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Coronavirus pandemic

Mexico’s foreign minister thanks Russia for helping hand in countering COVID-19

Mexico uses the Sputnik V drug to protect the elderly population

MOSCOW, April 28. / TASS /. Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard expressed gratitude to Russia on behalf of the Mexican people for the assistance in countering COVID-19 on Wednesday during negotiations with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

"I would like to convey hearty greetings from [Mexican] President Lopez Obrador to President Vladimir Putin. On behalf of President Lopez Obrador, I would like to convey the Mexican people’s gratitude for the assistance that Russia is providing in combating coronavirus. As we say here in Mexico, a friend in need is a friend indeed," the top diplomat stated.

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Armenia reaches agreement with Russia to buy one million doses of Sputnik V

According to the Russian vaccine’s Twitter page, Mexico plans to launch Sputnik V jab’s production in May. Furthermore, the country’s Health Ministry noted that more than 1 mln Mexicans had already received the Russian jab.

Mexico uses the Sputnik V drug to protect the elderly population. Another batch of the vaccine was delivered to the Latin American country last week.

Middle East conflict

Israeli warplanes launch missile strikes on four neighborhoods in southern Lebanon

Missiles were launched on suspected military positions and depots of the Hezbollah Shia militia near Dear Ez Zahrani, Al Mayadeen television reported

Israeli defenses collapse after Iranian strikes — IRGC spokesman

According to Ali Mohammad Naeini, Western and Israeli media outlets seek to create "a false image of the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling it weak"

Pashinyan follows in Zelensky's footsteps by quantum leaps — high-ranking source in Moscow

Earlier, Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia's security allies had allegedly publicly called for regime change in Yerevan against the backdrop of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Several dozens civilians remain in frontline zone near Kupyansk

They will be evacuated when the weather permits it, Alexander Kaplenko, head of the district’s military-civilian administration, said

St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport suspends operations over poor weather conditions

The statement added that the airport is expected to resume its operations shortly after 9:15 a.m. local time (6:15 a.m. GMT)

Russia will win and be stronger — Maduro

Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, in turn, conveyed to President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela the congratulations of Russian President Vladimir Putin on his victory in the elections and his inauguration as head of state

NATO base in Romania to be used for war against Russia — presidential candidate

"We don’t need war; this is my point," Calin Georgescu said

Fuel oil continues leaking from sunken tanker near port of Taman — minister

Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov has set a task of removing remaining fuel oil from the Volgoneft 239 tanker

Ukraine will not halt Russian oil transit — PM

Transit of Russian oil is also in line with the regime of EU sanctions against Russia, which has a carveout for oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, Denis Shmygal said

Almost 30 Ukrainian paratroopers taken prisoners after failed counterattack — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian assault units smashed the Ukrainian militants in Volchansk

Putin congratulates employees of Prosecutor's Office on their professional holiday

He noted that during its three centuries of existence, the supervisory agency had been one of the significant links in the state system and had made a great contribution to ensuring the rule of law and legal order within society

Top Russian, Turkish diplomats discuss efforts to prevent risks to energy security

The ministers also "discussed further steps to support the Syrian settlement by means of organizing an inclusive national dialogue involving all political and ethno-religious forces in Syria and all foreign players capable of helping reach relevant agreements"

NATO countries to continue shipping tanks to Ukraine

On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced at the Ramstein-format meeting that the participants of the working group approved roadmaps in eight areas of military cooperation with Kiev

Kremlin has no information about Ukrainian forces shooting down Russian aircraft

"Besides, after all, this is an issue that concerns the course of the special military operation," Dmitry Peskov noted

Biden admits increase in gas prices in US due to anti-Russia sanctions

Gas prices could increase as much as 3-4 cents a gallon, he said

Former FBI informant sentenced to six years in prison in Biden case

Alexander Smirnov will also have to pay more than $675,000 to the US Internal Revenue Service, according to documents published in the court's electronic database

Press review: BRICS challenges existing security concepts and Europe's economy in trouble

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 13th

Humanity has fed AI with all its knowledge — Musk

The businessman believes there’s a good chance that artificial intelligence will surpass human capabilities as early as by the end of this year

Temporary restrictions imposed in several Russian airports — agency

Temporary restrictions have also been imposed in the airport of Izhevsk

Syrian Airlines plans to resume flights to Moscow by end of January

Earlier, a representative of another Syrian company, Cham Wings, which also had flights to Moscow, told TASS that they did not yet have any information about the possible resumption of flights

Putin instructs prosecutors to pay special attention to Donbass, Novorossiya

He clarified that it is necessary to continue working on the integration of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, into the common legal space of Russia

