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US refuses to send Ukraine advanced drones to avoid escalation — WSJ

In September, the Wall Street Journal reported that a group of US congressmen addressed US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin with a request to provide Ukraine with modern drones, including the MQ-1C Gray Eagle

NEW YORK, November 10. /TASS/. The Biden administration has decided against handing its Gray Eagle MQ-1C drones over to Kiev, fearing that it could further escalate the conflict in Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, the administration of US President Joe Biden "won’t give Ukraine advanced drones despite pleas" from Kiev and members of both parties in Congress. The newspaper pointed out that the Pentagon refused to supply Kiev with the UAVs in question "on concerns that providing the Gray Eagle MQ-1C drones could escalate the conflict and signal to Moscow that the US was providing weapons that could target positions inside Russia".

In addition, the newspaper stated that the US administration had expressed concerns that in the course of combat operations, the technology of this drone may be stolen, namely, the cameras used in this model. As the Wall Street Journal notes, this may be the main reason why the US is shying away from supplying these UAVs to Ukraine.

In September, the Wall Street Journal reported that a group of US congressmen addressed US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin with a request to provide Ukraine with modern drones, including the MQ-1C Gray Eagle. The newspaper pointed out that Washington was skeptical about sending advanced drones to Kiev over fears of escalating tensions with Russia.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a special military operation in Ukraine following a request for assistance from the leaders of the Donbass republics. After that, the US, the EU, the UK, as well as a number of other countries imposed sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities. In addition, Western countries began to persistently supply arms and military equipment to Kiev worth billions of dollars.

North Dakota governor to head Interior Department, newly-formed Energy Council — Trump

The president-elect said the National Energy Council would bring together all departments and agencies involved in the permitting

Chechen leader reports eliminating Ukrainian troops in Sumy Region

According to Ramzan Kadyrov, fighters from the 34th Akhmat-Russia motorized rifle regiment conducted reconnaissance using unmanned aerial vehicles

US does not fulfill LNG contracts for Europe worth tens of billions of dollars — Gazprom

In addition, the United States is influencing the global gas market with its verbal interventions regarding the possible withholding of LNG supplies to China, as well as a temporary suspension of the issuance of export licenses, Deputy Head of the Department - Head of the Directorate at Gazprom Kirill Polous said

Abkhazian president leaves capital after opposition’s ultimatum

At present, Aslan Bzhania is staying in his home village of Tamysh

IN BRIEF: Protesters storm parliament building in Abkhazia

Opposition members made several attempts to break into the parliament building and managed to enter the square in front of parliament

Scholz, Putin agree to maintain contact — source in German cabinet

It is reported that Scholz expressed concern over reports about the alleged deployment of North Korean servicemen to Russia

Zelensky’s new plan for Ukraine is ‘an attempt to imitate’ busy activities — politician

Vitaly Ganchev noted that Zelensky's plans "pose no particular interest anymore to anyone and they the proposals are certainly not taken seriously"

European politicians repeat their position on Ukraine like mantra, says Kremlin

"Russian President Vladimir Putin told Olaf Scholz in detail about Russia's vision of what is happening, about possible prospects for the development of the situation," Dmitry Peskov said

Foreign mercenaries fighting on Ukraine’s side near Kupyansk, says military expert

Most of the intercepted talks deal with military issues, using a special talk chart, Andrey Marochko specified

Israel hits nuclear research facility in Iran, Axios claims

In October, Axios reported that an Israeli strike on Iran had disabled a crucial component of Iran's ballistic missiles production program

Baltic Fleet’s patrol ship Neustrashimy returns to Baltiysk after long-distance campaign

Neustrashimy spent more than four months at sea and sailed approximately 30,000 nautical miles

Gazprom has the right to stop gas supplies to Moldova due to country’s debts — Moldovagaz

Chairman of the Board of the Russian-Moldovan gas distribution company Vadim Cheban noted that he was not aware of any plans by the Russian gas holding to take advantage of this opportunity

