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US program to replace Minuteman III ICBM exceeds its $95.8 bln budget — Reuters

"The total program cost, now estimated above $131 billion, could grow further as the US secretary of defense concludes a review by the summer," the report said

WASHINGTON, January 19. /TASS/. The program to replace the US nuclear arsenal, including Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, has surpassed its budget of $95.8 billion due to the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation, Reuters reported.

The report cited the US Air Force as saying that the program is now "at least 37% over a pre-pandemic cost estimate finalized in September 2020."

"The total program cost, now estimated above $131 billion, could grow further as the US secretary of defense concludes a review by the summer," the report said.

The US plans to replace the Minuteman III with the missile named Sentinel in a key phase of the overall upgrade of its nuclear forces. The Pentagon estimates that the missile won’t be deployed until 2031.

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At least 100 draft dodgers try to flee Ukraine daily — official

Calculations take into account "only those who are detained or reported by border guards from neighboring countries"

MMA fighter Jeff Monson converts to Islam

He recited the shahada, a statement of faith in Islam, in Moscow on Wednesday.

USS Dwight Eisenhower leaves Red Sea — Pentagon

USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group will arrive in the US Central Command's area of responsibility after completing a scheduled exercise in the Indo-Pacific as early as next week

West to discard Zelensky once Russia consolidates successes on battlefield — SVR

The SVR dismissed Zelensky’s latest claims about "bringing Russia to its knees," calling them laughable

Putin’s peace initiative is Russia’s fourth proposal on Ukraine, says top diplomat

Ukraine itself "destroyed its territorial integrity with the hands of those who came to power through a bloody state coup and began to impose Russophobic and Neo-Nazi rules," the top Russian diplomat stressed

Press review: China in NATO crosshairs over Russia support and Kiev eyes ZNPP return

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 19th

Kim Jong Un gifts Putin two Pungsan hunting dogs

According to the expert, the North Korean people see this dog as "a companion," and not just a pet

British Navy reports attack on vessel off Yemen’s Aden

"The crew are reported safe," UKMTO said

US intelligence agencies plan to use AI against undesirable countries

Sergey Naryshkin noted that this could become a very serious problem for all mankind

Yerevan suggests creating mechanism for ceasefire violation inquiries with Baku

The document also says the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan has been regularly publishing reports about Armenian military units allegedly violating the ceasefire

Russian strikes turn Western hardware into scrap metal — KCNA

"Russia's military edge is further assured on the Ukrainian battlefield," the news agency stressed

Russia demands US remove its nuclear weapons from Europe — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that said missions are based on the forward deployment of US weapons in Europe "thousands of kilometers away from the US national territory and within operational reach of Russian territory"

Energodar's power supply restored after Ukrainian attack on Raduga substation

As a result of the attack, power outages occurred in Energodar and at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant facilities

Three people killed, four — injured during Donetsk shelling by Ukrainian Armed Forces

Four other people were wounded in the Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk and in Gorlovka.

KCNA releases text of comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia

TASS collected the key provisions of the open-ended treaty

Missile danger announced, explosions heard in Belgorod

According to the TASS correspondent, the sounds of explosions were heard simultaneously with the alert being announced

Hungarian PM says West's quest to defeat Russia in Ukrainian conflict hopeless

While blaming Russia for the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, Viktor Orban pointed out that the main reason for the conflict was Kiev's intention to join NATO

Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev

According to the politician, "Poland's reckless actions, if rashly supported by its NATO allies, may have far-reaching dangerous consequences for the entire world"

Ukraine shells three villages in Russia’s Belgorod Region

According to preliminary information, there have been no casualties

Kiev regime suppresses family ties of Ukrainians, sending them to slaughter

Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev noted that "the long-suffering population of Ukraine is overwhelmingly Russian."

