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Merz confirmed as chairman of CDU/CSU faction in Bundestag — DPA

Friedrich Merz previously held the position of the chairman of the united CDU/CSU faction during the last legislative period from 2000 to 2002

BERLIN, February 25. /TASS/. Friedrich Merz, the leader of of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), candidate for chancellor from the conservative bloc of the CDU and the Christian Social Union (CSU), has been overwhelmingly approved for the post of the head of the CDU/CSU faction in the Bundestag, the news agency DPA has cited sources in the party as saying.

Merz reportedly received 98% of the votes at the faction’s meeting. A total of 205 votes were cast; 201 legislators voted for Merz and 4 against.

Merz previously held the position of the chairman of the united CDU/CSU faction during the last legislative period from 2000 to 2002.

On February 23, Germany held early Bundestag elections. According to preliminary official returns, the CDU/CSU bloc emerged victorious, securing 28.6% of the votes. For the first time in its history, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party placed second, nearly doubling its share in contrast to the 2021 elections, with 20.8%. The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), led by current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, came in third, garnering support from approximately 16.4% of the voters - about a third less than in 2021. The Greens and the Left Party, received around 11.6% and 8.8% of the votes, respectively.

European People's Party seeks to keep Europe on war footing — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto emphasized that Hungary "supports peace efforts, not continuing the war"

BRICS countries concerned of growing unjustified protectionism — declaration

The ministers "called upon all sides to take measures to defend free trade and multilateral trading system, with a view to addressing current trade challenges and fostering a favorable trade and investment environment for all," according to the declaration

Russia in talks to help India build space station — Roscosmos

Indian Space Research Organization is currently working to construct India's first space station, which will comprise five modules

Odessa rejects Kiev-imposed ideology — lawmaker

"Seeking to intimidate people, they burned dozens of civilians alive, losing Odessa for good," Mikhail Sheremet said

FSB nabs three Ukrainian agents for assassination plot against Russian serviceman

"While the men were assembling their improvised explosive device, it went off prematurely," the report said

West shatters international financial architecture — Lavrov

Particular attention was paid to the need of continuing the effort of promoting the reform of international monetary and financial institutions, the minister said

Medvedev believes that threat of nuclear apocalypse is still there

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council highlighted US President Donald Trump’s candid observation that World War III nearly erupted over Ukraine, describing it as a "correct and simple" statement

Russia could not ignore revival of Nazism in Ukraine — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, although the USSR crushed Nazism by taking Berlin, the ideology survived, as its roots run "very deep"

Russia repaid lend-lease debts to US only under Putin — Kremlin spokesman

"A total of $11 billion was spent on lend-lease aid," Dmitry Peskov specified

Putin remains committed to achieving special military operation objectives — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the Russian President initially attempted to pursue these objectives through peaceful means before the start of the operation, but his initiatives were rejected

Press review: Kiev bets on war as EU whispers about renewing dialogue with Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 30th

Europe actively resists efforts to resolve Ukraine conflict — Russian deputy defense chief

Viktor Goremykin noted that at a recent summit in Paris, European countries had discussed increasing pressure on Russia as a way to provide security guarantees to Kiev, as well as sending NATO’s deterrence forces to Ukraine

Top BRICS diplomats call for rejecting double standards in fighting against terrorism

They also strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed"

US envoy to UN points to Russia’s 'great opportunity' for lasting peace

John Kelley said "immense" benefits will be in store for Ukraine and Russia if they accept the US peace proposal

Battlegroup West hoists Russian flag over DPR’s Novoye settlement

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, some Ukrainian servicemen laid down their weapons and surrendered

Opposition plotted coup in Georgia in 2024 with support from abroad — security service

The security service pointed out that the mercenaries were ready to come to Georgia from Ukraine to participate in attacks on police officers, which would have exacerbated tensions

Russian senator says Kaliningrad Region well defended against NATO threats

Alexander Shenderyuk-Zhidkov emphasized that the region’s economy remains resilient and functions successfully

What we know about forced evacuation from villages in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk region

According to the order, parents, relatives or legal representatives must get children out of the villages

Russian army closing in on Ukrainian battlegroup in Kupyansk after Doroshovka liberation

According to military expert Andrey Marochko, the liberation of Doroshovka evidences that Russian troops are consistently exploiting their success in the Dvurechnaya bridgehead

Pakistan opens fire at international border with India — agency

According to the report, Indian troops "responded swiftly and proportionately"

Ukraine’s military fires 39 munitions on DPR settlements in past day, 17 civilians injured

