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Northern Sea Route should be largely unmanned — transport minister

The Northern Sea Route is a shipping route and the main sea line in the Russian Arctic sector

VLADIVOSTOK, September 4. /TASS/. The Northern Sea Route should be largely unmanned, Russia's Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin told the Eastern Economic Forum.

"To a big extent, the Northern Sea Route should be unmanned. <...>The task <…> has engineering problems and solutions, and at the same time there are quite clear infrastructure tasks that we face," he said.

The Northern Sea Route is a shipping route and the main sea line in the Russian Arctic sector. It stretches along northern coasts of Russia across the seas of the Arctic Ocean. The route consolidates European and Far Eastern ports of Russia and navigable river mouths in Siberia into a single transport system. The route’s length is 5,600 km from the Kara Strait to the Providence Bay.

The 10th Eastern Economic Forum takes place in Vladivostok from September 3 to 6 under the theme "The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity." The business program will feature more than 100 thematic sessions divided into seven tracks. The forum is expected to bring together over 4,500 participants from more than 70 countries and territories. The Roscongress Foundation is the event's organizer, with TASS as its general information partner.

Russia’s gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan up by 20% in 2025 — Gazprom

According to CEO Alexey Miller, Gazprom will continue to increase gas volumes supplied to these countries

Italian expert says Zelensky's new peace plan step in wrong direction

Ukraine has submitted the 20-point peace plan, which, according to Kiev, should consolidate the country's security, attract international assistance and establish long-term guarantees from NATO and the EU

MP from Japan’s ruling party, Muneo Suzuki, departs to Russia on visit

He is expected to meet with a number of Russian officials

Almost all DPR supporters return from Ukraine after violence, torture — ombudsman

"Before the start of the special military operation on, as part of the work of the humanitarian subgroup of the Contact Group in Minsk, we managed to bring 879 DPR supporters home from Ukraine," DPR Commissioner for Human Rights Darya Morozova said

EU, UK hurt most by Washington’s Russia policy turn — expert

According to Andrey Sushentsov, the US was the first to realize that it’s impossible to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia

FSB thwarts hostage-taking, prisoner escape from penal colony in Kurgan Region

A prisoner concealed a shiv in his punishment cell, where he was placed for violating prison rules

Negotiations on Ukraine should be kept secret, Kremlin believes

Dmitry Peskov refrained from giving further comments

Some 20,000 Muscovites voluntarily sign contracts for military service annually — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin said that Moscow is one of the largest centers for the recruitment of military personnel for the special military operation

Putin-Trump call can be arranged quickly if needed — Kremlin

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Macron tries to turn EU into 'digital gulag' — Durov

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Zelensky's new peace plan not to work for Russia, says expert

The expert focused on the political points of the plan and on the security guarantees demanded by Kiev

US believes sides approaching settlement on Ukraine — NATO envoy

US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker emphasized that there are still matters that need to be resolved in a way that both sides can agree

Putin warned Bush that admitting Ukraine to NATO will lead to Russia-US confrontation

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European Union disintegrating before our eyes — Orban

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Russian troops liberate Zarechnoye in Zaporozhye Region over past day — top brass

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Putin warned Bush that NATO membership would split Ukraine — declassified documents

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EU goods imports into Russia exceed exports — Eurostat

Exports of Russian goods to the EU amounted to 21.7 bln euro, while imports of goods from the EU into Russia totaled 22.2 bln euro

US Department of Justice gets more documents as part of Epstein case files

Their release may take a few more weeks

EU needs to understand Kiev never to repay its loans — Russian Foreign Ministry

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After WWII CIA, MI6 replaced Abwehr as Bandera's handlers — historian

According to Alexander Cheremin, "it appears that the Anglo-Saxons became the direct successors of the German secret services that had originally established this anti-Soviet foundation"

Plotter of terrorist attack on oil pipeline neutralized in Tyumen Region — FSB

According to the FSB’s Public Relations Center, the suspect, a Russian citizen originally from Vinnitsa in Ukraine, resisted arrest and was subsequently neutralized during the operation

Zelensky's desire to maintain army size proves he is not thinking about peace — politician

According to the former Ukrainian PM, it was already a "big problem" for Ukraine to maintain an army of up to 180,000 servicemen before the conflict

Ruble becomes strongest-performing currency in 2025 — Bloomberg

As Bloomberg noted, the ruble’s rise has been influenced by reduced demand for foreign currency in Russia.

