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Biden signs bill to fund US government until early March

The stopgap bill clears funding for some agencies until March 1 and for others until March 8

WASHINGTON, January 19. /TASS/. US President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill to keep funding the US government into March, the White House said in a statement.

On Friday, the president signed into law the act "which provides fiscal year 2024 appropriations to Federal agencies," the statement said.

The stopgap bill clears funding for some agencies until March 1 and for others until March 8. US fiscal year starts on October 1.

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Blowing up of roads means severance of ties with South Korea — North Korean leader

Kim Jong Un said that it is a foreign country and a hostile state

Press review: Zelensky's Victory Plan jumbled mess and SCO helps usher in new world order

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 17th

EU’s rejection of dialogue on Ukraine with Russia major mistake — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban has repeatedly stated that Hungary believes the Ukrainian conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, that there can be no winners, and that it should be settled at the negotiating table

FATF will not blacklist Russia, expert says

This would create the threat of disintegration of the organization, EHESS Director of Studies Jacques Sapir said

Death toll in Makeyevka increases to 89 — Russian Defense Ministry

All the efforts were taken to save injured individuals immediately after the tragedy, the General noted

Death toll in Israeli Air Force strike on UNRWA school in Gaza rises to 28

According to the report, the building housed displaced people

Israel may strike Iran soon — media

Iran had launched a massive missile attack on Israel on October 1, in retaliation for the assassinations of key figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

NATO chief admits Ukraine won’t be next country to join organization

Mark Rutte opined that the best security guarantees are arms supplies and bilateral security agreements between Ukraine and NATO countries

Russia not threat to Hungary, rest of EU — Hungarian minister

"Hungary is a member of NATO, and NATO is rather powerful," Viktor Orban said

World Bank improves forecast for Russian GDP growth in 2024-2025

Russia is expected to have economic growth by 3.2% in 2024, 1.6% in 2025, and 1.1% in 2026, the document indicates

Putin to meet with heads of media outlets from BRICS countries

The meeting will take place ahead of the group’s summit, set to be held in the Russian city of Kazan on October 22-24

Ukrainian troops sent to areas seized by Russia to become 'cannon fodder,' POW says

According to the soldier, retreating from the settlement of Karlovka was especially hard for him and his fellow servicemen

Russia, Kazakhstan discuss construction of three power plants — Russian Deputy PM

Issues of energy cooperation were discussed as well, Alexey Overchuk said

North Korea fully severs transport communication with South

A spokesman for North Korea’s Defense Ministry said Pyongyang would take more measures "to permanently fortify the closed southern border"

All African states to take part in Russia-Africa meeting of foreign ministers in Sirius

The ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum will be held on the federal territory of Sirius on November 9-10, 2024

EU announces actual halt to Georgia’s accession process

The council also reaffirmed the European Union’s "readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path"

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Lavrov arrives in Istanbul for 3+3 format meeting on Transcaucasian Region

The Russian top diplomat will held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event

Ukrainian troops try to leave Selidovo in small groups — security forces

It is noted that the operational situation for the Ukrainian armed forces around the city is deteriorating

G7 working out details of $50 bln Russian-asset backed loan for Kiev — US official

The official said that "leaders will probably cover this in terms of the political will to make this happen by the end of the year"

Strategic stability not discussed at UN P5 meeting — senior diplomat

As Sergey Ryabkov noted, "China, being the current coordinator of the nuclear P5, is a more appropriate source for relevant assessments"

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy six militant bases, drone depot in Syria

According to Captain 1st rank Oleg Ignasyuk, aircraft of the so-called international anti-terrorism coalition led by the US continue to create dangerous situations

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

Kiev ready for ceasefire along current front line, without recognizing new border — media

A significant number of Ukrainian troops "find themselves trapped" on Russian territory (near Kursk) and are unable to come to aid in Donbass where they are outnumbered in men, the report added

Russian Emergencies Ministry’s plane delivers 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza — agency