The Ukrainian bombardments reportedly damaged five residential buildings, an urban bus and six civilian infrastructure facilities

Russia to develop relations with US not to detriment of partners — Lavrov

Russia continues to build its relations with the United States transparently, the foreign minister emphasized

Medvedev sees Zelensky meeting 'most tragic end'

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council commented on the incident which claimed life of Yaroslav Moskalik, Deputy head of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces

China's Shenzhou-19 space mission returns to Earth

The Shenzhou-19 spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China on October 30

Russia’s top diplomat arrives on his first visit to Dominican Republic

Russia’s top diplomat arrived from Brazil where he attended a BRICS foreign ministers meeting

Defending historical memory and security architecture: Putin’s key statements in Volgograd

According to the Russian leader, the world needs "a new architecture of equal and indivisible security, which would reliably protect all states without compromising the security of others"

Russian sailor injured in US strikes on Yemen laying in hospital in Sanaa — envoy

Russia's charge d'affaires in Yemen Yevgeny Kudrov clarified that two more Russian citizens were slightly injured and their lives are not in danger

Rolf becomes first official distributor of China’s Zeekr

The company will have the direct access to the official IT infrastructure of Zeekr and the catalog of original spare parts and equipment recommended by the manufacturer for maintenance

Tehran assume that explosion at Shahid Rajaee port could be act of sabotage or subversion

According to Mohammad Mehdi Shahriari, the accident could have been caused by FPV drones

Houthis say that hit US Harry Truman aircraft carrier in Red Sea — TV

The source expects the US aircraft carrier to leave the theater of war any moment

Press review: White House irritated with Zelensky’s behavior as India-Pakistan ties worsen

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 25th

NATO’s attempt to attack Kaliningrad Region to be firmly rebuffed — Russian senator

Alexander Yaroshuk emphasized that military units in the region are at full combat readiness to repel any assault

Press review: Putin declares V-Day truce and defense spending spikes worldwide

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 29th

Russia ready for direct talks with Ukraine, Kiev yet to respond — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said the Ukraine tries "to put forward preconditions to any process like a ceasefire"

Trump says Zelensky asked for more weapons at Rome meeting

US president noted that "he's been saying that for three years"

Russians launch strikes on enemy troops near Volchansk, using Molniya drones — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the bulk of successful Russian attacks have been carried out by Molniya drones

Russia’s victory in special op prerequisite for peace in Europe — Medvedev

According to the senior Russian official, this is the only way to ensure a bright future

Russian exporters expect to boost supplies of LNG, food, coal to China — deputy minister

In 2024, China and Russia set a new record, bringing their trade turnover to $244.81 billion

PM Mishustin to launch car bridge project between Russia, North Korea

His North Korean counterpart, Pak Thae Song, will attend the ceremony

BRICS countries support use of nationals currencies in trade, financial settlements

Top diplomats from the BRICS reaffirmed the Group of Twenty’s important role as "the premier forum for international economic cooperation that comprises both emerging and developed economies."

Ukraine may sign minerals deal with the US this Wednesday — Bloomberg

Both countries will seek to create conditions for an increase of investments in the mining industry, the energy sector and associated technologies in Ukraine as part of the agreement

Russian Il-38 aircraft hunt down enemy submarines in Sea of Japan drills

During the exercise, the aircraft practiced an algorithm of operations for notionally dropping sonar buoys

Ukraine’s fate sealed, its remnants should never join NATO — Medvedev

The politician emphasized that Russia would not tolerate Ukraine joining any military alliance that advocates a unipolar world order

Kremlin official reports London's claims to Black Sea region

"The United Kingdom has already established an ‘anti-mine coalition’ and now plans to escort merchant vessels with ships of its Royal Navy," Nikolay Patrushev said

French 'nuclear umbrella' resembles one used to garnish cocktails — Russian ambassador

Alexey Meshkov acknowledged that France possesses nuclear capabilities, including several submarines, but emphasized that these can not compare to the arsenals held by Russia, the United States, or China

Foreign mercenaries fighting for Ukraine legitimate targets for Russia — Medvedev

The Security Council deputy chairman added that Russia treats prisoners of war in accordance with international law and guarantees their survival if they surrender voluntarily

Conflict in Ukraine in final stage, says Trump

The US leader reiterated that the Ukrainian conflict would never have started if it were up to him

Russian troops liberate Doroshovka community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russia’s Aerospace Forces shot down a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet over the past day

Russia-US dialogue should not be taken as sensation — Russia’s top diplomat

"We are now simply returning to normality," Sergey Lavrov emphasized

BRICS nations call for coordinated measures against terrorist organizations

The ministers "reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens"

