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Natural disasters

Myanmar's PM declares national mourning from March 31 to April 6

The powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, claiming over 1,600 lives

BANGKOK, March 31. /TASS/. Prime Minister of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing has declared national mourning in the republic from March 31 to April 6 to honor the more than 1,700 victims of the recent earthquake, the MRTV TV channel reported.

"Due to the death toll, the days from March 31 through April 6 have been declared national mourning days," the order states.

The powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, claiming over 1,600 lives. The disaster also affected Thailand, while tremors were felt in China and Vietnam.

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Natural disasters

Middle East conflict

At least 80 people killed in Gaza City on April 3 — TV

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip, launching massive attacks on the Palestinian enclave and violating a ceasefire reached in January

Russian Finance Ministry weighing tax break for mining of rare metals

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Russia boasts reserves of 29 rare metals, including fifteen rare-earth ones

Canada, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands join Czech ammo initiative for Kiev — top diplomat

The Czech Republic is among Ukraine’s strongest supporters, the news agency said

Russia won't be appeased by ongoing Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure — diplomat

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States held a phone conversation on March 18 to discuss the situation in Ukraine, measures for avoiding escalation, and various international matters

Russian diplomat slams lack of reaction from OHCHR to killings of journalists

The Russian envoy pointed out that on April 2, he "sent Mr. Turk an official letter," in which he "once again described in detail the attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces on our correspondents"

Russia replaces equipment at unprecedented pace, builds up forces — NATO defense official

According to Cavoli’s estimantes, the Russian Armed Forces are "today larger than it was at the beginning" of the special military operation

Russian troops liberate two communities In Donetsk area, Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 235 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

EU's nuclear umbrella talk comes amid concerns in Paris, London — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia has also taken note of what is happening in the field of missile defense, where the concept of "the ‘Iron Dome’ has turned into the ‘Golden Dome,’ with its key aspects being exactly what we [in Russia] warned about back when the program was in the making"

No US reaction to ongoing Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities yet — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov advised turning to the Foreign Ministry with a question about a diplomatic reaction

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Europe seeks to undermine peace settlement in Ukraine — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov asserted that this approach mirrors the current actions of the EU, with only limited exceptions

RDIF CEO hopes Russia, US can find new opportunities, including in economy

Kirill Dmitriev emphasized that restoring dialogue with the United States is a challenging and gradual process

Kiev regime had no time to conceal its crimes in Kursk Region — Russian mission to UN

Dmitry Polyansky pointed out that, while fleeing en masse, Ukrainian troops were abandoning expensive Western-made hardware

Sahel countries see good opportunity to boost defense ties with Russia — top diplomat

In turn, Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore noted that the Sahel countries and Russia "will put their heads together about the new architecture" of security, how to strengthen this architecture and "how to bolster what we have already achieved bilaterally"

No one refused to participate in Operation Pipeline — Russia's deputy defense minister

Assessing the operation, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov stressed that it demonstrated "the highest level" - a small force performed a daring maneuver to determine the outcome of the battle

Press review: Russia, US prepare for further talks as EU boosts defense with 800 bln euro

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 3rd

Participants in NATO's joint nuclear missions complicit in NPT violations — Russian MFA

The United States, Sergey Ryabkov said, demonstrates "a disdainful attitude toward the fulfillment of some of its key obligations" under the NPT

At least 80 people killed in Gaza City on April 3 — TV

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip, launching massive attacks on the Palestinian enclave and violating a ceasefire reached in January

Russian envoy arrives in Washington, CNN says

Dmitriev is expected to meet special envoy of the US leader Steve Witkoff later on Wednesday, the TV channel says

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Kiev actively recruiting teenagers for sabotage — top Russian investigator

"The teenagers that commit crimes against public security, the foundations of the constitutional order and state security are often motivated by ethnic hatred," Alexander Bastrykin said

Russia-US talk on embassies moving forward, but 'in dribs and drabs' — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov cautioned, however, that the situation remains fragile. "Of course, everything could still be reversed

Finland has until July 7 to explain closing border with Russia — ECHR

It added that the Finnish cabinet "was notified in March 2025"

