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Durov explains blocking of Russian media’s Telegram channels by EU laws

He also noted that "all Western media Telegram channels remain freely accessible in Russia

MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov said that access to "some Russian media" was restricted in Europe, which was done in accordance with the Digital Services Act and EU sanctions.

"Access to certain Russian media has been restricted in the EU under DSA/sanctions laws," Durov wrote on his blog.

He also noted that "all Western media Telegram channels remain freely accessible in Russia." "Who would have thought that in 2025 Russian Telegram users would enjoy more freedom than European?" he wondered.

Russia demands that international organizations respond appropriately to the blocking of Russian media outlets' Telegram channels in EU countries, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said earlier, noting that the restrictions will not go unanswered.

In her statement, the diplomat mentioned the need for a response from UN human rights mechanisms, UNESCO leadership and its Director General Audrey Azoulay, as well as from the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ian Bratu.

Experts forecast moderate gas price growth in 2025, then a decline in 2026-2027

Finam analyst Sergey Kaufman forecasts a moderate increase in Europe's average gas price to $420 per 1,000 cubic meters

Russia’s Gazprom stops gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine as transit deal expires

The deal provided for the transit of 40 bln cubic meters of Russian gas through Ukraine annually

Europe to lose up to 30% of gas import from Russia after Ukrainian transit stops

Without the Ukrainian route, Russia's gas traffic to the EU will slump to 39 billion cubic meters per year, Alexey Bobrovsky, the director of the Institute for the Study of World Markets, predicts

Russia not satisfied with Trump team’s proposals on Ukraine — Lavrov

At the same time, Lavrov noted that Moscow has not received any official signals from the United States on the Ukrainian settlement at the moment

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

FSB eliminates Ukrainian military intel agent plotting terror attack in Zaporozhye Region

In the private home, the FSB operatives found an object resembling a Makarov pistol, a grenade trigger and an improvised explosive device

Russia’s Mirra Andreeva through to semis of 2025 WTA Brisbane International

The Russian defeated in her quarterfinals match Tunisia’s tennis star, Ons Jabeur, in straight sets 6-4; 7-6 (7-2)

China, Russia move ahead avoiding confrontation — Xi Jinping

According to Chinese President, mutual political trust and coordination of positions between China and Russia "regularly rise to higher levels under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries"

Critical infrastructure suffers damage in Kiev-controlled part of Kherson Region

Meanwhile, Ukrainian media outlets have reported several explosions in Kiev

Experts forecast moderate gas price growth in 2025, then a decline in 2026-2027

Finam analyst Sergey Kaufman forecasts a moderate increase in Europe's average gas price to $420 per 1,000 cubic meters

Roscosmos to extend flight duration of Soyuz manned spacecraft to 7-9 months next year

Next year, Roscosmos and NASA are set to sign the third supplement to the agreement on seat swap flights to the International Space Station

SKA head coach expects Ovechkin to beat Gretzky’s record in 2025

"In theory and in practice, Gretzky’s record is doable for Ovechkin," Roman Rotenberg said

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

Fuel oil leak into Black Sea not as bad as originally estimated — Transport Ministry

The main way of eliminating the effects is to collect the pollutant washed up on the beach

Ukraine may lose Odessa and access to Black Sea if it refuses to negotiate — Musk

"It was a tragic waste of life for Ukraine to attack a larger army that had defense in depth, minefields and stronger artillery," american entrepreneur said

World’s oldest Olympic champion Agnes Keleti dies at 103

She won her first Olympic gold in 1952

Life and career of Russian politician Boris Nemtsov

Overnight to February 28 Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in downtown Moscow

Russian gas is 50% cheaper for Europe than US LNG — OMV CEO

Earlier the Russian energy minister said LNG from the US is at least 30-40% more expensive than the pipeline gas from Russia

Russia manages situation in Ukraine, while West in big trouble — US political scientist

According to John Mearsheimer, Russia has become much stronger over the past two to three years because it has managed to become "a truly sovereign country"

