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Coronavirus pandemic

London mayor declares ‘major incident’ due to spread of Omicron

The latest government data showed the number of patients in hospitals across London on December 17 was up more than 28% compared with a week earlier

View of London Sergei Bobylev/TASS

View of London

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

LONDON, December 18. /TASS/. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on Saturday said he declared a "major incident" in the city due to a surge of Omicron cases.

"I have taken the decision, along with our partners, to declare a major incident," the mayor said on Sky News television.

He said hospital admissions and staff absences were going up "by massive levels" and Omicron was the dominant variant. Still, he didn’t announce any new measures.

Last time a major incident was declared was on January 8 amid the spread of the coronavirus’s Alfa variant.

The latest government data showed the number of patients in hospitals across London on December 17 was up more than 28% compared with a week earlier.

There are about 1,500 COVID-19 patients in London hospitals, while about 7,600 have been hospitalized in the entire UK.

Khan said Londoners should get both vaccines and the booster and said there soon will be more places offering COVID-19 vaccines.

He expressed hope that the UK government to provide financial support for businesses that are hardest hit by the pandemic.

The UK has registered almost 25,000 Omicron cases, up by about 10,000 from a day earlier.

The World Health Organization on November 26 assigned the Greek letter Omicron to coronavirus variant В.1.1.529 that was discovered in southern Africa. The WHO stated the variant has a large number of mutations, some of which cause concern. The variant has been detected in about 80 countries including Russia.

Pentagon has nothing to announce on possible talks between Russia, US defense chiefs

Belousov and Austin had a phone call on July 12

Turkey’s, US defense chiefs discuss Syria, security issues

A conversation took place between National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

Pope Francis opens Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica

The Holy Door, which is usually bricked up, is expected to remain open over the next 12 months

Georgian court extends Saakashvili's arrest in border crossing case

Judge Mikhail Jinjolia explained that there remained a risk Saakashvili might escape or commit a new crime, so the motion to cancel the arrest was rejected

Russian embassy refutes reports on Sudan’s refusal to host Russian base

Some Western media outlets reported earlier, citing anonymous Sudanese intelligence sources, that Khartoum had allegedly annulled an agreement with Moscow on placing a Russian naval logistics support base due to potential US sanctions

Russian scientists have lots of new ideas in nuclear sphere — researcher

Mikhail Kovalchuk also reiterated that for a long time, Russia has been and remains a guide for other countries in the sphere of developing technologies, including space

No Russians killed in Magdeburg car attack, information on injured being updated — embassy

At least five people got killed and 235 were injured as a result of the attack

Qatar has not mediated between Russia, new Syrian authorities; ready for this role

Spokesman for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs Majid bin Mohammed al-Ansari noted that the emirate continued to maintain relations with Russia and stressed that they were positive

Russian language taught in 4,500 schools in Tajikistan

Putin said 72 Russian teachers currently work in Tajikistan's schools, and next year their number will increase to 80

Former Austrian minister believes EU ignored message Russia sent with Oreshnik missile

According to Karin Kneissl, Russia doesn’t want to trigger any nuclear war

Syria’s Interior Ministry calls on members of former regime to hand over their arms

According to transitional Interior Minister Mohamed Abdel Rahman, the government has set a deadline for the handover of weapons held by members of the former regime and the public

Israeli military conducts operation in Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza

The Israeli Defense Forces stated that civilians, medical personnel and patients had been evacuated from the area ahead of the operation

IBA chief Kremlev slams as illegitimate organization

Umar Kremlev noted that the number of participants at World Boxing events was extremely low

Transneft restarts oil intake by rail for export shipments in Far East

This route of shipments to the port was not operated since 2016

Russia continues special military op because Ukraine refuses talks — Kremlin

"It is important for us to achieve all the goals that we face in ensuring the security of our country," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Putin notes importance of cooperation between Russian, Tajik regions

Many regions of Tajikistan and constituent regions of the Russian Federation have direct relations with each other, the Russian President stressed

Syria’s new authorities rename hospitals named after ex-president’s family members

Some of them were named after Bashar Assad’s brother Bassel, who died in a car crash in 1994

US ramping up biological warfare presence in Africa — Russia’s top brass

Major General Aleksey Rtishchev said that branches of the US National Naval Military Medical Center are stationed in Ghana and Djibouti where active work is carried out in natural disease foci, isolation and sequencing of pathogens

