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Developments in Afghanistan

About 5,000 people evacuated from Kabul in past 24 hours — agency

It is reported that the evacuation operation would continue for the next few days

LONDON, August 18. /TASS/. Around 5,000 people including staffers of foreign diplomatic missions and charities as well as Afghans were evacuated from Kabul in the past 24 hours, Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday citing a diplomat from a Western country.

He confirmed that the evacuation operation would continue for the next few days. At the same time, the diplomat added that the situation in the Kabul airport is chaotic because of the large number of Afghans wishing to leave the country after the Taliban (outlawed in Russia) seized power.

On August 15, Taliban militants entered Kabul without a fight and took over the city in a matter of hours. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani stepped down to avoid bloodshed, as he put it, and fled the country. Western states are currently evacuating their citizens and embassy staffers.

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Afghanistan Power transfer in Afghanistan

Czech PM fears Europe has lost Russia's ear forever

Andrej Babis earlier emphasized that his country would not provide funds to Kiev from its state budget

Lawmaker says 250 schools, 300 mosques damaged during riots in Iran

Unrest in Iran began on December 29 after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, spreading across most major cities

European diplomacy is impotent, there is no one to talk to Russia — Medvedchuk

According to the head of the Other Ukraine movement, the arrogance with which Europe spoke to the rest of the world has already cost it dearly

Cabin of import-substituting SJ-100 to be revealed to public first at exhibition in India

SJ-100 is a Russian short-haul narrow-body aircraft, a new version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 with maximum locally sourced components

Japan’s prime minister conveyed to Putin that ties with Moscow matter to Tokyo

Expert Masaru Sato believes the message was conveyed to Putin after the Japanese lawmaker passed it on to Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, whom he met on December 26

Only UN-led external administration can save Ukraine — Medvedchuk

According to the head of the Other Ukraine movement, in line with international practice, a temporary administration should assume responsibility for organizing and conducting fair and democratic elections for the president of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada, and local self-government bodies

Colombian mercenary advises against joining Ukrainian army

According to Russia’s security agencies, at least 750 Colombian mercenaries fighting for Ukraine have been killed since the start of the special military operation

Explosions reported in Kiev-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region

An air raid warning is currently in effect for the Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk, Nikolayev, Kharkov, and Chernigov regions

Kallas calls on US not to be distracted by Greenland from Ukrainian crisis

According to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, China and Russia are the ones who benefit from Donald Trump’s announcement on introduction of duties on imports of goods from eight European countries

French troops do not want to fight Russia — politician

Fabrice Sorlin named two reasons for this

EU elites use Ukraine conflict to siphon off support funds — Saldo

The governor added that European Union leaders understand this and therefore are doing everything they can to ensure that the conflict continues

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian attempt to counterattack in Zaporozhye Region

As a result, an M1117 armored personnel carrier, a Kozak armored combat vehicle, and several Novator armored combat vehicles were destroyed, along with other military vehicles

US purchase of Greenland to send 'disastrous signal' to Ukraine — Guardian

Agreeing to sell part of the territory of an EU member state, should it take place, would alarm Ukraine, which is not even a member of the bloc

Starmer criticizes Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Europe

British Prime Minister said that "applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong," the statement reads

Zelensky not to allow Ukrainians living in Russia to vote — Medvedchuk

In Kiev, they are again feeding everyone empty promises, the ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform — for Life party said

Italy arrests vessel carrying metal for alleged violation of anti-Russian sanctions

A vessel flying the flag of a small island state from Oceania with a cargo of more than 33,000 tons of ferrous metals allegedly stayed in the port of Novorossiysk

Putin takes traditional icy plunge to mark Orthodox Epiphany — Kremlin

"Epiphany is a great holiday for the President, as for all Orthodox believers who work in the Kremlin," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russian forces are 30 km from Slavyansk — DPR head

According to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, fierce fighting continues near the settlements of Grishino and Beletskoye

Russian troops successfully advanced on the outskirts of Kupyansk over past week — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko noted that while the Ukrainian armed forces are unsuccessfully trying to recapture Kupyansk, Russian forces are advancing in other areas of the Kharkov region

