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Militants bring containers with toxic chemicals to Syria’s Idlib - Russian military

According to the official, around 15 terrorists sustained chemical burns of skin and respiratory tract as a result

MOSCOW, February 26. /TASS/. Militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) have delivered containers with a toxic substance, presumably chlorine, to the town of Kafr Lusin in Syria’s Idlib governorate, said Oleg Zhuravlev, the deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria.

"According to information obtained by Syrian special services, militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra group delivered containers with a poisonous substance, presumably chlorine, to the town of Kafr Lusin in the Idlib governorate. One of the containers was seriously damaged, as a result of careless handling during transportation," he told reporters on Saturday.

According to the official, around 15 terrorists sustained chemical burns of skin and respiratory tract as a result.

Zhuravlev added that in the past 24 hours, two incidents of shelling by the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) were recorded in the Aleppo section of the Idlib de-escalation zone.

Military operation in Ukraine

Ukrainian shelling leaves 11 injured in Kherson Region - governor’s press service

The attack involved HIMARS rockets

Slovakia’s Fico between life and death, it is loss for Slovakia, Hungary — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister believes that the upcoming months will be extremely important for the future of Europe in due to the upcoming European Parliament elections and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine

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Legitimate Ukrainian president needed to sign any agreements, says Putin

Ukraine was expected to hold its presidential election in March but the vote was canceled because martial law is in effect in the country

Russian troops destroy 600 combat aircraft in Ukraine operation — top brass

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US believes Hamas not ready for hostage deal with Israel now — news outlet

According to Axios, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said at a meeting with ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of 17 countries that Hamas has withdrawn from negotiations with Israel as it hopes to increase international pressure on the Jewish state by demanding an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip

Born out of love: Putin hears heartwarming tale of panda Katyusha’s birth

Svetlana Akulova noted that the mama panda turned out to have very strong maternal instincts

Russia has no plans today to seize Kharkov, says Putin

The current Kiev regime is to blame for ongoing battles in the Kharkov direction, the Russian leader stressed

Russian troops deliver 28 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week

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Seven servicemen hurt in blast in territory of Military Academy in St. Petersburg

The explosion occurred during clean-up operations at basement premises in the utility zone of the Budenny Military Academy, the press service of the Leningrad Military District reported

Gaza ceasefire talks suspended — radio

The talks have reached an impasse because the parties to the conflict cannot agree on the conditions for the release of hostages, the Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported

Russia working on logistics with Gulf countries — deputy PM Khusnullin

The work is underway on development of international transport corridors in different directions, Marat Khusnullin added

Russia takes control of more land than Ukraine in 2023 counteroffensive — newspaper

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin said, commenting on Russia’s offensive operations in Ukraine, that the goal was to create "a sanitary zone" to protect border areas from shelling attacks

Russian, Chinese scientists working on carbon footprint reduction — Putin

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Australia announces another package of anti-Russia sanctions

"Australia condemns, in the strongest possible terms, North Korea’s illegal export and Russia’s procurement and use of North Korean ballistic missiles," the statement reads

US directly responsible for emergence, escalation of Ukrainian crisis — Beijing

On May 16, US Department of State Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel noted that China cannot improve relations with Europe, if it will support Russia at the same time, allegedly fueling the Russian military-industrial complex

Putin apologizes to Harbin residents for tight security measures over his visit

"The greatest impression lies in the power of Harbin," the Russian leader noted, adding that "Harbin has turned into a powerful world-scale megacity in recent years"

Commander-in-chief warns Russian troops can circumvent Ukrainian forces in Kharkov Region

Kiev acknowledges that the situation in the Kharkov Region is extremely difficult for the Ukrainian troops

Russian servicemen seize British FV104 Samaritan armored ambulance — top brass

"The vehicle has already been repaired and is being prepared to be added to the collection of foreign trophy weapons," the Russian Defense Ministry said

Foreign aid to Ukraine a money laundering scheme, head of Chechnya says

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that there is no need to worry about hostilities currently happening on Russian territory

Finnish president says Helsinki doesn’t ask for hosting NATO nuclear weapons on its soil

