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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Situation with payments for gas transit via Bulgaria to be settled — Szijjarto

Hungary and Bulgaria set the task for themselves "to find such legal and financial solution" of this problem that will enable making payments for the Russian gas and will be acceptable for all the parties, Peter Szijjarto said later on the air with M1 television

BUDAPEST, December 13. /TASS/. The situation with payments for Russian gas transit to Hungary via Bulgaria will be settled, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto said.

"Security of energy supplies to Hungary largely depends on Bulgaria because the TurkStream gas pipeline is passing there. We received over 7 bln cubic meters of natural gas over this route in this year, therefore, predictability and reliability of transit supplies is the key issue for Hungary," the minister wrote on his page in Facebook (banned in Russia, owned by Meta recognized as extremist in Russia). Sanctions against Gazprombank imposed by the US created a difficult situation in the region but "we will be able to settle this situation with close regional cooperation and solidarity," he added.

Hungary and Bulgaria set the task for themselves "to find such legal and financial solution" of this problem that will enable making payments for the Russian gas and will be acceptable for all the parties, Szijjarto said later on the air with M1 television. "Our counterparts will quickly complete the required legal and financial work and therefore gas supplies through Bulgaria will be absolute reliable in the forthcoming period, despite restrictive US measures. This is a good piece of news for energy supplies to Hungary," Szijjarto stressed.

Avtovaz reports 30% rise in 2024 sales

Production of Lada cars surged by 40% to 525,600 cars, which is the maximal volume over the last decade, Maxim Sokolov said

South Korean president says his detention illegal

Yoon Suk Yeol said he believes the investigation is illegal

No plans for Slovak PM to visit Kiev for gas discussions on January 17 — deputy speaker

Earlier, Robert Fico offered Vladimir Zelensky the option to hold a meeting in Slovakia near its state border with Ukraine

Press review: Lavrov signals Russia’s readiness for talks as Kiev seeks stronger position

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 15th

Russia ready to help Vietnam join BRICS — joint communique

In October 2024, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh took part in the BRICS Plus/Outreach summit in Kazan at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin

US seeks Greenland to boost military pressure on Russia, China, Europe — experts

Russian experts also highlighted the "enormous interest" the US has in Greenland’s mineral resources

Agreement with US turns Armenia into tool against Russia, Iran — political scientist

According to Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan, "the Armenian authorities are consistently deteriorating relations with Russia and Iran"

Russia will not give Donbass and Novorossiya to anyone — Patrushev

Nikolay Patrushev believes it is important for the world to recognize the incorporation of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol into the Russian Federation

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian regions this night

Air defenses downed 16 UAVs over the Tula Region, the area’s head Dmitry Milyayev said on his Telegram channel

US, Armenia ink document on strategic partnership commission

According to the top US diplomat, this commission will set a framework to expand 'bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas'

President of Central African Republic arrives in Russia

Faustin-Archange Touadera will hold talks with the Russian leadership

Russia, Vietnam support resolving conflicts through peaceful means — communique

Russia and Vietnam advocated that an inclusive and sustainable architecture of interstate relations be established in Asia based on the principles of equality, sovereignty, independence, and non-bloc international law norms

Armenia cannot be member of both EU, EAEU, says Russian top diplomat

According to the top Russian diplomat, the two unions are two distinct free trade zones, two separate systems for reducing or eliminating duties and tariffs

US to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism — news agency

According to them, the administration may make a relevant announcement soon

Senior Russian MP points to EU’s nervous reaction to Trump’s comeback

Leonid Slutsky drew attention to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s words that Europeans will have to learn Russian or move to New Zealand if EU countries don’t invest in military production

Hegseth says Trump to seek best settlement for Ukraine

He made the statement when asked at a hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee whether the incoming US administration will "abandon Ukraine"

Biden boasts of mobilizing 50 nations to fight in proxy war against Russia — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat drew some historical parallels

FACTBOX: International status of the Arctic

Russia requests consultations with Serbia over US demands to remove Russian capital

According to Sergey Lavrov, in its relations with Serbia the West states that it wants to punish its partner Russia

Russia concerned about people, not lands in terms of Ukraine issue — Lavrov

"The Ukrainian regime, which seized power through an illegal and unconstitutional coup, simply labeled these people as terrorists because they refused to recognize the coup," the foreign minister stressed

Russia-US relations near zero; easing conflict risks should remain a priority — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that the relations between Russia and the United States still carry significant conflict potential

