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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

HARARE, January 1. /TASS/. Most of the fastest-growing economies, with gross domestic product growth rates exceeding 6%, will be on the African continent in 2026, according to Africanews, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Growth rates in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia will exceed 7%, while South Sudan and Guinea will achieve double-digit GDP growth due to a boom in oil and mineral production. At the same time, according to IMF experts, Africa should pay attention to the impact of negative factors such as the effects of global warming, political instability, and high external debt. By 2026, countries on the continent will have to repay creditors nearly $95 billion. Countries like Kenya will be forced to dedicate up to 20% of their budgets to servicing external debt. Despite the influx of foreign investment, some countries, such as the Central African Republic, will remain among the least electrified on the planet.

Over 8,300 Aeroflot passengers celebrated New Year in flight

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

Trump criticizes George Clooney's acquisition of French citizenship

The US leader pointed out that France is "in the midst of a major crime problem because of its absolutely horrendous handling of immigration"

Trump administration recalls heads of nearly 30 foreign diplomatic missions — news agency

According to its information, the heads of US missions abroad have been notified that their terms in their current positions will expire in January

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

According to Yekaterina Solntseva, Director of Quantum Technologies at Rosatom State Corporation, it is especially important that the scientists have taken another step toward progressively improving the reliability of operations

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"

Bulgaria should support efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine — president

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

Kim Jong Un wishes Happy New Year to soldiers serving in Russia

The North Korean leader called on the KPA soldiers to remain brave

FACTBOX: Major aviation disasters of 2025

At least 12 such incidents were recorded during the year, including two involving big passenger jets

Press review: US intel leaks – cui bono? and Europe seeks safe space between US, China

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 11th

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

Business jet crashes in Tver Region killing ten

"There were three pilots and seven passengers on board. All of them died," the source reported

Lux Express to launch bus service from St. Petersburg to Helsinki on December 13

From December 14 to January 14, six out of eight checkpoints on the Finnish-Russian border will be closed, cargo traffic through Vainikkala station will continue, the statement says

Russia to retaliate Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia’s actions against Russian embassies — MFA

On December 30, the charges d'affaires of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia were summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where they were presented with a strong protest

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

Press review: Russia may revise Ukraine talks post attack and China launches Taiwan drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 30th

EU refuses to believe Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

As EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas asserted, this is "a deliberate distraction" and its aim is to "derail real progress towards peace"

Five children taken to hospital following Ukrainian attack on Kherson Region

Meanwhile, the Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal investigation based on Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code, committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko announced

Donbass residents subjected to isolation, genocide for eight years — Putin

Commenting on plans to give the Donbass residents the opportunity to participate in Russia’s "More than a journey" project, the Russian president said that it was very important

Handover of Tomahawks to Kiev to irreparably damage US-Russia ties — diplomat

Moscow is hopeful that Washington will hear its message on the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Maria Zakharova stated

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

"If there are doubts, these are only in respect of clean habits of the doubters," Official Spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said

Over 100,000 consumers left without power in Ukraine’s western Volyn Region

Air raid sirens went off in the region last night; local media outlets reported explosions in the town of Lutsk

Russian gas exports to Europe via TurkStream pipeline reach record levels in 2025

The previous peak of 1.68 billion cubic meters was recorded in October 2025

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

FIB Executive to study IOC recommendations on Russians’ access to tournaments

Although the FIB Congress agenda was finalized and published prior to the IOC's communication, Adamfi confirmed that the Executive Board will deliberate on this issue at its next meeting

Kiev did not make suspect in Trump assassination mercenary, deeming him 'off' — newspaper

According to the sources, Ryan Wesley Routh tried to join the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, but was rejected

US peace plan, special military operation, contacts in UAE: what Putin said

According to the Russian leader, the US list of points on Ukraine "can be used" as the basis for future agreements

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

INTERVIEW: Effect of Trump’s new approach to Ukraine felt at UN — diplomat

The US avoids anti-Russian attacks and calls for a peace agreement, noted Polyansky

About 40 people killed in explosion at Swiss ski resort

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

Zelensky wouldn't dare to attack Putin's residence without direct order — ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov also stressed that the target had been chosen deliberately

Diplomat points to OHCHR biasedness due to silence after attack on Putin’s residence

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Geneva Office and other Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov noted that an increasing number of states condemned the Kiev regime's terrorist attack

Mediators wait for Israel to present new roadmap for troops withdrawal from Gaza — TV

The AFP agency reported earlier, citing Palestinian sources, that the major stumbling block at the consultations in Doha is Israel’s intention to preserve its military presence in the Palestinian enclave

Highest class solar flare registered on Sunday

Flares are accompanied with solar plasma ejections

Russian lawmakers propose giving part of gold, forex reserves to National Wealth Fund

This is necessary to finance high-tech projects, said chairman of the State Duma Committee on Property, Land, and Real Estate Relations Sergey Gavrilov

