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Crisis in Belarus

Tikhanovskaya’ s statements in US call for overthrow of power in Belarus: deputy UN envoy

Earlier, former presidential candidate stated that in case that some country made use of the weakness of the regime, the United States would be on Belarus opposition's side

UNITED NATIONS, July 29./TASS/. Clear calls for the overthrow of power in Belarus can be heard in statements made by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in the US, Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky told a news conference on Thursday.

"Speaking about support of the American government, she said ‘In case that some country makes use of the weakness of the regime, the United States will be on our (Belarus opposition - TASS) side’," Polyansky cited Tikhanovskaya as saying. "This is, of course, a clear appeal to regime change, a clear appeal to interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state," he stressed.

Tikhanovskaya has been in the US since July 18. Last week, she met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and Counselor of the United States Department of State Derek Chollet. The US Department of State said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was present for part of the meeting. Tikhanovskaya also held a separate meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. President Joe Biden met with Tikhanovskaya at the White House on Wednesday.

According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won the August 9, 2020 presidential election by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania.

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The ceremony will be attended by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and other dignitaries

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Ukraine actively uses Caesar self-propelled howitzers in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov did not specified the amount of Ukrainian equipment

Kazakhstan ready to host talks on Ukraine — envoy to Spain

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Ukraine announces blocking of 83 TikTok channels, including 'tass_agency'

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Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone found in Moscow office

According to the source, the owner of the drone is being questioned by law enforcement

Ukraine suffered substantial power generation losses over recent weeks — minister

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Iran has no need to buy Russia’s S-400 missile systems — defense minister

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Russian investors in Belarus interested in logistics, oil refining — minister

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The Wall Street Journal did not specify the exact day

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Ukraine uses GLSDB munitions to hit city in Zaporozhye Region

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Attacks on ZNPP raise risks for nuclear safety — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi reminded the Security Council that last year he outlined the principles of ensuring safety at the ZNPP to avert the danger of a nuclear incident and called on Russian and Ukraine to observe them

Russia’s UN envoy says statements by West expose Kiev’s responsibility for attacks on ZNPP

"They not only completely gave away Zelensky's regime, but also confessed to their own complicity in these irresponsible bombardments," said Vasily Nebenzya

West believes Israel may retaliate against Iran as early as April 15 — WSJ

Israeli allies believe the Iranian strike does not warrant a large-scale response due to the lack of damage that it caused

Iran detains MSC Aries ship over violation of maritime law — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani noted that Tehran monitors "all ships in the strategic strait" and prevents violations of the country's sovereignty

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Putin signs decree on spring draft to armed forces

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Russian forces find coordinates of DPR churches at former Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka

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

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Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

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Russia developing Start-1M carrier rocket as derivative of Topol-M ICBM — source

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Ukrainians attack Lugansk, presumably using two Storm Shadow missiles — security officer

Today’s attack has been the first on the city since May 2023

Ukraine hits medical center in Belgorod Region

The fire was extinguished, no casualties occurred

Freshly mobilized Ukrainian soldiers holding first-line defense in Chasov Yar, says DPR

Igor Kimakovsky said that the Ukrainian combat group in Chasov Yar is suffering heavy casualties

US, Europe’s military force insufficient to fight Russia — expert

Previously, former US Secretary of Defense Advisor Douglas Macgregor said that the failure of the US Administration in the Ukrainian conflict has already disrupted the balance in Europe, strengthening Russia’s positions

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

Senior Russian diplomat warns about proportional response to threats coming from Finland

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Restoration of Notre Dame de Paris enters its final stage

The cathedral will open to the public on the fifth anniversary of the fire, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo promised in a statement

Official labels Ukrainian claims about Russia hitting nuclear facility 'total lie'

"Undoubtedly, everything that is going on today, carries a direct threat to nuclear safety," Renat Karchaa reiterated

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

Servicemen of Russia’s battlegroup West receive certificates for destroyed Leopard-2 tanks

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that immediately after the award ceremony, the servicemen returned to their units to continue performing their assigned tasks in the special military operation zone.

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

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

Hamas not to make any concessions on Israeli troops’ withdrawal from Gaza

Izzat al-Rishq noted that Israel’s attempts to release its hostages held by radicals in the Gaza Strip have failed and "there is no alternative to a real deal on this matter with Palestinian groups"

Russian stock indices rising on Monday — market data

The dollar surged by 0.32% to 93.75 rubles, while the euro edged up by 0.22% to 99.83 rubles

Russian envoy calls UN Security Council meeting on Iran strike parade of hypocrisy

"If Western missions were attacked, you would not hesitate to retaliate and prove your case in this room. Because for you, everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected," Vasily Nebenzya said

Lavrov sees no chance of Germany, Japan becoming permanent UNSC members

The Russian foreign minister also said the two countries would bring absolutely nothing new to the Security Council discussions as they "obediently do Washington's bidding, just like virtually every other Western country"

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Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

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The killing of civilians visiting a cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism Putin said

Police detain 14 people at rally in Georgia

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that one police member was injured

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

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The spacecraft’s first flight is planned for 2028, Yury Borisov said

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

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Joe Biden had made it clear that the United States would not take on a combat role in Ukraine

Volume of frozen Russian assets in Germany reaches around €3.9 bln

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Iran sought to ‘graduate’ scale of damage during attack on Israel, EU’s Borrell says

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Israeli defense minister holds meeting on preparations for operation in Rafah

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According to a servicemen of Russia's Northern Fleet marine infantry from the battlegroup Dnepr, control of this area is necessary to organize a buffer zone that ensures the safety of Russian units on the left bank and civilians

IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as ‘very dangerous precedent’

