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Unit 2 of Belarusian NPP to be launched in February — Rosatom

Director General of Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation Alexey Likhachev said that right now, the colleagues are waiting for a permission to switch to minimum controlled reactor power

MOSCOW, January 18. /TASS/. Unit 2 of the Belarusian NPP is expected to be launched in late February or early March, Director General of Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev has told journalists.

"Right now, the colleagues <…> are waiting for a permission to switch to minimum controlled reactor power. Somewhere around late February or early March, a nuclear reactor power startup is expected to take place, with subsequent transition to 250-300 MW and connection to the grid," he said.

The construction of the nuclear power plant in Belarus is carried out according to the standard Russian AES-2006 design. BelNPP will consist of two power units with a capacity of 1,200 MW each. On June 10, 2021, the first unit of the BelNPP was officially put into commercial operation.

In late December 2021, specialists began loading nuclear fuel into the reactor of Unit 2. On December 27, 2021, the Energy Ministry of Belarus announced that the process was completed.

Russian minister highlights difficulties in establishing depository links with China

Once depository links between the two countries are established, it will make it easier for investors in both countries to move money and invest in each other’s markets, Anton Siluanov noted

Settlement of Nadiya in LPR up for grabs as Kiev retreats — Russian expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the Ukrainian army was fighting with all its might to beat back Russian forces near the settlement of Belogorovka, hoping to prevent them from making gains and increasing Russia’s pressure on the northern section of the frontline

‘Desperation in the air’ — expert on Kallas’ statement on sending troops to Ukraine

According to Ralph Bosshard, "statements by leading European politicians will become more extreme as Ukraine’s defeat in the war draws nearer"

Russian stocks close in the red on Wednesday

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble fell by 11 kopecks to 14.33 rubles during the day

Russia 'making gains' along entire frontline, NATO chief says

Mark Rutte once again called on NATO countries to increase weapons supplies to Kiev

Russian defense ministry says its satellite put into designated orbit

"The blastoff, the flight and the orbiting went as planned," the ministry said in a statement

Russian troops enter Novy Komar settlement in DPR — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, Russian troops have liberated approximately 20 square kilometers north of Velikaya Novoselka, near the village of Razdolnoye

Russia's turn to global South and East has been gradual since 2000s — Putin

At the same time, the Russian leader noted that Russia's relations with China are developing independently of the events in Ukraine

Russian senior diplomat hopes Trump will be told BRICS does not want to replace dollar

Such an approach reflects the drive for "a polyphony world order," in which various economic systems may coexist, Ryabkov said, adding that Washington’s attempts to maintain a monopoly in the global financial system may have ominous consequences

Trump's threats to BRICS states if they ditch dollar are untenable, says Indian expert

The expert explained that, theoretically, a common BRICS currency could protect the group from the dangers of dollar dominance

Press review: South Korean crisis deepens as Kremlin rules out talks with Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 4th

VTB projects Russian agriculture exports to exceed $50 bln by 2030

In 2023, Russia’s agriculture exports increased to $43.5 bln

Russian finance minister says dividends from Gazprom not included in 2025 budget

If the company’s financial results are to be given back to it later in one form or another, "it is easier to leave those dividends in the organization," Anton Siluanov said

Nearly third of those identified at protests in Tbilisi are foreigners — ruling party

The current wave of protests was sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's statement on November 28 when he said that the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party had decided to postpone any talk about launching accession negotiations until late 2028 and decline any funding from the European Union

Tucker Carlson says US embassy in Kiev barred Zelensky from doing interview with him

The journalist added that Vladimir Zelensky was permitted to have a conversation with CNN, but not with him

Russian Su-34 bomber destroys Ukrainian armor by glide bombs in Kursk area

The Su-34 frontline bomber delivered the strike by aerial bombs with the unified glide/adjustment module, the ministry specified

Russia should negotiate Ukraine’s future with Trump — Russia’s ex-PM

According to Sergey Stepashin, there is no legitimate government in Kiev

Kadyrov admits Elon Musk did not present him with Cybertruck pickup

The Head of Chechnya revealed that the car was not his

At least 45 Palestinians killed in Israeli air raids on two Gaza districts — WAFA

Dozens were wounded, and more remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, news agency reported

Russia traps Ukrainian forces at Kurakhovo pipe plant — security services

The report clarified that the Ukrainian armed forces in this frontline area are being pressured by Russian troops from the north, south, and east

Putin comments on Trump’s threats to impose 100% duties on goods from BRICS countries

The Russian leader noted that the dollar was now used as a tool of political pressure

US Department of the Treasury adds 5 persons, 5 entities to Russia sanctions list

The restrictions affected three Russian citizens, a Latvian citizen, and a Ukrainian citizen

Syrian airstrikes supported by Russia kill over 1,600 militants this week — TV

It was noted that the government forces "are widely supported" by Syrian citizens

Georgian protestors leave square in front of parliament building

Instead, the crowd marched towards the Tbilisi Opera building via Rustaveli Avenue

Medvedev sounds alarm on AI’s potential in biological weapons creation

He noted that Russia must constantly work on shaping reliable defenses against bio-terrorism

Strategic defeat would mean destruction for Russia, Putin says

The head of state thanked the troops participating in Russia’s special military operation for rising up to defend the country this time

Top Russian diplomat arrives in Malta to participate in OSCE Ministerial Council

The Ministerial Council, which is the OSCE's principal decision-making body, traditionally convenes in the first ten days of December

Ukraine leaves first line of defense due to risk of encirclement of Nadiya in LPR — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the enemy units have begun to rapidly reinforce their positions near the Pershotravnevoye-Raigorodka motor road

Another anti-government rally held in Georgian capital

The protesters are carrying Georgian and EU flags and slogans urging the government to step down

Russia will respond to any provocations from outgoing US administration, diplomat says

According to Sergey Ryabkov, there is a lack of common sense in the West

Senior Russian diplomat sees zero chance of compromise between Russia, Ukraine now

According to Sergey Ryabkov, "there might be openings and opportunities" in the future

PREVIEW: Top Russian diplomat to participate in OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta

It will be Lavrov’s first visit to a European Union member country since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine

Syrian military controls city of Hama, ready to repel possible assault — defense ministry

The ministry also reported that Syrian warplanes, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces and domestic rocket and missile artillery, managed to kill dozens of militants

Lavrov’s interview with Tucker Carlson turns out very interesting — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the interview is currently being translated and will be released in a couple of days

Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses near Kupyansk, says military expert

The Ukrainian military is attempting to regain control of the road section, which is important in terms of logistics, Andrey Marochko noted

Ukrainian front collapses as Kiev faces worst situation since conflict started — analyst

Maria Berlinskaya noted the demoralization of Ukrainian society that, she said, is brought about by the actions of the country's military and political leadership and the corruption of officials

Russia won’t create special conditions for return of foreign companies — Putin

Meanwhile, the Russian president admitted that it will be fairly difficult for Western firms to get back as companies from other countries or Russian brands are actively tapping the niches that have been freed

Israel’s top diplomat sees possibility of reaching deal on Gaza hostages soon

Gideon Sa’ar also "requested support on the matter" from newly appointed foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the European Union in general

Italian foreign minister admits that Kiev will have to make concessions

In Antonio Tajani's opinion, reconciliation in Ukraine should be achieved in 2025

Russian minister highlights difficulties in establishing depository links with China

Once depository links between the two countries are established, it will make it easier for investors in both countries to move money and invest in each other’s markets, Anton Siluanov noted

World is now closer to nuclear war than ever before — US journalist Carlson

No one in Washington "is working to make sure that this conflict doesn’t become a nuclear holocaust," the journalist said

Russian forces mopping up Stariye Terny community in Donbass region, says official

Vladimir Rogov said earlier that the liberation of that settlement would deny the Ukrainian army the possibility to relocate units directly between Solntsevka in the north and Kurakhovo

Georgian president unable to become opposition leader — prime minister

Irakli Kobakhidze recalled that Salome Zourabichvili’s presidential term expires on December 29

No one can ban bitcoin — Putin

"Processes related to the use of other instruments are taking place naturally," the Russian president said

Iran to join forces with Russia, China in its struggle against unipolar world — president

Masoud Pezeshkian said that Moscow and Tehran would manage to jointly neutralize the negative consequences of all sanctions

NATO countries want Ukraine to fight until the last young soldier — Szijjarto

The minister noted that the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels will continue on Wednesday

US journalist Carlson says he arrived in Moscow for interview with Russia’s top diplomat

The interview is "absolutely fascinating," the journalist said

Ukraine has to make tough decision on mobilization — US secretary of state

Antony Blinken said that United States is committed to do its best to train Kiev's soldiers and provide them with weapons

