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Belorusneft lifted 2 mln tons of oil first time in 30 years

The record was registered by the Center of Integrated Operations of Rechitsaneft Oil and Gas Production Division

MINSK, December 29. /TASS/. Belarusian oil producers reached the level of two million metric tons of lifted oil in 2025, with such level reached last time thirty years back, BelTA news agency said, citing Belorusneft company.

The record was registered by the Center of Integrated Operations of Rechitsaneft Oil and Gas Production Division. Modern technologies played the key role in reaching such level, head of the division Alexander Tsybrankov said, cited by the news agency.

High voltage line restarts after repair at Zaporozhye nuclear plant

The repair of the Ferrosplavnaya-1 high voltage power line damaged as a result of the Ukrainian army’s attack was performed with attending inspectors of IAEA, the plant informed

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

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

Russia, US hold keys to resolving Ukraine conflict — senator

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

Zelensky asserts US to formalize security guarantees for Kiev in Congress

Vladimir Zelensky said that bilateral agreements with Europeans from the 'Coalition of the Willing' will subsequently be ratified by European parliaments to ensure that these agreements are legally binding

Zelensky says another phone call with Trump upcoming

Vladimir Zelensky is also anticipating meetings with the European leaders

Putin, Trump to hold new phone talk 'very soon' — Kremlin

Donald Trump earlier welcomed Vladimir Zelensky to his Mar-a-Lago residence near West Palm Beach, Florida

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

Russian troops advance in Krasny Liman — Chief of General Staff

The liberation of the settlements of Bogoslavka and Dibrova was completed today

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

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates efforts by Trump

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

Offensive actions are underway

Russian diplomat blames West for erosion of conventional arms control in Europe

Yulia Zhdanova pointed out that after the Cold War ended, the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty has served as an instrument of stability and security

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

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

The US leader said that he discussed a lot of points with his Russian counterpart

Ukraine takes part in NATO Article 5 response drills for first time ever

Around 1,500 civil and military specialists took part in maneuvers all over Europe

Russia’s battlefield advances compel Zelensky to be more cooperative — opinion

Journalist John Sparks noted that Vladimir Zelensky never mentioned the possibility of a referendum before

Zelensky says Ukrainian people should vote whether to accept peace deal

Vladimir Zelensky added that it would be necessary to establish a ceasefire for at least 60 days to hold the referendum

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

According to the report, output decreased at the fastest pace since March 2022

World appreciative of Trump’s peace efforts, Putin’s envoy says

Kirill Dmitriev made the following statement in English

Ukraine faces demographic crisis if those who left country do not return — sociologist

Only about a third of Ukrainians who have left the country are ready to return home after the end of hostilities

Russian troops liberate Dibrova community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,360 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

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

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

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

Kiev stages provocations once talks enter decisive phase — senior Russian diplomat

This is becoming a routine practice, Alexander Grushko said

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

Russia to begin industrial lithium production by 2030 — ministry

According to Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov, the first stage of the mining and processing complex at the Kolmozerskoye deposit is expected to be launched in 2028

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

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

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov revealed that in the phone call the two presidents "generally shared the view that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans would only prolong the conflict"

LazerBuzz laser system hits FPV drone at 1 km range

According to LazerBuzz representatives, during testing, the system completely damaged the battery and other components of an FPV drone

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

Earlier, the Russian head of state warned that any strikes deep inside Russia with long-range Western-made weapons would be met with a "crushing response"

UAV attack on Putin's residence undermines US peacekeeping efforts — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky also expressed confidence that Russia's retaliatory measures "will inevitably follow," including a change in its negotiating position

Ukraine peace talks still far from end stages, Tusk says

The Polish prime minister said a peace deal on Russia’s terms would equate to "the defeat of the West and Ukraine in the confrontation"

Next meeting between Trump and Zelensky expected in January — Umerov

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said that the talks are planned to be held in Washington

Putin agrees to US proposal for settlement in framework of working groups — Kremlin aide

One of them will deal with "various aspects of security issues," and the other with "economic issues," Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said

Russian troops establish control over southeastern part of Grishino

About a half of Novopavlovka settlement in the Dnepropetrovsk Region has been liberated, Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov noted

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

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

No agreement reached at talks with Trump on ZNPP, territories — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky said these are two outstanding issues from the 20-point document

Putin appoints Dmitry Polyansky permanent representative to OSCE in Vienna

Another decree relieves Alexander Lukashevich of his duties

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

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

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

Russian forces penetrate Ukraine’s defenses along entire frontline — Putin

"Ukrainian troops are retreating everywhere, along the entire combat engagement line," the Russian leader noted

