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Durov points to insecurity of WhatsApp

"You'd have to be braindead to believe WhatsApp is secure in 2026", co-founder of the Telegram messenger said

MOSCOW, January 26. /TASS/. Pavel Durov, co-founder of the Telegram messenger, said that the WhatsApp messenger (owned by Meta, which is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) is unsafe, pointing out the many possibilities for attacks on the application.

"You'd have to be braindead to believe WhatsApp is secure in 2026. When we analyzed how WhatsApp implemented its "encryption," we found multiple attack vectors," he wrote.

In August 2025, Roskomnadzor partially restricted calls in the Telegram and WhatsApp messengers in Russia, as they have become the main voice services used to deceive and extort money, involve Russians in sabotage and terrorist activities.

EC approves Poland's plan to use 44 billion euros from SAFE — defense minister

It will be used for further investment in Poland's security, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said

Russian tugboat crew rescues Philippine national in South China Sea

The man was in the water for nearly two days

Poll shows three-quarters of Europeans believe their country headed downhill

About 80% of respondents believe that the next generation will have a tougher life than their parents

Russian oil companies continue operating in Venezuela — Moscow's envoy

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov noted that Russian companies would continue to fulfill their obligations regardless of any decisions made by the Venezuelan leadership

Russia continues to fulfill gas contracts with Turkey — Charge d'Affaires

Speaking about Russian-Turkish relations in general, Alexey Ivanov noted that they are based "on a very solid foundation of strategic projects, geographic and historical proximity, as well as personal contacts between the leaders"

Russia’s Ufa submarine heads from Baltic Sea to Pacific — Russian Defense Ministry

The main attack system is the Kalibr-PL armed with high-precision missiles

Press review: EU seeks to speed militarization and US shifts focus to Western hemisphere

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 26th

Venezuela’s leadership gave no directive to resist US attack — Russian ambassador

Sergey Melik Bagdasarov said there was tremendous tension in Venezuela throughout October and November

Israeli bullets found in bodies of children killed in Iran — TASS source

Unrest in Iran began on December 29, 2025, after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, spreading across most major cities

Grain deal to be extended taking into account Russia's interests — source

It is reported that extending the grain deal is a crucial issue for the Turkish leadership in the run-up to the elections and they will do everything in their power to make it happen

Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi held at unmapped residence — correspondent

The trilateral talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi took place at the Qasr Al Shati residence

INTERVIEW: Russia’s security 100% guaranteed — senior Russian diplomat

Trump said earlier that the United States possesses weapons unknown to the rest of the world after being asked about the use of sonic weapons by the United States in Venezuela

Suspect in knife attack on school outside Moscow admits guilt during interrogation

Moscow Department of Russia’s Investigative Committee spokeswoman Olga Vrady added that investigators have begun a sweep of the school

Germany, Denmark agree on a joint energy project in the Baltic Sea

The project is called Bornholm Energy Island and envisages the creating of an energy hub on the Danish island, where electricity generated by wind farms in the Baltic Sea will be sent to Germany and Denmark

Bank of Russia revokes license of Qiwi Bank

According to the regulator, there were numerous cases when the bank opened Qiwi wallets using the personal data of individuals without their knowledge

Durov points to insecurity of WhatsApp

"You'd have to be braindead to believe WhatsApp is secure in 2026", co-founder of the Telegram messenger said

Austrian opposition party leader demands top diplomat’s resignation over Ukraine support

According to the Secretary General of Austria’s largest opposition party Michael Schnedlitz, Ukraine has long turned into a "bottomless pit into which Vienna recklessly pours billions"

Moscow records coldest temps this winter — meteorologist

Mikhail Leus said it was even colder in Moscow's suburbs where the air temperature dropped to about -17.7°F

Putin calls for ensuring ‘capacity reserve’ when upgrading Eastern polygon project

The head of state drew attention to the fact that when constructing new facilities, one must not forget about the existing infrastructure and maintaining it in standard condition. He stated that this work "has problem areas"

Military-technical cooperation between Russia, Venezuela continues — ambassador

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov assured that the need for servicing Russian military equipment in Venezuela would continue for decades

