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Russia enters top three in 2026 Global Firepower ranking

Based on the military power index, which is calculated from more than 60 factors, Russia ranks second among 145 countries

NEW YORK, January 26. /TASS/. The Russian Armed Forces have been included in the top three most powerful militaries in the world as of early 2026, according to the Global Firepower ranking.

Based on the military power index, which is calculated from more than 60 factors, Russia ranks second among 145 countries. The United States holds first place, while China is third. India and South Korea complete the top five, and France, Japan, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Italy round out the top ten. Ukraine ranked 20th.

In the ranking published in late 2025, Russia also held the second spot.

Kalashnikov group to ramp up hand-held combat weapons production in 2026

The company specified that it would mainly increase production of items in high demand in the special military operation zone, such as the shortened 5.45mm Kalashnikov AK-12K assault rifle, the 7.62mm Chukavin sniper rifle

Air defense forces down 40 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight

34 of them were destroyed over the Krasnodar Region

Russian oil companies continue operating in Venezuela — Moscow's envoy

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov noted that Russian companies would continue to fulfill their obligations regardless of any decisions made by the Venezuelan leadership

Mysterious Komi: legends, frost and deep snow

Many legends about the region's mysterious and magical places have survived to this day

Press review: Europe, US on brink of trade war as Russia ready to respond to UK plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 19th

Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi held at unmapped residence — correspondent

The trilateral talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi took place at the Qasr Al Shati residence

Russian air defenses down 31 Ukrainian HIMARS rockets over day — top brass

Also Russian air defenses shot down 68 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones

Gold price tops $5,000 per troy ounce amid political crisis — FT

The price of gold continues to rise as investors flock to this safe-haven asset amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing concerns about government spending in developed countries

Russia’s proposal to extend New START limits after February 5 in force — senior diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia "keeps the door open"

INTERVIEW: No progress in dialogue with US on irritants — senior Russian diplomat

Ryabkov explained that "it is counterproductive to hold high-level events that are later deemed fruitless"

INTERVIEW: Russia insists on Maduro's release — senior diplomat

On January 5, leaving the courtroom in Lower Manhattan, Maduro shouted that he was a prisoner of war

OSCE discredits itself, has no part in Ukrainian settlement — Russian envoy

Dmitry Polyansky noted that "no one is really interested in the OSCE resuming any monitoring functions in Ukraine"

Trump says Canada opposes Golden Dome deployment in Greenland

"Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China", US president said

Hungary will not be intimidated, Orban vows

He also called Zelensky a man who "cannot or does not want to stop the war"

Number of victims from ferry sinking in Philippines rises to 15

Rescuers continue the search for survivors

Ukraine attacks ambulance in Zaporozhye Region, driver wounded

The Ukrainian army drone attacked an ambulance that was taking a patient to a hospital in Vasilyevka

Another explosion reported in Ukrainian city of Kharkov

Earlier, two explosions were reported in the city

Israeli bullets found in bodies of children killed in Iran — TASS source

Unrest in Iran began on December 29, 2025, after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, spreading across most major cities

Finnish politician explains Greenland issue as US' desire to profit from weapons

Also the island is strategically important in the event of a war in the Arctic

Lukashenko hopes to meet with Modi at BRICS summit

The Belarusian leader noted that India, as the BRICS chair, was contributing to the strengthening of a multipolar and just world order

Zemledeliye system enhances army’s defensive, offensive potential — Rostec

The state corporation emphasized that the equipment allows for the salvo delivery of hundreds of programmable anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in a matter of minutes to an area the size of several football fields, including behind enemy lines

Preventing war is of mutual interest to Russia, Europe — envoy to OSCE

Dmitry Polyansky that Russia was concerned about "the population of European countries being brainwashed and indoctrinated with the idea that Russia allegedly threatens European peace"

US views its security guarantees for Ukraine more important than European ones — Politico

The newspaper's source called the efforts of the Coalition of the Willing nice and noted that the EU has "a couple helicopters and a couple troops"

