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Coronavirus pandemic

COVID-19 cases worldwide down 4%, deaths down 2% in past week — WHO

The cumulative number of confirmed cases reported globally is now 240,940,937

© EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED SABER

GENEVA, October 20. /TASS/. More than 2.7 million people contracted COVID-19 between October 11 and 17, over 46,000 people died, the World Health Organization said in its weekly bulletin.

"With the exception of the European region, which for the third consecutive week reported an increase in new COVID-19 cases (7% increase as compared with the previous week), all the other regions reported a decline," the WHO Weekly Epidemiological Update says.

The largest decrease in new weekly cases was reported from the African Region (18%), followed by the Western Pacific Region (17%). The largest decline in new weekly deaths was reported from the African region, showing a 24% decrease as compared to the previous week, and in Southeast Asia (down 19%).

Mortality increase was registered only in Europe (up 4%) and Western Pacific (up 1%).

In accordance with the bulletin’s figures, a total of 2,763,957 new COVID-19 cases and 46,140 COVID-related deaths were registered worldwide on October 11-17, down 4% and 2% respectively since the previous seven-day period (October 4-10).

The biggest numbers of new cases were reported to the WHO by the United States (582,707), the United Kingdom (283,756), Russia (217,322), Turkey (213,981) and India (114,244).

The cumulative number of confirmed cases reported globally is now 240,940,937, and the cumulative number of deaths is 4,903,911. In the past 24 hours, the global organization was informed about 325,875 cases and 5,201 deaths.

Military operation in Ukraine

Pentagon confirms lifting of ban on entry into Ukraine for US military contractors

The Department made this decision "after careful risk assessment and in coordination with interagency stakeholders," the official said

Ukrainian military to blow up experimental nuclear reactor at Kharkov Institute — ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that "on March 6, foreign journalists arrived in Kharkov to register the consequences of the provocation, followed by accusing Russia of creating an environmental disaster"

Pentagon confirms lifting of ban on entry into Ukraine for US military contractors

The Department made this decision "after careful risk assessment and in coordination with interagency stakeholders," the official said

US expert sees Ukraine as biggest loser in wake of Trump’s election victory

"There are no European champions that can take the place of America as the alliance’s leader, so its future ability to stand up to Russia and China is in grave doubt," Francis Fukuyama noted

Russia not to mess around if Japan returns to cooperation – Putin

He underscored that Russia is ready to build relations with Japan "both for the next 5 and for the next 50 years"

Israel not to tolerate threats similar to events in Amsterdam — Netanyahu

Previously, the Israeli media reported that at least 10 Israelis were injured in the attack in Amsterdam, which took place after the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi

Democrats blame Biden for Harris’ election loss — report

The party "needs a complete reboot," hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said

Europe unable to finance Ukraine conflict without US — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the number of people who think they need to adjust to the new circumstances is rising"

Russian troops cut off Zaporozhye-Kurakhovo highway — official

Previously, press officer of Ukraine’s 33rd Brigade Nazar Voytenkov said on Ukrainian Liberty (deemed foreign agent and undesirable in Russia) that Ukrainian forces may get surrounded under Kurakhovo on the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic

US defense contractors in Ukraine to repair F-16s, Patriots — TV

According to the official, these contractors will be located far from combat operations areas

Yemen’s Houthis say they shot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone

According to the source, the Houthis intercepted the drone with a surface-to-air missile known as the 358

Data on recon drone base in Finland near Russian borders must be verified — Kremlin

"If you recall their statements when they were joining NATO, they said that Finland will not deploy any elements of military infrastructure near our borders," Dmitry Peskov said

G20 parliamentary speakers don't mention Ukraine in final document — Russian senator

According to Konstantin Kosachev, this means that lawmakers "are capable of paying attention and dedicating their efforts to far more serious and important issues on the current international agenda"

Tens of thousands to march 'on Washington' ahead of Trump's inauguration — newspaper

In January 2017, before the beginning of Trump's first presidential term, hundreds of marches of various sizes took place in many US cities, including Chicago (Illinois), Boston (Massachusetts), New Orleans (Louisiana), Miami (Florida), and Denver (Colorado)

Some find Trump’s election win shocking because of legacy media’s lies, Musk says

The United States held its presidential election on November 5

Trump’s leadership key to quick resolution of Ukraine conflict, says Erdogan

"More weapons, more bombs, or more chaos will not end this war," the Turkish leader argued

