{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Swedish embassy in Iraq suspends operations until further notice amid local protests, fire

It is reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani would hold an emergency meeting with the foreign minister and senior law enforcement officials

© AP Photo/Ali Jabar

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. The Swedish embassy in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has suspended operations after being set on fire, according to a statement on the official website of Sweden’s diplomatic missions.

The statement says that due to the demonstrations that took place at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on June 29-30 and July 20, the embassy would be closed to visitors until further notice. The issuance of passports and emergency documents has been suspended.

Iraqi Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Al-Sahhaf said in an interview with the Rudaw TV channel that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani would hold an emergency meeting with the foreign minister and senior law enforcement officials. The Iraqi authorities are in talks with Sweden on steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Al Arabiya TV channel reported earlier that, last night, hundreds of protesters had stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad and set it on fire. The protests had been sparked by the Stockholm police’s July 19 decision to authorize another Quran-burning activity in front of the Iraqi embassy. Baghdad’s security forces used water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemned the protests.

Earlier, a burning of the Quran took place during a police-authorized demonstration in downtown Stockholm on June 28. Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi immigrant, tore pages from the Quran and set it on fire. On that day, Muslims around the world were celebrating Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s major religious holidays.

Tags

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

A pair of the coalition’s F-15 fighter jets and a pair of A-10 Thunderbolt attack bombers violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area

Attacks with Western weapons on Russia can backfire on NATO — expert

"It may even come to nuclear strikes, but I hope this won't happen," Sergey Karaganov said

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Myanmar would like to become BRICS observer country — republic’s information minister

We are poised for cooperation with the integration as an observer country, Minister for Information said

Russian forces consolidating gains near Kupyansk, military expert says

"After successful operations in the Kupyansk direction, our troops, let’s say, are consolidating gains and tightening up their flanks," Andrey Marochko said

Drug supplies to Ukrainian army come from US — POW

It is reported that under some psychotropics a person can stay awake for a week

Iran confirms president’s participation in BRICS summit in Kazan — envoy to Russia

Mr. Pezeshkian, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, will take part in the summit in Kazan

No weapon can become game changer for Kiev — Pentagon

In Washington’s opinion, Ukraine should focus on employing capabilities currently at its disposal

G7 demands that Iran halt alleged transfer of missiles to Russia

Moscow and Tehran have repeatedly rejected theories of Iranian arms deliveries to Russia for use in Ukraine

Moscow views transfer of Russian aircraft to Ukraine by Portugal as hostile move — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, it is evident that in this way Lisbon "is seeking to faithfully demonstrate its allied zeal and obedient compliance with the trajectory imposed on the Europeans by their handlers from across the ocean"

Kiev switches mercenaries to Kupyansk to hold back advance of Russian forces — expert

The expert specified that the Ukrainian national battalions near Kupyansk "are engaged in their traditional activities", playing the role of a "deterrent" - barrier detachments

Kazakhstan still ready to act as intermediary in Russia-Ukraine talks — MFA

Kazakhstan considers it necessary to observe the principles of the UN Charter on countries’ territorial integrity, the official noted

Putin's statement on consequences of strikes deep into Russia reaches addressees — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Putin's statement admitted of no dual interpretations

Air defense shot down UAV in Russia’s Belgorod region, one person was injured — Governor

The Governor added that the roof of the building of the industrial enterprise was damaged

Russia to see NATO’s permit to use long-range weapons as direct involvement in war

According to the Russian diplomat, such a scenario would cardinally change Moscow’s relations with Western countries

Russia expects explanation from Turkey about Azov commanders’ return to Kiev — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the Russian and Turkish foreign ministers had already held a telephone conversation on this issue and "there is certainly more contact to follow at other levels as well"

Biden to focus on support for Ukraine at end of his term in office — White House

Jake Sullivan reiterated that Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly

Israel strikes Hezbollah launchers in southern Lebanon

"A short while ago, the IAF struck a number of launchers, including a loaded and ready-to-use launcher belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization, in the area of Rachaya Al Foukhar in southern Lebanon," the IDF said

Houthis claim responsibility for missile attack on Tel Aviv

According to the spokesman, who was cited by the Houthi-owned Al Masirah television channel, the missile covered a distance of 2,040 kilometers in 11.5 minutes

Bank of Russia confirms resumption of consultations with IMF

Head of the regulator Elvira Nabiullina said that it is "a routine, permanent practice for all IMF members"

Musk warns of looming World War Three if US approves strikes on Russian soil

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Washington’s intention to let Kiev use its long-range projectiles for strikes deep into Russia’s interior is another step in escalating the conflict

