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Talks begin between Putin and Macron

The Elysee Palace noted that today's conversation between the two leaders represents the last possible and necessary effort to avoid a major conflict in Ukraine

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron started on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Paris time (13:00 Moscow time), AFP reported with reference to the Elysee Palace.

The Elysee Palace noted that today's conversation between the two leaders represents the last possible and necessary effort to avoid a major conflict in Ukraine.

Putin and Macron last spoke over the phone on February 12. On February 7, the presidents held face-to-face talks in the Kremlin. Earlier, the leaders of Russia and France also spoke on the phone three times. After his visit to Moscow, the French president visited Kiev.

The situation along the contact line in eastern Ukraine took a turn for the worse on the morning of February 17. The Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics reported some of the most intensive shelling by Kiev forces in recent months. The shelling damaged some civilian facilities.

On Friday, the leaders of the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics announced the evacuation of the republics’ inhabitants to Russia, citing the increasing threat of hostilities.

Putin’s inauguration speech evokes key principle of Peace of Westphalia — analyst

"It is of existential importance that President Putin reiterated, in his inauguration speech, his openness to have a dialogue with the West," Helga Zepp-LaRouche said

Ukraine loses several hundred servicemen near DPR’s Novopokrovskoye due to lack of defense

It is noted that any Ukrainian activity on this section of the front is immediately suppressed by Russia’s precise and coordinated actions

Putin may hold bilateral meeting with Lukashenko in Kremlin later on Wednesday

Before the EAEU summit, the two leaders held a brief conversation

Russian tech firm ramps up production of glide bombs — CEO

Rostec is "building up the production of air bombs of all calibers and types," Sergey Chemezov said

Israeli forces eliminate commander of Hamas' naval unit in Gaza City

According to the IDF, Ahmed Ali, who has been involved in steering operations of Hamas' naval unit in the Gaza Strip in recent years, was eliminated as a result of an air attack

MAKS air show may be canceled in 2024 — source

There are no dates for the event on its official website

Some countries reevaluating reliance on dollar over national security concerns — IMF

Meanwhile, "despite increased geopolitical risks, the latest data show that the US dollar remains dominant," Gita Gopinath noted

Oil prices accelerated their decline

The Brent price reached $77.69, while WTI oil also showed a moderate decline and traded at $71.85

Russia hammers Ukrainian energy, military sites in retaliatory strike — top brass

The Ukrainian army’s losses in the Kupyansk direction over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel and two 122mm D-30 howitzers, it specified

Aleksandar Vucic greets Chinese leader at Belgrade Airport

The ceremony on the occasion of the visit of the 400-strong Chinese delegation will take place at Palata Srbije

Russian diplomat accuses EU spokesman of 'inciting terrorism' with Crimean Bridge remarks

According to Maria Zakharova, it is shocking that the statement was made by a European official who "in general speaks on behalf of the entire European Union"

Putin to participate in EAEU summit — his first international event of new term

A traditional friendly dinner for the heads of CIS delegations took place on Tuesday night

Putin begins his first international meeting after inauguration - EAEU summit

The summit is attended by the leaders of the Eurasian ‘Five’ - presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Prime Minister of Armenia

Ukraine’s economy to fall into deep coma without West’s support — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev regime is nothing else but "a huge global laundering operation for the transfer of tens and hundreds of billions of dollars for unknown purposes and no one knows where"

Zelenodolsk shipyard to float missile, patrol ships on May 7

Project 22800 ships with Kalibr missiles are brown-water multirole missile-artillery boats designed to destroy surface warships and boats and repel air attacks

Cooperation within EAEU positive for all five members, including Armenia — Putin

"Armenia’s trade with the EAEU countries has rocketed 14-fold," the president said

Kremlins spokesman calls for vigilance over deepfake technology

Dmitry Peskov noted that it was impossible to combat the deepfake technology

European Commission confirms agreement on expropriation of income from Russian assets

This decision must now be approved by the EU Council at ministerial level

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

Multiple documents adopted during EAEU summit in Moscow

One document marks the beginning of negotiations on a trade agreement with Mongolia

Detention of US soldier in Russia’s Vladivostok has no relation to espionage — diplomats

Russian Foreign Ministry’s mission in Vladivostok that "not following the case of the US citizen closely"

US plans to return to previous schedule of weapons deliveries to Ukraine

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller had no specific announcements to make

BRICS has potential to create new, more fair world order — South African leader

Cyril Ramaposa notes that BRICS unites about 40% of the world's population

Parades, concerts across Russia to mark Victory Day on May 9

In Moscow, the celebration will open with a ceremonial parade on Red Square at 10 a.m.

