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Pyongyang expects its ‘closest friend’ Putin to visit North Korea soon — agency

According to KCNA, North Korea "warmly welcomes President Putin to visit Pyongyang and is ready to greet the Korean people's closest friend with the greatest sincerity"

TOKYO, January 21. /TASS/. Pyongyang considers Russian President Vladimir Putin as a close friend of the North Korean people and is ready to offer him a warm reception if he wants to pay a visit, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Sunday citing a statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry.

According to KCNA, North Korea "warmly welcomes President Putin to visit Pyongyang and is ready to greet the Korean people's closest friend with the greatest sincerity."

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated earlier that the dates of Putin’s possible visit to North Korea were being coordinated via diplomatic channels.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui paid a visit to Moscow earlier this week, holding talks with top Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov. The two foreign ministers also met with Putin who has a standing invitation to visit North Korea.

The Russian foreign minister paid an official visit to Pyongyang in October 2023. The visit was timed to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and North Korea. Lavrov was received by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Un visited Russia on September 12-17, 2023. On September 13, he had talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Spaceport. The North Korean leader also visited the Gagarin Aviation Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the Knevichi Airport, and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate.

He also attended the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ ballet in the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theater, visited the Far Eastern Federal University, the aquarium and a factory of the Arnika Group, which specializes in production of food and fodder materials and ingredients.

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Vladimir Putin North Korea

Japanese lawmaker urges global condemnation of decision on missile strikes on Russia

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Russia’s reaction to Austrian OMV’s failure to pay for gas justified — MFA

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Putin’s Q&A session and press conference to be held on one of December Thursdays — Kremlin

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Ukraine, not Russia, posing a threat to the Baltic region — Kremlin

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Russian Navy’s conventional sub makes business call at Malaysian port

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Official declines to say if US gives Ukraine targeting data for Storm Shadow missiles

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller also declined to discuss the presumed first strike on Russia with the missiles

NATO enters conflict, Russia has every right to attack its targets now — expert

Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson confirmed to TASS that the launch of ATACMS missiles would be impossible without "US/NATO satellite feeds and/or personnel"

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"It is important for us to achieve our goals, which are well known to everyone," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

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Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

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Press review: Biden OKs long-range missile use as backlash to Scholz’s Putin call grows

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FACTBOX: What is known about UAV attacks on Russian regions

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Russia to use revenues from frozen assets of Western investors — Finance Minister

Tit-for-tat measures will be implemented after receiving information about unfriendly actions of Western countries, Anton Siluanov noted

Allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with US weapons irresponsible — Slovak PM

Robert Fico noted that authorizing the use of long-range weapons for strikes against Russia would not alter the balance of power in the conflict zone

Pentagon refrains from commenting on Ukraine’s missile attack on Bryansk region

Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also declined a request to comment on the US permission to use ATACMS missiles for deep strikes on Russia

Putin orders protection of critical infrastructure, including Crimean Bridge — Kremlin

Kiev has not accepted the legitimate results of the 2014 referendum, in which the people of Crimea and Sevastopol voted to become part of Russia, and is displeased by the operation of the Crimean Bridge, which connects the Kerch Strait with the Krasnodar Region

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

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Media from unfriendly states will be admitted to Putin's annual press conference — Kremlin

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Defeating Ukrainian forces near Olgovskaya wood, enemy losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian Armed Forces have completed the destruction of a Ukrainian battlegroup blocked in the area of the Olgovskaya wood

ATACMS missiles unlikely to keep Kiev from losing conflict — American expert

Daniel Davis also noted that "continuing to ignore reality" would only increase "the ultimate cost of losing" the conflict for Ukraine

US Senate refuses to block arms supplies to Israel

More than 60 out of 100 senators voted against the three corresponding resolutions, while 17 legislators supported them

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Russian forces dislodge Ukrainian troops from half of positions in Kurakhovo in DPR

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Belarusian security agency says Minsk aware of Poland’s efforts to prepare terrorist cells

"The Polish authorities were notified about this through the channels of countering international terrorism, but the only response to this, unfortunately, was increased secrecy measures on the part of the participants in these terrorist cells," the committee’s investigative department chief, Konstantin Bychek, said

Moscow-Washington hotline not in use now — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that there have been no contacts via this new channel lately

Xi Jinping calls for unification of more voices for peace in Ukraine

"We need to bring together more voices of peace and pave the way for a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis," Chinese president said

More desperation in Zelensky's appeals, ex-NATO commander says

According to Stavridis, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing "mounting personnel losses," while Kiev is growing concerned about the possibility of the incoming US administration

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

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Normal interaction between Russia and Sweden will not resume yet — Russian ambassador

Sergey Belyaev also highlighted the worsening situation for Russian diplomatic missions in Stockholm

Russian embassy warns UK about dangers of calling for Moscow’s ‘defeat’

According to th statement, London is promoting new rounds of escalation

Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

Admiral Nakhimov cruiser to sail out on auxiliary engines in November

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Trump's new presidency will be fundamentally different from his first — expert in the US

"It is therefore reasonable to expect him to govern for the next four years in a more emboldened, assertive way, and many of his outsider cabinet picks are indicative of precisely that kind of approach," the analyst believes

Biden’s decision to use ATACMS against Russia may 'blow up in America’s face' — US expert