Alexander Stubb pointed out that after joining the North Atlantic Alliance, Finland wants to play a meaningful role in it

Over 500 military, special vehicles commissioned to Russia’s Central Military District

According to the press office, the commissioned vehicles made it possible to complete equipment of seven motorized infantry and tank units

Crowd gathered in central Bishkek agrees to disperse after talks with top police officer

The meeting was held in a generally calm atmosphere, the 24.kg news agency reported

Russia, China warn US, NATO against setting up military infrastructure in Afghanistan

The leaders of Russia and China also expressed their intention "to boost Afghanistan-related partner interaction both at the bilateral level and on multilateral platforms"

Russia demands UN arbitration on non-issuance of US visas — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov added that the question of finding alternatives for relevant events has been discussed, including on official platforms

Shipments of long-range missiles to Kiev may expand ‘buffer zone’ toward Poland — Medvedev

"Once the Kiev regime uses Storm Shadow / SCALP-EG missiles with a range of at least 550 kilometers when the distance between Belgorod and Kiev is 429 kilometers, practically the entire central and most of the western parts of Ukraine fall within this sanitary zone," the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council said

Sino-Russian trade to reach $300 bln by 2030 — deputy minister

Bilateral relations between Russia and China should be expanded with "detailed plans, roadmaps with specific events and projects," Dmitry Volvach noted

Multipolar world a dominating issue at Kazan Forum — senator

"As long as the world is unipolar, this world will be extremely unstable, this world will continually generate threats," Konstantin Kosachev said

Putin says up to Ukraine’s judicial system to decide on Zelensky’s legitimacy

"It’s a matter of assessment. And this assessment should primarily be made by the Constitutional Court and the political system in Ukraine itself," the Russian president reiterated

Russian troops advance towards Borovaya in eastern Kharkov region — official

Vitaly Ganchev added that as of today, more than 200 square kilometers of the region had been liberated from the Ukrainian armed forces

Slovakia’s PM Fico still in intensive care — TV

According to the report, Robert Fico is in stable but still serious condition

Russian air defenses down Ukrainian drone over Crimea

The Kiev regime’s attempt to use a fixed-wing drone to carry out a terrorist attack on targets in Russia was foiled, Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement

Putin explains Russian army’s operation near Kharkov by need to create buffer zone

Civilians are being killed there as a result of Kiev’s bombardments, which is obvious, the Russian leader noted

Putin’s visit reveals futility of US’ attempts to exert pressure on China — Indian expert

Melkulangara Bhadrakumar added that closer relations with China will "strengthen Russia's position and become a stepping through for major events"

Ukrainian servicemen complain about heavy losses due to shortage of equipment, munitions

Ukrainian forces lose a large number of armored vehicles to Russian FPV drones, platoon commander Alexander Belyayev said

Press review: Day one of Putin's China visit and US stands by Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 17th

US sanctions against Russia 'terrible stupidity' — Putin

"This situation, when one country dictates its will to the rest of the world, including in the political sphere, using financial and economic instruments, is unacceptable," the Russian president stressed

Energy infrastructure facility suffers damage in Ukraine’s Poltava Region

Ukrainian media outlets reported explosions in the city of Mirgorod

Russia to take response measures amid nuclear threats — senior diplomat

"Yet this vagueness has always been typical of the Western group’s doctrinal approaches, including nuclear weapons," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Confiscation of Russian assets by Estonia for transfer to Ukraine is theft — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin stressed that Russia considers this "a violation of international law"

Ukraine’s military has about 2,000-strong garrison in Kherson — resistance fighters

Ukrainian service members have been moving little in the city lately and normally only at night, the Kherson Resistance guerilla unit commander added

Law on new rules of mobilization comes into force in Ukraine

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European Council suspends broadcasting activity of four Russian media outlets

According to the Council, this ban does not apply to any activities other than broadcasting

Fico’s bodyguards saved his life — Slovakia’s Interior Minister

"The prime minister’s personal protection group acted absolutely properly amid a rapidly developing emergency situation," Matus Sutaj-Estok underlined

