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Macron says he does not rule out trip to Russia

French President noted, however, that the trip to Russia would depend "on the course of negotiations in the coming few hours"

PARIS, February 2./TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that he did not rule out a trip to Moscow. The president spoke to journalists in Tourcoing (Hauts-de-France region) ahead of an informal meeting of EU interior ministers.

"I don’t rule out anything," the French leader said in reply to questions from journalists. He noted, however, that the trip to Russia would depend "on the course of negotiations in the coming few hours."

"I don’t rule out anything, since I believe that the role of France, specifically during its presidency of the Council of the European Union, is in trying to find a common solution," the president stressed.

At a news conference after talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Macron might shortly pay a working visit to Moscow. According to Putin, security guarantees would be discussed with him along with other issues.

Putin and Macron had their second phone call in the past few days on Monday. The previous one was on Friday, January 28. The leaders continued an exchange of opinions on the situation around Ukraine and security guarantees to Russia. It was agreed that Moscow and Paris would promptly work out the possibility of an in-person meeting of the two leaders.

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France Emmanuel Macron

Middle East conflict

Israeli warplanes bomb southern outskirts of Beirut

The Lebanon 24 news portal said ground targets for Israeli strikes included military intelligence headquarters and ammunition depots

IAEA chief warns against any attacks on employees of nuclear plants

"Any targeting of employees of nuclear power plants would constitute a blatant violation of this pillar fundamental for overall nuclear safety and security," Rafael Grossi said

Fire occurs at Crimean oil depot, no one injured — authorities

The Russian Emergencies Ministry is working

Slovak prime minister calls for commemorating Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev

Marshal played a decisive role in organizing the operations carried out on section of the Soviet-German frontline in Slovakia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said

Su-34 destroys Kiev forces’ stronghold in Kursk border area — Russian Defense Ministry

Having received confirmation from intelligence about the destruction of personnel and a stronghold of the Ukrainian armed forces, the crew safely returned to the airfield of departure

Probe underway in Spain into death of Russia’s female triathlete

Yelena Smirnova was 41

FACTBOX: CIS Summits

Currently, Commonwealth of Independent States brings together 11 post-Soviet countries, while two states have effectively suspended their work and cooperation within the CIS - Moldova and Ukraine

White House unable to confirm report of Bout’s involvement in weapons supplies to Houthis

I can't confirm that report today, White House Press Secretary said

Buffer zone between Israel, Lebanon to be protected by peacekeepers — US official

"For a variety of reasons" UNIFIL and the Lebanese armed forces have been failing "to prevent Hezbollah from sitting in those areas just over the border from Israel and launching rocket strikes and other attacks against Israel.", US Department of State Spokesperson said

Russia’s intel chief urges CIS colleagues to ramp up efforts to counter Western terrorism

"It is crucial to prioritize and establish a systematic approach to exchanging information, including urgent, critical, and operational data, on the terrorist aspirations of the collective West and the Kiev regime against the interests of our countries and our community as a whole," Sergey Naryshkin said

Israeli army declares closed military zone in coastal area on Lebanese border

The settlement of Rosh HaNikra is located near the Mediterranean coast on the very border with Lebanon

Kremlin lauds Antonov’s diplomatic mission in US

The Russian embassy in the United States told TASS on October 5 that Anatoly Antonov had completed his mission as Russia’s ambassador to Washington

CIS leaders to adopt address to world nations on 80th anniversary of victory in WWII

"Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is expected to speak on this matter during the meeting," Yury Ushakov noted

Israel Defense Forces reports hitting Hezbollah intelligence headquarters in Beirut

Israel’s warplanes attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley area in the early hours of Monday, striking weapons storage facilities, military infrastructure sites, and one launcher

Press review: Israeli reprisal against Iran looms and Iraq bets on Russia amid US exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 3rd

CIS foreign ministers adopt statement on security in Eurasia — executive committee

The statement reaffirms the readiness of the Commonwealth countries "to make a practical contribution to the creation of an architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, sustainable and long-term stabilization of the military and political situation, as well as the settlement of existing regional conflicts and the prevention of new ones"

Hezbollah fighters use paragliders in attempt to infiltrate Israel’s northern border — TV

Lebanese TV channel also reported earlier that on October 6, Hezbollah fighters tried to enter the territory of the Israeli state through an underground tunnel system in the Kibbutz Doviv area

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts up to 460 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Battlegroup Center units continued advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses

No relation between US election, Russia’s change of ambassador — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov recalled that Anatoly Antonov had worked in Washington for quite a while

Russian assets frozen in the Netherlands melt to 97.2 mln euros from 660 mln — newspaper

