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IAEA temporarily recalls inspectors from Iranian sites — Russian envoy

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said earlier that the escalation in the Middle East did not affect the mission of inspectors at Iranian nuclear facilities

VIENNA, April 16. /TASS/. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is temporarily withdrawing its inspectors from Iran amid tensions in the region, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna has said.

"In view of the tensions in the region, the IAEA has decided to temporarily recall its inspectors from Iranian nuclear facilities," Ulyanov said on his Telegram channel.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said earlier that the escalation in the Middle East did not affect the mission of inspectors at Iranian nuclear facilities: the Iranian authorities notified the agency that the country's nuclear facilities will be closed on April 14 for security reasons. Grossi noted that for the sake of the inspectors' safety the organization decided to resume inspections on April 16.

Military operation in Ukraine

Russian forces liberate settlement of Semyonovka in Donetsk People’s Republic

Inflicting a defeat on forces of the 68th Infantry Brigade, the 23rd and 115th mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces, the 109 Territorial Defense Brigade and mercenaries from the International Legion near Novoalexandrovka, Arkhangelskoye, Tarasovka and Zavetonoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Russia proposes new rules for foreigners buying sim cards, requires biometric data

People covered under the new rules will only be allowed to buy a sim card at physical telecom locations, and not via the Internet

Infrastructure facility suffers damage in Kiev-controlled part of Kherson Region

No details provided

West prepares puppet structures in case of coup in Belarus — KGB

Ivan Tertel said various methods were being considered, up to "instigating a forceful seizure by illegal armed groups" being trained in the West and Ukraine

Chinese diplomat comments on Blinken’s warning on support to Russia

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that the US was supplying Ukraine with arms and ammunition and at the same time making unfounded accusations regarding trade between China and Russia

British maritime agency reports another incident off Yemen coast

According to the British maritime security company Ambrey, a Malta-flagged container ship came under attack while on route from Djibouti to the Saudi port of Jeddah

Mass graves of civilians with traces of torture found in Avdeyevka

DPR’s emergencies services told TASS earlier that tens of thousands of munitions had been disposed of in Avdeyevka

Press review: Belarus' new national security strategy and Russia, US butt heads at UN

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 26th

Russian envoy attends solemn event dedicated to liberation of Sachsenhausen death camp

Participants the mourning events laid flowers and wreaths to three memorials

Russian upper house speaker slams PACE as vacuous, worthless structure

Valentina Matviyenko stressed that Russia is a sovereign and mighty state, which pursues an open, clear and independent foreign policy

Police lifts cordon near parliament building in Tbilisi

The situation was the most tense there during the rally but the decision was made to lift the cordon after protesters started leaving the street

Japanese yen falls record low against dollar — trading data

For the first time since April 1990, the dollar climbed above 160 yens

Israeli Air Force carries out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon — army

Among the targets struck were operational infrastructure in the area or Jabal Blat, as well as a number of Hezbollah military structures in the area of Marwahin

Erdogan moves back from May 9 his trip to US — report

The report hasn’t been officially confirmed

Biden, Netanyahu discuss immediate ceasefire in Gaza — White House

Biden and Netanyahu also discussed increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin "is well-known"

Several settlements come under shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

A shelling attack on the village of Tetkino caused fire, which damaged four single-family houses and an auxiliary building

Belgium’s rejection of exchange of assets in Russia to impede process — Kremlin

It was reported earlier that the Belgian side did not recognize the exchange of blocked assets

NATO defense ministers to discuss support for Ukraine in Brussels on May 16

The first session will see the Chiefs of Defense meet in a NATO-Ukraine Council format to discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation on the ground, and NATO and Allied continued support to Ukraine

Ukraine’s army chief acknowledges Russia’s successes in several frontline areas

Thus, according to Syrsky, the most difficult situation for the Ukrainian army is unfolding in the Pokrovksky and Kurakhovsky areas in the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), where Ukrainian units had to retreat

European banks’ tax payments in Russia rise four-fold in 2023 — newspaper

The Financial Times notes that more than half of the European banks’ tax payments correspond to Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International

Russian cabinet extends obligatory sale of foreign currency revenue for one year

The move is to facilitate maintenance of stability of the foreign currency exchange rate and sustainability of the Russian financial market, the government noted

Press review: US tries to strong-arm China and Zelensky's bid to bring men home

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 25th

Minsk, Moscow agree on next tranche for import substitution

"The issue of developing a joint shipbuilding program" is being under review now within the framework of cooperation with Russia," Alexander Rogozhnik said

Zelensky’s legitimacy to be soon called in question — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, it will be done from the legal point of view in any case

Putin’s inauguration to be aired at noon on May 7 — TV channel

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

First group of suspected coup plotters goes on trial in Germany

Federal prosecutors filed charges in the case against a total of 27 people

NATO has had no designs against Russia, will never have them, Blinken claims

During the July 2023 summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders called Russia "the most serious and direct threat to security"

Russia’s Dnepr Battlegroup destroys 21 Ukrainian drone control centers in past day

The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 50 militants, an M777 howitzer, ten mortars, five boats, said Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo

Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

US first caused, now purposefully drags out Ukraine conflict — Shoigu

The Russian top defense official added that in order to achieve its goals, Washington is exerting unprecedented pressure, including on its partners

Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the European Union’s financial system is not very stable and people are losing confidence

About 200 people taking part in protest action in Washington University — organizer

The tent camp was set on the University courtyard and in the street adjacent to it

Kiev requests over 800 Vector reconnaissance drones from Germany — media

According to Der Spiegel, last week the head of the German company Quantum-Systems GmbH, Florian Seibel, visited Ukraine together with German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck

First court hearing on Gagauzia head Gutul’s case scheduled for April 30

According to Moldova’s single judicial website, the hearing will take place in Chisinau’s Buiucani District court

Russian government adds 11 British territories to unfriendly countries list

Originally the list included only three British-controlled territories

Assad calls for Arab solidarity to ensure stability in region

According to the Syrian presidential office, the sides discussed preparations for the 33rd Arab League summit due to be held in Manama in mid-May

Xi Jinping to pay official visit to Serbia on May 7-8

It was previously reported that Xi Jinping will visit France, Serbia and Hungary from May 5 to May 10

Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

The US businessman commented on remarks by Gad Saad, a Canadian professor of Lebanese origin, who insisted that "the path that the West is taking will result in civil war"

Zelensky says Kiev negotiating with Washington its support for next 10 years

According to Zelensky, Kiev wants this agreement with the United States to be "the strongest" one among similar documents it has already signed or is planning to sign with other allies

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Top security official advises West to keep door open for joint research work with Russia

Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Ukraine exhausted, needs constant money flow from outside — defense official

Apty Alaudinov added that if the Ukrainian army received long-range weapons, it might try to attack Russia's civilian infrastructure due to its powerlessness on the front

Humza Yousaf steps down as Scotland’s first minister

Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf also asked to start the fight for leadership to replace him as soon as possible

French economy minister says still thinks ant-Russian sanctions are effective

According to Bruno Le Maire, Russia’s economy is growing only thanks to military spending while nothing is invested in innovation, research and artificial intelligence

Russian forces liberate settlement of Semyonovka in Donetsk People’s Republic

Inflicting a defeat on forces of the 68th Infantry Brigade, the 23rd and 115th mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces, the 109 Territorial Defense Brigade and mercenaries from the International Legion near Novoalexandrovka, Arkhangelskoye, Tarasovka and Zavetonoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Gazprom delivering 41.9 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe through Ukraine via Sudzha

The volume also stood at 42.4 mln cubic meters on April 28

Dollar, euro in the red as trading session kicks off

Yuan ticked up by 0.25 kopecks to 12.7 rubles

Panic on frontline growing on Ukrainian side — Kremlin

Russia must support the current dynamics in the special military operation zone, Dmitry Peskov said

About 2,000 people to be evacuated in North Poland due to unexploded ordnance

The unexploded ordnance was found near a retail site in Kazimierz on April 25

Musk sees plans for ten-year security agreement for Ukraine as ‘insane’

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said earlier that Ukrainian and US officials were discussing the amount of military, financial and other aid to Kiev for the next ten years as part of talks on a bilateral security agreement

Russian cutting-edge missile frigate holds artillery firings in Arctic drills

"The combat exercises were conducted in the Barents Sea waters closed for shipping," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia keeps minimum stock of blood components — federal agency

"Every day plenty of patients require transfusion aid," the official added

Russia’s response to West’s seizure of Russian frozen assets to be tough — diplomat

Maria Zakharova drew attention to The Wall Street Journal’s report that Germany allegedly wants to leave Russia’s frozen assets intact to used them as a tool during the conflict settlement talks to force Russia cede part of the Ukrainian territory it has taken control of

Istanbul accords could have stopped hostilities in Ukraine — German newspaper

The deal still looks advantageous even after two years of war, Welt am Sonntag said

West to attempt to ‘play chicken’ with Russia — Kremlin

It is important not to succumb, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Musk travels to China — Reuters

He had not advertised the trip in advance

Russia to grant asylum to Kyrgyz citizen convicted of participation in special military op

According to Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Irina Volk, the young man lived in Russia even before the start of the special military operation and worked in the film industry

Cosmonauts accomplished spacewalking tasks ahead of time

Cosmonauts deployed a small-size radio detector on the Science module surface and installed experimental equipment outside the Search module during EVA

German minister highlights Soviet troops’ role in liberating Auschwitz-Birkenau camp

According to German Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir, the lesson of National Socialism is that war must never happen again

Checks on Russian-Kazakh border due to remaining terrorist threat — diplomat

Russian border guards are in direct contact with foreign partners, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Slovak PM says will always stand for peaceful settlement of conflict in Ukraine

Robert Fico voiced criticism about the initiative of Slovak civic activists who have raised some four million euro to provide military assistance to Kiev

Two police officers killed in militant attack in Russia’s North Caucasus

Several improvised explosive devices were found at the scene

Senators to consider within week candidates for heads of foreign, security ministries

The decision of the Federation Council will be formalized as a resolution, which senators are to vote for at a plenary session

Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

Russian troops improved their tactical position and repelled eight Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Avdeyevka area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Portuguese government refuses to pay reparations for colonial past

The colonial empire at various times included Angola, Brazil, East Timor, Cape Verde and Mozambique, as well as some parts of India

US shot down five drones over Red Sea — USCENTCOM

"It was determined the UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S. coalition, and merchant vessels in the region," it said

Police using tear gas against protesters in Tbilisi

Thousands of people gathered in Tbilisi’s central square on Sunday to protest against the notorious foreign agent law

Georgian ex-minister detained at rally in Tbilisi against bill on foreign agents

Alexi Petriashvili was detained during skirmishes with police, when protesters tried to break the cordon of law enforcement personnel and rush into the stage in front of the parliament

Mortar gunners destroy about ten Ukrainian servicemen

Russian fighters occupied better positions owing to accurate mortar fire and concerted action

Russian drone operators destroy Ukrainian positions near Semyonovka, Spornoye

Troops of the combat group "South" destroyed Ukrainian positions near two settlements

Russia delivers 35 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week — top brass

Russian troops liberated the communities of Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and advanced deep into the enemy defense

Estonia looking at closing one more checkpoint on border with Russia in nighttime

The closure of the border crossing in the nighttime may entail negative economic consequences for nearby settlements

Hezbollah shells Israeli Air Force base, neighboring settlements

Al Mayadeen TV reported that at least 30 projectiles were fired at the facility from several rocket launchers

Imedi TV Channel reporter injured in Tbilisi during clashes

Lana Pogosova "was injured when protest action participants attempted to break through metal fencing," the TV channel said

Hezbollah units launch rocket projectiles against North Israel

Fire was also opened against positions of the Israel Defense Forces in areas of Kfarchouba and Shebaa close to Golan Heights

Kiev regime’s brutality: Ukrainian POWs open up about ruthless anti-retreat squads

According to one of them, a platoon, which refused to fight, left, and no one ever saw them again

Number of flooded homes in Russia drops to 9,341

Most of the flooded homes are in the Orenburg, Kurgan and Tyumen regions

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

Top Azerbaijani, Armenian diplomats to meet in Almaty soon — President Aliyev

Aliyev pledged that Azerbaijan will spare no effort to continue the peaceful agenda and stressed that Baku has a strong political will for that

Involvement of US nuclear potential in drills around DRPK affects Russia’s interests

Vasily Nebenzya noted the militarization of the region with direct involvement of Washington and other NATO member states, "located tens of thousands of kilometers away from North Korea"

Economic figures turn out above projections in early 2024 — Putin

Russia’s GDP grew by 6% in January-February in annual terms, the Russian president stressed

US authorizes energy-related transactions with Russian banks until November 1

According to the document, the banks in question include the Central Bank of Russia, VTB, Alfa Bank, Sberbank, Vneshekonombank, Otkrytiye, Sovkombank, Rosbank, Zenit and Sankt-Peterburg

Ukraine says Western systems ineffective against Russia's electronic warfare

Maria Berlinskaya emphasized that the real effectiveness was determined in real combat conditions, and not at "some training ground in Texas"

Russian troops recover first Abrams tank from special military operation zone

It will be put on public display at the Patriot Park on Poklonnaya Hill

More children killed in Gaza over 6 months than in all world conflicts in 4 years — UNRWA

Philippe Lazzarini pointed out that it is very difficult to get precise figures under war situation

Israeli delegation invited to talks in Cairo — news outlet

Invitation to the delegation from Israel is aimed at expediting the process of reaching an agreement between the parties

China, US free to have their own friends, partners — President Xi

Beijing sticks to the principle of non-alignment with any blocs, the Chinese leader said and called on Washington "to refrain from teaming up in small groups"

Russian mission to UN critisizes post of Lithuanian ambassador on Crimean Bridge

On Friday, Lithuanian Ambassador to Sweden Linas Linkevicius published the photo of the bridge, saying "If someone hasn't had a chance to take a photo at the Kerch bridge, it's still time

Russia’s Battlegroup East improves frontline positions — top brass

The adversary lost up to 85 troops, four pickup trucks, two self-propelled artillery systems, an electronic warfare station and a field munitions depot

US defeat in Ukraine only matter of time, says North Korean Defense Ministry official

The head of the North Korean Defense Ministry’s Department of External Military Affairs slammed the US for pushing for an escalation of the conflict and trying to change the situation in Ukraine at any cost

UNRWA Chief: Number of child lives lost in Gaza is staggering

Lukoil to acquire 100% of Shell Oil - company

Earlier, the Federal Antimonopoly Service announced that it had approved Lukoil's application to buy 99.99% of Shell Neft

Ireland facing influx of illegal migrants from UK

"This country will not in any way shape or form provide a loophole for anybody else's migration challenges," Prime Minister of republic Simon Harris said

Russia strikes major thermal power plant in western Ukraine — underground resistance

Five missiles hit Dnepropetrovsk while a strong blow with the subsequent detonation was registered in Krivoi Rog, the spokesman specified

Battlegroup South improves frontline positions — Russian Defense Ministry

Forces of Russia’s Battlegroups East and West have moved to more advantageous positions in the special military operation zone

Dollar almost completely gone from Russia-China trade relations — Lavrov

"The supply of our agricultural products to the Chinese market is growing," the top Russian diplomat noted

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

UK’s Cameron calls on Hamas to accept ‘very generous’ offer on ceasefire in Gaza

In his opinion, Hamas has been given "a very generous offer of sustained 40 days ceasefire, the release of potentially thousands of Palestinian prisoners, in return for the release of these hostages" that have remained in captivity for over 200 days