{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Lukoil reaches agreement with American Carlyle to sell foreign assets

The agreement signed is subject to some precedent conditions, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including permission of the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control for the transaction with Carlyle

© Vyacheslav Prokofiev/TASS

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. Lukoil has reached an agreement with American company Carlyle to sell Lukoil International GmbH, which owns its foreign assets, Russia’s oil major announced. The deal does not include projects in Kazakhstan and is conditional on a number of approvals, including from US authorities.

The agreement is not exclusive as Lukoil continues negotiations with other potential buyers, the company noted.

"PJSC Lukoil informs that it signed agreement with US investment company Carlyle on sale of Lukoil International GmbH (100% subsidiary of PJSC Lukoil which owns international assets of Lukoil Group). The transaction does not include the assets in Kazakhstan which will remain to be owned by Lukoil Group and continue their operations under respective license," according to the company’s statement.

The agreement signed is subject to some precedent conditions, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including permission of the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for the transaction with Carlyle. "The company also continues negotiations with other potential purchasers," Lukoil added.

The company recalled that the sale of Lukoil International is related to the introduction of restrictive measures by certain states against Lukoil and its subsidiaries.

In October, the US and UK put Lukoil on sanctions lists, after which the company announced its intention to sell its international assets and cited Gunvor's offer to purchase Lukoil International GmbH. Gunvor later withdrew the offer after the US Treasury Department announced that a license for such a deal would not be issued until the conflict in Ukraine ended. The media reported on a wide range of companies interested in Lukoil's assets.

Oil prices won't rise to $100 per barrel even if US attacks Iran — expert

According to Finam’s analyst Nikolay Dudchenko, the rise in oil prices is being hindered by the surplus of supply on the market

At least 10 countries interested in Russia’s quantum technologies — expert

Rosatom’s Director for Quantum Technologies Ekaterina Solntseva emphasized that this interest is commercial in nature

Ukrainian brigade loses 70% of personnel in fighting at Krasnoarmeysk — defense source

The 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces was deployed by to the Pokrovsk-Mirnograd direction to plug the gaps in the defenses, when it was already clear to everyone that both localities would be taken by Russian soldiers under control

Ukrainian troops forced to retreat to reserve positions in Ilyichevka in DPR — expert

"Naturally, the interposition space here has expanded," Andrey Marochko said.

FACTBOX: Oil products ablaze as 75 drones hit Russian regions overnight

Four private houses were damaged in the Krasnodar Region

Delegates from 155 countries invited to first International Security Forum

The forum will be held under the auspices of Russia’s Security Council from May 26 to 29, 2026

Holocaust, Leningrad siege sharing remembrance date highlights Nazi atrocities — Putin

The Russian leader stressed that "this is also a crime associated with the destruction of an entire large settlement"

EU already 'divided' Russian assets between Kiev, its defense sector — Russian diplomat

Vladislav Maslennikov opined that the EU's unwillingness to unblock the Russia’s assets is an additional factor why "the European Union doesn’t even doubt the expediency of continuing the policy of anti-Russian sanctions"

Roscongress flags possible 'black swans' for global economy in 2026

Among the potential "black swans," the authors cited a possible crash in the cryptocurrency market, though it currently appears unlikely

US not abandoning NATO, but ready to review its forces posture — Rubio

Marco Rubio also noted that the US will still have some of the largest military deployments in the world

Ukraine territorial issue still unresolved, but differences shrinking — Rubio

US Secretary of State pointed out that the issue set was narrowed down

Syrian president notes importance of Russia’s role in stabilizing Middle East

Ahmed al-Sharaa also thanked Vladimir Putin for efforts in this direction

Russia signs deal with India for licensed production of SJ-100 aircraft

India's Hindustan Aeronautics will be granted a license to manufacture and sell the SJ-100, including components, parts, and spare parts necessary for the aircraft’s maintenance and repair

Press review: India, EU sign mother of all deals and Moscow offers Iran‑US mediation

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 28th

Kremlin positively assesses start of direct talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi — spokesman

These were very difficult talks, which started at the expert level, Dmitry Peskov noted

Peace, harmony among different faiths in Russia ensure its stability — Putin

The Russian President emphasized that "this is primarily thanks to the common and religious culture of the peoples of Russia"

Ukrainian forces fire more than 10 artillery shells on Kursk Region in past 24 hours

Alexander Khinshtein added that there was no damage to infrastructure, and there were no casualties

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,125 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Iran enters phase 3 of conflict with US, Israel after 12-day war and riots — MFA

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that Tehran had never desired war and did not seek it at present

Russia’s inflation reaches 0.19% on January 20-26 — Rosstat

Prices for gasoline and diesel fuel remained virtually unchanged

Russia, Syria plan projects in industry, sports, medicine — Putin

The Russian president also noted the need to discuss the economic component of relations between Russia and Syria