The batch included food, tents and sleeping bags

Scholz says nothing changes in Germany’s position, decisions on Ukraine

"Otherwise, there are strategic issues that need to be discussed. You know what decisions I have made, and nothing will change in them," the German chancellor assured

Blowing up of roads means severance of ties with South Korea — North Korean leader

Kim Jong Un said that it is a foreign country and a hostile state

Russia’s ruling party leader says US political traditions should be treated with respect

Some of US political traditions may seem hilarious to an outsider, Dmitry Medvedev added

Iraqi radical group claims capable of hitting Israeli nuclear facility near Dimona

The spokesperson stated that if the readiness of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias is raised to level five, the highest level, they "will engage in open combat with no restrictions"

Pope's envoy for Ukraine meets with Russian presidential aide in Moscow

As the report specified, the talks focused on humanitarian issues to facilitate the rapprochement of positions in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia

Russia promotes true ideals in sports, such as honor and respect for opponents — Putin

"Building on the vast experience of holding large-scale sports festivals, including the Winter Games in Sochi and the FIFA World Cup, Russia promotes new formats of cooperation," the Russian leader said

Russia to launch mass production of world’s heaviest transport helicopter in 2022

There are a few flights remaining to wrap up the Mi-26T2V’s flight tests, CEO of the Russian Helicopters rotorcraft manufacturer Andrei Boginsky revealed

Growing autonomy of Russian strike drones prompts US to boost its defenses — portal

According to Defense One, the United States plans to employ the Leonidas high-powered microwave system, which is designed to overload an incoming drone’s circuits with energy and knock it out

Slovak prime minister predicts imminent end of Ukrainian conflict

Robert Fico also noted that "there are talks again about the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO"

Zelensky claims nukes only option for Ukraine if NATO denies it entry

The Ukrainian president said that he raised this issue during his meeting with US ex-President Donald Trump in September

Scholz says ready to discuss Ukrainian settlement with Putin

At the same time, the German cabinet has nothing to say at the moment about the possible telephone conversation between Putin and Scholz

EU fails to persuade Gulf states to support anti-Russian sanctions

The document’s section, devoted to Ukraine, says that the sides "reaffirm our respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and commitment to fundamental principles of the UN Charter"

Russian, Chinese ships arrive at Qingdao port after joint patrols in Asia-Pacific region

The press service recalled that from the Russian detachment was represented by the Pacific Fleet’s Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs large anti-submarine ships

Yearly plan for staffing of armed forces with contract servicemen 78% complete — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that "this rate is rather good"

Kazakh leader explains Russia's invincibility by military potential, population's support

Peace, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, is the only option, not destroying each other

Kiev realizes liberation of Kupyansk inevitable — official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, this is not the first time that the Ukrainian authorities have carried out a mandatory evacuation

One Direction’s former member Liam Payne falls to death in Buenos Aires

He was 31 years old

US claims of China’s help to Russia in Ukrainian conflict hypocritical — Chinese embassy

"China always handles the export of military products in a prudent and responsible way, and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles, including drones for civilian use," the spokesperson for Chinese embassy in the US, Liu Pengyu, said

Zelensky has no chance of implementing his settlement plan — news outlet

On October 16, Zelensky presented his plan for ending the conflict, in which he ruled out territorial concessions

Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes off US coast

There have been no reports of casualties or damage

Venezuela wants into BRICS due to its growing influence in global economy

According to Delcy Rodriguez, the US and European Union members no longer play a decisive role in the global economy

Russian forces liberate Maksimilyanovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 460 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy ammunition depots over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Portugal’s Ronaldo world’s highest-paid footballer in 2024 — Forbes

Second on the Forbes list was Argentina’s Lionel Messi

All BRICS partners desire to deepen business contacts — official

The productive dialog was maintained throughout the year in all areas of Business Council’s activities, Sergey Katyrin noted

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

Ukraine fires at least six artillery rounds at Energodar — official

No casualties or damage were reported in the shelling, the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant's communications director said

