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African Union Summit to focus on reparations for colonial exploitation

The summit is expected to address the historical injustices stemming from colonialism, slavery and apartheid, according to the official

HARARE, February 6. /TASS/. The African Union Summit opening on February 15 in Addis Ababa is set to focus on the theme of "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," the Ethiopian news agency ENA reported, citing Ethiopia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union Nebiyu Tedla.

The summit is expected to address the historical injustices stemming from colonialism, slavery and apartheid, according to the official. The summit aims to galvanize support for the African Reparations Agenda, uniting the African citizenry and diaspora in a call for justice and recognition of the profound impact of these historical crimes.

The summit will also be reassessing and recalibrating Africa’s development plan, Agenda 2063, Tedla said. Strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area will also be a central theme of the discussions.

Middle East conflict

Syria’s security forces take region on border with Lebanon under control — TV

Syria’s security forces said they had drafted "a complex plan to take the Lebanese border under control"

France temporarily lifts court-mandated supervision over Telegram found Durov — source

The source said the decision was made "by the investigating judge"

Russia liberates 8 sq km near Zaporozhye's Stepovoye, takes its eastern part — politician

The Russian troops are actively advancing toward the west in this settlement

Coordination of new Putin-Trump talk took several days — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the preparation time, in general, "depends on the decisions of the heads of state"

Trump ready to discuss rebuilding of bridges with Russia — White House

Trump did not rule out introducing new anti-Russian measures as part of the process of resolving the conflict, Waltz said

Russian commander expects buffer zone to be created after Kursk Region liberated

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Lebanese troops carry out attacks on firing positions in Syria

According to earlier reports, a shelling assault from Syria killed a child and left four civilians injured

Ukrainian forces continue to threaten to blow up Crimean Bridge — city head

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Over 30 countries to join 'coalition of willing' to support Ukraine — spokesman

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West can send troops to Ukraine without Russia’s consent — Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

Over 36 people killed in devastating natural calamity in US, says President Trump

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Risks of incidents at Kursk nuclear power station persist — Rosatom CEO

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Foreign mercenaries perpetrate brutal atrocities in Kursk Region — Russian diplomat

According to testimony of civilians evacuated from the liberated areas, Poles and Georgian Legion members were especially brutal

Russian army begins fighting for Volnoye Pole near DPR-Zaporozhye border — politician

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US President Trump says plans to speak with Russia’s Putin on March 18

"A lot of work's been done over the weekend," the US president said

Lavrov urges to halt use of force in Red Sea during talk with Rubio

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Russian forces fully liberate Stepovoye community in Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russian forces struck a Ukrainian UAV training center and military airfields over the past day, the ministry reported

Press review: Russia prepared for US ties as EU blocks Ukraine resolution

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 17th

IN BRIEF: What is known about operation to liberate Kursk Region

The battlegroup North units inflicted losses in offensive operations on formations of a mechanized brigade, two air assault brigades, a marine infantry brigade and two territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Gogolevka, Gornal, Guyevo and Oleshnya in the Kursk Region

Crimea protected against land threats from Ukraine, region's leadership says

Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov stressed that Crimea was also protected by air defenses

Russian air defenses down four JDAM bombs, 141 Ukrainian drones in past day — top brass

Russian troops have hit Ukraine’s military airfields, drone production workshops and their storage sites in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Ukrainian army's morale at rock bottom after defeat in Kursk — regional official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, Ukrainian propaganda "is trying to magnify" frontline successes but soldiers on the engagement line see the actual state of things and have a different view about what is going on

Press review: Putin backs ceasefire but calls for talks as Russian army shifts Kursk front

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 14th

US cutting 'unnecessary functions' with Ukraine probe exit — Kremlin

The media reported that the United States has decided to withdraw from the so-called international group "investigating" actions by Russia during the special military operation in Ukraine

Europe's security without Russia and Belarus is utopia, Matvienko says

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Trump declares his predecessor’s pardons `void and vacant'

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Death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen rises to 23 — TV

Among the dead are four children and one woman

Russia no longer willing to rotate IAEA experts at ZNPP via Ukraine — diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that the rotation on February 12 "was completely derailed when heavy weapons were used against the convoy"

Rada MP calls organization of Ukrainian army retreat from Kursk Region barbaric

Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff tried to present the retreat from the Kursk Region as "regrouping," but many experts spoke of a "very difficult" situation for the remaining Ukrainian units there

Up to 90% of arms, munitions destroyed in Kursk Region belong to NATO — Russian diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, these are military and technical supplies, ammunition, small arms, mines, shells, and multiple rocket launchers

US proposal for ceasefire in Ukraine may replicate scenario of Minsk agreements — expert

According to Krissada Phromvek, there are many complex issues that must be resolved before reaching an agreement

