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Four explosions heard in Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah — Rudaw

The channel gave no details of the attack

TUNIS, July 17. /TASS/. At least four explosions were heard in the Sulaymaniyah, the second-largest city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Kurdish TV channel Rudaw said.

The channel gave no details of the attack.

Earlier, Iran announced launching Operation Lightning against US military bases in the Middle East in response to US attacks against the Islamic Republic. US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait have already been attacked.

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Israeli parliament rules to dissolve itself ahead of October 27 elections — Ynet

The Party Financing Law, which contained this provision, was adopted overnight in its second and third readings, It was supported by 62 out of 120 lawmakers, with no abstentions

Four explosions heard in Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah — Rudaw

The channel gave no details of the attack

Defense minister’s dismissal exposes split in Ukraine’s military leadership — FT

As an example, the newspaper cited the decision of Deputy Air Force Commander Pavel Yelizarov to resign in protest of Mikhail Fyodorov’s sacking

Coalition of the Willing troops in Ukraine, Western sanctions: Foreign Ministry briefing

The conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved if arms supplies to Kiev stop, Maria Zakharova said

Russian troops approach second line of Ukrainian defense on way to Orekhov — official

According to Igor Kimakovsky, the Russian fighters have closely approached the Ukrainian defense line near the Verkhyaya Tersa settlement

US attacks rail hub in Iran — YJC

Two people were wounded, news agency reported

Russian forces hit vessel carrying cargo for Ukrainian army by Geran-2 drones in Black Sea

The ministry uploaded video footage of the strike

President says Brazil will not succumb to US pressure

"Brazil will fight for its sovereignty without hesitation," Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stressed

US strikes Bandar Khomeini, destroying a bridge — Fars

According to its information, road services are working on organizing a detour route

World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization HQ to be located in Shanghai

The new institution will be an independent intergovernmental international organization, adhering to the purposes of the UN Charter, upholding the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefit

Biden's corruption one of foundations of conflict in Ukraine — Russian envoy

Dmitriev thus commented on the intention of United States Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna to organize hearings that, in her words, would demonstrate money laundering by Ukraine and Kiev's support for Joe Biden's campaign in the 2024 American elections

US delivers missile strike on Iran’s Bandar Lengeh — Mehr

Attack on another city, Veysian, was reported as well, details of both strikes are unknown at this point

Anna Kikina becomes first female TASS correspondent on board ISS

A Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur spaceport on July 14 carrying the primary crew of the ISS’ 75th long-duration expedition

Europe sees no foul in Russian civilian killings — permanent representative to OSCE

Europe is ready not only to ignore the manifestations of neo-Nazism in Ukraine, but also to "dust off" its own Nazi ideology, Dmitry Polyansky pointed out

Russian stocks close in the red on Thursday

The MOEX Index lost 4.24% to 2,022.27 points, while the RTS Index fell by 4.68% to 813.43 points

Press review: EU struggles on Russia sanctions while Moscow trade surplus grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 14th

Russian forces target logistical chains supplying Ukraine with weapons — MP

Russia is thereby responding to the Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks on Russian regions, Leonid Ivlev said

Qatari air defenses repel missile attack

"The Defense Ministry of Qatar announces that the armed forces have repelled a missile attack on the State of Qatar," the Arab country’s defense ministry said

Sergey Koretsky appointed Ukraine’s new prime minister

A total of 289 lawmakers supported the decision

SpaceX aborts Starship launch at the last moment

US entrepreneur Elon Musk attributed the cancellation to an engine failure

No deadline for US Senate consideration of bill on sanctions against Russia — Axios

According to the portal, there are at least 61 co-sponsors, enough for its passage

Russia convenes UN Security Council meeting on Kiev crimes on Friday — permanent mission

"On July 17, at 10.00 a.m. New York time (2:00 p.m. GMT), an informal meeting of the members of the UN Security Council on the Arria formula, convened by Russia, will be held under the theme 'The Power of Terror: Crimes of the Kiev Regime in Ukraine and Beyond,'" the permanent mission said on Telegram

Russia says more and more European countries recognize they cannot keep helping Kiev

"There is also no doubt that the public of the states of Southeastern Europe perfectly sees the essence of Western plans that are fraught with unleashing a full-scale conflict in Europe.", Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Fire breaks out at Iranian airport after US attack — IRIB

One person was wounded, the broadcaster said

Russian forces systematically push Ukrainian troops from Omelnik — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that Russian troops are particularly successful in advancing in the areas of Novoselovka and Verkhnyaya Tersa

Zaporozhye NPP engineer was killed with help of NATO intelligence — expert

America also provides intelligence and personal data on those to be eliminated, Vitaly Kiselev said

Ukraine-Southeastern Europe summit used to exert pressure — Russian MFA

"The leadership of the European Union is openly using such 'summits' as a lever of coercion to force Balkan and other states to demonstrate loyalty to the militaristic aspirations of Euro-Atlantic circles," the diplomat noted

Iran strikes US forces in Kuwait — Fars

The attack came in retaliation for US strikes on the territory of Iran, news agency said

Roscosmos-NATO heads’ relations indicate excellent prospects — Russian cosmonaut

Oleg Kononenko noted that Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman have a good relationship

EU arms manufacturers team up to develop system to intercept Oreshnik

The communiqué highlighted the contribution of Ukraine’s experience in resisting large-scale air and missile assaults, which will inform the development, testing, and operational evaluation of Bliksem EXO

Civil unrest in Ukraine may escalate to armed protest against Zelensky, Russian MP warns

Leonid Ivlev cited the recent government reshuffle, the forced mobilization to the Ukrainian army, mass losses of untrained soldiers on the front line, and the concealment of corrupt officials by Zelensky as reasons behind potential unrest in Ukraine

Israel tries to drag US into all-out war in Middle East — Iranian ambassador

According to Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, the main goal of Israel's strategy is to avoid the grave consequences of its own aggressive policies

US military boards tanker in Gulf of Oman for inspection — CENTCOM

"US Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a verification boarding aboard M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman, July 16," the US Central Command said

Iranian ambassador to Tajikistan says US failed in attempts to control Strait of Hormuz

Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani pointed out the republic's comprehensive military, missile, and geopolitical strength

Venezuelan earthquake death toll reaches 4,930

According to President of the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic Jorge Rodríguez, 16,740 people were injured

Serbia could become key Eurasian transport hub — Russian, Chinese envoys

The top Russian and Chinese diplomats noted that the development of modern transport corridors through Eurasia serves the interests of a wide range of nations, including the Balkan countries

Mobile groups of Strategic Missile Forces receive new vehicles — Russian Defense Ministry

These UAZ vehicles are equipped with 12.7-millimeter machine gun mounts

Russia tests Perun laser system against all types of drones

According to Svarog, the system has proven highly efficient in countering UAVs during field tests

WHO reports nearly 800 Ebola deaths in Congo two months after outbreak's start

According to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the current outbreak is the third-largest in the country's recorded history

Lavrov to discuss Moscow-Baku relations with Azerbaijani counterpart

The Russian foreign ministry described Azerbaijan as Moscow’s important partner in the South Caucasus and the Caspian region

Safety of millions depended on Zaporozhye nuclear plant chief engineer killed by Kiev

Alexander Yakovlev devoted his entire professional life to nuclear energy

Spring draft brings 141,000 conscripts into Russian Armed Forces

The spring conscription campaign has concluded, the Defense Ministry says

Ukraine to lead NATO proxy alliance to adopt drone use experience — expert

A manageable structure is being formed from the regional segment of NATO countries that are the frontiers of military-political and technical pressure on Russia, Alexander Stepanov said

Europe ready to see all Ukrainian men drafted — Russia's representative to OSCE

Dmitry Polyansky noted that if all Ukrainian men were forcibly sent to the front for slaughter, Brussels would be pleased to see that

FACTBOX: What we know about removal of Max and VK apps from Google Play

Previously installed services and applications continue to function normally without restrictions

Putin awards citizenship to German horse trainer

Karin Martina Staemmler-Gerusel specializes in draft horses

Multiple explosions heard in Iranian port of Chabahar

Other details are unknown

Russian, Myanmar special forces hold joint skills demonstration — Russian Defense Ministry

The ministry specified that during the training, the servicemen of the two countries used FPV drones and the Kurier ground robotic system

