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Second string of Nord Stream 2 almost ready — German Economy Ministry

Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction activities can be completed in August, and the goal of the company is to launch the pipeline as early as this year

BERLIN, July 12. /TASS/. The second string of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is almost ready, and the technical expert examination and acceptance will follow, the German Economy Ministry says in its statement released on Monday.

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All permits to build Nord Stream 2 issued — German Economy Ministry

"The so-called "technical acceptance" process is currently underway. Construction of the first string has been completed, and the second string is almost finalized. The technical expert review and acceptance will follow," the Ministry said. The permit for construction in German waters in the Baltic Sea, including the exclusive economic zone, was issued, it noted.

"Issue of a permit for gas intake is in the competence of the Mining Authority of Stralsund. The technical expert review and acceptance are currently implemented as part of this process," the Ministry added.

Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction activities can be completed in August, and the goal of the company is to launch the pipeline as early as this year, Managing Director of Nord Stream 2 AG Matthias Warnig, the pipeline project operator, said in the interview with Handelsblatt newspaper earlier.

Taiwan to invest $250 bln into chip production, energy and AI in the US

According to terms of the agreement, Taiwan will also extend credit guarantees totaling $250 bln for projects of its companies on investments in the United States

WhatsApp to be completely blocked in Russia this year — lawmaker

Andrey Svintsov said this is because WhatsApp is owned by Meta, recognized as the extremist company in Russia

Russia expels British diplomat over ties to intelligence services — Foreign Ministry

The ministry said that Britain’s charge d’affaires in Moscow Danae Dholakia was informed on Thursday that Russia’s competent authorities had obtained the relevant information

Battles at Kupyansk forcing Kiev to divert forces from other areas — expert

Vitaly Kiselev noted that Kiev is currently attempting to send small sabotage groups to Kupyansk, calling it an "adventure" of the Ukrainian officers

Trump says discussed oil, minerals, trade, national security with Venezuela’s Rodriguez

"We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover", US President said

Over 1,000 civilians killed in Ukraine’s attacks on 44 Russian regions — investigation

According to chief of Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, investigators are taking measures to identify all those responsible for these attacks, including Ukrainian army commanders who issued relevant orders

Veronica vessel became sixth tanker captured by US

According to Marinetraffic data, the vessel was under the flag of Guyana

FACTBOX: What is known about undercover British intelligence officer exposed in Moscow

Russia’s Federal Security Service stated that the British intelligence officer working undercover at the embassy is being expelled from the country

Riyadh assures Iran it will not permit its territory to be used for strikes — media

Reuters previously reported, citing European officials, that a US military operation against Iran appears likely and could begin within the next 24 hours

American IT giant makes Ukraine free testing ground for drones — expert

Roman Shkurlatov added that the Americans make the Ukrainian military buy their finished products without sharing their technologies with the Ukrainians

US military 'likely' to move on Iran in next 24 hours — Reuters

An Israeli official told the agency that US President Donald Trump seems to have decided to carry out the operation, but the scale and timing are still unclear

Trump says wants to visit Venezuela, expects Rodriguez to visit US

"She's been very good to deal with," the US leader warned

FACTBOX: What is known about US Golden Dome missile defense system

US President Donald Trump stated that Greenland is of strategic importance for building the Golden Dome missile defense system

Israel sought to drag US into conflict with Iran — Iranian top diplomat

"They started to shoot at people for one reason - they wanted to increase the number of deaths", Abbas Araghchi said

Russia handed over 1,400 tons of grain to Bolivia — Embassy

The transfer of this cargo "confirms that even in conditions of global crises, Russia remains a reliable partner that does not leave friends alone and is ready to support in the decisive moment," Russian Ambassador to Bolivia Dmitry Verchenko said

British charge d’affaires leaves Russian Foreign Ministry building without any comment

Danae Dholakia, who had been summoned to Russia’s MFA earlier on Thursday, spent around a quarter of an hour there

EC introduces requirement to purchase European weapons for Kiev’s €90 bln loan

"If the capabilities needed for the war with Russia are not available in Europe, they can be purchased outside of it," Ursula von der Leyen added

Kiev mayor admits worst energy situation since February 2022

Vitaly Klitschko added that "the capital is functioning under extreme conditions"

