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Referendum on joining Russia may be held in LPR in near future — LPR head

"I am sure that this is exactly how it will be," Leonid Pasechnik said

Head of Lugansk People’s Republic Leonid Pasechnik Alexander Russky/TASS

Head of Lugansk People’s Republic Leonid Pasechnik

© Alexander Russky/TASS

LUGANSK, March 27. /TASS/. A referendum on becoming part of Russia may be held in the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) in the near future, LPR head Leonid Pasechnik told reporters on Sunday.

"I think that in the near future a referendum will be held on the territory of the republic where people will exercise their constitutional right and express their opinion on joining Russia. For some reason, I am sure that this is exactly how it will be," Pasechnik assured.

The situation on the line of engagement in Donbass escalated on February 17. At that time, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) reported the most massive bombardments by the Ukrainian military over past months, which damaged civilian infrastructure and caused civilian casualties. On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing the sovereignty of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Subsequent treaties of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance were signed with their leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address on February 24 that in response to a request by the leaders of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation. The Russian head of state stressed that Moscow had no plans of occupying Ukrainian territories.

IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as ‘very dangerous precedent’

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss current escalation in Middle East

On the evening of April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including the attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus ascribed to Israel

Servicemen of Russia’s battlegroup West receive certificates for destroyed Leopard-2 tanks

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that immediately after the award ceremony, the servicemen returned to their units to continue performing their assigned tasks in the special military operation zone.

Russian Su-34 jets destroy Ukrainian command post with high-explosive aerial bombs

"The strike was carried out with ODAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russian investors in Belarus interested in logistics, oil refining — minister

According to Roman Golovchenko, Russia is a key economic partner and source of finance for Belarus

Attacks on ZNPP raise risks for nuclear safety — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi reminded the Security Council that last year he outlined the principles of ensuring safety at the ZNPP to avert the danger of a nuclear incident and called on Russian and Ukraine to observe them

Arbitration rules for recovering 114.8 mln from Glencore in favor of Sber

In February 2023, the Moscow Arbitration Court ruled to recover the debt totaling 117.9 mln euro in favor of Sberbank from Glencore Energy UK Ltd

FACTBOX: Water down in Orenburg, Kurgan and Tyumen at risk

More than 15,000 residential houses and over 23,600 garden plots are exposed to the flood in the Orenburg Region

Russian air defenses suppress up to 400 Ukrainian UAVs in DPR over week

The drones neutralized by the air defenses included a Mavic-3 UAV and three Baba-Yaga drones carrying improvised explosive devices manufactured with the use of anti-tank aerial bombs and mines

Israel to soon retaliate Iranian attack, no exact date yet — media

The Wall Street Journal did not specify the exact day

Russia to furnish advanced Korsar drones with electronic warfare systems

The cutting-edge drone was unveiled during the night rehearsals of the Victory Day parade in Moscow

Israel remains on highest alert as it chooses response to Iran’s attack — senior commander

"Iran will face the consequences for its actions," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said

Russia, Belarus sign aircraft production agreement

The complex of measures (plan) to stimulate Russian investment activity in Belarus was also signed

Israel considering retaliatory steps following Iranian attack — top brass

According to Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military was well-prepared for the Iron Shield operation to counter the Iranian attack

Restoration of Notre Dame de Paris enters its final stage

The cathedral will open to the public on the fifth anniversary of the fire, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo promised in a statement

Lavrov sees no chance of Germany, Japan becoming permanent UNSC members

The Russian foreign minister also said the two countries would bring absolutely nothing new to the Security Council discussions as they "obediently do Washington's bidding, just like virtually every other Western country"

Russia, Belarus boosting interaction despite sanctions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the record-high indicator of mutual trade turnover is $45.2 bln

New generation Amur-LNG rocket to be reused 50-100 times — Roscosmos CEO

Yury Borisov noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was used no more than ten times

Russian forces find coordinates of DPR churches at former Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka

It was possible to establish that the Ukrainian servicemen were tasked with hitting Orthodox sites in the region aide to the head of the Donetsk People's Republic Igor Kimakovsky said

Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

Ukrainian paratroopers surrender in Avdeyevka area — Russian Defense Ministry

Nine Ukrainian paratroopers of the airborne platoon of the elite brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces seized the opportunity to surrender near Vodyanoye, turned to Russian soldiers and laid down their arms, the ministry said

Zelensky irked by US’ request to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure — media

It is noted that US officials believe the military benefits of Ukraine’s air raids on Russian oil refineries are "of questionable value," since "the strikes do little to diminish Russia’s war-fighting abilities"

Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

According to Yair Lapid, Israeli allies "smell this weakness," too

Russia unaware of any UN Security Council document on Iran — envoy

Malta's permanent representative to the UN Vanessa Frazier told reporters that so far only one country had expressed a desire to prepare a document on Iran

