# entry

guid: https://tass.com/defense/1921209
title: Ukraine’s losses in Russia’s West battlegroup area reach 240 people
link: https://tass.com/defense/1921209
hash: )��4��T��\4 j�
tags: #Military &amp; Defense #Military operation in Ukraine
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The daily losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the area of responsibility of Russia’s West battlegroup amounted to 240 servicemen, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.</p>
<p>"The enemy's losses amounted to 240 servicemen, six vehicles, two Western field artillery guns, and a materials warehouse," the ministry said.</p>
<p>It was noted that the group's units improved their tactical position. They inflicted losses on the personnel and equipment of four mechanized airborne brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and one territorial defense brigade in the areas of the settlements of Stepovaya Novoselovka, Zagoruykovka, Lozovaya, Kamenka in the Kharkov region, Drobyshevo, Katerinovka, Kirovsk in the Donetsk People's Republic, Nadiya in the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as Serebryanskoye forestry.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921211
title: Russia, US can quickly restore relations if their leaders want it — Kremlin
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921211
hash: ix(�i`�m~� t��
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The previous US administration caused enormous damage to relations with Russia, so the road to restoration is long. However, it can be accelerated if there is political will on the part of the presidents of both countries - Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with television host Pavel Zarubin for Rossiya-1 TV channel.</p>
<p>"Now attempts are being made to start a dialogue, to improve all relations. There is still a long way to go, because enormous damage has been done to the entire spectrum of bilateral relations," Peskov said.</p>
<p>"But if the political will of the two leaders - President Putin and President Trump - is maintained, then this path can be travelled quite quickly and successfully," he added.</p>
<p>The new US administration, unlike the cabinet of former US President Joe Biden and the leadership of European countries, has set a course for the restoration of relations with Russia and a speedy settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. On February 18 in Riyadh and on February 27 in Istanbul, negotiations were held between representatives of Moscow and Washington aimed at normalizing the work of the embassies of Russia and the United States, as well as resuming diplomatic contacts in general.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921213
title: New configurations of US foreign policy largely coincide with Russia’s — Kremlin
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921213
hash: K��i�kS����}��
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The new foreign policy configurations of the US administration largely coincide with Russia's, the countries are voting together on a UN General Assembly resolution on Ukraine, which was unimaginable before, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with television host Pavel Zarubin for Rossiya-1 TV channel.</p>
<p>"The new [US] administration is rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision," he said.</p>
<p>"Moreover, we are voting for a UN General Assembly resolution that contains absolutely balanced wording on the Ukrainian crisis. This was unimaginable before," Peskov added.</p>
<p>Earlier, the UN General Assembly voted on a draft resolution on the conflict in Ukraine. Eighteen countries, including Russia and the United States, voted against the anti-Russian draft resolution prepared by European countries and Ukraine. At the subsequent vote in the UN Security Council, a neutral resolution prepared by the US was adopted with the support of the United States and Russia.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921241
title: Badra Gunba elected President of Abkhazia according to second round preliminary results
link: https://tass.com/world/1921241
hash: ���[�ڈ� ��tL
tags: #World
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>SUKHUM, March 2. /TASS/. Badra Gunba has been elected President of Abkhazia in the second round of the elections, according to the preliminary results of the vote count, which were announced to journalists by Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic Dmitry Marshan.</p>
<p>"According to the results of the vote, Gunba Badra Zurabovich was elected," he said.</p>
<p>He added that Badra Gunba has won 54.73% of votes in the second round of Abkhazia's presidential elections, while his opponent Adgur Ardzinba has won 41.54% of votes.</p>
<p>"According to preliminary data, Adgur Ardzinba has received 41.54% of the votes, Bdra Gunba - 54.73% of the votes," Marshan said.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/defense/1921243
title: Ukrainian Armed Forces lost over 240 servicemen in Kursk direction in 24 hours
link: https://tass.com/defense/1921243
hash: �F{>U�:~I� ��
tags: #Military &amp; Defense #Military operation in Ukraine
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction in 24 hours amounted to over 240 servicemen, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.</p>
<p>"Over 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost over 240 servicemen, two armored personnel carriers, 15 armored combat vehicles, 17 cars, two US-made self-propelled Paladin artillery units, one artillery piece and one mortar, as well as four UAV control points and one ammunition depot were destroyed. Six Ukrainian servicemen surrendered," the ministry said.</p>
<p>According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy lost more than 64,535 servicemen, 382 tanks, 291 infantry fighting vehicles, 251 armored personnel carriers, 2,110 armored combat vehicles, 2,281 vehicles, 505 artillery pieces, 52 multiple launch rocket system launchers, including 13 HIMARS and seven MLRS from the United States, 25 anti-aircraft missile system launchers during the fighting in the direction of Kursk.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921245
title: UK, Canada, Germany supply the deadliest weapons to Ukrainian Armed Forces
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921245
hash: ��$R���J�����
tags: #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy #Military operation in Ukraine
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1200_4ce85301/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20250302/1439725.jpg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The Armed Forces of Ukraine receive their most lethal weapons from the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy, Chairman of Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin said in an interview with TASS.</p>
<p>"Together with the Ministry of Defense, we are documenting the facts of the supply of foreign weapons and other equipment. Moreover, the most lethal weapons are supplied by the UK, Canada, Italy, Germany, Romania, Estonia, and a number of other countries," he said.</p>
<p>According to Bastrykin, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, artillery shells and mounts, tank shells, mortar rounds, aerial bombs, and cartridges are being supplied from Europe. In addition, the Ukrainian Armed Forces receive drones, which are widely used not only in combat operations, but also in attacks on civilian infrastructure.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921247
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921247
hash: �Ag-�ʛ^�L�K��#�
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
title:
Trump&amp;#039;s common sense says to ‘step aside" from Kiev, Biden&amp;#039;s pride prevailed — Lavrov

content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The common sense of US President Donald Trump's team dictates to "step aside" from Ukraine, while the pride of former US leader Joe Biden's team has prevailed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda.</p>
<p>"I had hoped that reason and common sense would prevail. But pride prevailed. Not only were there plans to draw Ukraine into NATO, but also to create bases in Crimea, on the Sea of Azov, all these plans were there. But in addition to this geopolitical plan, pride also played a big role," the minister said.</p>
<p>"It is not for nothing that Donald Trump now constantly says in connection with any conflict, considering US’ position, that there must be common sense. And Washington's common sense says to ‘step aside’," Lavrov added.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921249
title: Russia, US admit that they cannot think the same, but they must prevent war — Lavrov
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921249
hash: ŀ4`3����cj�F�rC
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1200_4ce85301/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20250302/1439729.jpg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Moscow and Washington have admitted at talks in Riyadh that they cannot think the same on all issues on the global agenda, but both sides are obliged to prevent war, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda.</p>
<p>"We will never think the same on every issue of world politics. We acknowledged this in Riyadh and the Americans acknowledged it. In fact, they themselves said this," he said.</p>
<p>Lavrov noted that Russia and the US, "on the one hand, can find common interests and many mutually beneficial things, and on the other hand, they are obliged not to go to war in case their interests diverge."</p>
<p>"Where we see a coincidence of interests, common sense suggests that it would be foolish not to take advantage of it to translate it into some practical actions and obtain mutually beneficial results," the minister explained. According to him, where interests do not coincide, "the duty of responsible powers is to prevent this disagreement from degenerating into confrontation".</p>
<p>Lavrov noted that this is precisely the format in which relations between the United States and China are built. "They have a huge number of disagreements," Lavrov explained. "Despite all this, the dialogue between Beijing and Washington has never been interrupted. I believe that this is exactly the model that should exist in relations between any two states. In particular, between Russia and the United States," he said.</p>
<p>The minister added that "an absolutely normal conversation between two delegations" took place in Riyadh. "What is striking is that this was perceived as a sensation. This means that our Western partners, during the term of [former US President] Joe Biden, managed to bring world public opinion to the point where it perceives a normal conversation as something out of the ordinary," he said.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921251
title: There was no preliminary bilateral preparation for Riyadh meeting — Lavrov
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921251
hash: !C�\�S�R�j[�
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The Russian and US teams prepared for the February meeting in Riyadh only at home, there was no preparation in a bilateral format, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda.</p>
<p>"We flew there (to Riyadh - TASS) three days after the telephone conversation (between Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump - TASS). Therefore, there was no preparation," he said. "I mean bilateral [preliminary preparations]. Of course, each team prepared - ours in the Foreign Ministry, theirs in the Department of State," Lavrov clarified.</p>
<p>"We all proceeded from the premise that it was not Trump who broke off relations, but [former US President] Joe Biden, but this is one country," the Russian minister said. In his opinion, "Trump was well aware of this and called [Putin] himself."</p>
<p>"Before that, literally the day before, he sent his close adviser to Russia for a detailed conversation. Then, during a telephone conversation, at his suggestion, we agreed to meet in Riyadh," Lavrov said.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921253
title: West cannot explain future of Ukraine’s territory, Russian language under peacekeepers
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921253
hash: �SυgL^n<o����
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Western countries cannot explain what would happen to the territory of Ukraine and the Russian language if it comes under the control of European peacekeepers, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda.</p>
<p>"When we ask these thinkers what will hypothetically happen to the part that they take under their control, they say that nothing would happen - Ukraine will remain there. I asked one person: will the Russian language be banned there? He said nothing. They cannot utter a word of condemnation of what happened," he said.</p>
<p>"No other language has been subjected to such aggression. Imagine if French or German were banned in Switzerland, or English in Ireland. Right now, the Irish want a ‘little’ self-determination. If they tried to ban English now, they would ‘shake’ the whole UN by its ‘pillars’ and demand that Ireland be condemned. But here, ‘it's possible’. You tell them to their face, and they don't react," the Russian minister added.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921255
title: While US talks about wanting to end conflict in Ukraine, Europe demands war — Lavrov
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921255
hash: ���b���Vj�=�U'�
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The United States is openly talking about wanting to end the conflict in Ukraine, but Europe is demanding to continue the war, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda.</p>
<p>"Now, after Joe Biden's term, people came who want to be guided by common sense. They openly say that they want to end all wars, they want peace. Who is calling for a ‘continuation of the banquet’ in the form of war? It’s Europe," the minister said.</p>
<p>Lavrov also recalled the opinion of many researchers that over the last 500 years, all world tragedies were born in Europe, the United States did not play the role of instigator.</p>
<p>"In the last 500 years, when the West was more or less formed in the way it has reached our days, of course with some changes, all the tragedies of the world were born in Europe or happened thanks to European policies," he noted. "If we look at history in retrospect, the Americans did not play any instigating or even ‘incendiary’ role," the minister added.</p>
<p>"I don't want to be anti-European. But the current situation confirms the idea that many historians have expressed," Lavrov said.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921259
title: Lavrov says Trump is practical person with ‘common sense’ as his motto
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921259
hash: 7)���X��_�bq��
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called US President Donald Trump a practical person who conducts business under the slogan of "common sense".</p>
<p>"Donald Trump is a practical person. His slogan is common sense. It means, and everybody sees it, a transition to a different way of doing business. But the goal is still MAGA (Make America Great Again -TASS)," Lavrov said, adding, "This gives politics a lively, human character. That is why he is interesting."</p>
<p>According to Lavrov, Trump’s team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are absolutely reasonable people, that’s why in Riyadh "two serious countries" were able to discuss problems.</p>
<p>"His [Donald Trump's] team, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are absolutely reasonable people in every sense of the word. They are talking based on the notion that they are not commanding us and we are not commanding them. Two serious countries simply sat down to talk about where they are going wrong and what their predecessor messed up over last four years, destroying all channels of contact without exception, introducing a series of sanctions, followed by the expulsion of US companies, incurring losses of hundreds of billions of dollars," the minister said.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921257
title: European peacekeepers in Ukraine would mean causes of crisis will not disappear — Lavrov
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921257
hash: ��P��/p��兽��
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. For Russia, the appearance of European peacekeepers in Ukraine will mean that the causes of the crisis will not disappear, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda.</p>
<p>"Just as they brought it [the current regime in Kiev] to power on bayonets and pushed it forward, they now also want to prop it up with their bayonets in the form of peacekeeping units. This would mean that the root causes will not disappear," Lavrov noted.</p>
<p>Lavrov also said that Vladimir Zelensky has become a "pure Nazi" and a traitor to the Jewish people. "Vladimir Zelensky has made a 180-degree turn from a man who came to power on slogans of peace, on slogans of ‘leave the Russian language alone, it is our common language, our common culture’ (you can find all this is on the Internet), and in six months he has turned into a pure Nazi and, as Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin rightly said, a traitor to the Jewish people," Lavrov noted.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921261
title: Lavrov calls discussions in Europe about peacekeepers for Ukraine impertinent
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921261
hash: ���=�^�������ȋ�
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Discussions in Europe about peacekeepers for Ukraine are impertinent, continuing to incite Kiev for a war against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda.</p>
<p>"President [of France Emmanuel] Macron is running around with some ideas, as is [UK Prime Minister Keir] Starmer. They say they are preparing so many thousands of peacekeepers and will provide them with air cover. This is also impertinent," Lavrov said, adding, "This plan to introduce ‘peacekeepers’ into Ukraine is continuing to incite Kiev for a war against us".</p>
<p>"First of all, no one is asking us," Lavrov continued. "US President Donald Trump understands everything. He said it was too early to say when there would be a settlement - you can discuss this issue, but the agreement of the parties is needed. He is behaving correctly.".</p>


guid: https://tass.com/economy/1921263
title: Gas withdrawals from European UGS in February were the highest in seven years
link: https://tass.com/economy/1921263
hash: C!X�a��m���5��
tags: #Business &amp; Economy
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Gas withdrawals from European underground storage (UGS) facilities in February were the highest in seven years and the third highest for the month in history, according to TASS calculations based on Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data.</p>
<p>Total accumulated gas reserves in the EU at the end of February fell below 39%. At the same time, LNG supplies from terminals to the European gas transmission system also reached a record.</p>
<p>Withdrawal from European UGS facilities in February amounted to 17.7 bln cubic meters, which is almost twice as much as last year and the highest in seven years. This is the third highest figure in the history of observations for this month. Gas injection into storage facilities amounted to 880 mln cubic meters, or 27% less than the figure a year earlier and the lowest since 2018.</p>
<p>Gas reserves in European storage facilities as of February 28 fell to 38.54%, which is 11.57 percentage points lower than the average of the last five years. This is lower than the level not only at the end of the last fall-winter period, but also at the end of the 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2022-2023 heating seasons. At the end of last month, they contained less than 43 bln cubic meters of gas.</p>
<p>The heating season in Europe started on October 29, 2024 (10 days earlier than in the last fall-winter season) and since then EU countries have withdrawn more than 66.5 bln cubic meters of gas from storage. The net withdrawal (the difference between the volume of withdrawals and injections) is around 63 bln cubic meters. At the same time, the total gas withdrawal from the UGS facilities on the 123rd day from the moment of reaching the maximum filling is 27% higher than the average value for this day in the previous five years. The most problematic years for the EU were 2018 and 2022, when the reserves in the storage facilities at the end of the heating season in spring dropped to critical levels below 18% and 26%, respectively and it was even necessary to resort to the withdrawal of the so-called buffer gas, which is used to maintain the required pressure in the storage facilities.</p>
<p>The high dynamics of gas withdrawals from storage in February is explained by the cold weather in the first half of the month. In addition, the share of wind power in EU electricity generation was only 13% last month, compared to 21% in January.</p>
<p>At the end of February, the average price of gas in Europe was about $542 per thousand cubic meters (+5% compared to January) - a two-year high. At the same time, gas trading ended the month at $475 per 1,000 cubic meters, which is 18% higher than at the end of January.</p>
<p>LNG supplies from terminals to the European gas transportation system increased slightly in February. According to the results of the past month, they amounted to 10.7 bln cubic meters, which is 2.7% higher than in January and 11% more than in February 2024. This figure became a record for this month for the entire period of observation.</p>
<p>In total, in January - February, LNG supplies from terminals to the European gas transportation system amounted to about 21.2 bln cubic meters, or 4% more than in the same period of 2024.</p>
<p>Gas withdrawal from storage facilities in 2025 ranks first in terms of share among sources of gas receipt by Europe at 43.7%, according to data from the European Network of Gas Transmission System Operators (ENTSOG) as of February 27. In second place with a share of 24.9% are LNG supplies, in third place with 16.7% are supplies from the North Sea (mainly Norwegian gas).</p>
<p>This exceeded the figures for supplies from the East (Russian gas, Ukrainian gas supplies, as well as the withdrawal of their gas from Ukrainian UGS by European companies) (4.5%). Gas supplies from North Africa amounted to 6.6%, from the UK - 1.5%.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921271
title: Israeli army says it carried out airstrikes on Gaza ‘to eliminate a threat’
link: https://tass.com/world/1921271
hash: ����v� ��� ��nSJ
tags: #World #Middle East conflict
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>TEL AVIV, March 2. /TASS/. The Israeli Air Force carried out an air strike on the northern Gaza Strip "to eliminate a threat", the army's press service reported.</p>
<p>"Earlier on Sunday, several suspicious individuals were operating near IDF forces in the northern Gaza Strip and were seen planting an explosive device in the area. In order to eliminate this threat, the Israel Air Force carried out an airstrike against the suspicious individuals," the statement said.</p>
<p>"The IDF will continue to operate in order to eliminate any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF troops," the military added.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921273
title: Israel resumes fighting in Khan Yunis in Southern Gaza
link: https://tass.com/world/1921273
hash: ��$�5�tJ�h����ݵ
tags: #World #Middle East conflict
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1200_4ce85301/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20250302/1439733.jpg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>DUBAI, March 2. /TASS/. Israeli forces have resumed fighting in the area of the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, launching a series of artillery and tank attacks on the outskirts of the town of Abasan al-Kabira, the Palestinian enclave's Civil Defense reported.</p>
<p>"The outskirts of the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis, were subjected to artillery strikes and shelling from Israeli tanks," the statement said.</p>
<p>At least four people were killed on Sunday as fighting resumed in the Palestinian enclave, the Hamas-controlled Al Aqsa television channel reported, citing the Gaza health ministry.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921277
title: Parliamentary elections in Tajikistan recognized as valid, turnout exceeded 50%
link: https://tass.com/world/1921277
hash: �F�ǚ����"�Z3 �
tags: #World
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>DUSHANBE, March 2. /TASS/. Elections to the Majlisi Namoyandogon Majlisi Oli (Lower House of Parliament) of Tajikistan have been recognized as valid, voter turnout exceeded 50%, Chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of the Republic Bakhtiyor Khudoyorzoda said.</p>
<p>"As of 12:00 local time (10:00 Moscow time - TASS), 59% of voters took part in voting at all 3,513 polling stations of the republic, this number is more than half of the total number of voters. The elections &lt;...&gt; are considered valid," he said.</p>
<p>On March 2, Tajikistan holds elections to the lower house of parliament and to the legislative bodies of the regions, cities, districts, and villages of the country. At 06:00 local time (04:00 Moscow time), 3,513 polling stations opened across the country. In addition, another 36 stations are operating at Tajikistan's diplomatic missions in 28 countries. Around 5.5 mln citizens of the country who have reached the age of 18 are eligible to vote, while 229 international observers are monitoring the elections.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/emergencies/1921291
title: Over 27,000 people recognized as victims of Ukraine’s invasion in Russia’s Kursk Region
link: https://tass.com/emergencies/1921291
hash: �����w#��иh�|
tags: #Emergencies #Military operation in Ukraine
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1200_4ce85301/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20250302/1439737.jpg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Investigators have recognized over 27,000 people as victims of the Ukrainian militants’ invasion of the Kursk region, Chairman of Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin said in an interview with TASS.</p>
<p>"Over 39,000 people have been questioned in criminal cases on the events in the Kursk region, and over 27,000 have been recognized as victims," he said.</p>
<p>He also said that data on the destruction of over 20 cultural heritage sites have been recorded.</p>
<p>"It was established that municipal facilities, large agricultural enterprises, other organizations and individual entrepreneurs suffered damages in the amount of over 26 bln rubles," Bastrykin said.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/politics/1921293
title: Putin congratulates Gunba on his election as President of Abkhazia — Kremlin
link: https://tass.com/politics/1921293
hash: jP��/� tg��@�(k
tags: #FOREIGN POLICY #Russian Politics &amp; Diplomacy
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory telegram to the elected President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba, the Kremlin press service said.</p>
<p>"Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the Republic of Abkhazia," the statement said.</p>
<p>"The victory in the elections, which took place in conditions of free expression of the people’s will, confirmed the support of the citizens of Abkhazia for your line on ensuring domestic political stability and progressive socio-economic development of the country," the Russian leader said.</p>
<p>Allied and friendly relations between Russia and Abkhazia will be strengthened under the newly elected President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba, Putin said.</p>
<p>"I expect that friendly, allied Russian-Abkhaz relations will continue to strengthen for the benefit of our fraternal peoples," the statement said.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921295
title: Protest organizers in Serbia have no chance of overthrowing Vucic — Deputy PM
link: https://tass.com/world/1921295
hash: �5���i��a���
tags: #World
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The organizers of the protests in Serbia have no chance of overthrowing the country's president Aleksandar Vucic, they do not have a single suitable candidate to replace him, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin said in an interview with TASS.</p>
<p>"They do not have a single person who could remove Aleksandar Vucic. Their main problem is that they do not have a single suitable person," Vulin said.</p>
<p>According to him, the organizers of the protests "are simply trying to provoke an incident that would lead to a serious political problem, but nothing more". "They don't have a single political course. And there is no one who could come to Aleksandar Vucic and say: ‘I can do better than him’," he added.</p>
<p>Since November 2024, anti-government protests have been taking place in Serbia, organized by students and representatives of the opposition. The main reason for the protests is the Novi Sad train station tragedy, which occurred on November 1, 2024, and resulted in the deaths of 15 people.</p>
<p>Vucic said that the street protests were organized by foreign secret services in order to destabilize the situation in the country. According to him, around 3 bln euro came to Serbia from abroad to overthrow him.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/economy/1921297
title: LNG supplies from terminals to Europe set record in February
link: https://tass.com/economy/1921297
hash: v���[+�?�^�+�m�
tags: #Business &amp; Economy
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from European terminals to the EU gas transmission system in February were record-breaking for this month throughout the observation period, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE).</p>
<p>At the end of February, they amounted to 10.7 bln cubic meters, which was 2.7% higher than in January and 11% higher than in February 2024. This figure was a record for the month over the entire observation period.</p>
<p>In total, LNG flows from terminals to the European gas transmission system amounted to about 21.2 bln cubic meters at the end of January-February, which is 4% more than in the same period in 2024.</p>
<p>Gas withdrawals from storage facilities in 2025 rank first in terms of share among gas sources for Europe at 43.7%, according to data from the European Network of Gas Transmission System Operators (ENTSOG) as of February 27. LNG supplies are in second place with a share of 24.9%, and North Sea supplies (mainly Norwegian gas) are in third place with 16.7%.</p>
<p>This exceeded the figures for supplies from the East (Russian gas, Ukrainian gas supplies, as well as the withdrawal of their gas from the Ukrainian UGS by European companies) (4.5%). Gas supplies from North Africa amounted to 6.6%, from the UK - 1.5%.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921299
title: Serbia believes that peacekeepers to Ukraine impossible without Russia&amp;#039;s consent
link: https://tass.com/world/1921299
hash: C�] +�� ���'�(.
tags: #World #Ukraine crisis
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Serbia believes that it is impossible to send peacekeepers to Ukraine without Russia's consent, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin said in an interview with TASS.</p>
<p>"No, of course it is impossible without the consent of both sides," he said.</p>
<p>"Such a step would mean that they are trying to impose their military presence on Ukrainian or Russian soil. I'm sure this is impossible," Vulin added.</p>
<p>Earlier Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that discussions in Europe about peacekeepers for Ukraine are impertinent, continuing to incite Kiev for a war against Russia. "This plan to introduce ‘peacekeepers’ into Ukraine is continuing to incite Kiev for a war against us," he said in an interview with <a href="http://redstar.ru/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Krasnaya Zvezda</a>.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921301
title: At least 116 people killed in Gaza since ceasefire came in force — health ministry
link: https://tass.com/world/1921301
hash: 8���Imm ]4 ^m$
tags: #World #Middle East conflict
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>TUNIS, March 2. /TASS/. At least 116 people have been killed and more than 490 have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the January 19 when the ceasefire came in force, Gaza’s health ministry said.</p>
<p>According to the ministry, four bodies and six wounded have been taken to hospitals across the enclave since this morning. "The overall death toll over the ceasefire period has reached 116, with more than 490 people being wounded," it said.</p>
<p>The total number of those killed as a result of Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 exceeds 48,000, with around 112,000 people being hurt.</p>
<p>In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached an Egypt-, Qatar-, and US-brokered three-stage agreement to release the hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. The initial 42-day phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921303
title: Israel demands Hamas release five 5 hostages, hand over ten bodies — TV
link: https://tass.com/world/1921303
hash: ?)V��(� Q)h�d
tags: #World #Middle East conflict
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<div><img src="https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1200_4ce85301/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20250302/1439741.jpg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>DOHA, March 2. /TASS/. Israel has demanded via the mediators that Hamas release five Israeli hostages and hand over ten bodies in exchange for a week-long extension of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Qatari-based <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Al Jazeera</a> television channel reported, adding that Hamas has turned down the new deal.</p>
<p>"Israel demanded that Hamas release five alive hostages and return ten bodies n exchange for [the release] and Palestinian prisoners and the expansion of humanitarian deliveries," the TV channel quoted its sources. According to the sources, Israel’s initiative envisages a week-long extension of the first phase of the ceasefire deal.</p>
<p>The sources said that talks on this matter have been held by the Israeli delegation with mediators in the past 48 hours. "Via mediators, Israel demanded that Hamas respond to these terms until midnight in Friday (February 28 - TASS)," the sources said, adding that Hamas had notified the mediators that it rejected Israel’s terms, slamming them as "a violation of the existing agreements." Hamas has reportedly stressed its commitment to the original deal.</p>
<p>The Kan broadcaster said in the morning o March 2, citing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that the Israeli army had blocked humanitarian deliveries to the Gaza Strip and closed all checkpoints along the enclave’s border. The step was taken following Hamas’ refusal to accept the plan for the Gaza ceasefire extension offered by US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.</p>
<p>Netanyahu’s office said earlier that Israel accepts Witkoff’s temporary ceasefire plan during Ramadan (until March 29) and Passover (from April 12 through 19). Under the plan, Palestinian groups are to release half of the hostages and hand over the bodies of those dead on the first day and release the remaining hostages, living and dead, at the end, if an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire.</p>
<p>In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached an Egypt-, Qatar-, and US-brokered three-stage agreement to release the hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. The initial 42-day phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1. All the living Israeli hostages and the bodies of those deceased that were supposed to be handed over in the first stage have been returned to Israel. In exchange, Israel released over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921305
title: Egypt proposes Gaza deal first phase be extended for two weeks — media
link: https://tass.com/world/1921305
hash: ��3<I �Ȁ��Vu�
tags: #World #Middle East conflict
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>TUNIS, March 2. /TASS/. Egyptian mediators have proposed that the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas be extended for two weeks to begin talks on the second phase, the <a href="https://www.alaraby.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Al Araby Al Jadeed</a> newspaper reported, citing an Egyptian source.</p>
<p>According to the source, Cairo’s plan envisages that during this two-week period "Hamas will undertake to hand over two groups of Israeli hostages," each including one living person and two bodies.</p>
<p>The proposal was advanced "in recent hours," the source said, adding that he hopes that it "would be accepted by Hamas." "An Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo again within hours to discuss this initiative," the source noted.</p>
<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in the small hours on Sunday that Israel accepts US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s temporary ceasefire plan during Ramadan (until March 29) and Passover (from April 12 through 19). Under the plan, Palestinian groups are to release half of the hostages and hand over the bodies of those dead on the first day and release the remaining hostages, living and dead, at the end, if an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire.</p>
<p>According to Israeli prime minister’s representatives, should Hamas accept the US plan, Israel "will immediately begin talks on the details of Witkoff’s plan." However, later in the day, Netanyahu’s office said that Hamas had rejected the US proposal and Israel was blocking humanitarian deliveries to the Gaza Strip and closing all checkpoints along the enclave’s border.</p>
<p>In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached an Egypt-, Qatar-, and US-brokered three-stage agreement to release the hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. The initial 42-day phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/defense/1921307
title: Twenty Ukrainian troops convicted in Russia for crimes in Kursk Region
link: https://tass.com/defense/1921307
hash: ���;�Nr� x��*�
tags: #Military &amp; Defense #Military operation in Ukraine
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Twenty Ukrainian militants have been sentenced by a Russian court for crimes committed in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region, chairman of the Russian Investigating Committee Alexander Bastrykin told TASS.</p>
<p>"As many as 332 criminal cases have been initiated on charges of crimes committed by Ukrainian armed units. A total of 247 people are facing charges in these cases. Thirty criminal cases have been referred to the prosecutor’s office. Forty-three cases involving 102 people are being considered by court. The 2nd Western District Military Court has pronounced verdicts to 20 people," he said, adding that the Committee’s investigators have been working in the Kursk Region since the first days of Ukraine’s incursion.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921309
title: Hungary calls on EU to begin talks with Russia immediately — government
link: https://tass.com/world/1921309
hash: ��oǉ�إ�~��
tags: #World #Ukraine crisis
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>BUFAPEST, March 2. /TASS/. The Hungarian government has confirmed that Prime Minister Viktor Orban issued a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa calling for direct talks between the European Union and Russia.</p>
<p>As follows from the letter that has been posted on the governmental website, the Hungarian prime minister also called on the European Union to support that neutral resolution on Ukraine that was passed by the United Nations Security Council on February 24.</p>
<p>"I am convinced that the European Union - following the example of the United States - should enter into direct discussions with Russia on a ceasefire and sustainable peace in Ukraine," Orban said in the letter.</p>
<p>He also noted that there are "strategic differences (within the European Union - TASS) in our approach to Ukraine that cannot be bridged." That is why, in his words, it is highly improbably that a consensus could be reached at the EU summit on March 6. So, he suggested that the meeting yield only a brief statement approving the UN Security Council resolution of February 24.</p>
<p>The neutrally-toned resolution doesn’t place the responsibility for the conflict in Ukraine on either of the sides. It was supported by Russia, China, the United States and seven more Security Council members, while five delegations, including the United Kingdom and France, abstained from voting. The document calls for an immediate end to the conflict and a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.</p>
<p>Commenting on Orban’s letter, the prime minister’s political adviser, Balazs Orban (no relation), said that the Hungarian government "did not want to discuss this matter publicly." But once the letter has been made public, the Hungarian government is ready to repeat: "Hungary’s position is that direct talks with Russia should begin immediately to cease fire and reach peace," he said. "We also expect the European Union’s leaders to act as responsible politicians.".</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921311
title: Turkey’s ruling party looking at nominating Erdogan at snap election in 2027
link: https://tass.com/world/1921311
hash: �[��o�\��"�{|�
tags: #World
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>ANKARA, March 2. /TASS/. Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is looking at nominating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for president at the snap election in 2027, AKP deputy leader Huseyin Yayman said.</p>
<p>"We hope that we will again nominate our president at the election in November 2027. There is no need in another candidate. We will elect out president as head of our country again at the next election," the <a href="https://www.iha.com.tr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">IHA</a> agency quoted him as saying at a meeting with party activists in Antalya.</p>
<p>According to Yayman, Erdogan will be nominated by the Republic Alliance of the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Movement Party.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Turkiye</a> newspaper reported in late February, citing discussions within the AK party, that the party was unofficially discussing the possibility of organizing early presidential and parliamentary elections in the fall of 2027. The rescheduling of the presidential election stems from the AKP’s plans to nominate Erdogan for president as he will not be able to run for president at the regular election in 2028 under the country’s constitution.</p>
<p>The opposition called on the authorities earlier to make a decision on the snap election this year. However, the parliament’s consent is needed to implement the decision on early election. Currently, the AKP and its ally, the Nationalist Movement Party, lack votes to pass a parliamentary resolution on snap elections. At least 360 votes are needed for that.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, both the AKP and the country’s leadership claim that the issue of the early election is not on the agenda.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921313
title: Netanyahu warns Hamas about ‘additional consequences’ if it refuses from talks on Gaza
link: https://tass.com/world/1921313
hash: -za�T�c���&�r�d�
tags: #World #Middle East conflict
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>TEL AVIV, March 2. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas that its refusal from further talks will entail "additional consequences."</p>
<p>"In light of Hamas's rejection of the [US Presidential Special Envoy Steve] Witkoff framework, we decided - at last night's discussion - that as of this morning, the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza will be prevented," he said at a weekly cabinet meeting, as quoted by his office. "If Hamas continues to stick to its position and does not release our hostages, there will be additional consequences, which I will not detail here."</p>
<p>According to Netanyahu, Israel fully agrees to the Witkoff plan for a temporary ceasefire for the Ramadan (until March 29) and Passover (from April 12 through 19) period. "According to the Witkoff proposal, on the first day of his framework half of the hostages will be released in one phase. At the end of the framework - if agreement is reached - the remaining hostages will be released, also in one phase," he recalled.</p>
<p>The Israeli prime minister stressed that Israel is supported by the United States and its president Donald Trump on this matter. "We are fully coordinating with President Trump and his people. According to the information that Israel has, Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages: Up to 24 are alive and at least 35 are deceased. We are not giving up on anyone and we are determined to bring them all back home," he stressed.</p>
<p>Israel, in his words, can resume combat operations any time now since the 42-day ceasefire under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal expired on March 1, but is refraining from this and agrees "to the Witkoff framework because we are committed to returning all of our hostages," despite Hamas’ repeated violations.</p>
<p>"While Israel has agreed to the Witkoff framework, Hamas has - so far - clung to its refusal and has not agreed to the framework. If Hamas changes its position, Israel will immediately enter into negotiations on implementing the framework," he said.</p>
<p>"I would like to clarify something else: There will be no free lunches. If Hamas thinks that it will be possible to continue the ceasefire or benefit from the terms of the first stage, without us receiving hostages, it is sorely mistaken," Netanyahu warned.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/emergencies/1921315
title: Three people hurt in shooting incident at shopping mall near Moscow
link: https://tass.com/emergencies/1921315
hash: ��Roﯭ( s�B�}�
tags: #Emergencies
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Three people were hurt in a shooting incident at a shopping mall in the city of Mytyshchi just outside Moscow, the shooter was detained, the press service of the Russian interior ministry’s department for the Moscow Region told TASS.</p>
<p>"The Mytishchi police department received a call about sounds resembling shots at a shopping mall. Police arrived at the scene and detained the offender. As a result of the incident, three people received bodily injuries," it said.</p>
<p>Local emergencies services told TASS earlier that people had been evacuated from the Krasny Kit shopping mall in Mytishchi due to shooting.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921317
title: Rubio calls on Zelensky to realize importance od talks on settling conflict in Ukraine
link: https://tass.com/world/1921317
hash: �L/��c س1p�o�
tags: #World #Ukraine crisis
attributes: {"enclosures":[]}
content:
<div><img src="https://cdn-media.tass.ru/width/1200_4ce85301/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20250302/1439745.jpg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>NEW YORK, March 2. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky must realize the importance of dialogue to end the conflict in Ukraine, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.</p>
<p>"These conflicts are not easy to solve. We’re getting - but you can't solve them at all if you don't even have a process to try to solve it, if you don't have the parties at the table. And right now that's been our goal. It's been explained crystal clear to the Ukrainians and the Europeans and everyone else who wants to know for weeks now - for weeks now. And the only thing they were told is, do not do things to derail it," he said in an interview with <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ABC News</a>.</p>
<p>"Sadly, President Zelensky couldn't contain himself in that regard. I hope this could all be reset. I hope he comes to the realization that we're actually trying to help his country here before it suffers thousands of more casualties," he said, adding that three million people have already left Ukraine. "Are they ever going to be able to come back?" he noted.</p>
<p>On February 28, Zelensky arrived at the White House for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Their televised exchange, with reporters present, unraveled into a shouting match, with Trump scolding Zelensky for being disrespectful to the US, and Vice President JD Vance noting that Zelensky had not ever said a "thank you" for all the support provided to Kiev. A news conference scheduled to follow the meeting was canceled, and Trump posted a statement on the Truth Social media platform saying that Zelensky was disrespectful and not ready for peace.</p>


guid: https://tass.com/world/1921319
title: Constitutional declaration committee set up in Syria — presidential office
link: https://tass.com/world/1921319
hash: �u�֍+|��vȷ�C�
tags: #World
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<div><img src="https://tass.com/img/blocks/common/tass_logo_share_eng.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>TUNIS, March 2. /TASS/. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s president during the transitional period, has formed a committee to elaborate the country’s constitutional declaration for the transitional period.</p>
<p>According to a Telegram post of his office, the new body includes seven experts. "The committee will work on the constitutional declaration regulating the transitional period in Syria," it said, adding that the committee "will refer its proposals to the president."</p>
<p>Al-Sharaa said in late January that a constitutional declaration for the transitional period will be made public following a nationwide dialogue in the country.</p>
<p>Armed opposition units in Syria launched a large-scale offensive on government troops in the Aleppo and Idlib governorates in late November 2024. On December 8, they entered Damascus, while President Bashar Assad stepped down and fled the country. On December 10, Mohammed al-Bashir, who had led the so-called Syrian Salvation Government in the Idlib governorate, announced his appointment as head of Syria’s interim government, saying that the transitional period will last until March 1, 2025. Leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (outlawed in Russia) Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has become Syria’s de facto new leader.</p>


