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US’ Blinken discusses Ukraine, Taiwan, pandemic with Australia’s Payne — statement

The two top diplomats spoke at the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Liverpool

WASHINGTON, December 12. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation around Ukraine and Taiwan, as well as combating the Covid-19 pandemic with Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne, US Department of State spokesman Ned Price said Sunday.

The two top diplomats spoke at the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Liverpool.

"They expressed concern over Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and reiterated support for a peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues without resorting to threats or coercion and emphasized Taiwan’s important contributions to global health development," Price said in a statement.

The two officials "recommitted to our joint efforts in the region and to build back better from COVID-19. They also agreed on the importance of having a Senate-confirmed Ambassador in place in Canberra as soon as possible in light of the scope and scale of shared challenges we face," the spokesman added.

Iran blacklists five US companies, seven individuals for supporting Israel

The list of companies includes Lockheed Martin, Chevron and General Dynamics

Kremlin announces creation of blockchain-based payment system in BRICS

Work will continue to develop the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, primarily regarding the use of currencies different from the US dollar," the Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov pointed out

Foreign agents law to accelerate Georgia's European integration, prime minister says

Irakli Kobakhidze said that Georgia will avoid even mental revolutionary processes

Musk says Ukraine should have reached agreement with Russia in Istanbul

Musk responded that he saw eye to eye with billionaire David Sacks, who said on the social network X that Kiev probably should have agreed to a deal in Istanbul

Snowden says shot down UFOs meant to divert attention from Nord Stream sabotage

According to him, "it’s just the old engineered panic" to ensure that national security reporters "get assigned to investigate balloon" nonsense "rather than budgets or bombings"

Press review: Belarus' new national security strategy and Russia, US butt heads at UN

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 26th

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

Protesters in Tbilisi tear Russian flag

At first, protesters flocking around the staff entrance to the parliament building put the flag on the building’s gate and attempted to set it on fire, a TASS correspondent reported

Ukrainian suicide drone attacks village in Belgorod Region

Two passenger cars were damaged

Police detain 63 people at protest rally in Georgian capital

Six operatives of the Interior Ministry sustained various serious injuries

China holds objective, fair position on Ukraine — embassy to US

Liu Pengyu said that China had "never provided lethal weapons or equipment to any party"

Russian defense ministry reports losses among Russian troops during special operation

Konashenkov also said that several Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner

Zelensky says Kiev negotiating with Washington its support for next 10 years

According to Zelensky, Kiev wants this agreement with the United States to be "the strongest" one among similar documents it has already signed or is planning to sign with other allies

Ukrainian troops shell DPR 6 times over 24 hours, wounding two civilians

Overall, the adversary fired 21 rounds of various munitions

Mexico buys 30 Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft from Russia — ambassador

According to the Ministry of Economy of Mexico, in 2014 the volume of trade between Mexico and Russia amounted to $1.78 billion

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

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

Russia, Turkey to hold consultations on issues on UN agenda — Russian foreign ministry

It will be another round of bilateral consultations, a Russian foreign ministry official said

Almost 34,600 Palestinians killed in Gaza since last October — Health Ministry

77,765 people have been injured

Russian envoy attends solemn event dedicated to liberation of Sachsenhausen death camp

Participants the mourning events laid flowers and wreaths to three memorials

Number of millionaires in Ukraine increases by more than 15% in 2022

The number of official millionaires in 2022 increased from 8,177 to 9,511, head of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada committee on finances and tax and customs policy Daniil Getmantsev said

Press review: US tries to strong-arm China and Zelensky's bid to bring men home

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 25th

Riot police detaining protesters near parliament building in Tbilisi

Several dozens of protesters are still staying in front of the parliament building, a TASS correspondent reported

Israeli Air Force strikes Hezbollah outposts in southern Lebanon

The airstrikes followed an ambush of a military vehicle between the Israeli settlements of Yiftah and Ramot Naftali, Al Mayadeen television reported

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"

Dollar up to 93.75 rubles, euro down to 99.68 rubles on Moscow Exchange

The yuan was up by 0.4 kopecks, reaching 12.743 rubles

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

Blast in Moscow City district shatters glazing, people are evacuated

There are no casualties and no fire has started

Russian aerospace forces hit two terrorists base in Syria’s Homs governorate

Deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria Yury Popov also said that during the day, no shelling attacks on the positions of government forces were reported in the Idlid de-escalation zone

Ties between China, Argentina shouldn’t be influenced by other nations — Chinese minister

