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Coronavirus pandemic

Sputnik V effective against Omicron strain in 70% of cases - Italian research institute

The specialists also noted that the obtained results would help "to determine new vaccination strategies" in the future as new COVID-19 strains emerge

ROME, January 21. /TASS/. The antibodies of over 70% of those inoculated with the Russian Sputnik V vaccine retain their neutralizing activity against the Omicron strain and in the majority of cases it is retained even 3-6 months following vaccination, a research and technical group of Italy’s Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases that conducted joint research with Russia’s Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology reported on Thursday.

"The results of the experiments conducted in cooperation between the Spallanzani Institute and the Gamaleya Center demonstrated that [the antibodies] of over 70% of people vaccinated with Sputnik V retain the neutralizing activity against the Omicron strain and this activity is retained in the majority of cases even 3-6 months after inoculation," as the ANSA news agency quoted the institute’s statement. The specialists also noted that the obtained results would help "to determine new vaccination strategies" in the future as new COVID-19 strains emerge.

Earlier, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) reported that Sputnik V’s virus-neutralizing activity against the Omicron strain was twice as high as that of Pfizer’s jab. The study was conducted in equal laboratory conditions at the Spallanzani Institute in Italy based on comparable blood serum samples from individuals vaccinated with Sputnik V and Pfizer’s vaccine with similar antibody levels and virus-neutralizing activity against the initial strain recorded in Wuhan. The study also demonstrated that Sputnik V neutralized the Omicron strain by forming a strong immune response thanks to the high level of antibodies.

The RDIF stressed that these data confirm the results of the Gamaleya Center’s study published on the MedRxiv web portal which show Sputnik V's high virus-neutralizing activity against the Omicron strain which is further bolstered by the Sputnik Light booster shot.

Sputnik V has been approved for use in 71 countries with the total population surpassing 4 bln people while Sputnik Light has been certified in more than 30 countries.

Borrell calls on EU to play ‘military role’

"Trump's re-election should make it clear to us that Europe should bolster its security and take its destiny into its own hands," EU’s outgoing top diplomat said

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, energy sites over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 765 personnel, an armored personnel carrier, a motor vehicle and two 122mm D-30 howitzers

Lavrov to hold talks with visiting Colombian foreign minister

The ministers will discuss the current status and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian fields

Russia set to deepen cooperation with China in law enforcement — top security official

Russia is seeking to consolidate efforts toward fighting extremism, terrorism and transnational crime both bilaterally and multilaterally, Sergey Shoigu specified

Trump plans to appoint special envoy on Ukraine to hold peace talks with Russia — TV

According to the source, the job is not expected to be a salaried role

Ukraine aims to call up 1 mln people in eastern areas by end of 2024 — official

According to the plan, 360,000 people are to be mobilized in October; 325,000 and 300,000 in November and December, respectively

Two injured in bridge collapse in Crimea

"A car and a truck were on the bridge at the moment of collapse. Russian Emergencies Ministry rescuers retrieved two injured people," the ministry said

Next-gen Su-57 shows strength of Russia’s defense sector — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that military experts had praised the "unmatched capabilities" the plane displayed at the Airshow China in Zhuhai

Russia inks first deals to deliver Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to foreign customers

Alexander Mikheyev also explained the expectations and effect of the demonstration of Russian military hardware at Airshow China in Zhuhai

US administration always seeks to weaken Russia — Lavrov

The foreign minister pointed out that the Americans had long declared the idea that "there should be no country in the world more influential than the United States"

Russia keeps building defense capacity despite conflict in Ukraine — Polish general

According to Wieslaw Kukula, if the conflict in Ukraine ends soon, Russia will be able to build up its defense capacity to the point that it could take on all of NATO

Russia keeps positive dynamics of agricultural production — ministry

The production index of foodstuffs was 104.2% in January - September against the like period in 2023 and the index for beverages was 109.8%

Kiev wants to mobilize 160,000 people to survive until Trump's inauguration — MP

According to Alexander Dubinsky, the authorities in Kiev are primarily focused on securing more of the funds allocated to them

UNESCO ignores Kiev regime’s crimes against Russian journalists, says Zakharova

However, issues regarding the safety of Russian journalists will not be considered at the session, Maria Zakharova commented on the details of the document’s content

Russia has written off $20 bln worth of African debts — MFA

Mikhail Bogdanov added that it allows using those debts "to implement socio-economic projects directly in the country"

Russia to open embassy in Niger, envoy appointment process underway — MFA

"We currently have specific plans, and perhaps I’ll even reveal a little secret - the process of appointing an ambassador to Niger is underway," Mikhail Bogdanov said

Trump appoints Florida Rep. Mike Waltz National Security Advisor

A retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, Mike Waltz is "a nationally recognized leader in National Security," Donald Trump said

Russian troops liberate Rovnopol community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroyed an UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) production workshop of the Ukrainian army and inflicted roughly 110 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day

Kiev should sign peace treaty, but this will spell end of grift for many, billionaire says

"The longer the war goes on, the more territory Ukraine will lose," David Sacks added

Russia sees possibilities for expansion of equipment supplies for Indian Gaganyaan program

Denis Manturov also mentioned projects in the area of satellite navigation that are being implemented

Trump does not rule out he may run in next US presidential election

Trump's participation in the next US election would be against the Constitution

Kiev's Western allies begin to acknowledge need for territorial concessions — report

The diplomats see this approach as "land in exchange for Ukraine’s security"

US plans to remove 'arrogant' Zelensky and stage 2025 elections in Ukraine — SVR

"At the initial stage, it is planned to encourage entities within the Ukrainian civil society under their control, through US 'democratization' foundations and think tanks, to come up with a corresponding initiative," the statement reads

FACTBOX: What we know about night-time drone attacks on Russian regions

Overnight, 29 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were destroyed in the skies over the Kursk, Belgorod, Tver, Bryansk, Penza, and Voronezh regions, the Defense Ministry said

Russian delegation at COP29 in Baku is first carbon-neutral

The settlement will be at the expense of carbon units received as a result of implementing the climate project on energy efficiency increase at Sibur-Neftekhim

Lebanon deal won't happen unless Israel given right to eradicate Hezbollah — Katz

Israel Katz pointed out that the goals of the war in the north are to disarm Hezbollah, to push its forces past the Litani River deep within Lebanese territory, and to make it possible for the residents of Israel’s north to come back to their homes

Lavrov to lead Russia’s delegation to G20 summit in Brazil

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with heads of BRICS media outlets that he will not be attending the G20 summit in Brazil, scheduled for November 18 and 19

Russian Su-34 bomber strikes Ukrainian troops in borderline Kursk area

Russian tactical aircraft pilots conduct sorties at any time of day or night in any weather conditions, using various armament

Russia open for contacts with Trumps’ team on Syria — Russian diplomat

Alexander Lavrentyev stressed that all parties to the conflict must be involved in talks so that a lasting peace in Syria could be achieved

US State Department insists DPRK troops engaged in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

Patel also insisted that "Russian forces have trained the DPRK soldiers in artillery, in UAV, and basic infantry operations, including trench clearing, which are critical skills for frontline operations"

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 98.37 rubles for November 14

The official yuan rate is fixed at 13.60 rubles

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 450 troops, two tanks, three IFVs, two M113 armored personnel carriers, 33 armored combat vehicles, five artillery pieces, including a Krab self-propelled howitzer, a Crotale multiple rocket launcher, and 49 motor vehicles

Flow of tourists across Russia exceeds 65 mln trips in 9M 2024 — Deputy PM

The number is 11.1% higher than in the same period in 2023

Air defenses down 70 drones over six Russian regions on Sunday morning

Almost half of them were destroyed in the skies over the Moscow Region

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Press review: Mutiny trips West’s nuclear alarms and Kiev’s terror talk hides attack plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 27th

Czech intelligence warns of crime surge after Ukraine conflict ends

More than 380,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine to the Czech Republic since February 24, 2022

Russian citizenship approvals down 44% since January — ministry

According to Irina Volk, police are also clamping down on groups and individuals that help bring people into the country illegally, leading to a 2.5-fold increase in the detection and preliminary investigation of such crimes

Businessmen in Germany, Russia again eager to interact more, says executive

Ulf Schneider expressed his gratitude to representatives of the Russian business community for their continued efforts to involve Western businessmen in work in Russia despite the challenging political climate

Trump to end NATO’s obsession to get on Russian territory — White House ex-strategist

Steve Bannon noted that Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement seeks to completely cut funding to Ukraine. According to Bannon, Europe, including Italy, will follow Trump’s lead, and, if "they [Europe and Italy] truly believe what they have been saying in recent years, they should be ready to pay"

Top Russian security official hails strategic cooperation with China

Sergey Shoigu noted that Russia-China ties were based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, trust, non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs and support for each other on the issues that the parties found important

What is known about Sevastopol car blast

Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev did not rule out the possibility that the incident was the result of sabotage

Explosion of Kurakhovo reservoir dam disrupts water supply

Roman Pukalov noted that the blast killed many fish in the reservoir, washed away fertile soil, and inundated potentially hazardous sites, including cemeteries, cattle burial grounds, and fertilizer depots

Ukraine's Kurakhovo Reservoir dam blast to help, not hurt Russian troops — expert

At least ten Ukrainian troops were killed

Almost 80 killed, over 120 injured by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon in past 24 hours

The Baalbeck-Hermel Province in northeast Lebanon reported two people killed and 11 injured

Interior Ministry bans more than 200,000 foreign nationals from entering Russia in 2024

The work on restricting the entry of foreign citizens who do not comply with Russian legislation has been stepped up, Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Irina Volk said

US missile defense base in Poland to defend US, Europe alike — Polish foreign minister

Radoslaw Sikorski also expressed hope that the base will never go into action

Russia to ensure parity in response to US missile defense system in Poland — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that by placing the missile defense system in Poland, the United States is bringing its military infrastructure closer to Russia in an attempt to curb its potential

Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon

Russian stock indices mixed on Wednesday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index gained 0.26% to 2,763.99 points

Lavrov likens proposals to freeze Ukraine crisis to worse version of Minsk agreements

"The Minsk agreements were final. If anyone had bothered to realize at the time that they were exactly that. We were talking about a small part of Donbass, if we are being totally honest," the minister continued

West attempted to prevent Russia-Africa ministerial meeting, diplomat says

African countries realized that "this pressure contradicts their own national interests", Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said

Nearly 4,000 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

"Over the past day, as many as 3,992 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar, and Jdaidet Yabous," Oleg Ignasyuk said

First S-550 air defense systems enter service in Russia — source

The source described the new system as "an absolutely new and unrivalled mobile system of strategic missile defense"

Ukraine moves medics, non-combat personnel to infantry to counter Russian advance

According to a Ukrainian army spokesperson, more medical personnel is being sent to the frontline, although pilots and military engineers "remain in their specialized positions"

Actions of Abkhazian opposition harm the republic, lawmaker says

Konstantin Zatulin linked the recent events in Abkhazia with the upcoming 2025 presidential elections

Russian forces gain foothold near Kupyansk as Kiev begins to retreat

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted two significant blockages of Ukrainian troops near Kupyansk, involving more than 15,000 military personnel

Baltic Sea will never turn into 'NATO lake' — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Baltic Sea "will always be a common space for all of the region’s countries without exception"

Putin garners 76,277,708 votes in Russian presidential election — CEC chief

The remaining 1.36.% of the ballots were found invalid

Russian politician condemns destruction of dam on Kurakhovo reservoir as Kiev’s terror act

Earlier, military sources told TASS that Ukrainian forces sank their own positions in a low-lying area near Kurakhovo as they blew up the dam, killing at least 10 Ukrainian soldiers

Chancellor Scholz opposes assistance to Ukraine at expense of Germany’s future

According to the German chancellor, Berlin’s assistance to Kiev should not affect the retirement benefits of German citizens

Breakthrough near Krasnoarmeysk could enable Russian push toward the Dnieper — expert

Markus Reisner noted that many of the Ukrainian units on this section of the frontline are understaffed by 50%

Security official stresses need to counter US policy of dual containment of Russia, China

Sergey Shoigu arrived in China on a working visit on Monday

Bulgarian president calls for using all diplomatic opportunities to end Ukraine conflict

According to Rumen Radev, Europe wants the conflict in Ukraine "to finish as soon as possible"

Russian embassy denies allegations of Moscow’s interference in US election

"The US authorities didn't even bother to contact us on this matter," the Russian Embassy pointed out

DPR head Pushilin visits Ugledar, says town badly destroyed

Denis Pushilin added that "it is almost impossible to find an undamaged building"

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

White Helmets remain serious factor of instability in Syria — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed to a report by the Foundation for Research of Democracy Issues, titled "The White Helmets. Terrorist Accomplices and a Source of Disinformation"

Detentions, blocking of roads: what is known about situation in Abkhazia

The prosecutor general stated that following the incident, four Abkhazian residents were detained: Garry Kokaya, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Omar Smur, and Ramaz Dzhopya

Trump's planned key appointments

Trump appointed Congressman Michael Waltz (Republican, Florida) as national security adviser

Ukrainian forces ready to withdraw from Kurakhovo, but no order yet — serviceman

According to the report, the Russian army is "attacking from three sides"

Ukrainian artillery attack on Energodar, home to Zaporozhye nuke plant, kills one

Also, two cars were destroyed as the Ukrainians fired four projectiles on downtown Energodar, with the facades and balcony glazing in buildings being damaged, according to the statement

Press review: Trump forms foreign policy team and Europe sets course for militarization

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 13th

Medvedev warns that EU behavior in struggle with Russia fraught with 'bad scenario'

According to the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, European leaders are experiencing "autumn blues" after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election

Russia’s Rubikon unmanned technology center team destroys Ukrainian armor in Kursk area

"The video shows a team of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Testing Center of Advanced Unmanned Technologies destroying Ukrainian armor by an FPV drone in the Kursk area," the ministry said

Russia delivers S-400 air defense systems to India pursuant to schedule — official says

Russia will deliver all the five regiments of S-400 weapons to India by late 2023

RVSN to be fully equipped with modern weaponry in coming years — defense minister

Currently, the share of modern equipment in service with the Strategic Missile Forces is 76%

Discussion of coal export quotas continues — Russian Energy Ministry

"We would like to note that the rise in any tariffs adversely affect profitability during the period of low international coal prices," the ministry said

Russia supports new UNSC draft resolution on Gaza — envoy

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya noted that Resolution 2735 was only a tool to gain time for Israel

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Trump’s return to power unlikely to change US approach to Ukraine crisis — Lavrov

Washington will always seek to control everything that is happening within NATO’s orbit, especially on NATO territory, the Russian foreign minister said

Kalashnikov holding starts supplies of civilian drones

Legioner fixed-wing type drones with a hybrid powerplant are designed for aerial photo survey, cargo carriage, airborne laser scanning, video monitoring, fire patrolling, detection of violations in security areas and ice reconnaissance, the press service said. Systems resist the poor weather

Medvedev characterizes Great Britain as eternal adversary of Russia

"At least until such time as their arrogant, despicably dank island sinks into the abyss of the sea from a wave triggered by a cutting-edge Russian weapons system," the politician said

Trump 'demonstrates affinity' for Russian President Vladimir Putin — newspaper

Former Trump advisers have already backed his idea of cutting aid to Ukraine to force Kiev into talks with Russia, according to The Hill

Russian diplomat hails Odessa woman as defender of truth after flag protest

Yelena Chesakova attempted to hang the Russian flag on the pedestal of the dismantled monument of Catherine the Great in Odessa, taken down in 2022, in October of this year

Kremlin underlines need for military drills amid tense international situation

It was reported earlier that Chinese troops would take part in the Vostok-2018 strategic drills

Ukrainian losses, Sudzhansky district head retirement: situation in Kursk Region

Units of the battlegroup continued offensive operations, defeating Ukrainian formations in the areas of the settlements of Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

Borrell calls on EU to play ‘military role’

"Trump's re-election should make it clear to us that Europe should bolster its security and take its destiny into its own hands," EU’s outgoing top diplomat said

Not all Republicans support Trump in refusing further military aid to Kiev — newspaper

According to the news outlet, Congressman Mike Waltz, who is being considered by Trump for the post of national security adviser, is in favor of lifting restrictions on the use of Western long-range missiles to attack Russia

Japan remains ready to sign peace treaty with Russia — top diplomat

After Tokyo imposed anti-Russian sanctions over the situation in Ukraine, Russia halted consultations with Japan on a peace treaty

Press review: UK and French leaders discuss Ukraine as the dollar continues to climb

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 12th

Russian advances, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup North have continued their offensive, defeating Ukrainian formations near several settlements in the Kursk Region

Scholz calls for doing everything to prevent escalation of Ukraine conflict

According to Scholz, Ukraine should have "good prospects" and not be left alone

ISS orbit raised by almost 5 km before launch of Progress MS-29 spacecraft — Roscosmos

According to preliminary information, the ISS’s average orbit was increased by 4.9 km to 417.2 km above Earth

Finnish government requests EU sanctions exemption for Russian owners of sports arena

Finland's Foreign Ministry will need to obtain unanimous approval from EU countries

Russia says its FPV drones disrupted Ukrainian troops rotation in Sumy Region

The ministry provided live-recording footage showing direct hits on Ukrainian military vehicles

Erdogan praises Russia, China for backing arms embargo on Israel

According to the Turkish leader, Israel "will become more and more aggressive if arms and ammunition supplies continue"

US shells for handful of Kiev’s Pion howitzers no game-changer — expert

Ukraine ran out of the Soviet-made ammunition for this type of artillery pieces back in 2022

Russia, Azerbaijan working together to develop transport infrastructure

Ali Asadov also reminded that the two countries are working together on large-scale projects to build machinery

Inflation accelerates to 0.3% in Russia over week — statistics

Inflation stood at 8.49% in annual terms as at November 11, 2024

West to face 'devastating' response if it allows Kiev to strike deep into Russia — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukrainian social media accounts are meanwhile speculating that the Zelensky regime plans to present the received Western missiles as Ukrainian, changing the labels to use the weapons to attack Russia