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Developments in Afghanistan

No discussions of Russian military aid to Afghanistan, says ambassador to Kabul

Russian Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov stressed that the Taliban had not requested military aid from Russia

MOSCOW, October 20. /TASS/. The Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) has not requested military aid from Moscow, Russian Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov said on the sidelines of the third session of the Moscow consultations on Afghanistan on Wednesday.

"No, [they haven't requested] military aid, there are no discussions [of that]," he said in response to a question.

After the United States announced plans to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban embarked on a large-scale operation to take the country under its control. Taliban fighters swept into Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul on August 15, without encountering any resistance, with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fleeing the country. On September 7, the Taliban announced an interim government, which has not been recognized by any country yet.

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Power transfer in Afghanistan

Iran's nuclear program

Lavrov, Araghchi discuss situation involving Iranian nuclear program

The Russian side reaffirmed its support for the diplomatic process aimed at achieving fair political and diplomatic solutions, respecting Iran’s legitimate rights

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The channel notes that the White House is weighing the consequences of both escalation and restraint

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Sergey Rudskoy says the measures cut Ukraine’s capabilities to equip its army

US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

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Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

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Russia’s Filippov wins silver at 2026 Winter Olympics in Ski Mountaineering

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Russian, Chinese, Iranian envoys meet with IAEA chief, urge diplomatic solution for Iran

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Venezuela’s authorized president signs law granting amnesty to political prisoners

Delcy Rodriguez thanked the legislators, officials for an "exceptional political maturity"

Russia’s manufacturing output rises by more than 23% over five years

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Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day — top brass

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Russia’s Andreeva falls to American Anisimova in quarters of Dubai Tennis Championships

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Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Donbass if Zelensky issues such order — National Guard

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Ukraine to resume oil pumping to Slovakia on Saturday

Slovakia expected that deliveries would resume this Friday

Israeli planes attack Hezbollah bases in mountainous areas near Syrian border — TV

Eyewitnesses reported powerful explosions in the vicinity of the village of Al-Nabi Shayth

Russia returns to electronic engineering pool — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov added that Russia should master the new lithography machine for 130 nanometers

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Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

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IMF takes not of moderate contraction of US dollar share in international reserves

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Kremlin sees extension of US sanctions as automatic decision

Dmitry Peskov added that the negotiation process with Washington is complicated

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

Europe wants to extend fighting in Ukraine as long as possible — Russian MFA

"At present, no real constructive contribution from the Europeans is visible, because their position makes it impossible," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated

Trump expects clarity on possible US-Iran nuclear deal within ten days

According to the US president, the sides "may have to take it a step further"

Air defenses shoot down 26 UAVs near Sevastopol

The Ukrainian armed forces used drones loaded with metal balls

Russia ready to increase agricultural exports to Madagascar

Trading in mineral fertilizers is also a promising area of cooperation

Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil en route to US

The US has oil as well but "we’re helping them a lot," the president says

Trump extends anti-Russian sanctions related to Ukraine for one year

"The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the US leader said

Trump believes Hamas to make good on promise to lay down arms voluntarily

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Russia's drone expertise can and should be used in civilian sector — Medvedev

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Special military operation brings new combat trends — Russian General Staff

In addition to firepower, the range of applications of robotic systems is being expanded in reconnaissance missions, counter-battery warfare, minelaying, delivery of ammunition and supplies to the front, as well as evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

Trump considers large-scale strike on Iran's nuclear targets — media

On Thursday, the US leader said he would give Iran no more than 15 days to reach an agreement

Kallas tenure not 'golden age' of European diplomacy, Kremlin believes

Dmitry Peskov commented on the "list of demands" to Moscow compiled by Kallas that requires reduction of the army and payments from Russia

FACTBOX: King’s brother, former Prince Andrew, arrested in UK

The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Deliveries of Upyr-18 drone to Russian military to increase substantially

According to CEO of Uraldronzavod Plant Vladimir Tkachuk, the company’s other innovation is being considered by the enemy as a "strike by an unknown type of UAV"

International forces in Gaza to include troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police

Conflict in Ukraine to end when one of the sides is 'exhausted' — Merz

According to the German chancellor, resuming normal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin is "practically impossible"

Japan's PM reaffirms intent to sign peace treaty with Russia

Sanae Takaichi criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the conflict