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Qatar, UAE agree to restore diplomatic ties — Qatar’s foreign ministry

"The two sides underlined that this step comes as an embodiment of the will of the leaderships of the two countries, and in consolidation of the march of joint Arab action, to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly people," the statement pointed out

© Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

DUBAI, June 19. /TASS/. The authorities of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have decided to restore diplomatic relations, and embassies and consulates of the two states will start working on Monday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said.

"On the basis of an agreement and aspiration of both states towards strengthening bilateral relations, Qatar and the UAE announce the restoration of diplomatic relations with the resumption of work of Qatar’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai, as well as the UAE embassy in Doha on Monday, June 19, 2023," according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry’s statement posted on the Twitter account.

"The two sides underlined that this step comes as an embodiment of the will of the leaderships of the two countries, and in consolidation of the march of joint Arab action, to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly people," the statement pointed out.

US to reassess ties with Georgia if foreign agents bill becomes law — White House

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to preview any actions that the US could take

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian army positions in area bordering Belgorod Region

"The personnel of the Battlegroup North actively employ FPV drones in the special military operation to eliminate the Ukrainian army’s dugouts, manpower and various military equipment," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Combat aircraft fly over Moscow’s Red Square in Victory Day parade

Nine Su-30SM heavy multirole fighter jets and MiG-29 frontline fighters flew over Moscow’s Red Square, performing the Kubinka Diamond stunt

Russian official lauds defense industry as world’s most powerful in basic arms output

Denis Manturov noted that the geopolitical situation was prompting the need constantly to improve operational characteristics of armaments and military hardware

Russian, Egyptian diplomats stress inadmissibility of Israel’s operation in Gaza

Mikhail Bogdanov and Nazih el-Nagari pointed to the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and stable humanitarian aide to the enclave’s population

NATO countries waging proxy war against Russia — Russian diplomat

This financing of the Kiev regime "not only is provoking it to commit new war crimes and affirms its awareness of its own impunity, but also results in prolonging and exacerbating the conflict," Gennady Gatilov stressed

Georgian legislature to pass foreign-agents bill in final reading on May 14 — PM

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, it "will play a crucial role in ending the so-called polarization that was imposed from the outside"

Russian envoy notes effort to gather people from all over Serbia to swell protest ranks

According to Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, "a large number of city residents are remaining calm, going about their everyday business"

Nord Stream saboteurs prepped in Ukraine, Romania — Ukrainian politician

According to Andrey Derkach, they trained on the South Stream, rented a large yacht, and then they were taken to Poland

Shoigu to oversee Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, not head it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the service is headed by Dmitry Shugayev

Putin says cooperation with ASEAN top priority of Russia’s policy in Asia

Russian President pointed out that Moscow and Vientiane cooperate "well and closely" on the world stage, including at the United Nations

Zelensky cannot be legitimate president after May 21 — Medvedchuk

"Ukraine has already lost its statehood," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Economic interaction will be priority at meeting of Russian and Chinese leaders — aide

Presidential aide for international affairs Yury Ushakov recalled that Russia last year moved up to fourth place among China's counterparties

If West wants to solve Ukraine conflict on battlefield, 'so be it' — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia was ready to negotiate peace not only in words, but also in deeds

Foreign Intelligence Service tasked to provide leadership with intelligence data — chief

"In the current difficult international conditions, we must improve our work in three areas," Sergey Naryshkin added

US Congress has evidence of Biden family’s involvement in terrorism — Ukrainian politician

Andrey Derkach pointed out that "the criminal case that was initiated against Burisma was being actively investigated under [Ukrainian] Prosecutor General [Viktor] Shokin [in 2014-2016]"

Georgian parliament approves foreign agents bill in third reading

According to the procedure, the bill will be submitted to President Salome Zourabichvili, who has already vowed to veto it

Russian stocks close in the green on Tuesday

The dollar slipped by 0.07% to 91.29 rubles, while the euro gained 0.4% to 98.95 rubles

Nominee for Russian defense chief urges need to outpace Ukrainian army in technology

"It is necessary to generalize the experience of applying new technologies and, correspondingly, test new forms and methods of warfare," Andrey Belousov added

Russian, Chinese leaders to exchange views on cooperation within UN — Kremlin aide

Among other priorities, Yury Ushakov cited cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."