Press review: Vladimir Putin sworn in for fifth term and EU, Ukraine talk arms deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 8th

FACTBOX: What is known about string of blasts at Ukraine’s power facilities

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strikes were carried out with drones as well as sea-and air-launched precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles

CSTO aware of Armenia's decision to stop funding organization — source

Armenia remains a member state of the CSTO, the source stressed

Russian embassy expresses regret over London’s new restrictions

Earlier in the day, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly announced in parliament that the British authorities will expel Russia’s defense attache, impose new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas and remove diplomatic status from some Russian properties

Problem of protectionism on EAEU markets requires urgent solution — Belarusian president

Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the government procurement system in the markets of the EAEU countries

Russian government resigns

The cabinet will continue to carry out its duties until a new government is appointed

US losing favor around world, while Russia's image improving — poll

The US’ image saw the biggest dip in the Middle East and North Africa (12 percentage points on average), as well as in Europe (seven percentage points)

Kiev troops presumably used ATACMS missiles to strike Lugansk — politician

"Missiles hit an oil storage facility within city limits," Vladimir Rogov said

Russian diplomat slams Western ambassador for being absent from Putin’s inauguration

Maria Zakharova also asked a rhetorical question about what these countries’ new ambassadors would do when they have to hand over their credentials to the president

Ukrainian army leaving positions near Avdeyevka over Russia’s incessant gunfire — POW

The escape gives only a few a chance to survive as frequently incessant Russian artillery accurate strikes rule out this option for Ukrainian troops, Yury Yurechko noted

Cuba intends to expand participation EAEU mechanisms — President

According to the Miguel Diaz-Canel, it is necessary to improve coordination of actions to give impetus to joint projects in areas of mutual interest

Kiev meddling in Russia’s domestic affairs by calling Putin’s presidency illegitimate

"It was another blatant attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of our country and it was definitely orchestrated by the West with the use of the Kiev regime as its tool," Maria Zakharova noted

French tired of supporting Ukraine — war correspondent

Christelle Nahan noted that people were tired of the fact that there was not enough money for the development of infrastructure, hospitals and schools, for pensions and benefits for children

Belarusian forces to rehearse tactical nuclear strikes as part of snap readiness test

An Iskander missile system battalion and a squadron of Su-25 airplanes are being brought to readiness to perform planned missions

Putin ends talks with Pashinyan, starts meeting with Uzbekistan’s president — spokesman

Putin’s meeting with Pashinyan lasted a little more than an hour

FACTBOX: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s biography

Since June 12, 2013, Putin has been the leader of the non-governmental movement All-Russia People’s Front, created at his initiative as a coalition of social and political forces

Russian sniper reports elimination of Ukrainian serviceman wearing helmet with SS emblem

He specified that his group took the helmet as proof of the elimination

Press review: Russia flexes nuclear muscle and Israel signals imminent offensive in Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 7th

China supports Serbia in defending its sovereignty on Kosovo issue — Xi

Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Serbia on May 7-8

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Xi arrives on state visit in Hungary

The key topics of talks in Budapest are expected to include bilateral economic ties and the conflict in Ukraine

Aerospace Forces receive new Su-35S fighters

Su-35S have passed ground and flight trials and flew from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to the deployment airfield

EAEU proves its effectiveness in the face of sanctions challenges — Putin

According to the president, the EAEU institutions and mechanisms are constantly fine-tuned, which makes it possible to adapt to changes and develop dynamically despite the crisis phenomena in the global economy

Over 882,000 Ukrainian men now EU refugees — statistics agency

Most Ukrainian refugees live in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic

Germany’s recalling ambassador to Russia another unfriendly step, diplomat says

According to Maria Zakharova, Berlin’s accusations of Moscow in the alleged ongoing cyberattacks were made in the "highly likely" style

Belarusian president urges faster implementation of decisions within EAEU amid sanctions

Taking into account the introduction of a new mechanism for financial support for industrial cooperation, Alexander Lukashenko asked the Eurasian Economic Commission to proactively get involved in this work and organize interaction "both across industries and with the involvement of business associations and unions of EAEU member states"