title: Russia-Ukraine conflict three years on: Is the dawn of peace in sight?
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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<div data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/img/6b3b50082266455a86c45c3782700d70/6b3b50082266455a86c45c3782700d70.png" alt="Russia-Ukraine conflict three years on: Is the dawn of peace in sight?" layout="responsive"></div>
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<p>Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted on February 24, 2022, it has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and displaced millions. However, a potential shift in U.S. policy – from staunchly supporting Ukraine to prioritizing a swift end to the conflict, even at Ukraine's expense – has introduced the possibility of a different outcome.</p>
<p>On the ground, Russian forces have made significant territorial gains. Colonel General Sergei Rudsky, first deputy chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, reported that approximately 75 percent of the Donetsk region, along with parts of Zaporizhia and Kherson, has been liberated from Ukrainian forces. In the Lugansk region, less than 1 percent remains under Ukrainian control.</p>
<p>In a recent escalation, Russia launched over 200 drones on Ukraine in a single overnight attack. Describing it as "the largest of the war," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault and urged unity among Ukraine's allies.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European partners have grown uneasy due to recent developments involving U.S. President Donald Trump. Tensions have risen over a controversial U.S.-Ukraine <a href="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-23/Trump-says-close-to-minerals-deal-with-Ukraine-Will-Zelenskyy-accept--1BdEYGoEd0c/p.html">minerals deal</a>, Trump's criticism of Zelenskyy – whom he labeled "<a href="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-21/Trump-Zelenskyy-spats-Who-said-what--1BahSbAMVjy/p.html">a dictator without elections</a>" – and U.S.-Russia peace talks in Riyadh conducted without Ukraine and the European Union's participation.</p>
<p>During a press conference on Sunday, Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to step down if it would secure peace. "If peace for Ukraine requires me to leave my post, I am ready," he said. However, the impact of such a proposal remains uncertain, given the conflict's far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to global energy and food supplies and its strain on European economies.</p>
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<div data-width="1200" data-height="675" data-ratio="1200:675" data-news-id="484874" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/video/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/video/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma.jpeg" data-title="Russia-Ukraine conflict three years on: Is the dawn of peace in sight?" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="1200" data-height="675" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/video/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="484874" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/video/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma.jpeg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_TIANFU_checkvideo2Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>02:02</p>
<img src="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/video/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma/wu_1ikr84a2q101r1om8kjapei11kma.jpeg" alt></div>
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<div readability="73" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>A possible ending in sight?</strong></p>
<p>While Trump's administration is actively engaged in negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine, aiming to broker a deal to end the three-year conflict, experts are divided on the likelihood of success. Some see signs of a potential resolution, while others highlight significant obstacles.</p>
<p>Sun Taiyi, an associate professor of political science at Christopher Newport University in the U.S., noted that Zelenskyy, Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin all have strong incentives to end the conflict quickly.</p>
<p>"Zelenskyy recognizes that U.S. support is waning, and Europe is reluctant to fill the gap. Putin, despite his ability to prolong the war, may seize the opportunity to secure a favorable deal under Trump's presidency. Meanwhile, Trump faces pressure from his base to disentangle the U.S. from the conflict," Sun explained.</p>
<p>Sun added that Trump may aim to declare a diplomatic victory during his anticipated address to Congress on March 4. Meanwhile, Putin could seek to announce success ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War in May. "These dates could serve as deadlines for their respective goals," Sun said.</p>
<p>However, he cautioned that reconciling the conflicting interests of the three parties will be challenging. "Each leader seeks to maximize their gains from any ceasefire. Ukraine wants security guarantees and a path to NATO membership, the U.S. is focused on accessing rare earth minerals and other resources, and Putin demands territorial concessions and assurances against further Western expansion," Sun said.</p>
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<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/img/d95bfae01fba4901b34734664e2bb39d/d95bfae01fba4901b34734664e2bb39d.png" alt="Fierce fighting continues in the Donetsk region, February 22, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Fierce fighting continues in the Donetsk region, February 22, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">Fierce fighting continues in the Donetsk region, February 22, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<div readability="99.250863856254" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>Will their respective demands be met?</strong></p>
<p>Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University, emphasized that Russia has no illusions about the complexities of ending the conflict. "While a U.S.-brokered ceasefire is possible, Trump has yet to present a detailed peace plan. Russia, on the other hand, has clear objectives centered on long-term security." </p>
<p>Cui added that current U.S.-Russia negotiations are still in the preliminary stage of exchanging proposals, making a swift and straightforward ceasefire unlikely.</p>
<p>Chen Yu, deputy director of the Institute of Eurasian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said the biggest hurdle to peace is the significant divergence in the parties' positions, including whether Ukraine and the EU will accept the territorial status and Ukraine's non-membership in NATO, which were preliminarily reached in Riyadh talk, and whether Russia would reject Kyiv's demand for the deployment of European troops in Ukraine.</p>
<p>"Even if a truce is reached, future negotiations may face numerous challenges, and the peace process is unlikely to be resolved quickly," Chen said.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, European leaders are concerned about the implications of the U.S.-Russia negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting with major European leaders before the Riyadh talks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that a failed Ukraine would weaken both Europe and the United States.</p>
<p>Sun noted that European leaders fear a fragile ceasefire without robust guarantees could embolden future Russian aggression. "Unlike Trump's apparent focus on a quick resolution – potentially freezing current frontlines – Europeans seek a ceasefire with ironclad enforcement to deter Putin from reigniting hostilities," Sun explained.</p>
<p>As discussions over the minerals deal continue and the U.S. and Russia prepare for further talks, Sun observed that U.S. policy under Trump has become more transactional, prioritizing economic gains over the geopolitical and strategic objectives pursued by the Biden administration.</p>
<p>Zhao Huirong, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies, emphasized that Trump's approach is driven by U.S. interests. "The Trump administration aims to shed the 'burden' of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as quickly as possible while maximizing benefits. By negotiating separately with Russia and Ukraine, Trump positions the U.S. as a dominant mediator," Zhao said.</p>
<p>In essence, while the U.S. appears to mediate the conflict, its actions reflect a political game centered on "America First," with the broader implications for peace still uncertain, Zhao said.</p>
<p>Read more: <a href="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-23/Trump-says-close-to-minerals-deal-with-Ukraine-Will-Zelenskyy-accept--1BdEYGoEd0c/p.html">Prospects of the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal: Will it be signed in near future?</a></p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-24/Russia-Ukraine-conflict-three-years-on-Is-the-dawn-of-peace-in-sight--1BfNo6arcWY/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: AI Art sold at Christies auction
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content:
<div data-sanitized-class="cmsVideo cg-pic-big3">
<div data-sanitized-class="cg-video-wrapper">
<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-ratio="1920:1080" data-news-id="15747" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/AI-Art-sold-at-Christies-auction-1BioLlgW3EQ/video/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/AI-Art-sold-at-Christies-auction-1BioLlgW3EQ/video/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud.jpg" data-title="AI Art sold at Christies auction" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/AI-Art-sold-at-Christies-auction-1BioLlgW3EQ/video/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="15747" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/AI-Art-sold-at-Christies-auction-1BioLlgW3EQ/video/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>02:51</p>
<img src="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/AI-Art-sold-at-Christies-auction-1BioLlgW3EQ/video/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud/wu_1ikvglj8tu9dlj5r3v14nk19s8cud.jpg" alt></div>
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<div readability="46" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in our daily lives, and now, it's also being embraced by prominent artists who say they've discovered a new way to express their experiences, emotions, and perspectives - with their works going under the hammer at a Christie's auction.</p>
<p>However, for many, AI's use in art is highly controversial with critics arguing the software artists are using is trained on copyrighted work, without proper consent.</p>
<p>CGTN’s Mitch McCann reports.</p>
</div>
<div readability="27.521367521368" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>For more, check out our exclusive content on <a href="https://www.cgtnnow.com/browse">CGTN Now</a> and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, <a href="https://mailchi.mp/cgtnamerica/china-newsletter-landing-page">The China Report.</a></p>

</div>

link:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/AI-Art-sold-at-Christies-auction-1BioLlgW3EQ/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Argentina set on removing tariffs on electric vehicles
hash: )�f~eH�Eګ���
guid:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Argentina-set-on-removing-tariffs-on-electric-vehicles--1Bikt4sdO4E/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div data-sanitized-class="cmsVideo cg-pic-big3">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-ratio="1920:1080" data-news-id="15746" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Argentina-set-on-removing-tariffs-on-electric-vehicles--1Bikt4sdO4E/video/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Argentina-set-on-removing-tariffs-on-electric-vehicles--1Bikt4sdO4E/video/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0.jpg" data-title="Argentina set on removing tariffs on electric vehicles" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Argentina-set-on-removing-tariffs-on-electric-vehicles--1Bikt4sdO4E/video/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="15746" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Argentina-set-on-removing-tariffs-on-electric-vehicles--1Bikt4sdO4E/video/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>02:48</p>
<img src="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Argentina-set-on-removing-tariffs-on-electric-vehicles--1Bikt4sdO4E/video/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0/wu_1ikvdlldn2eif98bm25sh1doti0.jpg" alt></div>
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<p>Argentina’s President Javier Milei is moving fast with his economic program, focused in large part on reducing inflation and reducing regulations. In contrast to the new economic policy being pursued in the United States, Milei’s government is removing tariffs on imports. </p>
<p>CGTN’s Joel Richards reports.</p>
</div>
<div readability="26.710526315789" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>For more, check out our exclusive content on<a href="https://www.cgtnnow.com/browse"> CGTN Now</a> and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, <a href="https://mailchi.mp/cgtnamerica/china-newsletter-landing-page">The China Report.</a></p>
</div>

link:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Argentina-set-on-removing-tariffs-on-electric-vehicles--1Bikt4sdO4E/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Chinese film premieres at Slamdance Film Festival
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guid:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-film-premieres-at-Slamdance-Film-Festival--1BiicclcfYc/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-ratio="1920:1080" data-news-id="15745" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-film-premieres-at-Slamdance-Film-Festival--1BiicclcfYc/video/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-film-premieres-at-Slamdance-Film-Festival--1BiicclcfYc/video/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1.jpg" data-title="Chinese film premieres at Slamdance Film Festival" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-film-premieres-at-Slamdance-Film-Festival--1BiicclcfYc/video/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="15745" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-film-premieres-at-Slamdance-Film-Festival--1BiicclcfYc/video/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>02:40</p>
<img src="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-film-premieres-at-Slamdance-Film-Festival--1BiicclcfYc/video/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1/wu_1ikv86cg91im082r1mrl159e1sgi7n1.jpg" alt></div>
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<div readability="45" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>The Slamdance film festival is being held for the first time in Los Angeles.</p>
<p>The event draws some of the most talented film makers from around the world, and this year’s selection includes a documentary style film called “Banr” from China.</p>
<p>Its world premiere was held in a Hollywood red carpet event, highlighting another milestone for the Chinese film industry this year, following the animation blockbuster “Ne Zha 2,” which broke several box office records in recent weeks.</p>
<p>CGTN’s Ediz Tiyansan reports.</p>
</div>
<div readability="27.324561403509" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>For more, check out our exclusive content on <a href="https://www.cgtnnow.com/browse">CGTN Now</a> and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, <a href="https://mailchi.mp/cgtnamerica/china-newsletter-landing-page">The China Report.</a></p>
</div>

link:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-film-premieres-at-Slamdance-Film-Festival--1BiicclcfYc/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Honduran president&amp;#039;s helicopter makes emergency landing, no casualties
hash: ���-���� � ��a
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/news-1Biu3qKa8o0/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/resource/default/img/breaking.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><div readability="40" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>A helicopter carrying Honduran President Xiomara Castro made an emergency landing on Tuesday, in a mountainous area of Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Cortes, due to poor visibility from bad weather, the government said.</p>
<p>No casualties were reported.</p>
<p>(With input from Xinhua)</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/news-1Biu3qKa8o0/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: 18 killed, 31 injured as bus overturns in eastern Thailand
hash: �>:�`c�s�gb���
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/news-1BiDGpEgNKU/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/news-1BiDGpEgNKU/img/d17d0c19c8b74ed38c6c1653b7c3b662/d17d0c19c8b74ed38c6c1653b7c3b662-1280.jpeg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><div readability="43" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Eighteen people were killed and 31 others injured in a bus accident in eastern Thailand on Wednesday, authorities said.</p>
<p>The accident occurred early Wednesday in Prachinburi province when a double-decker bus carrying 49 people on a study tour lost control and overturned on a downhill road, the local public relations office said.</p>
<p>The injured were taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.</p>
<p>Preliminary investigations suggest a brake system failure may have caused the accident.</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): Xinhua News Agency</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/news-1BiDGpEgNKU/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Hamas says solution reached over release of Palestinian prisoners
hash: �!0s��NCڧ�j%�
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Hamas-says-solution-reached-over-release-of-Palestinian-prisoners-1BiDzld6Okw/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Hamas-says-solution-reached-over-release-of-Palestinian-prisoners-1BiDzld6Okw/img/c947578ea4cc47efbac456b5fba09b37/c947578ea4cc47efbac456b5fba09b37-1920.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>An agreement was reached to resolve the problem of delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be released in the last batch, Hamas said on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The prisoners will be released simultaneously with the bodies of the Israeli hostages that were agreed to be handed over during the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Hamas said in a statement.</p>
<p>A Hamas leadership delegation concluded a visit to Cairo, where the delegation members met with Egyptian officials, the statement said, noting that discussions were held on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the exchange of prisoners, and the prospects for the second phase of negotiations.</p>
<p>"The delegation of the movement's leadership stressed its clear position on the necessity of full and precise commitment to all its provisions and stages," the statement added.</p>
<p>Israel announced early Sunday that it had postponed the release of Palestinian detainees, who were set to be freed Saturday under the ceasefire agreement, until more hostages are released.</p>
<p>Israel was expected to release more than 600 Palestinian detainees on Saturday after Hamas freed six hostages earlier in the day.</p>
<p>However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that it had been decided to delay the release of Palestinian detainees scheduled for Saturday "until the release of the next hostages is secured, without the disgraceful ceremonies."</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Israeli officials said Israel was considering an extension of the 42-day truce in Gaza as it seeks to bring home the remaining 63 hostages, while putting off agreement on the future of the enclave for now.</p>
<p>The initial phase of the ceasefire deal, launched with the backing of the United States and the help of Egyptian and Qatari mediators on January 19, is due to end on Saturday and it remains unclear what will follow.</p>
<p>Hamas official Basem Naim said progress could not be made while the prisoners were still being held but that Hamas was committed to a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.</p>
<p>The deal, which included the release of 33 Israeli hostages in return for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from some of their positions in Gaza, has survived numerous hiccups.</p>
<p>So far, 29 Israeli hostages – plus five Thais – have been released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, with the bodies of four more hostages, initially due to be handed over on Thursday, still to come.</p>
<p>(With input from agencies)</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Hamas-says-solution-reached-over-release-of-Palestinian-prisoners-1BiDzld6Okw/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: U.S., Ukraine agree on terms of critical minerals deal: Reuters
hash: ���j�&Q<�~��
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/U-S-Ukraine-agree-on-terms-of-critical-minerals-deal-Reuters-1BiFsiEpCms/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/U-S-Ukraine-agree-on-terms-of-critical-minerals-deal-Reuters-1BiFsiEpCms/img/7fb68925eefc4569b45daea229b42345/7fb68925eefc4569b45daea229b42345-1920.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed on the terms of a draft minerals deal central to Kyiv's push to win Washington's support as President Donald Trump seeks to rapidly end the war with Russia, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two sources with knowledge of the matter.</p>
<p>According to the report, a source familiar with the contents of the draft agreement said that it does not specify any U.S. security guarantees or continued flow of weapons but says that the United States wants Ukraine to be "free, sovereign and secure."</p>
<p>Future weapons shipments are still being discussed between Washington and Kyiv, the report added, citing one of the sources familiar with the deal.</p>
<p>Trump told reporters that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to come to Washington on Friday to sign a "very big deal." This came after the two leaders exchanged hostile words last week.</p>
<p>The U.S. president, who has cast the deal as a repayment for billions of dollars in aid to Kyiv, also said some form of peacekeeping troops are needed in Ukraine if an agreement to end the conflict is struck. Moscow, which launched a special military operation in Ukraine three years ago, has refused to accept any deployment of NATO forces.</p>
<p>Some European countries have said they would be willing to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. Trump said on Monday that Moscow would accept such peacekeepers, but the Kremlin denied that on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Trump's rush to impose an end to Russia-Ukraine conflict and his lurch toward Moscow has stoked fears of far-reaching U.S. concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin that could undermine security in Ukraine and Europe and alter the geopolitical landscape.</p>
<p>Officials on both sides have agreed to the draft and advised it should be signed, the sources said. The deal could open up Ukraine's vast mineral wealth to the U.S.</p>
<p>"What we're doing is now we're saying, look, we want to be secured," Trump said. "The American taxpayer now is going to get their money back, plus."</p>
<p>Zelenskyy refused to sign an earlier draft of a minerals agreement as Washington sought rights to $500 billion in Ukraine's natural wealth. Kyiv protested it had received far less than that in U.S. aid and the deal lacked the security guarantees Ukraine needs.</p>
<p>Under the terms of a draft minerals agreement, according to sources familiar with its contents, the United States and Ukraine would establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund to collect and reinvest revenues from Ukrainian sources, including minerals, hydrocarbons and other extractable materials.</p>
<p>Ukraine would contribute to the fund 50 percent of the revenue minus operating expenses and continue until the contributions reach the sum of $500 billion. The United States would provide a long-term financial commitment to the development of a "stable and economically prosperous Ukraine."</p>
<p>Asked what Ukraine would get in return for the minerals deal, Trump cited what he said was $350 billion already provided by the U.S. "and lots of military equipment and the right to fight on."</p>
<p>Scott Anderson, a fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, said that while the minerals deal would look like "a kind of piracy" to much of the world, it is necessary to get buy-in from Trump and Republican lawmakers.</p>
<p>"They say this gives him (Trump) real skin in the game. I think there is real logic to that," Anderson said.</p>
<p>"I hear that he's coming on Friday," Trump told reporters. "Certainly it's okay with me if he'd like to. And he would like to sign it together with me."</p>
<p>Ukraine has deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critical, according to Ukrainian data. They include industrial and construction materials, ferroalloy, precious and non-ferrous metals, and some rare earth elements.</p>
<p>Ukraine's reserves of graphite, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and nuclear reactors, represent 20 percent of global resources.</p>
<p>(With input from Reuters)</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/U-S-Ukraine-agree-on-terms-of-critical-minerals-deal-Reuters-1BiFsiEpCms/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: DeepSeek rushes to launch new AI model: Reuters
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guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/DeepSeek-rushes-to-launch-new-AI-model-Reuters-1BiTmhKlvqw/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="6" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/DeepSeek-rushes-to-launch-new-AI-model-Reuters-1BiTmhKlvqw/img/8920e2145aa941028c3f576dcc132181/8920e2145aa941028c3f576dcc132181.jpeg" alt="A DeepSeek logo is seen on a smartphone. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>A DeepSeek logo is seen on a smartphone. /VCG</p>
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">A DeepSeek logo is seen on a smartphone. /VCG</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="49" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Chinese startup DeepSeek triggered a $1-trillion-plus sell-off in global equities markets last month with a cut-price AI reasoning model that outperformed many Western competitors.</p>
<p>Now, the Hangzhou-based firm is accelerating the launch of the successor to January's R1 model, according to three people familiar with the company, Reuters reported on Wednesday.</p>
<p>The company had planned to release R2 in early May but now wants it out as early as possible, two of them said, without providing specifics, according to Reuters, adding that DeepSeek says it hopes the new model will produce better coding and be able to reason in languages beyond English.</p>
<p>(With input from Reuters)</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/DeepSeek-rushes-to-launch-new-AI-model-Reuters-1BiTmhKlvqw/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Mystery illness in Congo kills over 50 people
hash: ���,Ւy�L2���m�
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Mystery-illness-in-Congo-kills-over-50-people-1BiJkXWBKRq/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Mystery-illness-in-Congo-kills-over-50-people-1BiJkXWBKRq/img/dbc166e25ab84948b9e6b6a523b031fe/dbc166e25ab84948b9e6b6a523b031fe.jpeg" alt="Headquarters of WHO, Geneva, Switzerland. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Headquarters of WHO, Geneva, Switzerland. /VCG</p>
<div readability="9" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Headquarters of WHO, Geneva, Switzerland. /VCG</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="77" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>An unknown illness first discovered in three children who ate a bat has rapidly killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo over the past five weeks, health experts say.</p>
<p>The interval between the onset of symptoms – which include fever, vomiting and internal bleeding – and death has been 48 hours in most cases and "that's what's really worrying," said Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring center.</p>
<p>These "hemorrhagic fever" symptoms are commonly linked to known deadly viruses, such as Ebola, dengue, Marburg and yellow fever, but researchers have ruled these out based on tests of more than a dozen samples collected so far.</p>
<p>The latest disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began on January 21, with 419 cases recorded and 53 deaths.</p>
<p>The outbreak began in the village of Boloko after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours, the Africa office of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday.</p>
<p>There have long been concerns about diseases jumping from animals to humans in places where wild animals are popularly eaten. The number of such outbreaks in Africa has surged by more than 60 percent in the last decade, the WHO said in 2022.</p>
<p>After the second outbreak of the mystery disease began in the village of Bomate on February 9, samples from 13 cases were sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, for testing, the WHO said. All samples were negative for common hemorrhagic fever diseases, although some tested positive for malaria.</p>
<p>Last year, another mystery flu-like illness that killed dozens of people in another part of Congo was determined likely to be malaria.</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): AP</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Mystery-illness-in-Congo-kills-over-50-people-1BiJkXWBKRq/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: China, Germany eye closer cooperation amid rising protectionism
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guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/China-Germany-eye-closer-cooperation-amid-rising-protectionism-1BiLlYlk2NG/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/China-Germany-eye-closer-cooperation-amid-rising-protectionism-1BiLlYlk2NG/img/84212760f0d9486caeb5211f969bb31e/84212760f0d9486caeb5211f969bb31e-750.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>With protectionism emerging as one of the strongest headwinds faced by the global economy, some 200 representatives from Chinese and German government and business circles have backed the idea of closer cooperation between the two nations.</p>
<p>The consensus among participants in the China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, which was held on Monday in Stuttgart, Germany, was evident: international cooperation should be strengthened, not undermined.</p>
<p>Under the theme of "New Opportunities for China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation in the Context of Global Supply Chain Restructuring," the forum was organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).</p>
<p>Johannes Jung, director of strategy, commercial law, foreign trade and Europe at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, shared his concerns over the rise of protectionism at the forum. Fears have been growing among many internationally active companies about protectionist tendencies, said Jung.</p>
<p>These companies need "open markets, fair trade relations and reliable international perception" and the confidence that their investments abroad are safe, Jung said, adding that these companies need to make sure they will find equal, fair, competitive conditions abroad.</p>
<p>Jung believes that regular political and private visits are important building blocks to ensure mutual understanding and to further deepen cooperation.</p>
<p>Despite the rise of trade protectionism, the trend of economic globalization is irreversible, and all parties should strengthen international cooperation based on trust, according to Jung.</p>
<p>The CCPIT is willing to join hands with German partners to tap into the potential of trade cooperation, continue to provide opportunities for high-quality German products such as autos and agricultural machinery to enter the Chinese market, and strengthen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, said Ren Hongbin, chairman of CCPIT.</p>
<p>The CCPIT intends to promote the development of bilateral investment, create a good environment for business cooperation, and encourage more competent Chinese companies to invest in Germany, Ren added.</p>
<p>Tim Wenniges, deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of Entrepreneurs Baden-Wuerttemberg Association, considers the forum as a "positive signal" that "cooperation is both possible and desired."</p>
<p>As a leading organization representing the economy of Baden-Wuerttemberg state, Entrepreneurs Baden-Wuerttemberg Association consists of 65 associations from 50 industries and represents businesses across various sectors, from industry and services to trade and craftsmanship.</p>
<p>According to Wenniges, China is one of the most important trading partners for the German economy, and economic ties between the two nations are extensive, with mutual investments and engagements.</p>
<p>"Around the world, we see increasing tendencies toward economic closure, but businesses are resisting these trends. Together, we aim to promote innovation, engage in trade, and foster deeper exchanges in various fields," he said.</p>
<p>The global supply chain is undergoing a profound revolution, which will inevitably have a great impact on cooperation between Chinese and German companies, said Wang Xiao, director of Genertec International Holding Co., Ltd.</p>
<p>Enhanced cooperation based on the principles of openness, tolerance and mutual benefit, is the best way to overcome challenges and achieve a win-win result, said Wang.</p>
<p>China has been an appealing destination for foreign investments due to its open approach, Huang Yiyang, the consul general of China in Frankfurt, underlined. Huang is looking forward to seeing more German companies benefiting from the opportunities that arise from the industrial transformation and technological innovation currently underway in China.</p>
<p>Lin Shunjie, chairman of China International Exhibition Center Group Limited, presented the third China International Supply Chain Expo, which is set to kick off on July 16 in China. The company signed letters of intent and cooperation memorandums for the exhibition with German partners like Wolqe GmbH and the China Network Baden-Wuerttemberg.</p>
<p>A total of 19 German companies attended the last China International Supply Chain Expo, Lin said. The German companies, which come from smart auto, clean energy and advanced manufacturing industries, are important players along the global supply chain, and their presence demonstrates the interconnection of the supply chain, added Lin, convinced that there will be more German companies at the third China International Supply Chain Expo.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/China-Germany-eye-closer-cooperation-amid-rising-protectionism-1BiLlYlk2NG/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: 46 killed in Sudanese military plane crash: AP
hash: _��pL���b�A�ק
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title: South Korea birthrate rises for first time in 9 years, marriages surge
hash: �]v�����u�:�e� G
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/South-Korea-birthrate-rises-for-first-time-in-9-years-marriages-surge-1Bj6rp1bxtu/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/South-Korea-birthrate-rises-for-first-time-in-9-years-marriages-surge-1Bj6rp1bxtu/img/7db90423a1464b1f9d9a62dac2688626/7db90423a1464b1f9d9a62dac2688626-1920.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>South Korea's fertility rate rose in 2024 for the first time in nine years, fueled by a rise in marriages, preliminary data showed on Wednesday, in a sign that the country's demographic crisis might have turned a corner.</p>
<p>The country's fertility rate, defined as the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive life, stood at 0.75 in 2024, up from 0.72 in 2023, according to Statistics Korea.</p>
<p>In 2023, South Korea recorded the lowest fertility rate in the world for the eighth consecutive year, raising concerns over the economic shock to society from such a rapid decline. The country had seen its fertility rate plummet from 1.24 in 2015.</p>
<p>Since 2018, South Korea has been the only member of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) with a rate below 1.</p>
<p>In response to the demographic crisis, South Korea rolled out various measures to encourage marriage and childbirth, after now impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a "national demographic crisis" and a plan to create a dedicated ministry devoted to tackling low birth rates.</p>
<p>"There was a change in social value, with more positive views about marriage and childbirth," Park Hyun-jung, an official at Statistics Korea, told a briefing, noting the impact of delayed marriages during the pandemic and a rise in marriages for those in their early 30s.</p>
<p>"It is difficult to measure how much each factor contributed to the rise in new births, but they themselves had an impact on each other too," Park said.</p>
<p>Marriages, a leading indicator of new births, jumped 14.9 percent in 2024, the biggest spike since the data tracking began in 1970. For the first time in 11 years, marriages also increased by 1.0 percent in 2023, driven by a post-pandemic boost.</p>
<p>In the Asian country, there is a high correlation between marriages and births, with a time lag of one or two years, as marriage is often seen as a prerequisite to having children.</p>
<p>South Korea continues to face a shrinking population, with 120,000 more deaths than births in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year of natural population decline. Seoul, the capital, reported the lowest birthrate at 0.58, reflecting regional disparities. The administrative city of Sejong was the only major center where population grew.</p>
<p>South Korea's population, which hit a peak of 51.83 million in 2020, is expected to shrink to 36.22 million by 2072, according to the latest projection by the statistics agency.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/South-Korea-birthrate-rises-for-first-time-in-9-years-marriages-surge-1Bj6rp1bxtu/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Trump floats $5 million &amp;#039;gold card&amp;#039; as a route to U.S. citizenship
hash: Eݸ�8���6�k
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Trump-floats-5-million-gold-card-as-a-route-to-U-S-citizenship-1Bj7Sw6ZemY/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="7.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Trump-floats-5-million-gold-card-as-a-route-to-U-S-citizenship-1Bj7Sw6ZemY/img/88c40742071e48d497838716e582f68d/88c40742071e48d497838716e582f68d.png" alt="U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Governors Working Session in the State Dining Room at the White House on February 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="12.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Governors Working Session in the State Dining Room at the White House on February 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. /VCG</p>
<div readability="10" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Governors Working Session in the State Dining Room at the White House on February 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. /VCG</p>
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<div readability="78" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday floated the idea of replacing a visa program for foreign investors with a so-called "gold card" that could be bought for $5 million as a route to American citizenship.</p>
<p>Trump told reporters he will replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which allows foreign investors of large sums of money that create or preserve U.S. jobs to become permanent residents, with a so-called "gold card."</p>
<p>The EB-5 program grants "green cards" to foreigners promising to invest in U.S. businesses.</p>
<p>"We are going to be selling a gold card," Trump said. "We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million," he continued.</p>
<p>"It's going to give you green card privileges plus its going to be a route to (American) citizenship, and wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card," Trump said, adding that details about the scheme will come out in two weeks.</p>
<p>Trump added it is possible Russian oligarchs could qualify for the "gold cards," when asked by a journalist if those people would be eligible. "Yeah, possibly. Hey. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people," he said.</p>
<p>The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, was created by Congress in 1990 to "stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors," according to the USCIS website.</p>
<p>"The EB-5 program ... It was full of nonsense, make believe and fraud, and it was a way to get a green card that was low price. So the president said, rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we're going to end the EB-5 program. We're going to replace it with the Trump gold card," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters on Tuesday.</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): Reuters</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Trump-floats-5-million-gold-card-as-a-route-to-U-S-citizenship-1Bj7Sw6ZemY/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Chinese vice president meets with New Zealand deputy prime minister
hash: �;կҧƫ����lu�
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-vice-president-meets-with-New-Zealand-deputy-prime-minister-1Bjni5gXMoE/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-vice-president-meets-with-New-Zealand-deputy-prime-minister-1Bjni5gXMoE/img/0a522635d33c433481de0409550f54c3/0a522635d33c433481de0409550f54c3.png" alt="Chinese Vice President Han Zheng (R) shakes hands with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters in Beijing, China, February 26, 2025. /Xinhua" layout="responsive"><div readability="14" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Chinese Vice President Han Zheng (R) shakes hands with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters in Beijing, China, February 26, 2025. /Xinhua</p>
<div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Chinese Vice President Han Zheng (R) shakes hands with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters in Beijing, China, February 26, 2025. /Xinhua</p>
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<div readability="55" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters in Beijing on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Han said that leaders of both sides met on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting last November, providing strategic guidance for the continued development of China-New Zealand relations from a new starting point.</p>
<p>Noting that as the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, Han said that China attaches great importance to the development of China-New Zealand relations and stands ready to work with New Zealand to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding, and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.</p>
<p>Peters, meanwhile, said that New Zealand attaches importance to developing relations with China and is willing to strengthen dialogue, enhance understanding, and deepen economic and trade cooperation as an active partner of China.</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): Xinhua News Agency</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-26/Chinese-vice-president-meets-with-New-Zealand-deputy-prime-minister-1Bjni5gXMoE/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: U.S. launches private lunar lander to deliver NASA science instruments
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guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-27/U-S-launches-private-lunar-lander-to-deliver-NASA-science-instruments-1Bl8WOl4P8k/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="8.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-27/U-S-launches-private-lunar-lander-to-deliver-NASA-science-instruments-1Bl8WOl4P8k/img/36e60b8ad5ac487bbdde8c6f59332f35/36e60b8ad5ac487bbdde8c6f59332f35.jpeg" alt="Intuitive Machines' Athena lander on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, U.S., February 26, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="15.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Intuitive Machines' Athena lander on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, U.S., February 26, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="12" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Intuitive Machines' Athena lander on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, U.S., February 26, 2025. /VCG</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="72" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>U.S. company Intuitive Machines launched its second lunar mission on Wednesday to deliver science payloads of NASA to the moon.</p>
<p>The mission, codenamed IM-2, lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday evening.</p>
<p>After the launch, Intuitive Machines' lunar lander, Athena, will spend approximately one week in transit to the moon before landing on the lunar surface no earlier than March 6.</p>
<p>The lander is loaded with scientific instruments and will carry NASA science investigations and technology demonstrations to further understand the moon's environment and help prepare for future human missions to the lunar surface, according to NASA.</p>
<p>IM-2 is set to demonstrate lunar mobility, resource prospecting, and analysis of volatile substances from sub-surface materials, a critical step toward uncovering water sources beyond the Earth – a key component for establishing sustainable infrastructure both on the lunar surface and in space, according to Intuitive Machines.</p>
<p>Launched as a rideshare with the IM-2 delivery, NASA's Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft also started its journey to lunar orbit, where it will map the distribution of the different forms of water on the moon.</p>
<p>Last year, Intuitive Machines made history when its first lunar lander, Odysseus, made a soft touchdown on the lunar surface, marking the first American spacecraft to land on the lunar surface in more than 50 years.</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): Xinhua News Agency</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-27/U-S-launches-private-lunar-lander-to-deliver-NASA-science-instruments-1Bl8WOl4P8k/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Elon Musk releases game changing Grok 3 AI
hash: �WԎ�I�4+ [�;�
guid:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Elon-Musk-releases-game-changing-Grok-3-AI-1BlGPVlzrrO/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div data-sanitized-class="cmsVideo cg-pic-big3">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-ratio="1920:1080" data-news-id="15752" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Elon-Musk-releases-game-changing-Grok-3-AI-1BlGPVlzrrO/video/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Elon-Musk-releases-game-changing-Grok-3-AI-1BlGPVlzrrO/video/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg.jpg" data-title="Elon Musk releases game changing Grok 3 AI" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
<div data-sanitized-class="cg-player-position">

