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Crisis in Belarus

Miss Belarus-2008 beauty pageant winner walks free after 42 days of arrest

The court ruled to place her under arrest for taking part in an unauthorized mass event

MINSK, December 20. /TASS/. The winner of Miss Belarus-2008 beauty pageant and former press secretary of Dynamo Brest football club Olga Khizhinkova walked free after 42 days of her administrative arrest, Belarusian portal tut.by reported on Sunday.

"Miss Belarus-2008 and former press secretary of Dynamo Brest Khizhinkova was released in the city of Zhodzina," the report said.

Khizhinkova was detained at a rally on November 8. On November 11, the court ruled to place her under arrest for 12 days for taking part in an unauthorized mass event. Shortly after a district court in Minsk ruled that she should remain behind bars for another 15 days for taking part in the October 11 event.

On November 26, the Minsk court ruled on 15 days of arrest for Khizhinkova. According to tut.by, investigators used a photo posted on the Instagram social network and a video footage on October 25 to bring new charges.

Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome and left the country. The opposition’s Coordination Council, established in the republic, calls for further protests, while the Belarusian authorities demand to stop these unauthorized demonstrations.

Large group of Democratic donors call on Biden to end his reelection bid — WP

The authors of the letter said that a potential second term of the former president, Republican Donald Trump, posed "profound risks" to America

US-led coalition’s Typhoon fighter comes dangerously close to Russian An-30 in Syria

In all, aircraft of the US-led international coalition violated Syrian airspace in the Al-Tanf zone 12 times over the past 24 hours

Hungarian PM arrives in Moscow

Viktor Orban told the media that he would like to convince Ukraine and Russia to "embark on a long journey which may end in a ceasefire and peace talks"

Putin invites Hungarian PM to discuss situation in Ukraine

Hungary currently holds the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union

Use of power methods rising in global politics — SCO declaration

The document starts from stating that "tectonic shifts are underway" in global politics, economy and other areas now

Russia urges to end Ukraine conflict, not to put it on hold — Putin

According to the Russian leader, "this should not be merely a truce or a temporary ceasefire, nor some kind of pause that the Kiev regime could use to recover losses, regroup and get rearmed"

Major powers to arrange talks between Russia, Ukraine — Hungarian PM

Meanwhile, Viktor Orban pointed out that Hungary "would like to encourage the parties" to launch talks

Russian commander predicts Ukraine conflict will end this fall

According to Apty Alaudinov, officials in Kiev have figured out that the war is nearing an end

Financial isolation may occur only if world does not need Russian goods — Central Bank

"Payments are made while they are needed, and economic entities in many countries need our market; the economic interest is in place," Governor Elvira Nabiullina said

Russian air defenses engage aerial targets above Rostov — governor

Details are being verified

Tankman who hijacked Ukrainian tank gets Russian citizenship

Maxim Likhachev described it as a "long-awaited document"

Combating terrorism, national currencies: key takeaways from Putin’s SCO comments

Russia attaches great importance to cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which "continues to develop progressively on the principles of equal rights, consideration of each other's interests"

Russia uncertain if Ukraine would reciprocate with ceasefire — Putin

The Russian president said that Moscow ultimately "faced deception again as all agreements [involving the troops withdrawal], which had been reached in Istanbul, were thrown in the trash"

US national Woodland sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for attempted drug sale

During the hearing, the prosecutor asked for 12 years in a penal colony

Multipolar world becomes reality, Putin says

The Russian president noted that "an increasing number of countries are calling for a fairer world order and express determination to defend their legitimate rights and traditional values; new centers of power and economic development are emerging and growing stronger"

FSB declassifies document shedding light on SS atrocities in 1941 Ukraine

Isenmann testified during his interrogation that his platoon, part of the Wiking Division, arrived in Lvov immediately after the Germans occupied it - at the end of June and the beginning of July 1941

Hungarian PM’s Moscow visit marks step towards peace in Ukraine — top diplomat

Tamas Menczer, spokesman for the Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Alliance ruling party, also said that the premier’s efforts could produce positive results

Russian troops destroy first Tunguska anti-aircraft missile system in Ukraine operation

Russia’s Southern Battlegroup inflicted roughly 450 casualties on the Ukrainian army and destroyed two enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US-made Patriot systems failed even to protect themselves — Russian general

In the course of the special military operation, Russian air defense systems confirmed their potential to repel strikes by all types of enemy air attack capabilities, Andrey Semyonov said

Russia strikes Ukrainian military-industrial sites, oil refinery over past day — top brass

Russia’s Dnepr Battlegroup inflicted roughly 140 casualties on the Ukrainian army in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Russian air defense, fighter aircraft seriously reduced Ukraine’s capabilities — general

In the conditions of ever increasing use by Ukrainian forces of modern missile weapons produced by NATO countries, air defense forces promptly develop methods and adapt air defense systems to counter enemy missile attacks, Andrey Semyonov said

Labour Party has solid lead in UK parliament elections — exit poll

The opposition party is projected to win 410 seats in the parliament

Tucker Carlson announces interview with Zelensky

The exact date when the interview will be published was not disclosed

Hungarian PM says he arrives in Moscow to continue 'peace mission'

Orban’s spokesman Bertalan Havasi announced earlier that the Hungarian premier had arrived in Moscow to discuss ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Third Patriot system arrives from Germany to Ukraine — ambassador

According to Martin Jaeger, the crew of the system had completed training in Germany

Enemy probes Crimean defenses by launching decoy targets — Sevastopol governor

"The enemy is actively probing the peninsula's defense system now," Mikhail Razvozhayev said

Russian combat aircraft destroying military targets over Black Sea — governor

Mikhail Razvozhayev urged city residents and guests to remain calm, observe security measures and stay in temporary shelters or safe places

UK government shift to have no bearing on dialogue with Moscow — senior official

Lord Richard Balfe also emphasized that the West will have to "come to terms with the reality," admitting that Crimea and Donbass are now Russian constituencies

Orban calls for peace on his visit to Moscow

Earlier, the Hungarian prime minister proposed to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ceasefire terms, but the latter rejected them

Labour leader Keir Starmer takes office as UK prime minister

He is the third UK prime minister during the reign of Charles III who took the throne less than two years ago

Ukraine’s military launched deliberate attack on Zaporozhye nuke plant’s staff — envoy

It is not for the first time that the Kiev regime "clearly demonstrates its complete disregard for the safety of peaceful nuclear facilities," Mikhail Ulyanov said

Putin insists Ukraine rejected peace talks on US instructions

"It was Ukraine that rejected negotiations, and it did so publicly and on direct instructions" from London and Washington, the Russian leader stressed

Ukraine uses ATACMS missiles against civilian targets as well — Russian general

Ukraine is using ATACMS missiles as well in an attempt to intimidate its people, Andrey Semyonov said

Putin meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Kremlin

On June 2, Viktor Orban visited Kiev as the leader of the European Council presidency nation, where he met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky

Russian mortar crew destroys another Bradley IFV near Avdeyevka

Russian servicemen also destroyed a recovery detachment that came to save the vehicle’s crew, the Defense Ministry said

Iskander missiles destroy Ukrainian MiG-29 at Dolgintsevo air base — defense ministry

Ballistic missile delivered at the base in the Dnepropetrovsk region

Ukraine needs some 200,000 recruits to address troop shortages — newspaper

In order to address its troop shortage, Kiev reportedly needs to recruit at least 50,000 people every quarter

Orban clarifies Hungary's independent role in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts

Viktor Orban believes that Hungary "can be a tool in the hands of those who seek peace"

Russia strikes Ukrainian military-industrial, energy sites over week — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 13,525 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past week, according to the Defense Ministry’s latest data

US defense weapons plant rocked by explosion, casualties reported — AP

According to the news agency, the plant manufactures 105mm to 155mm artillery shells

Democratic donors see Biden’s presidential candidacy as 'doomed' — newspaper

According to the Financial Times, some donors are reluctant to support the Democratic Party until Biden withdraws from the race

As US allows hitting Russian regions, Ukraine goes on mass killing of civilians — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik mentioned how a shell fell on a section of an apartment building, completely destroying it, in the Belgorod Region and how a long-range ATACMS missile hit a crowded beach in Sevastopol on June 23 in a terrorist attack

Putin says Orban came to Moscow also as president of EU Council

Hungary will hold the rotating presidency of the EU Council for the next six months

Putin says he is pleased to see Hungary’s Orban in Kremlin, they have a lot to discuss

The Russian leader named both Ukraine and bilateral relations among the points of discussion agenda

Press review: SCO summit ushers in new deals and zooming in on Russia-India ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 5th

Almost 70% of Chasov Yar liberated — lawmaker

There is concrete, there are concrete fortifications, as it is not a bare steppe, said Viktor Vodolatsky

Kyrgyzstan intelligence neutralizes group that planned to seize power — statement

During the investigation, five people were detained, their names have not been disclosed yet

Russian economy deviates from base case scenario — Central Bank

According to regulator's Governor Elvira Nabiullina, discussions on the rate increase will be on the agenda in July

Ukraine’s military admits retreat in Chasov Yar in DPR

DPR defense circles told TASS on July 3 that Ukrainian troops had abandoned their positions in the east of Chasov Yar and were trying to reinforce defenses in the town’s western part. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on July 3 that Russian troops had fully liberated the Novy neighborhood in Chasov Yar

Istanbul principles could launch dialogue, but Kiev rejects them — Kremlin spokesman

The spokesman pointed out Moscow’s principal position, which says that these agreements may become a basis for the settlement, which, however, "does not mean that they may become a basis point by point"

Erdogan not a possible mediator in Ukraine talks — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov confirmed that at today’s meeting, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin touched upon the conflict in Ukraine

Russian air defense troops downed over 550 planes, 120 helicopters during special op

"The battlefield and point air defense of the Russian military has shown itself to be up to the task during large-scale combat operations in the zone of the special military operation," Russian Air and Missile Defense Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Andrey Semyonov said

Press review: Putin takes meetings with world leaders and Biden donors run for the hills

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 4th

Belarus vows joint response with allies to any border provocations — General Staff

According to Vladimir Kupriyanyuk, Belarus has not and will not "raise tensions in any way" despite a difficult situation on the border with Ukraine

IAEA will ultimately say who shells Zaporozhye NPP — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov said Russia is convinced that "sooner or later" evidence will emerge, and then the organization's secretariat will have to name the culprit

Hungary to become single EU country in dialog with Russia, Ukraine — Orban

"I am grateful to you that you agreed to receive me even in such challenging conditions," the Hungarian Prime Minister addressed the Russian leader, meaning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine

US military destroys Houthi radar station in Yemen

They US military destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels

UK premier congratulates Labour leader on election victory

Rishi Sunak also took responsibility for his party’s defeat

Russia, Iran have almost identical approaches to key global issues — Putin

The Russian president asked Mohammad Mokhber to "pass along his wishes for good health and prosperity to Iran's Supreme Leader" Ali Khamenei

Duties on Chinese electric cars expose EU hypocrisy regarding market economy — expert

However, Wang Wen noted that China is not afraid of such steps and will continue to prove that the production of electric vehicles in the country is not developing through subsidies

Reasonable people in West to consider Putin’s plan in the future — Kremlin spokesman

Meanwhile, according to Dmitry Peskov, "this does not mean that more reasonable people in the collective West and in Ukraine itself have not considered this plan"

Six-year-old girl dies in hospital following Ukrainian attack on southern Russia

Veniamin Kondratyev offered condolences to the girl’s family

Ten drones shot down above south Russia’s Rostov Region — governor

"According to first responders, the aerial attack and falling drone fragments sparked wildfires on the left bank of the Don River in Rostov and in the Azov district," Vasily Golubev noted

Russia ready to start producing short-range, medium-range missiles — Putin

Moscow can give a mirror-like response in case US short-and medium-range missiles are placed in any region of the world, the Russian leader noted

Much is to be done reach peace between Russia, Ukraine — Hungarian PM

The talks between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban lasted for two and a half hours and were also attended by the two countries’ foreign ministers and other members of delegations

Putin to discuss Ukraine issue with Hungarian PM later today — Kremlin spokesman

The meeting will also involve Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Foreign Policy Aide Yury Ushakov and Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky

EU rules out official communication with Russian president, top diplomat says

Josep Borrell emphasized that the fact that Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU does not entitle it to represent the union on the international stage

Six hospitalized after drone attack on south Russia’s Primorsko-Akhtarsk

A three-storey apartment building and a power substation were damaged

Apple blocked 25 mobile apps of VPN services — regulator

The ban on distributing information in the Internet that advertises or popularizes tools to bypass blockings is effective in Russia since March 1 of this year

US-based F1 Team Haas to return race car to Russia’s Uralkali by court ruling

Uralkali has already sent a letter to Haas with details for delivery of the race car used in the 2021 season

Hungarian PM acts as mediator in Ukraine conflict, not negotiator — minister

Janos Boka said that Orban sent a summary of the trip to the EU Council immediately after his visit to Kiev, thus demonstrating "room for maneuver"

BRICS must balance expansion with continued effective cooperation — Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia’s BRICS presidency "is focused on forming a new category of partner nations"

Putin did not discuss idea to hold peace summit on Ukraine with Xi Jinping — Kremlin

Russian president and his chinese counterpart held negotiations in Astana on July 3

Armenia ready for strategic partnership with US — PM

According to Nikol Pashinyan, "Armenia greatly values the role of the United States in the peace-building process in our region and deeply appreciates the US support for the sovereignty, independence, democracy, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration"

Gazprom Export wins court ruling to halt Axpo Solutions' arbitration abroad

The court ruled that the Austrian company will have to pay Gazprom Export about 623.2 mln euros, if it violates the ban

US and its satellites’ unceremonious policy provoked crisis in Ukraine — Putin

"We have repeatedly put on the negotiations table our concrete proposals regarding this issue," the Russian president noted

Improvement of Russia’s positions to push West to talks on Ukraine — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya does not believe that the potential election of Donald Trump as the next US president will cardinally change the American policy in this area

Intensity of provocations on Ukrainian border doesn’t decline — Belarusian military

Vladimir Kupriyanyuk said such actions not only pursue reconnaissance purposes, but also are part of attempts to get explosives and other capabilities into Belarus to support potential sabotage activities

Hungarian PM concedes that Russia-Ukraine peace talks will be handled by heavyweights

Viktor Orban also noted that he would like to get a feel for how committed the parties to the conflict are to achieving peace and what kind of concessions Russia and Ukraine are willing to make

No confirmation of Moscow visit from Hungarian PM

Earlier, several European media outlets reported the Hungarian premier’s potential visit to Moscow on July 5, citing officials

Conservative Party suffers historic defeat, results of UK Parliament elections

On Friday morning, Keir Starmer should be received by King Charles III who will instruct him to form a new government

One third of all downed Ukrainian manned aircraft was destroyed by MANPADS — general

Andrey Semyonov added that crews of radar stations and anti-aircraft missile systems have been constantly adapting to new threats, improving the existing ways of countering air-borne enemy capabilities and developing new ones

Bank of Russia sees complication of situation with cross-border payments

Elvira Nabiullina added that the business is adapting to the situation and the Central Bank is helping it in this aspect

Putin doesn’t see chance of reaching agreement on Ukraine through mediator

The Russian leader doubted any mediator would be delegated enough powers to bring the matters to signing the final documents

US, UK delivered 19 strikes on Yemen in one week — Houthi leader

The leader of the Ansar Allah movement, Abdel Malek al-Houthi, advised Arab and Muslim countries to show caution so that Washington could not launch its attacks on Yemen from their sovereign territories

Biden to drop out of election race, to be replaced by Harris, Trump thinks

The US presidential candidate said that it will be easier to compete against Harris whom he considers "pathetic"

Russia makes efforts to settle crisis in Middle East — Putin

According to the Russian president, the situation "could be resolved in principle only if the corresponding UN decisions are implemented"

Russia faces unprecedented air defense challenges during special op — general

The use of factory-made and improvised unmanned aerial vehicles, which are made with special composite materials to reduce their visibility and are capable of flying at extremely low altitudes, has become unprecedented, Andrey Semyonov said

Putin-Orban talks conclude after over 2.5 hours

The talks between Putin and Orban took place with the participation of delegations which included the top diplomats of both countries

Port infrastructure damaged in Odessa Region — mayor

Earlier, the media reported explosions in Odessa, as well as in the port of the city of Chernomorsk

Press review: Orban heads to Kiev to make bid for peace and what's behind Turkey protests

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 3rd

Russia develops single-use combat drone to intercept enemy UAVs

It is noted that before destroying an enemy UAV, the Vogan must get a corresponding command from an operator who makes a decision based on the image from the drone’s video camera

Much-vaunted Patriots can’t even defend themselves

In the course of the special military operation, it was confirmed that Russian air defense systems have the potential to repel strikes by all types of enemy air attack capabilities

Hungarian PM Orban hopes to hear Putin’s stance on significant issues regarding Europe

Earlier on Friday, Viktor Orban told the media that he would like to persuade the parties to the conflict - Ukraine and Russia - to embark "on a long journey that can lead to a ceasefire and peace talks"

Conflict in Ukraine could be stopped if strong foundation for peace is created — Erdogan

According to the statement, the Turkish leader affirmed Ankara's intention to "continue to strive for peace"

Hungarian PM to leave Moscow later today after one-day visit — diplomatic source

Viktor Orban is the first Western leader to visit Russia since April 2022

Russia has unified air defense system on its entire territory, including special op zone

"It can be said now that none of the world's other militaries has experience in creating air defense concentrations of this magnitude," Russian Air and Missile Defense Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Andrey Semyonov said

Russian defense ministry reports losses among Russian troops during special operation

Konashenkov also said that several Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner

China, Turkey share similar views on Ukrainian issue — Xi Jinping

The Chinese president underscored the need for close contacts between Beijing and Ankara

Labour Party leads UK parliament election with 10% of ballots counted

According to preliminary results, Labour Party members have already won 55 parliament seats, the Conservative Party got only six

Putin, Orban to talk tet-a-tet if needed — Kremlin spokesman

"First they will talk in the attendance of the accompanying persons that you saw," Dmitry Peskov said