3 Mar, 14:58

UN International Court of Justice appoints new chairman

Yuji Iwasawa replaced Nawaf Salam, who stepped down to become Lebanon's prime minister

THE HAGUE, March 3. /TASS/. Japanese judge Yuji Iwasawa has been elected chairman of the UN International Court of Justice, the body said in a press release.

Iwasawa was elected to the post by his colleagues following the January 14 resignation of Nawaf Salam, who stepped down to become Lebanon's prime minister.

Salam's term as chairman was to expire on February 5, 2027. Yuji Iwasawa will also serve as chairman until the same date.

Iwasawa has been a member of the court since June 22, 2018. He previously served as a professor of international law at the University of Tokyo and chaired the UN Human Rights Committee.

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Trump confirms his coming to Pope Francis’ funeral

Pope Francis will be buried some time between Friday and Sunday of this week, or on the fourth to sixth day after the pope’s death

26 Nov 2024, 23:16

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Russian troops strictly observed ceasefire during Easter truce — top brass

Despite the declared Easter truce, Ukrainian armed formations kept delivering artillery fire and strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles on the positions of Russian troops and civilian facilities in the border areas of the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk Regions and the Republic of Crimea, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Witkoff may travel to Russia again

The US President special envoy is likely to visit Russia in case of coincidence in positions of Washington, Europe and Kiev at the meeting in London this week

Trump confirms his coming to Pope Francis’ funeral

Pope Francis will be buried some time between Friday and Sunday of this week, or on the fourth to sixth day after the pope’s death

US, Philippines begin joint exercise involving over 14,000 troops — media

The exercise will include training with NMESIS coastal missile systems, HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, and other types of weaponry

China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb

When activated by conventional explosives, the magnesium hydride underwent rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas that ignited into a sustained inferno, the researchers said in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese-language Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance

Two days ago, 07:54

Hainan's Sanya to explore ways of becoming Asia-Pacific yachting capital

It will promote environmental and low-carbon science-based projects and deepen international programs, including cross-border tourism

Yesterday, 15:32

At least seven killed in Israeli drone attacks on southern Lebanon — portal

Hazbollah military commander Hussein Ali Nasser was eliminated in one of the attacks, the Lebanon24 news portal reported

5 Dec 2019, 14:00

Russia sees no sense in modernizing Vienna Document amid containment policy — Lavrov

The top diplomat commended the OSCE's thorough work on a project for advancing energy cooperation and digital innovations

Putin explains strike on Sumy congress center by Ukrainian military award ceremony

The Russian president exemplified that in restaurants, the Ukrainian military personnel "hold some gatherings, meetings, conferences"

Russia has no intention to get into naval arms race — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev drew attention to the "increased competition" between the United States and China in the naval sphere

Russia must repay moral debt to residents of Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

The president noted that restoration of Donbass and Novorossiya is a complex but gradually advancing process

Russian troops continue special military operation after truce expires

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 20 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy artillery gun in its area of responsibility over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

27 Jun 2022, 15:28

NATO number one threat to global peace, says French politician

It is stted that NATO considers the EU as "a registration office of its members"

Russia suspends Taliban ban following court ruling

The court session was held behind closed doors

Yesterday, 16:05

Iranian, US experts to hold mediated discussions on Wednesday — senior Iranian diplomat

Iran insists that it has the right to uranium enrichment and this is one of Tehran’s redlines at the talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi added

FACTBOX: Vatican enters sede vacante period, as pontiff passes

Sede Vacante is a period that spans from the death or resignation of the Pope to the election of his successor

14 Dec 2021, 18:59

Russian Accounts Chamber selected as auditor for UN agency

Earlier, it obtained the right to audit UNIDO in 2022-2023

Four die, 15 wounded after Israel’ strike on tent camp in Gaza — TV

On March 18, Israel resumed hostilities in the Gaza Strip and delivered a series of strikes on Hamas targets, thus cutting short the ceasefire that had been in place in the enclave since January 2025

Press review: Easter truce may shift Ukraine conflict as Iran, US report nuclear progress

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 21st

Combat operations restart in special military operation area after Easter truce — Putin

The Russian president announced a ceasefire on the eve of Easter at a meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov

Nearly two million Palestinians in dire need of humanitarian assistance — government

The public health system is ruined, bakeries are not working

Ukrainian army launches over 40 drones at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

Four civilians, including three children, were injured

Yesterday, 17:53

Trump uses Easter address to slam his political opponents

"With great love, sincerity, and affection", the US President wished happy Easter to all, "including the Radical Left Lunatics" who are seeking to bring dangerous criminals, such as members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) Salvadorian gang, back to the United States

21 Nov 2024, 20:12

IN BRIEF: What Putin said about Russia’s new missile, and Moscow’s response to the West

Moscow used its new Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile in response to the West’s decision to authorize strategic-depth strikes on Russia

No lasting peace possible in Ukraine without regime change, former PM says

Nikolay Azarov has repeatedly stated that Ukraine is being led by a Nazi regime, under which there is no freedom of speech, and the opposition and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church are being persecuted

FSB detains Crimean resident for passing data on military facilities to SBU

The FSB Investigative Department for the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol has opened a criminal case against the detainee under Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 80.76 rubles for April 22

The official euro rate was increased by 1.45 rubles to 93.6714 rubles

Israel unlikely to strike Iran without Trump’s endorsement — media

Meanwhile, the US president himself is currently focused on pursuing diplomatic solutions to address Iran's nuclear program

Ratification of comprehensive partnership agreement with Iran to be fast — expert

Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club, said that 'there are no obstacles to its ratification'

Putin calls Pope's passing during Easter period 'special sign'

The Russian president stressed that "the Pope did much good not only for his flock, but for the world as a whole"

Pope Francis dies on anniversary of Rome's birth

Although this holiday is not an official day off, the city’s authorities typically organize various events, ceremonies, costume parades and shows

Putin ratifies agreement on strategic partnership with Iran

The agreement sets out the legal framework for further development of cooperation between Moscow and Tehran for the long-term perspective

Pope Francis to be buried late this week

The spokesman also recalled that the pontiff had expressed the wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with a public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica

Sultan of Oman departs for Moscow to hold talks with Putin — media

The head of state is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs Shihab bin Tariq Al Said and Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi

Kiev failed to honor even 30-hour truce — senior Russian senator

During the Easter days, the Kiev regime actually underwent a test for its ability to think and honor accords, Grigory Karasin added

Head of Administrative and Budget Office Vought may replace Musk in DOGE — Bloomberg

Vought is a long-time supporter of US President Donald Trump. He was named ABU director on January 2, 2019, during Trump’s first presidential term

Yesterday, 17:31

No orders to extend Easter truce issued by Putin — Kremlin spokesman

The ceasefire is in force for 30 hours, from 6:00 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until 00:00 Moscow time on April 21

Ukraine purchases 1.5 bln cubic meters of gas from abroad since start of year

Ukraine has already received about 430 mln euro from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and from Norway for extra purchases of an additional one billion cubic meters of natural gas, the company added

Press review: EU may become Ukraine’s top arms supplier while Trump seeks trade benefits

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 15th

10 Feb 2022, 08:44

Poll reveals only a third of Americans can find Ukraine on a map

According to the illustration provided, respondents, while trying to guess where Ukraine was, indicated locations from Iceland to North Africa

FACTBOX: Pope Francis' biography

The 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88

9 Feb 2023, 14:43

Pink Floyd founder Waters confesses now he has more respect for Putin — Daily Telegraph

Putin pays tribute to Pope Francis, praises efforts to build interfaith dialogue

The president noted that Pope Francis was beloved globally as a faithful servant of Christian teachings, adding that he was a wise religious leader and statesman, a consistent defender of humanitarian values and justice

EU cannot support Ukraine in military conflict without US — Kneissl

According to the former Austrian foreign minister, "France is now very upset that Germany and Poland are buying weapons from the United States, and not from France"

Israeli minister says getting hostages back from Gaza not ‘most important’ objective

According to the latest data from the Israeli side, Hamas is still holding 24 living hostages and 35 bodies

EU Commission president urges big tech giants to comply with EU’s digital laws

According to Ursula von der Leyen, the EU is ready to enforce its full digital rulebook