Lavrov, visiting senior Slovak MP discuss bilateral trade, economic cooperation

"The sides exchanged views on pressing issues on the international agenda, including the situation in Ukraine," the Russian Foreign Ministry noted

Cuban president lauds US’ plans to lift his country’s designation as sponsor of terrorism

On Tuesday, a high-ranking US official said at a briefing in Washington that the US President Joe Biden administration will remove Cuba from the list of states sponsoring terrorism

US intends to disrupt TurkStream operations — Lavrov

The minister pointed out that the abandonment of fair competition and the use of unscrupulous and aggressive methods of suppressing it can be seen in the sanction policy

Kiev offered $1 mln to Russian troops for leaving Gorlovka

Elite units of the Ukrainian armed forces were deployed, indicating that the Ukrainian intelligence agency was confident it had successfully bribed Russian troops

Trump plans to speed up arms supplies to Taiwan — advisor

Additionally, according to Mike Waltz, Trump intends to "really continue to reinforce those partnerships and alliances" in the Asia-Pacific region

Velikaya Novosyolka's liberation paves way to assault Zaporozhye from east — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, the remaining units of the Ukrainian armed forces in the settlement of Velikaya Novosyolka are essentially on an island

UAE may host Putin-Trump meeting, Russian expert says

Oleg Karpovich dismissed Switzerland as a possible location for the meeting

Pistorius pays Ukraine unannounced visit — TV channel

According to the media outlet, the minister wishes to assess the current situation on the ground

Russia, Vietnam plan to reach $15 bln trade turnover by 2030 — PM Mishustin

The Russian Prime Minister arrived in Vietnam on an official visit the day before and has already held talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh with the participation of delegations from both countries

Russia bans entry to Estonian foreign ministry’s undersecretary for global affairs

The 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, the organization’s decision-making and governing body, was held in Malta on December 5 and 6, 2024

Hanoi holds welcoming ceremony for Russian PM, who arrived on visit to Vietnam

In Hanoi, pioneers and students from the capital's National University received Mishustin with Russian and Vietnamese flags, cheering slogans of greeting

FACTBOX: What we know about South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s arrest

He is being charged with organizing and leading an insurrection

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton says her cancer in remission

She thanked the doctors in charge of her treatment and everyone else for their support

Russian forces straighten 6 km frontline near Kremennaya in LPR, expert says

Near Kremennaya, Russian forces also captured one of enemy positions, Andrey Marochko said

Russia’s international reserves down $1.8 bln in one week to $609.5 bln — Central Bank

Russia’s international reserves are highly liquid foreign assets available with the Bank of Russia and the Russian government

Russia now flies direct to 40 countries — ATOR

The most popular international destination is Moscow-Istanbul

Russia ready for steps to restore dialogue with Slovakia — upper house committee chief

Grigory Karasin sees a great potential for the development of bilateral economic ties, including the fuel and energy complex, as well as projects in the sphere of cultural and humanitarian cooperation

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass area over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 600 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy electronic warfare stations in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Scholz remained silent when Nord Stream pipelines were destroyed — Lavrov

Germany, the Russian top diplomat stated, has meekly accepted the undermining of its national interests by Washington

Some $6.5 bln worth of private investment attracted into Crimean economy since 2021

With those rates of attracting investment maintained, the target of 1 trillion rubles will be reached by 2026, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said

Russia cuts off road leading to Dnepropetrovsk from Krasnoarmeysk — security services

Additionally, the Krasnoarmeysk - Pavlograd road is also under Russian control

Scholz reiterated his public statements on Ukraine in phone talks with Putin, Lavrov says

The German Chancellor did not say a word about root causes of the conflict, the Russian language and the rights of Russians

Trump stepping in to difficult situation, particularly with LA wildfires — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister also called Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration chatter, where he is essentially just "thinking aloud," inconsequential

Syria's crisis stems from authorities' refusal to change in recent years — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia urged the Syrian leadership in every possible way to ensure that the Constitutional Committee, established on Russia's initiative, resumed its work

Russian PM to continue visit to Vietnam, meet with president, business circles

The Russian premier will continue talks with the Vietnamese leadership at a meeting with President Luong Cuong

Putin to hold meeting of Pobeda organizing committee

In addition, the discussion will focus on ways to perpetuate the memory of those who died defending the Motherland

Kremlin urges patience regarding North Korean leader’s visit to Russia

"As soon as we have any specific information about another summit, we will let you know," Dmitry Peskov said

Western authorities censor any information critical of them — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the principles of free access to information were recorded at the OSCE conference in Paris in the fall of 1990, and the corresponding document "was pushed through primarily by the French and other members of the European Union, Western countries"

Lavrov tells reporters about Biden’s last moves, Trump and security guarantees for Ukraine

TASS has put together the Russian foreign minister’s key statement

US sanctions to postpone implementation of several Arctic projects — Rosatom CEO

"We currently have to revise the schedule for growth of trade turnover, the flow of cargo along the Northern Sea Route considering all decisions taken by the company, and take the reality we work in as a premise," Alexey Likhachev said

Iran does not aspire to develop nuclear weapons — president

Iran’s adversaries were accusing Tehran of trying to build the bomb

Deal on Russia’s Tartus naval base in Syria 'at final stage' — senator

Russia currently has a ship maintenance center at Tartus

South Korean law enforcement agents place president under arrest

Yoon is suspected of plotting a rebellion to overthrow the constitutional order

Ukraine must negotiate from position of strength — White House

White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby stressed that Washington is not going to force negotiations on Volodymyr Zelensky

US could cut off support to Ukraine to achieve peace — Sullivan

The US forcing Ukraine to accept certain peace terms would "surely shatter" NATO unity, the US national security advisor went on to say

Germany allocates another package of military assistance to Ukraine

According to the list released on the government’s website, the package includes 20 MRAP armored vehicles, 600 HF-1 combat drones, rounds for Leopard 1 tanks, 139 reconnaissance drones

Kremlin aide points to possible collapse of Moldova due to its anti-Russia line

Within Russia’s global interests the protection and prosperity of its nationals and fellow citizens across the world is the country’s top priority, Nikolay Patrushev added

NATO defense chiefs to discuss aid to Ukraine, alliance’s plans

The participants will also discuss military cooperation, standardization and interoperability

Syrian forces secure release of police officers captured near Latakia — Interior Ministry

According to the report, the Syrian authorities intend to put an end to attacks on patrols and barracks in coastal areas

Armenian Foreign Ministry summons Russian ambassador over remarks in TV newscasts

The Armenian Foreign Ministry argues that some statements made on January 12 on a news program were "directed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia"

Trump acknowledged that NATO signed security pacts in bad faith — Lavrov

NATO was expanding closer to Russia’s borders, the foreign minister recalled

Ukraine’s attack on TurkStream pursues several geopolitical aims — expert

"This is an attempt to influence the position of Russia, Turkey and the positions of parties that receive gas through Turkey," Abdullah Agar noted

Russia open to talks on security guarantees for Ukraine — Lavrov

"We are ready to engage in discussions about security guarantees for the country now called Ukraine, or for the part of the country that has yet to self-determine, unlike Crimea, Donbass, and Novorossiya," the Russian foreign minister specified

Russia strikes power infrastructure across Ukraine

Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky said the strikes targeted gas infrastructure and power facilities

Calls in support of Kiev are outgoing US administration’s 'posthumous manifesto' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that such a policy was being pursued by the US to deter rivals

Trump declares desire to meet with Putin 'very quickly'

The US President-elect noted that he had to get into the office first

Armenia, US kick off talks on cooperation on nuclear energy

It will provide a framework for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said

US to send customs, border patrol team to Armenia as part of security cooperation

Antony Blinken made the comment at a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at the State Department

One home destroyed, 42 damaged by debris from downed Ukrainian missiles near Bryansk

Governor Alexander Bogomaz promised that all necessary material assistance will be provided

Houthis say they attacked power plant in Israel’s Eilat

Spokesperson Yahya Sarea also said that the Houthis had delivered drone strikes on several targets near Tel Aviv

About 6,500 civilians killed in Ukrainian attacks since 2014 — Investigative Committee

According to the newspaper, Bastrykin also noted that 884 children are among 16,500 civilians injured since 2014..

Blinken says Hamas replenished its losses

"Each time Israel completes its military operations and pulls back, Hamas militants regroup and re-emerge because there's nothing else to fill the void," the US secretary of state said

Baba Yaga drones attack their own troops, says Ukrainian army captive

Alexander Shevchenko noted that he did not undergo any special training

Vietnamese leader lauds Russia’s successes in economy, politics

Luong Cuong described Moscow as one of Hanoi’s "primary partners"

No military alliance envisaged by Russian-Iranian treaty — top Iranian diplomat

According to the top Iranian diplomat, the treaty is not aimed against any third countries and sets no limits either to Moscow or Tehran in their cooperation with other countries

Head of Crimea says 1,269 participants of free economic zone implement investment projects

Investments are on the rise in such sectors as tourism, industry and agriculture, Sergey Aksyonov added

Russian forces dislodge Ukrainian troops from Chasov Yar refractory plant in Donbass area

Battles are now raging outside the refractory plant and Russian forces are now primarily mopping up the area of multistory buildings, following which the town’s full liberation can be considered, Igor Kimakovsky said

Pentagon acknowledges Russia’s 'incremental gains' in combat operations in Ukraine

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on January 6 that Russian forces had liberated the city of Kurakhovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Trump to intensify economic deglobalization — Chinese expert

Airplanes assembled in the US cannot be used by the whole world, Yan Xuetong said

Taiwan records approach of 24 Chinese PLA warplanes, six vessels

Twenty-one of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern air defense identification zone

Armenia main beneficiary of EAEU membership — Russian official

Asked whether some other country could take Armenia’s place in the Eurasian Economic Union, Alexey Overchuk called the question incorrect

Transnistria to receive gas from Russia as humanitarian aid, leader says

According to Vadim Krasnoselsky, talks on the resumption of gas supplies were initiated "in collaboration with Russia", and the negotiations were held at the Russian Energy Ministry’s level

Black box data from crashed Azerbaijani airliner contradicts earlier media reports

"At this stage, there’s no need to create a media frenzy by relying on information that, for the most part, is not supported by the data from the black boxes," the Russian foreign minister added

No connection between dates of Russia-Iran treaty signing, Trump’s inauguration — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the inauguration of the US president is an event that is most likely to interest US citizens but it "will in no way impact the essence of the comprehensive Russia-Iran treaty"

Ukrainian drone strike leaves three civilians injured in Novaya Kakhovka

They were promptly taken to the hospital

Lavrov calls for assessing Trump’s methods of making America great again

The news conference is dedicated to reviewing Moscow’s main foreign policy achievements in 2024

'German scenario' implausible for Ukraine settlement — Medvedev

In the historical sense, the "Germanic scenario" of settlement is only feasible in terms of integrating the territories of Malorossiya into Russia, the politician noted

Russia adapted to life under sanctions, prime minister says

Mishustin assured that Moscow will continue to "do all that is necessary to stabilize the dynamics of the economy and restore investment activity"

Kremlin aide believes talks on Ukraine should be held between Russia, US

The EU’s leadership "has long had no right to speak for many its members, such as Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Romania and some other European countries interested in stability in Europe and holding a well-reasoned policy on Russia," Nikolay Patrushev said

Expert points finger at US, EU in TurkStream sabotage attempt

Necdet Pamir noted that if the gas supplies were stopped, "the Russian Federation, Turkey, the Balkan and Central European countries, especially Hungary, would have been affected the most"

Kremlin aide admits Ukraine will cease to exist in 2025

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the fact that the forced coercion to neo-Nazi ideology and fervent Russophobia eliminate Ukrainian cities that used to flourish is particularly alarming

Press review: Kiev hopes Trump supports its proposals and Russia backs Panama's neutrality

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, January 14th

Russia vows retaliation to Kiev’s attack with Western-made missiles on Bryansk Region

Last night, Ukraine delivered a missile strike at facilities in the Bryansk Region by six US-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, six British-made Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles and 31 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, the ministry specified

Only technical level of communication between US, Russia — Kremlin

The New York Times earlier reported citing sources that US President Joe Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin had allegedly been maintaining indirect secure channels of communication since February 2022

EU to adopt 16th package of anti-Russia sanctions in February, to ban aluminium imports

The European Commission held informal meetings with EU countries on Tuesday

Outgoing US President should simply sit out his remaining days in office — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that Joe Biden’s administration prefers "slamming the door so everyone knows about it"

Ukrainian army recognizes it failed in attempts to counterattack Kursk Region — media

The sources reported incessant attacks by Russian drones, noting that the country's army has started using new fiber-optic controlled FPV drones with a range of over 16 kilometers

By acquiring Greenland Trump intends to establish control over the Arctic — Turkish expert

It is reported that Trump, being a businessman, looks at all problems as a business

Transnistrian leader discusses ways out of energy crisis at talks in Moscow

According to Moldovan media, Vadim Krasnoselsky was accompanied by Transnistrian Minister of Economic Development Sergey Obolonik

West questioning foreign election results show of arrogance — Lavrov

According to Russia’s top diplomat, countries which are part of the OSCE have the right to invite foreign observers