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Coronavirus pandemic

WHO head thanks Putin for initiative on mutual recognition of vaccines — Foreign Ministry

Speaking to the G20 summit via a video linkup, Putin called upon G20 members to mutually recognize vaccines and vaccination certificates

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus EPA-EFE/LAURENT GILLIERON

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

© EPA-EFE/LAURENT GILLIERON

MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his gratitude for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative about mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccines by G20 members, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on Saturday.

Speaking to the G20 summit via a video linkup, Putin said that unfair competition prevents some countries from gaining access to vaccines and other resources. He called upon G20 members to mutually recognize vaccines and vaccination certificates.

"I can offer you a glimpse at something that was not included into official press statements. On the part of the WHO Director-General <…> gratitude was expressed to the president of our country, for his initiative regarding the need to take measures within the G20 framework, for mutual recognition of vaccines," Zakharova told the Soloviev Live YouTube channel.

She added that mutual recognition of vaccines within G20 would be a large step forward in tackling the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The G20 summit began in Rome on Saturday and will wrap up on Sunday, October 31.

EU may influence Trump on Greenland by threatening to remove US bases — The Economist

According to the magazine, it will be extremely difficult for Washington to project its military power into Africa and the Middle East without access to European military bases

Ex-top Austrian diplomat reveals what BRICS needs to do to counter US policies

"BRICS has no mechanisms," Karin Kneissl noted

Liberation of Zakontoye will secure safety of citizens of LPR — military expert

Scattered detachments of the Ukrainian army are currently still attempting to withdraw from the south of this town, Andrey Marochko said

Blackout in Kiev to hurt Ukraine’s combat capability — Medvedchuk

The ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform - for Life party said that today Vladimir Zelensky is more busy confronting Kiev mayor Vitaly Klitschko than assessing the situation in the country and caring for the citizens

Putin says European elites eventually to be "at Trump’s feet wagging their tails"

Russian President has expressed confidence that his US counterpart Donald Trump will quickly establish order among European elites

German authorities must talk to Russia — AfD co-chair

On January 14, speaking at a New Year’s reception for business representatives in Halle, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Russia a "European country" and expressed hope for achieving a balance in relations with its "the largest European neighbor"

Portugal holds presidential elections on Sunday

10 men and 1 woman are vying for the highest state office

Over 50 mosques burned in Iran during protests — embassy in Russia

According to the embassy, there were also killings of the wounded

Trump's action regarding Greenland will destroy NATO — former CIA officer

Larry Johnson opined that Donald Trump is quite serious about the island

Settlements of Privolye in DPR, Priluki in Zaporozhye Region liberated — top brass

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

Trump threatens countries opposing US plans on Greenland with tariffs

The United States needs Greenland for national security, the US president noted

World heading toward chaos due to West's actions — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed to "the West’s destructive activities, both in its own countries and abroad, aimed at dismantling the basic principles of morality"

Venezuela will defend its economic rights, develop production — Rodriguez

A national committee will be created for this purpose, Venezuela’s authorized President said

Stoltenberg calls on Western countries to engage in dialogue with Russia

Former NATO Secretary General stressed that this is necessary, among other things, for the discussion of arms control

Danish, French aircraft conduct training flights in Southeast Greenland

The Danish armed forces reported expanding their presence and continuing exercises in Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian army’s HIMARS system that attacked civilian facilities

The Ukrainian army’s HIMARS MLRS was completely destroyed together with its crew as a result of prompt and well-coordinated operations by the teams of reconnaissance and strike UAV operators

Battlegroup West repelled a counterattack by Kiev forces brigade in Kupyansk direction

Russian servicemen also destroyed 53 UAV control centers

Ukraine needs to make 'painful concessions' to achieve peace — Czech president

Petr Pavel did not say which concessions he was referring to

EU, Mercosur sign free trade agreement, which provoked protests

According to European Commissioner for Trade and Interinstitutional Relations Maros Sefcovic, this agreement will create one of the largest free trade zones in the world, with over 700,000 people living in its territory

Press review: Trump pressures Denmark as US business signals Arctic ties with Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 16th

Dmitriev calls Canada 52nd state of US

The Russian special presidential envoy noted that Greenland would be the 51st state

Washington supports Damascus stance on steps against Kurdish coalition — Syrian MFA

