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Developments in Afghanistan

German politician describes outcome of West’s Afghan operation as ‘heavy defeat’

According to leader of the Christian Social Union Markus Soeder, "the United States bears the primary responsibility for the current situation" because of its decision to pull out of Afghanistan

BERLIN, August 19. /TASS/. The seizure of power in Afghanistan by the Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) marks the West’s greatest defeat since the Vietnam War, Prime Minister of the German state of Bavaria and leader of the Christian Social Union Markus Soeder said on Thursday.

"The West’s heavy defeat is the result [of the operation] in Afghanistan," he pointed out. It is "the biggest blow since Vietnam," the politician added. The Taliban’s coming to power is "a moral victory of Islamism," Soeder noted.

According to him, "the United States bears the primary responsibility for the current situation" because of its decision to pull out of Afghanistan. In Soeder’s view, Washington should "provide guarantees of safety and financial support to the neighboring countries."

Taliban fighters entered Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul on August 15, taking control of the entire city within a few hours. Later, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani stepped down and fled the country. Vice President Amrullah Saleh declared himself caretaker president, calling for armed resistance to the Taliban. Western nations are now evacuating their citizens and diplomatic personnel from Afghanistan.

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Afghanistan Germany Power transfer in Afghanistan

Israeli operation in Tulkarm kills 11 civilians — report

The victims included two children, 6 and 8 years old, their mother and uncle

Gazprom to start construction of high pressure gas pipeline in 2025

Deputy CEO Oleg Aksyutin also noted prospects of implementing the technology of pipelines drying with the use of ultra-high frequencies

Turkish leader confirms participation in BRICS summit in Kazan — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia keeps Turkey’s position on Ukraine in mind

If Poles 'try to lay hands' on western Ukraine, Minsk will support Ukrainians — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president is certain that Poland pursues its own selfish interests in Ukraine

Hezbollah says it won’t let Israel get entrenched in southern Lebanon — report

"Our forces are ready for any ground offensive," Mahmoud Kamati, a member of Hezbollah’s political council, said

Russia delivers 29 strikes at Ukrainian military, energy sites over week

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 3,000 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility in the borderline Kursk area and the Kharkov Region over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia joins World Bank’s B-Ready project despite West’s opposition — executive director

Roman Marshavin commented on the WB’s publication of the first report within the B-Ready project that replaced the annual study Doing Business, which was canceled in September 2021 due to allegations of impropriety

Dutch citizen remanded in custody in Moscow on charges of assaulting police officer

Harry Johannes van Wurden should be taken into custody for two months, until December 3

Iskander crew wipes out up to 80 Ukrainian troops, 12 armored vehicles in Sumy Region

According to the report, "Battlegroup North service members conducting reconnaissance operations discovered the gathering point of a company tactical group from one of the mechanized battalions of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces"

Israeli air force intercepts aircraft that violated country’s airspace — IDF

Other details of the incident are unknown at this point

EU’s economic course is 'cold war' — Orban

"The economic cold war is very dangerous for Hungary because it hits us in the first instance, our export-oriented economy," the Hungarian prime minister said

US, UK stop at nothing to preserve fleeting hegemony — FSB

According to Alexander Bortnikov, "in order to weaken and contain the competition, Washington and London intentionally undermine the system of international law and multilateral diplomacy, engaging all available instruments of economic and technological blockade; they carry out and systematically encourage propaganda directed at dehumanizing the population of unwanted countries"

Russia does not exclude Europe from Eurasia’s security dialogue — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that "the degradation of the military and political situation caused by the course of the collective West towards undermining the sovereign development of the continent's leading powers cannot in itself be acceptable to responsible Eurasian states"

Israel orders urgent evacuation for residents of Beirut neighborhood

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee published a satellite image of the district, pinpointing a building allegedly used by Hezbollah for military purposes

Conflict US escalating with Russia may 'destroy the entire world' — Tucker Carlson

"In a year, no one could be alive if we continue sleep-walking into a wider war with Russia," the reporter emphasized

Putin open for meeting with Biden, but no talks on this issue as of yet — Kremlin

"There have been no talks on this issue and as of today, at this moment, there are no prerequisites for it," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian army in Donbass moves at 'unseen pace,' Finnish analyst tells The Washington Post

The Russian army’s greatest advances "occurred from mid-August to mid-September, coinciding with the Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region," Pasi Paroinen said

Trump thinks Israel should strike Iran’s nuclear facilities

In his opinion, the United States should be prepared for this scenario

American Abrams tanks vulnerable even to Soviet-era weapons, says expert

US President Joe Biden announced on January 25 that Washington would hand over 31 M1 Abrams tanks to the Kiev regime

