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Pentagon increases contract amount for production of HIMARS MLRS to $1.9 bln

It was specified that the order must be completed by May 31, 2028

WASHINGTON, June 4. /TASS/. The US Department of Defense has increased the contract amount with Lockheed Martin Corporation for the production of HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to $1.9 billion, the Pentagon press service reported.

In May, the Pentagon announced the conclusion of a contract with Lockheed Martin for the production of the HIMARS MLRS in the amount of $861.3 million. It was specified that the order must be completed by May 31, 2026.

Now the department has clarified that the terms of the order have been changed. It should be completed by May 31, 2028.

The Pentagon did not disclose the number of MLRS that it plans to produce and put into service under the contract. The department did not explain whether they would be used by the United States or other countries.

NATO allies have no consensus on inviting Ukraine to alliance so far — Stoltenberg

"In the long run, there can be no peace and security in Ukraine without Ukraine becoming a NATO ally," NATO secretary general said

Moscow knows the West has already decided to strike deep into Russia — senior diplomat

"The President spoke very clearly on this topic. We know that the corresponding decisions were made some time ago, and signals of this kind have been transmitted to Kiev," the high-ranking diplomat said, answering a question on the matter

Scholz says he won’t allow Ukraine to use German weapons for strikes deep inside Russia

According to the chancellor, permission for Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia would be a problem and he won’t allow that

PREVIEW: 68th session of IAEA General Conference kicks off in Vienna

The representatives from member states will discuss a range of issues, including nuclear security in Ukraine

IN BRIEF: What is known about alleged assassination attempt on Trump

The suspect was later apprehended by police and is now in custody

Kiev seen plotting `Russian missile attack’ on children’s institution — SVR

Simultaneously, the Americans plan to use a new provocation to increase pressure on North Korea and Iran, accusing these countries of supplying Russia with ballistic missiles, the SVR said

Access to last supply route actually cut for Ukrainian troops in Ugledar — Russian police

The Ukrainian troops have been struggling to travel along dirt roads as all of them are under the fire control of Russian forces

Medvedev says Trump assassination attempt could be orchestrated by Kiev

The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, recruited mercenaries for the Ukrainian army

Attacks with Western weapons on Russia can backfire on NATO — expert

"It may even come to nuclear strikes, but I hope this won't happen," Sergey Karaganov said

NATO making plans of sending its troops to Ukraine — Russian deputy defense minister

According to Alexander Fomin, this may lead to a direct military confrontation of nuclear powers

FACTBOX: Fires strike LPR: victims

The total area of natural fires in the LPR makes up 8,400 acres, operational services reported

Russia’s continued offensive and Ukraine’s losses in the Kursk region

Netherlands unable to send Patriot system to Ukraine after unnamed ally leaves it hanging

In June, the Netherlands announced that it and an ally had teamed up to jointly provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system

Russia waits for US to explain how warfare agent got in hands Ukrainian troops — diplomat

"The Russian side thoroughly registers chemical incidents evidencing that Ukraine violates its commitments under the CWC," Vasily Nebenzya said

Explosion occurs in downtown Cologne, police block off area — German newspaper

According to preliminary data, no one was injured

Countries need to grasp consequences of hosting US military bases — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited Germany, which portrays itself as a democratic state with a well-developed legal system, as an example

Press review: BRICS challenges existing security concepts and Europe's economy in trouble

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 13th

Russia must respond to West's banditry — Peskov on limiting raw materials exports

We need to respond to — not just unfriendly, but thuggish — actions against us, he said

Situation in US tense ahead of election, Russia does not interfere in it — Kremlin

"The political struggle is escalating, various methods are being used," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Russia will not leave US actions against Russian media unanswered — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova drew attention to the fact that the United States has launched another wave of restrictions against Russian media and journalists, continuing to strictly follow the course of total extermination of any dissent

Serbia may refuse from EU membership if forced to support conflict with Russia — deputy PM

Serbia may also drop its plans for joining the European Union if it has to recognize Kosovo’s independence or authorize same-sex marriages, Aleksandar Vulin said

West already involved in Ukrainian conflict, issue needs to be formalized — Kremlin

"We see a lot of information fiddling around this, a lot of rumors, a lot of predictions by different analysts," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia after crisis in Ukraine should focus on relations with Asia — expert

