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Vladimir Putin's annual press conference

Housing construction in Russia reaches record level in 2021, says Putin

"Construction demonstrated very good, record results of 90 mln square meters for the first in Russia’s modern history," the head of state said

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. Housing construction in Russia reached a record level of 90 mln square meters this year, President Vladimir Putin said at his annual press conference on Thursday.

"Construction demonstrated very good, record results of 90 mln square meters for the first in Russia’s modern history," he said.

President also noted what was reached in other areas, saying that "the average monthly wages started growing in real terms," and there were "changes in real disposable income of citizens," with growth expected this year.

"Inflation of 8% is expected," Putin added.

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Russia's domestic policy Vladimir Putin's annual press conference

Anti-Russian sanctions

Japan sanctions 11 individuals, 54 entities in Russia, some companies in 7 other countries

The restrictive measures also apply to 18 companies in China, 1 in UAE, 1 in Kazakhstan, 2 in Kyrgyzstan, 1 in Thailand and 8 in Turkey

Some 25 kilometers of oil-polluted shoreline cleaned up in Crimea in past day

A total of 136 kilometers of the coastline have been cleaned up since the start of the effort, with about 322.14 tons of oil waste collected and disposed of

Twenty-five tons of fuel oil gathered in Kerch Strait — minister

About 38,000 sq m were treated with sorbent in the immediate vicinity of the coast line, including in the port of Anapa, Russian Minister of Emergencies Alexander Kurenkov said

Press review: Russia notes Japan's militarization while allies expect Ukrainian assault

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Expert gives Ukrainian army 10-14 days before they run out of steam in Kursk Region

Ralph Bosshard says that the goal of the Ukrainian offensive operation in the Kursk Region has always been unclear

Kremlin says following debate around control of Panama Canal in wake of Trump’s remark

"We are watching this exchange of statements very closely," Dmitry Peskov said

Hunter Biden's home burns down in California wildfire

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, fires in Los Angeles County have engulfed almost 27,000 acres of land

Greenland looking forward to dialogue with US on business opportunities — government

The island’s authorities reiterated that Washington is one of its closest partners, and cooperation will continue

Pentagon chief points to Russia’s 'advantages' in Ukraine conflict

Lloyd Austin will chair the 25th meeting of the group of Western countries coordinating weapons supplies to Ukraine

Russian army captures 18 Ukrainian servicemen west of DPR's Kurakhovo

Russia’s army also destroyed a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, seven pickup trucks, two artillery pieces and an ammunition depot

No clear plan yet on Ukrainian settlement from Trump’s team, Polish defense minister says

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Indonesia to use BRICS membership to boost exports of mining products — official

Yuliot Tanjung noted that he is "still studying the likely impact of Indonesia's official BRICS membership on domestic mining"

Slovak PM threatens Kiev with tough response if gas transit issue remains unresolved

Robert Fico noted that Slovakia could also use its veto power in the EU on Ukraine-related issues

Russian artillery disrupts enemy rotation near Belogorovka in Lugansk region — expert

The Russian artillery men wiped out part of the enemy group, Andrey Marochko specified

DPR head announces restoration of liberated Kurakhovo

According to Denis Pushilin, specialists will assess the scale of the restoration work

US defense spending to skyrocket if Russia prevails in Ukraine — experts

According to experts of the American Enterprise Institute, "maintaining security in a strategic environment in which Russia is victorious over Ukraine could cost the United States an additional $808 billion in defense spending over five years"

Moldovan foreign ministry slams Russian embassy’s statement on Transnistria energy crisis

Earlier this month, gas supplies to Moldova were halted after the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine and Chisinau's refusal to settle the problem of fuel debt, which Moscow estimates at $709 mln

Armenia’s drive to join EU is country’s sovereign right — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that membership in the EAEU benefits not only the Armenian government, but also the people of this country as Armenia's economic growth rate owing to its participation in this association is "going up by percentage points"

UN ready to chip in to help fire-ravaged California

According to the California Fire Department, wildfires have engulfed an area of almost 29,000 acres

Slovak PM held talks on gas transit via Ukraine with European Commission

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Around 120 cubic meters of oil waste removed in south Russia’s Anapa in past day

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Musk looking for ways to oust Starmer as British premier — newspaper

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Kurakhovo fortified area as crucial as Avdeyevka, Ugledar — official

Denis Pushilin added that the enemy had used considerable forces in the battles for the city

Russia’s military planning to take note of US attempts to use Greenland to ensure security

According to Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin, the future of Greenland should be decided based on the will of its residents and the current Danish laws

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Flight from China to Moscow lands in Krasnoyarsk over passenger’s condition

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Contact group on Ukraine may halt its activities under Trump — NYT

