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Minsk may have contact with Washington, Belarusian diplomat says

When asked to comment on Smith’s statement about a major deal between the US and Belarus being in the works, Christopher Smith said: "Is this how he put it? It means they will have some proposals for us"

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Minsk maintains contact with all those involved in foreign policy, so Belarusian diplomats know US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Smith, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov told Russia’s Channel One.

The New York Times reported in mid-February that Smith had allegedly made a trip to Belarus and that a "grand bargain" was possible between Minsk and Washington.

"We know him; he has visited [Belarus]," Ryzhenkov said. "We maintain contact with all those involved in foreign policy. If he continues to serve at the US Department of State, contact with him is being maintained," the top Belarusian diplomat added.

When asked to comment on Smith’s statement about a major deal between the US and Belarus being in the works, the top Belarusian diplomat said: "Is this how he put it? It means they will have some proposals for us."

Zelensky, pressured by Trump, pretends to be ready for elections — news agency

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Normalization in BiH requires immediate closure of high representative office — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that "It was obvious 20 years ago"

Zelensky, pressured by Trump, pretends to be ready for elections — news agency

According to the report, Vladimir Zelensky instructed Verkhovna Rada lawmakers to "develop a draft law on the possibility of holding elections during martial law"

Sales of Russian IT solutions almost double in three years — PM Mishustin

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Belgium demands EU countries halt investment agreements with Russia — media

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Top Iranian diplomat to meet with Lavrov, lawmakers during visit to Russia — official

In Belarus, Abbas Araghchi will meet with President Alexander Lukashenko, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, and other top officials

Israeli drone strikes on southern Lebanon leave three dead — health ministry

Drones attacked cars near the village of Jwaya in the border district of Tyre and on the highway between the towns of Safed and Baraashit, the statement said

Russia welcomes FIDE’s decision to reinstate Russian chess players’ rights — Peskov

"We deeply appreciate this decision made following the vote of the General Assembly," Russian presidential spokesman said

EU, Britain have no moral right to participate in Ukraine talks — opposition politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, "the EU, which claims to be a bastion of free speech, remained silent as opposition media outlets were shut down, churches were seized from believers, and the rights of the Russian-speaking population were systematically violated"

Zelensky maneuvering when he announces referendum on territories — Ukraine’s former PM

Nikolay Azarov also stressed that Vladimir Zelensky has never consulted the people of Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers frozen to death at Liman positions in Kharkov Region — defense source

Battlegroup North fighters found the frozen bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who had died from hyperthermia at two out of six positions they seized

US forces conduct operation on ship traveling from China to Iran — WSJ

After the goods were confiscated, the ship continued on its way, the newspaper said

Sydney beach shooting death toll rises to 12 — authorities

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon designated the attack as a "terrorist incident"

Fico describes Ukraine as ‘black hole’ swallowing billions of euros

According to the Slovak prime minister, the European Union is currently in crisis

Kremlin discusses duration of Putin-Macron conversation

Dmitry Peskov said that there was a detailed exchange of opinions

Russian delegation arrives in Washington for G20 sherpa meeting — envoy

The first meetings will take place on December 15-16, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev said

US-Ukraine talks on crisis settlement in Berlin were 'confidential' — German daily

According to the report, the negotiations were conducted very secretly with journalists having no access at all to information about the particular level of the talks between the officials

West erodes traditional values — Russian Foreign Ministry

"The deliberate erosion of these foundations and the relentless attempts by the neoliberal elite of the West to impose alien approaches on other nations are deeply disturbing," Kirill Logvinov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organizations, said

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

Kiev loses 1,355 troops along engagement line in past day

Zelensky: big business tycoons, diplomats make mistake by leaving Ukraine

The Ukrainian president stressed that his own family remained in Kiev

Russian senator calls Merz's words recognition of major geopolitical shift

"This is a serious recognition of a major geopolitical shift, which not everyone believes in yet, but which has been looming for a long time," Alexey Pushkov noted

Elvis Presley on list of sponsors of migrants arriving in US — newspaper

The US Government Accountability Office found that the program's implementation was flawed and that checks on applicants and their sponsors were not rigorous enough

Thailand says ceasefire on Cambodia border depends on assessment of security situation

Thailand reiterates that it does not seek conflict and has not initiated violence, but it will not allow Thai civilians or personnel to be placed at risk

US uses lighting bombs after attack by ISIS militants on patrol in Palmyra — TV

"American planes dropped lighting bombs in the sky over the city," Syria TV reported

Ukraine launches major drone attack on Rostov Region overnight — governor

According to Yury Slyusar, there were no casualties

Authorities of Sri Lanka ask Russia for additional aid amid Ditva cyclone — ambassador

According to Shobini Gunasekera, the scale of destruction in the country is unprecedented and there is enormous work ahead to be done in order to provide assistance, reconstruction, and resettlement

