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Gazprom to start producing lithium compounds from industrial wastewater in 2029

Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov said that Irkutsk Oil Company plans to conduct pilot production of industrial waters to extract lithium

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. Gazprom plans to produce lithium compounds from industrial waters of the Kovykta gas condensate field starting in 2029, Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov said in an interview with TASS.

"Two oil and gas companies working in the lithium sector deserve special mention. Gazprom PJSC plans to extract lithium compounds and other valuable components from the industrial wastewater of the Kovykta gas condensate field starting in 2029," he said.

Irkutsk Oil Company, which has registered the reserves of the field named after V.I. Kokorin, plans to conduct pilot production of industrial waters to extract lithium from them, Kozlov added.

The minister previously said that Gazprom and Irkutsk Oil Company were conducting experimental work to extract lithium from formation water at oil fields.

Yakutia to organize additional food supplies to Arctic districts

"It is equally important to ensure stable operation of winter snow roads and timely delivery of food by cars," Yakutia's Governor Aisen Nikolaev stressed

Kremlin spokesman confirms Putin-Trump phone call

Trump described this call as "good and very productive"

Netanyahu expected to ask US support for another operation in Gaza — TV

The Israeli prime minister apparently needs such an operation to demonstrate strength to satisfy his partners before making further concessions

Diplomat calls drills near Taiwan 'response' to foreign interference in China’s affairs

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Russian troops repel Ukrainian counterattack in Zaporozhye Region — defense source

The Ukrainian military suffered heavy casualties, losing at least a tank, three armored combat vehicles, a pickup truck and a considerable number of its personnel

Zelensky’s inner circle transfers $50 mln every month to UAE accounts — Turkish newspaper

At the same time, it published no documents to prove the transfers, according to Aydinlik

French movie star Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

Bardot was previously hospitalized in the city of Toulon in southern France

Trump sees diminishing leverage for Kiev as settlement stalls — expert

According to Peter Kuznick, the US leader "even restrained his usual penchant for saying how 'perfect' meetings are and how much was achieved"

Europe openly states about its preparations for war with Russia — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that after a new administration came to power in the United States, Europe and the European Union emerged as the main obstacles to peace

Japan should weigh everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Earlier, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is concerned about Japan’s remilitarization, warning that this trend could lead to the dismantling of the current global order

Liberation of Gulyaipole opens good prospects for offensive — Putin

Vladimir Putin also noted the effective actions of the Battlegroup Center in eliminating Ukrainian forces near Krasnoarmeysk in the Dimitrov agglomeration

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Trump believes prospects for new meeting with Putin hinge on settlement progress

The US president added that he believes the essential elements of a deal have already been outlined

Russia rescued Ukrainians abandoned by Kiev in Sumy Region — human rights commissioner

Russian troops brought them to a safe place in Belgorod

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

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Nearly 970 ceasefire violations by Israel reported in Gaza Strip since October 10

418 people were killed and more than 1,140 were injured

Greenland acquisition could raise US companies' market value by $1 trillion

Russia must focus on enhancing the valuation of its mineral resources in the Arctic Region, Alexey Chekunkov emphasized

At least 20 years for Ukraine to meet EU accession criteria — German MP

According to the MP, the EU has long ceased to be a community of economic and social cooperation and has become an instrument of unilateral political orientation of European states

CUST ready to introduce integrated air defense system in Russian regions

The Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies is prepared to provide a training system for the personnel working at control posts, engaged in IT programs, and mobile air defense teams, as well as for those involved in maintenance

Oreshnik missile system in Belarus is anti-aggression warning to West — expert

Andrey Bogodel noted that Western countries crossed many red lines during the Russian Federation’s special military operation in Ukraine

Japan should weight everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov noted that the detrimental influence of such an approach on the regional stability is obvious

Russia needs communications systems resistant to EW — expert

According to Andrey Bezrukov, the key development trend and the main solution for combating electronic warfare systems is drones’ complete autonomy, their own onboard intelligence

Zelensky uses elections to delay settlement — top Russian senator

Valentina Matvienko added that Zelensky is being pushed toward these statements by "European war instigators"

Armenia doesn’t want to sever ties with Russia — top diplomat

When Armenia promotes relations with the United States and the European Union, there is no secret agenda for pushing Russia away behind this, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said

Globalization promoted by West fades into obscurity, Lavrov says

According to the top Russian diplomat, more and more countries are realizing that it is safer to rely on regional mechanisms

Kiev loses nearly 4,400 soldiers, mercenaries in past week of battles near LPR — expert

Andrey Marochko said the greatest damage to the enemy's manpower was inflicted in the operational zone of the Battlegroup South

Senior Russian senator extends hope for a pivotal 2026 for Ukraine peace

If the 'peace camp' led by Russia can deactivate the destructive policy course being pursued by the still influential 'war camp', mutually acceptable solutions could be found, quite fast and easily, Konstantin Kosachev said

West’s eyes are 'wide shut' to corruption scandals in Kiev, says Lavrov

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Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

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

Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia becomes new FIDE World Rapid Women's Champion

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Russia calls up 135,000 conscripts for military service in autumn draft

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Russia, US hold keys to resolving Ukraine conflict — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that it is too early to give final assessments

Comex silver futures climb to new all-time high of over $82 per troy ounce

By 2:05 a.m. Moscow time, the silver price accelerated gains to trade at $82.67 per troy ounce

Aist-2T satellites launched from Vostochny spaceport put into orbit

They are designed to photograph the planet's surface and obtain stereoscopic images to create digital terrain models

Laser systems against drones to be used in Russia in 2026 — CUST

CEO Andrey Bezrukov noted the effectiveness of a tactical radar station with specialized tactical software that transmits target designations about a moving target directly to a drone that then takes off and carries out kinetic destruction

Eight Tu-214 aircraft may be produced in 2026, 12 in 2027, industry minister says

Anton Alikhanov emphasized that current efforts and ongoing work provide confidence in meeting the 20-aircraft annual production goal by the end of 2027

Kupyansk under control of Battlegroup West — Russian defense ministry

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

European contingents in Ukraine to be legitimate targets for Russian forces — Lavrov

In mid-December, leaders of major European countries issued a statement saying that security guarantees for Kiev should include the creation of European-led multinational forces for Ukraine

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian units in northwest of Kupyansk — Defense Ministry

Offensive actions are underway

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The US president said that the territorial issue is one of the remaining unresolved issues in the negotiations to settle the conflict in Ukraine

Trump, Zelensky reveal names on working groups on Ukraine

The Ukrainian working group would involve National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces Andrey Gnatov and First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa

Trump, Zelensky holding phone call with European leaders — news agency

The talks between the two leaders lasted around two hours

Collapse of plans by Kiev, Europe key outcome of Trump-Zelensky meeting — media

According to the analysts, the eventual terms of a peace agreement could prove even less favorable for Kiev, as US proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine may no longer apply by that time

Over 100 rioters detained in Latakia city — TV

The defense ministry has deployed additional forces and armored vehicles to Latakia and Tartus

Press review: Ukraine mulls elections and Trump plans laser fleet as gold prices soar

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

Russia stands against Taiwan’s independence in any form — Lavrov

Russia recognizes Taiwan as an integral part of China and stands against the island’s independence in any form

Russia can receive unlimited number of Indian specialists — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov confirmed that the labor mobility agreement was signed during the Russian-Indian summit in New Delhi

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Kirill Dmitriev made the following statement in English

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Estonian intelligence chief says Russia has no plans to attack NATO countries

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Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

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Sunday’s Putin-Trump phone call was their ninth in 2025, 1st since October 16

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US abandons decades-old partnership with Europe in 2025 — newspaper

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Mount Etna erupts, sending lava up to 400 meters into the sky

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American expert expresses his frustration with Trump-Zelensky talks

Retired diplomat and former advisor to the US-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission James Carden opined that negotiations in Miami offered vague promises

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Hezbollah refuses to disarm until Israel withdraws troops from Lebanon — leader

The group’s leader Naim Qassem emphasized that the government’s striving for a monopoly over weapons now is in the interests of the United States and Israel

Russia’s response to any attack to be 'devastating', worth repeating it — top diplomat

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Trump describes his phone call with Putin, meeting with Zelensky as excellent

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Now, in his words, efforts are needed to reduce the number of conflicts

Trump says he understands Putin who questions need of ceasefire for Ukraine referendum

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France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

Trump slams UN for not doing enough to settle conflicts, including in Ukraine

The United Nations must start getting active and involved in world peace, noted Trump

Tu-214 to be produced step by step after all modifications are completed by 2026

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Russia’s manufacturing PMI index down to 48.1 points in December

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates efforts by Trump

EU, Kiev sabotaging peace plan for Ukraine — senior Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev stressed that it is important to promote negotiations with the active role of the Trump administration

Paris to host another meeting of coalition of the willing in January — Macron

Emmanuel Macron said that he along with other European leaders as well as US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky were making progress on security guarantees for Kiev

Trump says has spoken with Putin over phone ahead of meeting Zelensky

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS that such a phone call did take place

Zelensky’s regime not ready to engage in constructive talks — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that Kiev's regime terrorizes civilians by targeting civilian infrastructure

Russia launches satellites for its allies from Vostochny spaceport

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West's policy on Ukraine rules out peaceful coexistence with Russia — German expert

Werner Patzelt emphasized that regardless of the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia "will not cease to be part of European geography and geopolitics"

Gazprom reports record gas withdrawals from European storage facilities during holidays

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President Vucic confirms plans to organize parliamentary elections in Serbia in 2026

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Ukraine conflict might be settled in foreseeable future — congresswoman

Anna Paulina Luna noted that she is also making efforts to help resolve the Ukrainian crisis

Trump realizes need to eliminate root causes of Ukrainian crisis — expert

Peter Kuznick added that Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky failed to reach a consensus on security guarantees and control over the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant

Russia terminates agreement on cross-border cooperation with Finland — decree

The Russian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to notify the other party of the decision

Global Fact-Checking Network exposes opposition’s fake claims about CAR president

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Russian scientists create 72-qubit quantum computer — Rosatom Quantum Technologies

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Europe's biggest nightmare is Ukraine deal on Russia's terms — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that nobody can rewrite history

Russian, US lawmakers reach preliminary agreement on meeting — senior Russian MP

Slutsky urged patience, noting that the details still need to be worked out to ensure tangible results

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 40 UAVs in past day

The regional emergencies response center reported that in the village of Otradnoye, a man suffered from an FPV drone detonation

At least 13 people killed as train derails in Mexico

98 people were injured, the country's president Claudia Sheinbaum said

Fregat upper stage with 52 satellites separates from Soyuz-2.1b upper stage

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Samsung registers two trademarks in Russia

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Updated US National Security Strategy questions for first time NATO’s expansion — Lavrov

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Zelensky to call referendum for Trump’s plan if he is not satisfied — Axios

Vladimir Zelensky plans to agree on a framework agreement with the US leader to end the conflict

Europe’s so-called ‘War Party’ ready to go to full extent — Lavrov

Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say

Ukrainian revanchists may plan terrorist attacks once peace is reached — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that such groups are quite numerous in Ukraine

Attempt to ‘give Ukraine time’: Merkel on Minsk agreements

She expressed doubt that at that time NATO states would have been able to support Kiev to the extent that they do now

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

Liberation of Gulyaipole and Dimitrov: Putin's statements at meeting with Gerasimov

The Russian leader also pointed out that the establishment of a buffer zone on the Russian-Ukrainian border is proceeding well

Trump rejects suggestions Russia not serious about peace in Ukraine

The US leader stated that Kiev had carried out strikes in various parts of Russia

Houthi leader warns rebels will view Israeli presence in Somaliland as military target

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stressed that the movement will consider any Israeli presence as threat to security in the region

Russia will achieve all military operation goals by force if Kiev rejects peace — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at one of the command posts of the special military operation

US expert slams European statements about Russian threat as 'dangerous nonsense'

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Trump offers Ukraine 15-year security guarantees, Kiev seeks 30-50 years — Zelensky

According to Vladimir Zelensky, the US president said that he would think about it