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Coronavirus pandemic

FBI Director says lab leak most likely caused COVID pandemic

Christopher Wray said that the Chinese government "has been doing its best to try to thwart and obfuscate" the work that the U.S. government and its close foreign partners are doing on the issue

NEW YORK, March 1. /TASS/. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) believes that a leak from a laboratory in Wuhan, China, is the most probable cause of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in an interview with Fox News.

"The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan. Here you are talking about a potential leak from a Chinese government-controlled lab," Wray said.

"I will just make the observation that the Chinese government, it seems to me, has been doing its best to try to thwart and obfuscate the work here, the work that we're doing, the work that our U.S. government and close foreign partners are doing. And that's unfortunate for everybody," he added.

The Wall Street Journal reported citing a classified report on February 26 that the US Department of Energy, which also supervises biological laboratories, had determined that a pandemic had started as a result of a leak from a laboratory in China.

Middle East conflict

US warns it won’t be able to restrain Israel if Iran attacks — report

An Israeli official said the message was passed from Washington to Tehran through the Swiss

Syrsky admits Ukraine faces one of strongest Russian offensives since 2022

"Active combat operations that continue in certain directions require constant renewal of resources," the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief said

Russian diplomat says Ukraine took back just 279 POWs, although 935 were offered

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called such actions of the Kiev regime "political tourism on the blood of its own citizens, its own servicemen"

French, German citizens detained for unlawfully entering Baikonur cosmodrome

When questioned, Axel Olivier Robert and Lorenz Julian Karl Jurgen said they wanted to take a look at the Energia rocket at the Baikonur spaceport

Iranian leader warns of crushing response to Israel, US

Ali Khamenei noted that the authorities are doing everything to strengthen the state's defense capabilities

Ukraine fortifies Dnepropetrovsk Region amid fears of losing Krasnoarmeysk — official

According to Igor Kimakovsky, the entry and exit to Kranoarmeysk have been blocked while the Ukrainian armed forces prepare to defend the city

Iran’s military response to Israel to involve Axis of Resistance forces — MP

Esmaeil Kousari noted that the Islamic Republic's new operation "will be a lesson" for the Israelis to avoid similar mistakes when striking Iran again

Agreement was possible, but West chose proxy war against Russia — Medvedev

About statements by a number of Western countries about their readiness to support Ukraine further on, the politician said that "by supporting a conflict in another country one can manage one's own quite well"

French mercenary involved in transporting internal organs of Ukrainian soldiers — official

Maxime Roger Henri Barrat is also under investigation by the civilian-military administration’s department of the interior in connection with the crime against a female civilian from the village of Glubokoye in the Kharkov Region

US is ‘feeding war’, but this order will end — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, the Americans are making money on arms supplies, on allocating money to their military-industrial complex

Nine seek nomination to run for president of Belarus

As of now, the CEC registered the action groups of incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, Oleg Gaiduchenko, Alexander Khizhnyak and Olga Chemodanova

US to deploy its bombers to Europe for drills with NATO allies

According to the command, the US aircraft will fly on a "pre-filled flight plan through international airspace"

Former CIA, Pentagon chief describes incursion into Kursk as Kiev’s ‘strategic mistake’

In Robert Gates opinion, Russia is capable of continuing its special military operation in Ukraine until it decides that its goals are met, and underestimating its ability to carry on "is a huge mistake"

US citizen shared with Russia locations of Ukrainian army targets since February 11, 2022

The information received from him over two years was repeatedly used to inflict losses on Ukraine’s infrastructure, equipment and personnel, the security services said

Israel expects Iranian strike ‘in coming days’ — report

Amid expectations of an Iranian strike, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on November 1 announced the US is sending additional forces to the Middle East, including destroyers, fighter jets and bombers

Russian Lancet munition wipes out French-made Caesar howitzer in Sumy Region

The ministry uploaded a video transmitted by data-recording equipment, showing the destruction of the Ukrainian army’s artillery system

'Dollar bubble' to burst, cause havoc in economic relations — Medvedev

The Russian senior official supports an increase in the number of reserve currencies and a more active use of digital money

Russian government orders to hold auction for oil and gas areas in the Sea of Okhotsk

Forecast recoverable oil resources on the Tossi-more area stand at 0.1 mln metric tons under Category D1, as indicated in the decree

Czech President Pavel imperiling citizens by sending them to Ukraine — Zakharova

Czech President Petr Pavel earlier authorized 60 Czech citizens to join the Ukrainian army

