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Azerbaijan dismisses reports on fire in Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku

Several Telegram channels reported earlier that the explosion had occurred in the palace and the fire started

BAKU, September 26. /TASS/. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan denied reports on the fire occurred in the Heydar Aliyev Palace in downtown Baku. Several Telegram channels reported earlier that the explosion had occurred in the palace and the fire started.

"There was no fire or flame development in the building. A short-term smoked spread had been observed in a building adjacent to the Palace and it was eliminated promptly," the local fire safety department told TASS.

The Heydar Aliyev Palace is the concert hall, one of the largest in the country. Presidential inaugurations were held there.

Middle East and North Africa

ICRC says two staffers killed in Sudan

"They must never be directly attacked," the organization said

Officials request aircraft to help put out fire in Moscow building

Two traffic police crews have also been asked to be dispatched to the scene

Ukrainian politician names those behind Odessa tragedy in interview with TASS

Viktor Medvedchuk pointed out that in a premeditated act of intimidation, the Kiev regime led by then acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov burned people alive inside Odessa’s Trade Union House

Autodesk completes winding-up of Russian subsidiary

The company made the decision earlier to suspend operations in Russia

Russian cutting-edge missile frigate holds artillery firings in Arctic drills

"The combat exercises were conducted in the Barents Sea waters closed for shipping," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce suspends ruble payment mechanism

The mechanism of paying in rubles for Italian goods not covered by sanctions was launched by the Chamber for its members in the test mode in February

Turkish ministry confirms halting trade with Israel

Turkey's trade sanctions will remain in force until Israel declares a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip

Moscow’s first English-language radio station on air

Moscow FM positions itself as a guide for foreigners and for those studying the English language

Donetsk official says Ukrainian troops left positions near Arkhangelskoye

Igor Kimakovsky also said Ukrainian troops suffered heavy losses at this section of the front

Soros family makes deal with Kiev to use Ukrainian land as toxic waste dump — journalist

"This agreement authorizes the disposal of chemical waste from companies linked with financier George Soros in the black soil of Ukraine," he said

Russian forces use Kornet anti-tank system to hit heavy Ukrainian drone

According to the Russian defense ministry, man-portable anti-tank missile systems are widely used in coordination with drone operators to hit the enemy positions

Ukraine deploys reserves due to challenging situation near Ocheretino

Nazar Voloshin conceded that Russia had "certain tactical success" in the area

Example of Great Patriotic War veterans inspires amid current trials — Putin

President expressed hope that the festival would arouse great interest among the participants and become a bright event among the events dedicated to Victory Day

Interruptions in Red Sea cargo traffic may last until year-end — FT

"At the shortest, we would see trade resume on its old pattern late in this year," Vincent Clerc noted

Building housing offices, production lines catches fire in Moscow

The flames are covering an area of 2,500 square meters

Zelensky bowing to Western pressure, ready to give Ukrainian lands away — official

"Contrary to the Ukrainians' interests, Zelensky, blindly obeying the external control of the collective West, wants to give its lands, cities and subsoil to other countries," Viktor Medvedchuk pointed out

Russia not to take part in any events on 'Zelensky's formula' — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Switzerland cannot serve as a platform for a settlement dialogue

Lavrov speaks of West’s agony, Russia’s approach to any future talks with Kiev

The Russian foreign minister also described Armenia and Russia as more than formal allies

French politician demands Macron drop plans to send troops to Ukraine

The French president said earlier in an interview with The Economist that sending troops to Ukraine could be considered based on Kiev’s request if Russian forces broke through the front lines

Russian defense ministry reports losses among Russian troops during special operation

Konashenkov also said that several Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner

Russia holds rehearsal of Victory Day air parade over Moscow

Two groups of aircraft, namely, a flight of Su-27 fighter jets, and Su-25 close support aircraft flew over Moscow’s Red Square, releasing fumes in the colors of the Russian national flag

Fire erupts at US bulker attacked off Yemen, but ship remains seaworthy — report

Ambrey said the ship isn’t associated with supplies of goods to Israel

Russian Defense Minister attends meeting on special military operation

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu gave instructions to take measures to reduce the maintenance and repair time for military hardware, increasing supplies of spare parts in combat zones and support areas

Court hearing on Gazprom Export lawsuit against Czech CEZ scheduled for May 24

It was reported in February 2023 that Czech energy company CEZ (70% of shares owned by the state) had initiated an arbitration worth $45 mln against Gazprom Export due to a gas shortfall in 2022

EU eyeing response to Russian decision on assets of Italian, German companies

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree earlier, whereby 100% of participation interests in the Russian entity of Ariston and the Russian entity of BSH Hausgerate are transferred to be managed by Gazprom Butovye Systemy company

US mercenaries let their fighting skills 'atrophy,' one of them says after trip to Ukraine

It is reported that a lot of Western soldiers struggle in Ukraine as things were not as they had expected

French president doesn’t rule out sending troops to Ukraine if Russia breaks front lines

Emmanuel Macron pointed out that "many countries understood" Paris’s approach and agreed "that this position was a good thing"

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

Exhibition of captured NATO military hardware kicks off in Moscow

In all, there are 32 items

Russia submits to Canada extradition request for Ukrainian SS veteran Hunka — ambassador

The Russian Embassy is now waiting for the response from the Canadian Department of Justice, said Russian Ambassador to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov

Kyrgyzstan advises citizens not to travel to Russia

According to the Kyrgyz side, so far there have been no signals about cases of mass refusal of entry to Russia "to Kyrgyz citizens from the [country’s] diplomatic mission and consular offices"

Global Russia Manufacturing PMI down to 54.3 points in April — S&P Global

According to the study, higher raw material and transportation costs led to a faster rise in input prices

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

US fails to shoot down Iranian missiles, drones in strike on Israel — IRGC general

Ali Belali described Iranian weapons as "an important factor of strength and the exercise of power in the world"

Russian troops liberate Berdychi community in DPR over past day — top brass

Russian troops inflicted casualties on four Ukrainian army brigades in the Kherson area over the past day, the ministry reported

More than 6,000 visit Africa. Together into the Future festival in Russia

The festival was held within the framework of the second summit Russia-Africa

Russian forces strike Ukraine’s Operational Command South headquarters

The enemy’s troops and military hardware had been hit in 112 districts

Hamas to release Israeli soldiers, hostages under deal with Jerusalem — TV

The document provides for three phases, each of which will last about 40 days

This week in photos: Putin-Shoigu taiga tour, tending goats and online study, lava franks

Take a look at the world in pictures from a TASS photo gallery

Peace talks on Ukraine make no sense without Moscow — Russian Embassy

"We do not accept the language of ultimatums," the embassy stressed

Putin orders government to create National Space Center in Moscow

Some 20,000 designers and engineers of Roscosmos will gather at one place

Ukraine’s military command throws soldiers into battle without training, says POW

The POW said that the Ukrainian army was experiencing a shortage of personnel

Russia’s GDP growth for 2023 to exceed global average — PM

Minister Mikhail noted that, "according to preliminary estimates, it will probably be slightly higher at up to 4%"

Delo Group Terminal sets record by processing 1 mln tons of grain in April

The previous monthly record was set in February 2024 when KSK processed 900,010 tons of grain, the group noted

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Senior diplomat discusses implementation of summit declaration with envoys in Africa-MFA

The diplomats also looked into key issues of Russian-African relations, specifying the list of tasks for their development with a glance to the results of the Second Russia-Africa Summit along with the economic and humanitarian forum

Odessa tragedy split world into condemners, silencers — DPR head

"Every person who died ten years ago in the fire of the 'Odessa Khatyn' stands together with us in spirit," Denis Pushilin noted

Kiev troops face 'two-week difficult situation' near Chasov Yar in DPR — journalist

Kirill Sazonov noted that the situation is difficult for Ukrainian troops and especially dangerous on the flanks with roads leading to the city under constant fire

Georgian authorities decline invitation to visit US to discuss partnership — ambassador

Robin Dunnigan also pointed out that the United States urges the Georgian government to "recommit the country to its Euro-Atlantic future, as written in Georgia’s constitution"

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Northern Sea Route emerges as key logistics channel amid Middle Eastern conflict — expert

The Middle Eastern conflict directly influences global supply flows, Alexey Fadeyev said

Kiev confirms that Biden administration sponsors terrorism — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman noted remarks by Chief of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate who asserted that Ukraine had been and would be killing Russians "anywhere on the face of this world until the complete victory of Ukraine"

Putin to talk global security issues on visit to China — Kremlin

"Both international and regional security issues will be mentioned and touched upon one way or another," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian Guard’s commandos steer strike at Ukrainian fuel base with Skat drone

As a result, the Russian Aerospace Forces destroyed the enemy’s fuel base deep in its rear

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev retires from quarterfinal with injury

The match ended 6-4 in favor of the Czech tennis player

Russian, UAE officials discuss situation in Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone

According to the report, the sides also discussed key issues of further development of multidimensional cooperation between Russia and the UAE

Ukrainian forces experience mass desertion, refusals to engage in assaults — official

According to DPR Head’s Advisor, Ukrainian forces’ increasingly frequent "meat grinder" assaults are connected to the upcoming NATO summit and Kiev’s desire to present tangible results before it begins

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

Truck runs over 29 children in Kyrgyzstan

According to preliminary information, the hit-and-run on a group of schoolchildren was unintentional

OSCE leadership ignores Odessa tragedy — Russian mission to OSCE

According to Maxim Buyakevich, there is no pressure on Kiev to investigate what happened

Europe facing 'triple existential risk,' Macron warns

According to the French leader, "a new geopolitical, economic and societal paradigm for Europe" is needed to address these challenges

Azerbaijan’s president points to highest level of cooperation with Russia

Speaking of his recent visit to Russia, Ilham Aliyev stressed that it had been "very productive" and "once again demonstrated the strategic nature of allied relations" between the two countries

Syria introduces electronic visas — embassy

Syrian diplomats explained to TASS that a relevant platform will issue visas online, obliterating the need to visit an embassy or a consulate

Russian animal drugs production soaring twofold in 2M 2024 — Agriculture Ministry

Domestic producers are ready to full import substitution of antibiotics for use in the veterinary sector, the ministry noted

No decisions in EU to send troops ‘in a direct way into Ukraine’ — Latvia’s top diplomat

"Discussions take place all the time, but again, we only can talk when the decisions are made," Baiba Braze added

Unaware of decline of its military industry US gets trapped in Ukraine — French historian

Emmanuel Todd believes that "one of Washington's goals is to prevent a rapprochement between Russia and Germany"

Ukrainians to reunify with Russia in ten years — Medvedchuk

Ukraine is "genetically linked with Russia," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Operation in Rafah to have ‘devastating’ impact on Middle East — UN chief

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres recalled that more than 1.2 million people are seeking shelter in Rafah

Russia urges partners not to take part in conference on Ukraine in Switzerland — diplomat

Bern had invited more than 160 delegations to the conference on Ukraine

Russian stocks close mixed on Thursday

BCS World of Investment expects the MOEX Index at 3,455-3,475 points on May 3, while the dollar exchange rate - at 92-92.5 rubles

Death toll in China highway collapse climbs

At least 24 people were killed

Paris, London should reflect on need for tactical nuclear weapons — Macron

The French leader also emphasized that the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was in the interests of the whole of Europe and the world

Cocoa beans prices plummeting on mercantile exchanges

The price weakening process has started recently because many companies halted procurements, the experts said

Zelenodolsk shipyard to float missile, patrol ships on May 7

Project 22800 ships with Kalibr missiles are brown-water multirole missile-artillery boats designed to destroy surface warships and boats and repel air attacks

TikTok again restricts app operation in Russia

TikTok has earlier become fully accessible for users of iOS and Android mobile operation systems in Russia

New car sales in Russia soaring by 71% in 4M 2024 — Ministry of Industry

Sales of cars surged by 84% to 465,000 units in the reporting period

Russia’s UN envoy calls on UNSC to prevent conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Vasily Nebenzya said that the situation in the country was getting worse

Crew-8 team dock their spacecraft to another ISS port ahead of Starliner mission

Alexander Grebenkin and his colleagues from NASA - astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps - were on the Crew Dragon during the maneuver

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

Russian Railways’ loading volumes down 3.6% in April to 101.7 mln tons

Year-to-date loading volumes amounted to 397.6 mln tons, down by 3.2% year-on-year, the holding highlighted

NATO accuses Russia of being behind 'hybrid, malign' activities on alliance’s territories

It is reported that NATO Allies express their deep concern over Russia's hybrid actions, which constitute a threat to Allied security

Raiffeisen to drop Strabag stake purchase if deal breaches sanctions

In December 2023, Raiffeisen announced its plans to buy from Rasperia Trading Limited their stake in Strabag for 1.51 bln euro

Turkey to continue efforts for Black Sea to remain calm — defense minister

Turkey strictly complies with the Montreux Convention by not allowing warships into the Black Sea

Over 4,000 activists hold remembrance rally in memory of those killed in 2014 Odessa fire

In St. Petersburg, more than 1,500 activists with signs marched to the building of the former Consulate General of Ukraine

African countries do not ask for handouts, search for projects underway – Putin

The head of state announced the search for interesting projects

Latvia must name countries that allow Ukraine to hit Russia — MFA

In this way Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on a statement by the Latvian Foreign Ministry that Kiev had already received from some partners Western weapons with permission to use them for strikes on Russian territory

Russian air defenses down fourth Ukrainian UAV over Belgorod Region

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that air defense systems had intercepted three Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod Region

Turkey does not intend to transfer S-400 to any country — defense minister

Britain and Spain are not against the sale of fighter jets to Ankara, while Germany, as a member of the consortium that produces the Eurofighter, has not yet approved the deal

Russia’s industrial production up by 3.5% in 2023 — PM

Growth of production in machine building grew by over 21%, Mikhail Mishustin pointed out

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

LNG supplies to Europe at their lowest in April since February — GIE

Since the beginning of 2024, LNG supplies from terminals to the European gas transportation system have totaled about 40.9 billion cubic meters, which is 7.5% less than in the same period last year

Russian flag hoisted over northern outskirts of Rabotino in Zaporozhye — politician

Rogov remarked that there were no houses left in the village now, for which reason it made no sense to fortify positions there

Zelensky’s gang must be severely punished — Medvedchuk

The ukrainian president, "his closest mates, their accomplices and those who committed crimes against civilians" should receive just punishment no matter which country they may be staying, leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Zelensky cannot be legitimate president after May 21 — Medvedchuk

"Ukraine has already lost its statehood," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Russian ministry puts Ukrainian lawmaker Nalivaichenko on wanted persons list

Investigators determined that the lawmaker made threats to Russian servicemen participating in the special military operation during one of his appearances on Ukrainian television

Russia, Uzbekistan discuss strategic partnership

At the beginning of the meeting, Maxim Oreshkin conveyed greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Shavkat Mirziyoyev

West bears responsibility for Afghanistan’s plight — Russian delegation

As the Russian delegation’s spokesman emphasized, "the determination of the Afghan authorities to correct the human rights situation in the country as a whole deserves support"

Crowd blocks traffic at key junction in Tbilisi in protest against bill on foreign agents

Groups of protestors blocked all access and exit roads leading to an elevated highway nearby, thus completely paralyzing all traffic

Russian users having full access to TikTok

TikTok halted streaming and posting of new videos in Russia on March 6, 2022

West attempts to bury Odessa tragedy — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry's special envoy for the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik noted that the regime of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky will not conduct this investigation

Houthis attack six ships in Red, Arabian seas over week — Ansar Allah leader

Following the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Ansar Allah movement said it would strike Israeli territory and prevent ships associated with Israel from passing through the waters of the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait until the operation in the Palestinian enclave was halted