Germany cannot supply new Patriot systems to Kiev yet — Pistorius

The defense minister also said that Germany is the only country that supplies Ukraine with Iris-T systems, and noted that there are not enough of them

US dispatches an `armada’ next to Iran, believes republic ready to talk — Trump

According to the US president, the situation in the Islamic Republic is "in flux"

Germany proposes bringing back gold reserves stored in US due to Trump’s policies

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann urged the German government to develop a plan as soon as possible for the return of gold reserves from the US to Germany, as well as to prepare an evaluation of the political and legal risks of storing these assets abroad

Quarterfinals matchups set for men’s, women’s draws at 2026 Australian Open

The 2026 Australian Open tournament is being played on hard courts at Melbourne Park between January 18 and February 1

US envoy confirms plans to continue Ukraine talks in UAE next week

Steve Witkoff called the talks very constructive

Hezbollah warns US against attacking Iran

The Hezbollah leader warned that "a war against Iran will spark the flame of conflict throughout the entire region"

Putin greets Malaysia's ruler, Sultan Ibrahim, at the Hermitage museum

The two leaders exchanged handshakes in a cordial gesture

UAE says not to allow use of its territory for attacks on Iran

The Foreign Ministry said the UAE calls for resolving differences exclusively by peaceful means

FACTBOX: What is known about Leonardo booking system failure

As Rostec said, the failure came as a result of the network's infrastructure, from the provider's side, Sirena Travel

Russian ambassador does not rule out that Maduro was betrayed by law enforcement

On January 3, US President Donald Trump announced a military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife by American forces

Freshwater reserves in Russia growing despite global shortages — envoy

According to Boris Titov, Russia's water resources in 2024 exceeded the long-term average by 5%

Iraq's president rethinks re-election bid — media

The head of state has not yet officially commented on this information

INTERVIEW: Lots of unusual weapons emerge globally, senior Russian diplomat says

New, unusual weapons are being developed instead, he explained

Azerbaijan withdraws troops from Furukh in Nagorno-Karabakh after talks

Four people wounded due to ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh

Forty UAVs target Russian regions: attack aftermath

Debris from the UAVs fell on the territory of two enterprises in Slavyansk-on-Kuban, injuring one person

Europe withdraws over 40 bcm of gas from storage facilities since start of heating season

European UGS facilities are currently 45.59% full

Moscow raises weather alert from yellow to orange ahead of big snowstorm

Under the color-coded weather alert system, this level signifies dangerous meteorological conditions with a risk of natural disasters and damage

Russia’s corvette Boikiy covers over 43,000 nautical miles in long-distance voyage

During the voyage, the ship's crew conducted a number of combat exercises, including practicing detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy submarines using an anti-submarine weapon system and a Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopter

Damate starts supplying turkey meat to the Philippines

The company received the export authorization last year

National currencies account for 96% of Russian-Indian trade — Russian Foreign Ministry

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said the task of reaching the level of $100 billion by 2030 is confirmed

PM prevents Israeli president from attending World Economic Forum ceremony in Davos — TV

This situation has "created tension" between the offices of the prime minister and president in Israel, as well as between Netanyahu's office and the White House

First time in four years DPR without weekly casualties after Ukrainian attacks

Meanwhile, the Russian military continues its advance within the special military operation zone, gradually pushing the frontline away from populated areas

Hungarian foreign ministry to summon Ukrainian ambassador over threats to Budapest

Prime Minister Viktor Orban added that he "will not tolerate anyone threatening Hungary’s sovereignty or electoral fairness"

China to intensify efforts to reform WTO in 2026 — Vice Minister of Commerce

Yan Dong noted that in 2025, global trade "was going through turbulent times and faced significant challenges"

White House calls trilateral talks on Ukraine in UAE 'historic'

"The president's team has really brought two sides of this war to the table together to move the ball closer to peace," White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said

In second term, Trump thinking more about his own legacy — New York Magazine

The publication notes that the president especially covets the Nobel Peace Prize medal

Oreshnik strike on Ukraine aircraft plant causes nervous reaction from West — expert

