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Coronavirus pandemic

Number of COVID-19 cases in Africa exceeds 7 million — WHO

More than 6.1 million patients have recovered

PRETORIA, August 10. /TASS/. The overall number of coronavirus cases in Africa has reached 7,054,430, according to the data released by the Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday.

The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 178,243. More than 6.1 million patients have recovered.

South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 2,540,222 and 75,012, respectively. Tunisia is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 21,089 and 613,628, respectively. As many as 16,582 coronavirus-related deaths and 284,789 cases were reported from Egypt.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases (284,531 cases and 4,430 fatalities). Next are Kenya (212,573 cases and 4,179 deaths), and Nigeria (178,506 cases and 2,192 deaths).

Tbilisi police occupy square in front of parliament, disperse protesters

Another part of the protesters moved up Rustaveli Avenue

IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards eyes big response to Israel's latest attack

Iran’s Operation True Promise was carried out in April in response to the Israeli bombing of the Islamic republic’s embassy in Damascus

Riot police fully clears square in front of Georgian parliament from protesters

The protesters moved up Rustaveli Avenue

No countries reject invitations to become BRICS partner states — Russian diplomat

"All participants to a meeting of sherpas and sous-sherpas in Yekaterinburg were informed about it. Everyone agrees that this is the right path," Ryabkov added

Syria capable to defeat terrorists with help of allies and friends — President's office

According to message, country continues defending its territorial integrity

Violent upheaval attempt takes place in Georgia — security service

Peru shows interest in BRICS - Russian ambassador

Igor Romanchenko also noted the interest of Peru's academic and journalistic communities in discussing BRICS issues

Protestants in Tbilisi set fire in Georgian parliament’s building

Protesters were throwing firecrackers and launched fireworks directed to the parliament building for several hours

UK continuing arms supplies to Kiev fraught with conflict of nuclear powers — diplomat

Andrey Kelin noted that "the British have utterly ignored all our warnings and opted for escalatory actions to further worsen the Ukrainian crisis"

TASS Alley appears in Moscow

Dozens of TASS employees with their families, led by Director General Andrey Kondrashov, planted the alley of thirty trees near the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 27th

Scholz shares details of talks with Putin, Zelensky says

The conversation between the Russian president and the German chancellor took place on November 15

Tbilisi police occupy square in front of parliament, disperse protesters

Another part of the protesters moved up Rustaveli Avenue

Russian forces strike infrastructure at Ukrainian military airfields

Russian tactical aircraft crews, drone units, missile troops and artillery forces also struck enemy troops and equipment in 132 areas

Russians wipe out three Ukrainian strongholds, over 20 Azov fighters in advance on Kharkov

According to Andrey Marochko, during their advance near Kopanki, which was liberated earlier this week, the Russian forces improved their tactical positions southwest of the locality as they also expanded their control zone at this sector of the line of engagement

US Navy amphibious assault ship enters Black Sea

It joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter, according to the Ukrainian web portal Dumskaya

Foreign Ministers of Russia, Turkey discuss situation in Syria

"The situation in Syria and the Astana process were discussed at the meeting," the source said

Banning import of food from New Zealand won’t affect Russia — watchdog

Earlier on Friday, the Russian government extended the food embargo for countries that imposed sanctions against Russia until the end of 2026

Lavrov clarifies Russia's position on Ukraine crisis to foreign diplomats — MFA

"Participants in the roundtable exchanged views on the conflict and other pressing international topics," the ministry stated

Dialog with Japan on peace treaty possible if Tokyo gives up its hostile course

"Not a single agreement can be made without holding negotiations," official spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said

Peacekeepers deployment in Ukraine possible only with consent of all conflict parties

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said in a statement earlier in the day that the West may seek to achieve its objectives in Ukraine by implementing an actual occupation, deploying a so-called peacekeeping contingent of 100,000 personnel, with plans to divide the country among Romania, Poland, Germany, and the UK

Japan's PM reiterates desire to sign peace treaty with Russia

Moscow and Tokyo have been negotiating a peace treaty to mark the end of World War II since the mid-20th century

US suspends strategic partnership with Georgia

The Department of State said in its press release that the United States condemns the excessive use of force by police

Russia against sending OPCW reps to probe into chemical incidents in Ukraine — diplomat

According to Vladimir Tarabrin, Russia doesn’t want to "expose to danger the lives and health of international experts amid the extensive use of various weapons" along the engagement line

Putin believes that US President-elect Trump’s life may be in danger

Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts this year: one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, and the second one in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida

Leonardo booking system’s functionality restored — Rostec

Aeroflot airline said earlier that the issue and the return of tickets and provision of extra services in all sales channels were temporarily complicated due to the system’s failure

Senior Russian diplomat points to risk of nuclear exchange

But Moscow will do everything possible to prevent it, Sergey Ryabkov said

Ukrainian servicemen abandon military units due to fear of Russian army — official

Kiev is constantly losing control over populated areas because "tens of thousands of tired and desperate Ukrainian servicemen are leaving their positions to flee in an unknown direction," the agency reported

Kiev's defeatist rhetoric may be masking planned attacks on Russia — expert

The enemy may be trying to lull us into a false sense of security by saying that their situation is bad, only to hit us by surprise, Andrey Marochko said

Protesters make barricades near parliament in Tbilisi

Protesters set a tin sheet and fortified it with iron benches taken from nearby footpaths

Russian, Chinese strategic aircraft complete joint patrol mission

Foreign fighter jets escorted Russian, Chinese aircraft on certain route segments

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Police start using water cannon against protesters in Tbilisi

The situation between protesters and police officers aggravated in Chichinadze Street near the parliament

Russian Embassy in Argentina monitors situation with malfunctioning ocean liner

The diplomatic mission said that they are in touch with the company organizing the cruise as well as with the Russian citizens onboard the vessel

Lavrov, Fidan pointed to importance of Astana format for Syria

"The need was confirmed to coordinate joint activities for purposes of stabilizing the situation in Suria, in the first instance with the use of the Astana format’s potential," the ministry added

West refuses to accept proof of Ukraine’s use of chemical weapons — Russian envoy

Vladimir Tarabrin noted that instead, the West is trying to present Russia as violating the Chemical Weapons Convention

Syrian army wiped out at least 300 militants over day

The operation to thwart the aggression of extremists continues

Russia’s Alisher Usmanov elected president of International Fencing Federation

The election took place in Tashkent

Russian Cabinet introduces compulsory marking for cosmetics, engine oils

Compulsory marking of lubricants and special vehicle fluids will be introduced from September 1, 2025, the Cabinet added

Putin signs law on taxation of digital currencies

According to the law, digital currency is recognized as property

Medvedev says Zelensky's fate won't be pretty if Ukraine faces second Maidan

The Russian senior official was indignant over the fact that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry "condemned the crackdown on protests in Georgia"

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Putin signs law on Russia’s federal budget for 2025-2027

According to the law, federal budget revenues in 2025 are expected to be 40.296 trillion rubles ($378.5 bln)

Slovakia starts investigating possible preparation of terrorist acts against pipelines

Minister of Interior Matus Sutaj Estok noted that an organized group of suspects in the possible preparation of terrorist acts is showing interest in the area where the Druzhba oil pipeline are running

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

US mercenary in-absentia arrest, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 340 troops, an armored personnel carrier, an armored combat vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, an artillery piece and six mortars

Hungarian PM sounds alarm over presence of US, French troops in Ukraine

Additionally, the news that Russia used its latest Oreshnik high-precision ballistic missile, which has significant destructive power, to destroy Yuzhmash, a Ukrainian defense plant in Dnipro (previously known as Dnepropetrovsk), is alarming, Viktor Orban stressed

