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GOP leader Kevin McCarthy is elected as House of Representatives speaker in 15th vote

He had to make certain concessions to convince some lawmakers to support his candidacy, according to news media reports

The House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO

The House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy

© EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO

WASHINGTON, January 7. /TASS/. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican Party leader in the House of Representatives, was elected as the house speaker in the 15th vote early on Saturday, according to broadcasts by US television channels.

McCarthy had to make certain concessions to convince some lawmakers to support his candidacy, according to news media reports.

That’s the first time in 100 years that a speaker election took more than one vote. US President Joe Biden has congratulated the new speaker on the election.

Middle East conflict

At least 80 people killed in Gaza City on April 3 — TV

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip, launching massive attacks on the Palestinian enclave and violating a ceasefire reached in January

Ukrainian forces deploy weapons, equipment at energy facilities for protection

Andrey Marochko also noted that Ukrainian forces continue to target the Russian energy system

Russia open to realistic peace initiatives, mediation offers on Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

The statement read that the meeting was held in a friendly and trusting atmosphere typical of Russian-Chinese communication

Europe seeks to undermine peace settlement in Ukraine — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov asserted that this approach mirrors the current actions of the EU, with only limited exceptions

US duties may reduce world trade volume by 1% in 2025 — WTO

The vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO's Most-Favored-Nation terms, Okonjo-Iweala stressed

Medvedev calls Russia's latest missiles best cure for Russophobia

The politician said that Russophobia stems from "bipolar affective exaggeration of Russia’s influence on the life of Europe and Europeans" and alternates between manic and depressive phases

Trump's tariffs could plunge world into third global recession in last 20 years — Axios

The portal quoted consulting company Evercore as saying that in 2024, the US imported $3.3 trillion worth of goods, or more than $25,000 per household

Kiev actively recruiting teenagers for sabotage — top Russian investigator

"The teenagers that commit crimes against public security, the foundations of the constitutional order and state security are often motivated by ethnic hatred," Alexander Bastrykin said

Saudi-Russian cooperation includes construction of nuclear reactors, minister says

Russia’s Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation is currently participating in a tender to construct a high-yield nuclear power plant in Saudi Arabia

Hypersonic weapons vital but tanks, artillery needed to retain territory, says Medvedev

"We had to catch up with the production of drones and build up their output," the politician said

IAEA chief Grossi's Western bias makes him bad candidate for UN secretary general — expert

Andrey Koshkin also expressed doubt that Grossi would change his position if he became UN Secretary General

US preparing to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in coming weeks — Daily Mail

An Israeli diplomatic source said that the government believes that "From Israel's perspective, with Trump in the White House, this represents the optimum moment to deal with Iran"

Dmitriev discusses US-Russia dialogue with key members of Trump administration

And one of the main topics is the restoration of US-Russia relations, the restoration of dialogue, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

US Senate idea to tax countries working with Russia could cripple global economy — expert

In his opinion, US President Donald Trump "continues to be under severe pressure"

Israeli strike on school building in Gaza City kills 29 people, leaves over 100 injured

Al Jazeera reported earlier that the attack had killed 15 people

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reiterates threat to destroy Israel

On April 1, 2024, an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus killed 13 people, including seven high-ranking Iranian military advisors

Russia becomes first country to recognize Alliance of Sahel States — Mali's top diplomat

"We pointed out that we have common approaches, a common vision of certain problems in the field of security, peace, international and political issues," Abdoulaye Diop emphasized

Germany rules out launch of Nord Stream 2, country’s cabinet says

Steffen Hebestreit pointed out that the German government firmly supported Ukraine, and would back sanctions that had been agreed on by the EU and the international community

NATO defense official says Russia has advantages in geography, combat readiness

Cavoli suggested that in the event of a hypothetical conflict, Russia could quickly build up its troops on its borders to counter NATO troops

Russia initiates antidumping dispute on hot-rolled steel with US in WTO

Russia believes that the measures at issue are inconsistent with various provisions of the WTO's Anti-Dumping Agreement

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"

Canada, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands join Czech ammo initiative for Kiev — top diplomat

The Czech Republic is among Ukraine’s strongest supporters, the news agency said

Niger expects to open Russian embassy in near future — foreign minister

Currently, Russia’s ambassador to Mali also serves as an envoy to Niger

Finland has until July 7 to explain closing border with Russia — ECHR

It added that the Finnish cabinet "was notified in March 2025"