Vasily Prozorov emphasized that this weapon had no analogues in the world

Russian ambassador to Caracas predicts eventual homecoming for Venezuela's Maduro

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov also posited that the Venezuelan people know that the charges against Maduro are trumped up

Italian deputy PM sends message to Zelensky, says 'you are losing the war,' sign deal now

Matteo Salvini has long advocated ending arms supplies to Kiev

Russian troops fighting Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman in Donetsk region — DPR head

Russian troops are advancing in areas near the settlements of Drobyshevo and Yarovaya northwest of Krasny Liman

Putin points to strikes on Russian infrastructure amid calls to halt ones against Kiev

Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported to the Russian president about measures taken to protect the region from UAV attacks

Russia enters top three in 2026 Global Firepower ranking

Based on the military power index, which is calculated from more than 60 factors, Russia ranks second among 145 countries

Zelensky signs laws extending martial law, mobilization campaign in Ukraine

This will be the 18th extension of martial law and the mobilization campaign

Orban urges EU farmers to speak against grain imports from Ukraine, Mercosur

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that a clandestine war between merchants and producers is being unveiled in Europe

EU voluntarily chose subordination to US by rejecting Russian gas — Finnish politician

Armando Mema believes that Europe has made a strategic mistake and links the decision to abandon Russian gas supplies to the plan of the administration of American ex-President Joe Biden

Russian forces launch Oreshnik strike in response to Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

According to the ministry, "the strike goals were achieved"

FACTBOX: What is known about Nipah virus outbreak in India, risks to Russia

No cases of Nipah virus infection have been recorded in Russia, according to the country’s sanitary watchdog

US LNG exports hit all-time high in November 2025

A total of 153 LNG tankers were dispatched

UN experts call on lifting sanctions on scholars who don’t share Brussels' view on Ukraine

The experts recall that "harassment, intimidation or stigmatization of persons for opinions they may hold constitutes a violation of their right to freedom of expression"

EU Council approves full ban on Russian gas supplies starting in 2027

The ban will start to apply six weeks after the regulation enters into force

Russia’s new Pauk-30B net launcher set for testing in special military op zone

The net gun developer Polet research and production association added that the upgraded net gun has reduced recoil

Russia has sufficient evidence for tribunal against EU officials — lawmaker

Vasily Piskaryov recalled that Kallas had previously announced plans to hold a tribunal against Russian leaders

Italy not ready to join Board of Peace — Foreign Minister

According to Antonio Tajani, if the council's charter is changed, Rome will promptly consider its participation in it

Venezuelan defenders used Igla systems on January 3 but lacked training — Russian envoy

There were at least two shots, and both missiles failed to hit their target, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Temporary failure of Leonardo system affects flight schedule

The Russian Ministry of Transport said that normal operation of the Leonardo booking system has been restored

Trump berated Danish PM for 45 minutes over Greenland — newspaper

Frederiksen declined to provide any details to the newspaper

US determined to settle Ukrainian conflict at talks in Abu Dhabi — DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin, the Ukrainian side made contradictory statements revealing that Kiev did not want peace

Israeli aircraft strike southern Lebanon over 20 times — portal

According to the news portal, airstrikes were reportedly carried out on the mountainous Jabbur area and the Wadi Barguz gorge

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

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 415 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 12 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian servicemen don't want evidence of crimes to get out — Investigative Committee

The Investigative Committee has confirmed the deaths of more than 7,000 civilians in Donbass, including 340 minors, as a result of Ukrainian aggression since 2014

Iran-Russia alliance counters Western attempts to foment crises in Eurasia — ambassador

Kazem Jalali emphasized that the primary aim of this cooperation is to restore a balanced order

Zelensky agreed to talks in Abu Dhabi so as not to annoy Trump — FT

The consultations were held in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24

Trilateral talks on Ukraine set to continue next week — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov did not disclose the exact day of the next meeting

Strike on Iran would destabilize region, Russia expects restraint from parties — Kremlin

Russia continues its efforts to de-escalate tensions, Dmitry Peskov said

Silver prices hit new all-time high exceeding $115 per Troy ounce

The price of silver rose by 13.62%

Kushner, Witkoff briefed Trump on trilateral Ukraine talks — White House

"The president remains deeply involved," White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said