Yesterday, 12:49

South Korea supplies cars worth $72 mln to Russia in March

Russia was the 12th-biggest trade partner of South Korean exporters of cars

Russia started strengthening marine potential before US actions — official

The situation will evolve "more likely the other way around," the presidential aide said when answering the question whether Russia endeavors to catch up with the US, considering extensive plans of the US administration

23 children die, 167 receive injuries in Ukraine’s attacks on Belgorod Region in 3.5 years

Region’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that the enemy shells 'cities and villages from all types of weapons, drops munitions from drones, causing suffering to civilians'

Press review: UN ready to join Black Sea deal while Russia lifts Taliban ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 18th

Over 11,000 US agency staff gained access to confidential files — newspaper

The documents reveal that employees inadvertently shared a Google Drive folder containing sensitive files with the entire General Services Administration staff

Kremlin aide Patrushev says Russia faces enhanced maritime threats from West

He warned that Western measures will be met with an "adequate and proportionate response" from Russia

Kiev was 'prompted' to accept Russia's Easter ceasefire proposal — Putin

The Russian president noted that initially Ukraine issued a statement dismissing the proposal "as a game with people’s lives"

Houthis claim strikes on two US aircraft carrier groups

"Missile forces and drone units launched two cruise missiles and two drones at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its associated ships in the northern part of the Red Sea," the movement said

High-ranking Russian Orthodox church delegation expected to attend Pope’s funeral — church

The Vatican said the pope died earlier on Monday

Russia will not abandon its other partners for sake of dialogue with US — diplomat

"The United States, we welcome you. But you are not the only one. And we will see what becomes of the dialogue with you," he added

Yesterday, 22:07

Trump says hopes for Russia-US deal to be made in coming week

"Both will then start to do big business with the United States of America," US leader said

Sultan of Oman arrives in Moscow

The visit is timed to the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries

Gutsul says Moldovan president uses courts as tool to punish political opponents

The Gagauz leader emphasized that all criminal cases against her had been fabricated and were politically motivated

Trump not coming to Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

Earlier, Peskov said that more than 20 heads of state and government are expected at the parade in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory

Russian subcommittee supports extension of raw rice export ban until end of December 2025

The relevant draft decree will be put forward to the government for consideration in the near time, the Secretariat added

Russian-made SJ-100 jet preparing for maiden flight — company executive

A prototype of the passenger jet with imported systems and domestically-produced PD-8 engines successfully completed its first test flight in March 2025

Russia ready to talk directly to Ukraine about civilian infrastructure strikes — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov underscored that "earlier the president repeatedly voiced his readiness for negotiations with the Ukrainian side"

US vice president arrives in India

During the visit, JD Vance will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Ukraine carries out four attacks on Russian energy sites in past day — Defense Ministry

Energy facilities in the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and Voronezh regions came under fire

UN chief offers condolences over Pope Francis’ death

Antonio Guterres noted that the pontiff "was a man of faith for all faiths"

Pope Francis died of stroke that caused coma, cardiac arrest — statement

It also said that the pontiff suffered from type 2 diabetes

Former Italian PM says Russia’s wish not to have enemies at its doorstep understandable

Giuseppe Conte also believes that the EU has never intended to promote dialogue on settling the conflict

Yesterday, 13:20

Incomprehensible how EU openly willing to resume Nazi ideology — Lavrov

The European Union’s intention to establish a coalition on sending troops to Ukraine demonstrates a superiority intention, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

IN BRIEF: Putin signs off on bills to protect Russians from foreign influence

Foreign agent status will also be given for supporting similar decisions by foreign governments

Russian stock indices rising on Monday — market data

The MOEX Russia is expected to be within 2,825-2,950 points on Tuesday, BCS Investment World said

Russia’s envoy praises negotiations between Iran, US on Tehran's nuclear program

Araghchi and Witkoff's next meeting will take place on April 26, in the wake of technical-level consultations on April 23

Russia expresses condolences over passing of Pope Francis — Foreign Ministry

"Russia hopes that the Pope's spiritual legacy will serve as the basis for the continuers of the pontiff's work," the statement reads

Yesterday, 19:21

Ukraine used US-made HIMARS systems to violate Easter truce — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, this was quite expected from the Ukrainian side

13 Mar 2022, 08:00

Russian armed forces destroyed 3,687 Ukrainian military facilities — Defense Ministry