According to Daniel Davis authorizing US long-range weapons to be used against Russia is "foolhardy to the highest order," "especially because there is no military upside for doing so"

Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

Belarusian TV to air documentary film about foreign mlitary invasion plan

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Trump may soon start talks with Russia following Biden’s decision on ATACMS — news agency

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Commenting on Ukraine's long-range missile strikes on Russian territory, Elena Basile remarked, "US President Joe Biden has decided to make the task of resolving the Ukraine conflict even more difficult for his successor"

US strategic forces ready for Biden-Trump transition — Pentagon

"The nuclear forces is ready on January 19, just like it will be ready on January, 20," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

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Biden’s ATACMS decision aimed at tying his successor’s hands — expert

In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning"

Russian troops raise flag in central Kurakhovo in Donetsk region — politician

Russian army units have advanced much farther into the city’s northern part, in particular, along the southern bank of the Kurakhovo reservoir, Vladimir Rogov specified

Canada neglects its sovereignty by approving transfer of land mines to Kiev — diplomat

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Sweden detected ship movements when cable damage occurred, minister says

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"Moscow's escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are unprecedented in their variety and scale," the statement reads

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Elon Musk denies his impact on Trump’s decisions on nominates for cabinet positions

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Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

Sergey Naryshkin observed that the military and political elites in the West are increasingly recognizing the gravity of Russia's intentions and the need for greater caution in their actions

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

World Aquatics withdraws ban on participation of Russian athletes in relay races

Previously, Russian and Belarusian athletes were authorized to compete only in individual disciplines

Washington refrains from naming those responsible for Baltic Sea cable rupture — DoS

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

Russian forces gain foothold in central Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

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Russian forces push Ukrainian troops 10 km away from Lisichansk in LPR — expert

Russian troops have taken new lines and positions northwest of Zolotaryoka as a result of successful operations

Avtovaz plans exporting about 20,000 cars by year-end

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Biden's decision to use ATACMS on Russia threatens to kill Americans — Tucker Carlson

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Gallup poll shows sharp decline in Ukrainian support for American policies

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Biden’s actions increase likelihood of escalation in Ukraine — PM

Viktor Orban asserted that the government’s mission is to prevent Hungary from being dragged into the Ukrainian conflict

Ukraine creates 'sabotage manual' showing former citizens how to get Russia — lawmaker

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Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

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Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

US admiral says Washington should be ready for talks with Russia, China

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Training Ukrainian troops makes France direct participant in combat — top Russian diplomat

"The same goes for talk about using French-made SCALP missiles [in Ukraine] which are identical to the UK’s Storm Shadow," Sergey Lavrov noted

Putin confirms Russia’s readiness to assist CAR with security challenges

"Both leaders exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on the fight against the terrorist threat and ensuring stability across the Central African Republic," the statement reads

Putin ready for talks on Ukraine, including with Trump — Kremlin

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Russian stock indices falling on Wednesday — market data

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At least 66 people killed in Gaza Strip by an Israeli strike — Al Jazeera

It was also reported that over 100 people were wounded

Humanitarian situation in Gorlovka harsh as Ukraine targets key infrastructure — DPR head

More than 80,000 users were left without power in Gorlovka on Tuesday morning due to the Ukrainian armed forces' shelling

US uses veto right to block new UN Security Council draft resolution on ceasefire in Gaza

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Decision on strikes inside Russia seals US puppet Zelensky’s fate — commentator

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Bitcoin price exceeds $96,000, sets new historical record — Binance platform

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Iran claims to have disabled Israel’s Iron Dome air defense in past strikes

Major-General Gholamreza Soleimani stressed it was essential to inform the world that Israel had failed and now survives solely relying on support from the United States

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

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Rubicon center drones hit Ukrainian equipment in Russia's Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry released footage showing the destruction of the enemy equipment

Ex-UK Labor party leader wants PM to clarify situation with Storm Shadow missiles

Jeremy Corbyn called for de-escalation of the situationin Ukraine and the search for a diplomatic solution to achieve peace

Ex-German chancellor never expected Russia to tolerate Ukraine’s NATO membership — memoir

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Potential adversaries, criteria for use: Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

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Netanyahu arrives in Gaza, offers $5 mln for each released hostage

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Ukraine has around 50 ATACMS missiles — The Times

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Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine makes defeat over its army impossible — SVR chief

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Putin previously warned about Kiev's attempts to blow up TurkStream pipeline — Kremlin

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Russia must be able to defend itself — Erdogan on revised nuclear doctrine

The Turkish leader reiterated that "both Russia and Ukraine are Turkey’s neighbors"

Railroad development to strengthen ties with foreign partners — Russian PM

Mikhail Mishustin added that "it is necessary to modernize border crossings in coming years, including introduction of practice of electronic paperwork"

US takes responsibility for Palestinian deaths by vetoing UNSC resolution — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that Russia has no doubt that "the Israelis themselves are also interested in ending the spiral of violence"

Pentagon confirms that US authorized use of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine

Ukrainian side had committed to not using the mines in areas populated by civilians

Zelensky to have no input if Russia, US negotiate, ex-Prime Minister says

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Ukraine’s former top commander sought to blow up Turkish Stream pipeline, report says

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No Western sanctions to limit Russia’s foreign trade — minister

All restrictions that Western countries impose affect themselves in the first place, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov added