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EU rushing to pass special law for perpetual blocking of Russian assets — FT

The European Commission wants to use revenues from frozen Russian assets to extend a loan to Ukraine amounting to about 90 bln euro during the next two years

LONDON, December 10. /TASS/. Member-states of the European Union intend to expedite the decision on the perpetual blocking of Russian assets amounting up to 210 bln euro in order to circumvent the possible veto from Hungary, The Financial Times (FT) reports, citing sources.

It is planned for this purpose to urgently adopt a law stipulating extraordinary powers for overcoming the national veto on sanctions, the newspaper said.

The European Commission wants to use revenues from frozen Russian assets to extend a loan to Ukraine amounting to about 90 bln euro during the next two years. Implementation of such scheme requires assets to be immobilized for an indefinite period and not for six-month periods that can only be extended by the unanimous decision of all 27 member-states, the newspaper said. According to FT, EU officials are concerned that Hungary may block the extension of sanctions, especially in case the US will change its position on the sanction policy.

US Federal Reserve cuts rate to 3.5-3.75% per annum

The results of the next US regulator's rate meeting will be published on January 28, 2026

Terrorists threaten to disrupt 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics

North Caucasus warlord Doku Umarov has placed a video message on the Internet to declare that he was cancelling the moratorium on terrorist attacks in Russia

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

UK admits sending paratroopers to Ukraine — agency

This fact became officially known only after a British soldier was killed in an accident at a Ukrainian training ground, noted Press Association

Top Hungarian diplomat slams Kiev’s attacks on tankers as state-supported terrorism

Peter Szijjarto stressed that EU leaders’ justification of attacks on energy facilities was "extremely dangerous" as it could lead to more attacks in the future

Analysts maintain this year’s average key rate outlook

The average key rate is projected at 14.1% in 2026

IN BRIEF: Lavrov on attempts to steal from Russia, West pushing Kiev to continue fighting

The Russian foreign minister noted that European countries are trying to seize Russia’s foreign currency reserves because they don’t have enough money to continue military operations in Ukraine

Former US President Obama forced Ukrainian authorities to give up Crimea — Trump

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

Initial defendant list in Russia's Donbass genocide case just tip of iceberg — expert

On December 8, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that 41 individuals from Ukraine’s political and military leadership face life imprisonment in a criminal case concerning the genocide of the populations of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics

US detains oil tanker off Venezuelan coast — media

The tanker’s detention could complicate Venezuelan oil exports, noted Bloomberg

Buryatia's Nuclear Medicine Center to start producing brain cancer diagnosis drug

The center was opened in October 2022, and has diagnosed more than 23,000 people

Nobel Prize awarding ceremonies held in Stockholm and Oslo

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden presented 13 Nobel Prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and economics

Southeast Asia’s exports to US up by 15% yoy in October amid trade war with China — report

Rather than shrinking, exports to the United States have boomed as Southeast Asian goods replace Chinese ones in the US market

Russia prioritizes sustainable peace in Ukraine over ceasefire — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that it should be accompanied by the signing of documents on the matter

Half of Russian instructors in CAR have special military operation experience — commander

A platoon commander added that the special military operation skills are very helpful in terms of morale and psychological support and in personnel training

Zelensky to hold sham elections in Ukraine in order to retain power — senator

"Zelensky has an incentive not to step down because outside the presidential office, he may face criminal charges for corruption and repression against political opponents," Alexander Voloshin said

Humans come in seventh on mammal monogamy scale, study reveals

To compile the ranking, British evolutionary anthropologist Mark Dyble used archaeological and ethnographic data from more than 100 human populations

Military transport aircraft crashes in Sudan, killing all crew onboard — AFP

The exact number of deaths is unknown

Moscow, Kuala Lumpur in talks on visa-free travel for Malaysians to Russia — ambassador

Currently, Malaysians require visas to enter Russia, while Russians can visit the kingdom freely

Moscow working on organizing Russian-Arab summit — senior diplomat

Sergey Vershinin emphasized that a lot of preparatory work is required to organize the summi

Ukraine hates Russian children, babies — Russian MFA

According to the listings, their personal information was entered for allegedly "deliberately violating the state border" and "attempting to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine

RTS Index down after Central Bank’s publication of official exchange rates

After the publication of exchange rates as of 6:06 p.m. Moscow time, the RTS Index was down by 0.84% at 1,099.16 points, while the MOEX was up by 0.57% at 2,718.05 points

Kazakhstan to increase oil supplies to China, Russia, via Caspian Sea amid attack on CPC

The total volume expected to exceed 350,000 tons

US proposes creating demilitarized zone in Ukraine — WP

According to the report, the planned demilitarized zone "would be established along the entire ceasefire line", behind which there will be "a deeper zone in which heavy weapons would be excluded"

Russian forces pound Ukrainian military-industrial, energy sites in past 24 hours

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 420 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy pickup trucks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Olympic bear from 1980 Moscow Games to become Russian national team mascot

"At the moment, 'Mishka' is being registered as a trademark with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property," Mikhail Degtyarev stated

Rosgvardia troops down some 700 enemy drones in Central Russia

The press service added that Rosgvardia officers are also responsible for protecting highly important and sensitive facilities, as well as the property of individuals and legal entities

Russian ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

"Wonderful event with warm atmosphere and exceptional hospitality," the Russian embassy wrote

Putin to receive Indonesian leader for talks in Kremlin

The two leaders are set to discuss "issues of further development of the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership

AI is double-edged sword — Putin

"This is an important and very difficult issue," the Russian leader said

US Federal Reserve cuts rate to 3.5-3.75% per annum

The results of the next US regulator's rate meeting will be published on January 28, 2026

Many EU countries, along with Belgium, oppose expropriation of Russian assets — PM

Bart De Wever said that he had named three conditions to the EC

Italian official says Brussels wants no end to already lost conflict in Ukraine

Matteo Salvini pointed out that wars were fought for economic reasons "by those who produce weapons"

Press review: Trump pushes Ukrainian elections as Europe debates use of Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 10th

Vaccination brings monkeypox situation under control in Central African Republic

"To date, the epidemic is under control thanks to the vaccination campaign in 2025, during which 3,395 people from risk groups were vaccinated, including 2,910 health workers," Faustin-Archange Touadera said

New theft scheme, concern in Zelensky's circle: statements by Russia’s SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that Vladimir Zelensky's entourage fears that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict will hurt their pocketbook

Indonesia has vested interest in developing military cooperation with Russia — expert

"In this regard, the military training track mentioned by President Putin is of particular importance," Nikita Kuklin said

Nenets Region’s public debt in 2017 lowered by $10.6 million

The reduction was due to the budget’s surplus by end of the year

AI-based robotics to trigger new round of arms race — Russia’s intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that, in the context of intensifying global competition, industrialized countries view science and technology as key factors in maintaining economic and military superiority

Russian lugers issued entry visas ahead of FIL Luge World Cup round in US

President of the Russian Luge Federation Natalia Gart thanked Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev for his support

Zelensky tries to drown sensible settlement proposals in stream of nonsense — envoy

The change in the format of Vladimir Zelensky's interaction with press is also due to his nervousness because of the tough position of the United States, noted Rodion Miroshnik

Russia insists on fulfillment of NATO’s promises not to expand NATO eastwards — Putin

The Russian president stressed that multiple waves of NATO’s expansion have taken place, culminating in efforts to include Ukraine in the alliance

US plan for Ukraine allows Kiev to employ support forces — media

According to the report, Ukrainian negotiators rejected all restrictions during talks in the US

Trump reveals his favorite word

The US president said that he loves word "tariff" more than any other word in the dictionary

Qatar ambassador states growing number of Qatari tourists visiting Russia

Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani said that Qatar highly appreciate the kind attitude and warm welcome of Russian citizens

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

The vaccine is meant for adult patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma

UEFA files Euro-2028 trademark in Russia

The Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property received the trademark holder's application from Switzerland on December 5, 2025

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

Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship strengthened ties with Russia — ambassador

Naiyl Latypov noted that this year has been marked by significant diplomatic achievements, including two historic visits by Malaysian leaders to Russia, by Supreme Ruler Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

EU rushing to pass special law for perpetual blocking of Russian assets — FT

The European Commission wants to use revenues from frozen Russian assets to extend a loan to Ukraine amounting to about 90 bln euro during the next two years

US Treasury authorizes transactions for sale of Lukoil's foreign assets until January 17

The license also prohibits the transfer of any funds to individuals in Russia or to Russian accounts

Macron along with other EU leaders talks Ukrainian settlement with Trump

The French president did not provide further details about the conversation

EAEU-Indonesia agreement expected to be signed by end of the year — EEC minister

Andrey Slepnev noted that some countries are still undergoing internal procedures related to preparation

Russia’s UN envoy says sorry Nikki Haley is stepping down as US ambassador to UN

"We have had working relations, despite all the gaps," Vasily Nebenzya said

Euroclear could lose 16 bln euros held in Russia if Russian assets confiscated in EU

"If the EU's decision is interpreted as a confiscation of Russian assets, this will make Euroclear and its clients investing in Russia vulnerable to legal action and asset seizure," Guillaume Eliet said

Russian forces secure foothold on outskirts of Drobyshevo in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko added that in the course of the fight Russian forces also advanced south from the Novoselovka settlement and expanded their zone of control along the Nitrius River bank line

Trump nominates US Ambassador to Canada Kelly Kraft as new US envoy to UN

US President Donald Trump said that Kraft "has done an outstanding job representing our Nation"

Russia’s Battlegroup East takes control of Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — top brass

Units of Russia's Battlegroup East prevent the enemy from moving or changing of positions unnoticed in the urban area, as well as from supplying reserves and ammunition to them

Launch pad for Angara rockets put into operation

Further to the launch table, 37 other facilities were put into operation as part of Angara launch site construction

Over 13,500 Russian companies registered in UAE — minister

Russian companies operating in logistics, industry, technology, tourism, and retail make a "significant contribution" to the Emirati economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri noted

Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport diverts, cancels dozens of flights

Flights operated by Russian and foreign airlines for departure and arrival continue to be serviced by agreement

Israeli police mum on assassination attempt on Ukraine’s Mindich — spokesman

Earlier, Ukrainian businessman Igor Kolomoisky stated in court that an assassination attempt had been made on Mindich, who is in Israel, on November 28

Russia’s New START proposals can stop destructive process in field of security — official

According to Sergey Shoigu, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposals aimed at creating a system of equal and indivisible security are particularly important now

Bank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate for December 11 to 77.9 rubles

The official euro exchange rate was raised by 1 ruble 95 kopecks to 91.3806 rubles

WWIII avoided thanks to Trump’s policies — Russia’s special presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev also thanked the US leader for clarity on Russia "having a stronger negotiating position than Ukraine to resolve the conflict"

Spain purchases two times less Russian LNG in November than in previous year

In the first 11 months of this year, Spain purchased 36,020 GWh of Russian LNG

Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

According to the document, NATO "no longer aligns with current US national security interests"

Lavrov to update senators on key matters of Russia’s global agenda

The minister is expected to lay an emphasis on resolving the Ukraine crisis in light of the latest peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump

Court sentences Zaporozhye resident to 15 years imprisonment for treason

The Zaporozhye Regional Court has sentenced a resident of Akimovka, Zaporozhye Region, to 15 years in prison for transmitting data on Russian military personnel to Ukraine and providing financial assistance to the Ukrainian armed forces

Ukraine submits response to US peace plan — reporter

Ukrainian and American officials told Axios correspondent about this

Ukrainian ambassador summoned to Israeli MFA for criticizing PM's remarks about Putin

According to the report, Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Director General Yuval Fuchs told the Ukrainian ambassador that his statements were "completely unacceptable" and "violated diplomatic protocol"

Russian army pressing Ukrainian troops in Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army achieved certain successes in the city’s eastern part

Iran's ambassador to Russia says Putin and Iranian president to meet in Turkmenistan

Putin will start his visit to Turkmenistan on December 11

Europe fears that Trump may blame it, Kiev for hampering Ukraine peace deal — TV

According to CNN, The fear among European officials is that the US leader is growing so impatient with the lack of progress in peace talks that he may walk away from the negotiations process

