garnered 3,289,725, lagging behind by 5,594 votes

Joseph Biden AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Joseph Biden

© AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

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Trump expects US election issue to be taken to Supreme Court

NEW YORK, November 6. /TASS/. US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden took the lead in the state of Pennsylvania after processing of 98% of the ballots, Fox News reported Friday.

According to Fox News, Biden has secured 3,295,319 votes, while his Republican rival Donald Trump has garnered 3,289,725, lagging behind by 5,594 votes.

Previously, Biden was ahead by over 1,000 votes in Georgia (16 electors), where on Thursday Trump had an advantage of 5,000 votes.

According to Fox News, should Biden win in Georgia or Pennsylvania, he will have the 270 electoral votes he needs to become the next US president. So far, Trump has 214 electoral votes, while Biden has 264, according to Fox News.

Military operation in Ukraine

Pentagon admits Russian forces `making gains’ near Kharkov

"We do know that there are tens of thousands of Russian troops inside Ukraine," Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said

ICC decision rescues Netanyahu’s political career — Politico

It is reported that Benny Gantz is considered to be the politician who can end Netanyahu’s political career

Commercial production of Russia's new AK-12 and A-545 assault rifles to start in February

Assault rifles of new generation are being developed to replace AK-74M in the army and to be included in Ratnik military gear

Up to 38 competence centers created in Russia to replace foreign software — Prime Minister

Mikhail Mishustin told Iranian participants at CIPR that some solutions could be useful for them

Russian defense minister: India’s SCO accession opens up new prospects for cooperation

Leaders of the SCO member states signed the document on the accession of India and Pakistan on June 9

Putin, Xi firmly said NO to Western diktat — expert

Alexey Maslov described as an important outcome China’s statement that it was meaningless to participate in the peace conference in Switzerland without Russia

Ministry expects funds from sale of foreign companies’ shares in Ozon, Yandex in summer

Vostok Investments acquired the stake in the Russian online retailer Ozon from Baring Vostok international funds earlier this year

Ukraine uses weapons of almost all NATO states against Russian civilians — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya called the information about the conflict in Ukraine, contained in UN Secretary General’s report on protection of civilians in armed conflict a "regrettable example of double standards"

Over 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza — TV

The media also reported that 12 civilians died and several were injured after the Israeli army shelled residential buildings in Gaza City

Kremlin spokesman echoes Putin’s stance on Zelensky’s legitimacy

The Russian leader voiced his position at a news conference in China

Ukraine’s real losses should be counted in millions — ex-Polish army general staff chief

"The Ukrainians are losing this war," Rajmund Andrzejczak said, describing the situation as "very, very dramatic"

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

Russian media watchdog demands Google unblock video on Russian MP’s YouTube channel

The video host removed a Post Scriptum program from the Alexei Pushkov official channel

SCO countries see Western attempts to take control of Eurasia — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, NATO and EU officials are seeking to introduce their institutions in Eurasia and make the countries of the region obey their rules

Poland against planting anti-personnel mines on border with Russia, Belarus — Tusk

"We are not planning to plant mines [at the border with Russia and Belarus]," the minister said

Russia creates sanitary zone to protect its cities from Ukrainian shelling — Kremlin

On May 17, Putin explained the Russian military's offensive in the direction of Kharkov by the Ukrainian military’s continued shelling of residential areas in the border regions, including Belgorod

Borrell reacts to call to arrest Israeli PM

"All states that have ratified the ICC statutes are bound to execute the Court’s decisions," the top EU diplomat said

Crowds gather for Raisi’s farewell ceremony in Iran’s Qom — TV

On May 19, a helicopter carrying Raisi crashed in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province

Preparations for Putin’s visit to DPRK ongoing — Kremlin spokesman

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un invited the Russian President to visit his country when he traveled to Russia in September

Over half of Russian companies will use domestic software by year end — Prime Minister

Mikhail Mishustin stressed that over four years, sales of Russian software have more than doubled, and ready-made package solutions have increased fivefold

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

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

Israel launches counter-terrorism operation in West Bank

According to the media, the operation in Jenin is seeing heavy exchanges of gunfire between Israeli forces and armed militants

Russian forces not to let Ukraine hold on to Nikolayev, Odessa, Kharkov — commander

It is stressed that these are "originally Russian territories and it is unlikely that Ukraine manages to retain them"

