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Contract with Gazprom Export beneficial for Bulgaria — Minister

Bulgaria will hold negotiations with Gazprom Export, Hristov said on Monday

SOFIA, August 25. /TASS/. The contract with Gazprom Export, the export arm of the Russian gas holding Gazprom, on natural gas supply is beneficial for Bulgaria, Energy Minister of the national caretaker government Rosen Hristov told reporters on Thursday.

"The contract with Gazprom Export benefits Bulgaria and the failure to perform it will result in losses of billions of lev for the country," the Minister told reporters.

"According to the effective contract with Gazprom [Export], the gas price we could receive is close to the price of gas from Azerbaijan. For comparison, I can say the price of liquefied gas to be delivered by two tankers in September is approximately 50% times higher. The case in point is hundreds of millions we will have to pay," Hristov said.

Forthcoming talks with Gazprom are planned to be held within the framework of the effective contract, he added.

Bulgaria will hold negotiations with Gazprom Export, Hristov said on Monday.

On April 27, Gazprom halted gas supplies to Bulgaria in view of the failure to pay in rubles within the prescribed period.

Spain annually loses 2 billion euros of potential revenues from Russian tourists

Russian Ambassador in Madrid Yury Klimenko stressed that the EU decision to further toughen the visa regime for Russian nationals will undoubtedly lead to a further dip of Russian tourism to Spain to minimal indicators

Zelensky admits that Kiev will not be able to finance 800,000-strong army

Vladimir Zelensky said that he maintains dialogue with Western leaders concerning partial financing of Ukrainian army at the expense of the partners

CAR considers Russia as potential partner in education — Russian ambassador

Speaking about the attitude of CAR residents toward Russia, Bikantov named image and love as the main legacy of the Soviet era

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

Trump confirms retaliatory strike against IS in Syria

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

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

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

Venezuelan government condemns tanker capture by the US

According to the government communique, this "egregiously criminal act" was made in violation of norms of international law, the maritime navigation convention and the UN Charter

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"

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"

At least 27 drones taken down over various Russian regions overnight

Two of them were destroyed over the Sea of Azov waters

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

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

Kyrgyz president arrives in Russia on working visit

Sadyr Japarov has arrived to take part in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the informal meeting of CIS leaders in St. Petersburg, the press service of the Kyrgyz leader said

Lavrov meets with South Sudanese counterpart

The top South Sudanese diplomat stated that his country’s government jointly with the regional partners are making efforts to establish peace in neighboring Sudan

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

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

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

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

Swiss authorities do not resort to blatantly Russophobic rhetoric — Ambassador

Ambassador of Russia to Switzerland Sergey Garmonin emphasized that the same cannot be said about the essence of the policy they are pursuing

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

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

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

Russian defense technologies unmatched by Western military-industrial complex — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that established industrial production would make it possible to make tens and even hundreds of items per year to provide strategic coverage for all critical areas and facilities in the Russian border regions

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

Russian foreign minister notes prospects of African Continental Free Trade Area

The second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum is taking place in Cairo on December 19-20

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

Netanyahu plans to discuss potential new strikes on Iran with Trump — TV

According to NBC News, the Israeli prime minister plans to share with the American leader his concern over Tehran’s missile program that may require swift actions in response

Top Russian, Tunisian diplomats discuss situation in North Africa

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed issues of the development of bilateral relations with his Tunisian counterpart

Deep State wants military conflict between the US and Russia, Gabbard says

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said that every time Donald Trump makes progress and moves closer and closer to that hope for peace, the warmongers in the deep state step up and try to do everything they can to stop it

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

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

Two Russians arrested in Bulgaria at US request — Russian embassy

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

Tanker apprehended by the US near Venezuela sailed under flag of Panama — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the cargo belonged to an oil trader from China that supplies oil from Venezuela to Chinese refineries

Spain lowers Russian gas imports under EU pressure — Russian Ambassador

The kingdom began the dramatic reduction of Russian LNG imports since January

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

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

One killed, two injured in explosion in Khimki near Moscow

According to earlier reports, an unidentified explosive device detonated in Khimki

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"

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"

US department confirms detention of tanker near Venezuelan coast

"The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil," the Head of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said

Lavrov meets with Algerian counterpart

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 23, 1962

Three Ukrainian drones downed in Russian regions

Two of them were destroyed over the territory of the Volgograd Region

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

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

Merz finds himself in isolation in Europe due to position on Russian assets — newspaper

