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Coronavirus pandemic

German authorities agree to declare strict lockdown no later than December 19 — portal

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s administration insists on introducing a new lockdown as early as Tuesday

BERLIN, December 13. /TASS/. Germany’s federal and regional authorities agreed to announce a major new nationwide lockdown no later than December 16, the Business Insider web portal reported citing results of talks involving chiefs of staff of the federal and local governments.

According to the portal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s administration insists on introducing a new lockdown as early as Tuesday, December 15. The final decision will be made on Sunday, when the head of the German government will hold a video conference with prime ministers of regional governments. The video conference is scheduled to begin at 10:00 local time (12:00 Moscow time).

In line with the lockdown’s expected rules, only members of two households, not more than five persons in total, will be allowed to gather in houses and apartments. Children under 14 years do not fall under the rule. In the period of October 24-26, up to 10 people can meet at one location, but all of them must be relatives.

However, the German Chancellor’s office and local authorities still disagree on whether schools and kindergartens should be closed during the lockdown period. According to Business Insider, an agreement in principle was reached to let schoolchildren study online until January 10. Merkel’s administration wants to close kindergartens until January 10 as well, but regional governments insist that they should remain open.

At the moment, the so-called soft lockdown is currently in place in Germany, with kindergartens, schools, shopping malls and non-essential stores working.

Meanwhile, lockdown opponents took to the streets in Germany’s Frankfurt, Erfurt and Dresden on Saturday, despite court rulings that prohibit mass gatherings due to the pandemic.

At least 72 people were detained in Dresden, the capital of the eastern German state of Saxony. According to local police, almost 300 different public order violations were registered during the protest.

No detentions were reported in Frankfurt, although hundreds of police officers were deployed in the city center to prevent lockdown opponents from clashing with a crowd of people supporting those measures.

The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 28,438 in the past day. A total of 496 COVID-19 patients died in the reported period. Germany’s overall coronavirus case count currently stands at 1,300,516, including 21,466 fatalities.

Israeli parliament approves new foreign, defense ministers — Ynet

A total of 58 members of parliament voted in favor. The opposition abstained from the vote

World is moving toward 'polyphony' that lets all voices be heard — Putin

"Those who are in the habit of performing solo and who wish to perform exclusively solo further on will have to get used to the new world score," the Russian president added

Russia ready to supply Su-57E fifth-generation fighter to foreign partners — UAC

The aircraft will take part in the airshow’s flight demonstration program while visitors will also be able to see the aircraft at the show’s static display

West blocked post-quake aid to Syria for political reasons — Putin

In his words, it was not the only example of "egoistic and timeserving interests standing in the way of the common good"

Kremlin calls reports on Trump team's alleged Ukraine plan 'abstract'

"It looks just like The Wall Street Journal's plan for Ukraine," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Putin’s congratulations to Trump can be viewed as official — spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the US president-elect at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club

Warsaw gave Kiev all it could, Ukraine has no right to complain — Polish Defense Ministry

On October 31, during a meeting with the heads of territorial communities and districts in the Zakarpatye Region, Vladimir Zelensky criticized Poland for its reluctance to deliver the promised MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine despite prior agreements

Prolongation of Ukrainian conflict narrows options for diplomacy — Erdogan

"The negativity, caused by the war in Ukraine gets exacerbated every day," the Turkish leader noted

Kremlin names two reasons preventing Putin from congratulating Trump

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov also said the Russian president had no plans for congratulating Donald Trump

BRICS investment platform for developing markets to be created

That is, the point is to create such a platform of electronic payments, with the use of which it will be possible to invest in developing markets, Russian President Vladimir Putin said

Russian troops liberate Kremennaya Balka community in Donbass region — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Putin orders to launch Chukotka nuclear-powered icebreaker

Chief executive of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Andrey Puchkov reported to the president that the ice-breaker is ready

Gap between 'golden billion' and rest of the world fraught with migration problems — Putin

According to the Russian president, almost all developed countries are now facing "an increasingly less controlled flow of those who hope to improve their financial situation"

Russia seeks to bolster international progress, aspiration for durable peace, says Putin

"It is the West’s monopoly, which arose after the collapse of the Soviet Union and which it gained for some time at the end of the 20th century that is under threat," the Russian leader said

Russia to look at new US administration's proposals for strategic stability – Putin

Russia, Putin said, is basically ready for a dialogue on strategic stability, but "it is necessary for the other side to approach it honestly"