FACTBOX: Putin, Scholz hold phone talks first time in two years

The talks were initiated by Berlin

Women’s shelter near Moscow catches fire, six injured

In its statement, the Russian emergencies ministry named "a short circuit in an electric heater" as a potential cause

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand become BRICS partner countries — Russian MFA

"The BRICS Summit in Kazan demonstrated the desire of the global majority to establish a fair world order, reform global institutions and build equitable economic ties," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said

Russian Rubicon drones strike Ukrainian trench shelters

"Upon detecting enemy positions and equipment, the data was immediately relayed to the strike force," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian army attacks Kharkov Military-Civil Administration car with drones

The car's chassis, body, and cabin were badly damaged in the attack

Putin congratulates Gazprom on completion of work on Nord Stream 2

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One third of Mariupol residents, who fled to Ukraine, already returned

Lack of due support, and accommodation issues, are the reason

Musk says Trump, himself have public mandate for change

US President-elect Donald Trump announced earlier that Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy would lead the Department of Government Efficiency in his new administration

Russia's newest Su-57 fighter jet superior to China's new J-35 — test pilot

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Participants in Sir Bani Yas forum in UAE understand causes of Ukrainian crisis — Lavrov

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

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Russia routs Brunei 11:0 in friendly football match

That is the biggest ever victory for the Russian team

Ukrainian battlegroup deprived of regular supplies in Kurakhovo in Donetsk area — expert

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UAE’s accession to BRICS to strengthen coordination with Russia on global problems

Russian foreign ministet Sergey Lavrov visited the United Arab Emirates and talked with his colleague Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Russia always fulfilled its trade obligations, ready to cooperate with Germany — Putin

"It was underscored that Russia has always been committed to its treaty and contractual obligations in the energy sector and is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation if the German side shows interest in this," the statement says

Kennedy Jr. added to Mirotvorets list after Trump’s appointment

Tulsi Gabbard, whom Trump previously nominated to head the U.S. National Intelligence Agency, is also still on the list

Kalashnikov concern trains first group of operators for Bars-Sarmat UAV unit

The soldiers studied the hardware, including the drones’ electronics, internal systems and rules of operation

Only plan Zelensky should be thinking about is 'plan of surrender' — opinion

In a video address on November 14, the Ukrainian president unveiled a ten-point plan covering the issues of security, energy, weaponry, production in Ukraine, and cooperation with allies

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

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Russia open to Ukraine talks based on June proposals, Putin tells Scholz

"Russia's proposals are well known and outlined, in particular, in a June speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry," the Russian president said

Zelensky's new plan for Ukraine is just another effort to stay in media spotlight

In his video address on November 14, Zelensky announced 10 provisions of his new plan, including matters of security, energy, armaments, industrial development in Ukraine, and cooperation with partners

Finland seizes over 30 more real estate properties owned by Russian government

The value of these confiscated apartments is more than ten million euros, the agency said

Developments in Kursk Region: Ukrainian fighters suffer losses, face charges in Russia

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Press review: US to maintain aid to Israel while Kiev regime faces challenge to retain it

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 14th

Russian troops organizing logistics, ammo delivery in Kupyansk outskirts — military expert

"Logistics is being organized to enable our troops to retain their positions they are trying to secure," Andrey Marochko explained

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In order to stabilize the situation, President Aslan Bzhania decided to withdraw from the parliament a bill on the ratification of the agreement with Russia on the implementation of investment projects by Russian legal entities on the territory of the republic

Ukrainian troops surrender as Russian forces advance — captive

Alexander Rapolyuk noted that they had originally been sent to the Kursk Region under the pretext of replacing their comrades, but upon arrival, they found that the servicemen they were meant to replace had already been killed

Swedish minister in charge of gender equality suffers from bananaphobia

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Football fans clash during France vs Israel football match in Paris

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Kremlin comments on possible return of Japanese, European cars to Russia

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Yury Borisov provided a brief report about what the National Project consisted of, its main objectives, tasks and expected outcomes

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

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Lavrov outlines Moscow’s approach to Ukrainian crisis during visit to UAE — ministry