BRICS concerned about expansion of protectionist measures

BRICS ministers recognized that the WTO is the "only multilateral institution with the necessary mandate to set the rules for the multilateral trading system"

Indian Prime Minister Modi not coming to Moscow for Victory Day parade — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that a large number of heads of state and governments will come to Moscow on May 9 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany in WWII

Russia, Cuba sign declaration on countering unilateral coercive measures — MFA

During the ceremony, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed confidence that Cuba, as a BRICS partner country, will play an "active and constructive role" in the work of the group

Russian troops liberate Novoye community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 525 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Indian forces free to choose means, dates of response to Kashmir terrorist attack — PM

Narendra Modi expressed full confidence in the professionalism of the Indian military and vowed to pursue and severely punish terrorists

BRICS criticizes unilateral sanctions as running counter to international law

The ministers said such sanctions have "far-reaching implications for the human rights, including the right to development, of the general population of targeted states, disproportionally affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations"

BRICS condemns killings of civilians in Syrian provinces of Latakia, Tartus

On March 6, clashes broke out in the provinces of Latakia, Tartus and Homs between members of the security forces of Syria’s transitional government and supporters of former President Bashar Assad

Lavrov outlines Russia's approaches to Ukraine at BRICS foreign ministers' meeting

At the meeting with his BRICS colleagues, the Russian top diplomat emphasized "the importance of ending the practice adopted by the Kiev regime of exterminating everything that is in one way or another connected with Russia and the Russian world"

Thirteen countries to work with Russia, China on creation of Lunar Station — Roscosmos

Russia has unique scientific expertise in the study of Venus with domestic landing technology that remains unmatched globally, as well as in the study of the Moon and Mars

Russia, US have yet to discuss nuances of Ukraine peace plan — Moscow’s UN envoy

"Since the onset of the conflict, we have stated that we prefer diplomatic ways of attaining the objectives of our special military operation," Vasily Nebenzya said

Putin calls Victory Day sacred holiday for Russia, other post-Soviet countries

"The defeat of Nazism is our shared legacy," the Russian leader emphasized

West turns blind eye to 'Nazis with lit torches' in Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted the importance of preserving the truth about the Great Patriotic War and World War II

Positions of BRICS countries on economy’s fragmentation consequences coincide

The World Trade Organization should remain in the center of the trade system, which needs to be adapted to current realities, Sergey Lavrov emphasized

Russia shots down 34 Ukrainian drones over five regions overnight

According to the governor of the Vladimir Region in central Russia, Alexander Avdeyev, fire erupted at a warehouse in Murom after debris from downed drones fell

Houthis say that hit US Harry Truman aircraft carrier in Red Sea — TV

According to the source, the latest Houthi attack on the US aircraft carrier group in the Red Sea lasted "for several hours" and the rebels used "a new tactic with the use of ballistic and cruise missile, and drones"

Kremlin aide points to NATO’s increased efforts to stifle Russia at sea

"The purposeful actions aimed at maritime blockade of our country have increased, including attempts to search ships in international waters and to commit acts of sabotage and terrorism," Nikolay Patrushev exemplified

Input of Russian IT industry to GDP up twofold over five years — PM

Mikhail Mishustin stressed that enterprises needed a reliable Russian software product for stable and successful operation

Victory in Russia’s special military operation getting closer — Kremlin aide

"The contours of our victory are already clearly visible," Nikolay Patrushev said

May 9 parade to be held despite Kiev’s threats — Kremlin

Earlier, Vladimir Zelensky said that Ukraine was determining "Russia's pressure points" to encourage Moscow to engage in diplomacy, adding that Moscow "should be worried" about holding the Victory Day parade

US understands inadmissibility of World War III — Russia’s top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov recalled US Vice President JD Vance's statement, warning all those who are urging the Ukrainian regime to continue the war

Concessions to the US in trade will only fuel their appetite — Chinese foreign minister

Wang Yi noted that maintaining the rules of multilateral trade is the most pressing current issue

Trump says he could end up on Ukraine’s side in its conflict with Russia

The US president clarified that he would be "not necessarily on Zelensky’s side"

People in Odessa, some other cities don’t want to be with Kiev — Russian lawmaker

According to the lawmaker, Vladimir Zelensky and his inner circle want to stay in power even after the conflict ends

Europe unlikely to gather 25,000 troops for Ukraine

The Times was given a rare insight into conversations between Europe’s defense ministers and military chiefs as they thrashed out plans for a "coalition of the willing" force

