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Developments in Afghanistan

Ashraf Ghani claims conspiracy against him was in the works in Afghanistan

On August 15, he flew out of Afghanistan several hours before the Taliban entered Kabul without a fight

TEHRAN, August 18. /TASS/. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani who fled the country has said that a conspiracy plot in Afghanistan put his life in danger.

"Security services told me that a conspiracy plot against me that threatened my life was in the works," Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted him as saying on Wednesday. "Taliban (outlawed in Russia - TASS) fighters promised that they wouldn’t enter Kabul but the presidential palace was already surrounded."

On August 15, Ghani flew out of Afghanistan several hours before the Taliban entered Kabul without a fight. On Wednesday, the UAE Foreign Ministry revealed that the country granted asylum to the president and his family members out of humanitarian concerns.

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Afghanistan Power transfer in Afghanistan

Europe loses to Putin in Ukraine despite billions in aid — president

Milorad Dodik paid special attention to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statement about arming Kiev, also noting that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (in office from 2005-2021) also resorted to misleading within the Minsk agreements

Switzerland ready to act as mediator in settlement of Ukraine — Swiss President

Earlier, the Swiss Foreign Ministry told TASS that the country's authorities were participating in the preparation of negotiations on establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine

Trump says Putin wants to hold talks with him on Ukraine

Trump declined to say when the meeting could take place

Canada's opposition leader vows to prevent his country from joining the US

Pierre Poilievre also claimed that in the future he intends to ensure the complete security of Canada's borders

Top Chadian diplomat slams terrorist attack as attempt to destabilize country

"The destabilization attempt has been foiled," Abderaman Koulamallah said in an address to the nation

Nearly 370 aid workers killed in Gaza since October 2023 — UN agency

According to OCHA, "Israeli bombardment from the air, land and sea and detonation of residential buildings continues to be reported across the Gaza Strip"

Russia’s freshly launched satellite transmits images of US, China, UAE

Data obtained from satellites in the Resurs-P series are used to study natural resources and monitor pollution and environmental degradation, water protection areas and natural reserves

Ukraine loses over 290 troops in Kursk Region over past day

Russia says its Su-34 launched glide bombs at Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kursk Region

Upon receiving confirmation from reconnaissance personnel that the Ukrainian manpower and military vehicles were destroyed, the crew safely returned to the airfield of departure

Trump's statements on Greenland should be assessed after he takes office — MFA

He has not yet taken office, Maria Zakharova noted

Kremlin keeping eye on US claims to Canada, Greenland — spokesman

"We are closely following these dramatic developments - thank God, it has not gone beyond statements yet," Dmitry Peskov noted

Gas withdrawal from European UGS facilities on the rise

Meanwhile, total volume of fuel in UGS facilities amounts to 76.4 bcm of gas, which is the fourth-highest level for the beginning of January since records started

Russia’s battlegroup East destroys six Ukrainian drone control posts — spokesman

"During the day, the enemy lost up to 160 servicemen, a MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, a Krab howitzer, two FH-70 and D-30 guns, a vehicle, a electronic warfare station, six drone control posts and two fixed-wing drones," Alexander Gordeyev said

Kamala Harris' Los Angeles home placed in evacuation zone due to wildfire — media

The vice president is currently in Washington

Russia’ special operation has every chance to reach Transnistria — French expert

Regis Chamagne added that Ukrainian men were now being chased on the streets and sent to fight 'as cannon fodder'

Foreign Policy columnist sees West facing 'Who lost Ukraine?' debate

As Stephen Walt noted, the terms of ending Ukraine conflict "are likely to be disappointing to Kiev and its Western supporters"

Zelensky decides to run for re-election — report

The information has not been confirmed or denied officially yet

Turkey continued to cooperate with Russia, Iran even in most difficult situations — Fidan

He said this on the air of the CNN Turk television channel, answering a question about Ankara's relations with Moscow and Tehran in light of the situation in Syria

At least 19 people killed in attack on presidential palace in Chad — authorities

There were 18 militants among them

President Putin congratulates Russians with Orthodox Christmas holiday

"During the Christmas season we clearly feel with all our heart how important for us are parental, family traditions that are being handed down from generation to generation," Vladimir Putin said