Lavrov arrived in Abu Dhabi to take part in the Sir Bani Yas international peace and security forum

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Lebanon receives draft ceasefire agreement with Israel from US — newspaper

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Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania refuses to step down amid riots

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Russia’s S-400 Triumf is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range missiles, and surface targets

RFK Jr. calls for immediate US-Russia talks on Ukraine

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Russia awaits Trump’s proposals on Ukrainian settlement — Lavrov

"Russia's position was clearly worded by the Russian president on June 14, 2024," Sergey Lavrov stressed

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 100 rubles for November 16-18

The official yuan rate is fixed at 13.80 rubles

Russian forces capture 10 km of LPR border — military expert

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Russia, China eyeing new gas route via Kazakhstan — Novak

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Opposition in Abkhazia demands early presidential election

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Zelensky tried to dissuade Scholz from telephone talks with Putin — news agency

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

France wraps up training of new Ukrainian brigade — minister

The brigade is equipped with French weapons

Russian forces liberate Voznesenka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 655 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

German chancellor calls for peace talks with Ukraine in phone call with Putin

Olaf Scholz also highlighted "Germany’s unwavering determination" to support Kiev "for as long as it takes”

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

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Trump to zero in on fragmenting BRICS, Ukraine to take back seat — expert

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Russia's liberation of Stepanovka in DPR spells trouble for Ukrainian troops in Kurakhovo

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Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 430 troops, ten tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, 19 armored combat vehicles, 33 motor vehicles, one Anklav-N electronic warfare station

Abkhazia’s opposition demands cancelation of investment agreement, president’s resignation

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Scholz's call to Putin speaks of intention to learn Russia's position firsthand — Kremlin

The conversation took place at the initiative of the German side

Russian missile-armed Ufa submarine makes call to Indonesian port

The Ufa is heading from the Baltic Sea to join the Pacific Fleet

Opposition halts talks with officials in Abkhazia, plans to build up forces

Protesters seized control of key government buildings in the country’s capital earlier

Gaza radicals post new video of hostage identifying himself as Russian national Trufanov

The man pointed out that the hostages' lives "are in grave danger every day," and recalled the country’s religious obligation to ransom the hostages

Press review: Switzerland open to hosting Putin-Trump talks as NATO and EU back Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 15th

Iran may retaliate against Israel before Trump's inauguration — newspaper

From a number of high-ranking Iranian politicians' point of view, such a move would "strengthen Tehran's position in negotiations" with Trump's team

Iran assures US it had no plans to assassinate Trump — media

Tehran sent this written message in a bid to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States amid growing instability in the Middle East, the report says

FACTBOX: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

APEC economies account for 62% of the world’s GDP and 47% of global trade, with approximately 3 billion people living in countries that participate in the forum

Abkhazia’s opposition demands president step down in one hour

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EU to provide Ukraine with 1.9 bln euros from frozen Russian assets in spring 2025

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Russia introduced temporary restrictions on enriched uranium exports to the US

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Russia to collaborate with Arab nations for Middle East de-escalation — diplomat

"A call was made to the international community to contribute to the achievement of this goal," Maria Zakharova added

Putin states degradation of Russian-German relations due to Berlin’s policy — Kremlin

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Crimean amateur astronomer discovers new comet in solar system

In April, the astronomer said that he had discovered a large asteroid with a diameter of about 200 meters, potentially dangerous for the Earth

Politician slams Western elites for behaving like 'collective Hitler' on Ukraine issue

Viktor Medvedchuk added that there was no unified position in the West regarding the situation in Ukraine

Scholz, Biden have nothing to offer Putin — German expert

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Ukraine not holding talks on gas transit from Russia after December 31 — Energy Ministry

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Zelensky announces work on new action plan

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Abkhazian president leaves interior ministry’s building

Aslan Bzhania headed to the village of Tamysh, his press service told TASS

Russian troops liberate five communities in Donbass region, Kharkov area over week

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Helsinki court hasn’t received Russia’s appeal against seizure of properties in Finland

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