According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the goal of the military operation is to create conditions under which the Kurdish coalition will fulfill its obligations under the March 10 agreement

Leading faction in European Parliament wants to put on hold zero tariffs on US products

"The EPP is in favor of the EU-U.S. trade deal, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage," head of the European People's Party Manfred Weber said

Ukraine’s entry ‘to blow up’ EU budget — newspaper

According to Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Ukraine's GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power "is only about half that of Bulgaria, which is currently the poorest EU nation"

Hollywood star Steven Seagal rejects Trump-Russia collusion narrative as ‘fantasy’

Steven Seagal says claims of a collusion between Donald Trump’s associates and Russia to win the presidential election are part of propaganda against Moscow

Kalashnikov uniforms to be 100% Russian-sourced by 2027

Localization is going very well, CEO Alan Lushnikov said

Russian troops gain foothold on western bank of Gaichur River — top brass

As a result of the offensive, Battlegroup East units crushed the enemy defense, liberating an area of over 6 square kilometers

Trump invites Lula da Silva to become one of the founders of Gaza Peace Council

The invitation letter was sent by the White House to the Brazilian President through Brazil’s embassy in Washington

New ranking shows where Russian students want to work

The IT industry remains the top choice among young people

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

Zelensky not to allow Ukrainians living in Russia to vote — Medvedchuk

In Kiev, they are again feeding everyone empty promises, the ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform — for Life party said

Kiev insists on unacceptable terms for exchange of Kursk Region residents — ombudsman

Tatyana Moskalkova explained that the residents of the Kursk Region remain hostages of Ukraine, which prohibits them from leaving their temporary accommodations

Italy arrests vessel carrying metal for alleged violation of anti-Russian sanctions

A vessel flying the flag of a small island state from Oceania with a cargo of more than 33,000 tons of ferrous metals allegedly stayed in the port of Novorossiysk

Swedish PM says blackmail in situation with Greenland inadmissible

Sweden is currently in intensive negotiations with other EU countries, Norway and the UK on a joint response, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said

France has real opportunity to leave NATO — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the discussion about France's withdrawal from NATO acquired new relevance thanks to the conscious decision of the US to officially return to an overt imperial policy

FACTBOX: Who is running in the Russian presidential election

Four candidates will vie for the top office

Russia and Saudi Arabia plan to expand air service

According to the minister, Oman Air also plans this year to increase the number of flights to Moscow and to expand the geography of its services to St. Petersburg, Kazan, Ekaterinburg, and Sochi

US needs Greenland for effective use of Golden Dome missile defense system — Trump

The US leader noted that "highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it"

Battlegroup South destroyed 6 deployment points, 36 bunkers of Kiev forces

Five enemy drones were shot down

Russian oil tankers in crosshairs of West, legal blocking of Baltic Sea impossible — envoy

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin emphasized that international law guarantees unimpeded passage of ships through the Baltic straits

Russian troops successfully advanced on the outskirts of Kupyansk over past week — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko noted that while the Ukrainian armed forces are unsuccessfully trying to recapture Kupyansk, Russian forces are advancing in other areas of the Kharkov region

Canada’s prime minister recalls NATO Article Five amid US plans regarding Greenland

Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should join the US

All districts in Kupyansk controlled by Russian troops — Battlegroup West

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov listened to the report of the battlegroup commander and inquired about the situation around Kupyansk

Trump feels ‘empowered’ after Venezuela operation — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the Trump administration’s aggressive policy has negatively impacted Trump’s approval ratings

Russian frigate armed with Tsirkon hypersonic missiles holds drills in Norwegian Sea

It is reported that the naval task force composed of the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the medium sea tanker Kama is carrying out its combat patrols under the command of Northern Fleet Missile Ships Division Commander Captain 1st Rank Oleg Gladky

Europe to respond to US duties related to Greenland — Macron

According to the French president, Paris will join the military exercises in Greenland based on its commitment to the sovereignty of states in Europe and the United Nations

EU may influence Trump on Greenland by threatening to remove US bases — The Economist

According to the magazine, it will be extremely difficult for Washington to project its military power into Africa and the Middle East without access to European military bases

Argentine microsatellite to be launched into space along with NASA's lunar mission