Armenia's recognition of Palestine to harm its relations with Israel — Netanyahu's adviser

"This step will have serious long-term consequences for Israel-Armenia relations," Dmitry Gendelman noted

Ukrainian drone eliminated over Russia’s Bryansk Region — top brass

Earlier, Bryansk Region Governor Alexander Bogomaz said on his Telegram channel that a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone had been shot down over the region

West’s response to Russian peace proposal limited to public statements — Kremlin aide

On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with top Foreign Ministry officials and set forth new peace proposals to settle the conflict in Ukraine, which envisage recognition of the status of Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions as parts of Russia

Hungary to take no part in NATO mission in Ukraine — PM

According to Viktor Orban, "Hungary wants to remain an island of peace in Europe"

Energodar’s only remaining substation struck by Ukrainian troops — ZNPP

This was Ukraine’s second attack on the energy infrastructure in Energodar in recent days

Russian air defense takes down air targets over borderline Belgorod Region

According to the governor, a Ukrainian air attack on the village of Komsomolsky damaged a private residence and an enterprise

Ukrainian Armed Forces resumed attack on Donetsk, air defense systems operational

The air defense system is working

US applying unfair competition technique against Kaspersky Lab — Kremlin

"They resort to such techniques every time," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia wins BRICS Games in phygital football

Venezuela came in third, conquering athletes from Brazil

Weapons embargo against Iran not linked with nuclear deal — diplomat

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed that the term of the restrictions had expired

Russian ambassador says Washington’s sanctions benefit firms working for US intelligence

US tried to "to scare away businesses from normal mutually beneficial interaction, and consumers from purchasing Kaspersky products," Anatoly Antonov said

Work of Zaporozhye NPP infrastructure facilities disrupted due to Ukrainian forces’ attack

The functionality of infrastructure facilities was disrupted

Countries that recognize Palestine

Putin sees no need to include first strike concept in Russia’s nuclear doctrine

A retaliatory strike will be enough to destroy the enemy, Russian President said

West wants to privatize matters of security in Eurasia — Lavrov

"A network of associations, grouped around the ASEAN based on principles of equality, equal indivisible security, consensus and mutual respect - the West wants to dismantle these structure," the foreign minister said

Russia-Vietnam joint statement following Putin’s visit: key provisions

Russia and Vietnam "consistently strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance amid the tough international situation"

Chinese expert sees US inability to stop Russia-Vietnam cooperation

"US-Vietnam relations cannot replace Russia-Vietnam relations in the present or foreseeable future," said Yang Danzhi, a research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Measures to ensure nuclear safety at Zaporozhye NPP implemented in full

It was reported earlier that the infrastructure facilities of the NPP are powered down after the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the Raduga substation

Gazprom gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine reach 42.4 mln cubic meters

The transit line through Ukraine remains the only route to supply Russian gas to western and central European countries

US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier arrives in South Korean port

It was joined by two Aegis-equipped destroyers, the Yonhap news agency said

Putin’s visit to Asia became Washington’s worst fears coming true — US diplomat

Russian leader needed only four days to anger the US, ambassador of United States to Japan Rahm Emanuel said

White House concerned by Netanyahu’s upcoming speech at US Congress — Politico

Joe Biden’s advisors don't know what Israeli Prime Minister is going to say, newspaper reported

US doubts likelihood of significant Ukrainian battlefield success — journalist Hersh

Seymour Hersh described US President Joe Biden’s foreign policy as a "disaster," as "Biden is continuing to send billions to Ukraine" and urging the US allies in NATO to do the same

Taiwan records approach of 41 Chinese PLA aircraft, seven vessels in past day

Aircraft, vessels and ground-based air defense systems were dispatched by the Taiwanese Army

Russia’s Pacific Fleet begins deployment to exercise involving 40 ships

The Fleet explained that this is the first time this exercise is considered bilateral

Russia’s strikes hammer Ukrainian military airfields, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russia’s Southern Battlegroup improved its frontline positions and inflicted roughly 4,290 casualties on the Ukrainian army over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Over 20 Ukrainian drones shot down over Bryansk Region in just one hour — governor

No one was injured

Israeli fighter jets attack Hezbollah military targets in Lebanon — IDF

"Throughout the day, IDF troops fired to remove threats in the areas of Ayta ash Shab, Jibbain, and Tallouseh," the press service noted

Skripals reluctant to appear at inquiry into death of Dawn Sturgess — lawyer

Sturgess’s family still want the Skripals to be kept on the list of possible witnesses

Houthis, Islamic Resistance in Iraq attack commercial vessels in Israel’s Haifa

The movement reported that its drones attacked Haifa-bound cattleship

Sanctions and peace initiatives: what Putin told reporters in Hanoi

Possible changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, a treaty on military aid with North Korea, peace initiatives and sanctions were among the issues raised by the Russian president

