{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russian firm unveils AI-powered 'smart assistant' for African hotel industry

According to the developer, this solution allows guests to order meals or services from their hotel room using voice commands, without needing to contact the front desk

MARRAKESH, April 15. /TASS/. Alakris Group is offering a "smart assistant" technology powered by artificial intelligence to hotels in Africa, President of the Russian company Vladislav Kostitsyn told TASS.

Alakris Group, along with other Russian enterprises, is participating in the GITEX Africa exhibition running from April 14 to 16.

"Our company is engaged in the creation of firmware and intelligent systems for tourism. We came to Morocco, a major tourist destination, to propose the integration of our AI-powered platform, which can be described as a 'smart assistant,'" Kostitsyn said.

"This solution allows guests to order meals or services from their hotel room using voice commands, without needing to contact the front desk. We built this platform in Skolkovo, piloted it in Russia, and are now rolling it out in Africa," the CEO noted.

"Our system can be used in hotels across all star ratings - the only variation lies in the hardware. For instance, luxury hotels can install a voice-capturing speaker in each room. In more budget-friendly hotels, guests can simply download an app," he added.

"Our solution could attract attention not only in Morocco but throughout Africa, where economic activity is expanding," Kostitsyn said.

Qatar invests about $1 bln in Russian economy through RDIF — Putin

The Russian leader also warmly welcomed the Emir of Qatar to Moscow, recalling that his last visit to Russia was in 2018, and "a lot of time has passed"

Putin to hold talks with Emir of Qatar in Moscow

According to the Kremlin press service, the leaders will discuss pressing issues related to bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade, economic and humanitarian relations

Russian troops liberate Kalinovo community in Donetsk region over past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 223 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 11 JDAM smart bombs over the past day, the ministry reported

Press review: Moscow mulls energy ceasefire extension as Trump eyes State Department cuts

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 16th

Ambassador slams UK scheme to register foreign influence as 'witch hunt'

"I also emphasize that there is still a lot of uncertainty in the parameters of the scheme, and we expect to receive clarifications from the local authorities," Andrey Kelin added

Former Kursk Region governor detained on suspicion of fraud

Alexey Smirnov's former first deputy Alexey Dedov have also been detained

Moscow court rules to arrest former Kursk Region governor in fraud case

"The court granted the petition of the investigation and ruled to take into custody former Kursk Region Governor Alexey Smirnov until June 15 while pending trial," the statement says

Kremlin not ready to announce exact hour of end of ceasefire on energy sites strikes

The energy ceasefire has been in effect since March 18

Russian envoy says it's time to talk about reforming WTO

During the meeting, the chairman expressed concern over the state of affairs in global trade amid a rise in the application of unilateral restrictions, Platonov noted

Russian envoy points to important window of opportunity for Moscow, Washington

The window of opportunity that opened up in Russia-US relations after the change of US administration "has made it possible not only to resume political dialogue but also to revive cultural ties between our countries," Alexander Darchiev said

Russia suspends Taliban ban following court ruling

The court session was held behind closed doors

Russia, US continue to cooperate in outer space no matter what — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the Europeans had decided to go for a suspension

Mercenaries from Colombia, other countries trapped in Gornal monastery — State Duma member

The encircled gunmen are unwilling to surrender because they came to Kursk "to hunt humans"

Sending Danish troops to Ukraine to draw Denmark into conflict — Russian ambassador

According to the reports, the Danish Armed Forces are planning to send soldiers to a training camp in Ukraine

Minister of state: Qatar committed to stronger ties with Russia despite differing views

Over recent years, Russia and Qatar have intensified their engagement, which has continued to grow amid heightened global and regional tensions, particularly in the Middle East. As Doha maintains its role as an effective intermediary in conflict resolution, it has emerged as a nexus for both global and regional interests. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alone has traveled to the Qatari capital on two occasions in the past six months

Russian troops liberate Preobrazhenka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Republika Srpska president not afraid of EU sanctions over May 9 visit to Moscow

Milorad Dodik stressed the need to honor the dates associated with the anti-fascist struggle in Europe during World War II. He believes that it is necessary for the sake of the continent's future

AI could replace most programmers within the next year — ex-Google CEO

Eric Schmidt believes that AI models will quickly evolve to perform a greater number of highly specialized tasks that only humans can currently complete

Taurus missile deliveries to Kiev won’t turn tide of conflict — Rheinmetall CEO

Armin Papperger said that classic artillery shells are capable of turning the situation around

'Coalition of willing’ gone mad, strike on Sumy: Russian MFA spokewoman holds briefing

Vladimir Zelensky is "certainly" responsible for the unintended consequences of the Russian Armed Forces' attack on the venue where a Ukrainian command staff meeting was being held in Sumy, the Russian diplomat stated

UK wages unannounced hostilities against Russia, ambassador says

Andrey Kelin also pointed to London's desire to prevent a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

Western companies reconsidering exit from Russia, delaying plans — FT

Moscow market participants pointed out that they had only seen "small signs of tepid foreign interest"

Kremlin comments on idea of Riyadh hosting Putin-Trump talks

Yury Ushakov described Vladimir Putin’s recent meeting with Steven Witkoff in St. Petersburg as "very good"

Trump annoyed by EU’s backing of Zelensky after White House clash — Politico

On February 28, when answering questions from the media ahead of negotiations, Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky clashed verbally, during which Trump pointed out Zelensky’s lack of respect toward the United States

Russia’s Finance Ministry considers creating domestic stablecoin

The ministry explores the possibility to develop internal instruments akin to USDT

Scientists say they find 'strong evidence' of likely presence of life outside solar system

At the same time, the conclusions drawn by scientists are not yet definitive

Putin lauds Qatar’s efforts to help resolve Israel-Palestine conflict

According to the Russian leader, Russia and Qatar share a similar vision of how a lasting peace could be achieved

US dismisses Israel’s plan to carry out strike on Iran in May — newspaper

US leader Donald Trump "has chosen diplomacy over military action" for now, the New York Time writes

US, South Korea kick off Freedom Flag drills involving 90 aircraft

The drills, set to last until May 2, will also involve 1,100 troops

Russia-US contacts now main driving force of work on Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, such work is under way

Roscosmos chief, NASA deputy head discuss further cooperation on ISS

The meeting took place prior to the launch of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky on board

Russian official sees growing prospects for Mars mission

"This is getting more real," Kirill Dmitriev said

European countries unable to approve further aid to Kiev due to disagreements — newspaper

As the newspaper notes, the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine after the ceasefire has become yet another obstacle for Brussels

Russian envoy to Sweden responds to country’s position on Sumy strike

"The Ukrainian army regularly used civilians as human shields for military facilities in violation of international humanitarian law," the Russian embassy in the kingdom said

ISS end won't mean end to space cooperation, Putin assures

The People’s Republic of China has huge plans, interesting and promising ones, the Russian leader noted

Russian intel agency says foreign pundits hope Russia, US will team up to prevent conflict

The agency also stated that analysts are not surprised by London's leading destructive role in the Ukrainian conflict

Putin to hold talks with Qatar’s emir in Moscow on April 17

According to the Kremlin, the plan is to discuss pressing issues of Russia-Qatar cooperation in various areas with a focus on trade, economic and humanitarian areas

Trump extends ban on Russian ships in US ports for another year

The corresponding ban was introduced by former US President Joe Biden on April 21, 2022

Slovak PM slams top EU diplomat over warning on May 9 visit to Russia

Robert Fico noted that during his visit to Russia he intended to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and take part in the Immortal Regiment march

Russia’s longtime relations with Palestine help release Russians in Gaza, Putin says

"I think we should express our gratitude to the leadership, the political wing of Hamas for agreeing to meet us halfway and performing this act, a humanitarian act of releasing you," he added

Kazakhstan invites GCC states to jointly develop its $46 trillion rare metals reserves

Kazakh Foreign Minister also proposed that the GCC initiated the creation of a unified tourist route through Central Asia for travelers from the Gulf states

Ukrainian forces fire more than 80 drones at Belgorod Region over day — governor

In the Valuysky district, Ukrainian servicemen fired 17 munitions and eight drones at five settlements

Putin says new national project on space to be approved shortly

The new national project "aims to cover all areas most important for Russia, ranging from the creation of its own multi-satellite groups of various applications and national orbital station to farther space exploration programs"

Russian ambassador in London says 'coalition of willing' prepares intervention in Ukraine

Andrey Kelin also saw a desire to respond to the dialogue established between Moscow and Washington in the European initiative

US tariffs to reach 245% on certain goods from China, not on all its imports — White House

Media reports saying that the US may impose tariffs of up to 245% on all imports from China are "misleading," according to the statement

Kremlin sees no prospects for release of Maxim Kharkin in Gaza

"An understanding was reached with Hamas that his release will be a priority during phase two of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal," according to the Kremlin's handouts to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with former Gaza hostage Alexander Trufanov

Ukrainian strikes target energy facilities in 15 Russian regions — TASS estimates

The attacks involved unmanned aerial vehicles, FPV drones and artillery, including HIMARS rocket launchers

Vucic says he faces tremendous pressure for his plans to visit Moscow on May 9

"Serbia made a significant contribution to the fight against fascism, something we take pride in, unlike many countries that are attempting to rewrite history on global, continental, regional, and even local levels," the Serbian leader stated

Russia’s Medvedev says European troops to return in coffins if deployed to Ukraine

Earlier, Andrey Yermak, the head of the office of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, said he along with the Ukrainian defense and foreign ministers, Rustem Umerov and Andrey Sibiga, respectively, had arrived in Paris for talks with senior US officials

Pace of dedollarization will accelerate in near future — expert

Andrey Kostin emphasized that an increasing number of countries are becoming convinced of the risks associated with dependence on the US currency

What we know about Russia’s Iskander strike on Ukrainian military command in Sumy

The strike on the target eliminated more than 60 Ukrainian army personnel, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Top Iranian diplomat urges IAEA to resist pressure from certain countries

Abbas Araghchi highlighted Tehran’s "determination to continue interacting and cooperating with the IAEA based on its international legal obligations" in order to resolve the situation around Iran’s nuclear program

Hamas may respond to proposal on Gaza in coming hours — TV

The radicals were still "examining the proposal, handed over by the mediators", according to Al Qahera Al Ekhbariya

Russia’s oceanographic vessel Admiral Vladimirsky pays visit to Venezuela

The Admiral Vladimirsky left Kronshtadt on March 13

Serbia's accession to EU loses significance — Serbian minister

Milica Durdevic-Stamenkovski recalled that Serbia began the process of European integration at a time when the idea of EU membership was much more attractive to the public in Serbia and in other potential candidate countries

Three major hurdles to clear to make mission to Mars a reality, Putin tells students

The Russian leader stressed that it looked like a very distant goal at the moment

Russia invites 19 countries to Victory Day parade on Red Square — minister

According to Andrey Belousov, solemn events involving military personnel will be held in 370 settlements

Hollywood star Van Damme ready to visit Russia as ambassador of peace

Van Damme added that he would like to talk with the Russian leadership "only about peace, sport and happiness"

Kremlin says Ukrainian, US officials likely to discuss path toward peace in Paris

The United States reported earlier that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will hold a meeting with their European counterparts in Paris on April 17-18

Taurus supplies to Kiev would usher in ‘new quality’ of Russia-Germany ties — ambassador

Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev emphsized that the Ukrainian soldiers could not operate these long-range weapons

Russian diplomats face escalating pressure in Britain, ambassador says

According to Andrey Kelin, artificial irritants like a continuation of the Skripal case and fabricated stories about espionage and sabotage have been created to turn Britain and its partners against Russia

Technology to jam Starlink signal begins to be used in Kherson Region — governor

This technology has already started to be deployed, and the effects are already being felt, Vladimir Saldo stressed

US increasingly distances itself from Europe's plans to help Kiev — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that "Germany announced the formation of a new, ninth coalition under its command, this time focused on electronic warfare, which will include 11 countries"

Iran’s top diplomat set to pass on message from Supreme Leader Khamenei to Putin — Kremlin

Iranian Foreign Minister arrived for an official visit to the Russian capital of Moscow at around midday and told reporters upon his arrival that "This trip was planned a long time ago to convey a written message from the Supreme Leader"

US starts pulling out forces from military base in southern Syria — TV

The US has established nine military bases and three outposts in Kurdish-controlled areas of Syria in 2015-2018

IAEA chief says Iran is close to going nuclear

On April 14, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Grossi is scheduled to arrive in Tehran on the evening of April 16 for meetings with Araghchi and Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran

People worldwide increasingly see Russia as keeper of traditional values, says Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that "Russia has consistently upheld the belief that reliance on enduring values common to all major world religions and cultures along with respect for the unique identities of all nations and their right to sovereign development is key to building a fairer multipolar world order"

Responsibility for what happened in Sumy certainly lies with Zelensky — Russian diplomat

As Maria Zakharova stressed, "the junta leader tried to shift the responsibility for this next terrible war crime against his own citizens to the head of the Sumy military administration"

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

Time names Trump, Starmer, Milei, Merz among 100 most influential people of 2025

The politicians are part of the Leaders category

IN BRIEF: What we know about Ukrainian UAV attack on Russia’s central Ivanovo Region

An UAV attack alert has been issued in Shuya in the Ivanovo Region

Air defenses destroy 71 Ukrainian drones over six Russian regions last night

The Russian Defense Ministry specified that 49 UAVs were downed over the Kursk Region

Putin says will not make any political comments on events in Palestine

During a meeting with former Gaza hostage Alexander Trufanov, Russian president added that everything that has happened to Trufanov "is a tragedy"

Ukrainian army sustains colossal losses in Chasov Yar area — DPR head’s adviser

The Ukrainian troops are reluctant to surrender this location, which overlooks the entire agglomeration north of Konstantinovka, Igor Kimakovsky noted

Zakharova brands Ukraine’s bid to host EU leaders on May 9 'theatre of absurd'

"For more than a decade now, these two words have characterized most of the events, steps, and statements that we hear and see from the so-called collective West and all those who pledge loyalty to it," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed

North Korea to never tolerate security threats from US — agency

"The repeated appearance of the B-1B aircraft underscores that the US and its satellites seek to create a hostile, confrontational atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula as their actions escalate military tensions," the Korean Central News Agency said

Russian ruble becomes world’s top-performing currency amid dollar weakness — media

Iskander Lutsko, the Dubai-based head of research and portfolio management at Istar Capital, noted a visible thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington, which, in his view, also played a role in making the Russian currency more attractive to investors

Drone destroyed as Ukraine targets area adjacent to Zaporozhye nuke plant

Ukrainian attacks come in violation of the seven principles of nuclear safety and five principles of safety at the ZNPP established by the IAEA at a UN Security Council meeting, the nuke plant emphasized

Attack on Russia using Taurus missiles would imply Germany’s involvement in conflict — MFA

Meanwhile, the Kiev regime has been "a tool of this Western manipulation," Maria Zakharova argued

Despite suspending space ties with Moscow, Europe still uses its equipment — Putin

The head of Russian state reiterated that given how complicated space technologies can be, cooperation becomes all the more important

Moldova’s President Sandu pulls country into war by eliminating Gagauzia — lawmaker

Andrey Safonov reiterated that earlier this year Moldova’s President Sandu and her Prime Minister Dorin Recean bluntly opposed natural gas supplies from Russia to Transnistria in the form of humanitarian aid to achieve "an agreement of withdrawing the only real guarantee of peace on the Dniester - Russian troops’ - as well as to eliminate the unrecognized republic"

Serbian president cites FSB report as proof of attempted color revolution

A group of Federal Security Service experts said in a report published by Serbia’s Security Information Agency on Wednesday that the government of Serbia did not use sonic devices to disperse the March 15 rally in Belgrade

US actions are transforming global trade system into regional one — expert

According to Gao Jian, the current US administration is attempting to reshape the global trade structure to suit its own interests

Russian MFA spokeswoman calls insane Franco-British plan to send contingent to Ukraine

Maria Zakharova noted that, alongside the French and the British, "only similarly frenzied Russophobes in the Baltic states" are willing to join this venture

Demobilization would strip Ukraine of one-third of its army, senior commander says

According to Alexander Syrsk, Ukraine cannot rotate troops due to problems with recruiting new servicemen

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Russia, US, China to divide spheres of influence under new world order — Argentine leader

According to Javier Milei, Europe is currently incapable of claiming global leadership

Gold price hits fresh all-time high surpassing $3,350 per troy ounce

By 9:37 p.m. Moscow time the gold price continued growing to 1.72% and reached $3,354.4 per troy ounce

Trump administration may bar Americans’ access to China’s DeepSeek — newspaper

According to the New York Times, the US authorities are also considering banning DeepSeek from purchasing US technologies, including artificial intelligence chips

Substance of Putin’s talks with Witkoff reported to Trump — Kremlin

The Russian president held a meeting with Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on April 11

Rheinmetall to complete construction of ammo factory in Ukraine next year

Rheinmetall is Germany’s largest defense company

Putin likens Elon Musk to Russia’s rocket engineer Korolev, says such people are rare

A mission to Mars would be very hard, the Russian leader noted

FSB foils terror attack plot in Russian resort city of Pyatigorsk

Law enforcement discovered Molotov cocktails upon searching his place of residence

Putin says many countries eager to cooperate with Russia in space industry

The President emphasized that Russia and China have "major plans - interesting, ambitious, and grandiose"

Ukraine deliberately struck ZNPP before expiration of moratorium on energy attacks — plant

The ceasefire on energy infrastructure, in place since March 18, followed a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump

Dozens of countries show interest in interaction with BRICS — Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev also mentioned that he received confirmation from his Brazilian counterparts regarding plans to host the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Bras·lia from June 3 to 5. Brazil assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2025

Russian troops establish new footholds near Figolevka in Kharkov region, expert says

Andrey Marochko said that during active battles in the Kupyansk direction, our troops managed to improve tactical positions

Moscow to respond in kind if Tallinn attacks Russian ships — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia strongly condemns such "pirate-like behavior," arguing that the powers now granted to the Estonian Navy exceed the bounds of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Russian experts see signs that March 15 events in Belgrade were orchestrated

"A study revealed the following: sonic devices were not used to disperse the rally," Serbia’s Security Information Agency report says

US State Department closes center on information counteraction to Russia, other countries

The top US diplomat specified that "under the previous administration, this office spent millions of dollars to actively silence and censor the voices of Americans they were supposed to be serving"