Scientists present Russia's first 50-qubit cold atom quantum computer — MSU

The experiment that allowed testing the supercomputer prototype took place on December 19, the Moscow State University said

UN calls for restoring Al Jazeera broadcasting in Palestinian territories

At least two dead after small plane crashes in California’s Fullerton

US-based ABC7 news channel reported that 18 others were injured

Ukrainian attack targets civilian infrastructure in Kursk Region — acting governor

Alexander Khinshtein emphasized that he is personally engaged in continuous monitoring of the situation

Law enforcers clash with military at South Korean impeached President Yoon’s residence

Law enforcers were blocked by the military upon the execution of their order to detain impeached President Yoon, Yonhap reported

Roscosmos achieved significant progress in several major projects in 2024 — CEO

Yury Borisov announced that throughout next year, Roscosmos will continue working on the development of projects such as creating multi-satellite clusters, new launch vehicles, and Russia’s future orbital station

No connection between Cybertruck explosion and Islamic State

One person died and seven others were wounded as a result of the Cybertruck explosion on Wednesday

Politics never discussed in Spartak — club’s former sporting director

Accortding to Tomas Amaral, the focus was on football and the best course of action for club

Cybertruck explosion may be terrorist act — Musk

One person died and seven others were wounded as a result of the Cybertruck explosion on Wednesday

Almost 1,000 vehicles burned down in France in New Year night

Hooligans burned down 690 vehicles last year, earlier reports said

Kiev's forces shell village in Kursk Region, no casualties reported yet — acting governor

The head of the Rylsk district, as well as all emergency response services are at the scene of the attack

FACTBOX: Celebrities who passed away in 2024

Many well-known politicians, statesmen, scientists and cultural figures passed away in 2024

Russian pipeline gas supplies to Europe rise by 14% in 2024

In 2023, Russian pipeline gas supplies to Europe stood at about 28.15 bln cubic meters

Russia was EU's second gas supplier in 2024, LNG shipments record-breaking

Supplies of Russian liquefied natural gas to the EU increased by 21% to a record 21.5 billion cubic meters

Ukraine loses up to 1,050 troops in all areas of special military operation in past day

Russian air defenses downed seven HIMARS and Uragan rockets and 66 Ukrainian drones in the past day, according to the Russian Defense Ministry’s bulletin

Middle East in for ‘chaotic and violent’ time after change of power in Syria – analyst

According to Joost Niemoller, Israel is the main winner from the changes in Syria, while Iran seems the biggest loser

Serial production of missiles for S-500 air defense systems begins in Russia — source

State trials of S-500 are under way at a testing range in southern Russia

Attacker in New Orleans incident recorded videos with threats — Biden

The FBI reported to him the killer was an American citizen, born in Texas, served in the US Army on active duty for many years

Putin orders Accounts Chamber to analyze National Projects implementation

The relevant assignment was given in conclusion of the meeting of the Council for Strategic Development

Putin nearly doubles number of foreign visits in 2024 — TASS estimates

Russian President made 11 visits to other countries last year compared to six in 2023

Clashes between Palestianians, Israeli troops take place in West Bank — TV

According to Al Mayadeen, fighters from Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the radical Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad, attacked Israeli military vehicles

South Korean law enforcers suspend execution of arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol — agency

The Corruption Investigation Office is looking into the circumstances of the announcement of martial law by the president who has been accused of insurrection following the move

At least 90 Palestinians killed following Israel’s strikes on Gaza Strip over past day

According to Al Jazeera, hundreds of people were wounded

Russia strikes Ukraine’s military-industrial sector, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russian air defenses down Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet, 559 UAVs over week

Gas supplies to household consumers suspended in Transnistria

The authorities in both Moldova and Transnistria have declared emergencies

French military expert says NATO may repeat Soviet Union’s fate

Regis Chamagnedescribed NATO and the EU as 'two sides of the same coin'

German legislator calls for launching Nord Stream, as gas flow through Ukraine runs dry