Trump insists Harris cannot be trusted to negotiate with Russia, China

According to the Republican presidential nominee, nothing is more dangerous than to give immense power to a very weak and incompetent person

Former Bolivian president goes on hunger strike

Evo Morales added that he decided to go on a hunger strike "until the government begins dialogue on two subjects - the economy and politics"

Russia’s Medvedev cautions next US leader against adding fuel to fire in Ukraine

The politician doubted the deep state in the United States wants another global war

Russian Ka-52M helicopter wipes out Ukrainian equipment in borderline Kursk Region

The forward air controller confirmed the target’s destruction

Ukrainians do not want war with Russia, but US keeps them trapped — expert

According to Professor Ruhollah Modabber, Washington has effectively banned free elections in Ukraine

Medvedev says NATO has easy choice on Ukraine, as admission could lead to WWIII

"With all due respect, I believe he was mistaken about that. This is not inevitable. Because, choosing between some promises and the possibility of starting a third World War, the choice is quite clear," the politician underscored

Arms supplies to Kiev will not coerce Russia into anything — ex-German chancellor

Schroeder believes that Putin’s goal is to protect Russia from foreign attacks

Iran plans to carry out major strike on Israel from Iraq within days — report

The US doesn't know if Tehran has made a decision to go ahead with the strike soon, a US official told Axios

Ukraine abandons Selidovo, but not before planting mines everywhere — security services

According to the security forces, demining the city may take up to several months

Western funds for Ukrainian budget being misappropriated — Medvedev

The West will continue to allocate funds to Kiev, the Russian senior official noted

Russian Lancet kamikaze drone wipes out Ukrainian artillery gun in Sumy Region

The strike’s accuracy and efficiency were confirmed by data-recording equipment in real time

Georgian president provokes coup by calling election outcome pro-Russian — Medvedev

"A provocation is possible, it follows from the development of the events as a whole," the politician believes

Russian frigate carrying hypersonic weapons embarks on first deployment in distant waters

"The group comprises the frigate Admiral Golovko carrying long-range precision weapons and the medium sea tanker Vyazma," the Northern Fleet’s press office said

Russian Soyuz 2.1b rocket with space weather satellites installed at Vostochny launch pad

Four Ionosfera-M satellites and one Zond-M satellite will make part of the Ionozond constellation that Russia is creating to monitor geophysical processes

Malaysia rejects US call to 'stop being friendly' with Russia — PM

Anwar Ibrahim said the call came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos

Russia successfully puts spacecraft into orbit to serve its defense needs

The spacecraft was launched and orbited normally, the Russian Defense Ministry stressed, saying that it has already been taken under the control of ground-based facilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces

FACTBOX: Russian government sets up requirements for cryptocurrency mining

The law introduced the definition of mining, a set of security requirements, and the possibility of trading digital financial assets on special platforms

Trump holds three-point lead over Harris, latest poll shows

The survey was conducted among more than 12,500 likely US voters from October 10 to 29

Thirteen countries receive BRICS partner status — Indian Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that partner country status is distinct from full membership

Russian diplomat comments on voting machine fraud in early US voting

Maria Zakharova was commenting on reports that said a voting machine at a US polling station assigned a vote cast for Republican Donald Trump to Democrat Kamala Harris

Russia-DPRK strategic partnership treaty to stabilize Eurasia — Lavrov

According to the Russian Foreign Minister, the treaty "has laid a solid foundation" for the further deepening of Moscow-Pyongyang relations

SCO condemns Israeli strikes on Iran's military sites — statement

The organization also stressed that the SCO member states stand for the prompt adoption of effective measures to stabilize the situation in the region exclusively by political and diplomatic means

Press review: US election set to shape politics while Kiev seeks 'energy deal' with Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 31st

Repelling enemy counterattacks, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russian tactical aircraft and artillery hit clusters of manpower and equipment of 13 Ukrainian brigades in the Kursk Region

Kremlin aide urges need to develop underwater drone production

The Russian Navy should develop as a single combat unit and a well-run force "through the introduction of advanced technologies and digital solutions," Nikolay Patrushev stressed

Ukraine’s top brass tells Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff frontline situation is hard

Alexander Syrsky said the Russian forces had a significant superiority in artillery shells

West unable to help Ukraine, it’s time for talks — Italian expert

According to Giampiero Massolo, many NATO members would not be happy to see Ukraine in the alliance as they don’t want to share collective defense commitments, while a security guarantees system alone might not be enough