US ‘making haste’ as mediator, Kremlin spokesman says

The Kremlin talks continued well into the night

INTERVIEW: Lots of unusual weapons emerge globally, senior Russian diplomat says

New, unusual weapons are being developed instead, he explained

Russian defense firm fulfils 2025 contracts for delivery of missiles for Iskander-M system

The High Precision Systems Holding Company also fulfilled contracts for the delivery of launchers for the Kornet anti-tank missile system and Verba man-portable surface-to-air missile systems

At least 60% of Ukrainian military assault groups destroyed in Kharkov Region

Ukrainian military were destroyed during their attempts to counterattack

Russia boosts pipeline gas supplies to China by 25%, to Uzbekistan by 30% in 2025 — IEA

Gazprom earlier reported that in 2025 it supplied more gas to China than to Europe for the first time

Some European countries criticize plan for Ukraine to join EU by 2027 — newspaper

According to Politico, some European leaders are concerned about "unforeseen complications for the Union" if Ukraine’s recovery is tied to its EU accession

Forty UAVs target Russian regions: attack aftermath

Debris from the UAVs fell on the territory of two enterprises in Slavyansk-on-Kuban, injuring one person

IN BRIEF: Medvedev on New START extension, nuclear club expansion in interview

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, the United States still has time until February 5 to make a decision on the extension

Russia's foreign trade surplus down to $6.8 bln in November — Central Bank

Compared to the revised October 2025 figure, the country’s foreign trade balance surplus in goods fell by $4 bln

Kremlin describes reports of possible blockade of Cuba as alarming

Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence that Havana was determined to defend its interests and independence

Belarus’ new ambassador says plans to arrive in Moscow by next weekend

The BelTA news agency reported on January 22 that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has appointed Seliverstov as the country’s new ambassador to Moscow

Venezuelan defenders used Igla systems on January 3 but lacked training — Russian envoy

There were at least two shots, and both missiles failed to hit their target, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Trump says trade deal with China will be ‘disaster’ for Canada

In addition, he posted a video of a speech by the CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association who says, in particular, that trade relations with the United States are critically important

Russian ambassador does not rule out that Maduro was betrayed by law enforcement

On January 3, US President Donald Trump announced a military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife by American forces

Von der Leyen criticized for not discussing corruption with Zelensky — newspaper

In response to the newspaper's request, the European Commission stated that it is monitoring the corruption scandal in Ukraine

Germany’s underground gas reserves down below 40%

UGS facilities are 39% full in France, 51.5% in Austria, 62.6% in Italy, and 33.3% in the Netherlands

Trump has invitation to visit Russia, senior diplomat says

However, in Ryabkov's words, there has been no practical development of the idea yet

French company supplies Ukraine with 500-km-range kamikaze drones — agency

Rodeur drones can carry a payload of up to 4 kilograms and fly at a velocity of 100 kilometers per hour for five hours

US, EU plan to attract $800 billion to support Ukraine — Politico

According to the 18-page document, within the next ten years the EU, the US and international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund undertake to spend at least $500 of public and private capital

Zelensky delays peace in Ukraine — Russian special envoy

"Zelensky’s lecturing of Europeans in Davos did not go well," Kirill Dmitriev added

Zelensky rejects territorial concessions again

Vladimir Zelensky added that the US is trying to find a compromise

AfD leader says her party will demand Ukraine pay compensation for Nord Stream blasts

According to Weidel, a country that is acting this way is not a friend to Germany

Russia to display its most sought-after drones at Abu Dhabi exhibition

Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev noted that unmanned technologies are one of the fastest-growing segments of the arms market

French Navy escorts Grinch tanker to Marseille port — TV

According to the Mediterranean Maritime Prefecture, the ship was "handed over to the Marseille prosecutor" for a preliminary investigation

Ferry sinks off coast of Philippines, 13 people killed — TV

Over a hundred passengers out of the 342 on board the vessel are listed as missing

Arms control is no panacea, efforts must be systematic — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stressed that arms control fulfills a secondary function

Seven people killed in US snowstorm zone — CNN

Deaths due to weather conditions were recorded in Texas, Missouri, and Kansas

Russia keeps diplomatic ties with Venezuela — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow and Caracas had separate bilateral relations

INTERVIEW: Russia’s security 100% guaranteed — senior Russian diplomat

Trump said earlier that the United States possesses weapons unknown to the rest of the world after being asked about the use of sonic weapons by the United States in Venezuela

Putin’s special envoy lauds UAE’s peacemaking efforts

Dmitriev also conveyed to the Emirate leader Russian President Vladimir Putin’s greetings and thanks for hosting the trilateral talks on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

Military-technical cooperation between Russia, Venezuela continues — ambassador

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov assured that the need for servicing Russian military equipment in Venezuela would continue for decades

Trump berated Danish PM for 45 minutes over Greenland — newspaper

Frederiksen declined to provide any details to the newspaper

Medvedev slams Zelensky’s Davos address as spit in EU’s face

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman emphasized that it isn’t the 1st time "the EU impotents have had their faces spat in"

Israeli aircraft strike southern Lebanon over 20 times — portal

According to the news portal, airstrikes were reportedly carried out on the mountainous Jabbur area and the Wadi Barguz gorge

Iran to hold talks with Turkey on establishing joint free economic zone

According to the agency, this measure is geared to encourage economic cooperation between the two countries, boost trade, simplify transit processes, create new jobs, and develop border regions

PM prevents Israeli president from attending World Economic Forum ceremony in Davos — TV

This situation has "created tension" between the offices of the prime minister and president in Israel, as well as between Netanyahu's office and the White House

Kremlin says expecting high results from first trilateral contacts would be mistake

"This is a very complex matter, with complex issues on the agenda," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia’s gas production fell 3% in 2025 — IEA

Production in 2025 totaled 663 bln cubic meters, compared with 685 bln cubic meters a year earlier, the IEA said

US egoism in dismantling New START to be globally unpopular — senior Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called on Washington "to consider the possibility of taking a more sensible and responsible path"

Owner of Czech arms holding CSG becomes richest defense entrepreneur — Bloomberg

Michal Strnad is the third-richest person in the world under 40

Over 1,600 high-rise buildings in Kiev remain without heating

Many of the disconnected buildings had already been reconnected

ZALA presents newest Lancet-E launcher at UMEX 2026 exhibition

Unlike a traditional vehicle-mounted launcher, the new system allows a single-person crew to deploy and launch it in less than a minute

OsA Okta FPV drone used to supply troops in special military op zone

The drone carries a 10-kg payload and is used to deliver ammunition, clothing, medicines and provisions to troops in hard-to-reach areas

US plans to strengthen confidence between Russia and Europe — Politico

Washington wants "to create a framework where that can start a new paradigm," the source told the news outlet

Strike on Iran would destabilize region, Russia expects restraint from parties — Kremlin

Russia continues its efforts to de-escalate tensions, Dmitry Peskov said

Oreshnik strike on Ukraine aircraft plant causes nervous reaction from West — expert

Vasily Prozorov emphasized that this weapon had no analogues in the world

Russia develops Mnogotochie anti-drone multi-bullet rounds

According to Rostec, experience shows that small arms are an effective means of defense against UAVs

Putin, Zelensky may meet shortly — Axios

According to the news portal, additional trilateral negotiations should be organized before that

Russian troops improve position near Rodindkoye in DPR — DPR head

In addition, we see the advance of Russian forces in this area where they have improved their positions near the settlement of Rodinskoye, he said on his Max channel

Russia, the US in dialog on irritants — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "the previous round of such dialogue was in Washington"

Russia to ensure its security even in absence of New START — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that the treaty was suspended due to the dramatic worsening of Washington’s policy toward Russia

Israel to open Rafah crossing in limited capacity, under its full control

The Rafah border crossing will be opened only for the passage of people

Russia’s new Upyr-18 drones put into operation in special military op zone

The Upyr-18 drones, named for their 18-inch frame, are capable of carrying a 10-kilogram mine tens of kilometers, striking fortified dugouts and enemy positions

Recent Ukrainian strikes on Russia aim to sabotage negotiations in UAE — diplomat

It is not a given that Kiev ultimately wants to reach concrete agreements, Rodion Miroshnik said

Russia-US dialogue on irritants stagnating — Russian diplomat

The communications between the two parties continue, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

Germany proposes bringing back gold reserves stored in US due to Trump’s policies

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann urged the German government to develop a plan as soon as possible for the return of gold reserves from the US to Germany, as well as to prepare an evaluation of the political and legal risks of storing these assets abroad

Russia to say how to properly use $1 billion of its assets when they are unfrozen

If American banks, which are currently prohibited from executing orders from Russia, carry out these orders, then the transaction will proceed

Battlegroup South hits 39 Ukrainian bunkers, shelters in day — Russian defense ministry

Russian servicemen also destroyed 10 communication antennas and 6 temporary deployment points

Vucic doesn’t rule out Ukraine’s accession to EU in 2027

The Serbian President noted that some EU member states will not agree on this

Talks on Ukrainian conflict settlement must be constructive in first place — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted that a friendly atmosphere was unlikely at this stage of the talks

Austrian opposition party leader demands top diplomat’s resignation over Ukraine support

According to the Secretary General of Austria’s largest opposition party Michael Schnedlitz, Ukraine has long turned into a "bottomless pit into which Vienna recklessly pours billions"

Press review: EU seeks to speed militarization and US shifts focus to Western hemisphere

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 26th

EU diplomacy chief considers von der Leyen dictator — Politico

The newspaper noted that while von der Leyen had had tense relations with former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, they were even worse with Kaja Kallas

Russia’s new Pauk-30B net launcher set for testing in special military op zone

The net gun developer Polet research and production association added that the upgraded net gun has reduced recoil

Russia enters top three in 2026 Global Firepower ranking

Based on the military power index, which is calculated from more than 60 factors, Russia ranks second among 145 countries

Hamas says it told mediators where body of last Israeli hostage can be found

Israeli soldier Ran Gvili was killed on October 7, 2023 during the Hamas attack on Israel

AI-enabled satellite constellation to perform military tasks — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that a digital ecosystem using AI algorithms makes it possible to carry out detailed satellite monitoring of specific terrain areas, obtain highly detailed imagery with machine vision analysis

Ex-commissioner Breton hates freedom of speech — Dmitriev

Thus Russian Presidential Envoy responded to a publication of Poliico, where it is said that the ex-commissioner does not hate the United States

Medvedev points to growing strategic sphere problems due to US actions

Dmitry Medvedev also pointed out that resuming full-scale nuclear testing by the US will significantly complicate any potential strategic dialogue

Russian city of Belgorod comes under most massive shelling attack — crisis center

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties

Russia receives no US proposals for better deal instead of New START — senior diplomat

Russia has repeatedly outlined its approach, in all aspects, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said

Russian troops fighting Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman in Donetsk region — DPR head

Russian troops are advancing in areas near the settlements of Drobyshevo and Yarovaya northwest of Krasny Liman

Iranian foreign ministry denies Western media reports of 30,000 killed during unrest

Iranian Foreign Ministry representative Esmail Baghaei called these statements "a Hitler-style big lie"

Trilateral talks on Ukraine set to continue next week — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov did not disclose the exact day of the next meeting

Australian authorities replace ambassador to US who criticized Trump

Kevin Rudd called Donald Trump the "most destructive president in history," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said

Russia's coal production to reach 435 mln tons in 2026 — expert

Alexander Kotov said that a significant rise in production can be expected in Yakutia

Russian consulate taking measures to get consular access to Marinera tanker crew

Protecting the interests of Russian citizens remains a key priority for diplomats, Russia’s consulate general in Edinburgh said

Russian forces advancing in Krasny Liman area — DPR head

Our troops are also advancing in the exact vicinity of Krasny Liman, he wrote on his Max channel