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Direct Line and Vladimir Putin's Press Conference

UAE rolls out local production of Russia's Aurus luxury brand of cars — Putin

Russia has created an entire line of Aurus models, "limousines, sedans, and jeeps, and there will be a bus," the president said

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. The United Arab Emirates likes Russia’s Aurus luxury brand of cars, and has started assembling them in the UAE, President Vladimir Putin said at the combined Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference.

"The Aurus is very expensive. But it is produced in small numbers. Manufacturing abroad has even started recently, with production in the Emirates being launched, where the Aurus is being assembled. Our friends in the Emirates like these cars, along with other producers," Putin said.

Russia has created an entire line of Aurus models, "limousines, sedans, and jeeps, and there will be a bus," he added.

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Russia's domestic policy Direct Line and Vladimir Putin's Press Conference

Military operation in Ukraine

Battlegroup East disrupts attempts to reinforce Ukrainian army’s frontline positions

Strongholds and concentration areas of Ukrainian army manpower and materiel were engaged by artillery fire and heavy flamethrower systems, Battlegroup spokesman Alexander Gordeev said

Kamaz recalls over 23,000 vehicles in Russia

Transport vehicles are remembered due to the lack of an accident emergency response device, Rosstandart reported

Putin, Security Council discuss international cooperation in fight against terrorism

The President said that several speakers were scheduled to make reports and handed over the floor to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Germany to move closer to Russia, expert says

"We are going to see a definitive break between the United States and Berlin in the months ahead," Douglas Macgregor said

China never supplied weapons to parties in Ukrainian conflict — Defense Minister

China is always holding a reliable position on the Ukrainian issue and supports peace talks, Dong Jun said

Kremlin calls US ban on import of Russian uranium as 'manifestation of unfair competition'

"Our nuclear industry is one of the most advanced in the world. We will continue to develop this industry," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Chinese module lands on far side of the Moon

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First group of French military instructors already dispatched to Ukraine, says lawmaker

On May 27, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces Alexander Syrsky signed documents that should allow French instructors to visit training centers in Ukraine

Munition explosion kills deputy district administration chief in Russia’s Belgorod Region

Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov whrote about incident on Telegram

France going to war with Russia would be insane, French politicians say

Jean-Luc Melenchon also demanded France's withdrawal from NATO and a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict

War lobbyists sabotage implementation of Istanbul agreements — Erdogan

The Turkish president also pointed out that "no one knows when and how the war will end"

Press review: NATO mulls longer leash for Kiev and US, China grapple for power in Asia

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US defense chief denies NATO expansion caused Ukraine conflict

Lloyd Austin blamed the Russian authorities for the Ukraine conflict

Ukraine’s losses near Berestovoye in Kharkov Region exceed 1,500 soldiers - MP

After liberating Berestovoye, units of the Battlegroups North and West surround settlements where "nationalists have strongholds.", lawmaker Viktor Volodatsky said

NATO hopes airborne radar plane supplied to Kiev to expose Russian air defenses — expert

"Given Saab 340 AEW&C range, the system’s use is theoretically possible outside the range of Russian air defenses and fighter aircraft, including over international waters, or from positions in neighboring NATO countries," Alexander Stepanov said

Urine processor stops functioning on ISS due to pump failure

"We’re in a position where we have to store urine onboard station," NASA’s ISS Program Manager Dana Weigel said

Battlegroup East disrupts attempts to reinforce Ukrainian army’s frontline positions

Strongholds and concentration areas of Ukrainian army manpower and materiel were engaged by artillery fire and heavy flamethrower systems, Battlegroup spokesman Alexander Gordeev said

Russian MFA thinks it crucial for Taliban to have firm control over Afghanistan

"Any disintegration of Afghanistan would have the most negative reverberations across the region," Zamir Kabulov said

Iran may break through Israel’s air defenses in major attack by drones, missiles — expert

Iran has the region’s largest arsenal of ballistic missiles, estimated to number in the low thousands, Behnam Ben Taleblu noted

Press review: West pushes to take Russian assets and Moscow moves to recognize Taliban

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 30th

China committed to no first use policy — Defense Minister

"Although China was exposed to nuclear blackmailing and threats in times past, it is committed to the no first use of nuclear weapons policy <...> and unconditional renunciation of the use or the threat of using nuclear weapons against countries not having nuclear weapons or territories free from nuclear weapons," Dong Jun said

US, German officials discuss attempts to use frozen Russian assets

According to the document, the sides also discussed alleged attempts of Russia "to acquire sensitive and dual-use goods"

Indonesia’s defense chief says his peace plan on Ukraine still relevant

Prabowo Subianto convinced that his proposal at the last Shangri-La dialogue remains logical and necessary

EU has no evidence of China supplying weapons to Russia — Borrell

However, he alleged that components made in Western countries, including the United States, Europe, and Great Britain, may be used in the production of Russian military equipment

Many interesting items can be found on Jupiter moons — Musk

That is what he wrote on the X social network, commenting on a photograph of Callisto, one of four largest moons of the gas giant.

