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Coronavirus pandemic

Development of updated coronavirus vaccine to take 2-3 months — scientist

Earlier, the researcher said that scientists began developing a new jab against COVID which will include protection against the XBB and XBB.1.5 subvariants of the Omicron coronavirus strain, nicknamed Kraken

MOSCOW, January 13. /TASS/. Updating the composition of a vaccine against coronavirus may take from two to three months, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said on Friday.

Earlier, the researcher said that scientists began developing a new jab against COVID which will include protection against the XBB and XBB.1.5 subvariants of the Omicron coronavirus strain, nicknamed Kraken.

"The time needed to update <...> an antigen variant [of a vaccine] <...> is from two to three months, <...> this is the time needed to resolve this issue or it may be even faster," he told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

Middle East conflict

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza approaches 44,000

At least 50 Palestinians were killed and 110 injured in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the agency confirmed

Russian troops liberate Novoselidovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored vehicles over the past day, the ministry reported

Decision on strikes inside Russia seals US puppet Zelensky’s fate — commentator

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Scholz to stick to his guns, vows not to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

"This is something for which I cannot and do not want to bear responsibility for," he added

Abkhazia’s authorities, opposition take break in settlement talks

Abkhazia’s parliament was expected to consider the ratification of the agreement with Russia on the implementation of investment projects in Abkhazia by Russian legal entities, but the session was canceled after the lawmakers failed to agree upon its agenda

German defense minister says wrong time to discuss peace in Ukraine

Boris Pistorius claimed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz's phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin did not affect Moscow's position

US military industrial complex seeks to unleash World War III — Donald Trump Jr.

"The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives," he said

Lavrov arrives at G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Sergey Lavrov will address sessions on combating inequality, hunger, and poverty, as well as on the reform of global institutions

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

Germany to start supplying Ukraine with 'mini-Taurus' attack drones in December — report

A total of 4,000 AI-powered drones are set to be transferred, several hundred every month

FACTBOX: Abkhazian opposition, authorities sign agreement, president resigns

TASS compiled main facts about the situation in the country

Russia should respond to Biden’s decision by running nuclear tests, expert argues

Russia has officially stated that it would not resume nuclear tests unless the United States did so first, Dmitry Suslov recounted

Press review: Biden OKs long-range missile use as backlash to Scholz’s Putin call grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 18th

Kremlin says decision to launch ATACMS missiles deep into Russia 'escalation of tensions'

Moscow's position should be absolutely clear to everyone, Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Putin approves Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Georgian ruling party's secretary general calls country's president foreign agent

According to Kakhaber Kaladze, Salome Zourabichvili "has rulers, and she does do whatever they tell her to do"

Amendments to Russia’s nuclear doctrine practically formulated, Kremlin Spokesman says

Russia will view an aggression from a non-nuclear state, carried out with participation or support of a nuclear state as their joint attack

Israel holds Iraq responsible for actions of pro-Iranian militias — Foreign Minister

Gideon Sa’ar said that he has sent a letter to the President of the UN Security Council

Le Figaro removes statement about France authorizing strikes against Russia

The newspaper has not yet responded to a TASS inquiry asking why the statement was removed

Rising stakes and escalation: Reaction to US decision on strikes inside Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already clarified his position on US long-range missile attacks on targets inside Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented

Colombia agrees with Russia to establish group on mercenaries situation — Foreign Minister

Luis Gilberto Murillo underscored that the Colombian authorities want their compatriots not to be involved in any conflicts in the world

US authorization of strikes inside Russia unlikely to change course of conflict — media

"The Ukrainian military has a limited supply of the missiles and firing a small number at targets in Russia would not make much of a difference," the analysts say

Giving Kiev Taurus missiles tantamount to declaring war on Russia — German politician

Sahra Wagenknecht pointed out that the US decision to strike deep into Russia is another step towards a major war

White House dodges question about authorizing strikes on Russia with ATACMS

The New York Times reported on November 17, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes deep inside Russia

US Congressman urges to impeach Biden for allowing strikes deep into Russia

"By authorizing long range missiles to strike inside Russia, Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War that endangers the lives of all US citizens," Thomas Massie said

UN calls for protecting civilians amid reports on US authorizing strikes inside Russia

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Russian UAVs strike Zaporozhye infrastructure — official

The Russian Armed Forces carried out the attack at night

Long-range US missiles in Ukraine to be legitimate target for Russian troops — senator

The potential launch of long-range weapons from Ukrainian territory or elsewhere is defined in detail in Russia’s new nuclear doctrine, Viktor Bondarev noted

Russia could deploy new weapons if Ukraine hits Russia with US missiles, warns senior MP

"It is not out of the question that new weapons systems, which have not yet been used against Ukraine, could be employed," Vyacheslav Volodin said

Russia to be excluded from international forum on nuclear reactors — UK Energy Ministry

The report highlights that UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk signed an agreement on cooperation in nuclear research and development on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku

Trump may review Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia with US missiles

"I suspect most everything will be under review," a member of Trump’s transition team said

Russian forces advance 1.5 km in Novoselka area of DPR — official

Vladimir Rogov added that Velikaya Novoselka is a major logistics hub for the Ukrainian armed forces

Netherlands regrets leak of Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia

Meanwhile, the Netherlands has repeatedly stated that it imposes no restrictions on the use or range of weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, the country is supplying to Kiev

UN’s Guterres calls to avoid escalation amid reports of US greenlighting strikes at Russia

The White House declined to confirm that permission for such strikes had been granted

Case against Georgian mercenary, prisoners, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Twenty-four Ukrainian servicemen surrendered as prisoners of war over the past day

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

China ready to boost cooperation with Russia within SCO — top diplomat

"China has taken over the SCO presidency and is ready to closely cooperate with Russia in order to take its activities to a new level," Wang Yi pointed out

Trump likely to revoke Biden's authorization to attack deep into Russia — magazine

"Nevertheless, there is every possibility Trump will repeal the decision - indeed, his camp has already accused Biden of trying to 'escalate' the conflict", Lisa Haseldine pointed out

US approving strikes inside Russia not to alter outcome of conflict — Polish minister

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz added that this decision needed to be made much earlier to have any impact on the battlefield situation

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

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Russian troops liberate Novoalekseyevka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted roughly 70 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made counterbattery radar station in its area of responsibility over the past day

President of Abkhazia Bzhania resigns

Aslan Bzhania filed a resignation "for the purpose of preservation of stability and constitutional order in the country"

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine released on schedule, says Kremlin

Earlier today, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ratifying the updated nuclear doctrine, Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence

Biden’s missile strike decision complicates Trump’s Russia policy amid growing tensions

According to expert Zheng Renyi, "if Trump stops aid, he will face strong domestic criticism for appearing weak and will likely lose support, especially from Republican hawks who back Ukraine"

Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

Over 80 states join Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty — Brazilian President

The list, which was published by the alliance's press service, includes, in particular, Russia, China, the United States, the African Union and the European Union

Russian LNG flows to France in record amounts — Bloomberg

However, Bloomberg notes that it is unclear how much of the Russian LNG imported into France is actually consumed there

US communicates its decision to authorize Kiev to strike inside Russia 3 days ago — Axios

These weapons were authorized for use in the Kursk Region only, the news outlet said

Lebanon, Hezbollah endorse US-backed ceasefire proposal with Israel

Aide Ali Hassan Khalil indicated that the next steps depend entirely on Israel, describing the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire as the most significant and serious to date

Russia may retaliate with nuclear weapons if Kiev uses Western-made missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted the nuclear doctrine’s provisions that "aggression against the Russian Federation by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state is viewed as their joint attack"

Strikes on Ukrainian military sites to prevent launch of missiles — Russian lawmaker

According to Andrey Kartapolov, Russia "will definitely" respond to such a decision by Western countries

US, West use Ukraine as ‘strike force’ against Russia, says North Korean leader

"The global situation is approaching the dangerous threshold," Kim Jong Un said

US State Department confirms US president authorized strikes deep inside Russia

Earlier, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to comment on reports that Washington had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Secret prisons in Ukraine overseen by Western intelligence — former SBU officer

Alexander Mazur stressed that all the information is reported to the top officials

Russia sees 'freezing' of Ukraine conflict as unacceptable, Kremlin spokesman says

"The conditions that President Putin laid out in June remain fully relevant," Dmitry Peskov said

Georgian president calls for new parliamentary elections

Salome Zourabichvili has also called on citizens to continue protesting the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

Top Iranian diplomat urges to 'prepare for war'

"We have announced that the recent Israeli operation against Iran is nothing but another aggression," Abbas Araghchi pointed out

G20 leaders call for reform of UN Security Council

The leaders also called to increase the role of the Economic and Social Council

Israel targeted component of Tehran's nuclear program when striking Iran — PM

However, Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the strike did not halt Iran's nuclear program entirely

US State Department doesn’t confirm permission for deeper ATACMS strikes inside Russia

"I'm not going to speak to or confirm any policy changes," Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman told a news conference

US Department of State not commenting on other states’ decisions on strikes inside Russia

Earlier, Matthew Miller confirmed that the United States has authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Fico’s adviser says special military operation underway between US, Russia

Military and financial support provided to Ukraine is not a way of solving the crisis, Mazgut said

Potential adversaries, criteria for use: Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

Russia will also engage in nuclear deterrence against those countries that offer their territory, maritime zones, airspace, and resources for aggression against it

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Biden’s decision to allow strikes on Russia fails to unite allies around Kiev — Bloomberg

The German leadership declined to follow the US’ example on long-range missiles, the news agency recalled