Russia hopes Kakhovka HPP strike probe concerns HIMARS suppliers — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that not only the Zelensky regime was responsible for the strike on the Kakhovka HPP, but also the "Western sponsors who continue to supply long-range weapons to the ruling clique in Kiev"

Iranian late foreign minister to be buried in Tehran on May 23

Raisi’s helicopter crashed in Iran’s province of East Azerbaijan on May 19

Zelensky to extend election moratorium, his elimination by West likely — DPR lawmaker

Yelena Shishkina noted that Ukraine had seen usurpation of power - but not by Zelensky, who is not an independent political figure, but by the West

Russian budget deficit preliminarily totals $16 bln in January-April — finance ministry

"The built-in parameterization of the revenue base and expenditure commitments of federal budget ensures the primary structural balance starting 2025 in accordance with fiscal rule parameters," the report said

Journalist Hinkle agrees with Carlson that Moscow is cleaner and safer than US cities

Tucker Carlson also singled out the subway as one of the exemplary aspects of Moscow

First withdrawal of revenues from Russian assets in EU banks will happen in July — EC

As previously stated by the EU Council, any financial structures with more than 1 mln euro of Russian frozen funds in their accounts must return 90% of the profits from the reinvestment of Russian assets

Romania now hosts as many as 11 F-16 jets for training of Ukrainian pilots

The ministers expressed their willingness to find a way for the center to continue to operate beyond 2025

Russia rejects groundless accusations of inability of ensuring ZNPP’s operation — diplomat

According to Roman Ustinov, ahead of the conferences, the Russian side released a report about measures that are being taken to ensure the ZNPP’s security

Top brass proposes specifying state borderline in Russia’s westernmost region

"This will alter the Russian state maritime border due to a change in the territorial sea’s external bounds," it says

Russian MP calls for responding to Ukraine’s drone attack by offensive on battlefield

Konstantin Zatulin did not rule that companies sustaining losses from Ukrainian drone attacks may file a collective damage claim against Ukraine

West alarmed over plummeting support for Zelensky — Russian intelligence

The press bureau drew attention to the fact that history has shown time and again that attempts to retain power using lies and intimidation do not work

Liberation of LPR’s Belogorovka to expand Russian offensive — expert

"This is an important tactical success, which allows us to approach one of the special military operation goals: the complete liberation of Russia’s new regions," Igor Korotchenko underlined

Putin spent 2 hours in meeting to help look for Raisi’s helicopter, Iranian envoy says

The Russian president said Moscow stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Tehran, Kazem Jalali said

Two dead, 30 injured after Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence

The flight carrying 221 passengers and 18 crew members was on its way from London to Singapore

Russia’s UN envoy calls on world community to put pressure on US, Israel

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the chances of moving the conflict into a diplomatic domain "look elusive"

Sri Lanka eyes BRICS membership, seeks India’s backing — MFA

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has also received an invitation to take part in a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Russia

World misses new opportunity to prevent arms race in space due to US, says diplomat

The United States once again demonstrated "real priorities in space aimed not at keeping it free of any weapons but at placing weapons in outer space and turning it into an arena of a military confrontation," Maria Zakharova stressed

Israeli PM Netanyahu says ICC Prosecutor Khan tries to 'demonize Israel'

Benjamin Netanyahu recalled that Israel supplied half million tons of food and medicine with 20,000 trucks to the Gaza Strip

Slovak Parliament unanimously condemns assassination attempt on Prime Minister Fico

The gunman, 71-year-old writer Juraj Cintula was detained in the attack and later charged with a politically-motivated assassination attempt

Russia says its paratroopers seized Ukrainian strongpoint near Andreyevka

"Having demoralized the enemy with accurate strikes from grenade launchers and, having suppressed its firepower, the paratroopers under the cover of night entered the enemy stronghold," the Russian Defense Ministry said

China lodges protests with South Korea, Japan over Taiwan visit

The Chinese embassy in Seoul said the South Korean delegation’s visit to Taiwan "grossly violates the 'one China' principle and the spirit of the communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea"

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate on May 22 to 90.41 rubles — regulator

The official yuan exchange rate was lowered by 5 kopecks to 12.46 rubles

Kiev recognizes regular arms supplies won’t tip balance on frontline — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the situation the Ukrainian soldiers find themselves in is "rather difficult"

Thousands of Ukrainian prisoners apply to join military

The bill allowing inmates to be mobilized was signed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on May 17

