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North Korea sends balloons with garbage to South Korea for third day in row

On the morning of June 26, Incheon International Airport was forced to cancel or delay domestic and international flights for several hours due to the balloon situation

SEOUL, June 26. /TASS/. North Korea has again launched balloons with garbage towards South Korea, Seoul authorities reported.

"At 9:16 p.m. [local time] (12:16 p.m. GMT - TASS), objects suspected to resemble balloons launched from North Korea were spotted in the sky over the northern regions of Gyeonggi-do Province," the authorities said.

On the morning of June 26, Incheon International Airport was forced to cancel or delay domestic and international flights for several hours due to the balloon situation.

North Korea held a similar demonstration on June 24 and 25. The North Korean leader's sister, Kim Yo Jong, said on June 21 that the country intends to keep its word and take retaliatory measures against the launch of balloons carrying propaganda leaflets across the border.

On June 9, Kim Yo Jong advised South Korean officials to refrain from "dangerous steps" such as loudspeakers at the border or garbage will become "a routine thing" for them. "If South Korea continues to distribute leaflets and broadcast at the same time, have no doubt that you will witness our new response," she said at the time.

Military operation in Ukraine

Not a single project of peaceful settlement in Ukraine to be successful without Russia

There can be no new security architecture in Europe without participation of Belarus, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov also said

Press review: Putin sends nuke smoke signal to West and China shows off military might

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 26th

BRICS considers further expansion inappropriate for now — Lavrov

More than 20 countries wish to become partners and about 10 more wish to maintain permanent contacts, the Russian foreign minister said

West, not Russia, to blame for blocking work of UN bodies — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister drew attention to the fact that the West, in pursuing its policy of hegemonism, continues to escalate confrontation

Unlike West, Russia has no ambitions for hegemony in Asia-Pacific — Lavrov

The United States want to rule the so-called Indo-Pacific area by creating various blocs such as AUCUS and QUAD, the Russian foreign minister said

Nasrallah’s elimination to help bring home people of Israel’s north — Netanyahu

"As long he was alive, Nasrallah could promptly restore the Hezbollah potential, which we undermined," the Israeli Prime Minister said

Moscow court to hear case of 73-year-old American accused of fighting for Ukraine

Under the influence of Ukrainian media, Stephen Hubbard joined the Ukrainian military without fully understanding the situation

Israeli strike on Beirut kills Hezbollah leader’s daughter — TV

According to the broadcaster, Zainab Nasrallah repeatedly made public statements about loyalty to Hezbollah’s aims

Death toll from gas station explosion in Russia’s Dagestan rises to 12

Another body has been pulled out from under the rubble

Drought-stricken Botswana to kill, eat 20,000 elephants unless Germany takes them — report

Mokgweetsi Masisi pointed out that Botswana was facing its "worst drought in 50 years," causing widespread famine among the people

Turkey unable to resell S-400 to third countries without Russia’s consent — Lavrov

There is the end-user certificate, which is part and parcel of the arms supply contract, the Russian foreign minister noted

Russia says its Ka-52M helicopters take out Ukrainian troops, equipment in Kursk Region

According to the ministry said, the strikes on the previously detected enemy targets were delivered with air-borne missiles

US to never absolve itself of responsibility for Nasrallah’s assassination — Pezeshkian

Iranian President claimed that the order to assassinate Hezbollah leader was given from the US

Russian prime minister approves list of countries imposing destructive attitudes

It includes the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and other states

Some foreign mercenaries in Kursk Region already eliminated — army

Major-General Apty Alaudinov noted that it should not be surprising that many mercenaries had come from countries considered friendly to Russia

Almost 90% of oil supplies to Europe redirected to other countries — Novak

"We directed the greater portion to the Asia-Pacific Region, to Africa, to Latin America - where energy resources are in demand at present," the official said

Lavrov urges probe into Israel's mobile device attack on Lebanon

The United States had prior knowledge of Israel’s preparations for the explosions of mobile devices, noted the Russian Foreign Minister

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

Gazprom warns Naftogaz about possible Russian sanctions if transit trial continues

Gazprom also believes that the current circumstances deprive it of its fundamental right to a fair and impartial hearing in court

Iran's supreme leader moved to secure location amid reports of Hezbollah chief’s death

According to the media outlet, the move was part of tightened security measures

IDF General Staff approves plans of further actions against Hezbollah

Herzi Halevi mentioned the "elimination of terrorist organizations and their potential," the "return of hostages" from the Gaza Strip and the "safe return of the residents of both [Israeli] north and the south to their homes" among the upcoming tasks