Putting nuclear power plants in US hands to turn Ukraine into colony — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova emphasized that Russia did not target Ukrainian nuclear power plants, being acutely aware of "the seriousness of such actions and committed to adhering to universally recognized norms of international humanitarian law"

US administration acts constructively, respectfully in dialogue with Russia — Dmitriev

The administration of US President Donald Trump, unlike the administration of 46th President Joe Biden, is focused on solving problems, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

WTO chief sees risk of tariff war escalation

"The WTO was established to serve precisely in moments like this — as a platform for dialogue, to prevent trade conflicts from escalating, and to support an open and predictable trading environment," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed

Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman warns of global consequences from Trump’s tariffs

"Old supply chains will be ruptured but new ones will emerge," Dmitry Medvedev noted

Kremlin refuses to disclose details of meeting between RDIF CEO Dmitriyev, US official

Kirill Dmitriyev has left for the United States "on a mission from the president and in line with his mandate," Dmitry Peskov specified

Israeli jets attack military facility in southern Damascus — TV channel

On April 2, the Israeli Air Force launched a missile attack on a military research center in the Masakin-Berzi neighborhood of northern Damascus

IAEA chief Grossi's Western bias makes him bad candidate for UN secretary general — expert

Andrey Koshkin also expressed doubt that Grossi would change his position if he became UN Secretary General

Trump's tariffs could plunge world into third global recession in last 20 years — Axios

The portal quoted consulting company Evercore as saying that in 2024, the US imported $3.3 trillion worth of goods, or more than $25,000 per household

Majority of Americans oppose idea of Trump serving third term as president, poll shows

The respondents largely don’t approve of the activities of the parties they support (37% among Republicans and 33% among Democrats)

Zakharova calls London’s demands to declare Russian-related activities absurd

The diplomat referred to Britain’s intention to introduce an "enhanced" control regime against Russia as part of the future Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

Europe must make contact with Putin — Stubb

The Finnish president opined that France or UK should be the one to speak to the Russian leader

Mali regards Ukraine terrorist state — Foreign Minister

According to Abdoulaye Diop, the Sahel states and Russia have common approaches and views on security issues, and "equally recognize and see how it is necessary to fight terrorism to ensure security in the region"

Pilots under medical supervision after crash of Tu-22M3 plane in eastern Russia — governor

The crew of four pilots ejected, but one of them died

Russia to reopen embassy in Niger in 2025, Lavrov says

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the meeting that Lavrov had reaffirmed Moscow’s determination to "continue providing the necessary assistance to Niger in countering the threat of terrorism, ensuring domestic stability and security and resolving issues related to social and economic development"

Israeli strike on school building in Gaza City kills 29 people, leaves over 100 injured

Al Jazeera reported earlier that the attack had killed 15 people

Next meeting between Russia, Alliance of Sahel States to be held in Africa — MFA

The Russian diplomats added that the ministers agreed to further strengthen the coordination of actions at the UN and other multilateral platforms

Acting Israeli ambassador says no talks with Moscow about future of Russian bases in Syria

Alexander Ben Zvi stressed that it was up to Russia and Syria to resolve that issue

Google subsidiary reports profits in Russia first time since 2020

No revenue data are available for 2023 or 2024

Press review: Germany mulls Nord Stream restoration as Zaporozhye NPP sparks talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 28th

Trump's tariffs lay ground for self-sufficient US economy — Russian envoy

The Russian presidential envoy and special envoy of the US leader Steve Witkoff have a meeting in Washington on April 3

UN official comments on detention of leader of Moldova's autonomous region

Gutsul earlier called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to pay attention to the situation around the autonomous region

Dmitriev says ‘three steps forward’ made following meetings in Washington

According to Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy, the issues have been piling up: for three years, there was virtually no communication between Russia and the United States

Putin grants Russian citizenship to French journalist Adrien Bocquet

According to the corresponding presidential decree, Russian citizenship granted to 34 people, four individuals striped of citizenship

Porsche denies mass media reports on plans to resume arms manufacturing

The Europaische Sicherheit und Technik web portal informed earlier that Porsche is considering the return to the arms market

US makes exception for Hungary from sanctions against Gazprombank — Szijjarto

The exception from sanctions against Gazprombank for Hungary will be effective until May, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reiterates threat to destroy Israel

On April 1, 2024, an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus killed 13 people, including seven high-ranking Iranian military advisors

