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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Domestic tourism in Russia to increase by 8% YOY in summer 2025 — ministry

In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov reported that 48 million tourist trips are forecast across Russia in the 2025 summer season

MOSCOW, August 26. /TASS/. Tourist flow across Russia in the summer of 2025 will grow by 8% year-on-year, Deputy Economic Development Minister Dmitry Vakhrukov told reporters citing preliminary estimates.

"Well, I think that we will be approximately within the figures that we predicted, up about 8% compared to summer last year. It is clear that the situation in Anapa is putting pressure on us, on our figures, on the figures for the Krasnodar Region in general. But we’re seeing a lot of people going to Crimea, where there is a big increase, and to Sevastopol. Therefore, we still expect growth, no matter what," he said.

In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov reported that 48 million tourist trips are forecast across Russia in the 2025 summer season, 3.6 million more than in 2024. According to the minister, half of the tourist trips will be to the most popular tourist destinations.

On December 15, 2024, the Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 tankers sank in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea amid a storm. According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, about 2,400 tons of oil products leaked into the Black Sea. After the spill specialists reported traces of oil on the beaches of the Krasnodar Region, along the coastline stretching from Cape Panagia of the Temryuksky district to the Central beach of Anapa.

Tags

Combination of tough budget with low rates ideal — Russian Finance Minister

According to Anton Siluanov, the Bank of Russia should create the space for interest rates lowering and the approach of the Finance Ministry to the budgetary policy makes it possible to do so

Fire at Novosibirsk college extinguished after affecting 700 sq m

Firefighters are continuing to spray the building

Developing ties with Caspian countries remains Russia’s priority — Lavrov

The foreign minister reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to the principles outlined in the 2018 Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea

French politician calls Zelensky ‘irresponsible’ for not reading Trump peace plan

"Zelensky is disregarding the peace plan: this is inadmissible and irresponsible," Florian Philippot stated

Ukraine can no longer depend on Western aid — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that the promised economic integration between Ukraine and the EU had never materialized

Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora dies at age of 70

Alexander Matsegora has been Russia’s ambassador to North Korea since 2014

No one wants to share responsibility for seizing Russian assets with Belgium — Kremlin

Belgium opposes the European Commission’s plan for the expropriation of Russian sovereign assets blocked in Europe under the guise of a so-called "reparations loan" to Ukraine, being afraid of Russia’s potential response

Press review: Kushner emerges in Ukraine talks as world reacts to new US security strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 8th

Number of Thai soldiers injured in fighting on border with Cambodia up to 29

The Thai Second Army Area also reported that Cambodia had shelled Thai territory on Monday and Tuesday with BM-21 multiple rocket launchers and kamikaze drones

Putin signs annual decree to call up reservists for military training

The Russian government and regional authorities are instructed to ensure the implementation of measures related to the call-up of citizens for military training and the conduct of these training sessions

Trump says he is a bit disappointed that Zelensky has not read the draft peace deal yet

The US leader also noted that Vladimir Zelensky's people loved the US government's proposal

Europe feels humiliated as US, Russia determine Ukraine's future — media

According to the newspaper, "the Europeans are becoming irrelevant on their own turf"

Europe remembers Turkey as NATO ally only when it suits them — newspaper

Tunja Bengin pointed to the cases, when hypocritical statements are being made by Europe

Russian top security official lays wreaths at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, monument to heroes

Sergey Shoigu also visited the house where Ho Chi Minh spent the final years of his life

Europe is 'moving in some bad directions' — Trump

Donald Trump voiced concern about the current political track taken by EU countries

Zelensky says new proposals for peace plan to be submitted to US on December 9

"The plan has been reduced from 28 points to 20," and a compromise on the issue of territories "has not yet been found," he said

Ukraine's new budget lays foundation for country's complete economic defeat

On December 3, the Rada adopted Ukraine’s draft budget for 2026 with a record deficit of $47.5 bln

Turkey, Hungary discussing joint defense projects — Erdogan

Touching on trade and economic relations between Turkey and Hungary, the Turkish president stated that the two countries "are close to reaching their trade target of $6 billion"

Zelensky unveils shortlist for new chief of staff — media

Among them are Defense Minister Denis Shmygal, First Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mikhail Fedorov, First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence Kirill Budanov, and Pavel Palisa, deputy head of Zelensky’s office in charge of military issues, the Novosti.Live portal said

Ukrainian militants ordered to shoot retreating troops near Kupyansk — radio interception

