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Ukraine’s entry ‘to blow up’ EU budget — newspaper

According to Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Ukraine's GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power "is only about half that of Bulgaria, which is currently the poorest EU nation"

GENEVA, January 17. /TASS/. Ukraine's possible accession to the EU would "blow up" the union's budget, Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported.

According to its estimates, joining the EU will be "a challenge not only for Ukraine, but also for the European Union." The publication notes that Ukraine is a poor country with a large agricultural sector, the largest of the current candidates for EU membership. But its GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power "is only about half that of Bulgaria, which is currently the poorest EU nation."

"This combination of factors can overload the existing transfer systems [within the union] and blow up the EU budget," the story said.

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that the European Commission is discussing preliminary proposals for the reform of the EU accession system. The plan introduces a two-stage model that can accelerate Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

On December 31, Politico said Ukraine was unable to make progress on joining the EU in 2025, despite calls from Brussels to accelerate reforms in the field of the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

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US to lift 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil

This follows from the executive order signed by Donald Trump

Russia’s nuclear triad to gain new hypersonic component — expert

Alexander Stepanov cited projects such as the GELA hypersonic drone, capable of reaching speeds of up to 11,000 km/h, a new unmanned aerial vehicle capable of reaching Mach 7 and launching payloads into orbit, and the Champion long-range hypersonic drone bomber

Russia grants political asylum to Spanish national persecuted at home

Educator and IT specialist Enrique Arias Gil was accused of cyberattacks on behalf of Moscow

En+ to invest $3.2 bln into thermal power plant construction in Irkutsk Region

The power plant will consist of three power generating units to be put on stream in series during the period from 2028 to 2029

Military leaders, specialists under threat during wartime — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that it is not the Kremlin's responsibility to discuss how to ensure their safety

Paks NPP to provide Hungarian consumers with low-tariff electricity — Russian MFA

The ministry stressed that the project remains one of the most important symbols of Russian-Hungarian economic cooperation

West’s anti-Russian hysteria hinders peace efforts in Ukraine — Ukrainian politician

The West’s current rhetoric only fuels confrontation and is a real obstacle on the path of peace talks, Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Russian troops employing combination of radars, observation posts against Ukrainian UAVs

If a drone is detected by radar, the operators of the interceptor drones are immediately alerted, and they take off to engage the UAVs in a ramming attack

Press review: Iran open to deal but Trump may attack and Cuba prepares for mobilization

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 6th

Gonets 2.0 system provides satellite communications for drones across Russia

Gonets 2.0 satellite modem is distinguished by a record small size and weight of 89 grams and can be installed on various drones

France ready to continue deepening dialogue on strategic weapons — foreign ministry

The New START treaty, the last agreement on strategic arms control between the United States and Russia, expired on February 5, 2026

West tries to drag Russia into Epstein scandal — Foreign Ministry

The purpose of the manipulation is obvious - to create the impression that Russia is nervous and making excuses, Maria Zakharova said

Russians stranded in Cuba will soon be taken to Russia — tourist industry union

According to information from tour operators affiliated with RUTI, the situation is now under control

Russian diplomatic mission in Havana plans no evacuation — ambassador

The embassy and other Russian foreign institutions in Cuba, including the embassy's school, are operating normally, Viktor Coronelli said

Vulin links protection of Serbia's interests with partnership with Russia

Head of the representative office of the Russian Historical Society in Belgrade noted that it was "very easy for him to agree with Russia on all strategic issues for Serbia," but he "cannot find a single point of contact with the European Union"

Power generation in Russia down 1.5% year on year in 2025 — statistics

Thermal power plants lowered their generation by 1.3% year on year to 767 bln kWh

OSCE trying to prevent war in Europe — Secretary General

Feridun Sinirlioglu added that "in diplomacy, results are never instantaneous" and that "patience is required"

Kremlin praises Abu Dhabi talks as constructive, complex work

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that it would be continued

Merz says EU ready for talks with Russia, but without 'parallel communication channels'

The German chancellor said the goal is to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible

US Department of State approves potential sale of spare parts to Ukraine worth $185 mln