IN BRIEF: What is known about new UK sanctions against Russia

The British authorities have imposed restrictive measures against the Afrika Corps paramilitary organization, allegedly linked to Russia

Trump sees possibility of talks with Putin

The president-elect went on to say that he had already talked to approximately 70 world leaders

India should be added to list of global superpowers – Putin

At the same time, Putin said some other countries are showing rapid development as well

Western plot to strategically defeat Russia failed — Shoigu

It is noted that the countries where color revolutions, supported by the West, took place had experienced "decreased living standards, weakened economic potential, the uncontrolled drain of capital and resources, and, in the worst-case scenario, the country becoming an instrument for implementing the interests of Western elites"

Press review: BRICS membership may triple and German radical 'coup plot' foiled

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 8th

George H. W. Bush called US boycott of 1980 Moscow Olympics huge mistake – Putin

Under outside pressure, the International Olympic Committee has turned into circus buffoonery, Russian President said

Western failure, Kiev's terrorism: what Shoigu told top security officials at CIS meeting

The Russian Security Council secretary pointed out that Kiev's aggression in the Kursk Region was aimed at seizing the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

Russia, India develop defense cooperation – Putin

As an example, Putin named the BrahMos cruise missile project

Eurasian security system requires restoring trust between Russia, Europe – Putin

This will be the first step towards creating a common system of Eurasian security, Putin said

Putin expresses readiness to engage in discussions with Trump

Earlier, when talking about a potential call from Trump, he noted that he would not consider it a disgrace to call Trump himself

Russia open to dialogue with US if Washington takes initiative — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat described the problems facing Russia-US relations as "very deep," stemming from the perception by the American elite that any rivals in the international arena should be suppressed unless someone questions the US global dominance

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

Putin congratulates Trump on his election as US president at Valdai Forum

We will work with any head of state who is trusted by the American people, Putin said

Putin expects next 20 years to be even more difficult

"Experts point to the threats stemming from new regional conflicts, global epidemics, the complicated and controversial ethical aspects of interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, as well as to the way traditions and progress go together," the head of state noted

Trump to offer deal on Ukraine unacceptable to Russia, conflict to go on — expert

In his comments on the results of the US presidential election, Dmitry Suslov noted that Trump "will indeed try to quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine"

Press review: Trump’s victory stuns investors while Russia’s economy holds strong

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 7th

Putin calls racist stereotyped ideas of 'civilized West,' 'barbarism' of other peoples

The Russian leader added that a sustainable international order can be based only on the principles of sovereign equality

Putin's speech at Valdai Discussion Forum this year lasts twice as long as last year's one

On average, the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club, including Vladimir Putin's speech and answering questions, lasts about three hours

Russia does not perceive West as enemy through 'either-us-or-them' lens — Putin

"The former hegemons, who have been in the habit of ruling the world since colonial times, are increasingly surprised to discover that they are no longer being obeyed," the Russian leader stated

China not to blame for East Asia tensions, it’s NATO interference — Putin

He acknowledged certain difficulties on the border between India and China

Putin finds impressive Trump's behavior during assassination attempt

He is a courageous man, Putin said

Multipolar world to embrace all countries, peoples on equal footing, says Putin

The countries’ aspiration for cooperation already helps overcome the most acute situations, the Russian president stressed

US received $12 trillion lately owing to dollar’s role as global currency — Putin

"The United States received for no apparent reason $12 trillion over the last decade, on account of issuing and giving. These funds then go as a rule to their banks, to their financial system, and also clipping coupons, having gains from that," Putin noted

Kiev conceals true casualties from Russian strike on Motor Sich Factory

Vladimir Rogov emphasized that all the victims were involved in the production of drone components

Russia aims for peaceful development of situation in the world – Putin

Putin noted that all BRICS countries aim for peace

Foreign aid to Ukraine a money laundering scheme, head of Chechnya says

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that there is no need to worry about hostilities currently happening on Russian territory

Kiev lost over 30,000 troops in Russia’s Kursk Region — Putin

At the same time, Ukraine lost fewer tanks - around 200, compared to 240 lost last year

West brought situation to coup in Ukraine, forced Russia to begin special op – Putin

The West needs to rip Russia and Europe apart, especially Russia and Germany, France, Russian President said

