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Pravda Report
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[l] at 4/17/26 10:02am
The authorities of the European Union "did not attach importance” to the list of drone production facilities for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Europe published by the Russian Ministry of Defense. However, its significance may yet have to be proven. EU Confident Moscow Will Not Strike Its Military Facilities European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper stated that the EU would not pay attention to Russia's statements, including the list released by the Ministry of Defense, and would instead focus on supporting Ukraine and strengthening its own defense capabilities. She also called on Moscow to engage in the peace process and pointed to Russia's economic difficulties, noting that the budget deficit at the beginning of 2026 had nearly doubled. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said he had no doubt that the United States would come to the aid of its allies "in the event of a Russian attack.” During an official visit to Vilnius, Pevkur told Reuters: "Yes, I trust the United States, and yes, I trust all our allies.”

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 9:44am
The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case into the death of well-known opera singer Yevgeny Kungurov, who gained attention for performing the romance "Dark Eyes” in Vladivostok before North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, The Kommersant reports. Initially, investigators considered the death to be a suicide. The 40-year-old soloist of the Kaliningrad Musical Theatre was found without signs of life on April 8, 2024, beneath the windows of a residential building on Zoologicheskaya Street in Moscow, where he had been renting an apartment on the ninth floor with his wife. However, the singer's father, Viktor Kungurov, a retired military officer from the Sverdlovsk region, insisted on a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy. He is convinced that his son was killed and that the suicide was staged to conceal the crime.

[Category: Society] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 9:26am
Chocolate manufacturers are beginning to move away from cocoa in favor of alternative ingredients as global market volatility continues to disrupt supply and pricing. According to The Wall Street Journal, companies across the industry are actively exploring substitutes after two years of instability in cocoa markets. Market Turbulence and Falling Demand Demand for cocoa in Europe has declined by 7.8% year-on-year, while in North America consumption fell by 3.8% in the first quarter. These trends reflect both rising costs and shifting consumer behavior. Cocoa prices have been highly volatile. After reaching a record high of $12,000 per ton in December 2024, prices dropped below $2,900 per ton by February. The fluctuations are largely attributed to adverse weather conditions, including drought, and the spread of plant diseases affecting cocoa crops in key producing regions.

[Category: Business] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 9:01am
Kyiv has expressed readiness to meet with a Russian delegation in Turkey. According to the Ukrainian side, partners in Istanbul have already been informed of this intention. Proposal for a Leaders' Summit in Turkey Ukraine is ready for a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. "We are ready for a meeting of the leaders in Turkey in the format Zelensky-Putin, with the participation of Erdogan and Trump,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry quoted Sybiha as saying.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 8:45am
The Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) SKAT 350M, designed for reconnaissance missions, will be presented for the first time at the international exhibition INNOPROM. Central Asia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This was announced by the Kalashnikov Сoncern. Growing Interest from Central Asia "Recently, we have observed steadily increasing interest in the SKAT 350M UAV from countries in Central Asia. This interest is based on the effective use of the system both for military purposes in the special military operation zone and in civilian projects,” said Leonid Rokeakh, Director of Export Sales for unmanned systems at the company. The growing demand reflects a broader trend in the region toward adopting versatile drone technologies capable of serving both security and economic needs, including infrastructure monitoring and environmental observation.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 7:30am
Mines of the NM123 type, which Norway supplied to Kyiv, have proven ineffective. The fuze mechanism of the ammunition did not function properly, according to the Norwegian Armed Forces publication Forsvarets forum. Faulty Fuze Limits Combat Effectiveness According to the magazine, Ukrainian military personnel were not informed that the munitions were classified as "limited suitability.” The 81 mm high-explosive fragmentation mortar mine is equipped with a fuze selector that allows either airburst detonation or impact-triggered explosion. However, in the units delivered to Ukraine, a malfunction meant that only the impact detonation mode functioned. This significantly reduced the operational flexibility and effectiveness of the weapon system in combat conditions.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 7:20am
Special correspondent of Pravda.Ru Daria Aslamova interviewed Doctor of Economics, Professor Andrey Kolganov about how Iran seized the valve of global trade, why freedom of the seas no longer exists, what lessons the Black Sea teaches us, and why wars are still being fought under outdated rules. How Iran Became the Main Overseer of the Strait of Hormuz Q: The war with Iran continues for two months now. The Strait of Hormuz is closed. But it will reopen already on Iran's terms. Analysts estimate that transit fees through the strait could bring Iran about $100 billion a year. Are we witnessing an extraordinary geopolitical event? A: The situation is indeed quite unexpected. When analysts considered the possible economic consequences of a clash between the US-Israel coalition and Iran, the option of blocking the Strait of Hormuz was discussed — but it was assumed to be temporary during the conflict. The conflict would end, and everything would return to normal. Now the situation has turned in a different direction. Iran claims it will now control the Strait of Hormuz, jointly with Oman, which lies on the opposite side. In fact, this resembles the Suez Canal model. Egypt charges for passage through Suez, Panama charges for the Panama Canal, and now Iran together with Oman will charge for Hormuz. In their hands is the valve regulating a significant portion of international trade.

