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Norilsk Nickel starts new development strategy in 2024 — VP

The fifth medical center will be opened in the near time as part of corporate medicine system development, Andrey Grachev noted

ST. PETERSBURG, December 12. /TASS/. The transformation of the anti-sanction strategy into the development strategy has become the main event of 2024 for Norilsk Nickel, Vice President for federal and regional programs of the Russian mining and metals company Andrey Grachev said.

"Such situation was created by virtue of sanctions, whereby any undertaking, including our company, had to take measures for protection. However, this defense strategy turned into the development strategy. This is most probably the main outcome of operation and, certainly, that we managed in all the conditions existing to keep social programs, honor all the commitments towards our employees, and even to develop them, as a matter fact," Grachev told reporters.

The fifth medical center will be opened in the near time as part of corporate medicine system development, he added.

Russia may partially continue gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine without contract — expert

If the transit through Ukraine is completely stopped, Gazprom's pipeline exports in 2025 may decrease by only 5-7 bln cubic meters, the expert noted

Medvedev says discussed security issues with Chinese President Xi

The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council pointed out that Moscow and Beijing are close strategic partners

Medvedev delivers personal message from Putin to Xi Jinping

The politician is currently having a two-day working visit to China

White House mum on Trump's criticism of Biden's decisions on strikes against Russia

According to John Kirby, president's decisions on aid to Kiev are aimed at ensuring the most favorable position for Kiev in possible future negotiations

Ukraine expects to receive another $8.5 bln in aid by year end — National Bank

Ukraine has prepared a budget with a record deficit for two years in a row and expects to cover most of this deficit with aid from Western partners

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 103.95 rubles for December 13

The official yuan rate was set at 13.9594 rubles, up 10.55 kopecks

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

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 410 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and six artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Russia, Ukraine agree on exchanging packages for POWs for New Year’s Eve

"This exchange is expected to take place in December on the Russian-Belarusian border or elsewhere," Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said

Ukraine to lose third of territory, get no invitation to NATO — Slovak PM

Robert Fico also emphasized that the conflict's repercussions would significantly impact Ukraine's internal stability

Ukrainian commander acknowledges 'incredibly brutal' situation near Krasnoarmeysk

The Ukrainian General Staff also reported that the "situation on the frontline remains challenging," highlighting the Krasnoarmeysk, Kurakhovo, and Vremevsky areas

Indian teen prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju wins Chess World Championship

Ding Liren, 32, was crowned the world chess champion in 2023, when he defeated Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi

Russia increases output of Orlan drones several times

Orlan flies for a long time and fulfils more missions than an electric drone

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Trump criticizes Kiev over strikes inside Russia with US-provided missiles

According to the US president-elect, such actions just escalate the conflict

OSCE special envoy for Ukraine intends to deepen split in Europe — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova compared Maresh to an environmentalist who "claimed he would pour oil refinery waste into the sea" and to a firefighter who "promised not to stop setting fires"

Rock-solid relations and Western machinations: What Medvedev said in China

Cross-party cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Communist Party of China is developing intensively, the Russian senior official pointed out

Kiev’s attempts to expand IAEA mandate hurt agency’s reputation — Russian diplomat

Ukraine "misuses" the agency which seeks to provide technical support to member countries, so the agency also gets engaged in issues that are outside its expertise, Mikhail Ulyanov said

West may sacrifice Ukraine using its 1938 playbook for Czechoslovakia — Slovak PM

According to Robert Fico, Slovakia has no complaints with the authorities in Kiev, but Bratislava recognizes that Ukraine has fallen victim to Western ambitions to weaken Russia

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

EU anti-Russia sanctions package includes extension for Prague to import oil products

Slovnaft, one of the largest oil refineries in Central European countries, is located in Bratislava

Talk of Moscow-Kiev dialogue 'absurd' given Ukraine’s negotiation ban — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov referred "not only to the authorities in Ukraine but also to those located thousands of kilometers away who are heavily involved in shaping Kiev's political agenda"