Cyprus takes over six-month presidency of EU Council from Denmark

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides noted that his country was assuming the EU Council presidency “against the backdrop of acute geopolitical upheaval and unpredictability”

Double tax convention between Russia, the UAE become effective

The agreement will promote mutual attraction of investments

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

Top defense official calls Russian army ‘world’s most combat-ready’

According to Andrey Belousov, the Russian army has proven in practice that it can ensure the country's sovereignty

Kiev spends Western funds on civilian killings, Russian diplomat says

Earlier, Kherson Region Governor said that a drone attack on a cafe and a hotel had killed 24 people and left another 50 injured

Ukraine’s 201 UAVs shot down over Russian regions in 7 hours

51 of them were neutralized over the territory of the Belgorod Region

Russia and Saudi Arabia discuss launching Yandex services — Novak

Smart systems that are actively used in Russia can be also distributed in Saudi Arabia, the deputy prime minister said

Zelensky will have to hide for rest of life, Medvedev predicts

"The stinking Kiev bastard is trying to derail the settlement of the conflict", Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

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

Over 8,300 Aeroflot passengers celebrated New Year in flight

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

In battle of Avdeyevka Ukraine lost 1,500 troops in just 24 hours

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

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

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

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

US making more effort toward `military Schengen’ in Arctic countries — Russian expert

According to the expert, such bilateral cooperation agreements envisage deploying US troops

Russia hails Moldovans’ striving for sovereign development — embassy

"Russia doesn’t interfere into Moldova’s domestic affairs, respects its sovereignty, neutral status and territorial integrity," the statement reads

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

Ukraine loses 32 dugouts and 10 drones during day from actions of battlegroup South

Russian forces also destroyed two enemy UAV control points

IN BRIEF: Key takeaways from Vladimir Putin's New Year's address to Russian people

TASS has compiled the head of state's key statements from his New Year’s address

US may agree on normalizing relations with Russia in 2026 without EU participation — Orban

Orban believes that while the West previously managed to demonstrate unity, "that is now over"

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

Financial Times calls its 2025 predictions most unsuccessful

Among the incorrect forecasts were a peaceful deal on Ukraine and bitcoin exceeding $200,000

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

Romania joins program to buy US weapons for Ukraine

Romania will allocate 50 million euro to purchase weapons for Ukraine

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

Russian army advances near Pokrovsk despite massive attacks by Ukrainian drones

According to military expert Vitaly Kiselev, the Russian troops are still making gains under these challenging conditions

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

Wolf, Lynx and Tiger: Russian military vehicles

TASS recalls the most popular military vehicles of the Russian Armed Forces

Lukashenko says Slovakia’s PM to visit Belarus

According to the press service of the head of Belarus, Lukashenko noted that he would be glad to see Fico on Belarusian soil to discuss strategic issues of interstate cooperation

Putin's New Year's address lasted 3 minutes 20 seconds

It became one of the shortest New Year's addresses of the president

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"

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

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

EU structures involved in arms supplies to Ukraine to be responsible for consequences

"EU structures and individuals involved in supplies of lethal weapons and fuels to the Ukrainian army will bear responsibility for any consequences of such actions amid the ongoing special military operation," it said

FACTBOX: Major natural disasters of 2025

In January, large-scale forest fires erupted in southern California, affecting Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties, destroying more than 16,000 buildings

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

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

Hotel, cafe in Khorly were attacked by large UAVs capable of carrying 15 kg of explosives

According to security officials, the drones must have carried 10-15 kilograms of TNT

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

Ukrainian army launches over 80 drones at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

A drone strike on a car near the Krasivo farming community in the Borisovsky District left a man injured; he was taken to the hospital in serious condition

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

Yuri Gagarin: First Man in Space

April 12, 2016 marks 55 years since the Soviet Union shook the world by sending the first cosmonaut into space

IN BRIEF: What is known about Israeli strikes on Iran

The IDF have carried out airstrikes on Iranian missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-air missile arrays

Visa-free travel between Russia and South Africa comes into effect

A spokesman for the consular department of the Russian embassy in South Africa told TASS that Russian nationals can enjoy 90-day visa-free stay in South Africa once every calendar year

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 diplomat slams Kiev’s attack on civilians in Kherson Region as act of terrorism

The countries for whom international humanitarian law still has a meaning should make a proper legal and political assessment of this inhumane act

Looking back at the Camp David Declaration 30 years later

The document mentioned for the first time an end to ideological confrontation, the willingness of Russia and the US to cooperate in affirming "a common commitment to democracy" and to create a "new alliance of partners"

Launch of Luna-26, Luna-27 may be postponed, space chief Rogozin says

After its trials are concluded, the control launch date will be determined

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"

Actual death toll in Gaza is ten times as high as officially reported — UN

According to special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, if this figure is verified, some 380,000 of them are children under five

Turkmenistan takes over as CIS chair

Stanislav Pritchin, Head of the Central Asia Department at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations, said that the fact that Turkmenistan takes the reins of the CIS chairmanship shows that the country views this organization as important and effective