Kiev is increasing number of NATO EW systems in special military op zone — expert

Vitaly Kiselev added that a number of other UAV operator crews are being formed in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces

Denmark may consider leaving NATO due to Greenland situation — Kneissl

Karin Kneissl noted that it is not yet possible to say exactly what form the confrontation between the USA and Denmark will take, but "in a certain sense, the situation is archaic"

Denmark obligated to return fire if US attacks Greenland — Defense Ministry

Spokesman Tobias Roed Jensen cited a 1952 royal decree that applies to the entire Kingdom, including Greenland

Ex-top Austrian diplomat reveals what BRICS needs to do to counter US policies

"BRICS has no mechanisms," Karin Kneissl noted

US should account for nuclear potential of entire West, not only China’s — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia respects the position of China, which does not see the need for its inclusion in the treaty

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Kiev suffers through third day of blackouts

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko promised that power would be returned to Kiev's residents by the evening of January 15

OSCE can start monitoring ceasefire in Ukraine right after its start — chairman-in-office

According to Ignazio Cassis, the OSCE’s participation in efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Ukraine would be legitimate in Moscow’s eyes

Russian troops liberate Komarovka in Sumy Region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, Kiev loses 1,310 troops along engagement line in past day

US ups ante over Greenland, shifting from diplomacy to business deal — expert

Nikolay Novik emphasized that deploying US Vice President JD Vance to the negotiations is a clear signal of it

Trump says held 'great' phone call with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez

"We discussed a lot of things, and I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela," the US President told reporters

Colombian president says will meet with Trump on February 3

Gustavo Petro stressed that the government is sparing no effort to preserve public tranquility and prevent adverse impacts of Trump’s rhetoric on the country’s population

Venezuelan authorized President Rodriguez says held long phone call with Trump

According to her, they discussed "the agenda of bilateral cooperation in the interests of <…> the peoples, as well as outstanding issues in relations between the governments"

Russian troops liberate Komarovka, forming buffer zone near Glukhov — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that this section was static for a very long time

Only US can force Russia, China to leave areas near Greenland — Trump

The US president noted that two dogsleds won’t do it

Pentagon obtains, secretly tests device that causes Havana syndrome — CNN

Experts continue to study the device and are looking for its connection to dozens of bizarre incidents that the authorities have not been able to explain

Medvedev links charges against Timoshenko to Zelensky's campaign against political rivals

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev compared the political struggle in Kiev to pigs fighting "for the right to eat from the trough filled with slop"

Iran receives information that Trump does not want war — envoy to Pakistan

Reza Amiri Moghadam added that Donald Trump had also asked Iran not to attack US interests in the Middle East

Trump makes it clear that Zelensky undermines Ukrainian settlement — Dmitriev

The US president earlier said that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict is being delayed because of Kiev's position

Austria’s ex-top diplomat doesn’t rule out Greenland becoming 51st US state

According to the former Austrian Foreign Minister, the region’s geostrategic location is what matters most for US President Donald Trump

Karin Kneissl: Greenland Could Become the 51st US State

US puts $700 billion price tag on Greenland — NBC

The TV channel said that scientific experts and former American officials were involved in assessing the monetary value of Greenland

Murder of blogger Tatarsky, attempted murder of Prilepin ordered by same person

As a result of Permyakov's active contribution to the investigation of the case, the organizer of the crimes was identified, a criminal case was opened against him and a separate proceeding was initiated

Israel may strike Iran — former top Austrian diplomat

Karin Kneissl added that what US President Donald Trump called a "twelve-day war" was actually "a kind of temporary ceasefire, partly due to the fact that the Israelis had problems"

EU fails to appoint Ukraine negotiator — Politico

According to the report, there are "serious disagreements" between EU countries on the details of this appointment

Former PM Timoshenko says Ukraine governed from abroad

Yulia Timoshenko said her party would oppose legislation that undermines the country’s sovereignty

German servicemen leave for Greenland — news agency

On Wednesday evening, the German Defense Ministry announced that it would send 13 troops to the island to study "the framework conditions for a potential military contribution to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region"