Hungary has more unexpected peace initiatives on Ukraine in stock, PM Orban says

Budapest plans to "continue to have unexpected initiatives that will each take us one step closer to peace," the Hungarian Prime Minister said

Ukraine’s failed attack on drilling rig may be sign of infighting in its military — expert

According to Vasily Prozorov, the attack might be a result of infighting between Kirill Budanov and Alexander Syrsky

Ukrainian breakthrough attempts repelled: developments in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost up to 300 troops and seven tanks, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Finland’s territory not to be used to attacks against Russia — General Staff

Finnish Defense Forces General Staff noted that it monitors the situation around the attack of Ukrainian drones in the Murmansk Region

NATO making plans of sending its troops to Ukraine — Russian deputy defense minister

According to Alexander Fomin, this may lead to a direct military confrontation of nuclear powers

Russia will not tolerate activities of undeclared British secret service officers — MFA

"Our uncompromising stance on this issue will be formulated in accordance with the interests of national security," Maria Zakharova stated

Russia’s continued offensive and Ukraine’s losses in the Kursk region

West's decision to attack deep into Russia won’t change situation on front — commander

"For us, nothing will change directly on the front, because the front is moving and will continue to move until Russia wins," Apty Alaudinov emphasized

Scholz says he won’t allow Ukraine to use German weapons for strikes deep inside Russia

According to the chancellor, permission for Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia would be a problem and he won’t allow that

Putin to hold meeting on drones in coming days — TV

In the coming days, Putin is also expected to speak with the governors of Russian regions who were elected during the Single Voting Day

German chancellor calls for unbiased investigation into Nord Stream sabotage

"If we manage to catch them, we want to try them in Germany," Olaf Scholz said

Russia must respond to West's banditry — Peskov on limiting raw materials exports

We need to respond to — not just unfriendly, but thuggish — actions against us, he said

Russian aviation defeats reserves of seven Ukrainian brigades in Sumy Region

Netherlands unable to send Patriot system to Ukraine after unnamed ally leaves it hanging

In June, the Netherlands announced that it and an ally had teamed up to jointly provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system

Over 20 country leaders confirm participation in BRICS summit in Kazan — senior diplomat

Russia assumed the one-year rotating chairmanship of the BRICS intergovernmental group on January 1, 2024

Russian aviation hit formations of 7 Ukrainian brigades in Kursk region — Defense Ministry

It also struck reserves of 11 brigades in the Sumy region, the ministry reported

Bank of Russia’s chief names main disadvantages of high inflation for Russia

Elvira Nabiullina stressed that high inflation meant greater price volatility

Press review: UK may jettison Russian sanctions and Berlin eyes olive branch on Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 10th

New Egyptian Foreign Minister plans to discuss Palestinian-Israeli conflict with Lavrov

We pay a lot of attention to bilateral relations and joint projects, Ambassador of Egypt to Russia said

US not to be able to sit nuclear conflict in Europe out — Russian ambassador

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that nuclear terrorists is the Kiev regime’s hallmark

Biden tells reporters he doesn’t think much about Putin

The Russian leader told the media earlier that NATO countries are not just debating about Kiev's possible use of Western long-range weapons but rather they are essentially making up their mind whether to get directly involved in the Ukraine conflict or not

Putin shows respect to Serbia by not rebuking it for buying Rafale — deputy PM

The Russian President once again proved that he is a friend to Serbia, Aleksandar Vulin said

Russia communicates messages to US to avert uncontrollable crisis — senior diplomat

Communication with the United States is conducted through embassies and occasionally at other levels, Sergey Ryabkov said

Press review: BRICS challenges existing security concepts and Europe's economy in trouble

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 13th

Russia must respond to West’s banditry — Peskov on limiting raw materials exports

The Russian presidential spokesman also noted that possible restrictions on Russia's exports of strategic raw materials will be done with caution so as not to harm the Russian economy

US not ready for dialogue with Russia on Ukraine, Russian ambassador says

"The Americans are unwilling to negotiate. They are uncomfortable discussing that. They say they do not control the Ukrainians," Anatoly Antonov said

Russia will not leave US actions against Russian media unanswered — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova drew attention to the fact that the United States has launched another wave of restrictions against Russian media and journalists, continuing to strictly follow the course of total extermination of any dissent

Six UK diplomats working in Moscow engaged in intelligence, subversive activities — FSB

"The revealed facts give grounds to consider the activities of UK diplomats sent to Moscow by the Directorate as a threat to Russia’s security," the report said

German jets scrambled over Baltic Sea over Russian Tu-142, Su-30 planes

Such mutual checks are mostly routine

Moscow’s verbal signals to West about escalation need to be changed — senior diplomat

Ryabkov called on "the political and military leadership of Russia's opponents to weigh the severity of the consequences that could arise as a result of their irresponsible, extremely dangerous actions."

