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Biden may move to advance status of Ukraine’s NATO membership bid before leaving — FT

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky "will once again plead for permission to hit targets inside Russia with western-supplied munitions," the newspaper wrote

LONDON, October 1. /TASS/. Outgoing US President Joe Biden may agree to fast track Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Alliance before leaving his post in January, a Western official told The Financial Times (FT).

On October 12, Biden will host a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the British newspaper said.

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky "will once again plead for permission to hit targets inside Russia with western-supplied munitions," the FT wrote. According to the newspaper, Zelensky described October as "decision time."

Jens Stoltenberg, who stepped down as NATO secretary general, handing over to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday, said ahead of the alliance’s summit in Washington on July 9-11 that there was no consensus in the bloc regarding the admission of Ukraine as he said that Kiev was only "moving closer to NATO membership." However, the summit declaration welcomed the former Soviet republic "on its reversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration."

The US will hold a presidential election on November 5. On July 21, Biden decided to drop out of the race and endorsed US Vice President Harris to replace him. The Democratic Party officially nominated Harris in August. She is running against former US President Donald Trump.

Middle East conflict

UN peacekeepers argue Israel's operation in Lebanon violates its sovereignty

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon noted that UN peacekeepers remain in their positions "despite this dangerous development"

Budget allocations for national defense to be about $148.5 bln in 2025

The amount to be allocated for the socioeconomic development of the Arctic Region will be over $286 mln within the period of 2025-2027

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

After the use of air-borne weapons, the crews performed an anti-missile maneuver, released heat traps and returned to the base, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russia wants to bring cooperation with Iran to higher level — Russian prime minister

Mikhail Mishustin emphasized that Moscow prioritizes expanding trade and economic cooperation, diversifying bilateral trade, and enhancing its structure, and proposed continuing efforts to increase trade turnover

Party that stands against anti-Russian sanctions wins elections in Austria — TV

The ruling Austrian People's Party is currently in second place with 26.3%

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

Russia step by step fulfills plans to restore facilities in Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

According to the Russian leader, practically every week residential buildings, hospitals, energy facilities, industrial and agricultural enterprises are put into operation, the network of museums and libraries gets new opportunities, historical monuments are brought back

Lebanese troops pull back from border with Israel — agency

According to the Al Hadath TV channel, army is evacuating eight observation posts from the Blue Line

Russia ratifies agreement on mutual recognition of bank guarantees in EAEU

Requirements for the level of the guarantor's credit rating, the form and content of the bank guarantee will be established by the legislation of the beneficiary's member state

Israeli army has not yet crossed Lebanese border, source says

According to him, artillery preparation is underway

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

Grain harvest in Russia to grow to 148 mln tons by 2027 — Economic Development Ministry

The ministry also reports that in 2024, the sugar beet harvest will decrease by 14.4% year-on-year to 45.5 million tons

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

West's media admit that civilians died in Bucha in shelling by Ukrainian troops — diplomat

They suppressed all objective facts and evidence and disseminated blatant fakes instead, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzya said

Russian prime minister, Iranian president hold talks in Tehran

Mikhail Mishustin and Masoud Pezeshkian are expected to discuss Russian-Iranian cooperation in trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian areas, as well as joint projects in transportation, industry, energy, and education

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

Hezbollah conducts strike on northern Israel before its launch of ground operation

This was a pre-emptive attack aimed at preventing Israel’s invasion in southern Lebanon

Germany’s decision to not supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine remains in force — spokesman

Defense Ministry Spokesman Arne Collatz said that "this is not an issue right now" for Germany

Discord fined $37,750 for violating law on self-regulation

Since February 2021, Russia has had a law on self-regulation of social networks, which requires platforms to independently identify and block illegal content

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

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

Fall conscription campaign kicks off in Russia

The conscripts will serve 12 months, while those called up a year ago will return home

Israel's ground operation in Lebanon to entail years of fighting — Russian envoy

Anatoly Viktorov stressed that the Israeli politicians and military officers are "well aware of this"

Israel carries out strike on Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon — TV

According to Al Mayadeen, an explosion has rocked Saida

Russian prime minister arrives in Iran on official visit

During his visit to Iran, Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian and First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, the Russian government said

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian troops are systematically liberating the Kursk Region, clearing it of Ukrainian servicemen, Akhmat Special Forces Commander Major General Apty Alaudinov said

Musk believes Democrats will destroy US constitution if they win presidential election

Earlier, the interpreneur said that the upcoming US presidential election in November could be the last for the United States if Republican candidate Donald Trump loses this year’s race

Russian government okays ratification of strategic partnership treaty with North Korea

Earlier, Russia and North Korea concluded the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, following negotiations at the highest level

Israeli aircraft start carrying out strikes on southern outskirts of Beirut

Sounds of explosions are coming from the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp

Over one mln Lebanese people forced to flee homes due to Israeli strikes

According to Nasser Yassin, Lebanon’s environment minister, this is about 25% of the country’s population