Ban on Russian gas to cost Europeans their freedom — diplomat

Maria Zakharova said it is difficult to say at this stage whether they are contented vassals or unhappy slaves

Japanese authorities decide to close all branches of Japan Center in Russia

This decision was made due to current state of relations between Tokyo and Moscow and "the situation inside Russia"

Trump says roof of White House ballroom to be resistant to drone attacks

The US president noted that the construction of the ballroom would be a "gift to the United States" worth $300-400 million, as the project is funded by sponsors, not the federal budget

Kurdish militias surrendering arms to Syrian authorities in Dei ez-Zor

Syria’s internal security forces have opened a center to process militia members who fought on the part of Kurdish units

EU diplomacy chief considers von der Leyen dictator — Politico

The newspaper noted that while von der Leyen had had tense relations with former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, they were even worse with Kaja Kallas

EC approves Poland's plan to use 44 billion euros from SAFE — defense minister

It will be used for further investment in Poland's security, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said

Minsk knows names 400 Nazi SS members still alive who killed Belarusians during WWII

In April 2021, the Belarusian Prosecutor-General's Office launched a criminal case over the genocide of the Belarusian people during World War II

AfD leader says her party will demand Ukraine pay compensation for Nord Stream blasts

According to Weidel, a country that is acting this way is not a friend to Germany

Ban on importing Russian gas dooms EU to economic decline — Wagenknecht

The EU Council earlier approved a comprehensive ban on Russian gas supplies starting in 2027

RPR-PARNAS recommends to nominate Navalny for mayoral race

Moscow will hold its mayoral elections on September 8

Rada members privately express readiness to compromise on Donbass — periodical

According to the media, these discussions are typically kept confidential due to fears of criminal prosecution

China able to respond to 2026 global trade challenges — ministry

According to foreign trade department director with the China’s Ministry of Commerce Wang Zhihua, the Chinese economy boasts "solid basis, numerous advantages, high resilience and vast potential"

Medvedev points to growing strategic sphere problems due to US actions

Dmitry Medvedev also pointed out that resuming full-scale nuclear testing by the US will significantly complicate any potential strategic dialogue

Zelensky says next round of consultations in Abu Dhabi will be held on February 1

Vladimir Zelensky added that he was briefed by the Ukrainian delegation upon its return from Abu Dhabi

Zelensky rejects territorial concessions again

Vladimir Zelensky added that the US is trying to find a compromise

Iranian foreign ministry denies Western media reports of 30,000 killed during unrest

Iranian Foreign Ministry representative Esmail Baghaei called these statements "a Hitler-style big lie"

Ukrainian doctors operate on Russian POWs without anesthesia — Investigative Committee

Sergey Mazur added that he had personally seen the bodies of Russian prisoners of war bearing signs of torture

Dialogue with Russia to resume after conflict in Ukraine ends — Italian Foreign Minister

Antonio Tajani noted that Europe "is not at war with Russia"

Asia, Africa, Latin America should be better represented on UNSC — Russian MFA

The ministry highlighted ongoing discussions in New York, noting the persistent deep disagreements among participants

France opposes purchase of British Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine — Daily Telegraph

A diplomat, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, called France an "obvious opponent"

Number of IS supporters in Syria up fivefold in one year, according to Iraqi intelligence

Hamid al-Shatri, head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, explained that many of the new IS recruits are individuals previously associated with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and the al-Qaeda terrorist network

Leonardo system back to normal functioning — Rostec

Several airlines reported a global failure in the system earlier, which entailed temporary constraints of passengers and luggage registration, and issue and reissue of tickets

Iran's military is monitoring US military movements in region, taking action — MFA

"Deploying any vessel to the region will not diminish Iran's resolve or its commitment to defending its sovereignty," Esmail Baghaei emphasized

Russia’s Tu-22M3 strategic bombers perform scheduled flight over Baltic

The flight continued for more than five hours

Russia says Ukraine acts like international terrorists, using people as human shields

Sergey Mazur said he had spent most of his life at the forefront of the fight against international terrorism