❗️Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners: 205 Russian servicemen were returned for 205 people handed over to Kiev, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

The UAE provided humanitarian mediation efforts during the return of Russian troops from captivity.

The returned Russian soldiers will undergo treatment and rehabilitation in the medical institutions of the Defense Ministry.

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🔥 Arms of Victory: BM-13 Katyusha rocket launcher

Sputnik continues to explore the weapons the Red Army had at its disposal in the struggle against the Nazis.

Developed just prior to the start of the war, the legendary ‘mother of all rocket artillery’ quickly became the bane of enemy forces, with its 42.3 kg shells wiping out everything in their path, from troops and tanks to fortified emplacements.

The Katyusha’s power, combined with the psychological impact of its loud, distinctive sound during fire – like an organ or siren (which led to the secondary nickname ‘Stalin’s Organ’), meant Katyusha crews had to stay well away from the front, or risk facing immediate execution by Nazi troops seeking revenge.

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❗️Second round of voting in the Bundestag to elect Germany's chancellor will be held on Tuesday at 13:15 GMT — report

Merz to be nominated for German chancellor again, CDU/CSU faction leader says

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🇸🇰 Activists in Slovakia clean the monument to Red Army soldiers

The head of the National Preparatory Committee of the World Youth Festival in Slovakia, Tomás Spacek, and secretary Robert Russel have held a cleanup as part of the “We are for Cleanliness” campaign.

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🇬🇼 President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embaló will attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow — ambassador to Russia confirmed to Sputnik

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❗️Moscow expects 29 foreign leaders at the Victory Parade, said presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.

Ushakov about the guests at the Victory Parade:

🔹Leaders of Brazil, China, Palestine, and Egypt will attend the parade in Moscow

🔹Venezuela will be represented at the Victory Parade in the capital at the highest level, President Nicolas Maduro will visit Russia on May 7-9

🔹India, Nicaragua and South Africa will be represented by high-level delegations

🔹DPRK will be represented at the ambassadorial level at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of victory

Other statements by Ushakov:

🔸Putin to visit China in early September.

🔸Veterans from a number of foreign countries, including the United States, will attend the Victory Parade in Moscow.

🔸Ceremonial units from 13 countries will march along Red Square at the parade on May 9.

🔸Putin will meet heads of foreign delegations on May 9, they will go to Red Square together.

🔸The Victory Parade traditionally begins at 10:00 Moscow time.

🔸Russia has sent an invitation to the parade in Moscow to the US ambassador.

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🚨 The Israeli army confirms that Sana'a airport has been destroyed, and local power plants and a cement factory north of the Yemeni capital were also targeted.

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❗️During the Victory Day celebrations, Vladimir Putin will hold more than 15 bilateral meetings and several on-the-go conversations, Ushakov said.

What meetings does the Russian president have planned during the celebrations?

🔹On May 7, the Russian leader and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will sign an agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation

🔹On the same day, Putin will hold talks with the presidents of Cuba, Mongolia and Congo

🔹On May 8, the head of state will hold talks with Xi Jinping, the leaders of the countries will sign joint statements on further deepening relations

🔹On May 9, Putin and the president of Brazil will discuss the situation in Ukraine, in addition, the Russian leader will meet with the president of Egypt

🔹Also on May 9, Putin will meet with the president of Serbia and prime minister of Slovakia, a meeting is planned with the president of Uzbekistan

🔹On May 10, Putin will hold talks with the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, in total, 6 bilateral meetings are planned for this day - including with the leaders of Laos, Zimbabwe, Palestine

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🇰🇷🇷🇺Record-breaking Immortal Regiment march and Victory Day concert held in Seoul

Over 500 people participated in the event, with South Koreans also joining in, expressing interest in Russian culture and history. The march was followed by a concert in honor of Victory Day.

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🇩🇪 Germany's parliament elects Friedrich Merz, leader of CDU/CSU bloc, as the new chancellor

He secured 325 votes from lawmakers, surpassing the required 316.

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📹 ‘Zelensky is mocking veterans who want to participate in May 9 events’ – Russian MFA spox

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🇷🇺🇮🇱 Vladimir Putin holds phone conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu — Kremlin

Putin and Netanyahu discussed the situation in the Middle East and current issues in bilateral relations.

The leaders exchanged congratulations on the anniversary of the Great Victory, and the Russian President conveyed his wishes for the health of veterans living in Israel.

During the conversation, the determination to defend the truth about the events of World War II was noted, and the decisive contribution of the Red Army and the Soviet people to the defeat of Nazism was emphasized.

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