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Natural disasters

Myanmar death toll from earthquake exceeds 2,000 people — Xinhua

Another 3,900 people were injured, 270 are missing

BANGKOK, March 31. /TASS/. The death toll from the powerful earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28 has reached 2,056 people, Xinhua News Agency reported citing the country's State Administrative Council.

Another 3,900 people were injured, 270 are missing.

International rescue groups are currently operating in the republic.

According to various sources, its magnitude ranged from 7.7 to 7.9. It was followed by a second earthquake measured at a magnitude 6.4. Thailand was also affected, tremors were felt in China and Vietnam.

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Natural disasters

Iranian president warns against attacking country’s supreme leader

The statement followed US President Donald Trumps’ remarks in an interview with Politico where he called Khamenei a "sick man" and said that it is "time to look for new leadership in Iran"

China’s Unitree to open office in Russia — founder

It is reported that the company is currently selling its products via local distributors in the US, Japan and Russia

Iranian foreign ministry blames US, Israel for organizing riots

Unrest in Iran began on December 29 after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, and spread to most major cities

Zelensky not to allow Ukrainians living in Russia to vote — Medvedchuk

In Kiev, they are again feeding everyone empty promises, the ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform — for Life party said

At least two killed, ten wounded after shelling attack by Kurds — agency

According to SANA, at least ten civilians were wounded

Syrian interim president cancels visit to Germany — TV

Ahmed Al-Sharaa was scheduled to hold talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Hungary says ‘no’ to Ukraine’s accession to EU — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto recalled that under the Treaty on European Union, new members can be admitted to the community only on a consensus basis, hence, this cannot be done without Hungary’s consent

'Black holes' of the Russian Navy

For the first time TASS publishes photos of Project 636.3 Varshavyanka submarines taken from a quadrocopter during sea trials in the Baltic Sea

Europe to respond to US duties related to Greenland — Macron

According to the French president, Paris will join the military exercises in Greenland based on its commitment to the sovereignty of states in Europe and the United Nations

EU, Mercosur sign free trade agreement, which provoked protests

According to European Commissioner for Trade and Interinstitutional Relations Maros Sefcovic, this agreement will create one of the largest free trade zones in the world, with over 700,000 people living in its territory

FACTBOX: What we know about attack on Venezuela’s capital

US forces attacked civilian and military facilities in Caracas, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Estonia plans to take part in drills in Greenland, despite Trump’s threats — minister

According to Hanno Pevkur, Estonia has not yet sent its soldiers to Greenland and is looking at "technical details" of this process

German court believes Nord Stream explosions were ordered by Ukraine — media

Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled that Sergey K. should remain in custody

West to recognize sooner or later that Russia defended Donbass in 2022 — politician

Fabrice Sorlin stressed that the truth will always prevail

Time in special military operation works in Russia’s favor — Medvedchuk

Ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform - for Life party noted that "there are ongoing contacts with the US, and Europe is already looking for ways to resume engagement with Russia"

World heading toward chaos due to West's actions — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed to "the West’s destructive activities, both in its own countries and abroad, aimed at dismantling the basic principles of morality"

US to remain in NATO — treasury secretary

When asked what is more essential for the US national security, NATO or Greenland, Scott Bessent said, "Both"

Only UN-led external administration can save Ukraine — Medvedchuk

According to the head of the Other Ukraine movement, in line with international practice, a temporary administration should assume responsibility for organizing and conducting fair and democratic elections for the president of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada, and local self-government bodies

European diplomacy is impotent, there is no one to talk to Russia — Medvedchuk

According to the head of the Other Ukraine movement, the arrogance with which Europe spoke to the rest of the world has already cost it dearly

US IT expert says Russia's Max messenger could be used in West too

According to Jozef Schutzman, since Russia is focusing on her own digital sovereignty, Max has an opportunity to extend its own ecosystem and attract users abroad to its platform to communicate with Russian users

Trump invites Hungary to join Board of Peace for Gaza — PM

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said earlier that Orban had accepted Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace

EU leaders tell Europeans fairy tales about Ukrainian victory — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stressed that the calculations of European politicians advocating the continuation of military action against Russia "do not correspond to reality"

EU may influence Trump on Greenland by threatening to remove US bases — The Economist

According to the magazine, it will be extremely difficult for Washington to project its military power into Africa and the Middle East without access to European military bases

Poverty rate in Russia falls from 11.3% to 7.2% from 2014 to 2024 — Putin

The president specified that in certain Far Eastern regions, poverty levels are below the national average

Kalashnikov uniforms to be 100% Russian-sourced by 2027

Localization is going very well, CEO Alan Lushnikov said

Battlegroup West repelled a counterattack by Kiev forces brigade in Kupyansk direction

Russian servicemen also destroyed 53 UAV control centers

Air defense systems shot down 63 Ukrainian UAVs overnight over Russian regions

23 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod region

Russia and US have not halted Ukraine talks — Medvedchuk

On January 15, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that dialogue with US negotiators is ongoing

Putin made decision to revive production of Tu-160M strategic bomber — Air Force commander

Russia’s Air Force will purchase at least 50 Tu-160M strategic bombers

Record snowfall transforms Moscow into winter wonderland

A record snowfall blanketed Moscow with nearly one-fourth of the monthly norm

Argentine microsatellite to be launched into space along with NASA's lunar mission

The microsatellite will be deployed 70,000 kilometers from Earth

Trump says to sue JPMorgan Chase bank

It closed US president's accounts after the Capitol was stormed on January 6, 2021

Battlegroup South destroyed 6 deployment points, 36 bunkers of Kiev forces

Five enemy drones were shot down

Putin orders to put Canpack, Rockwool assets in Russia under temporary new management

The decision took effect on December 31, 2025

Xi Jinping ready to work with Putin to achieve new heights in 2026 — TV

He recalled that Russia and China were planning to hold a series of measures in 2026-2027 as part of the Russia-China Cross Years of Education

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Japan’s prime minister conveyed to Putin that ties with Moscow matter to Tokyo

Expert Masaru Sato believes the message was conveyed to Putin after the Japanese lawmaker passed it on to Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, whom he met on December 26

Bundeswehr servicemen suddenly ordered to leave Greenland — Bild

According to the outlet, 15 soldiers and officers led by Admiral Stefan Pauli are already at the airport in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and are due to depart on an Icelandair flight

Avtovaz plans to sell 370,000 cars in Russia in 2026

Everything will depend on the market and the market will depend on macroeconomic conditions, chief executive of the Russian automaker Maxim Sokolov said

Russian paratroopers advancing in four localities in Zaporozhye Region — governor

The fighting is heavy, but Russian soldiers are confidently advancing, Yevgeny Balitsky said

RDIF chief sure Europe will not be able to bar US from taking control of Greenland

"Europe will cave in, US will get Greenland," Kirill Dmitriev wrote

EU unable to rebuff US on Greenland as long as it remains hostile towards Russia — expert

Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Dr Anatol Lieven also compared Donald Trump's statements on Saturday to the diplomatic note militaristic Japan delivered to the United States in December 1941

Italy arrests vessel carrying metal for alleged violation of anti-Russian sanctions

A vessel flying the flag of a small island state from Oceania with a cargo of more than 33,000 tons of ferrous metals allegedly stayed in the port of Novorossiysk

Merz condemns US tariff threats as undermining transatlantic relations

They risk a dangerous downward spiral, the German chancellor said

Terms of deal on NIS to be referred to US Treasury Department by January 23 — Vucic

The main provisions of the future contract are a clear definition of ownership rights, the structure of the future company, the percentage of shares, each company's share, the Serbian President said

Dmitriev calls on EU 'not to provoke Daddy,' recall soldiers from Greenland

Russia’s president special Representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries said that the EU should return the soldiers sent to Greenland

Leader of Syrian Kurds sign ceasefire agreement with Damascus authorities — TV

According to Syria TV, the agreement establishes ceasefire along the entire frontline and provides for strengthening government institutions in Syria’s eastern and northeastern regions that were previously controlled by the SDF

France has real opportunity to leave NATO — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the discussion about France's withdrawal from NATO acquired new relevance thanks to the conscious decision of the US to officially return to an overt imperial policy

New Ukrainian defense minister shows no sign of thinking about peace — senator

Konstantin Basyuk, deputy head of the Federation Council’s Committee for Defense and Security, said, that Ukraine has the motivation and willingness to wage an armed conflict "to the end"

Ukraine shelled Kursk Region 38 times over past day

As a result of explosive devices being dropped from drones, the facade and glazing of two private houses and two cars were damaged in the khutor of Aleksandrovka, Rylsky district

Golden Dome is US attempt to counter Russian hypersonic weapons — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that to ensure strategic dominance in the Arctic, the Pentagon plans to deploy additional ground tracking stations and radar systems in Greenland

Portugal holds presidential elections on Sunday

10 men and 1 woman are vying for the highest state office

Trump demands $1 bln from countries for permanent seats on Gaza Peace Council — Bloomberg

The US President will decide who exactly to invite to join the "Peace Council," the news agency said

Trump's action regarding Greenland will destroy NATO — former CIA officer

Larry Johnson opined that Donald Trump is quite serious about the island

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

Trump was prepared to strike Iran but changed decision due to multiple objections — WSJ

The sources told The Wall Street Journal that Arab countries explained to Washington the timing for any potential strikes was inappropriate, citing Iran’s instability, the protests largely having been suppressed and unclear opposition leadership in case of regime change

Safety of British soldiers in Ukraine cannot be guaranteed — Russian MP

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defense Staff of the British Armed Forces, stated that he would not send troops to Ukraine if the conflict ends unless he was confident of their safety

US would be making 'grave' error by using force against Iran — Russian lawmaker

Slutsky noted that the protests in Iran "are a classic ‘color revolution’

Russia and Saudi Arabia plan to expand air service

According to the minister, Oman Air also plans this year to increase the number of flights to Moscow and to expand the geography of its services to St. Petersburg, Kazan, Ekaterinburg, and Sochi

Russian forces destroy platoon of US M777 howitzers in Ukraine operation — top brass

A battery of multiple launch rocket systems near Slavyansk and a platoon of multiple rocket launchers in the area of Nikolayevka in the Donetsk People’s Republic were also destroyed in counter-battery fire

Kallas calls on US not to be distracted by Greenland from Ukrainian crisis

According to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, China and Russia are the ones who benefit from Donald Trump’s announcement on introduction of duties on imports of goods from eight European countries

Bundeswehr says task within mission to Greenland fulfilled

Lt. Col. Peter Milevchuk, a spokesman for the German mission, described cooperation with the Danish military as "very positive and constructive"

Iranian president warns against attacking country’s supreme leader

The statement followed US President Donald Trumps’ remarks in an interview with Politico where he called Khamenei a "sick man" and said that it is "time to look for new leadership in Iran"

American IT giant makes Ukraine free testing ground for drones — expert

Roman Shkurlatov added that the Americans make the Ukrainian military buy their finished products without sharing their technologies with the Ukrainians

Ukraine loses around 1,210 troops across all directions of special military operation

Russian forces also carried out strikes on facilities assembling unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as on energy and transport sites operating in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Liberation of Zakontoye will secure safety of citizens of LPR — military expert

Scattered detachments of the Ukrainian army are currently still attempting to withdraw from the south of this town, Andrey Marochko said

Voting at Portugal’s presidential election over

As many as 11 candidates, ten men and one woman, are vying for the office

Western Europe prepares for war with Russia — Orban

In confirmation of this, the Hungarian prime minister said that recent meetings of the EU leaders "have turned into military councils" where the issue of "how to defeat Russia" is discussed

Canada’s prime minister recalls NATO Article Five amid US plans regarding Greenland

Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should join the US

Putin to hold international contacts during upcoming week

A meeting with members of the government is also scheduled

Russia only hits Ukraine’s military plants, not people — envoy

The Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador at Large on Kiev’s War Crimes said that Russia "does not set the task of making life of the Ukrainian population unbearable"

Putin opposed to removing Lenin’s body from mausoleum

The president noted that the Soviet Union was closely associated with Vladimir Lenin’s name

Russian forces are 30 km from Slavyansk — DPR head

According to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, fierce fighting continues near the settlements of Grishino and Beletskoye

US needs Greenland for effective use of Golden Dome missile defense system — Trump

The US leader noted that "highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it"

Air defense forces down 220 Ukrainian UAVs in past 24 hours

At the same time, seven unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down over North Ossetia, and relevant agencies are working at the scene, regional head Sergey Menyailo said on his Telegram channel

Ukraine, US agree to continue talks in Davos — Umerov

However, Ukrainian Security and Defense Council Secretary said nothing about a potential meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Davos on January 19-23

Russian oil tankers in crosshairs of West, legal blocking of Baltic Sea impossible — envoy

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin emphasized that international law guarantees unimpeded passage of ships through the Baltic straits

Almost 50% of Germans support boycott of FIFA World Cup if US seizes Greenland — poll

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

France deploys troops to Ukraine as instructors back in 2022 — politician

International Russophile Movement Vice President Fabrice Sorlin noted that Paris has retreated from its historical role as peacemaker

French politician calls for resuming dialogue with Russia, lifting sanctions

According to Florian Philippot, each European country must "restore its own independence and defend its own national interests" as the European Union actions only lead from one crisis to another