Russia to invite numerous global South leaders to BRICS summit — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the participants in last year's BRICS summit in Johannesburg (South Africa) decided to form a new category of partner countries, which "will largely replace the BRICS+ format that has existed so far"

Supply of munitions for special military operation currently sufficient — Zolotov

Viktor Zolotov also said the National Guard had started to take delivery of heavy equipment

Georgian government members could face sanctions over ‘erosion of democracy’ — US official

The Georgian parliament passed a bill on foreign agents in the final reading on May, 14

Upgraded tank anti-FPV drone systems arrive for Russian troops in Ukraine operation

New Triton drone suppression systems can be mounted on both armor and quad bikes, sea boats and any objects that require protection against FPV drones, Denis Oslomenko elaborated

Russia calls for swift end to hostilities in Sudan — Foreign Ministry

In addition, the parties also discussed a number of practical issues related to the future of Russia-Sudan relations

Yemeni premier to visit Moscow for meetings with Russian officials — embassy

Responding to a question about whether the Yemeni premier was expected to meet with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin, the mission said: "This is being specified"

Heads of more than 20 Russian regions to attend EXPO in Harbin — presidential aide

Yury Ushakov noted that according to the plan, "interregional agreements should also be signed at this time"

NLMK to pay 2023 dividend amounting to 25.43 rubles per share

This is virtually 80% of the estimated value of free cash flow for 2023, chief strategist of the investment company Vector X Maxim Khudalov noted

Tour bookings for Russia’s May holidays increase by 30-40%

"About 3 mln of Russians will travel around the country, of which somewhere between 800-900,000 will travel with the help of tour operators," the Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry said

Putin, Xi to discuss strategic partnership, sign documents — Kremlin

The Kremlin noted that "it is planned to sign a joint statement of the heads of state following talks and a number of bilateral documents"

Capital flow from Russia to Central Asia to intensify ‘anti-sanctions immunity’ — expert

Central Asian countries expect an increase in Russia’s economic presence in the region, Rustam Khaydarov said

US ready to do utmost relieving Kiev of responsibility for atrocities — Russian ambassador

"The reaction of American officials to the deadly strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on residential areas, or rather the absence of even a hint of condolences, is very telling," Anatoly Antonov said

West would try to exhaust Russia’s resources in potential conflict — Naryshkin

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the West is also seeking to force Russia to stop its anti-NATO efforts

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Conflict between Russia, Ukraine may last about 10 years — Polish foreign minister

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that the conflict in Ukraine may last for a few more years, and no one, in his opinion, can say whether it is to last for five years

Candidate for Russian sports minister advocates for holding more int'l club competitions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin nominated Mikhail Degtyarev, who has served as the governor of Russia’s Far Eastern Khabarovsk Territory since 2021, for the post of the country’s sports minister

Putin appoints Russian new government

This is the first Russian government formed under the new procedure envisaged by the 2020 constitutional amendment

China’s Hongqi will become official car of SPIEF 2024 — Roscongress

The Hongqi brand is officially represented in 28 countries in particular in Bahrain, Germany, Denmark, Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and others

Dyumin, Patrushev, Yampolskaya et al. — who joined Russia’s renewed presidential staff

Alexey Dyumin, who quit the post of the Tula Region’s governor, and Nikolay Patrushev, who left the post of secretary of the Security Council, have become new aides to the Russian leader

50 Russians killed, nearly 190 wounded in Ukraine’s shelling attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik, Ukrainian troops used foreign-made drones, Czech-, Turkish-, and US-made projectiles, including ATACMS missiles

Candidate for foreign intelligence chief advocates keeping ties with unfriendly countries

Sergey Naryshkin stressed that these contacts "should be preserved even in such a difficult international situation so that we can resolve very pressing problems"

Ukrainian commanders trading blame with each other over defeats near Kharkov — NYT

Many in Ukraine reportedly believe that their country’s situation in the conflict with Russia has significantly worsened

Project of high-speed railroad connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg approved — Kremlin

"Details of the future document will be adjusted in the process," Dmitry Peskov added

West must accept responsibility for Ukraine crisis, engage in peace talks — Maduro

Nicolas Maduro stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is enjoying his greatest political power over the last 20 years" while Russia "beat sanctions in the economic war" and bolstered its economy

Blinken says current special military operation stage critical for Kiev

According to the US secretary of state, Russia is "ramping up another offensive against Ukraine, at Kharkov and across the east"

Head of Main Personnel Directorate of Russia’s Defense Ministry Yuri Kuznetsov detained

A search was conducted at both Kuznetsov's job and his home, other specifics about the criminal case have not been revealed, law enforcement agencies told TASS

