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Uzbekistan plans to sign contract with Russia for construction of large NPP by March 2026

Head of the Directorate for the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant State Enterprise Abdujamil Kalmuratov stated that there is a "principled agreement" with Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom that at least 70% of the workforce will be local employees

TASHKENT, October 9. /TASS/. Uzbekistan plans to sign a contract with Russia for the construction of a large nuclear power plant (NPP) in the Jizzakh region by March 2026, Head of the Directorate for the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant State Enterprise Abdujamil Kalmuratov said.

"We plan to sign [the contract] by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This is a lengthy, delicate, and detailed process. We need to consider localization volumes, determine who will supply which products and from where, assess whether domestic manufacturers can provide the necessary quantities or if alternatives will be required. Logistics must also be carefully calculated. Everything will be taken into account — from domestic producers to local workers," Spot.uz quoted him as saying.

Kalmuratov also stated that there is a "principled agreement" with the project’s general contractor, Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, that at least 70% of the workforce will be local employees. According to him, this will provide jobs for an entire district of the Jizzakh region; a total of 20,000 people will be involved in the construction.

US to allocate $500 mln for military bases in Poland

Warsaw plans to spend $250 mln on US military facilities in Poland annually until 2035

Turkey continues to be top supplier of tangerines to Russian market

Top suppliers of tangerines to Russia also include South Africa, China, Egypt, and Morocco

Attack on Putin's residence was guided by NATO systems, expert says

Andrey Marochko believes that disrupting negotiations on a peace settlement of the conflict was Kiev's primary aim in the attack

Helicopter crashes in Arizona mountains — TV

There were four people on board, their conditions are not yet known

UAE completes withdrawal of troops from Yemen — Defense Ministry

"The process has been conducted in a manner that ensured the safety of all personnel and carried out in coordination with all relevant partners," the ministry added

The ones 'doubting' victims in Ukrainian drone attack in Khorly have no conscience

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Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

US to allocate $500 mln for military bases in Poland

Warsaw plans to spend $250 mln on US military facilities in Poland annually until 2035

Russia to provide decoded data from Ukrainian drone to US — Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, Russian intelligence officers examining the navigation system of one of the Ukrainian drones shot down during the attack managed to extract the file containing flight plan data

Kallas wants EU to enter into a war with Russia and China — Dmitriev

When you hear EU, just think Ursula & Kaja — that tells you everything you need to know," Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy wrote on the X social network

Czech parliament Speaker may face resignation due to his critical statements on Ukraine

The parliamentary liberal opposition parties intend to submit to the Chamber of Deputies the question of stripping Okamura of his post as head of the lower house of the republic's highest legislative body

Venezuela ready to discuss fight against drug trade, investments with the US — Maduro

Nicolas Maduro pointed out that US allegations against Caracas regarding insufficient struggle against production of drugs are groundless

Death toll from Ukraine’s drone attack on village of Khorly in Kherson Region rises to 28

More than 100 people were in the cafe at the time of the attack, Governor Vladimir Saldo said

First list of those killed by Kiev’s drone strike on seaside cafe published

Identification of all other victims will be possible only after a special genetic examination

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian army carries out drone strike on civilians in Kherson Region

According to preliminary reports, over 24 people, including a child, were killed, and another 29 people, among them five kids, suffered injuries

The Hague's policy of supporting Kiev leads to its deep involvement in conflict — diplomat

Vladimir Tarabrin, Russia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, added that The Hague prefers to ignore the obvious consequences of this policy, including the prolongation of hostilities and the ever-increasing loss of life

Battlegroup West destroyed 46 heavy quadcopters — spokesman

Battlegroup servicemen also destroyed twelve unmanned surface vehicles

Russia to maintain continuity in key areas of cooperation within CSTO — Lavrov

"Given geopolitical tensions, we set ourselves the goals of further consolidating CSTO member states, strengthening allied ties, and deepening coordination on key international issues," the minister noted

Magnitude 6.5 earthquake strikes off Mexico’s coast

Twelve people suffered injuries

Dmitriev asks whether Western media cover tragedy in Kherson Region

Kirill Dmitriev wrote this on the X, making a repost of a blogger that wrote about the terrorist attack in Khorly

Ukraine to face inevitable retaliation for attack on Kherson Region — Medvedev

In his view, Banderites must be eliminated wherever they are, be it Ukraine or Europe

