{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

First round of talks with UAE on free trade zone may be held in March 2023

The decision in this regard was made by the heads of EAEU member-states during a summit meeting on December 9

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is starting negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a free trade zone and the first round of talks could be held as early as in March 2023, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) said on Friday, citing EEC Trade Minister Andrey Slepnev.

The decision in this regard was made by the heads of EAEU member-states during a summit meeting on December 9.

"According to Andrey Slepnev, the parties expect to move in fast track regime and hold the first round as early as in March of next year," the EEC said.

Tags

Trade & Cooperation

Russian stock indices falling on Monday — market data

The yuan ticked up by 0.47% to 13.51 rubles over the day

White House unable to confirm report of Bout’s involvement in weapons supplies to Houthis

I can't confirm that report today, White House Press Secretary said

Russia's allies come to rescue after Siemens fails to deliver on Akkuyu NPP deal

According to Alexander Novak, Russia and the Turkish side are assessing how this situation will impact the overall project timeline

FACTBOX: Commonwealth of Independent States

Members of the Commonwealth are states that have acceded to the CIS Charter within one year of its adoption

Man-made emergency situation introduced in Crimea’s Feodosia in wake of fire at oil depot

Traffic was suspended on two streets in downtown Feodosia

Ka-52M attack Ukrainian military near Kursk Region’s border

Helicopters carried out strikes against Ukrainian manpower and armored vehicles

Buffer zone between Israel, Lebanon to be protected by peacekeepers — US official

"For a variety of reasons" UNIFIL and the Lebanese armed forces have been failing "to prevent Hezbollah from sitting in those areas just over the border from Israel and launching rocket strikes and other attacks against Israel.", US Department of State Spokesperson said

Ukrainian troops leave key defense positions in Tsukurino in DPR

An uneasy situation has also emerged for Ukrainian troops in the neighboring community of Gornyak, the defense circles said

Lebanon shells Israel’s northern regions, firing some 20 projectiles — army

According to the army press service, shortly before midnight, "about five projectiles" from Lebanon were fired toward Haifa and its environs

Eastbound coal shipments of Russian railways gain 3.2% in 9M 2024

Specifically, eastbound shipments of coal for exports in January - September 2024 stood at 39.9 mln metric tons (+3.8% annually) for Kuzbass, 4.9 mln metric tons (+10.3%) for Khakassia

Israeli army declares closed military zone in coastal area on Lebanese border

The settlement of Rosh HaNikra is located near the Mediterranean coast on the very border with Lebanon

Draconid meteor shower to light up sky on Tuesday night

The streaks, being yellow and reddish in color, trail the Earth, so they enter the atmosphere at a low speed of around 20 km per second

Ukraine not going to renew gas transit agreement with Russia — Ukrainian PM

The International Energy Agency earlier highlighted the significant risk for the full stop of Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine after 2024, because the gas transit contract between the two countries expires at the turn of this year

Probe underway in Spain into death of Russia’s female triathlete

Yelena Smirnova was 41

Uganda gives US ambassador three days to leave country

According to Ugandan Armed Forces Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, William Popp engaged in activities that are inconsistent with his diplomatic status

Russian troops seize control of fortifications in DPR's Ugledar

The DPR head pointed out that Ugledar was important for the Ukrainian military because its high-rise buildings made it possible to set up observation posts and a system of repeaters

Russian troops liberate Grodovka community in Donbass region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 410 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

CIS foreign ministers adopt statement on security in Eurasia — executive committee

The statement reaffirms the readiness of the Commonwealth countries "to make a practical contribution to the creation of an architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, sustainable and long-term stabilization of the military and political situation, as well as the settlement of existing regional conflicts and the prevention of new ones"

IDF reveals number of enemy projectiles, drones launched toward Israel in past year

According to the Israeli military, around 13,200 projectiles were fired from the Gaza Strip and 12,400 from Lebanon

IDF detects several projectiles launched at central Israel from Lebanon

This was Monday’s third shelling attack on central Israel

IAEA chief warns against any attacks on employees of nuclear plants

"Any targeting of employees of nuclear power plants would constitute a blatant violation of this pillar fundamental for overall nuclear safety and security," Rafael Grossi said

Surprise was ‘key factor for success’ in Ugledar — battle group East’s deputy chief

All those who took part in storming this stronghold will be nominated for state decorations

Houthis say they hit targets in Tel Aviv, Eilat with missiles, drones

The Houthis greeted Hamas and Hezbollah fighters on the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and promised to continue delivering strikes on Israel and hampering the passage of Israel-linked ships across the Red Sea until Tel Aviv "lifts blockade of the Gaza Strip and ends its aggression against Lebanon"

