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US Department of Justice may allow Assange to plead guilty under softer charges — report

According to The Wall Street Journal, such step would open an opportunity to strike a deal that would put an end to the protracted legal saga, caused by one of the largest leaks of classified US information

NEW YORK, March 20. /TASS/. The US Department of Justice considers providing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with an option to plead guilty of improper handling of classified information under a softer charge, The Wall Street Journal reports citing its sources.

According to the sources, such step would open an opportunity to strike a deal that would put an end to the protracted legal saga, caused by one of the largest leaks of classified US information in history. In the recent months, representatives of the Department of Justice and Assange’s lawyers held preliminary negotiation on what the deal might look like. Assange has already spent about five years behind bars, and the US prosecutors faced the fact that he will spend much longer, even if Assange get convicted in the US.

Meanwhile, the newspaper notes that the negotiations are currently suspended and may stop at all.

In the US, Assange is being accused of crimes, connected with the largest case of classified data leak in the American history. All charges combined carry up to 175 years of imprisonment. In February, the High Court of London held a two-day hearing reviewing Assange’s appeal against extradition to the US. This hearing may become the last to be held in the UK for the 52-year-old Australian.

The High Court of London is expected to announce its verdict before the end of March. Julian’s spouse Stella Assange said that she will be notified two days ahead before the announcement of the verdict.

France sends outdated missiles to Kiev in move to save money, expert believes

However, these missile systems should not be underestimated as they are high-precision weapons that have an operational range of up to 560 kilometers, depending on specific modification, Alexander Stepanov said

Fans banned from bringing Russian flags to IIHF World Championship matches

The tournament is taking place in the Czech Republic on May 10-26

Kiev tried to kill Chief of Russia’s General Staff Gerasimov, The New York Times says

According to the daily, Kiev allegedly launched the attack when Gerasimov was on the front line

Russian PM Mishustin proposes Denis Manturov as his first deputy

During the State Duma’s debate on the candidacy for prime minister, the lawmakers proposed to promote the industry sector supervisor to first deputy prime minister

Death toll in partially collapsed apartment building in Belgorod climbs to 15

Belgorod and its suburbs came under massive shelling by the Ukrainian armed forces earlier on May 12

Multiple deaths, at least 20 wounded in Ukraine’s shelling of Belgorod

At least eight people were reported to have been killed and 20 - wounded, including two children

US ready to do utmost relieving Kiev of responsibility for atrocities — Russian ambassador

"The reaction of American officials to the deadly strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on residential areas, or rather the absence of even a hint of condolences, is very telling," Anatoly Antonov said

Gerasimov to continue his duties as chief of Russian General Staff — Kremlin spokesman

"The military component has always been a prerogative of the Chief of General Staff, and he will continue his duties. In this sense, no changes are expected at this point," Dmitry Peskov said

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

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

China ready to make car models meeting Russian market’s demand — envoy

Beijing expects Chinese car producers to uphold the image of their brands, Zhang Hanhui added

Putin approves structure of new government

According to his decree, the distribution of authority between deputy prime ministers has changed

Ceasefire in Gaza to occur after hostages release — Biden

"There would be a cease fire tomorrow if Hamas would release the hostages," US President said

Developer shows first image of Russia's new Sarmat ballistic missile

The RS-28 Sarmat is the newest heavy liquid-propelled intercontinental ballistic missile currently being co-developed to replace the world’s largest and most formidable ballistic missile, the Voyevoda

Lawmakers support all candidates to Russia’s new government — first deputy speaker

In Zhukov’s words, the candidates "demonstrated their competence, as well as clear understanding of their duties in the government"

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Russia remaining second largest supplier of LNG to Spain

In the first four months of 2024, Madrid purchased 26,854 GWh of gas from Russia, according to data provided by Spanish energy company Enagas

Combat aircraft fly over Moscow’s Red Square in Victory Day parade

Nine Su-30SM heavy multirole fighter jets and MiG-29 frontline fighters flew over Moscow’s Red Square, performing the Kubinka Diamond stunt

Section of high-rise residential building collapses in Belgorod

Five people suffered injuries

Some countries reevaluating reliance on dollar over national security concerns — IMF

Meanwhile, "despite increased geopolitical risks, the latest data show that the US dollar remains dominant," Gita Gopinath noted

Georgian authorities arrest 20 people during rally against foreign agent law

The security service noted that it had already informed the Swiss embassy in Tbilisi about the detention of the Russian national, as well as the US embassy about the detention of the Americans

Kharkov regions aspiring to join Russia — interim administration

According to Head of the Kharkov Region’s interim civil administration Vitaly Ganchev, residents are already making numerous enquiries about receiving the Russian citizenship

Several explosions heard in Belgorod after civil defense sirens start to wail again

Rescuers clearing the rubble of a partially collapsed ten-storey building in the city had to once again pause the rescue and recovery effort and take cover in a nearby shelter

Dollar trades at 92.14 rubles, euro falls to 98.95 rubles on Moscow Exchange

The yuan rate gained 0.05 kopecks trading at 12.693 rubles

Mercenaries’ flow to Ukraine declining — Business Insider

A half of coming mercenaries now is from Latin America, Carl Larson, a US veteran that participated in hostilities in Ukraine in summer 2022

Relations with Russia are really important for Israel — Ambassador to Moscow

Dialogue between Israel and Russia is important, including on those topics where the parties "absolutely disagree," Simona Halperin said

Swiss singer wins Eurovision 2024 contest

Nemo Mettler won with The Code song

Russia’s 6th-generation fighter jet to get lasers capable of burning missile homing heads

In addition to electromagnetic guns, the Russian sixth-generation fighter jet will also get guided electronic munitions

Ukrainian drone attack damages two industrial facilities in Russia’s Belgorod Region

Response teams are working at the scene

Russia expects global bodies to impartially assess Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod — envoy

"We want an unbiased view of the events that are taking place," Rodion Miroshnik said

Putin hears reports on `barbaric’ attack at Belgorod, gives all instructions — Kremlin

"All necessary instructions have been given," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said as he condemned the latest missile attack on Belgorod as barbaric

Top British diplomat concerned about potential Russian advance in Kharkov Region

The West expects the Ukrainian army to be able to stand its ground this year

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

West may benefit from Zelensky’s elimination to put blame on Russia — DPR head

Drone shot down near Crimea’s Simferopol, no casualties

Crimean head Sergey Aksyonov called upon residents to stay calm and rely on official sources of information

Poland cancels talks with Ukraine over corruption allegations

It is reported that the Polish Agriculture Ministry failed to solve all the problems of the farmers, which led to their mass protests

Russian ombudswoman urges world to denounce terrorism in wake of Belgorod attack

Tatyana Moskalkova also said she had asked her counterpart in the Russian borderline region of Belgorod to give necessary assistance to those affected as she wished soonest recovery to people injured in the attack

Entrepreneurs flock back to Russia amid improved business climate — Kremlin

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing data from the Finion company, that up to 45% of citizens who left the Russian Federation since the beginning of the special military operation have returned to the country

US Army veteran urges Moscow, Washington to prevent WWIII from happening

According to Frank Cohn, life would never be the same in the event of a global military conflict

Russia to restore peace in Donbass regardless of Zelensky’s attempts — MFA

Russia will bring back the long-awaited peace and will solve the most complex tasks, Maria Zakharova said

Israel carries out strikes on refugee accommodation centers in Jabalia - TV

The Israeli army is conducting a raid on the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus

North Korean delegation arrives in Russia’s Primorsky Region — news agency

Bilateral exchanges between Russia and North Korea have intensified since the second half of 2012

FSB says Ukrainians attempted to attack May 9 crowds in Mariupol using drones

In all, more than 300 Ukrainian drones have been jammed over five large cities in the DPR over the past week

Russian air defenses destroy two Ukrainian drones over Belgorod Region

Russian Defense Ministry said that Another attempt by the Kiev regime to use fixed-wing drones to carry out a terrorist attack on targets in Russia was foiled at about 1:30 p.m. Moscow time

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

Three people dead in bus crash in St. Petersburg, nine rescued, four — in clinical death

The Ministry of Emergency Situations added that diving rescue work has been finished at the accident site

Zelensky's presidential powers to expire May 21 — Ukrainian legislator

Alexander Dubinsky argues that the only situation where the president can continue to fulfill his duties after the expiration of his term is the period until the president-elected takes office

Russian forces down drones over Lipetsk Region, fire breaks out at power plant

An air raid alert has been introduced in the Lipetsk Region at 3:49 a.m. Moscow time (0:49 a.m. GMT)

FACTBOX: Key facts and figures about Russia’s Victory Day

Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

Russian National Guard uncovers nationalists’ weapons in Kharkov, Zaporozhye Regions

It was noted that during clashes in one of the communities in the Zaporozhye Region, Russian National Guard senior lieutenant N. Perkov eliminated two nationalists from the adversary’s sabotage and reconnaissance group

Russia’s new Security Council secretary to assume senior posts in other bodies

Dmitry Peskov said that the new structure of the Russian executive branch places the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, previously under control of the Russian Defense Ministry, under direct subordination of the Russian presiden

Russia knows how to deal with Ukrainian drones — Putin

The Russian leader noted that those tasks that until recently were solved exclusively with the help of aviation systems are now being solved with small means, but with great effect

Battlegroup North liberates four settlements in Kharkov Region in past day

Russian air defenses also downed a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet

Putin nominates Boris Kovalchuk as head of Accounts Chamber

The nomination is yet to be approved by the Federation Council

Russia’s cutting-edge weaponry capable of ‘blinding’ enemy's army

TASS outlines domestic electronic warfare systems

Kiev describes situation in Volchansk as extremely challenging

According to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, "fierce fighting" is taking place in the Kharkov Region

Lithuania to hold presidential election, citizenship referendum

Eight candidates are running for presidency

Three people wounded by rocket firing against Israel’s Ashkelon — newspaper

The rocket fired from the Gaza Strip fell together with the intercepting missile on a residential house, resulting in heavy damage, The Jerusalem Post said

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Search and rescue operations over at partially collapsed residential building in Belgorod

Seventeen people were rescued, a spokesperson for the Russian Emergencies Ministry said

Injury toll in partial building collapse in Russia’s Belgorod Region rises to 20

No dead bodies had been found so far, regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said

Egypt decides to join South Africa’s UN court case against Israel

Egypt called on the Jewish state to "implement the ICJ’s provisional measures ordering Israel to ensure the entry of enough humanitarian aid to meet the needs of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip"

Russian IT infrastructure operating stably in cyberwar environment — Rostelecom

A quick transition to autonomous development of the industry, import substitution and achievement of the technological sovereignty occurred, President of the company Mikhail Oseevsky said

White House claims Russian forces started offensive on Kharkov

" We’ve been coordinating closely with Ukraine to help them prepare", John Kirby said

US, allies destroy four drones over Red Sea — CENTCOM

Three drones were also destroyed on May 11, the Command informed

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Putin relieves Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev of duty

The announcement about Nikolay Patrushev’s new post will be made shortly, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Trump sees Biden willing to stop all aid to Israel soon

Earlier, former US President said that the Democratic Party actually hates Israel

Russian military fights Nazi followers in special military operation — Shoigu

He stressed that during the war, the qualities of a multinational people were revealed — its strength and fortitude, incredible mutual support, and a commitment to fight for the ideas of justice and humanism

US veteran calls Washington’s decision to drop Elbe Day celebrations with Russia ‘dumb’

That was the last good link that we had, Frank Cohn said

West attempted to disrupt Aeroflot flights to Mauritius — Russian Ambassador

The Western countries "stoop to nothing" in order to prevent other countries from developing relations with Russia, Konstantin Klimovsky said

Russia’s Dnepr group repels counterattack by 118th brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Over the week, units of the Dnepr group of troops defeated the manpower and equipment of three brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

US top diplomat discusses developments in Rafah with Israeli defense minister

"The Secretary reaffirmed the US opposition to a major military ground operation in Rafah, where over one million people have taken shelter," according to the US Department of State

US destroys Houthi drone over Gulf of Aden

The military noted that the drone posed an imminent threat to US and allied warships and commercial vessel's

Israeli army attacking Rafah in southern Gaza — media

Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen television said the Israeli air force is also delivering airstrikes at Khan Younis

Putin’s decision to appoint Belousov as Russia’s defense chief explained by Kremlin

"On the battlefield today, the winner is the one who is more open to innovation <…>. Therefore, at this stage, the president has made a decision for a civilian to head the Defense Ministry," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Tucker Carlson reports on death of American reporter in Ukrainian custody

Gonzalo Lira was in prison because of criticism of the governments of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and US President Joe Biden, the TV presenter said

Gazprom delivering 42.1 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe through Ukraine via Sudzha

The volume also stood at 42.4 mln cubic meters on May 11

Kharkov Region’s authorities continue evacuation of civilians

A total of 1,377 local residents have been evacuated from the Chuguyevsky District, 2,097 form the Kharkovsky District, and another 29 from the Bogodukhovsky Sky District

Russian troops wipe out 10 pieces of Western armor in DPR

It is noted that the number of destroyed Western armored vehicles could be considerably larger

Putin signs decree setting Russia’s development goals for 2030

The decree is titled On the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation until 2030 and for a Longer Term until 2036

Ukrainians actively using British weapons to strike Russian regions, diplomat says

"According to the English themselves, since 2022, London has already donated around 7.1 bln pounds for Ukraine’s defense purposes," Sergey Belyaev said

At least 11 Belgorod residents killed in Ukrainian shelling attacks in past day

According to Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, 25 people have been injured in the city over the past 24 hours, of whom three have been taken to hospital

Putin proposes Belousov as Shoigu's replacement: what is known about cabinet reshuffle

Other heads of security ministries and services, as well as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, will retain their posts in the government

Fire breaks out in Volgograd Refinery due to drone crash

No casualties, the regional administration said

Police in Tbilisi starts dispersing protesters near Georgian Parliament’s building

Protestors refuse to follow the instructions of the police, a TASS correspondent reported

Russia urges OSCE to condemn Ukraine's criminal attack on Belgorod — mission

Russia’s mission to the OSCE said that "there should be no double standards or political filters at the OSCE when it comes to obviously brutal violations of international humanitarian law by the Kiev regime"

Press review: Vladimir Putin sworn in for fifth term and EU, Ukraine talk arms deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 8th

Russian robotic drone jammers shield evacuation groups in Ukraine operation

The innovation was prompted by the existence of gray zones in areas of combat operations that are dangerous for groups to evacuate wounded personnel, Denis Oslomenko noted

Government spent 4tn rubles on crisis support of Russia’s economy, first deputy PM says

Russia’s government took from banks in the form of loans, Andrei Belousov said

Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet crashes in Far East

The pilot ejected and was not injured in the accident

Regional election kicks off in Spanish region of Catalonia

Over 5.5 mln people have the right to take part in the election

Mauritius working on Mir system introduction — Russian Ambassador

Mir cards are now accepted in nine countries but operations of the system are limited in six of them

French tired of supporting Ukraine — war correspondent

Christelle Nahan noted that people were tired of the fact that there was not enough money for the development of infrastructure, hospitals and schools, for pensions and benefits for children

Seventeen people hospitalized after Belgorod shelling — governor

Two women are in an extremely grave condition; doctors are endeavoring to rescue their lives," Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote

Kiev troops shell Kherson Region’s Skadovsk, casualties reported — governor

The Vladimir Saldo added that power and water supplies were disrupted in some parts of the city

Four Storm Shadow missiles, 12 Olkha rockets, 31 UAVs targeting Russia destroyed overnight

"Russian air defense forces on duty destroyed 12 Olkha rockets and 12 UAVs over the Belgorod Region, eight UAVs over the Kursk Region, four Storm Shadow missiles and seven UAVs over Crimea," the ministry noted

US is plotting another pandemic — Russian Defense Ministry

"We do not rule out the United States may use so-called defensive technologies for offensive purposes, as well as for global governance by creating crisis situations of biological nature," lieutenant general Igor Kirillov stressed

One in two Germans believe Russia unlikely to attack NATO, poll shows

Only two percent of respondents are confident that the German army is well prepared to defend the country, while 39% believe the armed forces are in poor condition.

Death toll in partial building collapse in Belgorod climbs to 11

Earlier reports said 10 people were missing and being searched for as a section of the building collapsed following a Ukrainian attack

Ukrainian army loses up to 160 troops in Battlegroup East responsibility zone

The military agency added that Ukrainian losses included two armored fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, a Grad multiple launch rocket system combat vehicle, a self-propelled artillery system and three howitzers

New US arms shipment to Ukraine a reaction to Russia’s success at frontline — envoy

Anatoly Antonov also castigated the US administration for shrugging off responsibility for Ukrainian attacks at civilian facilities in Russia with the use of weapons being supplied from the United States