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Ukraine refutes Lavrov’s claim France sought talks without Ukraine

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that France suggested negotiations without Ukraine. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes there is no reason to trust Russia, stated Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi at a press conference.

Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that France had repeatedly approached Russia through closed channels, proposing dialogue without Ukrainian involvement.

Lavrov stated that Russia is open to contacts but criticized France, calling it the “primary advocate for sending so-called peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi emphasized that there is no reason to trust another Russian lie, but there is a reason to trust the partners.

“The purpose of these comments is clear: to sow discord between Ukraine and France, between Ukraine and its allies. This is a typical Russian strategy. The author of these comments is not only a war criminal, but also a pathological liar. This person claimed that the bombing of the maternity hospital in Mariupol and the atrocities in Bucha were staged. It seems to me that after these words, trusting him is to disrespect oneself,” Tykhyi said.

France’s assistance

At the beginning of the full-scale war, French President Emmanuel Macron tried to maintain a dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, Macron later changed his position. He was the first to propose sending military instructors to Ukraine to train the Ukrainian Armed Forces on their territory. He also supports the idea of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine.

Most partners currently reject the idea, but there are those who are ready to consider this prospect.

The German Defense Minister said that Berlin is ready to discuss the deployment of peacekeeping troops, but only if Russia agrees to it.


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Azerbaijan Airlines reveals cause of plane crash in Kazakhstan

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Azerbaijan Airlines has revealed the cause of the Embraer 190 plane crash in Kazakhstan. The company believes the crash occurred due to “physical and technical external interference,” according to a statement by Azerbaijan Airlines on Twitter (X).

The statement indicates that preliminary investigation results into the crash of Embraer 190 flight J2-8243 point to external physical and technical interference.

Azerbaijan Airlines notes that because of this, as well as the risks that may arise for flight safety, flights from Baku to several airports in Russia have been suspended.

Starting December 28, per a decision by Azerbaijan’s State Civil Aviation Agency, flights will no longer be operated to Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vladikavkaz.

Additionally, as of December 25, the airline suspended flights from Baku to Grozny and Makhachkala.

For safety reasons, it was also decided to suspend flights of other airlines to Grozny and Makhachkala.

Plane crash in Kazakhstan

On December 25, a passenger plane, Embraer 190, crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The aircraft, owned by Azerbaijan Airlines, was operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny.

The crash claimed the lives of 38 people. A total of 67 passengers and crew were on board.

Initially, reports suggested the crash was caused by a collision with birds. However, later media reports claimed that the plane was shot down by Russian air defense in Grozny. The head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, confirmed that the aircraft was brought down by a Russian Pantsir-S1 missile system on Russian territory.

According to media reports, Azerbaijan acknowledged that the crash was caused by a Russian missile. Meanwhile, Russia denies responsibility and refuses to admit its involvement in the incident.

Read more about the Kazakhstan plane crash and how Russia is trying to avoid accountability in RBC-Ukraine’s material.


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Azerbaijan Airlines reveals cause of plane crash in Kazakhstan

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Azerbaijan Airlines has revealed the cause of the Embraer 190 plane crash in Kazakhstan. The company believes the crash occurred due to “physical and technical external interference,” according to a statement by Azerbaijan Airlines on Twitter (X).

The statement indicates that preliminary investigation results into the crash of Embraer 190 flight J2-8243 point to external physical and technical interference.

Azerbaijan Airlines notes that because of this, as well as the risks that may arise for flight safety, flights from Baku to several airports in Russia have been suspended.

Starting December 28, per a decision by Azerbaijan’s State Civil Aviation Agency, flights will no longer be operated to Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vladikavkaz.

Additionally, as of December 25, the airline suspended flights from Baku to Grozny and Makhachkala.

For safety reasons, it was also decided to suspend flights of other airlines to Grozny and Makhachkala.

Plane crash in Kazakhstan

On December 25, a passenger plane, Embraer 190, crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The aircraft, owned by Azerbaijan Airlines, was operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny.

The crash claimed the lives of 38 people. A total of 67 passengers and crew were on board.

Initially, reports suggested the crash was caused by a collision with birds. However, later media reports claimed that the plane was shot down by Russian air defense in Grozny. The head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, confirmed that the aircraft was brought down by a Russian Pantsir-S1 missile system on Russian territory.

According to media reports, Azerbaijan acknowledged that the crash was caused by a Russian missile. Meanwhile, Russia denies responsibility and refuses to admit its involvement in the incident.

Read more about the Kazakhstan plane crash and how Russia is trying to avoid accountability in RBC-Ukraine’s material.


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5 most anticipated Apple devices set to release in early 2025

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2025 is already close, and it looks like Apple will start it with several impressive product launches.

The leading Apple news site 9to5Mac reports on five new products expected at the beginning of 2025.

M4 MacBook Air

Apple’s most popular Mac is preparing for its next update. The new MacBook Air is expected to launch in early 2025 with the following features:

  • M4 chip;
  • 16 GB RAM standard;
  • Nano-texture display option;
  • 12MP Center Stage camera;
  • Likely improved battery performance due to the M4 chip
  • The same design in 13-inch and 15-inch versions

Overall, this will be a worthy update for the MacBook Air. As for the timing, the launch will most likely take place in March – just as the MacBook Air with M3 was released in early 2024.

iPhone SE 4

Apple’s next iPhone will be a device suitable for most buyers. The new iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch in March.

Key features of the new iPhone SE:

  • iPhone 14-style design with an OLED display and no Home button;
  • Face ID and a notch;
  • A18 chip just added to iPhone 16;
  • Apple Intelligence support, available only for 16 and 15 Pro models;
  • 8 GB of RAM;
  • 48 MP main camera, likely similar to the iPhone 16’s camera;
  • USB-C port;
  • The first ever 5G modem developed by Apple.

All of this at an affordable price, likely under $499.

Smart display ‘HomePad’

One of Apple’s most anticipated products will be a smart display called ‘HomePad.’

Mark Gurman describes this product as a new milestone in the Home lineup. According to Gurman, the main features of the device will be:

  • Focus on Siri, communications, and smart home control;
  • Support for Safari, Music, Notes, and several other Apple apps, but no access to the App Store
  • The device is touch-sensitive, but the primary emphasis is on voice control through new App Intents in Apple Intelligence;
  • The new operating system combines elements of watchOS and iOS in StandBy mode; the dynamic interface adapts depending on the user’s distance;
  • Its size is roughly equivalent to two iPhones placed side by side, with a 6-inch screen;
  • The device is equipped with speakers, a FaceTime camera, and a battery;
  • Apple is developing wall attachments as well as a speaker base for tables, kitchens, and nightstands;
  • Enhanced security features and the ability for video calling/audio intercom with other smart home devices;
  • The main screen is customized with the classic Apple widgets and Home controls;
  • Support for video doorbells, surveillance cameras, and security event notifications.

Gurman suggests that ‘HomePad’ will be released in March, although the launch could be postponed to a later date.

5 найочікуваніших пристроїв Apple, які вийдуть на початку 2025 року

Smart display ‘HomePad’ (photo: 9to5Mac)

11th-generation iPad

After an almost empty 2023 for iPads, it was expected that Apple would update its entire iPad lineup in 2024. New iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models were released, but the basic iPad remained unchanged.

In early 2025, the iPad will be updated to the 11th generation. Details about the new device are still scarce, but it is expected to include:

  • A faster A-series chip;
  • Likely 8 GB of RAM with Apple Intelligence support;
  • A new networking chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from Apple

Essentially, it will be a standard update for the most affordable iPad.

Predictions: Apple Watch SE 3, iPad Air with M3, Smart Home products

Apple may release several other products in the first half of 2025:

Apple Watch SE 3

The last Apple Watch SE was released in 2022. The SE 3 was initially expected to launch in September 2024, but the device was not introduced. It will likely be released in March or April, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone SE 4.

iPad Air with M3

The current iPad Air with the M2 chip was released in May 2024, but rumors indicate a quick update to the M3 chip. The launch could happen in May, but the exact dates are still unknown.

HomePod mini 2 and New Apple TV 4K

Although there are no rumors about launch dates, it is logical to assume that their release could be tied to the HomePad launch as part of Apple’s new smart home strategy.

Apple’s plans can always change, but if these five or more products appear at the beginning of 2025, it will be an especially powerful start to the year for the company. All of this will lay the groundwork for an exciting WWDC and fall product launches.


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Azerbaijan airlines incident: Grozny and Rosaviatsiya confuse versions

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The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) and Grozny Airport have differing accounts of why an Azerbaijan Airlines plane changed its course to Kazakhstan, according to Grozny Airport Director Alvi Shakhgiriyev.

According to Shakhgiriyev, the Embraer 190AR aircraft, operating the Baku-Grozny flight for Azerbaijan Airlines, changed its course due to a thunderstorm before the start of the drone attack.

“This plane left us even before the Carpet Plan was implemented. The aircraft entered the zone of our airport and attempted to land three times but was unable to due to poor weather conditions — fog and low cloud cover prevented it from landing. The aircraft commander independently decided to divert to an alternate airfield. He informed our dispatchers that he was heading to Baku. Later, he changed his decision and headed to Aktau,” the airport director stated.

