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US President Joe Biden diagnosed with coronavirus infection — White House

The spokeswoman added that Biden will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time

US President Joe Biden AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin

US President Joe Biden

© AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin

WASHINGTON, July 18. /TASS/. US President Joe Biden has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms," Jean-Pierre said.

The spokeswoman added that Biden will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.

The president’s personal doctor informed that the US leader is experiencing runny nose, non-productive cough and general malaise.

"He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus," the doctor said in a statement, published by the White House.

According to the White House press pool, Biden is feeling well. The president was not wearing a face mask when he boarded Air Force One without assistance.

When asked about his health, Biden told reporters traveling with him, "I feel good."

The announcement was made shortly after UnidosUS CEO Janet Murguia said Biden would skip the next event in Las Vegas because of the novel coronavirus infection.

Military operation in Ukraine

CORRECTION: UK to extend training program for Ukrainian soldiers in 2025

Defense Secretary John Healey said that since early 2022, as many as 45,000 Ukrainian personnel have been trained under Operation Interflex, which provided them with "the vital skills they need to defend their nation"

Durov declines Russian, Emirati diplomatic assistance — Politico

"The person concerned refused Russian consular protection and an Emirati consular visit but agreed that the Emirati embassy be kept up to date on his situation," the official said

Not your average election: CEC comments on preparations for voting

Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova emphasized that citizens could vote online if they wanted to, while election commissions would decide on their own whether it was necessary to carry out multi-day voting

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, the Russian military repelled two attacks by enemy assault groups towards Matveyevka and Olgovka, and foiled Ukrainian attempts to attack three settlements

Georgian people not happy about West imposing LGBT agenda — Lavrov

"The Georgian government is realizing their national identity and understanding that the Georgian people have the same values of Orthodoxy, national culture, which are being eroded, erased and subsumed by the 'rules' that the West is imposing on everyone," the foreign minister noted

Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Former French officer involved in planning attack on Russia’s Kursk Region

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, the objective of the regiment where the officer was serving was to carry out sabotage operations deep in the enemy’s rear

Talks on Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline continue — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that all the terms under discussion are mutually beneficial

Azerbaijan, Armenia agree on 80% of peace treaty’s wording — President Aliyev

"We are actively continuing negotiations, with almost 80% of the peace treaty paragraphs having been approved," the president noted

Political stability in Russia is of particular importance today, says President Putin

"The Single Voting Day is held across Russia on September 8," the head of state said

Ukraine attacks 20 settlements in Belgorod Region over day

Five munitions, 26 shells and three drones also attacked six settlements in the Volokonovsky and Grayvoronsky districts

Ukraine loses over 600 men after Russian attack on Poltava military school — politician

Igor Mosiychuk noted that the blame for what happened lies mainly with the Ukrainian military authorities, who allowed such a large number of servicemen to gather in one place

Trump puzzled by Putin’s ironic comment about supporting Harris

Puyin said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Russia’s drone industry needs to crush enemy Ukraine — expert

"This year, the main goal of the Dronnitsa meeting is to search for ways to achieve systemic superiority over the enemy and create a consistent industry that will outstrip this enemy both in terms of quality and quantity," Alexander Lyubimov said

Russian units expand offensive bridgehead in DPR over week

According to the report, the Russian forces liberated several residential areas in the region

US tells Israel aircraft carriers can’t ensure protection from Iran forever — TV

Notably, Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to dismiss Gallat in March 2023 because of the latter’s criticism of judicial reform

Russian forces shoot down three ATACMS missiles in past day

The Russian air defenses also destroyed five French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, an Olkha rocket and 27 unmanned aerial vehicles in the past day

French authorities were supposed to sue Telegram, not its head — Durov

He went on to say that Telegram has an office in the European Union, receiving EU requests and processing them

Air defenses destroy Ukrainian projectile over Kursk Region — acting governor

Since the beginning of the day, the region has been on missile alert three times, and once the deputy head of the region reported the danger of a drone attack

Potential of economy for ensuring demands of Russian armed forces rising — Kremlin

All Russian government members are working in overdrive, with economic stability demonstrating the efficiency, Dmitry Peskov said

Bulgarian party suggests country leave EU, join BRICS — media

Revival also insists on delaying Bulgaria’s eurozone membership until at least 2043 and calls for a referendum on the issue

Ukraine’s troops cling to outskirts of Krasnogorovka, sustain daily losses — DPR head

Denis Pushilin said Russian soldiers were very resourceful in selecting methods and tactics of liberating the city, as well as rescuing the local population