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said

Russia’s agriculture ministry cites stable ties with Brazil in agribusiness

Oksana Lut noted that Brazil is a key supplier of coffee to the Russian market

OSCE crisis, attack on general, NATO intervention in Ukraine: Lavrov statements

According to the foreign minister, the terrorist attack against Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev confirmed the intention of Vladimir Zelensky's regime to disrupt the negotiations

Armenia's rapprochement with West challenges relations with Moscow — Russian ambassador

The EU is currently pursuing a hostile policy towards the Russian Federation, Sergey Kopyrkin explained

Russia’s Kuryer ground robot can carry up to 10 TM-62 anti-tank mines — instructor

According to the serviceman, the vehicle has become indispensable for evacuation in areas inaccessible to humans

Attack on Russian general reveals Kiev’s unreadiness for talks — former Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov said that he is convinced that Vladimir Zelensky’s office head Kirill Budanov was aware of the plotted murder

60 Palestinians detained in West Bank on suspicion of terrorism over past week

According to the Israel Defense Forces, a number of those detained are suspected of having links to the radical Palestinian organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad

Israel hits Hamas targets in Gaza Strip to retaliate ceasefire violation — IDF

The Israeli military struck "a structure used by Hamas to manufacture weapons, as well as a weapons storage facility"

Explosion injures six people at beauty salon in Grenoble

According to the prosecutor quoted by Franceinfo, the explosive device was allegedly intended not for murder, but for intimidation

Rosatom’s seeking Hungarian contractors for Paks II NPP project — Atomstroyexport

According to Vitaly Polyanin, about 180 workers are currently working on the site

Russia tests ‘robocop’ power armor enabling soldiers to fire machine-guns with one hand

An active powered exoskeleton with integrated electric motors and a storage battery tested in Russia will allow servicemen to accurately hit targets with a machine-gun held with one hand

Russian fighters consolidate in northwestern Tatyanovka in Donetsk region — expert

"The situation has been developing positively," Andrey Marochko said

Man killed in drone attack on Kursk Region

Three more people were wounded

Ukraine’s military attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 120 UAVs in past day

The regional crisis response center reported that a man was injured after a UAV detonation on the premises of a commercial facility

US to take measures against India if it starts buying Russian oil again — Trump

According to Donald Trump, the US administration can also re-impose an additional 25% tariff

Russia to oppose deployment of British-French troops in Ukraine — ambassador

Andrey Kelin said that NATO's self-confidence stems from the concept which Ukraine promotes together with the Europeans

Expulsion of Russian firms from Venezuela, US sanctions after Anchorage: Lavrov statements

The Russian foreign minister added that certain actions by the US do not match its statements about the possibilities for economic cooperation with Russia

Russian people civilization together with all peoples of Russia — Kremlin

There are more than 100 nations and nationalities living in Russia, Dmitry Peskov noted

Zelensky understates death toll three times not to pay compensation to widows — MP

Vladimir Zelensky is lying about 55,000 dead, Alexander Dubinsky said

Olympics incomplete without all Russian athletes — State Duma vice speaker

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov noted that the situation with the admission of Russian athletes is beginning to change, since in some sports they have already been admitted to international competitions

Remotely detonated munition to be effective against UAVs — Russian military expert

"A remotely programmed explosion means that a standard surface-to-air gun or cannon turns into a precision weapon," Igor Korotchenko said

Russia’s Alexandrova advances to final of 2026 WTA Abu Dhabi Open

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Readiness for talks and need for new agreement: situation around New START treaty

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Geneva office and other Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov said that Moscow will pursue an approach to the issue of strategic offensive arms based on a careful analysis of the United States’ military policy

EU trapped itself by rejecting Russian energy — Medvedev

The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council added that Europe fell into critical dependence on American gas and would do whatever it is told

Kalashnikov Group begins production of 9-mm SR.2M submachine gun

The modernized 9-mm SR.2M submachine gun is an improved version of the SR2 pistol, developed by TsNIITochMash

Russia’s fertilizer production up by 5.3% in 2025 — statistics service

In December, fertilizer production decreased by 2.4% year-on-year, to 2.6 million tons

Athletes Parade underway at 2026 Winter Olympics’ Opening Ceremony in Italy

For the first time ever, the Olympic Parade of Athletes is taking place in four different locations