Vance's participation in Greenland talks alarms Europe — newspaper

Politico said Copenhagen and the Greenland authorities had initially hoped for calm consultations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 400 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and three armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Safety of British soldiers in Ukraine cannot be guaranteed — Russian MP

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defense Staff of the British Armed Forces, stated that he would not send troops to Ukraine if the conflict ends unless he was confident of their safety

Russian General Staff chief inspects Battlegroup Center in Dnepropetrovsk area

Valery Gerasimov heard reports from commanders on the current situation

Trump says going to ‘talk basics’ with Venezuelan opposition politician Machado

According to the US leader, he doesn’t want her to give him her Nobel Peace Prize

Burevestnik cruise missile processes large stock of data with AI — expert

Burevestnik can fly at both high and low altitudes which makes it invisible, Valery Polovinkin, scientific head of the Krylov State Research Center, said

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Russia considers dialogue with US on Ukraine necessary — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that it is also important for Moscow to outline its own views on the settlement discussions

Britain weighs response to expulsion of embassy official from Russia — Foreign Office

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Moscow was expelling a British embassy diplomat over his involvement with UK intelligence services and that he must leave the country within two weeks

Russian-Chinese trade turnover down by 6.9% yoy to $228 bln in 2025 — trade envoy

Alexey Dakhnovsky underscored that despite the decline Russia retained its place among China's top five trading partners

US backs down on plans to attack Iran — TV

Washington also took into account the changing security situation in Iran and the government’s gradual progress towards retaking control of the country

Golden Dome is US attempt to counter Russian hypersonic weapons — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that to ensure strategic dominance in the Arctic, the Pentagon plans to deploy additional ground tracking stations and radar systems in Greenland

EU pays minimum amount for Russian gas in five years in November 2025

In the reported period, the EU imported Russian gas for a total of 752.5 mln euros

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

IN BRIEF: Threats to 'abduct' Putin,' Greenland: statements by Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said all issues around Greenland should be resolved within the framework of international law

Attempt to 'kidnap' Putin fraught with disastrous outcome for initiator — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova referred to a comment by Defense Secretary John Healy during his January 9 visit to Kiev, where he said that he would like to kidnap Putin to "bring the Russian president to justice"

Russia strongly calls on US to release Maduro, his wife — MFA

It also emphasized the need "to create conditions for resolving any existing problems between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue"

IRGC increases missile production — Aerospace Forces' chief

According to Major-General Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, the air force is now on full combat alert

UK evacuates its diplomats from Iran — media

According to The Daily Telegraph, the decision was made after a thorough assessment of the security situation in Iran

IMF chief arrives in Ukraine for talks with Zelensky — Reuters

The sources say Kristalina Georgieva is also planning to meet with Prime Minister Yuliya Sviridenko and Chairman of the National Bank of Ukraine Andrey Pyshny

Trump says US wants to have Greenland, despite Denmark’s objections

US President added that he had already discussed this matter with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

US to keep close eye on situation in Iran — Trump

US President said earlier that he was seriously considering using force against Tehran

Iran’s IRGC forces ready to respond to enemy miscalculations — commander

Mohammad Pakpour emphasized that the crimes committed by Israeli and American mercenaries in the republic "will never be forgotten"

Trump blames Kiev for delaying conflict settlement

US President said that Vladimir Zelensky is the reason why the settlement efforts are not bringing about the desired result

Venezuela, US tariff threats on Russia's partners, Macron's policy: Lavrov's comments

The Russian foreign minister added that Moscow signals its openness to contacts with American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner

US may launch Tomahawk strikes on Iran from destroyers in region — WSJ

According to the newspaper, Washington retains sufficient military capability to carry out such attacks on Iran despite the absence of a US aircraft carrier strike group in the region

What is known about Ukraine’s corruption scandal as Timoshenko faces bribery charges

Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Speaker Olga Postolyuk has confirmed the charges against Yulia Timoshenko, who faces five to ten years in prison

First European servicemen arrive in Greenland — newspaper

According to Bild, a Danish military transport plane landed last night at the airport in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland

Trump will not seriously intervene in Venezuela to avoid repeating mistakes — expert

The US president doesn't intend to repeat the mistakes the US made in Afghanistan or Iraq, and this is a new development, Andrey Sidorov, PhD in history and associate professor at the Department of History at Lomonosov Moscow State University, added

UK intelligence officer working undercover at embassy expelled from Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the relevant agencies, has decided to revoke Gareth Samuel Davies' accreditation

FACTBOX: New searches, 'unmasking' in Ukraine corruption scandal

Leader of the Batkivshchina party Yulia Timoshenko confirmed the searches at her party's office and denied all accusations

FACTBOX: What is known about F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant in western Ukraine

Trump not seeking sustained war in Iran, would deliver swift, decisive blow — NBC

According to the sources, the US president conveyed those plans to his national security team

EU may form battalions of 'Ukrainian mafia' for Ukrainian army — expert

Particular attention is being paid to offenders and individuals suspected of involvement in ethnic criminal groups, Alexander Stepanov noted

Iran riots spearheaded by West to create pretext for military invasion — source

"Many of the detainees confessed that they had received money from abroad," the source said

All assets of Roszarubezhneft in Venezuela acquired by Russia under market conditions

Roszarubezhneft holds stakes in joint oil and gas enterprises with the Venezuelan side

US captured sixth tanker linked to Venezuela — Reuters

According to the report, the operation took place in the Caribbean Sea

Russia not recognizing illegitimate sanctions — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova commented on 25% tariffs set by the US for countries trading with Iran

Europe needs to acquire weapons similar to Russian 'Oreshnik' — French president

Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France is within the range of the 'Oreshnik'

Gazprom says gas reserves in Europe approach historic lows

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, as of January 12, the fill level of Europe’s UGS facilities fell to 53%, with 53.9 bln cubic meters of gas remaining

Iranian freighter in distress in Caspian Sea, all those on board rescued

As a result of timely measures, all 14 people who were on the ship were rescued

West wrong in its evaluation of Iran's resilience, German expert says

Constantin von Hoffmeister stressed that "a system that survives war with Iraq, decades of sanctions, assassinations of its scientists, cyberattacks, and constant pressure is not fragile"

Press review: EU mulls Russia oil sanctions as Trump hits Iran trade partners with tariffs

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 14th

Proposal to seize Russian assets remains in effect — European Commission

The Russian assets were frozen permanently and these can only be released if the qualified majority of EU countries votes for that, Ursula von der Leyen stressed

IN BRIEF: Russian forces expand buffer zones, disrupting enemy plans, senior general says

Russian forces liberated around eight localities and took more than 300 square km of land under control in the first two weeks of January

Avtovaz plans to sell 370,000 cars in Russia in 2026

Everything will depend on the market and the market will depend on macroeconomic conditions, chief executive of the Russian automaker Maxim Sokolov said

Qatar confirms withdrawal of some personnel from US air base amid regional escalation

The International Media Office of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions

Russia wants peace, not confrontation in Arctic — ambassador to Denmark

"Russia does not harbor aggressive plans against its Arctic neighbors, does not threaten them with military action, and does not seek to seize their territory," Vladimir Barbin said

Degradation of international situation, security architecture: Putin's statements

The Russian president pointed out that Russia was "sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world"

US would be making 'grave' error by using force against Iran — Russian lawmaker

Slutsky noted that the protests in Iran "are a classic ‘color revolution’

Orban says $800 bln Ukraine aid won’t grow on trees, Europeans to foot bill

The Hungarian prime minister confirmed that Hungary will not fund Ukraine and, in doing so, support EU leaders’ aim to continue the conflict there

Ukraine extends martial law, mobilization for 18th time

According to live television footage of the parliament session, 333 and 312 deputies voted in favor of the measures, respectively

Kiev’s terrorist methods horrify even residents of Ukraine — official

Artem Zhoga called the Ukrainian regime criminal in nature

IDF keeping close eye on developments around Iran, put on high alert — spokesman

At the same time, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stressed that no special instructions have been issued for Israel’s civilian population

Russia-Brazil cooperation commission meeting to be held on February 5 in hybrid format

It will be held under the joint chairmanship of Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

US will not be able to repeat Venezuelan scenario in Iran — Chinese expert

Jin Liangxiang noted that Iran’s retaliatory actions during last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel have made Washington and Tel Aviv more cautious about Iran’s missile capabilities