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Dollar down to 73.75 rubles as trading on Moscow Exchange opens

Euro up to 83.58 rubles

MOSCOW, December 17. /TASS/. The dollar-to-ruble rate fell by 0.25 kopecks since the closure of the previous trading session and amounted to 73.75 rubles at the opening of trading on the Moscow Exchange on Friday.

The euro-to-ruble rate increased by 0.5 kopecks and amounted to 83.58 rubles.

Ukraine, Portugal sign statement on joint production of surface drones

Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro is on his first visit to Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky said

Hong Kong fire death toll up to 161 — police

However, the possibility of discovering other dead people cannot be ruled out, and this number may increase

E3 countries’ advisers to meet with Witkoff, Umerov in Miami — correspondent

According to Barak Ravid, the Turkish foreign minister and the Qatari prime minister will also participate in the talks

Putin’s 2025 Q&A receives over three million questions, second-most ever

The all-time high recorded in 2015 was 3.25 million

Trump announces plans to visit Florida, where talks on Ukraine expected

The US leader noted that he "has a lot of meetings scheduled"

FACTBOX: Putin’s statements on EU’s attempts to seize Russian assets

The Russian president noted that if Russian assets are seized, Russia will defend its interests in court and seek to identify jurisdictions that are not dependent on political decisions

Lawsuit against Euroclear filed in time — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that it is difficult for her to comment on specific arguments prevailing among EU member-countries that did not approve the confiscation of Russian assets

Putin to chair SEEC, host CIS leaders in St. Petersburg

Furthermore, on the initiative of the Russian leader, a traditional informal meeting of the leaders of the CIS member countries will be held in St. Petersburg on December 22

Russia ready to organize voting for Ukrainians in case of legitimate elections in Ukraine

"If Ukraine opts for legitimate elections and we are tasked to organize voting for Ukrainian nationals in Russia, we will do everything we can to make this happen," CEC chairwoman Ella Pamfilova stated

Trump confirms retaliatory strike against IS in Syria

The strike was very successful, with precision, also said US President

Ukraine investigating corruption mastermind Mindich for treason

The deputy requested SBU to check whether Timur Mindich had access to state secrets, whether he had connections in the Russian special services and what influence he had on Zelensky, as well as on former Defense Minister and current NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov

Europe will sooner or later have to repay what it steals from Russian assets — Putin

The EU and G7 countries froze approximately 300 billion euros in Russian assets

UN says famine phase overcome in Gaza Strip

According to the latest IPC report, at least 1.6 million people, or 77% of the population, including over 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, are still facing high levels of acute food insecurity in the enclave

US starts publishing Epstein case files — FBI

Jeffrey Epstein’s friends and acquaintances included a large number of current and retired officials not only from the United States but also from many other countries, including former heads of state, major entrepreneurs, and show business stars

EU's aggressive policy on Russian assets threatens Belgium with major issues — ambassador

According to Denis Gonchar, the EU's actions could lead to huge financial losses, damage to the investment climate, and capital flight from Belgium and the EU

Bank of Russia won’t withdraw its lawsuit against Euroclear over asset freezing

At the same time, the regulator is considering defending its interests in foreign jurisdictions

Providing military aid to Ukraine weakens EU instead of making it stronger — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister recalled that the European Union’s summit on December 18 and 19 in Brussels decided to grant a military loan to Ukraine in 2026-2027 at the expense of a common European loan worth 90 billion euro

Arms supplies to Ukraine did not stop after Trump’s decision to cease financing

Speaking at NSATU's Wiesbaden headquarters, Major General Maik Keller said that NATO had dispatched nearly 220,000 tons of military aid to Ukraine in 2025

Ukrainian soldiers desert due to lack of food, water, clothing — expert

Vitaly Kiselev pointed out that Ukrainian barrier detachments operating within the zone of the special military operation are unable to stem the tide of desertion

Possible pause in Russian airstrikes thwarts Kiev's plans to avoid elections — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that Russia is prepared to act for peace, and this is one of the main messages today

WSJ names five key obstacles to peace between Russia, Ukraine

These include territorial issues, Ukraine's accession to NATO, the size of the Ukrainian armed forces, the status of the Russian language, and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Brussels will have to repay Ukraine’s debts to Europe, warns Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that Ukraine will not receive the loan in a lump sum

Russian diplomat says US Justice Department places her in waiting queue for Epstein files

Maria Zakharova believes that the files "show all those western 'mentors' in interesting circumstances and with no less interesting fellow partygoers"

Kiev's terrorist attacks against ships, energy infrastructure in Black Sea inadmissible

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin participated via on-line conference in the ministerial meeting of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

Ukraine conflict to be resolved on Russia-US track, Europe ancillary player — analyst

Today’s European politicians don’t hold a candle to their predecessors, Deputy rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleg Karpovich noted

Route to Slavyansk opens from liberated Seversk — Putin

The head of state recalled that the Russian side had long ago urged the Kiev regime to withdraw its troops from the territories of the republics which do not want to live under nationalist control

Kiev troops shell DPR four times in past day

The attacks targeted the city of Gorlovka and the town of Starobeshevo

Putin says 3I/ATLAS comet poses no threat to Earth, it can be 'sent to Jupiter' anytime

According to the president, Russian scientists keep this issue under control and "are well aware of ongoing developments regarding this comet"

Putin’s words about Europe echo position of Trump with his supporters — Die Welt

This position will significantly complicate the already tense relations between European elites and the Trump administration

PMs of Belgium, Italy emerge victorious at EU summit on Russian assets — media

Earlier, the newaspaper described the summit’s decision on Russian assets as a "major setback" for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

EU summit undertook to finance military action against Russia — diplomats

"The leaders of the EU Member States have reaffirmed their course towards comprehensive support for the Kiev regime and further escalation of the Ukrainian conflict," the Russian Permanent Mission to the European Union said in a statement

Russia, Thailand in talks about use of Mir cards — deputy foreign minister

Earlier, it was announced that Mir cards are from now on accepted in the Maldives

Ukrainian forces fail to retake parts of Krasnoarmeysk, suffer losses — Putin

According to the Russian president, the enemy is achieving no success

US starts striking Islamic State sites in Syria — NYT

The operation involves US fighter jets and attack helicopters

International coalition delivers missile strike on IS targets from base in Syria — TV

The missile strikes targeted militant hideouts in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate

Ukrainian elections only legitimate if citizens residing elsewhere take part — Medvedchuk

Medvedchuk also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated political will by declaring his readiness not to hinder the free will of Ukrainian citizens

Crew Dragon with Russian cosmonaut on board to be launched no earlier then Feb. 15 — NASA

The spacecraft’s multinational crew will also comprise NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway

Putin sees EU's Russian asset grab as daylight 'robbery'

The Russian leader emphasized that the European Union is trying to do it overtly

Rubio says US continues to share intelligence information with Ukraine

Marco Rubio commented on the prospects for resolving the Ukrainian crisis

Trump's efforts, piglets, Russia's secret weapon: Putin's statements at 'Results of Year'

The Russian president explained that when he took a jab at Europeans by calling them "piglets," as the Western media translated the Russian term, he was not referring to anyone specific in Europe, but rather to a "group of people"

German expert slams EU decision on loan to Ukraine as 'madness'

Earlier, an EU summit concluded with no consensus on the expropriation of Russian assets under the guise of a so-called reparations loan to Kiev despite spending 17 hours in discussion

Ukrainian forces execute civilians in Seversk — Hero of Russia

According to Naran Ochir-Goryaev, the Ukrainian troops were primarily targeting young people between 30 and 40 years old

FACTBOX: S-500 Anti-Aircraft Missile System

The system is being developed with the capability to be operational for the next 25 years

Slovak politician considers EU’s decision to refrain from seizing Russian assets sensible

The country’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok noted that Slovakia would not act as a guarantor for the EU loan to Ukraine

Two Russians arrested in Bulgaria at US request — Russian embassy

No official details about the US extradition request are available at this point

Russian embassy in Mali rejects accusations against Africa Corps

According to its statement, the article "is a collection of propaganda cliches and idle fakes aimed at discrediting Russian servicemen in the eyes of the Malian population, the countries of the Sahel Confederation, and the international community"

EU €90 bln loan cannot save Ukraine from defeat — Hungarian PM

Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic earlier declined to participate in providing the loan to Kiev using funds raised through joint EU borrowing

Putin thanks special services for their work to defend country during special op

The Russian leader also wished the leadership and personnel of special services a happy New Year 2026

Bern takes part in EU’s risky plans, though it realizes danger of stealing Russian assets

Russian Ambassador to Switzerland Sergey Garmonin stressed that Swiss elites "understand perfectly well that a theft of Russian assets will be illegal and destroy the confederation’s reputation of a 'safe haven' for foreign investors"

Lavrov gives war-minded European hawks a piece of his mind

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow advocates for "ensuring indivisible security – in an honest manner and on equal terms"

Putin baffled by NATO Secretary General Rutte's war-with-Russia talk

The Russian president advised that Mark Rutte read the national security strategy of the United States, which is a key player, creator and main sponsor of NATO

Dmitriev calls for resignation of Merz, von der Leyen after failure at EU summit

The Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund added that Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen "spent all their political capital, promised results – and delivered a spectacular failure"

Only Indonesia, Italy ready to join ‘stabilization forces’ in Gaza — Palestinian envoy

Nofal stressed Palestine's interest in quickly completing the first stage of settlement

Russia attaches great importance to developing relations with African partners — Putin

Putin noted that African states possess enormous economic and human potential and are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics

US blacklists seven individuals allegedly linked to Venezuelan president’s inner circle

Five of the blacklisted individuals are residents of Venezuela, while the remaining two are Panama passport holders

Economy, special op, taxes most popular topics on social media following Putin’s Q&A

Since the start of the event at noon Friday and until 10:00 p.m. Moscow time, approximately 1.5 million messages about it were posted on social media, a research by Russia’s Medialogia automated real-time media monitoring and analysis system says

Russia to practice tact in protecting compatriots abroad — Putin

The head of state noted that new mechanisms should be introduced to support citizens abroad

Purpose of VAT increase, key rate, rising prices: Putin’s takes at 'Results of Year'

As the head of state noted, the Russian economy grew by 9.7% over the past three years, which is much higher than in Europe

36 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions in three hours

22 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Krasny Liman to be liberated in near future — Putin

The head of state added that Russian forces currently control about half of the city

Ukraine’s ex-commander-in-chief warns about risks of civil war after conflict is ended

In Valery Zaluzhny's words, "the end of the war and the return of around one million of soldiers" will be "another challenge to the state and civil society"

Investments in Russian economy remain record high — Central Bank

According to Elvira Nabiullina, the investing activity declined in construction, transport and certain mining industries over the last year

Russian troops to move westward after liberating Kupyansk-Uzlovoi — Putin

As the president stressed, the Russian troops have been assigned a very important task to eliminate the enemy group on the left bank of the Oskol River

Russia to eliminate threats to Kaliningrad Region should they emerge, says Putin

The Kaliningrad Region is separated from mainland Russia by the borders of European Union countries

Kiev's lead negotiator holds consultations with Europeans ahead of meeting with US

Rustem Umerov said he would present a report to Vladimir Zelensky following the talks

Only Trump can decide on US refusal to negotiate on Ukraine — Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that "both sides have to give and both sides have to get"

Russian army has full strategic initiative in special military operation zone — Putin

The president said that the Russian forces are advancing along the entire line of engagement

US drafts $112-billion Gaza reconstruction plan — WSJ

According to the newspaper, Project Sunrise was designed "to turn Gaza’s rubble into a futuristic coastal destination"

US Air Force carries out second wave of attacks on Islamic State sites in Syria — TV

IS sites in the Deir ez-Zor province were the hardest hit, the TV channel said

Syria to step up counterterrorism effort in areas where Islamic State is active — ministry

The Syrian Foreign Ministry called upon the United States and other members of the international coalition "to support Syria’s counterterrorism efforts"

Georgian president calls EU decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine bluff

"Ukraine has simply been sold out," Mikhail Kavelashvili said

Lavrov tells Europe we don't need your help on Ukraine deal, just don't blow it up

"The Russian-American dialogue is based on understandings reached in Alaska," the Russian top diplomat stressed

Putin explained to the West conditions for building relations with Russia — expert

Andrey Bystritsky said that Vladimir Putin’s stance is consistent in emphasizing the principles on which peaceful coexistence can be based

Donbass's water supply collapsed over decades of Ukraine’s governance — Putin

The Russian president explained that now to bring this system to a standard state and reduce water losses to zero it is necessary to spend as much money as it costs to construct and build another water pipeline