Russian air defenses shoot down Ukrainian drones over Bryansk, Oryol regions

On-duty air defenses destroyed a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over the Oryol Region

Ukraine’s poorly trained new recruits often flee their positions — newspaper

"The commanders estimated that 50 to 70% of new infantry troops were killed or wounded within days of starting their first rotation," the report said

Russia sees interest in increasing gas supplies to Asia — Novak

The needs for energy resources are also growing in this region, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said

Unrecovered bodies of European mercenaries litter Kursk fields — Russian MP

According to Viktor Vodolatsky, the West needed the Ukrainian incursion into the borderline Russian region of Kursk to test how well Russia’s border is protected

US trying to drive wedge between Russia, Ukraine for years, says Assange

He recalled numerous warnings on the part of Russia that the attempts to bring Ukraine into NATO might trigger a civil war in that country

Nuclear arms to be used as soon as NATO attacks Belarus, Lukashenko says

According to the Belarusian leader, Minsk is getting ready for such a development

Russia assumes that Putin’s remarks on nuclear doctrine were heard — Lavrov

The minister added that the West’s decision regarding authorization for strategic-depth strikes on Russia with Western weapons "will show how they understood what they had heard"

Hezbollah movement confirms death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah — statement

The movement also vowed to continue its fight against Israel

Global South voices concern over risk of further escalation of Ukraine crisis

The platform calls on all parties to the conflict to comply with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter

Russia says its military repairmen retrieved US-made MaxxPro from battlefield

According to Defense Ministry, the American armored vehicle was destroyed by an FPV drone unit of the battlegroup Center’s special-purpose unit

LNG export from Russia to reach around 35 mln tons in 2024 — Novak

The deputy prime minister said in early 2024 that export of Russian LNG fell by 1.9% in 2023 to 45.4 bln cubic meters from 46.3 bln cubic meters in the previous year

Russian air defenses destroy five drones over Belgorod, Kursk regions last night

The Kiev regime’s attempt to carry out a terrorist attack on targets in Russia using fixed-wing drones was foiled

Russia's Su-35 backs up jets striking Ukrainian hardware, facilities in Kursk Region

"During combat missions, Su-35S fighter crews patrolled the assigned area and provided cover for bomber and attack aircraft, as well as army aviation helicopters, during air strikes on Ukrainian military facilities and equipment," the defense ministry stated

Lavrov blasts France’s idea to limit veto power in UNSC as shameless move

"Britain and France themselves generally play along with those who want to force the process," the Russian foreign minister pointed out

Hamas calls assassination of Hezbollah leader a ‘cowardly terrorist attack’

The radicals believe that the "US Administration is also responsible for its constant political, diplomatic and military support [to Israel] and for its silence and incapability to condemn" the Jewish state

Russia's coal exports may exceed 350 mln tonnes by 2050 — Deputy Energy Minister

The development of new coal mining centers may bring an additional 235 mln tons of production on the horizon until 2036

Russia calls to put an end to murder of Palestinians with US-made weapons — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister also said that a group of countries is trying to embroil Iran into a conflict in the Middle East in an attempt to provoke a major war in the region

Israeli army calls up three reserve battalions

It is done in accordance with the situational assessment

Ukrainian armed formation trapped near Selidovo in DPR — security forces

"Heavy combat is underway with all logistics being cut off on that section of the frontline," the source said

Spiral of violence escalates beyond Israeli-Palestinian conflict — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreighn Minister, conflict at Lebanon-Israel border areas echoes in other parts of the region

Turkish government to discuss alternatives to Russian Mir payment system — source

At the moment, there is no information about the decisions made

Dagestan declares Saturday day of mourning for victims of explosion at gas station

State flags will be lowered throughout the region

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace ten times in past day

Three violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported in Syria in the past

Right to nuclear retaliation is no message to the West

The key factor of the updated doctrine is that Russia retains the right for a retaliatory nuclear strike in response to an aggression with conventional forces and arms against it, Igor Korotchenko stated

Middle East on cusp of major war, says Lavrov

Lavrov said that even though the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly passed several resolutions calling for a ceasefire and sustainable humanitarian access to Gaza, the Israeli military operation continues

IRGC deputy commander Nilforushan killed in Israeli airstrike at Beirut — Mehr

The news agency reported it without providing any additional details

Turkey, Syria have ideas for dialogue, this applies to Kurdish issue as well — Lavrov