Kalashnikov to make military uniforms from domestic materials without compromising quality

CEO Alan Lushnikov also pointed out that the presidential decree will be implemented without compromising the supply to customers

France has real opportunity to leave NATO — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the discussion about France's withdrawal from NATO acquired new relevance thanks to the conscious decision of the US to officially return to an overt imperial policy

Iranian foreign ministry blames US, Israel for organizing riots

Unrest in Iran began on December 29 after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, and spread to most major cities

Voting at Portugal’s presidential election over

As many as 11 candidates, ten men and one woman, are vying for the office

Europe manipulates peace narrative on Ukraine — Kherson governor

On January 12, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Russia "has to show that they are interested in peace"

Far-right, socialist candidates set to compete for Portugal’s presidency

As many as 11 candidates, ten men and one woman, are vying for the office, but none of them has secured 50% of the vote in the first round

Press review: Trump pressures Denmark as US business signals Arctic ties with Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 16th

Bundeswehr servicemen suddenly ordered to leave Greenland — Bild

According to the outlet, 15 soldiers and officers led by Admiral Stefan Pauli are already at the airport in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and are due to depart on an Icelandair flight

Estonia plans to take part in drills in Greenland, despite Trump’s threats — minister

According to Hanno Pevkur, Estonia has not yet sent its soldiers to Greenland and is looking at "technical details" of this process

London’s threats to stop Russian ships amount to return to piracy — ambassador

Andrey Kelin noted that Western countries have long relied on double standards in attempts to "spite Russia," but their disregard of international law has now reached "unprecedented levels"

Putin to hold international contacts during upcoming week

A meeting with members of the government is also scheduled

All of French army to fit into football stadium — politician

Potential deployment of French troops to Ukraine would have no impact on the frontlines, Fabrice Sorlin said

Russia, Belarus cannot be divided, in terms of defense they are one whole — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader said that Minsk and Moscow are ready to defend their interests

Kremlin agrees that Trump will go down in history if he annexes Greenland

According to Dmitry Peskov, by resolving the issue of Greenland's accession, the US leader will go down not only in US history, but in world history as well

Trump demands $1 bln from countries for permanent seats on Gaza Peace Council — Bloomberg

The US President will decide who exactly to invite to join the "Peace Council," the news agency said

Putin discusses Russia’s role in multipolar world with Russian Security Council members

A report was delivered by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Iranian president warns against attacking country’s supreme leader

The statement followed US President Donald Trumps’ remarks in an interview with Politico where he called Khamenei a "sick man" and said that it is "time to look for new leadership in Iran"

Iran’s envoy to Russia expects violations of UN Charter to speed up US decline

Kazem Jalali noted that the UN Charter barred the organization’s members from using force and threatening to use force in international relations "against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state"

No one will help Ukraine after conflict except Russia, Belarus — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader urged Ukrainians to recognize that the issue is not merely about territorial gains

Trump was prepared to strike Iran but changed decision due to multiple objections — WSJ

The sources told The Wall Street Journal that Arab countries explained to Washington the timing for any potential strikes was inappropriate, citing Iran’s instability, the protests largely having been suppressed and unclear opposition leadership in case of regime change

Europe needs to acquire weapons similar to Russian 'Oreshnik' — French president

Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France is within the range of the 'Oreshnik'

Denmark fails to eliminate 'Russian threat' to Greenland, Trump claims

According to the US president, now it is time, and it will be done

Ukraine loses 20 troops in Russian Grad strike near Konstantinovka

Russia’s Battlegroup South also destroyed three vehicles

EU unable to rebuff US on Greenland as long as it remains hostile towards Russia — expert

Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Dr Anatol Lieven also compared Donald Trump's statements on Saturday to the diplomatic note militaristic Japan delivered to the United States in December 1941

Western Europe prepares for war with Russia — Orban

In confirmation of this, the Hungarian prime minister said that recent meetings of the EU leaders "have turned into military councils" where the issue of "how to defeat Russia" is discussed

FACTBOX: Orthodox feast of Epiphany

On January 19 Orthodox believers in Russia celebrate Epiphany

Kazakhstan’s president accepts Trump’s invitation to join Board of Peace for Gaza