Number of deserters in Ukraine quadruples in 9 months

Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies are not capable of investigating such a large number of cases

NATO cannot confirm reports about DPRK troops’ involvement in special op — Rutte

"We have no confirming reports, but we believe that the DPRK is already supporting Russia's military efforts in technical terms," NATO Secretary General said, answering questions from South Korean reporters

Russia has proof of US’, UK’s involvement in sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines — diplomat

The publication of the evidence will depend on how the situation around the investigation unfolds, Maria Zakharova said

Kiev considering possibility of rebuilding nuclear weapons stockpile — newspaper

According to Bild's source, it will take Kiev just a few weeks to make a bomb

Hamas head Sinwar eliminated during operation in Gaza’s south on October 16 — IDF

The identification process is complete

Ex-SBU officer sees Ukraine, US cooking up plot to expel Russia from OPCW

According to Vasily Prozorov, the OPCW received "advice" from its Western curators not to react to Russian statements about Ukraine's violating the convention

Ukraine’s military created network of underpasses near Ugledar — Russia’s top brass

As Russian servicemen say, the enemy is poorly trained and only few fighters, largely foreign mercenaries, put up fierce resistance while the others try to retreat or surrender

State Duma passes draft law on fines for childfree propaganda in first reading

The biggest fine is 5 million rubles ($51,000), which would be imposed on legal entities who promote childfree to minors using the Internet or mass media

Nine counterattacks repulsed: situation in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian military lost more than 350 personnel, twenty-one armored vehicles, including two tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles and 16 armored combat vehicles, as well as five mortars and seven automobiles

Potential fall of Krasnoarmeisk to deal heavy blow to Ukraine’s economy — media

According to the media outlet, Russia’s offensive in the area "threatens to finally topple the city of Pokrovsk - and that carries both military and economic risks."

EU, West losing Ukraine conflict — Hungarian PM Orban

"This indicates that we have adopted an unsuccessful strategy in this conflict," Viktor Orban went on to say

Putin thanks outgoing ROC President Pozdnyakov for his work

He earlier proposed that the ROC Executive Committee hold elections in December

Putin points to attempts of employing global sports arena for ‘unnatural norms’ propaganda

Russian President said that he is certain that global majority chooses a "path to follow that is based on equality"

Russian women's futsal team 'didn't have to wear hijabs, but chose to' — coach

According to the team's coach, the Russian players were really interested in experiencing what it felt like to wear the hijab and play in it all the time

Germany prepares to give Ukraine AIM-9L missiles and 4,000 attack drones

The list also contains weapons that were already transferred to Kiev over the past month

FACTBOX: Russian zookeeper dies after being mauled by lions

Leokadia Perevalova, who worked in the Crimean Taigan Park, was killed by lions while she was cleaning their enclosure

Trump presidency would be 'good for Europe' — Hungarian PM

Under Republican Donald Trump, the international landscape was much calmer than under the current Democratic administration, led by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Viktor Orban said

Pier upgrade at Pacific Fleet base allowed 7 subs to enter service, Russian ministry says

Commander of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Forces Vice Admiral Vladimir Dmitriyev made the statement in a report to Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov as the minister was visiting the Kamchatka Region

Hungarian minister warns world war could break out if Ukraine joins NATO

Peter Szijjarto reiterated that Hungary opposes sending European military trainers to Ukraine

Gold futures all-time high on Comex — market data

The price continued growing to $2,711.9 per Troy ounce

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian military must encircle and eliminate the Ukrainian servicemen operating in the Kursk Region, Major General Apty Alaudinov stressed

Hamas leader Sinwar eliminated thank to US intelligence - White House

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that it is "a credit to the IDF for taking out Sinwar," but the United States is "proud of the support it has given to the IDF all along the way

Press review: Kim Jong Un dynamites Seoul links and NATO, US lay plans to deter Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 16th

India’s imports from Russia up to $32 bln in April-September — ministry

Russia is one of India's leading trading partners and is among the top ten key importers to the South Asian republic along with China, the United States, the UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, South Korea, Switzerland and Singapore

