🗣 "All signs of mental illness are evident," Russian FM spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik, commenting on the Estonian interior minister's proposal to recognize the Russian Orthodox Church as a terrorist organization.

Earlier, Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said he intends to deliver such a request to the Estonian parliament.

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Oil bounces back, but set for weekly losses as Mideast tensions plough on

Oil prices have surged on fears of further escalation in the Middle East, raising risks of supply disruptions from the oil-producing region, market data shows.

Brent crude futures have increased to $90.25 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures have climbed to $85.63.

Although oil prices are set for weekly losses as the US has signaled fewer interest rate cuts for the year, the current gains in oil prices eased some losses incurred last session amid apprehensions concerning lingering US inflation.

Since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran earlier this month, experts have been warning about the risk of a global energy crisis.

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❗️LIVE: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov speaks at Extended Meeting of CIS Council of Foreign Ministers

Watch the live stream here or follow the link to the Sputnik's website for more details

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Attempts to hold forums to resolve the Ukrainian conflict without Russia's involvement are unlikely to be effective or lead to results, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated.

In general, the Kremlin does not currently feel that Kiev is ready for negotiations. The situation has not changed and Zelensky's ban on contact is still in place.

At the same time, yesterday, Putin confirmed Moscow's readiness for dialogue, which could also be based on the draft Istanbul agreement, Peskov said.

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Other statements by Peskov:

🔺Attempts to interfere in Russia's internal affairs continue unabated.

🔺All efforts to maintain security in Russia, including information security, have reached their maximum level.

🔺On Friday, Putin will continue his communication with Lukashenko and the two leaders will also meet with the participants of the 21st expedition to the International Space Station.

🔺The flights of Belarusian cosmonauts to the International Space Station will continue, and it is not a one-off event.

🔺Cooperation between Russia and Belarus in space is a high priority in bilateral relations. There is a strong political will to deepen this cooperation.

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❗️ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on a possible "collective ultimatum" at the Swiss conference on Ukraine: "this blows any chance of success."

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that Volodymyr Zelensky's presidential term ends in May, and a situation could arise where there is no one to sign a peace treaty with.

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🇧🇾 Recent statements by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko:

▪️ Ukraine should realize that if it throws UAVs at Russia, they will be hit back tenfold.

▪️ NATO wants to drag Belarus into the conflict in Ukraine.

▪️ There can't be peace talks in Switzerland on Ukraine without Russia.

▪️ Belarusian opposition activists are "shouting" at Poland to strike the Mozyr oil refinery, but Minsk would respond in such a way that there would be hell to pay.

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❗️ The US expects major Iranian attack against Israel as soon as Friday, could include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles, CBS reports, citing US officials.

"Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of such a magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent." the media says.

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🇷🇺 Recent statements by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the summoning of the French Ambassador:

▪️ French ambassador was told that the remark by France’s Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne’s on his lack of interest in talking to the Russian side was unacceptable.

▪️ Russia considers Sejourne’s statement as a deliberate move by France aimed at undermining the possibility of dialogue.

▪️ France's claims that Russian officials publish false information have nothing to do with reality.

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🗣 "Don't worry. He's alive, he's doing fine. He will continue working," Vasily Prozorov's assistant told Sputnik, commenting on the fact that the ex-SBU officer's car was blown up.

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