Polish mercenaries in Ukrainian ranks openly shoot civilians in Sudzha

Eyewitnesses confirm the large presence of Poles in the area

Russian teen sensation Andreeva breaks into top-20 of WTA Rankings for first time

Mirra Andreeva also won a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris in women’s doubles (playing in pairs with Russia’s Diana Shnaider)

Iranian airports resume receiving, dispatching flights

Flights have been operating normally since 11:00 p.m. local time

West intends to use militants to destabilize Eurasia once Ukraine conflict is over

According to Sergey Naryshkin, Ukrainian officers stationed at the Al-Tanf US military base in Syria work out ways how to deliver attacks on Russian servicemen on duty in Syria

Russia does not exclude Europe from Eurasia’s security dialogue — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that "the degradation of the military and political situation caused by the course of the collective West towards undermining the sovereign development of the continent's leading powers cannot in itself be acceptable to responsible Eurasian states"

Russia’s FSB finds cache of chemical substances in DPR

The weapons and ammunition have been handed over to the Russian army for further use

Russia’s female triathlete dies at Ironman tournament in Barcelona

"Yelena Smirnova drowned at the Ironman competition in Barcelona," Natalya Smirnova said

Putin to celebrate his birthday in office

The Russian President turns 72

Hezbollah fighters use paragliders in attempt to infiltrate Israel’s northern border — TV

Lebanese TV channel also reported earlier that on October 6, Hezbollah fighters tried to enter the territory of the Israeli state through an underground tunnel system in the Kibbutz Doviv area

Over 130 missiles fired at Israel from Lebanon during day — IDF

Another round of escalation flared up in the region following the launch of Israel’s Operation Northern Arrows in Lebanon on September 23

It’s up to Armenian, Azerbaijani leaders to decide if they want to meet at BRICS — Lavrov

"If they want to meet <...> we are always ready to do what was agreed with our participation," the Russian foreign minister added

Su-34 destroys Kiev forces’ stronghold in Kursk border area — Russian Defense Ministry

Having received confirmation from intelligence about the destruction of personnel and a stronghold of the Ukrainian armed forces, the crew safely returned to the airfield of departure

Russian Aerospace Forces hit three militant bases in two Syrian provinces

The Russian Aerospace Forces have carried out strikes on three bases of militants coming from the Al-Tanf area

Underground tunnels were built in Lebanon to attack Israel, envoy says

When we launched an operation in Lebanon a week ago - after a whole year of diplomatic efforts and negotiations - we immediately discovered the same underground depots and tunnels designed for an attack on Israel

Israeli Air Force attacks Hamas command centers in central Gaza Strip — army

IDF said that Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital were used to plan and execute attacks

Russia rolls out first flight prototype of state-of-the art Okhotnik heavy strike drone

The drone’s serial deliveries to the troops are due to begin from 2024

Russia may take part in construction of second NPP in Turkey — Deputy Prime Minister

According to Alexander Novak, successful joint work on the Akkuyu project opens up opportunities for expanding cooperation

International system no longer effective in solving crises — Iran's ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali noted that that Iran's retaliatory action on October 1, 2024, in the form of a missile strike against some military and security facilities sites in the occupied territories of Palestine "was taken in the framework of legitimate defense"

Nuclear test ban organization says Iranian seismic event looks like earthquake — diplomat

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Iran’s province of Semnan southeast of the capital Tehran on October 5

Press review: Gaza conflict turns one year old and who could be Russia's next envoy to US

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 7th

Slovakia ready to host lower-level meetings for summit on Ukraine — prime minister

Slovakia, as Fico noted, is interested in continuing intergovernmental consultations with Ukraine

Israel Defense Forces reports hitting Hezbollah intelligence headquarters in Beirut

Israel’s warplanes attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley area in the early hours of Monday, striking weapons storage facilities, military infrastructure sites, and one launcher

NPP construction in Kazakhstan supported by 71.12% of citizens in referendum

The total number of citizens eligible to vote in the referendum was 12,284,487

Israel to end operation in Gaza when hostages are released — Israeli diplomat

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory

Ukrainian army loses over 20,000 troops during incursion into Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk Region, the Russian Armed Forces have also destroyed 580 Ukrainian motor vehicles, 165 artillery pieces and 33 multiple rocket launchers

Scientists Ambros, Ruvkun win Nobel Prize in Medicine for groundbreaking microRNA work