Photos, videos point to firework sparkers as cause of fire in Crans-Montana

According to the newspaper, photos and videos show several people hold large champagne bottles over their heads, with firework sparkers attached to them, sparks reached ceiling at a certain point of time and sound-proof acoustic panels caught fire

Pro-Palestine activists smash up factory in UK over weapons supplies to Israel

The activists also left graffiti that said "There’s only one way this ends"

Dmitriev calls Europeans 'poor' after von der Leyen’s promise

"President of the European Commission promises to work even harder on Western civilization’s suicide in 2026," Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said

UN chief concerned about rising toll on civilians in Ukraine conflict — spokesperson

According to the spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief "reiterates the importance of a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions"

Trump says US ready to come to rescue of ‘peaceful protesters’ in Iran

"We are locked and loaded and ready to go," the US president said

UN body calls for prompt investigation into attack on civilians in Kherson Region

"We are alarmed by reports of an attack on New Year’s Eve in Khorly, Kherson region, resulting in civilian casualties, including children, which raises questions about compliance with international humanitarian law," the OHCHR said

US interference in Iran’s affairs may destabilize entire region — security official

US President Donald Trump wrote earlier on January 2 on his Truth Social media platform that "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue"

Putin noted good prospects in nuclear sphere for Russia, Indonesia

The Russian president added that relations between Moscow and Jakarta are also on the rise in the humanitarian sphere

Kiev prepared for attack on cafe in Khorly in advance — expert

Military expert Vitaly Kiselev condemned the attack, describing it as "not just a terrorist act but a tragic reflection of the 21st century’s brutal realities"

Zelensky, in impotent rage, decided to take it out on civilians — Russian MFA

The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case over a terrorist act

Around 2,000 militants surrender in CAR under Russian-backed program

In many places, militants are in designated areas waiting for their turn to disarm, while they do not commit serious crimes, Dmitry Podolsky said

Putin orders to expand security belt on border with Ukraine in 2026

"This is a very important task," the Russian president said

Ukraine under Zelensky has no right to exist as a state — Medvedchuk

The leader of the Other Ukraine movement Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that "the Ukrainian people should determine their future"

Africa to become world leader in economic growth in 2026 — IMF

Despite the influx of foreign investment, some countries, such as the Central African Republic, will remain among the least electrified on the planet

Russia's retaliatory measures to create operational problems for Euroclear — FT

According to the report, Euroclear has hired 200 additional employees to handle frozen Russian assets on a permanent basis

Ukraine might cut gas imports from Russia thanks to joint deals with China

This was announced by the Ministry of Energy and Coalmining of Ukraine after a working meeting of Ukrainian coal and energy Minister with Chinese ambassador to Ukraine

Russia to support China in case tensions escalate in Taiwan Strait — top diplomat

Earlier, in an article for Rossiyskaya Gazeta on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russia and China, Lavrov emphasized that the West is deliberately escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait

Number of people hospitalized to Crimea after Kiev’s attack on Kherson Region rises to 14

Two patients are in severe condition, Crimea’s Health Ministry reported

Russian forces eliminated 147 French mercenaries in Ukraine, Defense Ministry says

Overall, the Russian forces eliminated 5,962 foreign mercenaries, most of them from Poland

Ukraine’s elite drone unit could be behind terror attack on Kherson Region — governor

According to operational reconnaissance data, the Kiev regime deployed Birds of Madyar militants to the right bank of the Kherson Region, Vladimir Saldo said

Head of Russian delegation in Vienna talks about obscenity of Europeans at OSCE site

Head of the Russian delegation to the Vienna talks on military security and arms control Yulia Zhdanova also noted that "there is a total degradation of the negotiating culture among the Europeans"

Russia’s Aerospace Forces down Ukraine’s Su-27 fighter jet

In addition, Russian air defenses downed a smart bomb and 250 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles

FACTBOX: New Year’s key traditions reviewed

The custom of decorating Christmas trees dates back to biblical myths

TASS publishes footage from scene of Ukrainian attack on hotel, cafe in Khorly

Footage from the tragedy’s aftermath has been released by the agency, depicting the extent of the destruction

British, EU intelligence behind attack on Kherson Region — Akhmat commandoes' chief says

Lieutenant-General Apty Alaudinov noted that Ukraine is reporting to US President Donald Trump its readiness to sign a peace agreement, while simultaneously taking actions that provoke the Russian side to retaliate

Every third Russian decorates their New Year’s tree with Soviet toys – poll

Experts also found that 75% of respondents confirmed that their families still preserve tree decorations from previous generations