Zelensky claims his presidential terms not over yet

Under the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelensky’s five-year term ended on May 21

Central Asian countries 'outraged' by West’s attempts to control them — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow has never objected to such communication platforms as "Central Asia +"

EU aid for Ukraine loses legitimacy together with Zelensky — French politician

According to the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelensky’s term as president expired on the night of May 21

Russia’s strikes hammer Ukrainian troops, equipment in 95 areas over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 425 troops, a tank and two armored personnel carriers in battles with Russian forces in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russian government to allocate $414.59 mln to support business in Novorossiya in June

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Donetsk People's Republic Vladimir Zverkov, the additional funds will expand business support and contribute to the further development of business activity in the region

DPR collects evidence of Kiev's war crimes in Donbass — regional head

Denis Pushilin emphasized that the regional authorities have tried to appeal to international human rights organizations, but to no avail

Russian MFA describes Putin’s China trip as defining for world’s future

The trip laid the groundwork for many years to come, Maria Zakharova said

West to push for Ukraine deal on their terms, Russia won't bend — Medvedev

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia, unlike the Ukrainian side, had never rejected any negotiations

Australia pledges to push for Assange’s freedom, return home — prime minister

Anthony Albanese also said Canberra would continue to "work very closely" to bring the WikiLeaks founder back home

End of Zelensky’s presidential term renders him illegitimate — ex-Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov pointed out that the Ukrainian constitution was crystal clear about the five-year presidential term

German defense minister speaks up against any no-fly zones over Ukraine — agency

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit came out with similar statements

Some 400 US citizens killed in hostilities in Ukraine — former Pentagon official

"We know that at least 400 Americans have died whether they are contractors or in uniform. Our administration won't say this," he said

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Swiss conference on Ukraine aimed at discussing Zelensky’s ultimatum 'formula' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat pointed to the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping "clearly articulated that the Chinese side will support the convention of an international conference, which will reflect the interests of both Russia and Ukraine equally and will be based on a large number of ideas and initiatives"

ICC making mockery of international law by seeking Netanyahu’s arrest — expert

Herman Zakharyayev stressed that both Russia and Israel are pursuing an independent foreign policy and are resolving their geopolitical problems

US Congress considers sanctions against ICC — House Speaker Johnson

"The ICC has no authority over Israel or the United States, and today's baseless and illegitimate decision should face global condemnation," the speaker said

Ukraine cannot provide heavy vehicles to new recruits — Forbes

The universal mobilization has been repeatedly prolonged in Ukraine since February, 2022

Zelensky hysterically demanded that Western countries "bring Russia to its knees" — Lavrov

The minister also called ridiculous the West's attempts to lure countries to the Swiss meeting on Ukraine and then address Russia with an ultimatum

Military exercise on preparation, use of tactical nuclear weapons kicks off in Russia

"Under the order of the commander-in-chief, a military exercise involving practice of preparation and use of tactical nuclear weapons started in the Southern military district under the supervision of the General Staff," the ministry said

Lithuania’s ban on transit of some goods to Kaliningrad region illegal — governor

Anton Alikhanov said earlier that Lithuania’s railways company had notified the railways company of the Kaliningrad region that they would ban the transit from Russia to the region of the goods that are subject to EU sanctions imposed on Moscow

US rejects ICC’s legitimacy but uses it against enemies — Russian ambassador

"This is yet another example of double standards and a parade of American hypocrisy," Anatoly Antonov said

Volume of investment in Volga car project will exceed $662 mln

Volga cars will be produced at the site of the Nizhny Novgorod automobile cluster, while the serial production will start in 2024 and from 2025 the production will be carried out in a full cycle mode

Finland has ruined its neutral status, joined 'US project' — Lavrov

"Once again, I would like to emphasize that Finland is making seven-league strides towards joining the frontrunners of the West's anti-Russian, Russophobic campaign," the Russian foreign minister pointed out

Eight people injured in Ukrainian armed forces strike on LPR's Sverdlovsk

The city was allegedly hit by ATACMS missiles fitted with cluster munitions, as well as by drones

Russia’s envoy to UN exposes Western lies in UNSC after Blinken’s visit to Kiev

Vasily Nebenzya said that this was not the only example of lies or understatements by Western representatives

Kremlin finds US reaction to ICC’s demand for Netanyahu arrest warrant 'curious'