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

Press review: Russia notes Japan's militarization while allies expect Ukrainian assault

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 9th

Situation in Chad under control, Infrastructure Minister says

There is no reason to panic, the country's Infrastructure Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh said

Polish MFA reports shutdown of country's consulate general in St. Petersburg

According to a TASS correspondent in St. Petersburg, Polish and EU flags were removed from the flagpoles on the building

US court sentences Canadian to 40 months in prison for exporting electronics to Russia

According to the agency, Nikolay Goltsev "masterminded a global procurement scheme on behalf of sanctioned Russian companies, including Russian military companies"

Russian units break through Ukrainian defenses near dominant point in DPR

Military expert Andrey Marochko said that in order to reduce threats, the Russian Armed Forces began delivering intensive combined strikes on Ukrainian positions

Trump blames Biden for conflict in Ukraine

Trump also said his term will start in a world engulfed in conflict

Pentagon chief points to Russia’s 'advantages' in Ukraine conflict

Lloyd Austin will chair the 25th meeting of the group of Western countries coordinating weapons supplies to Ukraine

Envoy slams decision not to negotiate with Putin Biden's biggest mistake

Keith Kellogg stressed that he believes the new administration will succeed in creating an environment in which Trump will have the opportunity to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky

Russians to get opportunity to pay with Mir cards in Iran by June 30 — envoy to Moscow

"The third stage, when Iranian citizens will be able to pay with their cards in Russia, is planned in the second half of 2025," Kazem Jalali 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

Russia’s military planning to take note of US attempts to use Greenland to ensure security

According to Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin, the future of Greenland should be decided based on the will of its residents and the current Danish laws

Trump said to be serious about acquiring Greenland to expand US influence — Reuters

Sources added that the US president-elect is interested in territorial expansion as a means of creating a legacy that will be remembered for numerous generations

Change in Pentagon leadership may affect Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s activities

According to the media, "the dissolution of the group could be a blow to Ukraine, which is losing ground to Russia and is struggling to recruit and train new troops"

Russian army captures 18 Ukrainian servicemen west of DPR's Kurakhovo

Russia’s army also destroyed a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, seven pickup trucks, two artillery pieces and an ammunition depot

Russia manages situation in Ukraine, while West in big trouble — US political scientist

According to John Mearsheimer, Russia has become much stronger over the past two to three years because it has managed to become "a truly sovereign country"

Transnistria still considers Russia as main gas supplier — foreign minister

For supplies through the TurkStream gas pipeline political decisions are required, Vitaly Ignatyev noted

Trump wants conflict in Ukraine to end as soon as possible — envoy

Keith Kellogg emphasized that ending the conflict in Ukraine is important for the national security of the United States, Europe and the world

DPR head announces restoration of liberated Kurakhovo

According to Denis Pushilin, specialists will assess the scale of the restoration work

Chisinau's block of power supplies to Transnistria is mockery — Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that it 'is happening under the model the West is promoting around the world, under the false slogans of freedom and democracy'

Range of Russian EMP weapons increased to 10 km — sources

Фn electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately, travelling with the speed of light

Seismologists count 515 aftershocks after earthquake in Tibet

Up to 95% of cases of ongoing seismic activity in the area of the city of Shigatse were tremors with a magnitude of less than 3.0

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

Trump says ‘it was always understood’ that Ukraine can’t join NATO

Trump said Moscow had consistently opposed Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO

Scientists present Russia's first 50-qubit cold atom quantum computer — MSU

The experiment that allowed testing the supercomputer prototype took place on December 19, the Moscow State University said

Putin shows initialed draft agreement with Ukraine to African leaders

"This draft agreement was initialed by the head of the Kiev negotiation team. He put his signature there. Here it is," the Russian president said

Reuters: Alaska sues US government over restrictions on oil development

The agency notes that the Alaskan authorities were dissatisfied with the decision of the US administration made last December to limit the development of oil and gas leases in the state

Panama Canal Administration will not prevent passage of Russian ships — EFE

The Canal remains safe and open for peaceful transit of vessels of all nations on conditions of full equality either in peace time or in war time, it added