Five bridges targeted by US strikes in Iran’s Bandar-e Imam Khomeyni — Fars

Earlier reports said seven people were killed and nine wounded by US strikes on the city

PM, 16 ministers, defense minister post still vacant: reshuffles in Ukraine's cabinet

The Verkhovna Rada has appointed Sergey Koretsky as the country's prime minister

Explosions shake south, south-west of Iran — agency

An explosion was also heard in the city of Ahvaz in the south-west of the country

Long-range Ukrainian strikes possible only with Western help — Russian Security Council

Deputy Secretary Yury Kokov says that in particular, Kiev receives technical support in reconnaissance, targeting, and logistics

One civilian killed, several injured as air defenses down 375 drones over Russia

The Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over 19 Russian regions

US ends second series of strikes on Iran in 24 Hours — CENTCOM

The Central Command says the US struck Iranian command centers, air defense, missile, and drone sites, as well as coastal observation posts

There can no longer be any rules against Kiev attacking cities in Russia — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council emphasized that "back then, it was not customary to steal or kill the leaders of even hostile countries"

Poland plans to introduce 'pre-war state' regime

As the news portal notes, the "pre-war state" regime will allow Poland to begin troop deployments, receive allied forces, and prepare infrastructure for possible military operations

Extending ISS operation until 2030 to smooth transition for next station — cosmonaut

Head of the Yury Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center Oleg Kononenko said that each additional year in orbit provides the foundation for developing technologies and completing scientific cycles that would be irrational to interrupt

Russian forces approach several Ukrainian positions near Slavyansk — DPR head

Denis Pushilin added that Slavyansk is located in a lowland relative to these positions

North battlegroup liberates 50 settlements since start of year

During the first half of July, the group established control over five settlements: Ukrainskoye, Losevka, Zemlyaniy Yar, Petro-Ivanovka, Bachevsk

Russian defense chief notified of UAV unit’s analytical groups formation

The task of these groups is to provide a detailed analysis of the use of unmanned systems and organize a more effective use of drones to engage the enemy

Organizers of attacks on Zaporozhye NPP must be put on trial — lawmaker

Renat Karchaa emphasized that attacks on the Zaporozhye NPP were nothing less than nuclear terrorism

Seven killed in US attack on Iran’s Bandar-e Imam Khomeyni — Fars

The wounded are now receiving medical assistance

Europe should first focus on security guarantees to Greenland, not Ukraine - diplomat

"And we’ll see what comes out of it," Maria Zakharova added

Transfer of extra funds to Kiev fueling escalation with Russia — Finnish politician

No limits have been imposed on Ukraine, which can use these drones with no regard to international law, Armando Mema said

IAEA chief failed to condemn Kiev’s killing of ZNPP chief engineer — diplomat

Once again, Rafael Grossi "comes up with abstract statements ‘for everything good and against everything bad,’" Maria Zakharova said

Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup Center

The head of the formation’s department of unmanned systems forces reported to Andrey Belousov that the battlegroup had fully formed new units of unmanned systems forces and provided them with the necessary resources

Consulate general investigates detention of Russians in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque

Sources inside the Istanbul police confirmed the incident but declined further comment

Europe faces wave of Kiev-orchestrated terrorist attacks — DPR head

Denis Pushilin expressed confidence that Kiev would stage more terrorist attacks following the explosion in Monaco

Dense smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets New York

Visibility has dropped to a few hundred meters

Hungary’s purchases of Russian pipeline gas fall 14% in January-May

The European Union imported Russian pipeline gas worth 575 mln euros in May

Fedorov vs. Syrsky, Gnatov: conflict between heads of Ukraine's military agencies

The Strana news outlet said Fedorov had effectively staged an open mutiny against Zelensky's government during the briefing

Work on S-400 continues, results to be announced — Turkish Defense Ministry

The ministry did not provide any clarification on what exactly this work entails

Russian diplomat describes terror attacks on Russia as joint crime by Kiev and West

Western powers have become inseparable from the Kiev regime because of political and economic reasons and "understanding their total vulnerability in the current global geopolitical situation," the Russian foreign ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Russian tech firm Gagaring offers jobs to Volkswagen employees on chopping block

For those who accept the offer, the laboratory guarantees permanent employment contracts, a competitive salary, and comprehensive relocation support for specialists and their families

Ukrainian military uses Grad multiple rocket launcher to attack Russia’s Bryansk Region

The attack killed a 15-year-old girl and her grandmother

Kuwaiti air defenses repel attack of Iranian drones, missiles

The news came shortly after reports of Iranian drone strikes on a US military base with helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft in Bahrain

Explosions heard in city of Bushehr in Iran — agency

No further details were provided

EU distributes military orders to Ukraine to attack Russia — Russian Foreign Ministry

Zakharova said that the EU leadership openly uses such "summits" as a lever to force the Balkan and other states "to demonstrate loyalty to the militaristic aspirations of Euro-Atlantic circles

VK, Max apps disappear from Google Play

Installed services and apps continue to work normally, VK said

Israeli parliament rules to dissolve itself ahead of October 27 elections — Ynet

The Party Financing Law, which contained this provision, was adopted overnight in its second and third readings, It was supported by 62 out of 120 lawmakers, with no abstentions

Russian forces hammer Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,450 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russian-made Supercam S350 drone sees growing demand on world market — producer

The Supercam S350 attracts potential foreign customers’ interest thanks to its versatile capabilities and dual-purpose potential, Unmanned Systems Group Spokeswoman Yekaterina Zgirovskaya noted

Russian troops trying to eliminate pocket of resistance in DPR — official

Igor Kimakovsky added that Russian forces are expanding their zone of control near Konstantinovka from the west and east, particularly near the Dolgaya Balka settlement

Houthis threaten to attack Saudi oil facilities

The attacks will be a response to any aggression by the kingdom against the rebels, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said

Explosions rip through Bandar Abbas in Iran — agency

It did not elaborate

China News Service: Hainan supports development of China's reusable rocket technology

The Wenchang Space Launch Site has become a testing ground for reusable rocket technologies, which are expected to enhance China's international competitiveness in the commercial space industry by significantly reducing costs

Russia concerned by South Korea’s expanding military cooperation with NATO — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko met with South Korean Ambassador to Moscow Lee Seok Bae

EU defense spending nearing pre-World War II levels, Russian diplomat says

According to various estimates, planned defense-industrial spending in some member states is approaching the levels seen on the eve of World War II," Yulia Zhdanova said

Iranian drones attack US air base in Bahrain — Tasnim

The report said the attack came as part of Iran’s military operation against US bases in the Middle East in response to continued US attacks on Iran

Zaporozhye nuclear power plant pained by death of chief engineer — director

According to Yury Chernichuk, the death of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant employee responsible for nuclear safety is an irreparable tragedy

Another series of explosions heard in Qatar’s capital Doha

The second series of blasts presumably were caused by air defenses engaging targets

Cabinet reshuffle in Ukraine, economic challenges: key topics of new Kremlin briefing

The Kremlin is following what’s going on in and around Ukrainian politics amid the ongoing special military operation, Dmitry Peskov said

Two people were killed, 11 wounded in DPR over day due to actions of Ukrainian military

According to his information, the outskirts of Volnovakha, Yasinovataya and Gorlovka came under attack

Russian military inspectors to hold observation flight over the Czech Republic this week

The observation flight is carried out with the use of an An-30B aircraft

Millions sign online petition demanding Argentina be booted from World Cup

The petition claims that FIFA and the referees are biased toward Lionel Messi and the Argentininan national team

Kiev regime’s reshuffle is of little significance to Russia — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that resolving the situation and ensuring its interests were more important things for Russia

Russia appeals to WTO to resolve dispute over EU carbon regulations

The panel established in response to the request must assess the consistency of CBAM with WTO agreement rules

Russian forces strike Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

IN BRIEF: What we know about death of Zaporozhye nuke chief engineer from Ukrainian strike

On July 15, Ukraine struck a service vehicle of the nuclear power plant with a drone, killing Alexander Yakovlev and his driver

Professor Jeffrey Sachs is right: Ukraine risks losing Odessa, says Duma member

According to Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Ukraine is losing ground every day

Press review: Trump stuck over Iran war and Zaporozhye chief’s killing may affect peace

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 16th