Serbia ready to invite Russia, US to investigate use of 'sound cannon' against protestors

Mass anti-government protests took place in Belgrade on Saturday

Kiev does not rule out foreign companies returning to Russia is inevitable

Vladimir Zelensky's adviser for sanctions policy Vladislav Vlasyuk also did not rule out that European countries would conclude new agreements on the purchase of Russian oil and gas

Oreshnik gives Russia upper hand in confrontation with NATO — US expert

Decker Eveleth said that the Oreshnik is the perfect weapon for attacking dense targets like air bases, where its conventional submunitions can deal significant damage

Although Ukraine uses reserves Russian army pushes forward near Krasnoarmeysk — DPR leader

Denis Pushilin noted that the "most rapid" advance of Russian troops is taking place around Velikaya Novoselka

China's leader refuses trip to Brussels to honor anniversary of relations — media

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Trump to ignore Germany’s call to coordinate on Russia concessions — MP

According to Alexey Pushkov, Donald Trump thinks that "agreeing policies with Europe would mean burying any hope for a peaceful settlement"

EU foreign ministers fail to agree on €40 bln aid package for Ukraine — Kallas

The EU top diplomat stressed that everyone recognized that the EU needed to "show result" right now and support Ukraine "so that they can defend themselves"

Houthis hit US Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier using missiles, drones

Earlier, it was reported that the US had targeted underground facilities of the Houthis in the Amran Province, located in the northwest of Yemen, along with the movement's positions in the Saada Province

Putin, Trump expected to talk next week — Witkoff

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion

US to exit international center on ‘investigating’ Russia’s actions in Ukraine — NYT

Washington will officially announce this decision today, the sources said

Court in Georgia sentences ex-president to 4.5 years in prison for illegal entry

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Trump says he sees 'very good chance' of resolving Ukraine conflict

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Ukrainians residing in Poland started receiving summonses — Strana

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US role helps persuade Hungary to approve sanctions against Russia — paper

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Liberation of Stepovoye in Zaporozhye area to impair Ukrainian logistics — politician

"There is a road running from Orekhov to Kamenskoye through Stepovoye, which the enemy constantly used," Vladimir Rogov said

French PM says Europe should prepare for trade war with US

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Over 370 people taken out of Kursk Region's liberated territories since March 12

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Rwanda severs diplomatic relations with Belgium — Foreign Ministry

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EU trying to get in on Ukraine talks, no openings yet — Kallas

The chief of European diplomacy said the EU has met with US negotiators to voice "different elements that could be brought up by the Russians"

Russia to insist on Ukraine’s neutral, NATO-free status to achieve peace deal — diplomat

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Mass anti-government protests took place in Belgrade on Saturday

Violence against protestors in Belgrade unacceptable — Russian envoy

"Our position is that it is unacceptable to resort to violence, composure is necessary," Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko said

Russia, Iran, China nuclear program meeting productive — envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that Russia, China, and Iran were closely aligning their positions

Britain's wish to steal Russian assets stems from historical craving for piracy — MFA

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Merkel views Russia as a strong nuclear power that captures Trump’s admiration

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Hungary opposes EU proposals on military aid to Ukraine — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto believes that Brussels is now in international isolation "because liberal European politicians who advocate conflict are constantly trying to prevent the success of peace talks" between Russia and the United States on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

External instigators of protests in Serbia tried to organize revolution — Russian envoy

According to Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, the West is "trying to show that it has nothing to do with it"

Russia, Tajikistan aligned on global issues — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Moscow and Dushanbe "are committed to the principles of the rule of international law, sovereignty and non-interference into internal affairs"

Trump calls those who are trying to discredit US-Russia contacts ‘sick degenerates’

US President stressed that during his visit to Moscow, his special envoy Steve Witkoff had a series of other contacts

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

Europe must cut social spending to boost military budget — FT

According to the publication, a return to the level of military spending in the 1980s will require a change in budget policy and an increase in government borrowing

Russian envoy says US speech at recent IAEA meeting was very constructive

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, Hungary and Slovakia refused to sign off on a joint statement of 47 IAEA member countries in support of Ukraine

Ceasefire may give Ukraine time to rearm — Kremlin aide

He added that Russia's stance and concerns on this issue "are well known to everyone."

Over 460 people evacuated from Kursk Region’s Sudzha district — Emergencies Ministry

According to the ministry, people are provided with drinking water and food, as well as medical and psychological support

Putin-Trump meeting to occur once there is need — Kremlin aide

"We are preparing for the meeting, and it will be organized as soon as there is a need for it," he said

Time running out for Ukrainian troops in Kursk area to lay down arms — Kremlin

Putin thus responded to the call of US President Donald Trump, who offered to "spare" the Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

"Angara-1.2" puts military satellites into orbit

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket being monitored by the ground automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Center.

