30 Jan, 16:07

Lukoil refinery in Bulgaria to be shut down for repairs from February 26 to May 1 — PM

Answering questions, Rosen Zhelyazkov stressed that the Bulgarian government cannot interfere with the plans for the sale of the refinery and the mechanisms for its purchase and sale, but can ban the transaction, if such a need arises

SOFIA, January 30. /TASS/. The Lukoil Neftokhim Burgas, oil refinery of Russian oil giant Lukoil in Bulgaria, will be shut down for scheduled repairs from February 26 to May 1, 2025, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said at a hearing in parliament.

"From February 26, 2025, the refinery will be shut down for scheduled repairs, which are carried out every four years. From April 25, it will be put into operation, and from May 1, it should resume full operation. Fuel reserves for the country's current needs at this time are 100% provided. The last scheduled repair at the refinery was carried out in July 2021," Zhelyazkov said.

Answering questions, the Prime Minister stressed that the Bulgarian government cannot interfere with the plans for the sale of the refinery and the mechanisms for its purchase and sale, but can ban the transaction, if such a need arises.

When asked whether the Bulgarian government is ready to purchase the refinery in Burgas, Zhelyazkov said that it depends on the country's parliament.

"The government implements the decisions of the National Assembly," the head of government said.

Earlier, several political parties came forward with the initiative for Bulgaria to purchase the refinery.

Energy crisis in Europe

Gas reserves in European UGS facilities down below 42%

LNG supplies from terminals to Europe’s gas transport system have been at a record level this month

Expert believes that Trump has high chances of success in Ukrainian settlement

"Trump will quickly end the war in Ukraine," Colonel Richard Black noted, expressing his belief that the US president views Ukraine "as a minor player with an illegitimate, unelected president at the helm"

US recognizes that attempts to defeat Russia prove to be failed strategy — analyst

Andrey Sushentsov noted that "Trump is acting contrary to the position of the US ruling circles, elites, and bureaucracy, which see no other option but to go to war with Russia"

Ukraine intensifies attacks on Kherson Region amid US-Russia talks — authorities

Alyoshki district head Ruslan Khomenko noted an increase in the number of civilian deaths from Ukrainian shelling since the beginning of the year

Yesterday, 17:32

Pavel Grabovski vessel is afloat, not sending a distress signal — regulator

As Rosmorrechflot specified, there are no casualties, no oil spills, and no pollution of the surrounding waters

Yesterday, 09:18

Grossi slams Iran nuclear deal 'empty shell,' advocates new format

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency director general, the text of the previous agreement already contains outdated information, including the types of centrifuges used by Iran

Yesterday, 17:52

Trump committed to ending Ukrainian conflict — White House

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz noted that the previous US administration "didn't even really try" to settle the conflict

Chinese researchers discover new bat coronavirus similar to COVID-19

The researchers found that when the virus was isolated from bat samples, it could infect human cells

Yesterday, 12:10

Trump’s turn against Zelensky leaves Kiev few options in Ukrainian conflict — Bloomberg

The US president warned in a social media post that the Ukrainian leader had "better move fast" to reach a deal with Russia "or he is not going to have a Country left," the report said

Yesterday, 11:04

Deployment of NATO countries’ troops to Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Kremlin

The media reported earlier, citing Western officials, that Kiev’s European allies intended to suggest to Washington to deploy at least 30,000 service members from European countries to Ukraine

Yesterday, 16:23

Kiev cancels Zelensky-Kellogg press conference at US request

Keith Kellogg arrived in Kiev on the morning of February 19 but did not meet with Zelensky until the afternoon of February 20

INTERVIEW: Certain EU countries nourishing ideas of annexing Ukrainian lands — Medvedchuk

Earlier, Medvedchuk stated that historical events show that Ukrainians have always been saved by Russians, which should happen naturally now

Poll shows Ukrainians trust Zaluzhny far more than Zelensky

The poll indicates that trust in Zaluzhny dropped from 75% in April 2024 to 72% in January 2025

Trump’s inner circle believes best option for Zelensky is to leave for France — newspaper

Another source familiar with White House discussions noted that there was "nothing new" in tensions between the US and Ukraine

Yesterday, 22:57

IDF head instructs army to intensify raids in West Bank after explosions in Bat Yam