Kazakhstan’s relations with Russia enhance, seem promising — Kazakh president

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also emphasized that inter-parliamentary diplomacy and the work of the countries' lawmakers greatly contribute to the growth of cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan

Netanyahu addresses Iranians, says freedom and peace to come ‘sooner than people think’

A video of his speech, with subtitles in Hebrew and Farsi, was posted to the prime minister’s accounts on X

Texas, California decolonization reflects global shifts, says Russian intel chief

"We are currently witnessing the true decolonization of the Global South, which has come to see itself as a full-fledged political actor rather than a subordinate ‘backyard,’" Sergey Naryshkin noted

Israeli drone strikes al-Khiyam after Lebanese units enter town — report

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attack as another Israeli violation of the 60-day ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and France

Situation near Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in Syria remains calm — witnesses

On December 9, the agency's source said that the armed opposition was in full control of the Syrian province of Latakia, where Russian military bases are located

Israel to maintain presence in Golan Heights buffer zone until it gets security guarantees

The prime minister’s office stressed that Israel’s actions in the Golan Heights area were defensive in nature and stemmed from a government change in Syria

Afghanistan’s terrorists continue to receive financial support from abroad — envoy to UN

According to Vasily Nebenzya, militants are strengthening their influence, committing new attacks

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Baltic countries’ disconnection from BRELL system not affecting Kaliningrad Region

The drill for independent disconnection of the region from the BRELL took place in September and was not noticed by residents, Alexey Besprozvannykh said

Turkey continues facing challenges due to sanctions in nuclear plant project

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed gratitude to all counterparts and partners engaged in implementation of the Akkuyu NPP project, national nuclear regulation authorities and Russian agencies

IN BRIEF: Assad in Moscow, security of Russian bases: what Kremlin source said

According to the source in the Kremlin, Russia has granted asylum for Syria’s former President Bashar Assad and his family members

Damascus, Aleppo airports resume operations, but so far only under special permits

The restriction period is set from 8:00 p.m. GMT on December 12 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 18

After Oreshnik launch, NATO fears Moscow’s resolute response to aggression — intel agency

Moscow has solid evidence of the West’s aggression against Russia, which is "an extremely disturbing sign for NATO," the SVR said

Meeting with Medvedev helps in building trust between China, Russia — Xi Jinping

The Chinese president highlighted that his three meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin this year have led to significant new agreements

US not to 'abandon' Ukraine, Trump says

The US president-elect added that if he had been still in office in 2022, the special military operation would not have started "for numerous reasons"

Kiev gives Orthodox shrines to Vatican almost for free — ex-SBU officer

According to Vasily Prozorov, the Orthodox Church may lose these relics permanently

Moscow establishes interaction with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s political committee — diplomat

On November 27, members of armed opposition groups launched a large-scale offensive against government forces' positions in Aleppo and Idlib governorates

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

Russian ombudswoman asks Kiev for secure corridor for Kursk region residents

Tatyana Moskalkova noted that the weather is cold, while many residents in the occupied territories have no heat

Russian stock indices plunging on Thursday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index lost 0.79% to 2,492.63 points

Russia to help its nationals if they want to leave Syria — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said the safety of Russian citizens in Syria is an absolute priority for Russia

At least four countries provide assistance to Syria’s armed opposition — Iranian general

In late November, armed opposition units launched a large-scale offensive on positions held by Syrian government forces in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces

Ukrainian authorities started preparing for elections, ex-minister says

It is indicated by Vladimir Zelensky’s presentation of the so-called "plan of resilience" in the Verkhovna Rada, by the establishment of the Ministry of Unity and a number of other measures, says Andrey Reva, ex-Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine

CIS governments agree to allocate funds for joint air defense project

They also agreed to direct some of these funds toward projects to build and enhance individual air defense systems in 2025

New Syrian government to decide on fate of Russia’s military bases — opposition

"The issue of military bases is a sovereign decision of the Syrian state," Mohammed Alloush stated

Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 10th

Delegation of Islamic Jihad movement arrives in Cairo for talks on Gaza

The delegation plans to discuss "the process of Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap negotiations"

Press review: Dubai hosts nuclear powers' meeting as OSCE preps Ukraine for EU and NATO

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 12th

Ukraine ready to discuss deploying foreign troops within its borders — Ukrainian official

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky admitted that nobody among his allies had discussed this matter in detail

OSCE special envoy for Ukraine plans to prepare Kiev for NATO, EU accession

Petr Maresh is to "maintain close contact with the Ukrainian authorities"

Russian troops close in on Ukrainian combat group at Kurakhovo power station in DPR

According to the source, the Ukrainian battlegroup is unsuccessfully trying to leave the power station’s premises

Time names US President-elect Donald Trump person of the year

By claiming Time’s person of the year title, Trump left behind such other contenders as billionaire Elon Musk, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Meta Corporation (banned in Russia as an extremist organization)

Former FBI informant pleads guilty to fabricating charges against Biden family

Alexander Smirnov, who was arrested in February and is in custody, faces four to six years in prison

Slovak PM vows not to support Ukraine joining NATO

Robert Fico pledged to support Ukraine’s move to join the European Union upon resolving the conflict

Belarusian president instructs military to ensure safe deployment of Oreshnik

First Deputy Defense Minister of Belarus Pavel Muraveiko added that only the president of Russia knows the number of Oreshnik missile systems that are supposed to be deployed in Belarus

FACTBOX: Aftermath of UAV attack in Chechen Republic

Air defenses destroyed 16 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones overnight across Russian regions, the Defense Ministry reported

US must choose between ‘feeding gods of war’ in Ukraine and peace — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, Trump’s pledges to resolve the Ukraine crisis "in a day" should be taken as election rhetoric, given the complexity of the given crisis

Ukrainian troops near Novosyolka surrender rather than counterattack

According to the captives, they were tasked with entering the outskirts of the settlement, gaining a foothold, and awaiting assault groups

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Russian troops gradually eliminate Ukrainian forces in Kharkov frontline area — official

Vitaly Ganchev added that Russian troops were conducting active operations across the entire Kharkov frontline

Russia may partially continue gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine without contract — expert

If the transit through Ukraine is completely stopped, Gazprom's pipeline exports in 2025 may decrease by only 5-7 bln cubic meters, the expert noted

US House of Representatives approves $884-billion defense budget

The Senate is expected to approve the budget next week, and the document will go to US President Joe Biden for signing

Zelensky wrong to think that Biden corruption link gives him impunity to do what he wants

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the scale of corruption between the US and Ukraine is truly astonishing

Ex-Ukrainian officer shocked by high number of foiled terror attacks in Russia

Ukraine developed a major multi-phase operation to carry out the attack, Vasily Prozorov went on to say

United Shipbuilding Corporation to build at least 1,000 ships in next decade

The cutting-edge technologies should be used to solve this task and the complete import phase-out needs to be ensured for the national technological independence, Konstantin Golubev stressed

Trump invites Chinese president to his inauguration in Washington — CBS News

It is unclear whether the Chinese leader accepted the invitation, CBS News reported

Biden approves another military aid package to Ukraine — White House

72nd aid package will include additional air defense, artillery, drones and armored vehicle

Door for negotiations on Ukraine opened, Hungarian PM believes

Viktor Orban reiterated that he had held a number of meetings and phone conversations with other leaders in order to settle the Ukraine conflict

Kiev fails to hand over Soviet-era assets although Russia repaid Soviet debts — Putin

Russian President recalled that Russia asked other states to hand over those assets explaining that it had repaid the debts of the former Soviet Union but heard in response that it was its own problem

Medvedev paints 'grim' picture of today's Syria

The politician noted that Russia had provided substantial support to the administration and government of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, recognizing the global threats posed by the potential fragmentation or disintegration of Syria, similar to what occurred in other Middle Eastern countries

IAEA not to stop mission at ZNPP after drone incident — Grossi

The agency head also said that he is unable to identify the organizers of the attack, because he does not have an irrefutable proof

Iran not to allow increased inspections of nuclear facilities under sanctions — diplomat

According to Kazem Gharibabadi, if IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi finds any deviations during inspections, it is best to document them "instead of relaying his assumptions and speculations to the media"

US citizen who entered Syria few months ago released from prison in Damascus — TV

Travis Timmerman said that he came to Syria "for spiritual purposes" as a pilgrim

Trump suggests that European troops monitor potential ceasefire in Ukraine — report

It is noted that Europe should play the main role in defending and supporting Ukraine

Israel may strike Iran's nuclear facilities after Syria, army radio says

According to its information, various Israeli military structures, including the army, are now coordinating various intelligence and defense agencies

Putin has already voiced his position strikes inside Russia with US weapons — diplomat

Earlier The New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden has allowed to use US-supplied long-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, to strike inside Russia

Russian forces liberate Novoivanovka: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, four motor vehicles and three mortars

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield — top brass

The ATACMS missile fragments that fell on the Taganrog military airfield caused injuries among the personnel and no destruction on the ground, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russia’s naval nuclear forces fully modernized, says Navy Chief

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev emphasized that the condition and combat readiness of Russia's modernized naval strategic nuclear forces are at an exceptional level

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Oreshnik missiles to eliminate need for nuclear weapons, Putin says

This is why, in President Putin’s words, Russia behaves with caution and even restraint in all areas

Syrian ex-president Assad now in safety in Russia — deputy foreign minister

The Russian diplomat added that it "would be very wrong for me to elaborate on what happened and how it was resolved."

EU Council grants full Schengen membership to Bulgaria, Romania from January 1

In March, Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area partially, as passport control was lifted at air and sea borders

Bank of Russia postpones release of upgraded notes

New banknotes will not appear immediately in the turnover and the time for equipment adaptation will be needed, the press service informed

Ukrainian Defense Ministry preparing to recruit young people over 18

In recent weeks, officials in the US administration have openly suggested that Ukraine should lower the draft age to bolster the frontlines

EU lost over 1.5 trillion euro from anti-Russian sanctions — Russian diplomat

The European Union is following the self-destruction path, while the Russian economy has adapted to sanctions, Alexander Grushko noted

Norilsk Nickel starts new development strategy in 2024 — VP

The fifth medical center will be opened in the near time as part of corporate medicine system development, Andrey Grachev noted

Kremlin vows retaliation after Ukraine’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield

According to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the response will come when and how Russia thinks fit

Trump did not invite Putin to his inauguration in January — Kremlin

The ceremony will take place on January 20, 2025

Russia open to dialogue with Trump administration, says senior diplomat

Current Democratic US President Joe Biden will transfer power to Trump, a Republican, on January 20, 2025

The origins of Russia’s traditional New Year’s celebration

Trump unable to resolve Ukraine conflict in 24 hours as he promised — Slovak PM

Robert Fico added that the real actions of the Trump administration will differ from what the politician has previously said

West fails to weaken Russia through Ukraine-related sanctions, says Slovak PM

Robert Fico also expressed regret that other European Union countries were reluctant to take note of Bratislava’s stance about the need to launch negotiations

Turbine installation completed at Akkuyu nuclear power plant

The Akkuyu NPP is the first nuclear power plant under construction in Turkey

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine if Kiev grasps situation on battlefield — Medvedev

The politician went on to say that the topics of Ukraine and Syria were raised during his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Erdogan says he and Putin are the only two leaders in world

Turkish President also said that he respects Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder

Zelensky rejected ceasefire proposal, says top Hungarian diplomat

The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated the Russian side’s commitment to a realistic resolution to the conflict, as outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 14

Western sanctions outlived their usefulness, it's just grandstanding — senior diplomat

"There is nothing left in the foreign policy arsenal of this group except sanctions," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Russian forces occupy several high-rise buildings in Donbass region's Kurakhovo — official

"There is fighting near the town hall building but Ukrainian forces still control it," the official said

Decision on two nuclear plants to be made in 2025 — Turkish energy minister

Turkish authorities said earlier that they are holding talks on NPP construction projects in the Black Sea province of Sinop and in Thrace in the European part of the country, with Russia and South Korea in particular