{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Kiev’s move to close ballot stations in Russia violates citizens’ rights — commissioner

The Ukrainian Central Election Commission has decided to close all ballot stations in Russia

MOSCOW, January 31. /TASS/. The Ukrainian Central Election Commission’s decision to close all ballot stations in Russia to deprive Ukrainians from their right to vote in the March 31 presidential election is a flagrant violation of international commitments, Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said on Thursday.

Read also

Survey shows Timoshenko as frontrunner in Ukraine's presidential election

"I believe that the Ukrainian CEC’s decision to close polling stations for voting in Russia, due to which Ukrainians living in Russia won’t be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election without leaving the country, flagrantly violates both Ukrainian citizens’ rights and the country’s international commitments," Moskalkova said in a statement published on her website on Thursday.

According to Moskalkova, the decision of the Ukrainian election authority, which also severed contacts with the Russian Central Election Commission, is politically motivated.

"By such steps, the Ukrainian authorities actually deprived of the voting rights millions of Ukrainians, who are working in Russia. This is a direct violation of their civilian, political and humanitarian rights, and international observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Council of Europe, which have been accredited for the vote, should pay attention to this," she stressed.

She noted that the bulk of those Ukrainians who vote in Russia are "voters who are working to strengthen good neighborly relations between Ukraine and Russia and contribute to mutual understanding between the two brotherly nations."

Earlier, the Ukrainian Central Election Commission closed all five ballot stations, which were set up on a permanent basis in Russia. They are in the Ukrainian Embassy in Moscow, the consulate general in Rostov-on-Don, the consulate general in St. Petersburg, the consulate in Yekaterinburg and the consulate in Novosibirsk. At the same time, the CEC expanded three ballot stations in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Finland. Ukrainians living in Russia will be able to vote in the embassies of Ukraine in Tbilisi, Astana and Helsinki.

The presidential election campaign kicked off in Ukraine on December 31, 2018. The voting is scheduled for March 31.

Tags

Ukraine crisis Foreign policy

Representatives of all Russian peoples fight in special military operation — Putin

This exemplifies the tremendous strength of the Russian Army, Vladimir Putin said

US Secret Service shoots man trying to break into Trump's estate

According to the statement, on Saturday night, "an armed man was shot" by Secret Service agents and a local sheriff’s deputy following "an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago."

Talks on Ukraine may resume in Geneva on February 26 — source

Negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine took place in Geneva on February 17-18

World Bank improves forecast for Russian GDP growth in 2024-2025

Russia is expected to have economic growth by 3.2% in 2024, 1.6% in 2025, and 1.1% in 2026, the document indicates

No prejudice against Russian figure skaters at Olympics — Sikharulidze

Adeliia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik performed as if these four years of absence from the international arena had never happened, the President of the Russian Figure Skating Federation said

Russia’s military infrastructure on Cape Schmidt, Wrangel Island to be built by late 2015

To protect Russia’s interests in the Arctic, the Joint Strategic Command was formed in 2014 in the polar zone on the basis of the Northern Fleet

Aragchi says may meet with Witkoff in Geneva on February 26

We are still working on that, Iranian Foreign Minister said

Putin names development of nuclear triad his unconditional priority

Vladimir Putin stressed that this "guarantees Russia’s security"

US ready to hold talks with Iran on February 27 if Tehran responds to proposals — media

The report says that US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner "plan to be in Geneva on February 27" if Iran responds early next week

British trace visible in case of assassination attempt on General Alexeyev — FSB chief

Alexander Bortnikov noted that the Ukrainian intelligence services were the masterminds

EU not planning to withdraw from 15% tariff agreement with US — EC

However, the statement points out that the uncertainty following the court’s decision does little to promote fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic relations

Nord Stream gas pipelines may resume work with US participation — daily

Washington hopes to expand its control over the energy infrastructure in the region, the newspaper said

EDB head says investment bridge with Middle East being built

In December 2025, the EDB opened an official representative office at the ADGM International Financial Center in Abu Dhabi, Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, said

Number of drones intercepted on approach to Moscow reaches 22 — mayor

Emergency responders are working at the crash sites,

Russia's Slavneft doesn’t expect new US sanctions to have significant impact on Rosneft

The US imposed additional sanctions against several subsidiaries of one of the main shareholders of Rosneft

