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Crisis in Belarus

Special vehicle brought to downtown Minsk due to opposition’s ‘Freedom Day’ rally

Earlier, Minsk authorities denied permission to hold the March 25 rally, dedicated to the 103th anniversary of the Belarusian People’s Republic, which the opposition celebrates every year as the "Freedom Day"

MINSK, March 25. /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcement forces took control over downtown Minsk due to the opposition’s "Freedom Day" Thursday.

Buses with riot police are parked on streets adjacent to the Independence Avenue. A large number of special vehicles, water cannons, army trucks with soldiers and trucks with barbed wire are parked near the Independence Palace - President Lukashenko’s residence. Police officers also patrol the State Flag Square. Witnesses report police movement in other parts of the city.

Earlier, Minsk authorities denied permission to hold the March 25 rally, dedicated to the 103th anniversary of the Belarusian People’s Republic, which the opposition celebrates every year as the "Freedom Day." Besides, the police repeatedly warned of responsibility for participation in unauthorized mass events.

The opposition stated its plans to resume centralized protests this spring, with the first one timed to the "Freedom Day." Earlier, law enforcement officers apprehended the United Civic Party leader Nikolay Kozlov, Social-Democratic Party leader Igor Borisov and the Young Front organization leader Denis Urbanovich.

Protests in Belarus continued since August 9 Presidential Elections. According to the Central Electoral Commission, Alexander Lukashenko won the elections with a landslide, followed by opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who refused to recognize the outcome and left the country. The largest protests took place immediately after the outcome was announced, which initially led to clashes with the police. Minor protests continue even now, but the opposition urges to restore large-scale rallies and marches this spring.

US’ new aid package to Ukraine to include munitions, anti-tank systems — White House

According to the report, the package includes "more 155 artillery ammunition, as well as 105 millimeter ammunition, HIMARS ammunition and additional Javelin anti-tank systems"

Press review: Kazan readies for BRICS summit and Israel's plan to attack Iran leaked

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 21st

US has become hostage to its own Mideast policy — Russia’s UN envoy

The current US policy "ditches the possibility of resuming the dialogue on the Gaza ceasefire, jeopardizes the security and sovereignty of Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and exacerbates the risk of plunging the entire region into the abyss of conflict"

Russian Ka-52M combat helicopter thwarts Ukrainian troop rotation in borderline Kursk area

A forward air controller confirmed the target destruction

Kalashnikov arms producer to deliver Kub kamikaze drones to foreign customer

Kub guided loitering munitions designed to strike enemy armor and manpower have proven their worth in the special military operation in Ukraine

Kremlin aide describes UAE president’s visit as 'very successful'

"There were very fruitful talks with the Emirati delegation, a very useful conversation," Yury Ushakov underlined

Situation gets bleaker for Ukrainian military, US thinks about negotiations — news agency

Columnist Hal Brands pointed out that none of the plans of US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris so far provide an answer to how to "turn a deteriorating battlefield situation into a decent peace" for Kiev

Israel hits five offices of Hezbollah sponsor organization in Lebanon

According to Al Hadath, missiles were fired at two buildings housing Al-Qard Al-Hassan office in southern Beirut

Moscow-Pyongyang cooperation should not worry anyone — Kremlin

"North Korea is our close neighbor, our partner, and we are developing our relations in all areas," Dmitry Peskov underlined

BRICS summit, not US elections, will determine course of history — Russian official

Russia’s Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko believes that truly responsible leaders of sovereign states understand this, and the level of representation at the summit and the ever-growing number of applications for membership are clear proof of this

Russian forces block Ukrainian group in Selidovo — security forces

All roads leading out of the city are under the full fire control of the Russian army

Russia downs 18 Ukrainian drones last night — top brass

11 drones were intercepted over the Rostov Region

Ukrainian military losses mounting, Russian forces continue to advance — Foreign Affairs

According to Jack Watling, "Ukrainian forces have become dangerously stretched"

West wanted Georgia to begin 3-4 day war on Russia — ruling party founder

Georgia’s authorities have repeatedly said that certain forces are seeking to drag the country into an armed confrontation with Russia, especially immediately after the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine

Slovakia’s ruling party objects to inviting Ukraine to NATO — PM

According to Fico, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who has recently unveiled his conflict settlement plan, is aware of Slovakia’s position

Every participant in BRICS summit can feel free to discuss Ukraine — Kremlin

The BRICS summit will take place in Kazan on October 22-24

Russian forces strike Ukrainian energy sites, military airfields over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel, two motor vehicles and a 122mm D-30 howitzer

Voting in Moldova: Sandu's failed 'blitzkrieg'

Sandu has 41.84% of the vote, while Stoianoglo holds 26.35%, according to preliminary results released by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) after processing 100% of the protocols

South Korean Foreign Ministry summons Russian envoy

On October 10, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that media claims regarding the involvement of North Korean servicemen in the special military operation appear to be yet another hoax

US private military company’s main forces leave Kursk Region — Russian serviceman

The commander noted that Ukrainian mercenary units do not serve as assault squads, but rather they work as barrage detachments, sabotage and reconnaissance groups, and snipers

Putin's latest meeting with his UAE counterpart lasted almost until midnight — Kremlin

It was a very rich and trustful conversation on a broad number of topics, Dmitry Peskov said

BRICS considering 15 countries as its potential partners — BRICS aide

"It would be illogical to admit so many countries at once, because it would no longer be am association but rather an amorphous structure, which would be unable to work," he said in an interview with Russian TV Channel One

Russian ambassador tells BBC that UK wages ‘aggressive war’ against Russia

While Ukraine still keeps resisting, that resistance is getting weaker, Andrey Kelin says

Nearly 40 countries to take part in BRICS Plus/Outreach format in Kazan — Kremlin

The BRICS leaders will exchange views on topical issues on the global and regional agenda, discuss the three main areas of cooperation outlined by the Russian chairmanship

Russia-UAE trade up three-fold in past three years — Putin

According to the Russian leader, mutual investments between Russia and the United Arab Emirates reached $7 billion and sovereign funds are working on about 60 projects worth $2 billion

Turkey sees threat in Greater Israel plans — ruling party

Spokesman Omer Celik recalled Israel’s statements about its readiness to strike nuclear and oil targets in Iran

Lavrov rejects British PM’s remark about Istanbul talks between Russia, Ukraine as lie

In his latest memoir, Boris Johnson attempted to deny responsibility for derailing the Istanbul talks, Russian foreign minister said

Putin to hold working meetings at BRICS summit 'from morning to night' — spokesman

The president will have such a busy schedule "within the next three to four days," Dmitry Peskov said

Medvedev says Russia's tasks are to weaken West, disintegrate US

The politician emphasized that Russia is also helped in this by the United States, "because their goal is to dominate the Old World (as well as the rest of the world)"

Russia ready to work with any US administration, given mutual respect, Lavrov says

Russian foreign minister reiterated that Russia has never avoided dialogue, nor did it interrupt it

Ukraine becomes hostage of West's colonial philosophy — governor

Yevgeny Balitsky emphasized that Ukrainians and the Baltic peoples live in an illusion, although there are people who understand the real state of affairs

Russia-North Korea cooperation not directed against South Korea — embassy

Earlier, South Korean diplomats reported that First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun had met with the Russian ambassador

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Putin to hold talks with UAE president at Kremlin

The Kremlin press service announced that the two leaders plan to discuss "the state and prospects for the development of multifaceted Russian-UAE cooperation and pressing issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and North Africa region"

Over 4,600 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

The Russian reconciliation center conducted three humanitarian operation in the settlement of Albasit and in the city of Latakia and distributed more than one tone of food among their residents, Oleg Ignasyuk said

France in discussion with partners about inviting Ukraine to NATO immediately

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is on a two-day visit to Kiev

Putin grants citizenship to first US political refugee in Russia — decree

The media wrote that John Robles had lived in Russia since the 1990s, working as a teacher and international journalist

Hezbollah attempts to assassinate two more Israeli politicians — TV

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused an Iranian proxy of trying to kill him and his wife in a drone attack near the city of Caesarea on October 19 and vowed it will not stop Israel from pressing on with its military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah

Growth of gold prices threatens dollar-based financial system — expert

Over the past year the price of gold ounce grew by 39.4% from $1,947 to $2,715

Russian troops destroy several dozen mercenaries from Latin America in DPR over two weeks

The location of the Ukrainian army’s foreign mercenaries is uncovered by data-recording equipment and radio intercepts, the defense circles said

State Duma’s budget committee passes draft federal budget for 2025-2027

The share of oil and gas revenues in total federal budget revenues is expected to fall from 31.3% in 2024 to 22.6% in 2027, while the share of non-oil and gas revenues of the federal budget will go up from 68.7% in 2024 to 77.4% in 2027

Lavrov sees little merit in evaluating Rutte’s rhetoric on Ukraine

NATO’s new chief "serves as a `technical secretary’ who is articulating the position that has been agreed upon within NATO, largely influenced by Washington's stance," the minister said

West ready to blow up dam in Kiev to pin blame on Russia — Zaporozhye head

Yevgeny Balitsky stressed that Russians and Ukrainians are a single nation

Lavrov calls on West, Kiev to abandon idea of Ukraine joining NATO

"In Kiev, separate regulations have been issued to cancel any cultural activities in Russian," Russian foreign minister noted

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

Russian forces destroy two Baba Yaga bomber drones in Kharkov Region

Data recorders show FPV drone crews wiping out two Ukrainian Baba Yaga unmanned aerial vehicles over the Kharkov Region in the course of the special military operation

Russian forces strike Ukrainian seaborne drone factory in Zaporozhye

As Vladimir Rogov pointed out, "the Ukrainian regime tried to present it as if our troops delivered a strike at a shopping mall"

Putin meets with his UAE counterpart in Kremlin

The official talks between the two leaders will focus on bilateral cooperation and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa

Israel informs US about terms of ceasefire on Israeli-Lebanese border — media

According to the report, one of the conditions is that the IDF must be able to take active measures against the rearmament of Hezbollah units and the restoration of the movement’s military infrastructure

Russia says its Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kursk Region

The strike on the previously detected enemy targets were delivered with air-borne missiles

Vucic thanks Putin for Moscow’s principled position on Kosovo

Aleksandar Vucic thanked Vladimir Putin for Russia’s principled position on issues of Serbia’s territorial integrity

FACTBOX: BRICS association’s profile

Nowadays, there are more than 20 negotiating platforms within the BRICS framework, covering such areas as energy efficiency, climate change, food security, poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and the activities of international financial institutions

Russia successfully test-fires Kalibr cruise missile in Arkhangelsk region — top brass

The missile firing area was closed to civilian shipping and flights in advance by ships from the Kola Flotilla and the Northern Fleet’s hydrographic ships

Administration of Zaporozhye Region’s district attacked by Ukrainian troops

According to Titsky, no one was hurt

Brazil, India, Africa should become permanent members of UN Security Council — Lavrov

"This is necessary to ensure representativeness, representation of the global majority," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Brazilian president to skip BRICS summit due to head injury — media

It is reported that the Brazilian president was hospitalized on October 20 with "a wound in the back of his head"

FETO chief Gulen, suspected of preparing coup by Turkey, dies in US

His nephew Ebousseme Gulen confirmed the information

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Ukrainian forces out of chances to break through to Kursk NPP — Russian fighter

According to a Russian commander, more than 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers died in an attempt to implement the so-called blitzkrieg plan in Kursk region to give Russia a nuclear ultimatum

Lavrov slams 'deception' Biden's words about US readiness for nuclear talks with Russia

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that it is necessary to talk about it taking into account all factors, "rather than cunningly advancing an attractive slogan that conceals a desire for unilateral benefit"

UAE president arrives in Moscow to meet with Putin — agency

Later in the day, the two presidents will meet in an informal atmosphere

Ukraine fires some 50 munitions at Belgorod Region over past day

A man was admitted to the regional hospital with moderate injuries

Nord Stream sabotage made Germany, Europe dependent on US in energy — Lavrov

"Everyone has heard of the terrorist attack on the Nord Streams which was swallowed by a silent and obedient Europe, even as it undermined the possibility of development, mostly for Germany and other European countries," the minister said

Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza kill over 70 Palestinians — TV

According to the enclave’s Health Ministry, more than 42,500 Palestinians have been killed and 99,600 have suffered injuries in Gaza since October 2023

Putin grants Russian citizenship to Finnish human rights activist

Johan Backman has defended the rights of the Russian-born families, whose children were taken away by the Finnish authorities, and has participated in many international conferences on the outcome of World War II

Lavrov says rapprochement with BRICS may directly benefit Russia’s allies in CSTO, EAEU

"They do not have to join BRICS, but they should collaborate in the implementation of specific projects, which is in the interests of all of us," Russia's top diplomat said

Ukrainian forces lost up to 460 troops in Battlegroup Center responsibility zone

The Battlegroup Center defeated five brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Donetsk People's Republic in one day and repelled nine counterattacks, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Kiev cannot create nuclear bomb, but can make dirty one — politician

Nikolay Azarov emphasized that nuclear research was carried out in Ukraine after it renounced nuclear weapons

Iran stays committed to supreme leader’s fatwa prohibiting nuclear weapons — MFA

On October 1, the Islamic republic launched a massive missile attack against the Jewish state in response to the killing of senior officials from the Palestinian movement Hamas, the Lebanon-based Shia movement Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Moving frontline 40 km away from Nikopol needed to start Zaporozhye NPP — Governor

The two cities are located on the right bank of the Dnieper controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Vietnam's parliament elects General Luong Cuong as country's new president

According to the National Assembly, the resolution to elect Luong Cuong, 67, as head of state was supported by 440 out of 440 lawmakers present at the session

Right-wing conservatives in Europe loyal to their electorates, not Russia — Lavrov

"The interests of a sizable portion of the EU population lie in the fact that they do not wish to see yet another war break out," the minister said

In Moldovan election Sandu gets 42.45%, Stoianoglo, 25.99% with 100% reports reviewed