This is evidenced by radio intercepts obtained by TASS

Reducing shadow-economy share to generate up to $13.02 bln annually — Novak

It is expected that fulfilling all planned measures will lead to a 1.5% reduction in the shadow economy’s share in gross domestic product over three years, the Russian deputy prime minister said

Russia, India seek ways to counter US hegemony — Chinese expert

An expert at the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University in Shanghai Zheng Runyu noted that high-level diplomacy between Russia and India demonstrates efforts by major powers to foster a multipolar world order

Chechen leader urges Ukrainians to make a stand against conflict with Russia

Ramzan Kadyrov added that captured Ukrainian servicemen often ask not to be returned back, fearing for their lives

Chief executives of European multinationals losing interest in EU investments — report

76% of respondents said they have not seen so far practically any positive effect from the initiatives

UN court accepts Russia’s lawsuit against Ukraine, gives Kiev one year to answer

Russia can submit its objections by December 7, 2027

Russia’s CSTO presidency to focus on strengthening organization — Putin

According to the Russian leader, this work will piggyback on Kyrgyzstan’s work in key areas during its presidency this year

Brazil urges Venezuela not to enter into war with US, even if attacked — newspaper

Lula da Silva’s administration will work to prevent the US attacks from happening

Ukrainian PM involved in secret plot to oust Yermak — media

According to the news report, after Andrey Yermak discovered the plot, he demonstratively blocked some participants in messaging apps and ignored their messages

Russian army controls key highways in Kupyansk district — expert

The Ukrainian army sends its units to this area with full knowledge that the city and the region are lost, head of the Kharkov Regional State Administration Vitaly Ganchev said

Kremlin wants to understand results of US' work with Kiev after meeting with Witkoff

Dmitry Peskov did not comment on US President Donald Trump's statement that, unlike his entourage, Vladimir Zelensky was not familiar with the peace plan's contents

Ukrainian troops suffer heavy losses in Zaporozhye — official

The region's governor Yevgeny Balitsky said that the Zaporozhye Region authorities were ready to provide all necessary administrative and humanitarian assistance to residents of the liberated territories.

Putin renews ban on deals with stakes of foreigners from unfriendly countries

The ban covers transactions changing the ownership structure of Russian companies, their authorized capital and the established procedure for implementation of investment projects

GDP growth rate expectably declined this year — Putin

Growth rates of the Russian economy passed through the expected slowdown stage in the present year, the head of state noted

Kaspersky Lab reveals patterns from Russia's data-leaked passwords

According to the company’s data, the average lifespan of a password is 3.5 to 4 years

Shoigu calls Russia's recently deceased North Korea envoy true patriot

According to the Secretary of the Security Council, Matsegora's caring attitude to the cause "and selfless service to the Motherland largely predetermined the consistent strengthening of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the DPRK"

DR Congo faces its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years — UNICEF

Cases have been reported in 17 out of DRC’s 26 provinces, with the capital Kinshasa being one of the hotspots

Russian House in CAR finds interesting fix to snake problem — organization head

"It turned out that simple housecats were perfect for the job - to keep the Russian House territory safe," Dmitry Syty explained

‘Reparation loan’ for Ukraine legally doubtful — Euroclear CEO

"There is no free money for the European Union from Euroclear," Valerie Urbain said

Thai Navy launches operation to drive Cambodian troops out of Trat Province

Cambodian troops dug defensive trenches, deployed heavy weapons, and used UAVs to conduct continuous surveillance of Thai positions and military facilities, Thai Navy Spokesman Parat Rattanachaiphan said

Russia takes note of America's foreign policy turn in new National Security Strategy

Maria Zakharova drew special attention to America's about-face on hegemony

Putin extends authorization for foreigners to pay for gas not only with Gazprombank

The new authorization will be in effect until April 1, 2026

Confiscation of Russian assets would completely undermine trust in EU — lawmaker

Anatoly Aksakov also noted that such actions by the European Union would constitute a violation of international law

Putin to award Heroes of Russia with Gold Star medals today

The ceremony will be held in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace

Moscow working to encourage inbound medical tourism — senior diplomat

According to Alexander Grushko, Russia continues developing its health resorts

Earthquake with 7.6 magnitude occurs near Kuril Islands

The epicenter of shocks was situated at the depth of 20 kilometers

Kiev's European allies seek to undermine US, Russian efforts on Ukraine — mission

Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky stated that history will harshly judge Kiev's European allies