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing and Buenos Aires should pursue an independent foreign policy, eliminate external interference and support each other to accelerate the economic development of both countries

Protesters in Tbilisi toss smoke grenade into parliament building’s window

Currently, the situation around the parliament building is relatively calm, with the square in from of the building being empty

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

Russia’s Battlegroup East improves positions in DPR, hits roughly 100 Ukrainian troops

Ukrainians lost two pickup trucks and two US-made 155mm M777 howitzers

Over 140 people detained at Istanbul rally for resisting police — TV

Local authorities banned any May Day rallies of trade unions and political parties blocking off the square and engaging over 42,000 police officers to ensure security

West plans to give Kiev not only F-16s, but also weapons for them — Pentagon

"It’s not only the airplanes, but also the training of the pilots, training of the maintenance and also making sure we have the weapon systems to go with it," US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Brown said

Russia fighting puppet regime in Kiev, people to win from its defeat, security chief says

As Nikolay Patrushev said, ordinary Ukrainians have long understood that they were simply used as a bargaining chip, a tool to contain Russia

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Protest rally against Poland’s military support for Kiev held in Warsaw

The organizers noted on the X social network that the rally is attended by several hundred people

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

Russian forces liberate settlement of Semyonovka in Donetsk People’s Republic

Inflicting a defeat on forces of the 68th Infantry Brigade, the 23rd and 115th mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces, the 109 Territorial Defense Brigade and mercenaries from the International Legion near Novoalexandrovka, Arkhangelskoye, Tarasovka and Zavetonoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

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

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine totals 42.4 mcm via Sudzha

The nomination for the Sokhranovka gas pumping station has been rejected

Colombia to sever diplomatic relations with Israel on May 2 — president

The Colombian government is radicalized against Israel, but at the same time it has not condemned the Palestinian Hamas movement for its attacks

Serbia sees China as reliable ally — candidate for premiership

Vucevic expressed the certainty that the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Belgrade "will mark a new stage in the development of the firm friendship between Serbia and China"

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

Palestine deserves a say in UN — Mozambique's ambassador

The Mozambican ambassador also added that his country supported a two-state solution of the Palestinian issue

Zelensky cannot be legitimate president after May 21 — Medvedchuk

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

Russia to close its advanced stealth corvette project — source

Severnaya Verf and the Amur Shipbuilding Plant will continue serial production of ships from Project 20380 and Project 20385

West continues to buy titanium from Russia despite sanctions — Washington Post

Most of the supplies went to those Western countries that supported Ukraine, including the UK, Germany, France, and the USA

Republika Srpska president praises Moscow-Banja Luka relations, favors strengthening them

Milorad Dodik also touched upon the topic of sanctions mentioned by Patrushev earlier

Tucker Carlson interviews Russian philosopher Dugin

The interview lasted over 20 minutes

Ukrainian troops use over 10 drones in 24 hours to attack borderline Belgorod Region

There were no injuries, five private residences, two cars and two sheds were damaged

Jordan condemns Israeli settlers’ attacks on humanitarian aid convoys

Sufyan Quda emphasized, "despite the provocation, the convoys delivered humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian enclave, given the threat of starvation looming over them"

Lavrov informs Tajik counterpart about terrorism-prevention measures in Russia

Tthe two top diplomats agreed that it is necessary to continue developing the time-tested Russian-Tajik allied relations of strategic partnership and strengthen their positive dynamics

WHO chief warns Israel would set off disaster with Rafah operation

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges all parties to work for a ceasefire and lasting peace

Russia’s Battlegroup East takes new positions near Ugledar — top brass

One of the assault regiment commanders told that Ukrainian units frequently deliver erroneous artillery strikes on their own positions

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

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"

Thousands of students in Venezuela march in support of Palestinian people

Palestinian Ambassador Fadi Alzaben said Israel in Gaza "destroyed 500 schools and educational centers, five universities, and killed 80 university presidents"

Zimbabwe ready to buy 1 mln tons of grain to ease shortages after drought

"Significant resources will be channeled to buy grain from the domestic market", Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said

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

Russia opposes idea to pass resolution on Srebrenica at UNGA — Russia’s UN envoy

"The draft UNGA resolution as nothing to do with the stated goal of commemorating the victims of the 1995 tragedy", Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia says battlegroup East eliminated up to 100 Ukrainian soldiers, 4 ammunition points

The battlegroup's units improved their forward positions, said Alexander Gordeyev, a spokesman for the battlegroup

Moderate earthquake hits Papua New Guinea

According to the EMSC, the epicenter was located 101 kilometers east of the city of Kimbe