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

Russia urges Middle East nations to show restraint amid escalation — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, further escalation is in no one's interests

Russian, Algerian financial intelligence representatives to talk shop in Moscow

Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov recalled that the competent authorities of the two countries are working on the issue of resuming the work of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Algeria

Russia open to help resolve situation in Sudan — ambassador

Andrey Chernovol recalled that the Russian embassy is currently located in the temporary capital of Sudan, Port Sudan, and diplomats are in contact with the country's official authorities

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

Russian, Tajik troops kick off joint military drills in Tajikistan

The joint bilateral exercise is running on April 15-18, 2024

Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

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Macron draws distinction between Israeli, Russian Olympic participation

The French leader stressed that Israel was responding to a terrorist attack

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

FACTBOX: Water down in Orenburg, Kurgan and Tyumen at risk

More than 15,000 residential houses and over 23,600 garden plots are exposed to the flood in the Orenburg Region

Russian skiers unlikely to return to int’l competition before 2028 — sports official

Russian cross country skiers have been barred from taking part in international competitions since 2022 due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine

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

The report did not specify which facilities in Israel had been attacked with hypersonic missiles

Russian foreign ministry blames Paris for death of French mercenaries in Kharkov

The ministry hopes "that the people of France will ultimately learn the truth about the actual scope of France’s involvement in the conflict"

Israel Defense Forces announce planned military drills in country’s north on April 16

According to the IDF, "the military exercise was planned in advance as part of the IDF's annual military training program for the year of 2024, and as part of the IDF's increased preparedness for possible threats in all spheres"

Iran plans negotiations with Russia on purchase of Sukhoi fighters

Iran's Ministry of Defense the country needs to strengthen its air force

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

Georgian protesters end rally in Tbilisi over foreign agents bill

Rustaveli Avenue has been opened for traffic

Israel remains on highest alert as it chooses response to Iran’s attack — senior commander

"Iran will face the consequences for its actions," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said

Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

Roscosmos committed to continued collaboration with NASA — CEO

"We, both sides, and you can take it from me - as I meet with colleagues from NASA, would hate to lose this cooperation," Yury Borisov noted

Share of young men in Ukrainian population drops to record low, says paper

According to the report, the situation "seriously undermines the combat effectiveness of the Ukrainian army, where young men under 30 years of age are the backbone"

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Three violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported in Syria in the past 24 hours

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"

Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss current escalation in Middle East

On the evening of April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including the attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus ascribed to Israel

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

Man killed in DPR's Gorlovka in Ukrainian drone attack

The Ukrainian armed forces dropped the explosive object from the drone at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time

Avtotor launches production of Jetour Dashing crossover in Kaliningrad

General agreement includes organizing the production of the brand’s products in Russia and gradually increasing the level of localization

Journalist Hinkle agrees with Carlson that Moscow is cleaner and safer than US cities

Tucker Carlson also singled out the subway as one of the exemplary aspects of Moscow

Russia raises issue of transferring talks on South Caucasus from Switzerland — ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "several states rightfully lay claim to such a role, and some of them have already agreed to provide their territory for holding regular discussion meetings"

Tobol River level may reach more than 10 meters near Kurgan — authorities

There are 309 residential houses and 571 household plots exposed to the flood in the region

Russia unaware of any UN Security Council document on Iran — envoy

Malta's permanent representative to the UN Vanessa Frazier told reporters that so far only one country had expressed a desire to prepare a document on Iran

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

According to German Galushchenko, the issue has been discussed, and "everyone is quite positive about it"

Russia, Belarus boosting interaction despite sanctions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the record-high indicator of mutual trade turnover is $45.2 bln

Russia to continue boosting cooperation with countries of Global South, East — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister added that these countries "are firmly committed to the principles of the UN Charter, advocate respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of the world's peoples and their right to determine their own destiny"

Europe may soon toughen policy on Ukrainian migrants — expert

Vilde Hernes stressed that the protection permits for Ukrainian migrants contain many restrictions "such as fewer integration measures, less financial assistance, and no path to permanent residency"

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

New generation Amur-LNG rocket to be reused 50-100 times — Roscosmos CEO

Yury Borisov noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was used no more than ten times

Over 40 nations want to join BRICS — Russian lawmaker

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Russian air defenses suppress up to 400 Ukrainian UAVs in DPR over week

The drones neutralized by the air defenses included a Mavic-3 UAV and three Baba-Yaga drones carrying improvised explosive devices manufactured with the use of anti-tank aerial bombs and mines

US, UK strikes harm Yemeni settlement prospects — Russian mission to UN

"Such actions harm the intra-Yemeni settlement, undermining the efforts of international and regional mediators," Dmitry Polyansky noted

Israel considering retaliatory steps following Iranian attack — top brass

According to Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military was well-prepared for the Iron Shield operation to counter the Iranian attack

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"

Russian Su-34 jets destroy Ukrainian command post with high-explosive aerial bombs

"The strike was carried out with ODAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Iran has warned US that Israeli response would set off harsh retaliation — minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the statement as he spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

According to Christelle Neant, French specialists are engaged to operate these howitzers in Ukraine as Ukrainian mobilized soldiers lack relevant skills and time to learn how to use them

Russia to furnish advanced Korsar drones with electronic warfare systems

The cutting-edge drone was unveiled during the night rehearsals of the Victory Day parade in Moscow

Russia, Belarus sign aircraft production agreement

The complex of measures (plan) to stimulate Russian investment activity in Belarus was also signed

EU’s oil import dependency at its highest in 2022 — Eurostat

The dependence on imported crude oil also increased in 2022, reaching 97.6%, the agency noted