Trump wants to set 100% duties on BRICS goods if they create single currency

"There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US dollar in international trade and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added

Putin approves budget of pension and social insurance fund for three years

According to the law, total forecast revenues of the Fund stand at 16.623 trillion rubles in 2025

Georgian president not going to step down

"I remain your president; there is no legitimate parliament existing," Zurabishvili said in her televised address

Niger receives delivery of military equipment from Russia — TV

The report also stated that this delivery highlights the strengthening of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Niger

German Office of General Prosecutor identified two suspects in Nord Stream case

"Yes, we are moving forward in the investigation [of sabotage acts at Nord Stream pipelines]. We managed to identify two suspects," Rommel said

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk area, Kharkov Region over week

Russian forces delivered one massive and 32 combined strikes by air-launched, seaborne and ground-based precision weapons, hitting Ukrainian military airfields and power facilities of defense enterprises over the past week, the ministry reported

Ukraine trains terrorists in Syria in coordination with US — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that the Western coalition continues to carry out strikes in Syria, "effectively encouraging the Kiev regime to engage in similar terrorist activities in Russian regions, where civilians and civilian infrastructure are targeted with direct support from the West"

Syrian army eliminates hundreds of terrorists, repelling their attack on Aleppo, Idlib

The Syrian army command reported on November 28 that units of the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group had staged a large-scale attack on Syria’s northern governorates the day prior

West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, this represents the "confrontational logic" of the West

US funds 'Nazis, maniacs' in Ukraine, Israel — American journalist

Jackson Hinkle also pointed out that the US authorities are no friend of "freedom-loving American patriots"

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

US actions undermine Washington’s competitiveness — Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Washington’s policy causes harm to the United States

Russia toughens penalties for data leaks

Sanctions are toughened for repeated leaks

Root causes need to be addressed to settle Ukrainian conflict — Kremlin spokesman

"Everything here is much deeper than a decision to send a peacekeeper mission," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian forces wipe out five ATACMS launchers using Iskander missiles

In particular, two MLRS launchers and a transporter-loader vehicle were destroyed near the settlement of Tokari, and three HIMARS launchers were taken out near the settlement of Maly Bobrik, the statement reads

Finland eyeing return of antipersonnel mines to inventory — president

Finland became the party to the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in 2012

Russia to ensure continued uranium exports, senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, debates have been going on for a while about the need for Russia to stop supplying strategic goods to its opponents

Russian passengers on Antarctica cruise liner with engine failure go on hunger strike

The liner left Cape Town on November 13 for a 20-day cruise, and passengers say they paid between $9,000 and $12,000 for the trip

Presidential aide blames West for attempts to harm Russia at sea

Nikolay Patrushev said that in a situation like this Russia should firmly defend its position and prepare tools for the "comprehensive management of maritime activities aimed at ensuring national interests"

Forty-two police officers heavily injured during two days of protests in Tbilisi

Large-scale protest actions took place in Georgia over the last two days

Russian football chief disappointed national team left off 2026 World Cup draw list

"Until the decision is reversed, our team will have no chance to participate in international competitions," Alexander Dyukov said

Top Turkish diplomat calls for taking note of Putin’s remarks about nuclear weapons

The Russian President said that Russia would be forced to use all weapons at its disposal if Ukraine obtained nuclear arms

Russia, China conduct air patrol over western Pacific Ocean

According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the two countries’ aircraft "completed the second phase of the ninth joint air patrol"

Flight program for Cuba can be revised due to jet fuel shortage — Russian air regulator

Rossiya and Nordwind air carriers are flying from Moscow to Havana and Varadero airports, the Russian air regulator added

Russia says Ukraine lost up to 140 troops in battlegroup East’s zone of responsibility

The enemy also lost up a MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, a Caesar self-propelled artillery unit, a motor vehicle and four fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, said Oleg Chekhov, a spokesman for the battlegroup