Online platform for sales of drones, spare parts launched in Russia in test mode

The platform will offer propellers, frames, engines, communication systems, the head of the United Russia party’s central executive committee Alexander Sidyakin said

At least 21 killed in post-election violence in Mozambique

Pascoal Ronda suggested that the opposition probably joined forces with Islamic terrorists

Georgia became inconvenient for 'friends' after rejecting Ukrainian scenario — official

According to Kakha Kaladze, the country faced unprecedented pressure because of this

Israeli delegation leaving Doha talks for consultations — PM’s office

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said earlier in the day that the Qatari mediators continue consultations on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip

Russian forces pound Ukrainian military airfields, ammo depots over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 380 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukraine intensifies shelling of Kremennaya fourfold due to Russian successes — expert

As Andrey Marochko noted, the enemy's indiscriminate attacks on Kremennaya's civilian targets are ruled out, since Ukraine is attacking the city with drones, and "drone operators see the target"

US engages Pentagon contractors who worked in Ukraine in Senegal — top brass

According to Major General Alexey Rtishchev, Washington is using African countries' economic problems in the health sector to build up its military and biological research

Initiative along entire frontline in Russian forces’ hands — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, Russian troops' daily advances amount to 1-2 kilometers (0.6-1.2 miles)

Russian agency starts investigation into shipwreck in Mediterranean Sea

The fate of two crew members is currently being established

Top German officials pressured by Biden to strengthen anti-Russian coalition in EU — Dodik

"Now we see the outcome: a Europe burdened with numerous problems and struggling to determine how to establish relations with the Trump administration," the president of the Republika Srpska said

Gazprom sets gas price in budget below current prices — Deputy CEO

Key parameters of the budget for 2025 are based on the forecast of macroeconomic indicators of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Famil Sadygov said

Trump wants to rename North America's tallest mountain Denali

Denali, standing at 6,168 meters, was once considered the highest point of the Russian Empire before the territory was sold to the United States

Putin, Rakhmon converse briefly ahead of bilateral talks

The leaders had a warm greeting, hugged each other, exchanged a couple of phrases and proceeded to the hall, where the bilateral negotiations started

New US administration does not guarantee solution of Ukrainian crisis — expert

Ivan Timofeyev recalled that even during his first presidency, which proceeded in more favorable geopolitical conditions and without a personnel crisis, Trump pursued a hardline approach in relations with Russia

Scientists detect five powerful M-class solar flares

A ten-minute-long solar flare classified as M4.7 was recorded in X-rays in sunspot group 3932

United Kingdom’s defense expenditures up by 14% in past decade — The Times

According to the article, Iran’s military budget grew by 57%, China’s - by 60% and Russia’s - by 34% in the reported period

Ukrainian deserters abroad are hunted through Interpol — parliament member

"The percentage of those who have left their newly formed brigades is the highest," Ruslan Gorbenko said

Putin notes Hermitage director’s contribution to world culture, his civic stance

The head of state mentioned this when bestowing upon Mikhail Piotrovsky the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, first class

Press review: US, Israel aim to curb Turkey’s gains while Moscow, Tehran strengthen ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 24th

CSTO to keep boosting its military potential next year — chief

Joint exercises aimed are another important aspect of the effort to boost the organization’s defense potential, Imangali Tasmagambetov said

Shelling on Donetsk decreases as frontline shifts — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that shelling in Donetsk’s Kirovsky and Petrovsky districts is expected to diminish further once Kurakhovo is liberated

Putin to hold informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg

An informal meeting before the New Year is a long-standing tradition of the Commonwealth

Situation with gas supplies from Russia to Europe difficult — Kremlin

"You have heard the Ukrainian side’s statement and you know the position of the European countries that continue purchasing Russian gas and that consider it necessary for normal operation of their economy," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia’s FPV drone Gortenzia with fiber-optic cable control used in military operation

The design bureau added that the drone is also equipped with a universal payload attachment system

More than 20 countries show interest in BRICS — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov noted that uncontrolled expansion of the association would break its backbone

Roscosmos, NASA synchronize timeframes for completion of ISS — CEO

There are plans to start conducting manned flights to the new Russian Orbital Station about the same time when Russia exits the ISS program, chief executive of the Russian state space corporation Yury Borisov noted

Europe should support Sino-Brazilian initiative on Ukraine — Swiss newspaper

The article’s author believes that Russa’s absence during the peace conference in Burgenstock, Switzerland, was 'a crucial mistake'

Russian warship shoulders responsibility for rescue operation after cargo ship sinks

The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service is currently staying in the area of the accident in order to remove floating objects that can pose a danger to navigation and to check whether the marine environment might have been polluted

Damascus warns Iran against sowing chaos in Syria — foreign minister

Iran should not interfere in Syria's internal affairs, the minister of foreign affairs in Syria’s transitional government Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said

Is Gaddafi's gloom prophecy in regard to Europe bound to be fulfilled?