Another Ukrainian projectile destroyed over Kursk Region

Earlier in the day, Governor Alexey Smirnov reported that two Ukrainian projectiles had been shot down over the Kursk Region

Over 130 hoaxes disseminated in Kursk Region after Ukrainian incursion

It is underscored that the number of fake news regarding the elections may increase in the upcoming days

Russia to allocate $1.9 bln for purchases of currency, gold from September 6 to October 4

Daily volume of purchase of foreign currency and gold will equal 8.2 bln rubles

Gaza ceasefire depends both on HAMAS, Israel — Blinken

"Both parties to get to yes on these remaining issues," US secretary of State said

Repelled attacks, Ukrainian losses: what is known about situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Ukrainian sabotage groups trying to penetrate deep into Russia’s interior continue to be met with resistance

Russia already won special military op — army official

"Our next task is to do everything possible to ensure that we remain a united family ready for future challenges," Apty Alaudinov said

Japanese man detained in Belarus admits that his actions harmed state security

Masatoshi Nakanishi said that the photos he made not far from the Ukrainian border could be used by the United States or Ukraine for a possible attack

Macron names Michel Barnier France's new prime minister

Barnier will succeed Gabriel Attal, 35, who was appointed in January 2024, becoming the youngest prime minister in French history

Chernobyl would pale in comparison to strike on Kursk NPP — Rosatom chief

On August 8, fragments of downed Ukrainian projectiles were discovered on the premises of the Kursk NPP

Ukrainian government can't articulate exactly how Kiev can win — US expert

Raphael Cohen emphasized that when he visited Ukraine in August, he "could see exhaustion in everyone's faces, from officials in the government to think tank researchers to people on the street"

Russia effectively fighting foreign military instructors in Ukraine — Kremlin

"Foreign countries are definitely involved in the conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

Belarus won’t be drawn into military confrontation with Ukraine, Russian senator believes

According to Konstantin Kosachev, Russian-Belarusian cooperation is the most important element for preventing "this situation from developing in some unpredictable and uncontrollable direction"

Growing number of Telegram users made things easier for criminals — Durov

"Telegram’s abrupt increase in user count to 950M caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform," the app’s co-founder said

Lavrov dismisses claims that payment problems intended to push Russia to accept peace

"This was said by those who want Russia to accept the ultimatum-like ‘Zelensky formula.’ This is just not serious," the top Russian diplomat said

Russia to protect interests of people in Ukraine defending rights to speak Russian — Putin

The Eastern Economic Forum is underway on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok on September 3-6, 2024

Striking Ukrainian reserves: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Ukrainian military lost up to 370 servicemen and 17 armored vehicles

US charges political scientist Simes, his wife with violating American sanctions

According to the statement, the two suspects sought to "launder funds obtained from that scheme"

Over $61.5 bln return to Russky Island special economic region from offshores — Putin

The Russian president stressed that more than a hundred companies have become residents of this zone to date

In case of supplies of long-range weapons to Kiev buffer zone may reach Poland — Medvedev

"Obviously, we need to create a buffer zone for the future to ensure that nothing flies in," the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council said

Press review: Big bucks flow at EEF and Macron's PM pick has left talking impeachment

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 6th

Ukrainian mass resignations speak of Kiev's transition to full dictatorship — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that many deputies, even from the President's Servant of the People party, are no longer willing to follow the instructions of the President's Office

Medvedev touts Russia as global leader in drone warfare thanks to special op

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman pointed out that no one could have imagined that drone usage would become so widespread before the special military operation

Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses near Kleshcheyevka in DPR — source

It is retorted that the Ukrainian forces had suffered heavy losses on this section of the frontline

Putin didn’t pass along new information about potential unrest, Kremlin spokesman says

"We continue to have regular communication at various levels, including in very, very sensitive areas," Dmitry Peskov noted

Putin says Russia 'backs' Harris post-Biden exit

The Russian president joked that Harris’ "laughter is so expressive and contagious," that you can assume "she’s doing well"

Russia makes clear its support for Republika Srpska — Kremlin

Asked whether Russia could do anything to help, Peskov said Moscow's options in this matter are very limited

Russia has no exact timeframes for completing special op — Kremlin spokesman

"We need to safeguard our future generations. We need to guarantee their security, as well as predictability and a new security architecture on our continent," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Gaza’s underground tunnels help prepare for future conflicts — former top NATO commander

According to James Stavridis, underground complexes have been used in warfare for ages, but they are getting more sophisticated now

