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Pavel Durov's detention

French, UAE intel agencies hacked Telegram CEO’s phone in 2017 — newspaper

According to the paper, there is no indication that the hacking of Durov’s phone "played a role in his detention" in France on August 24

NEW YORK, August 28. /TASS/. French and UAE intelligence agencies carried out a joint operation in 2017 to hack Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s phone, the Wall Street Journal writes, citing sources.

According to people familiar with the matter, the spy operation, code-named Purple Music, took place amid French security officials’ concerns that the Islamic State terror group (outlawed in Russia) was using Telegram to recruit operatives and plan attacks.

The sources say that for years, Durov’s company "ignored subpoenas and court orders sent by law enforcement authorities, which piled up in a rarely checked company email address." Telegram, however, says that it complies with the European Union’s Digital Services Act. According to the paper, there is no indication that the hacking of Durov’s phone "played a role in his detention" in France on August 24.

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that French President Emmanuel Macron invited Durov to move Telegram to Paris at a meeting in 2018, and discussed granting him French citizenship.

Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airport outside Paris on August 24; his custody was extended to 96 hours the next day. The Paris prosecutor’s office suspects him of complicity in drug trafficking, fraud crimes against children committed through Telegram.

The Russian embassy in France said diplomats had demanded that Durov’s rights be protected and he be provided with consular access. "So far, the French authorities have been evading cooperation on the matter," the embassy added.

Military operation in Ukraine

No White House announcement regarding strikes inside Russia following Biden-Starmer talks

The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and expressed concern about the alleged provision of weapons to Russia by Iran and North Korea and " the People’s Republic of China’s support to Russia’s defense industrial base"

No White House announcement regarding strikes inside Russia following Biden-Starmer talks

The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and expressed concern about the alleged provision of weapons to Russia by Iran and North Korea and " the People’s Republic of China’s support to Russia’s defense industrial base"

Trump’s plan on Ukraine envisages demilitarized zone, Kiev’s neutrality — running mate

Apart from that, "the Germans and other countries have to fund some Ukrainian reconstruction", David Vance said

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace 12 times in past day

Russia and Turkish servicemen escorted UN humanitarian convoys in the al-Hasakah governorate in their zones of responsibility

Ukrainian withdrawal from Kursk Region to deal 'symbolic blow' for Kiev — newspaper

At the same time, a Ukrainian military officer told the newspaper that the situation in the area was difficult for Ukrainian forces

Bank of Russia considered options of maintaining key rate and raising it to 20%

Earlier, at today's meeting, the Bank of Russia raised the key rate by 100 basis points, to 19% per annum, and indicated the possibility of raising it at the next meeting

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

Bank of Russia confirms resumption of consultations with IMF

Head of the regulator Elvira Nabiullina said that it is "a routine, permanent practice for all IMF members"

Iranian embassy says Sky News report on missile deliveries to Russia speculative fiction

"No evidence of missiles being loaded or unloaded, and the location isn’t even specified," the embassy said

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

Ukraine’s failed attack on drilling rig may be sign of infighting in its military — expert

According to Vasily Prozorov, the attack might be a result of infighting between Kirill Budanov and Alexander Syrsky

Moscow reaches breaking point with British spies in Russia — intelligence official

According to the statement, "any diplomatic etiquette has been thrown completely out the window"

Witnesses confirm Ukrainian citizen’s involvement in journalist Dugina’s assassination

The court ruling on Natalya Vovk’s arrest in absentia says that files presented to the judge prove that suspicions of her involvement were justified

Press review: US moves to allow strikes inside Russia and Trump, Harris trade debate blows

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 12th

West fully supported Ukraine’s assault on Russia’s Kursk Region — Defense Ministry

As Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin noted, it was proved "that the 'Ukraine project,' at least since the Maidan coup, has been and still remains an instrument of the collective West"

Less volunteers join Ukrainian army due to command's poor attitude — POW

It is reported that servicemen were deployed to build fortifications near the front line and could be left out of contact for an indefinite period

Ukraine’s army loses roughly 300 troops, seven tanks in Kursk area over past day

As the Russian Defense Ministry specified, "the operation to destroy Ukrainian armed formations continues"

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

US intends to adjust aid to Ukraine — Blinken on strikes deep into Russian territory

The high-ranking official avoided directly answering the question about strikes deep into Russian territory with US-made weapons

