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Magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea’s coast

There were no reports of casualties or damage

SYDNEY, April 4. /TASS/. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake has hit off the coast of the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reported.

The epicenter was 185 km northeast of the town of Kimbe, which has a population of 18,800, at a depth of 49 km.

There were no reports of casualties or damage.

Death toll from Myanmar earthquake rises to 3,455 — agency

According to the news agency, 4,840 people were injured and 214 are missing

Pentagon says operation against Houthis to cost US $1 bln per month — media

On March 15, US President Donald Trump authorized military action against the Houthis, who control about one-third of Yemen’s territory

Russia supplied 100,000 tons of oil to Cuba on February 19 — deputy PM

Dmitry Chernyshenko said that Russia will continue providing Cuba with economic support and humanitarian aid along bilateral channels

Russian economy doing well amid sanctions, so Moscow doesn’t seek their removal — envoy

If you look at our GDP growth, it’s still 4% last year versus 1% for Europe, Kirill Dmitriev said

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

Cavoli is also head of the European Command of the US army

US Treasury chief blames Zelensky for derailing ‘easiest’ deal on natural resources

The first version of the deal was not signed because of a verbal spat between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28

Ukrainian forces attack Russian energy facilities 14 times in 24 hours — Defense Ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry added that since Friday morning, Kiev, contrary to all statements and commitments made by Vladimir Zelensky, has increased the number of attacks on Russian energy infrastructure many times over

Houthis claim they destroyed a reconnaissance drone used by US and Israel

We are talking about the Giant Shark F360 drone

Ovechkin ties Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record

Now Ovechkin and Gretzky have 894 goals each in the regular championships

Ukrainian Forces’ losses in Russia’s South battlegroup zone reach 300 servicemen, 4 tanks

The losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Russia’s West battlegroup zone amounted to over 250 servicemen and a tank in 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

US to prevent China from gaining influence over Greenland — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized that Washington respects Greenland’s right to self-determination

Top diplomat reveals what could make US reevaluate approach to Ukraine settlement

"President Trump is not going to fall into the trap of endless negotiations about negotiations," Marco Rubio stressed

Kiev forces lost up to 325 servicemen in area of responsibility of Battlegroup South

As a result of decisive actions, units of the Battlegroup South Forces liberated the settlement of Rozovka

Russia replaces equipment at unprecedented pace, builds up forces — NATO defense official

According to Cavoli’s estimantes, the Russian Armed Forces are "today larger than it was at the beginning" of the special military operation

Putin's external governance plan in Ukraine mirrors Trump's plan — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Trump's team must first grasp the dire situation in Ukraine

Trump signs order allowing TikTok to continue operating in US for another 75 days

The American leader also said that the United States should have a 50% stake in TikTok

Ukraine suffers heavy losses attempting to break into Belgorod Region — commander

According to Lieutenant-General Apty Alaudinov, everything is under control now, and these areas are being cleared

Ovechkin sets record for number of game-winning goals in NHL regular seasons

Ovechkin now has 136 game-winning goals

Netanyahu plans to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday — portal

According to the Axios portal, the parties will discuss import duties imposed by the US, Iran's nuclear program and the situation in the Gaza Strip

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds eleven US companies to unreliable entities list

Restrictions were introduced "for protection of national sovereignty, security and interests of development"

Confirmed SPIEF participants above last-year record — director

The interest in taking part in SPIEF is driven by equal opportunities provided by the forum to all the participants, Alexey Valkov said

Dmitriev says 'three steps forward' made following meetings in Washington

According to Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy, the issues have been piling up: for three years, there was virtually no communication between Russia and the United States

Ukrainian forces lost over 210 servicemen in Kursk direction — Defense Ministry

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, during the fighting in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost more than 72,150 servicemen

Ovechkin scores again, now just one away from Gretzky

Ovechkin is now second in NHL history with 893 goals

Ukrainian forces lost up to 75 servicemen in Russia’s North battlegroup zone

The losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the zone of Russia’s East battlegroup amounted to 140 soldiers per day

US hopes Russia serious about resolving conflict in Ukraine — Rubio

According to the US Secretary of State, the Trump administration remains optimistic that a peace deal can be reached, but understands that the negotiation process will be difficult

Kiev ready for any provocations to derail Russia-US dialogue — Russian envoy

Kiev regularly uses civilian infrastructure for military purposes and stages provocations to subsequently blame Russia, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry Rodion Miroshnik added

Trump expresses confidence that Putin, Zelensky ready for deal on Ukraine

US President said a lot of progress had been made in discussing a settlement in Ukraine

US intends to increase military spending to 5% of GDP — Rubio

The US Secretary of State also stressed that the US administration is not demanding that NATO allies immediately increase military spending, but wants them to aim for the same level

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week

Battlegroup Dnepr units liberated the settlements of Shcherbaki and Lobkovoye in the Zaporozhye Region through active operations

Trump claims China makes mistake following Beijing’s announcement of tariffs on US goods

The Tariff Commission of the State Council announced earlier that Chinese authorities would impose additional tariffs of 34% on all products imported from the United States

Magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea’s coast

There were no reports of casualties or damage

OPEC+ Monitoring Committee to discuss oil market situation at online meeting

Оn April 3, eight OPEC+ countries that have committed to voluntarily reducing oil production by 2.2 mln barrels per day starting in 2024 held an online meeting

South Korea’s Constitutional Court upholds president’s impeachment

Europeans set sights on Odessa, Lvov, plotting intervention, says Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova reiterated that the French-UK initiative on deploying some "reassurance forces" to Ukraine was discussed in Paris on March 27 at yet another European summit of a so-called "coalition of the willing" formed a month ago in order to assemble some "peacekeeping" contingent to be deployed in Ukraine

Battlegroup West destroys over 230 Ukrainian military personnel in one day

In addition, during the counter-battery battle, five artillery pieces, including Western-made ones, and eight mortar crews of the Ukrainian armed forces were destroyed

US expects Kiev’s delegation to visit next week to discuss minerals deal — Treasury chief

The first version of the deal was not signed because of a verbal spat between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28

UN believes nobody can win trade war — spokesperson

The starting trade war will adversely affect implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, Stephane Dujarric added

Sony turns small profit in Russia for first time since 2021

In March 2022, Sony suspended supplies of gaming consoles, accessories and games to Russia, as well as the operation of its Playstation Store

Russia shoots down Ukrainian Baba Yaga UAV in Kherson Region

During the inspection, sappers found 36 self-made pressure mines in one of the two compartments, each of which was carefully camouflaged with dry grass

Ukrainian forces’ losses in Russia’s Center battlegroup zone reach 435 servicemen

Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine lost up to 65 soldiers in 24 hours as a result of the actions of the Dnepr group of forces, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Illusion of selfless US-EU friendship gone with tariffs — Russian legislator

Vladimir Dzhabarov noted that the prospect of a trade war with the US lacks support from leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as those from Ireland, Sweden, and other countries

Crew Dragon spacecraft with Fram2 mission crew return to Earth

The ship splashed down off the coast of California

Russia prevents Ukrainian army rotation in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo noted that the Ukrainian armed groups on the right bank of the Dnieper River are mainly deployed around Kherson.

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

Markets are adapting to US duties, Secretary of State says

On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced customs duties on products from 185 countries and territories

Top Hungarian diplomat doubts NATO’s ability to send peacekeepers to Ukraine

Peter Szijjaro added that Moscow opposed the deployment of peacekeepers from NATO countries to Ukraine, so attempts to send such forces to the country could lead to a direct conflict between the North Atlantic Alliance and Russia

Russia, US trade relations virtually nonexistent — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that Moscow is unlikely to experience any positive effects from the US tariffs, as the turmoil in the global economy will require careful actions from Russia

Trump confident that big business representatives are not worried about duties

The US President is confident that big businessmen are focused on big deals that will strengthen the American economy

Russian army foils Ukrainian forces’ attempts to restart Nikolayev port — Kherson governor

Vladimir Saldo said that military is currently monitoring not only the territory of the Kherson Region but also the approach routes

Russia’s state arms exporter ready to arm Sahel countries to fight piracy — company chief

"Rosoboronexport offers African partners the products most essential for outfitting the armed forces and other law-enforcement agencies," Alexander Mikheyev said

Kremlin calls for restraint on Iranian nuclear dossier

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that despite the fact that Russia is now engaged in restoring relations with the US, Iran remains its ally and partner

Russian envoy says Trump administration averted World War III

US President Donald Trump’s administration also made significant progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Kirill Dmitriev said

IN BRIEF: What we know about last night’s Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian regions

Air defense forces on duty intercepted and eliminated 107 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over 10 Russian regions, according to the Defense Ministry

Battlegroup Dnepr destroys up to 55 soldiers, 2 ammunition depots of Ukrainian forces

Units of the Battlegroup Dnepr defeated units of the mechanized, mountain assault brigades and two coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces, a defense brigade

Dmitriev's visit to US shows no venom in Trump's harsh Russia talk — expert

Sergey Oznobishchev commented on Donald Trump's recent sharp remarks, particularly the US leader's assertion that Moscow's statements regarding the Ukrainian settlement were not constructive

Russia plans to maintain second place in global gold production in coming years

Gold production data in Russia has not been officially disclosed since 2022

Armenian president signs law launching EU accession process

On March 26, Armenian legislators passed the second and final reading of the law on setting the country’s EU accession process into motion

Residents of Zaporozhye, Gulyaipole await liberation, Russia conducts targeted attacks

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the sovereignty, patriotic projects and support for veterans commission of Russia’s Civic Chamber, said, that the Russian Armed Forces are conducting targeted attacks

Ukrainian strikes on Gorlovka leave four civilians injured

Ukrainian attacks also damaged a healthcare facility in downtown Gorlovka; seven residential compounds and settlements were left without power

Rubio presses Europe to come up with 'concrete proposals' to ensure Ukraine's security

US President Donald Trump said earlier that Europe must bear the burden of responsibility for ensuring its own security

Press review: Putin’s envoy holds talks with Trump's team as experts analyze tariff impact

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 4th

Almost half of French people want Marine Le Pen on presidential ballot

According to the poll’s results, the court ruling banning Marine Le Pen from running in the next presidential election affected voter expectations

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

US residents color potatoes for Easter as eggs too expensive — media

Although wholesale prices began to fall sharply in March, experts note that it may take time for retail prices to normalize

Iran must not become a nuclear state, Israel’s top diplomat insists

On the likelihood of reaching a new nuclear deal with Iran, Sa’ar said that the political situation globally has changed, with a "tougher president" in the White House and Iran, too, having a new head of state

Venezuela will overcome difficulties of global trade war declared by the US — Maduro

He believes that Trump has taken tariff and tax measures against countries that could "deprive humanity and Venezuela of the right to the future"

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"

Rubio says unaware of proposal to resume flights between US, Russia

On February 27, the Russian delegation proposed to restore direct flights between the two countries at talks with the United States in Istanbul

Houthis say they carried out a drone strike on a ‘military target’ near Tel Aviv

Yemeni Armed Forces Conduct Operation in Jaffa Area

Battlegroup North destroys up to 80 servicemen of Ukrainian armed forces in one day

The enemy suffered losses in the areas of the settlements of Krasnopolye, Malaya Rybitsa and Miropolskoye in the Sumy region

EU is 'sinking ship' — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited US President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs as further evidence that the EU's previously projected GDP growth targets would miss their mark

Turkey does not need US to attack Iran — top diplomat

Hakan Fidan called for "peaceful negotiations employed by both sides and interested parties"

Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilians prove peace not on Kiev's radar — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "by deliberately attacking the Russian border area, the Ukrainian Nazis want to kill as many Russians as possible, intimidate and sow panic among Russians"

Russia unsurprised by Trump's threats to impose duties on Russian oil — Ryabkov

The minister stated that even during Trump's first term, Russia "noted and remembered" the distinct patterns of US behavior when desired results were not quickly achieved

Russian troops thwart Ukraine’s military logistics’ plans in Zaporozhye

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier on Friday that Russian troops liberated eight communities in the Donetsk area and the Zaporozhye Region over the week of March 29 - April 4

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds 16 US companies to export control list

Trade with the listed companies is prohibited without obtaining special authorization from the Chinese government

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Senior diplomat, Russian envoys in Europe call West out for 'short-sighted' rhetoric

The meeting in Vienna focused on the tasks of the Russian diplomatic and consular missions in implementing Russia's Foreign Policy Concept, approved by the President of the Russian Federation on March 31, 2023

IN BRIEF: What we know about terror plot against military cadets foiled by Russia’s FSB

A terrorist attack targeting the Russian Defense Ministry’s barracks outside Moscow, that was conspired by the Ukrainian special services, has been foiled

Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

Ukrainian elections, necessary for legitimacy of peace agreements, won’t be democratic

Parliamentary and presidential elections are not held in Ukraine due to martial law

Western Europe hates Trump, develops war strategy for Ukraine — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban believes that Western European leaders "despise Trump and won’t be disappointed if his efforts fail"

Hamas keeps half of living hostages in combat zone — official

The Hamas official demanded the Israeli authorities "immediately engage in talks on the release or evacuation" of the hostages

Kiev forces lost up to 430 personnel in Battlegroup Center’s zone of responsibility

The Battlegroup Center continues to advance deep into the enemy's defenses and liberated the settlement of Uspenovka of the Donetsk People's Republic

Putin says 76 Su-57 jets to be purchased before 2028

The President recalled that the industry is focusing on developing modern aviation equipment, which determines the combat capabilities of the Russian Air forces for the decade to come

Trump's tariffs could give Russian economy shot in the arm — Putin’s special envoy

According to Boris Titov, many countries faced with protective duties could start injecting money into Russian industries

Russian representatives discuss Kiev’s attacks on journalists at meeting with UN chief

Moscow’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky noted that the Secretary General "listened very carefully to the information"

Analyst describes US idea of dividing Russia, China as ‘deeply flawed’

The Washington Post columnist also believes that hopes of rapprochement with Russia and Russia drifting away from China "might be illusory"

Sahel countries to gain strength by acquiring latest equipment from Russia

According to the statement, the Russian side expressed its readiness to offer the necessary technical assistance

Macron ready to become Europe’s point man to hold talks with Russia — newspaper

According to the source, the French leader is said to be willing to take up the leadership role "when the time is right"

Ukraine loses up to 85 service members, foreign military officers in strike on Krivoy Rog

The enemy had also lost up to 20 motor vehicle

Trump’s new tariffs pave way for new world order, says top EU lawmaker

In an interview with the Funke media group, he pointed out that "the Trump administration is bringing fundamental things into question for no reason at all"

Russian air defense systems shot down seven JDAM aerial bombs, 208 UAVs

At the same time, Russian military has destroyed the infrastructure of a Ukrainian military airfield, missile, and artillery ammunition depots, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian lawmaker admits US intel crucial for strikes using Western missiles

US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to all military aid to Ukraine a few days after his verbal spat with Vladimir Zelensky at the White House on February 28

US stock indexes nosedive as China strikes back with tariffs

The Wall Street Journal writes that over the past two days, since the introduction by US President Donald Trump of new customs duties, the American stock market has lost $6.4 trillion

Europe must make contact with Putin — Stubb

The Finnish president opined that France or UK should be the one to speak to the Russian leader

Nearly half of states attending UNHRC session oppose anti-Russian resolution

The ten-page document uses assessments and narratives typical of the states on Russia's list of unfriendly states

Sahel countries intend to cooperate with Russia in nuclear energy — portal

The report noted that the Alliance of Sahel States and Russia also intend to strengthen cooperation in economics, nuclear energy, higher education, transport, trade, telecommunications

Russia ready to help Burkina Faso maintain national security — Lavrov

The statement followed a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Burkina Faso counterpart Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore

International exchanges falling on Friday

This is the greatest dip of the index during a single trading day over five years, Sky News television said