Alexey Kupriyanov noted that "we will have to somehow build our interaction with the countries with which we manage to establish relations during this time"

ICRC chief arrives in Moscow for planned visit

Mirjana Spoljaric will discuss the humanitarian consequences of the Ukraine conflict with senior government officials, according to the news release

Russian defense ministry reports losses among Russian troops during special operation

Konashenkov also said that several Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner

Press review: Kiev may get nod for long-range strikes and Israel-Hamas truce hope fades

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 16th

Russian forces destroy two Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets in 24 hours — defense ministry

The Russian Aerospace Forces downed two Su-27 fighter jets of Ukraine’s air forces in 24 hours

Myanmar would like to become BRICS observer country — republic’s information minister

We are poised for cooperation with the integration as an observer country, Minister for Information said

Two more settlements liberated: developments in Russia's Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost over 350 servicemen and 13 armored vehicles, including two tanks and 11 armored fighting vehicles, as well as two artillery pieces, three mortars, two multiple rocket launchers, including one US-made M270 MLRS, and eight vehicles

BRICS foreign ministers to gather in New York in late September — Lavrov

According to the Russian Foreign Minister, Russia and Egypt agree that the country's accession to BRICS in January gave a significant impetus to the partnership between the two nations

No weapon can become game changer for Kiev — Pentagon

In Washington’s opinion, Ukraine should focus on employing capabilities currently at its disposal

New names may emerge in Crocus City Hall terror attack investigation

One of the suspects, Mukhammad Zoir Sharipzoda, "may contact other unidentified co-conspirators in the crime" if he is not placed in pretrial custody

Israeli military say missile launched from Yemen fragmented in mid-air

Fallen fragments of the interceptors were identified in open areas and at the Paatei Modi'in Railway Station, the IDF said

Moscow views transfer of Russian aircraft to Ukraine by Portugal as hostile move — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, it is evident that in this way Lisbon "is seeking to faithfully demonstrate its allied zeal and obedient compliance with the trajectory imposed on the Europeans by their handlers from across the ocean"

Russian forces advance in all directions, Kiev running out of resources — newspaper

Russia also sucessfully repelling the Ukrainian incursion into its borderline region of Kursk, the La Repubblica newspaper’s military columnist Gianluca De Feo wrote

Drug supplies to Ukrainian army come from US — POW

It is reported that under some psychotropics a person can stay awake for a week

Lavrov to meet with Egyptian foreign minister to discuss Middle Eastern conflict

It is expected that the two sides will pay close attention to the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and focus on the bilateral agenda

Ukrainian military says suspect in Trump assassination attempt reached out to them — CNN

On September 15, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation reported a shooting outside the Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, where the politician was staying

North Korea’s top diplomat sets off for visit to Russia — embassy

On September 18-20, Choe Son Hui will attend the fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum and BRICS Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg

Russian aviation defeats reserves of seven Ukrainian brigades in Sumy Region

Russia’s response to long-range weapons supplies to Kiev will be brutal — MFA

"The opponents in Washington, London, and other places clearly underestimate the degree of danger of the game they continue to play," Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said

Kremlin slams US accusations against Russian media 'insane'

"We consider such attacks on the media unacceptable," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Gunman in Trump’s assassination attempt supported Kiev regime, says NYP

According to the news outlet, he promoted "the idea of having former Afghanistan troopers fight for Ukraine in Russia"

NATO not to become conflict side if West authorizes Kiev to strike at Russia — Stoltenberg

According to the Secretary General, NATO closely monitors what Russia is doing in its nuclear posture

West downplays threats to nuclear plants posed by Ukraine — Rosatom

Alexey Likhachev said Russia would defend its point of view and communicate to the world community "the authors of the real threats to the nuclear power industry"

Russian envoy says he received calls from US ex-officials following Putin’s statements

Earlier Russian president warned that a potential decision to allow Ukraine to deliver long-range strikes inside Russia may have consequences

Press review: UK may jettison Russian sanctions and Berlin eyes olive branch on Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 10th

US forces destroy Houthi missile system in Yemen

It was determined this system presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, CENTCOM said

Ukrainian forces lost up to 520 troops in Battlegroup West zone of responsibility

The enemy also lost six vehicles, a UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled howitzer, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer and two electronic warfare stations

BRICS platforms alternative to dollar, euro attract increasing number of states — Lavrov

"Many are attracted by the fact that payment platforms are being developed within BRICS, which allow trading, investing, carrying out other economic operations without being dependent on those that decided to weaponize the dollar and the euro," the foreign minister said

Putin always deliberate in choosing response to West’s actions — Kremlin

Russian experts discuss tough options among other things, Dmitry Peskov added

IN BRIEF: Investigation into alleged assassination attempt on Trump

The authorities are investigating whether the suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, harbored dissatisfaction related to the Ukrainian conflict, particularly frustration with Trump's position on the issue

Russian National Guard says it destroyed some Ukrainian militants in Kursk Region

The agency said it was tipped off about a group of militants in the forest area near one of the settlements by local residents

Ukrainian evacuation teams overwhelmed by influx of injured near Ugledar — POW

According to Robert Pogorelov, the Ukrainian army losses in the past few days have been measured in dozens

EU intends to engage with China to hinder its rapprochement with Russia — Borrell

"Future relations with China will depend heavily on how China behaves in the Ukraine conflict," the EU top diplomat warned

Eight injured as Ukrainians shell Russia’s Belgorod — governor

Of those injured, one woman is in extremely grave condition, while the other sustained wounds of varying severity

Khibiny Mountains pass in Murmansk Region to be named after TASS

"The name TASS, proposed by scientists and supported by the region, will be put on the federal catalog of geographical names and will appear on all maps," the expedition's head of headquarters Oksana Tolstykh said

Russian Army gets one of world’s most powerful self-propelled guns after upgrade

The 2S7M ‘Malka’ upgraded gun has received new running gear and electronics, according to the state hi-tech corporation Rostec

Zelensky's settlement plan based on strikes deep into Russia — adviser

Sergey Leshchenko at the same time described as speculations various assumptions about the content of the plan, which appeared in the Western media in recent days

Injuries reported as schoolboy attacks fellow pupils, teachers in Russia’s Urals

According to Chelyabinsk Region Governor Alexey Teksler, law enforcement officers, Chelyabinsk Mayor Natalia Kotova and Children’s Ombudswoman Yevgenia Mayorova are currently working at the scene

Kiev switches mercenaries to Kupyansk to hold back advance of Russian forces — expert

The expert specified that the Ukrainian national battalions near Kupyansk "are engaged in their traditional activities", playing the role of a "deterrent" - barrier detachments

Russia’s Ka-52M helicopters wipe out Ukrainian troops in borderline Kursk Region

Having eliminated Ukrainian troops and military hardware, the crews returned safely to their home base

Russia appreciates Egypt's sensible stance on Ukraine — Lavrov

"We outlined our vision of the challenges currently emerging, including within the international community, and our view on how to overcome these difficulties while considering Russia's legitimate interests," the Russian foreign minister said

Governor of Russia’s Kursk region announces evacuation from two districts

According to Alexey Smirnov, regional law enforcement officers, officials and members of the Kursk-based Patriot voluntary public order squad will handle the coordination of the process

FACTBOX: Fires in Russia's Rostov Region: aftermath

The fires damaged 30 buildings, including 13 residential houses

Russian forces liberate Kursk Region’s Uspenovka, Borki

Reconnaissance and search operations in the forest areas continue in order to identify and destroy enemy sabotage groups trying to penetrate deep into Russian territory

NATO coordinated Ukraine’s attack on Kursk Region, provided equipment — Russian top brass

Major General Apty Alaudinov stressed that US-made M113 and MaxxPro armored personnel carriers, MRAP and Humvee armored vehicles, as well as French and Swedish equipment were involved in the incursion into the Kursk Region

Putin to hold meeting on drones in coming days — TV

In the coming days, Putin is also expected to speak with the governors of Russian regions who were elected during the Single Voting Day

West needs to sacrifice Zelensky to avoid World War III — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Russia may intensify its attacks on Ukraine which practically lacks its own air force or nuclear weapons

White House taking Putin’s words about NATO’s involvement in Ukrainian conflict seriously

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that by allowing Ukraine to use its weapons to strike deep inside Russia the West will get directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Palestine sits as state for first time at 79th session of the UN General Assembly

Palestine will be able to include its representatives in the list of speakers at meetings on Middle East issues, propose amendments and make procedural proposals on behalf of a group of countries

US Secret Service shot at man with gun in Trump’s vicinity in Florida — media

According to the The New York Post, Secret Service was a suspicious man on the Trump International Golf Course West Palm Beach

Plane with 103 Russian POWs lands near Moscow

They were swapped for 103 Ukrainian POWs

Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev

According to the politician, "Poland's reckless actions, if rashly supported by its NATO allies, may have far-reaching dangerous consequences for the entire world"

Fires, strikes reported after Ukrainian attack on Russia’s borderline Belgorod

Scholz calls for exploring opportunities for launching peace process on Ukraine

According to the German chancellor, "now is the time to see what is possible"

US law enforcement identifies suspect in Trump assassination attempt

According to the news outlet, he was able to push the muzzle of his gun through the chainlink fence outside the golf club

Russia must respond to West’s banditry — Peskov on limiting raw materials exports

The Russian presidential spokesman also noted that possible restrictions on Russia's exports of strategic raw materials will be done with caution so as not to harm the Russian economy

Musk points to absence of assassination attempts on Biden, Harris

The American billionaire responded to a subscriber's comment on X "Why do they want to kill Donald Trump?"

World’s oldest cat dies at age of 33

According to the newspaper, the age is equivalent to 152 human years

UN officials need Russia’s authorization to visit Kursk Region — spokesman

"The short answer from us is, we are ready to do it," Stephane Dujarric said

Suspect in Trump assassination attempt recruited Afghans for Ukraine, Russian MFA says

Maria Zakharova added that US officials "confessed to journalists that, according to regulations, they spend only 10 minutes to check the documents of a potential foreign fighter"

Court indicts suspected Trump assailant Ryan Wesley Routh — report

A court hearing on Ryan Wesley Routh’s imprisonment has been scheduled for September 23, the media said

Russia’s battlegroup West repels 8 counterattacks, inflicting roughly 600 enemy casualties

Units of Russia’s battlegroup Center repelled nine counterattacks and continued advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses

FACTBOX: Student stages attack in Russian school

According to the Health Ministry, four people were wounded, namely three teenagers of 13 years and one adult

Russian forces foil three Ukrainian rotations in Zaporozhye Region — official

Vladimir Rogov specified that rotations of Ukrainian units had been disrupted over the past two days

Houthis claim responsibility for missile attack on Tel Aviv

According to the spokesman, who was cited by the Houthi-owned Al Masirah television channel, the missile covered a distance of 2,040 kilometers in 11.5 minutes

Ukrainian forces attack Belgorod, more than 10 nearby settlements over day — governor

Nine civilians were injured

Ukrainian missile shot down over Kursk Region

Governor Alexey Smirnov warned people against coming close to and touching the missile fragments and asked them to inform emergencies services about suspicious-looking findings

Biden instructs Secret Service to protect Trump

US President have directed his team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure, the White House press service said

Frenchman Vinatier pleads guilty of violating foreign agent legislation

Earlier on Monday, the court granted his defense’s motion to consider the case under a special procedure

Armenia won’t allow third forces to use it against Russia — MP

"We are willing to be friends with everyone, but not at the expense of Russia, and certainly not against Russia," Andranik Tevanyan said

Establishing Routh's ties with Kiev should be US secret services’ headache — Kremlin

"In any case, playing with fire has its consequences," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia, Turkey disagree on Crimea’s status, Moscow keeps persuading Ankara — Kremlin

"We hope that over time this will allow Ankara to understand us better and to agree with our arguments," Dmitry Peskov explained

FBI considers shooting near Trump’s golf course as assassination attempt

According to the FBI, its agents arrived in West Palm Beach, Florida, to investigate

Trump in danger after alleged assassination attempt — Orban

"It is clear that President Trump's life is in danger, until his victory in the US presidential election in November. We are praying for you, Mr. President!" the Hungarian Prime Minister said

Russian economy, Armed Forces allow to continue special military operation - Kremlin

"The special military operation will continue and all its goals will be achieved," Dmitry Peskov added

Three settlements in Belgorod Region attacked by Ukrainian troops

Four single-family houses and two auxiliary structures burned down in the village of Kozinka after a shelling attack by Ukrainian troops

Moscow working on response to US sanctions on Russian media — diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized the need for a consolidated reaction from the Russian community to what she called unlawful restrictions

Putin shows respect to Serbia by not rebuking it for buying Rafale — deputy PM

The Russian President once again proved that he is a friend to Serbia, Aleksandar Vulin said