Tobol River level may reach more than 10 meters near Kurgan — authorities

There are 309 residential houses and 571 household plots exposed to the flood in the region

Ukraine offers to use neighbors' air defense systems to protect its gas storage facilities

According to German Galushchenko, the issue has been discussed, and "everyone is quite positive about it"

Press review: Iran fires back at Israel and Russia, West spar over AI rulebook

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 15th

Official labels Ukrainian claims about Russia hitting nuclear facility 'total lie'

"Undoubtedly, everything that is going on today, carries a direct threat to nuclear safety," Renat Karchaa reiterated

Iran plans negotiations with Russia on purchase of Sukhoi fighters

Iran's Ministry of Defense the country needs to strengthen its air force

Ukrainians attack Lugansk, presumably using two Storm Shadow missiles — security officer

Today’s attack has been the first on the city since May 2023

Putin shocked by brutality, cynicism of terrorist attack in Iran - Kremlin

The killing of civilians visiting a cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism Putin said

US, Europe’s military force insufficient to fight Russia — expert

Previously, former US Secretary of Defense Advisor Douglas Macgregor said that the failure of the US Administration in the Ukrainian conflict has already disrupted the balance in Europe, strengthening Russia’s positions

Ukraine actively uses Caesar self-propelled howitzers in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov did not specified the amount of Ukrainian equipment

Deflecting Iran attack cost billions, Israel, US can't repeat it — former UN inspector

"If Iran ends up with the number of missiles and drones necessary to sustain this level of action for a week, they will have exhausted Israel's ability to defend itself," Scott Ritter said

Ukrainian armed forces launch drone offensive on Belgorod Region

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov added that attacks were recorded in the Krasnoyaruzhsky and Shebekinsky districts, with no casualties

New sanctions against Moscow to push supplies of Russian metal to China up — Bloomberg

The London Metal Exchange’s ban on Russian aluminum, copper and nickel produced after April 13, 2024 leaves the Shanghai Futures Exchange as the only major commodities bourse in the world to accept Russian shipments of the three metals

Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

The hearing took place amid a heated debate between representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and the opposition

Ukraine announces blocking of 83 TikTok channels, including 'tass_agency'

Meanwhile, almost half of all Ukrainians view the authorities’ attempts to control the information on the web negatively, according to polls

China’s Jetour plans to sell up to 50,000 cars in Russia this year

Sales volumes depend on the demand for it, Liang Bin stated, noting that this refers not merely to sales of the Jetour Dashing crossover but also to other brand models, including X70 and X90 crossovers and the T2 SUV

Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone found in Moscow office

According to the source, the owner of the drone is being questioned by law enforcement

Senior Russian diplomat warns about proportional response to threats coming from Finland

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, many of such measures have already been announced

Russia’s top brass reports destroying first Khmara jammer in Ukraine operation

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian troops took better positions in the Donetsk area over the past day

Senior Russian diplomat warns West against aggressive statements about Russia

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the West "is ignoring elementary and, as a matter of fact, absolutely obvious principles," such as the idea that a nuclear power "can never be defeated"

Russia urges Middle East nations to show restraint amid escalation — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, further escalation is in no one's interests

Ukraine suffered substantial power generation losses over recent weeks — minister

According to German Galushchenko, the value of the damage is being verified and could reach billions of dollars

Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts

EU’s oil import dependency at its highest in 2022 — Eurostat

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French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

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Russia to continue boosting cooperation with countries of Global South, East — Lavrov

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Israel Defense Forces announce planned military drills in country’s north on April 16

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US, UK strikes harm Yemeni settlement prospects — Russian mission to UN

"Such actions harm the intra-Yemeni settlement, undermining the efforts of international and regional mediators," Dmitry Polyansky noted

Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

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Hamas not to make any concessions on Israeli troops’ withdrawal from Gaza

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Russia raises issue of transferring talks on South Caucasus from Switzerland — ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "several states rightfully lay claim to such a role, and some of them have already agreed to provide their territory for holding regular discussion meetings"

Volume of frozen Russian assets in Germany reaches around €3.9 bln

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General agreement includes organizing the production of the brand’s products in Russia and gradually increasing the level of localization

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Georgian protesters end rally in Tbilisi over foreign agents bill

Rustaveli Avenue has been opened for traffic

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Igor Kimakovsky said that the Ukrainian combat group in Chasov Yar is suffering heavy casualties

Police detain 14 people at rally in Georgia

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that one police member was injured

Ukraine hits medical center in Belgorod Region

The fire was extinguished, no casualties occurred

Journalist Hinkle agrees with Carlson that Moscow is cleaner and safer than US cities

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Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

Ukraine uses GLSDB munitions to hit city in Zaporozhye Region

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Israeli defense minister holds meeting on preparations for operation in Rafah

