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Aircraft with Russian servicemen returned from captivity landed in Moscow

The prisoners’ swap with Ukraine was implemented on April 19

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. An Il-76MD aircraft with 246 Russian servicemen released from the Ukrainian captivity has landed in Moscow, with the relevant footage showed by Zvezda television.

The prisoners’ swap with Ukraine was implemented on April 19, the Russian Ministry of Defense said earlier.

The United Arab Emirates provided meditation efforts of humanitarian nature upon the return of Russian servicemen.

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No peace is possible without disarmament — Pope Francis

The 88-year-olf pontiff called for peace in the Holy Land and across the entire Middle East, for extending prayers for Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, and called for peace in Ukraine

Easter personifies revival and hope — Russian Prime Minister

The bright Resurrection of Christ is a special day for millions of believers, that personifies revival and hope, the minister said

Gaddafi’s defence minister killed in Libya - doctors

Gaddafi was earlier reported captured by the forces of the Transitional National Council on Thursday

Zelensky aide's remarks on ceasefire ring cynical as Ukraine attacks ZNPP — diplomat

On April 17, a Ukrainian delegation led by Yermak met with US and European representatives in Paris to discuss a possible settlement to the conflict in Ukraine

Israel weighs strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in coming months — news agency

According to Reuters, Israel has offered the US several options for attacks, including air strikes and special operations

Russian forces take control over section of important road in Sumy Region — expert

Distance-wise, about five kilometers of the Yunakovka-Oleshnya highway is under fire control of the Russian Armed Forces

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

Humanoid robot runs twice as slow as humans at half-marathon in China

The robots ran the distance together with humans, but on a separately designated track

Kiev will not become part of NATO, it’s out of the question — Trump’s special envoy

US President Donald Trump suggested earlier that the Ukrainian conflict may have been triggered by Kiev’s ambitions to join the alliance

New port of Archangelsk to provide Russia with year-round access to World Ocean

The design capacity of the port is 31.4 mln metric tons of cargo per year

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

US leadership understands root causes of Ukrainian conflict — Kremlin aide

However, a longstanding anti-Russian sentiment - built over many years and decades - hinders their ability to pursue reasonable solutions, Yury Ushakov said

FACTBOX: Orthodox Easter

This year orthodox believers will celebrate Easter on April 20

Kiev’s allies want to coordinate Ukraine ceasefire plan in London — newspaper

According to the New York Post, in order to attract Russia to negotiations on the said proposal, Washington may offer Moscow an easing of anti-Russian sanctions and possibly the unblocking of Russian assets frozen in the West

Vulin not included in Serbia’s new cabinet because of Western pressure on Vucic — source

"Aleksandar Vulin has been removed from the government because of pressure from Brussels," the source pointed out

Kiev demonstrates inability to cease fire even for 30 hours — Russian envoy

Ukraine has repeatedly broken ceasefire agreements reached within the Minsk and Normandy format, Miroshnik added

Trump, Lula admire Putin, disdain Zelensky — media

The Brazilian news outlet notes that relations between the American and Brazilian administrations remain strained, as the two leaders have virtually nothing in common

US’ threats to abandon talks on Ukraine directed against Kiev rather than Moscow — Axios

The European diplomats pointed out that during talks in Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not mentioned "increasing the pressure on Russia"

US may recognize Crimea as Russian territory — Bloomberg

The sources indicated that "a final decision on the matter hadn’t yet been taken"

Too early for IAEA to join Iran-U.S. talks, says Iranian foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran continues to grant the IAEA access to nuclear sites, reaffirming that the organization holds full responsibility for monitoring and verification efforts

Russian LNG deliveries to China plunge 18.7% in Q1 2025 — customs

Imports lost 24% in value terms to $800.61 mln, the Main Customs Administration of China said

Moscow breaks temperature record for April 18 — lead meteorologist

According to Roman Vilfand, the previous record was set in 1921

Russian forces advance near Volchansk despite serious Ukrainian counterattacks — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that at the moment the Russian forces are currently engaged in active fighting in the area of Volchanskiye Khutora

Russia’s Battlegroup North strikes Ukrainian brigades in Sumy Region

According to the battlegroup’s spokesman Yaroslav Yakimkin, Ukrainian losses amounted up to 85 troops

PREVIEW: Easter Sunday celebrated by Orthodox Christians

This year Orthodox Easter coincides with the holy day for Catholics

Press review: UN ready to join Black Sea deal while Russia lifts Taliban ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 18th

Salaries in Russian IT segment to continue growing in 2025 — SuperJob

It will continue growing but not for everyone, because employees in the IT sphere more and more focus on the practical experience of IT specialists, President of the SuperJob job service Alexey Zakharov noted

Ukrainian armed forces attack Donetsk during ceasefire — operative services

The Ukrainian army has also attacked Gorlovka, with four artillery shells fired at the town, according to the administration of the Donetsk People Republic’s head and government reported

Russian groups of forces in area of special military operation strictly observe ceasefire

The Ukrainian army attacked the positions of Russian forces 444 times after the Easter truce was declared, as well as carried out 900 drone attacks, the Defense Ministry reported

South Korea supplies cars worth $72 mln to Russia in March

This March Russia was the 12th-biggest trade partner of South Korean exporters of cars

Range of Russian EMP weapons increased to 10 km — sources

Фn electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately, travelling with the speed of light

Russia’s Battlegroup Center eliminated over 315 Ukrainian troops in 24 hours

The battlegroup’s spokesman Alexander Savchuk added that the enemy lost two tanks, three armored combat vehicles, five motor vehicles and a field artillery gun

Putin congratulates military, all Orthodox Christians on Easter

He urged Gerasimov to pass along his best wishes to the soldiers, expressing gratitude for their dedication, sacrifice, and heroism in service of the Fatherland

US to decide on military presence in Europe after contacts with Russia — Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth said that US President Donald Trump will make a determination about the force structure of US troops in Europe

Holy Fire descends in Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

The Holy Fire symbolizes the light of Christ's resurrection

Ceasefire violations by Kiev still being reported — envoy

Russia is closely monitoring civil sites, while the military are fully informed about how the parties cooperate in the military context, the diplomat added

South Korea supplies cars worth $72 mln to Russia in March

Russia was the 12th-biggest trade partner of South Korean exporters of cars

Russia denounces agreement on cooperation in Barents sea region

The Barents Sea Council/The Euro-Arctic Region was established in 1993

Russian forces approach village of Loknya in Sumy Region — military expert

Active combat is underway there right now, military expert Andrey Marochko said

IN BRIEF: Putin declares Easter truce, holds meeting with chief of General Staff

TASS has reviewed the key points of the meeting

Houthis attack US aircraft carriers Harry Truman, Carl Vinson — spokesman

Yahya Saria also said that "the US military buildup and continued aggression against Yemen will only lead to more attacks"

Incomprehensible how EU openly willing to resume Nazi ideology — Lavrov

The European Union’s intention to establish a coalition on sending troops to Ukraine demonstrates a superiority intention, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

US develops plan on monitoring ceasefire in Ukraine — WSJ

According to the newspaper, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that "the US has presented a framework on how the war might be ended, including a cease-fire"

'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

Iran makes clear to US it has no intention to restore JCPOA — MFA

The second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran concluded on Saturday after nearly four hours of discussions in Rome, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi

Zelensky claims that Kiev is ready to observe ceasefire

He added, "If complete calm prevails, Ukraine offers to extend the ceasefire beyond Easter Sunday hours on April 20 onward"

Russian forces hit test site of Ukrainian Sapsan missile defense system — top brass

Russian servicemen have liberated the Shevchenko settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Defense Ministry said

Iran to reduce uranium enrichment if Trump doesn't scrap nuclear pact — news agency

According to the news agency, Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei has set "red lines" within which the country, regardless of the outcome of negotiations with the United States, will not dismantle its centrifuges for uranium enrichment and will not stop it completely

St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation brings Holy Fire to Russia

The descent of the Holy Fire takes place on the eve of Easter according to the Julian calendar

Putin shows respect for feelings of believers by announcing Easter truce — legislator

Slutsky expressed confidence that the Russian armed forces will strictly adhere to the ceasefire agreements

Ukrainian army violates Easter truce in LPR, shells Kremennaya at night — envoy

Russian foreign ministry ambassador at large Rodion Miroshnik said that violations by the Ukrainian armed forces are still being reported