Restrictions on US weapons prevent Kiev from hitting key Russian airfields — WaPo

Ukrainian officials told the newspaper that the United States has restricted the range to less than 100 kilometers from the border

24th package of Tokyo’s sanctions seen as another step to ruining relations with Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned Tokyo about tough and painful countermeasures

Russia’s FSB detains Islamic State supporters in Rostov-on-Don

They planned to carry out terrorist attacks on schools and hospitals in the Rostov region

Democrats may bring in new candidate if Biden performs bad in debate with Trump — Hersh

As the journalist has been told, Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, or J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, may replace US president in this scenario

Russia to take measures to prevent Kiev’s attacks on energy facilities - foreign ministry

Ukrainian attacks at Russian energy infrastructure aimed at inflicting irreparable damage to the economy and creating the risk of a man-made disaster, Maria Zakharova said

Russian-Georgian movie receives award at Shanghai Film Festival

This year, the film contest includes 50 movies from 29 countries and regions

CIS countries steadily showing economic growth — Russian Deputy PM

Alexey Overchuk noted importance of continuing work on the buildup of economic and industrial potentials of CIS, development of new interaction mechanisms, creation of payment architecture independent from external developments, and transport system development

Up to 100,000 people go missing in Russia every year, says official

As many as 70,000 to 100,000 people go missing in Russia every year and 25% of them are never found

US coalition's drones fly too close to Russian plane in Syria — top brass

During the day, one shelling attack on positions of government forces from terrorists was reported in the Idlib de-escalation zone

Putin travels on trusted Russian aircraft — Kremlin

"All machinery in our country that transports citizens is also maintained at the proper level," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Press review: Vietnam, Russia forge closer bonds and EU imposes fresh sanctions on Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 21st

Interior minister points to attempts to expel Russia from Interpol

Vladimir Kolokoltsev pointed out that these restrictions played into the hands of international transnational criminal groups, those individuals who devise criminal schemes and engage in drug trafficking and cybercrime

Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack Donetsk, more than 20 explosions heard

Information about the victims is being clarified

IN BRIEF: Key points of Putin’s address to military college graduates

The Russian leader noted that Russia plans to keep developing its nuclear trifecta, because this is a guarantee of strategic deterrence and balance of powers in the world

Russian plane makes observation flight over CIA, Pentagon and White House

A US State Department official confirmed that the path of the observation flight had been agreed by Washington and Moscow

US intelligence agencies plan to use AI against undesirable countries

At the same time, according to Head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Sergey Naryshkin, the activities of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service are aimed exclusively at protecting Russia's interests

Three people killed, four - injured during Donetsk shelling by Ukrainian Armed Forces

Four other people were wounded in the Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk and in Gorlovka

Ukraine sustains roughly 130 casualties in area controlled by Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr

Also, Ukrainian boats attempting to disembark on the left bank of the Dnieper River were destroyed, and FPV drones, as well as surveillance and strike drones were downed actively, Battlegroup Spokesman Roman Kodryan said

Scholz wished to make secret deal with US on Nord Stream 2 — newspaper

According to the report, confidential papers confirm that the German chancellor "not only approved the project, but for years actively advocated it" and "by means of a dubious deal tried to prevent the United States from sanctions against the pipeline"

Kaspersky Lab eyes US sanctions as unjustified

"The recent step will not affect stability of the company because Kaspersky Lab itself, its subsidiaries and the CEO are not included in the OFAC list," the company said

Russian troops should scale up FAB-3000 bomb strikes at key Ukrainian army sites — expert

"Considering a substantial strike effect of this munition, its use can be recognized as successful," Igor Korotchenko underlined

Four conditions for negotiations with Kiev: what Putin said at Foreign Ministry

Russia considers Ukraine's neutral, non-aligned, non-nuclear status and the lifting of all Western sanctions as a necessary condition

Missile danger alert declared throughout Belgorod region, multiple explosions heard

According to a TASS correspondent, the sounds of explosions were heard within a minute after the alert was announced

Japan was ready to attack Soviet Union in case Nazis captured Leningrad — archive

The Japanese were also collecting information about the Red Army in the Far East, including naval and military air bases and railroads