The Nobel Committee said that microRNAs are "fundamentally important for how organisms develop and function"

Russian tank crews helped seize last Ukrainian army positions in Ugledar — top brass

Ugledar was part of a network of large Ukrainian army strongholds in the south Donetsk frontline area

Ukrainian servicemen loot apartments of Ugledar residents before fleeing — top brass

The ministry emphasized that the Ukrainian troops tried to literally knock people out of the town

Lavrov cautions West against discussions of allowing Kiev to strike deep into Russia

At a meeting in Kiev on September 11, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky did not make any decisions regarding the authorization for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with US-supplied weapons

Informal meeting of CIS leaders, EAEU summit planned in December 2024

"The meeting under the auspices of the EAEU is also linked to it," Yury Ushakov said

Russian assets frozen in the Netherlands melt to 97.2 mln euros from 660 mln — newspaper

According to the publication, "Russian assets worth more than half a billion euros were apparently released with the approval of the ministry"

At least 16 caches with US-made weapons found in hideouts of Syrian militants

While examining militant hideouts, struck by the Russian Aerospace Forces since September 23, 2024, a total of 16 caches with US-made weapons were found

Russian artillery wipes out Ukrainian UAV control post in borderline Kursk area

"After determining and confirming exact coordinates of the enemy’s location, a decision was made to deliver a strike at the target," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Putin to meet with Azerbaijani president, Armenian PM ahead of CIS summit

The leaders will discuss issues of the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Yury Ushakov said

Orban says his country 'will not surrender' to Brussels, world powers, migrants

Hungarian Prime Minister also praised Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, saying that in Hungary he was seen as a hero for securing Italy's borders and protecting Europe

Winner of Miss Russia 2024 pageant vows to do her best to win Miss Universe title

Valentina Alekseeva told TASS that she is overwhelmed with happiness, joy and excitement for the future

Court in Moscow hands down lengthy prison sentence to 72-year-old US mercenary Hubbard

The court also ordered 142,000 hryvnias ($3,400) confiscated from the defendant and paid to the Russian state

Almost 9,400 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

Over the past day, 9,395 people from Lebanon crossed the Syrian Arab Republic’s border via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar and Jdaidet Yabous

Finland suspends work of advisory council with Russia on Saimaa Canal

The main activities of the Advisory Board have mainly focused on determining the dates of the beginning and end of navigation along the Saimaa Canal, exchange of information on the situation in the Saimaa region

Russian defense industry creates over 520,000 new jobs in 18 months — Putin

People taking these positions are working very intensively, "in two, and on certain sites in three shifts," the Russian president stressed

Iran, its allies working toward pact to counter potential US, Israeli attack

The authors of the bill argue that Iran’s Security Council should be in charge of considering applications to join the Pact of Resistance

US intelligence agency faces difficulties in obtaining data on Hamas — newspaper

According to its sources, since the October 7 attack, the US President Joe Biden administration has continued to prioritize intelligence gathering on other foreign crises

Severstal to invest $1.2 bln in pellets plant construction

Investments in the project escalated from about 97 bln to 116 bln rubles in the course of further adjustment of process parameters, a Severstal spokesperson told TASS

Increase in violence in Middle East may affect entire world, Russian envoy says

Gennady Gatilov emphasized that "on October 7, 2023, the world was shaken by a horrifying tragedy in Israel, which claimed the lives of nearly 1,200 people and shattered thousands of human fates"

If Israel, US go to war with Iran, serious global crisis to follow — Turkish expert

Abdullah Agar said that Israel has received clear reasons for a strike on Iran together with the US, which until now "supported Israel only in the context of the principles and concepts of defense"

FACTBOX: CIS Summits

Currently, Commonwealth of Independent States brings together 11 post-Soviet countries, while two states have effectively suspended their work and cooperation within the CIS - Moldova and Ukraine

Settling conflict with Russia among Georgia’s top priorities — PM

Dwelling on the government’s foreign policy plans for the next four years, Irakli Kobakhidze cited resetting relations with the United States and the European Union as "the most important national ask"

Press review: Putin aims to keep steady hand in South Caucasus and DNC officially begins

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 20th

UN General Assembly adopts Russian resolution against glorification of Nazism

The document was supported by 120 countries, while ten abstained and 50 voted against it

UNRWA chief describes destruction of vital infrastructure in Gaza as catastrophic

It is reported that the current escalation has claimed the lives of more than 220 UNRWA employees

Termination of Russian gas transit to EU can affect fuel supplies to Ukraine — FT