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

Finland’s territory not to be used to attacks against Russia — General Staff

Finnish Defense Forces General Staff noted that it monitors the situation around the attack of Ukrainian drones in the Murmansk Region

West afraid to even discuss interception of Russian missiles over Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky noted that Western states did discuss ensuring Israel’s air defense during the Iranian attack on April 13, but they refuse to make the same steps for Ukraine

Six UK diplomats working in Moscow engaged in intelligence, subversive activities — FSB

"The revealed facts give grounds to consider the activities of UK diplomats sent to Moscow by the Directorate as a threat to Russia’s security," the report said

Kiev lost some 7,000 troops in Sudzha district of Kursk Region — commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, Ukraine is taking heavy casualties

No weapon can become game changer for Kiev — Pentagon

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

Second phase of polio vaccination campaign to kick off in Gaza in two weeks

The second phase will last 14 days, Gaza’s health ministry said

Russia will not accept any ultimatums on Ukraine — senior diplomat

The deputy foreign minister added that an agreement between Russia and the West on the exchange of prisoners has not increased trust in relations

Russia will not tolerate activities of undeclared British secret service officers — MFA

"Our uncompromising stance on this issue will be formulated in accordance with the interests of national security," Maria Zakharova stated

Russian army hits airfields, Ukrainian military’s energy facilities

Russia’s battlegroup West has repelled three Ukrainian counterattacks over the past day, eliminating up to 445 enemy servicemen, the Defense Ministry emphasized

Orban says EU countries start thinking about settlement in Ukraine after his initiative

The Hungarian prime minister added that he was preparing new events as part of the peace initiative, expected "in the coming weeks"

US not ready for dialogue with Russia on Ukraine, Russian ambassador says

"The Americans are unwilling to negotiate. They are uncomfortable discussing that. They say they do not control the Ukrainians," Anatoly Antonov said

No decision on strikes deep into Russia expected after Biden-Starmer meeting — Kirby

Previously, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that US President Joe Biden intends to discuss the withdrawal of restrictions on Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory with US-made weapons with Prime Minister Starmer in Washington

Aerial bomb strikes Ukrainian personnel near DPR's Selidovo

Several pieces of hardware and ammunition were also destroyed in the area

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

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

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

Germany has not passed information on Scholz peace plan to Russia — Zakharova

At the same time, Maria Zakharova said, in case of such a peace initiative from Germany "no one will give it a standing ovation," because it is Scholz, who alongside others "sends money and weapons to the Kiev regime"

Russia pushing Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Region, will undoubtedly succeed — Lavrov

The foreign minister pointed out that "it is the West that supplies Ukraine with offensive weapons that are used in terrorist attacks"

Bank of Russia’s chief names main disadvantages of high inflation for Russia

Elvira Nabiullina stressed that high inflation meant greater price volatility

Break of diplomatic relations with UK would be extreme measure — Russian mission

According to Dmitry Polyansky, there are "many stages" of lowering diplomatic relations in diplomatic practices to express resentment over the other side’s actions

Russia’s National Guard wipes out 5 Ukrainian strongholds in borderline Kursk Region

It is noted that its units in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region continue to detect and eliminate the camouflaged positions of Ukrainian military personnel and hardware

Russia to see NATO’s permit to use long-range weapons as direct involvement in war

According to the Russian diplomat, such a scenario would cardinally change Moscow’s relations with Western countries

US imposes sanctions on Rossiya Segodnya media group, TV-Novosti, Eurasia NGO

Restrictions are also imposed on Eurasia NGO Director Nelly Parutenko

Proposal to limit titanium, nickel exports not related to arms supplies to Kiev — Kremlin

No details on how the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin on restricting titanium and nickel exports will be implemented are available yet, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters

US’ Blinken admits Ukraine’s discussion of strikes at Russia may cause escalation

The US diplomat also noted that he discussed strikes at Russia during the meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his British counterpart and plans to report on the outcome of his negotiations to US President Joe Biden

Criminal case into Ukraine’s attack on Kursk has over 200 volumes — official

Among the charges that are now being investigated are murders, attempted murders and terrorism

Germany does not supply arms to Ukraine for strikes on Russia’s interior — cabinet

According to the official, Berlin "has nothing to add" to its earlier statements about German weapons supplied to the Kiev regime

