🎥🎥 Lavrov holds press conference following his visit to Astana

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❗️Russian forces have liberated the settlement of Kremennaya Balka in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

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⚛️ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow had put forward its proposals to Kazakhstan on the construction of a nuclear power plant.

This development comes in the wake of a nationwide referendum held in Kazakhstan on October 6, in which the citizens voted on the establishment of the Central Asian country’s first nuclear power facility. According to Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission, 71.12% of voters supported the project.

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🇷🇺🪖Key statements from the Russian Defense Ministry's daily briefing on the special military operation's progress:

◻️ The Russian Armed Forces struck the infrastructure of military airfields, drone production workshops, Ukrainian missile and artillery armament depots.

◻️ Ukrainian losses reached a total of 120 militants in Battlegroup Vostok's area of responsibility.

◻️ Ukrainian forces lost up to 430 militants and two ammunition depots in Battlegroup Zapad's area of responsibility.

◻️ Ukrainian losses came to 665 militants in Battlegroup Yug's area of responsibility.

◻️ Ukrainian losses reached a total of 455 militants in Battlegroup Tsentr's area of responsibility.

◻️ The Russian Air defenses shot down 55 Ukrainian drones.

◻️ Ukrainian losses came to 65 militants in Battlegroup Dnepr's area of responsibility.

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💬 Pompeo or Gabbard? Trump's strategy will depend on who will surround him – Senate candidate

After Donald Trump won the presidential race, Republicans are poised to secure a majority in the Senate and potentially keep control of the House of Representatives. What will Washington's political course be with Trump and GOP at the helm?

"Unfortunately, both parties have a large contingent of neocons and we see the AIPAC Zionist lobby throwing a lot of money into the election," Diane Sare, LaRouche independent candidate for US Senate to represent New York, told Sputnik. "In that regard, I think it really depends more on the kind of people that Trump chooses to surround himself with."

She pointed out that during his first term, Trump appointed hawks John Bolton and Mike Pompeo to key foreign policy positions. Sare expressed concerns about Pompeo remaining part of Trump's government.

"I don't think it's promising that Mike Pompeo is still lurking around," she said. "I think his bringing John F Kennedy Jr and Tulsi Gabbard closer indicates he is committed to at least ending the what is called the Ukraine-Russia conflict. But beyond that I'm not sure where this will go."

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💬 US test of Minuteman III ICBM sends ominous signal – Senate candidate

On election night, the US conducted a test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, Vandenberg Space Force Base stated. According to the Pentagon, the purpose of the test launch was to demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces.

Diane Sare, LaRouche independent candidate for US Senate to represent New York, believes it was an "ominous action."

"[It was] a stupid and dangerous message," Sare told Sputnik. "I believe this transition period is actually fraught with danger."

"The people who want to escalate the war drive now have a window in which to create a situation where a Trump presidency perhaps will feel trapped once he actually takes office," she said. "I also fear for his security and people around him."

Sare expressed hope that "the American people and the voices for peaceful cooperation with other nations can be strengthened in the United States and perhaps have an influence on this incoming administration."

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Lavrov: If West hadn’t fanned the flames, Ukraine crisis would’ve ended long ago

Supplied to the hilt with Western weapons, the Kiev regime continues its aggression against civilians and civilian infrastructure, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said during his press conference in Kazakhstan.

“Russia cannot be defeated on the battlefield,” said Lavrov, quoting a comment by the Kazakh president conveyed to the German Chancellor.

If Western countries had “heeded these wise words, the Ukrainian crisis would have been resolved long ago,” Russia’s diplomacy chief underscored.

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Statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to Kazakhstan:

🔸 Kazakhstan has been invited to join BRICS as a partner country

🔸 Lavrov held a lengthy meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, discussing Putin's visit to Astana on November 27

🔸 If the West proposes specific ideas regarding Ukraine, Russia is open to considering them

🔸 On potential contacts with US president-elect Donald Trump’s transition team: Russia has never refused communication and dialogue is preferable to isolation

🔸 If Washington genuinely wants an honest discussion with Moscow, Russia is ready to engage

🔸 Russia favors a political and diplomatic approach to the Ukrainian crisis, but there is no reciprocal readiness from Kiev and the West

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