Further to the loss of transit fees, the pipeline shutdown could "even threaten Ukraine’s own gas supply if its pipeline infrastructure becomes a target," Director of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies Mario Holzner said

Ukrainian conflict can end in 15 days without Western support for Kiev — Borrell

In that case, Russian President Vladimir Putin would have achieved his goals, the EU top diplomat said

Candidature of Russia’s new ambassador to US being agreed upon — Kremlin aide

Anatoly Antonov served as Russia’s ambassador to the United States for the past seven years

Clean Arctic volunteers begin mission in Eurasia's northernmost point

On the cape, the volunteers will test a new technology for waste collection and disposal

Kremlin lauds Antonov’s diplomatic mission in US

The Russian embassy in the United States told TASS on October 5 that Anatoly Antonov had completed his mission as Russia’s ambassador to Washington

Slovenian PM says Russia needs to participate in talks on Ukraine — newspaper

According to the sources, those advisers in Robert Golob's entourage who openly hold anti-Russian and pro-American views are now "losing weight" in shaping policy toward Russia and the Ukrainian conflict

Russia to keep gathering evidence of Kiev’s use of toxic chemicals, diplomat says

"The perpetrators of these and other crimes against Russian citizens will be identified and won’t avoid being duly punished," Maria Zakharova noted

Realities for settlement in Ukraine have changed significantly — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said that "the issue of the day should be ending the conflict, not establishing a ceasefire"

SVR chief implicates US, Britain in Nord Stream sabotage

"While the investigation into this sabotage is ongoing in the West, "its course gives no hope that the real culprits behind the incident will ever be punished," Sergey Naryshkin stressed

Russian stock indices falling on Monday — market data

The yuan ticked up by 0.47% to 13.51 rubles over the day

Russian soldiers eliminated Ukrainian militants who shot civilians in Kursk region

During one of these clashes, fighter eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers in hand-to-hand combat

Slovak prime minister calls for commemorating Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev

Marshal played a decisive role in organizing the operations carried out on section of the Soviet-German frontline in Slovakia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said

Kiev uses Western chemical weapons under guise of smoke shells in Sudzha — top brass

These munitions in the amount of 3,800 shells were supplied to Ukraine in September 2023 under a military assistance package, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov pointed out

Press review: Israeli reprisal against Iran looms and Iraq bets on Russia amid US exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 3rd

Israel does not rule out attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities – top defense official

According to CNN, the US has made it clear that it opposes attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure

DPR head expects entire region to be liberated in foreseeable future

"For our part, we expect that the DPR will be liberated in the foreseeable future as part of efforts to achieve the goals set by the Russian president," Denis Pushilin noted

Case against Ukrainian militants: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 150 servicemen, three armored fighting vehicles, as well as two artillery pieces, four mortars and two vehicles

NASA astronaut Dyson views her flight with Russian cosmonauts as privilege

"It has been an honor to represent NASA, living and working aboard our magnificent International Space Station for the past six months," Dyson said

US bankrolled mechanism of covert spread of pathogens in Ukraine, Russian top brass says

As the documents show, at the biological labs created and financed in Ukraine, experiments were held with the samples of bat coronavirus, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov also noted

North Korea once again launches garbage balloons at South Korea

This was the 25th such launch since the end of May

Iran not going to allow Israel to launch new round of violence — envoy to Russia

According to Kazem Jalali, the behavior of Western countries is "surprising" in this context

Press review: Russia urges Israel to see reason and NATO at wits end on how to help Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 4th

Russia’s relations with CIS countries develop steadily, nothing threatens them — Lavrov

The minister noted that the links between CIS and SCO ensure interaction between Russia, China and India, while the economic, logistical and creative potential of these associations contributes to the well-being of all CIS countries

Russia remains integral to ITER project — organization’s Director General

According to Pietro Barabaschi, ITER is proud to have Russia involved, and will not change its policy of cooperation

Russia’s liberating Ugledar allows for encirclement of Kurakhovo — expert

The Russian forces liberated Ugledar on October 3

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts up to 460 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Battlegroup Center units continued advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses

Chinese-Russian relations withstand all tests, continue developing — Chinese ambassador

Over the past 75 years, our relations have survived the tests of the difficulties of the international situation and have always maintained vitality and energy

Ukraine admits worsening of situation for its troops near Selidovo in DPR

According to spokesman for Ukraine’s 15th Kara-Dag brigade of operational assignment at the National Guard of Ukraine Vitaly Milovidov, the Russian military has intensified the suppression of Ukrainian firing positions