South Korea’s defense minister apologizes to citizens, resigns — media

According to media reports, it was Kim Yong Hyun who advised the president to impose martial law

West seeks to shift blame for its Ukrainian madness onto Ukrainians — Russian diplomat

"The West is gradually trying to prepare the ground to blame Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and perhaps Vladimir Zelensky and some other political figures for their own recklessness, crimes, and crazy criminal philosophy of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, as they put it," Maria Zakharova said

Putin describes ban on Russia’s use of US dollars as ‘complete foolishness’

The Russian president pointed out that this desision damaged the US economy and undermined the power of the United States across the world

Russian army captures soldiers of Ukrainian presidential brigade

The POWs are currently being kept safe and are receiving all necessary assistance

Israeli army kills nearly 30 Palestinians in Gaza Strip over past day — Health Ministry

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly

Ukraine to make concessions to Russia under Trump’s plan — agency

It is reported that the US president-elect has yet to establish a working group to develop a peace plan for Ukraine

Russia’s Usmanov steps down as president of global fencing

"The Executive Committee has accepted and ratified Mr. Alisher Usmanov's decision to suspend the exercise of his powers and duties as President of the FIE," the statement said

As impeachment looms, South Korean president sits down with ruling party — news agency

The meeting was attended by People’s Power Party’s leader Han Dong-hoon

Trump reportedly has three plans for Ukraine, one drafted by VP-elect Vance — Reuters

According to the report, alongside Vance's plan, Donald Trump is reviewing settlement proposals from Keith Kellogg, whom he proposed as his assistant and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

South Korea unpredictable, Pyongyang right to worry about its security — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed to the fate of former South Korean leaders: some were killed, overthrown, imprisoned, some committed suicide

Escalation in Syria clearly involves Ukrainians — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova ighlighted reports suggesting that the Kiev regime's security services are collaborating with terrorists, supplying them with drones and sharing expertise in their use

Ukraine has lost its chance for NATO membership, a ‘normal’ peace treaty with Russia — MP

"Such things are done from a strong position. Now, Zelensky has led the country to a state where such a position has been lost, regrettably," the Ukrainian lawmaker said

IN BRIEF: What is known about the situation in South Korea

Earlier, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the imposition of martial law

Russian airstrikes aid Syrian army in taking out over 100 terrorists in past day

In a separate development, Russian military police teams carried out patrol missions in the provinces of Aleppo, Raqqa and Hasakah

US must focus on domestic issues without meddling in Belarusian affairs — embassy

The embassy noted that Minsk resolutely rejects Washington’s attempts to meddle in its domestic affairs by holding a "second strategic dialog" with opposition members residing outside Belarus

Zelensky softens rhetoric on territorial concessions to Russia — web portal

According to the report, the rhetoric has changed as Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses on their increasingly rapid westward advance

NATO chief says bloc needs to be sure Ukraine has enough people to send to fight

"We need probably more people to move to the front line," Mark Rutte stressed

Georgian opposition figurehead Datunashvili detained at Tbilisi rally

According to the report, it happened during a brawl that broke out not far from a hotel, where the athlete had just completed a meeting

Russian banks’ profit to lose 10-15% in 2025 — VTB chief executive

There will still be high profits and high return on investment, Andrey Kostin said

French lawmakers adopt no-confidence motion against Barnier’s government

The motion was supported by 331 lawmakers, well above the required minimum of 289 votes

Russia hammers Ukrainian military airfield infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West repelled 10 Ukrainian counterattacks and inflicted roughly 500 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day

Russian forces take up positions in downtown Kurakhovo in DPR — activist

Vladimir Rogov told TASS earlier that Russian troops had moved past the city center in Kurakhovo to fight in the city’s west

Russia-DPRK strategic partnership treaty enters force — KCNA

The treaty will have an unlimited duration

Only quarter of Western companies leave Russian market — Putin

The Russian leader noted that "despite political pressure, many partners, including from Western Europe and the United States, remained on the Russian market"

Relations between Armenia, CSTO passed point of no return — Pashinyan

According to the Armenian Prime Minister, Yerevan suspended its participation in CSTO because of the absence of the "appropriate reaction" to the "external aggression at the borders of sovereign Armenia in 2021 and 2022"

South Korean opposition initiates president’s impeachment — news agency

The vote on the bill should be held within 24 to 72 hours from the time of its consideration at a plenary session