Russia will work to prevent the Middle East conflict from spilling into other countries, the Russian foreign minister added

US creating NATO bases in Ukraine under guise of training centers — Belarusian president

"Unfortunately, the Ukrainian authorities don't care a bit about their own people and they don't hear our concerns," Alexander Lukashenko noted

Presidential aide warns West against trying to kick out Russia from Baltic Sea

Nikolay Patrushev added that in violation of international rules, Russian ships are disconnected from the satellite communication network, which creates risks to the safety of navigation

Finnish president wants to be more Ukrainian than Ukrainians — Lavrov

" I know that Kiev's officials never stop speculating about the illegitimacy of the Russian Federation, because the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was written down in the UN Charter," the Russian foreign minister said

Ukraine shrinks each time talks with Russia are disrupted — Lavrov

Russia is glad to see any initiatives concerning the Ukrainian settlement, including the one proposed by former US President Donald Trump, the Russian foreign minister said

Serbian sniper says Russia fights against 50 countries led by UK, US, France

According to Dejan Beric, fighters from these countries and their equipment are directly involved in the conflict

Captured soldier urges countrymen to get out of Ukraine

Vasily Kozub surrendered without a fight when Russian troops entered his dugout

Turkey’s entry to BRICS to benefit entire world — speaker of parliament

Numan Kurtulmus noted that republic is the member of many international organizations

US, UK prepare Europe for suicide venture against Russia — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister pointed out the "pointlessness and danger of the very idea to fight to victory with a nuclear power like Russia"

Moody’s downgrades Israel’s ratings to Baa1

According to the agency, the move stems from the escalation of Israel’s conflict with the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement

About thirty people harmed in two fires in Germany — DPA news agency

Children are among the victims

Lavrov slams Kiev’s ties with Mali terrorists as banditry

"We will do our best to support African countries, who want to choose their own ways and paths to development," the top Russian diplomat added

EU fears world war, interested in Brazil-China peace plan — newspaper

According to the sources, officials from a number of countries, including EU members, contacted Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York

Putin announces transition to national currencies in export payments

The President noted that Russia's partners were interested in it to the highest degree

Houthis claim missile strike at Tel Aviv Airport during Netanyahu’s return

According to the spokesman, the strike was carried out via a ballistic missile in response to Israel’s action in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon

Biden’s remarks on Nasrallah’s assassination reflects US’ approach to conflicts — Lavrov

The US President said that this was a right decision

Germany keeps ignoring Russia’s requests for information about Navalny’s health — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister said that Russia had rushed to transfer the blogger to Germany for treatment without bothering with the necessary formalities

Ukraine loses over 2,980 military personnel in responsibility zone of battlegroup West

The group’s units improved their positions along the front line, defeating formations from six Ukrainian mechanized, tank, and assault brigades, as well as two defense brigades and a brigade of the National Guard

UN Secretariat invents excuses for promoting Western narratives — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that in pursuit of retaining its dominance Washington was impeding the normal work of the World Trade Organization for dispute settlement and reform of the Bretton Woods institutions

US military base in Syria comes under shelling — TV

According to Al Mayadeen channel, missiles and drones were launched against the base

All resistance forces in Middle East support Hezbollah, Iranian supreme leader says

The entire resistance front in the region is on Hezbollah’s side and supports it

Hezbollah loses contact with leader on Friday night — agency

Contact with Hassan Nasrallah was lost on Friday night

Biden questions Zelensky’s decision to attack Russia’s Kursk Region — media

The US president is also "somewhat dubious about Zelensky’s 'victory plan,'" which the latter presented to him during a visit to Washington on September 26

Remarks about preparations for war with Russia mirror West’s position — Kremlin spokesman

Germany has developed an operational plan for a war with Russia; NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Rob Bauer said that a conflict was highly likely, while Chief of the General Staff of the Estonian Defense Forces Major General Vahur Karus even highlighted Tallinn’s readiness to conduct a pre-emptive strike

Explosives concealed inside pagers used in Lebanon blasts — CNN

One of the Lebanese security sources told the TV channel that the way the explosive material had been hidden inside the batteries was so sophisticated that it could not be detected

Through West’s fault it is impossible to reset global cooperation — Lavrov

Russia’s initiatives on Eurasian security and independent payment mechanisms are receiving good feedback worldwide, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said

Biden plans to announce measures to accelerate military support for Kiev

"I’m determined to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to prevail and fight for its survival. Tomorrow, I will announce a series of actions to accelerate support for Ukraine's military," he said

