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Sixteen candidates from various parties die ahead of elections in western Germany — media

The string of deaths created logistical challenges for local authorities, who now face the urgent task of reprinting ballots and distributing them to voters casting their ballots by mail

BERLIN, September 4. /TASS/. In a tragic and unusual prelude to the upcoming local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, 16 candidates from various political parties have died in the weeks leading up to the September 14 vote, Bild reported, citing local election commission chief Monika Wissmann.

According to her, the fatalities include seven members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, while the others belonged to the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Greens, and several smaller political forces.

The sudden wave of deaths initially fueled rumors and speculation, particularly after news of the AfD candidates’ passing. However, an investigation conducted by Bild together with local police concluded that all of the deaths were due to natural causes. On Tuesday, Kay Gottschalk, AfD’s representative in North Rhine-Westphalia, told Welt TV that there were no indications of "murder or anything like that." He noted that some of the deceased "had underlying health conditions."

The string of deaths has created logistical challenges for local authorities, who now face the urgent task of reprinting ballots and distributing them to voters casting their ballots by mail to ensure they can return them in time.

According to the WDR broadcaster, voters in Blomberg, Bad Lippspringe, Schwerte, and Rheinberg will head to the polls without AfD candidates on their ballots. Meanwhile, Die Welt reported on Wednesday that the death toll among candidates had risen to seven.

US blacklists seven individuals allegedly linked to Venezuelan president’s inner circle

Five of the blacklisted individuals are residents of Venezuela, while the remaining two are Panama passport holders

Russian embassy in Mali rejects accusations against Africa Corps

According to its statement, the article "is a collection of propaganda cliches and idle fakes aimed at discrediting Russian servicemen in the eyes of the Malian population, the countries of the Sahel Confederation, and the international community"

Russia and Egypt take steps to expand air service between two countries — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that Egyptian resorts "have long been a favorite vacation spot for Russians," with 1.5 million people visiting Egypt in 2024

Ukrainian forces execute civilians in Seversk — Hero of Russia

According to Naran Ochir-Goryaev, the Ukrainian troops were primarily targeting young people between 30 and 40 years old

Russia ready to restore intergovernmental trade commission with Slovakia

Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov heads the commission from the Russian side, Maria Zakharova noted

Lavrov, top Togolese diplomat discuss economy, investment — Russian MFA

The sides confirmed that Moscow and Lome had the same or similar positions on regional and international issues of mutual interest

Kiev bombed polling stations for Russian elections during special op — Putin

The Russian president recalled that the voters were standing in line at polling stations when shelling began

FACTBOX: Putin’s statements on EU’s attempts to seize Russian assets

The Russian president noted that if Russian assets are seized, Russia will defend its interests in court and seek to identify jurisdictions that are not dependent on political decisions

Durov compares UK’s future to dystopian thriller

V for Vendetta’s totalitarian UK felt far-fetched 20 years ago, now "it feels less like fiction and more like a government action plan," Telegram co-founder said

Russia’s offensive in Zaporozhye forces Kiev to expand evacuation zone

The reason behind this decision is an increase in the operational range of Russian drones, the source said

Monetary conditions remain tight, Bank of Russia says

According to the regulator, lending rates slightly decreased and almost fully adjusted to the earlier monetary policy easing

Investment activity decline challenging, Putin says

According to the head of state, the investment activity declined by 3.1% over the first three quarters of this year

Dmitriev calls for resignation of Merz, von der Leyen after failure at EU summit

The Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund added that Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen "spent all their political capital, promised results – and delivered a spectacular failure"

Annual inflation in Russia expected to be below 6% in 2025 — Central Bank

"In October-November, the current seasonally adjusted price growth slowed to an average rate of 4.6% in annualized terms from 6.6% in 2025 Q3," the regulator said

Moscow vows to retaliate against West’s sanctions aimed at Russian politicians, companies

The Russian top diplomat lambasted the practice of employing unilateral restrictions "in bypassing the UN Security Council"

Putin’s 2025 Q&A receives over three million questions, second-most ever

The all-time high recorded in 2015 was 3.25 million

Georgian president calls EU decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine bluff

"Ukraine has simply been sold out," Mikhail Kavelashvili said

Ukraine’s ex-commander-in-chief warns about risks of civil war after conflict is ended

In Valery Zaluzhny's words, "the end of the war and the return of around one million of soldiers" will be "another challenge to the state and civil society"

Ukraine's Goncharenko sentenced 18 years in prison in absentia by Russia

The court also deprived him of the right to post information, manage websites and channels using electronic and information and telecommunication networks for four years

Lavrov gives war-minded European hawks a piece of his mind

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow advocates for "ensuring indivisible security – in an honest manner and on equal terms"

EU 'war party' to pay Kiev 'reparations' itself — Foreign Ministry

"Brussels did not even notice how absurd the situation had become for the EU," Maria Zakharova stated

Two Russians arrested in Bulgaria at US request — Russian embassy

No official details about the US extradition request are available at this point

Trump's efforts, piglets, Russia's secret weapon: Putin's statements at 'Results of Year'

The Russian president explained that when he took a jab at Europeans by calling them "piglets," as the Western media translated the Russian term, he was not referring to anyone specific in Europe, but rather to a "group of people"

Russian troops to move westward after liberating Kupyansk-Uzlovoi — Putin

As the president stressed, the Russian troops have been assigned a very important task to eliminate the enemy group on the left bank of the Oskol River

Russian stock market indices in the red this Friday — market data

The MOEX Index lost 0.36%, the RTS Index declined by 1.22%

Nurgaliyev orders all measures to avert terrorist acts on holidays

Two blasts in Makhachkala claimed 11 people and wounded 87 people

Putin sees EU's Russian asset grab as daylight 'robbery'

The Russian leader emphasized that the European Union is trying to do it overtly

Russia ready to consider halting strikes deep inside Ukraine on election day — Putin

The Russian president still noted that if Kiev wants to use the elections solely to stop the offensive momentum of Russian troops, then this is the wrong choice

Putin's Results of the Year program concludes after almost 4.5 hours

The event lasted 4 hours and 27 minutes, while the combined format was used for the fourth time

Russia to practice tact in protecting compatriots abroad — Putin

The head of state noted that new mechanisms should be introduced to support citizens abroad

No decision to dismiss GRU chief Alexander Shlyakhturov - Makarov

“Everybody has one’s age limit, and I cannot anticipate anything,” he said

Cancer-stricken Serbian sues NATO for use of depleted uranium in 1999 attack on Yugoslavia

His lawyer Srdan Aleksic disclosed that the Serbian officer’s grievance is fully identical to the 500 lawsuits, filed by Italian soldiers who were deployed in Kosovo in 1999

Russian army continues to advance west of Seversk, Putin says

The Russian leader recalled how the report on the liberation of Seversk was presented

Putin baffled by NATO Secretary General Rutte's war-with-Russia talk

The Russian president advised that Mark Rutte read the national security strategy of the United States, which is a key player, creator and main sponsor of NATO

Ukraine investigating corruption mastermind Mindich for treason

The deputy requested SBU to check whether Timur Mindich had access to state secrets, whether he had connections in the Russian special services and what influence he had on Zelensky, as well as on former Defense Minister and current NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov

Rubio says US continues to share intelligence information with Ukraine

Marco Rubio commented on the prospects for resolving the Ukrainian crisis

Russia to eliminate threats to Kaliningrad Region should they emerge, says Putin

The Kaliningrad Region is separated from mainland Russia by the borders of European Union countries

Donbass's water supply collapsed over decades of Ukraine’s governance — Putin

The Russian president explained that now to bring this system to a standard state and reduce water losses to zero it is necessary to spend as much money as it costs to construct and build another water pipeline

Central Bank chief says use of frozen Russian assets to undermine global financial system

Elvira Nabiullina said that various arguments are being actively discussed by the media

36 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions in three hours

22 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Russian troops liberate four communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 1,795 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy tanks and 20 armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Kiev's lead negotiator holds consultations with Europeans ahead of meeting with US

Rustem Umerov said he would present a report to Vladimir Zelensky following the talks

Russia insists that West honor security commitments — Putin

The Russian president stressed that Moscow wants to ensure the establishment of a reliable security system in Europe

Possible pause in Russian airstrikes thwarts Kiev's plans to avoid elections — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that Russia is prepared to act for peace, and this is one of the main messages today

Brussels will have to repay Ukraine’s debts to Europe, warns Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that Ukraine will not receive the loan in a lump sum

German expert slams EU decision on loan to Ukraine as 'madness'

Earlier, an EU summit concluded with no consensus on the expropriation of Russian assets under the guise of a so-called reparations loan to Kiev despite spending 17 hours in discussion

Billionaire Isaacman to serve as new head of NASA

A total of 67 senators voted in favor of Isaacman’s nomination, while 30 voted against it

Ukrainian forces fail to retake parts of Krasnoarmeysk, suffer losses — Putin

According to the Russian president, the enemy is achieving no success

Russia not at war with West, West fights Russia with Ukrainian nationalists’ hands — Putin

The President stressed that Russia was ready to end the conflict in Ukraine, provided its security was guaranteed in the medium and long term

EU's decision to support Ukraine confirms that it does not want peace — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova said that EU member states decided to further prolong the Ukrainian conflict

Bank of Russia raises dollar rate to 80.72 rubles for December 20-22

The official euro exchange rate was raised by 26 kopecks to 94.512 rubles

Europe will have to reopen dialogue with Russia — Macron

The French president believes that "Europeans and Ukrainians, will have to find the right framework to re-engage in this discussion in a proper manner"

Ukraine conflict to be resolved on Russia-US track, Europe ancillary player — analyst

Today’s European politicians don’t hold a candle to their predecessors, Deputy rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleg Karpovich noted

UN says famine phase overcome in Gaza Strip

According to the latest IPC report, at least 1.6 million people, or 77% of the population, including over 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, are still facing high levels of acute food insecurity in the enclave

Gazprom ready to meet Asian gas demands despite the plans to build South Stream

The Russian gas major Gazprom is ready to meet the full gas demand on Asian markets despite the plans to build a South Stream gas pipeline

US actions in Venezuela display Washington's neocolonial approach — Russia’s UN envoy

"Starting with false pretexts of combatting drug trafficking and terrorism, Washington has already moved on to open threats of military aggression and seizure of the territory and natural resources of a sovereign state," Vasily Nebenzya said

Putin points to new report on special military operation by General Staff chief

The supreme commander-in-chief emphasized that the Russian army had the full strategic initiative, advancing in all directions

Slovak politician considers EU’s decision to refrain from seizing Russian assets sensible

The country’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok noted that Slovakia would not act as a guarantor for the EU loan to Ukraine

Hundreds of thousands of Russian troops fighting in special military operation — Putin

The Russian leader noted that not all of them planned to build civilian careers after the special military operation

EU diplomats do not rule out retaliation against Ukrainian elites by angry mob — SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that the Mindich-Zelensky case is undermining Ukraine

Purpose of VAT increase, key rate, rising prices: Putin’s takes at 'Results of Year'

As the head of state noted, the Russian economy grew by 9.7% over the past three years, which is much higher than in Europe

Putin thanks special services for their work to defend country during special op

The Russian leader also wished the leadership and personnel of special services a happy New Year 2026

Russia and Mauritania agree on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passports

The two countries' foreign ministers signed the corresponding agreement on the sidelines of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Russia ready to organize voting for Ukrainians in case of legitimate elections in Ukraine

"If Ukraine opts for legitimate elections and we are tasked to organize voting for Ukrainian nationals in Russia, we will do everything we can to make this happen," CEC chairwoman Ella Pamfilova stated

Bank of Russia won’t withdraw its lawsuit against Euroclear over asset freezing

At the same time, the regulator is considering defending its interests in foreign jurisdictions

Russia advances in Donbass while West plays shell games — Ukrainian opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it abundantly clear that the desire for war in this situation does not come from Russia

EU's aggressive policy on Russian assets threatens Belgium with major issues — ambassador

According to Denis Gonchar, the EU's actions could lead to huge financial losses, damage to the investment climate, and capital flight from Belgium and the EU

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens, yuan surpasses 11.5 rubles

As of 10:24 a.m. Moscow time, the indices were up by 1.37% at 2,790.77 points and at 1,098.53 points, respectively

Arms supplies to Ukraine did not stop after Trump’s decision to cease financing

Speaking at NSATU's Wiesbaden headquarters, Major General Maik Keller said that NATO had dispatched nearly 220,000 tons of military aid to Ukraine in 2025

Russia to retaliate possible endorsement of Magnitsky bill

Many people in the U.S. realize that the endorsement of this bill will harm relations with Russia

Russia set to deepen coordination with ECOWAS — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister expects to discuss practical areas of possible cooperation with the organization with its chairman Omar Touray

Krasny Liman to be liberated in near future — Putin

The head of state added that Russian forces currently control about half of the city

Moscow urges Palestinians, Israelis to show restraint

The situation along the perimeter of the Gaza Strip has seriously deteriorated again lately

Only Trump can decide on US refusal to negotiate on Ukraine — Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that "both sides have to give and both sides have to get"

Europe will sooner or later have to repay what it steals from Russian assets — Putin

The EU and G7 countries froze approximately 300 billion euros in Russian assets

Putin envisions what Russia might look like in 200 years

The Russian leader pointed out that 200 years is not that long a time in the entire scheme of history in Russia

Russia grateful to Egypt for its objective position on Ukraine — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Cairo "understands perfectly well that a political-diplomatic settlement is only possible with the elimination of the root causes of the conflict"

VAT increase will not be permanent — Putin

The ultimate goal is to reduce the tax burden in the future, the head of state stressed

Lavrov tells Europe we don't need your help on Ukraine deal, just don't blow it up

"The Russian-American dialogue is based on understandings reached in Alaska," the Russian top diplomat stressed

Lawsuit against Euroclear filed in time — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that it is difficult for her to comment on specific arguments prevailing among EU member-countries that did not approve the confiscation of Russian assets

Russian army has full strategic initiative in special military operation zone — Putin

The president said that the Russian forces are advancing along the entire line of engagement

Zelensky admits Biden told him Ukraine would not be brought in to NATO before conflict

Vladimir Zelensky noted that he repeatedly raised the issue with the White House, becoming a kind of running joke among US officials

Kremlin warns about consequences for masterminds, perpetrators of Russian asset seizure

"Those who made decisions collectively, those who made decisions individually and those who put them into practice will all bear responsibility," Dmitry Peskov said

Putin explained to the West conditions for building relations with Russia — expert

Andrey Bystritsky said that Vladimir Putin’s stance is consistent in emphasizing the principles on which peaceful coexistence can be based

Bank of Russia reduced key rate to 16%

According to the regulator, the economy continues to return to a balanced growth path

Construction of El Dabaa NPP in Egypt proceeding according to schedule — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the installation of the reactor vessel for Unit 1, which took place on November 19, was a significant milestone

Trump not ruling out war with Venezuela

The US leader declined to clarify whether US strikes on Venezuelan vessels could directly lead to war

Current Kiev leadership unlikely to hold elections in Ukraine, expert says

Vladimir Zharikhin noted it would hardly be possible to recognize elections as legitimate in the current situation

Britain refuses to expropriate Russian assets after failure of EU summit — FT

According to the newspaper, London "will continue to work closely with the G7 and EU on Ukraine financing"

EU €90 bln loan cannot save Ukraine from defeat — Hungarian PM

Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic earlier declined to participate in providing the loan to Kiev using funds raised through joint EU borrowing

No plans for domestically-developed Oreshnik-like ballistic missile — Belarusian leader

The Belarusian leader said that it is too expensive

Cholera, polio spreading in Gaza — TV

According to the broadcaster, the local medical services "lack resources" to contain epidemics

Investments in Russian economy remain record high — Central Bank

According to Elvira Nabiullina, the investing activity declined in construction, transport and certain mining industries over the last year

IN BRIEF: Putin's statements on Ukraine at 'Results of the Year' conference

The president said that Russian troops in the special operation zone are advancing in all directions, fully seizing the strategic initiative

Kiev's terrorist attacks against ships, energy infrastructure in Black Sea inadmissible

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin participated via on-line conference in the ministerial meeting of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

Refusal to use Russian assets for loan to Kiev will be victory for law — Dmitriev

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund, it was a "major blow to EU warmongers" led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Kiev counterattacks near Krasnoarmeysk, trying to slow Russian advance — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk on December 1

Russia’s former tennis star, world No. 2 Myskina added to Ukraine’s extremist database

President of Russia’s National Badminton Federation Andrey Antropov was also put on the Mirotvorets database

Zelensky cannot withdraw troops from Donbass due to nationalist resistance — opposition

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Western media outlets consistently report significant pressure from Washington on Kiev and Europe regarding this issue

Ukrainian soldiers desert due to lack of food, water, clothing — expert

Vitaly Kiselev pointed out that Ukrainian barrier detachments operating within the zone of the special military operation are unable to stem the tide of desertion

E3 countries’ advisers to meet with Witkoff, Umerov in Miami — correspondent

According to Barak Ravid, the Turkish foreign minister and the Qatari prime minister will also participate in the talks