Russia alarmed by US rhetoric on China in new security outlook — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted "calls to all prominent regional partners to grant the Pentagon broader access to their ports and other facilities"

Trump could quickly broker Russia-Ukraine deal — Swiss Foreign Minister

Ignazio Cassis emphasized that Switzerland’s goal as OSCE Chair for 2026 is "to ensure the OSCE is ready" for such developments

Turkey reaches deep into diplomacy bag to resolve Ukraine conflict — Erdogan

"We will spare no effort to reach a settlement and will be guided by the motto that there can be no losers in a fair world," the Turkish president said

Russian troops destroy Ukraine vehicles, stronghold in Zaporozhye

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy was using the vehicles to covertly transport personnel to Gulyaipole to reinforce positions in the locality

Russian industrial products export up 18% in 9M 2025 — PM

Machine-building, chemicals and metallurgy were the main drivers, Mikhail Mishustin noted

Netanyahu plans to discuss Gaza plan at meeting with Trump on December 29 — TV

According to the Ynet portal, Netanyahu’s visit will last a week

F1 Red Bull supremo Helmut Marko to part ways with racing team at end of year

He joined Red Bull in 2005, and for two decades led the team’s Young Drivers Academy program, also helming the Red Bull helping program

Kiev is luring foreigners into trenches, Ukrainians are hard to come by — Russian envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, this strategy is driven by the increasing difficulty Ukraine faces in mobilizing its own citizens

Rosatom ready to starting operations at Rooppur plant — CEO

"Construction of the first unit is almost completed," Alexey Likhachev said

Putin extends ban for residents to buy stakes in foreign companies without permit

The ban is renewed for transactions of residents on paying for participation interests, contributions or capital units in property of a nonresident foreign entity

Netanyahu says his regular contacts with Putin are in Israel’s interests

The United States, India, Germany, and Russia are the four powers Israel has bolstered ties with in the past two years, the Israeli prime minister added

Ukrainian attacks kill seven Russian civilians, injure nearly 60 in week — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik specified that Ukrainian strike drone attacks were the most common cause of death and injury to Russian civilians

Updated US National Security Strategy angers EU officials — newspaper

The Politico said that an unnamed European official on the sidelines of the Doha Forum called the strategy’s provisions regarding the European Union "very disturbing"

Ukraine needs $15 bln to buy weapons under PURL program in 2026 — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky said that as for this year, Ukraine was short of $1.5 billion but The Netherlands allocated $700 million

Soyuz MS-27 turns on engines for braking ahead of descent to Earth

The descent module is expected to land in Kazakhstan at 5:04 a.m. GMT

No Putin-Trump meeting planned until New Year — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that at this point, Moscow has no information about the outcome of talks between Washington and Kiev in Florida

Defendants in Donbass genocide case facing life sentence

The case has been referred to the DPR Supreme Court for consideration on the merits

Valdai conference on Eurasian security to attract over 40 international experts

The theme of the conference is "Security in Eurasia: From Concept to Practice," which, according to the organizers, refers to Russia’s initiative to create a unified Eurasian security architecture

Some 670 students evacuated from Novosibirsk school due to fire — Emergencies Ministry

There are no any reports of injuries

Liberation of Novodanilovka lets Russian troops advance to Orekhovo — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on December 8 that the Russian army had liberated Novodanilovka in the Zaporozhye Region

Tony Blair not to join Gaza 'Peace Board' due to Arab countries' stance — media

According to the newspaper, Tony Blair’s candidacy was rejected by several Arab and Muslim states because of his active support for the US invasion of Iraq in 2003

Israeli army launches eight attacks on southern Lebanon — website

No casualties or injuries have been reported

Trump threatens Mexico with new tariffs

Mexico is violating water supply agreement, the US President said

Infamous Ukrainian database Mirotvorets doxes RUSADA head

Veronika Loginova is accused of "attempting to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and "supporting the special military operation"

National projects must lead to creation of domestic technologies — Putin

The head of state stressed that "technological leadership projects did not exist in isolation but had systemic significance for all spheres of life"

US continues working on Ukraine settlement for 'humane' reasons — Trump

The US leader stressed that he "just wants to see people stop from being killed"

Liberation of Volchansk year in making — expert

The Russian army began to move forward in the northern territory of the Kharkov Region back in 2024, Vitaly Ganchev noted