As Europe’s migrant crisis grows far and wide, many Russian media are recalling the late Libyan leader Muamar Gaddafi’s gloom prophecy made several months before his violent death

Tajikistan satisfied with development of relations with Russia — President Rakhmon

According to Emomali Rakhmon, the year 2024 was very beneficial for both countries

Group of foreign mercenaries taken out in Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

The military said that a conversation in a foreign language was intercepted by radio intelligence before visual control over the group was established

Putin travels to St. Petersburg for informal CIS summit

On Tuesday, the Russian leader is scheduled to meet with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon

Russian forces increasing pressure on Ukrainian troops near Belogorovka in LPR — expert

Unfavorable weather has made things worse for the enemy in that sector of the line of engagement, Andrey Marochko said

Over 20 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza — TV

Eight people were killed in Israel’s raid on the West Bank city of Tulkarm

Over 100 people involved in extinguishing jet fire at drilling rig in southern Urals

The accident posed no threat to nearby settlements

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Indian envoy discuss schedule of political contacts

The sides also touched upon "a number of regional issues, as well as the cooperation between Russia and India within the BRICS format"

Two-thirds of Russians dissatisfied with 2024, survey reveals

Russians most often attribute their negative emotions regarding the past year to economic hardships and rising prices, while citing family events as positive highlights

Almost 440,000 Russians sign up for military service this year — Medvedev

"The results of work over the year can already be assessed," the politician said

Putin bestows order upon Hermitage director general

The head of the State Hermitage Museum now has the full set of Orders for Merit to the Fatherland

CIA station in Kiev targeted in recent Russian attack, military expert reveals

According to Alexander Stepanov, strikes are systematic efforts to gradually wipe out the military capabilities of Ukraine

Without Ukrainian transit, gas to become much more expensive for Europe — expert

According to Karin Kneissl, in some households, people are already paying more for electricity and heating than for their rent

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

According to the Turkish newspaper, the former Syrian president did it to ensure his own safety

Four GLONASS navigation satellites ready for launch — Roscosmos head

Yury Borisov added that over the past year, Roscosmos has expanded its Earth remote sensing constellation by introducing high-resolution observation satellites, including a Resurs-P satellite and a Kondor radar imaging satellite

Uzbek president arrive in St. Petersburg to attend CIS, EAEU summits

The leaders are expected to discuss ways of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation within the CIS and EAEU

Former Austrian minister names 4 suspect countries in connection with Nord Stream sabotage

Asked what countries could be behind the attack, Karin Kneissl replied that, like in an Agatha Christie novel, "there are many suspects in this imaginary room"

Over 150 spontaneous graves found in Popasnaya in LPR

Around 250 people are still staying in the city

Trump’s son posts image showing father buying Canada, Greenland on Amazon

"We are so back," Eric wrote for a caption

Strike on SBU control center response to Russian general’s assassination, expert says

The ministry clarified that Ukraine launched a missile strike against the Kamensky Integrated Plant in the Rostov Region using six US-made ATACMS missiles and four Storm Shadow cruise missiles

Press review: Kiev escalates attacks as payments ease for Russian raw material buyers

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 23rd

Trump doesn’t want repeat of Minsk agreements — Kellogg

He expressed hope that the US president-elect will be able to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine in a "relatively near term."

Biden considers new sanctions against Russian energy sector — The Washington Post

According to the newspaper’s sources, possible options also include revoking the license that allows banks to handle transactions with Russian energy resources

Houthis say they attacked Israeli military target with hypersonic missile

The Israel Defense Forces said in the early hours on Tuesday that a missile launched from Yemen had been intercepted before entering Israel’s airspace

Russia’s Velikiye Luki submarine dives to depth of 100 meters as part of tests

Upon completion of the underwater part of the test, the crew of the Velikiye Luki took the submarine to the surface and continued to carry out operations in accordance with the plan

Houthis say attacked US aircraft carrier in Red Sea, shot down US fighter jet

According to the Houthi spokesman, the strike on US vessels was delivered with the use of "eight cruise missiles and 17 drones"