Russia’s top diplomat notes Turkey’s serious intentions to join BRICS

At BRICS, there are no rules forbidding members of certain organizations from having ties with the grouping, Sergey Lavrov emphasized

Several Ukrainian brigades could be surrounded in Donetsk area — retired Ukrainian officer

According to Oleg Starikov, Kiev is losing to Moscow in terms of strategic planning, and a crisis could also develop near Ugledar

Hunter Biden pleads guilty in tax case against him — NBC

Charges against him entail the punishment of up to 17 years in prison

Putin slams Germany's refusal to turn on Nord Stream 2 as lunacy, nonsense

If Nord Stream 2 is brought back online, 27.5 bln cubic meters of gas would immediately go to Europe, the Russian leader stressed

Putin states widening gap between US and Chinese economies

"Russia is already fourth in the world in terms of purchasing power parity," the Russian leader said

Ukrainian military remotely mines roads in Kursk Region — chief of Russian commando unit

It is specified that the Ukrainian army was literally cramming the roads with explosive items, including PFM-1 Lepestok antipersonnel mines and cluster munitions

Telegram founder may be forced to hand over encryption keys to France — Medvedev

The politician thinks that the French authorities will have to release Pavel Durov sooner or later in order not to tarnish their reputation due to the general negative reaction to his detention

EU officials focus on serving US energy interests, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova noted that the EU distorted facts and spread direct disinformation to portray Russia as an unreliable energy supplier

US, Europe working on substitutes for S-300 system, R-27 missile — Pentagon chief

Earlier, Western media outlets reported that Ukraine had failed to fully replace Soviet-made S-300 missile systems with Western-manufactured ones

White House irked by Putin’s ironic comment about US elections

Earlier the Russian leader said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

UK to deliver additional 650 multirole Martlet missiles to Ukraine — Defense Ministry

The new military aid package worth over $210 million was announce din the run-up to the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at US Air Force Base in Ramstein

Hard to believe Macron’s claim about Durov case not being politically motivated — Lavrov

Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airport outside Paris on August 24

Lithuania puts up dragon’s teeth anti-tank barriers on bridge connecting it to Russia

"This is a precautionary step to ensure more effective defense," the ministry went on to say

Ukraine’s commander-in-chief admits sending insufficiently trained recruits into battle

Alexander Syrsky also rebuked the US for delays in its military aid, which caused major setbacks on the battlefield and led to a slump in morale

Russian forces use drones in road mining to wipe out enemy vehicles — businessman

According to Alexey Chadayev, the new method has an advantage in that a mining device can be produced directly at the site of combat

Ukrainian experts assess damage to Kiev Hydroelectric Power Plant as critical

It is also noted that the import of electricity, provided from abroad to cover the deficit of the energy system, will not cover the need

Ukraine sets forests, fields in Kharkov region on fire to stop Russian advance — official

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, the forests pose a threat to residents near the line of engagement

Ukraine’s 80th Brigade mopped up Kursk Region villages — captured solder says

Oleg Ivanenko surrendered to the Akhmat special forces on August 16

Sanctions became 'a discipline in political sports' for US — Russian diplomat

"Notably, more and more often attempts are being made to put pressure not only on Russia, but on third countries as well," Anatoly Antonov said

Kiev fails to get anything done during month-long foray into Kursk Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov pointed out that Ukraine was losing dozens of hardware units and hundreds of militants on a daily basis, which could have stabilized the positions of Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk and Zaporozhye areas where Russian forces are advancing

Kremlin says Taiwanese statements about China's claims against Russia 'hardly serious'

The Russian-Chinese border is one of the most stable in the world

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian training center with NATO instructors in Poltava

Vladimir Saldo stressed that the military bloc is providing both financial and administrative support for the operation of such centers

Scholz wants to know who is behind Nord Stream blasts — government spokesman

According to Steffen Hebestreit, the topic of the Nord Steams act of sabotage is still on the agenda, including in contacts with Kiev

Lavrov says his only meeting with Kuleba lacked constructiveness

The minister noted making an exception while visiting Antalya - there were no plans to participate in this diplomatic conference, because it did not fit into the schedule

Moscow should adequately respond to West’s restrictions on Russian media — Peskov

Westerners prevent the spread of information, they obstruct the work of Russian journalists, and this necessitates reciprocity under the current circumstances of a hot confrontation, that is why Russia should give an adequate response, Presidential Press Secretary said

Ukraine may receive about 2 million FPV-drones by year-end — expert

"According to open sources, in 2023, about 40 billion rubles was allocated to finance the Ukrainian project Drone Army," a representative of the Center for Unmanned Competences said