Extremist Ukrainian database Mirotvorets doxes chiefs of two Russian sports federations

The sports officials at the issue are President of the Russian Judo Federation Sergey Soloveichik and President of the Russian Skateboarding Federation Ilya Vdovin

Severstal delists from London Stock Exchange since August 22 — company

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Zelensky blackmails Western handlers to get them secure his re-election — Russian diplomat

Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential powers expired on May 20, 2024

Syrian security forces carry out operation against Islamic State near Palmyra — media

According to Syria TV, the US-led coalition is also carrying out arrests in Palmyra and surrounding areas in response to the shooting

FIDE to consult with IOC on lifting sanctions against Russians

Sixty-one participants voted in favor of lifting all restrictions on Russian chess players, while 51 opposed the measure

12 Cambodians killed, 74 injured in border conflict with Thailand — minister

As of December 14, Neth Pheaktra added, 120,814 families had been forced to flee the Thai aggression and become refugees

FACTBOX: Russia hit by 130 Ukrainian drones overnight, one injured in Rostov Region

Residential buildings and two cars sustained damage

Lukoil International owning foreign assets of Russian oil producer to be sold to Gunvor

The sale of Lukoil International GmbH is due to restrictive measures imposed by some countries against the company and its subsidiaries, the oil major explained

FIDE votes to lift restrictions on Russian players

The Assembly has not yet made a final decision

Trump admits looming difficulties for Republicans at midterm elections

US President also said that he had brought multibillion-dollar investments for the United States, though it is unclear when the money would start working

Trump says threatened Thailand and Cambodia with new duties

US President said he was sure that the duties is an important tool in the foreign policy for his administration

Russia focuses on US instead of Europe in terms of Ukraine peace process — Kremlin

The Europeans are playing their own game, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Explosion reported in Ukraine’s northern city of Sumy

An air raid warning is currently in effect for the Sumy Region

Turkey's position on Gaza settlement remains unchanged - Erdogan

The Turkish government has repeatedly emphasized the need to resolve the Palestinian crisis through a two-state solution

NATO specialists in Ukraine triggered special military operation — Kremlin

This posed a direct threat to Russian citizens in Ukraine, as well as broader security risks for Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Kremlin spokesman critical of NATO chief’s remark about preparations for war

This must be a statement by a person from the generation that has forgotten what World War II was like, noted Dmitry Peskov

India may impose retaliatory duties on US over tariffs on car imports — WTO

The safeguard measures will affect $2,895 million worth of relevant goods from India to the United States annually

Medvedev rejects accusations of Russia’s ‘disproportionate use of force’

There were several explosions in Kiev this night

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The idea of "a united Europe from Lisbon to Vladivostok" will ultimately give way to the reality of a divided, militarized, and economically weak continent

Kremlin aide confident Zelensky's talk of elections comes from US pressure

"What a double-dealing," Yury Ushakov said

Sri Lanka views uninterrupted Russian oil supplies, says ambassador

The Sri Lanka State Oil Corporation is currently holding negotiations both on LNG and on the modernization of the oil refinery, Shobini Gunasekera said

US hindering Venezuela to sell its oil, supply it to Cuba — Cuban foreign ministry

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Zelensky started to promote war after coming to power on promises of peace — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the Minsk Agreements were in fact a staged plan that had been signed by all parties, including Poroshenko

Japan to suspend support of new solar parks — newspaper

According to sources in the government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the decision was made over concerns about environmental damage and the negative attitude of the local population

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According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, "there is a one million percent guarantee that it’s impossible"

'Paranoid' Hegseth removes Driscoll from Ukraine talks — media

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Nigeria denies reports that supertanker seized by US is Nigerian

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Kiev has not handed over a single body to the Russian side

Russian air defenses down 290 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in past day

Also air defenses downed four smart bombs

West benefits crime by scaling back anti-corruption cooperation — Russian MFA

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Seizure of Russian assets to backfire on EU — Hungarian PM

It is a direct step toward entering the war, Viktor Orban said

NATO needs to prepare for global naval challenge from Russia, analysts say

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Trump vows retaliation over attack on US-Syrian patrol

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Euroclear ready to lawsuits in Russian courts due to assets blocking

The European Commission and the Belgian government made no comments on such news so far

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Over 30 Russian journalists killed since special military op in Ukraine started

"It regards not only journalists, but cameramen, sound-operators, supporting drivers, sometimes bloggers and war correspondents as well," Vladimir Solovyov stated

North Korean combat engineers clear mines on over 40,000 hectares in Russia’s Kursk Region

This is invaluable help in the work, without which our borderline territory cannot be rebuilt, Governor Alexander Khinshtein said

Australian police arrest two more people over Sydney terrorist attack

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, police detained two men at a residence belonging to one of the attackers

Terrorism cannot be justified, Russian diplomat says, commenting on Sydney shooting