Meeting with Putin lasted 3-4 hours, was ‘solution-based — Witkoff

Earlier, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that Putin received Witkoff late Thursday night and provided information for US President Donald Trump

Security central to Russian-Tajik agenda — President Rahmon

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Zelensky signs law on sending army to other states

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Russian forces hit energy facilities that support Ukraine's military-industrial complex

According to the ministry, Russian air defenses shot down seven JDAM bombs, three HIMARS rockets and 170 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones

Kremlin confirms Putin-Trump conversation being prepared for Tuesday

The last telephone conversation between the Russian president and the US leader took place on February 12

Russian deputy foreign minister discusses situation on Korean Peninsula in Pyongyang

According to the report, Andrey Rudenko met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and held talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Gyu

US maintains contact with European countries on Ukrainian conflict resolution — Witkoff

According to US Special Presidential Envoy, Washington is 'in discussions with European countries and that includes France, Britain, Norway, Finland and all the others'

Crimea would be ruined if not joined Russia in 2014 — official

Eleven years ago, the Republic of Crimea and the hero-city of Sevastopol rejoined Russia following a referendum held on March 16, 2014, amid the coup in Ukraine

Putin, Rahmon to meet for talks in Moscow on Monday

The two leaders are expected to exchange opinions on pressing regional issues

Possible truce in Ukraine complicates EC's plans to militarize Europe — source

Confrontation with Russia is now becoming a new European project, which is being formed by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the source said

Russian army captures outskirts of Shcherbaki, Malye Shcherbaki in Zaporozhye — politician

Vladimir Rogov previously told TASS on March 15 that Russian units had reached the outskirts of Shcherbaki in the Zaporozhye Region and had begun fighting to take control of the settlement

Europe’s words about sending troops to Ukraine is a bluff — Russian official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber, the introduction of third-country contingents into Ukraine would be illegal and would be contrary to the interests of security and the establishment of long-term peace

Britain does not want peace in Ukraine because of its interest in Odessa seaports — expert

Vladimir Karasev further elaborated that the British authorities were also interested in Ukraine's resources, which have been handed over to them by Vladimir Zelensky under a 100-year agreement

Taiwan detects 13 Chinese PLA warplanes, nine vessels, two balloons near island

Taiwan’s defense agency has regularly recorded the approach of Chinese warplanes and warships of late

Macron looks for excuses for involvement in Ukraine conflict — Russian diplomat

Earlier, Macron stated in an interview with Le Parisien that European countries willing to send a military contingent to Ukraine

Air defenses down 72 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions since past evening

"Between 6:20 p.m. (3:20 p.m. GMT) on March 16 and 07:00 a.m. on March 17, air defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 72 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, including 36 UAVs over the Kursk Region," the ministry specified

Foreign mercenaries target retreating Ukrainian troops, POW says

According to Nazar Valechenko, he had initially paid five thousand dollars to stay in the rear and guard a factory in the Poltava Region, which was later destroyed by Russian troops

Ukraine's own air defenses shoot down half of Kiev's aircraft declared lost — Rada MP

Maryana Bezuglaya noted that the findings of the investigation into the loss of one of the first F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine last August have yet to be made public

Germany delivers new military aid shipment to Kiev, including MRAPVs and drones

The shipment also includes 556 laser ranging devices, 255 IR binoculars, two border protection vehicles, 8,000 mortar rounds of 120mm caliber

EU approves payment of 3.5 bln euros to Kiev as part of macrofinancial assistance program

"With this third disbursement, Ukraine will have received close to 20 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility since its entry into force a year ago," the statement reads

Sanctions against Rubio still in place, publications saying otherwise fake news — MFA

Rubio was added to the list of US citizens under individual sanctions, including a ban on entry to Russia, in May 2022

Russia’s import-substituted SJ-100 equipped with PD-8 engines takes off for maiden flight

According to First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, it was an important and long-awaited step towards certification of a technologically independent version of the Superjet

Rubio briefed Lavrov on US military operation against Houthis in Yemen — State Department

Rubio and Lavrov also discussed further steps to restore Russian-American ties during a telephone conversation, the US Department of State added

Zelensky replaces chief of General Staff

The reasons for the personnel reshuffle are not given

US hopes for deal with Russia within weeks to address Ukraine crisis — presidential envoy

Earlier, the US special presidential envoy said he expected that there would be a phone conversation between the US and Russian presidents next week

Verkhovna Rada member accuses chief of General Staff of corruption

"Bargilevich was involved in a number of dubious activities related to bribery and commerce, all without any investigations," Maryana Bezuglaya said