Saudi-Russian cooperation includes construction of nuclear reactors, minister says

Russia’s Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation is currently participating in a tender to construct a high-yield nuclear power plant in Saudi Arabia

US business ready to fill niches left by European companies in Russia — Dmitriev

Priority is the creation of joint ventures with Russian companies, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

West plans 'another spectacle' on Bucha anniversary — Zakharova

In July 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he would send a new request to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to provide Russia with the names of people whose bodies were shown in the media, implying that reports about civilian deaths in Bucha were fabricated

Russia never advocated for deterioration of relations with Finland — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that Russia has been always standing "for the maintenance and development of good mutually beneficial relations based on the mutual respect"

Gas reserves in European UGS facilities down to 34%

European UGS facilities are currently 34.02% full (11.57 percentage points lower than the average as of this date in the past five years)

Ukrainian forces deploy weapons, equipment at energy facilities for protection

Andrey Marochko also noted that Ukrainian forces continue to target the Russian energy system

Moscow, Tehran seek to implement Strategic Partnership Treaty pronto — Russian MFA

The ministry added that the parties had expressed satisfaction with positive trends in multifaceted cooperation between the two countries

Russia open to realistic peace initiatives, mediation offers on Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

The statement read that the meeting was held in a friendly and trusting atmosphere typical of Russian-Chinese communication

US looks to weaken Russia’s ties with Iran, China, North Korea — Kellogg

Cooperation between China and Russia is viewed by the US as "global issue" that also involves Iran and North Korea, according to the envoy

US Senate idea to tax countries working with Russia could cripple global economy — expert

In his opinion, US President Donald Trump "continues to be under severe pressure"

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

Finland has lot of work to do to improve relations with Russia — diplomat

"Just throwing out a call [to restore relations] is clearly not enough," Maria Zakharova said

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

Cavoli is also head of the European Command of the US army

Dmitriev discusses US-Russia dialogue with key members of Trump administration

And one of the main topics is the restoration of US-Russia relations, the restoration of dialogue, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

Fire in Russia’s Karelia extinguished, three people injured

According to the report, seventeen units of equipment and approximately 50 firefighters were involved in extinguishing operations

Russian forces sink three Ukrainian boats trying to cross Dnieper in Kherson Region

According to the report, the enemy keeps trying to disrupt spring fieldwork in the Kherson Region

Russia prefers to continue working with US to resolve Ukraine conflict — Kremlin

"Everyone would prefer not to fight, but to talk, and not only to talk but to be heard, this is what we have with the current American administration," Dmitry Peskov said

NATO defense official says Russia has advantages in geography, combat readiness

Cavoli suggested that in the event of a hypothetical conflict, Russia could quickly build up its troops on its borders to counter NATO troops

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"

Russia becomes first country to recognize Alliance of Sahel States — Mali's top diplomat

"We pointed out that we have common approaches, a common vision of certain problems in the field of security, peace, international and political issues," Abdoulaye Diop emphasized

Russian envoy invites US colleagues to visit Russia

This direct dialogue makes it possible not to distort information but to clearly and directly discuss all key issues, Kirill Dmitriev said

Russian units wipe out up to 100 Ukrainian troops while mopping up Veseloye in DPR

The ministry stressed that MLRS and assault drone crews in coordination with unmanned aerial vehicle operators eliminated firing positions and stationing areas of Ukrainian troops

US doesn’t impose duties on Russia, Cuba, Belarus, North Korea as they already sanctioned

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added that Canada and Mexico were not affected by the new restrictions, because the US had previously imposed separate duties of 25% on them

Russia initiates antidumping dispute on hot-rolled steel with US in WTO

Russia believes that the measures at issue are inconsistent with various provisions of the WTO's Anti-Dumping Agreement

Putin asks at Security Council session to talk about US meeting on Black Sea initiative

Russia and the United States held consultations in Riyadh on March 24 that lasted more than 12 hours

EU trade ministers to approve measures against US duties on April 7

The EU understands that "the US seeks to strengthen its domestic industrial base", Sefcovic. said

Russian diplomat alerts US to hostility of EU, Kiev unless chances to negotiate fade

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that European officials are attempting to impose their foreign policy agenda on Washington

Medvedev calls Russia's latest missiles best cure for Russophobia

The politician said that Russophobia stems from "bipolar affective exaggeration of Russia’s influence on the life of Europe and Europeans" and alternates between manic and depressive phases

Hypersonic weapons vital but tanks, artillery needed to retain territory, says Medvedev

"We had to catch up with the production of drones and build up their output," the politician said

EU is 'sinking ship' — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited US President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs as further evidence that the EU's previously projected GDP growth targets would miss their mark

Large deposit of rare earth metals discovered in Kazakhstan — ministry

The ministry explained that it concerns the Zhana Kazakhstan area, which includes almost the entire Kuyrektykol site

Hungary to exit ICC as it becomes 'political instrument' — Orban

"The Hungarian minister of justice will hand over to the national parliament the paperwork on our termination of cooperation with the court," the Hungarian prime minister said

Russia favors Israel's accession to NPT as nuclear-free state — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov acknowledged the significant challenges associated with achieving this objective in the region

Trump’s administration to continue trying to contain and weaken Russia — senior diplomat

"We do not intend to overstate this report, but we must not ignore its influence on the policies under Trump’s presidency," Sergey Ryabkov remarked

Pentagon believes Russia steps up military technology exchanges with China, Iran, DPRK

The hearings of the abovementioned committee focus on the strategy of the US military's European and African Commands

Europe requests deployment of long-range hypersonic weapons — NATO commander in Europe

Christopher Cavoli also described Washington's withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019 "a very important move" and called for capitalizing on it

Trump introduces sweeping tariffs: globe reacts

The US president also declared a state of emergency in the country due to the economic situation and trade deficit

US duties may reduce world trade volume by 1% in 2025 — WTO

The vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO's Most-Favored-Nation terms, Okonjo-Iweala stressed

Zelensky believes ceasefire in Ukraine could be achieved in coming weeks, months

"There are various options; sometimes, everything comes together in an instant, especially when it comes to this aspect of ending the war - the hot phase, the complete cessation of fire," he noted

Turkey plans to settle matter of Mir cards introduction soon — envoy

Tanju Bilgic believes that for Russian tourists, payments-related problems have already been solved

Rubio says United States to remain in NATO

It is stated that Trump is not against NATO

Russia, Armenia maintain alliance despite external attempts to undermine it — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Moscow is prepared "to continue working together to deepen and enhance the effectiveness of our partnership for the benefit of the citizens of both countries"

Man in intensive care after bear attack in Moscow Region

Maxim Zabelin added that it was possible to find the man thanks to the coordinated actions of the Emergencies Ministry and foresters

CSTO headquarters discusses preparations for Combat Brotherhood-2025 exercise

"Particular attention will be given to the systematic development and alignment of commands, the practical training for deploying control points for troop groups by the forces and resources of the host countries, and the examination of command-and-control procedures with the involvement of specialists from key training and research organizations," Vladislav Shchegrikovich added

‘Liberation Day:’ Trump imposes retaliatory customs duties against 'all countries'

US president is expected to personally announce the details of the restrictions

Russian envoy says he discussed cooperation on Arctic, rare earth minerals during US visit

Potential interactions in other sectors were also discussed, noted Kirill Dmitriev

Putin gives illegal migrants from Ukraine until fall to leave or legitimize their status

The Russian Internal Ministry has been instructed to exclude in the same period from prosecution for violation of the regime of stay in Russia those citizens of Ukraine who have passed dactyloscopy, photography and medical examination

Ukraine fires over 110 munitions at Belgorod Region in past day

Seven seven people were wounded

Kiev deliberately undermines any peace initiatives — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Moscow repeatedly emphasized that "a political and diplomatic settlement is always our priority"

Russia, US can achieve great things working together in space — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted, however, that these expectations need to be tempered due to "the current and largely strengthened sanctions regime on the US side"

Dates of new round of Russia-US talks to be set soon — Dmitriev

This dialogue will continue, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy emphasized

Europeans set sights on Odessa, Lvov, plotting intervention, says Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova reiterated that the French-UK initiative on deploying some "reassurance forces" to Ukraine was discussed in Paris on March 27 at yet another European summit of a so-called "coalition of the willing" formed a month ago in order to assemble some "peacekeeping" contingent to be deployed in Ukraine