According to Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov, 99 aircraft, 128 unmanned aerial vehicles, 1,194 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 121 multiple rocket launchers, 443 field artillery pieces and mortars, 991 units of special military vehicles were destroyed

Yesterday, 19:06

Israeli chief of General Staff visits Israel-controlled areas in Syria

Eyal Zamir vowed that Israel will retain its military presence there, the IDF said

Seasonal peak of Arctic ice area has shrunk to all-time low — JAXA

According to the scientists' findings, the maximum ice area peaked this season on March 20 and amounted to 13.79 million square kilometers

West incapable of competing in trade on legal grounds — Russian Foreign Ministry

Improvements in the state of global economic relations are not expected in the near future because the West has historically engaged in trade and sanction wars, Maria Zakharova noted

Pentagon chief shared details of strikes on Yemen in Signal private chat — NYT

According to the publication, on March 15, Hegseth posted the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornet fighters, which struck positions of Yemeni Houthis from the Ansar Allah rebel movement

First Swedish AWACS aircraft arrives in Ukraine, test flight completed — UNIAN

Sweden promised to supply Kiev with two Saab 340 AEW&C (ACS-890) aircraft

15 Jan 2021, 19:46

US unlikely to be back in Open Skies Treaty under Biden administration - Russian diplomat

I don’t think it will ever happen, Konstantin Gavrilov, who leads the Russian delegation to the military security and arms control talks in Vienna, said

IN BRIEF: What is known about end of Easter truce, Ukrainian violations

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that after the truce expired, Russian troops resumed their special military operation

1 Mar 2022, 13:33

Kiev been pushed by West toward aggression against own population for 8 years — diplomat

According to Oleg Gavrilov, these actions are geared to form a source of threats to Moscow at the Russian borders

Golden Dome missile defense shield won’t protect US from Russia or China, analyst says

Thomas Countryman noted that the system "could be overwhelmed by the much cheaper option of simply building a lot more missiles"

Nazis whom Zelensky made welcome in power to sacrifice him whenever possible — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Zelensky had long ago become a pawn in both foreign and domestic politics

17 Jan 2024, 05:06

Russian air defenses intercept four MLRS rockets, two drones above Belgorod

No casualties were reported, although minor damage, done by falling fragments, was reported on the ground

Earth trembles at Russia’s tallest active volcano

Continued activity may affect low-flying aircraft

Yesterday, 10:57

Ceasefire violations by Kiev still being reported — envoy

Russia is closely monitoring civil sites, while the military are fully informed about how the parties cooperate in the military context, the diplomat added

UNRWA condemns collective punishment of Palestinians

According to the WAFA news agency, more than 90,000 displaced persons are accommodated in 115 UNRWA shelters across the Gaza Strip

US national shot dead during plane hijacking attempt in Belize

The pilots managed to land the aircraft at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Kiev used Easter truce to advance military goals, says DPR advisor

Igor Kimakovsky emphasized that yet another breakdown of the ceasefire had demonstrated Kiev's complete lack of commitment and inability to control its own army

Trump may come to Vatican for Pope's funeral — newspaper

The funeral of the pontiff, who passed away on April 21 at 88, may take place in the Church of Our Lady of the Great (Santa Maria Maggiore)

Putin says Ukrainian soldiers make restaurants military targets by holding parties there

This issue needs to be addressed, perhaps, through bilateral talks, according to the president

Zelensky loses London's support, hits out at Beijing — Medvedchuk

"If even London is tired of this political clown, that shows he is losing the last pillars of his support," the politician noted

Two days ago, 13:24

Kiev will not become part of NATO, it’s out of the question — Trump’s special envoy

US President Donald Trump suggested earlier that the Ukrainian conflict may have been triggered by Kiev’s ambitions to join the alliance

Ukraine seeks to fix vocational school draft deferment loophole with new bill

The bill also addresses draft-eligible men 25 years or older who left Ukraine to study abroad or who went to universities or colleges not immediately after finishing secondary school after February 24, 2022

Pope Francis passes away

He has died at the age of 88

Yesterday, 02:53

Japan may increase rice imports from the US — newspaper

Japan is also considering an opportunity to offer simplified access of US vehicles to the country’s market, Nikkei reported