FACTBOX: Celebrities who passed away in 2025

In 2025, a great many well-known politicians, statesmen, scientists and cultural figures passed away

US to analyze intel about attack on Putin’s residence — UN envoy

AccoSuch Kiev’s actions would be "reckless or not helpful," Matthew Whittaker said

Tourist flow from Russia to North Korea to reach 7,000 people in 2025

Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov added that growth will continue

Ukraine’s terrorist attacks against Russia could be seen as ‘suicide’ for Kiev — Ritter

Commenting on the Ukrainian armed forces' attempt to attack Russian President Vladimir Putin's state residence, Former US intelligence officer and ex-UN inspector suggested that the CIA may have been involved in the operation

Professor Jeffrey Sachs is right: Ukraine risks losing Odessa, says Duma member

According to Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Ukraine is losing ground every day

Putin calls Crimea's reunification with Russia historical

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About 40 people killed in explosion at Swiss ski resort

According to the paper, at least 100 people have suffered injuries

Russia's Avtovaz to bring Lada back to markets in Middle East, Asia, Latin America

Earlier, Maxim Sokolov announced the company’s plans to boost auto exports to 100,000 cars per year starting next decade

US kills five people as it attacks drug traffickers' ships anew — The Pentagon

According to the US Southern Command, intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were involved in drug smuggling

Ukrainian intel chief says he accepts Zelensky’s offer to lead his office

Dmitry Litvin, Vladimir Zelensky’s communications adviser, said earlier that formal procedures regarding Kirill Budanov’s appointment had already begun

Bulgaria should support efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine — president

Rumen Radev noted that 2025 brought the first hopes for ending the conflict

Death toll in Ukraine’s attack on Khorly in Kherson Region rises to 27 people

Thirty-one people, among them five minors were taken to medical institutions with injuries of various severity, Russian Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said

Lukashenko says Slovakia’s PM to visit Belarus

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Press review: Zelensky peace plan is no-go for Russia and Trump puts on peacemaker hat

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 25th

Air defenses intercept 64 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight

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NATO’s activity at borders of Russia, Belarus fraught with direct military clash — envoy

This situation persists because many in Europe exploit the false factor of the Russian threat to consolidate the NATO/EU ranks around the continued military support for Ukraine, Head of the Russian delegation at talks in Vienna on military security and arms control Yulia Zhdanova said

Over 500,000 Ukrainian troops killed or wounded in action in 2025

Besides, Russian forces destroyed 19 Ukrainian warplanes, over 50 missile systems, more than 67,000 drones, and over 6,500 tanks and other armored combat vehicles in 2025

Novak: EU must undertake to guarantee Ukraine’s payment of debts for Russian gas

Ukraine’s debt to Russian state-controlled energy giant Gazprom totals $5.3 billion

Battlegroup South downed eight Ukrainian drones over day — spokesman

Battlegroup Spokesman Vadim Astafyev added that 26 dugouts and shelters of the Ukrainian army were also destroyed

34 drones downed when approaching Moscow at New Year night, January 1

This was reported by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin

Taiwan issue is a red line in China-US relations — Chinese Ambassador to Russia

"The Taiwan issue is the core of China's key interests", Zhang Hanhui stated

FACTBOX: Cities awarded Russia’s New Year’s capital title

Ryazan has taken on the title of the New Year’s capital for the second time during the project’s existence

More than twenty survivors in Crans-Montana fire had severe burns — TV

The case in point is "very severe injuries" requiring treatment over a long period, Medical Director at the Morges Hospital Wassim Raffoul added

Russian Su-34 bomber strikes Ukrainian manpower, equipment by glide bombs

After receiving a confirmation from reconnaissance about the target destruction, the crew safely returned to its airfield of departure, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Over 8,300 Aeroflot passengers celebrated New Year in flight

On the night of December 31 to January 1, Aeroflot operated 42 festive flights

Russian government extends parallel import mechanism through 2026

The list of goods permitted for parallel import will be reduced in categories where Russian manufacturers or companies from friendly countries have largely replaced firms from unfriendly countries, namely in cosmetics, electronics, and light industry, the ministry said

Ukraine is playing Russian roulette by attacking Putin's residence — magazine

Valeurs Actuelles notes the complete lack of response from Kiev's European allies

Putin hears report on Ukrainian strike on Khorly — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, "the regional governor briefed the head of state on the investigative actions and also announced that as the investigative team's work progresses and the bodies of the dead are being identified, and information and names will be published on the regional administration's website"

