{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Coronavirus pandemic

WHO gradually moving towards resolution of Sputnik V issue — spokeswoman

Currently, the WHO recommends seven vaccines for emergency use

© EPA-EFE/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

GENEVA, October 8. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) is gradually moving towards the authorization of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use, WHO spokeswoman Fadela Shaib said at a briefing in Geneva Friday.

"We are near to solving several issues," she said, answering a journalist’s request to comment on the Sputnik V application review timeline, adding that she is unaware when this discussion will take place exactly - this week or later. According to the spokeswoman, the WHO is "gradually solving most of the issues with this COVID vaccine."

The spokeswoman noted that the Sputnik V issue was also discussed during the WHO briefing Thursday. Back then, Assistant Director General Mariangela Simao stated that the review of the application on the Russian vaccine was paused due to the lack of certain legal procedures, and that, as soon as these procedures are complete, the review will be resumed.

She stated that the WHO is expecting the full information on the Sputnik V dossier from the applicant - the Russian Direct Investment Fund. After that, it would be necessary to decide upon the finalization of inspections on Russian production lines, she said, adding that this process is close to resumption.

Last week, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko met with WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. In a press briefing on October 2, he said that all barriers that obstructed the registration of the Sputnik V have been eliminated.

On September 27, the WHO told TASS that the organization was waiting for additional information on Sputnik V from Moscow for inclusion of the vaccine in the list of medicines recommended for emergency use, adding that the international experts would only be able to travel to Moscow once this information is received and reviewed. Earlier this year, WHO inspected four Russian production lines within the framework of the preliminary qualification of the Sputnik V, providing its remarks about one of them.

Currently, the WHO recommends seven vaccines for emergency use. Additionally, 13 other applications, including the Sputnik V and the EpiVacCorona are at various stages of reviewing.

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

Newest B-19 armored vehicles with Epokha combat module used during Zapad-2021 drills

The newest B-19 armored vehicles, equipped with the Epokha combat module, feature a 57-mm autocannon, Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, and the new Bulat missile system, designed for the elimination of emplacements and lightly armored vehicles

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

Ukrainian forces partially pushed back from Kurakhovo power plant in DPR

Combat for the plant’s administrative building is underway.

Trump's special envoy for Ukraine Kellogg postpones visit to Kiev

Keith Kellogg is expected to visit Ukraine after the US president-elect takes office; the date of the visit has not yet been set

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

Russian forces liberate village of Dachenskoye in DPR

The ministry specified that the adversary has lost up to 535 troops

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

The vice president is currently in Washington

Russian forces hit infrastructure of military airfields, weapons depots in 164 districts

Russian air defense systems downed 6 HIMARS projectiles and 50 unmanned aerial vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Israeli troops kill 50 Palestinians over past day — media

According to Al Jazeera, all the incidents have injured people, but their number has not been specified

Lavrov expresses condolences to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi over earthquake in Tibet

Earlier, the US Geological Survey reported that a magnitude 7.1 earthquake had struck the Tibet Autonomous Region on the border with Nepal

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

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

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

Dmitry Peskov said Russia is determined to develop relations with Armenia

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"

Trump praises ‘great’ reception for his representatives in Greenland

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said earlier that Greenland is not for sale and it is up to its residents to determine the island’s future

Ukraine loses over 290 troops in Kursk Region over past day

US reports first human death caused by avian influenza

"The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions," according to the statement

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

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

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'

No answer from JD Vance if Trump plans to have phone call with Putin

On December 16, Trump said during the first press conference after his election victory that he plans to stay in contact with Putin in order to settle the conflict in Ukraine

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

West does not rule out Ukrainian defense collapse soon — Russia’s intel agency

The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden seeks to avoid this scenario, making emphasis on "the deliveries of more sophisticated weapons, including longer-range missiles," the press office said

Trump says Putin wants to hold talks with him on Ukraine

Trump declined to say when the meeting could take place

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

North Korea test-fires newest intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile on January 6

According to KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test launch of the country's cutting-edge ballistic missile

Zyuganov set to unite all opposition forces

Zyuganov sees potential allies in the Just Russia and the LDPR

Russian Armed Forces destroy over 8,000 Ukrainian soldiers over week in LPR

Battlegroup West units thwarted 35 counterattacks of the adversary from December 28, 2024 to January 3, 2025, defense expert Andrey Marochko said

US ‘quietly’ supplied weapons to Ukraine before Russia’s operation started, Blinken says

Washington supplied "things like Stingers, Javelins", US Secretary of State said

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"

Baku and Yerevan to hold another round of border talks in January — Azerbaijani President

It may take place in January

Zelensky decides to run for re-election — report

The information has not been confirmed or denied officially yet

Several groups of Ukrainian soldiers ambushed in southern DPR — sniper

According to the Russian serviceman, four troops were captured and the rest retreated

Gas reserves in UGS facilities in Europe fall below 70%.