Lavrov says Savchenko will be headache for Ukraine

The foreign minister considers handing the ex-servicewoman over to Kiev the right decision as Moscow had to bring back its citizens sentenced on terrorism charges in Ukraine

Ukraine conflict likely to be resolved with Russian victory, US expert says

John Mearsheimer stressed that there’s nothing US President Donald Trump "can do to assuage Russian fears that any agreement Moscow reaches with Ukraine and the West will stick over time"

E3 leaders instruct their advisors to continue work on settling Ukrainian conflict

The leaders of UK, Germany and France discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made

Press review: US proposed four-part Ukraine plan as EU eyes expropriating Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 5th

Kiev concentrates up to 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers in DPR's Konstantinovka — military expert

Vitaly Kiselev also added that Russian aviation is currently playing a decisive role in the advance on Konstantinovka

Soyuz MS-27 carrying two Roscosmos cosmonauts, NASA astronaut undocks from ISS

The spacecraft will now switch to autonomous flight and ignite its engines for deceleration at around 4:10 a.m. GMT before leaving orbit

Russia urges US to refrain from escalating conflict with Venezuela — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that Moscow views the situation around Venezuela with great alarm and concern

US not yet informed Russia about its contacts with Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

"Contacts are taking place," Dmitry Peskov said

Japan refuses European plan to seize Russian assets — media

Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that Japan has no legal authority to dispose of Russian assets

US pressuring Zelensky into accepting peace plan terms — media

Donald Trump's administration is pushing Vladimir Zelensky to act quickly, while Europeans are advising him to be careful and patient, the news agency said

Cosmonauts, astronaut move from ISS to Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, shut hatches

The descent module is expected to land 146 km southeast of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, at 5:04 a.m. GMT

Europe to come out of Ukraine conflict biggest loser — Republic Srpska leader

Milorad Dodik noted that Europe lacked an effective leader

North Korean leader offers condolences on death of Russian envoy to Pyongyang

Kim Jong Un emphasized that the course in which the DPRK-Russia relations have developed into the present firm alliance is clearly associated with the devoted efforts of Alexander Matsegora

Cambodia starts shelling Thai territory from multiple rocket launchers — army

Cambodian forces fired first, prompting a Thai response

Russia hopes that US refrains from full-scale conflict with Venezuela — diplomat

The US-Venezuela conflict threatens to cause unpredictable consequences for the entire Western hemisphere, Maria Zakharova said

Earthquake with 6.4 magnitude strikes northern Japan

The earthquake’s epicenter laid at a depth of 22 km

Only renewed cooperation with Russia can save Europe from collapse — Dodik

According to the Bosnian Serb leader, Europe’s economic success was largely based on access to Russian resources

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 145 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Hungary, Turkey condemn Ukrainian attacks against pipelines, tankers — Szijjarto

Hungary and Turkey together speak for termination of war in Ukraine through negotiations, the Hungarian foreign minister said

EU prepares to admit Ukraine by 2030 and start war with Russia — Orban

As the Hungarian prime minister recalled, the treaty establishing the EU states that "in the event of an armed attack on the territory of one of its member states, the other member states are obliged to provide this state with all the assistance at their disposal"

Adversaries of Russia, Iran, China try to undermine their cooperation — MP

Iranian parliament member Ebrahim Azizi also emphasized that Russia and Iran should cooperate to protect peace and security in their common region

The New Finnish Doctrine: Stupidity, Lies, Ingratitude

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev finds historical parallels in the behavior of the current leaders of Finland and their predecessors from almost a century ago and recalls the aftermath of their aggressive attacks on Russia

Russian security chief arrives in Vietnam for talks with country’s leadership

The agenda of the meetings includes discussions on a wide range of aspects in the Russian-Vietnamese relations

France does not want to expropriate Russian assets held in its private banks — FT

French banks hold around 18 bln euros in Russian assets, which is the second-highest figure in Europe, the paper said

IDF announces new series of strikes against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon

The army press service said the attacks targeted military facilities belonging to the Shiite organization Hezbollah

Ukrainian military brings tanks, artillery, mercenaries to Kharkov Region — official

Reports indicate the presence of mercenaries from Poland, Georgia, and various Latin American nations, according to the press service of the Military-Civilian Administration of the Kharkov Region

Foreigners wishing to move to Russia are calling Putin's Direct Line

A significant number of foreigners are calling the hotline to express support for the Russian president

Expropriation of Russian assets being 'crucial act for European defense' — von der Leyen

"Securing financial support will help ensure the survival of Ukraine," President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen added