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Middle East and North Africa

Hezbollah units launch rocket projectiles against North Israel

Fire was also opened against positions of the Israel Defense Forces in areas of Kfarchouba and Shebaa close to Golan Heights

BEIRUT, April 29. /TASS/. Armed units of the Hezbollah party shelled border settlements in North Israel from multiple launch rocket systems, the Janoubia news portal reported.

Hezbollah fighters launched at least 40 rockets against the Israeli territory over the day. Air alert was activated in Upper Galilee, where the greater portion of projectiles was hit by the Israeli Air Defense. Nevertheless, according to witnesses, explosions were heard in certain areas where rocket projectiles hit targets.

Fire was also opened against positions of the Israel Defense Forces in areas of Kfarchouba and Shebaa close to Golan Heights.

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Middle East and North Africa

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

The Georgian parliament passed a bill on foreign agents in the final reading on May, 14

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

Experts of Ukraine’s Energoatom inspecting Belene NPP equipment for purchase — news portal

The Ukrainian side expressed hope of signing an agreement on the purchase of the equipment in June

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

Egypt threatens to end its mediation between Israel, Hamas — WSJ

The officials said Egypt is also blocking any humanitarian aid trucks from entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing

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

Shoigu to oversee Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, not head it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the service is headed by Dmitry Shugayev

If West wants to solve Ukraine conflict on battlefield, 'so be it' — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia was ready to negotiate peace not only in words, but also in deeds

US ban on Russian uranium imports leads to turmoil in international relations — ambassador

"The delicate balance between exporters and importers of uranium products is under threat," Anatoly Antonov said

Nord Stream saboteurs prepped in Ukraine, Romania — Ukrainian politician

According to Andrey Derkach, they trained on the South Stream, rented a large yacht, and then they were taken to Poland

Protesters in Cyprus call for end to funding Kiev following terrorist attack on Belgorod

The terrorist acts committed by the regime of Ukrainian President Vladimir "Zelensky against the civilian population of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and other Russian border territories are criminal," said Mikis Filaniotis head of the Cypriot branch of the International Russophile Movement

NATO countries waging proxy war against Russia — Russian diplomat

This financing of the Kiev regime "not only is provoking it to commit new war crimes and affirms its awareness of its own impunity, but also results in prolonging and exacerbating the conflict," Gennady Gatilov stressed

Russian troops liberate Bugrovatka community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on ten Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area where the enemy lost more than 520 troops over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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 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

Armenian opposition leader Bagrat Galstanyan calls for more protests across country

He said that the opposition movement "will increase pressure across the entire country, from the north to the south"

Lavrov, Libyan representatives discuss resuming intergovernmental commission

Parties expressed "mutual interest in establishing and strengthening mutually beneficial multifaceted cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

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]"

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

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

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"

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

Putin appoints Russian new government

This is the first Russian government formed under the new procedure envisaged by the 2020 constitutional amendment

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

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’s Deputy Foreign Minister highlights EU’s double standards to Ukraine, Gaza Strip

Alexander Grushko discussed with Deputy Foreign Minister of Egypt Khalid Emara in Cairo "the processes of formation of a multipolar world, key trends in the evolution of international relations, and the changing role of international organizations and associations"

Putin’s visit to China to strengthen joint work of Moscow, Beijing — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov underscored that "the duo of Moscow and Beijing plays the most important balancing role in global affairs"

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"

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

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

Nikolay Patrushev to oversee shipbuilding as presidential aide — Kremlin Spokesman

In 1974, Patrushev graduated from the Leningrad Shipbuilding Institute - currently known as the St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University

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

A search was conducted at both Kuznetsov's job and his home, other specifics about the criminal case have not been revealed, law enforcement agencies told TASS

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"

Russian troops destroy 28 Ukrainian UAV control posts in Kherson area over past day

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on May 13 that the Ukrainian army had lost as many as 55 personnel, 2 armored combat vehicles, 2 motor vehicles, a US-made 155mm M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system

US forms new anti-China, anti-Russia proxy alliances in APR — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that the Pentagon has formed a kind of strike group comprising Japan, the Philippines and Australia, which includes high-accuracy and long-range weapons systems and components of the US missile defense and air defenses

Fit nation: Russia to see widespread increase in people exercising by 2036 — official

"We will build at least 350 sports facilities per year in our regions for all age categories until 2030," Dmitry Chernyshenko noted

Russia, China want to be leaders in establishing democratic world order — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow and Beijing "are not the only ones who want to reform the international system, promote the establishment of a multipolar world order that would reflect the real weight of states"

Western strikes on Yemen have no excuse — Russia’s ambassador to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also noted the failure of attempts "to justify this aggression by Security Council Resolution 2722 or by references to the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter"

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"

US Secretary of State plans to visit Kiev — Politico

Antony Blinken will travel to Ukraine this week, the newspaper reported

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"

Sullivan, Austin, Brown spend 90 minutes discussing military assistance with Ukrainians

The officials on the Ukrainian side were Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the presidency’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, the US official said

Freight train cars derailed near Russia’s Volgograd

According to the press service of the Volga Railway, it was a result of the interference of unauthorized persons

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

Kiev reports difficult situation in Kharkov region

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

West would try to exhaust Russia’s resources in potential conflict — Naryshkin

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the West is also seeking to force Russia to stop its anti-NATO efforts

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

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

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

Kremlin spokesman says it is wrong to see Shoigu's new appointment as demotion

On May 12, Putin nominated Andrey Belousov for defense minister to succeed Shoigu

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

Candidate for foreign intelligence chief advocates keeping ties with unfriendly countries

Sergey Naryshkin stressed that these contacts "should be preserved even in such a difficult international situation so that we can resolve very pressing problems"

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

Ukrainian military redeploys reserves towards Kharkov

"Depending on the development of the situation the build-up of the group will continue," according to the report

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

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"

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"

Russia’s S-300PS in Tajikistan confirm combat readiness

In April, at a meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the CIS armed forces special attention was paid to the development of the joint communication and air defense systems

Death toll in Sunday’s apartment building collapse in Belgorod climbs to 16

Belgorod and its surroundings were subjected to massive Ukrainian shelling on May 12

Russian aluminum inventories at LME warehouses fall by over 60% in April

According to LME, aluminum reserves at the end of April amounted to 116,300 tons

Blinken arrives in Kiev to discuss US aid to Ukraine — Reuters

According to the report, US Secretary of State "hopes to send a strong signal of reassurance to the Ukrainians who are obviously in a very difficult moment"

Germany to give Ukraine IRIS-T air defense system in May — ambassador

Martin Jaeger added that Germany also provided Ukraine with Gepard self-propelled air defense systems and a completely new system that was developed in Germany: the Skynex

Detention of US citizens caused by their violations of law — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that "each case includes its own circumstances, its own details, so it is unlikely that any generalizations could be made here"

Press review: New Russian government taking shape and Georgia's path to EU gets cloudy

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

Russia’s Dnepr group destroys 15 Ukrainian watercraft on Dnieper’s right bank

In addition, the enemy lost 2 armored combat vehicles, 5 electronic warfare stations, 2 vehicles, and 28 drone control points, head of the group’s press center Roman Kodryan

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

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

Motor rifle troops in Urals receive upgraded T-72B3M tanks

The T-72B3M is a heavily upgraded version of the T-72 main battle tank

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

Discussions of candidates for security bloc, Foreign Affairs ministers to finish in Russia

The plenary session is expected to begin at 14:00 Moscow time with the personal participation of all candidates

Aerospace Forces receive new Su-35S fighters

Su-35S have passed ground and flight trials and flew from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to the deployment airfield

Ukrainian forces fired at least 203 munitions at Belgorod Region over past day — governor

Most of the damaged houses, 79, are in Belgorod and the Belgorod District

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

Forum on future of BRICS countries may be held in 2025

According to The Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives, the VISION FORUM BRICS+ may be held in 2025 in the UAE

Kremlin calls US ban on import of Russian uranium as 'manifestation of unfair competition'

"Our nuclear industry is one of the most advanced in the world. We will continue to develop this industry," Dmitry Peskov stressed

China’s Hongqi will become official car of SPIEF 2024 — Roscongress

The Hongqi brand is officially represented in 28 countries in particular in Bahrain, Germany, Denmark, Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and others

Serbia’s ambassador to return to Kiev soon — President Vucic

Serbia’s embassy in Kiev suspended operation in March 2022 due to security considerations

OPEC+ countries cut oil output by 246,000 bpd in April, mainly due to Russia — report

In April, the largest volume of production reduction occurred in Russia (by 154,000 bpd to 9.292 million bpd)

Biden signs decree banning uranium imports from Russia — White House

The United States believes that a ban on imports of uranium from Russia will allow the United States to eliminate dependence on Russia in the field of peaceful nuclear energy

Russian official lauds defense industry as world’s most powerful in basic arms output

Denis Manturov noted that the geopolitical situation was prompting the need constantly to improve operational characteristics of armaments and military hardware

Russia, China have many allies and will have even more — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov underlined that "all this will be for the benefit of democratization of international relations, when everyone will take his place in world affairs by right"

Part of Burisma’s bribe used to sponsor army of drones for Ukrainian forces — politician

"Under a classified court ruling, this money was transferred to a military unit of the Ukrainian defense ministry’s main intelligence directorate," Andrey Derkach said

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian army positions in area bordering Belgorod Region

"The personnel of the Battlegroup North actively employ FPV drones in the special military operation to eliminate the Ukrainian army’s dugouts, manpower and various military equipment," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Kharkov authorities acknowledge advance of Russian troops

The head of the military administration cited the delay in Western arms deliveries as the reason for the Ukrainian forces' failures

State Duma approves deputy prime ministers of the Russian government

On May 7, the day of Vladimir Putin’s inauguration, the Russian government resigned, in accordance with the law

Putin, Xi to discuss strategic partnership, sign documents — Kremlin

The Kremlin noted that "it is planned to sign a joint statement of the heads of state following talks and a number of bilateral documents"

Kremlin clarifies Patrushev’s new appointment

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

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

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that the conflict in Ukraine may last for a few more years, and no one, in his opinion, can say whether it is to last for five years

Russian air defense systems destroy 25 Vampire MLRS shells over Belgorod region

It was reported earlier that multiple explosions were heard in Belgorod after the missile threat was declared, according to a TASS correspondent

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

Russian Defense Ministry personnel chief arrested for allegedly taking bribe

According to investigators, Yury Kuznetsov, who was the head of the 8th Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, received a bribe from commercial entities in return for doing certain favors for them from 2021-2023

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

Central Asian countries aware of risks of joining anti-Russian sanctions — diplomat

"Apparently, overseas and in Brussels they naively think that Central Asian countries will not resist this Western expansion," Mikhail Galuzin stated

Russian diplomat says NATO sees Ukraine as tool against Russia

Zakharova expressed confidence that Stoltenberg is interested in Ukraine's future only in the context of confrontation with Russia, while he "takes no interest at all" in the future of Ukrainians

US, NATO policy in Central Asia fraught with danger of 'color revolutions' — diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin stressed that Russia was and is a reliable partner of Central Asian countries

Fire on motor ship in Russia’s Arkhangelsk extinguished

The North-Western Transport Prosecutor's Office organized a probe into the incident

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

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

Nicolas Maduro stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is enjoying his greatest political power over the last 20 years" while Russia "beat sanctions in the economic war" and bolstered its economy

Press review: Russia installs new defense minister and Ukrainian terror in Belgorod

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 13th

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

Kiev describes situation in Volchansk as extremely challenging

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

Georgian legislature to pass foreign-agents bill in final reading on May 14 — PM

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, it "will play a crucial role in ending the so-called polarization that was imposed from the outside"