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

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon

China’s new microwave weapon can scorch low-orbit satellites — expert

Engineers from China have surmounted obstacles and built a system consisting of seven emitting devices and their experimental firings have confirmed that it can effectively suppress signals of the US GPS and other satellites," Alexander Stepanov said

Swedish minister in charge of gender equality suffers from bananaphobia

The phobia is so strong that special precautions need to be taken before her meetings

Kiev won’t benefit from permission to strike Russia due to manpower shortage — expert

According to Jennifer Kavanagh, the decision to allow attacks on Russian territory won’t change the course of hostilities in the special military operation zone as Ukraine has no significant stockpiles of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Cable rupture in Baltic Sea caused by sabotage, German defense minister believes

Boris Pistorius is not "inclined to accept the explanation that the damage was caused by an anchor hitting the cable"

Borrell confirms US greenlit deeper strikes inside Russia

According to the diplomat, EU foreign ministers discussed the issue at their meeting

FACTBOX: What we know about disbanding of opposition protest in Tbilisi

Georgian opposition leaders have been demonstrating against the results of the parliamentary election since November 4

UK Defense Ministry mum on publications about Storm Shadow missile strikes on Russia

The New York Times reported on November 17 that Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Putin made Russia’s position on long-range missile strikes perfectly clear — Kremlin

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia, namely the Kursk Region

Ukraine admits responsibility for Odessa missile incident where civilians injured

Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shary commented on the statement by saying that Ukraine’s air force officials only agreed to recognize this because "the media started posting photos of Patriot wreckage"

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

According to former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, the United States "is a direct party to the invasion and occupation of Russian soil," because it helped Kiev plan its incursion into the Kursk Region

Biden’s decisions pushing world to global war, Hungary’s top diplomat says

"Two months, the most dangerous in decades, are ahead of us," Peter Szijjarto noted

West to face 'devastating' response if it allows Kiev to strike deep into Russia — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukrainian social media accounts are meanwhile speculating that the Zelensky regime plans to present the received Western missiles as Ukrainian, changing the labels to use the weapons to attack Russia

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

Russia has no plans to ‘tango on its own’ in relations with US — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that it wasn’t Moscow but Washington that initiated "the race of sanctions"

G20 leaders adopt Rio de Janeiro Summit Declaration

The declaration does not contain any remarks that the statement was not approved by all countries

Ukraine will not compromise on territorial rights, Zelensky tells Rada

On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the country’s conditions for resolving the situation in Ukraine, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass and Novorossiya, and Ukraine renouncing its NATO membership ambitions

Russian medical institutions receive first homemade osteosynthesis implants

A trial batch of Russia's first bioresorbable rods was sent to hospitals in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novosibirsk

US-made projectile strikes to destroy ties between Moscow, Washington — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin added that these weapons "may cause damage but it will not change the situation on the battlefield"

Ukrainian army attempts to redeploy reserves to DPR — republic’s head

Denis Pushilin specified that the situation in Kurakhovo is hopeless for the Ukrainian army, however, the Ukrainian units have not been ordered to retreat

US approval of strikes on Russia derails hopes for peace talks — Slovak PM

"Those who support US President [Joe] Biden's decision are in favor of the start of World War III," Robert Fico noted

PREVIEW: Progress MS-27 to leave ISS to free up space for new cargo spacecraft

The spacecraft will engage its engines, which will allow it to leave the ISS orbit and enter the Earth atmosphere after a while

Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

The likelihood of a direct armed conflict with NATO is increasing because some individuals in the alliance are ready to raise the stakes ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Andrey Bystritsky emphasized

Xi Jinping, Putin lay foundation for next level of strategic partnership — top diplomat

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Beijing "is ready to work with Russia to further strengthen cooperation and cohesion"

Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

New German government should focus on repairing and reactivating Nord Stream 2 — lawmaker

Sahra Wagenknecht underscored that the pipeline explosions were "a devastating blow to the [German] economy and an act of sabotage targeting German and European infrastructure"

Governmental commission passes ban on cryptocurrency mining in some regions from December

The office of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that the Energy Ministry saw it as prudent to ban the mining of digital currency in areas facing critical regulatory and fiscal parameters

Kremlin spokesman highlights need for ‘two-way process’ of sanctions lifting

US Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated for secretary of state by President-elect Donald Trump, was put on a Russian sanctions list in May 2022 and on China’s list in August 2020

Scholz defends his phone talks with Putin as right move

At the same time, Olaf Scholz stated that "nothing has changed" in the Russian leader's position, which he said was "unacceptable"

Kremlin highlights need for in-depth analysis of Russia’s nuclear deterrence policy

"This is a very important document. Clearly, it requires in-depth analysis both in our country and, perhaps, abroad, too," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Biden administration tries to prevent Trump from ending war in Ukraine — expert

Wang Wen called the next few months a "high-risk period" in the conflict

Bundestag analyst says US okays deeper strikes inside Russia due to domestic politics

The New York Times reported on November 17, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes deep inside Russia