Most countries share ideas of Russian World, Putin believes

As the Russian leader noted, there are nations that "demonstrate a willingness to contribute to humanitarian cooperation and establish an equal dialogue while taking mutual interests into consideration"

Putin to hold meeting with Russian Security Council

The previous meeting was held on October 25

Russia liberates 341 DPR residents since special military operation’s launch

"Nearly all of them were subjected to various kinds of torture," DPR human rights ombudswoman Darya Morozova said

Kremlin aide sees continued Western attempts to drive Russia away from Black Sea

Nikolay Patrushev stressed how important it was "to determine not only the promising tactical-technical characteristics of warships and their weapons but also to ensure the balance of forces that make up the combat power of the fleet and means of supporting them"

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

Iran says Israel struck from US-controlled area in Iraq

On July 23, Reuters reported that there were around 2,500 US troops in Iraq

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

EU aid enough to keep Ukraine alive, but not win conflict — lawmaker

According to General Christophe Gomart, Ukraine now finds itself "cornered" amid a lack of resources in Europe

US, South Korea decide on response to cooperation between Russia, DPRK

The military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK "threatens stability in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe," according to the statement

Medvedev sees West waging real war on Russia in Ukraine

"Our current adversaries argue that they have a right to send any weapons to Ukraine or that they have a right to dispatch their advisors to consult on how to conduct hostilities," the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

TASS acquires new photos of Ukrainian troops training on UK ranges

The group photos were taken during training sessions in the UK and during the presentation of certificates of completion of a special course as part of Operation Interflex

Number of casualties in shelling attack on central Israel climbs — radio station

According to Kan, three individuals were hospitalized in moderate condition while eight others sustained light wounds

Polyus produces first ton of gold from Sukhoi Log goldfield ore

"This field is the largest in Russia and one of the most promising worldwide," the company said

Moscow-Pyongyang relations at record high — Lavrov

Dialogue between the two countries was propelled to a brand-new level following the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty at a historic summit in Pyongyang, the Russian foreign minister said

US to deploy additional forces to Middle East — Pentagon

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder added that these forces will begin to arrive in the Middle East in coming months

Foreign scientists intrigued by Russia’s grant program, ready to relocate — minister

The goal of the Mega Grants program is to create world-class laboratories headed by leading researchers within Russian universities and scientific organizations

Comprehensive partnership with Iran to be signed soon — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the treaty will outline the parties' commitment to closer cooperation in the areas of defense and in the interests of peace and security both regionally and globally

Trump will not dare challenge US 'deep state' — Medvedev

The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council also pointed out that "it does not even matter how this or that candidate feels about Russia"

US, NATO plot regime change in Black Sea straits — Kremlin aide

Nikolay Patrushev noted that unfriendly Western countries are working to diminish Russia's role in the Black Sea region

Prosecutor's Office deems activities of US-based business society undesirable in Russia

The international company incorporated in the United States has been engaged in promoting the policies of unfriendly states regarding the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and actively supports the LGBT community, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office explained

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass region, Kharkov area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South improved its tactical position and inflicted roughly 800 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukraine admits number of deserted soldiers from Armed Forces of Ukraine surpasses 100,000

Earlier, military lawyer from the Center for Support of Veterans and Their Families Roman Likhachev said that more than 100,000 servicemen had voluntarily left their units

NATO allies hesitant to provide more support for Ukraine as they fear escalation — report

According to the report, the pessimistic sentiment is starting to embrace Ukraine more broadly as Russia makes gains, advancing faster than at any other point this year

Russia fully supports North Korea’s actions to curb US aggressive policy — MFA

Sergey Lavrov and Choe Son Hui reaffirmed their firm commitment to the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, which secured "bringing the traditionally friendly Russian-Korean relations to a new level"

Russia blocks adoption of UK agenda for UNSC presidency

A meeting is only considered agreed upon on the day it is held, when the Security Council approves the agenda

US citizen who shared data on Ukrainian military with Russian army wants to stay in Russia

Daniel Martindale noted that after peace is restored, he would like to go back to farming

Russia never interferes in others’ internal affairs, embassy in Washington emphasizes

Before every election, descending into hysteria about "Russian disinformation and interference" has become what the embassy termed an unfortunate tradition with US authorities and media

Kiev's violation of agreements means less territory for Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also recalled the Istanbul agreements

Russia strikes Ukrainian General Staff’s unmanned systems command center over week

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted damage on manpower and military hardware of 17 Ukrainian army brigades in the borderline Kursk area over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Nord Stream 2 completed, Trump's statements about its destruction unclear — Kremlin