Zelensky urges US congressmen to speed up arms deliveries for his troops

In Ukrainian President words, "any delays in military [aid] deliveries have a negative effect on the front"

Ukrainian forces lost up to 520 troops in Battlegroup West zone of responsibility

The enemy also lost six vehicles, a UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled howitzer, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer and two electronic warfare stations

TASS celebrates its 120th anniversary in Bolshoi Theater

At start of the event, the news agency’s staff and veterans were congratulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Countries need to grasp consequences of hosting US military bases — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited Germany, which portrays itself as a democratic state with a well-developed legal system, as an example

Three settlements in Belgorod Region attacked by Ukrainian troops

Four single-family houses and two auxiliary structures burned down in the village of Kozinka after a shelling attack by Ukrainian troops

Sweden cannot accept world data on stability of Russian economy — Foreign Ministry

"Sweden is worried that for some reason sanctions are not working and that 'Russian propaganda is lying about the stability of the Russian economy'," Maria Zakharova said

North Korea’s Kim lauds relations with Moscow as rapidly developing at meeting with Shoigu

"He gave his assurances that the North Korean government will continue to expand cooperation with Russia in the spirit of a comprehensive strategic partnership," the state-owned radio broadcaster said

Egyptian Foreign Minister will visit Russia on Sunday

Egypt and Russia are preparing to sign a number of bilateral agreements, Ambassador of Egypt to Russia Nazih Nagari told TASS on the sidelines of the BRICS Media Summit

Storm Shadow missile strikes into Russian territory not to help Ukraine win — BBC reporter

According to Jeremy Bowen, if Ukraine is allowed to hit Russia with Western missiles, it might add another layer to the conflict and certainly give the Ukrainians another means to hit Russia with, but it will not bring Ukraine victory in the war

BRICS security leaders convene in St. Petersburg to discuss new world order

According to the preliminary agenda, the representatives of the BRICS group, chaired this year by Russia, intend to talk about how to work together to counter the "rules-based order" imposed by the West

NATO has been prepping Ukraine for war with Russia for eight years, Ukrainian POW says

It is noted that the Ukrainian media outlets have been deliberately shaping Russia’s negative image

Georgia to apologize for war that Saakashvili started against Ossetians — ruling party

Bidzina Ivanishvili said that the ruling party needs to get a constitutional majority in the new parliament in order to put Saakashvili's party on trial for unleashing the 2008 war

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Plane with 103 Russian POWs lands near Moscow

They were swapped for 103 Ukrainian POWs

Russia and Egypt preparing to sign several documents — Ambassador in Moscow

The preparation of such documents is underway, but they will not necessarily be signed at the BRICS summit in Kazan

Bus accident in Egypt leaves 46 people wounded, including 21 Russians — newspaper

They were taken to hospitals

Russian cosmonauts Kononenko and Chub mark one year in space

The two cosmonauts were sent to the orbit aboard the Soyuz MS-24 manned spacecraft, which blasted off from the Baikonur space launch center on September 15, 2023

Israeli military say missile launched from Yemen fragmented in mid-air

Fallen fragments of the interceptors were identified in open areas and at the Paatei Modi'in Railway Station, the IDF said

Russia waits for US to explain how warfare agent got in hands Ukrainian troops — diplomat

"The Russian side thoroughly registers chemical incidents evidencing that Ukraine violates its commitments under the CWC," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian envoy says he received calls from US ex-officials following Putin’s statements

Earlier Russian president warned that a potential decision to allow Ukraine to deliver long-range strikes inside Russia may have consequences

Houthi leader says US strikes fail to stop attacks on ships

According to al-Houthi, at least 24 strikes were carried out last week on the provinces of al-Hodeidah, Ibb, Marib, Saada and Taiz

Russian air defenses destroy 29 Ukrainian drones over seven regions overnight

During the past night, the Kiev regime’s attempted terrorist attack on facilities in Russia with the use of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles was thwarted

Russian economy, Armed Forces allow to continue special military operation - Kremlin

"The special military operation will continue and all its goals will be achieved," Dmitry Peskov added

Russian diplomat slams plans to simulate nuclear blast aftermath in Russia as absurd

Mikhail Ulyanov noted that such rhetoric is irresponsible

Serbia may refuse from EU membership if forced to support conflict with Russia — deputy PM