[Category: Opinion] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 6:09am
Russia has reiterated its willingness to accept enriched uranium from Iran as part of efforts to address tensions around the Iranian nuclear issue. However, the proposal has not gained traction with the United States. Kremlin Confirms Position Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while Russia remains open to the idea, it is currently not under discussion in ongoing negotiations. "At the moment, this proposal is not on the negotiating table, as far as we understand. Russia is open to it – this has been repeatedly stated by President Vladimir Putin. Yet, it is not much in demand for the United States right now."

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 6:02am
Imports of Russian oil into the European Union declined sharply in February 2026, reflecting a broader trend of decreasing reliance on Russian energy supplies across the bloc. Imports Fall to Multi-Month Low According to data from Eurostat, EU countries purchased Russian crude worth €181.5 million during the month. This represents a threefold decline compared to previous levels and marks the lowest figure since November 2025. Compared with January 2026, the value of imports fell by nearly 19 percent. On a year-on-year basis, the drop was even more pronounced, with February figures down 3.2 times compared to the same period in 2025.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/17/26 5:40am
Statements from Russian officials have intensified concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict, as lawmakers and defense representatives signal that facilities in Europe involved in drone production for Ukraine could be considered legitimate targets. Warning from Russian Lawmaker Andrey Kolesnik, a member of the State Duma's defense committee, stated that he believes a decision on possible strikes against enterprises involved in the production of drones for Ukraine has already been made. "I believe the decision was made long ago. The question is when it will be implemented. When the Supreme Commander-in-Chief deems it necessary, it will be carried out."

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 12:06pm
A dramatic rescue in Tyumen has captured widespread attention after a firefighter brought two cats back to life following a dangerous apartment fire. The incident highlights not only the risks of smoke inhalation for animals but also the skill and quick thinking required in emergency situations. On the evening of April 15, a fire broke out in an apartment located on Respubliki Street. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene. Three residents were rescued directly from the flames, while eight others were safely evacuated from the building. Firefighters also managed to carry three cats out of the smoke-filled apartment. However, two of the animals had inhaled a dangerous amount of smoke and were in critical condition.

[Category: Society] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 11:54am
For the third year in a row, fashion magazines have been promoting the idea of men's ballet flats. Despite the push from influencers, the trend has struggled to win over a mass audience. However, a compromise has emerged: hybrid shoes that combine elements of slippers, loafers, and ballet flats. Unlike their more radical counterparts, these designs are proving to be far more wearable-and increasingly popular. The Rise of Minimalist Elegance in Men's Footwear The growing appeal of these hybrid shoes fits into a broader shift in men's fashion toward minimalist, elegant footwear. Thin soles, soft silhouettes, and understated design have replaced bulky sneakers and heavy formal shoes in many wardrobes. These loafer-ballet hybrids typically feature soft leather construction, no laces, and a clean, low-cut opening. This makes them more comfortable than traditional dress shoes while maintaining a refined appearance. Their simplicity is intentional: they avoid bold detailing, allowing the overall outfit-or even socks-to become the focal point.

[Category: Women] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 11:43am
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day-and for good reason. The way you start your morning can influence your energy levels, metabolism, and appetite throughout the day. For those trying to lose weight, breakfast plays a particularly important role in controlling hunger, preserving muscle mass, and preventing overeating later on. However, even people who aim to eat healthy frequently make simple mistakes that can slow progress or even lead to weight gain. Here are ten of the most common breakfast habits that may be working against you. 1. Skipping Breakfast Entirely Whether skipping breakfast helps with weight loss remains debated. Some studies suggest it may slightly reduce calorie intake, but others show the opposite effect: increased hunger later in the day and a slower metabolism.

[Category: Health] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 11:29am
Digging a garden from fence to sunset is a strategy for those who do not value their free time. A smart gardener looks for ways to cooperate with the plant so that it works for them. The traditional method of cutting potatoes before planting, known as notching, is not rural magic but a precise intervention into the tuber's dormant system. One accurate cut replaces extra fertilizer and hours of weeding. The Mechanics of Awakening: How Notching Works Normally, a potato directs most of its energy to the "top” — the strongest sprout. The remaining buds stay dormant, conserving resources. Notching interrupts this dominance. A shallow cut blocks the flow of nutrients to the leading bud and forces the lower "eyes” to awaken. As a result, instead of one weak stem, you get a powerful bush with five to seven stems. This forms the basis of an evenly developed and productive potato bed. "It is believed that notching activates all the eyes on the potato, leading to more uniform and vigorous growth. As a result, large and healthy tubers form, and yields increase significantly,” explained agronomy consultant Olga Semyonova in an interview with Pravda.Ru. The more stems, the greater the area for photosynthesis. More foliage means more nutrients directed to the roots. This works as effectively as soaking onion sets before planting: it simply helps the plant redistribute its energy.

[Category: Gardening] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 11:24am
The volume of antidepressant, antipsychotic, and tranquilizer sales has increased in Russia, analysts told Izvestia, pointing to a continuing trend in the country's mental health landscape. In January-March 2026, Russians purchased 22% more antidepressants than during the same period last year, according to Nikolai Bespalov, Development Director at the analytical company RNC Pharma. This follows a similar динамика in 2025, when purchases rose by 23% compared to 2024. Why Demand for Antidepressants Is Growing Experts attribute the trend in part to changes in prescribing practices. According to psychiatrist Igor Lazarev, antidepressants are increasingly being prescribed not only by psychiatrists, but also by doctors from other specialties.

[Category: Society] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 11:13am
Russia has developed a recombinant genetically engineered vaccine against dengue fever, and its clinical trials are now beginning, according to Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA). "A recombinant genetically engineered vaccine against dengue fever has been developed, and its clinical trials are beginning,” she stated at a meeting of the FMBA. The agency head уточнила that the vaccine was created following a request from the President of the Republic of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega.

[Category: Science] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 10:30am
Every winter, the taiga falls silent. Brown bears disappear into their dens, entering a state that is mistakenly called deep sleep. In reality, it is an extremely complex survival process. During this period, a dense "plug” forms in the animal's body, known among taiga dwellers as the bear plug. This is not just biological waste. It is 33 centimeters of dry, compressed mass that turns a peaceful animal into a powder keg. What Is the Bear Plug: The Anatomy of Survival During hibernation, the bear's intestines stop functioning in their usual way. The animal neither eats nor drinks for months. To prevent valuable moisture from evaporating and waste products from contaminating the den, nature has created a natural barrier. The plug blocks the exit, functioning like a sealed valve. Its length can reach 40 cm, and its density resembles wood or old felt. "Bear plug is not a pathology, but the pinnacle of adaptation. Without it, the animal simply would not be able to maintain cleanliness in its winter shelter and would risk dehydration,” explained zootechnician Sergey Pakhomov in an interview with Pravda.Ru. When spring arrives, the animal begins to move. Internal pressure builds up. The process of releasing the plug is a painful and prolonged stage. It is during these days that the bear in its den becomes максимально vulnerable and aggressive. Physical discomfort deprives it of sleep and caution.

[Category: Animal] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 10:13am
The European Union's ability to provide large-scale support to citizens and businesses is limited, said European Commissioner for Climate Wopke Hoekstra, citing the ongoing energy crisis. Limited Budgets and Rising Energy Costs According to him, due to constrained budgetary resources, EU member states cannot fully compensate households and businesses for rising energy prices. Hoekstra noted that this problem has no "simple financial solutions,” while residents across the European Union continue to feel the impact of rising costs.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 9:59am
Amid drone strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine against Russia, Sergey Shoygu, Secretary of Russia's Security Council, reminded Finland and the Baltic states of Russia's right to self-defense under the UN Charter, TASS reports. Warning Over Drone Activity Through Baltic and Finnish Airspace "Recently, cases have become more frequent in which Ukrainian drones carry out strikes on Russia via Finland and the Baltic states. As a result, civilians suffer, and significant damage is inflicted on civilian infrastructure,” Shoygu stated. According to him, this may occur in two cases — either due to the ineffectiveness of Western air defense systems or due to the deliberate provision of airspace by these states.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 8:52am
Russian Armed Forces destroyed American and French fighter jets F-16 and Mirage at the Dolgintsevo airfield in Ukraine's Kirovohrad region, according to Sergey Lebedev, coordinator of the pro-Russian underground in Mykolaiv. Strike on Airfield and Reported Losses He specified that foreign pilots were also eliminated as a result of the strike. Several F-16 and Mirage aircraft arrived at the airfield in the Kirovohrad region — and were completely destroyed.

[Category: Incidents] [Link to media]

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[l] at 4/16/26 8:32am
The perception of sweetness and the pleasure derived from drinks may depend not so much on their composition as on what a person believes about the product. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Radboud University, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge. The study was published in the journal The Journal of Neuroscience. How Expectations Change Taste The study involved 99 healthy adults with an average age of about 24. All participants initially had similar attitudes toward sugar and artificial sweeteners. However, when researchers began to alter their expectations, taste perception changed dramatically. If participants were told that a drink contained artificial sweeteners, they rated sugary drinks as less enjoyable. Conversely, when people believed they were drinking a sugar-containing beverage, their enjoyment increased — even if the drink was actually sugar-free.

[Category: Science] [Link to media]

As of 4/18/26 1:09pm. Last new 4/17/26 10:59am.

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