Ukraine loses over 36,800 troops, 225 tanks: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Russian forces destroyed two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, an armored combat vehicle, four motor vehicles and two mortars

NATO growing more inclined to freeze Ukraine conflict — Russia’s SVR

"NATO has been unfolding training centers in Ukraine in an effort to train at least 1 million mobilized Ukrainians," the SVR highlighted

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

Zelensky reshuffles Ukrainian military command

According to the statement, Mikhail Drapaty has been appointed as the new commander of the Ukrainian ground forces

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

The process, which can today be confidently called the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia, began after the 2014 coup, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Britain’s MI6 chief admits London's involvement in covert operations in Ukraine

According to Richard Moore, the cost of supporting Kiev was "well known"

Romania, Poland, Germany, UK plan to divide Ukraine — Russia's foreign intel

"A total of 100,000 so-called peacekeepers are planned to be sent to Ukraine," the SVR noted

Israel prohibits residents of 60 villages in southern Lebanon from returning home

According to the army statement, those moving south of the line may endanger themselves

Press review: CSTO discusses Russian weapons as US and Russia continue prisoner talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 29th

Putting Oreshnik's in Eastern Russia strategic play to help allies, counter US

According to Alexander Stepanov, the deployment makes sense in a situation where the Pentagon continues to project its military presence on Russia's eastern borders

West deploying troops to Ukraine to up ante in fight with Russia — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin described such plans as provocative and noted that they "confirm the West’s intention to continue its profound engagement in a direct standoff with Russia"

Russia weighs resumption of nuclear tests — senior diplomat

"The situation is quite complicated," Sergey Ryabkov said

Putin slams election mudslinging against Trump’s family as 'vile'

According to the Russian president, when gangs fight with each other, they "don’t target women and children but leave them alone"

North Korean leader sees missile strikes inside Russia as Western involvement in conflict

According to the North Korean leader, it should be shown to the "US-led provocative forces" that they will achieve nothing useful if they ignore Russia's warning

Western handlers beginning to dump Zelensky — Ukrainian politician

"Polls are now emerging where Zelensky is no longer at the top but in second or even third place," Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Ukraine, not Russia, posing a threat to the Baltic region — Kremlin

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

Novaya Zemlya facility prepared for resumption of nuclear tests — Russian general

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS that Russia was considering a resumption of nuclear tests amid the United State’s policy of escalating tensions

Strike on NATO bases possible in case of escalation, Medvedev says

He made this comment answering a question if Russia can strike military hubs in Romania and Poland

West may well just set money intended for Ukraine on fire — Russian diplomat

Politico reported earlier that US President Joe Biden had asked the Congress for another $24 bln to provide additional military aid to Kiev and replenish US stocks

Russian diplomat says US won’t stop Russia from accomplishing special operation goals

Sergey Ryabkov was responding to a request to comment on news reports that US President Joe Biden had asked Congress for an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine

Situation in Syria requires urgent discussion in Astana format — Russian Foreign Ministry

The two ministers expressed support to actions of authorities and the army of Syria of thwarting the terrorist attack against the northern part of the country, the Foreign Ministry of Iran informed in its turn

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

Putin approves budget of Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund for 2025-2027

The main source of revenues for the Fund are insurance contributions for compulsory medical insurance

Syrian forces conducting strikes on terrorists infiltrating Aleppo — high command

The Syrian Armed Forces are waiting for reinforcements to launch a counterattack

Defense Minister notes active expansion of Russia-North Korea military cooperation

"We look forward to close and fruitful cooperation with our Korean comrades," Andrey Belousov said

Georgia determined to prevent Ukrainian coup-like scenario, PM says

Mass protests took place in Georgia in the past two days, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police officers, who used tear gas and water cannons

FACTBOX: What to know about attacks of militants on Syria’s government forces

Putin apologizes to Merkel over labrador incident

The president said that he "wanted to create a casual, friendly atmosphere" and did not know that the former German chancellor was afraid of dogs