Poland mulls closing border with Belarus — foreign ministry

"For now, we are researching whether it will impact Poland’s economy," Radoslaw Sikorski said

Russia’s advanced radar in Kaliningrad to monitor entire territory of Europe — source

The first Konteiner radar went on combat duty in the Volga area region of Mordovia on December 1, 2019

Russia takes note of drastic changes in security area — Putin

The Russian president said some Western experts don’t see a problem in using nuclear weapons

Ukraine to lose territories, NATO when all said and done — media

According to the publication, the Swiss conference has demonstrated that "international support for a forever war is waning and the time for ugly compromises is beginning"

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians hiding from draft officers — NYT

Ukrainian men expressed fear of dying in the "bloody trench warfare", the newspaper reported

Russian travel aggregators expect 40% yoy increase in bookings from foreigners in 2024

The expert added that, according to an analysis of data from the largest market players in Russia, total views of travel aggregator sites last year reached 1.2 billion

Diplomat comments on appearance of Ukrainian flag demanding elections during Euro 2024

A Ukrainian flag with a call "Give Us Elections" was spread during the group stage match between Ukraine and Slovakia on Friday

US coalition’s drone attacks truck in Syria from Iraq, deaths reported — Russian military

Deaths and injuries among Syrian citizens were reported as a result

Kiev’s attempts to drive Russian forces out of Kharkov Region will cost it dearly — Putin

The Russian president also said that Russia has no goal to approach Kharkov

Ukraine lost Canadian armored combat vehicle Senator for the first time

At the same time, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a group strike on Ukrainian energy facilities and warehouses of Western aviation weapons overnight

Drone attack repelled in west Russia’s Smolensk region, no casualties — governor

Air defenses responded to an attack over Smolensk and Yartsevo

Over 35 Ukrainian drones, 8 projectiles shot down in Kursk Region in 24 hours — governor

No one was injured and any resulting fires were extinguished

Houthis show drone boat that hit, sank Tutor bulk carrier

The footage aired on the Al Masirah television channel shows the Toofan-1 drone boat and the moment of the attack on the vessel

US moves to close Russian visa center, strips Russian diplomats of tax privileges — envoy

According to Antonov, the US side did not provide any explanations for its move

Houthis claim attacking US aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in Red Sea

Additionally, the rebels attacked the Transworld Navigator bulk carrier with ballistic missiles in the Arabian Sea

At least 100 draft dodgers try to flee Ukraine daily — official

Calculations take into account "only those who are detained or reported by border guards from neighboring countries"

Russian national detained in Montenegro accused of meddling in US elections

The American side wants his extradition to the United States

US apparently assisted Azov militants before ban was lifted — portal

The conclusion is based on indirect statements made by US officials and photographs published by the military unit itself

EU’s 14 package of sanctions against Russia targets 27 cargo ships — EUobserver

All 27 vessels will be banned from entering ports and gateways of EU Member States, as well as from using a wide range of services related to maritime transport, according to the document

EU’s new sanctions ban private flights and charters in the interests of Russian citizens

According to the document, the new ban will apply to any flights for which a Russian legal entity or individual has the authority to determine the place of takeoff and landing

Venezuela about to join BRICS — executive vice president

The country is ready to offer its fuel and mineral resources to future partners, Delcy Rodriguez said

Russia dispatches plane to US to pick up diplomats whose assignment is ending — MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that this is "not about expulsion, but about the restrictions that Washington has created for Russian foreign institutions in their work"

Moscow plans to give adequate response if US closes Russian visa centers

"If such measures are implemented, the Russian side will give an adequate response," the diplomat emphasized

Medvedev cites facts of Zelensky usurping power

As the Ukrainian president, he simply "hid in his drawer" 32 laws, thus violating the сonstitution, the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

Putin lays wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier on Day of Remembrance and Sorrow

The traditional ceremony to pay homage to the Soviet military who perished during the Great Patriotic War that Russia fought against Nazi Germany in 1941-1945 took place in the Alexander Garden

Trophy T-64 tank wipes out Ukrainian positions near Chasov Yar

"Yesterday, the T-64 on which Maxim Likhachev surrendered departed on a combat mission near Chasov Yar," a security official in the Donetsk People’s Republic said