At least three killed, some 30 injured in passenger bus crash in DPR

Outpatient medical care was provided to 26 injured people, including three children

Russian MFA lists nine countries set to become BRICS partners from January 1

It is reported that Brazil’s BRICS chairmanship will announce the countries’ acquisition of the partner status as soon as it receives their confirmation

Trump’s territorial claims signal his neo-Fascist drift, Chinese expert warns

According to Wang Wen, the United States has long embraced expansionist policies, securing its present-day territory over the past 200 years through purchases and economic pressure

Kiev sends ex-convicts to hold Chasov Yar — Russian fighter

The fighter said earlier that the Kiev forces stationed in Chasov Yar were complaining about ammunition and troop shortages

Ukraine's Kursk counteroffensives flounder as losses mount — expert

According to Alexander Mikhailov, Vladimir Zelensky is currently pouring all available resources into Kursk

Israeli warplanes launch missile strikes on four neighborhoods in southern Lebanon

Missiles were launched on suspected military positions and depots of the Hezbollah Shia militia near Dear Ez Zahrani, Al Mayadeen television reported

US blackmailing Serbia to set it at odds with Russia — deputy PM

Washington’s decision to put Serbia’s NIS on its sanctions list was geared to strip Moscow of energy revenues and this way weaken the Russian army in the conflict in Ukraine

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

California wildfire death toll rises to 13 — media

According NBC, eight people died in the Eaton fire area, while another five lost their lives in Palisades

Houthis hit US Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier using missiles, drones

Earlier, it was reported that the US had targeted underground facilities of the Houthis in the Amran Province, located in the northwest of Yemen, along with the movement's positions in the Saada Province

Germany’s defense ministry prepares more aid for Ukraine, Pistorius says

According to him, the decision has yet to be coordinated by the German government

Israel hits Houthi weapons depots, military facilities in Yemen — TV

Israel also delivered missile strikes on Houthi underground facilities in the Houthi-controlled capital city of Sana

About 100,000 tons of Russian fertilizers remain blocked in European ports — Uralchem CEO

Dmitry Konyaev noted that Uralchem has supplied about 200,000 tons of fertilizers as humanitarian aid to various countries

At least 60,000 Ukrainian troops stay in Kursk Region, Zelensky says

Ukraine's large-scale attack on the Kursk Region began on August 6, 2024

Croatia to hold runoff presidential election

Zoran Milanovic, the incumbent president, and Dragan Primorac, an independent candidate who is a physician, geneticist, and forensic scientist, are running for the post

Russian Su-35S fighter jets uncover Ukrainian air defense sites in Kursk area

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that "the crews of Su-35S multirole fighter jets practiced air cover in the designated area of sorties by bombers and attack aircraft"

BRICS has potential to create new, more fair world order — South African leader

Cyril Ramaposa notes that BRICS unites about 40% of the world's population

Ukraine not ready for talks with Russia — White House

On December 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in an interview with TASS that Moscow is open to talks on Ukraine, but any agreements must be structured in a way that prevents them from being violated

Kiev loses over 350 troops in Russia’s borderline Kursk area over past day — top brass

In addition, the Ukrainian armed forces also lost 92 electronic warfare stations, 13 counterbattery radars, four air defense radars

Nearly 90 flights delayed at St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo due to heavy snowfall

The airport suspended operations to remove snow from runways two times during the day, in between the two closures, it served 63 flights in three hours

Special Counsel Smith, who handled Trump cases, steps down — US Justice Department

Jack Smith "completed his work and submitted his final confidential report on January 7, 2025, and separated from the Department on January 10," a spokesman for the US Justice Department told TASS

Netanyahu, Biden discuss progress at Gaza talks — Netanyahu’s office

Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser at the Israeli prime minister’s office, told TASS earlier that the Israeli delegation had arrive in Qatar for talks on the deal for the release of hostages held by radicals in the Gaza Strip

Russian Foreign Ministry vows response to new US sanctions

"Of course, Washington’s hostile actions will not be left without response and will be taken into consideration during the calculation of our external economic strategy," the ministry said

Liege court to consider whether EC President is immune to corruption charges

The court hearing on January 6 will be held upon an address of the EU office of prosecutor

Evacuation request rejected, Ukrainian POW captured in Kursk Region claims

The soldier added that he is being treated well in captivity, receiving medical assistance

Russia’s Malka heavy artillery gun can wipe out enemy armor with one shot — Rostec

"Each projectile scatters a mass of fragments over a considerable radius," the state tech corporation added

One civilians wounded in Ukraine’s shelling attack on DPR’s Kurakhovo

According to Pushilin, more than 20 shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops on settlements in the DPR were reported during the day