"By stopping the flow of Russian gas to Europe, Ukraine is pushing energy prices even higher," Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen said

Press review: Putin discusses EU gas supplies and Russia open to Ukraine talks with Trump

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 27th

US creating NATO bases in Ukraine under guise of training centers — Belarusian president

"Unfortunately, the Ukrainian authorities don't care a bit about their own people and they don't hear our concerns," Alexander Lukashenko noted

More than 2,100 birds rescued in Krasnodar Region after oil tanker emergency

In Anapa and the Temryuk district there are five points where birds undergo treatment

Montenegrin authorities to discuss complete ban on weapons possession

The government of Montenegro made the decision to declare January 2-4 as days of mourning

Pentagon mum on F-16 fighter jet downed in Zaporozhye Region

The US Department of Defense "has no statement or information to provide," a department’s spokesperson said

Russian air defenses down Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft — Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, a total of 651 aircraft have been destroyed since the start of Russia’s special military operation

German lawmaker slams Ukrainian diplomat for demanding more weapons

According to Sevim Dagdelen, Friedrich Merz, Economic Minister Robert Habeck and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz 'will probably continue to burn German taxpayer money in Ukraine'

Death toll in New Orleans terrorist act increases to 15 — CBS

Ten died and 35 injured people were reported earlier

Death toll from Montenegro shooting incident rises to 12 — prosecution

Victims had been killed at five different locations

Tesla investigates Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas — Musk

One person died and seven others were wounded as a result of the Cybertruck explosion on Wednesday

Ukraine loses over 46,460 troops since start of fighting in Kursk area

The Russian Defense Ministry also added that Russian forces repelled six counterattacks by Ukrainian assault teams in the past day

Revenues from West’s frozen assets allocated for support of Russian regions — ministry

The US Department of the Treasury said earlier that a $20 bln loan would be provided to Ukraine and paid in tranches

West does not rule out Ukrainian defense collapse soon — Russia’s intel agency

The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden seeks to avoid this scenario, making emphasis on "the deliveries of more sophisticated weapons, including longer-range missiles," the press office said

WHO condemns drone attack on hospital in Kherson Region

The organization is committed to documenting and investigating attacks on health care through an online surveillance system

Russian paratroopers destroyed three Ukrainian tanks by drones

Russian paratroopers destroyed vehicles in Kursk region

Press review: US, Israel aim to curb Turkey’s gains while Moscow, Tehran strengthen ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 24th

Russian diplomat blames shutdown of Russian gas transit via Ukraine on West, Kiev

According to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev authorities decided to end the transit of Russian gas to European countries even though the Gazprom company was complying with its contract obligations

Syrian ports of Latakia, Tartus fully resume operations — official

Both ports are now serving ships and handling cargo normally

Murderer in Montenegro died after suicide attempt

The attacker died from sustained injuries when being transported to a medical institution

Russia’ special operation has every chance to reach Transnistria — French expert

Regis Chamagne added that Ukrainian men were now being chased on the streets and sent to fight 'as cannon fodder'

Russian Armed Forces made more than 1,500 strikes by precision weapons in 2024

At least five mass strikes were also delivered from the beginning of the last year.

One person killed in Cybertruck explosion outside Trump hotel in Las Vegas — police

Law enforcement authorities have not yet identified the deceased person

Putin issues orders to draft Basics of State Language Policy by June 1

Also, the Russian president instructed to develop and submit to the State Duma a federal law "On the languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation" until May 1

Russia bans mining in ten regions from January 1

The ban was introduced in Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Circassia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions

Kazakh President Tokayev rules out early presidential election in his country

He also said that there were no prerequisites as of yet for holding the parliamentary election as well

Putin addresses Russians with New Year's greetings from Kremlin

Putin's New Year's address will be shown before midnight local time in all time zones

Trump team offers nothing interesting in proposals on Ukraine — Russian envoy

Lately, the Ukrainian side has also indicated "signals about some accords," which cannot be perceived seriously, he added