The withdrawal rate since the beginning of the heating season is about 30% higher than the average for the past five years, according to data from GIE

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

Chad’s president indignant at Macron’s comments about Africa — report

Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was reacting to the French president's remarks on the decision of Chad and several other French-speaking African countries to break off military cooperation with Paris

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

Ukraine must comply with EU deal and continue gas transit from Russia — Szijjarto

The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that he had discussed the current situation on the phone with the Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar

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

Russia’s Utair plane lands in Moscow after malfunction of engine stabilizer

Prosecutors are looking into the incident

US announces sanctions against Hungarian cabinet official

Neither statement provides any proof

Russian air force takes down Ukrainian MiG-29 — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, it was taken down by combat aviation

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

Death toll in Tibet earthquake rises to 95

А 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck in the Tibet Autonomous Region on the border with Nepal

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

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

‘Not a snowball’s chance in hell’ that Canada will become part of US — PM

US President-elect Donald Trump earlier said many Canadians are allegedly in favor of their country becoming the 51st US state

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

FACTBOX: Orthodox Christian world celebrates Christmas

On January 7, Christmas is celebrated by the Russian, Georgian, Jerusalemite, Polish and Serbian Orthodox churches, the Athos monasteries in Greece, as well as the Eastern Catholic Church and the Old Believers

Press review: Putin discusses EU gas supplies and Russia open to Ukraine talks with Trump

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 27th

Qatar doesn’t plan to ship gas to Europe via Syria, Turkey — MFA

According to Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, Doha is currently focused on preserving stability in Syria and "meeting the needs of the Syrian people"

Bombs with power of 13 kilos of trotyle found in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria

An active accomplice of bandits was detained in the search operation and gave confessing testimony

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

AZAL air carrier indefinitely suspends flights between Baku, Kazan

This decision was made due to security issues

Putin orders "special service regime" in Russia’s deterrence force

Russian President stressed that the Western countries were also taking unfriendly actions against Russia in the economic sphere

Talks on settlement in Gaza Strip continue, but remain difficult — Qatari Foreign Ministry

"As for expectations, we cannot set a specific timeframe. An agreement will be reached when it is reached," spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari said

French politician Jean-Marie Le Pen dies at 96 — AFP

On the day of his death the founder of the National Front party was in a medical facility in Garches

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

Washington views Canada’s PM Trudeau as ‘stalwart friend’ of US — official

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added that the US would "stand with" all people of Canada as they elected a new leader

Solidarity with Africa now cornerstone of China's diplomacy — MFA

Wang Yi emphasized that Beijing's commitment to developing relations and promoting cooperation with African countries "is not weakening, but only strengthening," regardless of shifts in the international situation

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

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

Putin attends Orthodox Christmas service at Church of St. George the Victorious in Moscow

As a rule, Putin celebrates Christmas outside Moscow, while on Easter he usually goes to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Russian diplomat summoned to Moldovan Foreign Ministry after statement on energy crisis

According to the spokeswoman, such statements negatively affect the relations between Chisinau and Moscow

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

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

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

Russia warns Japan of countermeasures over military drills — MFA

The Japanese side "was told that provocative military activity next to the Far Eastern borders of our country, conducted also in cooperation with extra-regional countries - NATO members - is categorically inadmissible"

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

Control over Kurakhovo hinders supplies to Ukrainian troops

Trump's statements on Panama Canal, Greenland not productive — expert

As the expert added, all statements by President-elect Trump are perceived by members of his future administration, members of Congress, and those who voted for him as "priorities and promises"

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'

Car bomb blast kills kickboxing champion in Kyrgyzstan

Several versions are being looked into, the main being a terrorist attack, police said

Trump blames Biden for conflict in Ukraine

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

Ukrainian losses in Kursk area amount up to 485 troops in 24 hours

Ukrainian attempt to break through in Kursk area thwarted

Death toll from Tibet earthquake rises to 126

At the same time, 188 others are injured, Xinhua reported

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

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

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

Press review: Ukraine eyes missile programs as EU considers new sanctions on Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 25th

Serious conflict between Israel, Turkey possible — Russian expert

"It’s important to note that the primary development in this context is the markedly increased role of non-Arab states in the region, particularly two key players," Vitaly Naumkin said

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

He has not yet taken office, Maria Zakharova noted

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

Moldova offered no help to Transnistria in resolving energy crisis, president says

He pointed out that, previously, the authorities of Transnistria have repeatedly asked Moldova to reject economic pressure measures

US, UK launch airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa — TV

According to Al Mayadeen, the shelling also targeted Houthi facilities in the Amran province in the northwest of the country

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

Almost ruled out: experts on Nord Stream 2 pipeline’s launch during Trump’s presidency

According to Alexey Belogoryev, Research Director at the Institute for Energy and Finance Foundation, the relaunch of the Nord Stream gas pipeline is much easier to do than it was with its initial putting into operation

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

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

Gas price in Europe falls below $500, first time since December 27

The total price decline since the beginning of the day reached about 2%

Kiev ready to conflict settlement talks in late January

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

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

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

Turkey establishes state-run Cybersecurity Directorate — decree

The headquarters of the department will be located in Ankara, employing 135 people

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

Trump says he wants to hold talks with Putin within six months

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on January 5 denied reports that Putin's meetings with Trump and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were in the works