Attack on Russian general demonstrates Kiev’s intent to disrupt negotiations — Lavrov

Russia’s Foreign Minister declined to speculate on how the incident might affect future negotiations

Russian Defense Ministry’s spacecraft put into target orbit

The launch of the carrier rocket and the insertion of spacecraft into the target orbit took place in the regular mode

Trump signs executive order to impose tariffs on countries trading with Iran

According to the document, actions and policies of Iran continue to "constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States"

EU going to block Russian oil transportation together with G7 countries

The 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions will also include the ban on financial transactions for twenty more Russian regional banks, restrictions against payment systems and cryptocurrencies created by Russia, and certain foreign trade restrictions

Russia gains access to Ukrainian culture minister’s files

The source said that the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption is subordinate to the government and is currently directly controlled by Vladimir Zelensky

Epstein’s files mention Zelensky in connection with human trafficking from Ukraine

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Russian embassy in Cuba receives no requests from tourists due to flight delays

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Sandu's nomination for Peace Prize fuels imaginary values and pseudo-reforms — Stoianoglo

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Dmitriev proposes investigating possible family ties between Tusk, Epstein

The special presidential envoy and Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO responded to Donald Tusk's statements that Jeffrey Epstein was allegedly a Russian spy

Russia explained to US that people, not territories were main issue for it — Lavrov

As the Russian foreign minister pointed out, the putschists who came to power in Ukraine as a result of a state coup in 2014 called the people in Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya 'inhumans'

Slovakia refuses to provide Ukraine with financial aid — senior MP

Slovakia supports humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts toward settling the conflict, Tibor Gaspar noted

Russian ambassador, Board of Peace representative discuss situation in Gaza

The sides agreed to continue regular contacts, th Russian embassy noted

European Commission presents 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions

The Commission repeatedly said earlier that it is going to put the new sanctions package into effect by February 24

Olympic flame of 2026 Winter Games lit in Italy

For the first time ever, the Olympic flame was lit simultaneously in two separate cities - Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo

Zelensky says 55,000 Ukrainian troops killed since start of special military operation

Many more soldiers remain missing in action, Vladimir Zelensky admits

Federal budget deficit totaled $22.1 bln in January — Finance Ministry

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Medvedev urges US to honestly acknowledge difficulties in approaches to New START treaty

Moscow suggested extending the treaty’s validity for another year after the document expired but received no official response from Washington to the initiative

RDIF CEO describes talks with Witkoff as productive

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US special presidential envoy at the Presidential Library in St. Petersburg

Russia’s Su-57E, Su-35 fighters with combat experience in demand among foreign partners

According to Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev, top positions in their market segments have been achieved and will be retained in the near future by the Lancet-E and KUB loitering munitions, the Orlan-10E and Orlan-30 reconnaissance UAVs, as well as the Skat 350M and Supercam S350 drones

Gazprom sets fourth straight daily gas supply record in Russia

The previous record of 1.818 bln cubic meters was set the day before

Russian shipbuilders to lay down four warships, two submarines on July 16

Among theam are Project 22350 two frigates, Project 885M ‘Yasen-M’ two multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines and Project 23900 two multi-purpose amphibious assault ships

Russia should be part of whole world, not 'stewing in own juices' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted the contribution of translators of fiction, who help Russian culture develop and remain modern

Kiev's trail recognizable in assassination attempt on Russian general — legislator

Leonid Slutsky emphasized that the Kiev regime has a history of attempting to sabotage diplomatic efforts through terrorist acts and provocations

Coal mining in Russia down 0.2% year on year in 2025 — statistics

In December 2025, coal mining dropped by 4% year on year to 39 mln metric tons

IN BRIEF: What we know about Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman

Another round of talks will take place in the coming days, Barak Ravid, correspondent for Axios and Israel’s Channel 12 reported

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

Russian forces delivered one massive and five combined strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, energy and transport facilities over the week

US, EU will not defend Baltic states in case of their conflict with Russia — senator

"The EU and the US won’t even lift a finger for Poland, all this talk is empty posturing," member of the Federation Council’s Committee on Defense and Security Alexander Yaroshuk opined