The microsatellite will be deployed 70,000 kilometers from Earth

Trump invites Erdogan to join ‘Peace Council’ on Gaza as co-founder

The US President sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart оn January 16, 2026

Putin said he was impressed by specimens of driverless systems

Issues of accelerated development of the national industry of driverless and autonomous technologies are on the meeting agenda, the president said

‘Hawks’ in Kiev, Europe want continuation of Russia-Ukraine conflict — Kherson Governor

He noted that Western ideologues contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the conflict in Ukraine is needed, among other things, to prevent Russia from becoming stronger and restoring its historical territories

EU leaders tell Europeans fairy tales about Ukrainian victory — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stressed that the calculations of European politicians advocating the continuation of military action against Russia "do not correspond to reality"

Trump explains his claims for Greenland by US subsidies to EU countries

American President added that "China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it"

Peace in Ukraine unlikely in 2026 — Ukrainian politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, peace in Ukraine cannot be viewed solely within Ukrainian realities

Finland opens probe into three German snow trekkers who trespassed border into Russia

According to the Finnish Border Guard, the adventurists crossed the border in Paljakka in northeastern Finland’s Kuusamo "out of curiosity"

West to recognize sooner or later that Russia defended Donbass in 2022 — politician

Fabrice Sorlin stressed that the truth will always prevail

Almost 50% of Germans support boycott of FIFA World Cup if US seizes Greenland — poll

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Trump says to sue JPMorgan Chase bank

It closed US president's accounts after the Capitol was stormed on January 6, 2021

Brazil's defense ministry calling for stronger air defenses after US strikes on Venezuela

The military commander also noted the need to modernize the helicopter fleet and purchase reconnaissance and attack drones

Witkoff announces US demands for Iran on diplomatic settlement

The US Special Presidential Envoy mentioned nuclear enrichment as one of four issues

Russia to present over 200 military products at exhibition in UAE

Rosoboronexport is the organizer of the Russian exhibit

Russia capable of persuading NATO countries to abandon provocations in Baltic region

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin emphasized that "Russia will not allow navigation in the Baltic Sea to be regulated according to NATO and the European Union's model"

Denmark surprised by Trump’s threat to impose duties — Foreign Minister

Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Denmark and its NATO allies had sent military personnel to Greenland "to increase security in the Arctic"

Western Europe prepares for war with Russia — Orban

In confirmation of this, the Hungarian prime minister said that recent meetings of the EU leaders "have turned into military councils" where the issue of "how to defeat Russia" is discussed

US Department of State describes Nord Stream 2 as Russia’s geopolitical project

Also, the diplomat confirmed that Washington and Berlin still disagree about the issue

Poseidon UUV is pinnacle in underwater drone development — Krylov Research Center

"It's rightly called a 'doomsday' weapon", Valery Polovinkin noted

France deploys troops to Ukraine as instructors back in 2022 — politician

International Russophile Movement Vice President Fabrice Sorlin noted that Paris has retreated from its historical role as peacemaker

Zelensky to prevaricate not to hold elections, not lose power — Medvedchuk

The ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform — for Life party said that to hold elections and recognize their results as legitimate, it is not enough to allow all Ukrainian citizens to vote, including those who are currently in Russia, it is also necessary to bring Ukrainian legislation into line with the constitution, repeal anti-Russian laws and decrees, and return their legitimate rights to Ukrainian citizens

Flights from Russia to Malaysia planned to launch in 2026 — minister

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin didn't specify which routes there will be the launch of flights

Ninety-nine Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions overnight

29 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Senior Russian legislator slams US fund's suit for 'tsarist debts' as legal aggression

Previously, Noble Capital RSD initiated legal proceedings demanding $225.8 billion based on alleged obligations under sovereign bonds issued during the Russian Empire

Trump demands $1 bln from countries for permanent seats on Gaza Peace Council — Bloomberg

The US President will decide who exactly to invite to join the "Peace Council," the news agency said

US military operation in Venezuela kills 83 people, defense chief says

32 Cuban comrades were among those 83 killed, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said

UK rejects French, Italian calls to restore diplomatic ties with Russia — newspaper

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London needs "evidence" that Moscow "actually wants peace"