At least eight hurt during protests in Tbilisi on May 1 — health ministry

They were taken to hospitals, the Georgian health ministry said

F-16 fighter jet crashes in US, pilot ejected

The pilot was the only occupant onboard the aircraft, Fox News television reported

US Congress passes bill to ban enriched uranium imports from Russia

It now needs to be signed by US President Joe Biden

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

Russia says its FPV drones delivered 40 strikes on Ukrainian sites in Donetsk area

Operators of FPV also destroyed a large number of personnel and equipment in their area of responsibility, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

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

Conflict in Ukraine may develop into nuclear war, top Hungarian diplomat warns

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto recalled that after the outbreak of the conflict western politicians promised to supply the Ukrainian army only with helmets and blankets, then came weapons, tanks, warplanes

China strongly opposes illegal unilateral US sanctions — embassy

The anti-Russian sanctions imposed by Washington affected 21 chinese companies

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

Iran authorizes 130 IAEA inspectors — AEOI chief

Mohammad Eslami emphasized the continuous interaction and dialogue between Iran and the IAEA under the comprehensive safeguards agreement

Ukrainians to reunify with Russia in ten years — Medvedchuk

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

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

Police arrest over 200 people at protest rallies in Columbia University

According to the TV channel, police officers used flash-bang grenades to enter a university building where the protesters had barricaded themselves

Russian forces strike Ukraine’s Operational Command South headquarters

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

Press review: NATO flexes muscles near Russian border and South China Sea runs hot

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 24th

Panic on frontline growing on Ukrainian side — Kremlin

Russia must support the current dynamics in the special military operation zone, Dmitry Peskov said

Exhibition of captured NATO military hardware kicks off in Moscow

In all, there are 32 items

Majority of Germans against sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine — poll

37% favored such supplies

Police using tear gas against protesters in Tbilisi

Police are trying to push the protesters off the building

More children killed in Gaza over 6 months than in all world conflicts in 4 years — UNRWA

Philippe Lazzarini pointed out that it is very difficult to get precise figures under war situation

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

Georgia’s riot police fire rubber bullets at protesters near parliament building

At least one person was injured

Georgia's ruling party intends to pass law on foreign agents despite protests

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that "in the long run we will make the country secure from polarization and radicalism for years"

Russia calls for investigating mass graves in Gaza — Russian diplomat

"An independent international investigation in needed to bring the criminals to responsibility," Vasily Nebenzya said

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

Voting on foreign agents law in third reading due in two weeks — Georgian PM

"In two weeks from now we will have the third reading. After that in a month, in four weeks’ time, a procedure to override the veto will follow," Kobakhidze said

US authorizes energy-related transactions with Russian banks until November 1

According to the document, the banks in question include the Central Bank of Russia, VTB, Alfa Bank, Sberbank, Vneshekonombank, Otkrytiye, Sovkombank, Rosbank, Zenit and Sankt-Peterburg

Russian air defense forces block Ukrainian attempt to use ATACMS on Crimea — politician

The Ukrainians used several ATACMS ballistic missiles in an attempt to attack civilians on the peninsula

Chinese diplomat comments on Blinken’s warning on support to Russia

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that the US was supplying Ukraine with arms and ammunition and at the same time making unfounded accusations regarding trade between China and Russia

US court sentences Binance founder to four months in prison — Bloomberg

A judge handed down a much lighter sentence than the three years sought by the prosecution, the agency reported

Top security official advises West to keep door open for joint research work with Russia

Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Death toll in China highway collapse climbs

At least 24 people were killed

US’ anti-Russia sanctions cast doubts on its constructive role in world — diplomat

The United States is seeking "to intimidate Russia’s partners, including China, to block the channels of normal foreign trade cooperation", Anatoly Antonov said

Houthis attack two commercial vessels, two US destroyers

Movement’s representative Yahya Saria said that the Ansar Allah delivered drone strikes on two US destroyers in the Red Sea. According to him, the hits "reached their targets"

One woman killed, another one wounded in Ukraine’s shelling of Kursk Region village

According to region’s governor Roman Starovoit, two civilians were wounded in the shelling attack on the village in the morning

Georgian parliament votes for foreign agents bill in second reading

According to the procedure, the bill is now to undergo the final, third reading. If supported, it will be sent to President Salome Zourabichvili for signature

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

UNSC becomes hostage to US Middle East policy — Russian envoy

"The actions of our American colleagues do not reflect the principled position of the rest of the UN Security Council members," Vasily Nebenzya said