EU to agree 14th package of anti-Russia sanctions by July — EUobserver

Moreover, the new package of sanctions proposes an EU27-wide prohibition on Russian funding for "European political parties and European political foundations", "non-governmental organizations", and "media service providers", EUobserver said

EAEU establishes itself as one of centers of emerging multipolar world — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the current summit was dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the signing of the treaty establishing the Eurasian Economic Union

Belgium explains absence of ambassador at Russian president’s inauguration ceremony

The European Parliament adopted a resolution at a plenary session in Strasbourg on April 25 alleging that the recent presidential election in Russia was undemocratic

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares said that around 30% of weapons in service with his country’s armed forces are Russian-made

Polish judge asks for political asylum in Belarus

Tomasz Szmydt noted that he currently considers returning to Poland impossible, including due to safety reasons

Freak snowstorm hits Moscow

The snow falling on the ground does not melt immediately

London blatantly lies to justify anti-Russian steps, including expulsion of attache — MFA

We have to state that not only does the UK government intend to abandon its policy of provoking Russia, but it also exerts substantial efforts to raise the degree of confrontation, Maria Zakharova said

Belarusian president sees aggravating military situation at western, southern borders

"Remarks of war and nuclear strikes can already be heard from certain figures," the Alexander Lukashenko said

Macron’s aggressive rhetoric baffles even his allies — diplomat

"Very often France’s allies from the UK and Germany, as we understand, try to get clarifications as to what the French leadership means, without getting a direct answer," Maria Zakharova pointed out

West plotted aggression against Russia on eve of special military operation — top brass

"History repeats itself," Chief of the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Department, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Hero of Russia Admiral Kostyukov said

Musk's assertions about ancient Martian civilizations could hold true — Roscosmos

Earlier on Tuesday, Elon Musk spoke at a conference in Los Angeles, during which he suggested that humanity could find evidence of ancient civilizations existing on Mars

Euroclear fighting over 100 lawsuits in Russian courts against investors demanding refund

According to Euroclear's new chief executive Valerie Urbain, the likelihood that the depository will win these cases is quite low

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian missile solid propellant workshop over past day

Russian troops gained better positions in the south Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

About 15,000 children killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023 — authorities

At least 30 children died of malnutrition

UK announces expulsion of Russian defense attache, new diplomatic visa restrictions

According to Home Secretary James Cleverly, this is a message to Moscow in response to its actions allegedly aimed at undermining British assistance to Ukraine

Moscow condemns Berlin’s ban on symbols connected to Russia, Soviet Union

Maria Zakharova called Germany’s decision to ban the symbols of the Victory "a most shameful page" in the republic’s history

IMF warns against violations related to use of Russian assets for helping Ukraine

Deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund Gita Gopinath said that rebuilding mutual trust among countries requires a lot of time and effort and called for preserving "some of the enormous gains from economic integration"

Kiev forces view journalists wearing 'press' vests as primary target — war reporter

Christelle Neant recommended using small "press" labels in order to help Russian troops identify media workers

West should engage in dialogue with Russia — US expert

In Peter Kuznick opinion, the world is on the verge of a most serious conflict while "NATO is conducting massive war games"

Russian canoeist Pavlov bared from 2024 Olympics for clicking Like under Putin’s video

Canoe rowers Mikhail Pavlov and his teammate Zakhar Petrov were scheduled to participate in the 500-meter distance Olympic qualifying distance race for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games

Lukashenko, Putin talk ahead of EAEU summit

Earlier, the Belarusian leader said that during the visit he expected to discuss their partnership and tactical nuclear weapons with his Russian counterpart

Russian troops seize Ukrainian T-64 tank near Ugledar in DPR

The Ukrainian crew had the time to leave the vehicle while the tank was evacuated and is currently under repairs

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Battlegroup Center units fully liberated the settlement of Novokalinovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic and battlegroup West units fully liberated the settlement of Kislovka in the Kharkov Region

NATO wants 'hot war' with Russia which may destroy US, Carlson says

According to the journalist, everything that Washington does shows that it wants this war

Arms supplies to Kiev unlikely to drastically change situation on battlefield — US expert

In Peter Kuznick opinion, despite Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's assertions, "Ukraine is not going to drive every Russian soldier from the country"

NATO wants Ukraine to fight until victory, it is unrealistic — Hungarian foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto pointed out that NATO is crossing its own red lines by stating that "the war in Ukraine is our war"

Australian Navy’s destroyer, helicopter impede Chinese drills in Yellow Sea — top brass

The Australian side "calls black white and lays the blame on someone else" in its comment on the incident, Zhang Xiaogang noted

Medvedev gives warning amid talk of deploying Western troops to Ukraine

According to the politician, the cause of the discussion on dispatching Western troops to Ukraine, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, is a "shameless calculation for political bonus points"

Armenia to refrain from financing CSTO activity in 2024

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said earlier that his country cannot rely on the CSTO and he cannot answer Armenian society’s question why the country should be its member

Putin congratulates former Soviet republics with 79th anniversary of Victory over Germany

In his telegrams, the Russian leader underscored that Russia pays a tribute of deep gratitude and respect to all those who bravely fought at the frontline and worked selflessly at home, bringing the coveted Victory that cost so many lives

Putin to nominate candidate for prime minister when he deems necessary — spokesman

According to the law, within two weeks after the inauguration, the president must submit to the State Duma a nominee for prime minister

Cuba thanks EAEU countries for support amid US blockade — president

We are a small country, which has been under the [US] economic, trade and financial blockade for more than 60 years, Miguel Diaz-Canel said

Grossi says IAEA concerned about Russia’s plans to hold nuclear exercises

"We are following the situation in accordance with a number of parameters we have set in order to avoid a nuclear accident there," IAEA director-general said

Armenian PM tells Putin he wants to discuss bilateral relations

The Armenian prime minister thanked the Russian leader for the warm reception and perfect organization of the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union

EU envoys approve plan for Ukraine's obligations to carry out reforms

Payments under the 50 bln euro program will be issued to Kiev in stages, as its obligations are fulfilled

IOC says 'not in position' to reallocate Olympic medals to Russian athletes

On October 12, 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee until further notice after the Russian organization provided membership to the Olympic councils of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions

Putin’s inauguration kicks off in Kremlin

The main event will be held at the Grand Kremlin Palace but parts of it will take place outside at Cathedral Square where the Kremlin Presidential Regiment will march following the ceremony

Ukraine to be able to mobilize no more than 10,000-15,000 convicts — report

According to the source, there are currently about 28,000 inmates, and this number includes women, people unfit for military service due to health conditions, age and their criminal offenses

Russia may strike Britain's military facilities if London's threats materialize — MFA

Maria Zakharova described British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that London considered it legitimate for the Kiev regime to use British weapons for strikes on Russian territory as "something absolutely insane"

Presence of French-speaking mercenaries identified in 20 cases in Zaporozhye — politician

Ethnic Poles and Georgians account for the largest groups of mercenaries in the Ukrainian army

Kim Jong Un congratulates Putin on Victory Day

The congratulatory telegram to the Russian President was transmitted through North Korean Ambassador to Russia Shin Hong Chol

Ukraine approves bill on drafting convicts for military service

279 parliament members had voted in favor of the document

Russia vows not to deport Ukrainian citizens missing ‘green card’ deadline

The Interior Ministry said that this procedure does not cover the citizens who were released from imprisonment, who pose a threat to national or public security, who presented forged IDs or reported false information

FACTBOX: Key facts and figures about Russia’s Victory Day

Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

French military already present in Donbass — French journalist

Christelle Neant said that the Ukrainian armed forces is drafting people with no military experience as part of its mobilization campaign and sends them to the frontline after "just two or three weeks of training"

Russian embassy slams ‘unacceptable’ Berlin’s decision to ban Russian flag on May 8-9

"We consider the bans discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of post-war historical reconciliation of the peoples of Russia and Germany," the Russian diplomats pointed out

More than 90% of payments in EAEU are carried out in national currencies — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the combined GDP of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, according to available estimates, increased from $1.6 trillion to $2.5 trillion

FSB declassifies documents about Nazi Germany’s crimes in Crimea

As part of the No Limitations Period project, the FSB department for Crimea and Sevastopol declassified archival documents about the Great Patriotic War, including reports, reconnaissance data, protocols of interrogations of German captives

Annual inflation in Russia speeds up to 7.81% over week — Economy Ministry

In the food products sector in the reporting week, price growth slowed to 0.02%

EAEU leaders gather in Kremlin for anniversary summit

The heads of state will first discuss the results and future prospects of the EAEU, and then the meeting will be expanded to include members of the delegations