AZAL air carrier indefinitely suspends flights between Baku, Kazan

This decision was made due to security issues

Ukraine to fall within 12-18 months without US aid — expert

According to Robert Kagan, an American political analyst, if Ukraine falls, it will be hard to present it otherwise than as a failure of the United States and its president

Moscow ready to provide help to Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

Russia is going to "continue providing multi-faceted assistance to the Syrian people, including through relevant international agencies by supplying humanitarian help, reconstructing social infrastructure facilities destroyed during the conflict, laying the groundwork for the return of Syrian refugees and temporarily displaced persons," Vasily Nebenzya said

Termination of Russian gas transit by Kiev contradicts its plan to join EU — Szijjarto

Ukraine, which is a candidate for joining the EU, is obliged to keep energy supply routes, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade noted

Russia forcibly expels over 80,000 immigrants in 2024

Over 44,200 foreign citizens and stateless persons were expelled from Russia to 60 countries throughout 2023

Diplomat calls on top German diplomat to stop speculating about Russian bases in Syria

Commenting on the top German diplomat’s statement that Russia should refuse from having military bases in Syria, Maria Zakharova noted

Russian artillery strikes wipe out Ukrainian stronghold as Kiev’s troops flee Kurakhovo

According to a security source, the Ukrainian armed forces are seeking to strengthen their positions west of Kurakhovo

Ukrainian army abandons servicemen refusing to lay mines — captive

According to Mikhail Kostyuk, following his draft, he went through virtually no training

Armenia not considering removal of Russian military base — Foreign Ministry

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia requires an EU civil mission to monitor the situation on the border with Azerbaijan until the delimitation process is fully completed

Russia’s Su-35S fighter hit stronghold of Ukrainian forces in Kursk region

As the ministry noted, the strike from the Su-34 was carried out using universal planning and correction modules

Yemeni Houthis claim strike at US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

According to the movement’s military spokesman Yahya Saree, during the Houthi strike, the US aircraft carrier group was preparing to attack the Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory

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

Dmitry Peskov said Russia is determined to develop relations with Armenia

Georgia evaded Ukrainian scenario, but struggle for peace continues — government

The political council of the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party reminded that as long as the fighting in Ukraine persists, there will always be efforts to establish a "second front" in Georgia

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

Boko Haram terrorists attack presidential palace in Chad — TV channel

The country's President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was in the palace at the time of the attack, Al Arabiya reported

Greenland will benefit from joining the US, Trump believes

The US President-elect also confirmed that his son, Donald Trump Jr., will travel to the island "to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights"

Sandu regime may seize Moldavan power plant in Transnistria — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that "under such a scenario, the Russian peacekeeping presence in the region will be jeopardized"

Russia to expand gas supplies to Central Asia and consider India pipeline — experts

Gas supplies to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline could surpass the design capacity of 38 billion cubic meters in 2025

Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip kill 50 Palestinians over day — news agency

According to WAFA, 33 of them in the northern part of the enclave

US, its allies will continue to train more Ukrainian pilots for F-16 jets — Pentagon

"On the F-16 program, <...> we've been co-leading the [international] Air Capability Coalition," Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said

Zelensky uses foul language, blames West for not providing help

In his opinions, Western partners were to attempt to "intimidate" Moscow by sanctions and arms supplies to Kiev even before February 24, 2022

IN BRIEF: Chadian authorities repel terrorist attack on presidential palace

During the counter-terrorist operation, 19 people were killed, including 18 attackers

Trump's coming to power won’t affect international military aid to Ukraine — Pentagon

The Pentagon spokesman expressed confidence that Western countries' work to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities "will continue one way or another"

Kiev ready to conflict settlement talks in late January

Secondly - Europe, then the talk with Russians can take place, Vladimir Zelensky said

Medvedev doubts Trump’s ability to swiftly resolve Ukraine crisis

The Russian senior official added that "the US economy continues at its own slow pace and even the fight against immigrants is not promising major victories"

Realities for settlement in Ukraine have changed significantly — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said that "the issue of the day should be ending the conflict, not establishing a ceasefire"