Shakhgiriyev also added that while the aircraft was within the Grozny Airport responsibility zone, the commander did not report any technical malfunctions or issues on board.

Earlier, Dmitry Yadrov, head of Rosaviatsiya, claimed that the plane could not land due to weather conditions and the implementation of the Carpet Plan.

Kazakhstan air crash

On December 25, a passenger plane, an Embraer 190 operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, crashed in Kazakhstan, resulting in dozens of fatalities. Media reports indicated the plane’s fuselage bore possible evidence of being struck from the ground.

As reported by Euronews, the crash may have been caused by an attack from Russian air defense systems.

More about the Kazakhstan air crash and how Russia is suppressing information about the involvement of air defense systems can be found in the RBC-Ukraine material.


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Ukraine calls for fair investigation of plane crash in Kazakhstan, Ukraine’s Minister

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Ukraine calls for a fair investigation into the plane crash in Kazakhstan to ensure Russia does not escape responsibility for the tragedy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha states.

“The crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane is horrifying. We express our condolences to Azerbaijan. It is telling that Russian media immediately began lying about the causes of the crash and that Russia forced the damaged plane to fly over the sea,” Sybiha said.

The minister did not rule out that this was likely an attempt to “bury the evidence,” destroying proof of Russia’s crime.

“The more photos and videos emerge from the cabin of the plane and after its crash, the more they point to damage caused by a Russian anti-aircraft system,” the Foreign Minister added.

Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is calling for a fair and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

“We must not allow Russia to lie, evade responsibility, or shift the blame,” the Foreign Minister concluded.

Passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan

On December 25, a passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. It was flying from Baku to Grozny.

There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and five crew members. Thirty-eight people lost their lives. Later, it was revealed that the Embraer 190 plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines might have been shot down in Russia. Later, Azerbaijani authorities confirmed that the crash near Aktau was indeed caused by a Russian missile.

Currently, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have suspended flights to several Russian cities following the plane’s downing.

For more information about what happened to the Embraer 190 passenger plane of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and which version of the tragedy is the most plausible, read our article on the topic.


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Ukraine calls for fair investigation of plane crash in Kazakhstan, Ukraine’s Minister

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Ukraine calls for a fair investigation into the plane crash in Kazakhstan to ensure Russia does not escape responsibility for the tragedy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha states.

“The crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane is horrifying. We express our condolences to Azerbaijan. It is telling that Russian media immediately began lying about the causes of the crash and that Russia forced the damaged plane to fly over the sea,” Sybiha said.

The minister did not rule out that this was likely an attempt to “bury the evidence,” destroying proof of Russia’s crime.

“The more photos and videos emerge from the cabin of the plane and after its crash, the more they point to damage caused by a Russian anti-aircraft system,” the Foreign Minister added.

Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is calling for a fair and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

“We must not allow Russia to lie, evade responsibility, or shift the blame,” the Foreign Minister concluded.

Passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan

On December 25, a passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. It was flying from Baku to Grozny.

There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and five crew members. Thirty-eight people lost their lives. Later, it was revealed that the Embraer 190 plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines might have been shot down in Russia. Later, Azerbaijani authorities confirmed that the crash near Aktau was indeed caused by a Russian missile.

Currently, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have suspended flights to several Russian cities following the plane’s downing.

For more information about what happened to the Embraer 190 passenger plane of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and which version of the tragedy is the most plausible, read our article on the topic.


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Ukraine finalizes Peace Summit preparations, awaits further developments

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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Heorhii Tykhyi, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, stated that Ukraine has finalized all necessary preparations for the second Peace Summit, but ongoing efforts remain.

 

“The previously mentioned timelines for holding the second Peace Summit were tentative. Ukraine has prepared everything necessary for the meeting, but work on it is still ongoing,” Tykhyi said.

“You can see for yourself that historical and tectonic processes are underway, including the arrival of new administrations (in the U.S. – ed.) and in European countries. The Peace Formula remains the foundation for a just resolution of the war, and this remains unchanged,” Tykhyi stated when asked if Kyiv would showcase its peace plan ahead of the second Peace Summit.

The Foreign Minister’s spokesperson added that Ukraine has prepared everything required for the second Peace Summit, including thematic conferences that harmonized shared positions.

“Ukraine is currently in a strong diplomatic position, as everything is ready. However, preparation is necessary for the summit to take place and be effective. The timelines mentioned earlier were indicative,” Tykhyi noted.

According to Tykhyi, Kyiv aims to implement everything as soon as possible but seeks results rather than “an event for the sake of an event.”
“However, everything remains on the table, and work continues,” he concluded.