US, Europe did not yet take last step to steal Russia’s assets — Putin

In these conditions, Russia was forced to retaliate, the president stressed

Developments in Russia’s Kursk Region: arrest of mercenary in absentia, Ukrainian losses

The Ukrainian army lost a total of more than 37,935 servicemen since the start of the hostilities

Minsk knows how to hold elections without pandering to West — embassy

Belarusian diplomats stressed, that the country’s leadership and government are "accountable to the Belarusian people only"

FACTBOX: Central Bank chief highlights key rate, inflation

The key rate is a strong tool to counter inflation and it helped to "prevent entering an inflation spiral"

IN BRIEF: Putin’s main statements at Russia Calling! forum

Over the past 2-3 years, the Russian economy has fundamentally change, the Russian leader noted

Trump taps space tourist Isaacman for NASA chief

Jared Isaacman, 43, heads a payment processing company

Russia's test of Oreshnik missile proves lack of trust in West — diplomat

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier emphasized that the West’s provocative policies could have dire consequences if they further escalate the conflict

US seeks to preserve its occupation of northeast Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

"The United States and its allies are using every opportunity to sow chaos in the country, applying sanctions to asphyxiate the country’s economy and supporting Idlib-based terrorists and the extremist underground in the SAR," Vasily Nebenzya said

NATO may offer Ukraine deferred membership in 2025, top Portuguese diplomat says

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated earlier that the only security guarantee the country could accept would be full-fledged NATO membership

Pashinyan finds EAEU summit in Yerevan inexpedient, it will be held in Russia

"We asked the Russian side to solve this issue through a bilateral agreement, but we did not receive consent," the prime minister said

US is going bankrupt fast — Elon Musk

US entrepreneur, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswami, will head the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" in Donald Trump’s administration

West does not share advanced equipment fearing it may end up in Russia — Ukrainian expert

Maria Berlinskay also recognized the superiority of the Russian army, calling it one of the "strongest armies in the world," and opined that none of the NATO countries would be able to withstand a confrontation with the Russian military

Ukrainian army to draft all men soon, officer warns

It is reported that employees of recruitment centers are being reassigned to army positions at the home front

Russia ready to bury the hatchet with Georgia, needs to see desire from Tbilisi — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Moscow hopes that traditional Georgian wisdom will win out

Russia never rejected dollar — Putin

"We were denied of its use but the denial, as our saying goes - they got what they fought for," the Russian leader said

Blinken says younger Ukrainians should be called up for military service

On November 27, Reuters reported that Washington was putting pressure on Kiev to lower the draft age to 18

Russia not having youth unemployment problem anymore — Putin

The youth unemployment level was as high as 20-25% in certain Russian regions before, the president noted

Putin questions logic behind Volkswagen leaving Russia

The Russian president stressed that Russia allowed its German partners to operate under free market conditions in the country

Russia to start financial support of investment projects in Africa in 2025 — official

Russian business is interested in expanding trade and economic ties with African partners and fulfillment of its export potential, Alexey Overchuk noted

Russia, BRICS partners plan to develop investment platform — Putin

The Russian leader explained that the investment platform is intended to become a serious instrument for supporting the economies of the BRICS countries and providing them with financial resources

Syrian forces break through encirclement in coordination with Russian military

According to the Syrian military command, the cadets who suffered wounds in fighting against terrorists would get the necessary medical care in Homs

Georgian police detain opposition activist Elisashvili over fistfight

According to the report, Elisashvili is accused of starting a scuffle with the head of the National Congress of Azerbaijanis in Georgia, Ali Babayev, on the grounds of politics

Teenager wounded as Ukraine shells Novaya Kakhovka

The victim was hospitalized with multiple fragmentation wounds to legs

NATO infrastructure near Russia’s borders could lead to any scenario, says CSTO chief

Imangali Tasmagambetov pointed out that NATO’s attempt to invade Russia and Belarus would be sheer foolishness

Thirteen more global brands to enter Russian market

The companies have confidentiality clauses when they make deals, so sparse details can be offered, including timelines for market entry, Marina Malakhatko said

CSTO to hold drills in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan in 2025 — bloc’s chief

"I should also note that the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry takes a very responsible approach towards holding such drills and I am deeply convinced that the exercises which will run on the territory of Kyrgyzstan in 2025 will also be held at a very high organizational level," Imangali Tasmagambetov said

Russian MFA says Malta canceled visa for its spokeswoman ahead of trip to OSCE meeting

It happened just as the Russian delegation was about to board a flight from Moscow, the ministry said in a statement