The group held its inaugural meeting on April 26, 2022, at the Ramstein air base in Germany

Trump says meeting with Putin being set up

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US had not formally requested a meeting yet

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"The Vatican fears that the world may split into interest groups, and that armed conflicts may exacerbate," Ivan Soltanovsky said

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"However, given the ongoing developments at the frontline, his chances are diminishing with each day of combat," Vladimir Zharikhin stressed

Russia’s PM Mishustin to visit Vietnam next week

A wide range of issues related to the two countries’ ties, including cooperation in the spheres of trade, economy, science, technology, and culture as well as humanitarian issues are planned to be discussed at talks

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to take office third time on Friday

Russia will be represented at the inauguration ceremony by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin

Almost 180,000 Los Angeles residents told to evacuate amid fires — sheriff

About two dozen looters have been arrested since the disaster broke out, Robert Luna said

Germany to supply Ukraine with almost 50 missiles for IRIS-T air defense systems in 2025

According to Pistorius, Germany will also deploy two Patriot air defense systems and 200 servicemen to Poland in the coming weeks to protect a logistics center handling supplies to Ukraine for an expected six months

Panama Canal Administration will not prevent passage of Russian ships — EFE

The Canal remains safe and open for peaceful transit of vessels of all nations on conditions of full equality either in peace time or in war time, it added

Russia preparing to use lasers to protect infrastructure against drones

Protection of critical infrastructure and industrial facilities against drone attacks requires the use of different technologies anticipating neutralization and physical destruction of drones, Nikita Danilov said

Russia’s pork exports to China total 39,000 in 2024 — agricultural watchdog

The Russian agricultural watchdog reported that the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China signed a protocol on inspection, quarantine and veterinary and sanitary requirements for pork exported from Russia to China, and a corresponding veterinary certificate was also approved

Russian Human Rights Commissioner publishes list of 517 people missing in Kursk Region

Tatiana Moskalkova asked everyone who are aware about the fate of these people to call a hotline or submit an online form on her website

Trump seen ‘bound to fail’ if he threatens Russia with more aid to Ukraine — analyst

According to Bandow, America has other interests

Russia’s Su-35S fighter hit stronghold of Ukrainian forces in Kursk region

As the ministry noted, the strike from the Su-34 was carried out using universal planning and correction modules

Russia’s huge military experience could open opportunities for African nations – analyst

In the past few years, France has withdrawn troops from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger

Russia welcomes resolution of Lebanon's presidential crisis — Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, "Russia believes that the restoration of broad national accord is key to ensuring unity and civil peace in the multi-confessional republic"

Russia says its Msta-B howitzer destroyed Ukrainian command post in Krasnoarmeisk area

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Transnistria still considers Russia as main gas supplier — foreign minister

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US to announce new sanctions against Russia this week — Reuters

The US may also impose sanctions on a number of Chinese companies for the alleged support of Russia, the news agency noted

Frontline situation tense, Ukrainian General Staff acknowledges

Earlier, the Kiev regime reported the forced retreat to the Dnepropetrovsk Region from the Donetsk People’s Republic’s territories controlled by Ukraine

China to send high-ranking official to Trump’s inauguration — report

The envoy is also set to hold talks with Trump

Zelensky says West pledged $2 bln worth of aid to Ukraine at Ramstein meeting

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Russia calls for peace in Arctic as region remains in its sphere of interests — Kremlin

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Russian artillery strikes wipe out Ukrainian stronghold as Kiev’s troops flee Kurakhovo

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Ukrainian troops attacking Kamenka-Dneprovskaya with artillery, drones

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Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 245 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

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UK top brass announces plans to deliver 30,000 drones to Ukrainian army

The Drone Capability Coalition was set up in November last year by the United Kingdom and Latvia to support Ukraine with uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities

Death toll of shooting in Montenegro grows to 13 — report

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Ukraine puts over 500,000 people on wanted list for draft evasion

At the same time, Natalya Kondratova says, 400 criminal cases against recruitment centers’ actions were launched, with most of them being at the stage of investigation or court hearing

FACTBOX: Putin instructs Cabinet on liquidation of fuel oil spill in Black Sea

The president noted that the relevant authorities are not doing enough to minimize the damage from the emergency

Russian Su-35S fighter jets uncover Ukrainian air defense sites in Kursk area

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that "the crews of Su-35S multirole fighter jets practiced air cover in the designated area of sorties by bombers and attack aircraft"

Kremlin keeps mum about how Russian gas getting to Slovakia

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico called reliable gas supplies to the republic at reasonable prices the main result of December talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow

West should remember Donbass in talks about respecting opinion of Greenlanders — Kremlin

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Trump said to be serious about acquiring Greenland to expand US influence — Reuters

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Oil pumping to drop by 2% in 2024 — Transneft

Shipments via Kozmino in 2024 would for the first time be above oil throughput via the port of Primorsk, the largest one in Northwestern Russia

Ukrainian army abandons servicemen refusing to lay mines — captive

According to Mikhail Kostyuk, following his draft, he went through virtually no training

Russian diplomat visits Moldovan foreign ministry after remarks on crisis in Transnistria

The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian diplomat in the wake of the Russian embassy's statement regarding the energy crisis in Transnistria, in which it rejected Chisinau’s accusations against Moscow

Russian Ka-52M combat helicopter wipes out Ukrainian army stronghold in Kursk area

The Defense Ministry uploaded video footage showing the destruction of enemy targets

Ex-president of Georgia seeks to perform 'presidential duties' in new office in Tbilisi

Salome Zourabichvili's new office is located on Chovelidze Street in the heart of Tbilisi

General Joseph Aoun sworn in as Lebanon's 14th president

The president pledged to develop "a new Lebanese defense doctrine that will protect the country from Israeli aggression"

Europe loses to Putin in Ukraine despite billions in aid — president

Milorad Dodik paid special attention to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statement about arming Kiev, also noting that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (in office from 2005-2021) also resorted to misleading within the Minsk agreements

Ukraine's Kursk counteroffensives flounder as losses mount — expert

According to Alexander Mikhailov, Vladimir Zelensky is currently pouring all available resources into Kursk

Japan sanctions 11 individuals, 54 entities in Russia, some companies in 7 other countries

The restrictive measures also apply to 18 companies in China, 1 in UAE, 1 in Kazakhstan, 2 in Kyrgyzstan, 1 in Thailand and 8 in Turkey

Yakutia, Magadan Region record coldest temperatures globally in the past day

The warmest temperatures on Earth were observed in Australia and Paraguay on January 8

Russia boosts meat, meat products exports in 2024

"In general, imports of meat and meat products into Russia surged by 1.2 times from 586,200 metric tons in 2023 to 709,000 metric tons in 2024," the regulator noted

About 100,000 tons of Russian fertilizers remain blocked in European ports — Uralchem CEO

Dmitry Konyaev noted that Uralchem has supplied about 200,000 tons of fertilizers as humanitarian aid to various countries

Trump’s team yet undecided on Ukraine conflict settlement plan — FT

In the absence of a clear and definite plan, the US President-elect's administration may continue to provide assistance to the Kiev government after his inauguration

Liberation of Kurakhovo to pave way towards Dnepropetrovsk Region — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Ukrainian defenses in the northern part of the Zaporozhye Region were not structured to counter a Russian advance from the east

Russia welcomes Indonesia’s full BRICS membership — foreign ministry

The ministry said that Indonesia’s candidacy was submitted and tentatively approved during the 2023 Johannesburg summit, when the group began its initial process of expansion

Russia eyes discussion of EU accession in Armenia as start of withdrawal from EAEU

"In the meantime, this is the sovereign choice of the Republic of Armenia and she definitely has the right to it," Alexey Overchuk noted

Scientists drill deep down in Antarctic, take ice sample to unlock Earth's climate secrets

The research team has been drilling every summer for four years

Eurasian Economic Union and EU not compatible — Russian Deputy PM

"It is becoming increasingly evident at present that membership in the EAEU is a privilege and considering economic and social problems the European Union faces, entry into the EU can be compared with buying a ticket to the Titanic," Alexey Overchuk said

Russia says its T-80BM tanks destroyed Ukrainian strongpoint, infantry

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, tank crews of the battlegroup West are on the forward edge of the special operation and provide support to Russian motorized rifle and assault units

European Commission, Slovakia to create working group for solving gas problems

Russian gas transit to Europe via Ukraine was completely halted on January 1 due to Kiev’s refusal to renew the agreement

No comments from Kremlin spokesman about Putin’s alleged apology for Lavrov’s remarks

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Ukraine’s allies adopt plans of support to Kiev until 2027 — Pentagon chief

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Ukraine crisis exposed flaws in West’s defense industry that are yet to be fixed — Austin

The 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on coordinating weapons supplies to Kiev took place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on January 9

European NATO members call to preserve Ramstein-format meetings — minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that Warsaw is preparing another package of military aid for Kiev

Bankruptcy moratorium for Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator extended until May 9

If the Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator fails to comply with this period, it will be recognized bankrupt without setting a grace period

Over 15,000 Ukrainian troops engaged in Kurakhovo, says Russian top brass

Control over Kurakhovo hinders supplies to Ukrainian troops

Kazakhstan lifts ban on wheat imports from third countries and EAEU — Russian regulator

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