INSIDE RUSSIA
Putin, some foreign leaders to meet separately during Victory Day celebrations in May
The Russian president has invited leaders of many countries to attend the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War
Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to hold bilateral meetings with some of the foreign leaders invited to attend Victory Day celebrations in Russia on May 9, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
“These will be visits on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory. There will be bilateral meetings with some of the guests. But, of course, it is impossible to do this with everyone,” he said.
“There will be a separate visit by [Chinese President] Xi Jinping,” the spokesman went on to say. “But all of them will attend the events on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory and the military parade together.”
The Russian president has invited leaders of many countries to attend the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. Some friendly countries that also fought against German Nazism, Italian fascism and Japanese militarism will send ceremonial units to participate in the parade on Red Square.
Russian regions compete for increasing domestic tourists — TASS Deputy General Director
Andrey Sokolov noted that even areas which wouldn’t traditionally be considered travel destinations have seen an uptick in interest from Russians
MINSK, April 9. /TASS/. The tourism landscape has change drastically in Russia over the past several years, as more people are choosing to travel domestically these days, Deputy General Director of TASS Andrey Sokolov said at the Third Belarusian-Russian Tourist Congress.
“I can say that probably over the last several years – the nature of tourist flows has definitely changed a lot,” Sokolov said. Russians have started choosing domestic destinations more and more frequently, he noted. “And now we are witnessing what could be called fierce competition between regions for tourists,” the TASS executive said.
Sokolov noted that even areas which wouldn’t traditionally be considered travel destinations have seen an uptick in interest from Russians. “Everyone is battling for a piece of the tourist pie, and as a result quality has improved. I travel a lot across Russia – and hotel and restaurant services have gotten better,” he said. Belarus is getting in on the action too, with both the country as a whole and individual regions receiving more Russians in recent years, Sokolov added.
TASS is the general information partner of the Third Belarusian-Russian Tourist Congress in Minsk.
Russia committed to fair trade, opposes unilateral sanctions — MFA
“Russia as a major exporter and responsible participant of a multisided trade system is interested in fair, open trade relations,” Maria Zakharova stressed
Russia believes in fair, open trade relations and it opposes any unilateral restrictive trade measures, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing.
Asked about US President Donald Trump instituting sweeping tariffs against more than 180 and the subsequent backlash from the global community, she noted that the EU “should have taken a long view on many issues” instead of turning a blind eye to the actions of the Biden administration which hurt the European economy in the past and have come back to bite it again now.
“Russia as a major exporter and responsible participant of a multisided trade system is interested in fair, open trade relations. I think that everyone is familiar with our position,” the diplomat noted. “This is why our country opposes any unilateral trade restrictions, including illegitimate sanctions or other forms of unfair competition disguised as environmental or climate-related requirements, which in reality only serve political agendas and harm global trade,” she added.
Zakharova also noted that such illegal policies “violate the very obligations countries have voluntarily assumed within relevant structures and organizations.”
“We expect that it is possible to ensure sound development of the global economy on the basis of fundamental principles of non-discrimination, transparency, and mutual consideration of interests,” she stated.
On April 2, Trump announced the imposition of tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories. Baseline 10% tariffs came into force on April 5, while individualized ones will take effect on April 9. Moreover, the US administration imposed 25% tariffs on all imported cars starting April 3.
Russian Flamethrowers Enable Troops to Capture Enemy Positions Without Firing One Shot
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia has a significant advantage over NATO in terms of heavy flamethrower systems, which have proved their effectiveness during the special military operation, BekhanOzdoev, the industrial director of the weapons cluster at the Russian state corporation Rostec, said.
“Heavy flamethrower systems that we produce are unique weapons, which provide qualitative superiority on the battlefield. There have been situations when these systems let our troops take enemy positions without firing a single shot. There are no comparable analogues in the world, in particular, in Western countries. We have made significant progress in this area of armaments, leaving NATO countries well behind,” Ozdoev said.
Rostec specified that the TOS-2 “Tosochka” heavy flamethrower system has seen a significant increase in its firing range. The upgraded fire control system allows it to precisely target enemy positions and destroy their facilities. The TOS-2 is mounted on a wheelbase, allowing it to quickly move into firing positions and withdraw from them, enhancing its ability to survive in counter-battery combat.
The Russian military is also deploying tracked TOS-1 and TOS-1A ‘Solntsepek’ heavy flamethrower systems within the framework of the special military operation.
OUTSIDE RUSSIA
Russia, US to hold second round of consultations in Istanbul on embassies’ operation
According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, it will involve officials from the two countries’ foreign ministries
ISTANBUL, April 10. /TASS/. Russian and US delegations will meet in Istanbul on Thursday for the second round of consultations on the normalization of the operation of their embassies.