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

Putin says Biden in 2021 proposed to postpone Ukraine's admission to NATO

The Russian leader recalled that the US President spoke about Ukraine's unreadiness to join the alliance

Paris Hilton's Malibu home burned to the ground in Los Angeles fires — news outlet

According to TMZ, the actress does not live there permanently

Russia finalizing development of strike systems — Putin

The head of state warned that in case of materialization of US plans Moscow will drop the memorandum on deployment of small and medium range strike assets

Falling drone debris damages private house in Russia’s southern Krasnodar Region

Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said that there were no casualties

Six killed, dozens injured in temple stampede in southeastern India

According to the authorities, about 40 people have been taken to the hospital

BRICS’ own payment system is feasible, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister believes

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the group also needs clearing mechanisms and transaction insurance systems, including insurance for the movement of goods and cargoes

Israel threatens Syria’s territorial integrity, violates international law — Russian envoy

"Israel’s actions outrageously violate the international legal decisions, including numerous decisions by the Security Council and the General Assembly," Vasily Nebenzya said

Death toll in Los Angeles County fires rises to five — TV channel

The fire has destroyed more than 1,000 buildings

Russian stocks close in the green on Wednesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 0.87% to 2,840.79 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 0.87% to 880.13 points

Russian Ka-52M combat helicopter wipes out Ukrainian army stronghold in Kursk area

The Defense Ministry uploaded video footage showing the destruction of enemy targets

Russia donates over 1,600 tons of grain to Ethiopia as aid to refugees — embassy

Russian Ambassador to Addis Ababa Yevgeny Terekhin said that the countries are connected by "long-established strong friendly relations"

Biden cancels Italy trip over California fires — White House

Earlier on Wednesday, Joe Biden announced the introduction of a large-scale disaster regime in California

Trump labels Ukraine crisis as ‘a Biden fiasco,’ sees chance of escalation

Trump said Russia wouldn’t have started its special military operation if a more competent leader than Biden had been at the helm of the US

Pentagon unveils NATO plans on granting military assistance to Ukraine until 2027

The Pentagon representative said that eight "capabilities coalitions" have been created within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group

Kurakhovo fortified area as crucial as Avdeyevka, Ugledar — official

Denis Pushilin added that the enemy had used considerable forces in the battles for the city

Transnistrian foreign minister doubts energy crisis to be resolved without gas supplies

"Energy consumption in Transnistria in the winter period considering heating appliances exceeds 220 MW," Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatyev noted

Ukrainian jails emptied with inmates deployed to frontline — POW

Vladimir Volsky emphasized that he signed a contract with the Ukrainian army in order to be released

Ukraine loses up to 49,800 servicemen since beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction

Sever fighters in the Kursk region have also defeated formations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Kazachya Loknya, Kubatkin, Lebedevka, Nikolskoye, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Over 15,000 Ukrainian troops engaged in Kurakhovo, says Russian top brass

Control over Kurakhovo hinders supplies to Ukrainian troops

Trump says he won't let China run Panama Canal

Earlier, the president-elect said that the US could regain control of the Panama Canal if the current terms of its use are not renegotiated

Belarusian presidential candidate proposes to strengthen work within Union State

According to Alexander Khizhnyak, the friendly policy will strengthen the image of the republic as a peaceful state and a source of sound initiatives

No comments from Kremlin spokesman about Putin’s alleged apology for Lavrov’s remarks

During the press conference, reporters noted that the Israeli Prime Minister’s office told about Putin’s apologies in its statement, published after the phone call between the two leaders, while the Kremlin did not

Former Armenian defense minister detained in Moscow

Arshak Karapetyan has been put on the international wanted list under a number of articles of the Criminal Code, law enforcement bodies told TASS

Slovak PM says stable gas supplies at acceptable prices outcome of his visit to Russia

Robert Fico accused Ukraine of damaging Slovakia's energy security by refusing to extend an agreement on the transit of Russian gas through its territory

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

Two people die in firefighting at industrial facility in Saratov Region

The state of emergency will be declared in Engels due to extension of the fire area