UN chief Guterres urges to observe Olympictruce as 2026 Winter Games open in Italy

Antonio Guterres said that "the only struggle between nations should be on the sports field, not the battlefield"

Kremlin spokesman Peskov says rooting for national athletes at 2026 Olympics

Dmitry Peskov said that he will watch every competition where Russian athletes take part

Russia strikes only military, dual-purpose facilities in Ukraine — Lavrov

The Foreign Minister says that Russia abides by international humanitarian law regardles of the violations of the Ukrainian side

Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

This breakthrough radically changes the understanding of one of the oldest areas of mathematics, crucial to fundamental physics and economics

Russian analog of Starlink to begin serial production in 2026 — Roscosmos CEO

He added that by 2027, an orbital constellation of more than 300 satellites will be deployed

Zelensky does not care that Ukraine has turned into vast cemetery — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk called Vladimir Zelensky's statements cynical ramblings

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 360 casualties on Ukrainian troops

The Netherlands counts on early conclusion of peace in Ukraine — acting minister

David Van Weel recalled that the Netherlands annually provided approximately €7 billion in aid to Ukraine over the past three years

Air defenses destroy 20 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within three-hour period

10 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

IN BRIEF: What we know about assassination attempt against Russian general

According to investigators, an unidentified gunman fired several shots at the general in a residential building on Volokolamskoye Highway and fled the scene

Ukraine was first to attack Russian power facilities — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Russia never started such actions

Rostec creates Garuda intelligent noise-canceling headset

The device amplifies quiet and useful sounds, is ready for civil and military use, the producer says

Russia foils attempted assassination of general in Moscow — Investigative Committee

The investigators say that an unidentified person shot at Vladimir Alekseyev in a residential building

No plans yet for conversation between Putin and Trump — Kremlin

On February 4-5, Abu Dhabi hosted the second round of talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine

About 95% of wounded Russian soldiers return to duty — official

This is largely the result of well-coordinated efforts to ensure their timely evacuation from the front, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said

Armenia should consider EAEU realities when choosing new integration trends — ambassador

Sergey Kopyrkin also noted that Russia respected Armenia's sovereign right to choose its partners and integration trends

US to lift 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil

This follows from the executive order signed by Donald Trump

Lavrov reads NATO chief's remarks as plans for military intervention in Ukraine

The top Russian diplomat mentioned Mark Rutte's statement that "Britain and France were ready to deploy troops to Ukraine"

Putin offers condolences to Pakistani leadership over terror attack in Islamabad

The president reiterated Russia’s readiness to expand cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism

West’s secret contacts, changing rhetoric, Ukraine’s future: Lavrov's statements

Europe is trying to "prevent and disrupt the negotiations" that are budding between Russia and the United States on a settlement, the Russian foreign minister said

Europe has changed rhetoric, realizing futility of plans to defeat Russia — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Europe trained Ukrainians to use their hands and bodies to advance European interests in the war with Russia

Lavrov calls on journalists to request list of those killed in Bucha

The minister emphasized that for "all sorts of Ruttes, von der Leyens, and Zelenskys" lying is like breathing

Italian President Mattarella declares 2026 Winter Olympic Games as open

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been cleared to participate in the 2026 Winter Games under a neutral designation

Armenia, CSTO could find compromise on problematic issues — Russian ambassador

There is no alternative, reliable mechanism for ensuring security in the region, Sergey Kopyrkin said

Oil and gas revenues of Russian budget down 50.2% in January — ministry

Resources of the National Wealth Fund in the amount of non-received oil and gas revenues were used in connection with ‘fiscal rules’ for purposes of funding the federal budget deficit

Ukraine wants security guarantees for Odessa, source tells TASS

According to the source close to the talks in Abu Dhabi, this aspect is of critical importance to Kiev

2026 Winter Olympic Games Official Opening Ceremony kicks off in Italy

For the first time ever, the Opening Ceremony is taking place in four different locations

US, Kiev discuss possible elections, referendum in Ukraine in May — Reuters

According to the report, the US negotiating team told Ukrainian officials during recent meetings in Abu Dhabi "that it would be best if that vote occurred soon"