New US sanctions addressed in Gazprom Neft’s operating processes

The company considers the decision of the US to sanction its assets as unjustified and illegitimate, the Russian oil major said

Russia’s Blinkova outplays Saville in opening match of 2025 Australian Open

Blinkova, who is playing under a neutral status at the tournament, is now set to face in the next round against the winner of another tournament’s opening match between Russia’s Polina Kudermetova and Magdalena Frech (23rd-seed) from Poland

Jude Law to portray Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’

The movie will be based on a novel by Italian-Swiss writer Giuliano da Empoli

‘Not a snowball’s chance in hell’ that Canada will become part of US — PM

US President-elect Donald Trump earlier said many Canadians are allegedly in favor of their country becoming the 51st US state

Russia evacuates 4,000 Iranian fighters from Syria at their request — Putin

Russian forces evacuated them from the Hmeimim base to Tehran

Trump's return to White House may benefit Scholz in election — media

It will be a turning point that could change the electoral landscape and give German chancellor the image of a defender of democracy, Bloomberg says

State of emergency declared in Kotovsk, Tambov region, after drone attack

Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under the article on a terrorist attack

Prosecutors' help in supporting special op troops, their families highly valuable — Putin

"All the payments due to them, including salaries, pensions, benefits and compensations, and granting the relevant privileges must be made in strict accordance with the law, in a timely manner and in full," the president pointed out

Trump's Greenland remarks indicate decline of US hegemony — expert

"Washington has nothing to offer the countries of the West except an inflated dollar bubble," Wang Zaibang, a senior researcher at China's Taihe Institute, said

Trump’s adviser says it’s unrealistic to drive Russia out of Ukraine’s former territories

At a high-level meeting with Russian foreign ministry officials in mid-June, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined Moscow's preconditions for resolving the conflict

Trump looking to conceal NATO defeat in Europe with threats to Canada, Greenland — weekly

"Today, capitalism, after the era of American-style globalization, is undergoing its inevitable failure and decline," columnist Lido Iacomino stressed

One civilian killed in DPR after Ukrainian drone attack — authorities

According to Prikhodko, three villages were cut off power supplies after shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops

Woman wounded in Gorlovka after Ukrainian drone attack

According to the mayor, another drone hit and destroyed a passenger car

Situation in Chad’s capital back to normal — General Staff

"The situation is fully under our control, the attempt to destabilize the situation has been foiled," he said

US neglects cooperation with USSR during WWII — Russian embassy

"Being in the United States, we feel the desire of the local political establishment to forget the pages of the Russian-American alliance during World War II," the embassy said

Russia hopes Armenia won’t follow in Ukraine’s footsteps — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said Russia is determined to develop relations with Armenia

Denmark tells Trump it is ready to discuss expansion of US military presence in Greenland

The report cites a European diplomat, who noted that Denmark is considered "one of the closest allies of the US within the EU, and no one could have imagined it would be the first country with which Trump would pick a fight."

Participants in Riyadh meeting on Syria welcome Syrian new authorities’ first steps

According to the top Saudi diplomat, the ministers also stressed the need for continuing humanitarian and economic assistance and creating conditions for the return of Syrian refugees

Switzerland ready to serve as host for Putin-Trump meeting on Ukraine

According to Le Temps, the confederation is just one the countries on the list that are ready to host the meeting of the Russian and US leaders

US diplomats can't take unlimited short-term business trips to Russia anymore, says Lavrov

Lavrov explained that in addition to its regular diplomatic employees stationed in Russia, the US sends several hundred people annually "for short-term business trips"

Frontline situation tense, Ukrainian General Staff acknowledges

Earlier, the Kiev regime reported the forced retreat to the Dnepropetrovsk Region from the Donetsk People’s Republic’s territories controlled by Ukraine

AfD delegates refuse to condemn Russia for taking part in Ukrainian conflict

About 69% out of approximately 600 delegates voted against the introduction of the abovementioned amendments

Threats to halt power supplies to Ukraine unfeasible — Ukrainian PM

Poland and other adjacent countries are ready to cooperate with Ukraine if needed, Denis Shmygal said

Expert gives Ukrainian army 10-14 days before they run out of steam in Kursk Region

Ralph Bosshard says that the goal of the Ukrainian offensive operation in the Kursk Region has always been unclear

Zelensky has briefed Biden on strategic planning against Russia — White House

On his part, Biden updated Zelensky "on US efforts to surge support to Ukraine and strengthen its position vis-а-vis Russia"

Russia not going to attack NATO countries, senior diplomat says

"Russia has never sought to sour relations with NATO," Vladislav Maslennikov said