European countries often lack competence for making wise decisions – Putin

This applies to the green agenda as well, Putin continued

Trump’s election to facilitate real talks on peace in Ukraine — Vucic

Previously, The Wall Street Journal said that Donald Trump’s potential victory in the election will create even greater uncertainty in regards to Ukraine

Putin says he tries to be on good terms with all world leaders

Putin said he tries to avoid damaging relations with any of the world leaders

Democrats blame Biden for Harris’ election loss — report

The party "needs a complete reboot," hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said

Humanity faces risk of plunging into anarchy, loss of values — Putin

"Ever more often democracy is beginning to be interpreted as the rule of the minority rather than the majority," the Russian president said

Prime Minister Mishustin to represent Russia at UN climate conference in Baku – Putin

The head of state noted that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev invited him to this event

Putin describes NATO as world’s only remaining bloc, ‘outright anachronism’

According to him, Russia has repeatedly pointed to the destructive role that the bloc played after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact

IN BRIEF: Congratulations on Trump's victory in US election

TASS has compiled congratulatory messages and reactions to Donald Trump's apparent win

Some countries could be seeking to inflame crisis around Taiwan - Putin

Everyone formally recognizes that Taiwan is part of China. But in reality they act in a completely different fashion, Putin said

Saudi Crown Prince’s words have enormous influence on energy market – Putin

Saudi Arabia is playing a very big role in the global energy sector, Russian President said

Putin says ‘chaos and systemic crisis’ intensify in Western countries

According to Putin, the policy of the United States and its allies increasingly features the dangerous principle of "you're either with us, or against us"

Russia ready to restore relations with US, it never spoiled them — Putin

"The president-elect of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, has been speaking in roughly the same vein. It remains to be seen how this will function in reality," Putin concluded

Putin sets record at plenary session of Valdai International Discussion Club

It lasted four hours and seven minutes

Russia says its Inokhodets drone destroyed Ukrainian fighting vehicle in Kursk Region

The ministry said the destruction of the target was captured on live-recording footage

Russia ready for talks, immune to pressure — Putin

"This is what we have called and are still calling on all participants in international communication to do," the president went on to say

Putin announces era of radical, revolutionary changes

As the Russian leader noted, the society gets "to not only comprehend, but be direct participants of the extremely complex processes"

Russia maintains contact with all parties to Middle East conflict, says Putin

According to him, the process is currently moving "in the right direction"

Russia-China trust at highest level in modern history – Putin

The head of state recalled that the trade turnover between Russia and China is about 240 billion dollars

World needs Russia regardless of decisions by 'Western bosses' — Putin

The Russian president noted that even a trained athlete "cannot swim against the current, no matter what tricks and doping he might use"

All countries involved in Middle East settlement oppose further confrontation – Putin

Almost all participants no longer want further momentum toward confrontation, Russian President said

US engages in policy of dual deterrence on Russia, China – Putin

In Putin’s opinion, Washington views China’s economic growth as a threat to its global dominance

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

About 10,000 Ukrainian troops are blocked on the bank of a water reservoir. In another area near Kupyansk, about 5,000 troops are blocked, Russian Presiden said

Zelensky says he needs no help to arrange talks with Russia

The Ukrainian president mentioned that Kiev had prepared its own settlement plan and intended to continue pushing for its implementation

Ukraine’s 2014 coup was CIA’s political mistake — Putin

The Russian president noted that the US agency had achieved its goal of changing the government but failed to see what it would evolve into

US companies can return to Russian market if so desire — Putin

"We see there are certain signals coming even from the US companies that they want to return to our market," the president said. "Let them return but certainly in new conditions, with losses, naturally; it was not actually our fault," Putin added

Russia not to mess around if Japan returns to cooperation – Putin

He underscored that Russia is ready to build relations with Japan "both for the next 5 and for the next 50 years"

Change of power in US increases likelihood of military coup in Kiev, expert says

According to Vyacheslav Smolenko, under the new administration, circles associated with the Democratic Party will remain sidelined in the United States

Press review: Putin urges Syrian-Turkish talks while ASEAN rejects NATO-style alliance

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 6th

Kiev stands 'the most to lose' over Trump’s victory — NBC

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal said that Trump’s potential victory may create even more uncertainty with regard to Ukraine

Putin considers premature to talk about common BRICS currency

Other variants are impossible and harmful, the Russian leader added

Trump to appoint campaign manager Wiles as his chief of staff

Susie Wiles became the first female chief of staff in US history

Russia not rejecting dollar use — Putin

Russia is not struggling with the US currency but is thinking of creating new instruments in response to new trends of global economic development, he added