"On the one hand, we [Russia] do not support it, but on the other hand, of course, we are monitoring the situation," Dmitry Peskov highlighted

Ukrainian servicemen complain about heavy losses due to shortage of equipment, munitions

Ukrainian forces lose a large number of armored vehicles to Russian FPV drones, platoon commander Alexander Belyayev said

Russia ready to help Iran investigate Raisi’s helicopter crash — Putin

The Russian leader described Raisi’s death as a big loss

West’s attempts to wall off Russia not 'sign of great intelligence' — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, this way, the West is attempting "to control as much space as possible, using blackmail, threats, sanctions and ultimatums"

Russian troops leveling out frontline in Kharkov area — local administration

The Ukrainian military is deploying reserves from "all areas it can draw" them, including the Kupyansk direction, Vitaly Ganchev said

Ukraine peace brokers should take note Zelensky’s legitimacy expired — Russia’s UN envoy

"It runs counter to common sense to discuss any issues, let alone sign any documents with leaders who have lost their legitimacy," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories

The countries and territories mentioned in the list imposed or joined the sanctions against Russia after the start of a special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace ten times in past day — deputy chief

Apart from that, in his words, two violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported in Syria in the past 24 hours

Lavrov welcomes Xi Jinping's proposal for Ukraine conference

The ministers discussed the results of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China

Anything that comes out of Swiss conference on Ukraine trifling without Russia — Medvedev

"Clearly, the outcome of this get-together will be null and void: peace talks are never held with just one party to the conflict," the politician stressed

Moscow special economic zone joins World Organization of Free Zones

The Technopolis Moscow special economic zone includes five sites with a total area of 206.8 hectares. More than 140 high-tech companies are presented at that territory, including 69 residents

Raisi's helicopter equipped with full navigation, foreign minister boarded last minute

The helicopter was piloted by Army pilots, not the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

G7 does not rule out seizing Russian assets, not only revenues from them — Cameron

UK Foreign Secretary noted that this week the G7 finance ministers will primarily discuss the use of revenues generated by Russian assets

Russian envoy slams countries ignoring Ukrainian attacks on Zaporozhye nuke plant

During the presentation of national statements, a number of countries accused Russia of the situation around the nuclear facility

No battlefield solution to conflict in Ukraine, says top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto highlighted the need to search for a solution through a ceasefire and talks

Russia to rely not on 'Western guarantees' but on its army — Medvedev

"Any newly-minted Fuhrer' of the Ukrainian Reich is capable of tearing it up at any moment for opportunistic reasons," the politician noted

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

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

European, US strategy on Ukraine fails completely — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto added that the sanctions have had a major impact on the European economy, and that Western European countries, which are "super proud that they got rid of Russian energy resources," are actually buying them indirectly

Manufacturer of Kalibr, Iskander missiles builds up capacity as state defense order grows

The result was achieved thanks to the expansion of the company's production capacity and transition to 24-hour three-shift mode of assembly of components at all affiliated plants

Ukraine’s Zelensky should be tried for war crimes, DPR head says

Denis Pushilin pointed out that it was Zelensky who gave criminal orders and took a position that seriously endangered both the residents of Donbass and the population of the rest of Ukraine

One more Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

Kiev attempted attack on facilities in Russia’s territory with the use of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle was thwarted, it said

Russian troops destroy 9,700 artillery guns in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian Battlegroup North units kept advancing deep into the Ukrainian army’s defenses in the Kharkov area over the past day

T-80 tanks help Russian troops advance in Avdeyevka area

"Tanks delivered fire from a distance of 800 meters under constant enemy shelling," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

EU escalates theft to status of foreign policy instrument — Russian envoy

"The EU deliberately resorted to an unprecedented step - theft of sovereign assets of a foreign state," Kirill Logvinov said

IAEA’s Grossi to visit Kaliningrad May 28 to discuss ZNPP — Russian envoy

Technical and substantive aspects of the forthcoming exchange of views are being worked on

Ukrainians living aboard must return home to register with military recruitment office

General mobilization was announced in Ukraine in February 2022 and has been extended several times since, with the authorities doing everything possible so that draft-age men cannot evade military service

Szijjarto calls 'crazy' statements by European politicians about sending troops to Ukraine

The Hungarian foreign minister believes that "everything must be done in order to avoid any kind of direct confrontation between NATO and Russia"