Trump introduces sweeping tariffs: globe reacts

The US president also declared a state of emergency in the country due to the economic situation and trade deficit

Burkina Faso’s president to attend Victory Day celebrations in Russia — Lavrov

He emphasized that cooperation between the two countries had "acquired a new, powerful dimension" in recent years, while the heads of state maintained regular contact

Press review: Germany mulls Nord Stream restoration as Zaporozhye NPP sparks talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 28th

Europe requests deployment of long-range hypersonic weapons — NATO commander in Europe

Christopher Cavoli also described Washington's withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019 "a very important move" and called for capitalizing on it

Russian diplomat slams lack of reaction from OHCHR to killings of journalists

The Russian envoy pointed out that on April 2, he "sent Mr. Turk an official letter," in which he "once again described in detail the attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces on our correspondents"

Russian Finance Ministry weighing tax break for mining of rare metals

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Russia boasts reserves of 29 rare metals, including fifteen rare-earth ones

Russian envoy says he discussed cooperation on Arctic, rare earth minerals during US visit

Potential interactions in other sectors were also discussed, noted Kirill Dmitriev

Porsche denies mass media reports on plans to resume arms manufacturing

The Europaische Sicherheit und Technik web portal informed earlier that Porsche is considering the return to the arms market

Russia favors Israel's accession to NPT as nuclear-free state — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov acknowledged the significant challenges associated with achieving this objective in the region

Large deposit of rare earth metals discovered in Kazakhstan — ministry

The ministry explained that it concerns the Zhana Kazakhstan area, which includes almost the entire Kuyrektykol site

Gerasimov says international security deteriorates as West wants to keep dominating

It is reported that the Russian forces keep the initiative and advance in the whole front despite colossal aid to Kiev from the West

Russia may extend service life of SS-19 Stiletto ICBMs by three years

Today Russia is implementing a planned process of replacing UR-100N UTTKh ICBMs: currently 50 such missiles are operational compared to 150 before

Russian units wipe out up to 100 Ukrainian troops while mopping up Veseloye in DPR

The ministry stressed that MLRS and assault drone crews in coordination with unmanned aerial vehicle operators eliminated firing positions and stationing areas of Ukrainian troops

West plans 'another spectacle' on Bucha anniversary — Zakharova

In July 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he would send a new request to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to provide Russia with the names of people whose bodies were shown in the media, implying that reports about civilian deaths in Bucha were fabricated

Russia replaces equipment at unprecedented pace, builds up forces — NATO defense official

According to Cavoli’s estimantes, the Russian Armed Forces are "today larger than it was at the beginning" of the special military operation

Europeans set sights on Odessa, Lvov, plotting intervention, says Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova reiterated that the French-UK initiative on deploying some "reassurance forces" to Ukraine was discussed in Paris on March 27 at yet another European summit of a so-called "coalition of the willing" formed a month ago in order to assemble some "peacekeeping" contingent to be deployed in Ukraine

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

Russia, India practiced present-day threat repulsion at Indra Navy drills — commander

The drills "went smoothly, according to plan," Captain 1st Rank Aleksey Antsiferov reported

Putin grants Russian citizenship to French journalist Adrien Bocquet

According to the corresponding presidential decree, Russian citizenship granted to 34 people, four individuals striped of citizenship

Trump’s administration to continue trying to contain and weaken Russia — senior diplomat

"We do not intend to overstate this report, but we must not ignore its influence on the policies under Trump’s presidency," Sergey Ryabkov remarked

EU trade ministers to approve measures against US duties on April 7

The EU understands that "the US seeks to strengthen its domestic industrial base", Sefcovic. said

Mali regards Ukraine terrorist state — Foreign Minister

According to Abdoulaye Diop, the Sahel states and Russia have common approaches and views on security issues, and "equally recognize and see how it is necessary to fight terrorism to ensure security in the region"

No one refused to participate in Operation Pipeline — Russia's deputy defense minister

Assessing the operation, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov stressed that it demonstrated "the highest level" - a small force performed a daring maneuver to determine the outcome of the battle

Putting nuclear power plants in US hands to turn Ukraine into colony — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova emphasized that Russia did not target Ukrainian nuclear power plants, being acutely aware of "the seriousness of such actions and committed to adhering to universally recognized norms of international humanitarian law"

RDIF CEO hopes Russia, US can find new opportunities, including in economy

Kirill Dmitriev emphasized that restoring dialogue with the United States is a challenging and gradual process

Majority of Americans oppose idea of Trump serving third term as president, poll shows

The respondents largely don’t approve of the activities of the parties they support (37% among Republicans and 33% among Democrats)

Turkey plans to settle matter of Mir cards introduction soon — envoy

Tanju Bilgic believes that for Russian tourists, payments-related problems have already been solved

Trump's tariffs lay ground for self-sufficient US economy — Russian envoy

The Russian presidential envoy and special envoy of the US leader Steve Witkoff have a meeting in Washington on April 3

Russia, US can achieve great things working together in space — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted, however, that these expectations need to be tempered due to "the current and largely strengthened sanctions regime on the US side"

Pentagon believes Russia steps up military technology exchanges with China, Iran, DPRK

The hearings of the abovementioned committee focus on the strategy of the US military's European and African Commands

No US reaction to ongoing Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities yet — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov advised turning to the Foreign Ministry with a question about a diplomatic reaction

FIFA’s chief Infantino views Russia’s int’l return after Ukrainian conflict is settled

The International Association Football Federation (FIFA) announced on February 28, 2022 that the Russian national team and all professional clubs representing the country were barred from taking part in FIFA tournaments

US business ready to fill niches left by European companies in Russia — Dmitriev

Priority is the creation of joint ventures with Russian companies, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman warns of global consequences from Trump’s tariffs

"Old supply chains will be ruptured but new ones will emerge," Dmitry Medvedev noted

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"

Six foreign ships sail off from Ukrainian ports — Russian defense ministry

According to the chief of Russia’s National Defense Management Center Mikhail Mizintsev, sixty-one ships from 14 countries are still blocked in the ports of Kherson, Nikolayev, Chernomorsk, Ochakov, Odessa, and Yuzhny

Press review: Russia, US prepare for further talks as EU boosts defense with 800 bln euro

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

UN official comments on detention of leader of Moldova's autonomous region

Gutsul earlier called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to pay attention to the situation around the autonomous region

Israeli jets attack military facility in southern Damascus — TV channel

On April 2, the Israeli Air Force launched a missile attack on a military research center in the Masakin-Berzi neighborhood of northern Damascus

Sahel countries see good opportunity to boost defense ties with Russia — top diplomat

In turn, Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore noted that the Sahel countries and Russia "will put their heads together about the new architecture" of security, how to strengthen this architecture and "how to bolster what we have already achieved bilaterally"

Russian troops liberate two communities In Donetsk area, Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 235 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Zelensky believes ceasefire in Ukraine could be achieved in coming weeks, months

"There are various options; sometimes, everything comes together in an instant, especially when it comes to this aspect of ending the war - the hot phase, the complete cessation of fire," he noted

Russian Marines: 'Victory is wherever we are!'

November 27 is observed in Russia as the Naval Infantry Day

Man in intensive care after bear attack in Moscow Region

Maxim Zabelin added that it was possible to find the man thanks to the coordinated actions of the Emergencies Ministry and foresters

Russia won't be appeased by ongoing Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure — diplomat

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States held a phone conversation on March 18 to discuss the situation in Ukraine, measures for avoiding escalation, and various international matters

US looks to weaken Russia’s ties with Iran, China, North Korea — Kellogg

Cooperation between China and Russia is viewed by the US as "global issue" that also involves Iran and North Korea, according to the envoy

Kiev regime had no time to conceal its crimes in Kursk Region — Russian mission to UN

Dmitry Polyansky pointed out that, while fleeing en masse, Ukrainian troops were abandoning expensive Western-made hardware

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Pilots under medical supervision after crash of Tu-22M3 plane in eastern Russia — governor

The crew of four pilots ejected, but one of them died

Next meeting between Russia, Alliance of Sahel States to be held in Africa — MFA

The Russian diplomats added that the ministers agreed to further strengthen the coordination of actions at the UN and other multilateral platforms

French, German, US citizens increasingly relocate to Russia — Russian lawmaker

Maria Butina noted that the choice of regions is explained by climatic conditions and a developed economy

Zakharova calls London’s demands to declare Russian-related activities absurd

The diplomat referred to Britain’s intention to introduce an "enhanced" control regime against Russia as part of the future Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

Russian foreign, defense ministers brief Putin on Ukraine’s moratorium violations

