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Borrell confesses that 2022 'not bad' for Russian economy

"Before, 40% of European gas came from Russia, now, it is 6% and they will not find a customer for this gas," Josep Borrell alleged

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell EPA-EFE/JULIEN WARNAND/POOL

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell

© EPA-EFE/JULIEN WARNAND/POOL

MOSCOW, February 22. /TASS/. The past year did not turn out to be a bad one for the Russian economy despite sanctions imposed by the West, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Wednesday in an interview with the Onda Cero radio station.

"Last year was not a bad one for the Russian economy," the EU official said. "This is because energy prices skyrocketed," he noted. Prices have recently returned to what they were before Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, Borrell said.

"And we have already rid ourselves of energy dependence on Russia," the High Representative said. "Before, 40% of European gas came from Russia, now, it is 6% and they will not find a customer for this gas," Borrell alleged. "I believe we have already introduced sanctions against almost everything that could be sanctioned," he added.

Russian minister highlights difficulties in establishing depository links with China

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Bank of Russia assumes possibility of key rate lifting in December

The 15th VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum is being held on December 4-5 in Moscow. TASS is the information partner of the forum

Russian forces take control of LPR administrative border near Stelmakhovka — expert

Andrey Marochko said that in order to take full control of the LPR, Russian forces had to push Ukrainian troops out of five more settlements

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

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Alexander Dynkin described the "the first minimal but extremely necessary steps" for Washington

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

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Iran’s senior military commander, Belousov discuss ways of countering terrorists in Syria

"Syria's neighbors should take the necessary measures to prevent terrorists from receiving external assistance," Lieutenant General Mohammad Bagheri said

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

South Korean government agrees to lift martial law — Yonhap

In a televised address, the President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to support the corresponding ruling of the parliament

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

Russia develops new-generation Kedr strategic missiles system

According to the source, the project is currently undergoing the science and development phase

Europe quietly prepares for World War III — Newsweek

Europe’s preparation for war with Russia is visible through increased defense spending in certain countries, the article says

Georgian ruling party leader Garibashvili quits his party — TV

No further details were provided

Georgian president unable to become opposition leader — prime minister

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

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

Telecommunications cable between Sweden, Finland disrupted, newspaper reports

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South Korea’s largest trade union to go on indefinite strike until president resigns

Workers of South Korea’s biggest railway company KORAIL will also go on an indefinite strike on december 5

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

US turned UN Security Council meeting on Syria into political farce — Russia’s UN mission

"Today, as a result of your awkward actions, we saw how a meeting on an extremely serious issue can be turned into a disgraceful political farce, by inviting a totally unsuitable speaker and playing into his hands," Dmitry Polyansky said

Russia strongly condemns terrorist incursion in Syria — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya said that the Syrian military, with support from Russia and other allies operating at the request of the legitimate Syrian authorities, is repelling the militants

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

Top German diplomat says Berlin could send peacekeepers to Ukraine — agency

Annalena Baerbock also believes that along with security guarantees for Ukraine in the form of NATO membership, "international presence aimed at ensuring a ceasefire" could be considered

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

Syrian forces push militants back from city of Hama — newspaper

According to the report, terrorist positions and routes are under fire, several militants have been wiped out and their military equipment has been destroyed

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

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

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Trump tells Trudeau Canada to become 51st US state if it doesn’t stop migration

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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

Lavrov speaks about situation in Ukraine, region’s future in interview with US journalist

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Swiss court to review Nord Stream 2 operator’s debt

The bankruptcy procedure for Nord Stream 2 AG has been renewed until January 2025. Transliq AG remains the temporary administrative receiver

Trump's attempts to stop de-dollarization by force risk backfiring — Bloomberg

According to the experts, such tactics are pushing countries to jointly seek alternatives to the dollar

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

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

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 ombudsman publishes list of 630 POWs Kiev refuses to take back

Tatyana Moskalkova pointed out that these POWs have been in Russian captivity for over one year

Russians to receive a record $66.7 bln in 2024 — VTB

The tax on gains from deposit interest will remain at the level of 13-15%, Dmitry Breitenbikher noted

Russian Navy, Aerospace Forces launch precision missiles in Mediterranean drills

All the designated targets were engaged by direct hits

Siberian cat Putin gave as a gift to governor of Akita Prefecture in 2012 dies in Japan

Over the 12 years of his life, Mir was treated like a member of Norihisa Satake's family

Georgian mercenary hit with criminal charges, POWs: situation in Kursk Region

Strikes by operational-tactical aircraft and artillery fire hit enemy manpower and hardware in the Kursk and Sumy regions

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

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

Opposition party leader Nika Gvaramia detained in Georgia

The police also continue to search the offices of other opposition parties and organizations

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

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

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

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Syria has been in conflict since 2011

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According to the broadcaster, there are no militants left in the area and security is fully ensured by Syrian forces

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

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

Russian Embassy in UK brands Starmer’s hints at talks on Ukraine as hypocritical

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FACTBOX: What to know about rupture of telecom cable between Sweden, Finland

The newspaper said the Global Connect fiber optic network suffered a massive failure in Finland

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

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

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Russian MiG-31I jets with Kinzhal missiles take part in Mediterranean drills — top brass

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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

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

Initiators of South Korean martial law fail to subjugate whole army — TV channel

According to the report, Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun proposed the idea to President Yoon Suk Yeol

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass area, Zaporozhye Region over past day

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

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Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Authorities order evacuation from 180 settlements in Ukraine Sumy Region — official

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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

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

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

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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

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

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Kremlin spokesman sees no grounds for Russia-Ukraine negotiations so far

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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

Zelensky says Ukraine tested new types of missiles

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FACTBOX: What we know about situation in Abkhazia

On November 28, members of the Abkhazian parliament adopted a resolution on setting an early presidential election for February 15, 2025