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Ukrainian consul who attempted to obtain confidential data leaves Russia - ministry

Alexander Sosonyuk was detained on suspicion of spying against Russia and was later declared persona non grata

KIEV, April 21. /TASS/. Ukrainian consul in St. Petersburg Alexander Sosonyuk who was detained on suspicion of spying against Russia and was later declared persona non grata left Russia Wednesday, spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Oleg Nikolenko told Ukrinform news agency.

"Our consul left Russia today," the agency quoted him as saying.

Kiev’s move came as retaliation after the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on April 17 its decision to expel Ukrainian consul in St. Petersburg Alexander Sosonyuk who was a day earlier detained by the Russian FSB for obtaining confidential information from FSB and law enforcement databases. The Russian side underlined, "such activities are unacceptable, incompatible with the status of consular employee and are affecting security interests of Russia." In light of this, Sosonyuk was recommended to leave the country within 72 hours starting with April 19.

In response, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced on April 17 that it was expelling senior diplomat of the Russian Embassy in Kiev Yevgeny Chernikov. He has already left Ukraine, the Russian diplomatic mission told TASS Wednesday.

Iran may target Israeli nuclear center in Dimona in case of Israel’s attack — TV

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"We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack," a senior Iranian official reported

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Romania tries to cancel Russian culture by banning films — diplomat

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Russian forces destroy Ukrainian command post, two S-300 missile launchers over day

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Kremlin condemns 'illegal' seizure of villa from Russian businessman

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Russian Aerospace Forces strike five militant hideouts in Syria’s Homs

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Swiss parliament votes against joining task force on frozen Russian assets

The group contains US finance and justice ministers, representatives of Australia, the UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, France, Japan, as well as the European Commission

Agents in Ukrainian, Poland foil attempt to kill Zelensky, security officials in Kiev say

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Israel assesses effectiveness, consequences of strike on Iran — media

A spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces declined to comment on the reports of the strike

US blocks Security Council resolution granting full UN membership to Palestine

A total of 12 countries, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the document

Lavrov says Borrell let it slip that Europe ‘fighting against Russia’

Russia’s top diplomat noted that Josep Borrell may made the statement in a moment of weakness

Polish premier refuses to hand over his country’s Patriot systems to Ukraine

Donald Tusk said that German Chancellor’s call to send more air defense systems to Kiev had no relation to Poland, provided the country's geographical position near the frontline

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The law enforcement employees exert efforts to identify the instigators of this crime, Igor Krasnov said

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Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine had developed a UAV with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers

At least 16 Syrian troops killed in terrorists’ ambush in east Syria — TV

According to the Al Hadath television, a military bus was ambushed by members of the Islamic State terrorist group

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According to Andrey Pyatakov, the Argentinian authorities' decision is both a declarative step and evidence of the wish to close economic gaps by expanding military-technical cooperation

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Robert Fico believes Moscow will win in its confrontation with Kiev

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Russia can join top three countries by lithium reserves — governor

Infrastructure is required to implement the investment project, both power transmission lines and the railroad, Andrey Chibis noted

Iran suspends flights above several cities amid reports of air attack — IRNA

Fox News said the Jewish state delivered a limited strike on Iran

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Three Ukrainian soldiers swim across Dnieper to surrender to Russian troops — governor

Vladimir Saldo called on other Ukrainian servicemen to switch to the Russian side and request the corresponding assistance

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Sergey Ryabkov said that "very soon, Russia and Iran will have new additional opportunities to discuss the situation in the Middle East in general, as well as details of what is going on there at this point"

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Sergey Shoigu handed down an instruction for the defense enterprise to ramp up the production of T-80BVM tanks, the Defense Ministry said

Russia won’t allow NATO to move closer in Ukraine — Lavrov

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Kremlin declines to comment on alleged assassination attempt on Zelensky in Poland

The Security Service of Ukraine announced earlier that in a joint operation with law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and Poland it thwarted an attempt to assassinate Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky

Iran threatens to attack Israel's "nuclear centers" in case of aggression on its part

Ahmad Haqtalab argued that Israel had been conducting "subversive and terrorist activities" against the Islamic republic's nuclear infrastructure for year

Colombian president displays interest in country’s entry into BRICS

Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed Gustavo Petro’s initiative, "being committed to promotion of Colombia’s candidacy"

Syrian ministry says Israeli jets struck air defense facilities in country’s south

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West, Kiev indulge in nuclear blackmail by demanding control of ZNPP — Russian MFA

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Switzerland does not suit Russia for negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

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Russia’s advanced radar in Kaliningrad to monitor entire territory of Europe — source

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Hezbollah warns Israel it will fight back if attacks on Lebanon continue

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Ukrainian president admits Russian troops’ advancement

Vladimir Zelensky asked his country’s supporters to provide "everything that helps to hold the frontline," including shells, military vehicles and drones

Pipeline explodes in Kharkov Region

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No plans for pauses in fighting if talks on Ukraine begin, Lavrov says

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Zelensky's formula should be put aside for Ukraine talks, Lavrov says

"One should clearly support the need to seek solutions that take into account the balance of security interests and ensure the indivisibility of security," the top Russian diplomat underlined

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Yerevan's refusal to delimit borders with Baku to escalate regional tensions — PM

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Vehicles, equipment participating in Victory Day parade depart for Moscow — ministry

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Senior Chinese official to take part in conference on security in Russia — diplomat

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Russia not to go for settlement on Ukraine based on 'Zelensky formula' — Lavrov

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US gives nod to Israeli operation in Rafah in exchange for canceling major attack on Iran

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US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

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Iran done with retaliation, calls for efforts to stop Israel from reckless steps — MFA

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