Admiral Yevmenov appointed head of Naval Academy — source

According to the source, there is a corresponding presidential decree

Heads of economic agencies, Roscosmos to join Russia’s delegation in China

Yury Ushakov noted that he would also join the delegation, and apart from him the presidential administration will be represented by deputy heads of the presidential administration Maksim Oreshkin and Dmitry Peskov

Specialized anti-drone units set up within Russian Federal Guard Service

According to Russia’s Federal Guard Service Director Dmitry Kochnev, the service has been working in the area of drone suppression since 2012

Putin, Xi to sign document on closer bilateral partnership — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, the 30-page document will "note the special nature of our bilateral relations, outline ways for the further development of the entire spectrum of bilateral ties"

Belarus says Ukraine keeping up to 120,000 troops near border between countries

Konstantin Molostov said Belarus is taking "appropriate measures" in response to the actions of Ukraine

All Ukrainians who covered up Nord Stream sabotage identified, politician says

According to Andrey Derkach, members of the group led by Roman Chervinsky acted under instructions from Christopher Smith, "the No.2 at the US Embassy in Ukraine at that time and a well-known" CIA agent

First regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile systems goes on combat duty in Russia

The new weapon was unveiled by Putin on March 1 last year

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Russian troops liberate Bugrovatka community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on ten Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area where the enemy lost more than 520 troops over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Some Westerns consider large-scale military conflict possible — intelligence service

According to Sergey Naryshkin, "this could happen if the so-called Western bloc considers it, firstly, profitable for itself and, secondly, sufficiently safe"

Switzerland conference on Ukraine aims to issue ultimatum to Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the conference has long been the talk of all those who are trying to defeat Russia on the battlefield"

Kremlin says no mechanisms in place to exchange info on Nord Stream sabotage with Kiev

Dmitry Peskov added that Kiev's information about the Nord Stream explosions, if it is of any value at all, "is something that the Dutch, the Swedes and others should scrutinize"

US to reassess ties with Georgia if foreign agents bill becomes law — White House

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to preview any actions that the US could take

Team of 18 Russians to compete at 2024 World Judo Championship in Abu Dhabi

The 2024 World Judo Championship, which has a status of the qualifying tournament for the 2024 Summer Olympics, will be held between May 19 and 23

Russia’s Federal Guard Service gets latest weapons, including aircraft — director

Dmitry Kochnev stressed that the Federal Guard Service "is building up its combat capabilities and increasing its efficiency by equipping its units in charge of protecting the government with advanced weapons, accouterment, special military equipment"

Press review: New Russian government taking shape and Georgia's path to EU gets cloudy

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 14th

Ukrainian politician calls for international tribunal for NATO crimes

According to Andrey Derkach, a base is being created for "a far international legal probe" into terrorism, war crimes, corruption, crimes against the freedom of speech and human rights committed by NATO member countries

Central Asian countries aware of risks of joining anti-Russian sanctions — diplomat

"Apparently, overseas and in Brussels they naively think that Central Asian countries will not resist this Western expansion," Mikhail Galuzin stated

Ukrainian commanders flee Kupyansk, leaving covering force — Russian lawmaker

The Kharkov direction is the most important and challenging frontline area for Russian troops, Viktor Vodolatsky pointed out

Lavrov characterizes Europe's economic problems due to US pressure as ‘monstrous’

Using Germany as an example, the minister recalled that the prosperity of the European industrial complex is largely based on Russian energy resources

Air defenses shoot down several air targets over Belgorod region — governor

Vyacheslav Gladkov said that in the village of Krasny Oktyabr in the Belgorodsky district windows were smashed and roofs and facades damaged in three private households

Putin’s informal meeting with Xi Jinping seen as most important part of his trip to China

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, this communication will revolve around the subject of Ukraine

Russia, China want to be at forefront of establishing democratic world order — Lavrov

According to Sergey Lavrov, the West speaks about democracy "only when it wants to interfere into domestic affairs of any country"

Cost of BREST fast reactor construction estimated at $1.3 bln, says Rosatom

The high cost of the project is particularly due to the growth of prices for materials

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

Apart from that, in Yury Popov's words, one violation of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 was reported in Syria in the past 24 hours

Russian robotic drone jammers shield evacuation groups in Ukraine operation

The innovation was prompted by the existence of gray zones in areas of combat operations that are dangerous for groups to evacuate wounded personnel, Denis Oslomenko noted

Sea-launched Bulava ICBM accepted for service in Russian Armed Forces

Currently, Russia’s Northern and Pacific Fleets operate seven strategic subs of this type built by the Sevmash Shipyard in Russia’s northwest