Putin says West supported al-Qaida when it fought against Russia

According to Putin, Russia’s goal at the time was to use all means to hold the country together

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TASS has compiled a summary of the Russian leader’s remarks

Bloodshed in Ukraine to end soon, Musk says

The Axios portal reported earlier that Musk took part in a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Zelensky

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

Countries of collective West virtually live on credit — Shoigu

"An increasing number of countries are abandoning the dollar and the euro as instruments of mutual payments," the Russian Security Council secretary pointed out

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Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

Biden, Harris aides blame each other for presidential election loss

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Daily death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon stands at 15 — health ministry

The overall death toll from Israeli bombardments and artillery attacks since the outbreak of the current escalation in October 2023 has reached 3,117

Cuba confident in BRICS’ successful work — deputy PM

Ricardo Cabrisas noted that Cuba welcomes the final declaration of the BRICS Summit in Kazan

Houthis say they hit Israeli base with hypersonic missile

The movement’s military spokesperson said that "the Yemeni armed forces conducted a military operation and attacked the Nevatim Airbase in Negev"

Kiev conceals true casualties from Russian strike on Motor Sich Factory

Vladimir Rogov emphasized that all the victims were involved in the production of drone components

Russia pounds Ukrainian military-industrial sector, army, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russia’s Battlegroup South repelled 11 Ukrainian army counterattacks and inflicted more than 4,420 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past week, the ministry reported

US lifts ban on sending US contractors to Ukraine to service US-made weapons

According to Reuters, a small number of US defense contractors will be located far from combat operations areas and will not engage in fighting

Putin's speech at Valdai Forum gives a chance to end Ukrainian conflict — expert

"It has long been known about [the conditions for ending the conflict, which include] Kiev’s neutrality, determination of Ukraine's new borders along the division line, maybe with taking our new regions into account," Alexander Dynkin noted

Russian MLRS crew strikes Ukrainian infantry, vehicles near Krasnoarmeysk in DPR

According to the ministry, the use of the Uragan MLRS allows for delivering pinpoint strikes at ammo depots and concentrations of military harware and cutting off reserve units from the enemy’s main forces

Stupinets fast attack craft to be handed over to Russian Navy in 2025 — source

The main strike weapon of the Project 12418 fast attack missile boat is the Uran anti-ship missile system fitted with Kh-35 missiles

West brought situation to coup in Ukraine, forced Russia to begin special op – Putin

The West needs to rip Russia and Europe apart, especially Russia and Germany, France, Russian President said

Putin expects next 20 years to be even more difficult

"Experts point to the threats stemming from new regional conflicts, global epidemics, the complicated and controversial ethical aspects of interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, as well as to the way traditions and progress go together," the head of state noted

Russia’s cooperation with North Korea impacts Euro-Atlantic security, NATO claims

The North Atlantic Council called on all countries "not to provide any kind of assistance" to Russia and "condemn all those who are facilitating and thereby prolonging" Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine

Europe won’t get through cold winter without Russian gas supplies — Srbijagas CEO

As Dusan Bajatovic underscored, amid difficulties with energy supplies, some European countries are resuming use of coal

US-China trade up by 2.8% to $564.17 billion over Jan-Oct 2024 period — customs service

Chinese supplies to the United States increased by 1.2%

Zelensky to try to rebrand himself as peacemaker after Trump's victory — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk explained that no one asks Zelensky's opinion anymore

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Lebanese army ready to defend country’s sovereignty — ambassador to Russia

"The Israeli aggression affects entire Lebanon, its population and even the Lebanese army," Shawki Bou Nassar said

Number of people injured in Ukrainian attack on Kursk Region rises to 364

A total of 7,164 people, including 1,493 children, are staying at 96 temporary accommodation centers in the Kursk Region

Hezbollah attacks Israeli air base near Tel Aviv

According to the statement, the training camp of an Israeli airborne brigade in the Carmel settlement in the western Galilee came under missile attack

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According to the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, the European Union must help Ukraine, regardless of what is happening in the United States

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Putin stressed once again that Russia did not see the Western civilization as an enemy

National Bank expects 500,000 people to leave Ukraine in 2024

The report points out that energy issues increased immigration in the summer

Russian troops seize section of Seversky Donets-Donbass canal

Additionally, the division reported eliminating several dozen Ukrainian armed forces personnel