Ukrainian forces daily send troops to Kursk area, suffering losses — commander

In particular, three Baba Yaga drones and three mortars were destroyed during the day

Serbia’s Vulin says he is proud of knowing Putin in response to EU’s claims

"I am proud that I had an opportunity to get acquainted with President Vladimir Putin and I cherish every opportunity to meet a friend of Serbia and a leader of such wisdom and integrity," Serbian deputy prime minister said

Russian forces advance in some areas in Kursk direction, senior commander says

According to Apty Alaudinov, while there has been "heavy fighting since this morning," Russian forces "have been gradually eliminating the enemy, driving them out, while pressing forward"

Ukraine pulling fresh forces to Kursk area — Russian officer

According to the commander of the Akhmat special forces commando unit Apty Alaudinov, there were no large-scale attacks on Wednesday

Conflict in Ukraine to be settled through talks — Pentagon chief

"We are going continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position" for peace talks, Lloyd Austin pledged

Kiev’s plans to bar Russians from 2026 Olympics expose its terrorist nature — diplomat

"Excluding Russia from sporting events, preventing [its athletes] from competition would be a move that destroys global sports," Maria Zakharova said

Putin calls West's policy to ban Russia from dollar settlements ‘stupid’

The head of state noted that in this situation, Russia and its friendly countries are switching to national currencies in their mutual settlements

Russia hurt Ukraine bad in Kursk Region using only token force

Major General Apty Alaudinov noted that the Ukrainian armed forces relocated the best-prepared units, equipped with Western vehicles, for the Kursk operation

Ukraine runs out of money to pay its military — Rada committee

Roksolana Pidlasa clarified that the difficulties regarding the payments arose as the US did not provide military assistance to Kiev in the first quarter of 2024 due to delays in the approval of the relevant bill in Congress

French war correspondent says country had hand in planning attack on Kursk

It is reported that France strategically calls its military specialists in Ukraine mercenaries to avoid responsibility

Kiev reiterates hopes for Moscow’s attendance of second peace conference

"It is very difficult to end this war diplomatically without the Russian side," Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said

Zelensky complains that current fleet of F-16s not enough

On August 4, the Ukrainian leader confirmed that Kiev had received the first F-16s from its Western allies

Kremlin won’t help US 'decipher' Putin's remarks on Harris

Dmitry Peskov noted that unfortunately the issue of Russia is an integral part of the political struggle in the United States

Twelve explosives destroyed in Russia’s Kursk Region over past day

"Region bomb disposal specialists of the Emergencies Ministry have eliminated 326 explosives," the press service said

Malaysia ready to offer special relations to Russia, PM says

Anwar Ibrahim highlighted enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries

Japanese citizen detained in Belarus charged with agent activity

"The accused is being kept in the KGB’s pretrial facility, actively cooperating with investigators and giving them a detailed account of his unlawful actions," State Security Committee Konstantin Bychek said

Ukrainian ambassador’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine 'affronts' Asian peoples — Chinese daily

The newspaper also recommended Sergey Korsunsky not to forget about China's peacekeeping efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict

NATO to continue supporting Kiev, Stoltenberg believes

It is reported that the Western military have already made a mistake in their predictions in 2022

Russian army's sacred duty, gas transit, dollar: Putin addresses EEF plenary session

It is reported that attacking the Kursk Region and other border areas, Ukraine wanted to distract Russia from its offensive in Donbass

Kremlin spokesman favors freedom of information, but not in military circumstances

In the state of war censorship is justified, Dmitry Peskov said

West, Kiev dropped Istanbul deal for sake of 'defeating' Russia, but to no avail — Putin

It is stressed that Boris Johnson instructed the Ukrainians to fight to the last Ukrainian

Ukrainian troops flee blindly during liberation of DPR's Prechistovka — top brass

It also released a video showing Ukrainian servicemen fleeing en masse towards Zolotaya Niva and Shakhterskoye, leaving their wounded comrades on the battlefield

Japan loses Russian car market for long — Russian Foreign Ministry

Tokyo did itself a disservice in attempts to isolate Russia, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted

Ukraine responsible for all DDoS attacks in Russia — Rostelecom

Ukraine has resources all over the world, Igor Lyapunov, the senior vice president of Russia’s largest provider of digital services Rostelecom said

IAEA intends to increase cooperation with Russia

"I hope everybody understands the work of the IAEA, the technical basis of what we do, and our un-relentless compromise with nuclear safety," Director General Rafael Grossi stressed