Vucic suggests talks between Putin, Trump be held in Serbia

US incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, told ABC News earlier in the day that phone talks between Trump and Putin could be organized within days or weeks

Participants in meeting on Syria discuss ways of supporting political process in Syria

They also discussed ways to helping Syrians restore their country as an independent state safe for all of its citizens

Acquiring Greenland to become 'bad deal' for Trump — Politico

The US’ objectives in Greenland are well met today, Politico pointed out

Sollers Group increases car sales in Russia in 2024 by 9% to over 50,000

The Sollers Atlant model remains the brand's best-selling car. In 2024, 8,500 of these vehicles were sold - 1,244 more than in 2023

Russian forces liberate two communities in DPR, Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

According to Defense Ministry, Russian forces struck Ukrainian military airfields, amassed enemy manpower and military hardware in up to 140 areas over the past day

Croatia’s incumbent president winning elections with 73.6% — electoral authority

His rival, independent candidate Dragan Primorac, scored 26.33%

Lebanese army enters eight localities along border with Israel

"The military command urges residents to refrain from returning to these areas until the deployment of military units is complete," the army said

Slovak PM held talks on gas transit via Ukraine with European Commission

A new round of consultations of EU countries on gas scheduled for January 7 failed because of absence of the Ukrainian delegation, Robert Fico said on Monday

Musk looking for ways to oust Starmer as British premier — newspaper

"Musk has sought information about whether it might be possible to build support for alternative British political movements," the report said

Russia preparing to use lasers to protect infrastructure against drones

Protection of critical infrastructure and industrial facilities against drone attacks requires the use of different technologies anticipating neutralization and physical destruction of drones, Nikita Danilov said

FACTBOX: New US sanctions against Russia

Achimgaz, Gazprom Shelfproekt, and other companies were hit by sanctions

German Chancellor candidate wants to restore Nord Stream gas pipeline

Alice Weidel also call to extend the operation of coal power plants

RUSADA reports over 280 cases of 'availability for testing' rule violations in 2024

An athlete can be suspended from tournaments and training camps if the availability rule is breached three times

Trump’s adviser says preparations for Trump-Putin meeting are underway

Phone talks between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could be expected soon

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Contaminated area of new fuel oil spill in Russia’s Kuban region reaches 2,800 sq m

In addition, "isolated minor emissions of fuel oil from Anapa to the village of Blagoveshchenskaya, the villages of Volna and Veselovka" were discovered

Biden, Netanyahu discuss prospects for ceasefire in Gaza — White House

Earlier, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN that the sides are very close to a ceasefire deal

Poland to discuss expanding NATO’s Corps Northeast with its allies

"More than 20 member countries of the alliance have a representation in the command of the Corps Northeast headquartered in Szczecin," the republic’s defense minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, said

Russian Foreign Ministry notes US hypocrisy in regard to California wildfires

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that in recent years, US officials have repeatedly criticized China for allegedly using forced labor, and at the same time US authorities had sent 395 prisoners to fight forest fires

Russian forces destroy ammunition depot of Ukrainian 67th brigade in Kharkov Region

"An ammunition depot of the Ukrainian 67th mechanized brigade was destroyed near the village of Staritsa, in the Kharkov Region. During the day, the enemy's losses in this direction amounted to 60 Ukrainian servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, a pickup truck, as well as a US-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station," Konashenkov said

Belgian government approves resolution to ban Russian LNG reexport

The resolution is to be approved by the State Council of the country

Russia’s Mirra Andreeva clears opening round of 2025 Australian Open

Andreeva, 17, is currently ranked 15th in tthe Women's Tennis Association Rankings

Press review: Middle East may host Putin-Trump talks as experts probe Kazakhstan crash

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 26th

Croatia’s incumbent president winning elections with over 77% — exit poll

Thus, Milanovic is winning 77.86% of the vote while his rival, Dragan Primorac, who is supported by the ruling Croatian Democratic Community, or HDZ, party, has 22.14%

Should Trump invade Greenland, it would be shortest war in history — Politico

Under the 1951 pact, the US accepted the legal obligation to protect Greenland from any attack, "given the inability of the Danish armed forces to fight off a potential aggressor without help," according to the newspaper

Russia ranks second main LNG supplier to Spain in 2024

Russian Ambassador to Madrid Yury Klimenko told TASS earlier that Spain was the main buyer of Russian LNG in the European Union in 2022-2023

Europe withdraws over 32 bcm of gas from UGS facilities

Gas withdrawals from UGS facilities in EU countries on January 7 amounted to 660 mln cubic meters, according to GIE