Biden may soon approve use of US weapons to strike deep inside Russia — ambassador to US

Anatoly Antonov stressed that it could happen any moment

Moscow to respond with tough countermeasures to Tokyo’s unfriendly steps — MFA

The Russian side gave a principled assessment of the current state and prospects of bilateral relations "which have degraded to an unprecedently low level," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

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

Israeli military declares Hamas’ Rafah brigade obliterated

According to the IDF, in recent weeks Israeli units also operated in the Tell al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah

More countries wish to see Russia’s football return to int’l arena — RFU chief Dyukov

"I will abstain from naming any specific events that may result in possible changes regarding the eligibility of Russian national football teams," Alexander Dyukov said

Four US nationals convicted of conspiracy to work for Russia — US Justice Department

The statement alleged that they acted under the direction of Russian anti-globalization human rights activist Alexander Ionov

German jets scrambled over Baltic Sea over Russian Tu-142, Su-30 planes

Such mutual checks are mostly routine

North Korea shows off enriched uranium production facility for first time — media

The news agency noted that this was the first time that North Korea had publicly disclosed any details about its uranium enrichment site via state media

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

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"

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate for September 14-16 to 90.93 rubles — regulator

The regulator raised the euro-to-ruble exchange rate by 41 kopecks to 100.8 rubles

NATO has been prepping Ukraine for war with Russia for eight years, Ukrainian POW says

It is noted that the Ukrainian media outlets have been deliberately shaping Russia’s negative image

UK diplomats working in Russia engaged in harming Russian people — diplomat

"We fully share the Russian Federal Security Service's assessment of the activities of the so-called British diplomats," Maria Zakharova emphasized

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

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

Bank of Russia raises key rate by 100 bp to 19% per annum

At the same time, operational indicators and GDP data for the Q2 of 2024 indicate a slight slowdown in Russian economic growth mainly due to rising constraints on the supply side and a declining external demand, the Bank of Russia said

Putin's statement on consequences of strikes deep into Russia reaches addressees — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Putin's statement admitted of no dual interpretations

Media people from global majority to gather at BRICS Media Summit in Moscow

Panel discussions will cover the role of the BRICS media community in bolstering stability in a multipolar world

US, allies launch campaign to address alleged threat posed by RT — Blinken

Blinken added that Washington would impose sanctions on three entities and two individuals that were supposedly involved in such operations, including, as the US claims, alleged meddling in Moldova’s internal affairs and the upcoming election in that country

Bulgaria records first cholera case in over 100 years

The watchdog’s official report said that a 23-year-old Indian man, who permanently resides in Bulgaria, had been hospitalized

Bank of Russia sees problems with cross-border settlements, in dialogue with partners

Elvira Nabiullina noted that the Bank of Russia is carefully studying digital payment instruments and sees their prospects

West's decision to attack deep into Russia won’t change situation on front — commander

"For us, nothing will change directly on the front, because the front is moving and will continue to move until Russia wins," Apty Alaudinov emphasized

Germany, Japan in 1939 tried to coerce each other into war with Soviet Union — FSB archive

The factsheet presents testimonies by an officer of the Foreign Armies of the East section of the Supreme Command of Nazi Germany’s ground forces, Friedrich Schildknecht

Ukraine suffers heavy losses after repeated attempts to advance in Kursk Region — army

Apty Alaudinov emphasized that "the situation remains difficult but under control"

FIDE Ethics Commission cancels suspension of Russian Chess Federation membership

The suspension of membership was replaced with a €45,000 fine

Biden tells reporters he doesn’t think much about Putin

The Russian leader told the media earlier that NATO countries are not just debating about Kiev's possible use of Western long-range weapons but rather they are essentially making up their mind whether to get directly involved in the Ukraine conflict or not

Putin invites Cabinet to consider restricting exports of uranium, titanium, nickel

The Russian leader reiterated that the government should "think about certain restrictions on supplies to the foreign market" of these and a number of other goods

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

Zelensky says Biden responsible for his ‘peace plan’

The Ukrainian president said that he was unable to fully disclose his initiative because he had given his word to the American president

Brazil’s delegation to BRICS Media Summit note association’s role in fighting fake news

"Fake news is something that seriously poisons the modern society due to the very rapid development of the Internet," CMA Group President Jose Juan Sanchez said

European Commission offers new ways to secure sanctions on frozen Russian assets — Reuters

One of the options includes extending the asset freeze for five years with a review every 12 months

Western companies still working in Russia, despite promises to leave — Bloomberg

It was noted that most of these companies rebranded instead of leaving the country

Severing diplomatic relations with UK out of question — Kremlin

Earlier, an anonymous representative of the Russian security services said that six UK diplomats had been expelled from Russia

Hungary has more unexpected peace initiatives on Ukraine in stock, PM Orban says

Budapest plans to "continue to have unexpected initiatives that will each take us one step closer to peace," the Hungarian Prime Minister said

Russian diplomat slams plans to simulate nuclear blast aftermath in Russia as absurd

Mikhail Ulyanov noted that such rhetoric is irresponsible

Rhetoric about lifting ban on strikes into Russia with Western arms doesn’t promote peace

Ukraine will be among the items high on the agenda of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' various bilateral meetings

Musk warns of looming World War Three if US approves strikes on Russian soil

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Washington’s intention to let Kiev use its long-range projectiles for strikes deep into Russia’s interior is another step in escalating the conflict

Putin discusses Foreign Ministry issues with Security Council members

"We will ask Sergey Viktorovich [Lavrov] to tell us about his recent contacts with his foreign colleagues," the president said

Ukraine has highest mortality rate in world — report

Earlier, the Opendatabot resource, which monitors Ukrainian state registers, reported that now for every person born in Ukraine, three people die

UK has enough malice to make decision on use of its weapons for strikes at Russia — envoy

"London has enough Russophobic malice to make a decision on the use of its long-range systems [for strikes] deep into Russian territory," the diplomat said on Russian TV.

Ukrainian breakthrough attempts repelled: developments in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost up to 300 troops and seven tanks, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

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

Ten settlements liberated by Russian forces in Kursk Region in past week

Ukraine's losses stood at 3,520 troops in the operational area of the battlegroup North

Russian diplomat says Nuland’s statements prove US played role in disrupting Ukraine deal

"The West has never been interested in a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis," Maria Zakharova noted

China’s maritime police send two ships to Russia for joint patrols

"The Sino-Russian drills and joint patrols are not directed against any third sides and have nothing to do with the current international and regional situation," China’s Coast Guard said

US, allies launch campaign to address alleged threat posed by RT — Blinken

The top US diplomat claimed that that the media group allegedly interfered in sovereign affairs of foreign countries, "possessed cyber capabilities and engaged in covert information and influence operations"

Russia’s Su-34 fighter-bomber destroys Ukrainian troops, equipment in Kursk Region

The strike involved aviation bombs with universal planning and correction modules, which allow precise strikes from a safe distance from the line of contact

Russian arms get the job done in special op — senior military official

Alexander Fomin noted that "Western weapon systems, purportedly possessing some high performance characteristics, according to promotional ads, burn perfectly well on the battlefield without any chances for restoration"

War correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny discharged from hospital

On August 7, Poddubny was injured in the Kursk Region near the border, where fighting with Ukrainian groups is taking place

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace six times in past day

Over the past day, six violations of the Syrian Arab Republic’s airspace regulations were registered in the Al-Tanf zone, committed by a pair of F-15 fighter jets (twice), and a pair of A-10 attack aircraft of the coalition

Storm Shadow missile strikes into Russian territory not to help Ukraine win — BBC reporter

According to Jeremy Bowen, if Ukraine is allowed to hit Russia with Western missiles, it might add another layer to the conflict and certainly give the Ukrainians another means to hit Russia with, but it will not bring Ukraine victory in the war

US not to be able to sit nuclear conflict in Europe out — Russian ambassador

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that nuclear terrorists is the Kiev regime’s hallmark

Kremlin calls on Trump, Harris to stop dragging Putin’s name into political squabbles

The United States remains "negative and unfriendly" toward Russia anyway, regardless of which of the two parties their presidential nominees represent, Dmitry Peskov argued

Drug supplies to Ukrainian army come from US — POW

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

Over 280 port infrastructure facilities in Ukraine destroyed or damaged — official

The Nikolayev and Odessa regional authorities periodically report port infrastructure and warehouse damage and Kiev calls for strengthening the country’s air defense

IMF supports Turkey's decision to join BRICS — fund representative

Earlier Julie Kozak stated that the IMF supports the expansion of BRICS in order to take advantage of global integration