Ruslan Zheldibay, the Kazakh leader’s aide and press secretary, added that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev "sent a letter to the US president, expressing his sincere gratitude"

French politician calls for resuming dialogue with Russia, lifting sanctions

According to Florian Philippot, each European country must "restore its own independence and defend its own national interests" as the European Union actions only lead from one crisis to another

Speaking of love for Russia is prohibited in France — French politician

Fabrice Sorlin criticized the French media for one-sided coverage

'Black holes' of the Russian Navy

For the first time TASS publishes photos of Project 636.3 Varshavyanka submarines taken from a quadrocopter during sea trials in the Baltic Sea

Syrian interim president cancels visit to Germany — TV

Ahmed Al-Sharaa was scheduled to hold talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz

‘The Lion King’ director Roger Allers dies at 76

He also participated in screenwriting for Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin"

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

US needs Greenland for effective use of Golden Dome missile defense system — Trump

The US leader noted that "highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it"

US to remain in NATO — treasury secretary

When asked what is more essential for the US national security, NATO or Greenland, Scott Bessent said, "Both"

Ukraine loses around 1,210 troops across all directions of special military operation

Russian forces also carried out strikes on facilities assembling unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as on energy and transport sites operating in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

US policy shift likely to end in 'radical reshaping' of West — media

According to Politico, "for many European governments, including America’s longest-standing and most loyal allies, Trump’s threat of punitive tariffs against anyone who tries to stop him taking Greenland was the final straw"

Trump says he feels no obligation to focus on peace efforts after Nobel Prize failure

The US president added that he had "done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States"

Trump invites Australian PM to join Gaza Board of Peace

Anthony Albanese said he would consider "all of these approaches respectfully" and through "proper processes"

Russian oil tankers in crosshairs of West, legal blocking of Baltic Sea impossible — envoy

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin emphasized that international law guarantees unimpeded passage of ships through the Baltic straits

Europe should fear US, while fear of Russia is unjustified — political scientist

Jeffrey Sachs recommended that Europe make its own security arrangements

Infrastructure facilities suffer damage in Ukraine’s southern Odessa Region

Explosions were reported in Odessa in the early hours of Monday

Kurdish coalition in Syria to remain intact, commander says

Mazloum Abdi announced a trip to Damascus on January 19 to "finalize work on the agreement," the details of which will be announced after his return

Iranian ambassador calls Trump’s January remarks on Iran ‘provocative, absurd’

Kazem Jalali called Trump the "architect and implementer of the policy of maximum pressure and sanctions" who sends "absurd and contradictory signals

Ukraine, US agree to continue talks in Davos — Umerov

However, Ukrainian Security and Defense Council Secretary said nothing about a potential meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Davos on January 19-23

Putin receives US invitation to join Board of Peace on Gaza — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is currently studying all the details of this proposal

Trump explains his claims for Greenland by US subsidies to EU countries

American President added that "China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it"

Damage to Germany from new US tariffs may reach up to 15 bln euro per year — Bild

The outlet recalled that the German economy has already suffered losses from a previously imposed 15% tariff by Washington

Many in France sympathize with Russia and Putin — politician

Russia has millions of supporters in France, Fabrice Sorlin said

No immediate plans for Putin’s call with Venezuela’s authorized president — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia maintains constant contact with Delcy Rodriguez via diplomatic channels

Russia and US have not halted Ukraine talks — Medvedchuk

On January 15, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that dialogue with US negotiators is ongoing

Canada’s prime minister recalls NATO Article Five amid US plans regarding Greenland

Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should join the US

Ukraine’s military shells Russia’s Kursk Region over 30 times in past 24 hours

Governor Alexander Khinshtein said the Ukrainian drone attack set fire to a building in the village of Bolshoye Soldatskoye

RDIF chief sure Europe will not be able to bar US from taking control of Greenland

"Europe will cave in, US will get Greenland," Kirill Dmitriev wrote

Time in special military operation works in Russia’s favor — Medvedchuk

Ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform - for Life party noted that "there are ongoing contacts with the US, and Europe is already looking for ways to resume engagement with Russia"