Kiev reports difficult situation in Kharkov region

This direction has been strengthened, Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky said

Some Russian border guards to stay in Armenia — Bortnikov

Alexander Bortnikov also noted that Russian border guards will protect Armenia's border with Turkey and Iran

Law banning import of Russian uranium to US wreaks havoc on system — expert

Speaking about numerous statements on allocation of financing for the creation of additional capacities on uranium enrichment, it is unclear what is behind those statements, editor-in-chief of the Geoenergetika.ru online magazine Boris Martsinkevich noted

European banks’ tax payments in Russia rise four-fold in 2023 — newspaper

The Financial Times notes that more than half of the European banks’ tax payments correspond to Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International

Western strikes on Yemen have no excuse — Russia’s ambassador to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also noted the failure of attempts "to justify this aggression by Security Council Resolution 2722 or by references to the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter"

Russian-Chinese partnership shows resilience to any external pressure — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov emphasized that 2024 is an anniversary year from the standpoint of establishment of the Sino-Russian diplomatic relations

Putin-Xi meeting to be held in '1+4' format on each side — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, the meeting will take place after a gala concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries and the opening of the Years of Culture of Russia and China

Press review: Russia installs new defense minister and Ukrainian terror in Belgorod

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 13th

Russian air defense systems destroy 25 Vampire MLRS shells over Belgorod region

It was reported earlier that multiple explosions were heard in Belgorod after the missile threat was declared, according to a TASS correspondent

Egypt threatens to end its mediation between Israel, Hamas — WSJ

The officials said Egypt is also blocking any humanitarian aid trucks from entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing

Protesters in Cyprus call for end to funding Kiev following terrorist attack on Belgorod

The terrorist acts committed by the regime of Ukrainian President Vladimir "Zelensky against the civilian population of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and other Russian border territories are criminal," said Mikis Filaniotis head of the Cypriot branch of the International Russophile Movement

President’s aide announces reports by five deputy prime ministers at talks with China

Yury Ushakov noted that it is planned to listen to reports by heads of respective intergovernmental commissions from both sides at the expanded talks

Russian diplomat puts blame for Kiev’s crimes on West

"The Zelensky regime’s sponsors are openly and publicly allowing it to hit civilian targets with the weapons they supply," Vasily Nebenzya said

Valery Pikalev appointed head of Russia’s Federal Customs Service

He is St. Petersburg’s former deputy governor

Russia’s onslaught on Kharkov may compel Ukraine to truce — NYT

On May 11, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported liberating several populated localities in the Kharkov Region

Share of Russia’s oil supplies to China and India up by 1 p.p. in March — OPEC

China's oil imports in March increased by 4% compared to February and amounted to 11.6 million barrels per day, according to OPEC estimates

State Duma approves Mikhail Mishustin as Chairman of Russian Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin thanked State Duma lawmakers for approving his candidacy for the prime minister’s office

Blinken arrives in Ukraine amid nervousness over special military op — Kremlin

According to a statement released earlier by the US State Department press service, Antony Blinken intends to discuss the situation on the battlefield and issues of military support to Kiev

Putin calls on new cabinet to do their job earnestly

"We have a lot to do," Russian President added

UNSC meeting on Western weapons supplies to Kiev to be held on May 20 — Russian mission

"We will respond to the Westerners," Dmitry Polyansky said

Federal Protective Service begins testing newest anti-drone systems

FSO Director Dmitry Kochnev pointed out that the agency seeks to study the newest technical solutions, "which the enemy attempts to use," taking the seriousness and credibility of threats into consideration

Putin to visit China May 16-17 — Kremlin

The visit to China will be Putin’s first foreign visit after his re-election as the Russian president, and, as Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier, will be a "reciprocal step to the first official visit of President Xi Jinping which took place last year also following his re-election"

Putin confident in Russia’s victory in special military operation

The Russian people show their best qualities in difficult moments, their courage and heroism, which is confirmed by the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with military on May 7, following the inauguration ceremony

Shoigu tests commando vehicle, calls for additional machineguns

The Russian defense minister "personally tested the special transportation vehicle and its running qualities"

NATO unable to prevent GPS jamming in Baltic region — retired Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak said he believes Russia is involved in the suppression of the GPS signal over the Baltic Sea to "test the alliance's reaction"

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Picking China for Putin’s first visit reflects 'personal chemistry' with Xi Jinping — aide

"This tradition is a clear evidence of the high level of bilateral relations and priority attention, paid to the Russian-Chinese partnership by both sides," Yury Ushakov noted