The first such meeting took place on February 27. It lasted for more than six hours and was held behind closed doors.
According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the meeting will involve officials from the two countries’ foreign ministries. “The sides will continue ongoing efforts to remove numerous obstacles, including technical ones, that are hampering diplomats,” she said.
The Russian delegation will again be led by Alexander Darchiev, now Russia’s ambassador to the United States. In February, he was director of the ministry’s North America department. The US delegation will be led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe Sonata Coulter.
Whereas the February round was held at the residence of the US consul general in Istanbul, the venue of this round will be the Russian consulate general.
According to the Russian ambassador, Russia is set for a serious discussion with the United States regarding the return of diplomatic property wrongfully confiscated by Washington. The agenda will also include issues of diplomats’ movements around the host country, visa and financial restrictions. “This is about addressing the ‘toxic legacy’ of the previous US administration, which imposed severe restrictions on the activities of Russian diplomatic missions in the United States,” Darchiev said.
Apart from that, the Russian delegation is expected to raise the issue of resuming direct air service between the two countries, which would give a fresh impetus to official and business contacts.
US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce also said that the delegations will “try to make progress on further stabilizing the operations of our bilateral missions.” “There are no political or security issues on the agenda, and Ukraine is absolutely not on the agenda,” she noted.
The Istanbul track is not the only one in contacts between Moscow and Washington after Donald Trump took office. The sides maintain top level contacts: Russian President Vladimir Putin has held two phone calls with Trump. The two countries’ senior official met in Riyadh to discuss a wide spectrum of issues of relations between Russia and the United States, as well as other matters on mutual interest. Apart from that, the two countries’ representatives met in Riyadh over the resumption of the Black Sea grain initiative. Communication is maintained in other formats as well.
Russian MFA mocks Macron’s shifting rhetoric, blames it on ‘atmospheric pressure’
Maria Zakharova went on to say that before French President “started opening his nuclear umbrella over everyone, he was saying that he absolutely needed a place at the negotiating table”
MOSCOW, April 9. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron’s Jekyll-and-Hyde rhetoric about Russia might be due to “atmospheric pressure,” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested, as one day he talks about negotiations, and the next turns around and brings up nuclear weapons.
“It seems to me that Macron’s statements depend either on atmospheric pressure or some other natural phenomena, I’m not sure. Perhaps something is spoiling his mood. I think it’s connected to something that we just don’t know about yet,” the diplomat said in an interview with the Moskva-24 TV channel.
Zakharova went on to say that before Macron “started opening his nuclear umbrella over everyone, he was saying that he absolutely needed a place at the negotiating table. He was stamping his feet, pounding his fist on the table, so that everyone could hear him. My question is: how is he ever going to make up his mind on anything? <…> The next day he started talking about nuclear weapons, that they are ready to defeat and crush everyone, to send their contingents somewhere,” the spokeswoman pointed out.
In early March, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a public address that he would start talks with allies on the possibility of bringing European countries under the protection of France’s nuclear deterrent forces. He called Russia a threat to his country and the EU as a whole, citing this as justification for the increase in military spending and the proliferation of French nuclear weapons in the EU.
Two Russian Emergencies Ministry’s planes deliver 59 tons of humanitarian aid to Myanmar
Russia previously sent two planes loaded with 67 tons of aid to the country
MOSCOW, April 9. /TASS/. Two Russian Emergencies Ministry’s Il-76 planes have delivered 59 tons of humanitarian aid to Myanmar, the press service told TASS.
“Two Il-76 planes of the Emergencies Ministry have delivered humanitarian cargoes with a total weight of over 59 tons to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Russian rescuers handed over mobile power stations, tents and blankets, as well as basic necessities to the region affected by the devastating earthquake,” the press service said.
Russia previously sent two planes loaded with 67 tons of aid to the country.
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28. The Thai Meteorological Department said its magnitude was 8.2. The first quake was followed by another one, with magnitude 6.4. The death toll in Myanmar has climbed to 3,600. Thailand was also affected by the quake with underground tremors felt in China and Vietnam.
A search-and-rescue operation continues on the site of the only collapsed building in the Thai capital. The total number of quake victims in Bangkok, according to TASS’ calculations, has reached 36.
Ukraine harvests own soldiers for organs, sends them to unknowing Westerners
Maria Zakharova recalled that the Ukrainian authorities had long legalized expedited procedures for transplant surgeries
MOSCOW, April 9. /TASS/. Ukrainian military commanders are certainly interested in Western orders for organs intended for transplant surgery, according to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
She explained that there was growing evidence suggesting that “the Kiev regime has transformed the conflict into a thriving criminal enterprise,” with illegal organ trafficking reaching unprecedented levels. She cited the testimony of Ukrainian soldier Andrey Chemer, who was captured by Russian forces. Notably, Chemer possessed a blank form from the Ministry of Health of Ontario, Canada, which was intended for the voluntary donation of organs and tissues after death to medical institutions in Canada.
