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Kremlin starts dividing budget between Russian billionaires
The Russian government has officially initiated a process of allocating billions of rubles of assistance to major businesses as part of several national projects that are meant to bring the economy’s growth rate up to world levels, fight poverty and bring about a technological leap.
The first on the list of billionaires, officials and state corporation directors is Novatek owner Leonid Mikhelson, the wealthiest Russian with an estimated net worth of $24 billion according to Forbes.
Russian …
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Kremlin uses Israeli software to hack Moscow protesters’ phones
Russia’s security forces used technology developed by the Israeli company Cellebrite to hack the cellphones of participants in the demonstrations in Moscow, ITV channel 12 reported, citing anonymous sources in Russia.
The channel cites comments made by Cellebrite representatives which emphasize that the company develops technology that enables law enforcement agencies to fight against terrorism and crime.
The company sells its product only to licensed legal entities, rigorously complying with …
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Kremlin: US sanctions powerless to punish Russia
The new round of US sanctions aimed at banning American banks from participating in the initial placements of Russian government eurobonds demonstrates the “failure” of Washington’s attempts to pressurize Moscow, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
The sanctions that make it harder for the Russian government to acquire new dollar-denominated debt are “nothing particularly new”, said Zakharova in a comment published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
“For a long …
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Russian Khmeimim airbase in Syria comes under attack
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that militants carried out an attack on the Russian Khmeimim airbase in Syria.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the militants fired three rocket-propelled rounds in the direction of the base which fell on the territory of the settlement of Ruaised Afif.
The attack happened at about 14:30 Moscow time in the north part of the airfield.
No damage to the base has been reported, but four residents were injured.
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Trump may get involved in Donbas negotiations
US President Donald Trump could take part in talks to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, said US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker in an interview with The Ukrainian Week (Tyzhden).
Volker observed that the US president could get involved if Russia had a constructive stance. The format of such talks is not yet being discussed.
“If there are signs that [Russia] is serious and is prepared to really put an end to the conflict, I am certain that this is very important to …