<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Elon-Musk-releases-game-changing-Grok-3-AI-1BlGPVlzrrO/video/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="15752" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Elon-Musk-releases-game-changing-Grok-3-AI-1BlGPVlzrrO/video/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>03:06</p>
<img src="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Elon-Musk-releases-game-changing-Grok-3-AI-1BlGPVlzrrO/video/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg/wu_1il4ldus4o3c3a7qhi1c40d831bg.jpg" alt></div>
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<div readability="38" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Less than a year ago, it seemed that the AI chatbot race was primarily dominated by ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. But in the past month, the landscape has changed with the emergence of China’s DeepSeek, and now another competitor that comes from a man who constantly make headlines — Elon Musk. Mark Niu reports.</p>
</div>

link:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Elon-Musk-releases-game-changing-Grok-3-AI-1BlGPVlzrrO/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Trump holds first cabinet meeting
hash: ��{'ŧu��aRaxv��
guid:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-1BlGU9woR4k/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div data-sanitized-class="cmsVideo cg-pic-big3">
<div data-sanitized-class="cg-video-wrapper">
<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-ratio="1920:1080" data-news-id="15753" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-1BlGU9woR4k/video/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-1BlGU9woR4k/video/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a.jpg" data-title="Trump holds first cabinet meeting" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-video="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-1BlGU9woR4k/video/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="15753" data-poster="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-1BlGU9woR4k/video/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>03:28</p>
<img src="https://videous.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-1BlGU9woR4k/video/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a/wu_1il4lahmr4i61m801gbg14lq15h7a.jpg" alt></div>
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<div readability="35" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>U.S. President Trump has held his first cabinet meeting since taking office. He publicly backed his special advisor Elon Musk, charged with eliminating government waste and had conciliatory words on the U.S. relationship with China. CGTN’s White House Correspondent Nathan King reports.</p>
</div>

link:
https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-1BlGU9woR4k/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: China urges U.S. to rethink tariff policies
hash: q���;���$2l� �
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-urges-U-S-to-rethink-tariff-policies-1BlQmHElfUY/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="6.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-urges-U-S-to-rethink-tariff-policies-1BlQmHElfUY/img/cfb21c1d2de04fa2bcf3a2c0097aa76f/cfb21c1d2de04fa2bcf3a2c0097aa76f.png" alt="China's Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, China. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="9.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>China's Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, China. /VCG</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">China's Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, China. /VCG</p>
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</div>
</div>
<div readability="70" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has written a letter to Jamieson Greer, the newly appointed United States Trade Representative, congratulating him on his appointment and expressing China's concern about the U.S. tariff policy.</p>
<p>Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the United States, economic and trade relations have seen significant progress, Wang said, adding that the two countries' economic and trade cooperation has played a key role in driving economic growth, boosting employment and enhancing the well-being of people in both countries.</p>
<p>A healthy and sound China-U.S. economic and trade relationship aligns with the common interests of both countries and meets the expectations of the international community, he said.</p>
<p>He said that China is willing to work with the United States to create a better business environment for enterprises in both countries and deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples.</p>
<p>China has expressed firm opposition to the United States' decision to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods on the grounds of fentanyl-related issues and has taken corresponding countermeasures. This is a necessary move to protect China's legitimate rights and interests, he said.</p>
<p>China has also noticed that it is targeted by multiple investigations under a memorandum titled "America First Trade Policy," Wang said, adding that China hopes the United States will conduct these investigations with an objective, rational and professional attitude while enhancing transparency throughout the process.</p>
<p>"It is natural for China and the United States to have differences in the economic and trade field. We should address our respective concerns through equal dialogue and consultation," the minister said.</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): Xinhua News Agency</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-urges-U-S-to-rethink-tariff-policies-1BlQmHElfUY/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: EU warns of firm response to U.S. tariffs
hash: p�Id�?�W�<�ߊ<
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/EU-warns-of-firm-response-to-U-S-tariffs-1BlSiZjNg52/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/EU-warns-of-firm-response-to-U-S-tariffs-1BlSiZjNg52/img/da8bc2320ffb4402ae1898cc48e90a01/da8bc2320ffb4402ae1898cc48e90a01-1920.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>Transatlantic trade tensions have escalated following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25-percent tariff on European imports, with European countries warning that Europe will react "firmly and immediately" against unjustified barriers.</p>
<p>The tariff plan announced by Trump on Wednesday covers various European imports, including cars and other goods. Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, he claimed that the EU has "taken advantage of" the United States by blocking American cars and agricultural products.</p>
<p>In response, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said on Thursday at a press briefing that American businesses have reaped significant profits from investments in Europe.</p>
<p>"By creating a large and integrated single market, the European Union (EU) has facilitated trade, reduced costs for EU exporters, and harmonized standards and regulations across all our member states. As a result, U.S. investments in Europe are highly profitable," he stressed.</p>
<p>Regarding the tariffs, the European Commission said on Wednesday that the EU would react "firmly and immediately" against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies.</p>
<p>Speaking in Washington on Thursday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola underscored that Europe and the United States have shared values and warned against isolation. She reaffirmed that the EU is ready to respond "firmly and immediately against unjust barriers to free and fair trade."</p>
<p>France and Spain shared the EU stance on retaliation, calling for unity to defend Europe's interests.</p>
<p>According to French media Le Figaro, French Economy Minister Eric Lombard, who recently participated in the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, said that the EU must protect its interests by doing the same as what the United States did.</p>
<p>"We need to have a firm and proportionate reaction," French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu told France Info in an interview on Thursday. "The EU must react in the firmest possible way, in the most immediate way, and I insist in the most proportionate way, because that's how it works," he said.</p>
<p>The EU will defend itself "against those who attack it with absolutely unjustified tariffs that threaten our economic sovereignty," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said at an event in the Basque Region of northern Spain. He stressed that the EU was "prepared" and the member states will "adopt measures proportionate" in response to the tariffs.</p>
<p>He emphasized the EU's commitment to open trade and cooperation, in contrast to Trump's promotion of "isolation." "We will not abandon that route, because we will keep on looking for collaboration between countries, commercial openness and a multilateral system that is more important than ever," Sanchez said.</p>
<p>In addition, he rejected Trump's statement made on Wednesday that the EU was "formed to screw the United States," arguing that many of the rich in America are, in fact, "thanks to Europe."</p>
<p>On social media platform X, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed Sanchez's stance. He posted: "The EU was not formed to screw anyone. Quite the opposite. It was formed to maintain peace, to build respect among our nations, to create free and fair trade, and to strengthen our transatlantic friendship."</p>
<p>Adolfo Urso, Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, expressed concern over escalating trade tensions with the United States, noting that Italy, with its export-driven economy, is "obviously worried." Speaking to the media in Paris on Thursday, he stressed the need to avoid a trade war, emphasizing that the West should remain united rather than divided.</p>
<p>However, Italian industrial leaders have called for a stronger response, blaming Trump's policy for hindering Europe's economic development. Emanuele Orsini, president of the Italian industry association Confindustria, warned that Trump's tariffs disrupt trade dynamics and threaten European businesses and jobs.</p>
<p>"The real goal of the U.S. is the deindustrialization of our continent," he said in a statement. "Europe must change the gear: time is up. The measures announced today in Brussels are insufficient," he added, calling it a "dark hour" for Europe.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/EU-warns-of-firm-response-to-U-S-tariffs-1BlSiZjNg52/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Negotiations on Gaza truce deal begin in Egypt&amp;#039;s Cairo
hash: �����r�t@8.��f
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Negotiations-on-Gaza-truce-deal-begin-in-Egypt-s-Cairo-1BlVgKkRo2c/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Negotiations-on-Gaza-truce-deal-begin-in-Egypt-s-Cairo-1BlVgKkRo2c/img/85d215ab86804b50b0743604770386f3/85d215ab86804b50b0743604770386f3.png" alt="A destroyed building in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, February 27, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>A destroyed building in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, February 27, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="9" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">A destroyed building in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, February 27, 2025. /VCG</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="79" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Israeli and Qatari delegations arrived in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Thursday for Gaza ceasefire talks, with the participation of U.S. representatives, according to Egypt's State Information Service (SIS).</p>
<p>The SIS said in a statement that the parties have begun intensive discussions "on the next stages of the ongoing Gaza truce deal," while addressing ways to ensure the implementation of the previously agreed-upon understandings.</p>
<p>The negotiators also touched upon means to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as part of the efforts to alleviate the suffering of its people and further support stability in the region, it added.</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that an Israeli negotiating delegation was sent to Cairo to continue the ceasefire talks, without providing further details.</p>
<p>The announcement came after the final exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners under the first phase of the truce was completed overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The 42-day initial phase of the three-stage agreement is set to expire on Saturday.</p>
<p>In response to a question about whether the delegation heading to Cairo will discuss moving on to a second phase, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said, "Our delegation will go to Cairo and see whether we have common ground to negotiate."</p>
<p>"We said we are ready to extend the framework in return for the release of more hostages," he added. Israeli media said the minister was referring to the framework of phase one.</p>
<p>Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Israeli media that 59 hostages remain in Gaza and securing their release remains a top priority.</p>
<p>Hamas said on Thursday it was ready to begin talks on the second phase and that the only way the remaining hostages in Gaza would be freed is through commitment to the ceasefire.</p>
<p>The ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19, was brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with support from the United States.</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): Xinhua News Agency</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Negotiations-on-Gaza-truce-deal-begin-in-Egypt-s-Cairo-1BlVgKkRo2c/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Russia against any European peacekeepers in Ukraine, Lukashenko says
hash: ���ӕK� �Ŵ�x� v
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Russia-against-any-European-peacekeepers-in-Ukraine-Lukashenko-says-1BlSMs5BDjy/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="7.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Russia-against-any-European-peacekeepers-in-Ukraine-Lukashenko-says-1BlSMs5BDjy/img/aaa21a9732d745e89df1f2278db2c204/aaa21a9732d745e89df1f2278db2c204.png" alt="Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus, January 26, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="12.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus, January 26, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="10" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus, January 26, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<div readability="72" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Russia is categorically against the deployment of peacekeeping forces from European states to Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday.</p>
<p>In an interview with American blogger Mario Nawfal in Minsk, the Belarusian leader said Russia will never agree to EU peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. "At least, this is Russia's position today. Especially since the leadership of the European Union, primarily Germany and France, is taking a very aggressive position at the moment," Lukashenko said.</p>
<p>Increasingly alarmed that U.S. security priorities lie elsewhere, a group of European countries has been quietly working on a plan to send troops into Ukraine to help enforce any future peace settlement with Russia, the Associated Press has reported.</p>
<p>Britain and France are at the forefront of the effort, though details remain scarce.</p>
<p>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that Britain would "play our part" in any peacekeeping role in Ukraine, but could only do so with some kind of backup from the United States.</p>
<p>On Thursday, Lukashenko also said that during his latest contacts with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader confirmed his readiness for negotiations to resolve the situation in Ukraine, including with the Ukrainian side. No one will resolve Ukraine's issues without Ukraine, the Belarusian president stressed.</p>
<p>Touching on a possible U.S.-Ukraine deal on rare earth metals, Lukashenko said this "deal may be alarming for Russia and most likely is alarming" if it goes beyond economic relations.</p>
<p>(With input from agencies)</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Russia-against-any-European-peacekeepers-in-Ukraine-Lukashenko-says-1BlSMs5BDjy/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Trump dismisses Starmer&amp;#039;s call for U.S. military guarantees in Ukraine
hash: �cz#^�2x{���^�
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-dismisses-Starmer-s-call-for-U-S-military-guarantees-in-Ukraine-1BlX4L59lCg/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-dismisses-Starmer-s-call-for-U-S-military-guarantees-in-Ukraine-1BlX4L59lCg/img/377c928b51e945de8455df9bbb2936d5/377c928b51e945de8455df9bbb2936d5-1920.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a minerals deal with Ukraine is the security guarantee Kyiv needs against Russia, brushing aside a plea from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a commitment of U.S. military support.</p>
<p>Starmer, who was meeting Trump at the White House for the first time since the U.S. leader took office, turned on the charm, saying peace in Ukraine had only become possible because of Trump.</p>
<p>However, underlying differences between the allies remained, including transatlantic frictions over U.S.-Russia talks aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Trump's tariff threats.</p>
<p>Before the meeting, Starmer had said there could be no long-term peace in Ukraine without firm U.S. security guarantees – an argument Trump all but dismissed.</p>
<p>"We are a backstop because we'll be over there, we'll be working," Trump said, referring to the economic partnership. "We're going to have a lot of people over there."</p>
<p>Asked whether he could trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said, "Trust and verify," echoing former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's views on negotiations with the Soviet Union.</p>
<p>Noting that talks towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict were moving briskly, Trump said, "It will either be fairly soon, or it won't be at all." Starmer said not just any deal would do, underscoring the concern among European nations that a rushed peace deal with Russia might lead to further instability in Europe.</p>
<p>"We have to get it right," Starmer said at a joint press conference with Trump. "It can't be peace that rewards the aggressor."</p>
<p>Starmer is the latest European leader to meet Trump, after French President Emmanuel Macron came to the White House on Monday for a friendly encounter that also displayed stark differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.</p>
<p>Starmer has signaled that Britain will increase defense spending and has tried to reassure the U.S. president that Europe will provide support and security guarantees to Kyiv if peace talks with Russia are successful.</p>
<p>On Thursday, Trump reaffirmed the United States' long-standing commitment to the mutual defense of NATO nations, even if European peacekeepers end up in Ukraine. "I support it. I don't think we're going to have any reason for it," he said.</p>
<p>Starmer has said he is open to British troops providing security guarantees to Ukraine but only alongside other European nations and with "the right conditions in place."</p>
<p>The two leaders also negotiated a bilateral trade agreement. A wide-ranging free trade deal has eluded the countries since Trump's 2017-2021 term in office, but the U.S. president said the two countries could reach a deal "very shortly."</p>
<p>Asked by a reporter whether Starmer had convinced him to abandon threats to impose tariffs on Britain, Trump said, "He tried. He was working hard, I'll tell you that."</p>
<p>"We could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn't be necessary," Trump said. "We'll see."</p>
<p>(With input from Reuters)</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Trump-dismisses-Starmer-s-call-for-U-S-military-guarantees-in-Ukraine-1BlX4L59lCg/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Cuba, sanctions and U.S. flip-flops
hash: �UH�9-���#��� �
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Cuba-sanctions-and-U-S-flip-flops-1BlPrWULirC/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div data-sanitized-class="cmsVideo cg-pic-big3">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-ratio="1920:1080" data-news-id="486077" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Cuba-sanctions-and-U-S-flip-flops-1BlPrWULirC/video/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Cuba-sanctions-and-U-S-flip-flops-1BlPrWULirC/video/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa.jpg" data-title="Global South Spotlight: Cuba, sanctions and U.S. flip-flops" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="1920" data-height="1080" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Cuba-sanctions-and-U-S-flip-flops-1BlPrWULirC/video/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="486077" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Cuba-sanctions-and-U-S-flip-flops-1BlPrWULirC/video/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_TIANFU_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>02:20</p>
<img src="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Cuba-sanctions-and-U-S-flip-flops-1BlPrWULirC/video/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa/wu_1il4s26f61hb6ipcue91lb81pmoa.jpg" alt></div>
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<div readability="42" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>U.S President Donald Trump's swift reversal of Joe Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the U.S. "State Sponsors of Terrorism" list highlights the ongoing U.S. flip-flopping on Cuba. In this video, we examine the harmful effects of U.S. sanctions, the questionable rationale behind its policies, and how global support for Cuba is pushing back against American pressure.</p>
<p>Is it time for the U.S. to change its approach, or will this cycle of hostility continue? Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments below!</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Cuba-sanctions-and-U-S-flip-flops-1BlPrWULirC/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Backgrounder: Trump, Zelenskyy to meet amid war of words
hash: �_�,�W!N%�(s��
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/img/1b2063d5dd674439b81996b94d902ae1/1b2063d5dd674439b81996b94d902ae1.png" alt="This combination of pictures created on February 19, 2025, shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) in Brussels, December 19, 2024, and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., February 10, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="23" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>This combination of pictures created on February 19, 2025, shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) in Brussels, December 19, 2024, and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., February 10, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="17" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">This combination of pictures created on February 19, 2025, shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) in Brussels, December 19, 2024, and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., February 10, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United States on Thursday ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for Friday.</p>
<p>The first face-to face meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy since the former was inaugurated on January 20, expected to focus on a rare minerals agreement, comes after a recent slew of high-profile verbal clashes between the pair.</p>
<p><strong>'Behind our backs'</strong></p>
<p>Trump and Zelenskyy have been trading barbs following a high-level U.S.-Russia meeting over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, held in Saudi Arabia on February 18.</p>
<p>Senior Russian and U.S. officials, including top diplomats from both countries, agreed on charting a path toward ending the conflict.</p>
<p>However, Ukraine was not invited, and in response Zelenskyy postponed a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia on February 19, emphasizing that "negotiations should not take place behind our backs."</p>
<p>His reaction prompted a wave of verbal attacks from Trump, triggering a rare public back-and-forth between the leaders of two countries that have been steadfast allies since the conflict began three years ago.</p>
<p>Hours after the U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that he was "much more confident" that the conflict would end.</p>
<p>When asked about Ukraine's absence at the negotiating table, Trump responded, "I hear that they're upset about not having a seat. Well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily."</p>
<p>He further suggested that Kyiv bore responsibility for starting the conflict, a stark departure from the long-standing stance of the United States and its allies. "You should have never started it. You could have made a deal," Trump added.</p>
<p>Trump also claimed that Zelenskyy's approval rating had plummeted to "4 percent" and called for new presidential elections in Ukraine as Zelenskyy's mandate has long expired.</p>
<p>Ukraine postponed its presidential election that was scheduled for 2024 because of the ongoing conflict.</p>
<p>Zelenskyy responded sharply to Trump's comments, accusing him of falling for Russian "disinformation."</p>
<p>"I believe that the United States helped (Vladimir) Putin break out of years of isolation," Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday, delivering some of his strongest criticism yet of the new U.S. administration.</p>
<p>He also urged Trump's team "to be more truthful" in their statements.</p>
</div>
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<div data-width="3840" data-height="2160" data-ratio="3840:2160" data-news-id="486094" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/video/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/video/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250.jpg" data-title="Backgrounder: Trump, Zelenskyy to meet amid war of words" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
<div data-sanitized-class="cg-player-position">

<div data-width="3840" data-height="2160" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/video/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="486094" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/video/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoGENERAL_NEWS_TIANFU_checkvideo2Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>01:25</p>
<img src="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/video/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250/wu_1ikhmm5nu1qqfbkloknonndcr250.jpg" alt></div>
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<p><strong>'Dictator' accusations</strong></p>
<p>The war of words further escalated when Trump labeled Zelenskyy a "Dictator without Elections" on his social media platform, Truth Social, on February 19.</p>
<p>"Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a country left," Trump wrote.</p>
<p>In the same post, Trump referred to Zelenskyy as "a modestly successful comedian" who "talked the United States into spending 350 billion dollars to go into a war that couldn't be won, that never had to start," and "will never be able to settle" without the United States and himself.</p>
<p>Zelenskyy pushed back by saying that the United States had given $67 billion in military aid and $31.5 billion in support for Ukraine's budget.</p>
<p>He also pointed out that his approval rating stands above 50 percent, referring to a recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.</p>
<p>However, on the eve of Zelenskyy's visit, Trump on February 27 voiced respect for the Ukrainian president, downplaying the earlier jibe that he was a "dictator."</p>
<p>"Did I say that? I can't believe I said that," Trump said when asked by journalists about his recent comment.</p>
<p><strong>'Zelenskyy has no cards'</strong></p>
<p>Trump depicted Zelenskyy's presence at peace talks as "not very important" on February 21.</p>
<p>In an interview on Fox News Radio's The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump criticized Zelenskyy's handling of the war. "I've been watching this man for years now, as his cities get demolished, as his people get killed, as the soldiers get decimated."</p>
<p>Trump went on to argue that Zelenskyy lacks leverage in negotiations. "He has no cards," said Trump.</p>
<p>The American president said that Zelenskyy's participation in talks over the past three years had not led to any substantial progress.</p>
<p>"He's been at meetings for three years, and nothing got done," Trump said.</p>
<p>While acknowledging the devastation in Ukraine, Trump argued that Zelenskyy's involvement in peace talks has made it more difficult to reach deals. "He makes it very hard to make deals. But look what's happened to his country, it's been demolished."</p>
<p><strong>'Ukraine can forget about joining NATO'</strong></p>
<p>Trump said on February 26 that Ukraine could "forget about" joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and he would try to get Ukraine as much land as possible from Russia.</p>
<p>"NATO, you can forget about it," Trump told reporters before convening a meeting of his cabinet members inside the White House.</p>
<p>"I think that's probably the reason the whole thing started," he said.</p>
<p>The U.S. president made the remarks when asked what concessions he would like to see at the negotiating table with Russia.</p>
<p>Trump, who has been trying to broker peace for the three-year conflict between Kyiv and Moscow, also said that he will try to let Ukraine take back as much Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia as possible.</p>
<p>"We're going to do the best we can to make the best deal we can for both sides, but for Ukraine, we're going to try very hard to make a good deal so that they can get as much back as possible. We want to get as much back as possible," he said.</p>
<p>Zelenskyy said that he was willing to step down as president if that would mean Ukraine could become a member of NATO.</p>
<p>(With input from agencies)</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Backgrounder-Trump-Zelenskyy-to-meet-amid-war-of-words-1BlWGgBpPe8/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Sinner&amp;#039;s Laureus Sportsman of Year nomination revoked after doping ban
hash: ^�'\N2w�xqz����
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Sinner-s-Laureus-Sportsman-of-Year-nomination-revoked-after-doping-ban-1BlRollKqR2/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Sinner-s-Laureus-Sportsman-of-Year-nomination-revoked-after-doping-ban-1BlRollKqR2/img/622e353990734c16a98481cfca0453ee/622e353990734c16a98481cfca0453ee-1920.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>The Laureus Academy revoked tennis number one Jannik Sinner's nomination for its annual World Sportsman of the Year Award on Thursday, citing his three-month doping ban.</p>
<p>Sinner, who accepted the ban earlier this month, had tested positive for anabolic agent clostebol which the 23-year-old said had entered his system from a member of his support team through massages and sports therapy. The ban will end on May 4.</p>
<p>"We have followed this case, the decisions of the relevant global bodies and – whilst we note the extenuating circumstances involved – feel that the three-month ban renders the nomination ineligible," Laureus Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick said in a letter addressed to nomination panel members. "Jannik and his team have been informed."</p>
<p>The Laureus World Sports Awards have been presented since 2000, with nominees selected by the global media, recognizing individual and team achievement in sport. The nominees for this year's awards will be announced on March 3 in Madrid.</p>
<p>Sinner, who retained his Australian Open title in January, failed two drug tests in March 2024 but was allowed to keep competing while he appealed his case.</p>
<p>The positive tests came to light days before the U.S. Open, when an independent tribunal cleared him of wrongdoing, plunging the year's final major into controversy.</p>
<p>A number of players and fans criticized officials for allowing Sinner to play on despite the positive tests and believed that the Italian had been given preferential treatment because of his top-ranking status.</p>
<p>In September, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed to sports highest court (CAS) against an independent tribunal's ruling, which had cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing because it found he bore "no fault or negligence" for the failed tests.</p>
<p>WADA had said that finding was incorrect under the applicable rules, and that Sinner should serve a ban "of between one and two years".</p>
<p>However, two weeks ago Sinner accepted an immediate three-month doping ban after WADA said it had reached a settlement on his period of ineligibility. WADA also withdrew its appeal to CAS following the settlement.</p>
<p>Sinner, who will return to competition before the next Grand Slam event takes place at the French Open, is the second high-ranked player to accept a doping ban in recent months after women's world number two Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month ban in November.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Sinner-s-Laureus-Sportsman-of-Year-nomination-revoked-after-doping-ban-1BlRollKqR2/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: John Higgins sweeps Pang Junxu to reach WST World Open semifinals
hash: :��|r���3c�ٙ4 +
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/John-Higgins-sweeps-Pang-Junxu-to-reach-WST-World-Open-semifinals-1BlTL6zsPYs/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="8.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/John-Higgins-sweeps-Pang-Junxu-to-reach-WST-World-Open-semifinals-1BlTL6zsPYs/img/d881c2f91fae406dbfcdf42d27c3e243/d881c2f91fae406dbfcdf42d27c3e243.jpeg" alt="Pang Junxu of China makes a gesture in the quarterfinals against John Higgins of Scotland at the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, February 27, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="15.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Pang Junxu of China makes a gesture in the quarterfinals against John Higgins of Scotland at the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, February 27, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="12" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Pang Junxu of China makes a gesture in the quarterfinals against John Higgins of Scotland at the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, February 27, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<p>Four-time world champion John Higgins of Scotland swept past home player Pang Xunju 5-0 in the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open quarterfinals in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, on Thursday.</p>
<p>The last time Pang faced Higgins was in the qualifying tournament for the Welsh Open in 2022 when Higgins beat Pang 4-1. He maintained his dominance over the only Chinese player in the last 8 on the night, making a break of 125 to clinch the first frame and then delivered another three breaks of 87, 96, 81 in the following three games respectively before sealing the deal.</p>
<p>Higgins will play Englishman Zak Surety in the semifinals. Surety defeated his compatriot Tom Fard 5-3 on the same day.</p>
<p>In another eye-catching last 8 battle between two English players, Joe O'Connor continued his giant-slaying journey by defeating Shaun Murphy 5-1. O'Connor began with breaks of 135 and 100 to lead 2-0. Though Murphy replied a century of 128 in the third frame, O'Connor claimed three straight frames, including making a break of 132 in the fourth, to pocket the final victory.</p>
<p>"I played really well and didn't give Shaun many chances," O'Connor said. "When the long pots are going in you have to punish the top players, that's what I did today and I'm proud of it. It's cementing confidence I have had for many years. This week it has all come together and hopefully I can win the trophy. If I play like that it will take a lot to stop me. I have been consistent for a while now and when my game clicks I feel I can beat anyone."</p>
<p>O'Connor will face another Englishman Ali Carter next. Carter came back from 3-1 and 4-3 down to edge Barry Hawkins 5-4. He has won two of his six ranking titles in China.</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/John-Higgins-sweeps-Pang-Junxu-to-reach-WST-World-Open-semifinals-1BlTL6zsPYs/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Griekspoor defeats Medvedev to reach Dubai semifinals
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Griekspoor-defeats-Medvedev-to-reach-Dubai-semifinals-1BlYK8EKKvS/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="8.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Griekspoor-defeats-Medvedev-to-reach-Dubai-semifinals-1BlYK8EKKvS/img/449342e845214303843cc21f5f06435f/449342e845214303843cc21f5f06435f.jpeg" alt="Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands hits a shot in the men's singles quarterfinals against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Dubai Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 27, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="15.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands hits a shot in the men's singles quarterfinals against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Dubai Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 27, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="12" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands hits a shot in the men's singles quarterfinals against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Dubai Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 27, 2025. /VCG</p>
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</div>
</div>
<div readability="62" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands saved four match points before beating top-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia 2-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5 to reach the semifinals at the Dubai Championships on Thursday.</p>
<p>"When I won the second set, I was actually thinking 'how am I even still in this tournament?' I probably should have been on the plane to Indian Wells already," world No. 47 Griekspoor said "Sometimes you've got to be a little bit lucky."</p>
<p>The Dutchman survived a first-round encounter with another Russian Roman Safiullin by saving three match points. He then eliminated French defending champion Ugo Humbert on Wednesday.</p>
<p>"It's my best win by ranking," Griekspoor added. "Just very pleased with this win. It means a lot."</p>
<p>Griekspoor will meet fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece for a shot at the title. Tsitsipas beat Matteo Berrettini of Italy 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-4. It will be the Greek's first Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) semifinal match of the year.</p>
<p>Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada defeated 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic of Croatia 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to set up a semifinal against French qualifier Quentin Halys, who eliminated Luca Nardi of Italy 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5).</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): AP</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Griekspoor-defeats-Medvedev-to-reach-Dubai-semifinals-1BlYK8EKKvS/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Asia News Wrap: Bangladesh and Pakistan resume direct trade, and more
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Asia-News-Wrap-Bangladesh-and-Pakistan-resume-direct-trade-and-more-1BkJdG2dDa0/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="32" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Here are a few stories from around Asia you may have missed this week.</p>
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<div readability="32" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>Bangladesh and Pakistan resume direct trade ties</strong></p>
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<div readability="6" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Asia-News-Wrap-Bangladesh-and-Pakistan-resume-direct-trade-and-more-1BkJdG2dDa0/img/6d7e4794401845de83cb8163eb5969e3/6d7e4794401845de83cb8163eb5969e3.jpeg" alt="FILE: A ship docked at Port Qasim in Pakistan. /Port Qasim's official website" layout="responsive"><div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>FILE: A ship docked at Port Qasim in Pakistan. /Port Qasim's official website</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">FILE: A ship docked at Port Qasim in Pakistan. /Port Qasim's official website</p>
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<div readability="51" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Bangladesh has resumed direct trade with Pakistan for the first time since its independence in 1971. The first shipment of 50,000 tonnes of rice left Port Qasim in Pakistan under a government-to-government deal.</p>
<p>The agreement follows an improvement in diplomatic relations since an interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took over last year.</p>
<p>Previously known as East Pakistan, Bangladesh won independence from Pakistan in 1971.</p>
<p>The new deal, finalized earlier this month, involves Bangladesh purchasing white rice from Pakistan at $499 per tonne. The shipment will be delivered in two phases, with the remaining 25,000 tonnes expected in early March.</p>
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<div readability="32" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>South Korea's birthrate rises for the first time in 9 years</strong></p>
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<div readability="7.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Asia-News-Wrap-Bangladesh-and-Pakistan-resume-direct-trade-and-more-1BkJdG2dDa0/img/b8000eaca5a24c5ca493502027495a9e/b8000eaca5a24c5ca493502027495a9e.jpeg" alt="Nurses take care of newborns at a neonatal center in Seoul, South Korea, February 28, 2024. /CFP" layout="responsive"><div readability="12.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Nurses take care of newborns at a neonatal center in Seoul, South Korea, February 28, 2024. /CFP</p>
<div readability="10" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Nurses take care of newborns at a neonatal center in Seoul, South Korea, February 28, 2024. /CFP</p>
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<div readability="61" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>South Korea's fertility rate rose in 2024 for the first time in nine years, data showed on Wednesday, supported by an increase in marriages as more couples tied the knot after pandemic delays. Policy efforts to incentivize companies and Koreans to embrace parenthood also began to pay off.</p>
<p>In 2023, the birth rate fell for the eighth consecutive year to 0.72, the lowest in the world, down from 1.24 in 2015, raising concerns over the economic shock the country could face from such a rapid decline.</p>
<p>South Korea has rolled out various measures to encourage young people to get married and have children after now-impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a "national demographic crisis" and announced a plan to create a new ministry devoted to tackling low birth rates.</p>
<p>"There was a change in social values, with more positive views about marriage and childbirth," Park Hyun-jung, an official at Statistics Korea, told the press, also citing the impact of a rise in the number of people in their early 30s and pandemic delays. Marriages, a leading indicator of new births, jumped 14.9 percent in 2024, the biggest spike since the data was first released in 1970.</p>
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<div readability="33" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>Wildfire in Japan burns buildings, forces evacuations</strong></p>
</div>
<div readability="7.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Asia-News-Wrap-Bangladesh-and-Pakistan-resume-direct-trade-and-more-1BkJdG2dDa0/img/51fd23fa95534cedbd5155a597c12e62/51fd23fa95534cedbd5155a597c12e62.jpeg" alt="A wildfire spreads in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, February 26, 2025. /CFP" layout="responsive"><div readability="12.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>A wildfire spreads in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, February 26, 2025. /CFP</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">A wildfire spreads in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, February 26, 2025. /CFP</p>
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<div readability="50" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>A wildfire in northern Japan has damaged over 80 buildings and forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents, with military helicopters mobilized to assist. The fire reduced several houses to charred frames in the forested areas of Ofunato, located in Iwate Prefecture, authorities said on Thursday. Nearly 600 residents have been evacuated, according to the local municipality. No injuries have been reported.</p>
<p>As of Thursday morning, city officials estimated that at least 84 buildings had been damaged by the fire. Ofunato's mayor, Kiyoshi Fuchigami, described the fire as "large-scale" on Wednesday evening, saying more than 1,400 acres of land had been burned. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, he added.</p>
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<div readability="32" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>Indonesia lifts iPhone 16 sales ban in exchange for $300 million investment</strong></p>
</div>
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Asia-News-Wrap-Bangladesh-and-Pakistan-resume-direct-trade-and-more-1BkJdG2dDa0/img/3602888246534d3bb6a739ec51522a52/3602888246534d3bb6a739ec51522a52.jpeg" alt="A store offering Apple products displays older iPhone models in Jakarta, February 26, 2025. /CFP" layout="responsive"><div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>A store offering Apple products displays older iPhone models in Jakarta, February 26, 2025. /CFP</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">A store offering Apple products displays older iPhone models in Jakarta, February 26, 2025. /CFP</p>
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<div readability="41" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Apple will soon be able to sell its iPhone 16 in Indonesia, its industry minister announced on Wednesday, following an agreement to include an Apple manufacturing plant and a research and development center. The agreement ends months of negotiations after Indonesia banned the iPhone 16's sale last year due to Apple's failure to meet local component requirements. Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita described the talks with Apple as "tricky," but confirmed that the company is now in the process of obtaining a local content certificate to sell its devices. As part of the agreements, worth over $300 million, Apple will invest in a software research and development center near Jakarta and establish plants to produce components for its products, including AirPods. No timeframe was provided.</p>
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<div readability="33" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>India's six-week-long Maha Kumbh religious festival ends, drawing 663 million</strong></p>
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<div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Asia-News-Wrap-Bangladesh-and-Pakistan-resume-direct-trade-and-more-1BkJdG2dDa0/img/316f5174c9ee4973bd9f07dff87d1bcf/316f5174c9ee4973bd9f07dff87d1bcf.jpeg" alt="Devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers with the mythical, invisible Saraswati River, to mark one of the auspicious days during the Maha Kumbh Mela," or the great pitcher in february layout="responsive"><div readability="23" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers with the mythical, invisible Saraswati River, to mark one of the auspicious days during the Maha Kumbh Mela," or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, February 12, 2025. /Reuters</p>
<div readability="17" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers with the mythical, invisible Saraswati River, to mark one of the auspicious days during the Maha Kumbh Mela," or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, February 12, 2025. /Reuters</p>
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</div>
<div readability="60" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Large crowds turned out in India on Wednesday for the last day of the six-week Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, held once every 12 years, with authorities saying it drew a staggering 663 million people seeking absolution of their sins by taking a dip in waters devout Hindus consider sacred.</p>
<p>Television images showed security officials trying to direct visitors around barricades in the temporary township set up in Prayagraj, near the banks where the holy rivers meet. Authorities said as many as 15.3 million people took the holy dip on Wednesday, bringing the total number to more than 663 million.</p>
<p>The last event in 2019 drew 240 million visitors, but this year's event, signified by the term "maha" (meaning great), is rendered even more auspicious by a rare alignment of celestial bodies that occurs once every 144 years.</p>
<p>People from all walks of life, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers, business tycoons, and television and film actors, participated.</p>
</div>
<div readability="36" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>(Cover: Laborers load sacks of rice onto a truck at a market in Karachi, Pakistan, June 10, 2024. /CFP)</p>
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link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Asia-News-Wrap-Bangladesh-and-Pakistan-resume-direct-trade-and-more-1BkJdG2dDa0/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Two Sessions Keywords: Chinese modernization&amp;#039;s path to a shared future
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Two-Sessions-Keywords-Chinese-modernization-s-path-to-a-shared-future-1BmcvslcebK/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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<div data-width="1080" data-height="1920" data-ratio="1080:1920" data-news-id="486147" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Two-Sessions-Keywords-Chinese-modernization-s-path-to-a-shared-future-1BmcvslcebK/video/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Two-Sessions-Keywords-Chinese-modernization-s-path-to-a-shared-future-1BmcvslcebK/video/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a.jpg" data-title="Two Sessions Keywords: Chinese modernization's path to a shared future" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="1080" data-height="1920" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Two-Sessions-Keywords-Chinese-modernization-s-path-to-a-shared-future-1BmcvslcebK/video/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="486147" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Two-Sessions-Keywords-Chinese-modernization-s-path-to-a-shared-future-1BmcvslcebK/video/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoVIDEO_NEWS_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>01:33</p>
<img src="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Two-Sessions-Keywords-Chinese-modernization-s-path-to-a-shared-future-1BmcvslcebK/video/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a/wu_1il5l4h0bfc2c0j11thk21nfki9a.jpg" alt></div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="37" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Are you intrigued about the future of Chinese modernization? From cutting-edge technology to green transformation, from smart home devices to autonomous vehicles, Chinese modernization is gradually reshaping our daily lives. How will Chinese modernization impact our era? And what part will you play in this transformative journey? Let's explore the unlimited possibilities of this new era together!</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Two-Sessions-Keywords-Chinese-modernization-s-path-to-a-shared-future-1BmcvslcebK/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: CGTN poll on Ukraine-U.S. minerals deal
hash: A~��_ m^Q �7Œq
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/-CGTN-poll-on-Ukraine-U-S-minerals-deal-1BmieArhFqE/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/-CGTN-poll-on-Ukraine-U-S-minerals-deal-1BmieArhFqE/img/0c7ff40536fc4b19ba917ea44a616f4f/0c7ff40536fc4b19ba917ea44a616f4f.png" alt=" Bucket-wheel excavators mine rare earth materials on Ukrainian soil in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, February 25, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="14" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Bucket-wheel excavators mine rare earth materials on Ukrainian soil in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, February 25, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Bucket-wheel excavators mine rare earth materials on Ukrainian soil in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, February 25, 2025. /VCG</p>
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</div>
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<div readability="35.414634146341" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>The negotiations over a deal that could grant the United States access to Ukraine's mineral resources have attracted significant attention. CGTN invites its global audience to share their views on the matter.</p>
<p>Please click <a href="https://news.cgtn.com/vote/BbAA/index.html">here</a> to take the poll. </p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/-CGTN-poll-on-Ukraine-U-S-minerals-deal-1BmieArhFqE/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: China vows countermeasures to Trump&amp;#039;s new 10% tariff threat
hash: �� ��e�&�6Ϝ�m
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-vows-countermeasures-to-Trump-s-new-10-tariff-threat-1Bmkep20xsQ/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="6" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-vows-countermeasures-to-Trump-s-new-10-tariff-threat-1Bmkep20xsQ/img/7582e6d04d144bdfa8dd5c4b202e78fe/7582e6d04d144bdfa8dd5c4b202e78fe.png" alt="China's Ministry of Commerce. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>China's Ministry of Commerce. /VCG</p>
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">China's Ministry of Commerce. /VCG</p>
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<div readability="74" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>China's Commerce Ministry on Friday voiced firm opposition to the U.S. threat to impose another 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China starting March 4, and vowed to take "necessary countermeasures" to safeguard China's legitimate rights and interests.</p>
<p>"China has repeatedly stressed that unilateral tariffs violate World Trade Organization rules and damage the multilateral trading system. China firmly opposes the U.S.' move," a spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry said.</p>
<p>The U.S. cited the so-called fentanyl issue as an excuse for the latest tariff threat.</p>
<p>China has some of the strictest and most rigorously enforced anti-drug policies in the world and actively engages in international anti-drug cooperation with countries around the world, including the U.S., the spokesperson said. </p>
<p>However, the U.S. has consistently ignored objective facts, the spokesperson added, noting that it imposed a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China citing fentanyl and other reasons, and now it is threatening to impose additional tariffs. </p>
<p>China hopes the U.S. will not continue down the wrong path and will quickly return to the correct track of resolving differences through equal dialogue, the spokesperson said. </p>
<p>If the U.S. persists in its actions, China will take all necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests, the spokesperson added.</p>
<p>The country's foreign ministry also denounced such actions from Washington.</p>
<p>China has repeatedly stated that there is no winner in a trade war or a tariff war, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing on Friday, adding that the U.S. unilateral tariff hikes severely violate World Trade Organization rules and harm the interests of the two countries and the whole world.  </p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-vows-countermeasures-to-Trump-s-new-10-tariff-threat-1Bmkep20xsQ/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: "China travel" through the African lens
hash: ��Y=Z��3+��gq�
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/-China-travel-through-the-African-lens-1BmunXrhiKc/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
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<p>0228 CAT movie travel.mp3</p>

<p><span data-sanitized-class="audio-length-current audioCurTime">00:00</span></p>
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<div readability="76" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Have you ever travelled to a place because it was featured in your favorite films? The recent box office success in China is fueling a new wave of movie-inspired travel and culinary exploration, creating new opportunities for cultural tourism.</p>
<p>Capitalizing on this momentum, travel agencies in China have offered a variety of themed tours based on popular film locations, scenic spots, and iconic story settings.</p>
<p>These offerings have attracted a surge of tourists, with train and air tickets to destinations like the western provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi experiencing a notable increase in demand.</p>
<p>China has also launched a global promotional campaign called "Travel China with Chinese Films," designed to inspire international travellers to explore the country's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.</p>
<p>So, what trends are we seeing among African travelers to China? Two young Africans share their ideas.</p>

<p>1.      Jackie Chan's Influence: Many Africans are first introduced to China through Jackie Chan's movies, where elements like Kung Fu and traditional Chinese architecture form their initial impressions of the country. (3:07)</p>
<p>2.      The Real China Exceeds Expectations: The true China surpasses any preconceived notions, with its remarkable development, modernization, technology, infrastructure, and convenience. The modernization of Chinese rural areas is not the "typical" rural setting but rather more urbanized. (14:00)</p>
<p>3.      Famous Filming Locations in China: China boasts many renowned filming locations featured in international blockbusters like Avatar, 2012, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. These locations further motivate visitors to explore the country. (25:16)</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/-China-travel-through-the-African-lens-1BmunXrhiKc/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Scientists provide evidence for existence of ancient ocean on Mars
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guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Scientists-provide-evidence-for-existence-of-ancient-ocean-on-Mars-1BmtgxSNSKc/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="50" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Chinese researchers have cooperated with their overseas counterparts to identify subsurface dipping reflectors indicative of an ancient prograding shoreline on Mars, according to a recent research article published in the journal PNAS.</p>
<p>The findings offer the most direct subsurface evidence of an ancient ocean on the red planet.</p>
<p>Although orbital images have identified ancient shorelines that suggest the northern lowlands of Mars may once have been covered by an ancient ocean spanning a third of the Martian surface, the hypothesis of an ancient Martian ocean remained controversial.</p>
<p>The controversy is due to the inconsistent elevation distribution of the ancient shorelines inferred from remote sensing data, as well as the impacts, weathering and resurfacing processes that Mars has experienced over the past 4 billion years, which may have distorted or obscured evidence of the ancient ocean's surface.</p>
</div>
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Scientists-provide-evidence-for-existence-of-ancient-ocean-on-Mars-1BmtgxSNSKc/img/73588985cf7741c5a0527646d8ba83cf/73588985cf7741c5a0527646d8ba83cf.png" alt="The map of Utopia Planitia, Mars rover Zhurong's landing site and four potential ancient shorelines of Mars. /CMG" layout="responsive"><div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>The map of Utopia Planitia, Mars rover Zhurong's landing site and four potential ancient shorelines of Mars. /CMG</p>
<div readability="9" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">The map of Utopia Planitia, Mars rover Zhurong's landing site and four potential ancient shorelines of Mars. /CMG</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="67" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>China's Mars rover Zhurong successfully landed in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021. It had traveled 1,921 meters by May 2022 on the red planet, collecting abundant scientific data.</p>
<p>Zhurong is equipped with a dual-frequency subsurface-penetrating radar system, which is capable of probing subsurface structures and potential water ice deposits.</p>
<p>Through radar data gathered by the rover, the researchers from Guangzhou University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tongji University, the University of California, Berkeley and Pennsylvania State University identified extensive dipping deposits in the subsurface of southern Utopia Planitia.</p>
<p>The reflectors dipped unidirectionally with inclinations in the range from six to 20 degrees and were imaged to a thickness of 10 to 35 meters along an uninterrupted 1.3-kilometer northward shoreline-perpendicular traverse.</p>
<p>These structures were similar to the radar imaging results of coastal sediments on Earth. Their consistency and physical properties ruled out other origins such as aeolian sand dunes or fluvial alluviation.</p>
<p>The structure, thickness, and length of the section supported voluminous supply of onshore sediments into a large body of water, rather than a merely localized and short-lived melt event, the article noted.</p>
<p>Such findings support the existence of an ancient Martian ocean in the northern plains and provide crucial insights into the evolution of the ancient Martian environment.</p>
</div>
<div data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>(Cover: VCG)</p>
</div>
<p>Source(s): Xinhua News Agency</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Scientists-provide-evidence-for-existence-of-ancient-ocean-on-Mars-1BmtgxSNSKc/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Several injured as blast hits seminary in NW Pakistan
hash: \�_�rB��o{�Ұ�~
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/news-1BmuPZSIDqU/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Chang&amp;#039;e-6 samples provide evidence of "magma ocean" on early moon
hash: ���7 �U��h`�8�
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Chang-e-6-samples-provide-evidence-of-magma-ocean-on-early-moon-1BmmY5jm4cE/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Chang-e-6-samples-provide-evidence-of-magma-ocean-on-early-moon-1BmmY5jm4cE/img/8899397837de4a75b80091311cc76456/8899397837de4a75b80091311cc76456-750.jpeg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>A new study of the lunar samples collected by China's Chang'e-6 mission has verified the hypothesis that the moon was entirely covered by a molten "magma ocean" in the early stages after its birth. This provides critical evidence for understanding the moon's origin and evolution.</p>
<p>This study, led by a joint research team organized by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), has been published in the latest issue of the journal Science.</p>
<p>The Chang'e-6 mission in 2024 accomplished humanity's first-ever sampling from the far side of the moon, successfully retrieving 1,935.3 grams of lunar material from the Apollo Basin within the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin.</p>
<p>The research team from the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, was given two grams of the Chang'e-6 samples to conduct their research.</p>
<p>The study revealed that the composition of basalt, a type of volcanic rock, from both the far and near sides of the moon proved similar. The basalt present in the Chang'e-6 samples is primarily 2.82 billion years old, and its characteristics support the lunar magma ocean model. The research also suggests that the impact event that created the SPA Basin may have altered the moon's early mantle, according to Liu Dunyi, a senior researcher at the institute.</p>
<p>The lunar magma ocean model was previously established based on samples from the moon's near side. The model proposes that the newborn moon went through a global melting event, creating a vast magma ocean. As this ocean cooled and crystallized, less dense minerals floated to the surface to form the lunar crust, while denser minerals sank to form the mantle. The remaining melt, enriched with incompatible elements, formed the KREEP layer, with the name derived from the initials of the key components, namely potassium (K), rare earth elements (REE), and phosphorus (P), Liu explained.</p>
<p>However, for decades, all lunar samples came from the moon's near side, leaving the model incomplete. "Without samples from the far side, it was like solving a puzzle with half the pieces missing," said Liu, while adding that the far-side samples collected by Chang'e-6 had changed this scenario.</p>
<p>"Our analysis showed that the KREEP layer exists on the moon's far side as well. The similarity in basalt composition between the far and near sides indicates that a global magma ocean may have spanned the entire moon," said Che Xiaochao, an associate researcher at the institute.</p>
<p>The SPA Basin, where Chang'e-6 landed, is no ordinary crater. Stretching 2,500 km, which is comparable to the distance from Beijing to south China's Hainan, and plunging to a depth of 13 km, this colossal scar, formed by a cataclysmic asteroid impact 4.3 billion years ago, is the oldest and largest impact basin in the inner solar system, according to scientists.</p>
<p>Notably, the new study also reveals that the lead isotope evolution paths in basalt from the far and near sides are different. This suggests that different regions of the moon evolved differently after the magma ocean crystallized. Giant impact events, especially the one that created the SPA Basin, likely changed the physical and chemical properties of the moon's mantle, according to Long Tao, another senior researcher in the team.</p>
<p>"In other words, the moon was once covered by a global magma ocean, but later bombardments of asteroids caused different evolution processes on the near and far sides," Long explained.</p>
<p>The research team plans to delve deeper into the moon's early impact history. "The Chang'e-6 sampling site is in the largest and oldest impact basin in the inner solar system, so it may contain records useful for the study of early solar system impacts," Che said. "We also hope to find materials from the moon's mantle."</p>
<p>"Studying the moon's impact history helps us understand Earth's own past, which has been obscured by tectonic activities," Long added.</p>
<p>The CNSA emphasized its commitment to advancing lunar research and sharing scientific findings with the international community.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Chang-e-6-samples-provide-evidence-of-magma-ocean-on-early-moon-1BmmY5jm4cE/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Xi&amp;#039;s article on properly handling economic work to be published
hash: ׮�xcC�s��`�/�-
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Xi-s-article-on-properly-handling-economic-work-to-be-published-1BmpCO22yRi/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Xi-s-article-on-properly-handling-economic-work-to-be-published-1BmpCO22yRi/img/8a1a83342d4a41cd94d7e6ca311fe54d/8a1a83342d4a41cd94d7e6ca311fe54d-250.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on properly handling several key relationships in economic work will be published on Saturday.</p>
<p>The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year's fifth issue of Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.</p>
<p>The article noted that as adverse impacts from the changing external environment intensify, China's economic operation still faces difficulties and challenges.</p>
<p>At the same time, the Chinese economy is underpinned by a stable foundation, abundant strengths, strong resilience and vast potential, and the supporting conditions and fundamental trend for long-term growth have not changed, it said.</p>
<p>"We must face up to the difficulties, strengthen our confidence, and strive to transform all positive factors into actual achievements in development," the article said.</p>
<p>Economic work is complex and multifaceted, and there are five key relationships that must be properly handled, the article said.</p>
<p>It is essential to coordinate the relationship between an efficient market and a well-functioning government, and the government must act decisively when necessary while also knowing when to refrain from intervention, according to the article.</p>
<p>The article also stressed the relationship between total supply and demand to ensure smooth economic circulation. Efforts must be made to address weakness in domestic demand, which should serve as the major driver and stabilizer of growth.</p>
<p>The relationship between developing new growth engines and upgrading traditional industries is another priority that should be handled well, according to the article.</p>
<p>It further emphasized properly managing the relationship between optimizing incremental resources and making good use of existing resources, as well as the relationship between quality improvements and scale expansion.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Xi-s-article-on-properly-handling-economic-work-to-be-published-1BmpCO22yRi/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Rare seven-planet alignment visible to the naked eye globally
hash: C�k���9�܋�{�N
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Rare-seven-planet-alignment-visible-to-the-naked-eye-globally-1BmwGCkpa6I/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="50" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>A rare astronomical phenomenon will occur on Friday evening: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will align almost perfectly in the sky, forming a "seven-planet alignment" visible from Earth.</p>
<p>Although this is due to the planets' orbital paths aligning by chance, the alignment is the most precise in 300 years, with a span of 117°.</p>
<p>In the Northern Hemisphere, three of the brightest planets – Jupiter, Venus and Mars – will be visible to the naked eye.</p>
</div>
<div readability="6" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Rare-seven-planet-alignment-visible-to-the-naked-eye-globally-1BmwGCkpa6I/img/867e7dce58b34a9db5032ec6da3f0dd2/867e7dce58b34a9db5032ec6da3f0dd2.jpeg" alt="An illutration of the solar system. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>An illutration of the solar system. /VCG</p>
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">An illutration of the solar system. /VCG</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="61" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>This alignment is the result of the planets' unique positioning within our solar system. While their orbits are elliptical, they lie roughly within the same plane, meaning they align from Earth's perspective at certain times.</p>
<p>This event is rare because the planets not only appear near each other but also align in a specific, narrow time window. The last occurrence of such a precise alignment was over 300 years ago, and the next won't happen for some time.</p>
<p>The alignment will be visible to the naked eye across much of the Northern Hemisphere. About 30 minutes after sunset, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will shine brightly in the western sky. The planets will gradually align, offering an unforgettable view.</p>
<p>Visibility will be best in areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution. In cities, it may be harder to spot all planets, but Saturn, Uranus and Neptune can be seen with a telescope.</p>
<p>Whether using binoculars, a telescope or just your eyes, this seven-planet alignment offers a rare chance to witness a phenomenon that only happens once every few centuries. It's a reminder of the vast beauty of our solar system.</p>
</div>
<div data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>(Cover: VCG)</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Rare-seven-planet-alignment-visible-to-the-naked-eye-globally-1BmwGCkpa6I/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Top Chinese diplomat holds strategic dialogue with Russia&amp;#039;s Shoigu
hash: ����FT ��;�
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Chinese-top-diplomat-holds-strategic-dialogue-with-Russia-s-Shoigu-in-Beijing-1BmESWmFbnG/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Chinese-top-diplomat-holds-strategic-dialogue-with-Russia-s-Shoigu-in-Beijing-1BmESWmFbnG/img/1aa9177c41084d1eacedd965117c6fff/1aa9177c41084d1eacedd965117c6fff-250.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi held a strategic dialogue with Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, in Beijing on Friday.</p>
<p>Wang noted that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations will continue to remain rock-solid and unshakable.</p>
<p>Recently, leaders of both sides had a phone conversation after the video meeting at the beginning of the year and conducted communication on deepening strategic coordination and promoting the stability of the international situation. This fully reflected the high level and particularity of China-Russia relations and highlighted the responsible role played by the heads of state of the two major powers, Wang said.</p>
<p>He called on the two sides to stick to the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close coordination, and continue to deepen mutual trust and cooperation in strategic security.</p>
<p>History and reality have proved time and again that China-Russia relations have a strong internal driving force, solid public support, and unique strategic value, and are not aimed at and should not be influenced by third parties, Wang said.</p>
<p>He noted that China-Russia relations in the new era increasingly demonstrates the resilience and calm of the new model of major-country relations.</p>
<p>Wang said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, which is of landmark significance in the history of both China-Russia ties and broader international relations.</p>
<p>As two major victors of World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have the responsibility to join hands to defend the outcomes of WWII and maintain global peace and development, he added.</p>
<p>Shoigu said that the two heads of state have outlined the direction for the development of bilateral relations and strategic coordination. The two countries enjoy a high degree of political and strategic mutual trust, and are unaffected by external factors, he said.</p>
<p>The establishment of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is a firm choice that has been made by both sides, serving the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, he said.</p>
<p>Russia and China hold highly consistent positions on international affairs, and coordinate closely within mechanisms such as the UN, the G20 and APEC, Shoigu said, adding that Russia will fully support China's chairing of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its hosting of summits, while expressing gratitude for China's support of Russia's chairing of BRICS last year.</p>
<p>The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine crisis. Shoigu outlined the latest situation of Russia-U.S. contact, as well as considerations for Russia's position, saying that Russia is committed to eliminating the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and seeking a permanent, fair and sustainable plan for peace.</p>
<p>Wang said that China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace talks and pushing for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.</p>
<p>The two sides agreed to hold a new round of strategic China-Russia security consultations at an appropriate time. They also exchanged views on the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Afghanistan, and other international or regional issues of common concern.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/Chinese-top-diplomat-holds-strategic-dialogue-with-Russia-s-Shoigu-in-Beijing-1BmESWmFbnG/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: China&amp;#039;s space station to welcome first foreign astronaut
hash: 3&E�1��'��I��$
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-s-space-station-to-welcome-first-foreign-astronaut-1BmzY4PXzKU/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="39" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>China and Pakistan on Friday signed a cooperation agreement in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on the spaceflight of a Pakistani astronaut to China's space station.</p>
<p>The selection process will last for about a year, and the Pakistani astronauts will join in a comprehensive and systematic training camp in China.</p>
</div>
<div readability="10.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-s-space-station-to-welcome-first-foreign-astronaut-1BmzY4PXzKU/img/4c3f3065196d4f0e8fd43a0d8242ce63/4c3f3065196d4f0e8fd43a0d8242ce63.jpeg" alt="Muhammad Yousuf Khan (L), chairman of SUPARCO, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (C) and Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of CMSA, at the signing ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan, February 28, 2025. /CMG" layout="responsive"><div readability="21.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Muhammad Yousuf Khan (L), chairman of SUPARCO, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (C) and Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of CMSA, at the signing ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan, February 28, 2025. /CMG</p>
<div readability="16" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">Muhammad Yousuf Khan (L), chairman of SUPARCO, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (C) and Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of CMSA, at the signing ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan, February 28, 2025. /CMG</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div readability="49" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister's Office of Pakistan. In the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), and Muhammad Yousuf Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), signed the agreement.</p>
<p>According to the mission planning of China's space station, a Pakistani astronaut will join Chinese astronauts for short-term missions at the space station in the coming years.</p>
<p>This cooperation agreement provides a model for more developing countries to participate in international manned space cooperation. It is expected to inspire more nations to collaborate in exploring the mysteries of the universe and contribute to writing new chapters for the benefit of all humanity.</p>
</div>
<div data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>(Cover: CMG)</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-s-space-station-to-welcome-first-foreign-astronaut-1BmzY4PXzKU/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: China and US at odds over tariff effects amid undercounted imports
hash: 9z���|�x����`��
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-and-US-at-odds-over-tariff-effects-amid-undercounted-imports-1BmFpWIl45y/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
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<div data-width="2048" data-height="1152" data-ratio="2048:1152" data-news-id="486279" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-and-US-at-odds-over-tariff-effects-amid-undercounted-imports-1BmFpWIl45y/video/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-is4k="false" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-and-US-at-odds-over-tariff-effects-amid-undercounted-imports-1BmFpWIl45y/video/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c.jpg" data-title="China and US at odds over tariff effects amid undercounted imports" data-origin="web_list" data-sanitized-class="cg-player-container J_player_container">
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<div data-width="2048" data-height="1152" data-video="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-and-US-at-odds-over-tariff-effects-amid-undercounted-imports-1BmFpWIl45y/video/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c.m3u8" data-is360="false" data-newsid="486279" data-poster="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-and-US-at-odds-over-tariff-effects-amid-undercounted-imports-1BmFpWIl45y/video/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c.jpg" data-is4k="false" data-sanitized-id="c_videoCULTURE_VIDEO_DIGITAL_checkvideo0Play-myOverlay" data-sanitized-class="click-to-play-overlay J_player_container_main">


<p>01:33</p>
<img src="https://video.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-and-US-at-odds-over-tariff-effects-amid-undercounted-imports-1BmFpWIl45y/video/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c/wu_1il65sfm6o601agcjn0o5gkp2c.jpg" alt></div>
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<p>The Trump tariffs, introduced in 2018 during his first term as US president, remained largely unchanged under the Biden administration. Six years later, US trade data shows that the tariffs have successfully reduced the US trade deficit with China and shifted imports to other countries. However, Chinese data reveals a nearly 10% increase in exports to the US from 2018 to 2024. Analysts attribute this "import gap" to the US de minimis exemption, which allows duty-free entry for small Chinese parcels not captured in US trade statistics.</p>
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link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/China-and-US-at-odds-over-tariff-effects-amid-undercounted-imports-1BmFpWIl45y/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: European countries vow retaliation against Trump&amp;#039;s tariff threat
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/European-countries-vow-retaliation-against-Trump-s-tariff-threat-1BmrI29LzFK/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/European-countries-vow-retaliation-against-Trump-s-tariff-threat-1BmrI29LzFK/img/e1f2cf9e3bb942f38d92dca87202d68a/e1f2cf9e3bb942f38d92dca87202d68a-750.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>Transatlantic trade tensions have escalated following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25 percent tariff on European imports, with European countries warning that Europe will react "firmly and immediately" against unjustified barriers.</p>
<p>The tariff plan announced by Trump on Wednesday covers various European imports, including cars and other goods. Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, he claimed that the EU has "taken advantage of" the United States by blocking American cars and agricultural products.</p>
<p>In response, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said on Thursday at a press briefing that American businesses have reaped significant profits from investments in Europe.</p>
<p>"By creating a large and integrated single market, the European Union (EU) has facilitated trade, reduced costs for EU exporters and harmonized standards and regulations across all our member states. As a result, U.S. investments in Europe are highly profitable," he stressed.</p>
<p>Regarding the tariffs, the European Commission said on Wednesday that the EU would react "firmly and immediately" against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies.</p>
<p>Speaking in Washington on Thursday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola underscored that Europe and the United States have shared values and warned against isolation. She reaffirmed that the EU is ready to respond "firmly and immediately against unjust barriers to free and fair trade."</p>
<p>France and Spain shared the EU stance on retaliation, calling for unity to defend Europe's interests.</p>
<p>According to French media Le Figaro, French Economy Minister Eric Lombard, who is now participating in the G20 finance minister meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, said that the EU must protect its interests by doing the same as what the United States did.</p>
<p>"We need to have a firm and proportionate reaction," French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu told France Info in an interview on Thursday. "The EU must react in the firmest possible way, in the most immediate way and I insist in the most proportionate way, because that's how it works," he said.</p>
<p>The EU will defend itself "against those who attack it with absolutely unjustified tariffs that threaten our economic sovereignty," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said at an event in the Basque Region of northern Spain. He stressed that the EU was "prepared" and the member states will "adopt measures proportionate" in response to the tariffs.</p>
<p>He emphasized EU's commitment to open trade and cooperation, in contrast to Trump's promotion of "isolation." "We will not abandon that route, because we will keep on looking for collaboration between countries, commercial openness and a multilateral system that is more important than ever," Sanchez said.</p>
<p>In addition, he rejected Trump's statement made on Wednesday that the EU was "formed to screw the United States," arguing that many of the rich in America are, in fact, "thanks to Europe."</p>
<p>On social media platform X, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed Sanchez's stance. He posted: "The EU was not formed to screw anyone. Quite the opposite. It was formed to maintain peace, to build respect among our nations, to create free and fair trade, and to strengthen our transatlantic friendship."</p>
<p>Adolfo Urso, Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, expressed concern over escalating trade tensions with the United States, noting that Italy, with its export-driven economy, is "obviously worried." Speaking to the media in Paris on Thursday, he stressed the need to avoid a trade war, emphasizing that the West should remain united rather than divided.</p>
<p>However, Italian industrial leaders have called for a stronger response, blaming Trump's policy for hindering Europe's economic development. Emanuele Orsini, president of the Italian industry association Confindustria, warned that Trump's tariffs disrupt trade dynamics and threaten European businesses and jobs.</p>
<p>"The real goal of the U.S. is the deindustrialization of our continent," he said in a statement. "Europe must change the gear: time is up. The measures announced today in Brussels are insufficient," he added, calling it a "dark hour" for Europe.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-28/European-countries-vow-retaliation-against-Trump-s-tariff-threat-1BmrI29LzFK/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Key indicators show China&amp;#039;s economic recovery gaining momentum
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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-01/Key-indicators-show-China-s-economic-recovery-gaining-momentum-1BooCoN7TIA/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-01/Key-indicators-show-China-s-economic-recovery-gaining-momentum-1BooCoN7TIA/img/fbc01da157244f2f83563d1e3d22c211/fbc01da157244f2f83563d1e3d22c211-750.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>China's economic recovery gathered momentum in February, with the purchasing managers' index (PMI) for both the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors revealing strong performances, experts said on Saturday.</p>
<p>The PMI for China's manufacturing sector came in at 50.2 in February, up 1.1 percentage points from the previous month and bouncing back to the expansion zone, official data showed.</p>
<p>A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.</p>
<p>National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) statistician Zhao Qinghe said the PMI data in February was influenced by factors including enterprises resuming production after the Spring Festival holiday.</p>
<p>NBS data also revealed that the sub-indices of production and new orders came in at 52.5 and 51.1, respectively.</p>
<p>The February PMI for the equipment manufacturing sector and high-tech manufacturing sector stood at 50.8 and 50.9, respectively, according to the NBS.</p>
<p>The PMI for China's non-manufacturing sector came in at 50.4 in February, up 0.2 percentage points from the previous month and remaining in expansion territory, official data showed.</p>
<p>Business activity indices in sectors such as air transport, postal services, telecommunications, radio, television, satellite transmission services, monetary and financial services, and capital market services remained above 55 in February, indicating robust growth in overall business volume, Zhao said.</p>
<p>However, the statistician also pointed out that business activity indices in sectors related to consumer spending, such as retail, accommodation and catering, significantly declined in February, influenced by factors including intensive purchasing ahead of the Spring Festival holiday and waning holiday effects during the post-festival period.</p>
<p>In February, the construction sub-index came in at 52.7, an increase of 3.4 percentage points from the previous month, according to NBS data.</p>
<p>China's composite PMI stood at 51.1 in February, up 1 percentage point from the previous month, the NBS confirmed.</p>
<p>All three key indicators, namely the PMI for both the manufacturing sector and non-manufacturing sector, as well as the composite PMI, stood in expansion territory in February in China, reflecting that an overall recovery was gathering speed, Zhao explained.</p>
<p>"The recovery in February's manufacturing PMI is a structural one, backed by seasonal factors and a combination of policies, driven by both the supply and demand sides," said Wen Tao, an analyst at the China Logistics Information Center.</p>
<p>Notably, several sub-indices reached new recent highs last month, indicating high-quality economic recovery, the analyst added.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-01/Key-indicators-show-China-s-economic-recovery-gaining-momentum-1BooCoN7TIA/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Israel accepts U.S. proposal for temporary ceasefire in Gaza
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content:
<div readability="7" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/news-1Bp6XUMkcrC/img/31daa67d531e493d81331ef7e0b0bd00/31daa67d531e493d81331ef7e0b0bd00.jpeg" alt="Destroyed buildings are pictured in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, March 1, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>Destroyed buildings are pictured in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, March 1, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">Destroyed buildings are pictured in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, March 1, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<div readability="66" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Israel has accepted the U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza for the Ramadan and Passover holidays, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement early Sunday.</p>
<p>The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began on Friday and will last until March 30, while the Jewish Passover week will be marked from April 12 to 20.</p>
<p>According to the proposal by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, on the first day of the extended ceasefire, about half of the 59 living and dead Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would be returned. At the end of the outline period, if an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, the rest of the hostages would be released.</p>
<p>The statement said that Witkoff proposed extending the ceasefire after he felt that bridging the parties' positions to end the war was impossible at this stage and that more time was needed for talks on a permanent ceasefire.</p>
<p>It added that "while Israel has agreed to the Witkoff outline to return our hostages, Hamas has so far stuck to its refusal to accept this outline."</p>
<p>"While Hamas has repeatedly violated the agreement, Israel is not in violation," the statement reads. "If Hamas changes its position, Israel will immediately enter into negotiations on all the details of the Witkoff outline."</p>
<p>The statement also stressed that Israel may return to fighting if it believes that the negotiations are ineffective, as the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire-hostages agreement expired on Saturday.</p>
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<p>Source(s): Xinhua News Agency</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/news-1Bp6XUMkcrC/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: UK PM reaffirms support for Zelenskyy, signs $2.84b loan deal
hash: �rC3� ;[�D�7҈#�
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content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/news-1Bp7peHive0/img/9f1f08c59fff4b9b8c7e3c042a537eb2/9f1f08c59fff4b9b8c7e3c042a537eb2-750.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine and signed a loan agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy worth 2.26 billion British pounds ($2.84 billion, 2.74 billion euros) to support Ukraine's defense capabilities.</p>
<p>Starmer greeted Zelenskyy with a warm embrace on Saturday after the Ukrainian leader flew to London for talks following his clash at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>During their meeting at Downing Street, Starmer said Ukraine has "full backing across the United Kingdom." He stressed Britain's "unwavering determination" to achieve lasting peace.</p>
<p>According to Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, the loan is to be paid back with the profits of immobilized sovereign Russian assets. Zelenskyy and Starmer, together with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, held a video call with Marchenko on Saturday evening.</p>
<p>Zelenskyy hailed "a meaningful and warm meeting" with Starmer and thanked him for the support Britain has shown to Ukraine since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. </p>
<p>Confirming the loan agreement, Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X: "This loan will enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities... The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine."</p>
<p>Zelenskyy's visit came ahead of a defense summit Britain is hosting, with European leaders gathering in London on Sunday to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. Starmer has said he believes such a deal will have to involve the United States.</p>
<p>The Ukrainian president traveled to Britain following a meeting with Trump on Friday evening in the White House, where a routine presence in front of a press pool erupted into an unexpected shouting match.</p>
<p>The fiery exchange between the two sides started with an interjection by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who demanded that Zelenskyy be thankful for Trump's efforts to get his country out of its three-year conflict with Russia. After the public clash, Zelenskyy was eventually asked to depart the White House early, leaving the planned minerals deal between the two sides unsigned.</p>
<p>Before his plane touched down in London earlier on Saturday, Zelenskyy posted on X that Ukraine is "ready to sign the minerals agreement" with the U.S., but "a ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine."</p>
<p>In an interview with Fox News after the clash, Zelenskyy said he respected Trump and American people, but he did not believe he owed Trump an apology.</p>
<p>"I think that we have to be very open and very honest, and I'm not sure that we did something bad," Zelenskyy said.</p>
<p>(With input from agencies)</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/news-1Bp7peHive0/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Real Madrid miss chance to go top in La Liga with 2-1 loss at Betis
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content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/Real-Madrid-miss-chance-to-go-top-in-La-Liga-with-2-1-loss-at-Betis-1BpcBiQjKrm/img/b27206bc0b464ecc941027977b5b7dfb/b27206bc0b464ecc941027977b5b7dfb-1920.png" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>Real Madrid slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis after their former player Isco converted a second-half penalty on Saturday, denying the visitors the chance to top La Liga.</p>
<p>The loss left Real Madrid level on 54 points with leaders Barcelona, who will host mid-table Real Sociedad on Sunday.</p>
<p>Third-placed Atletico Madrid, who have 53, could go top later on Saturday when they host fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.</p>
<p>"I'm dead, exhausted. In the end it's very hard to win games against Madrid, who have millions of resources, it's very difficult," Isco, named man of the game, told Movistar. "I'm happy for the win against the best team out there today. Hopefully we can finish the year in the best possible way."</p>
<p>Madrid dominated the early proceedings and took the lead after 10 minutes when Brahim Diaz tapped in Ferland Mendy's pass from the left after a great through ball from Kylian Mbappe.</p>
<p>Betis overcame the sluggish start, though, and equalized in the 34th through Johnny Cardoso's close-range header off a corner from Isco.</p>
<p>Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulled off a crucial save to deny Cardoso a second goal shortly before halftime. The Belgian, however, could not prevent Isco from scoring a clinical spot kick to hand Betis the lead nine minutes after the break following Antonio Rudiger's foul on Jesus Rodriguez.</p>
<p>Madrid's boss Carlo Ancelotti sought to spark some life into his attack with the introduction of Arda Guler and Endrick, but Betis' backline held firm while goalkeeper Adrian blocked a late attempt from Vinicius Jr.</p>
<p>"We started off a bit off the pace, letting them play too much and they hurt us. But the team improved halfway through the first half," 32-year-old Isco said. "I am always grateful to Madrid for having helped me fulfil all the dreams a child has and I will always have Madrid in my heart."</p>
<p>Betis now have 38 points and are in sixth spot, the final European qualifying berth.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/Real-Madrid-miss-chance-to-go-top-in-La-Liga-with-2-1-loss-at-Betis-1BpcBiQjKrm/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Han Mei earns women&amp;#039;s 1,000m bronze at Speed Skating World Cup
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content:
<div readability="6" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/Han-Mei-earns-women-s-1-000m-bronze-at-Speed-Skating-World-Cup-1BpfVxCoVoc/img/fcb283723806458b82a1546840ec34c2/fcb283723806458b82a1546840ec34c2.jpeg" alt="A file photo of Chinese speed skater Han Mei. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>A file photo of Chinese speed skater Han Mei. /VCG</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">A file photo of Chinese speed skater Han Mei. /VCG</p>
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<p>Han Mei of China secured the women's 1,000-meter bronze medal at the final stop of the International Skating Union (ISU) Speed Skating World Cup in Heerenveen, the Netherlands, on Saturday.</p>
<p>Han was competing with home favorite Jutta Leerdam in the same group. Leerdam clocked 1:14.27 to win the gold. Han was 0.53 second behind in the third place. The silver went to Miho Takagi who finished in 1:14.49.</p>
<p>One day earlier, Han got the women's 1,500-meter bronze. She is in third in total points in both events.</p>
<p>Han's compatriot Ning Zhongyan came in fourth in the men's 1,000-meter competition in 1:08.07, 0.09 second behind home bronze medalist Tim Prins. Another Dutchman Jenning de Boo won the gold in 1:07.45. Cooper McLeod of the U.S. was the runner-up after clocking 1:07.87.</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/Han-Mei-earns-women-s-1-000m-bronze-at-Speed-Skating-World-Cup-1BpfVxCoVoc/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: John Higgins beats Joe O&amp;#039;Connor to win World Open championship
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guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/John-Higgins-beats-Joe-O-Connor-to-win-World-Open-championship-1Bpi2dOE99K/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/John-Higgins-beats-Joe-O-Connor-to-win-World-Open-championship-1Bpi2dOE99K/img/96533307050746ec92efeaa9e4b73b2c/96533307050746ec92efeaa9e4b73b2c.jpeg" alt="John Higgins of Scotland celebrates winning the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open title in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, March 1, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="14" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>John Higgins of Scotland celebrates winning the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open title in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, March 1, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<p data-sanitized-class="title">John Higgins of Scotland celebrates winning the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open title in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, March 1, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<div readability="79" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>Jonhn Higgins of Scotland defeated giant slayer Joe O'Connor of England 10-6 in the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open final in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, on Saturday, winning his first ranking title in four years.</p>
<p>As a four-time world champion, Higgins hadn't won any ranking tournament since the Players Championship in 2021. At 49, he was the oldest ranking event finalist since 1986. O'Connor, who is 20 years younger than "The Wizard of Wishaw," knocked out world No. 1 Judd Trump and new Triple Crown winner Shaun Murphy on his way to the final.</p>
<p>The first frame was lengthy and dramatic before Higgins clinched it 66-63. Having built his momentum with the result, he then claimed five of the following seven frames of the first session and led 6-2.</p>
<p>O'Connor tried to launch rally in the second session and made a break of 71, his highest in the contest, in the 10th frame. Leading 9-6 after 15 frames, Higgins ended the battle with a break of 100, the only century in the final.</p>
<p>The victory put an end to Higgins' five-ranking-event-final losing streak and brought him his 32nd ranking title of his career.</p>
<p>"I'm just delighted. I am drained, there has been a lot of nervous energy in the last couple of days. I am dead proud to win another big event at this age," Higgins said after winning his fourth ranking title in China. "I didn't know if I was going to win another event because I have taken so many devastating losses over the last three or four years. To come back and win this is a proud moment."</p>
<p>"Joe didn't play his best today, having been unbelievable all week," Higgins added. "He didn't have the same game he had against Shaun, Judd and Ali. The first frame was massive because he had a chance to win it on the last black and if he had gone 1-0 up he would have taken confidence. I kept him under pressure, my safety was pretty good all day. He's a great all-round player but just didn't turn up today, he'll come again I'm sure."</p>
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link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/John-Higgins-beats-Joe-O-Connor-to-win-World-Open-championship-1Bpi2dOE99K/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: Swiss ambassador to China highlights Sino-Swiss relations as a model
hash: ��i�gf���r ����
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/Swiss-ambassador-to-China-highlights-Sino-Swiss-relations-as-a-model-1Bpo2XsD5ew/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/Swiss-ambassador-to-China-highlights-Sino-Swiss-relations-as-a-model-1Bpo2XsD5ew/img/de2ca6659dac4e8db9008c467be291f5/de2ca6659dac4e8db9008c467be291f5-1280.jpeg" data-sanitized-class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p>As China prepares for its annual Two Sessions, global officials are sharing their perspectives on China's development and international cooperation in CGTN's special series "Spring Letters: Global Officials on the Two Sessions."</p>
<p>Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri delivered a speech at the "Ambassador Forum" hosted by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China on February 25, 2025. </p>
<p>Ahead of the Two Sessions, the annual sessions of China's top legislature and top political advisory body, and on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland, Ambassador Burri spoke highly of the bilateral relationship, and expressed optimism about future cooperation under the China-Switzerland Innovative Strategic Partnership.</p>
<p>Here are some highlights from Burri's speech:</p>
<p data-sanitized-class="paragraph-subtitle"><strong>History and current state of Sino-Swiss relations</strong></p>
<p>Sino-Swiss relations date back to the 17th and 18th centuries when trade ties were first established. In 1950, Switzerland became one of the first European countries to recognize the newly founded People's Republic of China and establish diplomatic relations. Since then, political ties have remained stable, marked by frequent high-level exchanges and active people-to-people exchanges. </p>
<p>Economic cooperation has been a cornerstone of this relationship. The countries signed their first trade agreement in 1975, and the 2014 Free Trade Agreement further strengthened bilateral trade. Over the past decade, trade between China and Switzerland has grown by 70 percent. China is now Switzerland's third-largest trading partner, while Switzerland ranks as China's sixth-largest trading partner in Europe and serves as a key hub for technology transfer.</p>
<p data-sanitized-class="paragraph-subtitle"><strong>Switzerland's innovation and economic strengths</strong></p>
<p>Despite its small size and population of 9 million, Switzerland enjoys a global reputation for its economic strength and innovative capabilities. Since its establishment as a modern nation in 1848, Switzerland has adhered to a policy of neutrality while fostering strong international ties. Switzerland's economic success is largely driven by education, particularly academic education, vocational training and research, forming an "innovation triangle" that has consistently placed Switzerland at the top of global innovation rankings.</p>
<p data-sanitized-class="paragraph-subtitle"><strong>Swiss enterprises in China and Chinese enterprises in Switzerland</strong></p>
<p>More than 1,000 Swiss companies operate in China across diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, watchmaking and precision instruments. These companies have not only achieved success in the Chinese market but have also driven innovation and development through technology transfer and localized operations. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises have made significant strides in Switzerland, with companies like Huawei and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China expanding their presence, particularly in R&amp;D and logistics. As a hub in Europe, Switzerland serves as a gateway for many Chinese enterprises to enter other European markets.</p>
<p data-sanitized-class="paragraph-subtitle"><strong>'China speed' and digital transformation</strong></p>
<p>Swiss businesses are also learning from China, particularly in adapting to "China speed" – the country's unmatched pace of innovation, customer service and marketing. This rapid transformation, driven by China's digital revolution, is influencing global business trends. The future trend is not about China adapting to the world's pace, but rather the world adapting to China's speed.</p>
<p data-sanitized-class="paragraph-subtitle"><strong>Future prospects for Sino-Swiss cooperation</strong></p>
<p>The China-Switzerland partnership remains strong and full of potential. As 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the two countries will host a Cultural and Tourism Year to further promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. Switzerland remains committed to an open economic approach, furthering trade, investment, and reducing trade barriers while exploring new areas of collaboration.</p>
<p>Burri also discussed the acceptance of Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the Swiss and European markets. He noted that while the road ahead is long, the Swiss market poses no barriers to Chinese automakers, allowing for completely free trade without customs or institutional obstacles. </p>
<p>Additionally, the ambassador engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as biopharmaceutical cooperation, intellectual property, enterprise security, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the cultural influences of German-speaking regions – one of Switzerland's official languages.</p>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/Swiss-ambassador-to-China-highlights-Sino-Swiss-relations-as-a-model-1Bpo2XsD5ew/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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title: U.S.-Europe divide on Ukraine crisis further widens transatlantic rift
hash: E� �e�].}4t�J!��
guid:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/U-S-Europe-divide-on-Ukraine-crisis-further-widens-transatlantic-rift-1BpyCx57eq4/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

content:
<div readability="59" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p>The ongoing Ukraine crisis has highlighted significant diplomatic rifts between the United States and Europe, a division that has deepened since the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Under his administration, U.S.-Europe relations have been marked by conflicting approaches to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, revealing stark strategic differences and raising new challenges for European governments in the Trump era.</p>
<p>On Saturday, following a contentious exchange with Trump in Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London to a warm reception from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer reaffirmed the UK's strong support for Ukraine, signing a 2.26 billion pound ($2.84 billion) loan agreement to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.</p>
<p>In sharp contrast to Trump, Starmer said Ukraine has "full backing across the United Kingdom." He stressed Britain's "unwavering determination" to achieve lasting peace. Similar sentiments were echoed by French and German leaders, who reiterated their commitment to Ukraine's security. </p>
<p>However, the growing rift between the U.S. and its European allies became apparent when the Trump administration sidelined European countries, including Ukraine, in peace talks with Russia last month.</p>
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<div readability="8.5" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/U-S-Europe-divide-on-Ukraine-crisis-further-widens-transatlantic-rift-1BpyCx57eq4/img/7cdd74ba0d9c4589885de9ab92b31bd2/7cdd74ba0d9c4589885de9ab92b31bd2.png" alt="U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listen to Vice President JD Vance (R) as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="15.5" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listen to Vice President JD Vance (R) as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="12" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listen to Vice President JD Vance (R) as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025. /VCG</p>
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<div readability="102.58844896477" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>U.S. strategic shift sparks European concerns</strong></p>
<p>Zhao Huirong, a research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told CGTN that Trump's leadership style prioritizes short-term gains, adding that in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump's goal is to "freeze" the situation as quickly as possible, extract economic benefits and minimize U.S. commitments to its allies.</p>
<p>"For Trump, the most immediate and tangible benefit is to swiftly halt the conflict while securing access to Ukraine's vast mineral resources, particularly rare earth elements," Zhao said. She added, "Trump believes the U.S. has the leverage to pressure both Ukraine and Europe into accepting his terms. His confidence in this approach was evident during his White House meeting with Zelenskyy."</p>
<p>During a meeting with Trump at the White House on Friday, Zelenskyy and the U.S. president clashed in a tense exchange, with a planned joint press conference being abruptly canceled and the much-anticipated U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement unsigned.</p>
<p>The growing U.S. pressure on Europe extends beyond Ukraine. In addition to military aid, Trump has been imposing demands on European countries to shoulder a greater share of military expenses and threatening to impose more trade tariffs, further straining transatlantic relations. </p>
<p>Zhao noted that such actions are eroding trust between the U.S. and Europe and destabilized NATO, calling into question the future of the Western alliance.</p>
<p><strong>Europe's pursuit of strategic independence</strong></p>
<p>European leaders are increasingly calling for greater strategic autonomy in response to U.S. isolationist tendencies.</p>
<p>In a recent <a href="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-21/CGTN-poll-reveals-broad-criticism-of-Trump-s-first-month-in-office-1Bb8BVXKyqc/p.html">CGTN survey</a> conducted in collaboration with Renmin University of China and the Institute of International Communication, 57 percent of respondents from G7 countries expressed skepticism about their future relations with the U.S., with the highest levels of concern from Germany and Canada, followed by Japan, the UK and France.</p>
<p>Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, has warned that Europe must strengthen its defenses and even consider alternatives to NATO if the U.S. continues to neglect European security.</p>
<p>"My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA," Merz said.</p>
<p>Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly stated that Europe cannot afford to remain a "vassal" of the U.S., urging the continent to chart its own course in international diplomacy.</p>
<p>His remarks came after he visited Washington, where he sought to convince Trump to commit to security guarantees for Ukraine, but failed to receive any clear commitments.</p>
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<div readability="8" data-sanitized-class="cmsImage"><img src="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/U-S-Europe-divide-on-Ukraine-crisis-further-widens-transatlantic-rift-1BpyCx57eq4/img/e557a238e9244c1bb67f98a52f68f94d/e557a238e9244c1bb67f98a52f68f94d.jpeg" alt="UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) greets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street, London, March 1, 2025. /VCG" layout="responsive"><div readability="14" data-sanitized-class="imageCaption">
<p>UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) greets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street, London, March 1, 2025. /VCG</p>
<div readability="11" data-sanitized-class="wrapper-visible">
<p data-sanitized-class="title">UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) greets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street, London, March 1, 2025. /VCG</p>
</div>
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<div readability="89" data-sanitized-class="text en">
<p><strong>Ukraine's dilemma: Seeking U.S. security guarantees</strong></p>
<p>Since negotiations on the mineral agreement began, Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that signing a deal with the U.S. must come with security guarantees. However, Trump dismissed this idea during a recent cabinet meeting and said, "We're going to have Europe do that."</p>
<p>"For Ukraine, the ultimate security guarantee is NATO membership," said Zhao, but the U.S. and Western allies have shown reluctance, fearing direct confrontation with Russia. Trump, in particular, has refused to offer such commitments, instead pushing Europe to take more responsibility for Ukraine's defense.</p>
<p>Given Trump's strategy of maximum pressure, Zhao explained, Ukraine has been forced to lower its expectations. Instead of NATO membership, Kyiv is now seeking security assurances in the form of military aid. This could include training for military personnel, supplies of weapons and ammunition, and even the production of arms within Ukraine.</p>
<p><strong>How far away is a ceasefire?</strong></p>
<p>According to the Kiel Institute, between January 2022 and December 2024, Europe committed $138.7 billion in aid to Ukraine, compared to $119.7 billion from the U.S. </p>
<p>"Over the past three years, the U.S. has played a pivotal role in providing military aid to Ukraine. If the U.S. were to halt its support in the future, Europe, in its current state, would likely struggle to bridge the gap left by America's withdrawal," Zhao said.</p>
<p>She predicted that, given the continued U.S. pressure and efforts to push for a ceasefire, there is a possibility that Russia and Ukraine could reach a truce within the next six months to a year.</p>
<p>However, she stated that such a ceasefire is unlikely to lead to a permanent peace agreement as territorial disputes between Russia and Ukraine will remain unresolved, with both sides likely presenting their own interpretations of the territorial status quo.</p>
</div>

link:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-02/U-S-Europe-divide-on-Ukraine-crisis-further-widens-transatlantic-rift-1BpyCx57eq4/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&amp;UTM_Medium=rss&amp;UTM_Campaign=World

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guid: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/lavrovs-post-talks-presser-and-comments
title: Lavrov's Post-talks Presser &amp; Comments to Rossiya 1 TV &amp; US Readout
author: ;Karl Sanchez
link: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/lavrovs-post-talks-presser-and-comments
hash: ���ϟ4�߾AZ8��]
content:
<div data-sanitized-class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ca87c1-36fc-4ebb-8e0b-9c93c6139689_720x480.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM" data-sanitized-class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img"><div data-sanitized-class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ca87c1-36fc-4ebb-8e0b-9c93c6139689_720x480.jpeg" width="720" height="480" data-attrs='{"src":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e3ca87c1-36fc-4ebb-8e0b-9c93c6139689_720x480.jpeg","srcNoWatermark":null,"fullscreen":null,"imageSize":null,"height":480,"width":720,"resizeWidth":null,"bytes":88160,"alt":null,"title":null,"type":"image/jpeg","href":null,"belowTheFold":false,"topImage":true,"internalRedirect":null,"isProcessing":false}' alt="" fetchpriority="high" data-sanitized-class="sizing-normal"></picture><div data-sanitized-class="image-link-expand"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container restack-image"><path d="M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8"></path><path d="M21 3v5h-5"></path><path d="M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16"></path><path d="M8 16H3v5"></path></div><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container view-image"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></div></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Lavrov held a short 16-minute <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1998294/">presser</a> after the talks that included his remarks. Lavrov referred to a <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/interviews/76153">short interview </a>Putin gave to Pavel Zarubin of Rossiya 1 TV that the Kremlin never supplied a readout of until now. That will follow the presser, Afterwards he was asked a <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1998325/">series of quick questions</a> by Rossiya 1 TV, although there’s no mention of the seemingly always present Pavel Zarubin. Here goes":</p><blockquote><p>We would like to express our gratitude to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for the opportunity to hold a meeting between Russian and American representatives. We expressed this gratitude personally to Crown Prince of the Kingdom Mohammed bin Salman when we had an audience with Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.</p><p>We talked for about an hour about our bilateral relations and how important it is to ensure in the world, if not complete agreement (it is impossible), then at least the readiness of the great powers in any situation to maintain a normal, professional dialogue, try to hear each other, learn lessons from what is happening and prevent any conflicts and crises.</p><p>This position of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was, in fact, reproduced during our talks with the American side. At the beginning of our conversation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the fundamental importance for each country to be guided by its own national interests in international relations. We fully agreed with this. As well as the fact that these national interests will not always coincide. <em><strong>But when they do not coincide, it is very important to regulate these discrepancies, not to let them take their course, and especially not to provoke confrontation of a military or other kind.</strong></em></p><p>When national interests coincide, we must do everything possible to unite and implement mutually beneficial projects in the geopolitical sphere and economic affairs in these areas of effort.</p><p>The conversation was very useful. <em><strong>We not only listened but also heard each other</strong></em>. I have reason to believe that the American side has begun to better understand our position, which we have once again set out in detail and using specific examples on the basis of repeated speeches by President of Russia Vladimir Putin.</p><p>As for the agreements reached. <em><strong>The first and probably the most urgent, and even more so not the most difficult, is to ensure the speedy appointment of Russian ambassadors to the United States and the United States to Russia.</strong></em> And also to remove the obstacles that for many years, primarily by the Biden administration over the past four years, were built on the direction of our diplomatic missions, seriously complicating their work: the endless expulsions of our diplomats, to which we had to respond, <em><strong>the continuing problems of seizing our real estate, and much more.</strong></em></p><p>Not the least problem is bank transfers, which they are trying to restrict for us. Of course, we reciprocate. We agreed that our deputies will agree on a meeting in the very near future and consider the need to remove these artificial "barriers" in the work of Russian embassies and other foreign missions in the United States and the United States in Russia. <em><strong>Moreover, they will try not to concentrate on any specific manifestation of these "obstacles", but will try to take a systematic approach in order to put an end to these inconveniences once and for all, which really impede the development of normal everyday relations.</strong></em></p><p>The second agreement. We agreed that a "process on the Ukrainian settlement" will be formed in the near future. The American side will report who will represent Washington in this work. As soon as we know the name and position of the relevant representative, as President Vladimir Putin said to US President Donald Trump, we will immediately designate our participant in this process.</p><p>Third, in broad conceptual terms, in the course of the processes related to the settlement of the crisis in Ukraine, we should simultaneously create conditions for our cooperation to resume in full and expand to a variety of areas.</p><p>There is a great interest (which we share) in resuming consultations on geopolitical issues, including various conflicts in different parts of the world, where both the United States and Russia have interests.</p><p>Great interest was expressed in removing artificial barriers to the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation. <em><strong>The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Konstantin Dmitriev was present at the discussion of the economic aspects of our meeting today. He presented some problems that could be quickly resolved to the benefit of both Russia and the United States</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>There are now different assessments, mostly positive ones. The US side is already doing so. On which track have you managed to bring the positions with the United States the closest – on the Russian-American or Ukrainian track? Have you managed to lay the foundation for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States? What are the next steps? Will you have meetings in the near future? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that concessions would be required from everyone on the Ukrainian track. Are there any understandings?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>As for the issues on which mutual understanding has been reached, <em><strong>this does not necessarily mean a rapprochement of positions.</strong></em> I have already spoken about this. We have practically agreed that we need to resolve once and for all the problem of the functioning of our diplomatic missions. A mutual desire to find concrete solutions to our dialogue on international affairs and economic ties was indicated.</p><p><em><strong>As for the Ukrainian issue, I mentioned the agreement that the Americans will appoint their representative.</strong></em> We will reciprocate. After that, relevant consultations will begin. They will be regular.</p><p>We met at the decision of the presidents of Russia and the United States, who agreed to work on the preparation of the next summit. To this end, the foreign ministers and national security advisers were instructed to meet and see what needs to be worked out before the presidents can begin to agree on a specific date and date for the summit.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>Immediately after the meeting, a lot of information appeared, citing some sources close to the diplomatic process, regarding the "three-stage plan" that Russia allegedly agreed with the United States on Ukraine. Is this true?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong><em><strong>As for the "three-point plan." I have not seen this information or reports.</strong></em> Today, when I was skimming through the news, I found a link to a statement by Polish Foreign Minister R. Sikorski, who said somewhere "on the sidelines of Munich" that he had met with US representative Kevin Kellogg. He informed him about a certain settlement plan. It did not say whether it was three points or four. But R. Sikorski, commenting on the plan, said that he could not disclose the details. "The plan is atypical, but it can be very interesting."</p><p>Today I asked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz what this means. <em><strong>They replied that it was a fake</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> Prior to this meeting, the United States sent a questionnaire to the European Union asking what Europe can offer in terms of providing security guarantees to Ukraine. There is a question about the introduction of a contingent into Ukraine. What is Moscow's attitude to this?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>As for the "floating" information that the Americans asked the European Union a number of questions in order to better understand what the EU is going to do and how the Americans can be useful or involved. I have already mentioned this.</p><p>But he also said that the Americans are interested in the potential deployment of some armed peacekeeping forces after the conflict is settled or an agreement is reached, as mentioned in this paper, from the point of view of which countries are ready to provide them. It is clear that the question is addressed to the members of the European Union.</p><p>We explained to our interlocutors today that we have well noted that US President Donald Trump was the first among Western leaders to clearly say in several of his speeches that Ukraine's involvement in NATO is one of the main reasons for what is happening, that this is one of the biggest mistakes made by Joe Biden and his administration, and that if Donald Trump had been president, he would not have allowed this.</p><p>In this regard, we explained to our colleagues that President of Russia Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that NATO expansion and the absorption of Ukraine by the North Atlantic Alliance are a direct threat to the interests of the Russian Federation and our sovereignty. <em><strong>Therefore, the appearance of armed forces from the same NATO countries, but under a false flag, under the flag of the European Union or under national flags, does not change anything in this regard. This is unacceptable for us.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>On the eve of the talks, the Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked the Kropotkinskaya pumping station in the Kuban. Oil goes through it, which belongs to US and European companies, among other things. Is this Vladimir Zelensky's attempt to send Donald Trump a "black mark" against the backdrop of contacts with Russia?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>As for what caused the latest attack on Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure. There are many reasons to guess what was the basis of the order that someone gave in Kiev. But this should only strengthen everyone's opinion that this cannot go on like this, that this man and his entire team must be brought to reason, "slapped on the wrist."</p><p>By the way, today our American colleagues said, they say, maybe introduce a moratorium on attacks on energy facilities. We explained that we have never endangered the energy supply systems of the population, and our targets were only those facilities that directly serve the armed forces of Ukraine.</p><p>We recalled that even as part of the talks about the possible resumption of the Black Sea deal, the issue of protecting energy facilities was raised with Turkish mediators. We expressed our readiness to discuss modalities, but then Vladimir Zelensky himself refused to do so.</p><p><strong>Question: Are </strong>the statements by a number of EU countries about their desire to be at the negotiating table related to their other statements about historical rights to Ukrainian lands?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>I don't know. But there are such talks. Politicians in Romania have been talking about this quite recently. I will not guess.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> Vladimir Zelensky said yesterday that he did not recognise the results of the talks between the United States and Russia. How important do you think Vladimir Zelensky's participation in the talks is for achieving peace? Can he count on participating in this process?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>There is no need to go into details here, because this topic was covered in detail by President of Russia Vladimir Putin in his recent <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/interviews/76153">interview</a> with Pavel Zarubin. I have nothing to add.</p><p><strong>Question: It </strong>is obvious to many that attempts are being made to seriously "torpedo" the establishment and resumption of relations between Russia and the United States. What should Russia do to prevent these attempts to "torpedo" in order to "protect the process"? Today, after four and a half hours alone with the Americans, do you think that their will to restore relations with Russia is firm?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>In order to prevent the "torpedoing" of the establishment of relations between Russia and the United States, <em><strong>it is necessary to improve them. This is what we did today. Frankly speaking, not without success.</strong></em></p><p>We have not discussed everything that still separates us. But the conceptual approach to further work was determined by the presidents during their telephone <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76259">conversation</a>.</p><p>We felt the full determination and concrete determination of our American colleagues to actively move this movement forward, as instructed by the presidents. And we will also work on this. [My Emphasis]</p></blockquote><p>The Zarubin-Putin exchange from 24 January:</p><blockquote><p><strong>Pavel Zarubin: </strong>Mr President, President Trump has made many different statements about a possible meeting with you and the prospects for a Ukrainian settlement. I would like to know your opinion.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Indeed, The President of the United States has made many statements on this matter.</p><p>First of all, I would like to say that Russia has never refused contacts with the United States Administration, and it is not our fault that the previous administration refused these contacts. With the current President of the United States, I have always had business-like, <em><strong>exclusively business-like, but at the same time pragmatic and trust-based I would say</strong></em>.</p><p>I cannot but agree with him that if he had been President, if his victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that arose in 2022.<em><strong> Although it is known that Trump, being President in his first iteration, also introduced a significant number of restrictions and sanctions against Russia.</strong></em> I don't think it was a decision that was in the interests of not only Russia, but also the United States itself. By the way, Biden picked up this baton and introduced even more Restrictions. And the result is known–-there are a lot of decisions that are harmful to the economy of the United States.</p><p>For example, undermining the power of the dollar itself, because the ban on Russia using the dollar–-and we did not abandon the dollar, it was the previous administration that did not give us the opportunity to use the dollar as a unit of account–-in my opinion, this decision causes very serious damage to the United States itself. But now we will not go into this. I can only say that we see statements by the current President about his readiness to work together. We are always open to this.</p><p>As for the issue related, say, to the talks, we have always talked about this, and I want to emphasise this again, we are ready for these talks on the Ukrainian issue. But there are also issues that require special Attention.</p><p>For example, as you know, the current head of the regime in Kiev, when he was still a fairly legitimate head of state, issued a decree banning negotiations. How can negotiations be resumed now if they are prohibited?</p><p>We are now at Moscow University. As you know, I have a basic education as a lawyer, and I graduated from the Faculty of Law of St. Petersburg, then Leningrad University. I can tell you that if negotiations begin within the framework of the current regulatory framework, they will be, strictly speaking, illegitimate, which means that the results of these negotiations can also be declared illegitimate.</p><p>The current regime in Kiev is happy to receive hundreds of billions from its sponsors, sorry for the simplicity of popular expressions, as we say among the people, it is happy to hamster these hundreds of billions on both cheeks, but it is in no hurry to follow the instructions of its sponsors–-and we know that there are such instructions-–to cancel the adopted decree on the ban on negotiations.</p><p>But I think that in the end, those who pay the money must still force him to do this, and I think he will have to do it. But until this decree is repealed, it is quite difficult to say that these negotiations can be started and, most importantly, completed properly. <em><strong>Of course, some preliminary outlines can be made, but serious negotiations, of course, in the context of the ban from the Ukrainian side, it is quite difficult to talk about anything serious</strong></em>.</p><p>On the whole, of course, we can have quite a lot of common ground with the current administration, a search for a solution to the key issues of today. These are issues of strategic stability, these are issues of the economy, by the way. Why? We are one of the largest producers in the world, say, of oil, the United States is now generally in first place, then Saudi Arabia and Russia.</p><p>But what is characteristic of the Russian and, say, American economies? We are not just one of the largest energy producers, we are also the largest consumers of energy resources. And this means that both our and the American economy and too high prices are bad, because by using energy resources, you need to produce other goods domestically, and too low prices are also very bad, because it undermines the investment opportunities of energy companies. In here, we have a lot to talk about.<em><strong> There are other issues in the energy sector that may be of mutual interest.</strong></em></p><p>By the way, in this sense, I doubt that the current President of the United States, Mr Trump, I repeat, we worked with him in the first period of his presidency to make some decisions, even if we hear about the possibility of introducing additional sanctions against Russia, I doubt that he will make decisions that will harm the US economy itself. He is not only an intelligent person, he is a pragmatic person. And I can hardly imagine that decisions will be made that will damage the US economy itself.</p><p>Therefore, most likely, it is really better for us to meet, relying on the realities of today, to talk calmly in all those areas that are of interest to both the United States and Russia. We're ready. But, I repeat, this first of all, of course, depends on the decisions and choices of the current US administration. [My Emphasis]</p></blockquote><p>The nod to the importance of energy is probably why the current meeting is being held in Saudi Arabia. Given Zelensky’s current level of anger, perhaps he’ll refuse to rescind his no-negotiation order to impede the talks.</p><p>And now, Rossiya 1 TV:</p><blockquote><p><strong>Question: </strong>Have you managed to reach a substantive agreement with the American side on any results? Contradictory information comes from the other side.</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>I will tell you now, let's go.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>When will President Vladimir Putin meet with US President Donald Trump?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong> <em><strong>When the presidents agree.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question:</strong> Has a group been formed to deal with the negotiations?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>We agreed that groups from both sides will be formed after reporting to our presidents.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> Do you think today's talks have been successful?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>I think they are positive.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>Did you know Mr Marco Rubio, or was this the first meeting?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>First meeting.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>What impression did the other negotiators make?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>We had good, positive talks. The atmosphere was very positive. Positive people create a positive atmosphere.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>They say you joked a lot?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong><em><strong>These are intimate details. Who is talking about jokes?</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>American representatives say that you were joking during the talks.</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong> <em><strong>I am glad that they liked it, since they said so. </strong></em>[My Emphasis]</p></blockquote><p>Hmmm… That the Americans think Lavrov’s joking isn’t a good sign as that means they failed to take him and his position seriously. I see CNN is spinning the talks as “a partial victory.” In contrast with the Russian readout, <a href="https://www.state.gov/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov/">the Empire’s</a> is short and terse:</p><blockquote><p> The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:</p><p>Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with<strong> </strong>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today as a follow up to President Donald Trump’s conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. Secretary Rubio was joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff, the team chosen by President Trump to reestablish the bilateral relationship. Foreign Minister Lavrov was joined by Russian Aide to the President Yuri Ushakov.</p><p>President Trump wants to stop the killing; the United States wants peace and is using its strength in the world to bring countries together. President Trump is the only leader in the world who can get Ukraine and Russia to agree to that.</p><p>We agreed to:</p></blockquote><ul><li><p>Establish a consultation mechanism to address irritants to our bilateral relationship with the objective of taking steps necessary to normalize the operation of our respective diplomatic missions.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Appoint respective high-level teams to begin working on a path to ending the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible in a way that is enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Lay the groundwork for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest and historic economic and investment opportunities which will emerge from a successful end to the conflict in Ukraine.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The parties to today’s meetings pledge to remain engaged to make sure the process moves forward in a timely and productive manner.</p></li></ul><blockquote><p>One phone call followed by one meeting is not sufficient to establish enduring peace. We must take action, and today we took an important step forward.</p><p>We would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.</p></blockquote><p>An <a href="https://www.state.gov/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-national-security-advisor-mike-waltz-and-special-envoy-to-the-middle-east-steve-witkoff-with-jennifer-hansler-of-cnn-and-matthew-lee-of-the-associated-press/">intimate interview</a>, not a press conference, was held by the US delegation with two CNN presstitutes. Since it’s in English and doesn’t require translation, I’ll let readers choose to read it or not. The one remarkable point I saw was Rubio’s insistence that the conflict began in 2022 not 2014, and that’s going to be a problem IMO.</p><p>*<br>*<br>*<br><em>Like what you’ve been reading at Karlof1’s Substack? Then please consider subscribing and choosing to make a <strong>monthly/yearly pledge</strong> to enable my efforts in this challenging realm. Thank You!</em></p><p></p><p></p><p data-attrs='{"url":"https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton" data-sanitized-class="button-wrapper"><a href="https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?" data-sanitized-class="button primary"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p> </p>

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guid: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/maria-zakharova-historian-from-todays
title: Maria Zakharova--Historian--From Today's Briefing
author: ;Karl Sanchez
link: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/maria-zakharova-historian-from-todays
hash: ۿui�?�9��|Ө
content:
<div data-sanitized-class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F131e17c0-0f3a-461d-88ae-1cc226701787_720x480.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM" data-sanitized-class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img"><div data-sanitized-class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F131e17c0-0f3a-461d-88ae-1cc226701787_720x480.jpeg" width="720" height="480" data-attrs='{"src":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/131e17c0-0f3a-461d-88ae-1cc226701787_720x480.jpeg","srcNoWatermark":null,"fullscreen":null,"imageSize":null,"height":480,"width":720,"resizeWidth":null,"bytes":161703,"alt":null,"title":null,"type":"image/jpeg","href":null,"belowTheFold":false,"topImage":true,"internalRedirect":null,"isProcessing":false}' alt="" fetchpriority="high" data-sanitized-class="sizing-normal"></picture><div data-sanitized-class="image-link-expand"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container restack-image"><path d="M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8"></path><path d="M21 3v5h-5"></path><path d="M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16"></path><path d="M8 16H3v5"></path></div><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container view-image"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></div></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p><p>Yes, on top of everything Maria’s also an historian. And she’s very good. Of course, she has access to one of the best archives on the planet. <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1998268/#8">This was part</a> of her delivery today that contains specific information few if any readers will know, although some may know the basic fact of who comprised major parts of WW2’s French Resistance. </p><blockquote><p><strong>Rubric "Keeping our promises. Or history lessons hurt".</strong></p><p>The other day, French Foreign Minister Jean-Nicolas Barrault obsequiously thanked the United States for liberating his country from Nazism and called for achieving "greatness" together.</p><p>Traditionally, he forgot to mention the contribution of the USSR to the liberation of France. Quote: "Both Europe and France have never been greater than when they fought together with the United States for freedom. This is the story of Lafayette, this is the story of the liberation of France by American soldiers, this year we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of France. We will support the United States, ensure joint greatness and strive for freedom around the world."</p><p>We are not going to compete with France for primacy, which has made a greater contribution to the independence of the United States of America. But since the Marquis de Lafayette was mentioned, we cannot refrain from quoting the words addressed to him in the spring of 1779 by the <a href="https://rus-amerika.mid.ru/articles/yu-v-basenko-rossiya-i-voyna-za-nezavisimost-v-ssha-1779-1783-gg.php">Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington</a>: "We are not a little pleased to learn from a reliable source that the requests and proposals of Great Britain to the Russian Empress have been rejected with contempt." Washington, noting Catherine II's resolute refusal to conclude any treaty of alliance with Great Britain, stressed that the imperial government motivated its position (attention!) in "expressions bearing the imprint of respect for the rights of mankind."</p><p>This is briefly about the United States. It would be possible to talk in more detail about the support of A. Lincoln by the forces of Russian squadrons on the west and east coasts during the Civil War in the United States. They played an important role in preventing the intervention of Britain and France on the side of the southern states. But about this some other time, if someone else wants to distort one of the episodes of history.</p><p>Today we will focus on France. Most of the words I have uttered are probably not understood by Jean-Nicolas Barrault. I will dwell on all this in more detail and will be simpler in my expressions, because I want him to understand. I will comment on his statement about liberation and greatness.</p><p>The Allied landing in Normandy on June 6, 1944 was undoubtedly a turning point in the liberation of France from the Nazi operation. But only a half-educated person considers Operation Overlord in isolation from the events on the Soviet-German front, where in the same June began perhaps the largest battle of World War II - <a href="https://mil.ru/winner_may/history/more.htm?id=11960765@cmsArticle">Operation Bagration</a> - to defeat the Army Group Center and liberate Belarus.</p><p>In France, as early as 1940, Russian émigrés created the first <a href="http://rgaspi.info/k-75-letiyu-pobedy/tematicheskie-podborki/4-4/">resistance</a> group, known as the "Museum of <a href="https://severr.livejournal.com/1437910.html">Man</a>". It was led by A.N. Levitsky and <a href="http://museeborisvilde.com/pages-f/musee-conference-1.php">B.V. Wilde</a>.</p><p>In 1943, the Central Committee of Soviet Prisoners of War in France was created, which was headed by Senior Lieutenant of the Red Army M.Y. Slobodinsky and a French communist, the son of Russian emigrants B.S. Matlin, known as "Colonel Laroche".</p><p>Near the French city of Til, the legendary female partisan detachment "Motherland" fought. It was created by two natives of Soviet Belarus - N.I. Lisovets and R.Z. Fridzon. And in the vicinity of the city of Lens, the fighters of <a href="https://encyclopedia.mil.ru/encyclopedia/dictionary/details.htm?id=9204@morfDictionary">V.V. Porik</a> fought against the enemy (<a href="https://histrf.ru/read/articles/vasilii-porik-tri-smierti-i-odno-biessmiertiie-russkogho-soldata-frantsii">he</a> was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union). Also in France, the 1st Soviet partisan regiment operated under the command of Major A.A. Ghazaryan.</p><p>Does the current French Foreign Minister know about this? Yes, of course not. To do this, it was necessary to study, to study the history of at least one's own country, and not to "feed" on narratives - in our "manual".</p><p>We hope that Monsieur Jean-N. Barrault will not refute the <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1984664/">words</a> of the leader of Free France, Charles de Gaulle, who said in 1944 that "the French know that it was Soviet Russia that played the main role in their liberation." Or are the current authorities in France already canceling Charles de Gaulle?</p><p>I will remind them why Charles de Gaulle said so. He said this under the impression of what he saw in Stalingrad. Previously, the majority of the French shared his opinion, until they became victims of an anti-scientific approach to history, when you can "dig in" into it and pull out unnecessary pages that have gone out of fashion, replace them with manuals and narratives. It is not for nothing that dozens of streets and squares in France still bear the name of the city that became a symbol of the decisive turning point in World War II.</p><p>Perhaps French Foreign Minister Jean-Nicolas Barrault will buy himself a reference book, read something, learn facts about his country and people?</p><p>A well-known fact is "in his piggy bank". The liberation of the capital, Paris, was not a priority for the American commander D. Eisenhower in 1944. At first, the Resistance, the core of which was made up of communists and former Soviet prisoners of war, raised an uprising. Not everyone remembers, but I will remind you.</p><p>At least six partisan groups, consisting of Soviet prisoners of war and Russian emigrants, participated in the liberation of Paris. A group under the command of Captain Steverov held the Asnières Bridge for a day, not allowing German tanks to enter the city. How ashamed the current so-called French statesmen are to forget about this feat! A group of emigrants under the command of L. Savinkov occupied the building of the USSR embassy and raised a red flag over it.</p><p>This later gave Charles de Gaulle the right to declare that <a href="https://military.wikireading.ru/42513">Paris had won its own freedom</a> and was liberated by its own people. And only then did the US 4th Infantry Division and the French 2nd Armored Division come to the aid of the rebels. At the same time, the first to enter Paris were the Spaniards - former republicans. They also accepted the surrender from the German commandant. This is such a revenge for Madrid in 1939.</p><p>At that time, fascism really did not pass through the joint efforts. But today it has returned in the guise of neo-Nazism through the efforts of "free Europe".</p><p>Paris, which had won its own freedom, was liberated with the support of the entire struggling France. Unlike the United States and Great Britain, the USSR immediately believed in the future of the "Free French" led by General Charles de Gaulle, establishing close cooperation with him. By his order, the legendary Normandy squadron was established in 1942 (since 1944 the Normandie-Niemen regiment), which became a vivid symbol of the Soviet-French brotherhood in arms.</p><p>It is also worth recalling the significant contribution of immigrants from Russia and Soviet citizens who were captured in the formation of the French Resistance Movement. I would recommend that the French Minister of Foreign Affairs read the article published on December 21, 2024 in the French magazine Istoir Magazin by Russian Ambassador to France Alexander Meshkov <a href="https://t.me/MID_Russia/50060">"Soviet Citizens and Russian Emigrants in the French Resistance Movement".</a></p><p>I understand that the text is difficult for the current level of French diplomacy. But we still need to master it. Since, so to speak, we have decided to speak out on this matter.</p><p>It is also impossible to agree with the assertion of Jean-Nec Barrault that "both Europe and France have never been greater than when they fought together with the United States for freedom." The Americans have never viewed Europeans as truly equal allies and partners. There has always been an inverse relationship between the true greatness of France and its rapprochement with the United States. Again, Charles de Gaulle was well aware of this, who saw cooperation with our country as an indispensable condition for the greatness of his country.</p><p>And Jean-N. Barrault, if he has anyone to thank for the greatness of France after World War II, then personally Joseph Stalin. It is to him that the Fourth Republic owes its status as the winner in World War II and its membership in the UN Security Council.</p><p>The history of France knows leaders who are capable of great deeds in the name of the national interests of their country. And there are different historical assessments of this. Now, of course, there are no illusions. But one thing is clear. No matter how someone from the outside perceives what the current French Foreign Minister says, first of all, it is a disgrace for the French people, because they do not know the history of their own country.</p><p>But we are there to help the French. We are always ready to stand guard, including French history.</p></blockquote><p>I hope readers enjoyed learning what was presented. The last link goes to a Russian Telegram note that provides some further information and links to a longer article in French on the topic. Here’s a portion of that note:</p><blockquote><p>According to the State Archives of the Russian Federation, more than 135,000 Soviet prisoners were sent to France for forced labor, of which about <strong>30,000 joined the ranks of the French Resistance</strong>. In total, <strong>more than 180,000 of our compatriots</strong>, including representatives of the "White Emigration", took part in the anti-fascist Resistance.<br><br>Soviet underground detachments especially manifested themselves in Lorraine, in the north of France and near the city of Dijon. [Emphasis original]</p></blockquote><p>IMO, those numbers are too large to ignore or forget, but the French government is doing its bests to cancel those historical facts. </p><p>*<br>*<br>*<br><em>Like what you’ve been reading at Karlof1’s Substack? Then please consider subscribing and choosing to make a <strong>monthly/yearly pledge</strong> to enable my efforts in this challenging realm. Thank You!</em></p><p></p><p data-attrs='{"url":"https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton" data-sanitized-class="button-wrapper"><a href="https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?" data-sanitized-class="button primary"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p>

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guid: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/another-fascinating-russian-government
title: Another Fascinating Russian Government Meeting
author: ;Karl Sanchez
link: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/another-fascinating-russian-government
hash: bc5A�,�z/��l��
content:
<div data-sanitized-class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1edb92df-cb17-4efd-9da4-65178f6e0bb0_807x539.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM" data-sanitized-class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img"><div data-sanitized-class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1edb92df-cb17-4efd-9da4-65178f6e0bb0_807x539.jpeg" width="807" height="539" data-attrs='{"src":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1edb92df-cb17-4efd-9da4-65178f6e0bb0_807x539.jpeg","srcNoWatermark":null,"fullscreen":null,"imageSize":null,"height":539,"width":807,"resizeWidth":null,"bytes":251789,"alt":null,"title":null,"type":"image/jpeg","href":null,"belowTheFold":false,"topImage":true,"internalRedirect":"https://karlof1.substack.com/i/157481637?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1edb92df-cb17-4efd-9da4-65178f6e0bb0_807x539.jpeg","isProcessing":false}' alt="" fetchpriority="high" data-sanitized-class="sizing-normal"></picture><div data-sanitized-class="image-link-expand"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container restack-image"><path d="M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8"></path><path d="M21 3v5h-5"></path><path d="M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16"></path><path d="M8 16H3v5"></path></div><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container view-image"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></div></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Russian Parliamentary Building </p><p>On 18 February, Putin held <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76282">a video conference</a> with members of government that covered a wide range of topics, some related to the SMO and others related to Russian domestic affairs. Yes, as usual it’s a long report with several newsworthy segments. The main report is the results of medical examinations of children and adults in 2024, since enhancing the wellbeing of Russians is now the subject of another national project, the national project "Healthcare", which ended in 2024, and the new national project "Long and Active Life", which began on January 1. I rather doubt that any Western Neoliberal ruled nation has any similar concern for the wellbeing of its citizenry. And as you’ll see, the first issue to be discussed also deals with support for Russian citizens: </p><blockquote><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Dear colleagues, good afternoon!</p><p>Our main issue today is the results of medical examinations for adults and children in 2024. Tatyana Golikova will tell us about the results of this work, how this process is going now, and what needs to be done in addition.</p><p>I would like to start with <em><strong>a rather acute topic</strong></em>. If you have noticed, I recently met with the Acting Governor of the Kursk Region, Alexander Yevseyevich Khinshtein. He reported on what was done to support people who found themselves in a difficult situation after Ukrainian military formations and mercenaries entered some areas of the Kursk region.</p><p>As the acting governor reported, all citizens who lost their property received the necessary cash payments and compensation. <em><strong>To date, 80 percent of families who lost their homes have received cash payments for the purchase and construction of new housing, and almost 10 thousand families have been allocated funds to rent housing.</strong></em></p><p>Nevertheless, Alexander Yevseyevich, after meeting with people, raised the question of how to help people additionally, bearing in mind the difficult situation in which they found themselves. I have asked both the Acting Governor and the Government to prepare and submit relevant proposals.</p><p>Anton Germanovich, I know that the regional authorities worked with the Ministry of Finance. What's the deal?</p><p><strong>Alexander Siluanov [Minister of Finance]:</strong> Thank you, Mr President.</p><p>First of all, I would like to briefly report that your assignment to provide support to residents of the border regions of the region is being implemented in full. Pensions, allowances, and social benefits are paid. Partial compensation of salaries is paid to employees of organizations that have suspended their activities. <em><strong>Housing certificates are provided, payments are made in the amount of 150 thousand to citizens for the loss of property. Everything that you have commissioned is unquestioningly provided with funding, and, most importantly, the money reaches people.</strong></em></p><p>Now, the question raised by the Acting Governor of the Kursk Region during your meeting is about additional decisions to increase payments for loss of property. Having worked out this issue, it is proposed to establish an additional monthly payment of at least one minimum wage for residents of the border areas of the region. <em><strong>Today, this minimum amount is 22,440 rubles. According to the region, this payment will affect more than 112 thousand citizens. It is proposed to make this payment until the release of the territory of the Kursk region. The Government of the Russian Federation will find the necessary resources in the budget to send to the region.</strong></em></p><p>Mr President, we have prepared such proposals. Please consider it.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Is Alexander Yevseyevich in touch with us?</p><p><strong>Alexander Khinshtein:</strong> Yes, Mr Putin.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> How much, 22,440 rubles do we have?</p><p><strong>A. Siluanov:</strong> 22,440.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Alexander Yevseyevich, how much is the average salary in the Kursk Region?</p><p><strong>Alexander Khinshtein:</strong> Mr President, good evening!</p><p><em><strong>The average salary in the Kursk region in December last year was 64 thousand. And it seems to me that the amount of 22 thousand does not reflect the real need of people.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>It's clear.</p><p>Anton Germanovich, let's do this. As you suggested, for the period until the territory of the Kursk region is completely liberated from Ukrainian formations, <em><strong>all people who have lost their property, residents of the region, will be paid an average of 65 thousand rubles per month.</strong></em> And I ask you to find such funds from the federal budget and ensure the necessary payments. Ok?</p><p><strong>Alexander Siluanov:</strong> I see, Mr President.</p><p>Let me just ask you if I understand this correctly. The payment, you said, is 65 thousand rubles. Many people today receive wages (from the borderlands), who have actually lost their property, lost their places of residence, homes, and shelter, but have found a job, and some people receive pensions, benefits, and partial payments related to the suspension of organizations ' activities. Do I understand correctly that these 65 thousand rubles will take into account the payments that people already receive today? How should I interpret your assignment?</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> No, no. We will not pay extra up to 65 thousand rubles if a person already receives something, earns it. To all, I want to emphasize, to all residents of the Kursk region who found themselves in this situation, this is more than 112 thousand people, right? Alexander Evseevich, 112, right?</p><p><strong>Alexander Khinshtein:</strong> Mr President, this payment of 150,000 rubles is slowly increasing. When did I report to you…</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>I ask, how many people?</p><p><strong>A. Khinshtein:</strong> 112,620 people at the moment.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong><em><strong> Let's pay all 112,620 people a monthly payment of 65,000 rubles in addition to what they currently receive until the territory is completely liberated from these gangs. This will give an opportunity to those who are going to equip a new home, start some repairs, and purchase some additional property.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>Yes, this measure, this decision is extraordinary. We've never done anything like this before, but people have never been in this situation before.</strong></em> I need some help.</p><p>I ask the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary funding, Anton Germanovich.</p><p><strong>Alexander Siluanov:</strong> Yes, it will be done.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>Agreed.</p><p>Let's move on to the next question.</p><p>The next issue we have is related to the energy supply of the Kaliningrad region. Alexander Valentinovich, please.</p><p><strong>Alexander Novak:</strong> Thank you, Mr President.</p><p>Historically, since about the end of the 60s of the last century, the energy systems of Russia (including Kaliningrad), Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have worked in parallel, in synchronous mode, as a single energy network. In 2021, a corresponding agreement was signed between the countries, already a new agreement, and this created reliable redundancy, stable operation of the energy systems of the Baltic countries in the first place.</p><p>In June 2018, the leaders of these countries made a decision, an absolutely politicized decision, to withdraw from the BRELL energy ring and join the European energy system. During this time, a number of technical measures were carried out, and as a result, on February 8 of this year, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia disconnected from parallel and synchronous operation with the Russian energy system. At the same time, such a pompous action was held in the Lithuanian capital with the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the heads of the Baltic countries.</p><p>Accordingly, what do we see today? <em><strong>As a result of this separation from the Russian grid, electricity prices on the Nord Pool wholesale market in the Baltic States have actually doubled compared to what they were before the separation. If earlier it was about 100 euros per megawatt, today the average price for the last 10 days is already 200 euros, and it reached 270 on some days.</strong></em></p><p>That is, in fact, residents of these three countries – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - began to pay twice as much as before as a result of separation from the Russian energy system. <em><strong>And we believe that this is not even the limit,</strong></em> because there is a limited capacity with the adjacent power systems of Sweden, Poland, Finland, that is, to where they are reconnected.</p><p>Moreover, it was reported just a few days ago that the largest Estonian pulp and paper mill stopped its work due to high prices after leaving synchronous operation. As for this decision of the Baltic countries, this is their business, their consumers pay for it.</p><p>As for the Russian energy system and the Kaliningrad Region, our main task is to ensure reliable energy supply. <em><strong>I can say that our consumers did not feel this separation of the Baltic countries. The power system operates normally, the population, industrial facilities, social services, housing and communal services are reliably provided with electricity supplies, and there are no price consequences.</strong></em></p><p>All this was made possible thanks to your instructions given back in 2014, when during this period–-from 2014 to 2020--we built additional energy capacities in the Kaliningrad Region, four large power plants with a capacity of 900 megawatts, additional power transmission lines and substations.<em><strong> In fact, the reserve capacity of the Kaliningrad Region's power system was doubled.</strong></em> And this made it possible not only to provide reliable current energy supply to industrial and social facilities, as I have already said, but also to lay the groundwork for the development of the Kaliningrad Region in the future within the framework of socio-economic growth.</p><p>We can say with confidence that thanks to the measures taken in advance, all the necessary conditions have been created for reliable energy supply to consumers and ensuring energy security in the Kaliningrad Region, allowing us to work normally today and, as I have already said, <em><strong>have a reserve for the future. </strong></em>Thank you.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>Good. We need to carefully monitor what is happening there. I've just discussed this with Gazprom's management, and they have everything loaded up, and if necessary, they can supply the required amount of LNG. Everything is in working order, everything is working, everything is fine. But I ask you to keep an eye out, too. Thank you.</p><p>Alexander Valentinovich, please tell us a few words about what happened at the CPC facilities near Novorossiysk and what is the current state of the facilities there?</p><p><strong>Alexander Novak:</strong> Mr President, <em><strong>yesterday, in a short period of time, seven drones attacked the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in the Krasnodar Territory. This is a station that provides oil pumping through the Caspian Pipeline by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. This is a company founded by American, European, and Kazakh companies. Last year, 62.5 million tons were pumped through this pipeline, more than 65 percent of which is oil that belongs to American and European companies.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>As a result of the attack, power equipment, a gas turbine unit, and a substation were damaged, and as a result of switching on the backup pumping scheme, bypassing the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, we see a decrease in pumping volumes by about 30-40 percent compared to the level that was before the drone attack.</strong></em> <em><strong>There is a lot of work to be done to restore this facility, since it also used energy equipment from Western countries.</strong></em> This is the Siemens company, a gas turbine unit. Now the final survey of this object is underway. But on the whole, Mr President,<em><strong> we understand that it will take quite a long period to restore this work, and the volume of oil pumping will be reduced.</strong></em></p><p>According to experts, the attack by Ukrainian drones is, in fact, a so-called response to the discussions that took place at the Munich Conference, and most likely, this is a response to the United States of America from Ukraine regarding the negotiations that were planned.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong><em><strong> It's not a Russian organization, it's an international organization with the shareholders you just mentioned.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Alexander Novak:</strong> Yes, absolutely.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong><em><strong>As far as I understand, under the production sharing agreements, the oil actually belongs to these foreign shareholders, the oil that was pumped through this CPC pipeline.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Alexander Novak:</strong> Mr President, that's absolutely true. This is oil that is produced on the territory of Kazakhstan under a production sharing agreement between Kazakhstan and the members of this consortium. As I have already mentioned, these are mainly foreign shareholders, the American companies Chevron, ExxonMobil, as well as a number of European companies. <em><strong>This company is not under sanctions, and it pumped oil through the territory of Russia using the pipeline infrastructure passing through our territory to Novorossiysk. In fact, this attack was, indeed, in order to stop the pumping of oil, which belongs to foreign shareholders.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>I understand that representatives of these companies are involved in assessing the damage that was caused as a result of this attack, and assess the timing and possibilities of restoring the object, right?</p><p><strong>Alexander Novak:</strong> Mr President, yes. An assessment is currently underway, and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium is doing just that. An assessment is underway, but this is at least a few months, according to the preliminary estimate that we received.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Well, yes. <em><strong>But if they themselves are interested in restoring the operation of the facility, then let them, despite all the sanctions, organize the delivery of the necessary equipment. They make it for themselves.</strong></em></p><p>I understand that you are probably in contact with your partners.<em><strong> If you need something from the Russian Government, please provide it.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Alexander Novak:</strong> Yes, there is, Mr Putin. Thank you.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Thank you very much.</p><p>Vitaly Gennadievich, what is happening with tankers in the Black Sea?</p><p><strong>Vladimir Savelyev:</strong> Thank you.</p><p>Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, Dear colleagues!</p><p>The Government Commission continues to work on eliminating the consequences of the emergency caused by the tanker crash in the Kerch Strait. Together with members of the Government Commission, we twice went to the emergency site in the Krasnodar Territory and assessed the situation on the spot.</p><p>At the end of January, as you know, we completed pumping fuel oil from the aft part of the Volgoneft-239 tanker, pumping out more than 1,400 tons of fuel oil. We started dismantling the aft part on the spot: Today, 280 tons of steel structures have been cut and removed, which is about 40 percent of the total volume. The cut metal is taken out by machines to a metallurgical plant in the Krasnodar Territory for further remelting. The issue of dismantling the aft part of the Volgoneft-239 tanker is under constant control of the Minister of Transport Roman Vladimirovich Starovoit, and we plan to complete this work by March 31.</p><p>The Ministry of Transport is also preparing proposals by the end of February to prevent fuel oil spills from sunken tanker fragments: the bow of the Volgoneft-239 tanker, as well as the aft and bow parts of the Volgoneft-212 tanker.</p><p>To date, about 3,500 people are involved in the elimination of emergency consequences on land, of which about 600 people are volunteers, more than 500 pieces of equipment. Today there is a combined diving group at sea – 70 divers and 28 watercraft. Spot discharges of fuel oil to the shore are promptly removed.</p><p>In addition, the diving team reviews oil-containing waste in the coastal zone. More than 185 thousand tons of contaminated sand and soil were collected, of which about 53 thousand tons of soil were exported to specialized organizations. About 5 thousand tons of soil have already been disposed of.</p><p>Control over the work is carried out by the Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov.</p><p>Together with Rospotrebnadzor, we monitor the quality of atmospheric air, water and soil. With Rosrybolovstvo we monitor the safety of fish. Rosprirodnadzor participates in inspections of the activities of specialized waste management organizations.</p><p>Under the leadership of the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, work has been organized to collect proposals on technologies and technical solutions for emergency response both now and in the future. A special interagency working group considered 223 such proposals. We reviewed 36 proposals that are ready for implementation as soon as possible, including 23 proposals for onshore operations implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Regional authorities, and 13 proposals for offshore operations that are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport of Russia.</p><p>The most widely implemented technology now is polypropylene networks. On the beach territory of the city of Anapa and the Temryuksky district, to minimize beach pollution and sand removal, a protective shaft is equipped and covered with polypropylene nets,<em><strong> the approximate length is about 32 kilometers</strong></em>. We also selected about 50 promising proposals that require further development. The Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Emergency Situations provide testing of ready-made proposals at the emergency site.</p><p>At the same time, we are working to restore the coastal strip of the Black Sea coast areas affected by the oil spill. Rospotrebnadzor specialists will conduct a preliminary assessment of the compliance of beaches and recreation areas with sanitary requirements by March 1 this year.</p><p>At a meeting of the Government Commission last Friday, February 14, the administration of the Krasnodar Territory, the most affected region, was instructed to replace the contaminated sand on the beach. According to Rospotrebnadzor, this is the only way to bring the beaches to a standard state this season. In the Krasnodar Territory, regional authorities are now going to conduct an inspection of about 139 beaches. <em><strong>We will make a decision on the opening and format of the summer tourist season only after confirming that the beaches meet the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor.</strong></em></p><p>Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,</p><p>I will report separately on the progress of your previous instructions.</p><p>The Ministry of Transport, together with the relevant ministries and departments, has started revising the regulatory framework governing the transportation of oil and petroleum products by sea and river vessels, as well as their storage and transshipment.</p><p>In addition, the Ministry of Transport organized a state inspection of the tanker fleet and an inspection of shipping companies operating the tanker fleet by the classification societies (sea and river registers, Rostransnadzor) and related ministries. Based on the results of the audit, proposals will be prepared to strengthen control over the technical condition of such vessels and the implementation of such transportation.</p><p>The inspections will also affect the activities of organizations and legal provisions related to the prevention and elimination of pollution by oil and petroleum products from ships, including as a result of spills. We will be ready to report on the first results of the verification activities separately in May of this year.</p><p>Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,</p><p>The Government Commission has organized systematic work. At weekly meetings on Fridays, the government commission issues specific instructions and monitors the implementation of previously adopted decisions. On-site work is coordinated on a daily basis by the operational headquarters under the leadership of the First Deputy Chairman of the Commission, Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov.</p><p>Thank you for your attention. The report is finished.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Good. Thank you.</p><p>I ask you to do everything as quickly as possible, of course, efficiently, but as quickly as possible. Of course, we need to work on the recovery process, as we discussed earlier. Well, there will be all this lying around, waiting like a time bomb for holes to appear there. We need to think about how to raise all that is still at the bottom.</p><p>You also mentioned the work of Alexander Kozlov.</p><p>Alexander Alexandrovich, how are we doing overall in the framework of the federal project "Clean Country"? How many years has this program been implemented?</p><p><strong>Alexey Kozlov:</strong> Hello, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, Mikhail Vladimirovich, colleagues!</p><p><em><strong>272 objects of accumulated environmental damage were eliminated thanks to the federal project "Clean Country". These are municipal unauthorized landfills, sludge collectors, tailings dumps, and oil lenses. That is, what was in plain sight and poisoned the lives of a total of almost 30 million people.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>First, 87 dangerous objects were abandoned and were located near settlements where 7 million people live, which is 50 settlements.</strong></em></p><p>For example, a fuel oil storage facility in the city of Zlatoust, Chelyabinsk region. The lake of petroleum products remained from the former machine-building plant and was located just 10 meters from a five-story residential building.</p><p>The largest landfill in the Sverdlovsk region, the Shirokorechenskiy landfill, which was considered the main landfill in Yekaterinburg, has accumulated more than 6 million cubic meters of household waste since 1960. 63 million cubic meters is the volume of municipal solid waste landfills in the Moscow region, 27 objects occupied an area of 450 hectares and poisoned the lives of 2.5 million residents of the region.</p><p>Landfills have been eliminated, and their negative impact has been reduced, as confirmed by the Rosprirodnadzor laboratory.</p><p>Secondly, <em><strong>185 unauthorized landfills were eliminated. They were located in 143 cities with a total population of more than 20 million people.</strong></em> Cleaning turned out to be really large-scale,<em><strong> because in fact we eliminated landfills in every eighth city of the country.</strong></em> Geography—from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok and from Murmansk to Crimea.</p><p>The work was carried out in completely different natural and climatic conditions. For example, in Arkhangelsk, four landfills were located on islands, where machinery and equipment were delivered by water. Two landfills in the Central Ecological Zone, the Baikal Natural Territory, and seven landfills in resort areas were removed.: These are Crimea, Sevastopol, Pyatigorsk, Belokurikha and Zelenogorsk. The largest urban landfills in Vladikavkaz and Chelyabinsk were eliminated, each with an area exceeding 70 hectares, which is almost 100 football fields.</p><p>To date, there are six landfills left in operation, which were not completed last year. In two cases, in Bryansk and Arkhangelsk, there are objective reasons for the delay: flooding of the ground required project adjustments. New contracts have been signed. Now the readiness is about 50 percent, the work is promised to be completed before the beginning of summer.</p><p>In Kaluga, despite the high readiness of the facility, more than 90 percent, the project documentation is already being adjusted for the third time. Until the end of February, we are waiting for the completion of expert examinations and the delivery of the object by April.</p><p>The situation is more complicated in three other regions. In Vologda and Rostov Novocherkassk readiness is 70 percent, contracts are terminated, contractors are included in the register of unscrupulous. The regions will start working only in March-April of this year. In Mordovian Krasnoslobodsk, the liquidation will be completed only after additional engineering surveys. For all three landfills, the governors guaranteed to keep the situation under personal control. We work with the regions together, and we help them where necessary.</p><p><em><strong>In parallel, starting from 2022, an inventory of accumulated damage objects is being conducted throughout the country. To do this, we needed to change the federal legislation and give Rospotrebnadzor and Rosprirodnadzor the authority to evaluate it. They now assess how each object affects people's health and nature.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>To date, specialists of the departments have already conducted a survey of 1,200 objects: from landfills to abandoned industries. Now they are ranked in order of danger to nature and humans. Our colleagues will complete their project-by-site work by June.</strong></em></p><p>Of course, these lists should become desktop documents for governors. <em><strong>Regional authorities are obliged to keep order in the territories entrusted to them.</strong></em></p><p>For financing, you can use so-called colored environmental payments. They come to regional budgets from administrative fines and payments for negative impact, and they can be used to eliminate accumulated damage. Last year, we raised approximately 29 billion rubles.</p><p>Of course, we will help you at the largest and most dangerous sites based on the results of the selection process.<em><strong> Federal funding is included in the new national project "Ecological Well-being".</strong></em></p><p>We are supported by the federal environmental operator, Rosatom State Corporation, in liquidating large and complex facilities. Colleagues work at such giants as the Krasny Bor industrial landfill in the Leningrad Region, the territory of Usoliekhimprom and the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill in the Irkutsk region. We also attract colleagues in new territories where they are currently designing, and we plan to liquidate them later.</p><p>In addition, this year, on your instructions, Vladimir Vladimirovich, they will take up the development of the concept and elimination of accumulated damage on the territory of the former Yaroslavl diesel particulate plant, which is located near the Volga River.</p><p>Thanks for attention. The report is finished.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Alexander Alexandrovich, when should these six regions, which are lagging behind, complete this work?</p><p><strong>Alexander Kozlov:</strong> Mr President, Bryansk and Arkhangelsk will be open until June 1, Kaluga by April, Vologda and Novocherkassk (from the last call we held on Tuesday) – this is September, and Mordovia too. Vologda, Novocherkassk and Krasnoslobodsk are still lagging behind – three objects that need to be completed by September, and the rest will be completed by the summer.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>Please keep in touch with the regional authorities to continue this work. It is necessary to achieve the final result without fail. Then, when everything is complete, be sure to report back to me, okay?</p><p><strong>A. Kozlov:</strong> Of course.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Thank you very much.</p><p>Maksut Igorevich, about the delivery of periodicals.</p><p><strong>Mikhail Shadaev:</strong> Good afternoon!</p><p>Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, Dear colleagues!</p><p>Today, Russian Post delivers almost 7,000 periodicals by subscription. The number of publications that are delivered, if we take titles, has increased by 50 percent over the past 5 years. This is due to the fact that commercial subscription agencies have completely left the market, and now only Russian Post delivers newspapers and magazines by subscription. This is due to the overall unprofitability of this type of activity.</p><p>At the same time, Mr Putin, the total volume of print media delivered by subscription has decreased by 2 times in 5 years, if we count in copies. In 2019, we delivered almost 500 million newspapers and magazines by subscription, down to just 257 million last year. This is also due to the development of the Internet access infrastructure and the fact that high-speed Internet has come to rural areas.</p><p>The most popular federal subscription publications are Komsomolka, Argumenty I Fakty, Moskovsky Komsomolets, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, and in fifth place is the magazine Khozyaistvo for those who are engaged in gardening.</p><p>Leading subscription regions: Moscow is in the first place, Krasnodar Krai is in the second, and the Republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan share the third place.</p><p>A few words about the economy, because it is, frankly, very difficult. Tariffs for the delivery of periodical printed materials are not regulated, but since 2020, realizing the social significance of this information mechanism, they have grown slightly even below inflation. <em><strong>That is, in general, the tariffs remain very affordable, despite the fact that the cost of the publications themselves, Mr Putin, has increased by 1.5–2, and sometimes even 4 times over this period.</strong></em></p><p>Additionally, Russian Post provides a 25 percent discount on delivery of so-called socially significant publications on your behalf. This applies to about every third edition, but if you count again in copies of delivered newspapers and magazines, then about 75 percent of newspapers and magazines are delivered with this discount – 25 percent.</p><p>At the same time, the basic tariff itself, even without a discount, is not economically justified, as indicated by the Federal Treasury following an audit of the Russian Post and gave an order to increase the tariff to economically justified.</p><p><em><strong>You have given instructions, Mr Putin, to maintain a preferential tariff for socially important publications according to the list determined by the Ministry of Digital Resources, according to the criteria set by the Government.</strong></em></p><p>We made changes in December last year to the Law "On Postal Communications". We did not have such powers, so now the Government has the authority to set criteria for classifying publications that are delivered at a discount, and the Ministry of Digital Development has the authority to approve the list of publications that will be delivered at a reduced rate. Accordingly, it is planned that in the second half of 2025 we will deliver publications at the new tariff.</p><p>We have certain disagreements here. "Russian Post" suggests raising the commercial tariff three times. We think that it is economically justified to raise the tariff for all non-socially significant users twice. This is precisely due to the fact that we have halved the volume of delivered copies, as I said, from 100 million to 250, and we cannot reduce the number of postmen, Mr Putin, because the postman does not care how many newspapers he has in his bag, he is obliged to deliver them within the standard time limit, respectively, at home, one newspaper, two. Therefore, this parameter is not compressible. Our effective mail carrier loading rate has just doubled in five years in terms of delivery. Therefore, it seems to us that the tariff can be raised twice.</p><p>We have provided funds in the federal budget for a preferential tariff, which will be at the level of the current preferential tariff plus inflation for federal publications, Mr Putin. At the same time, taking into account the limited capacity of the federal budget, we propose to subsidize the preferential delivery of regional and municipal publications at the expense of regional budgets. Moreover, as I have already said, subscription leaders are budget-supported regions. Well, it should be understood that the lion's share of regional municipal publications is directly produced with the support of regional budgets, this is usually a subsidized type of activity.</p><p>According to the law, we must approve the list by September 1. As I said, starting from the second half of the year, we propose to introduce a new subscription tariff policy for socially important publications.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>Yes, Maksut Igorevich, in general, the approach is clear and correct. But we are talking about socially significant publications. This suggests that socially significant publications are not of a pronounced regional nature but are socially significant for the whole country. Therefore, for regions with good budget security, this is understandable, but if it concerns regions with weak budget security, then, of course, it will eventually come down to the fact that they will either raise their tariffs to the skies, or the distribution of these socially significant publications will simply stop.</p><p>I ask you, together with your colleagues from the Government and the Ministry of Finance, to look once again from this point of view, to look at those regions that will simply not be able to do this without federal assistance and will not be able to convey these publications to the reader. Take a look, please.</p><p><strong>Mikhail Shadaev:</strong> Yes, Mr President, we will do it.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Thank you.</p><p>Before we move on to the main issue – the results of medical examinations for children and adults in 2024–-before giving the floor to Tatyana Golikova, I want to return to where we started–-with assistance to citizens who live in the Kursk region and need special support from the state. The acting governor determined that this is how much, Alexander Yevseyevich?</p><p><strong>Alexander Khinshtein:</strong> Mr President, there are 112,620 people at the moment.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>Yes, 112,620 people. When we agreed that we will provide assistance to people in the amount of the average salary in the region, which is 65 thousand rubles, I mean all citizens of this category: these are pensioners, working people, non-working people, and children--<em><strong>each and every one of them gets 65 thousand rubles</strong></em>. Please proceed from this so that there is no misunderstanding. Thank you very much.</p><p>A word to Tatyana Golikova. I ask you to.</p><p><strong>Tatyana Golikova [Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation]:</strong> Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, Dear colleagues, good afternoon!</p><p>Disease prevention is our priority. This is the basis of the national project "Healthcare", which was completed in 2024, and the new national project "Long and Active Life", which began on January 1.</p><p>The basis of prevention is medical examinations and preventive examinations as the main tools for early detection of diseases. <em><strong>Every year, the Government decides to improve the quality and accessibility of medical examinations within the framework of the program of state guarantees of free assistance to citizens of the Russian Federation.</strong></em></p><p>What additional work has been done in previous years? The duty of the regions to ensure the passage of medical examinations or professional examinations in the shortest possible time, as well as in the evening hours and on Saturdays, plus remote recording is established. Also introduced is the obligation to publish on the websites of regions the list of medical organizations where you can pass a medical examination, the work schedules of such medical organizations.</p><p>For residents of remote regions of Russia, field work forms are organized. <em><strong>Also, every year, including 2025, we increase the payment rate for medical services provided for preventive examinations and medical examinations.</strong></em></p><p>Control over the procedure for passing professional examinations and medical examinations, in accordance with the current legislation, is carried out by regions and territorial mandatory health insurance funds. However, despite the established obligations, not all regions and medical organizations fulfilled their obligations in 2024.</p><p>Last year, I sent relevant explanations to all the governors where we saw delays, asking them to take this work under their personal control. Our colleagues have worked on this topic, but, once again, not all regions have achieved the set indicators.</p><p>Now, as for the overall results of 2024. According to the regions, more than 82 million adults have passed medical examinations and professional examinations, of which 42.5 million are able-bodied people and 27 million are children. This is almost 75 percent of the population of the Russian Federation.</p><p>I would also like to emphasize that in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions, 2.5 million people underwent medical examinations and professional examinations – which is 1.6 times more than in 2023.</p><p>But not only the fact of medical examination and professional examination is important, the results of further patient management are important if any deviations are detected. I'll give you one example.</p><p>In 2024, more than 630 thousand people with cancer were identified, and, most importantly, 60 percent are in the early stages. This means that we were able to provide timely medical assistance. We also record such statistics of early detection during medical examinations and professional examinations for other diseases. It is important that the saved lives of our citizens are behind these figures.</p><p>I would also like to note that starting from 2024, the state guarantee program for the first time provided for the opportunity for working citizens to undergo a medical examination at the workplace. This work began to unfold in 2024. At the end of the year, almost a million people underwent medical examinations at the workplace.</p><p>And it is very important to note such a new direction, which we are actively developing and which was continued in the new national project "Long and active life"—this is industrial medicine, sometimes it is also called "shop medicine". And here I would like to note the leadership positions of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, which, while supervising the relevant critical enterprises, actively develops relevant technologies, which it distributes not only to enterprises subordinate to the FMBA, but also to other enterprises, replicating the relevant best practices.</p><p>Another innovation that was made in 2024 and improved by us in 2025 is the medical examination of veterans participating in a special military operation on an extraordinary basis. We are building this work together with the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland". Last year, 33,000 people were treated for medical examinations of demobilized participants and veterans of the special military operation, 80 percent of them were taken for medical observation, 13.5 percent were sent for rehabilitation, and just over 1 percent of them received high-tech medical care.</p><p>This year, taking into account the experience of last year, the Government, within the framework of the program of state guarantees of free medical care for citizens for 2025, established a special procedure for conducting medical examinations for participants of a special military operation, including the procedure for bringing participants of a special military operation who live in remote settlements to a medical organization, and also the possibility to the participant of a special military operation, which, as we understand, is extremely important in the case of health restrictions.</p><p><em><strong>We also provided for informing the social protection bodies of the population by medical organizations in case a medical worker identifies a need for social services for a participant in a special military operation.</strong></em></p><p>Also, in accordance with your instructions, we organized a medical examination of participants and veterans of the Great Patriotic War in the year of the 80th anniversary of the Victory. But this does not mean that we will start it only this year. I would like to note that last year 147 thousand of our veterans and participants of the Great Patriotic War underwent such medical examinations.</p><p>Now a few words about children's professional examinations. <em><strong>In 2024, the coverage of medical examinations of children was more than 97 percent.</strong></em> Only among adolescents in 2024, diseases were detected in 200 thousand, 141 thousand adolescents were sent for treatment before the development of serious diseases. And of course, this allows us to prevent further development of the disease and provide timely assistance.</p><p>I would also like to note that since 2024, medical examinations of citizens aged 18-49 have been launched to assess their reproductive potential. I must say that over the past year, <em><strong>7 million </strong></em>of our citizens have undergone such medical examinations and such an assessment of their reproductive potential, including 2.6 million men and 4.1 million women. And also some other categories of other ages.</p><p>More than<em><strong> 230 thousand diseases</strong></em> of the reproductive system affecting the ability to have children were identified. Appropriate treatment has been provided, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). 1,200 women who have received IVF have become pregnant, and we would like to wish them and their families a safe birth of the desired child.</p><p>Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,</p><p>Special attention is paid to the topic of prevention, this is our agenda. But we also work with feedback, with citizens and note the following appeals of citizens on this topic, including to you on the "Direct Line". These are the duration of medical examinations, complaints about waiting lists in polyclinics, difficulties with making an appointment, and in some cases there are questions about the so-called postscripts.</p><p><em><strong>What do we do and intend to do next in this regard? At the end of 2024, you, Vladimir Vladimirovich, signed amendments to the Federal Law "On compulsory health Insurance". Now insurance medical organizations are required to inform insured persons about the possibility of passing a medical examination or professional examination, to help the citizen in passing a medical examination, including making an appointment with a doctor.</strong></em></p><p>In order to prevent attribution, in addition to the control measures carried out, citizens were provided with the opportunity to see through their personal account on the Unified Portal of Public Services when and at what time they were provided with appropriate medical care, and if this does not coincide with their data, then inform the relevant insurance medical organization or the territorial compulsory health insurance fund that received it.</p><p>Taking into account that currently 109 million personal accounts of our citizens are open on the Unified Portal of Public Services, we believe that citizens should use this opportunity more actively, and then we will be able to respond together in a timely manner to the shortcomings and problems that arise in this work.</p><p>We also plan to inform citizens about the results of medical examinations or professional examinations at the final stage through the same offices at the EPSU. Such suggestions are made. We believe that we will organize this work if during the medical examination or professional examination some serious diseases were not identified that require further in-depth examination or appropriate examinations by other narrow specialists.</p><p>Currently, the Ministry of Health and the Federal Compulsory Health Insurance Fund, together with the country's regions, are reviewing the relevant regional programs and territorial programs of state guarantees for their compliance with the innovations adopted by the Government of the Russian Federation from January 1, 2025. In this case, I appeal to the regions of the country to take all this into account in their ongoing work.</p><p>I would also like to draw your attention to another topic that we are working on and comments on which are also found as part of our feedback to citizens. We are talking about people with limited mobility, who often find it difficult to go to clinics and get to clinics. Therefore, we are now working together with our colleagues on the possibility of their hospitalization, short-term hospitalization in hospitals for two or three days, so that they can pass such a medical examination and, if necessary, receive inpatient care. Moreover, in some regions, inpatient beds are underutilized.</p><p>But it is also important to mention something else–-transport accessibility, because the availability of medical organizations does not always depend only on health care. <em><strong>It also depends on how to get to the medical organization, which means that you need public transport routes within the region with the appropriate schedule. This is also important for our citizens.</strong></em></p><p>In conclusion, I would like to once again address the regions of the country. We are now at the beginning of the implementation of the national project "Long and active life", we will continue preventive examinations and medical examinations, we will involve health centers as much as possible in this work, restarting their work. We believe that the indicators for national goals on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy will be implemented if we work together.</p><p>Thanks for attention.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Thank you very much. Very important work, I fully agree. It is only necessary that later, after identifying certain diseases, was the reaction. We have discussed this issue many times. As for oncology, you can see that the response is good, and the healthcare system is responding to it. Great. But we need to work to the maximum, of course, on other detected diseases as well.</p><p>I would like to listen to Stanislav S. Voskresensky, Governor of the Ivanovo region, who heads the State Council commission on "Long and active life".</p><p>Please, Stanislav Sergeevich.</p><p><strong>Sergey Voskresensky:</strong> Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, Dear participants of the meeting,</p><p>In the regions, we understand the importance of the normal organization of timely health checks of our citizens. I will focus on several best practices in the regions that increase the convenience for our citizens, as Tatyana Alekseevna mentioned. Then literally three sentences.</p><p>First. Indeed, the regions actively use the practice of conducting medical examinations on a specially designated day, either in the evening or on Saturday. Here, the Government has adopted instructions on this issue, and they just need to be implemented.</p><p>Further. Along with informing the insurance organizations in a number of regions, agreements have been concluded with major insurance companies to ensure that a person, if for some reason it did not work out or it is inconvenient to make an appointment through a polyclinic or call center, can make an appointment for a medical examination through an insurance company. For example, the largest company Sogaz has signed such agreements with 14 regions.</p><p>Further. About on-site medical examinations, this is especially relevant for remote localities, especially in Siberia and the Far East. So–called "Health Trains" are being formed, trains in the literal sense, trains of Russian Railways, trains in the figurative sense--trains of mobile complexes, this is actively used. By the way, we agreed at the State Council commission site that insurance companies will inform residents of such remote localities in advance about the approach of such trains moving by rail, and the possibility of conducting medical examinations.</p><p>In addition, a number of regions are actually using the capabilities of so-called shop medicine. What's the point? When therapeutic areas are opened directly at the enterprise, and medical examinations are also carried out there. This is done not only by the FMBA, but also by the Russian regions themselves.</p><p>A number of regions use various kinds of incentives to attract citizens for medical examinations. For example, there is such a practice when, for example, a certificate required for obtaining a driver's license is issued free of charge during a medical examination. Such practices also exist, and we believe that it is possible to replicate them.</p><p>Now, just three sentences, if you'll excuse me.</p><p>First. The portal "Gosuslugi", as already mentioned, would be convenient for people and useful so that you can go through the initial survey on this portal and get a medical checkup itinerary. By the way, such solutions are implemented on a number of regional portals, for example in Moscow and the Moscow region.</p><p>Second. The final stage of medical examination was discussed. If a doctor's examination is carried out, tests are collected, it takes some time to get the results of these tests, the final procedure could be done in the form of a telemedicine consultation, so that you do not have to go. Indeed, someone could have done this by notifying the State Services, but someone still needs to talk to a doctor. In order not to go, if it is particularly far, it would be possible to provide for such a possibility.</p><p>The third. Many large companies, especially in the energy sector, provide medical examinations for their employees through voluntary health insurance, but this is not visible in the state health system.</p><p>It turns out that a person de facto passed a medical examination, took care of his health, but the polyclinic runs after him, asks that he pass a second medical examination. It turns out that if it is successful, then the money is spent twice. The company has already provided medical examinations, and the state is spending them for the second time. Therefore, it would be right to establish an information exchange between the state healthcare system and large companies on the subject of those people who actually passed the medical examination. These are three sentences.</p><p>In general, <em><strong>we strongly ask you to step up the information campaign, </strong></em>which doctors ask to notify people in the whole country that medical examinations are convenient, necessary and useful. Thanks for attention.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin: </strong>Good. Thank you very much, Stanislav Sergeevich.</p><p>I would ask Mikhail Kuznetsov to also say a few words on this topic, how it looks from the Popular Front, and then Tatyana Alekseevna to comment on what you think is important, what may already be being done, and how to respond to it.</p><p>Please, Mikhail Mikhailovich.</p><p><strong>Mikhail Kuznetsov:</strong> Mr President, thank you very much.</p><p>Under the leadership of Leonid Mikhailovich Roshal, the People's Front collects feedback from citizens on the quality of medical care. During the preparation process, we analyzed 2 thousand requests to your "Direct Line" and conducted a survey on 26 thousand patients of state polyclinics.</p><p>Several issues that have been identified.</p><p>The first is the inability to pass a medical examination at least two days in advance. We understand that it is not always possible to do this in one day, because laboratories open in the morning, but at least in two days. Despite the fact that the Labor legislation provides for one paid day off for medical examination. According to our survey, 14.5 percent of citizens do not come for medical examinations, because it takes several days.</p><p>Let me give you one example from your "Direct Line". The woman writes: "A message comes to me that I should undergo a medical examination. I took a week off, went to see a therapist on November 6, passed tests on the 7th, got an ECG on the 11th, got a cardiogram on my hands, said there was no one to decipher it. To the gynecologist recorded on November 25, on ultrasound according to indications on December 16". That's the story. Of course, this is quite difficult, and it is clear that there are difficulties: there are difficulties with the shortage of doctors, with different buildings, but it is still important to improve the quality of this work.</p><p>We suggest considering the possibility of improving the convenience of passing medical examinations, including using Saturdays. Tatyana Alekseevna has already said that such a fundamental decision has been made. It is clear that this will be done only by appointment, but if, indeed, a sufficient number of people have signed up for Saturday afternoon, it may be possible to provide such an opportunity for people.</p><p>The second problem is complaints about the formal nature of medical examinations. It just so happens that these are the most numerous requests to your "Direct Line", there are about 700 requests, and while we were conducting a survey, another 1800 people complained to us. The vector of criticism is that people say that it is not possible to conduct an extended blood test, especially cancer markers. Tatyana Alekseevna said that a lot is revealed, but people talk about it. In some cases, it is impossible to carry out medical examinations, such as ECG and fluorography.</p><p>Currently, 13.6 percent of citizens do not pass medical examinations and routine examinations, as, in their opinion, they do not include the necessary research. In other words, we can work on the depth of medical examinations here, and this will also encourage some of our people to come and pass it. We propose to provide for the possibility of adjustment taking into account the characteristics of human health. Yes, often a person knows that he has diabetes, he says: "Can I do this and that as part of a medical examination?" But formally, something doesn't work.</p><p>The third problem is insufficient feedback from medical institutions and doctors on the results of medical examinations. Tatyana Alekseevna suggested an option on Public Services. Indeed, it is often necessary to go to the therapist in addition, so that you are told that you are healthy. It's a day off again, it's time to take time off from work again. There are a number of regions, like Moscow, that simply send this data to the medical office, if everything is fine with you – you went in, read it. If this is implemented in Public Services, it will be great, and it will remove some of the complaints that we hear from people.</p><p><em><strong>The fourth problem is the lack of involvement of employers. In our country, 25 percent of citizens say that they do not get a day off from their employers, they are simply denied medical examinations. And 35 percent say they didn't even ask because they don't believe they'll get it. </strong></em>That is, about half of our citizens either take a vacation or agree on something else, but <em><strong>they do not receive this legal day off for medical examination.</strong></em> We suggest that we also think about incentive measures for employers, and probably also about the discipline of compliance with the Labor Code, because, in general, this is a very important common task. And here the doctors themselves, absolutely for sure, cannot bring people to the clinic, they can work with the quality of medical examinations.</p><p>And finally, the last, fifth problem, Tatyana Alekseevna also stopped there, is the postscript in the volume of medical examinations. Planned indicators that are communicated to healthcare institutions cannot be met by the efforts of the Ministry of Health alone. I won't mention the figures, because they are expert in nature and vary from region to region, but the fact that there is a problem is confirmed by everyone: the healthcare vertical, doctors, and patients. Not only do we push doctors to violate the law by overestimating the indicators, because they formally put a person who did not come, and funds are transferred from the compulsory health insurance, but we also really cause amazement among citizens who learn about the passage of an imaginary medical examination. Now you can order this service on Public Services, sorry for the tautology, and it will tell you what medical services you received.</p><p>I will allow myself to give another short example from your "Direct Line" that a woman writes to us. "The hospital itself makes an appointment, as if we are undergoing a medical examination, but we have not actually been to the clinic and do not know about it. In the State Services comes that we have an appointment with a doctor, make a cancellation for an appointment, they write it down retroactively. Many complain, and the WHO is still there." That is, we still have this problem.</p><p>We suggest setting realistic indicators for regions, removing post-entries, and taking into account the positive dynamics here. And also here is what Tatyana Alekseevna said, it is very important if you do not order this option in Public Services, but you will receive a message that you have passed a medical examination, and there will also be a check mark: "I didn't pass it." And then we will try to fight it digitally.</p><p>Mr Putin, we are ready to conduct a second survey in six months or several months, and if the situation does not change, then we can probably apply to the supervisory authorities. But not before, so that doctors do not suffer, they are definitely not to blame for the fact that they are brought to the indicators that they cannot fulfill. Thank you so much for your attention. I finished my report.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Thank you.</p><p>Tatiana Alekseevna, please.</p><p><strong>Tatyana Golikova:</strong> Thank you, Mr President.</p><p>Thank you, dear colleagues.</p><p>Once again, I would like to draw your attention to the implementation by the regions and all participants in this process of the changes in the Program of state guarantees of free medical care for citizens that we accept.</p><p>I mentioned in my speech that last year I had to send corresponding letters to the heads of regions in order for them to monitor the situation with the implementation of the measures taken at the Government level.</p><p>I don't want to name the regions, but unfortunately, in some regions this was not accepted. Only after my letter, the relevant work was carried out. In this case, I am talking about working in the evening and on weekends, on Saturdays, and about the availability of information that colleagues post on relevant information resources. We carry out this work and control.</p><p>In addition, I would like to emphasize once again what Stanislav Sergeyevich said about medical examinations and professional examinations at industrial enterprises. We have tried to bring the possibilities of passing medical examinations as close as possible to industrial enterprises and the possibility of placing appropriate offices at the industrial enterprises themselves with the appropriate payment.</p><p>As I have already said, we started to expand this work in 2024 and we hope that 2025 will make its most serious contribution to this direction from the point of view of the working-age population.</p><p>We support the topic that is related to the possibility of passing medical examinations in a mobile way. As you probably all know, dear colleagues, Mr Putin, your instructions were given regarding the possibility of organizing a corresponding train called Saint Panteleimon at Russian Railways, and our colleagues have done this work. Now we are completing a topic that is related to the mechanism of payment for medical care during such mobile medical examinations.</p><p>As for the transfer of data to state systems, if citizens are insured under voluntary health insurance, I would like to draw your attention to the following. We don't spend any extra money here. If there are such cases, please tell us about them. Why? Because citizens are insured, and we have data that a citizen is insured.</p><p>Accordingly, an insurance company will never pay for an additional medical examination if such a medical examination has already been paid for. And after the amendments to the legislation, which I mentioned in my speech, this will also be taken under special control.</p><p>Mikhail Mikhailovich gave examples of failure or desire, on the contrary, to pass separate examinations by individual citizens and their unwillingness to come to a medical examination, if such examinations are not provided.</p><p>I would like to draw your attention to the fact that we have our own standard for conducting preventive examinations and medical examinations, and in case of deviations or in case of any suspicions about the need for in-depth medical examinations, such referrals are issued by medical organizations. Here we give priority first of all, of course, to the doctor, because the doctor determines what additional examinations need to be performed.</p><p>As for not the first identified chronic diseases, for example, such as diabetes, it is surprising that such a topic was raised. We will deal with all these data, because patients suffering from diabetes are registered, since they are provided with both preferential drug provision and medical devices. Therefore, they are registered in all regions.</p><p>Indeed, there is a theme of separate days of referral to narrow specialists, when it is necessary. I believe that the opportunities that Public services provide us can be effectively used, and we will definitely work on this topic with our colleagues. The Ministry of Health is already working on this topic as part of our new project "Long and active Life", as we are implementing a project to create a digital platform in the healthcare sector on your behalf.</p><p>As for incentive measures for employers. I do not know, but I am cautious about this, Mr Putin, because we have provided the greatest possible opportunities for employers to organize this work on medical examinations and preventive examinations, including paying the appropriate tariff and so on. And in this sense, I would like to say that employers themselves should also be interested in ensuring that their employees are healthy, and then they will have fewer problems in terms of sick leave, first of all.</p><p>By postscript. And I have stopped, and Mikhail Mikhailovich said about it – - my colleagues and I will work on this topic together. As for specific cases, we are working on specific cases, including those that you received on the "Direct Line". Our colleagues transmit this information to us in stages, and we work on it individually. And here we are systematically united in terms of organizing accounting through the portal of Public services.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Thank you very much.</p><p>We, colleagues, all understand that this work–-the work on medical examinations and the subsequent reaction to the results of this medical examination--is a very large-scale work. It is large, multi-faceted, and requires a lot of effort on the part of the federal authorities, regional authorities, and the business community. And, of course, there are some issues that we should pay special attention to. That is why I, Tatyana Alekseevna, would very much like you to look at what was said both by representatives of the regions, in this case by Voskresensky, and by Mikhail Mikhailovich. You just need to analyze whether something is actually working, and it is impossible or even impractical to correct it. You just need to consistently implement the measures that are already being implemented, but you need to pay attention to something. I have a request for you: Please estimate all this that we have discussed today and submit your vision to me in the near future. Ok? So that in the future we can be sure that this work is carried out at a qualitatively high level, because in general, the results are good and the return is good.</p><p>As for the duration and quality of life. Much also depends on how we set up this work to achieve these parameters, including in terms of life expectancy.</p><p>In conclusion, I would like to ask the Acting Governor of the Kursk Region, together with the Government, not only to inform the people of our decision and funds, respectively, and then report to me about it, but also to think that by the time the enemy is expelled from certain areas of the Kursk region, it will be necessary to prepare a program for the restoration of the affected areas.</p><p><em><strong>It is necessary to provide support from the Government in the implementation of issues related to the complex for the restoration of social facilities, roads, and other infrastructure, including transport, industrial, and agricultural enterprises, to provide support to affected businesses, and so on.</strong></em></p><p>This program, at least the main parameters of this program, should be prepared in the near future, so that we understand what we will have to do in certain areas after the necessary conditions are created from the point of view of ensuring security.</p><p>Thank you all very much. Good luck. [My Emphasis]</p></blockquote><p>Yet again we are provided with more evidence that the Russian government has a much higher level of both concern and care for its citizens than most governments. The amount of environmental clean-up is astounding yet also tells us how badly polluted Russia was, which has contributed to the priority of medical provisions, not just facilities and research institutions but campaigns to motivate the public to complete a thorough medical examination. I must confess to still being confused about the Russian healthcare system, particularly its insurance aspects. Yet clearly Russia has some innovations like clinics at large industrial concerns and paid day off for medical appointments.</p><p>The utter idiocy of the Baltic states and celebration of that idiocy by the EU Dictatorship when they shut their connection to the Russian grid is simply amazing. That action has caused more than the pulp mill to shut down or greatly curtail operations because power costs doubled at minimum, and this is within a group of nations facing economic depression and demographic decay. The dementia that’s Russophobia within Europe was on full display over that last week, and for a rather large proportion ending the conflict in Ukraine won’t provide any sort of cure. </p><p>*</p><p>*</p><p>*</p><p><em>Like what you’ve been reading at Karlof1’s Substack? Then please consider subscribing and choosing to make a <strong>monthly/yearly pledge</strong> to enable my efforts in this challenging realm. Thank You!</em></p><p></p><p></p><p data-attrs='{"url":"https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton" data-sanitized-class="button-wrapper"><a href="https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?" data-sanitized-class="button primary"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p> </p>

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guid: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/at-st-petersburg-putin-talks-to-media
title: At St. Petersburg Putin Talks to Media and Praises His Late Mentor
author: ;Karl Sanchez
link: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/at-st-petersburg-putin-talks-to-media
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<div data-sanitized-class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F627615b7-f1db-42bb-8cd3-4c7aa98efe40_1880x1160.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM" data-sanitized-class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img"><div data-sanitized-class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F627615b7-f1db-42bb-8cd3-4c7aa98efe40_1880x1160.jpeg" width="1456" height="898" data-attrs='{"src":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/627615b7-f1db-42bb-8cd3-4c7aa98efe40_1880x1160.jpeg","srcNoWatermark":null,"fullscreen":null,"imageSize":null,"height":898,"width":1456,"resizeWidth":null,"bytes":692772,"alt":null,"title":null,"type":"image/jpeg","href":null,"belowTheFold":false,"topImage":true,"internalRedirect":"https://karlof1.substack.com/i/157501286?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F627615b7-f1db-42bb-8cd3-4c7aa98efe40_1880x1160.jpeg","isProcessing":false}' alt="" fetchpriority="high" data-sanitized-class="sizing-normal"></picture><div data-sanitized-class="image-link-expand"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container restack-image"><path d="M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8"></path><path d="M21 3v5h-5"></path><path d="M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16"></path><path d="M8 16H3v5"></path></div><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container view-image"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></div></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Laying flowers at the monument to Anatoly Sobchak. His widow, Lyudmila Narusova, stands behind in the long fur coat.</p><div data-sanitized-class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fca9df613-efee-4548-9b57-cff7c5080c41_1880x1160.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM" data-sanitized-class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img"><div data-sanitized-class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fca9df613-efee-4548-9b57-cff7c5080c41_1880x1160.jpeg" width="1456" height="898" data-attrs='{"src":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ca9df613-efee-4548-9b57-cff7c5080c41_1880x1160.jpeg","srcNoWatermark":null,"fullscreen":null,"imageSize":null,"height":898,"width":1456,"resizeWidth":null,"bytes":331200,"alt":null,"title":null,"type":"image/jpeg","href":null,"belowTheFold":false,"topImage":false,"internalRedirect":"https://karlof1.substack.com/i/157501286?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fca9df613-efee-4548-9b57-cff7c5080c41_1880x1160.jpeg","isProcessing":false}' alt="" data-sanitized-class="sizing-normal"></picture><div data-sanitized-class="image-link-expand"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container restack-image"><path d="M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8"></path><path d="M21 3v5h-5"></path><path d="M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16"></path><path d="M8 16H3v5"></path></div><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container view-image"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></div></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Cornered by media at Radar MMS research and production enterprise, which specialises in the development of homing systems for high-precision weapons, radar systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles for military and civilian purposes. Putin awarded the staff the Order of Alexander Nevsky for its contributions to Russia’s national defense. </p><p>While visiting a vital national security industrial facility and paying homage to his first political mentor in St. Petersburg today, Putin was caught by Russian media while in public and <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76288">asked about the talks</a> in Saudi Arabia. Putin also gave a speech at a concert honoring his mentor Anatoly Sobchack who certainly made an impression on a younger Vladamir Putin. First the media then his speech:</p><blockquote><p><strong>Question:</strong> Interfax News Agency. Everyone is interested in the outcome of the talks in Riyadh. I'm sure you've already been informed. How do you rate them? Are there any positive results, so to speak, from these negotiations?</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Yes, I was informed. First. Second, I rate them highly, and the result is there.</p><p>The first thing I would like to say is that we have agreed to resume the normal work of our diplomatic departments. Constant expulsions of diplomats from both Washington and Moscow do not lead to anything good. <em><strong>If things go on like this, we will have only one cleaning lady working in these buildings, whose work should also be appreciated, but this is not what diplomatic missions are created for</strong></em>. This is the first one.</p><p>Second. In my opinion, we have taken the first step to resume work in various areas of mutual interest. This includes the Middle East in the broadest sense of the word, including our presence so far in Syria, the Palestinian-Israeli settlement, and so on. There are a lot of issues in which both the United States and the Russian Federation are involved despite the fact that, of course, we pay primary attention to the situation related to the Ukrainian direction.</p><p>But we also have other issues: the economy and our joint work in the global energy markets. So, in general... yes, space, of course, because, despite all the problems of the previous three years, we continue to work in space, and both American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts work on the ISS. The work continues, and the prospects are good. All this was discussed and discussed at the meeting in Riyadh. The rating is positive.</p><p>And in general, as I was told, they were very friendly. As our participants told me, they were completely different people from the American side, who were open to the negotiation process without any bias, without any condemnation of what was done in the past-–in any case, there was nothing like this in bilateral contacts—determined to work together, open to joint work.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> But just the Europeans are agitated, everyone is almost in a panic, that they do not participate in the negotiations in any way, and the same mood among Ukrainian leaders. Everyone wants to have the right to vote. What to do with them all?</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> What is the right to vote? As I said just now, <em><strong>the goal and subject of our talks was to restore Russian-American relations.</strong></em> Does anyone want to mediate between Russia and the United States? These are probably redundant requirements.</p><p><em><strong>And the most important thing here, in resolving all the very acute issues, including the Ukrainian settlement, is that without increasing the level of trust between Russia and the United States, it is impossible to resolve many issues, including the Ukrainian crisis. The purpose of this meeting was precisely to increase trust between Russia and the United States.</strong></em></p><p>As for the other participants, first of all, Russia has never renounced contacts with Europeans. Russia has never abandoned the negotiation process with Ukraine, never. <em><strong>It is our, so to say, partners in these negotiations who refused.</strong></em> The Europeans stopped contacts with Russia, and the Ukrainian side forbade itself to conduct negotiations, withdrew from the negotiation process in Istanbul, directly and publicly announcing this. Well, we don't impose anything on anyone. We are ready, I have already said it a hundred times: if they want to, please let them conduct these negotiations, and we will be ready to return to the negotiating table.</p><p>As for Euro-Atlantic relations, we do not interfere here. We do not speculate on all the issues that arise between the United States and its allies.<em><strong> But if we talk about these allies, they are to blame for what is happening now.</strong></em></p><p>Trump has been accused at one time of having a special relationship with Russia and that Russia interfered in the election when he won his last term as president. They created a team, dragged him through the courts, even created a special commission in Congress. Nothing was confirmed–-<em><strong>and it couldn't be confirmed, because it never happened</strong></em>.</p><p>And what have we just seen in the course of this election campaign? <em><strong>All European leaders, without exception, actually directly interfered in the US election process. It came down to direct insults of one of the candidates.</strong></em> We, for our part–-of course, it was clear to whom we sympathized–-but we did not allow ourselves to interfere, and certainly did not allow any harsh statements or offensive attacks against any of the candidates. We just didn't do it. And the Europeans did.</p><p>In general, to be honest, I am surprised at the restraint of the newly elected President of the United States Trump in relation to his allies, who behaved in a similar, frankly, boorish way. After all, he still behaves quite intelligently in relation to them.</p><p>But they don't shut themselves out. After all, if we are talking about the Ukrainian settlement, the United States is working with its European allies. Mr. Kellogg, as far as I know, is currently in Kiev, right? Before that, he met with Europeans. Now the President of France is going to Washington, the Prime Minister of Great Britain. Nothing is closed there, the Americans are discussing all this with them.</p><p>But we have, for example, such a question as the extension of START-3. Everyone has probably forgotten, but I will remind you that exactly one year later, in February 2026, the Treaty on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ends. Do they want to sit here at the negotiating table and mediate between Russia and the United States? Probably not. But why get hysterical here? Hysteria is inappropriate.</p><p>As for the negotiation process, President Trump told me during a telephone conversation, and I can confirm that, of course, the United States assumes that the negotiation process will take place with the participation of both Russia and Ukraine. No one excludes Ukraine from this process.</p><p><em><strong>Therefore, there is no reason for such a reaction to the Russian-American meeting.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question:</strong> There seems to be more [US Secretary of State] Rubio promised to keep European allies informed.</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Yes, we know, we see. But we, for our part, will inform our BRICS friends without any doubts. We know their interest in resolving Russian-Ukrainian relations, in resolving this crisis, and in ending hostilities. We treat their proposals with respect, as I have repeatedly said, and <em><strong>we will inform them about the results of the Russian-American talks in the very near future.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question:</strong> And when do you meet with Putin... excuse me, [when] do you meet with Trump?</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> I meet with him [Putin] every day, I look in the mirror. (Laughter.)</p><p>You know, it has to be prepared. I'd love to meet Donald, we haven't seen each other in a very long time. We don't have any close relations with him, but still, in previous years, during the four years of work when he was President, we met and discussed our interstate relations very evenly. I will be happy to meet him again today. I think he did, too, as was evident from the nature of our phone conversation.</p><p><em><strong>But we are in such a situation that it is not enough to meet, just to have tea, coffee, sit down, talk about the future. We need to ensure that our teams prepare issues that are extremely important for both the United States and Russia, including, not only, but also on the Ukrainian track, in order to reach solutions that are acceptable to both sides. And this, of course, is not an easy task.</strong></em></p><p>I've already talked about this. When Mr. Trump was a candidate for President of the United States, he talked about the terms, rather short terms of resolving, say, the Ukrainian crisis. But after he began to receive information from the security services and so on, as the President-elect, he changed his position, he said: yes, it will take six months.</p><p>Now we won't talk about the timing, but it's natural, by the way, absolutely natural, there is nothing special here. He just started getting information, objective information, and this information changed his approach. So it takes some time. <em><strong>How long it will take, I am not ready to answer right now, but we have a desire to hold such a meeting, and I would like to hold this meeting. But, I repeat once again, it is necessary to prepare it so that there is a result.</strong></em></p><p>We have many areas of cooperation, as I have already said. <em><strong>This includes strategic stability, the Middle East in the broadest sense of the word, and economic cooperation, primarily in the energy sector.</strong></em></p><p>You know, I still remember our <a href="https://translated.turbopages.org/proxy_u/ru-en.en.ebc8bf73-67b65b7f-c4539019-74722d776562/kremlin.ru/events/president/news/63190">three-person conversation on</a> the phone: I, your humble servant, participated, US President Trump and the King of Saudi Arabia. The three of us talked on the phone, discussing issues of the global energy market. These issues and discussions in this format are still in demand today.</p><p>By the way, I would like to sincerely thank the leadership of Saudi Arabia, the King of Saudi Arabia, and the Crown Prince for not only graciously providing a platform in Riyadh for high-level meetings between Russia and the United States but also creating a very friendly environment.</p><p>I think that in the next couple of days–-impossible today, since I am on a trip to St. Petersburg--I will definitely call the Crown Prince and personally thank him for this assistance.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> Let me clarify the dynamics of SVR. Despite the negotiations, the special military operation continues. What news is coming from the front lines now?</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> You know them, the war correspondents, your colleagues, people who are extremely well-informed, courageous, frankly speaking, heroically carry out their mission, fulfill their duty–-both civil and professional-–and objectively inform the public of Russia, and the whole world, about what is happening on the line of contact.</p><p>The most recent information that was reported to me just an hour ago: Last night, soldiers of the 810th brigade crossed the border of the Russian Federation and Ukraine and entered the territory of the enemy. And our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> The drone attack on an oil station in the Krasnodar Territory–-can this be Zelensky's response to the positive relations that are now gradually developing between Russia and America, to the process?</p><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> I do not know this, and it is difficult for me to give estimates of what happened, but it happened, it happened, and, of course, it is necessary to explain it somehow. There are many questions that arise here and it is very difficult to answer them right now.</p><p>But first, I may say an unexpected thing, but nevertheless, after all, attacks of this kind are impossible without space intelligence, and Ukraine receives high-precision space intelligence data on objects of destruction, in relation to objects of destruction, only from its Western allies. And who exactly gave this data, provided satellite images on the objects of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, I don't know now, but I can tell you with full justification that the Ukrainian armed forces are not able to do this on their own. They do not have the appropriate space satellite groupings. This is the first one.</p><p>The second is that there were no Russian air defense systems at this facility, and there are still no Russian air defense systems. And it is clear why: because we proceeded from the fact that it cannot be an object of attack-–<em><strong>this is, strictly speaking, not a Russian object</strong></em>, but an object of international energy infrastructure. The shareholders of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium are American companies (Chevron, I think), European companies (including Eni), and Russian companies such as Lukoil.</p><p>We even get five kopecks for this transit, figuratively speaking. This doesn't make any economic sense for us. We simply provide a service to our Kazakhstani friends and those partners who work in Kazakhstan. And the oil that is produced, we can generally say, because it is produced under the PSA, the production sharing agreement, is actually the property of the companies that produce it, in this case, American companies, European companies. This, of course, is not a critical volume, but still a noticeable volume on world markets.</p><p>And, of course, the defeat of such an object–-six drones were used in the attack—affects, will affect the global energy markets, primarily because, unfortunately, it is impossible to quickly restore this object. <em><strong>And it is impossible to restore it quickly due to the fact that mostly Western equipment is present there, and Western equipment has suffered</strong></em>.</p><p>By the way,<em><strong> I have just been told that the Europeans have extended sanctions against Russia, including specifically the impossibility of supplying us with Western equipment in the field of oil and gas production. </strong></em>What does it mean? This means that two days ago the Ukrainian armed forces launched a strike, and two days later the Europeans announced that it was impossible to repair this station, because the main equipment there is of European production, including the German company Siemens. If this equipment arrived tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, then even then it would take one and a half to two months.<em><strong> Now what does that mean? That it will not be delivered at all.</strong></em></p><p>Of course, if you look at it purely formally, it looks like some kind of coordinated action. But I don't want to believe it. I think it's random. It's just that the Europeans go their own way and don't pay attention to what's happening. But technically, if you look at what's going on, it looks like some kind of coordination.</p><p>Why do they need it? Unclear. Because this leads to consistently high energy prices on world markets, which consumers of energy resources, such as European companies, are certainly not interested in.</p><p>By the way, the current Administration has also repeatedly announced that it is striving to stabilize or even lower energy prices. But actions of this kind, of course, are directly opposite to achieving the goals that the American Administration sets for itself.</p><p>I know that yesterday the consortium members held a meeting on all these problems that have arisen, and they decide for themselves what to do next. I repeat, this is not so much our problem as the problem of foreign investors and foreign CPC participants. [My Emphasis]</p></blockquote><p>Well, there you have it. The meeting was only about Russian-US relations and not specifically about anyone or anything else; so, the hysterical meltdown by Europeans was unwarranted yet gave away their feelings about the entire process—they want the war to continue so more Ukrainians and Russians can die. </p><p>Now we move to <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76290">the speech</a> Putin gave prior to a memorial concert performed to honor the Late Mayor of St. Petersburg Anatoly Sobchak where Putin will tell us about the relationship he had with the man who IMO was his mentor:</p><div data-sanitized-class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb78319ee-74e9-43d1-803e-bc7a28b69106_1880x1160.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM" data-sanitized-class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img"><div data-sanitized-class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb78319ee-74e9-43d1-803e-bc7a28b69106_1880x1160.jpeg" width="1456" height="898" data-attrs='{"src":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b78319ee-74e9-43d1-803e-bc7a28b69106_1880x1160.jpeg","srcNoWatermark":null,"fullscreen":null,"imageSize":null,"height":898,"width":1456,"resizeWidth":null,"bytes":434486,"alt":null,"title":null,"type":"image/jpeg","href":null,"belowTheFold":false,"topImage":false,"internalRedirect":"https://karlof1.substack.com/i/157501286?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb78319ee-74e9-43d1-803e-bc7a28b69106_1880x1160.jpeg","isProcessing":false}' alt="" data-sanitized-class="sizing-normal"></picture><div data-sanitized-class="image-link-expand"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container restack-image"><path d="M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8"></path><path d="M21 3v5h-5"></path><path d="M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16"></path><path d="M8 16H3v5"></path></div><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container view-image"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></div></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>The word next to Sobchak’s image is Remembering.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Vladimir Putin:</strong> Dear friends,</p><p>We have gathered today to honor the memory of Anatoly Aleksandrovich Sobchak.</p><p>He became the first mayor of St. Petersburg at the peak of his all-Union and truly national fame. This is exactly how bright and unusual he was for his university colleagues and, of course, for us, for his students, among whom I was also.</p><p>As a professor, teacher, and high-class lawyer, he won the election and literally broke into politics. Having become a People's Deputy of the USSR, he immediately declared himself a brilliant speaker and educator throughout the country. <em><strong>A strong supporter of such values as the power and culture of law, justice and human dignity.</strong></em> As a legislator who proposed not just draft legal norms, but ideas and approaches that were expected in society and demanded by time.</p><p>Sobchak, during his parliamentary career, gained a huge reputation as a responsible politician on a national, then-union scale. It is no exaggeration to say that he was among those who laid the very foundations of modern Russia. And as mayor, he thought just as big, deep and meaningful. I can say this for sure, because I witnessed how he thought, how he talked, what he talked about. He was able to infect others with his ideas and projects.</p><p><em><strong>You know, I spent a lot of time with him,</strong></em> including during the election events of the Union, on a large scale. It was a very difficult time. Many of those present here in the hall, of course, remember this. <em><strong>You know, I traveled with him then to the regions</strong></em> of Russia during various election events of a national nature and significance. Sometimes I thought: why are we coming here? We can't expect anything good here. And when we entered the hall, I thought to myself: "I'm right." Because as soon as he appeared in the hall, the hall was buzzing, to be honest. And he came out to applause. It was amazing. He was A very talented orator, a talented person.</p><p>And why did this happen? I think so: in addition to the fact that he was talented,<em><strong> he knew how to infect with himself, with his ideas.</strong></em> <em><strong>He spoke from the heart, spoke as he thought. And this is always met with trust from the audience. He himself firmly believed in what he said and proposed, in what he defended.</strong></em></p><p>The Sobchak era is undoubtedly a time of very great upheavals for the country and for himself. Anatoly Alexandrovich took the collapse of the Soviet Union with pain, very hard. <em><strong>I can share with you such things that I know only he knew.</strong></em> But today, on his memorial day I will tell you. I remember I was in Smolny, at work, he came from Moscow. He sat down, threw some papers, looked somewhere in the distance, and then said: "Why are they doing this?"</p><p>I will not comment further now, but I repeat, many of those present here in the hall understand what was being discussed then.<em><strong> Yes, our left-wing political spectrum, to put it mildly, did not like him, because he was a great critic of the Communist Party and everything that was connected with it. But, I will say more about this, he was a statist. He never advocated the destruction of our former common Fatherland. Never</strong></em>.</p><p>And his phrase, in my opinion, has already become famous. <em><strong>With regard to the power elites of some republics of the former Soviet Union, he said so, and publicly: if you want to leave the Soviet Union, leave with what you came to Russia with. And it sounds prophetic today. This lesson of Sobchak could warn all of us against many tragedies and losses.</strong></em></p><p>You know,<em><strong> when else will I have the opportunity to tell you.</strong></em> Maybe as I said, this is well known. He was constantly in conflict with representatives of the Communist Party, and our views here did not always coincide and do not coincide now. But that is not important; <em><strong>what is important is how he treated history, some of the foundations of our statehood.</strong></em></p><p>I remember that I was also in the office, Bella Alekseevna Kurkova came, put a piece of granite on his desk, said: "Look, revolution, we in Moscow have demolished a monument to Dzerzhinsky." Anatoly Alexandrovich took this piece, looked at it and said:<em><strong> A revolution is good, but monuments should not be broken.</strong></em> I am honest, believe me, I was surprised, I am absolutely sure, just surprised, because I knew his mood–-if not anti-communist, then such, you know, with criticism of this political spectrum. <em><strong>And suddenly–-such things, such words. It was unexpected for me.</strong></em></p><p>Anatoly Aleksandrovich Sobchak was certainly a statesman by nature, education, and legal beliefs. As I have already said,<em><strong> he put the importance of sovereignty and unity of the country on a par with the values of democracy and human rights and never deviated from these views</strong></em>. He was a straightforward, honest and decent person.</p><p>He had to solve a variety of issues, including many urgent, current, economic, daily, literally in manual mode, dealing with the life support of St. Petersburg. He paid a lot of attention to this. He had to deal with a wave of problems - both left over from the old time and new ones, when many had to be created from scratch.</p><p>I have heard the opinion that the intelligent Professor Sobchak was not up to it. I do not agree with this point of view, because I worked next to him and saw how he coped with extremely complex, current, it would seem, technical tasks.</p><p>Of course, he was not a specialist in the municipal economy. Here are my current and former colleagues who, together with Anatoly Alexandrovich, worked, one was engaged in economics, the other was engaged in property and finance. Of course, the first person does not fit into every paragraph of the decisions made, and it is not necessary, but he, when necessary, immersed himself in problems and solved them with his usual glitter. Although it was impossible to solve everything, it was just that the conditions were completely different. And today it is difficult, but not to compare with the situation in which both the city and the whole country found themselves at the time when he headed a five-million metropolis.</p><p>He defended the principles of a professional approach to solving any problems, fought and won, showed will, courage and determination. If it was necessary for the city and people, he argued with the highest officials, gave his arguments and convinced them of the correctness of his position, achieved the implementation of large projects, the necessary funding, and support for the federal center, as they say now.</p><p>He perceived the post of mayor not just as an administrative position, but looked more broadly, looked to the future. The city developed and was reborn as open and modern, as a real cultural and historical capital of Russia.</p><p>Sobchak was the initiator of returning the city to its historical name and did everything possible to return not just the name, but also the glory of St. Petersburg. Only under Sobchak could all this become a reality.</p><p>Anatoly Alexandrovich was very fond of his city of ours, and as mayor he was organic, consonant with St. Petersburg, and invested his talent, intelligence, and exuberant energy in its development.</p><p>Yes, he has also experienced some difficult times here. He survived both betrayal and slander. But he never responded in kind to anyone, never stooped to it. Always kept the height of nobility and dignity. This is how we will remember him.</p><p>Thank you. [My Emphasis]</p></blockquote><p>I suggest watching the 11-minute video even if you understand zero Russian. And for those whose Russian is rusty, Putin’s delivery is very easy to follow. Of course, the audience and concert hall also provide additions. And having just read the speech, it’s possible to match the text to the audio and Putin’s body language. In the text above, I’ve provided emphasis for those traits Putin ascribes to Sobchak that we now also see in Putin. I recall Sobchak and the extremely turbulent 1990s in Russia for I was following events there as closely as I could at the time—a chore that’s much easier today. 19 February 2000 is the day he passed, his death aroused great controversy. He was one of the authors of Russia’s current constitution. He’d be 87 today.</p><p>*<br>*<br>*<br><em>Like what you’ve been reading at Karlof1’s Substack? Then please consider subscribing and choosing to make a <strong>monthly/yearly pledge</strong> to enable my efforts in this challenging realm. Thank You!</em></p><p></p><p></p><p data-attrs='{"url":"https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton" data-sanitized-class="button-wrapper"><a href="https://karlof1.substack.com/subscribe?" data-sanitized-class="button primary"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>  </p>

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guid: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/jetsetter-lavrov-addresses-government
title: Jetsetter Lavrov Addresses Government Hour Before Going to G-20
author: ;Karl Sanchez
link: https://karlof1.substack.com/p/jetsetter-lavrov-addresses-government
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<div data-sanitized-class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3a2ca17-efbd-4626-953b-fe05827bdf51_720x480.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM" data-sanitized-class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img"><div data-sanitized-class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3a2ca17-efbd-4626-953b-fe05827bdf51_720x480.jpeg" width="720" height="480" data-attrs='{"src":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e3a2ca17-efbd-4626-953b-fe05827bdf51_720x480.jpeg","srcNoWatermark":null,"fullscreen":null,"imageSize":null,"height":480,"width":720,"resizeWidth":null,"bytes":185584,"alt":null,"title":null,"type":"image/jpeg","href":null,"belowTheFold":false,"topImage":true,"internalRedirect":"https://karlof1.substack.com/i/157571131?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3a2ca17-efbd-4626-953b-fe05827bdf51_720x480.jpeg","isProcessing":false}' alt="" fetchpriority="high" data-sanitized-class="sizing-normal"></picture><div data-sanitized-class="image-link-expand"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container restack-image"><path d="M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8"></path><path d="M21 3v5h-5"></path><path d="M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16"></path><path d="M8 16H3v5"></path></div><div data-sanitized-class="pencraft pc-reset icon-container view-image"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></div></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Government Hour is an annual report delivered to the Duma about Russia’s foreign policy activities for their information so they can more easily communicate with their constituents when asked questions about those policies. <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1998634/">The report</a> isn’t short at almost 80-minutes as it includes a Q&amp;A session with the Deputies. So, let’s get busy:</p><blockquote><p>Dear Vyacheslav Viktorovich,</p><p>Dear Colleagues,</p><p>I am glad to have another opportunity to address the <a href="http://duma.gov.ru/">State Duma</a> deputies as part of the Government Hour.</p><p>I would like to emphasise that we value the professional, friendly relations established between diplomats and legislators, which allow us to fruitfully exchange views on the issues that the Foreign Ministry deals with. It is a great benefit for us that you regularly communicate with your voters and discover what foreign policy topics concern them.</p><p>The main task of our diplomatic service has been and remains, as enshrined in all versions of the <a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/detail-material-page/1860586/">Foreign Policy Concept</a> (including the latest one of March 31, 2023), <em><strong>to promote the creation of safe and favourable external conditions to ensure the progressive development of our country, its economic and technological sovereignty, and the improvement of the well-being and quality of life of Russians.</strong></em></p><p>We <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1994990/">began</a> discussing all pressing issues with the State Duma deputies on February 6 of this year, and I was invited to a joint meeting of the three committees. In an informal manner, we compared notes in detail on certain aspects of foreign policy and the international situation. Today, we will continue with the full State Duma as part of the Government Hour.</p><p>I would also like to note that we have prepared and submitted to the State Duma a voluminous collection of our answers to numerous questions from various factions and committees, in addition to those that will be heard here.</p><p>I will not talk at length about how we are acting in the international arena. President Vladimir Putin has set us tasks. He repeatedly and in detail set them out at the recent <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/75909">big news conference on the results of the year,</a> including in numerous of his interviews.</p><p><em><strong>The key movement at the current stage remains the movement towards a multipolar world order. </strong></em>This is a historic process associated with objective trends in the emergence of new centres of power on the world map from among the countries of the World Majority. Many of them are achieving impressive success in various fields, primarily in the economic and social spheres. They are pursuing a nationally oriented foreign policy and are taking on more and more responsibility for the state of affairs in their regions.</p><p>Our partners in the Global South and East represent distinctive civilisations, cultures and religions, and are members of a variety of integration associations.<em><strong> All of them are united by the desire for progressive peaceful development without external dictates and pressure.</strong></em> <em><strong>Like us, they stand for the democratisation of international life and respect for the natural right of peoples to determine their own destiny.</strong></em> A community of such states is being formed on the world stage, which is manifested in the strengthening of cooperation mechanisms such as <a href="https://brics-russia2024.ru/">BRICS</a> and <a href="https://rus.sectsco.org/">the SCO.</a> Of course, this is a positive trend.</p><p>At the same time, we note that the countries of the "collective West", <em><strong>although they have begun to agree with multipolar realities in words, in fact still strive to secure a privileged position for themselves and preserve the remnants of their former dominance.</strong></em> The West is not yet ready to consider and apply the principles <a href="https://www.un.org/ru/about-us/un-charter/full-text">of the UN Charter</a> in their entirety and interconnection. They interpret this basic document of international law purely selectively, pulling out the "element" they need at the moment in history and ignoring the rest. For example, in the case of Ukraine, they emphasize respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. At the same time, they push into the background such cornerstone principles of the UN Charter as the right of peoples to self-determination and the need to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. <em><strong>By the way, it was these fundamental provisions that the colonialists trampled upon. And the neo-Nazi Kiev regime has never complied with the connivance of its external patrons.</strong></em></p><p>We have no doubt who holds the future in international affairs. <em><strong>There is an objectively formed rift, where on one side is the progressive world majority, and on the other is the "collective West", which, as you can now see every day, cannot close its ranks and abandon these selfish habits that guided it over the past five centuries, when it ruled the whole world.</strong></em></p><p>We are convinced that there can be no reasonable alternative to our foreign policy course, which was approved by President Vladimir Putin. It is based on national interests. Russia has always been and remains open to equal and respectful cooperation with all those who are ready to work with us on the basis of an honest balance of interests, be it in security, politics, the economy, culture or people-to-people contacts. We will always be ready to talk<em><strong> with mutual respect</strong></em> with any country.</p><p>Among our regional priorities is strengthening the "belt of good-neighbourliness" through consistent integration with the countries of the near abroad, our neighbours, and maintaining stability in Greater Eurasia. We are addressing this task both on a bilateral basis with the relevant states and within the framework of such structures as the <a href="https://odkb-csto.org/">CSTO</a>, <a href="https://e-cis.info/">the CIS</a>, the <a href="https://eec.eaeunion.org/">EAEU</a>, the <a href="https://rus.sectsco.org/">SCO</a> and other multilateral structures. Another important format that covers our relations with partners in Central Asia is the 5+1. This includes the forum of the Caspian Sea littoral states. And the Caspian Five, which includes Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, is in the same row.</p><p><em><strong>On June 14, 2024, President Vladimir Putin, <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1957107/">speaking</a> at the Foreign Ministry, put forward a strategic initiative to create a Eurasian security architecture to replace the bankrupt Euro-Atlantic model. The Eurasian architecture will be open to all states of the entire continent, including its European part.</strong></em></p><p>We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of a common continent. The largest, most populous and, probably, the most promising in terms of economic development. In Africa, there is the African Union, which unites all African countries, in Latin America there is the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, but in Eurasia there is no such organisation. There is the OSCE, which is built on the basis of the Euro-Atlantic concept, and there are numerous sub-regional organisations (which I have already listed). ASEAN, the GCC, and there are many associations,<em><strong> but there is no single forum. Therefore, we will promote the concept that President of Russia Vladimir Putin has mentioned.</strong></em></p><p>We have already begun this work. We have signed agreements with our neighbours and are developing ties with their associations. In this regard, I would like to mention the <a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/international_contracts/international_contracts/2_contract/62699/">Interstate Treaty on Security Guarantees between Russia and Belarus</a> and the <a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/international_contracts/international_contracts/2_contract/62546/">Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the DPRK</a>. Our cooperation in the military-political multilateral associations, such as the CSTO, the SCO and all constructively-minded Eurasian states, is in the same vein. We will always be happy to see them.</p><p>Recently, we signed <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/supplement/6258">a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement with Iran</a>. Together with our Belarusian friends, who have been convening a conference on Eurasian security in Minsk for two years in a row, we have prepared a draft "<a href="https://mid.ru/ru/maps/by/1984612/">Eurasian Charter, Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century</a>", which should lay the normative foundation for a new geopolitical reality on our continent. And at the next, third Minsk Conference on European Security, this document will be presented.</p><p>As for the country areas, I mentioned Belarus–-this is our priority in the context of building the Union State and strengthening coordination in the international arena.</p><p><em><strong>The relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with China continue to deepen and develop, which, according to our leaders, are at an unprecedentedly high level and surpass in their content any alliances that were classic in previous years.</strong></em> This year, we expect further development of joint diplomacy, including at the highest level: Chinese President Xi Jinping will timed his next visit to Moscow to coincide with the celebrations of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on May 9, and President Vladimir Putin will visit China in connection with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory over Japanese militarism in late August and early September 2025.</p><p>Relations of a special and privileged strategic partnership with India are progressively developing. As part of the exchange of annual high-level visits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/supplement/6168">visited</a> Moscow in 2024. Talks took place, which resulted in a new package of decisions. We are working to implement them.</p><p>An intensive political dialogue is maintained with all members of the <a href="https://odkb-csto.org/">CSTO</a>, <a href="https://eec.eaeunion.org/">the EAEU</a>, the <a href="https://e-cis.info/">CIS</a>, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It is impossible to list them all.</p><p>We have many permanent partners on all continents. <em><strong>Relations with a number of states have reached the level of strategic partnership.</strong></em></p><p>Russian-African cooperation has been significantly strengthened: in November 2024, the first-ever ministerial conference of the <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1980737/">Russia-Africa Partnership Forum</a> was successfully held. It was held at the decision of the <a href="https://summitafrica.ru/">Second Russia-Africa Summit</a> in St Petersburg in 2023 and was very productive. Together with our African friends, we continue to work on the practical implementation of the agreements reached at both summits and the ministerial conference. We are working to unlock the vast potential of our cooperation with Africa, which for quite a long time after the collapse of the Soviet Union was not only significantly suspended, but reduced. We had other priorities, but now we are returning to appreciating our African friends, <em><strong>just as they assess our contribution to liberation from colonial oppression. Our prospects are very, very good. We must use them actively and without delay.</strong></em></p><p>I would like to dwell separately on our efforts at the UN. In 2024, we launched a strategically important anti-neocolonial project designed for the future. Within its framework, <a href="https://er.ru/">the United Russia</a> party initiated the creation of the International Movement of Supporters of the Struggle against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism – <a href="https://serbia.mid.ru/ru/press-centre/news/o_deyatelnosti_dvizheniya_za_svobodu_natsiy_/">For the Freedom of Nations!</a> In turn, the Foreign Ministry ensured the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution "Eradication of Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations" in December 2024. The next step should be the adoption of a UN decision declaring December 14, 1960 (this is <a href="https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/declarations/colonial.shtml">the date of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Peoples</a>)<em><strong> the International Day of Struggle against Colonialism.</strong></em></p><p>We use the UN platform to promote collective approaches to ensuring biological and international information security. An important success was the negotiation of the first international treaty in history, the <a href="https://www.un.org/ru/documents/treaty/A-RES-79-243">Convention against Cybercrime</a>, at Russia's initiative. It has been agreed and will be signed in June 2025 in Vietnam.</p><p>I would like to highlight our work within the framework of BRICS, which has become a centre for coordinating the interests of the leading countries of the world majority, one of the pillars of the multipolar world order.</p><p>We <a href="https://brics-russia2024.ru/">chaired</a> BRICS in 2024, and I believe that the goals set in our programme have been achieved. The Kazan summit of the association was attended by delegations from 35 states and six multilateral organisations, including the UN.</p><p>During the Russian watch, a decision was agreed on the admission of Indonesia, a major Muslim country and one of the leaders of the Group of 77 Non-Aligned Movement, to a full member of BRICS. The decision to establish a category of partner countries of the association was important. There are already a dozen of them. And these are only those that have confirmed their desire to become a BRICS partner. Agreements have been reached to promote cooperation in all areas. In particular, which is fundamentally important for the current stage of the formation of multipolarity, in the financial and economic sphere.</p><p>The <a href="https://rus.sectsco.org/">SCO</a> works on similar principles. We consider it as a solid, material basis for the emerging architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia.</p><p>As for other multipolar platforms, I would like to mention the G20. Foreign ministers' meetings in this format will be held tomorrow and the day after tomorrow in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the G20, together with like-minded BRICS and other countries in the Global South and East, we are able to stop the West's attempts to "Ukrainise" the agenda and impose unequal discriminatory decisions in the economy, finance, trade and climate. <em><strong>It is necessary to continue to use this platform to encourage our Western colleagues to work together productively, rather than to impose their unilateral approaches and recipes.</strong></em></p><p>We pay serious attention to cultural, humanitarian and public diplomacy. Last year, our country successfully hosted the <a href="https://wyffest.com/">World Youth Festival</a>. The first international multi-sport tournament, <a href="https://dspkazan.com/projects/gamesoffuture2024/">the Games of the Future,</a> and the <a href="https://bricskazan2024.games/ru">BRICS Sports Games</a> were held. In September of this year, we plan to hold the first <a href="http://kremlin.ru/acts/news/76203">Intervision</a> International Song Contest in the Moscow Region, in which many countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America have confirmed their participation. We hope that these will be major world-class cultural events.</p><p>Our constant focus is on protecting and promoting the positions of the Russian language abroad. We intend to make the most of the potential of the International Russian Language Organisation, which is being created at the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, under the auspices of the CIS, but this is specifically noted in its charter, which is open to all countries of the world. We hope that all the procedures necessary for the full launch of this structure will be completed by the end of the year.</p><p><em><strong>Among the most important priorities is the protection of traditional spiritual and moral values common to all world religions and civilisations.</strong></em> We are closely cooperating with the <a href="https://mir2023.site/">International Russophile Movement</a>, which brings together representatives of public circles, politicians, cultural figures and businessmen from more than 100 countries located in the East, West and South. We pay special attention to cooperation with the <a href="http://www.patriarchia.ru/">Russian Orthodox Church</a> and cooperation with Islamic, Buddhist and Jewish associations of adherents of Russia's traditional religions.</p><p><em><strong>We defend the legitimate rights of our citizens abroad by providing assistance and support. We emphasise on an ongoing basis that we do not abandon our own people in any situation.</strong></em> We are working with organisations of our compatriots that preserve cultural, linguistic and spiritual ties with their historical homeland. It is extremely difficult for many of them to survive in the face of the unbridled Russophobia that has unfolded in the West. Last year, on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, <em><strong>an important <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/acts/bank/51035">project</a> was launched to attract to Russia all people who profess traditional values and are persecuted by the authorities of the countries in which they are currently located. Our ministry, embassies and consulates are actively involved in the implementation of this initiative.</strong></em></p><p>We are trying to make targeted use of diplomatic tools to assist Russian business in the interests of developing mechanisms for financial settlements, transport and logistics chains <em><strong>with foreign partners that are not controlled by illegitimate external pressure.</strong></em></p><p>This year is marked by the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the 80th anniversary of the UN. As before, we will pay constant attention to uniting international efforts to counter any manifestations of neo-Nazism, Russophobia and other forms of racial and religious intolerance. We are concerned about the unbridled growth of such manifestations in the territories controlled by the Kiev regime, in the Baltic States and a number of other EU countries, <em><strong>and in Canada, where a multi-million diaspora of Nazi collaborators has settled.</strong></em> It is encouraging that our irreconcilable position against the revival of Nazism is shared by the overwhelming majority of the international community, which was clearly demonstrated by the adoption of a resolution on combating the glorification of Nazism at the UN General Assembly in December 2024. The Commonwealth has declared 2025 the <a href="https://www.culture.ru/events/5305687/2025-god-god-80-letiya-pobedy-v-velikoi-otechestvennoi-voine-god-mira-i-edinstva-v-borbe-s-nacizmom">Year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War – the Year of Peace and Unity in the Fight against Nazism</a>.<em><strong> We are seeking that the crimes of the Nazi invaders and their accomplices be recognised as genocide of the peoples of the Soviet Union. We will count on close cooperation with the Federal Assembly in these matters, as in all others.</strong></em></p><p>The topic of Victory over Nazism is inextricably linked with the task of achieving the goals of the <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67843">special military operation.</a><em><strong> Together with our colleagues in parliament, we show the world community that there is no alternative to eradicating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis.</strong></em></p><p>President Vladimir Putin emphasised this very important point in his telephone <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76259">conversation</a> with US President Donald Trump on February 12. <em><strong>We paid special attention to this topic yesterday during a <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1998279/">meeting</a> with US Secretary of State Miguel Rubio, US National Security Adviser Mark Waltz and US Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Stephen Witkoff.</strong></em> I would like to emphasise that we are talking about eliminating threats to Russia's security, which have been created for many years by dragging Ukraine into NATO, and the need to put the toughest possible stop to the Kiev regime's actions to exterminate everything related to Russia, Russian culture and the Russian world – the Russian language, culture, the media, and the canonical Orthodox Church.</p><p>The tasks set for the Ministry by President Vladimir Putin are ambitious. We will continue to do everything necessary to ensure that the organisational structure of our foreign service adapts more actively and quickly to modern requirements. We are transferring human resources to the most in-demand, "hot" foreign policy areas, primarily to African countries and other countries of the world majority. We have created a new <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1994570/">unit</a>–-the Second African Department. We are expanding our diplomatic presence in the CIS countries, Asia and Latin America. <em><strong>Three new embassies have already been opened in Africa, and seven more are planned to open in the next two years.</strong></em> This work has been put on a systematic basis and will continue consistently.</p><p>I would like to emphasise that the foreign policy<a href="https://mid.ru/ru/activity/coordinating_and_advisory_body/head_of_subjects_council/materialy-o-vypolnenii-rekomendacij-zasedanij-sgs/xxxvi-zasedanie-sgs/1767070/"> approved</a> by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin is long-term and strategic. It is not subject to the domestic political situation and does not depend on the whims of our ill-wishers. As we can see, it enjoys the support of our leading political forces represented in the <a href="http://duma.gov.ru/">State Duma</a>, for which we are sincerely grateful to you. Through you, we feel the support of our citizens. We feel this well and appreciate it. This gives us strength and energy.</p><p>I would like to thank you for your cooperation and for your comradely assistance. I would like to reaffirm our readiness to work in the same vein in the future.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>There is quite a lot of news coming from US President Donald Trump's team. There are some extremely curious ones. By introducing bans on migration, Donald Trump is suddenly inviting the white population of South Africa to the United States and promising the most favourable conditions. By the way, we can also recall the preferences of the US authorities for Cuban migrants for decades. Washington sees this as a way to stir up discontent inside Cuba.</p><p>Isn't the time coming for Russia to use migration regulation more flexibly to pursue our national interests? What is the position of the Russian Foreign Ministry and your opinion?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>In October 2024, President Vladimir Putin adopted a list of instructions on optimising procedures related to labour migration from neighboring countries. <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1992316/">The Foreign Ministry</a> is one of the co-executors. The leading role is played by the lead agencies, primarily <a href="https://xn--b1aew.xn--p1ai/">the Interior Ministry</a> and its <a href="https://xn--b1aew.xn--p1ai/mvd/structure1/Glavnie_upravlenija/guvm">migration department.</a></p><p><em><strong>We proceed from the premise that any "toughening" of our approaches to labour migrants from Central Asian countries, primarily the South Caucasus and other former republics, will not contribute to our long-term interests.</strong></em> Of course, it is necessary to keep order. Many violations have been recorded in a number of geographical areas where migrants come from. We believe that it is necessary to tighten control over their behaviour, but not to erect barriers, let alone introduce a visa regime.</p><p>Yes, in comparison with the previous procedure, additional measures are now being taken. <em><strong>They are aimed at tightening control, and not at creating obstacles to labor migration.</strong></em></p><p>We held several special meetings with the ambassadors of the <a href="https://eec.eaeunion.org/">EAEU</a> member states, answered their questions in detail, and explained the logic that guides us. <em><strong>Indeed, the fundamental documents on the creation of the EAEU state that citizens of all member states of the Union have equal rights. They can come without any invitations, without confirming where they will work, etc.</strong></em> The arrival of migrants must be monitored. The relevant authorities must understand where these people who have come to work are, who provides them with work and, accordingly, is responsible for their compliance with the laws of the Russian Federation. I am convinced that all this can be done without creating any artificial obstacles in relations with our closest allies.</p><p><em><strong>The meetings that we held with the ambassadors of the EAEU countries showed that they understand this situation. Indeed, everyone has laws, but they evolve in accordance with the requirements of life.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question:</strong> Russian embassies are called upon to have complete information about the processes in the host country. These include the economy, politics, culture and migration. <a href="https://en.topwar.ru/193041-kozyrev-u-rossii-net-nacionalnyh-interesov.html">The Kozyrev policy</a> [see article at link] has led to cuts in the United States and even the closure of embassies in a number of countries. What are the prospects for normalising the work of Russia's foreign missions in the United States, given your visit to Riyadh? Are there any plans to expand the number of our diplomatic staff in Asia, Africa and Latin America?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong> I have already mentioned that we are opening additional embassies. A <a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1994570/">second</a> African department has been created.</p><p>By 2026, it is planned to open embassies in the Gambia, Liberia, the Comoros, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo and South Sudan – seven embassies. This is quite a serious figure. They meet us halfway, but we are also looking for "internal reserves" so as not to ask too much for help from the budget.</p><p>With our colleagues from the <a href="https://economy.gov.ru/">Ministry of Economic Development</a> and the <a href="http://www.minpromtorg.gov.ru/">Ministry of Industry and Trade,</a> <em><strong>we are also discussing an increase in the number of trade missions in Africa. Now there are only five of them, but more are needed.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>The Transnistrian-Moldovan region, the recent crisis in Transnistria, and the turbulent situation in Gagauzia. The recent elections in Moldova showed that the incumbent president was elected in the second round mainly thanks to the votes of the diaspora abroad. How do you assess the development of bilateral relations, taking into account all the recent events?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong> This is a topical question. First of all, we are interested in the fate of the Pridnestrovians. <em><strong>More than 200,000 of them are also Russian citizens. Chisinau's policy of creating artificial obstacles to the basic life of this region is rejected. We will fight it tough.</strong></em></p><p>Maria Sandu is a Romanian citizen. As you said, the latest election story was amazing. 234 polling stations were opened abroad, but in Russia, where Moldova has the largest labour and diaspora in general, there were only two polling stations that could not physically support the voting of more than 10,000 people.</p><p>This is a mockery of common sense and the very concept of "democracy".<em><strong> The US Vice President spoke about this at a conference in Munich. He gave an example of gross manipulation of election procedures in Romania. This practice is widely used. The current Moldovan leadership adopts the relevant experience from its Romanian "brothers/sisters"</strong></em>.</p><p>First of all, we are concerned about the supply of electricity to Transnistria. This is the responsibility of Deputy Prime Minister Alexander <a href="http://government.ru/gov/persons/187/events/">Novak</a> and the <a href="https://minenergo.gov.ru/">Ministry of Energy</a>.</p><p>Chisinau and the European Union put up tough obstacles. They did not want Transnistria to be provided with electricity according to a scheme that would involve the direct participation of the Russian Federation. As a result, they promoted their own option, which still consists in the supply of Russian gas, but in such a way that Russia's role was downplayed, or even completely crossed out. These are unscrupulous methods. <em><strong>We are not surprised that the EU acts in this way. We are in favour of countries being guided by their national interests, and not by the instructions of the bureaucracy, which, by the way, no one has chosen.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>The public foreign policy statements by members of Donald Trump's team at the Munich Conference demonstrate a significant transformation in the American view of the future mechanism for ensuring security and strategic stability around the world. It can be stated that significant tensions have arisen in the transatlantic partnership between the United States and Europe. Do you agree that a return to the issue of multilateral Eurasian arms control, the conditional New START-4 treaty, as well as guarantees of equal and indivisible security in Europe and the world at possible future talks with the Americans will help to relegate the Ukrainian issue to the background and reduce European influence on their course?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>This is a topical question. Answering the previous one, I referred to the US Vice President's speech at the Munich Conference. This is a "team" that thinks differently, primarily in terms of American interests, of course, as they understand them.</p><p>Yesterday, this line was reaffirmed at our talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Opening the discussion, he stressed that Donald Trump's "team" proceeds from the premise that all international relations in all their aspects should be based on the recognition of the fact that each state has national interests, and it is from this position that the dialogue should be conducted. National interests will never coincide completely. For the most part, they diverge in separate areas that are important for each country. But where they coincide, everything must be done to derive maximum mutual benefit from this. And where they diverge, as the US Secretary of State said, responsible powers, including Russia and the United States, must not allow these differences to escalate into confrontation, especially one that is detrimental to many other countries in the world.</p><p><em><strong>This principled approach reflects the demarcation between Donald Trump's "team" and the Brussels bureaucracy. They are now in a "dismantled" state, because the course is clearly taken to develop relations with individual states that share the philosophy of defending national interests. I believe that this is a useful trend.</strong></em></p><p>As for the talks on security and strategic stability, we hope that the conditions for this will be created. So far, as yesterday's talks showed, <em><strong>movement towards the normalization of relations in all areas is beginning.</strong></em> <em><strong>There is, at least, a declared readiness to start this movement.</strong></em> And not only to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but to create conditions for restoring and building up partnership in the trade, economic and geopolitical spheres between the Russian Federation and the United States.</p><p><em><strong>In the meantime, we need to clean up the legacy of the Biden administration, which did everything to destroy even the first signs of the foundation of a long-term partnership between our countries.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>We cannot ignore yesterday's talks in Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump previously stated the need to reach an agreement with the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian settlement as soon as possible and threatened otherwise to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russian exports to the United States. We have already heard about the initial assessment of the talks.</p><p>What are your expectations from the new Trump administration's possible policy in the field of international security, including in the context of the problems with NATO expansion and the situation in Eastern Europe?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>I believe that words are important, sometimes radically changing the situation. <em><strong>We will evaluate statements of intent and compare them with concrete actions.</strong></em></p><p>As for US President Donald Trump's statements. You mentioned NATO expansion. He is the first and, I think, the only Western leader to publicly and loudly say that one of the root causes of the Ukrainian situation was the previous administration's "impudent" policy of drawing Ukraine into NATO. None of the Western leaders has ever said this, but Donald Trump has raised this idea several times. <em><strong>This is already a signal that he understands our position.</strong></em></p><p>In a telephone <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76259">conversation</a> with him, President of Russia Vladimir Putin once again emphasised that what is important for us is not a truce, which will make it possible to rearm Ukraine once again and set it against our country again, but a long-term sustainable peace based on the elimination of the root causes of the conflict: the NATO aspect and the extermination of everything Russian in violation of Ukraine's obligations under the <a href="https://www.un.org/ru/about-us/un-charter/full-text">UN Charter</a> and numerous conventions.</p><p>Yesterday, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and I spoke with US Secretary of State Miguel Rubio and US National Security Advisor Mark Waltz.</p><p><em><strong>I proceed from the premise that they are interested in removing artificial obstacles to potentially very promising and mutually beneficial projects, primarily in the economy. They are also committed to resuming dialogue on foreign policy affairs, on the international situation and on conflicts. </strong></em>We only welcome this. We used this practice in the past, although it was not without problems, but they will always be there. The main thing is to meet, listen and hear. <em><strong>And make your own decisions that will be realistic in relation to the partner’s concerns.</strong></em></p><p>We have begun to move away from the brink of the abyss, where our relations have been led by the Biden administration. <em><strong>But these are only the first steps.</strong></em> The atmosphere is positive, and <em><strong>the intentions are correct. We will see how the situation develops further and what steps will be taken.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>In your opinion, what are the most significant actions and events in connection with the anniversary of the Great Victory and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II that the Russian Foreign Ministry and <a href="https://rs.gov.ru/">Rossotrudnichestvo</a> are planning to hold abroad this year?</p><p>I would also like to inform you that together with our colleagues from the Russian Foreign Ministry, we have begun preparations for the international expedition "Memory Is Stronger Than Time". It is dedicated to the defeat of the Kwantung Army and the 80th anniversary of the Victory Parade in September 1945 in Harbin, China. On the sidelines of the perpetuation of the common history of the two peoples, as part of the expedition, it is planned to install a memorial plaque (commemorative high relief) dedicated to the Victory Parade in September 1945 in Harbin.</p><p>We ask you to support this initiative and provide political and diplomatic assistance on the part of the department in its implementation.</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong> We are paying special attention to the 80th anniversary of Victory not only because it is a sacred date for us, the sacred Victory of our fathers and grandfathers, the feat of our mothers and grandmothers.<em><strong> It is also one of the most pressing issues of modern international politics, when they are trying to revive Nazism and neo-Nazism.</strong></em></p><p>We will use our opportunities in close cooperation with the <a href="https://er.ru/">United Russia</a> party, which initiated this international movement with other factions. In about 120 foreign countries, councils of Russian compatriots are active, planning a whole series of events, including film screenings, discussions, and meetings of political scientists. They plan to organize their events within the framework <a href="https://www.moypolk.ru/">of the Immortal Regiment</a>, St. <a href="https://xn--80aaedalbcxwck1afjwvx0h8g.xn--p1ai/">George's Ribbon</a>, <a href="https://xn--80ahdnteo0a0g7a.xn--p1ai/">Candles of Memory</a>, and the <a href="https://xn----7sbbowxtmp3k.xn--p1ai/">Garden of Memory</a>. <a href="https://rs.gov.ru/">Rossotrudnichestvo</a> and schools at embassies are preparing to hold <a href="https://xn--80achcepozjj4ac6j.xn--p1ai/">the Dictation of Victory</a>. There is reason to believe that there will be many people.</p><p>All embassies and consulates deal with issues of careful attitude to memorials and burials abroad. Every year, special clean-up days are held on Victory Day, and money is allocated.<em><strong> It is important that the Government takes care of such monuments.</strong></em></p><p>About 80 monuments and burials of Soviet soldiers have been registered in China, for which the Chinese side, as stipulated in the relevant agreement, carries out proper care, timely repairs, etc.</p><p>In August-September 2025, the <a href="https://bbratstvo.com/">Combat Brotherhood All-Russian Public Organisation of Veterans</a> is planning an expedition entitled "<a href="https://bbratstvo.com/polozhenie-o-proekte-patrioticheskiy-konkurs-pamyat-silnee-vremeni">Memory Is Stronger Than Time</a>", dedicated, as you said, to the 80th anniversary of the defeat of the Kwantung Army. As far as I understand, there are plans to install a memorial plaque in Harbin. But this requires coordination with our Chinese colleagues. We are ready to support it.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>Russia is the leading Arctic power. Our country has the longest coastline and the largest unexplored reserves of natural resources. The Northern Sea Route, a route of global importance, passes through the waters of the Russian Arctic seas.</p><p>The demarche of the Arctic states during <a href="https://arctic-council.org/ru/about/previous-chairmanships/russian-chairmanship-2/">Russia's chairmanship of</a> the <a href="https://arctic-council.org/ru/about/previous-chairmanships/russian-chairmanship-2/">Arctic Council</a> should not go unnoticed. Statements by other countries about territorial claims in the region, the coalition in defense and security issues encourage us to take a more active position.</p><p>What does the Russian Foreign Ministry plan to take in response to expand cooperation in the Arctic with friendly countries, including with key observers of the Arctic Council–-China and India (which was recently <a href="http://duma.gov.ru/news/60840/">visited</a> by our delegation of the State Duma headed by Vyacheslav Volodin)?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>In fact, you have answered your own question.</p><p><em><strong>We need to work and not get into the pose of the "offended". This will lead to nothing. We do not want to harm anyone, but we will not give up "ours" either.</strong></em></p><p>We are the largest Arctic power. We have the longest coastline, the most developed infrastructure, which makes up the <a href="https://icebreakers.tass.ru/">Northern Sea Route</a>, which some countries that are members of <a href="https://arctic-council.org/ru/about/previous-chairmanships/russian-chairmanship-2/">the Arctic Council</a> look at with envy. This fact gives us a strong basis for promoting our position.</p><p>President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the Government of Russia pay great attention to the further development of the Arctic zone and are doing everything possible to ensure that people live there comfortably and do not need anything. This is a strategic resource of our country.</p><p>As for the Arctic Council. Nobody kicked us out of there. This cannot be done. When we were chairs, the other seven countries coordinated their positions. Moreover, there was no need to coordinate during the Biden administration: everyone "obeyed." Yes, the ministerial level was not involved, but technical and expert groups were assembled, as they are now gathering and working as part of eight states.</p><p><em><strong>I believe that the most important thing is to do our job: to promote our plans and implement them.</strong></em> And let the rest watch us single-handedly develop our territory, waters, not only territorial, but also on the shelf, where we have a good position in the <a href="https://www.un.org/Depts/los/clcs_new/clcs_home.htm">UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf</a> in terms of approving our applications.</p><p>The positions are strong. This is helped by the existence of treaties regulating our territorial relations. We have such agreements with almost all our neighbors. <em><strong>Therefore, we need to do our job.</strong></em> <em><strong>Our partners in the Arctic Council will have no choice but to resume normal cooperation.</strong></em></p><p>In the meantime, China and India are interested in promoting the development of the Northern Sea Route. They recognize our leading role in the Arctic. We will definitely continue cooperation with these countries.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> Following the results of 2024, the architecture of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in terms of preventing emergencies, unfortunately, in my opinion, has cracked slightly. Our regions, which currently border Kazakhstan, experienced severe floods in 2024. This was due, among other things, to the shortcomings of this interaction at the country and government levels.<em><strong> The governors of these regions are not even involved in the relevant commission.</strong></em> To what extent can the format of our interaction be adjusted by including governors in this work?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>This commission is not accountable to the Russian Foreign Ministry. But the Russian-Kazakh Commission on the Joint Use and Protection of Transboundary Water Bodies exists. Moreover, it met at a regular meeting on November 7, 2024 in Volgograd. As a result of the meeting, a Joint Working Group on Cooperation in Flood Transmission was formed (on the topic of your question). Attention is paid to this problem, as well as to all other issues related to our common border with Kazakhstan.</p><p>As for the composition of the commission, we are ready. <em><strong>The more agencies include representatives (as they used to say) from the field, the more effectively they will work and be more specifically immersed in the topics they are dealing with.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>You spoke in detail about the multipolar world, about the World Majority. What priorities do you see in cooperation within the BRICS association, in terms of the economy as the basis of everything: the payment system, financial institutions, prospects, a common currency?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>At the BRICS summit<a href="https://brics-russia2024.ru/">, at the</a> suggestion of President of Brazil Lula da Silva, the topic of currency problems that arise in connection with the abuse of the dollar as a reserve currency by the then US administration was discussed.</p><p>US President Donald Trump recently spoke on this topic, saying that it was a gross mistake of the previous administration. It has shaken the dollar's position and is forcing more and more countries (even those that use the dollar) to prepare alternative payment options for themselves, just in case. National currencies and the creation of appropriate platforms are all being discussed in the BRICS.</p><p>At the initiative of President of Brazil Lula da Silva, the decisions of the previous summit included the need to develop a proposal for alternative payment platforms through the ministries of finance and central banks.<em><strong> Such proposals have been made. They involve the creation of a "cross-border payment initiative", a reinsurance company and the BRICS Clear settlement and depository infrastructure.</strong></em></p><p>The Russian side takes an active part in these initiatives. They will increase the resilience of <a href="https://brics-russia2024.ru/">BRICS</a> to various external shocks. There are many people who want to "slow down" the development of a potentially powerful association. But if they act within the framework of fair competition, this will be the right thing to do. If there are sanctions, tariffs, "weaning" from banking systems controlled by the West, then this will no longer be a competitive struggle, but a violation of all WTO rules.</p><p><em><strong>So the situation is "fluid". The trend is towards providing reliable payment systems and doing business for all occasions.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: </strong>How do you assess the strategic partnership between Russia and China in the context of global political dynamics? What joint initiatives with China do you consider the most important for strengthening our bilateral relations?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong><em><strong>An hour is not enough for me to answer this question.</strong></em> As I said in my opening remarks, our relations are at an unprecedentedly high and advanced level. <em><strong>In terms of their essence and content, they are far superior to the concept of "union"</strong></em> as it existed during the Cold War and after.</p><p>These are relations of a completely new type-–equal and mutually beneficial. They are determined by a trust-based, regular and friendly dialogue at the highest level, during which the basic conditions for the further development of partnership are determined, primarily in the economic, trade, investment, transport and logistics spheres.</p><p>There is no area of the life of any state in which we do not have mechanisms for coordinating our steps. Suffice it to say that the heads of government meet every year. On the eve of the annual meeting of prime ministers, five meetings of special commissions are held, each of which is headed by two deputy prime ministers. This shows the scope of the agenda of our interaction with China.</p><p>Cross-border cooperation. There are also special commissions. We have a lot in common in the humanitarian, cultural and educational spheres. The number of both Chinese who come to study with us and Russians who go to China to study is growing.</p><p>A joint film will be released in a few days (and this is not an isolated case). It is called Red Silk. This is the result of an agreement during one of the previous meetings between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping to establish systematic joint cooperation in the field of cinema.</p><p>We have many interesting plans. Humanitarian issues, concert activities, cultural exchanges–-all this enriches and puts our relations on a solid "foundation" of the daily life of ordinary people. We can talk for a long time about foreign policy cooperation, but it is almost exemplary.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>Russia, and formerly the USSR, has been cooperating with the Syrian Arab Republic for more than 80 years. What are the prospects for further relations between the Russian Federation and Syria in the light of the recent telephone conversation between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the Transitional Period Abdullah al-Sharaa?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>The telephone <a href="http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76258">conversation</a> between President Vladimir Putin and the head of the current administration in Damascus Abdullah al-Shara' was preceded by a visit by an interdepartmental delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov.</p><p><a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1998066/">The trip</a> took place a few days before the telephone conversation. <em><strong>Its results are very positive.</strong></em> They were received by Mr Al-Shara' with the participation of the Foreign Minister and a number of heads of other departments. <em><strong>Publicly, the current Syrian leaders reaffirm the need to respect the historical and strategic nature of our relations.</strong></em> One of the central topics for them now is to prevent a repetition of the Libyan scenario, when as a result of NATO aggression the country lost its statehood, was split and has not been able to bring itself together since then. It has been 15 years now.</p><p>There are such threats in Syria as well. The people who came to power understand this. There are also factors such as intra-clan struggle, including in the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham movement. It is not homogeneous – it includes different factions.</p><p><em><strong>There are also problems related to the illegal presence of the United States in Syria and the policy pursued by the Biden administration to stimulate the creation of a Kurdish quasi-state. We firmly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.</strong></em></p><p>In the next few days and next week, we will have regular high-level contacts with our Syrian colleagues. <em><strong>We will tell you later.</strong></em></p><p><strong>Question: The </strong>3+3 Platform implies cooperation between Russia, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia in order to ensure peace and stability in the South Caucasus. At our last meeting, you stressed the prospects of this format. Changes in Georgia's foreign policy, which are taking place thanks to the position of the current Georgian authorities, political parties such as Solidarity for Peace and the Communist Party of Georgia, give reason to hope that in the future the 3+3 format will be fully operational with the participation of Georgia.<em><strong> At the parliamentary level, we have established good contacts with all the member states of the platform.</strong></em></p><p>What do you think about the idea of creating an inter-parliamentary commission within the framework of the 3+3 format to create additional mechanisms for cooperation in parliamentary diplomacy?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong><em><strong> I fully agree with you in terms of the prospects for the development of the 3+3.</strong></em></p><p>The initiative was jointly put forward by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey and supported by President Vladimir Putin. Since then, three meetings have been held in the 3+3 format, including two at the ministerial level, the last one in October 2024 in Turkey. From the very beginning, everyone agreed that we have a 3+3 format. We understand the doubts and nuances of Georgia's positions, but the "chair" for Georgian representatives will always be in the meeting room of this format.</p><p>And this was confirmed at the last <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1976680/">ministerial meeting</a> in Turkey. During the talks, it was decided to make a more structured organization out of this consultative platform. As a result of that meeting, through colleagues from this format, we confirmed to the Georgian side that the doors are open and "the chair is standing."</p><p>We hope that the current authorities in Georgia will support the need to rely on national interests. <em><strong>There is no doubt that the 3+3 format acts in the interests of all participants.</strong></em> I would like to note that the creation of this initiative aroused envy, no doubt, among the previous US administration, which tried to promote the 3+1 format instead of 3+3 (the three Transcaucasian parties and "Biden's people" who would lead them).</p><p>As for the parliamentary dimension, if you come up with such an initiative, we will reinforce this conversation through the Foreign Ministry. This would be useful.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>In 2026, there will be another period of extension of the <a href="https://docs.cntd.ru/document/8311276">Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan on the Settlement of Issues of Dual Citizenship</a>, which was signed in order to return Russians to Russia. Between 300,000 and 400,000 have returned, but today half a percent live in Tajikistan. According to the Treaty, new Russian citizens receive certain preferences (social security, education, etc.), as do Russians who left for Tajikistan. I mentioned above how many there are. However, given the <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67843">special military operation</a>, the main question is the provision of the Treaty on Military Service and Mobilisation, which makes it possible to avoid service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which is unfair, in our opinion. What is the future of the Treaty and how relevant is its extension in modern conditions?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong><a href="https://docs.cntd.ru/document/8311276">The treaty</a> was signed back in 1996, after the end of the bloody internal conflict in Tajikistan. It has played and continues to play a role in providing a reliable basis for an alliance with Tajikistan.</p><p>As for exemption from military service. As far as I understand, this has been done on the basis of reciprocity. No matter how few Russian citizens there are in Tajikistan, they enjoy the same rights as Tajik citizens in the Russian Federation. I cannot express a clear position. But the treaty is in force, it is useful and equal, and it meets not only the interests of Tajik citizens working in Russia, but also the interests of Russians living in Tajikistan. Every citizen is dear to us.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>Let's move from the West to the East. To the Far East. The regions and municipalities of the Far Eastern Federal District are actively cooperating with the municipalities and regions of Southeast Asian countries. All issues (with the possible exception of some financial ones) are promptly resolved by the Foreign Ministry, and they thank you for this. What do you think about the prospects for the development of the entire range of areas, including inter-parliamentary and inter-party cooperation, in the context of the <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67843">special military operation</a> and in the context of strategic cooperation between the DPRK and the Russian Federation?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong> You started with Southeast Asia, and the DPRK is Northeast Asia. But the whole of Asia is dear to us.</p><p>We have an extensive system of relations with <a href="https://asean.org/">ASEAN</a> countries. Meetings are held annually at the level of foreign ministers. This association holds events with its partners at the level of foreign ministers, defence ministries and the Regional Security Architecture Forum. The ASEAN region does not have a continent-wide coverage. We see prospects for moving towards the goal I mentioned earlier, in combining the efforts of existing sub-regional organisations, including ASEAN.</p><p>The situation in Northeast Asia and on the Korean Peninsula is no less important. This is close to our borders. Russia has a common border with the DPRK. We are not indifferent to everything that is being done on the Korean Peninsula. We are in favour of eliminating any risks.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/international_contracts/international_contracts/2_contract/62546/">Strategic Comprehensive Partnership Treaty</a> was signed with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea during President Vladimir Putin's historic <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/trips/74342">visit</a> in the summer of 2024. If you read carefully, it essentially covers all areas: the economy, the humanitarian sphere, education, culture, military cooperation, and military-technical cooperation. It contains an important article that states that in the event of an attack or aggression against one of the parties to this Treaty by third countries, the other party will provide all necessary assistance, which involves the use of military methods. <em><strong>In this part, the Treaty reproduces verbatim the agreement between the People's Republic of China and the DPRK concluded ten years ago.</strong></em> When ratifying it, the State Duma noted that this provision on mutual military assistance is carried out in accordance with the laws and constitutions of each member state.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>At the last government hour, I asked about the creation of BRICS Tourism on the basis of <a href="https://brics-russia2024.ru/en/about/?ysclid=m7d5p1iyr8482676576">BRICS</a>. Last year, as part of the BRICS year, such events as the <a href="https://kazan2024.rt.com/?ysclid=m7d5u3qfpr399370255">Games of the Future</a>, <a href="https://festival2024.ru/">the World Youth Festival</a> were held, and this year <a href="https://intervision-contest.ru/">Intervision</a> is planned. What do you think about holding these events annually? In this case, BRICS Tourism could act as the main organisation in the field of generating tourist flows of these events.</p><p>Today, we see a fairly stable demand in the BRICS countries for such a type of tourism as medical tourism. Our medical institutions are ready to meet this demand both in terms of price and quality. What do you think about the expediency of introducing a "medical visa" in Russia? This would significantly increase the inbound flow of foreign tourists to the Russian Federation and would affect the image of Russia abroad. It would also help to increase competitiveness in this regard with the leaders of medical tourism, such as Israel, Germany and South Korea.</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov: </strong>We are all for tourism as a new dimension in BRICS activities.</p><p>The more people-to-people contacts, the stronger the foundation of relations. You mentioned a number of cultural events that have indeed attracted a huge number of participants far beyond the BRICS countries as such. If our relevant organisations, primarily those involved in the development of tourism, offer "added value" to what our country can offer now, then it would be reasonable to talk about formalising this area within the framework of the BRICS agenda.</p><p>Now the number of tourists from the BRICS countries and other countries who visit Russia is growing steadily and rapidly. We need to see what this structure will do. If it simply records and engages in advertising, travel agencies are already performing similar functions. We need to understand the specific function. It sounds nice. We would support it.</p><p>Regarding medical visas. We do not see any expediency yet. There are already e-visas that are issued in a simplified form to citizens of the BRICS countries and several dozen other countries. I would like to ask my colleagues from <a href="https://www.kdmid.ru/">the Consular Department</a> to see what this can add to us.</p><p><strong>Question: </strong>At the end of 2024 and the beginning of this year, the Islamic Republic of Iran completed the procedure for ratifying <a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/mnogostoronnie-struktury-i-forumy/vzaimodeystvie_v_regione_kaspiyskogo_morya/1574917/">the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Caspian Countries</a>. How has the Islamic Republic of Iran's ratification of the <a href="http://www.kremlin.ru/supplement/5328">Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea</a> progressed?</p><p>What are the prospects and is it possible to resolve this issue positively in the foreseeable future, including taking into account the results of the work of high-level experts in the working group on this matter?</p><p><strong>Sergey Lavrov:</strong> This is an important question. <a href="http://council.gov.ru/events/news/108090/">The Convention</a> reflects the most important and serious tasks of ensuring security in the Caspian Sea and fixes the special responsibility of the Caspian states for everything that is happening here, excludes the military presence of third countries in the Caspian Sea and the Caspian region.</p><p>Four out of five countries have already ratified it. Iran has not yet done so. When we were finalizing the Convention, the issues of dividing the Caspian Sea, territorial waters and adjacent zones between the member states were linked. The principles of dividing the sea are reflected in the Convention, but the details are very serious, because it depends on the shape of the coastline of each country.<em><strong> Iran has such a problem that if it is simply "divided equally," it will be at a loss.</strong></em></p><p>The Iranian side is now in the process of ratifying the Convention and deciding how to build direct baselines that determine the parameters of the national zone of each state.</p><p>We have proposed a series of solutions at the expert level. Our Iranian colleagues are considering them. In the near future, I will have a meeting with Iranian representatives. We raise these issues at such meetings every time. In the course of his contacts with the previous president, the late Raisi, President Vladimir Putin made some proposals that would help reach a mutually acceptable agreement.</p><p>In 2023, the Russian <a href="https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1982718/">Interdepartmental Commission on Caspian Cooperation</a> was established under my chairmanship. During the meetings, we develop initiatives that should help our Iranian friends complete the ratification process. [My Emphasis] </p></blockquote><p>I must take issue with the galling omission of the Palestine issue, particularly in the discussion of human rights by Lavrov. That he was asked about Syria and what was revealed IMO is very positive. Good questions were asked about the Riyadh talks. There’re numerous opinions expressing all manner of negatives about what transpired there. That Lavrov emphasized they were merely the first step taken upon a path that will require many steps to complete ought to cause those opinions to be rethought. The premises Lavrov expressed are solid as well as counting on deeds instead of words during the trust rebuilding process. Lavrov’s mentioning the ongoing spread of Nazism within Europe and Canada was good but IMO an effort to advertise who allowed Nazism to remain alive at the end of the Great Patriotic War is required. The depth of the destructive nature of the West’s invasion of Russia after the USSR’s fall is well illustrated by the actions of Andrei Kozyrev that are described in the article I linked, actions IMO few readers will be aware of or remember. And my closing comment is about the draft of the “Statement by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on a Joint Vision of the Eurasian Charter for Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century” that’s linked but is in Russian and gives one an excellent illustration of what’s envisioned by the suggested Eurasian Security Structure. I’ll be posting is as a resource document without commentary.</p><p>I hope to catch up with today’s events: Lavrov at the G-20 and Putin’s annual participation in the Conference of judges of courts of general jurisdiction, military and arbitration courts. Yes, the above read was long as it always is. It’s fortunate for us it’s capped at an hour.</p><p>*<br>*<br>*<br><em>Like what you’ve been reading at Karlof1’s Substack? Then please consider subscribing and choosing to make a <strong>monthly/yearly pledge</strong> to enable my efforts in this challenging realm. Thank You!</em></p><p></p><p>     </p>

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