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President asks French leader, European Council chief to discuss Georgia issue

Сouncil meeting is scheduled for April 17

TBILISI, April 16. /TASS/. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has asked French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President Charles Michel to discuss the situation in Georgia at a council meeting on April 17, the presidential administration said in a statement.

"Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has asked Charles Michel and Emmanuel Macron to discuss the current events in Georgia at tomorrow’s meeting of the European Council, even though the issue is not on the agenda," the statement reads.

Protests against a foreign agent bill have been going on in Tbilisi since Monday. On Tuesday, protests escalated into clashes with police. Police officers used tear gas to push demonstrators back from the service entrance to the parliament building.

In early April, the ruling Georgian Dream party announced its decision to reintroduce the bill a year after the initiative had triggered mass protests, making the authorities opt against adopting it. The bill is almost identical to last year’s, with one exception: the term "agent of foreign influence" has been replaced with "organization pursuing foreign interests."

The party's decision to reintroduce the bill caused a negative reaction from the opposition and President Salome Zurabishvili, as well as from the EU and US embassies. According to those opposing the idea, the bill will hinder the country’s integration into the European Union.

Foreign agent laws are in effect in Russia, some Western countries, Israel and China. The United States was the first to adopt the Foreign Agents Registration Act in 1938.

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Hamas receives proposal to release 33 hostages in exchange to ceasefire — TV

The proposal consists of two phases, the first of which calls for 20 to 33 hostages to be released in exchange for the pause in hostilities

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

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

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

Russian drone operators destroy Ukrainian positions near Semyonovka, Spornoye

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

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

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

Russian drivers bought 500,000 baseball bats last year to settle road disputes — police

Only one pair of baseball gloves and one ball was sold over that year

Former US NSA employee sentenced for purported interaction with Russia

Jareh Sebastian admitted that "he used an encrypted email account to transmit excerpts of three classified documents to an individual he believed to be a Russian agent"

Hamas receives proposal to release 33 hostages in exchange to ceasefire — TV

The proposal consists of two phases, the first of which calls for 20 to 33 hostages to be released in exchange for the pause in hostilities

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

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

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"

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

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

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

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

Russia security chief, US security adviser hold talks as preparation for top-level contact

According to the statement, during the conversation, Nikolai Patrushev and Jake Sullivan agreed to join efforts to improve the atmosphere of Russian-US relations and increase trust between the two countries

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

Netanyahu asks Biden to prevent issuing of ICC warrants against Israeli officials — report

A spokesperson of the US National Security Council refused to comment on the phone call between the two leaders, but pointed out Washington’s position, which says that the ICC jurisdiction does not cover the situation in Palestine

Republika Srpska president praises Moscow-Banja Luka relations, favors strengthening them

Milorad Dodik also touched upon the topic of sanctions mentioned by Patrushev earlier

Russian defense chief points to West’s double standards on right to self-defense

In this regard, Sergey Shoigu mentioned the operation that Tehran carried out "in retaliation for a blatant attack on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus"

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

Mark Garber quits Rusal board

The decision to resign will come into force on June 28

Over 3,100 foreign mercenaries fight for Ukraine, most of them from US

The Russian Investigative Committee added that measures are underway to locate their whereabouts and bring them to criminal liability

Izvestia correspondent Semyon Eremin killed in special operation zone

The tragedy occurred near the village of Priyutnoye located on the border of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Zaporozhye Region

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

Russian forces destroy over 13,000 Ukrainian tanks, other vehicles since special op start

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a total of 517 aircraft, 253 helicopters, 8,392 unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed

Mortar gunners destroy about ten Ukrainian servicemen

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

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

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

Russia, China share vision on global affairs — defense chief

Sergey Shoigu stressed that friendly relations between Russia and China "continue to develop at a high rate, expanding in all areas, so it is no exaggeration to say that they have reached a high point"

Trump praises Putin, Xi as 'very smart' people

Earlier, Trump said he gets along very well with Putin as he reiterated that the Ukraine crisis would have never escalated, had he been US president

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

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

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

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

Turkey leases Libya’s port of Khoms for 99 years to deploy military base there — TV

Turkey will reportedly station combat drones and air defense systems at a base to be built in the region

US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

"The American aid won’t save Zelensky. New weapons will be destroyed, and the special military operation goals will be achieved," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Kiev openly flaunts involvement in murder of Russian journalists — Russian mission to UN

Dmitry Polyansky noted that Russian journalist Daria Dugina, military reporter Vladlen Tatarsky, Tavriya broadcasting company editor-in-chief Rostislav Zhuravlyov, Rossiya-24 TV reporter Boris Maksudov were killed by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and their agents

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

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

Russia keeps minimum stock of blood components — federal agency

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

Dollar, euro in the red as trading session kicks off

Yuan ticked up by 0.25 kopecks to 12.7 rubles

THAAD in South Korea poses direct threat to Russian security, ambassador says

Russia’s ambassador to Seoul believes "the deployment of THAAD batteries in South Korea goes beyond the bounds of tasks of deterring a ‘North Korean’ threat - real or imaginary"

Swiss conference on Ukraine undermines European security — Russian diplomat

In Maxim Buyakevich words, neither the talks nor their outcome can change the existing political and territorial realities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner of Moscow Half Marathon sets new competition record

The runner covered the 21.1 kilometers in one hour, two minutes and 39 seconds

Soros family makes deal with Kiev to use Ukrainian land as toxic waste dump — journalist

"This agreement authorizes the disposal of chemical waste from companies linked with financier George Soros in the black soil of Ukraine," he said

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

Blinken speaks in favor of immediate ceasefire in Gaza Strip — Department of State

According to the spokesman, Blinken had a meeting with foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization

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

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

Senior security official says Russia isn’t at war with Ukraine

Nikolay Patrushev said Ukrainian traditions are familiar to Russians, just like the Russian heritage is inseparable from Ukrainian culture

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 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

Hungary sees Ukraine conflict entering new phase, NATO involvement rising

According to the minister Gergely Gulyas, the North Atlantic Alliance "wants to provide financial assistance, as well as supply weapons and train Ukrainian soldiers"

Belarus to build in Murmansk by 2028 terminal to handle 25-30 million tons of cargo

According to the Murmansk Region's Governor Andrey Chibis, the investor will receive extensive support for the project implementation

New secure communication system tested for Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet

In addition to advanced anti-jamming technologies, the system "ensures constant cryptographic protection of communications"

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

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

Participants the mourning events laid flowers and wreaths to three memorials

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

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

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

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

Number of flooded homes in Russia drops to 9,341

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

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

Tucker Carlson interviews Russian philosopher Dugin

The interview lasted over 20 minutes

Lugansk republic’s acting head notes more blatant NATO participation in Donbass conflict

Talking to TASS, Pasechnik also reiterated that thousands of mercenaries from more than 50 countries are fighting in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the zone of Russia's special military operation

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

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

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

Several improvised explosive devices were found at the scene

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

Key facts about the '90s price liberalization in Russia

By mid-1991, no funds had been left in the Soviet government’s budget to subsidize state prices

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

First group of suspected coup plotters goes on trial in Germany

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

Ukraine’s force in Donbass is estimated at 90,000 men — Donetsk militia

Most Ukrainian forces are on the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Eduard Basurin noted

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

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

Unaware of decline of its military industry US gets trapped in Ukraine — French historian

Emmanuel Todd believes that "one of Washington's goals is to prevent a rapprochement between Russia and Germany"

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

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

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

No details provided

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

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

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

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

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

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

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

Panic on frontline growing on Ukrainian side — Kremlin

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

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

Press review: NATO flexes muscles near Russian border and South China Sea runs hot

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 24th

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

Russia says its battlegroup West seized better positions

The Russian forces also foiled a counterattack of an assault group of the Ukrainian 80th mechanized brigade in the vicinity of the Krasnoye settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic

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

Russian GDP gain 5.4% in Q1 2024 — Economy Ministry

In March 2024, the Russian economy grow by 4.2% annually

Japanese yen falls record low against dollar — trading data

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

Houthis attack two commercial vessels, two US destroyers

Movement’s representative Yahya Saria said that the Ansar Allah delivered drone strikes on two US destroyers in the Red Sea. According to him, the hits "reached their targets"

France preparing contingent of 2,000 troops to be sent to Ukraine — intelligence chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French military "fears that such a large military unit cannot be transferred and stationed in Ukraine unnoticed"