PREVIEW: Russian PM to take part in EAEU events in Armenia

Mishustin arrived in Yerevan on Monday

Russia owns initiative in Ukrainian conflict — Serbian president

According to Aleksandar Vucic, European leaders do not want to hear his analysis of the situation in Ukraine because they consider themselves "the smartest people in the world"

Russian government presented draft federal budget to lower house of parliament

The State Duma is to review the draft budget within 60 days

Moscow court fines Google $37,751 for refusing to remove banned content

The court did not specify what information was the reason for the fine

Putin signs decree to call up 133,000 conscripts for military service in fall draft

The decree also orders to discharge the servicemen who have served the established term of conscripted military service

Israel to begin 'next phase' of operation against Hezbollah soon — defense minister

Yoav Gallant added that this will complete the important mission of returning the residents to their homes

Ensuring security in Donbass, Novorossiya government’s top priority — Putin

On the Day of Reunification of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions with Russia, the head of state participated in an opening ceremony for new social facilities in these regions via video link

Russian troops damage Ukrainian army’s supply bridge in DPR

This is one of the key motorways used for supplying the enemy’s garrisons in Selidovo and Kurakhovo, the defense circles said

Invading Lebanon unlikely to bring Israel victory over Hezbollah — Bloomberg columnist

"There may be only a very short window for [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to develop a still missing political strategy to end the war and win the peace," Marc Champion pointed out

Islamic Resistance of Iraq announces strikes on four sites in Israel

Allegedly, the strikes were a response to Israel's "massacres" against Palestinian and Lebanese civilians

Zaluzhny says not involved in Nord Stream pipelines sabotage — newspaper

In response to the newspaper's inquiry, Valery Zaluzhny said that the accusations against him were a "mere provocation"

Putin appoints new members of Russia’s Security Council

Former plenipotentiary representative in the Urals Vladimir Yakushev is excluded from the Security Council by the same decree

Israel could start ground operation in Lebanon shortly — WP

Israel would focus on clearing out Hezbollah infrastructure along the border to remove the threat to residents of Israeli border communities, the source reported

Zaporozhye governor does not rule out Ukrainian hit on spent fuel reservoirs at nuke plant

According to Yevgeny Balitsky, "the actions of a terrorist regime are hard to predict"

Borrell issues call to allow use of Western weapons for strikes on Russian airports

Top EU diplomat claimed that the West "promised to support Ukraine with whatever it takes for as long as it takes and the energy front will be decisive this winter"

Russian PM Mishustin to visit Iran and meet with country's leaders

According to the Russian government's website, this will be Mishustin's first visit to Iran as Prime Minister

Airstrikes kill 95 people, leave 172 injured in Lebanon in past day — Health Ministry

On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed 132 Lebanese citizens

Decision not to summon Skripals to court violates Russia’s right — Russian Embassy in UK

The statement was published as a response to the position of former Justice of the UK Supreme Court Anthony Hughes who was chairing the inquiry into the death of the British woman Dawn Sturgess

Upper limit of Russian foreign debt to total $61.1 bln as of January 1, 2026

The ratio of the total state debt to the national GDP will grow from 15.7% as of the end of 2024 to 16.5% in 2025, 17.4% in 2026, and 18.1% in 2027

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

Israeli army announces start of ground operation in southern Lebanon

Military stressed that "the IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command"

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

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

Missile engine blast at testing site in northern Russia kills two

A rise of the radiation level was registered

Russia’s budget revenues from privatization will amount to $75.7 mln in next three years

This March, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that revenues from privatization to the federal budget of the Russian Federation this year should amount to at least $1.07 bln

Russian forces cut off Selidovo-Kurakhovo road in DPR

In addition, Russian troops keep a railway road near the settlement of Tsukurino under their gunfire control

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

Israeli tanks, artillery conduct heavy fire on Lebanon — report

The report came amid expectation that Israel could start a limited ground operation in Lebanon

Russia to allocate $15.6 bln for scientific and technological development in 2025

According to the document, more than $2.4 bln are planned to be allocated for a number of process measures titled as "Conducting fundamental scientific research" in 2025

Pentagon allocates $6.9 bln to make small diameter bombs for Ukraine, other countries

According to the document, "this contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Japan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine"

Russia honors Eurobond coupon payments — Finance Ministry

Payments were made in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation on the temporary procedure of honoring state debt liabilities of the country to residents and foreign creditors

Majority of Russians happy about accession of new regions — poll

15% of respondents reported being neutral to the accession of the new territories, while another 9% stated that they were against the move

Russian troops liberate Nelepovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 560 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Israeli airstrikes on Damascus cause casualties

The strikes triggered a major fire in the Mezzeh district, Al Hadath reported

Russia’s manufacturing PMI index down to 49.5 points in September

The drop became the first since July 2022

Israeli special units launch raids into Lebanon ahead of potential ground incursion — WSJ