According to Sergey Lavrov, "Andrey Removich Belousov laid out how the moratorium, coordinated at the proposal of President Trump back during the March 18 phone call between our presidents, of Russia and the US, is being observed"

Ukraine fires over 110 munitions at Belgorod Region in past day

Seven seven people were wounded

Over 1,000 children die in violent crimes in 2024 in Russia — Investigative Committee

Among the victims, there are 266 children under the age of one year, 831 from one to five years old, 2,600 from 6 to 10 years old, over 6,000 from 11 to 14 years old, and 7,000 teenagers

Europe must make contact with Putin — Stubb

The Finnish president opined that France or UK should be the one to speak to the Russian leader

Finland has lot of work to do to improve relations with Russia — diplomat

"Just throwing out a call [to restore relations] is clearly not enough," Maria Zakharova said

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

Cavoli is also head of the European Command of the US army

Acting Israeli ambassador says no talks with Moscow about future of Russian bases in Syria

Alexander Ben Zvi stressed that it was up to Russia and Syria to resolve that issue

Russia-US talk on embassies moving forward, but 'in dribs and drabs' — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov cautioned, however, that the situation remains fragile. "Of course, everything could still be reversed

Kiev deliberately undermines any peace initiatives — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Moscow repeatedly emphasized that "a political and diplomatic settlement is always our priority"

Russia, Armenia maintain alliance despite external attempts to undermine it — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Moscow is prepared "to continue working together to deepen and enhance the effectiveness of our partnership for the benefit of the citizens of both countries"

Taiwan’s independence incompatible with peace in Taiwan Strait — China’s Defense Ministry

The military official noted that the PLA military exercise around the island is "completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable" and serves as a powerful deterrent against supporters of Taiwan’s independence, who are "deliberately provoking a war"

Bankruptcy may await Ukraine in 2025 unless West writes off its debts — WB official

Commenting on Ukraine receiving a $1.5 bln tranche of funding under a WB program on March 29, the official said that the office of the WB country director for Russia voted against this project, citing the organization’s charter

Moscow, Tehran seek to implement Strategic Partnership Treaty pronto — Russian MFA

The ministry added that the parties had expressed satisfaction with positive trends in multifaceted cooperation between the two countries

WTO chief sees risk of tariff war escalation

"The WTO was established to serve precisely in moments like this — as a platform for dialogue, to prevent trade conflicts from escalating, and to support an open and predictable trading environment," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed

EU is 'sinking ship' — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited US President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs as further evidence that the EU's previously projected GDP growth targets would miss their mark

EU's nuclear umbrella talk comes amid concerns in Paris, London — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia has also taken note of what is happening in the field of missile defense, where the concept of "the ‘Iron Dome’ has turned into the ‘Golden Dome,’ with its key aspects being exactly what we [in Russia] warned about back when the program was in the making"

Russia to reopen embassy in Niger in 2025, Lavrov says

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the meeting that Lavrov had reaffirmed Moscow’s determination to "continue providing the necessary assistance to Niger in countering the threat of terrorism, ensuring domestic stability and security and resolving issues related to social and economic development"

Russian envoy arrives in Washington, CNN says

Dmitriev is expected to meet special envoy of the US leader Steve Witkoff later on Wednesday, the TV channel says

Putin asks at Security Council session to talk about US meeting on Black Sea initiative

Russia and the United States held consultations in Riyadh on March 24 that lasted more than 12 hours

Rubio says United States to remain in NATO

It is stated that Trump is not against NATO

Russian forces sink three Ukrainian boats trying to cross Dnieper in Kherson Region

According to the report, the enemy keeps trying to disrupt spring fieldwork in the Kherson Region

Hungary to exit ICC as it becomes 'political instrument' — Orban

"The Hungarian minister of justice will hand over to the national parliament the paperwork on our termination of cooperation with the court," the Hungarian prime minister said

CSTO headquarters discusses preparations for Combat Brotherhood-2025 exercise

"Particular attention will be given to the systematic development and alignment of commands, the practical training for deploying control points for troop groups by the forces and resources of the host countries, and the examination of command-and-control procedures with the involvement of specialists from key training and research organizations," Vladislav Shchegrikovich added

ZNPP denies reports of incident caused by Ukrainian shelling

According to the statement, the operation of the plant is completely safe, and conditions are in place for the staff to work at maximum efficiency

Google subsidiary reports profits in Russia first time since 2020

No revenue data are available for 2023 or 2024