Situation in Middle East: Putin holds telephone talks with Netanyahu, Pezeshkian

The Russian president confirmed the readiness of the Russian side to "continue appropriate mediation efforts and foster constructive dialogue with the participation of all interested states"

Timoshenko to be imprisoned if doesn't post bail within five days

During the court hearings held earlier in the day, Yulia Timoshenko claimed that she doesn’t have the required sum of money

Trump was prepared to strike Iran but changed decision due to multiple objections — WSJ

The sources told The Wall Street Journal that Arab countries explained to Washington the timing for any potential strikes was inappropriate, citing Iran’s instability, the protests largely having been suppressed and unclear opposition leadership in case of regime change

EU unable to rebuff US on Greenland as long as it remains hostile towards Russia — expert

Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Dr Anatol Lieven also compared Donald Trump's statements on Saturday to the diplomatic note militaristic Japan delivered to the United States in December 1941

Russian ombudsman calls resumption of prisoners of war swap with Ukraine priority

Tatyana Moskalkova said it is currently difficult to talk about the possible timing of the exchanges, or the number of prisoners

Hezbollah demands Lebanese government fire foreign minister

He is pushing the country towards civil war, Secretary General of the Shiite Hezbollah movement, Sheikh Naim Qassem said

IN BRIEF: Threats to 'abduct' Putin,' Greenland: statements by Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said all issues around Greenland should be resolved within the framework of international law

Air defense systems shot down 63 Ukrainian UAVs overnight over Russian regions

23 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod region

New Ukrainian defense minister shows no sign of thinking about peace — senator

Konstantin Basyuk, deputy head of the Federation Council’s Committee for Defense and Security, said, that Ukraine has the motivation and willingness to wage an armed conflict "to the end"

Syrian army enters Tabqa, where Euphrates hydroelectric power station located

The Euphrates hydroelectric power station is located there

Russian analog of Starlink to begin serial production in 2026 — Roscosmos CEO

He added that by 2027, an orbital constellation of more than 300 satellites will be deployed

Kallas calls on US not to be distracted by Greenland from Ukrainian crisis

According to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, China and Russia are the ones who benefit from Donald Trump’s announcement on introduction of duties on imports of goods from eight European countries

British PM calls Trump's planned duties completely erroneous

Keir Starmer stressed that Europeans will be pursuing this directly with the US administration

Kremlin welcomes signals from Rome, Paris, Berlin regarding dialogue with Moscow

Dmitry Peskov noted that it was necessary to talk to Russia

Aeroflot says its crews have valid US visas to perform flights for several months

The crews of Russian flag carrier Aeroflot have US visas to perform flights to the United States for several months

Russian paratroopers advancing in four localities in Zaporozhye Region — governor

The fighting is heavy, but Russian soldiers are confidently advancing, Yevgeny Balitsky said

Attempt to 'kidnap' Putin fraught with disastrous outcome for initiator — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova referred to a comment by Defense Secretary John Healy during his January 9 visit to Kiev, where he said that he would like to kidnap Putin to "bring the Russian president to justice"

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Russian foreign ministry advises Russian citizens not to travel to Moldova

"Moscow continues to record numerous episodes of discrimination, ungrounded harassment and undue treatment of Russian citizens in Moldova by the Moldovan authorities," the ministry said

Trump's tariffs over Greenland to undermine US-European relations — von der Leyen

Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that "Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty"

Introduction of driverless solutions is necessity, not fashion — Putin

Bringing autonomous driverless solutions into life is certainly not the fashion, Putin stressed

Trump claims time ripe ‘to look for new leadership’ in Iran

According to the US President, the authorities of the Islamic republic are responsible for "the complete destruction of the country and the use of violence at levels never seen before"

Dmitriev calls on EU 'not to provoke Daddy,' recall soldiers from Greenland

Russia’s president special Representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries said that the EU should return the soldiers sent to Greenland

AfD leader calls for recognizing reality in Ukraine, pointing to Russian successes

Tino Chrupalla noted the need for a compromise to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Carney accepts Trump’s offer to join Peace Council on Gaza — newspaper

According to a statement released by the White House, the Peace Council chaired by US President Donald Trump will include his special representative Steve Witkoff, entrepreneur and son-in-law of the American leader Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, owner of investment company Apollo Global Management Mark Rowan, head of the World Bank Ajay Banga and Trump's deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel