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Cuban President comes to Havana port where Russian ships stay

The event is closed for the press

HAVANA, June 16. /TASS/. President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel has arrived in the port of Havana, where ships of the Russian Navy are currently staying, TASS reports.

The arrival of the presidential cortege can be seen near the entry to the port. Sources told TASS about the planned visit. The event is closed for the press.

On June 12, a group of Russia’s Northern Fleet ships, led by the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine Kazan, called at the port of Havana after a transatlantic crossing from the Barents Sea. The ships will stay there until Monday.

US moves to close Russian visa center, strips Russian diplomats of tax privileges — envoy

According to Antonov, the US side did not provide any explanations for its move

Russia demands US remove its nuclear weapons from Europe — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that said missions are based on the forward deployment of US weapons in Europe "thousands of kilometers away from the US national territory and within operational reach of Russian territory"

Eritrea supports Russia's active presence in Africa — Russian ambassador

"The Eritrean leadership calls on Russia to join in ensuring security and maintaining peace on the African continent, to restore the role and influence that the Soviet Union had here," Igor Mozgo noted

Kiev’s attempts to drive Russian forces out of Kharkov Region will cost it dearly — Putin

The Russian president also said that Russia has no goal to approach Kharkov

Zelensky now governs Ukraine without any reason — Medvedev

The politician stressed that the Kiev authorities, "hiding behind a sham declaration of presidential elections cancellation," hope to profit from the war to the end and fight to the last Ukrainian

Armenia's recognition of Palestine to harm its relations with Israel — Netanyahu's adviser

"This step will have serious long-term consequences for Israel-Armenia relations," Dmitry Gendelman noted

Israel attacks three Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon

Casualties among Hezbollah fighters are reported

Energy, water supply outages hit Energodar, no casualties after Ukrainian strike — mayor

Yevgenia Yashina, spokeswoman for the ZNPP, told TASS that after the strike on the city’s second substation which had taken out one of the two transformers, only two neighborhoods in Energodar had electricity

Ukraine to lose territories, NATO when all said and done — media

According to the publication, the Swiss conference has demonstrated that "international support for a forever war is waning and the time for ugly compromises is beginning"

Scholz wished to make secret deal with US on Nord Stream 2 — newspaper

According to the report, confidential papers confirm that the German chancellor "not only approved the project, but for years actively advocated it" and "by means of a dubious deal tried to prevent the United States from sanctions against the pipeline"

US applying unfair competition technique against Kaspersky Lab — Kremlin

"They resort to such techniques every time," Dmitry Peskov stressed

UN to accept Russia removing Taliban from list of banned organizations as fact — official

"It will be a fact of life and there will be nothing to discuss," Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva said

KCNA releases text of comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia

TASS collected the key provisions of the open-ended treaty

Taiwan records approach of 41 Chinese PLA aircraft, seven vessels in past day

Aircraft, vessels and ground-based air defense systems were dispatched by the Taiwanese Army

US coalition's drones fly too close to Russian plane in Syria — top brass

During the day, one shelling attack on positions of government forces from terrorists was reported in the Idlib de-escalation zone

Kim Jong Un gifts Putin two Pungsan hunting dogs

According to the expert, the North Korean people see this dog as "a companion," and not just a pet

Hackers attack BRICS Games from dozens of thousands IP addresses

The attack capacity reached 400 Gbps at its peak

Venezuela about to join BRICS — executive vice president

The country is ready to offer its fuel and mineral resources to future partners, Delcy Rodriguez said

Democrats may bring in new candidate if Biden performs bad in debate with Trump — Hersh

As the journalist has been told, Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, or J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, may replace US president in this scenario

Japan was ready to attack Soviet Union in case Nazis captured Leningrad — archive

The Japanese were also collecting information about the Red Army in the Far East, including naval and military air bases and railroads

Russia pummels Ukrainian military-industrial sector’s energy sites in precision strike

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted casualties on three Ukrainian army brigades and repulsed two enemy counterattacks over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Strategic stability talks with US must touch on Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov asserted that US authors of proposals on the matter "cannot be bothered" with the stance expressed by Russia’s top political leadership

Russia to increase deliveries of modern armament to troops — Putin

"We will ramp up supplies of unmanned aerial systems of different types, armored vehicles and precision means of destruction, strike aviation, enemy detection and counterbattery systems, control and communication systems to troops, to the frontline," the head of state said

Countries that recognize Palestine

US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier arrives in South Korean port

It was joined by two Aegis-equipped destroyers, the Yonhap news agency said

By March 1941, Hitler had plans for bombing Leningrad, Vyborg, Kiev — archive

Another memo notes intensive attempts by Germany’s aviation attache, Colonel Heinrich von Aschenbrenner in Moscow to find out the location of Soviet power plants

Three men, including Russian national, detained on espionage charges in Germany

Men are suspected of being assigned by a foreign intelligence service to collect information about "a person from Ukraine" staying in Germany, the German prosecutor general’s office said

Russian diplomat suspects nuclear deal with Iran may collapse

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov recalled that Britain, France and Germany had submitted "a destructive resolution condemning Iran" to the IAEA Board of Governors

Ukraine sustains roughly 130 casualties in area controlled by Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr

Also, Ukrainian boats attempting to disembark on the left bank of the Dnieper River were destroyed, and FPV drones, as well as surveillance and strike drones were downed actively, Battlegroup Spokesman Roman Kodryan said

Ukraine stages massive aerial attack on several municipalities in south Russia

At least four people have been injured, the region’s crisis response center said

Putin sees no need to include first strike concept in Russia’s nuclear doctrine

A retaliatory strike will be enough to destroy the enemy, Russian President said

Kiev regime suppresses family ties of Ukrainians, sending them to slaughter

Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev noted that "the long-suffering population of Ukraine is overwhelmingly Russian."

US doubts likelihood of significant Ukrainian battlefield success — journalist Hersh

Seymour Hersh described US President Joe Biden’s foreign policy as a "disaster," as "Biden is continuing to send billions to Ukraine" and urging the US allies in NATO to do the same

Energodar’s only remaining substation struck by Ukrainian troops — ZNPP

This was Ukraine’s second attack on the energy infrastructure in Energodar in recent days

Russia’s steel production declines in May — WSA

Global steel production increased by 1.5% in annual terms to 165.1 mln metric tons

US to ship only Patriot, NASAMS missiles to Ukraine, not systems themselves — Kirby

The US National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator added that Washington had been working closely with other countries about their willingness to contribute those systems to Ukraine

Russia’s Pacific Fleet begins deployment to exercise involving 40 ships

The Fleet explained that this is the first time this exercise is considered bilateral

Work of Zaporozhye NPP infrastructure facilities disrupted due to Ukrainian forces’ attack

The functionality of infrastructure facilities was disrupted

Russia-Vietnam joint statement following Putin’s visit: key provisions

Russia and Vietnam "consistently strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance amid the tough international situation"

Medvedev cites facts of Zelensky usurping power

As the Ukrainian president, he simply "hid in his drawer" 32 laws, thus violating the сonstitution, the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

Russia’s strikes hammer Ukrainian military airfields, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russia’s Southern Battlegroup improved its frontline positions and inflicted roughly 4,290 casualties on the Ukrainian army over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Houthis show drone boat that hit, sank Tutor bulk carrier

The footage aired on the Al Masirah television channel shows the Toofan-1 drone boat and the moment of the attack on the vessel

Skripals reluctant to appear at inquiry into death of Dawn Sturgess — lawyer

Sturgess’s family still want the Skripals to be kept on the list of possible witnesses

Lasting peace in Afghanistan impossible without dialogue with Taliban — Russian diplomat

"We are convinced that any productive discussion of the situation in Afghanistan is impossible without direct involvement of the country’s de-facto authorities," Vasily Nebenzya said at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Afghanistan

Russian stock market in the red on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 0.29% to 3,114.35 points, the RTS Index edged down by 3.17% to 1,115.39 points

Damage to Energodar’s substation has impact on nuclear security — IAEA chief

Any attack affecting the power supplies to a nuclear power plant would be "a violation of the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security", Rafael Grossi said, emphasizing that there "must be a secure off-site supply from the grid for all nuclear sites

Russian-made Forpost-R drone destroys Syrian militants, plotting terror attack

"They were plotting a terror attack on the Syrian oil infrastructure facility," Maj. Gen. Yury Popov said

Trophy T-64 tank wipes out Ukrainian positions near Chasov Yar

"Yesterday, the T-64 on which Maxim Likhachev surrendered departed on a combat mission near Chasov Yar," a security official in the Donetsk People’s Republic said

Japan imposes sanctions on 11 Russian individuals, 42 companies

Among the blacklisted companies are the Russian Federal Nuclear Center, Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant, Degtyaryov Plant, Izhevsk Kupol Electromechanical Plant, Perm Powder Plant, Nizhny Novgorod Plant of the 70th Anniversary of Victory, and others

Ukrainian Armed Forces resumed attack on Donetsk, air defense systems operational

The air defense system is working

Interior minister points to attempts to expel Russia from Interpol

Vladimir Kolokoltsev pointed out that these restrictions played into the hands of international transnational criminal groups, those individuals who devise criminal schemes and engage in drug trafficking and cybercrime

Putin’s peace initiative is Russia’s fourth proposal on Ukraine, says top diplomat

Ukraine itself "destroyed its territorial integrity with the hands of those who came to power through a bloody state coup and began to impose Russophobic and Neo-Nazi rules," the top Russian diplomat stressed

Russia aspires to unite Global South to counterbalance NATO — Turkish expert

According to Huseyin Bagci, Moscow "will not enter the arms race with NATO alone, proceeding from its own economic considerations"

Moscow-Pyongyang strategic partnership treaty to counterbalance US’ actions — expert

The document provides for immediate military assistance in case of any aggression against either of the parties to the treaty

CSTO countries call for meaningful dialogue with Taliban — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, threats continue to emanate from the territory of Afghanistan as cells of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda terrorist groups are still present there

Hungary to take no part in NATO mission in Ukraine — PM

According to Viktor Orban, "Hungary wants to remain an island of peace in Europe"

Hungarian PM says West's quest to defeat Russia in Ukrainian conflict hopeless

While blaming Russia for the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, Viktor Orban pointed out that the main reason for the conflict was Kiev's intention to join NATO

South Korean military supplies to Ukraine depend on Russia's actions — administration

"There are various options for providing weapons," the South Korean presidential administration official said

Rublev’s Holy Trinity icon to be taken to pavilion outside Russia’s largest monastery

The icon will be delivered to Sergiev Posad by car and placed in a temporary pavilion

British Navy reports attack on vessel off Yemen’s Aden

"The crew are reported safe," UKMTO said

Ukraine hits substation in Energodar, damaging electricity transformer

This was Ukraine’s second attack on the energy infrastructure in Energodar in recent days

FACTBOX: Vladimir Putin and his pets

The list of the Russian leader's pets also includes a white goat, a white female reindeer and a falabella pony, one of the smallest horse breeds in the world

Houthis planted explosives onboard attacked Tutor bulk carrier — Houthi leader

The Houthis announced the attack at the ship on June 12

Russian national detained in Montenegro accused of meddling in US elections

The American side wants his extradition to the United States

Estonia shuts down checkpoint on Russian border until June 24 due to long queue

According to the newspaper, entry to Estonia remains open

Moscow plans to give adequate response if US closes Russian visa centers

"If such measures are implemented, the Russian side will give an adequate response," the diplomat emphasized

Missile danger announced, explosions heard in Belgorod

According to the TASS correspondent, the sounds of explosions were heard simultaneously with the alert being announced

China plans to respond to Japanese sanctions against Chinese companies — Foreign Ministry

Spokesperson Lin Jian clarified that Beijing opposes unilateral restrictions that have no legal basis

IN BRIEF: Key points of Putin’s address to military college graduates

The Russian leader noted that Russia plans to keep developing its nuclear trifecta, because this is a guarantee of strategic deterrence and balance of powers in the world

Cooperation between Russia and partners never directed against third countries — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow clearly realizes that Washington will continue to pressure all its partners, including Vietnam

Russia takes note of drastic changes in security area — Putin

The Russian president said some Western experts don’t see a problem in using nuclear weapons

Anti-Russian sanctions of EU not having expected impact on trade — web portal

The new package of sanctions may block about 3 bln euro related to LNG projects and reduce helium imports by the EU by 1 bln euro

UN chief warns about risk for Middle East conflict to widen

"I feel compelled to voice my profound concerns about escalation between Israel and Hezbollah along the" demarcation Blue Line, Antonio Guterres said

Ukrainian drone damages flat in multi-apartment house in Gorlovka

No one was hurt

Sanctions and peace initiatives: what Putin told reporters in Hanoi

Possible changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, a treaty on military aid with North Korea, peace initiatives and sanctions were among the issues raised by the Russian president

24th package of Tokyo’s sanctions seen as another step to ruining relations with Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned Tokyo about tough and painful countermeasures

North Korea’s gifts to Putin a gesture of respect — expert

Roman Lobov said that this demonstrates "that relations between our two countries are friendly or even fraternal"

Up to 100,000 people go missing in Russia every year, says official

As many as 70,000 to 100,000 people go missing in Russia every year and 25% of them are never found

Kaspersky Lab eyes US sanctions as unjustified

"The recent step will not affect stability of the company because Kaspersky Lab itself, its subsidiaries and the CEO are not included in the OFAC list," the company said

Putin travels on trusted Russian aircraft — Kremlin

"All machinery in our country that transports citizens is also maintained at the proper level," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Press review: Vietnam, Russia forge closer bonds and EU imposes fresh sanctions on Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 21st

West to discard Zelensky once Russia consolidates successes on battlefield — SVR

The SVR dismissed Zelensky’s latest claims about "bringing Russia to its knees," calling them laughable

Delegations from India, China and Thailand to attend SPIEF — minister

The Eastern Economic Forum will be held from September 3 to 6, 2024

Russian troops should scale up FAB-3000 bomb strikes at key Ukrainian army sites — expert

"Considering a substantial strike effect of this munition, its use can be recognized as successful," Igor Korotchenko underlined

Unmanned vessels may appear on North-South corridor

The North-South international transport corridor connecting St. Petersburg and Mumbai is a promising international zone for the possible launch of unmanned vessels to deliver cargo, the Sitronics KT said

US moves to close Russian visa center, strips Russian diplomats of tax privileges — envoy

According to Antonov, the US side did not provide any explanations for its move

Restrictions on US weapons prevent Kiev from hitting key Russian airfields — WaPo

Ukrainian officials told the newspaper that the United States has restricted the range to less than 100 kilometers from the border

Goering's 'Green Folder' presented in public first time at TASS

The directives contained in the Green Folder, ordered the immediate and full use of the occupied territories of the Soviet Union for supplying Germany and meeting the needs of its troops, primarily with food and fuel

Dogs presented by Kim Jong Un to Putin to be named later — Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin was in the DPRK on June 19 on a state visit

Ukrainian forces hit private houses, electrical transformer in Zaporozhye Region

The emergency services and energy teams will arrive at the scene as soon as the threat of a repeated attack is cleared

Russian forces receive new batch of Su-34 bombers

Rostec First Deputy CEO Vladimir Artyakov said the bombers are intensively used in Ukraine operation

No return to security dialogue with US without revision of anti-Russian policy — MFA

"Now the dialogue on strategic stability with Washington is completely curtailed through its fault," Sergey Ryabkov said

EU’s 14 package of sanctions against Russia targets 27 cargo ships — EUobserver

All 27 vessels will be banned from entering ports and gateways of EU Member States, as well as from using a wide range of services related to maritime transport, according to the document

Putin to lay wreath at WWII memorial in downtown Moscow

The ceremony is traditionally attended by army and WWII veterans, as well as Russian senior military commanders

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians hiding from draft officers — NYT

Ukrainian men expressed fear of dying in the "bloody trench warfare", the newspaper reported

Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack Donetsk, more than 20 explosions heard

Information about the victims is being clarified

CIS countries steadily showing economic growth — Russian Deputy PM

Alexey Overchuk noted importance of continuing work on the buildup of economic and industrial potentials of CIS, development of new interaction mechanisms, creation of payment architecture independent from external developments, and transport system development

Chinese expert sees US inability to stop Russia-Vietnam cooperation

"US-Vietnam relations cannot replace Russia-Vietnam relations in the present or foreseeable future," said Yang Danzhi, a research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Russian ambassador says Washington’s sanctions benefit firms working for US intelligence

US tried to "to scare away businesses from normal mutually beneficial interaction, and consumers from purchasing Kaspersky products," Anatoly Antonov said

West wants to privatize matters of security in Eurasia — Lavrov

"A network of associations, grouped around the ASEAN based on principles of equality, equal indivisible security, consensus and mutual respect - the West wants to dismantle these structure," the foreign minister said

Diplomat comments on appearance of Ukrainian flag demanding elections during Euro 2024

A Ukrainian flag with a call "Give Us Elections" was spread during the group stage match between Ukraine and Slovakia on Friday