{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Coronavirus pandemic

Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeds 169,000

Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned

MINSK, December 18. /TASS/. As many as 1,917 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 169,000, the health ministry reported on Friday.

"As many as 169,648 people, or 1.8% of the country’s population, have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 1,917.

"A total of 1,308 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said, adding that ten such deaths were reported during the past day. According to the latest update, as many as 147,316 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease, including 1,919 during the day. A total of 3,718,238 tests for the novel coronavirus have been conducted in the country since the epidemic outbreak, including 30,059 during the past day.

Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The authorities pledge that the country’s public health system is prepared for the second wave of the epidemic. However, people are requested to wear face masks in public places. A vaccination campaign as part of post-registration tests of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine kicked off in Belarus from October 1.

Putin’s presence at G20 summit in December would be very helpful — Trump

At the same time, the US leader doubts that Russian President will attend the upcoming G20 summit in Miami

Duma committee supports bill on suspending Russia's participation in New START

The treaty was signed between Russia and the United States and it provides for the reduction of the nuclear arsenals of both countries

Israel’s defense minister declares readiness to resume war with Iran if US permits

The Israel Defense Forces are prepared for both defense and offense; the targets have been identified, Israel Katz emphasized

EU seeks to compensate for ‘erosion in NATO’ by declaring Russia enemy — Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Western countries were once again trying to create a dividing line

Putin honors fallen war correspondent Tatarsky with state award

He was killed in an explosion at a cafe in St. Petersburg on April 2

Russian stock market ends Thursday’s session in the green

The yuan-to-ruble rate gained 12 kopecks to reach 11.07 rubles

Iran does not trust US when it comes to negotiations — ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali stressed that the US side had betrayed diplomacy several times and left the negotiating table

S&P removes Russian and Belarusian bonds from its 11 indices

S&P Dow Jones Indices conducted a consultation with market participants

Other oil supply routes to secure interests of Kazakhstan — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the decision to stop Kazakh oil supplies to Germany over the Druzhba oil pipeline is related to technical aspects

Malaysian journalist Edward believes Lancet to change face of 21st-century warfare

The journalist emphasized that the munition has demonstrated exceptional combat effectiveness

Russia suggests UN Security Council commission look into US biolabs in Ukraine

The draft document is to be considered during the Security Council’s session on October 27

No foreign mercenaries arrived in Ukraine in past 7 days — Russian Defense Ministry

According to Sergey Rudskoy, in the last 7 days, a total of 285 militants fled to Poland, Hungary and Romania

Russia's Western Military District gets newest Tornado-G multiple rocket launchers

The new 122-mm Tornado-G MRLS will replace the BM-21 Grad system

Entire units of Ukrainian motorized infantry brigade missing near Volchansk

The liberation of Volchansk by troops of Russia’s Battlegroup North was reported on December 1, 2025

Russia shoots to be second-largest exporter of arms globally despite sanctions — Rostec

Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov stressed that MGIMO’s experience and research could help the state corporation develop export relations with countries of the CSTO, BRICS and SCO, as well as with partners in Asia, Africa and Latin America

EU imposes sanctions on creator of drone that destroyed first Abrams tank

The EU also imposed sanctions on the Arkhangel Center military training center

Russia’s steel output down 11.4% YOY in March — WSA

Steel production in Russia amounted to 5.4 mln metric tons in March 2026

Nuclear issue not main topic in talks with US now — Iranian MFA

The main issue now is ending the conflict in a way that meets Tehran’s interests, Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized

Russia set record volume of LNG supplies to Europe in January 2026

EU imports of Russian LNG amounted to 2.276 billion cubic meters, according to TASS calculations based on data from the European analytical center Bruegel

Photos and videos from Bucha staged by Kiev regime for Western media — defense ministry

"The photos and videos from Bucha are fakes staged by the Kiev regime for the Western media," it stressed

EU to ban LNG terminal services for Russian companies since 2027

The 20th package of sanctions "bans the provision of maintenance and other services for Russian liquified natural gas tankers and ice-breakers"

Luna-25 probe to be launched late September — Roscosmos CEO

Luna-25 is to become the first probe in Russia’s recent history to land on the Moon

Iran collects revenue from Strait of Hormuz transit fees for first time — parliament

It has been transferred to the Central Bank's account, Parliament Deputy Speaker Hamid Reza Hajibabai said

Two doctors injured in knife attack at hospital in Russia’s Dagestan

The injured doctors were a traumatologist and a surgeon on duty, Dagestan’s Health Ministry said on Max

Press review: EU backs Ukraine loan, adds Russia sanctions as France denies nukes to EU

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 23rd

Russian forces launch Oreshnik strike in response to Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

According to the ministry, "the strike goals were achieved"

No information on new round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad — Iranian ambassador to Russia

The sides held several rounds of talks in Islamabad on April 11

Ukrainian army shells health center in Kherson Region for second straight day

Deputy Chairman of the regional government Sergey Cherevko said that there were no fatalities or injuries

Russia to halt rocket engine deliveries to US, says Roscosmos chief

The ban applies to RD-180 engines that are used on US Atlas V launch vehicles as the main propulsion systems and RD-181 thrusters operated as the first stage of Antares rockets

NATO concentrating over 40,000 troops near Russian border

The American troops are now redeploying from continental North America to Europe through the Atlantic, Russia’s Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said

Defense contractor delivers new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets to Russian troops

The Irkutsk Aviation Plant of the United Aircraft Corporation also has manufactured and delivered new Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft to the Defense Ministry of Russia

Press review: Trump extends Iran ceasefire as Russia eyes Northern Sea Route cooperation

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

Russian forces advancing daily in special op, everything going according to plan — Putin

The Russian leader opened his meeting with commanders of troops of military districts by extending his greetings on the occasion of Victory Day

Hungary starts receiving Russian oil over Druzhba pipeline — MOL

Oil supplies over the Druzhba oil pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia resumed after the almost three-month interval, the company said

Russia’s counter-UAV systems attract much interest abroad — STC

The Special Technology Center also emphasized that the Russian systems can be considered sophisticated

Iranian ambassador to Russia outlines conditions for talks with US

According to Kazem Jalali, if there are talks, they must be fair and aimed at achieving lasting peace

Russia ready to discuss post-conflict resolution of Ukraine crisis — Shoigu

"In case the necessary conditions are created, we remain ready for political discussions on a realistic basis," he said

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy key Kiev observation post in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko clarified that the observation post was equipped with a video surveillance system, modern satellite communications equipment, a drone relay station, and a counter-battery station

Russia invited to partake at highest level in G20 summit in US — deputy foreign minister

It will be held in Miami, Florida, on December 14-15

Smoke seen near Church in Donetsk, where Easter Vigil is under way

The shelling was very intense, the administration of Donetsk’s Voroshilovsky District said

Mobilization in Russia is not on the agenda — Kremlin spokesman

Earlier, State Duma member Mikhail Sheremet had said Russia should declare mobilization for achieving the goals of the special operation in Ukraine

At least 10 people injured in shooting in Louisiana, US

The city's mayor Sid Edwards noted that the shooting incident is being investigated as a probable targeted attack

Ukrainian saboteurs, UAV control centers destroyed in Konstantinovka — FSB

According to the report, the terrorists were preparing ambushes along the route of Russian troops

Russia’s Unmanned Systems to offer Malaysia localization of Supercam UAV production

Unmanned Systems Group spokesperson Yekaterina Zgirovskaya said the Supercam S350 could be useful to Malaysia in both the defense and civilian spheres, particularly for protecting state borders

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

New sanctions package comprises 36 export bans for Russian energy sector

According to the European Commission, the package targets emerging players which have recently increased their export market share

Russian Defense Ministry starts mass production of Tsirkon missiles - Shoigu

Russian Defense Ministry to continue production of Kinzhal missiles

Russia whips South Africa at Women's Water Polo World Cup, clinches quarterfinal spot