France, UK, Germany can help achieve peace in Ukraine, top US diplomat says

Marco Rubio pointed out that the White House was in constant contact with London and Paris on settling the Ukraine issue

Russian forces liberate Oleshnya in Kursk Region — top brass

The total losses of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk Region have exceeded 75,000 servicemen, the Russian Defense Ministry added

Putin instructs to consider buyback mechanism for departed brands by May 15

Companies that left the Russian market after February 22, 2022 will be subject to this measure

Western intel agencies aid anti-government forces in Afghanistan — SVR

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the West is trying to maintain instability in Afghanistan in order to advance its own geopolitical interests

Russian soldiers eliminated Ukrainian militants who shot civilians in Kursk region

During one of these clashes, fighter eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers in hand-to-hand combat

Japan protests what it thinks is Russia’s growing presence in Kurils

"A protest has been submitted via diplomatic channels," Takeshi Iwai stressed

China successfully launches six satellites

According to the CASC, the launch was carried out at 6:51 a.m. Beijing time on April 18 from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center using the CZ-6A (Chang Zheng 6A) carrier rocket

Russia tests strategic bomber with new air-to-surface missile

As was reported earlier, Russia had been working on a new version of the Tu-22M3 bomber - the Tu-22M3M

One settlement left until full liberation of Kursk Region from Ukrainian troops — sources

The Defense Ministry said that the Russian Armed Forces had liberated Oleshnya

Europe must understand that US may leave Ukrainian settlement process — State Department

That said, Spokeswoman for the US Department of State Tammy Bruce noted that there is "a lot of enthusiasm" following the Paris meeting on the matter

European Council’s head says American LNG could replace Russian energy resources

The share of Russian gas in the EU reserves has decreased from 40% in 2022 to 19% in 2024

Participants in Easter marches in Germany oppose arms supplies to Kiev

The primary issues on their agenda include disarmament, and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East

US envoy says territorial issue could be partially resolved in Russia’s favor

According to Steve Witkoff, the territorial issue was the focus of his talks with the Russian leader

Night Easter service begins in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow

The chruch, as usual on Easter Day, is filled with several thousand believers

Russian Patriarch calls to actively love neighbors

"Even the tiniest efforts, the modest mites will not lose the value in eyes of the Lord if we, following the gospel precepts, will labor to the benefit of our neighbors," he said

Putin's 30-hour Easter truce ceasefire comes into force

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Gerasimov "issued instructions to all group commanders in the special military operation zone to cease fire and pause combat operations"

Iran won’t engage in contacts with new Syrian authorities until they restore order — MFA

According to Abbas Araghchi, the Syrian issue was raised during his meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov

Trump concedes NATO at war against Russia in Ukraine

US president made the statement at a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin

First chess tournament held in medieval tower in Ingushetia’s mountains

The competition drew professional chess players across various age groups, including children, highlighting its broad appeal

RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev calls Easter truce ‘one step toward peace’

Putin announced Easter truce from 18:00 Moscow time on April 19 to 00:00 Moscow time on April 21

Japan may increase rice imports from the US — newspaper

Japan is also considering an opportunity to offer simplified access of US vehicles to the country’s market, Nikkei reported

US declassifies over 10,000 pages of documents about assassination of JFK's brother

The files are published with minimal editing for privacy reasons, including the deletion of social security numbers and taxpayer identification numbers

Aircraft with Russian servicemen returned from captivity landed in Moscow

The prisoners’ swap with Ukraine was implemented on April 19

IMF to lower global economic growth forecast due to US tariffs — Bloomberg

The world’s economy is expected to experience the first shock waves provoked by Washington’s tariff policy very soon, according to the agency

Port dues in Transarctic corridor may grow tenfold — Russian minister

The solution is to establish the Russian dredging fleet, Alexey Chekunkov noted

Latest POW exchange between Russia, Ukraine was largest since conflict began — UAE

Since taking on the role of mediator at the start of 2024, the UAE has overseen the exchange of more than 3,700 POWs

All issues on Iran's nuclear program should be resolved through diplomacy — Kremlin

Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted that Russia considers a peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear question a priority