FACTBOX: How Catholics celebrate Christmas

The first records of Christmas being celebrated as an independent holiday date back to the 4th century

Tajikistan reports fatalities from border clash with Afghan terrorists

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Fire area in Temryuk port reach 4,000 sq m

Two tanks with oil products are on fire

Moscow becomes major center producing UAVs for Russian army — Sobyanin

Moscow's mayor added that another important aspect is extensive support for the air defense forces which provide protection not only to the capital but also, to a significant extent, to other regions of Russia

Moldovan border guards cut off channel for transfer of draft dodgers from Ukraine

The police said the suspects charged each evader $10,000

Trump wishes merry Christmas to all, including 'radical left scum'

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Taking Gulyaipole to expand bridgehead along Gaichur River — Russian defense source

According to the report, the enemy's resistance is complicated by harsh weather conditions

KVN drones destroy Ukrainian equipment worth two German armies — Ushkuynik

According to CEO Alexey Chadayev, after the invasion of the Kursk Region, the Ukrainian armed forces "were unable to carry out a single successful attack with the mass use of mechanized military equipment"

West 'understands nothing about Russians,' Rostec says in response to Reuters report

The Russian defense industry is currently focused on solving state problems, not on generating more profit

Two oil storage tanks catch fire in Temryuk after drone attack

The total area of the fire is 2,000 square meters

IN BRIEF: Victims in Bryansk Region, fire in port: consequences of Ukrainian drone attack

A civilian in the village of Glinishchevo in the Bryansk Region was injured in a drone attack, Governor Alexander Bogomaz said

Russia not on board with all of Trump’s 'Make America Great Again' methods — diplomat

As Maria Zakharova noted, the figures and calculations showed that the country does indeed need saving

Russian troops liberate Svyato-Pokrovskoye community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and six armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Kiev striking infrastructure in Krasny Liman with towed artillery used by NATO — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Kiev dispatched its artillery unit equipped with M777 155mm howitzers near the locality of Mayaki in the Donetsk People’s Republic

IN BRIEF: Putin's key statements on economy at cabinet meeting

The president said that Russia and its economy are in a good place, "despite numerous challenges"

Refusal to take path of peace is Ukraine’s tragedy — German general

Harald Kujat opined that the West’s massive support created an illusion for Kiev that "it can turn the strategic situation into its favor"

Conflict in Ukraine can be resolved within 90 days — US envoy to NATO

Matthew Whittaker noted that the forthcoming winter may be very difficult for Ukraine

Dutch B4Ukraine, tracking Russian oil exports registered undesirable — Prosecutor’s office

According to the statement, programs and projects are being implemented in the Russian direction to discredit the leadership of the Russian Federation

Kiev troops shell DPR twice in past day, civilian killed

One civilian was reported to have been killed and two wounded

Ukraine’s major oil producer Ukrnafta sustains critical damage

The company did not specify the exact nature of the damage or where it occurred

Annual inflation in Russia to total 6% or slightly lower by year-end — Novak

This indicator is lower than the Economic Development Ministry forecast, the deputy PM noted

Social unity around grand goals is key to Russia's achievements, Putin says

The Russian president highlighted the readiness of millions to unite around shared, noble goals

Russian diplomat refutes Bloomberg article on Russia's intentions to amend Ukraine plan

"This media outlet does not have any reliable sources close to the Kremlin," Maria Zakharova said

Oreshnik system in Belarus is just first stage of its deployment on EU border — expert

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

Air defense systems destroy 132 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian Regions in 7 hours — top brass

The drones were destroyed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. GMT

This year’s final batch of Su-35S fighters delivered to Russian Defense Ministry — Rostec

The company noted that the state corporation's aircraft manufacturers are already working on a fighter production plan for 2026

KVN becomes Russia’s main fiber-optic drone — manufacturer

CEO of the Ushkuynik Research and Production Center Alexey Chadayev said that the drone has become the most popular and widely used in its niche

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Anders Vistisen also noted that Denmark "cannot defend Greenland alone"

Hungarian PM gives hot take on biggest threat of war facing Europe

"The military tensions Europe is seeing now stem from the decline of Western Europe and the European Union," Viktor Orban said

Peace in Europe unattainable without review of West's anti-Russian policy — Medvedev

"It is crucial to recognize that the root cause of the conflict in Ukraine stems from the aggressive ‘Eastern policy’ pursued by Anglo-Saxon nations along with NATO and the European Union," the politician stated

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Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov noted that the address will be delivered "when the president sees fit, first of all in terms of contents"

Thief conks jewel courier on head in Paris, steals sapphire priced at 150,000 euro

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Uraldronzavod supplies first batch of Berdysh heavy combat drones to special op zone

During field testing, the drones have proven their reliability, Vladimir Tkachuk said

Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

TASS has compiled the key statements by the official representative of the Foreign Ministry

Ukraine unable to keep 800,000-strong army — German general

Harald Kujat noted that the 800,000-strong Ukrainian army, as required by the Europeans, would constitute a significant increase from the pre-conflict number

Honduras election authority says Trump-backed candidate won presidential election

Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah received 40.27% of the vote

Russian strategic bombers fly over neutral waters of Barents, Norwegian seas

Su-33 fighter jets of the Russian Navy escorted the long-range bombers

Kremlin confirms Moscow-Paris contacts on case of French national Vinatier

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AZAL plane presumably damaged by warhead elements — Kazakh authorities

The commission concluded its examination of the GPS cassettes recovered from avionics modules No. 1 and No. 3