Hundreds of Syria’s health facilities partially or completely ruined — minister

According to the minister of health in the interim government, Maher al-Sharaa, the Health Ministry has prioritized measures to address the sector's problems

Kazakh leader calls Russia invincible, Ukraine trying to withstand with West’s help

Astana favors talks on settling the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict but does not insist on its mediation in the process, he said

Soviet Union could have survived as Union of Sovereign States — Gorbachev

The Soviet Union’s first president believes that the Soviet authorities had underestimated the scale of inter-ethnic problems in the Soviet Union and the need for reforming the country

FACTBOX: New Year’s key traditions reviewed

Russia has celebrated New Year and Christmas with decorated fir trees since Peter the Great’s reign

US may face bankruptcy if situation with national debt does not change — Musk

The US national debt for the first time climbed above $36 trillion on November 15

FBI sees no connection for now between New Orleans, Las Vegas terrorist attacks

Bureau’s Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said noted that the investigation was at an early stage

Hungary, Russia find payment workaround for gas amid sanctions against Gazprombank

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed that "there are no factors on either the Hungarian or Russian side that would prevent us from finding a way out of the current situation"

FBI identifies driver of Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas

According to KTNV, the suspect was an army veteran

Number of Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 2023 close to 45,600

Gaza’s Health Ministry stressed that in the past 24 hours, 28 Palestinians were killed and 59 wounded in the enclave as a result of Israeli bombardments

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

Over 20 Ukrainian drones attack Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

The attack left two civilians injured, while two cars were damaged

Slovakia to discuss retaliatory measures against Ukraine over gas transit halt — Fico

The minister said that the halt of Russian gas transit was an act of "sabotage by Zelensky"

Dyatlov Pass incident investigators publish book unlocking its "mysteries"

According to the head of the Dyatlov Group Memorial Fund, the material gathered while working on the book is sufficient to resume the official investigation

Russia’s Zub to return to Ottawa Senators after leg injury

The defenseman missed 16 matches due to a broken leg

2025 to see four great celestial events, scientists say

In the spring of 2025, we will also witness a partial solar eclipse

Over 1 mln members of Ukrainian armed forces killed or wounded since start of special op

Data obtained from the Russian defense ministry’s daily bulletins and other open-access information from its officials indicates that Kiev lost some 595,000 troops as killed or wounded in action in 2024

Project 885M latest nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk joins Russian Navy

During the ceremony, the Russian Navy chief handed in the St. Andrew’s naval flag to the submarine commander, Captain First Rank Alexander Gladkov

Ten people killed in Israel’s army attack against refugee camp — TV

According to its information, the Israeli army delivered a strike against a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in the Al-Mawasi

Ukraine’s 2014 coup was CIA’s political mistake — Putin

The Russian president noted that the US agency had achieved its goal of changing the government but failed to see what it would evolve into

At least 11 people suffer injuries in shooting incident in New York

Police are looking for the suspect

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

Termination of Russian gas supplies to spur inflation in Moldova — expert

Pensioners and public sector employees, whose wages and salaries have long lagged behind rocketing prices, will also be among the most affected

Russian stock market switches to decline after opening higher on Friday, yuan grows

The yuan slowed its growth to 13.764 rubles

Spacemen to return to Earth after longest mission in ISS’s history

The undocking has been scheduled for 11:37 Moscow time, the spacecraft is expected to land at about 15:00 Moscow time

Tourist bus accident in Thailand leaves 27 Russians injured

The bus reportedly went out of control when nearing a motorway toll gate and rammed into a guardrail

Press review: Middle East may host Putin-Trump talks as experts probe Kazakhstan crash

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 26th

President expects Bolivia to obtain new opportunities as BRICS partner state

According to Luis Arce, it will make possible for the country to expand and diversify trade relations with growing markets

Hungary lost one billion euro of EU funding due to violation of statute law supremacy

Funds were intended for implementation of the development program of the EU region by 2027