Russian army continues to advance west of Seversk, Putin says

The Russian leader recalled how the report on the liberation of Seversk was presented

Ukraine must be prepared for continuation of conflict in 2026 — US envoy to NATO

The reason is that a peace agreement may not yet be concluded by the end of this year, said US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker

EU's decision to support Ukraine confirms that it does not want peace — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova said that EU member states decided to further prolong the Ukrainian conflict

Ukraine itself to blame for failure of mobilization — intelligence chief

Budanov emphasized that "it was all done from here," meaning within Ukraine, "sometimes deliberately, due to the personal ambitions of certain people, sometimes thoughtlessly"

More than 400 Palestinians killed during ceasefire with Israel — Palestinian ambassador

This is due to Israel continuing to violate the ceasefire regime and allowing humanitarian aid to be brought in only in minimally possible volumes, noted Abdel Hafiz Nofal

Putin’s Direct Line demonstrated that 2025 was successful for Russia — Focus

According to Focus, Russia, despite a tough sanctions regime, successfully exports its products and secures its defense budget

At least 27 drones taken down over various Russian regions overnight

Two of them were destroyed over the Sea of Azov waters

Hundreds of thousands of Russian troops fighting in special military operation — Putin

The Russian leader noted that not all of them planned to build civilian careers after the special military operation

Russia negative about discussions on nuclear weapons for Japan — deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko pointed out that the militarization of Japan will only make the situation in Northeast Asia worse and, of course, will entail due countermeasures from countries who see this militarization as a threat

Britain refuses to expropriate Russian assets after failure of EU summit — FT

According to the newspaper, London "will continue to work closely with the G7 and EU on Ukraine financing"

Volvo files application to register three trademarks in Russia

Two of them are for Volvo, and the third is for Volvo Penta

EU diplomats do not rule out retaliation against Ukrainian elites by angry mob — SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that the Mindich-Zelensky case is undermining Ukraine

Israel trying to resettle Palestinians abroad with US support — Palestinian envoy

Israel also seeks to open the Rafah crossing unilaterally solely to facilitate the departure of citizens from the Gaza Strip, but not for their return

Russian troops liberate four communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 1,795 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy tanks and 20 armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Cancer-stricken Serbian sues NATO for use of depleted uranium in 1999 attack on Yugoslavia

His lawyer Srdan Aleksic disclosed that the Serbian officer’s grievance is fully identical to the 500 lawsuits, filed by Italian soldiers who were deployed in Kosovo in 1999

Peace in Ukraine close like never before — US envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker added that the US administration will not give up its efforts to resolve the conflict

Putin envisions what Russia might look like in 200 years

The Russian leader pointed out that 200 years is not that long a time in the entire scheme of history in Russia

Hong Kong flu has pandemic potential — virologist

Doctor of medical sciences and virologist Yelena Malinnikova called upon everyone to comply with sanitary and epidemiological guidelines

Ukraine's Goncharenko sentenced 18 years in prison in absentia by Russia

The court also deprived him of the right to post information, manage websites and channels using electronic and information and telecommunication networks for four years

Russia ready to consider halting strikes deep inside Ukraine on election day — Putin

The Russian president still noted that if Kiev wants to use the elections solely to stop the offensive momentum of Russian troops, then this is the wrong choice

Russia not at war with West, West fights Russia with Ukrainian nationalists’ hands — Putin

The President stressed that Russia was ready to end the conflict in Ukraine, provided its security was guaranteed in the medium and long term

EU 'war party' to pay Kiev 'reparations' itself — Foreign Ministry

"Brussels did not even notice how absurd the situation had become for the EU," Maria Zakharova stated

Kiev counterattacks near Krasnoarmeysk, trying to slow Russian advance — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk on December 1

IN BRIEF: Putin's statements on Ukraine at 'Results of the Year' conference

The president said that Russian troops in the special operation zone are advancing in all directions, fully seizing the strategic initiative

Russia’s offensive in Zaporozhye forces Kiev to expand evacuation zone

The reason behind this decision is an increase in the operational range of Russian drones, the source said

Europe will have to reopen dialogue with Russia — Macron

The French president believes that "Europeans and Ukrainians, will have to find the right framework to re-engage in this discussion in a proper manner"

Kiev bombed polling stations for Russian elections during special op — Putin

The Russian president recalled that the voters were standing in line at polling stations when shelling began