LPR head says Ukrainian army attacked oil depot with drones in Lugansk

Fuel tank was damaged and a fire occurred

Valentina Tereshkova, legendary Soviet cosmonaut and the first woman in space

The first ever woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, celebrates her birthday on March 6

US deploys dozens of military jets to Jordan — newspaper

At least 68 transport jets have landed at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base since Sunday

Russians take part in athletes' parade at Olympic closing ceremony

The ceremony is taking place in Verona

IOC head declares 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy closed

Kirsty Coventry called upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in the French Alps

Russia failed to find alternative to western capital markets in the east — Sberbank CEO

There is no alternative to western capital markets in the nearest years

Russia’s newest MLRS Sarma unveiled at World Defense Show

Saudi Arabia is hosting the defense expo from February 8-12

India eyes Russia’s latest Verba man-portable air defense system

The Verba man-portable air defense system comprises the launching mechanism, a missile, the friend-or-foe and other mechanisms

Hungary to block sanctions against Russia until supplies via Druzhba start — Orban

Hungary will reject the 20th sanctions package submitted to the EU for consideration, the Hungarian prime minister said

Google's foreclosed Russian debts exceed 26.3 billion rubles

The court and other materials reviewed by TASS say that 58 enforcement proceedings were opened against the company

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Russia’s National Wealth Fund totals $177 bln as of February 1 — Finance Ministry

The volume of the fund's liquid assets as of February 1 was $55.1 bln

Russian MP slams 20th package of EU sanctions as declaration of ‘tanker war’

According to Leonid Slutsky, these sanctions will further marginalize Europe in global politics and exclude any possibility of the European Union’s participation in negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement

West still seeking to tear Russia-Belarus union apart, diplomat warns

Back in 2020, Maria Zakharova recalled, "the Western regimes already attempted to spark another color revolution in Belarus through a wide network of their agents"

Iran’s refusal to enrich uranium red line in negotiations for US — Witkoff

The special US envoy claimed Tehran would have enough uranium enriched to the level needed to make a nuclear bomb within a week

Early 2000s contract with India saves Russia’s domestic tank industry — expert

According to Alexander Nozdrachev, the Main Armored Vehicle Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry had no funds to purchase tanks in 1999-2000

Russian troops advance West of Orekhov in Zaporozhye Region — military expert

Andrey Marochko said the liberation of Orekhov is "a key to Zaporozhye city"

Liberating Krinichnoye, Russian troops penetrate Ukraine’s defenses — expert

Andrey Marochko believes that, given the operational and tactical situation in this area, Russian forces will continue denting the enemy defenses at Krinichnoye

Upgraded Khrizantema-M antitank missile accelerates to hypersonic speed — Rostec

According to the holding company representative, this missile is being used in the special military operation zone in Ukraine

Russia to defend its interests no matter how much it upsets its enemies — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that when Moscow talks to its friends, it defends its interests too

US president's approval rate drops to 39% — poll

Meanwhile, 60% expressed a negative view, compared with 59% in October, including 47% who said they strongly disapprove of the measures taken by the US president

Hungary to block 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia — Szijjarto

The minister called Ukraine's decision not to resume Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline clear political blackmail, adding that Ukraine will not succeed in undermining Hungary's energy security

Trump raises tariffs from 10% to 15% worldwide

On Friday, Trump signed an executive order imposing 10% tariffs on imports from all countries

Hungary blocks EU's 90-billion-euro aid package for Ukraine — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto says the decision will remain in force until Ukraine restarts Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

Estate to pay $35 million to 40 financier's victims — Bloomberg

The proposed settlement plan must be approved by a federal judge in New York to take effect

Total of 1,500 people set free in Syria under general amnesty decree — justice minister

On February 18, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree granting a general amnesty on the occasion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

Press review: Global response to Kerch standoff and EU joins Russia for SWIFT alternative

Top stories in the Russian press on Wednesday

Eight types of newest drones introduced in Russia — Rostec

Rostec presented devices of different designs - aircraft, with a vertical takeoff, quadrocopters, multicopters, both with electric motors and internal combustion engines, said CEO Sergey Chemezov

Russia’s failure to meet international commitments poses risk to business — ex-minister

Fulfillment of international courts' rulings and solution of any business disputes are stipulated in any business contract with western investors

Russia’s Gonets satellite system serves as example of successful conversion

The system was created after upgrading special-purpose communications satellites for civilian use

