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Coronavirus pandemic

No critical differences between Delta and Delta Plus coronavirus variants, assures expert

Four coronavirus mutations currently cause serious concern

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. There are no critical difference between the Indian coronavirus strain’s Delta and Delta Plus variants, Rinat Maksyutov, director of the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, said on Friday.

"Actually, it is just one amino-acid substitution. The differences are not critical," he said.

According to Maksyutov, four coronavirus mutations currently cause serious concern. They are: Alpha, or the British strain; Beta, or the South African strain; Gamma, or the Brazilian strain; and Delta, or the Indian strain.

He stressed that the Center’s EpiVacCorona vaccine is efficient against all these strains. "And I can assure you that none of the substitutions that are common to these four variants are in the peptide sequences that are the basis of our vaccine. The shot continues to train the immune response of those vaccinated against the new variants thanks to the use these stable sections of the novel coronavirus," he emphasized.

Military operation in Ukraine

Zelensky says US has proposed 15-year settlement agreements

In his words, there are some "technical things" that need to be further discussed

Moscow understands grounds for Azerbaijani leader's absence from CIS summit — MFA

Maria Zakharova said that Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier congratulated the Azerbaijani president on his birthday during a phone call

Trump receives box of red caviar from Russia's Far East

The caviar reportedly made such a "strong impression" on Steve Witkoff that he was given an entire box to deliver to President Trump

Russia-US agree to maintain dialogue on Ukraine after Dmitriev’s trip to Miami — Kremlin

Negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement took place in Miami on December 20 and 21

Ukraine extends ban on Russian goods imports for year

The prohibited products include meat, fish, coffee, tea, chocolate and other confectionery, baby food, animal feed, alcohol and cigarettes

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center forces kept destroying the surrounded Ukrainian combat group in Dimitrov and mopping up the settlements of Rodinskoye and Grishino in the Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week

Bundestag believes German army has opportunity to ensure peace in Ukraine

head of the Bundestag defense committee Thomas Rowekamp said that the German army "has capabilities that it can use, including in Ukraine"

Special op experience, work of defense industry sector: Putin's statements

The president noted that the Russian defense-industrial complex is operating steadily, providing the armed forces with the necessary equipment

Ukraine has no money to hold elections — Zelensky's office

According to Mikhail Podolyak, Ukraine’s budget has other priority expenditures, including militarization

Bundeswehr should take part in peacekeeping in Ukraine under European flag — EU politician

The head of the conservative European People’s Party Manfred Weber asserted that US President Donald Trump will not "ensure a peaceful settlement exclusively with US troops"

Moscow calls detention of Russia’s Adler vessel by Sweden 'farce majeure'

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Sweden should apologize for the incident

Trump threatens Democrats with 'last Christmas' in light of Epstein case

The US leader also noted that Democrats will "have a lot of explaining to do" when their involvement in US financier scandal becomes known

Russian MFA claps back at West over Kaliningrad comments

Maria Zakharova said that a certain stupidity and audacity shine through in these statements

China sanctions 20 US defense companies over weapons supplies to Taiwan

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the decision enters into force on December 26

AZAL plane presumably damaged by warhead elements — Kazakh authorities

The commission concluded its examination of the GPS cassettes recovered from avionics modules No. 1 and No. 3

Venezuela grateful to Russia for support in defending its sovereignty — foreign minister

Yvan Gil Pinto highly appreciated Russia’ "steadfast support" in preserving a zone of peace in the Caribbean

NATO countries really preparing for war, not bluffing — top Belarusian defense official

According to Viktor Khrenin, this is evidenced by infrastructure being built in countries neighboring Belarus, the numerous drills and training sessions being conducted, and the modernization of seaports and airfields for the delivery of weapons

Russia has plan in place in case frozen assets are seized — Novak

It will be implemented if such cases arise, the Russian deputy prime minister added

Almost all Ukrainian brigade deserts — Russia’s security forces

The source said there are quite a lot of units in the Ukrainian army that did not meet expectations of the command

Russian troops liberate Svyato-Pokrovskoye community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and six armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

First meeting of working group on elections to be held in Ukraine

First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, head of the "Servant of the People" party, Alexander Korniyenko announced it

Zelensky says agreed to meet with Trump

"Much may be decided before the New Year," Vladimir Zelensky added

Russia open to contacts, but Europe is not interested in that — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, political contacts between the sides are maintained but this in not done publicly