A shooting attack on innocent people during a religious celebration is a great tragedy, said Maria Zakharova

About 10,000 mercenaries fighting for Kiev regime killed in Ukraine — ex-intel officer

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Explosion reported in Kiev-controlled city of Zaporozhye

An air raid warning is currently in effect for the city

Russian Defense Ministry to receive new serial Ilyushin Il-112V aircraft from 2023

MFA calls EU authorities 'thimbleriggers' after indefinite freezing of Russian assets

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Death toll in Sydney terrorist attack rises to 15 — minister

Ryan Park added that four of those injured in the shooting had been transferred to the children’s hospital

Ukrainian attack leaves almost 30,000 customers without power in Zaporozhye Region

Balitsky noted that energy personnel were "working non-stop" to restore supplies as soon as possible, but the weather was complicating repair efforts

Saudi Arabia's crown prince may buy FC Barcelona for €10 bln

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Man who stopped Sydney attacker turns out to be local fruit shop owner

Ahmed Al Ahmed’s cousin told 7News that he was injured during the struggle and taken to hospital, where he is awaiting surgery

US-Ukraine talks in Berlin last over five hours — media

According to Novosti Live, Vladimir Zelensky plans to comment on the progress of the negotiations on Monday

Ukrainian forces facing huge losses in Kharkov Region — Russian security officer

Ukrainian commanders are chaotically deploying brigade forces to various parts of the frontline in the Kharkov Region in an attempt to stop Battlegroup North from advancing

Chile’s new President Kast hints on difficult times for his country

The country's financial situation is bad, Antonio Kast said

Thailand ready for cooperation to settle conflict with Cambodia

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Sixty-eight ionizing radiation sources lost in Ukraine — Russia’s top brass

According to the report, the loss of control over ionizing radiation sources was qualified as a radiation accident

Russia to strongly object to changes to Ukraine peace plan — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov pointed out that Moscow had not seen the proposals yet

Police detain likely suspect of shooting at Brown University

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Jose Antonio Kast wins Chilean presidential election

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Sydney beach shooting kills ten, leaves 16 injured

One of the attackers was killed and another two were detained

US, Ukraine achieve 'a lot of progress' at talks in Berlin, says US special envoy Witkoff

"Representatives held in-depth discussions regarding the 20-point plan for peace, economic agendas, and more," Steve Witkoff said

Ukraine loses about 1,450 troops in special military operation zone in past day

The enemy lost over 240 troops in the area of responsibility of Russia’s Battlegroup North

Russia starts using Force reconnaissance drone, resistant to electronic warfare

The device is equipped with thermal imaging equipment and can work around the clock

Russia needs guarantees to prevent Kiev from sabotaging agreements — Kremlin

Washington’s position is certainly very important here, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Hungarian, Polish foreign ministers exchange heated remarks on Russian assets online

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China highly praises Putin’s position on Taiwan, diplomat says

Lin Jian also pointed out that recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China is a basic principle for building relations with China

Ukraine has money to run only until April 2026 — El Pais

Ukraine's budget has been running a record deficit for several years

Press review: NATO divided over Ukraine’s status and US-Venezuela conflict escalates

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 12th

Explosions damage energy infrastructure in Ukrainian city of Odessa — authorities

Transport and industrial facilities were also damaged

Russian air defenses down at least 15 Ukrainian UAVs over Moscow Region — mayor

"Emergency response units are operating at the wreckage sites," Sergey Sobyanin said

Rob Reiner, his wife found dead in their Los Angeles home — TV

The People magazine stated that the American actor and his wife were killed by their son, Nick

Russia opposes political interference in anti-corruption cooperation — MFA

Speaking about the agenda of the current forum, Dmitry Lyubinsky emphasized that Moscow intends to uphold "the principles of equality and consideration of the interests of all countries"

Ukrainian forces stretched thin in DPR, Russian commander says

Alexey Vereshchagin, commander of the Nevsky reconnaissance-assault brigade of Battlegroup South’s volunteer corps said that his "brigade’s zone of responsibility covers the city of Soledar, as well as the Kramatorsk and Druzhkovka area"

Lifting US sanctions on Belarusian potash to affect fertilizer market, Minsk believes

According to member of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Alexander Shpakovsky, the results of the Belarusian-American talks meet the expectations of official Minsk

Putin, Erdogan discuss highly sensitive issues in Ashgabat — Kremlin

The meeting in Turkmenistan lasted for about one and a half hours

Lukashenko pardons more than 100 citizens of various countries

Among them are citizens of Australia, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Lithuania, the United States, Ukraine, and Japan

Evacuation underway after blast struck village in Vladimir Region

According to the report, all emergency response forces are engaged

Russia’s response to EU freeze of Russian assets will follow shortly — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted that the European Union’s policy toward Russia has long been devoid of any sound logic and resembles a theater of the absurd