Over 100 rioters detained in Latakia city — TV

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

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

Putin addresses soldiers on battlefield directly from Kremlin to thank them

The President highlighted that Russian soldiers, liberating Donbass, demonstrate courage and heroism every day, risking their lives

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

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

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

The talks between the two leaders lasted around two hours

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

Working groups, unresolved territorial issues: results of Trump-Zelensky meeting

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

French movie star Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

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

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

EU, NATO prepare for armed confrontation with Russia — diplomat

"All necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the Russian Federation's defense capability and security are 100% guaranteed under any circumstances," Alexander Grushko stated

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

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

Some politicians in Washington unwilling to pursue settlement in Ukraine — congresswoman

Anna Paulina Luna said that a lot of them have an invested interest into some of the defense contractors

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

Russia launches satellites for its allies from Vostochny spaceport

These include satellites to serve scientific research and technology needs of companies based in Russia and friendly states

Working groups on Ukraine, cooperation prospects: details of Putin-Trump phone call

According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and prospects for cooperation between the two countries prior to Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Zelensky

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

Lin Jian pointed out that the Democratic Progressive Party administration is stubbornly sticking to its position and trying to "let the wolf into the house," which would turn the island into a "powder keg"

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

The newspaper also emphasized it was now unclear whether Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defense was anything more than an empty declaration

Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

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

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

Press review: Florida talks ease Ukraine conflict and Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire at risk

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 29th

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

Kaupo Rosin added that Moscow "respects NATO and tries to avoid any open conflict"

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

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

As in the previous army drafts, Russian conscripts had the right to choose military service in various military branches and armed services, considering their health condition and the results of professional psychological selection

Kremlin spokesman confirms Putin-Trump phone call

Trump described this call as "good and very productive"

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

Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence is ‘slap’ in Trump’s face — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists earlier in the day that overnight to December 29 the Kiev regime had attempted a terrorist attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region with the use of 91 long-range combat drones

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

Russia’s Battlegroup East advancing towards Zaporozhye city — Putin

In December, Russia’s Battlegroup East liberated over 200 sq. km of territory and 10 settlements, including the town of Gulyaipole

Kiev attacked Russian president’s residence by long-range drones — Kremlin aide

The attack against the state residence of the Russian leader took place actually right after talks between the US and Ukraine in Mar-a-Lago, Yury Ushakov noted

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

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

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

EU citizens will have to endure their leaders until next elections — Kremlin

"As for whether European citizens can ‘oust’ anyone before the next elections, I don’t think they have such rights," Dmitry Peskov noted

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

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

According to the Serbian President, the snap elections will be a political response to the demonstrators

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

Starlink being used to destabilize governments — diplomat

The diplomat cited as examples Iran and Venezuela, where thousands of Starlink terminals were imported to coordinate protests and spread disinformation

Ukrainians may support withdrawal of Ukrainian army from Donbass in referendum — pollster

Head of the Ukrainian sociological group Rating Alexey Antipovich confirmed that people in the western regions of Ukraine are less willing to support territorial concessions than those in the eastern regions

Germany’s defense exports to Ukraine in 2025 fall more than 7-fold

During this period, the government approved contracts for supplies of German defense-industry products to Ukraine worth 1.14 bln euro

Zelensky says Kiev will be ready for talks with Russia after meetings with EU, US allies

Zelensky said that he hoped to organize a meeting with US and European advisers in Ukraine in January

Zelensky says Ukraine to remain under martial law until security guarantees given

According to Vladimir Zelensky, Kiev expects to receive security guarantees instantaneously upon signing the 20-point peace deal

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

Commenting on Sunday's meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky, the American political scientist noted that Trump had said little about the Europeans except for praising their leaders and stating that they would have to take primary responsibility for security guarantees

IN BRIEF: What’s known about Kiev's attempt to attack Putin’s residence in Novgorod Region

According to Sergey Lavrov, Moscow will not leave Kiev's attack unanswered

Samsung registers two trademarks in Russia

The trademarks are registered under Class 9 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which includes various types of televisions and monitors

Trump’s reaction to attack on Putin’s residence and contacts with Kiev: Putin-Trump call

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the US-Ukrainian talks in Florida and agreed to continue their dialogue in the future "in quite a friendly fashion"

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

Netanyahu to try to persuade Trump to deliver another strike on Iran — WP

According to the report, Benjamin Netanyahu continues to view Iran as a regional threat to Israel’s interests

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 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

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

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

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"

Kremlin agrees with Trump's assessment that peace in Ukraine is much closer

Dmitry Peskov did not specify which version of the peace plan is currently being agreed upon