Peace Summit

On October 11, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Peace Formula to the leaders of the G7 countries. This document is aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Ukraine and ending Russian aggression.

The Peace Formula includes several key aspects:

  • Providing defensive support to Ukraine.
  • Protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
  • Holding accountable those involved in armed aggression.
  • Combating ecocide.
  • Establishing a clear end to the war.

After the first Peace Summit, held on June 15-16, 2024, in Switzerland, nearly 100 countries and organizations joined the joint communiqué. The document covers only three of the ten points in the Peace Formula.

Later, President Zelenskyy stated that the next Peace Summit could take place in November and should mark the end of the full-scale war. A victory plan was also presented.

At the beginning of October, Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, asserted that the meeting might occur by the current year’s end.


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Ukraine finalizes Peace Summit preparations, awaits further developments

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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Heorhii Tykhyi, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, stated that Ukraine has finalized all necessary preparations for the second Peace Summit, but ongoing efforts remain.

 

“The previously mentioned timelines for holding the second Peace Summit were tentative. Ukraine has prepared everything necessary for the meeting, but work on it is still ongoing,” Tykhyi said.

“You can see for yourself that historical and tectonic processes are underway, including the arrival of new administrations (in the U.S. – ed.) and in European countries. The Peace Formula remains the foundation for a just resolution of the war, and this remains unchanged,” Tykhyi stated when asked if Kyiv would showcase its peace plan ahead of the second Peace Summit.

The Foreign Minister’s spokesperson added that Ukraine has prepared everything required for the second Peace Summit, including thematic conferences that harmonized shared positions.

“Ukraine is currently in a strong diplomatic position, as everything is ready. However, preparation is necessary for the summit to take place and be effective. The timelines mentioned earlier were indicative,” Tykhyi noted.

According to Tykhyi, Kyiv aims to implement everything as soon as possible but seeks results rather than “an event for the sake of an event.”
“However, everything remains on the table, and work continues,” he concluded.

Peace Summit

On October 11, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Peace Formula to the leaders of the G7 countries. This document is aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Ukraine and ending Russian aggression.

The Peace Formula includes several key aspects:

  • Providing defensive support to Ukraine.
  • Protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
  • Holding accountable those involved in armed aggression.
  • Combating ecocide.
  • Establishing a clear end to the war.

After the first Peace Summit, held on June 15-16, 2024, in Switzerland, nearly 100 countries and organizations joined the joint communiqué. The document covers only three of the ten points in the Peace Formula.

Later, President Zelenskyy stated that the next Peace Summit could take place in November and should mark the end of the full-scale war. A victory plan was also presented.

At the beginning of October, Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, asserted that the meeting might occur by the current year’s end.


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Ukraine finalizes Peace Summit preparations, awaits further developments

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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Heorhii Tykhyi, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, stated that Ukraine has finalized all necessary preparations for the second Peace Summit, but ongoing efforts remain.

 

“The previously mentioned timelines for holding the second Peace Summit were tentative. Ukraine has prepared everything necessary for the meeting, but work on it is still ongoing,” Tykhyi said.

“You can see for yourself that historical and tectonic processes are underway, including the arrival of new administrations (in the U.S. – ed.) and in European countries. The Peace Formula remains the foundation for a just resolution of the war, and this remains unchanged,” Tykhyi stated when asked if Kyiv would showcase its peace plan ahead of the second Peace Summit.

The Foreign Minister’s spokesperson added that Ukraine has prepared everything required for the second Peace Summit, including thematic conferences that harmonized shared positions.

“Ukraine is currently in a strong diplomatic position, as everything is ready. However, preparation is necessary for the summit to take place and be effective. The timelines mentioned earlier were indicative,” Tykhyi noted.

According to Tykhyi, Kyiv aims to implement everything as soon as possible but seeks results rather than “an event for the sake of an event.”
“However, everything remains on the table, and work continues,” he concluded.

Peace Summit

On October 11, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Peace Formula to the leaders of the G7 countries. This document is aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Ukraine and ending Russian aggression.

The Peace Formula includes several key aspects:

  • Providing defensive support to Ukraine.
  • Protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
  • Holding accountable those involved in armed aggression.
  • Combating ecocide.
  • Establishing a clear end to the war.

After the first Peace Summit, held on June 15-16, 2024, in Switzerland, nearly 100 countries and organizations joined the joint communiqué. The document covers only three of the ten points in the Peace Formula.

Later, President Zelenskyy stated that the next Peace Summit could take place in November and should mark the end of the full-scale war. A victory plan was also presented.

At the beginning of October, Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, asserted that the meeting might occur by the current year’s end.


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