Stoltenberg could face life imprisonment for his crimes — lawyer

"We are talking about very serious charges," Philippe Vanlangendonck pointed out

In congratulatory letter to Tajik leader, Putin says they will meet in Moscow soon

"In the run-up to our meeting in Moscow in the coming days, I’m sending to you <…> my most sincere wishes of good health, well-being and new successes in your activities as the head of the state," the letter says

Russia set to continue helping Lebanon after Israeli attacks — ambassador

Alexander Rudakov noted that Russia recognizes the gravity of the situation Lebanon had encountered, that is why the humanitarian aid was provided to its residents

Invitation of Taliban to Kazan summit depends on all BRICS members — diplomat

"Russia cannot unilaterally invite other states without the consent of its partners," Zamir Kabulov added

US prevents UN Security Council from adopting statement on Nord Stream — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that interference from the West does not reduce Russia's determination to establish the truth

Romanian military claims Russian drone fragments found on their territory

According to the military, the area where the fragments were found is unpopulated and, therefore, there was no damage

Government involvement in Nord Stream blasts undeniable, says Russian envoy

Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya stressed that "it’s the basic desire of the masterminds and perpetrators of the crime to cover up their tracks and mislead investigators"

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 94.87 rubles for October 5-7

The official euro rate was lowered by twelve kopecks to 104.7424 rubles

Tehran to give tougher response if Israel takes more hostile steps — Iranian envoy

"If Israel takes more action, we will give a tougher response," Kazem Jalali pointed out

Russia responds to US nuclear force adjustments, weapons flow to Ukraine — US expert

James W. Carden emphasized that decisions taken by several consecutive US administrations have only aggravated the situation in the field of nuclear deterrence

Biden’s administration pushes world towards nuclear catastrophe — Russian ambassador

Anatoly Antonov also said he had tried to explain the essence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed amendments to the Russian nuclear doctrine to officials in the White House and the Department of State

Russia’s liberating Ugledar allows for encirclement of Kurakhovo — expert

The Russian forces liberated Ugledar on October 3

Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region aimed to provoke Russia’s tough response — FSB chief

"Without improving the Ukrainian army’s situation in Donbass, this act was meant from the start to provoke Russia to react in a disproportionately tough way and to eliminate any grounds for settling the conflict in the near future," Alexander Bortnikov explained

Uganda gives US ambassador three days to leave country

According to Ugandan Armed Forces Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, William Popp engaged in activities that are inconsistent with his diplomatic status

BRICS ambassadors express support to Russian presidency in Peru

"The growing clout of BRICS countries in global politics, their successes in the economy, culture and science clearly demonstrate the potential of our nations," Russian Ambassador in Peru Igor Romanchenko said

Press review: Russia urges Israel to see reason and NATO at wits end on how to help Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 4th

Germany not coming to UNSC meetings on Nord Streams, despite invitation

"They prefer not to appear because of the continuing investigation," Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya added

Russian drone wipes out Ukrainian UAV operator crew, artillery piece in Sumy Region

The Russian Defense Ministry also posted footage showing the destruction of the targets

Press review: Israeli reprisal against Iran looms and Iraq bets on Russia amid US exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 3rd

About 20 Israeli servicemen killed or wounded on Lebanese border — Hezbollah

According to the the Shia organization’s official spokesman, Shia militiamen planted explosive devices along the enemy’s planned route and later blew them up from a distance

Ukrainian forces try to slow Russian advance near liberated Ugledar — analyst

On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Ugledar from the Ukrainian military

Russia's warning has been heard in most Western capitals — intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin pointed out that speculations about the possibility of crossing Russia's red lines on the issue of strikes with long-range Western weapons was a great delusion

Removal of Taliban from list of terrorists already decided by Moscow — Russian envoy

Russian authorities just need to bring the process in line with federal laws, Zamir Kabulov explained

NASA astronaut Dyson views her flight with Russian cosmonauts as privilege

"It has been an honor to represent NASA, living and working aboard our magnificent International Space Station for the past six months," Dyson said

Ukrainian snipers in Ugledar worked under NATO techniques — sniper

It is reported that in practice, the specifics of the Western principle of snipers’ operation do not stand out any particularly and do not make this category of fighters any special

Bold Russian jet maneuver near Alaska shows who ‘rules the roost’ — analyst

Accordnig to the expert, "It's not so much about professionalism as the extreme courage"

Handlers from Washington, London prohibit Kiev to conclude peace — FSB chief

On the other hand, "[Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky who has cancelled the presidential election in the country understands himself that he can remain in power only if hostilities continue," Alexander Bortnikov said

Russia to deliver remaining S-400 air defense systems to India in 2024 — official

According to The New Indian Express, the delivered systems have already been deployed along India’s borders with China and Pakistan