US ready to facilitate peace talks between Cambodia, Thailand — Rubio

US Secretary of State spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to "express concern about the ongoing violence between Cambodia and Thailand"

Russian strategic bombers fly over neutral waters of Barents, Norwegian seas

Su-33 fighter jets of the Russian Navy escorted the long-range bombers

Ukrainian soldiers ignore pressure to celebrate Catholic Christmas — military expert

According to Adnrey Marochko, the majority of Ukrainian servicemen continue to consider rescheduling of the Christian holiday an act of blasphemy

Over 1,300 restaurants, hotels in UAE will begin using Russian software

The collaboration is expected to generate approximately $1.2 million in annual revenue

Lavrov discusses preparations for CSTO summit in Moscow in November — Foreign Ministry

The meeting was attended by representatives of the presidential administration, federal executive authorities and organizations involved in this work

Sweden better apologize for detaining Russia's Adler vessel — Foreign Ministry

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Swedish customs and law enforcement agencies, including security services, continued their so-called inspection

Kiev’s settlement plan differs from one Russia, US working on — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said it is necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis of the results of the meetings in Florida

China ready to strengthen international arms control system — embassy in US

Spokesperson Liu Pengyu emphasized that China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development

Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

TASS has compiled the key statements by the official representative of the Foreign Ministry

Russia has developed new unmanned watercraft — Ushkuynik Center

According to Alexey Chadayev, CEO of the Ushkuynik Research and Production Center, Ushkuynik’s residents have also developed new unmanned aerial vehicles

Ukrainian army pulls forces toward key cities in Donbass — DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky noted that the Ukrainian military was building fortifications and preparing a line of defense in these areas

Putin notes multiple growth in production of weapons in demand in special operation zone

"The production of armored vehicles has increased by 2.2 times, of light armored vehicles (infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers) by 3.7 times, and military aircraft by 4.6 times," the Russian president said

Iranian special forces officer eliminated in Lebanon — IDF

Spokesman Avichay Adraee said Hussein al-Jawhari had led operations against Israel in Syria and Lebanon in recent years

Refusal to take path of peace is Ukraine’s tragedy — German general

Harald Kujat opined that the West’s massive support created an illusion for Kiev that "it can turn the strategic situation into its favor"

Switzerland should respect Russia and do business with it — Swiss businessman

Tito Tettamanti said the West made a mistake by intervening too much in Ukraine's affairs to weaken Russia

Casualties among Knyaz Vandal drone operators minimal — Ushkuynik

The head of Ushkuynik named the factors that contribute to this phenomenon

Ruble becomes strongest-performing currency in 2025 — Bloomberg

As Bloomberg noted, the ruble’s rise has been influenced by reduced demand for foreign currency in Russia.

Baikonur spaceport, Soyuz-5 carrier rocket ready for first launch — Roscosmos

Roscosmos representatives said that the Baiterek project is in its final stages

Defense industry operating steadily, supplying everything necessary to army — Putin

At the same time, weapons are being supplied "both to the units involved in the special military operation and to the armed forces as a whole," the Russian president added

British police to request data from FBI on possible crimes by former Prince Andrew

The former duke stepped down from his royal duties in 2019 after denying allegations of sexually assaulting a teenage Virginia Giuffre

Russian embassy warns of danger of Ukrainization of Italian politics

The embassy expressed its full solidarity with the Italians who became victims of the Ukrainian Nazis and the irresponsible Italian politicians who condoned them

Zelensky works to prevent peace deal — Russian military commander

Apty Alaudinov stated that Zelensky's goal is to placate the US, but "at the same time to propose conditions that he knows Russia cannot accept"

West does not believe Ukraine can win without external assistance — United Russia official

Andrey Klimov believes that even with ongoing Western assistance, Ukraine will not achieve its military objectives

Launch of Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket from Plesetsk proceeded normally — Russian top brass

Spacecraft was inserted into the target orbit at the calculated time and taken over for control by the ground assets of the Aerospace forces

FBI trained Ukrainian anti-corruption detectives, ex-SBU employee says

Vasily Prozorov stressed that, in essence, NABU is a US project

Russian senator says Hunter Biden's NYP interview proves Dems tied to Ukraine corruption

When Hunter Biden says that Ukraine is a viper’s den of corruption, he is describing a system to which he was a party through his father’s position, Alexander Voloshin noted

Russia plans to upgrade nuclear triad through 2036 — Kremlin

The state arms program is a long-term planning document that stipulates developing, producing and maintaining the combat readiness of armaments, military and special equipment

Trump administration recalls heads of nearly 30 foreign diplomatic missions — news agency

According to its information, the heads of US missions abroad have been notified that their terms in their current positions will expire in January

FSB catches 18-year-old girl trying to plant bomb on Defense Ministry officer's car

The FSB's investigation revealed her plan to plant a homemade explosive device with a TNT equivalent of 400 grams, supplied by Ukrainian security personnel, on a vehicle parked near a military installation

Russia ready to discuss form of document on absence of plans to attack NATO — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Russia remains open for serious talks

Putin expects next decade to bring unprecedented breakthrough in technology

The Russian leader drew attention of regional and federal officials, and businessmen across all industries to the fact that actually the time of breakthrough was "already here for us"

Russia approves treaty with Myanmar on protection of citizens in international justice

It was signed in St. Petersburg on May 20, 2025

Tokyo needs to abandon 'hostile policy' toward Moscow for resumed dialogue — Russian MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stressed that the conversation Muneo Suzuki, a member of Japan’s upper house of parliament, highlighted "the importance of Japan’s efforts aimed at preserving the positive achievements of previous years in terms of bilateral relations"

IN BRIEF: Russia’s key foreign policy results of 2025 summarized in statements from MFA

Unfriendly nations had to acknowledge that it is impossible to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia

Two militant bases dismantled in CAR, plans to disrupt presidential elections thwarted

One base housing about 30 militants was uncovered 50 km south of the Auk settlement, they retreated into Chad

Russian Post suspends overland delivery to Baltic States

Delivery by air to these countries continues

Russian forces destroy company of Ukrainian soldiers by FAB bomb in Dnepropetrovsk area

The Ukrainian military is trying to evacuate the wounded and dead personnel from the site of the strike and work is underway to clear the debris

Press review: Zelensky peace plan is no-go for Russia and Trump puts on peacemaker hat

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 25th

Arms supplies to Taiwan to bring US no closer to its goals — Chinese embassy

Such moves will not reverse the inevitable failure of Taiwan independence, spokesperson Liu Pengyu stated

No prerequisites for HIV vaccine in near future — Russian academic

Gennady Onishchenko added that despite the absence of a vaccine, HIV-infected patients today, thanks to treatment, can maintain a decent quality of life and give birth to healthy children

Politician says impossible to conduct legitimate referendum in Ukraine

In Viktor Medvedchuk's view, conducting a referendum is another crazy idea floated by Vladimir Zelensky who "has invented a new excuse to whitewash himself"

German customs involved in legal arbitrariness against Russians — Foreign Ministry

According to Maria Zakharova, Germany has de facto been turned into a territory of lawlessness for people of a certain nationality, in this case, citizens of Russia

DPRK announces death of senior official Kim Chang Son

The KCNA stated that he long occupied important party and state positions

AI breakthrough, personnel training, low unemployment: Putin’s statements

According to the head of state, the next 10 to 15 years will bring an unprecedented technological breakthrough in world history

Russian troops to isolate large Ukrainian logistics center after liberating Kosovtsevo

As a result of active combat operations, conditions have been created for blocking a large enemy logistics center and up to a platoon of manpower of the Ukrainian army’s 110th separate mechanized brigade and 33rd separate assault regiment

Fire area in Temryuk port reach 4,000 sq m

Two tanks with oil products are on fire

Zelensky's Christmas speech was inadequate — senior Russian diplomat

"The inadequacy of such statements permeates the message itself, if there is one at all, and speaks volumes about the level and emotional state of decision-makers in Kiev," Sergey Ryabkov said

US DHS places 27 Ukrainians on list of ‘worst of the worst’ detained foreigners

It is more than from any other former USSR country, convicted of robbery, fraud, armed assault, drug trafficking and sex crimes

Niger bans issuing visas to US citizens — agency

According to the sources, the measure is based on the principle of reciprocity

Foreign brands vacate 81% more retail space in Russia in 2025 than they occupied

According to analysts, 60 new international brands have entered the Russian market since the beginning of 2023

Zelensky works for MI6, Russian official believes

According to Andrey Klimov, in the first months of the special military operation, there was a real chance to end the conflict through political and diplomatic means

Rutte pushes back against idea that EU can only rely on itself for defense

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recalled decisions made at the NATO summit in The Hague this summer, where alliance members agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035

French rush to resell Christmas gifts floods online marketplaces

According to Ouest-France, eBay had already recorded 500,000 listings by the morning of December 25 and expects the total number of posts to rise by 400%

Liberation of Kosovtsevo brings area of over 23 sq km under control — security forces

Guardsmen of the 37th Brigade of the 36th Army of the Battlegroup East advanced 4 km inland and 6 km along the front on the western bank of the Gaichur River

Kiev steps up attacks on Russia using NATO arms — military expert

Andrey Marochko suggested that Kiev had intensified the number of strikes against Russia using NATO-supplied weapons due to increased ammunition deliveries from alliance countries

Russian army destroys Ukraine's underground bunkers in Zaporozhye Region

Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky stressed that the seizure of Gulyaipole would pave the way for the liberation of the entire Zaporozhye Region

Topic of settlement in Ukraine covered during Putin’s meeting with business — Kremlin

According to the earlier reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned at the meeting with the Russian business leaders about the US interest in organizing mining at the Zaporozhye nuclear plant

Russian official calls envoys Witkoff, Dmitriev public diplomacy figures

According to Andrey Klimov, it is impossible to cover everything through classical diplomacy alone

France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

EU twists law of sea by pushing Russian 'shadow fleet' narrative — diplomat

Maria Zakharova added that another EU's declaration shows no sign of a serious analysis of the law of the sea or its applications in specific circumstances

Press review: Ukraine aid dips in 2025 and US, Europe tussle over tech dispute

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

Silver price hits record high

By 1:14 a.m. GMT, the value of silver accelerated its growth to $75.235 per troy ounce

Russia, US close to settling Ukraine conflict, final push needed — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that it "depends on the other side's political will, especially since Kiev and its sponsors, particularly in the EU, who are not interested in an agreement, have redoubled their efforts to torpedo it"

KVN drones destroy Ukrainian equipment worth two German armies — Ushkuynik

According to CEO Alexey Chadayev, after the invasion of the Kursk Region, the Ukrainian armed forces "were unable to carry out a single successful attack with the mass use of mechanized military equipment"

Kiev has no resources to feed 800,000-strong army mentioned by Zelensky — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik added that it remains unclear what the first point of Zelensky’s plan, intended to affirm Ukraine’s sovereignty, actually means

Russian diplomat refutes Bloomberg article on Russia's intentions to amend Ukraine plan

"This media outlet does not have any reliable sources close to the Kremlin," Maria Zakharova said

Red Cross receives 182,000 appeals about missing persons in Ukrainian conflict

According to spokeswoman Galina Balzamova, the actual number of families unaware of their relatives’ fate is higher, as not everyone contacts the ICRC directly

Nigerian TV says US strike aimed at IS hits area that hasn't seen terrorists in decade

There is currently no confirmed information regarding casualties among either civilians or militants

West uses sanctions to cling to fading dominance — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that unilateral coercive measures represent a serious obstacle to establishing a just and equitable multipolar world order

Russia rescued Ukrainians abandoned by Kiev in Sumy Region — human rights commissioner

Russian troops brought them to a safe place in Belgorod

US forces conduct strike against IS militants in Nigeria — Trump

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude to the Nigerian authorities, stating that he was "grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation"

Zelensky's address demonstrates intent to prolong conflict — Duma member

As Leonid Ivlev stressed, the rhetoric from the Kiev regime does not advance peace negotiations

Germany to have to return to compulsory military draft — paper

Head of the Bundestag defense committee Thomas Rowekamp said that 20,000-30,000 servicemen leave the active army every year

Su-57 fighter jet successfully evades enemy radars and electronic warfare — Chemezov

Rostec CEO noted that the corporation received feedback on all equipment deployed in the zone of the special military operation

Zelensky office representatives visit DPR's Kramatorsk early this week — military expert

Available data and indirect evidence suggest that the visit was most likely connected to the process of the so-called peaceful settlement and the resolution of technical issues at the local level, Andrey Marochko said

Russian man wins over $400,000 in lottery after guessing every number wrong

The family plans to use the prize to buy an apartment

Uraldronzavod supplies first batch of Berdysh heavy combat drones to special op zone

During field testing, the drones have proven their reliability, Vladimir Tkachuk said

Deployment of Oreshnik was response to West’s aggressive moves — Belarus' defense minister

Only time will reveal how this will influence the broader situation, Viktor Khrenin added