"We will hunt down the terrorists relentlessly and dismantle their terror infrastructure," Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said

Ukrainians despise Zelensky, not to vote for him — Musk

According to Elon Musk, the Ukrainian president "knows he would lose in a landslide"

Yesterday, 18:13

Zelensky's digs at Trump part of broader impeachment plot, says Ukrainian lawmaker

Alexander Dubinsky emphasized that Trump’s opponents wanted to take revenge against the US president for his public criticism of "the Democratic leadership, consistently portraying them as incompetent"

Two days ago, 19:21

Comedian Zelensky talked US into spending $350 billion on war that can't be won — Trump

"The United States has spent $200 billion more than Europe, and Europe’s money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back," he emphasized

Netanyahu accuses Hamas of breaching Gaza agreement over body release forgery

The Israeli Prime Minister stressed that "Hamas will pay the full price for this cruel and despicable violation of the agreement"

Yesterday, 15:55

China views eradication of root causes as tool to Ukrainian settlement — Wang Yi

"Wang Yi emphasized that by advancing additional initiatives aimed at a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, Beijing deems it essential to eliminate its root causes based on the relevant principles of the UN Charter, as well as the necessity for absolute human rights respect," the statement says

Yesterday, 15:07

Russia’s Forpost drone can drop loitering munitions

At present, the Forpost can carry missiles and glide bombs and strike stationary and moving armor

Yesterday, 15:44

Each Minuteman III launch helps pave way for new US Sentinel missile — expert

Yevgeny Babichev emphasized that the US is actively pursuing the systematic development of a new-generation intercontinental-range missile system

Yesterday, 17:27

Putin links Trufanov's release to Hamas' goodwill, Russian efforts

According to the Russian leader, Alexander Trufanov's release was achieved due to Russia's steadfast approach to Middle East settlement

Yesterday, 15:58

Russia to be selective with companies who want to set up shop in Russia — First Deputy PM

"Today, in the key industries crucial for our technological sovereignty, absolute priority is given to domestic manufacturers as well as those from the Eurasian Economic Union," the official noted

Yesterday, 15:42

Renault not ruling out return to Russian market

Renault announced the suspension of their operations in Russia in March 2022

Press review: Trump sees Zelensky as hindrance to peace and Ukraine issue challenges G20

Top stories from the Russian press n Friday, February 21st

Yesterday, 20:55

Kiev shows its bitterness with attack on Kropotkinskaya station — diplomat

"We do not rule out that the current Ukrainian leadership was trying in this way to demonstrate its impotent bitterness at the world's growing understanding of Russia's just policy regarding the conflict over Ukraine and the need to reach its conclusion taking into account Russian interests and realities on the ground," Maria Zakharova said

Lavrov, South African president discuss countries' partnership, talks with US

The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the sides "paid special attention to promising projects in the sphere of peaceful space exploration"

Two days ago, 14:53

Russian troops cross border with Ukraine in Kursk Region — Putin

Russian troops continue to advance along the entire line of engagement, the Russian leader emphasized

Kremlin rejects assumptions of Trump's 'pro-Russian' position

The Kremlin attributed Washington's criticism of Kiev to the fact that many cannot calmly observe Ukraine’s refusal to resolve the situation peacefully

Yesterday, 20:45

Experts caution ruble's rally may be short-lived

On the Forex market the dollar sat at 88.35 rubles on February 20

Two days ago, 08:33

Zelensky realizes servants not invited to the party — The Grayzone founder

According to Max Blumenthal, "without American participation and American support in this proxy war, Zelensky has nothing"

Yesterday, 02:36

Russian Uragan MLRS hits Ukrainian troops, weapons in DPR

Uragan is designed to destroy troops and armor, artillery, missile complexes, command posts, communication hubs and infrastructure

EU spends too much on conflict on Ukraine — German member of European Parliament

"We believe that the EU is already dedicating too many resources to this war; we cannot continue in this manner because the German economy is declining, and eventually, everything will be destroyed," Alexander Sell pointed out

Two days ago, 19:00

Trump won’t tolerate Zelensky’s escalating rhetoric — security adviser

According to Mike Waltz, the Ukrainian side demonstrates "bizarre pushback and escalation of rhetoric" in connection with the proposed Washington agreement on the use of Ukrainian minerals in exchange for the provision of aid

Yesterday, 21:57

Netanyahu to hold meeting on situation regarding bus explosions

"Netanyahu has been receiving ongoing updates from his Military Secretary on the IED [improvised explosive device] incidents in the Dan area [Tel Aviv and its suburbs] and will soon hold a security assessment," the statement said

5 Dec 2024, 15:11

Slovakia, Hungary intrigued by idea of new security architecture for Eurasia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister underscored that, to the West’s displeasure, the process of building a new architecture of security in Eurasia has already started

German official says Berlin spends 40 billion euros on Ukraine

According to Wolfgang Schmidt, Germany has provided more assistance to Ukraine than any other European country

Yesterday, 17:43

New sanctions to cover those helping to bypass restrictions — France’s Foreign Ministry

Restrictive measures may cover plants and owners of oceanic vessels participating in circumvention of sanctions against the energy sector

Yesterday, 11:03

Kremlin concerned about EU’s plans to send troops to Ukraine

According to the media, citing Western officials, Kiev’s European allies intended to suggest to Washington to deploy at least 30,000 service members from European countries to Ukraine

No progress in choosing venue for potential Putin-Trump meeting, says Kremlin

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said in the wake of the February 18 Russian-US talks in Riyadh that the date of the meeting between Putin and Trump has not yet been determined

Yesterday, 21:32

Russian envoy to Yerevan has car accident, sustains light injuries

Sergey Kopyrkin and his driver sustained light injuries

US doesn’t want G7 statement on Ukraine to interfere with talks with Russia — newspaper

The US leadership expects that it will not have a negative impact on the negotiations with Russia that have already begun

Kremlin explains US criticism of Zelensky

"It is clear that few people can remain indifferent to what is happening around the Kiev regime, which excludes the possibility of peace talks and does not want to engage in peacemaking," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Yesterday, 15:47

US not to co-sponsor UN resolution condemning Russia — Reuters

Without US backing, the resolution might be less likely to win broad support in the General Assembly, the agency noted

Yesterday, 09:49

Western troops in Ukraine not to maintain peace — Polish defense minister

Vladislav Kosinyak-Kamysh also said that the presence in Ukraine of NATO countries, especially Poland, could provoke a direct armed conflict between Moscow and the alliance

Putin to attend Future Technologies Forum in Moscow

At last year's forum, which was also held in February, the president's speech was focused on healthcare issues

Russian embassy in Germany takes measures to protect itself from potential attacks

On February 19, the SVR reported that the Kiev authorities are considering terrorist attacks on Russian diplomatic missions in Europe, especially in Germany, the Baltic States and Scandinavia

Yesterday, 12:15

Top diplomats of Russia, China agree to meet in Moscow

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out that the beginning of the new year was "very fruitful" for the Russia-China relations

US won’t impose deal with Russia on Ukraine, Europe — newspaper

The New York Times said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks with a high-level Russian delegation in Riyadh a "test" of the seriousness of Russia's intentions to conclude a peace deal on Ukraine

Yesterday, 16:32

US objects to calling out ‘Russian aggression’ in G7 statement on Ukraine — report

According to the report, Vladimir Zelensky's participation in the virtual G7 summit, which is scheduled for February 24, has not been agreed so far

NATO dead over Trump's hostility towards Europe — Portuguese general

Luis Walesa Pinto called on the EU members to unite to "take care of their security"

Yesterday, 14:41

US ready to soften or to tighten sanctions against Russia depending on talks — Treasury

State Secretary Marco Rubio earlier said that Western countries would have to lift anti-Russian sanctions in the event of a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

Ukrainian army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 60 munitions in past day

The Krasnoyaruzhsky municipal district came under an attack by 21 munitions and 6 Ukrainian UAVs, which damaged a trade outlet, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said

Yesterday, 14:39

Kiev calls US president's demand to return $500 billion reparations payment

Earlier, Vladimir Zelensky said that Trump's demand for Ukraine to return the funds was not serious and that Ukraine had entirely different figures

Yesterday, 12:58

Top Russian, Norwegian diplomats shake hands before G20 ministerial meeting

Sergey Lavrov was also warmly welcomed by his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf and top Turkish diplomat Hakan Fidan

Yesterday, 12:53

Trump wants to get rid of Zelensky, The Economist's sources claim

The magazine indicates that while Ukraine could continue to resist Trump's proposal for peace talks with Russia, such a stance may ultimately lead to a weakening of Kiev's position over time

Yesterday, 15:52

AvtoVAZ has no contacts with its former partner Renault — Russian carmaker

Earlier, chief executive of the French automaker Luca de Meo said that Renault does not rule out the possibility of its return to the Russian market

Majority of Poles oppose sending troops to Ukraine, survey shows

According to the survey’s results, 22% of respondents supported the idea of sending troops to Ukraine, and another 15% said they did not have a clear opinion on the matter

Russian forces launch operations to liberate Mirnoye community in Donbass region

According to military expert Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops have improved their tactical position and advanced on the right bank of the Zherebets River

Yesterday, 18:17

Vance says Europe about to have peace first time in three years

The US Vice President acknowledged that the settlement process in Ukraine was still at an early stage, but expressed confidence that US President Donald Trump’s administration would be able to achieve a peace deal

Two days ago, 19:46

Trump 200% right to call Zelensky ‘dictator without elections’ — Medvedev

Medvedev also called Zelensky a "bankrupt clown"

Yesterday, 14:21

Belarus continues to exchange information with certain NATO countries — Defense Ministry

According to the official, "the country's foreign policy activities, including in the military area, are based on strategic relations with the Russian Federation"

Yesterday, 20:19

Musk proposes deorbiting ISS, launching mission to Mars

The ISS has served its purpose, there is very little incremental utility, he said

Yesterday, 09:54

Central Bank chief says Visa, Mastercard not contacted regulator on return to Russia

Elvira Nabiullina stressed that "it is too early to speak about it"

All systems ready for SWIFT in Russia, but it is a dying technology — lawmaker

According to Anatoly Aksakov, new options for mutual settlements have been developed

NATO working to draft doctrinal documents for seabed warfare — Russian Security Council

According to the statement, the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance see the seabed as another domain of warfare

Yesterday, 11:24

Belarus sees militarization in West preparation for attack — Defense Ministry

"We view all the ongoing large-scale militarization processes in the region as a potential external military threat that, under certain conditions, can lead to a military conflict," Valery Revenko, head of the Department of International Military Cooperation, said

Yesterday, 10:13

Russia approaches talks on Ukraine in winning position — expert

Mauricio Esteves believes that the primary losers in the Ukrainian conflict are Ukraine and Germany

World expects parties to Ukrainian conflict to cooperate — Indian foreign minister

"Today, the world expects that parties concerned deal with each other to end the war," Subrahmanyam Jaishankar added

US senses futility of 'military investments' in Kiev — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik pointed to the statement of US Vice President JD Vance, who recognized that Moscow has and will continue to have significant advantages over Kiev and the West in the conflict in Ukraine

Yesterday, 20:30

Russia, US in Riyadh discussed resolving Ukraine crisis and its root causes, Lavrov said

"The end of the conflict is hindered by uncontrolled financial support and the funneling of arms into the blatantly racist Kiev regime by its sponsors," the minister noted

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: EU greenlights new sanctions on Russia and US slow to return to Tehran deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 20th

Two ships collide in Black Sea — emergency service

The ships stayed afloat and parted ways after the incident, the report said

Yesterday, 16:30

Russian technologies need protectionism — First Deputy Director General of Rosatom

Thanks to such measures, the Russian technologies will gain sufficient strength to be competitive on the world market, Kirill Komarov said

Yesterday, 14:48

Putin discusses situation in Russia’s Kursk Region with field commanders

The president thanked the commanders and all of military personnel for the successful implementation of tasks set before them in the areas of the enemy’s incursion into the Kursk Region

Rada deputy says US arms sales to Ukraine stopped

US President Donald Trump said on February 19 that Vladimir Zelensky had persuaded the United States to spend $350 billion on a war that could not be won

Two days ago, 21:22

IN BRIEF: Putin speaks about potential Trump meeting, Ukraine’s attack on Caspian oil link

TASS has put together the president’s key statements

Kremlin does not know details on US initiative to withdraw from UN — spokesman

Earlier, Republican senator Mike Lee said that the initiative had been introduced in the US Senate

Yesterday, 18:16

Return for companies departed from Russia to be challenging — State Duma speaker

"Short-sighted decisions of foreign companies to leave Russia had the boomerang effect - they, other than Russia, sustained losses," Vyacheslav Volodin said

Trump says he threatened BRICS with 150% tariffs for seeking alternative to dollar

According to the US president, he has not heard anything from BRICS after these threats

Yesterday, 07:07

Foreign customers eye Russian battle-proven air defense systems — Almaz-Antey

CEO for Foreign Economic Activity Vyacheslav Dzirkaln noted that "engineers and designers carefully analyze all that is related to the use of equipment"

Security guarantees for Ukraine crucial to deal with US on minerals — Waltz

"There can be, in my view, nothing better for Ukraine's future and for their security than to have the United States invested in their prosperity long term," the US national security adviser said

Two days ago, 05:22

US intends to discuss issue of territories liberated by Russia

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz added that "there is going to be a discussion of security guarantees"

Yesterday, 05:49

Musk blames Zelensky for murder of journalist Gonzalo Lira

The reporter was detained in Kharkov in May 2023 and was accused of supporting the Russian special military operation in Ukraine

Two days ago, 12:29

Trump 'not serious' about Ukraine returning $500 billion to US — Zelensky

Earlier, in an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump admitted that Ukraine could one day become a part of Russia and did not rule out that he would want to return from this country all the money spent on it by the US government

Yesterday, 00:58

Ukrainian troops forcibly evacuating residents from Chasov Yar — expert

People refuse to leave their homes. There were cases when people were evacuated by force, Vitaly Kiselev, a military expert said

Kremlin says UN has no alternatives

"Despite the organization's evident inefficiencies in the face of modern challenges, we believe there is no substitute for it," Dmitry Peskov stated

Yesterday, 15:36

Hungary opposes EU proposal to provide Ukraine with 20 bln euro aid package — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto specified that the issue will be discussed on February 24 at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels

Yesterday, 20:48

Buses parked in Tel Aviv suburbs explode for some reason — police

No one was injured in the incidents

Yesterday, 18:57

Russia’s Medvedev retires mid-match in 2025 Qatar Open quarterfinals due to health issue

Playing against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 5th-seeded Medvedev lost the opening set 3-6, then told the umpire he couldn't continue and walked away

Yesterday, 16:25

Foreign companies can return to Russia only if benefits country — Deputy PM

"Many vacant niches have already been taken by Russian producers or partners from friendly countries; it is important to take this into account," Alexander Novak stressed

Yesterday, 12:53

Western reps ask Georgia to open 'second front' against Russia — Georgian politician

According to Kakha Kaladze, Georgia was pressed to organize charter flights and send volunteers to Ukraine, as well as to impose sanctions against Russia

Google fined totally over $170,000 in Russia in 2024 — watchdog

In particular, the company was fined for failure to remove extremist content, false information, materials encouraging unrest, concerning VPN services, and other illegal content on YouTube

Putin enjoys strong support among Russians, latest poll reveals

The poll, carried out between February 10-16, surveyed 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older

Russian forces gain control over half of Zaporozhye Region’s Pyatikhatki — politician

Vladimir Rogov noted that the advances of the Russian army were preceded by aerial and artillery strikes against the Ukrainian positions

Yesterday, 12:09

Russian forces destroy 655 combat aircraft in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian air defense forces shot down a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet over the past day

Yesterday, 13:14

Parliament blames Zelensky for Kiev's diplomatic work failure

US President Donald Trump earlier said that Vladimir Zelensky's approval rating had dropped to 4% and Ukraine needed to hold elections if Kiev wanted to get a seat at the negotiating table on a settlement

US Secretary of State allows for easing sanctions against Russia — NYT

According to the Marco Rubio, it will be done if Russia takes steps that Washington is seeking

EU not worth seat in Ukraine peace talks — Polish presidential candidate

Karol Nawrocki emphasized that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had not been able to influence the situation in any way before, and French President Emmanuel Macron "did not invite anyone to talks with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin himself"

Iran won’t have nuclear weapons under Trump — top diplomat

On February 4, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to restore maximum US pressure on Iran