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Senior Russian diplomat, US ambassador discuss preparations for climate summit

On March 26, the White House press service confirmed that US President Joe Biden had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the virtual Climate Summit scheduled for April 22-23

MOSCOW, April 1./TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan met on Thursday to discuss preparations for a virtual climate summit, as well as certain issues on the bilateral agenda, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

"Certain issues regarding preparations for the virtual climate summit initiated by the US were discussed, as well as a number of key issues on the bilateral agenda," the Foreign Ministry reported.

On March 26, the White House press service confirmed that US President Joe Biden had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the virtual Climate Summit scheduled for April 22-23. US authorities said the summit would be aimed at consolidating efforts towards the reduction of harmful emissions into the environment.

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US to impose new sanctions against Iran in upcoming days — White House

According to the statement, Joe Biden, together with the US’ allies and partners and leaders of both chambers of the US Congress, is developing a "comprehensive response" to the Iranian strike at Israel

Ukrainian paratroopers surrender in Avdeyevka area — Russian Defense Ministry

Nine Ukrainian paratroopers of the airborne platoon of the elite brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces seized the opportunity to surrender near Vodyanoye, turned to Russian soldiers and laid down their arms, the ministry said

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Russian security official vows 'well-deserved' punishment for those behind Crocus attack

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US reaffirms commitment to defending Japan, including with nuclear weapons

Joe Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan under Article V of the Treaty, using its full range of capabilities

Saudi Arabia, UAE did not open airspace to Israel, US to repel Iranian attack — newspaper

According to the report, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi tried to remain neutral in the escalating conflict in the Middle East

Russian forces pummel Ukrainian army, equipment in 133 areas over past day

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Envoy reports dozens of Russians killed in Ukrainian attacks in past week

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No plans to ‘get involved in combat role’ in Ukraine, White House official says

Asked if it was because of Russia’s nuclear weapons, Kirby repeated that the circumstances were different

Ukrainian president signs law tightening mobilization rules

According to Rada Deputy Speaker Alexander Korniyenko, some of the law’s provisions will take effect after its publication, while most of them will enter into force in a month

Russia supports priorities of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in SCO — Foreign Ministry

Andrey Rudenko emphasized that Russia is providing all necessary assistance in the meaningful preparation of the summit in Astana

Italy manages to fully substitute Russian gas supplies, says Energy Security Minister

"In Europe this issue is even more complex," Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said noting that gas prices have fluctuated greatly over the past two years

France to invite Russia to events marking 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet received an official invitation

Putin reflects on Donbass, Novorossiya's difficult journey to reunite with Russia

The Russian president stressed that "this is another great event in our country’s history"

Zaporozhye Region lawmaker survives assassination attempt — authorities

An explosive device was placed on the gate of his house’s courtyard at eye level

Russian diplomat blames US for current Middle East crisis

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the US had long been promoting "exceptional allegations" about some non-mandatory UN Security Council resolutions

Xi Jinping proposes four principles for resolving Ukrainian crisis

The Chinese leader had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian crisis with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to Beijing

Russian troops destroy fake Ukrainian ambulance with UAV operators in Kherson area

Russian reconnaissance teams have repeatedly observed the Ukrainian military using ambulances and other civilian vehicles for transporting troops and armaments to combat areas, Vladimir Saldo said

Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts

US, UK deliver another series of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

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The French president noted that this is possible in the case of peace talks on Ukraine

US not going to be in armed conflict with Russia — official

The President of the United States has made that very clear

Riot police dispersing protesters near Georgian parliament building

Riot police used tear gas to push protesters back from the building entrance

Russian stock indices plunging on Tuesday — market data

The dollar surged by 0.67% to 94.42 rubles, the euro edged up by 0.41% to 100.24 rubles

Zelensky irked by US’ request to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure — media

It is noted that US officials believe the military benefits of Ukraine’s air raids on Russian oil refineries are "of questionable value," since "the strikes do little to diminish Russia’s war-fighting abilities"

Remote sensing satellite Aist-2D’s orbital mission complete — Roscosmos

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Russian intelligence chief, Egyptian president stress readiness for security cooperation

"The readiness to further deepen cooperation in the field of national security between Russia and Egypt was stressed," the statement reads

White House effectively rules out option for US forces to intercept Russian missiles

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Slovakia to oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership bid — PM

Meanwhile, Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union

US support for Israel’s aggression in Gaza seen as factor of conflict escalation — Hamas

According to Izzat al-Risheq, the only way to prevent the conflict’s further escalation is to compel Israel "to stop its aggression and war in Gaza."

New IMF estimate for Russian GDP in 2025 appears pessimistic — Economy Ministry

The IMF revised upward its forecast for Russian GDP growth to 3.2% in its next report on global economic prospects

Russian forces take Azovstal plant administration building in Mariupol — Kadyrov

All adjacent territory has been cleared, Kadyrov said

CEC chairperson hands over presidential credentials to Putin

The presidential certificate is a 100x70mm maroon leather-bound booklet inscribed with the Russian emblem and the words "President of the Russian Federation" in gold on its cover

Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

The hearing took place amid a heated debate between representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and the opposition

Russian finance ministry considering abolition of export duty on gold

Earlier, the Federation Council’s budget and financial markets committee recommended that the amendment on an increase in MET on gold from June 1 to December 31, 2024 be approved

Israel may strike Iranian territory to demonstrate its capabilities — TV

"We are continuing our efforts to prevent further escalation," the US official said

Press review: Israel mulls response to Iran's strike and Ukraine plays shot-caller with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 16th