“According to the POW’s assertions, such blank forms were filled out and signed by all personnel in his unit,” Zakharova stated. “The soldiers were misled into believing that these forms were French medical insurance certificates, which, they were told, would allow Ukrainian soldiers to receive treatment in prestigious clinics in France in the event of injury. Fully aware that the mobilized Ukrainians do not speak French, Kiev devised a profitable scheme – after a soldier’s death his body would be dissected for organs to be sent to Canadians, who can remain oblivious to the identity of their organ donors. It is likely that Ukrainian military commanders are eager for a steady flow of Western orders.”
Zakharova also recalled that the Ukrainian authorities had long legalized expedited procedures for transplant surgeries.
“For this reason, even wounds that could be treated may turn lethal for many Ukrainian soldiers. Medical units under the supervision of the Kiev regime will be actively seeking intact organs and tissues for subsequent transplantation. Why would they want to treat these soldiers? It is far easier for them to operate under this purported French medical insurance policy,” Zakharova remarked.
She further noted that the question remains as to how many missing Ukrainian soldiers have become organ donors for “wealthy Canadians and other foreign nationals.”
SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE
Su-35S jet provides protection for Russian aviation in Kursk Region — Defense Ministry
“According to reconnaissance reports, the targets were successfully engaged,” the ministry stated
MOSCOW, April 9. /TASS/. The crew of a Su-35S multirole thrust vector-controlled fighter jet from the Russian Aerospace Forces has successfully completed a combat mission to escort aircraft in the border area of the Kursk Region, according to the Defense Ministry.
“The purpose of this combat duty was to provide protection for bomber and attack aircraft striking temporary deployment sites and strongholds of Ukrainian forces. After accomplishing the mission, the entire group returned to base safely. According to reconnaissance reports, the targets were successfully engaged,” the ministry stated.
The pilot of the Su-35S, who identified himself as Irek, emphasized that the crew’s role was to establish air superiority. “We also undertake missions to cover other aircraft and counter enemy air defenses. I would like to extend my wishes for patience and fortitude to our comrades at the frontline. I am confident that victory will soon be ours,” he remarked.
Russian MFA warns West won’t succeed in hiding Ukraine’s crimes committed in Kursk Region
On April 9, the International Public Tribunal on the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis presented a report titled “War Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazi Armed Forces in the Kursk Region”
MOSCOW, April 9. /TASS/. The West will not be able to hide the crimes that Ukrainian forces committed in Russia’s Kursk Region, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
According to the diplomat, the West “covers up” the crimes of the Kiev regime by turning a blind eye to the atrocities of Ukrainian forces.
“It is important that nothing be missed. Systematic work must be carried out despite all attempts in the West, as we note, to cover up, to stall this issue,” Zakharova said at a virtual conference dedicated to the release of a report on the crimes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk Region. “We assume that all those responsible must be identified and will be punished.”
On April 9, the International Public Tribunal on the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis presented a report titled “War Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazi Armed Forces in the Kursk Region.”
Collected from more than 100 victims and witnesses, the testimonies in the report fully expose the Kiev regime as a perpetrator of war crimes.
Russian forces strike Ukrainian tactical missile enterprise over past day
Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 435 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four US-made armored vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day
MOSCOW, April 9. /TASS/. Russian forces struck a Ukrainian tactical missile production enterprise, massed enemy manpower and military hardware in 149 areas over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.
“Operational/tactical aircraft, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck an enterprise producing operational/tactical missiles, assembly workshops of attack unmanned aerial vehicles and their storage sites and also massed manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army and foreign mercenaries in 149 locations,” the ministry said in a statement.
Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts 120 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day
Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 120 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility in the Sumy and Kharkov Regions over the past day, the ministry reported.
“In the Belgorod direction, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized brigades, an assault brigade, an air assault brigade, a coastal defense brigade, two assault regiments of the Ukrainian army and four territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Krasnopolye, Petrushevka, Stepok, Turya, Okop, Ugroyedy, Miropolskoye and Prokhody in the Sumy Region,” the ministry said.
In the Kharkov direction, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses among manpower and equipment of a mechanized brigade, two motorized infantry brigades, a surface-to-air missile regiment of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Petrovka, Kovali, Volchansk and Zolochev in the Kharkov Region and the city of Kharkov, it said.