Ukraine to be put on back burner over Greenland at World Economic Forum in Davos

According to Politico, Europe is facing "the worst transatlantic crisis in decades"

Kiev to answer for crimes against civilians in Kherson Region — governor

Vladimir Saldo pointed out that Kiev sought to present its crimes as the fight for its interests but in fact, "they are on a human hunt"

Trump invites India to join Board of Peace for Gaza — agency

No official statement has been issued by New Delhi on this matter

Newest AK-12 assault rifle developed based on combat experience analysis — Kalashnikov CEO

Alan Lushnikov added that the modernization had been preceded by extensive work

FACTBOX: What is known about F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant in western Ukraine

Bundeswehr says task within mission to Greenland fulfilled

Lt. Col. Peter Milevchuk, a spokesman for the German mission, described cooperation with the Danish military as "very positive and constructive"

Germany might raise rent for US military bases over tariffs — newspaper

According to the newspaper’s sources in Berlin, Germany is not considering the closure of US military bases on its territory

Lower house of Japanese parliament to be dissolved on January 23 — PM

Sanae Takaichi added that the decision of whether she should be the head of government "belongs to the people"

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

Merz condemns US tariff threats as undermining transatlantic relations

They risk a dangerous downward spiral, the German chancellor said

Dmitriev calls on EU 'not to provoke Daddy,' recall soldiers from Greenland

Russia’s president special Representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries said that the EU should return the soldiers sent to Greenland

Ukrainian army launches over 100 drones at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

The Ukrainian armed forces launched 19 fixed-wing drones at the Rovensky District.

Death toll from train crash in Spain climbs to 21 — Reuters

According to the Spanish TVE television channel, roughly 100 people were injured

Trump decided not to attack Iran after calls from Israel, Saudi Arabia — news outlet

Mohammed bin Salman stressed that US military intervention could destabilize the situation in the Middle East overall

EU ready to take decisive action against Trump over Greenland — newspaper

According to a European diplomat familiar with the negotiations, retaliatory tariffs worth 93 billion dollars could be imposed "very quickly" compared to other options under discussion

EU, Mercosur sign free trade agreement, which provoked protests

According to European Commissioner for Trade and Interinstitutional Relations Maros Sefcovic, this agreement will create one of the largest free trade zones in the world, with over 700,000 people living in its territory

Riots in Iran organized by Israeli agents — Iranian ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali noted that an analysis of the key players’ actions during the period in question shows "a shift in tactics and a turn to violence following the failure to achieve the stated objectives"

Press review: Europe, US on brink of trade war as Russia ready to respond to UK plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 19th

Europe turns to Russia talks after realizing it’s being sidelined — Medvedchuk

Medvedchuk stressed that the principle behind the Ukrainian conflict is not a secret to anyone

Kalashnikov to display loitering munitions tested in special op zone in Abu Dhabi

The Kub-2E and Kub-10E have received positive reviews from service members in the special military operation zone

Hungary says ‘no’ to Ukraine’s accession to EU — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto recalled that under the Treaty on European Union, new members can be admitted to the community only on a consensus basis, hence, this cannot be done without Hungary’s consent

Russian Il-114-300 aircraft to take part in flight program of exhibition in India

Rostec reported that the aircraft is built using domestic components and is equipped with TV7-117ST-01 engines of the United Engine Corporation

Venezuela to strengthen oil and gas industry, authorized president says

"This stage requires unity and greatness from us as a nation," Delcy Rodriguez said

Terms of deal on NIS to be referred to US Treasury Department by January 23 — Vucic

The main provisions of the future contract are a clear definition of ownership rights, the structure of the future company, the percentage of shares, each company's share, the Serbian President said

EU may influence Trump on Greenland by threatening to remove US bases — The Economist

According to the magazine, it will be extremely difficult for Washington to project its military power into Africa and the Middle East without access to European military bases

Train collision in Spain leaves 10 dead, 25 injured

Around 300 people were on board one of the trains, which derailed and crashed onto a neighboring track

Putin opposed to removing Lenin’s body from mausoleum

The president noted that the Soviet Union was closely associated with Vladimir Lenin’s name