Earlier, in an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump strongly denied Democrats' claims that he has ties with Russia, recalling that he blocked the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

Hezbollah says it hit Israeli Hetz missile defense system’s radar south of Tel Aviv

Hezbollah also said that its units shelled the Israeli Glilot military base in the Ramat Hasharon neighborhood north of Tel Aviv and the Zvulun industrial area housing Rafale military enterprises with high-precision missiles

Putin dismisses scope of 'bomb effect' in US on reports of North Korean troops in Russia

The Russian president said the satellite images were "a serious thing" but added that NATO troops had been directly involved in the Ukraine conflict for a long time now

Export of Russian pipeline gas to Europe up by 15% over 10 months

Over the same period in 2023, pipeline gas deliveries to Europe amounted to about 23 bln cubic meters

Iran has hundreds of missiles capable of inflicting severe damage Israel — WSJ

The article states that the Israeli attack has compromised the air defense systems protecting key Iranian facilities

Press review: Lavrov embarks on EU visit and Russia permits individual crypto mining

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 1st

First-ever TV-bridge concert held in Moscow

It has connected the Rachmaninov Concert Hall of Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Rachmaninoff Conservatory in Paris

Russian Defense Ministry releases video of Bulava missile launch

The launch was carried out from the Sea of Okhotsk

NATO undecided on intercepting projectiles over Ukraine — top Polish diplomat

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier said that Warsaw and its NATO partners will discuss the possibility of taking down projectiles over western parts of Ukraine near the Polish border

Kiev to suffer heavy losses due to Russian advances in east — Newsweek

According to the report, Kiev is struggling with no success to convince its allies to sanction strikes against Russia with long-range Western weapons

Mop up operation north of DPR‘s Kurakhovo — official

The enemy is attempting to obstruct it from the neighboring settlement of Zarya, which has not been liberated yet, Vladimir Rogov said

Russia is not going to attack Poland, Baltics, Ukraine through Belarus rule — Lukashenko

The Belarusian President called for building relations in a neighborly manner

Captured Ukrainian officer says chances of command mutiny rising

"With every day the probability that the highest command will turn the gun against the Ukrainian government is increasing," Alexander Dolmatov said

Tanker suspected of carrying goods under anti-Russian sanctions detained in Germany

"The tanker was prohibited from continuing moving until loaded materials will be finally inspected," the Kiel police added

Most residents forcibly evacuated from Kupyansk — local authorities

According to Head of the Kharkov Region military-civilian administration Vitaly Ganchev, the Russian soldiers have made serious advances in the Svatovo and Kupyansk areas recently

Musk says Trump’s potential second term to be 'the most fun' for US

The next presidential elections in the United States will be held on November 5

Russian forces liberate another 20 square kilometers in DPR — politician

"The very fact that tens of square kilometers of DPR territory are being liberated says that the enemy has problems with moral and combat training," Vladimir Rogov said

Medvedev says Ukraine’s example stops Georgia from siding with West to oppose Russia

"We are in general a friendly neighbor of Georgia," Russian security council deputy chairman noted

Ukrainian lawmaker Bezuglaya calls out ‘catastrophic situation’ in country’s army

Maryana Bezuglaya accused Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky for his alleged failure of the military operation in Russia’s borderline Kursk area and the complicated situation in the southern directions of the frontline

Monastery attack case, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russian tactical aircraft and artillery hit clusters of manpower and equipment of 13 Ukrainian brigades in the Kursk Region

Iran ships two satellites to Russia for launch atop Russian carrier rocket — media

The Kowsar satellite is intended for the Earth’s remote sensing and satellite imagery, while the Hodhod satellite is a telecoms spacecraft designed to improve the quality of data transmission in Iran after its launch

Sanctions reveal weakness in Western understanding of Russian economy — Medvedev

"These sanctions returned to Europe as a boomerang," the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council added

Press review: Turkey to mediate in Russian-Ukrainian conflict while IDF strikes Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, November 2nd

Erdogan calls on Middle East, world to unite against Israeli aggression

"The international community, especially the countries in the region, must act in solidarity to counter it and ensure peace and tranquility," the Turkish leader said

Liberation of Kurakhovka in DPR to increase pressure on Ukrainian battlegroup in Kurakhovo

The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier on Saturday that Russian troops had liberated the settlement of Kurakhovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Iranian Armed Forces warn Israel of 'unthinkable' surprise attack

According to Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, Israel is "mistaken in thinking that Iran is afraid of engaging in war and direct confrontation with it, leaving military attacks unpunished"