Up to 100 nations are registered to participate in 2024 BRICS Games in Russia’s Kazan

The 2024 BRICS Games will be held in Kazan on June 12-23 and will feature events in 20 different sports

France not to invite Russia to 80th anniversary of D-Day landings

TASS did not manage to get information on this issue from the event’s organizers

Fico won’t be able to resume his duties as Slovak PM for several months — MFA

On Thursday, Robert Fico was discharged from a hospital in Banska Bystrica and continues to undergo treatment at his home in Bratislava

Russia hammers Ukrainian military sites with 25 precision strikes over week

Russian combat aircraft and air defense forces shot down two Ukrainian MiG-29 and two Su-27 fighter jets over the week

Russia’s S-500 missile systems to usher in new era in air defense — Defense TV

System is highly resistant to electronic interference, which ensures its reliability even under most complex scenarios on the battlefield

Zelensky’s threats to blow up Crimean Bridge tantamount to terrorism — analyst

Nevertheless, such attempts can be made with high-precision weapons, which Britain and France have supplied to Ukraine, Igor Korotchenko said

Europe prepares for war with Russia, Hungarian PM says

According to Viktor Orban, every week he sees more and more signs that the EU and NATO are preparing for military action

Kremlin slams Clooney Foundation as insane people for idea to arrest Russian journalists

The foundation wants to encourage individual EU countries to start prosecuting Russian journalists for "war propaganda"

Polish elites chomping at the bit to occupy West Ukraine — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, in the current international climate, Poland is seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, hoping "to take revenge on Moscow for losing a geopolitical confrontation in the past"

Russian battlegroup wipes out six Ukrainian depots near Kherson in past day — governor

Among other targets, Russian forces destroyed 36 drones, a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system and 47 observation posts, Vladimir Saldo said

Russian troops compel Ukrainian army to retreat 8-9 km in Kharkov area — defense chief

Russian troops liberated 28 communities in May in their courageous and professional operations, Andrey Belousov said

Musk says jury verdict against Trump damages US legal system

The US businessman noted that if even an ex-president of the United States can be prosecuted "over such a trivial matter - motivated by politics, rather than justice," anyone "is at risk of a similar fate"

About 40 explosions heard in skies over borderline city of Belgorod

The governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that as a result of the Ukrainian forces’ air attack, four houses in the village of Razumnoye were damaged

Post-Soviet security bloc’s defense chiefs sign documents on advanced weapons supplies

The Almaty meeting of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers also involved the organization’s Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov and Chief of the General Staff Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov

Ukrainian soldier who defected on T-64 tank says he was urged in Poland to spy in Donbass

According to Maxim Likhachev, the Polish special also wanted to know about his birthplace and where his closest relatives actually lived

Bivol, Beterbiev to box on October 12

Bivol defended earlier the light heavyweight champion title of the World Boxing Association and the champion title of the International Boxing Organization

Russia’s defense chief sees NATO, EU fueling tensions in Georgia

"Proposals are being made to sign a peace treaty exclusively at Western venues and to their dictates," Andrey Belousov added

Netanyahu says he accepts invitation to speak before both chambers of US Congress

The office pointed out that Israeli Prime Minister will become the first world leader to speak before both chambers of the Congress for the fourth time

Musk says US schools realizing Orwell’s bad dream

The famous writer's quote said that "the most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history"

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Forecasts show Russia may overtake Japan in terms of GDP growth by 2030

Andrey Belousov opined that the Russian Central Bank’s key rate would remain at a high level so far, declining to 6-7% by 2027

People evacuated from Moscow subway’s Sportivnaya station — emergency management services

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Hezbollah shelled artillery battalion’s headquarters in north Israel

"Islamic resistance fighters attacked Israeli position in response to aggressive attacks against peaceful settlements in south Lebanon," the Hezbollah military information service reported

NATO never hesitated if its weapons can be used against Russia — MFA commentary

"It was obvious that the NATO members were lying, putting up a smokescreen and making up stories that they allegedly had not yet decided whether or not to allow the Kiev regime to carry out strikes with Western weapons on Russian territory," Maria Zakharova said

FACTBOX: Accident on Moscow subway’s red line

A technical malfunction disrupted traffic between the University and Park Kultury stations on the subway’s red line. According to the city authorities, no one was hurt

US forgives Kiev much as it suits Washington as tool in its anti-Russian fight — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister recalled that, in August 2021, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky advised people associating themselves with Russian culture to move to Russia for the sake of their children and grandchildren

Starliner launch to ISS postponed — NASA

"NASA, Boeing, and ULA (United Launch Alliance) are forgoing a Crew Flight Test launch attempt Sunday, June 2, to give the team additional time to assess a ground support equipment issue," the press service said

Turkish troops may be withdrawn from Syria if border security ensure — Defense Minister

Yasar Guler claimed that it was Turkey who "saved Syria from ISIS [Islamic State, outlawed in Russia] militants" and pointed out that Ankara is ready to aid Damascus in reinforcement of its security, preparation of a new Constitution and holding elections

Hungary wants to prevent Europe from entering war with Russia — Orban

According to the Prime Minister, it is necessary to prevent the implementation of EU and NATO’s dangerous plans that lead to the expansion of the conflict in Ukraine and to vote for parties that advocate peace, not war, during the upcoming elections to the European Parliament

Progress MS-27 space freighter successfully docks to ISS

The space freighter has brought a 2,504 kg space delivery to the ISS, including 1,290 kg of equipment for the station’s systems, packages for scientific experiments, wear, food, medical and sanitary supplies

Israeli army carries out massive strikes on Gaza Strip — media

Outlet added that the Israeli army was also conducting raids against suspected terrorists in the West Bank

Israel ready to continue talks on releasing hostages with Hamas — embassy in Russia

Israel expects release of three Russian citizens held captive by Hamas

Russian boxer Bivol defends WBA champion title

He won the bout with Malik Zinad from Libya by a technical knockout in the sixth round

Egypt, Qatar, US urge Hamas, Israel to reach agreement on foundation laid out by Biden

According to the mediators, these principles comprise a roadmap for achievement of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and settlement of the crisis

Ukrainian children ended up in Russia as they were rescued from fighting — Putin

Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova told the head of state about the work of reuniting children with their relatives during the special military operation

Almost 70% of Chasov Yar liberated — lawmaker

There is concrete, there are concrete fortifications, as it is not a bare steppe, said Viktor Vodolatsky

Real Madrid wins Champions League title

Spain’s Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund from Germany 2-0 in the Champions League final

France’s ex-President Sarkozy says cannot even imagine French-Russian conflict

In his opinion, Europe needs to focus on pursuing an independent policy on the continent

Medvedev cautions West not to underestimate Russia's willingness to use tactical nukes

The senior Russian official believes it is possible that the conflict between Russia and the West has already entered its final stage

Russian air defenses down 62 Ukrainian drones, 14 HIMARS rockets, three Hammer bombs

Battlegroup South took up better forward edge positions, causing Ukrainian forces to sustain roughly 660 casualties, report said

Belgium not to allow using its F-16 jets outside Ukraine — PM

Alexander De Croo also urged Europe and the United States to remain united and do their utmost in order to defend themselves and help Ukraine

CAR President thanks Putin for deliveries of grain to the republic

Faustin-Archange Touadera said that this decision made it possible to stabilize the flour prices

Russia’s Makhachev beats US fighter Poirier to defend UFC lightweight title

The bout ended by submission in the fifth round

Politician monitoring Russian election forced out of Germany, settles in Russia

The Hamburg branch of the Alternative for Germany party had initiated proceedings to expel Olga Petersen from the party

Ukrainian soldier who joined Russian forces on T-64 tank urges fight against Kiev regime

Russia’s special services reported earlier that a former Ukrainian soldier had surrendered to Russian troops near Donetsk

UAE to host 2025 Games of the Future

The first Games of the Future took place between February 21 and March 3 in Kazan, they included phygital disciplines, which united cyber and classical sports

State Duma to discuss recognizing Clooney Foundation as undesirable in Russia

The commission quoted Vasily Piskarev as saying on its Telegram channel

Russian ministry lists politician Duntsova, rights activist Litvinovich as foreign agents

Also listed were Maria Andreyeva, an activist at a group called The Way Home, and politician Pavel Ivanov

NATO countries’ intention to continue war with Russia will backfire — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that NATO countries, primarily the United States, are consciously heading for a new round of tensions and provoking Ukraine to continue a senseless war with Russia

G7, EU discuss sanctions to target ‘Russian SWIFT’ — Bloomberg

According to the agency, these measures would target third-country financial institutions using the Bank of Russia’s Financial Messaging System

Russian soldiers released from Ukrainian captivity delivered to Moscow

All the released POWs are receiving the necessary medical and psychological assistance

WHO member-states to continue pandemic agreement talks

Participants of the 77th World Health Assembly also agreed to introduce amendments to the International Health Regulations

Russian tech firm develops robotized ground system with kamikaze capability

This ‘cart’ has already been tested in the special operation area during an assault on an enemy stronghold

Ukraine claims Dnieper Hydroelectric dam in critical state

"We are not even talking about power production now, head of the Kiev-managed regional administration Ivan Fyodorov said

US on brink of severe economic crisis — VTB CEO

The world is in a state of flux now, Andrey Kostin noted

There may be no Ukraine in 50 years due to US betrayal — Tucker Carlson

US is selling off lands in Ukraine to foreign investors, and will flood country with third-world migrants, journalist stated

Hainan's Meilan Airport bonded zone sees hike in aircraft repairs — media

In the first four months of 2024, 23 airplanes and four engines were brought to the zone for mandatory maintenance and repairs

Contact with Russia on Crocus attack an example of partnership — French defense minister

"France was criticized for maintaining contact with Moscow and the Russian authorities," Sebastien Lecornu noted

Russia to give devastating response to potential aggressor — diplomat

"Russia has clearly designated its "red lines," and we strongly recommend not to cross them," Konstantin Gavrilov said

OPEC+ ministers to discuss situation in oil market

The meeting was postponed to June 2 with the change to the videoconference format

Russia confirms reports of France preparing to send troops to Ukraine

Maria Zakharova pointed to the documents signed by Alexander Syrsky, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, which give French instructors the legal right to visit the Ukrainian army’s training centers

Houthis claims next strike on US air carrier

Strikes were also delivered against a US Navy destroyer and three commercial vessels Maina, Aloraiq and Abliani, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said

Poland scrambles warplanes amid Russia’s long-range aviation activity

The Polish Air Force last scrambled its warplanes on May 26

Lawmaker, Hero of Russia, Arctic explorer Chilingarov passes at age of 84 — Duma Speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that as a pioneer, as a brave explorer of the Arctic and the Antarctic, professor, Doctor of Geography, he made an invaluable contribution to the exploration of the North and the World Ocean

Asia-Pacific Region’s countries will not allow undermining region’s stability

"We hope to live in the multipolar world of equal rights and the well-ordered one," China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun said

NATO weapons to be hit in any country from where Russia may be attacked — Medvedev

The senior Russian official added that Moscow proceeded from the fact that all long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine were already "directly operated by servicemen from NATO countries"

Chile to join South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel — President

"We cannot stop expressing our outrage over the indiscriminate and completely disproportionate actions of the Israeli Army against innocent civilians, especially Palestinian women and children," Chilean President Gabriel Boric said

Clooney Foundation for Justice calls on EU, ICC to arrest Russian journalists

The foundation also intends to encourage individual EU countries to initiate criminal proceedings against Russian journalists for the so-called war propaganda

Battlegroup North continues to advance deep into enemy’s defenses

The Ukrainian military suffered losses of up to 225 troops, a tank, six vehicles and an ammunition depot, Sergey Zybinsky, the battlegroup’s spokesman, said

Full-scale war between Russia, West can’t be ruled out, expert says

"A number of officials, particularly in France and the United Kingdom, have said that individual military units from NATO countries may be deployed to Ukraine," Russian International Affairs Council Director General Ivan Timofeev said

Robotic mine clearance vehicle tested in Mariupol — developer

Trials were also held at a training site in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Deputy CEO of High Precision Weapons company Alexander Dernovoi said

Kiev opens hunt for Ukrainian soldier who escaped to Russian troops on T-64 tank

Maksim Likhachyov said that he had guessed how the Ukrainian authorities would act but stressed he had no regret for his move

FSB releases documents showing use of children by Abwehr against Red Army

After a month of training, 10 children were transported across the Northern Donets River near the village of Kamenka in the Kharkov Region

Russian-Chinese heavy helicopter project implemented on schedule — First Deputy PM

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov noted that "the contract implementation stage is already underway"

Serbia, Azerbaijan and China tops list of apple exporters to Russia

Russian apple imports totaled 417,030 metric tons in 2023