Serbia may also drop its plans for joining the European Union if it has to recognize Kosovo’s independence or authorize same-sex marriages, Aleksandar Vulin said

Severing diplomatic relations with UK out of question — Kremlin

Earlier, an anonymous representative of the Russian security services said that six UK diplomats had been expelled from Russia

Russian forces destroy two Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets in 24 hours — defense ministry

The Russian Aerospace Forces downed two Su-27 fighter jets of Ukraine’s air forces in 24 hours

BRICS is not a platform for settling political scores — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that the platform is designed to "be closer to people, closer to normal life, to healthy values"

Rhetoric about lifting ban on strikes into Russia with Western arms doesn’t promote peace

Ukraine will be among the items high on the agenda of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' various bilateral meetings

Media people from global majority to gather at BRICS Media Summit in Moscow

Panel discussions will cover the role of the BRICS media community in bolstering stability in a multipolar world

Anti-Trump Republicans gather $35 million for his rival Harris

Experts interviewed by Newsweek believe that longtime Republicans who openly campaign against Trump could sway portions of the electorate in tight battleground states

US seeks to drive wedge between Russia, Argentina — ambassador

The US accused RT television and Russia in general of attempts to ‘destabilize’ the government of Argentinian President Javier Milei, but Russia has never intervened into sovereign affairs of other countires, Dmitry Feoktistov said

Russia, Turkey disagree on Crimea’s status, Moscow keeps persuading Ankara — Kremlin

"We hope that over time this will allow Ankara to understand us better and to agree with our arguments," Dmitry Peskov explained

Russian air defenses shoot down Ukrainian drone above Ryazan Region — ministry

Air defense units on duty destroyed the Ukrainian drone above the territory of the Ryazan Region

There ae signs of malevolent arsons behind wildfires in LPR — authorities

According to LPR’s head Leonid Pasechnik, the most serious situation is in the Antratsit municipal area, where wildfires have been raging since early September

German chancellor calls for unbiased investigation into Nord Stream sabotage

"It was a terrorist attack," Olaf Scholz told

West afraid to even discuss interception of Russian missiles over Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky noted that Western states did discuss ensuring Israel’s air defense during the Iranian attack on April 13, but they refuse to make the same steps for Ukraine

Putin always deliberate in choosing response to West’s actions — Kremlin

Russian experts discuss tough options among other things, Dmitry Peskov added

New names may emerge in Crocus City Hall terror attack investigation

One of the suspects, Mukhammad Zoir Sharipzoda, "may contact other unidentified co-conspirators in the crime" if he is not placed in pretrial custody

White House taking Putin’s words about NATO’s involvement in Ukrainian conflict seriously

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that by allowing Ukraine to use its weapons to strike deep inside Russia the West will get directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict

Moscow knows the West has already decided to strike deep into Russia — senior diplomat

"The President spoke very clearly on this topic. We know that the corresponding decisions were made some time ago, and signals of this kind have been transmitted to Kiev," the high-ranking diplomat said, answering a question on the matter

Trump’s plan on Ukraine envisages demilitarized zone, Kiev’s neutrality — running mate

Apart from that, "the Germans and other countries have to fund some Ukrainian reconstruction", David Vance said

Russian arms get the job done in special op — senior military official

Alexander Fomin noted that "Western weapon systems, purportedly possessing some high performance characteristics, according to promotional ads, burn perfectly well on the battlefield without any chances for restoration"

BRICS Media summit participants to adopt final declaration

The event will be attended by heads of media outlets and government officials from Venezuela, India, Iran, Russia and Switzerland

Russia’s response to long-range weapons supplies to Kiev will be brutal — MFA

"The opponents in Washington, London, and other places clearly underestimate the degree of danger of the game they continue to play," Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said

BRICS nations’ media to facilitate construction of fair world order — declaration

Participants from BRICS countries will facilitate the construction of a fair and equal multipolar world order based on the norms of international right and principles of equality, respect of sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs and indivisible security using their information resources

Ukraine has highest mortality rate in world — report

Earlier, the Opendatabot resource, which monitors Ukrainian state registers, reported that now for every person born in Ukraine, three people die

Zelensky says Biden responsible for his ‘peace plan’

The Ukrainian president said that he was unable to fully disclose his initiative because he had given his word to the American president

Putin’s views close to Myanmar, partnership between states to expand — republic’s minister

Our diplomatic cooperation has been developing for 76 years, the country’s Minister for Information said

Over 280 port infrastructure facilities in Ukraine destroyed or damaged — official

The Nikolayev and Odessa regional authorities periodically report port infrastructure and warehouse damage and Kiev calls for strengthening the country’s air defense