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

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Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

Russian forces destroy US-made Abrams tank in Avdeyevka area, top brass reports

According tot the Defense Ministry, Russian forces took advantageous sites and repulsed two Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Kupyansk area

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The British authorities have imposed restrictive measures against the Afrika Corps paramilitary organization, allegedly linked to Russia

Putin announces era of radical, revolutionary changes

As the Russian leader noted, the society gets "to not only comprehend, but be direct participants of the extremely complex processes"

Trump sees possibility of talks with Putin

The president-elect went on to say that he had already talked to approximately 70 world leaders

Russian, Ukrainian ombudspersons meet in Belarus

Russian Human Rights Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova noted that the sides "discussed further humanitarian cooperation in providing assistance to civilians, including efforts to locate those missing"

Russia warns Canada of retaliation for hostile actions, accuses Ottawa of provocations

"The Canadian authorities should exercise caution and refrain from harmful steps that could escalate confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized

Americans were on the Moon but footage may have been filmed in advance — Russian cosmonaut

Sergey Prokopyev pointed out that the fact that US astronauts did land on the Moon "is confirmed by automatic probes and cannot be subjected to doubt"

Russia to raise wheat export duty to $26.32 per ton from November 13

The duty on corn will increase to $33.69 per ton

Extension of OPEC+ production cuts may be related to winter oil demand decline — Novak

The Russian deputy prime minister stressed that at the OPEC+ ministerial meeting, the alliance countries will once again analyze the situation on the oil market

BRICS summit showed Russia not isolated, Congo's foreign minister says in Russian

Jean-Claude Gakosso welcomed "Russia's diplomatic success on the international stage"

Putin congratulates Trump on his election as US president at Valdai Forum

We will work with any head of state who is trusted by the American people, Putin said

Warsaw gave Kiev all it could, Ukraine has no right to complain — Polish Defense Ministry

On October 31, during a meeting with the heads of territorial communities and districts in the Zakarpatye Region, Vladimir Zelensky criticized Poland for its reluctance to deliver the promised MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine despite prior agreements

Russian Navy should operate at least four aircraft carriers, expert believes

The US Navy currently operates 11 aircraft carriers

Russia to build new aircraft carrier no sooner than 2030 — expert

No less than a decade will be required to build it, given favorable conditions, the expert said

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The battlegroup North repulsed 11 enemy counterattacks toward the settlements of Daryino, Zeleny Shlyakh, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

Russia to send Cuba diesel fuel and equipment worth $62 mln in aid

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko added that Russia will send repair kits for damaged power equipment

Russia not rejecting dollar use — Putin

Russia is not struggling with the US currency but is thinking of creating new instruments in response to new trends of global economic development, he added

Russia dealing with tragic consequences of Soviet foreign policy of mid-1980s — Putin

He pointed out that in the middle of the 1980s, the Soviet Union had called for ending ideological confrontation, overcoming the legacy of the Cold War, and removing the barriers preventing common integration and universal development

Hungarian PM denies allegations of being isolated in EU due to position on Ukraine

According to Viktor Orban, had Hungary really been isolated, it would have been unable to hold discussions with its allies, while discussions continue despite disagreements

Change of power in US increases likelihood of military coup in Kiev, expert says

According to Vyacheslav Smolenko, under the new administration, circles associated with the Democratic Party will remain sidelined in the United States

Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine sparks alarm in Kiev — newspaper

According to Corriere della Sera, the demilitarized zone could be patrolled by European troops, who would also be assigned the task of defending Ukraine, with US weapons supplies continuing

Putin’s congratulations to Trump can be viewed as official — spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the US president-elect at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club

EU must achieve unity to survive — Borrell

It is reported that the EU must develop its own capabilities, including in defense

Ukrainian lawmaker calls on Zelensky to step down

According to Artyom Dmitruk, Vladimir Zelensky's resignation "would be the best gift for millions of Ukrainians and the entire country because the deaths would stop"

President of Palestine states readiness to work with Trump

Mahmoud Abbas wished the president-elect success and expressed his hope that "the United States, led by Trump, will support the Palestinian people’s right for self-determination and acquisition of its own state"

Kremlin redirects question on DPRK troops in special op area to Defense Ministry

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the satellite images published by Seoul, which allegedly indicate the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia, calling them "a serious matter"