Armenian ruling party says PM Pashinyan will not resign

Grass-roots protests against the delimitation and demarcation of the border with Azerbaijan in the Tavush region and ceding four villages to Baku are coordinated by the Tavush for the Homeland movement

Russian Northern Fleet’s naval group embarks on long-distance deployment

"The naval group’s ships have set their course towards the Atlantic Ocean through designated areas of the Barents Sea," the press office said

Another five Chinese brands to enter Russian market in 2024

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Russia, Iran working to create single BRICS currency — Iranian ambassador

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Russia, China may pool efforts to create materials for future spacecraft — scientist

"It is fundamentally important to achieve the minimum mass while retaining such properties as strength and resistance to adverse external effects," Yevgeny Alexandrov pointed out

Israeli army says radical commander eliminated in airstrike on Jenin

Islam Khamayseh was involved in organizing a number of terror attacks in the area, the army’s press service reported

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French army train unit of ‘super covert’ scouts in Estonia — radio

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Diplomat warns about response to EU ban on broadcasting of Russian media outlets

According to the Russian diplomat, the EU decision is based "solely on political motives."

Kiev asks US to lift restrictions on using weapons against targets in Russia — newspaper

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Ukrainian troops leave most positions in Netailovo near Avdeyevka, says DPR

It is reported that the Ukrainian military had been unsuccessfully trying to bring in reserves to hold the defense

Russian troops use latest Upyr FPV drones in Kharkov push

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Slovakia’s PM in 'very serious' condition, president-elect says

Peter Pellegrini added that "the next few hours and days" will be decisive for Robert Fico, who is staying at a hospital in the town of Banska Bystrica

Americans undermine trust in dollar, its role as reserve currency themselves — Putin

The Russian leader noted that solutions on how to make payments are possible and do exist

Expert sees attack on Slovak PM as challenge to all opponents of war in Ukraine

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Taiwan records approach of 18 Chinese aircraft, four warships

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Over 10,000 Ukrainian fighters surrender since summer using special radio frequency

According to the source, the radio frequency operates in all directions of the line of engagement in the special military operation zone

North Pole platform back to Murmansk after 18-month-long Arctic mission

The expedition North Pole-41 was a continuation of the program for comprehensive research in the high latitudes of the Arctic founded by Soviet scientists decades ago

'Sanitary zone' near Kharkov and talks on Ukraine: What Putin told the media in Harbin

Even though Vladimir Putin’s visit to China was a state one, "it was a purely working trip"

Ukrainian army’s logistics centers hit in Odessa Region

Assassination attempt on Slovak PM Fico was planned in advance — defense minister

It is reported that doctors are doing everything possible to stabilize the patient

State Duma approves Mikhail Mishustin as Chairman of Russian Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin thanked State Duma lawmakers for approving his candidacy for the prime minister’s office

Russia warns US, EU, Kiev they are playing with fire — MFA about Ukrainian strikes

Maria Zakharova pointed out that behind these barbaric attacks with Western weapons the silhouettes of US and British handlers of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's were clearly visible

Dedollarization of Russia-China trade will continue — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also highly praised the cooperation between the regions of Russia and the provinces of China and emphasized its contribution to the development of the Russian territories bordering China

London blacklists two Russian companies, one firm from North Korea

The restrictions were imposed on Vostochnaya Stevedoring Co LLC and Toplivo Bunkering Company, as well as North Korean Paekyangsan Shipping Company

Kyrgyz security forces cordon off street in center of Bishkek where crowd gathers

According to the 24.kg news agency, about 1,000 people, who arrived there after the fight in the hostel, gathered behind the cordon

Hungary vetoes Council of Europe resolution on Ukraine — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto said he had asked the Council of Europe to include alternative peace plans to the resolution but that his proposal had been declined by a majority vote

Current Kiev regime rooted in coup — Putin

The Russian leader blamed Kiev’s sponsors in the West for organizing this coup, saying they escalated it into an armed conflict

Starlink’s failure helps Russian army take Kiev forces by surprise in Kharkov Region — WP

In addition, Ukrainian forces were facing ammunition shortages due to a stalled US aid package

US sanctions on Russian, Chinese goods to backfire, spiking inflation at home — Putin

The Russian president noted that sanctions are elements of economic war and are nothing new

Russia to view seizure of its property as robbery — Russian MFA on Estonia’s move

Maria Zakharova added that "the Western puppeteers exploit the Baltic countries as a 'testing ground' to test the waters concerning various kinds of anti-Russian ideas"

Russia to find platforms for speaking out if US refuses to issue visas — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, it is necessary to "treat both the issuance and non-issuance of American visas with coldness and detachment"

China expects peace to recover on European continent shortly — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader added that Beijing "is ready to play its constructive role"

Putin to visit Harbin on second day of visit to China

During his visit to the administrative center of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province, the russian president will be accompanied by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng

Orban sees link between attack on pro-peace Fico, war preparations in West

According to the Hungarian prime minister, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is planning to visit Hungary in the run-up to elections to the European Parliament scheduled for June 6-9 to try and persuade Budapest to reconsider its stance

Strategic role of North Korean nuclear forces to increase by 2025 — Kim Jong Un

The North Korean leader also pointed to "the need to build an overwhelming nuclear war deterrent in response to the security situation caused by the enemies' reckless intrigues"

North Korea tested tactical ballistic missile with new guidance system on May 17

The test launch confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the system, the Korean Central News Agency reported

Russian interior ministry’s center in Nicaragua to go on working despite US sanctions

"We will continue combating drug businesses along with those partners who share these and other goals of countering common security challenges," Maria Zakharova stressed

Hungary suggests EU countries adopt Georgian-style foreign agent law, adviser says

Earlier, Hungary took measures against foreign influence on the country’s domestic policy

Putin’s visit highlights strategic partnership between Moscow, Beijing — Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev pointed out that it was a mutually beneficial and promising partnership

West should assess risks of Russia's response to asset confiscation — Foreign Ministry

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin noted that retaliatory measures "can be both symmetrical and asymmetrical in a variety of instruments, including legal, financial, and administrative"

Ukrainian troops preparing for defense in northeastern Sumy Region, says top commander

Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky said that he "inspected all the units"

Russian diplomat slams EU’s call for ensuring freedom of protest in Georgia

Georgia’s parliament passed the third reading of the bill On the Transparency of Foreign Influence on May 14

Expert says ‘sanitary zone’ in Ukraine should be 300 kilometers deep

it should be enough to make sure that US, French and British-made long-range weapons don’t reach Russia, including the country’s new regions, Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of Russia’s National Defense magazine told TASS

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace three times in past day

Three shelling attacks on positions of Syrian government troops by militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra were reported in the Idlib governorate in the Idlib de-escalation zone, Yury Popov, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine, but needs to know who is trustworthy there — Putin

The Russian leader stressed that it was politicians in Kiev who "withdrew from the negotiation process" as soon as troops were pulled back from Kiev

Qatar to focus efforts on partnership with Russia on North-South project — envoy

The North-South project is also important for many countries of the region, Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al-Thani added

Different routes for Power of Siberia 2 under discussion, including through NSR — Putin

"You can 'bribe' the tanker fleet and arrange [supplies] along the Northern Sea Route almost like through the pipeline," the Russian leader

Afghanistan to expand range of goods exported to Russia — deputy PM Overchuk

"We are interested in Afghan exports of agriculture products to our market," Alexey Overchuk said

US carries out subcritical nuclear experiment at Nevada site

The NNSA claims that the current and previous 33 subcritical experiments were consistent with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Israeli Air Force fighter jet strikes Jenin neighborhood in West Bank — army

The target of the strike was not specified

Russia, Iran turn US sanctions into new possibilities — senior Iranian diplomat

"It is impossible to build peace in the region without close economic ties," Ali Bagheri Kani said

Blast at Budenny Academy in St. Petersburg not linked with terrorism — governor

The press service of the Leningrad Military District reported earlier in the day that seven servicemen were injured in an explosion that occurred in the academy’s utilities territory when garbage was being removed from basemen premises

Relations between Gulf countries and Russia reach new level — Omani minister

According to Said bin Mohammed Al Saqri, this happened thanks to Russia’s cooperation with both the Council in general and "bilateral cooperation with each of its member countries"