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Man killed in DPR's Gorlovka in Ukrainian drone attack

The Ukrainian armed forces dropped the explosive object from the drone at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time

Europe may soon toughen policy on Ukrainian migrants — expert

Vilde Hernes stressed that the protection permits for Ukrainian migrants contain many restrictions "such as fewer integration measures, less financial assistance, and no path to permanent residency"

Press TV reports all of Iran's hypersonic missiles hit intended targets in Israel

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IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as ‘very dangerous precedent’

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

Russia to resolve security issues on its own — diplomat

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Russia developing Start-1M carrier rocket as derivative of Topol-M ICBM — source

Like the ICBM, the carrier rocket is intended for launches from a mobile launching platform

Iran detains MSC Aries ship over violation of maritime law — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani noted that Tehran monitors "all ships in the strategic strait" and prevents violations of the country's sovereignty

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

Three 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 24 hours

Russian foreign ministry blames Paris for death of French mercenaries in Kharkov

The ministry hopes "that the people of France will ultimately learn the truth about the actual scope of France’s involvement in the conflict"

Putin signs decree on spring draft to armed forces

The document also dismisses soldiers, sailors, sergeants and petty officers, whose conscription time span has expired

West believes Israel may retaliate against Iran as early as April 15 — WSJ

Israeli allies believe the Iranian strike does not warrant a large-scale response due to the lack of damage that it caused

Water level in Tobol River near Kurgan city may rise to 1,082 cm — authorities

Meanwhile, "the forecast of the National Center of the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations says that in the worst developments, it may rise to ten meters and 82 centimeters," the government said

Russian forces suppress nearly 80% of Ukrainian drones in island zone of Dnieper River

According to a servicemen of Russia's Northern Fleet marine infantry from the battlegroup Dnepr, control of this area is necessary to organize a buffer zone that ensures the safety of Russian units on the left bank and civilians

Over 40 nations want to join BRICS — Russian lawmaker

According to Grigory Karasin, many BRICS members share the opinion that the association should be in no hurry to adopt a strict charter, "seeing how counterproductively and even provocatively the European Union is acting"

Russian envoy calls UN Security Council meeting on Iran strike parade of hypocrisy

"If Western missions were attacked, you would not hesitate to retaliate and prove your case in this room. Because for you, everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian skiers unlikely to return to int’l competition before 2028 — sports official

Russian cross country skiers have been barred from taking part in international competitions since 2022 due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine

Tajikistan’s aluminum production up 27% in Q1 2024 year-on-year

In 2023, the company’s production amounted to 66,649 tons, which is 7% higher than in 2022, while total production in 2024 is expected to exceed 84,000 tons of aluminum, which will be 25% higher than in 2023, Pavel Dyck said

Russia’s UN envoy says statements by West expose Kiev’s responsibility for attacks on ZNPP

"They not only completely gave away Zelensky's regime, but also confessed to their own complicity in these irresponsible bombardments," said Vasily Nebenzya

Russian, Tajik troops kick off joint military drills in Tajikistan

The joint bilateral exercise is running on April 15-18, 2024

Russian stock indices rising on Monday — market data

The dollar surged by 0.32% to 93.75 rubles, while the euro edged up by 0.22% to 99.83 rubles

US reaffirms commitment to defending Japan, including with nuclear weapons

Joe Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan under Article V of the Treaty, using its full range of capabilities

Iran has warned US that Israeli response would set off harsh retaliation — minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the statement as he spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

White House effectively rules out option for US forces to intercept Russian missiles

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Joe Biden had made it clear that the United States would not take on a combat role in Ukraine

Macron draws distinction between Israeli, Russian Olympic participation

The French leader stressed that Israel was responding to a terrorist attack

Kazakhstan ready to host talks on Ukraine — envoy to Spain

Diplomacy is the wisest approach in today's age, Danat Mussayev noted, adding that it should take the interests of all parties into account

Demarche delivered to UK consul general in Yekaterinburg over propaganda work

Alexander Kharlov also specified that the provision of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the bilateral Consular Convention on the need for foreign diplomats to comply with the laws and rules of the host country had been reiterated to Kotecha

Iran has no need to buy Russia’s S-400 missile systems — defense minister

Iran’s Bavar-373 long-range mobile air defense system, believed to be an equivalent of Russia's S-300 systems, will become operational by the year-end

Russia open to help resolve situation in Sudan — ambassador

Andrey Chernovol recalled that the Russian embassy is currently located in the temporary capital of Sudan, Port Sudan, and diplomats are in contact with the country's official authorities

Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

Stanislav Beryozkin was taken to a hospital to undergo thorough examination, with all the required tests made

Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Share of young men in Ukrainian population drops to record low, says paper

According to the report, the situation "seriously undermines the combat effectiveness of the Ukrainian army, where young men under 30 years of age are the backbone"