Large number of world leaders to come to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations — Kremlin

This indicates that very many heads of state and governments share the importance of this holiday and Russia’s pride of the Victory over Nazism, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Finnish Fortum says does not intend to return to Russia

According to the report, the company is pursuing arbitration against Russia "for the unlawful seizure of its assets and court proceedings to recover unpaid intercompany loans"

IN BRIEF: What is known about exacerbated tensions along India-Pakistan border

According to media reports, Indian intelligence agencies allegedly found evidence that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence was involved in the terrorist attack committed by the Lashkar-e-Taiba group

Medvedev warns that newly minted NATO members put themselves in Russia's crosshairs

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman wondered as to what security was obtained by the countries that joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Radio-electronic warfare systems suppress 15 Ukrainian drones approaching Smolensk

According to preliminary data, no casualties or damage occurred

Dollar’s share in trade payments among BRICS countries down to one third — Lavrov

The dialogue on creation of the BRICS Pay system is moving forward progressively

Lavrov says sure BRICS expansion process will soon continue

There is understanding that the partner countries will be priority candidates for full-fledged membership, the Russian top diplomat stressed

English-speaking media highlight three frontrunners for papal throne

Between April 21 and 28, over 16,500 publications in 1,214 editions with a reader count of 352 million were recorded and analyzed

BRICS foreign ministers hope for sustainable peace settlement in Ukraine

The ministers "recalled their national positions concerning the conflict in Ukraine," the documents says

Russia-North Korea bridge project symbolic of link between countries — PM

"We are creating a reliable basis for a closer cooperation between the two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue," Mikhail Mishustin stressed

Trump says Ukraine to be 'crushed' very soon

The US leader believes that he is doing a great service to Ukraine

Russia’s WWII legacy being distorted for political gain — Putin

The Russian leader highlighted the need "to counter the spread of all forms of racism, neo-Nazism, Russophobia, anti-Semitism and other destructive ideas"

Russia must win special op, topple Kiev regime — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman emphasized the need to take every measure to make sure that a regime like that was never revived in any other country because "the price is too high"

Russia distrusts Ukraine’s ceasefire proposals — Lavrov

The Russia's top diplomat stressed that there were a couple of hundred violations of 30-days moratorium on striking energy infrastructure by the Ukrainian army recorded by Russian representatives

Trump acknowledges US, Europe, Kiev to blame for Ukraine conflict — Medvedev

"Everything has once again turned upside down for European politicians because the current US President has found the courage and blamed the conflict not on Russia, which was the case for years," the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

New war has already begun, for now fight is still over minds — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader emphasized that "a modern hot war cannot occur without prior preparation, and that preparation has already begun"

US national security advisor calls Ukraine 'one of most corrupt countries in world'

Mike Waltz added that Vladimir Zelensky could have "sat side-by-side" with US President Donald Trump after signing the minerals deal, but instead he chose to cause a scandal

Ukraine orders mandatory evacuation from seven villages near combat zone

Previously, residents of these settlements were encouraged to evacuate voluntarily

Kiev wants to disrupt V-day ceasefire announced by Putin by all means — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that Zelensky's regime is deliberately targeting civilians in Russia's frontline regions

US presidential envoy says impressed by Moscow Kremlin

Steve Witkoff believes Russian President Vladimir Putin sees an opportunity "for the first time in decades to recalibrate the relationship of the Russian Federation with the United States"

Russia’s top diplomat to discuss boosting ties in trade, tourism in Dominican Republic

Sergey Lavrov's visit comes as the two countries mark the 80th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations

NATO practices seizing Russia’s Baltic exclave — Kremlin official

North Atlantic alliance is also practicing preventive strikes on Russia’s nuclear arsenals, Russian presidential aide and Maritime Board Chairman Nikolay Patrushev said

Hungary moves to exit International Criminal Court

Presenting the document to the lawmakers, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that the ICC has become biased in recent years, using various states to achieve its objectives in international conflicts

Russian Finance Ministry to hold federal loan bonds auction on April 30

Bids can be submitted via the Moscow Exchange or the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange

White House claims that China is waging an economic war against the US

According to US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, the US "will use all necessary legal means to stop American companies from investing in China’s military-industrial sector"

US expresses its concern over North Korea’s participation in Ukraine conflict

According to spokesperson for the US Department of State, "third countries," including North Korea, "have perpetuated" the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and "they bear responsibility for it"

Russia favors start of direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions — Lavrov

"A ceasefire in this situation is seen as a precondition that will be used to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities," the minister pointed out