The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 120 personnel, two armored fighting vehicles, an UR-77 mine-clearing vehicle, two motor vehicles, two field artillery guns and an electronic warfare station in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.
Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 200 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day
Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 200 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three Western-made artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.
“Battlegroup West units improved their forward positions and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of a mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian army and two territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Kirovsk and Yampol in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Dvurechanskoye in the Kharkov Region, Makeyevka in the Lugansk People’s Republic and in the area of the Serebryanka forest,” the ministry said.
The Ukrainian army lost more than 200 personnel, a Polish-manufactured Dzik armored fighting vehicle, five motor vehicles and four artillery guns, including three Western-made weapons in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.
In addition, Russian forces destroyed an ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army, it said.
Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts 300 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day
Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 300 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.
“Battlegroup South units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanized brigades, an airmobile brigade of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Grigorovka, Tarasovka, Zarya, Pleshcheyevka and Kleban-Byk in the Donetsk People’s Republic,” the ministry said.
The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 300 personnel, seven armored combat vehicles, six motor vehicles, three field artillery guns and two electronic warfare stations in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.
In addition, Russian forces destroyed a materiel depot of the Ukrainian army, it said.
Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts 435 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day
Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 435 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four US-made armored vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.
“Battlegroup Center units gained better lines and positions and inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades, an assault brigade, a jaeger brigade, two unmanned systems brigades, an assault regiment, an unmanned systems regiment of the Ukrainian army and a marine infantry brigade in areas near the settlements of Lenina, Kotlino, ZelyonyKut, Yelizavetovka, Zverevo, Kotlyarovka, Udachnoye, Krasnoarmeysk, Bogdanovka, Muravka, Novosergeyevka and Petrovskogo in the Donetsk People’s Republic,” the ministry said.
The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 435 personnel, four motor vehicles, four artillery guns, and also an M113 armored personnel carrier, two HMMWV armored combat vehicles and a MaxxPro armored vehicle of US manufacture in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.
Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts 150 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day
Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 150 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made self-propelled artillery system in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.
“Battlegroup East units kept advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades, an air assault brigade and a jaeger brigade of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Shevchenko, Otradnoye, Poddubnoye, Bogatyr and Karla Marksa in the Donetsk People’s Republic,” the ministry said.
The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 150 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, a motor vehicle and two field artillery guns, including a US-made 155mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.
Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroys over 90 Ukrainian troops in past day
Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroyed more than 90 Ukrainian troops and two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.
“Battlegroup Dnepr units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of a mountain assault brigade, two coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Ponyatovka and Dneprovskoye in the Kherson Region, Novopavlovka, Kamenskoye and Blagoveshchenskoye in the Zaporozhye Region,” the ministry said.
“Over 90 [Ukrainian] military personnel, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, two armored fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, three artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, a counterbattery radar station and two ammunition depots were destroyed,” it said.
Russian air defenses down 333 Ukrainian UAVs, six JDAM smart bombs over past day
Russian air defense forces shot down 333 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and six JDAM smart bombs over the past day, the ministry reported.
“Air defense capabilities shot down six US-made JDAM guided aerial bombs and 333 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, including 158 UAVs outside the area of the special military operation,” the ministry said.
Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 660 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 50,612 unmanned aerial vehicles, 601 surface-to-air missile systems, 22,739 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,534 multiple rocket launchers, 23,395 field artillery guns and mortars and 33,827 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.
INSIGHTS
Cutting Hitler’s Last Lifeline: Why Control of the Baltic Was Crucial to WWII Victory
80 years ago today on April 9, 1945, the German garrison in Koenigsberg surrendered to Soviet forces after a bloody, three-month-long siege, depriving Germany of its last major port along the Baltic coast.
The loss of the port was one of the final major blows to Hitler’s Reich.
Without it, the Nazis:
Lost their ability to ship troops, supplies and raw materials, both to other German or Nazi-occupied areas and allied or friendly powers (including Finland until September 1944, and Sweden, which shipped vital iron ores to Germany for its war effort until November 1944).
Lost the Kriegsmarine’s window to the eastern Baltic for operations against the Soviet Navy, and its ability to provide assistance in coastal bombardment, shore up troop deployments or evacuate forces trapped by the Red Army (including Army Group North forces in the massive Courland Pocket).
80 years ago today saw the surrender of the German garrison at Koenigsberg (modern-day Kaliningrad), fierce fighting in central Czechoslovakia and battles for strategic strongholds in Vienna.
The Soviets, for their part:
Gained the ability to resupply forces from Leningrad, and to a lesser extent other liberated coastal areas and ports along the Baltic.
Won near-total naval and air superiority over the Eastern Baltic Sea, freeing up resources for advances further west.