EU had chance to prevent Russia conflict in 2022 — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban said that Europe could have sent a peace mission to Moscow and Kiev instead of declaring their conflict its own war

Air defenses destroy 29 more Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within three-hour period

10 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Kiev deploying most combat-fit UAV units, assault groups to Gulyaipole — defense source

Russia’s Battlegroup East forces continue steadily advancing in Gulyaipole, a source in Russian defense circles said

About 417,000 Russians have signed military service contracts — Medvedev

Additionally, more than 36,000 have voluntarily joined units dispatched to the zone of the special military operation, the politician stated

US to maintain naval blockade of Venezuela for at least two months — Reuters

The White House has ordered American forces in the region to focus almost exclusively "on the quarantine of Venezuelan oil"

Russian army destroys Ukraine's underground bunkers in Zaporozhye Region

Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky stressed that the seizure of Gulyaipole would pave the way for the liberation of the entire Zaporozhye Region

Putin already sent Trump telegram wishing him a Merry Christmas — Kremlin

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov previously announced Moscow's plans to congratulate the US president on the winter holidays

Ukraine’s ex-premier describes Zelensky’s plan as attempt to stall talks

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Belgium shocked by US sanctions against five EU citizens — foreign minister

Maxime Prevot said that EU digital legislation is not directed against the United States, but serves to ensure that EU citizens have the same security and dignity in the digital space that they enjoy in their public lives in Europe

Putin sends New Year greetings to Kim Jong Un

The Russian leader stressed that the "past one year was of special significance in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang"

US military reports Santa Claus flying over Russia

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AI breakthrough, personnel training, low unemployment: Putin’s statements

According to the head of state, the next 10 to 15 years will bring an unprecedented technological breakthrough in world history

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary refrains from comments on MP’s visit to Russia

Muneo Suzuki, a member of the Japanese parliament’s upper chamber from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, departed to Russia on a visit earlier in the day

US has mostly resolved security issues with Ukrainians — NATO envoy

"It’s going to come down to, ultimately, the territory, and how that territory is divided up," Matthew Whitaker said

Russia ready to discuss form of document on absence of plans to attack NATO — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Russia remains open for serious talks

Gloomy mood in European Commission’s headquarters — Politico

According to the newspaper, after months of discussions, EU leaders "delivered a harsh reality check, with the executive’s ambitions dashed by political and national red lines"

Kiev loses about 20 battalions in fighting near Vilcha — expert

Vitaly Kiselev added that, despite heavy losses and massive, combined attacks by the Russian army, the Ukrainian army brigades have "a very large number of soldiers that go AWOL"

Ukrainian city of Odessa reports partial power cuts

According to the DTEK energy company, an accident occurred in the morning at another company’s energy facility

Foreign intelligence services monitoring Oreshnik missile deployment in Belarus — KGB

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier stated that a maximum of 10 Russian-made Oreshnik systems would be deployed in the republic

Pentagon’s report distorts reality of Chinese military developments — newspaper

The newspaper emphasizes that "it is crucial for China and the US to accurately understand each other's strategic intentions through dialogue"

At least 141 Ukrainian drones downed over Russian territory overnight — defense ministry

62 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

EU loan will not lead to improvement in Ukrainian military’s situation — Guardian

The Guardian draws attention to the low level of recruitment into the Ukrainian armed forces

Kalashnikov Concern dispatches AK-15K assault rifles in Multicam colors to customer

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Anonymous Japanese official who broke nation's 'nuclear taboo' unveiled

Japan adheres to three non-nuclear principles not to possess, develop or allow nuclear weapons into its territory

US sanctions against former European officials cast doubt on EU sovereignty — Kallas

The chief of the European diplomacy said that Europe will continue to defend its values of freedom of expression

Su-57 fighter jet successfully evades enemy radars and electronic warfare — Chemezov

Rostec CEO noted that the corporation received feedback on all equipment deployed in the zone of the special military operation

Putin meets with businessmen in Kremlin — spokesman

The Russian government’s officials in charge of economy and social affairs, presidential administration officials, and Russian Central Bank chief Elvira Nabiullina attended the meeting

Moscow calls detention of Russia’s Adler vessel by Sweden 'farce majeure'

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Sweden should apologize for the incident

Ukraine lost 1-2 GW of power grid capacity as a result of December 23 explosions

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported earlier that Russian troops struck Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities and energy facilities with Kinzhal missiles on the morning of December 23

Humanitarian aid convoy from Dagestan comes under attack in border area

"Magomednabi Gadzhiyev, head of the Shamilsky District from where the convoy departed, and two members of the Self-Defense public organization, were killed," Sergey Melikov, leader of the North Caucasus region, said

Medvedev suggests encouraging separatism in West as countermeasure

"Separatism is a gamble that can be played by two," the politician noted

Beijing opposes US maritime blockade of Venezuela

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Polish officials not allowed to enter Russian consulate’s former building

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Putin expects next decade to bring unprecedented breakthrough in technology

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Gold production in Russia rises 5.6% in November — Rosstat

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