Putin to hold meeting of military industrial commission newt week — TV

Apart from that, the Russian president’s plans for the coming week include several international contacts, including a meeting with the sultan of Oman

Iran, U.S. reach greater understanding at talks in Rome — Araghchi

Iran’s Foreign Minister also emphasized in comments to Tasnim News Agency that Washington has so far refrained from crossing Tehran’s red lines and has not attempted to broaden discussions beyond Iran’s nuclear program

Crimea's 18th-century incorporation gave Russia lasting strategic edge — Russian lawmaker

In 2018, Russia marked the day Crimea, Taman and Kuban became a part of the Russian Empire as a commemorative date on the Russian calendar

Kiev had no choice regarding Easter truce — Russian lawmaker

Alexey Pushkov assumed that Vladimir Zelensky had urgent telephone talks with Prime Minister of the Unied Kingdom Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron, during which the decision to consent to the truce was made

Pakistan completed preparations for first freight train from Russia — Ambassador

The two countries have never had the rail service before

Europe invests in arms production in Ukraine amid uncertainty with US — newspaper

The Washington Post also pointed out that the stocks of American weapons transferred by the previous Washington administration are running out, and "doubts have festered about whether Europe can fully compensate for a possible halt to American aid"

China to take required measures to protect its interests if US introduces harbor fee

China urges the US to follow principles of the market economy and fair competition, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stressed

St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation heading to Russia with Holy Fire taken in Jerusalem

The lamp with the fire will be delivered to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Russia’s capital

Russia to resolve Ukraine conflict quickly if EU, US 'wash hands of it' — Medvedev

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the United States could withdraw from the negotiation on Ukraine if the parties sabotaged it

Japan’s PM considers inappropriate to link trade and security talks with the US

"We must resolve security issues without linking them to tariff issues," Shigeru Ishiba noted

DPR’s Gorlovka shelled by Ukrainian troops four times during Easter truce

According to the DPR government, shelling was conducted from the village of Pleshcheyevka

Ukrainian conflict resolution process is heading in right direction — Kellogg

The special envoy also addressed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent remarks suggesting that Washington might limit its efforts to resolve the crisis if progress stalls

Minerals deal unrelated to peace process in Ukraine — US Department of State

Spokeswoman for the US Department of State Tammy Bruce added that US President Donald Trump "would expect that to be signed toward the end of next week"

Russian oil imports by China down 14.7% in Q1 2025 — statistics

The value of Russian oil supplies amounted to $13 bln over the reporting quarter

US offers easing of anti-Russia sanctions as part of Ukrainian settlement — Bloomberg

The proposals presented by the US to its allies in Paris also imply that all territories liberated by Russia remain under Moscow’s control, while "Kyiv’s aspirations of joining NATO would be off the table"

No peace is possible without disarmament — Pope Francis

The 88-year-olf pontiff called for peace in the Holy Land and across the entire Middle East, for extending prayers for Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, and called for peace in Ukraine

Hungarian officials not to come to Victory Day parade in Moscow — Orban’s office

According to Gergely Gulyas, "even if the countries of Western Europe were on good terms with Russia, it would still not make sense for Hungary to take part in the celebrations, as the end of World War II marked a bitter defeat for the country"

Ukrainian army loses up to 155 troops in Kursk Region before Easter truce starts

Over the period of fighting in the Kursk frontline area, the Ukrainian army has lost more than 75,000 troops, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russia’s Battlegroup West eliminates over 260 Ukrainian troops, Starlink stations

The battlegroup’s spokesman Ivan Bigma added that the enemy’s losses included three armored combat vehicles, 10 motor vehicles

Next US military aid package to Ukraine not being discussed — NYT

According to it, "European officials say they have not even received assurances that the United States will continue its extensive intelligence sharing for Ukraine"

Soyuz MS-26 spaceship dedocked from ISS

Participants in the 72nd long-duration expedition at ISS Aleksey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and Donald Pettit are on board

Zelensky may find US-proposed version of peace deal 'hard to swallow' — newspaper

The current US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff package "doesn’t seem to include US-backed security guarantees," The Washington Post columnist David Ignatius wrote

Soyuz MS-26 crew returns to Earth

The cosmonauts and the astronaut were evacuated later from the return vehicle of the spacecraft