These raids involve entering Hezbollah’s tunnels located along the border, which, according to the sources, is "part of the broader effort by Israel to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities along the border dividing Israel and Lebanon"

Israeli attack on Damascus kills three civilians

Nine people was injured

Russia calls on Israel to immediately stop hostilities in Lebanon — ambassador to Israel

Anatoly Viktorov stressed that Russia condemned the recent killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary general of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Shia movement

Israeli military says it destroyed depot of missile launchers near Beirut airport

The strikes enable the Israeli Air Force to conduct hundreds of combat sorties over Lebanon "in order to eliminate various threats," the IDF said

Russian Economy Ministry expects power consumption growth by 3.9% in 2024

The indicator is expected to grow by 1.6% in each of 2025 and 2026 and by 1.7% in 2027

Hezbollah to defeat Israel if it invades Lebanon — Executive Council member

Mahmoud Kamati said that movement's allies will intervene

Changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine do not affect NATO policy — secretary general

Jens Stoltenberg urged the alliance’s members to continue their aid to Kiev without succumbing to "nuclear rhetoric" purportedly emanating from Russia

Russian troops daily improve positions in Ugledar, says DPR head

Most Ukrainian recruits deployed to Ugledar surrender to Russian troops, Denis Pushilin said

700 people visit Days of Russia's Spiritual Culture in Ethiopia

According to Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin, the Days of Russian Spiritual Culture are becoming a tradition, now being held for the second year

Special military operation to be over when all Russia’s goals met — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov’s words come in the wake of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s statement that the Ukrainian conflict would go the way of the "Korean scenario," implying that it would last for decades

Russia having economic boom, debts growing in the West — news portal

The news outlet also predicts "even greater" growth for defense spending than expected, following the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October

Bold Russian jet maneuver near Alaska shows who ‘rules the roost’ — analyst

Accordnig to the expert, "It's not so much about professionalism as the extreme courage"

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

Japanese government led by Fumio Kishida resigns

The country’s parliament will later hold an extraordinary session to elect Shigeru Ishiba as prime minister

No ‘magic capability’ to change face of Ukraine conflict, US official says

According to Matthew Miller, Washington viewed "all the capabilities and all the tactics" to support Kiev

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"

Russian forces liberate Makeyevka in LPR

Also, the battlegroup struck Ukrainian troops from four brigades and enemy weaponry in the Kharkov Region

Harris rejects Trump's claims about meeting with Putin days before special op start

During a televised debate, Trump claimed that Harris was sent to "negotiate peace," adding that Russia’s special military operation began "three days later"

Russian President Putin tells Chinese media he still enjoys playing ice hockey

Vladimir Putin recounted that he only started skating "just ten years ago"

Russia boasts over 110 million Internet users, says Deputy PM Grigorenko

The Russian deputy prime minister added that today Russia ranks first in the number of Internet users among European countries

Israeli strikes kill over 30 Palestinians in Gaza — TV

Accordig to Al Jazeera, 11 of them were in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza

Iraqi troops on border with Syria on full alert — army spokesman

Yahya Rasool stressed that, despite the tense situation, 144 refugees from Lebanon arrived in Iraq on Monday

Russian fighters systematically liberate Kursk Region — commander

"The situation is under control, we are slowly pushing the enemy out of our territory," Major General Apty Alaudinov 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

Exhibition in Hainan showcases 30 designs of cars of the future — media

The event was held under the theme "New Energy, New Intelligence, New Future," according to the Sanya Daily

Russian forces wipe out concentration of enemy troops in Kharkov region

Crews manning heavy flame thrower systems opened fire at the enemy after the Russian battlegroup detected camouflaged Ukrainian positions

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian howitzer in borderline Kursk area by Lancet munition

The D-30 howitzer of Ukrainian militants was destroyed by a direct hit

Georgia supports Russia's offer to help establish relations with Abkhazia, South Ossetia

General Secretary of Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia ruling party, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze suggested to start developing a plan for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Abkhazia and South Ossetia

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

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

Russian oil transit to Uzbekistan gain 30% annually in 8M 2024

First Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin thanked Kazakh partners "for the meaningful approach in this destination"

Share of oil and gas revenues to be 27% in Russian budget next year — minister

"We are moving away from oil and gas dependence in our budget revenues; this creates greater stability for the budget structure," Anton Siluanov said

Pilots praise new MiG-35 fighter jet after test flight

The plane's operating range exceeds that of the MiG-29 aircraft by 50%

PREVIEW: Candidates for US vice president to take part in televised debate

David Vance and Tim Walz will not receive the questions they will be asked in advance

Ukrainian army controls less than one percent of LPR territory, military expert says

Andrey Marochko specified that "a small piece of land" in the Svatovo and Kremennaya area remained under Ukraine’s control

Press review: Israel chips away at Hezbollah and China makes play for Ukraine peace

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 30th

Kremlin says not to 'over-interpret' new nuclear doctrine amid special op

According to Dmitry Peskov, "the special military operation is progressing as planned, and not everything needs to be linked to it"