Russian troops liberate nine communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russian forces delivered one massive and six combined strikes by precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles on Ukrainian military-industrial and energy sites over the past week in response to Kiev’s attacks on civilian facilities, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

British destroyer may have violated Russian border for reconnaissance — expert

Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Black Sea Fleet, acting in cooperation with the border guard force of the federal security service FSB, stopped a violation of the state border by the destroyer HMS Defender off Crimea's Cape Fiolent

Ukraine lost about twenty fighter jets in 2025

Kiev also lost at least eight Su-27 and ten MiG-29 airplanes over the last year

FACTBOX: Kremlin’s New Year magic begins with century-old fir

On December 23, Russia’s main New Year tree was set up in the Kremlin’s Cathedral Square, fully decorated and ready for the holidays

Putin believes rumors of his 'palace' were used in scheme to brainwash Russians

Putin says the palace he allegedly owns doesn’t belong to him or his relatives

Russia calls upon OHCHR to publicly condemn Kiev’s terrorist attack

Russian Permanent to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva Gennady Gatilov emphasized that "concealing this tragedy would be tantamount to open complicity and participation"

Indian forces block movement of Chinese troops near Pangong Lake

Sources said that there had been no physical skirmishes

Europe’s LNG imports hit record 142 bln cubic meters in 2025

In December, LNG imports also hit a record 12.7 billion cubic meters

Attempts continue to expand Ukraine conflict to entire Europe — newspaper

Selvi believes that the forces supporting Ukraine are plotting to set Turkey and Russia against each other

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

Ukrainian intel chief appointed as head of Zelensky’s office

Meanwhile, Foreign Intelligence Service Chief Oleg Ivashchenko has been relieved from his post and appointed in Kirill Budanov’s stead

Netherlands set course for militarization in 2025 — Russian Ambassador

The case in point is not only the sharp rise in defense spending but also the systemic integration of the country with strategic and operational planning of NATO, Russian Ambassador to the kingdom Vladimir Tarabrin said

National defense system guarantees territorial integrity — Maduro

President Nicolas Maduro stressed that the authorities of Venezuela have all the required resources and mechanisms to protect the country’s sovereignty

First day of 2026 was coldest in Russia’s Siberia

The temperature reached minus 53.1 degrees Celsius at the Iema weather station in the Sakha Region

Russian forces destroy two Ukrainian assault groups in Sumy Region

The enemy tried to counterattack near the settlement of Grabovskoye

US undermining peace, stability by selling arms to Taiwan — China's ambassador to Russia

Zhang Hanhui stressed that "the Chinese side strongly objects to and condemns these actions" and has already "made a serious protest to the American side"

Trump and Netanyahu discussed possible strikes on Iran in 2026 — Axios

According to the official, Trump would likely support such strikes if the US finds that Iran is taking concrete steps to restore its nuclear program

Democrats to move to impeach Trump if they win Congress in 2026

Speaker of the House of Representatives, member of the Republican Party Mike Johnson pointed out that the Democratic Party intends to "dismantle" the foundations of the country

Wealth of richest Russians rises by almost $24 bln in 2025 — Bloomberg

Alisher Usmanov, shareholder of Russia’s largest iron ore producer Metalloinvest, amassed $6.04 bln, with his fortune climbing to $19.3 bln

Saudi Arabia carries out strikes on airport in Yemeni city of Seiyun — TV

Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Salah Al-Aqel confirmed the attacks

Russia-EU relations may change under new European Commission — diplomat

"I don’t think that the Russia-EU dialogue is lost forever," Vladislav Maslennikov said

Special customs regime will make Hainan a development leader — expert

Deputy Director of the Swedish Belt and Road Institute noted that the launch of such a regime shows a firm commitment to expanding openness

EU’s decision on loan to Ukraine deals major blow to Zelensky, allies — newspaper

From a technical standpoint, this is a relief, but politically it is a defeat for Zelensky and his European allies, who promised to make Moscow pay, but in reality, settled for a compromise

Supreme leader’s advisor issues tough warning to anyone threatening Iran’s security

"Every hand of intervention that approaches Iranian security with excuses will be cut off with a regrettable response before it arrives," Ali Shamkhani wrote in an X post

Russia downs 168 Ukrainian UAVs over regions overnight — Defense Ministry

61 of them were destroyed over the territory of the Bryansk Region

FACTBOX: Cities awarded Russia’s New Year’s capital title

TASS has prepared this factbox on the project dubbed The New Year’s Capital of Russia