Liberation of Ugledar shows that Western arms supplies to Kiev have no effect — diplomat

US administration officials refrain from commenting on the liberation of Ugledar "because it is impossible for them to admit the failure of their plan to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," Anatoly Antonov said

Europe's military potential inferior to Russia's — Stoltenberg

Jens Stoltenberg complained that the European countries now had too few weapons, equipment and soldiers in a state of high readiness for a potential conflict

Russian troops seize control of fortifications in DPR's Ugledar

The DPR head pointed out that Ugledar was important for the Ukrainian military because its high-rise buildings made it possible to set up observation posts and a system of repeaters

Deployment of foreign military bases in Afghanistan unacceptable — Lavrov

"History proves that the projection of power by external players in this region only serves to aggravate its problems," the top Russian diplomat noted

Breakthrough attempts: situation in Kursk Region

Ukraine carried out five unsuccessful attempts to infiltrate Novy Put

West’s ‘Ukraine project’ deals mortal blow to global security — Russian diplomat

"It is obvious to us that the enemy will be defeated and victory will be Russia's," Anatoly Antonov said

Provocations against Belarus draw Baltic states, Poland into conflict, says FSB chief

The actions by the Kiev regime and its handlers at the Belarusian borders are clearly inflammatory, Alexander Bortnikov stressed

If Israel, US go to war with Iran, serious global crisis to follow — Turkish expert

Abdullah Agar said that Israel has received clear reasons for a strike on Iran together with the US, which until now "supported Israel only in the context of the principles and concepts of defense"

Iranian missiles managed to pierce Israel’s air defenses in some areas — WSJ

Tehran's attack failed to deal a more or less serious blow to Israel’s defense capabilities, the newspaper wrote

Israeli forces eliminate Hezbollah communications chief — IDF

According to the IDF, Mohammad Rashid Sakafi "was responsible for the communications unit since 2000"

Friendly countries showing interest in Russian analog of Starlink — minister

Maksut Shadaev expressed hope that the constellation would have the huge export potential

Japan set to continue course toward peace agreement with Russia, new PM says

At the same time, Shigeru Ishiba stressed, Japan will continue with its sanctions pressure on Russia and support to Ukraine

Top UK diplomat signals NATO’s rejection of Ukraine in prank call — spokeswoman

"Both Cameron and this tubby man from the UK Defense Ministry (former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace - TASS) likely wanted to get some publicity through Vovan and Lexus, and, perhaps, float the idea that Ukraine will never be a part of NATO," the diplomat wrote on her Telegram channel

Russian army takes operational control of all roads to DPR's Kurakhovo — official

Denis Pushilin added that Ugledar was the only major town in the South Donetsk direction, as its location on elevated terrain allowed the enemy to observe the surrounding area for dozens of kilometers

US played key role in ousting Ukrainian president in 2014, researcher says

Jeffrey Sachs noted that the course of NATO expansion to Ukraine and Georgia was adopted by US President George Bush Jr. back in 2008

Israeli military reports delivering strike on school used by Gaza radicals

"The command and control center was embedded inside a compound that previously served as the 'Ahmad al-Kurd' School in the area of the central Gaza Strip," the IDF said in a statement

Russia ready for long-term confrontation with US — Deputy Foreign Minister

"We are sending warning signals to our opponent so that they don’t underestimate our determination," Sergey Ryabkov said

Ukraine’s 'International Legion' includes 18,000 militants from 85 countries — FSB chief

According to Alexander Bortnikov, the continued deployment of foreign mercenaries and militants from international terrorist organizations confirms the West’s determination to crank up the intensity of military actions

Biden says he cannot be sure that all-out war in Mideast will be prevented

US President added that provided that Iran has "proxies as irrational as Hezbollah and the Houthis, it’s a hard thing to determine"

Lavrov sees US trying to 'insert' itself into Afghan peace process

The foreign minister emphasized that Russia has been consistently pursuing "a line to assist in solving the numerous ongoing problems of Afghanistan, developing for this purpose both the Moscow Format and the mechanism of meetings of neighboring countries"

Russia invites UN secretary-general to attend BRICS summit in Kazan

According to the statement, the UN expects that important agreements will be reached at the summit and that it will "give the necessary forward momentum to ensure that the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" are implemented

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"

Russia's Pantsir to have no problems with shooting down F-16 fighter jet — Rostec

Earlier this year, the manufacturers said that the Pantsir system successfully coped with the destruction of both ATACMS ballistic missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles in the special operation

Kiev sends team of foreign medics to near Seversk in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the team is well-equipped has its own equipment and seems to have extensive experience in working in a combat zone

Biden doubts US presidential election will be peaceful

US leader added that Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, had dodged the question of whether he will accept any outcome of the vote

Kiev 'playing with fire' by its continued attempts to attack Kursk NPP — Kremlin

Earlier, Shot Telegram channel reported that, according to preliminary data, the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack the Kursk NPP in Kurchatov with a French aerial bomb

US-led coalition's aircraft violate Syrian airspace 13 times in past day

The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria registered violations, committed by aircraft of the US-led international coalition over the Al-Tanf zone

Pink Floyd founder Waters confesses now he has more respect for Putin — Daily Telegraph

Capture of Ugledar to let Russian army successfully operate in Zaporozhye Region — expert

Ugledar is an important logistical hub in the DPR

Israeli military issues new evacuation warning for Beirut suburb

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that people must immediately leave building marked on the map of Choueifat, Al Oumara and neighboring buildings and stay at least 500 meters away from them

Afghanistan hopes to raise level of diplomatic ties with Russia — acting Foreign Minister

Earlier on Friday, Director of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov announced that the work to remove the Taliban movement from the list of terrorist organizations is in the final stages in Russia

West destroying Russian projectiles over Ukraine would involve US in war — Pentagon

Washington believes that Kiev can defend itself, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said

Russia says its drone destroyed Ukrainian fighters in Kursk Region

The effectiveness of the missile strike is confirmed by live-recording footage, according to the ministry

Iran attacked Mossad headquarters, two Israeli airbases, says chief of General Staff

Iran also attacked radars of anti-missile systems and clusters of Israeli tanks

Americans question aid to hurricane victims in comparison with support to Ukraine

According to Newsweek, the US Congress allocated about $176 billion for US agencies to provide weapons and other support to Ukraine, while primary funding for domestic disaster relief programs amounted to roughly $20 billion each year

Rossiya airline to restart flights to Havana in October

The airline is also flying from Moscow to Cuba’s Varadero resort

Ukraine's losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russian troops started demining the territories of the Kursk Region

Russian tank crews helped seize last Ukrainian army positions in Ugledar — top brass

Ugledar was part of a network of large Ukrainian army strongholds in the south Donetsk frontline area

Ukrainian army loses over 20,000 troops during incursion into Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk Region, the Russian Armed Forces have also destroyed 580 Ukrainian motor vehicles, 165 artillery pieces and 33 multiple rocket launchers

Russian defense ministry says US started production of banned missiles two years ago

The ministry noted that over the past two years the space of the rocket plant in the city of Tucson has increased by 44%

Kim Jong Un says North Korea to use nuclear weapons if attacked

In DPRK leader’s words, the threatening rhetoric by hostile countries will not stop North Korea’s military buildup

US fans flames in Middle East by not condemning Israeli actions — Lavrov

"When Israel launched its ground invasion of Lebanon in the early hours of October 1, the United States administration did not condemn in any way this act of aggression against a sovereign state," the top Russian diplomat noted

Missile engine blast at testing site in northern Russia kills two

A rise of the radiation level was registered

Iran-Russia treaty on comprehensive cooperation ready for signing — ambassador

According to Kazem Jalali, the document was pre-approved by the presidents of both countries

Ukrainian General Staff says situation remains tense in two DPR areas

Retired Ukrainian General Sergey Krivonos said earlier that only a miracle can save Ukraine after its recent failures on the frontline

Possible permission to strike deep inside Russia paves way to nuclear conflict — diplomat

In Antonov’s opinion, Russia needs to do its best to avert a nuclear war, as there can be no winners in this kind of a standoff

DPR head expects entire region to be liberated in foreseeable future

"For our part, we expect that the DPR will be liberated in the foreseeable future as part of efforts to achieve the goals set by the Russian president," Denis Pushilin noted

Trump says US will go to hell if he loses presidential election

The US will hold a presidential election on November 5

UN aware of Russia’s invitation for Guterres to attend BRICS summit — spokesperson

This year, Russia holds the rotating BRICS chairmanship which includes over 200 events and will culminate in the group’s summit in Kazan on October 22-24

Japan's new prime minister accuses China, Russia of 'violations of airspace'

Shigeru Ishiba voiced his belief that Japan is currently facing the most challenging security situation since the end of World War II

Over 220 projectiles fired towards Israel from Lebanon in past day — IDF

No casualties were reported

CERN to lose valuable experience by severing ties with Russia — rector

The decision to keep ties with Russia’s Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is a reasonable one, Gunter Dissertori added

US carries out strikes on 15 targets in Yemen — CENTCOM

"These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities," the US Central Command said

More than 200,000 Russians migrated from Gmail to Xmail in September

During the last week, Xmail service users created accounts and transferred data by 25% more than a week earlier, the company noted