Russian watchdog blocks websites of hosting providers

FastComet provider limited the access to its resources on its own, a source in the industry told TASS

Russian Industry Ministry supports higher import duty on wines from NATO countries

"Two hundred or not two hundred, but the duty can and should be increased," Viktor Evtukhov noted

Region’s airspace open for Israeli Air Force to attack any enemy — defense chief

Yoav Gallant pointed out that "the Iranians attacked [Israel] aggressively, using over 500 weapons"

Senior Russian diplomat warns West against aggressive statements about Russia

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the West "is ignoring elementary and, as a matter of fact, absolutely obvious principles," such as the idea that a nuclear power "can never be defeated"

China’s Jetour plans to sell up to 50,000 cars in Russia this year

Sales volumes depend on the demand for it, Liang Bin stated, noting that this refers not merely to sales of the Jetour Dashing crossover but also to other brand models, including X70 and X90 crossovers and the T2 SUV

Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

Stanislav Beryozkin was taken to a hospital to undergo thorough examination, with all the required tests made

No official invitation to attend celebration of 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion yet

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Dubai Airport will not receive flights until weather improvement

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Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

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Olympic flame lit in Ancient Olympia, kicking off 2024 Paris Summer Games journey

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Ukraine offers to use neighbors' air defense systems to protect its gas storage facilities

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Russian forces destroy 300 Ukrainian troops in pinpoint air strike

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Sergey Masalov said that the constellation will comprise 78 satellites

Energy cooperation between Iran and Russia is a response to sanctions — Iranian official

Seyed Musi Mousavi said that in the current conditions, "increasing oil exports, expanding cooperation with neighboring countries and reviving energy and economic diplomacy have good prospects for the Iranian economy"

IAEA temporarily recalls inspectors from Iranian sites — Russian envoy

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Russian sports communities must maintain ties with int’l federations — sports minister

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Kiev recognizes Russia's tenfold superiority in artillery shells

Vladimir Zelensky admitted that Ukraine had no chance of winning victory without support from the West

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Three pairs of the coalition’s F-15 and a pair of F-16 fighter jets, as well as a pair of A-10 Thunderbolt attack bombers violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area

President asks French leader, European Council chief to discuss Georgia issue

Сouncil meeting is scheduled for April 17

Kremlin mum on reports about discussions of Black Sea maritime security pact

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Press TV reports all of Iran's hypersonic missiles hit intended targets in Israel

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Roads blocked, flights canceled in UAE due to heavy rains

The heavy rains have flooded highways and low-lying roads

Putin signs decree on spring draft to armed forces

The document also dismisses soldiers, sailors, sergeants and petty officers, whose conscription time span has expired

Investments in Russian economy gain 10% in 2023 — PM

"Agreements on protection and encouragement of capital investments, special investment contracts and infrastructural budget loans" are among support measures, Mikhail Mishustin noted

Istanbul treaty can serve as basis for dialogue with Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that any political and diplomatic search of the solution "can only be based on negotiations"

ERS satellites to be created in cooperation with Belarus — Gazprom SPKA

According to First Deputy CEO Sergey Masalov, the first satellite is slated for launching in 2027

European far-right conference with Orban as participant banned in Brussels

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Erdogan accuses Israel of seeking to spread conflict throughout entire region

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Russia’s top brass reports destroying first Khmara jammer in Ukraine operation

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US hampers reform of international financial system in favor of BRICS — Lavrov

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Russia to float out universal nuclear-powered icebreaker on May 25

Project 22220 universal nuclear-powered icebreakers are set to become the world’s most powerful icebreaking vessels

Prices for cocoa beans reach all-time high exceeding $11,000 per ton — ICE Futures data

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Putin expresses hope for restraint in Middle East in conversation with Raisi

According to the the Russian presidential press service, "Vladimir Putin said all parties would hopefully show a reasonable degree of constraint to avoid a new bout of tensions"

Putin, Raisi set for expansion of cooperation between Russia, Iran — Kremlin

It is noted that the two leaders also discussed the latest escalation in the Middle East

Moldovan Constitutional Court approves initiation of referendum on EU accession

It is also proposed to add a paragraph to the basic law, which introduces "the priority of EU regulations over the contrary provisions of domestic laws"

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Ukrainian troops hunker down in abandoned apartments in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that troops use at their discretion the possessions of the people who used to live in these apartments

Ukraine struggles to garner support for Swiss conference — Russian Foreign Ministry

"There are increasingly fewer people willing to discuss this subject with Kiev’s envoys, let alone going there," Rodion Miroshnik stressed

Russian, Cuban top prosecution officials sign 2024-26 cooperation program

According to Igor Krasnov, the two countries’ political leadership has taken note of increasing trade between Russia and Cuba and the growing number of joint business projects, which makes it necessary for prosecution authorities to protect investment

Deflecting Iran attack cost billions, Israel, US can't repeat it — former UN inspector

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PACE supports use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine

The non-binding document stipulates that "assets would be deposited in an international trust fund" and will be used for compensation purposes

Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

'Iron Dome' can't fully protect from UAV swarms — Chinese expert

According to Wei Dongxu, Tehran's firepower can cover most of the Middle East region, representing a fierce and precise long-range retaliatory means

Press review: Iran fires back at Israel and Russia, West spar over AI rulebook

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 15th

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

According to the sources, Israel is now focused on how to respond to the Iranian attack

Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss current escalation in Middle East

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Israel plans to send 'painful message' to Iran in response to attack — newspaper

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Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Iran says it won’t prevent return of Russian sailor from seized ship — MFA

The Russian Embassy in Tehran keeps the issue under special control, Maria Zakharova said