Rosatom ready to starting operations at Rooppur plant — CEO

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

Ukraine attacks hospital in Kherson Region's Aleshki, killing three employees

Two persons were wounded, including a woman

Kiev resorts to terrorizing civilians due to its failures on front lines — diplomat

The intensity of Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets in Russia has nearly doubled since the beginning of the year, reaching an average of 480 strikes per day

Rebel attack in eastern Congo slap in face of US — Burundi foreign minister

Edouard Bizimana noted that Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump on December 4

Indonesian president particularly values relationship with Putin — expert

"For Jakarta, Russia is an important strategic partner with a high level of military and civilian technologies," Nikita Kuklin said

Over 500,000 Cambodian, Thai residents flee homes due to conflict

According to Cambodia’s National Defense Ministry, as of December 10, a total of 37,100 families - 127,100 people - had evacuated from six provinces

Latvia to decide on dismantling of railway tracks to Russia by year end

Chief of Defense Kaspar Pudans said the decision will be made in coordination with neighboring countries, "so that the approaches are similar"

Trump only Western leader who understands underlying causes of Ukraine crisis — Lavrov

The United States is showing increasing impatience due to EU position on Ukrainian settlement, the minister noted

Bill on US withdrawal from NATO in line with America First doctrine — Russian senator

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

US oil inventories down 1.8 mln barrels over week — Department of Energy

The current stock level is 4% below the five-year average typical for this time of the year, the department added

Liman, Vilcha in Kharkov Region almost completely controlled by Russian forces — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian Armed Forces have recently significantly increased the pace of their advance south of Volchansk

UAC delivers new batch of Su-34 fighters to Russian Defense Ministry — Rostec

Rostec emphasized that the Su-34, thanks to its versatility and significant arsenal of weapons can perform a wide range of missions, making it one of the most sought-after aircraft in the Aerospace Forces

Russia unveils domestically made dental milling machines at Moscow expo

Alexander Sinyugin, one of the developers, pointed out that the machine can create a dental crown or veneer in three hours

FIS grants right of int’l neutral-status participation to three Russian skiers

The athletes at the issue are cross-country skiers Savely Korostelev and Daria Nepryayeva as well as freestyle skier Anastasia Tatalina

Court to begin questioning defendants in terrorist attack in Crocus case on December 15

According to the lawyer, on Wednesday, December 10, the state prosecution finished presenting its evidence in court

Europe cannot cope with reality of Russia eventually winning, achieving set goals — Lavrov

"Europe is blinded by the desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," the Russian foreign minister said

Not only Trump in no hurry to lift sanctions on Russia but he increases them — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that the search for alternative payment systems "is gaining momentum"

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

"Neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet," Vladimir Zelensky said

Demonization of Russia deprives OSCE security forum of future — envoy to Vienna

Yulia Zhdanova called for cleansing the event "of propaganda husks and focusing its work on truly important issues of military-political security in the interests of all 57 OSCE participating states without exception"

Work on peace plan for Ukraine to continue in coming days — German government

German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said that the four heads of state and government discussed the progress of ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine

All of Google's assets in France seized following complaint from its Russian subsidiary

The seizure has been imposed as a security measure to prevent Google from attempting to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against its French subsidiary

IOC Executive Board skipped issue of Russian Olympic Committee’s reinstatement

The IOC Executive Board held its final meeting of 2025 on December 9-10 at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland

Nornickel continues mutually beneficial cooperation with indigenous peoples — company

The metallurgical company, Russia's Federal Agency for Nationalities, and the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East signed an agreement on sidelines of the international forum

Cambodia gathering evidence to file lawsuit against Thailand at ICC — newspaper

A high-ranking Cambodian official told the publication that Thailand’s encroachment on Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has led to large-scale destruction and numerous civilian casualties

Russian army separated from northern part of Seversk in DPR by about 2.5 km — expert

The liberation of Seversk located on a hill will allow Russian fighters to take control of neighboring Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, and Krasny Liman, Vitaly Kiselev added

New world order awareness emerges among some Western elites — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov noted that Russia, as early as after the Munich Conference in 2007, highlighted the inevitability of the world becoming multipolar

Sberbank maintains plans to spend 50% of its profit on dividends for 2025 — CEO

According to Herman Gref, with the current key rate, lending activity is expected to normalize