According to the publication, "Russian assets worth more than half a billion euros were apparently released with the approval of the ministry"

2016 World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

Sports include eagle hunting, bone throwing and kok-boru, a Central Asian form of polo in which two teams battle for control of a decapitated goat carcass

Lebanon shells Israel’s northern regions, firing some 20 projectiles — army

According to the army press service, shortly before midnight, "about five projectiles" from Lebanon were fired toward Haifa and its environs

Brent prices continue rally on ICE

WTI futures with settlements in November gain 3.79% and hit $77.2 per barrel at the same time

Russian soldiers eliminated Ukrainian militants who shot civilians in Kursk region

During one of these clashes, fighter eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers in hand-to-hand combat

Kiev uses Western chemical weapons under guise of smoke shells in Sudzha — top brass

These munitions in the amount of 3,800 shells were supplied to Ukraine in September 2023 under a military assistance package, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov pointed out

Ukrainian servicemen loot apartments of Ugledar residents before fleeing — top brass

The ministry emphasized that the Ukrainian troops tried to literally knock people out of the town

Russia remains integral to ITER project — organization’s Director General

According to Pietro Barabaschi, ITER is proud to have Russia involved, and will not change its policy of cooperation

Leader of Georgia’s largest opposition party beaten by police at rally — report

Levan Khabeishvili is a chairman of the party called United National Movement

Severstal to invest $1.2 bln in pellets plant construction

Investments in the project escalated from about 97 bln to 116 bln rubles in the course of further adjustment of process parameters, a Severstal spokesperson told TASS

Case against Ukrainian militants: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 150 servicemen, three armored fighting vehicles, as well as two artillery pieces, four mortars and two vehicles

Israeli Air Force attacks Hamas command centers in central Gaza Strip — army

IDF said that Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital were used to plan and execute attacks

Man-made emergency situation introduced in Crimea’s Feodosia in wake of fire at oil depot

Traffic was suspended on two streets in downtown Feodosia

Chinese-Russian relations withstand all tests, continue developing — Chinese ambassador

Over the past 75 years, our relations have survived the tests of the difficulties of the international situation and have always maintained vitality and energy

Russia to keep gathering evidence of Kiev’s use of toxic chemicals, diplomat says

"The perpetrators of these and other crimes against Russian citizens will be identified and won’t avoid being duly punished," Maria Zakharova noted

Israeli official confirms that HAMAS leader Sinwar still alive — portal

According to the source, Sinwar sent a number of messages to HAMAS mediators in Qatar recently

Russian troops liberate Grodovka community in Donbass region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 410 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian stock indices falling on Monday — market data

The yuan ticked up by 0.47% to 13.51 rubles over the day

Houthis say they hit targets in Tel Aviv, Eilat with missiles, drones

The Houthis greeted Hamas and Hezbollah fighters on the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and promised to continue delivering strikes on Israel and hampering the passage of Israel-linked ships across the Red Sea until Tel Aviv "lifts blockade of the Gaza Strip and ends its aggression against Lebanon"

Russian tank crews helped seize last Ukrainian army positions in Ugledar — top brass

Ugledar was part of a network of large Ukrainian army strongholds in the south Donetsk frontline area

Ukrainian conflict can end in 15 days without Western support for Kiev — Borrell

In that case, Russian President Vladimir Putin would have achieved his goals, the EU top diplomat said

Russian teen sensation Andreeva breaks into top-20 of WTA Rankings for first time

Mirra Andreeva also won a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris in women’s doubles (playing in pairs with Russia’s Diana Shnaider)

Russia may take part in construction of second NPP in Turkey — Deputy Prime Minister

According to Alexander Novak, successful joint work on the Akkuyu project opens up opportunities for expanding cooperation

West intends to use militants to destabilize Eurasia once Ukraine conflict is over

According to Sergey Naryshkin, Ukrainian officers stationed at the Al-Tanf US military base in Syria work out ways how to deliver attacks on Russian servicemen on duty in Syria

Orban says his country 'will not surrender' to Brussels, world powers, migrants

Hungarian Prime Minister also praised Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, saying that in Hungary he was seen as a hero for securing Italy's borders and protecting Europe

Settling conflict with Russia among Georgia’s top priorities — PM

Dwelling on the government’s foreign policy plans for the next four years, Irakli Kobakhidze cited resetting relations with the United States and the European Union as "the most important national ask"

Russian artillery wipes out Ukrainian UAV control post in borderline Kursk area

"After determining and confirming exact coordinates of the enemy’s location, a decision was made to deliver a strike at the target," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Increase in violence in Middle East may affect entire world, Russian envoy says

Gennady Gatilov emphasized that "on October 7, 2023, the world was shaken by a horrifying tragedy in Israel, which claimed the lives of nearly 1,200 people and shattered thousands of human fates"

Russia's allies come to rescue after Siemens fails to deliver on Akkuyu NPP deal

According to Alexander Novak, Russia and the Turkish side are assessing how this situation will impact the overall project timeline

IDF detects several projectiles launched at central Israel from Lebanon

This was Monday’s third shelling attack on central Israel

Russia rolls out first flight prototype of state-of-the art Okhotnik heavy strike drone

The drone’s serial deliveries to the troops are due to begin from 2024

Israeli warplanes bomb southern outskirts of Beirut

The Lebanon 24 news portal said ground targets for Israeli strikes included military intelligence headquarters and ammunition depots

Realities for settlement in Ukraine have changed significantly — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said that "the issue of the day should be ending the conflict, not establishing a ceasefire"

Russian troops seize control of fortifications in DPR's Ugledar

The DPR head pointed out that Ugledar was important for the Ukrainian military because its high-rise buildings made it possible to set up observation posts and a system of repeaters

Lavrov briefs CIS colleagues on Russia’s approaches to Middle East, Ukraine crises

Russian Foreign Ministe adopted a number of joint statements, including on the principles of cooperation in ensuring security in Eurasia, the unacceptability of using unilateral restrictive measures in international relations

Polish mercenaries in Ukrainian ranks openly shoot civilians in Sudzha

Eyewitnesses confirm the large presence of Poles in the area

Russia’s relations with CIS countries develop steadily, nothing threatens them — Lavrov

The minister noted that the links between CIS and SCO ensure interaction between Russia, China and India, while the economic, logistical and creative potential of these associations contributes to the well-being of all CIS countries

US bankrolled mechanism of covert spread of pathogens in Ukraine, Russian top brass says

As the documents show, at the biological labs created and financed in Ukraine, experiments were held with the samples of bat coronavirus, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov also noted

Israel yet undecided on time, targets of its response to Iran — diplomat

"We will choose the exact location and the way of the response," the Jewish state’s Permanent Representative to the UN Danny Danon has told

DPR head expects entire region to be liberated in foreseeable future

"For our part, we expect that the DPR will be liberated in the foreseeable future as part of efforts to achieve the goals set by the Russian president," Denis Pushilin noted

Russia’s FSB finds cache of chemical substances in DPR

The weapons and ammunition have been handed over to the Russian army for further use

If Israel, US go to war with Iran, serious global crisis to follow — Turkish expert

Abdullah Agar said that Israel has received clear reasons for a strike on Iran together with the US, which until now "supported Israel only in the context of the principles and concepts of defense"

Court in Moscow hands down lengthy prison sentence to 72-year-old US mercenary Hubbard

The court also ordered 142,000 hryvnias ($3,400) confiscated from the defendant and paid to the Russian state

Press review: Russia urges Israel to see reason and NATO at wits end on how to help Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 4th

Press review: Gaza conflict turns one year old and who could be Russia's next envoy to US

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 7th

Surprise was ‘key factor for success’ in Ugledar — battle group East’s deputy chief

All those who took part in storming this stronghold will be nominated for state decorations

UN General Assembly adopts Russian resolution against glorification of Nazism

The document was supported by 120 countries, while ten abstained and 50 voted against it

Draconid meteor shower to light up sky on Tuesday night

The streaks, being yellow and reddish in color, trail the Earth, so they enter the atmosphere at a low speed of around 20 km per second

Russia does not exclude Europe from Eurasia’s security dialogue — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that "the degradation of the military and political situation caused by the course of the collective West towards undermining the sovereign development of the continent's leading powers cannot in itself be acceptable to responsible Eurasian states"

Ukrainian troops leave key defense positions in Tsukurino in DPR

An uneasy situation has also emerged for Ukrainian troops in the neighboring community of Gornyak, the defense circles said

Lavrov cautions West against discussions of allowing Kiev to strike deep into Russia

At a meeting in Kiev on September 11, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky did not make any decisions regarding the authorization for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with US-supplied weapons

Resources are available in budget — Russian Finance Minister

"We will hold trilateral commission’s meeting when preparing for the second reading in order to analyze these priorities in detail," Anton Siluanov noted

Iranian airports resume receiving, dispatching flights

Flights have been operating normally since 11:00 p.m. local time

Candidature of Russia’s new ambassador to US being agreed upon — Kremlin aide

Anatoly Antonov served as Russia’s ambassador to the United States for the past seven years

Nuclear test ban organization says Iranian seismic event looks like earthquake — diplomat

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Iran’s province of Semnan southeast of the capital Tehran on October 5

Iran, its allies working toward pact to counter potential US, Israeli attack

The authors of the bill argue that Iran’s Security Council should be in charge of considering applications to join the Pact of Resistance

Almost 9,400 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

Over the past day, 9,395 people from Lebanon crossed the Syrian Arab Republic’s border via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar and Jdaidet Yabous

US intelligence still sees no attempts to meddle with US election from abroad

A similar statement was made by a spokesperson for the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence in early September

Israel does not rule out attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities – top defense official

According to CNN, the US has made it clear that it opposes attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure

Iran not going to allow Israel to launch new round of violence — envoy to Russia

According to Kazem Jalali, the behavior of Western countries is "surprising" in this context

At least 16 caches with US-made weapons found in hideouts of Syrian militants

While examining militant hideouts, struck by the Russian Aerospace Forces since September 23, 2024, a total of 16 caches with US-made weapons were found

Underground tunnels were built in Lebanon to attack Israel, envoy says

When we launched an operation in Lebanon a week ago - after a whole year of diplomatic efforts and negotiations - we immediately discovered the same underground depots and tunnels designed for an attack on Israel

Termination of Russian gas transit to EU can affect fuel supplies to Ukraine — FT

Further to the loss of transit fees, the pipeline shutdown could "even threaten Ukraine’s own gas supply if its pipeline infrastructure becomes a target," Director of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies Mario Holzner said

FACTBOX: Commonwealth of Independent States

Members of the Commonwealth are states that have acceded to the CIS Charter within one year of its adoption

Russia’s female triathlete dies at Ironman tournament in Barcelona

"Yelena Smirnova drowned at the Ironman competition in Barcelona," Natalya Smirnova said

Slovakia ready to host lower-level meetings for summit on Ukraine — prime minister

Slovakia, as Fico noted, is interested in continuing intergovernmental consultations with Ukraine

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Four violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported in Syria in the past day

Winner of Miss Russia 2024 pageant vows to do her best to win Miss Universe title

Valentina Alekseeva told TASS that she is overwhelmed with happiness, joy and excitement for the future

NASA astronaut Dyson views her flight with Russian cosmonauts as privilege

"It has been an honor to represent NASA, living and working aboard our magnificent International Space Station for the past six months," Dyson said

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Ukraine not going to renew gas transit agreement with Russia — Ukrainian PM

The International Energy Agency earlier highlighted the significant risk for the full stop of Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine after 2024, because the gas transit contract between the two countries expires at the turn of this year

Russian Defense Ministry announces liberation of Zhelannoye Vtoroye in Donetsk area

Ukraine lost up to 755 troops from operations of the battlegroup South over the past day

Putin to pay working visit to Turkmenistan on October 11 — Kremlin aide

According to the Kremlin aide, the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and a number of other countries were invited to take part in the forum

Ka-52M attack Ukrainian military near Kursk Region’s border

Helicopters carried out strikes against Ukrainian manpower and armored vehicles

Scientists Ambros, Ruvkun win Nobel Prize in Medicine for groundbreaking microRNA work

The Nobel Committee said that microRNAs are "fundamentally important for how organisms develop and function"

Ukraine admits worsening of situation for its troops near Selidovo in DPR

According to spokesman for Ukraine’s 15th Kara-Dag brigade of operational assignment at the National Guard of Ukraine Vitaly Milovidov, the Russian military has intensified the suppression of Ukrainian firing positions

Over 130 missiles fired at Israel from Lebanon during day — IDF

Another round of escalation flared up in the region following the launch of Israel’s Operation Northern Arrows in Lebanon on September 23

Putin to celebrate his birthday in office

The Russian President turns 72

Uganda gives US ambassador three days to leave country

According to Ugandan Armed Forces Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, William Popp engaged in activities that are inconsistent with his diplomatic status

Putin to meet with Azerbaijani president, Armenian PM ahead of CIS summit

The leaders will discuss issues of the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Yury Ushakov said

SVR chief implicates US, Britain in Nord Stream sabotage

"While the investigation into this sabotage is ongoing in the West, "its course gives no hope that the real culprits behind the incident will ever be punished," Sergey Naryshkin stressed

Restoring peace in Ukraine not part of West’s or Kiev’s plan — Lavrov

"The document initialed in Istanbul in late March 2022 was never signed by Zelensky at the insistence of his Western supervisors, in particular, the then British prime minister," the top Russian diplomat said