Press review: Putin outlines Russia's future goals and Tehran faces energy blackout riots

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

South Korea's opposition postpones impeachment proceedings against acting president

The Democratic Party seeks clarification on whether the acting president will appoint new members to the Constitutional Court

Another US fighter jet narrowly avoided friendly fire in Red Sea — Fox News

According to the report, the plane crew had to perform several maneuvers to dodge it

Deployment of Moldovan troops to Transnistria to violate settlement accords — expert

On April 15, 2013, two explosions, with 12 seconds in between, happened in Boston’s downtown, near the finish line of the traditional marathon

Pentagon has nothing to announce on possible talks between Russia, US defense chiefs

Belousov and Austin had a phone call on July 12

Armored vehicle with Israeli commanding officers blown up in West Bank

The rest of the passengers in the vehicle did not get injured

Gazprom expects EBITDA above $27.9 bln in 2024 — Deputy CEO

Gazprom will show strong results by key metrics as of the end of this year, the senior executive noted

Sandu takes office as Moldova’s president for her second term

Parliamentarians, members of the Constitutional Court, and foreign diplomats attended her inauguration

Armenian premier says will skip CIS meeting in St. Petersburg due to COVID-19

His participation in the upcoming meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council of the Eurasian Economic Union is unclear

Deliveries to unfriendly countries are slightly above 15% in Russian exports

CIS and the nearest Russian neighbors, Southeast Asia, Persian Gulf countries, Africa, Latin America and Iran are among other destinations for Russian exports

Greece continues to ship munitions to Ukraine en masse — website

According to the report, the people of Greece witnessed the passage of convoys of Greek and foreign-made trucks transporting containers, mainly with shells, to Balkan states and Poland, and eventually to Ukraine

Russian expert suspects Ursa Major sank due to act of sabotage

Alexander Stepanov remarked that such attacks are virtually impossible to identify and track down

Hostilities in Ukraine to end in 2025 — Hungary’s Orban predicts

The Hungarian prime minister recalled that America and Europe spent about 300 billion euros on the war in Ukraine

Mercenary from Norway faces criminal charges for incursion into Kursk Region

The investigation has found that Ocherkhadzhiyev personally participates in the armed conflict as a mercenary on Russian territory

Pakistani forces attack Afghan province just across border

Taliban-controlled Afghan Defense Ministry condemned the attack, saying it violated international law and didn’t represent a solution to any issue

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

Kremlin announces countries to become BRICS partners from January 1

According to Yuri Ushakov, the confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner country have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan

Russian forces gain control over road between Gulyaypole, Velikaya Novosyolka — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, actions by the Russian Armed Forces will compel the garrison of the Ukrainian armed forces in Velikaya Novosyolka to face difficulties with supplies and reinforcements

Syria’s new authorities want Syria to regain its status of key regional player

Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, the foreign minister in Syria’s transitional government, promised that Damascus will take measures to ensure the safe return 'of each Syrian national who had to flee his land and his home'

IN BRIEF: What is known about sinking of Ursa Major cargo ship in Mediterranean Sea

According to reports, fourteen crew members were rescued and two are missing

Russia not closing its border with Estonia — MFA

Russian border crossings near the Estonian border are functioning as usual, Maria Zakharova said

Russian Defense Ministry identifies over 30 more people connected to US biolabs in Africa

The Major General noted that among these individuals are: servicemen of the US Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, employees of regional branches of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, disease control and prevention centers in Africa, as well as members of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Sunken tankers violated seasonal maritime traffic restrictions — authority

A number of tankers of the ships' owner Volgatransneft did not have a license for transporting dangerous cargoes in inland waters

Keeping deaths of Russian journalists secret turns into global disgrace for West — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the report by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity for 2022-2023, failed to mention the numerous targeted killings of Russian journalists and military correspondents by the criminal Kiev regime

Syria may see economic upturn, Russian expert says

Vitaly Naumkin is certain that Syria will be able to eliminate to some extent the failures that stemmed from the fact the previous regime was unable to use the resources, because the Americans would not let it

Russia not to deviate 'one bit' from its main conditions in talks on Ukraine — speaker

"Certainly, the negotiation process will begin next year, without any doubt, but in my opinion it will be very complex," Valentina Matviyenko stressed

Germany's new chancellor may lead the West in standoff with Moscow — expert

At the same time, Oleg Bondarenko said, without affordable energy resources, the decline of the German economy will continue with no chance of stopping in the foreseeable future