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Russia implementing its own drone development program, says Kremlin

At the end of December last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a list of instructions on developing unmanned aerial systems

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Russia is focused on its own program of developing unmanned aerial vehicles, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

The Russian president’s press secretary thus commented on a report by The Wall Street Journal claiming that Russia and Iran planned to launch the production of drones.

"Russia has an array of its own programs for creating unmanned aerial platforms for very diverse goals and these programs are being implemented," Peskov said.

At the end of December last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a list of instructions on developing unmanned aerial systems. The head of state also handed down an instruction to approve the strategy of developing unmanned aircraft through 2030 and for a period until 2035, which stipulates mass production of drones, the Kremlin spokesman stressed.

"We have our own development programs and I do not know what sources the newspaper relied on in its reports," Peskov said.

Russia and Pakistan to be connected by direct railway line — minister

"By the end of March, we are planning the first train - the first cargo train to leave Russia for Pakistan," Awais Leghari said

Iran informs Russia about ratification of free trade zone agreement with EAEU

Alexey Overchuk noted that the parties discussed Iran's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union as an observer

Israeli Defense Minister admits his country's involvement in assassination of Hamas Leader

Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, Israel has previously denied any involvement in his assassination

Eight more dead dolphins found in Krasnodar Region following tanker accident

Earlier, 10 dead harbor porpoises were found after the accident in Novorossiysk

Press review: Kiev escalates attacks as payments ease for Russian raw material buyers

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 23rd

Kremlin sums up Russia’s presidency in BRICS

According to Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov, what is special about the Russian presidency is that Moscow had to support the work of BRICS in a new, expanded format, "to make sure that the new members of the group harmoniously fit into the customary arrangements, customary ways of interaction"

Two-thirds of Russians dissatisfied with 2024, survey reveals

Russians most often attribute their negative emotions regarding the past year to economic hardships and rising prices, while citing family events as positive highlights

Special services remove over 4,000 tons of contaminated soil in Krasnodar Region, Crimea

Russia's Maritime Rescue Service collected 25 tons of oil-water mixture in the Kerch Strait water area, surveying 170 square kilometers of water territory

Kiev’s shelling kills 61 civilians in Russia-controlled part of Kharkov Region in 2024

According to the report, 35 civilians suffered injuries

CIS must enhance anti-terror measures amid Syrian developments — senior Russian lawmaker

According to Leonid Slutsky, the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar Assad and the armed opposition's assumption of power could have repercussions far beyond the region

Russia’s prominent figure skating coach Tarasova lauds ISU’s recent decision

Last week, the International Skating Union (ISU) announced a decision to clear Russian and Belarusian athletes for the Olympic qualifiers

Lavrov reaffirms Moscow’s unity with Belgrade in protecting rights of Serbs — Russian MFA

Another issue discussed was cooperation in the oil sector amid illegal Western sanctions, the ministry said

Scientists discover 400 dead seals along Dagestan's coastline

The expedition once again confirmed the concerns of scientists that the Caspian seal population is declining at an unprecedented rate

Russian Railways boost freight traffic via border crossings with China by 14.1% this year

The company carried 37.5 mln metric tons of goods in the export-import service via border crossings with China

Slovak PM thanks Putin in Russian for meeting with him

This was Putin’s first personal meeting with Fico since 2016

Kremlin reviews Putin's international activity in outgoing year

The president participated in more than 220 events in 2024

Fico’s visit to Russia perfect slap in Zelensky’s face, Slovak politician says

The MEP said that Fico stands for Slovak interests in Russia, "even in spite of the warmongers in Brussels"

White Helmets staged Douma ‘chemical weapons attack’ on civilians — Russian General Staff

On April 7, a number of NGOs, including the White Helmets, alleged that chemical weapons were used in Douma, Eastern Ghouta

Russian gas imports by Czech Republic soaring — news agency

The Czech Republic is receiving Russian pipe gas indirectly via Slovakia and Hungary

Russian forces take control of Severny neighborhood in Chasov Yar — Donbass region head

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Houthis say they attacked targets in Israel with drones

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France announces new cabinet, with foreign and defense ministers keeping their jobs

Bruno Retailleau also stayed on as interior minister

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Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 20th

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According to the latest data, two people were killed

Berlin’s any aggressive action will not remain unanswered — Russian ambassador

"This concerns both the potential use of Taurus and plans for stationing US mid-range and short-range missiles on German soil," Sergey Nechayev stressed

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Russia, Iran talk four points for Rasht-Astara project implementation — Deputy PM

According to Vitaly Savelyev, the Iranian side has taken on commitments to provide a land buyout schedule

Greenland's parliament reminds Trump that island not for sale

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IDF eliminates chief of Hamas Security Mechanism directorate

Prior to the strike measures had been taken to mitigate risks for civilians, the IDF said