Command of Ukraine's 59th brigade executes Russian POWs — Ukrainian captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov urged his fellow soldiers to surrender and stressed that in the current conditions this is the only way for the Ukrainian soldiers to survive

Ukraine’s losses, captives, strikes on reserves: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aviation and missile forces hit the enemy reserves in the Sumy Region

IMF Chief notes significant decline in global inflation rate

Nevertheless, Kristalina Georgieva noted, that "inflation rates may be falling, but the higher price level that we feel in our wallets is here to stay"

'Deterrence package' in Zelensky's plan means deploying Western missiles in Ukraine

The Ukrainian president also reiterated his call to immediately invite Ukraine to join NATO, but quickly backtracked saying that "membership would follow later"

Ukraine run by CIA, MI-6 specialists, not Zelensky — former PM

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov said the Ukrainian authorities are fulfilling ready-made plans "under supervision from Western specialists"

US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House national security advisers

Russian troops close to encircling Kurakhovo after liberation of Maksimilyanovka in DPR

"Maksimilyanovka brings closer the encirclement of Kurakhovo from the southeast," the defense circles said

Biden arrives in Berlin for meetings with Germany’s leadership

He is expected to hold meetings with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Russia to fully provide itself with critical raw materials by 2030 — official

Surplus minerals will be exported, Head of the Federal Agency for Mineral Resources Yevgeny Petrov said

US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

According to Alexey Leonkov, if after the possible election of Trump as president of the United States "it is possible to carry out a provocation against a symbolic target, things may turn around for the United States"

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Harris close on Trump’s heels, latest poll shows

The poll was conducted online and by phone on October 10 and from October 13 to October 15

Ukrainian Orthodox schismatics seized country’s largest church, journalism group says

During an overnight liturgy, about 100 unidentified people wearing camouflage and balaclavas broke into the cathedral

Zelensky unveils his plan without getting West's approval — media

It is reported that Ukrainian officials were expecting a response during a meeting of the contact group on military assistance to Ukraine at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany

Russian Olympic Committee’s work requires adjustments, says Putin

Accrording to Russian President, it is important to step up efforts in international cooperation

US sanctioned three companies, individual, for alleged development of Russian drone

Two Chinese companies, one Russian firm and one Russian national were blacklisted

Attempts to dissuade leaders from taking part in BRICS summit to be made — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia offers "a model of relations that is fundamentally different from the one proposed by the so-called collective West"

Russia, Iran in constant contact regardless of situation in Middle East — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that, given the current developments, there is an increased need for dialogue

Ukrainian trench system discovered in settlements liberated on way to Krasnoarmeysk

DPR head Denis Pushilin announced that he had visited Karlovka, Novosyolovka Pervaya, Peski and seven other settlements

Gazan GDP plummeted 85% over year — ILO

"In the West Bank, the unemployment rate averaged 34.9 per cent between early October 2023 and the end of September 2024, while in Gaza it averaged a staggering 79.7 per cent," the International Labor Organization said

Bundestag lawmaker calls Zelensky’s initiative a 'world war plan'

According to Sevim Dagdelen, the German government must deny such an initiative

Top Israeli diplomat confirms killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

Israel Katz described the assassination as "a major military and moral achievement"

Putin visits Borodino Battle Museum

He visited the Borodino Battle Museum founded in 1839 on the orders of Emperor Alexander II

Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran's nuclear facilities — senior diplomat

"This would be a catastrophic development and a complete rejection of the existing postulates in the sphere of nuclear security," Sergey Ryabkov stressed

US desire for arms negotiations a facade, deputy foreign minister says

Sergey Ryabkov underlined that "Washington maintains an air of palpable tension and balances on the brink of an open conflict between nuclear powers"

Russia to keep up training athletes despite their int’l tournaments’ suspensions — Putin

According to Russian President, this is not the reason for reducing the quality of training