This year's Water Polo Cup in Malta is the first international sports competition since 2022 where Russia is participating in team events under the national flag and to the tune of the country’s anthem

EU to never get back €90 billion allocated to Ukraine — Medvedev

The politician emphasized that it was money from Europeans' pockets

Ukraine covers rear by boosting troops numbers on border with Belarus — expert

Andrey Marochko also suggested that Kiev is building defenses on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, including to "drain funds from the general defense budget"

Moskva cruiser sank while being towed in a storm — Russian Defense Ministry

"During the towing of the Moskva cruiser to the designation port, the ship lost stability due to hull damage, sustained during the detonation of ammunition because of a fire. Amid the heavy storm, the ship sank," the Ministry said.

Kiev may shut off Druzhba pipeline again even after receiving loan from EU

The pipeline recovery is "a miracle of miracles," the news outlet said

Lula da Silva calls sale of rare earths mining company to US disgrace

Brazilian President accused former governor of the Goias state Ronaldo Caiado, who signed the agreement, of abuse of authority

Rosneft CEO reveals real meaning of oil price war, outlines Russia’s role in it

The recovery in oil prices is inevitable, Rosneft CEO believes

Iran compiles list of targets in Middle East in case of US attacks — agency

According to the report, the list was drawn up on the principle of reciprocity

Russia’s Su-57E fighter AI capabilities are continuously enhanced — Rosoboronexport

The arms exporter’s spokesperson said that the highly intelligent onboard system allows the pilot to quickly receive information via two channels

Hospital in Dagestan operating normally after attack

The hospital’s duty team remains at their post

EU countries have almost no budget funds left to combat energy crisis — FT

The crisis is also complicating negotiations on the EU’s common budget for 2028-2034 scheduled for Friday, according to the newspaper

Searches in Dagestan, 'Eksmo' scandal: latest Kremlin briefing

The Russian president gave instructions to help residents of Dagestan with housing restoration, including housing that is not properly registered

Kiev’s AI-powered drones are half-baked, cannot distinguish targets — expert

The AI-equipped drones of the Ukrainian armed forces are carrying out random strikes, Vitaly Kiselev noted

Investments in Russia's Arctic zone to exceed $396 bln over next 10 years

Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev stressed that the authorities had created the most attractive conditions for investment in the Arctic

Ukrainian forces attack DPR territory four times over past day

Reports were received of two civilians being wounded

New round of Israel-Lebanon contacts to take place at White House — Axios

On April 14, the first round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in 43 years took place in Washington with the participation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Ukraine eliminates own mercenaries in friendly fire episode in Kharkov Region — expert

Andrey Marochko said the shots were likely fired by a retreat-blocking detachment

Trump says Strait of Hormuz ‘sealed up tight’ by US until Iran agrees to make deal

No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy, the US leader noted

Russian businessman Mordashov makes statement in response to EU sanctions

What is happening in Ukraine is a tragedy for two fraternal nations, he noted

Over 200 parentless children from Donbass can be adopted in Russia in near future

As many as 1,560 children left without parents have arrived in Russia, Maria Lvova-Belova revealed

Iran’s military deliver drone strikes on US warships in response to its vessel’s seizure

According to the news agency, Iran's military intended to continue responding to "piracy" policy and attacks on behalf of the US side

Inflation slowdown in Russia becomes stable trend — Economy Minister

Inflation geared down to 5.6% as of the last year-end, Maxim Reshetnikov said

Russian troops take up positions on outskirts of Rai-Aleksandrovka in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian military are building on their success southwest of Kaleniki in the DPR

European Union bans digital ruble support — statement

The EU also banned transactions in RUBx cryptocurrency

Russian troops pound Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost more than 1,325 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Cargo traffic along Northern Sea Route grew from 4 to 38 mln tons in 10 years — envoy

Yury Trutnev noted that the Arctic region’s development is directly linked to the Arctic projects of major Russian companies

Putin: Russia stands for demilitarization of Ukraine

Russian President said he wished the Donbass problem could be settled through talks and the implementation of the Minsk agreements, but "regrettably, this is no longer relevant"

Beijing vows harsh response if US slaps sanctions on China over Ukraine

In the process of settling relations with the Russian Federation, the US is not entitled to impose so-called sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian noted

EU intends to use Russian assets as compensation of loan for Kiev

According to the source, such wording was inserted with the aim of returning again in the future to the discussion on expropriation of Russian assets

EU’s imposing a transaction ban on 20 Russian banks

In addition, the EU is targeting four financial institutions in third-countries with a transaction ban

Mexican President Sheinbaum demands US explain unauthorized CIA operations on its soil

According to Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican authorities will send a related inquiry to the US government

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

Russia’s Battlegroup South eliminates 20 Ukrainian ground robots over past 24 hours

Each robotic system was used by the enemy to deliver materiel, ammunition and control panels

Ukraine’s public debt to grow to $300 billion by end of 2027 — economist

But there is also good news: neither we nor our children will have to repay it, because repaying such a debt is physically impossible, Kushch said

EU seeks to put Serbia up against Russia — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said this kind of policy is extremely wrong

Russia almost squeezes Ukraine out of Dolgaya Balka near Konstantinovka — expert

"Dolgaya Balka has already been practically turned into a gray zone," Andrey Marochko said

Unity of Eurasian peoples, EU conditions for Serbia: remarks by Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, Moscow is confident that Belgrade will continue to act based on its national interests despite EU pressure

Diplomat blasts West for incessant hysteria after Donbass recognition

It was added that Western countries worked out sanctions against Russia well in advance before the Lugansk and Donetsk Republics were recognized

Loan to Kiev is step toward European capitals' loss of sovereignty, Shoigu believes

The Russian Security Council secretary argued that the new expenditures to support the Kiev regime will impose an extra burden on ordinary Europeans, who are already experiencing significant cuts to pensions and social programs

Kremlin spokesman describes deadly drone attack on Syzran as Kiev’s act of terror

This is the reality that Russia has to face, Dmitry Peskov noted

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian counteroffensive in Zaporozhye Region — expert

Vitaly Kiselev noted that Ukrainian military analysts are panicking

US leader says he needed no NATO support in Iran, was simply testing allies

Speaking about the prospects of reaching an agreement with Iran, the White House host stated that the republic "is dying to make a deal"

Russian, Iranian presidents stay in close contact — ambassador to Moscow

Kazem Jalali noted that Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian have held three phone calls since the start of the US-Israeli military operation against Iran

Israel reports first rocket fire in north since truce with Hezbollah

Several projectiles were launched toward the northern border community of Shtula

Kremlin considers Finland’s plans to allow import of nuclear weapons confrontation

Moreover, confrontation in a concentrated form, Peskov indicated in a comment to Channel One

Road bridge on Russia-North Korea border to help foster cooperation — agency

The bridge is scheduled to open in June 2026

US uses over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles in war with Iran — newspaper

According to the newspaper, fully replenishing the depleted stockpiles could take up to six years

11 unarmed conscripts leave border post in Kazakhstan without permission

A search operation is underway

Launch of Luna-26, Luna-27 may be postponed, space chief Rogozin says

After its trials are concluded, the control launch date will be determined

EC to adopt 20th sanctions package without ban on Russian oil transportation — source

The European Commission has proposed that EU countries urgently adopt a reduced version of the document

Putin could speak on Ukraine at news conference after Belarus talks on Thursday — Kremlin

The Russian president is scheduled to take questions jointly with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko

King Charles III diagnosed with cancer — Buckingham Palace

According to the statement, the King "has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties"

Restricting internet access, protecting interests in Arctic: Putin’s statements

Internet outages in major Russian cities are linked to preventing terrorist threats, the Russian president said

Role of Arctic, Northern Sea Route growing in international logistics

The value of the Northern Trans-Arctic Route "as the safest, the most reliable and efficient route is becoming increasingly evident" amid disruptions of global transport chains due to numerous conflicts, the Russian leader noted