Since none of the candidates collected more than 50% of the votes, a runoff will have to be held on November 3

Units of battlegroup West captured 56 Ukrainian strongpoints

Ivan Bigma, a spokesman for the battlegroup, also specified that during the counter-battery battle, artillery units destroyed an M198 howitzer, M119 and L119 guns, and six mortar crews

Kremlin sees no links between cancellations on Russia, Brazilian leaders’ visits

The press service of the Brazilian president said earlier in the day that Lula da Silva would not be able to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24 because of health problems

Putin describes situation in Middle East as very difficult

The UAE president, in turn, said that he is ready to discuss the situation in the Middle East

Brazilian, Cuban presidents not to attend BRICS Summit in Kazan — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will skip the summit due to health problems, while Miguel Diaz-Canel has opted to stay home amid serious energy problems

West unleashes information war against Russia-Iran relations — envoy to Moscow

"The West's approach to Iran-Russia relations focuses on false narratives," Kazem Jalali stressed

Moscow opposes expanding UNSC by including more Western countries — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya also said Russia is "against diluting the prerogatives of permanent members, including the right of veto, which is an instrument that ensures that the council takes balanced decisions"

Repelling enemy counterattacks, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Russian troops have repelled a Ukrainian counterattack in the area of Novoivanovka, the Defense Ministry reported

Voting at Moldova’s presidential election, referendum on joining EU over

However, voting will continue at some overseas polling stations

Medvedev doubts that Trump threatened Putin with striking Moscow

"In general, our relationship with him is quite warm," the politician said

Putin to meet with Erdogan, Xi, Modi, Abbas, Guterres in Kazan

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said that the series of talks will begin on October 22

Lavrov says shame on EU for supporting Nazism in Ukraine

"It turs out that the European leaders are ready to defend the so-called values of Nazism again, therefore denazification is an urgent task rather than a motto," the minister said

Zaporozhye Region governor warns Ukrainians won’t be forgiven if they fight for Zelensky

Yevgeny Balitsky said that only Ukrainian military servicemen have the potential to move against the Kiev regime inside their country now, but they are unlikely to do so because they would not be forgiven for the atrocities they have already committed

Sandu must prove that 'criminal groups' stole her votes — Kremlin

"If Maia Sandu says that she is short of votes because of some 'criminal groups', then she should present evidence," Dmitry Peskov noted

OSCE points to misuse of administrative resources by Moldovan president

Among the mission’s recommendations was "to increase the resilience of and citizens’ confidence in electoral processes in the country"

Brazilian president to skip BRICS summit in Kazan

According to Brazil’s Metropoles news portal, the Brazilian leader got into a home accident and bumped the back of his head

Belarusian tennis star Arina Sobolenko back in top place of WTA Rankings

The Belarusian player, who competes at the international tournaments under a neutral status, returned to the top of the WTA Rankings for the second time in her career after she reigned the list of the world’s best female players last year for eight weeks - between September 11 and November 5, 2023

Foreign minister to lead Brazilian delegation to BRICS summit in Kazan

The press service of the Brazilian president said earlier in the day that President Inacio Lula da Silva would not be able to attend the summit because of health problems

Putin informs Vucic about course of special military operation — Kremlin

The leaders discussed the situation around Ukraine

Kiev's Kursk gamble alienates prospects for conflict settlement — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya stressed that "by invading the territory of Russia recognized by all the states of the world, the Ukrainian armed forces have demonstrated to the world majority their terrorist and aggressive nature"

Abnormal voting for Sandu, Eurointegration seen in Moldovan election — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov explained what the unfree election campaign in Moldova was all about

Moldova’s president alleges 'unprecedented' plot to buy off votes

"Criminal groups working with foreign forces have attacked our country with tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda <…> to keep our country trapped in uncertainty and instability," Maia Sandu said

Iran officially notifies IAEA of Israeli threats to nuclear facilities — Foreign Ministry

According to Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, the threat to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities is unacceptable and contradicts international law

Kremlin keeps lid on Putin's secretive talks with world leaders

"We continue to prefer maintaining a very responsible stance in terms of not making public the conversations that are held at the highest level," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Situation in Kursk region

Aviation, artillery and missile troops continued to defeat manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk region, as well as their reserves in the Sumy region

Participation in BRICS in line with Egypt's overall development strategy — expert

Rami al-Ghadran noted that Egypt's priorities for BRICS included transition to green energy, food security and exchange of experience and transfer knowhow

Pentagon chief Austin arrives in Kiev — news agency

According to the agency, the purpose of the Pentagon chief's visit is to demonstrate support for Ukraine ahead of the US elections

Russia has long been ahead of countries considered developed — finance minister

In May, the World Bank updated its GDP data at purchasing power parity, taking into account data for 2021, Russia entered the top four economies in the world