Russia’s Avangard hypersonic missile system to go on combat alert in December — top brass

The new weapon was unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on March 1, 2018

It’s up to Armenian, Azerbaijani leaders to decide if they want to meet at BRICS — Lavrov

"If they want to meet <...> we are always ready to do what was agreed with our participation," the Russian foreign minister added

Ukraine loses over 370 troops, eight armored vehicles in Kursk area in past day

Over the past day, the Ukrainian armed forces lost over 370 troops, eight armored vehicles, including a tank, two US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and five armored combat vehicles

External forces want to wipe Georgia off world map with opposition’s hands — ruling party

According to the founder of the ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the UNM party founded by the former president, Mikhail Saakashvili, and the political, non-governmental and media organizations gathered around it are "pressing for the interests of external forces and trying to drag Georgia into the horrors of war"

Russian Foreign Ministry gives Israeli ambassador talking-to over critical remarks

According to the ministry, a rebuttal to Simona Halperin’s statements was posted on its official website

Elimination of mercenaries, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy lost more than 17,750 people during the fighting

Russia’s Battlegroup North strikes ‘Foreign Legion’ in Kharkov Region

According to the military agency, the enemy lost up to 95 troops, four pickup trucks, two howitzers and a self-propelled artillery system

Gazprom eyes Africa as promising market for gas sales

Gazprom is also considering natural gas vehicle fuel, small-capacity LNG and gas-fired power generation projects that may be announced during the African Energy Week in Cape Town

Russia wants to save people’s lives in Middle East — Lavrov

"As a result of the campaign for collective punishment of the Palestinians, which is now being conducted by Israel, <…> 41,000 Palestinian civilians were killed and around 100,000 were wounded in just about a year, since October 7, 2023," the Russian foreign minister said

Russia to help Georgia, South Ossetia, Abkhazia with reconciliation, if need be — Lavrov

"It is obvious that the current Georgian leadership is honest about the past," the Russian foreign minister noted

Chinese foreign minister urges US to stop imposing sanctions on Beijing over Ukraine

Wang Yi warned the US against using the issue of Ukraine to foment block confrontation

Russian forces destroy long-standing Ukrainian stronghold — politician

"This is significant because the stronghold allowed Ukraine to control a fairly large area in the Orekhovo direction," Vladimir Rogov said

Alexander Beglov assumes office as St. Petersburg governor

The ceremony took place on Wednesday at the first fall session of the legislative assembly in the Mariinsky Palace

Death toll from gas station explosion in Russia’s Dagestan rises to 13

Another body has been found

Trump says he will visit Ukraine

The US Republican presidential candidate did not specify when he planned to make a trip to Ukraine

Netherlands decommissions F-16 planes, transitions to F-35s

This type of planes stayed on duty for over 45 years, and was useful both inside and outside of the country

Temporary base of mercenaries hit near Ukraine’s Odessa

Meanwhile, explosions have also been reported in the city of Sumy in southeastern Ukraine

Israeli aircraft strike near Beirut airport — report

Earlier, the IDF said its Air Force was striking Hezbollah sites

Russian forces carry out group strike on Ukrainian army’s airfield infrastructure

The attack involved high-precision long-range weapons

Two Russians were on helicopter that crashed in Pakistan — Russian embassy

The Russian diplomats have no information about their condition at the moment

FACTBOX: What is known about gas station explosion near Makhachkala

Dagestan’s Interior Ministry said that five people died in the explosion, and ten more were injured

Guterres did not mention possible reduction of Russian, US nuclear arsenals — Lavrov

"He sometimes does make statements that clearly do not fit in with the realities that exist on the international scene," the Russian foreign minister remarked

Ukrainian attack kills civilian in Russia’s Belgorod Region

The town of Shebekino came under attack once again today

Russian ambassador in US compares Zelensky’s visit to 'Hollywood show'

"Here they try to keep quiet that the main outcome of such a demonstration of America's 'leadership' is a further prolongation of the crisis," Anatoly Antonov said

Helicopter with Russian pilots crashes in Pakistan, there are casualties — Geo TV

At least six people died and eight others were injured, the TV channel reports

Evacuation of Ukrainian troops from Ugledar urgently needed, military expert says

Vladislav Seleznev underscored that the Ukrainian troops are in a "critical shortage" of resources, necessary to counter the Russian forces on this swath of the frontline

Iran to take measures following Israeli strike on Beirut — president

Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the families of all people killed