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Kiev takes out its anger for military defeats on Russian people — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also emphasized that Moscow is outraged by the hypocritical silence of the West and its media on the terrorist attacks in Russia

Russia, Tajikistan to discuss cooperation in migration, economy and politics

"Certainly, acute issues in the migration sphere will also be discussed," Yury Ushakov said

CIA station in Kiev targeted in recent Russian attack, military expert reveals

According to Alexander Stepanov, strikes are systematic efforts to gradually wipe out the military capabilities of Ukraine

Finland plans to open three crossings on border with Russia — paper

The media reports that Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is expected to announce the government's decision on Tuesday

Senior Russian MP hopes that Trump really wants peace in Ukraine

"Such an achievement would serve his interests as the incoming US president," Leonid Slutsky noted

More than 20 countries show interest in BRICS — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov noted that uncontrolled expansion of the association would break its backbone

IN BRIEF: What is known about drone attack on residential buildings in Kazan

TASS has gathered the main information about the incident

Putin arrives in Paris to pay last respects to Jacques Chirac

Chirac will be buried at the Montparnasse cemetery next to his daughter Laurence

Kiev to face more destruction after its UAV attack on Kazan, Putin warns

"We will not only restore the damage that some attempt to cause to us but will also move forward even at a faster pace as we are doing now," Russian President said

Explosion rocks premises of former plant in Russia’s Abakan, killing two

Regional head Valentin Konovalov said that the explosion occurred due to safety violations

Russian forces liberate one more settlement in Donetsk People’s Republic

According to the report, battlegroup Center made Ukraine suffer roughly 610 casualties and lose two tanks in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Skoda, Volkswagen to recall over 55,000 cars in Russia — regulator

All owners of vehicles subject to the recall will be informed of the need to bring the vehicle to the nearest dealership for repairs, Rosstandart said

Trump wants to rename North America's tallest mountain Denali

Denali, standing at 6,168 meters, was once considered the highest point of the Russian Empire before the territory was sold to the United States

50,000-year-old mammoth calf carcass revealed in Yakutsk

The mammoth calf is female, with a shoulder height of 120 cm and a total weight of approximately 180 kg

Mineral fertilizer export duty in Russia to be 7% by end of December

"The measure will provide for lowering of the fiscal burden of mineral fertilizer producers, which paid export duties at a higher rate since last fall," the Russian Ministry of Economic Development stated

Meeting of Putin with Slovakia’s Fico lasted for two hours — presidential aide

According to Yuri Ushakov, the meeting was substantial

Ukraine may cease to exist by 2034 — Russian security official

Dmitry Medvedev noted that Ukraine will never join NATO

Houthis say attacked US aircraft carrier in Red Sea, shot down US fighter jet

According to the Houthi spokesman, the strike on US vessels was delivered with the use of "eight cruise missiles and 17 drones"

Former Mossad agents disclose details of pager operation against Hezbollah

Mossad used dummies to test how much explosive is required to be just enough to hurt the pager’s owner, but not the person next to him

Ukraine shells city hosting Zaporozhye NPP — politician

No reports of casualties and damage have come in yet

Ukraine’s General Staff admits tense situation along entire frontline

The Ukrainian military also admitted the Russian army’s supremacy in terms of military equipment and the size of personnel

Trump's plan to seize Panama Canal to cause migration, poverty — Colombian president

Gustavo Petro emphasized Colombia's backing for Panama in defending its sovereignty

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The Russian leader also agreed with Sergey Mironov, head of the "A Just Russia - For Truth" faction in the Duma, who said that "the birth rate is insufficient, because the matter concerns extinction"

Zelensky actually flips the bird to Trump by insulting Putin, Medvedev says

The politician emphasized that "the president of a major country should be extremely polite and amiable"

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Ukrainian troops attempt counterattacks on Vasilyevka direction in Zaporozhye Region

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Greenland PM tells Trump island not for sale

Mute Egede stressed that Denmark should continue to be open to cooperation and trade with the whole world, especially with its neighbors

Russian Olympic champ Nagorny welcomes ISU’s decision to clear Russian athletes

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Kremlin announces countries to become BRICS partners from January 1

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Strike on SBU control center response to Russian general’s assassination, expert says

The ministry clarified that Ukraine launched a missile strike against the Kamensky Integrated Plant in the Rostov Region using six US-made ATACMS missiles and four Storm Shadow cruise missiles

Iranian president invited to visit Russia in early 2025

The Russian delegation also included Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, Minister of Sport Roman Starovoit, and RZD CEO Oleg Belozerov

Russian Olympic champ Nagorny welcomes ISU’s decision to clear Russian athletes

"All news about any international federation’s decision to admit Russian athletes makes me happy," Nikita Nagorny said

Russian stock indices in the green on Monday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index edged up by 2.43%, the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 3.16%

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Russia evacuates 4,000 Iranian fighters from Syria at their request — Putin

Russian forces evacuated them from the Hmeimim base to Tehran

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Addressing a news conference after the BRICS summit in Kazan earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of seeking to expand unfairly and warned that Russia would spare no effort to reverse the situation

Is Gaddafi's gloom prophecy in regard to Europe bound to be fulfilled?

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Ten dead dolphins found in Russia’s Krasnodar region following oil spill

Additionally, mass beaching of Azov Sea harbor porpoises has been reported in Novorossiysk, some 60-70 km (32-42 nautical miles) from Anapa, where the oil spill occurred, Tatyana Belei highlighted

Trump’s election victory changed Western approach to Ukrainian conflict, adviser says

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Group of foreign mercenaries taken out in Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

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Ukrainian army launches long-range missiles at Donetsk

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Deployment of Moldovan troops to Transnistria to violate settlement accords — expert

On April 15, 2013, two explosions, with 12 seconds in between, happened in Boston’s downtown, near the finish line of the traditional marathon

Biden refuses to commute Boston Marathon terrorist's death sentence — media

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Germany does not keep substantive contacts with Russia on Nord Stream case — envoy

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Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

Hungary wants to maintain ties with Russia under its economic neutrality policy — PM

Victor Orban also said that hopes for the development of economic cooperation with the United States after President-elect Donald Trump takes office

Russian 'soldier of the future' combat gear tested in Syria

The Ratnik is a system of advanced protective and communication equipment, weapons and ammunition

Lukashenko announces upcoming meeting with Putin and official visit to China

The Belarusian president pointed out that the coming year is expected to be difficult for a number of reasons

Latest nuclear-powered sub Arkhangelsk to join Russian Navy by yearend

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Germany fails to admit its policy of support to Ukraine falters — Russian envoy

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Russia considers launching direct flights with Brazil, Malaysia, Pakistan — Minister

Roman Starovoyt noted that Russia is holding negotiations with many airlines from friendly countries

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Russian drone operators use air ramming to down 4 Ukrainian copters in Kharkov Region

UAV operators of the battle group North continue to be on round-the-clock duty in the sky over Kharkov Region and identify reconnaissance and strike drones of the Ukrainian militants

Ukrainian conflict will end when Kiev’s sponsors see need for peace — Russian diplomat

In a mid-June meeting with senior officials from Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined key prerequisites for resolving the situation in Ukraine

Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas will hit EU economies hard — French expert

According to Jacques Sapir, the decision not to extend transit contracts was no surprise given the political landscape

Contracts worth over $286 million signed at Vietnam Defense Expo 2024

The exhibition attracted more than 260,000 visitors, while more than 1,800 bilateral meetings and negotiations were held on the sidelines

Lives of several hostages depend on IDF’s advance in northern Gaza — Hamas

According to spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing Abu Ubaida, areas where these hostages are held allegedly come under regular Israeli bombardments

Netanyahu says ordered IDF to attack Houthi strategic targets

Israel, according to Netanyahu, adheres to a "very simple principle" that "those seeking to do harm to Israel receives harm in response

No real impulses for organization of Putin-Trump meeting so far — Kremlin spokesman

The Russian leader said during the press conference that he is ready for a conversation with the US president-elect and is ready to meet with him at any moment

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

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Kiev considers negotiations with Russia inevitable, Ukrainian official says

At the same time, Sergey Leshchenko clarified that "there will be no repeat of Minsk or Istanbul agreements," meaning there would be no agreements resembling the Minsk accords of 2015 or the Istanbul talks of spring 2022

West to criticise Fico's visit to Russia, but understands necessity for it — expert

Fyodor Lukyanov emphasized that Robert Fico, just like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has also visited Russia, is driven by the interests of his country and first of all "is accountable to his own citizens, and not the European Commission"

Russia ready to normalize relations with US without detriment to its interests — Putin

The previous generation of Russian politicians chose the course towards the country’s destruction for the sake of joining the so-called civilized world but this was what the West wanted, President Vladimir Putin

Russian Defense Ministry names those who worked on bioweapons in Ukraine

The chief of Russia’s radiation, chemical and biological protection force, Igor Kirillov, told a news briefing that one of the key figures was Robert Pope, the Director of the US Defense Department's Cooperative Threat Reduction Program at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Georgian president demands appointing snap elections within week

Salome Zourabichvili also promised to announce her further plans on Monday

Situation with gas supplies from Russia to Europe difficult — Kremlin

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Putin holding talks with visiting Slovak PM

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Switzerland involved in preparing Ukraine ceasefire talks — Foreign Ministry

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Global mpox incidence exceeds 117,000 cases — WHO

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Moldovan president plans military operation in Transnistria — Russian intel agency

According to the SVR, Maia Sandu recently convened a meeting on energy security issues with senior government officials