IN BRIEF: What is known about aftermath of drone attack on Russia’s Saratov

First responders and representatives from the local administration were dispatched to the site of the incident

Putin reaffirms Russia's stance at Valdai Forum, signals readiness for US ties — expert

According to Alexander Dynkin, the Russian leader gave his assessment "on all key issues of the international agenda"

US to pressure Europe, which may turn to Minsk, Moscow — Belarusian leader

The Belarusian president did not rule out that in the future, the EU might unite and begin collaborating with Belarus and Russia

FACTBOX: What we know about collapse of ruling coalition in Germany

The German chancellor said he would call for a confidence vote on January 15, 2025, in the Bundestag, which could trigger a snap election before late March

Bolivian president says rapprochement with BRICS key achievement of his foreign policy

Luis Arce noted the importance of the status obtained by Bolivia in the context of the world’s move toward multipolarity

Exporters increase currency sales by 21% in October — Central Bank

At the same time, the ruble continued to weaken due to the recovery of import volumes with a stable level of exports in October

Bitcoin price hits fresh all-time high exceeding $77,000

By 10:45 p.m. Moscow time the Bitcoin price had extended gains trading at $77,109

Air balloon capable of increasing FPV drones’ range to 40 km to be tested in combat zone

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Russian troops overtake forest belt, railway station in Kupyansk advance — military expert

Russian forces also expanded the liberated area north and south of Kruglyakovka and took over the Skorostnoi railway station, Andrey Marochko specified

Australia concerned with Trump potentially ending AUKUS cooperation — The Washington Post

According to the experts interviewed, there is also a strong likelihood that the US president-elect will impose new demands on Australia, rather than withdrawing from the partnership

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Earlier, three air alerts were announced in the Dnipropetrovsk Region

US engages in policy of dual deterrence on Russia, China – Putin

In Putin’s opinion, Washington views China’s economic growth as a threat to its global dominance

Ukraine terminates air service agreement with Iran

Ukraine’s decision means that after it opens its airspace, flights to and from Iran will not be resumed

Russia open to countries ready to build relations in multipolar world — senior official

Sergey Obryvalin noted that Russia "is not trying to use sectoral dialogue platforms as an arena for political machinations to distort the truth"

Putin doesn’t expect Trump to offer alliance against China

Putin said he believes that Trump realizes that this issue is "very far from the realities in which we live"

Nearly 20% Ukrainian servicemen gone AWOL from battlefield — The Economist

According to the journal’s estimates, Kiev may face acute shortages of personnel and ammunition within about six months

Elon Musk takes part in Trump-Zelensky phone call — Axios

The Republican reportedly promised to continue supporting Ukraine, but the sides did not delve into such details as Trump’s purported plan to end the conflict

Russian troops destroy group of foreign mercenaries in Kharkov area

Two militants sustained wounds incompatible with life and one militant was hospitalized in severe condition, Andrey Marochko specified

Trump vows to settle conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration

He also pledged to prevent World War Three

Russia open to dialogue on Ukraine, but this does not change special op goals — Kremlin

"Putin has repeatedly spoken about openness to dialogue with all interested parties and all those who can contribute to the settlement of this conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

Three killed, 30 wounded in Israel’s strike on central Tyre in Lebanon

Apart from that, several residential houses were destroyed in the central part of the city and in the Miyah al-Jana neighborhood

Ukrainian troops in Volchansk will soon be trapped in a pocket — Russian lawmaker

As the State Duma deputy Viktor Vodolatsky noted, despite the fact that it is a small city, it is heavily fortified

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 Mi-28NM helicopter crew destroys Ukrainian stronghold in Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry noted the combat mission was aimed at providing support to ground troops

Wine imports to Russia fall 1.5-fold in 10 months to 357,700 tons

The report also noted that in the first 10 months of 2024 Russian wine exports increased by 20% compared to the same period last year and reached 1,680 tons

Russian diplomat says White House likely works to cover up corrupt deals in Ukraine

"It is remarkable that US Department of State Inspector General Cardell Richardson was sent to Ukraine on November 4 to inspect the transparency and accountability of how it spent aid from across the ocean under the guise of supporting Kiev's Euro-Atlantic aspirations," Maria Zakharova said

Battlegroup West’s artillery destroys Ukrainian MLRS Olkha — Russian Defense Ministry

After analyzing the intelligence received, a decision was made to destroy the enemy's combat vehicle, the report said