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EU lacks strength to be treated seriously by Russia — Hungarian prime minister

The majority of European states are already members of NATO and "there is no danger of Russia attacking a NATO member", Viktor Orban said

VIENNA, February 11. /TASS/. The European Union is not strong enough to be treated seriously by Russia, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.

"It’s not about trust. Our problem is the lack of power. We, Europeans, are not strong enough to be treated seriously by the Russians. It’s a game of power," he said in a conversation with former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel, published by the Die Presse newspaper.

"Ukraine will not provide any additional security to us, Europeans, because the majority of us are already members of NATO, which is way stronger than Russia," Orban continued. "There is no danger of Russia attacking a NATO member.".

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Slovak PM Robert Fico wounded in shooting — portal

The suspected shooter has been apprehended

Russia rejects Western attempts to impose order based on lies, hypocrisy — Putin

The Russian President pointed out that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS group "have well established themselves as key pillars of the emerging multipolar world order"

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

Russian air defenses down several projectiles near Sevastopol, Belbek airfield

The city’s Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev noted that there had been no reports of damage to civilian infrastructure

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

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

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

Valery Pikalev appointed head of Russia’s Federal Customs Service

He is St. Petersburg’s former deputy governor

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

Russia-China relations reach highest-ever level, getting increasingly stronger — Putin

Trade relations between Moscow and Beijing are developing at a fast pace, the Russian President noted

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

US not ready for conflict with Russia, Americans don't want it — former Virginia senator

Richard Black stressed that in the event of a shift to the Democrats following the results of the November elections in the lower house of Congress, Jeffries could take the post of Speaker, the third most important position in the US government hierarchy

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

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

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"

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

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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

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

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

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

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Press review: Putin keeps government core intact and Blinken gives Kiev NATO assurances

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 15th

Blinken’s visit to Kiev shows US concerned over Ukrainian failures on frontline — diplomat

"He sang a song, ate some pizza and left," Maria Zakharova noted

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

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

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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

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

Russia, OIC to combat Islamophobia, Russophobia worldwide — top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov asserted that Russia is a consistent supporter of shaping a more fair and democratic multipolar world order based on the principles of the UN Charter

Russian Foreign Ministry slams IOC chief Bach’s recent statement as 'criminal'

Maria Zakharova stressed that the fundamental principle of the Olympic Charter stipulates that everyone should have the right to take part in sports without any discrimination

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

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

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"

Russia knows how to achieve large-scale goals, Putin says

Moscow prioritizes increasing people’s well-being in terms of economic development, the Russian President said in an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua

Putin sees training of fresh talent for government service as priority

"We have a whole range of relevant programs, competitions and projects in place," the Russian leader stressed

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

Russian troops liberate Bugrovatka community in Kharkov Region over past day

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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"

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

US, EU divided on how to use frozen Russian assets — newspaper

According to The New York Times, European countries "would like to transfer them to Ukraine yearly or biannually," while the US wants "to find a way to get more money to Ukraine more quickly"

NATO risks provoking major conflict with Russia, says former Virginia senator

"From the start of Russia’s special operation, Russia has pointedly reminded NATO that it is a powerful nuclear power," Richard Black asserted

Russia’s new defense minister should pay attention to strategic nuclear forces — expert

"In case of a first nuclear missile strike against Russia we should be able to destroy the aggressor with a retaliatory strike in a guaranteed manner," Igor Korotchenko noted

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft wipe out Ukrainian equipment, personnel over past day

After employing air-launched munitions, the pilots performed a missile evasion maneuver, fired flares and returned to their airfield, it said

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Putin gives interview to Xinhua news agency ahead of China visit

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

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

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Ukrainian crisis may be resolved by yearend, says former Virginia senator

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Israeli losses surpass 620 troops since Gaza conflict escalated

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Putin appoints Russian new government

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"Earth is the cradle of humanity, our common home, and we are all equal as its inhabitants," he noted

Air defenses destroy ten ATACMS missiles over Crimean Peninsula — Russian Defense Ministry

"The attacks involved US-made ATACMS missiles, French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, US-made HARM, large-caliber projectiles and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the statement says

Russia’s UN mission expects Georgia to be wise enough not to sell out to US like Ukraine

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The meeting’s agenda includes a lot of financial issues

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Dmitry Peskov added that the service is headed by Dmitry Shugayev

Nord Stream saboteurs prepped in Ukraine, Romania — Ukrainian politician

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Russian MFA denounces Western plans to seize assets as aggression

Maria Zakharova stressed that Western countries, through their actions, are destroying the global monetary and financial system and violating their own laws

Russian tech firm develops portable EW system to shield assault teams from drones

One system suppresses munition-dropping drones, creating a dome of 250-300 meters and shielding an assault group while the other suppresses FPV drones

Russia seeking comprehensive, just settlement of Ukraine conflict — Putin

"Such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including Russia's," the Russian President pointed out

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

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Erdogan says government knows 'puppet master' behind reported conspiracy

The Turkish leader said it is unacceptable to break laws, and warned that "anyone who goes beyond the limits will be held accountable"

Serbian president thanks Russian authorities for supporting Belgrade’s sovereignty

Aleksandar Vucic met with Moscow’s Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko

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

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"

Russian diplomat slams mobilization bill approved by Kiev

Maria Zakharova added that the regime of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is sacrificing Ukrainians to save itself and achieve the geopolitical goals of its "Anglo-Saxon handlers"

Kiev reports difficult situation in Kharkov region

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

Air defenses down two HARM missiles, two Hammer air bombs over Belgorod Region

Five UAVs were wiped out over the Kursk Region and three drones were intercepted over the Bryansk Region

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"

Kremlin clarifies Patrushev’s new appointment

Since 2008, Patrushev has been the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, serving the longest in this capacity

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"

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"

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

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

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

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

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"

Russian troops destroy over 16,000 armored vehicles in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian troops improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on the Ukrainian army in the Kharkov area over the past day, the ministry reported

Russian MFA sees Western media focus on Georgian protests, silence on Armenian rallies

According to Maria Zakharova, Western news media "forgive everything" to protesters in Georgia

MFA dismisses rumors about Russia removing border guards from Armenia

Maria Zakharova noted that there is "a great deal of speculation surrounding the meeting of the Russian and Armenian leaders on May 8"

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"

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

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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]"

Putin appoints acting governors of five regions

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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

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine to inevitably become Russia’s targets — MFA

"Any weapons supplied to Kiev’s Nazi regime are considered by Russia’s Armed Forces as legitimate military targets and must be destroyed," Maria Zakharova stressed

Israel hits Hamas headquarters in UNRWA school in Gaza — IDF

According to the Israel Defense Forces, fifteen militants were eliminated as a result of the strike, with more than ten being Hamas members

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

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

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

New head of Taiwan claims readiness for dialogue with mainland China

China’s authorities have repeatedly noted that what is known as the 1992 Consensus is a condition for dialogue with Taiwan, however, Lai Ching-te claimed not to support it

Diplomat says US words on possible reconsideration of relations with Georgia 'open threat'

Commenting on the situation surrounding the law on foreign agents in Georgia, Maria Zakharova pointed out that "internal processes in a sovereign state are a purely personal matter of that country, of the people"

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

Putin highlights successful trade between Russia, China

"Over the past five years, we have doubled the Russia-China turnover: it reached $227.8 billion last year, against $111 billion in 2019," the Russian leader said

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