Slovak PM to request halt to power supplies to Ukraine on Monday

He explained that the move would be a response to the Kiev authorities’ suspension of Russian oil deliveries to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline

Iran designates EU countries’ navies, air forces as terrorist organizations

According to the statement, "based on the principle of reciprocity," the Iranian foreign ministry recognizes and declares "the navies and air forces of all EU member states as terrorist organizations"

Ukrainian FPV drone strike kills man in Belgorod Region

The Ukrainian military attacked a car

New US national strategy signals readiness to discuss security architecture — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman noted that for the first time in many years, the US document refers to Russia not as a "threat" but as a participant in the dialogue on stability

Witkoff says Putin was always straight in conversations with him

The Special US Envoy indicated that it was important for him to understand Russia’s position

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

Child present among Chinese tourists who died on Lake Baikal

Seven bodies have been located using an underwater camera

Iran does not discuss removal of highly enriched uranium from republic with US — TV

At the same time, the source denied rumors about possible Iran’s concessions in the oil and gas sector

Olympic closing ceremony kicks off in Verona

The event will feature a parade of athletes, the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, and the transfer of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the 2030 Winter Olympics in France

Participants from 24 countries connected to Bank of Russia’s Financial Messaging System

Alla Bakina emphasized that efforts to onboard new participants will continue

Venezuela’s acting head Rodriguez calls for country’s unity and stability

Delcy Rodriguez pointed out that the strategic importance of the Program of Democratic Coexistence and Peace was the main tool for the national reconciliation

Iran receives 'encouraging signals' at talks with US in Geneva — president

However, he stressed that Tehran continues "to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario."

Russia will never forget or forgive Kiev regime’s crimes — FSB chief

Asked whether Moscow should "behave in the same way the Kiev regime is behaving with Russia and conduct some kind of counter-special operations," Alexander Bortnikov emphasized that the issue of countermeasures is generally very delicate

Iran will not hand over control of its energy resources to US — Reuters

Tehran’s right to enrich uranium under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons should be recognized, the Iranian official noted

WHO reports over 430 attacks on Gaza healthcare system since October 2023

Only 11 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional in Gaza at the moment

Lavrov offers condolences to Wang Yi over death of Chinese tourists in Lake Baikal

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that relevant Russian agencies are conducting a full-scale investigation of the incident and promised to inform Beijing about its results immediately

Representatives of all Russian peoples fight in special military operation — Putin

This exemplifies the tremendous strength of the Russian Army, Vladimir Putin said

Leader of Jalisco Cartel dies en route to hospital — Mexican Defense Ministry

The operation was coordinated with the National Intelligence Center and the prosecutor’s office, with informational support from US authorities, the ministry said

Peace in Europe possible only with Russia’s participation — Germany’s ruling AfD party

Alice Weidel has also landed sharp criticism regarding the foreign policy rhetoric voiced by the current German government as part of the CDU/CSU and SPD bloc

Georgia purchases record 4,800 tons of liquefied propane from Russia in January

This is 2.2 times more than in January 2025 and the highest figure ever for a single month

US looks into possibility of targeting individual leaders in Iran — Reuters

No details on who will be viewed as a target are available

Russia promises retaliation if South Korea joins PURL initiative on Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow was surprised to hear reports about possible Seoul's participation in this program, since such steps would be at odds with the country's official line of non-participation in the efforts of the collective West to pump weapons and ammunition into the Ukrainian army

Japan’s prime minister vows to strengthen US alliance

Sanae Takaichi reiterated plans for an official visit to the US in March

Russian skiers fail to win any medals at Olympics for first time in history

Russian skiers made their Olympic debut in 1956 in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Russian air defenses shot down seven HIMARS multiple launch rockets, 326 UAVs

Russian troops have launched a strike with long-range precision weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial complex and energy infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian army, with all designated objects affected, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Central Asia’s growing population requires leap forward in energy, water — EDB head

It is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank, said, adding that the EDB expects the combined economy of the region's five countries to reach $600 bln this year

US weighs on assassination attempt on Iran's supreme leader, his son — news outlet

The sources cited by Axios say that Iran may be allowed ‘token’ nuclear enrichment

Kiev can receive information posted on Telegram — FSB

The spokesperson said that the use of Telegram by the Russian army in the area of a special military operation in the last three months threatened the lives of military personnel

Russia downs five Flamingo long-range missiles, 172 aircraft-type UAVs during day

According to the Defense Ministry, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 115,937 unmanned aerial vehicles

Ukrainian conflict moves towards settlement — Russia’s charge d’affaires in US

In ensuring that children all over the world sleep peacefully because the great powers keep in touch in the form of a professional dialogue, Andrey Ledenyov said

Kamaz plans to start serial assembly of trucks in Vietnam in 2020

At the first stage it is planned to assemble at least 1,000 cars a year - the volume of investments will reach up to $10 mln

Russian presidential envoy expresses confidence in peace through dialogue

Peace will prevail through dialogue, Kirill Dmitriev said

After New START expiration, Russia needs more Oreshnik missile systems — analyst

According to Igor Korotchenko, Russia’s main goal is to possess a guaranteed retaliatory strike capability using the Strategic Missile Forces weapons, specifically the ground-mobile missile systems

US, NATO’s aggressive policies may result in clash between nuclear powers — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that Russia was fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and "systematically sends sobering signals to the Western countries"

Air defenses destroy 130 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions in four hours

65 drones intercepted over the Bryansk Region

Iranian official says Iran-US talks could take place in March — Reuters

Tehran and Washington have different views on the scope and mechanism for lifting sanctions against Iran, a senior Iranian official said

Russian General Staff uses analytics to counter Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy noted that the Main Operations Directorate is directly involved in developing and implementing a set of measures to enhance air defense capabilities

China may be in work on development of nuclear weapons’ new generation — CNN

According to the TV channel, granted investments in the nuclear arsenal will enable China to be allegedly able to have technical capabilities that none of the dominant nuclear powers currently possess

Europe lost right to sit at Ukraine table with Moscow betrayal — Russian Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Europe needs to earn back trust and learn to keep its word, especially with regard to certain norms, rules and laws

New Caledonia declares evacuation in several areas due to tsunami

The United States Geological Survey reported a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near New Caledonia

Russia helps secure Venezuela's statehood — MFA

No one would have negotiated with them; they would have been treated, as the West has repeatedly suggested, as those who are on the menu, Maria Zakharova said

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic two times over past day

There were no reports on casualties among civilians

US sends hospital vessel to shores of Greenland, says President Trump

The US leader noted that this is necessary to take care of the many people who are sick

Italian Olympic organizers hand over Olympic flag to France

The 2030 Olympics will be hosted in the French Alps

Iran believes potential deal with US should include sanctions relief — foreign minister

In 2015, Iran, along with China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the US signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, resolving a crisis that had begun in 2002 amid Western accusations that Tehran was seeking nuclear weapons

Air defenses destroy 36 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions in three hours

15 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Russian army repels Ukrainian attack in Zaporozhye Region — Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, the enemy lost up to 80 servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, two vehicles, as well as a Grad multiple rocket launcher

Finnish top diplomat Valtonen says resumption of dialogue with Russia still possible

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen also believes that Europe should play a more significant role in the peace process

Iran-US talks cover only republic's nuclear program — Aragchi

"Right now, we are negotiating only nuclear and there is no other subject," Iranian Foreign Minister replied to a journalist's question on whether these consultations concerned, in particular, Iran's missile program and Tehran's support for various forces in the region

Four people hurt in oil well fire in Samara Region

The fire was extinguished on an area of 20 square meters

Foreign mercenaries of Ukrainian army fight Russia near Raigorodka

According to an officer of the department for joint training and interaction with the armed forces of the organizational and planning department of the Moscow military district combat training directorate, they heard English and Georgian, but did not communicate personally

Ukrainian conflict continues to be fueled with US arms supplies — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the current US leadership appeared to be making efforts to seek solutions to the crisis

Russia does not threaten Estonia but will do what necessary to ensure security — Kremlin

If Estonia has nuclear weapons aimed at Russia, Moscow will aim its own nuclear weapons at Estonia, Dmitry Peskov said

Air defenses destroy 73 Ukrainian drones during first half of Sunday

18 drones over the territory of the Belgorod Region, two drones over the territory of the Kaluga Region

Russia condemns Kiev’s terrorist attacks on tankers, oil facilities — diplomat

Maria Zakharova said that the civilian energy infrastructure facilities that came under attack play an important role in ensuring global energy security and have never been targeted by international restrictions