Finland invites NATO to deploy reconnaissance drone base on its territory — yle

The media notes that due to the nature of the operations, the reconnaissance base needs strong military protection around it, both from attacks using conventional weapons and from electronic warfare

Residents of Kursk Region border areas describe living under rubble with no food

The resident of the borderline Kursk Region explained that her family was rescued by Russian troops

Trump vows to settle conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration

He also pledged to prevent World War Three

Russia dealing with tragic consequences of Soviet foreign policy of mid-1980s — Putin

He pointed out that in the middle of the 1980s, the Soviet Union had called for ending ideological confrontation, overcoming the legacy of the Cold War, and removing the barriers preventing common integration and universal development

China set to cooperate rather than dominate, Putin believes

He also emphasized that there is no tension between Moscow and Beijing regarding their relations with Central Asian nations

Trump to focus on China, leaving Europe to deal with Ukraine — analyst

Andrey Bezrukov said it’s an open question how much resources the United States will spend on the European track

Donbass, Novorossia had right to declare independence under UN Charter – Putin

Residents of Crimea, and southeastern Ukraine disagreed with the state coup - which is an illegitimate and an anti-constitutional act - and they have the right for self-determination, Putin said

No place for hegemony in new world order, Putin says

Putin stressed once again that Russia did not see the Western civilization as an enemy

Trump to pressure multiple countries to end conflict in Ukraine, expert says

"Wars suck the political oxygen (and financial resources) from other administration initiatives, so the goal is to find solutions quickly," John Kavulich added

Men’s participation in women’s competitions kills women’s sports, Putin says

Speaking about the Paris Olympics, Putin pointed out that certain scenes from the opening ceremony were insulting for millions of Christians

Medicine, food and energy security should be ‘factor out’ of any conflict — Putin

According to the Russian president, the lag of many countries and societies in terms of socio-economic development is a complex phenomenon

FACTBOX: What we know about collapse of ruling coalition in Germany

The German chancellor said he would call for a confidence vote on January 15, 2025, in the Bundestag, which could trigger a snap election before late March

Americans were on the Moon but footage may have been filmed in advance — Russian cosmonaut

Sergey Prokopyev pointed out that the fact that US astronauts did land on the Moon "is confirmed by automatic probes and cannot be subjected to doubt"

Some find Trump’s election win shocking because of legacy media’s lies, Musk says

The United States held its presidential election on November 5

Countries of collective West virtually live on credit — Shoigu

"An increasing number of countries are abandoning the dollar and the euro as instruments of mutual payments," the Russian Security Council secretary pointed out

NATO prepares for open armed confrontation with Belarus and Russia — top brass

According to Major General Vladimir Kupriyanyuk, "the collective West continues to demonstrate an increase in the intensity of activities aimed at early preparations for military action"

US to pressure Europe, which may turn to Minsk, Moscow — Belarusian leader

The Belarusian president did not rule out that in the future, the EU might unite and begin collaborating with Belarus and Russia

Putin highlights need to end hostilities in Middle East

Military activities should end at once. Everything must be done for Israel and Palestine to make an agreement on that, Russian President Vladimir Putin said

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

Russia believes all UN decisions on Israel, Palestine must be implemented – Putin

Russia considers it necessary to implement all the decisions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly on Israel and Palestine, President Vladimir Putin said

Repelling counterattacks, striking reserves, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Units of the battlegroup continued offensive operations, defeating Ukrainian formations in the areas of the settlements of Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka and Plekhovo

Putin doesn’t expect Trump to offer alliance against China

Putin said he believes that Trump realizes that this issue is "very far from the realities in which we live"

Russia has repeatedly stopped those who pressed for world domination — Putin

The head of state recalled that some had already tried to ruin Russia and to eliminate everything that remained after the collapse of the Soviet Union

Assassination attempt on Putin mentioned by Budanov prepared with US money — Russian MFA

"Yesterday one of chiefs of the Kiev regime Buganov openly admitted that the Ukrainian intelligence service prepared assassination attempts on the Russian president. This assassination attempt was again prepared with US money," Maria Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel

Putin says West was trying to influence China's nuclear arsenals through Russia

"Everything else is nonsense," he added

Putin says West supported al-Qaida when it fought against Russia

According to Putin, Russia’s goal at the time was to use all means to hold the country together