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NATO has had no designs against Russia, will never have them, Blinken claims

During the July 2023 summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders called Russia "the most serious and direct threat to security"

DUBAI, April 29. /TASS/. NATO has never had any malicious designs against Russia and will never have them in the future, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"As I mentioned before, the NATO alliance is a defensive alliance, with no designs on Russia, it never has had them, never will have them," the top US diplomat said at the World Economic Forum event in Saudi Arabia.

During the July 2023 summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders called Russia "the most serious and direct threat to security," and approved the first defense plan in case of conflict with Russia since the Cold War era.

In late March, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Western claims that Moscow plans to fight a war against NATO a delirium.

Military operation in Ukraine

Ukrainian servicemen complain about heavy losses due to shortage of equipment, munitions

Ukrainian forces lose a large number of armored vehicles to Russian FPV drones, platoon commander Alexander Belyayev said

Slovak leader urges suspension of country's campaign for European Parliament elections

Peter Pellegrini emphasized that "Slovakia must choose the path of peace and coolheadedness"

What we know about attempt to assassinate Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico

Robert Fico was shot after a cabinet meeting in the city of Handlova in western Slovakia

Ukrainian servicemen complain about heavy losses due to shortage of equipment, munitions

Ukrainian forces lose a large number of armored vehicles to Russian FPV drones, platoon commander Alexander Belyayev said

Palestine deserves a say in UN — Mozambique's ambassador

The Mozambican ambassador also added that his country supported a two-state solution of the Palestinian issue

Russia hails any peace initiatives for Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

"We know the situation on the Ukrainian side, which excludes any talks for itself even from the legal point of view," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia and China plan to sign contract on Power of Siberia-2 in near future — Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak mentioned the construction of a gas pipeline with a capacity of 50 billion cubic meters of gas through the territory of Mongolia

King of Bahrain announces intention to boost cooperation with Russia

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said he was grateful to Russian President Vladimir Putin for sending his envoy to the Arab League summit, and commended his "desire to strengthen relations with Arab countries"

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr wipes out 40 Ukrainian drone control centers in 24 hours

The enemy has lost up to 30 troops, battlegroup spokesman Roman Kodryan said

Putin, Xi sign statement on deepening relations

The document was signed after extensive Russian-Chinese negotiations

Suspect in Crocus City Hall shooting attack says he was promised reward of $5,400

The detainee added that half the money had been transferred to his card, while he had been promised he would receive the other half later

Russian tech firm ramps up production of glide bombs — CEO

Rostec is "building up the production of air bombs of all calibers and types," Sergey Chemezov said

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

Patriot supplies unlikely to impact Russia’s plans to liberate Kharkov, expert says

According to Roman Shkurlatov, two Patriot systems will not make Kharkov safe

Battlegroup South improves frontline positions — Russian Defense Ministry

Forces of Russia’s Battlegroups East and West have moved to more advantageous positions in the special military operation zone

Boao Forum for Asia 2024 announced to be held on March 26-29 in Hainan

Its goal will be to "facilitate international cooperation in the face of challenges," said BFA Chairman Ban Ki-moon

Russia, China express concern over effect of AUKUS agreements on stability in Asia Pacific

AUKUS was established in September 2021 to implement the defense initiatives of Australia, the UK and the US in two areas

Zelenodolsk shipyard to float missile, patrol ships on May 7

Project 22800 ships with Kalibr missiles are brown-water multirole missile-artillery boats designed to destroy surface warships and boats and repel air attacks

Russian-Chinese heavy helicopter project implemented on schedule — First Deputy PM

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov noted that "the contract implementation stage is already underway"

Israel to send additional forces to Rafah operation — defense minister

Yoav Gallant made the statement after travelling to an area near Rafah on May 15 to assess the situation

Russia, China oppose using human rights to interfere in internal affairs

Moscow and Beijing also intend to promote universal human values and "the healthy development of all aspects of the international human rights agenda"

Hezbollah drones attack Israeli military base some 50 km from border with Lebanon

"The operation was carried out in response to the killing of field commander Hussein Makki near Tyre", Hezbollah said on its Telegram channel

Russian diplomatic staff in London still insufficient after 2018 UK purge, says envoy

About 30 diplomats work in the embassy now, Andrey Kelin noted

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

Prime Minister of Slovakia shot by 71-year-old assailant — report

The man reportedly owned his weapon legally

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’s Soyuz 2.1b rocket carrying remote sensing satellite takes off from Baikonur

According to Roscosmos, the satellite will enter its intended orbit nine and a half minutes after the takeoff

Putin, Xi begin talks

Russian and Chinese Presidents have begun talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

Yemeni Houthis claim delivering missile strike on US destroyer

Additionally, according to Yahya Saree, in the Red Sea, the Houthis attacked the commercial vessel Destiny en route to the port of Eilat in Israel

China offers to provide security guarantees on Ukraine, West not ready — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister specified that Beijing has "an absolutely correct position, essentially, to sort out root causes and collectively remove them"

Moscow, Bangui choosing place for Russian military base in Central African Republic

The two countries’ defense ministries continue negotiations, Russian Ambassador in the country Alexander Bikantov said

New relations, successes of China's automobile industry: what Putin, Xi said in Beijing

According to the Russian leader, the partnership between Moscow and Beijing "will serve as a model of how ties between neighboring states should be built"

Putin warns against imbalances in economy, industry related to special military operation

The Russian leader also stated the importance of diversification of military production at a meeting with commanders of military district troops

Russia mulls supply of powerplants for joint aircraft project with China — First Deputy PM

Denis Manturov recalled that the format of participation in this project has been revised, and Russia is ready to provide the necessary in-house competencies for the project on the basis of an agreement between the parties

Dnepr battle group destroys 15 Ukrainian boats in one day — Kherson governor

In addition, 23 drone control centers were destroyed and 34 drones shot down or disabled

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

Gazprom to pay record-high dividend amount for 1H 2022 at over $20 bln

October 11, 2022, was set as the deadline for listing the persons entitled to receive dividends

Russia expels UK defense attache from Moscow in tit-for-tat move — Foreign Ministry

Adrian Coghill "must leave the territory of the Russian Federation within a week," the ministry said

Fico shot multiple times, undergoes five-hour operation — doctors

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, confirmed that doctors had managed to stabilize Robert Fico’s condition overnight

Taliban signals it doesn’t pose threat to India, Russia — Russian diplomat

"If they want to remain Afghan patriots, albeit with a large share of Islamism, they must act so that not to spoil relations at least with the surrounding world," Zamir Kabulov noted

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

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

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

US imposes sanctions against Russian police training center in Nicaragua

According to Washington, the training center "contributes to anti-democratic actions and repressions from the Ortega-Murillo regime"

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

Xi Jinping says ready to maintain close communication with Putin — Xinhua

The Chinese president said "the world is now facing changes unprecedented over the past century and has entered a new period of turbulence and change"

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russian troops repulsed ten Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the ministry reported

Russia, China note constructive role of Moscow format in Afghan settlement process

The last, fifth meeting was held in September 2023 in Moscow

Military attaches visit trophies exhibition on Poklonnaya Hill

The Russian Defense Ministry opened an exhibition of trophy equipment in front of the Victory Museum on May 1

Russia, Iran working to create single BRICS currency — Iranian ambassador

Kazem Jalali pointed out that the United States uses the dollar to create restrictions, and therefore the use of national currencies in mutual settlements is on the agenda

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy three militant bases in Syria — Defense Ministry

Strikes by Russian Aerospace Forces destroyed three bases of militants who came out of the (US-controlled) al-Tanf zone

China expects peace to recover on European continent shortly — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader added that Beijing "is ready to play its constructive role"

Russia-China relations not opportunistic, not directed against anyone — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Russia and China together uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and a world order based on international law

Some OSCE countries try to make it affiliate of NATO — Russian envoy

Alexander Lukashevich said the OSCE Chairpersonship, represented by Malta, is conducting work related to Ukraine in a confrontational manner

Russia, China determined to step up efforts to combat plastic pollution

The parties also reaffirmed their commitment to "the goals, principles and structural framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change of May 9, 1992 and the Paris Agreement of December 12, 2015"

Russian aerospace forces hit two terrorists base in Syria’s Homs governorate

Deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria Yury Popov also said that during the day, no shelling attacks on the positions of government forces were reported in the Idlid de-escalation zone

Russia, China to continue strengthening military ties — joint statement

The two countries are also set to hold joint naval and air patrols on a regular basis

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]"

Press review: Putin embarks on state visit to China and assassination attempt on Slovak PM

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 16th

Russian forces strike Ukraine’s Operational Command South headquarters

The enemy’s troops and military hardware had been hit in 112 districts

Half of Avdeyevka’s territory cleared of explosives — newspaper

"We begin by talking to civilians and asking whether they came across anything unexploded," said the commander, identified by only his call sign Panda

Four people killed, two injured in Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk

Four women died on the Petrovskogo Street

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

Taiwan registers approach of 45 Chinese aircraft

Earlier, the military agency reported spotting 23 Chinese aircraft near the island on Tuesday night, including Su-30 fighter jets and drones

Israel stands firm against UN General Assembly resolution on Palestine — office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the Cabinet of Ministers will not allow the creation of the independent State of Palestine, as it is a threat to Israel’s security

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

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

Russian forces liberate settlement of Semyonovka in Donetsk People’s Republic

Inflicting a defeat on forces of the 68th Infantry Brigade, the 23rd and 115th mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces, the 109 Territorial Defense Brigade and mercenaries from the International Legion near Novoalexandrovka, Arkhangelskoye, Tarasovka and Zavetonoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Putin says Russians, Chinese 'brothers forever'

The audience, listening first to the Russian speech and then to the Chinese translation, applauded the Russian president's words

West should assess risks of Russia's response to asset confiscation — Foreign Ministry

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin noted that retaliatory measures "can be both symmetrical and asymmetrical in a variety of instruments, including legal, financial, and administrative"

Kamaz recalls over 23,000 vehicles in Russia

Transport vehicles are remembered due to the lack of an accident emergency response device, Rosstandart reported

Russian envoy slams Washington’s allegations of Moscow posing threat to US elections

Anatoly Antonov emphasized that US intelligence agencies had failed to provide any evidence

Russian troops destroy 600 combat aircraft in Ukraine operation — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost over 520 troops in battles with Russian forces in the Donetsk area over the past day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Zelensky admits possibility of Ukraine losing Kharkov

The Ukrainian president asked US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to provide two Patriot systems to defend Kharkov, but the US diplomat did not give him an unequivocal answer

Putin arrives in China on state visit

The Russian president is scheduled to visit Beijing and Harbin

Czech president speaks out in favor of halting hostilities in Ukraine

Petr Pavel believes it is "naive" to imagine that Kiev will be able to regain territory taken by Russia in the foreseeable future

Accusations of Russia's use of chemical weapons 'unfounded' — Russian mission to OPCW

Earlier, the US State Department said that Russia allegedly used chloropicrin against the Ukrainian armed forces

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

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

Slovakia’s PM in 'very serious' condition, president-elect says

Peter Pellegrini added that "the next few hours and days" will be decisive for Robert Fico, who is staying at a hospital in the town of Banska Bystrica

Ukrainian forces use US-made GLSDB munitions against DPR civilians for the first time

DPR head Denis Pushilin said that two civilians were killed and three were injured by Ukrainian strikes on Thursday

Putin arrives in Harbin to open Russia-China Expo

At the request of the Chinese president, his deputy Han Zheng will accompany Putin in Harbin

About 20% of weapons sent to Kiev end up on black market – Russia’s UN mission

Dmitry Polyansky said that some of the weapons supplied to Kiev are "in the darknet, which means that it is available to anyone"

People in Armenia block road in protest to border deal with Azerbaijan

On April 19, Yerevan and Baku issued a joint statement saying that a tentative agreement had been reached for several sections of the border between both countries

Turkey does not intend to transfer S-400 to any country — defense minister

Britain and Spain are not against the sale of fighter jets to Ankara, while Germany, as a member of the consortium that produces the Eurofighter, has not yet approved the deal

Russia, China to strengthen contacts through banks — Putin

Moscow and Beijing also consider rehabilitation of global economic institutions, including WTO, G20 and APEC, necessary, the president said

Blinken says Ukraine may engage in talks if Russia shows 'interest'

Antony Blinken noted that in terms of negotiations, these are "decisions for Ukraine to make"

Russia, China warn US, NATO against setting up military infrastructure in Afghanistan

The leaders of Russia and China also expressed their intention "to boost Afghanistan-related partner interaction both at the bilateral level and on multilateral platforms"

Minsk to root for Trump based on ex-president’s pledge to stop war in Ukraine — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader noted that it would not be easy for Trump to "visit a ‘dictator’" from a political point of view

Several people injured in knife attack in Switzerland’s Zofingen — report

The attacker has been detained, AFR reported

Treaty on Russian-Iranian strategic partnership 85% ready — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, "what is going on between Palestinians and the Israelis" have no impact of the negotiating process on the big treaty between Russia and Iran

Ukrainian troops shelling civilians in Kharkov Region villages they were driven from

According to the ministry, units of Russia’s Battlegroup North continue to improve their tactical positions

Russia, China praise dialogue as best form of settling Ukrainian crisis — statement

"The parties proceed from the fact that in order to ensure a sustainable settlement of the Ukrainian crisis it is necessary to eliminate its root causes and to adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security," the document said

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