German Chancellor attempted till the last "to praise advantages of the de facto expropriation of Russian assets, downplaying risks at the same time," the newspaper said

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

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

IN BRIEF: Resuming nuclear tests, NATO threat: what Russia's military chief of staff said

The North Atlantic Alliance, under the pretext of a so-called Russian military threat, has "significantly increased" its military presence near Russia’s borders

Russia-Africa Forum agree plan of actions for 2026-2029 — top Egyptian diplomat

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Zelensky says Ukraine discusses options to ensure election security with US

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Longest night of year coming to Northern Hemisphere — Planetarium

It will last for seventeen hours

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Krasny Liman to be liberated in near future — Putin

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US conducting operation to seize ship off Venezuela — agency

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

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WSJ names five key obstacles to peace between Russia, Ukraine

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Equatorial Guinea ready to host next Russia-Africa summit in 2026 — top diplomat

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

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Battlegroup East destroyed five drone control centers over night

The adversary lost six Starlink satellite communication terminals

US National Intelligence confident Russia not planning to control entire Ukraine

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

Russia-Africa ministerial meeting joint statement adopted unanimously — Lavrov

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Russian intel chief reveals recent extended call with MI6 director

Sergey Naryshkin said the phone conversation was held "just a few days ago"

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

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US, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey report progress in implementing Gaza ceasefire phase one

As follows from the document, they held talks in Miami, Florida

US Representative Luna says not supporting money allocation to Kiev

Anna Paulina Luna stressed that she "never voted for a single dollar to go to Ukraine"

Unipolar world order gone forever, Putin says

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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

Putin goes to St. Petersburg for informal CIS summit

The head of state will also have bilateral meetings with leaders of certain countries

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

Palestine believes Gaza Strip should be administered by PNA, awaits US decision — envoy

Abdel Hafiz Nofal noted that the international community and, in particular, the United States, need to finally define their position on this issue, "without resorting to unworkable solutions that are currently being considered"

Putin sends major message to West by his statement on Ukraine — portal

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US aggression against Venezuela may lead to humanitarian catastrophe — Brazilian leader

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on the countries of the region to consolidate their efforts to preserve it as a zone of peace and stability

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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

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

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Russia plans to set up 13 more economic cooperation commission with African countries

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia is also expanding the network of its trade missions in Africa

Volvo files application to register three trademarks in Russia

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

Press review: EU leaders clash over Ukraine and Trump approves Taiwan arms sale as test

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 19th

Russia remains reliable partner for African countries — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, to achieve a lasting settlement of crises in Africa, it is necessary to eliminate their root causes inherited from Western colonialism

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

US may continue strikes on Islamic State in Syria for several weeks — TV

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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

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

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Portuguese PM doesn’t rule out sending peacekeepers to Ukraine after conflict is over

Blast that killed teenager in Moscow Region caused by mishandling of explosive object

An investigation is underway

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

Zelensky contradicts himself about elections in Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

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Top Egyptian diplomat describes Miami talks on Gaza as good

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also expressed hope for the soonest beginning of the implementation of the Gaza deal second phase

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"

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

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

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

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Moon not interfering with star fall observation in longest night of 2025

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Negotiations on Ukraine in Miami constructive, Dmitriev says

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Spain annually loses 2 billion euros of potential revenues from Russian tourists

Russian Ambassador in Madrid Yury Klimenko stressed that the EU decision to further toughen the visa regime for Russian nationals will undoubtedly lead to a further dip of Russian tourism to Spain to minimal indicators

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

Kiev troops shell DPR four times in past day

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

Gazprom Export files lawsuits against Axpo Solutions AG, Vychodoslovenska energetika

No other details about the cases were given in the database

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

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Inevitable Ukrainian surrender to make peace talk much easier — SVR

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Some US lawmakers capitalize on Ukrainian conflict — US Representative

US Representative Anna Paulina Luna noted that some lawmakers openly speak against efforts to settle the conflict in Ukraine

Share of missing Russian servicemen must be reduced to absolute zero — Putin

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Deep State attempts to provoke third world war — Dmitriev

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Russian troops destroy 67 foreign mercenaries in battles for Yunakovka — defense source

According to the source, they were mostly Colombian nationals