Europe risks losing LNG competition to US domestic market — Gazprom

The cold snap led to redirection of gas intended for liquefying terminals to the US home market

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens

As of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices were up by 0.74% at 2,808.54 points and 1,160.1 points, respectively

Price of Brent oil surpasses $69 per barrel on London’s ICE first since last September

The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for March 2026 delivery was up by 1.31% at $64.34 per barrel

Erdogan proposes to Trump to organize trilateral summit on Iran — media

According to the newspaper, the US leader is positive about the proposal of his Turkish counterpart

Russia’s annual inflation eases to 6.43% on January 20-26 — Economy Ministry

The pace of price growth for food products eased to 0.37%, including to 0.24% for food excluding fruit and vegetables, while prices for fruit and vegetables rose by 1.95%

Russia only has emergency channel of communication with NATO — senior diplomat

According to Vladislav Maslennikov, the bloc froze the dialogue with Russia at its own initiative in 2014

Guarantees to Kiev would mean US involvement in potential new conflict — Rubio

Marco Rubio also criticized the military potential of the US's European NATO allies, namely its erosion

POW details Ukrainian killings, sexual violence against LPR civilians

According to former police officer and Ukrainian Security Service agent Sergey Mykhaylov, a unit of policemen under a police major’s command was particularly cruel

Russian deputy foreign minister discusses situation around Iran with Turkish envoy

Sergey Vershinin and Tanju Bilgic discussed in detail the current situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement

Expert blasts Sweden’s plans to host UK, French nukes on its soil

This reckless and largely suicidal policy course may lead to unpredictable escalation scenarios, Alexander Stepanov noted

Kamchatka’s Shiveluch spews ash 4 km high

The ash plume is stretching 35 kilometers west-south-west of the volcano

One shelling attack by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past day, one civilian wounded

The attack targeted the Kurakhovka area, the DPR government said

US hopes to turn Venezuela into 'very strong ally' — Rubio

The Secretary of State said that Venezuela pre-Chavez was a very strong US ally

Putin shakes hands with al-Sharaa before start of meeting in Kremlin

After the meeting, the Russian and Syrian leaders will continue negotiations during a working breakfast

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Putin meets with Russia’s Jewish leaders

The head of state is receiving the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar, and the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, Rabbi Alexander Boroda

Third of Zaporozhye residents stay, most left — former Ukrainian serviceman

"The men were all taken by officers of the territorial recruitment centers, or they’re hiding somewhere, dispersed to villages, and sitting there so as not to fight," the volunteer fighter said

Head of Russia's Maritime Board talks strategic stability in world ocean in Oman

Following the meetings, Nikolay Patrushev described the consultations aimed at developing maritime cooperation between Russia and Oman as fruitful

Russia tests control unit for AI-powered turrets with automatic aiming

The first prototype has been sent for testing in the special military operation zone

Utilities catastrophe in Ukraine to last ages — former lawmaker

Vladimir Oleynik said the current state of the utilities requires complete replacement

Top German diplomat says Berlin's support for Kiev has no strings attached

Johann Wadephul stressed that Ukraine's potential EU accession is a key security guarantee

'Complex' talks on Ukraine, EU ban on Russian gas: Kremlin spokesman’s statements

Trilateral talks on the Ukrainian settlement in Abu Dhabi are scheduled to continue on February 1

Putin to hold talks with visiting UAE president

The two leaders are expected to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation, the situation in the Middle East and other issues on the international agenda

US wants to see change of power in Cuba, but won't take matters into own hands — Rubio

After the American military operation in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump has already said several times that the state structure in Cuba could fall

The West is trying to destabilize Georgia, create tensions on Russian border — legislator

Viktor Vodolatsky pointed to a shift in perception among some nations

EU foreign policy chief sees Kiev making `very hard’ territorial concessions for peace

Kaja Kallas called for more pressure on Russia

One million Russian jews killed by Nazi evil, Putin notes on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Vladimir Putin noted that this day holds special significance in Russia

Any US attack will be considered as start of war, Iran Supreme Leader’s advisor warns

Ali Shamkhani stressed that "the response will be immediate and unprecedented"

Dialogue with EU can be resumed when EU drops its sanctions policy — Russian diplomat

Any resumption of relations with the European Union can be seen as possible only in the event European colleagues change their approach to cooperation with Russia cardinally, Vladislav Maslennikov said

Putin-Zelensky meeting, security guarantees: statements by Kremlin aide

The issue of a meeting between Putin and Zelensky was raised several times during telephone conversations between the Russian president and his US counterpart Donald Trump

Russia thinks Council of Europe has completely lost its authority — diplomat

Director of the ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov stressed that Western elites have turned this regional organization into an obedient tool for promoting a politicized agenda

Abu Dhabi talks on Ukraine to continue on February 1 — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the date is preliminary

Russian chemical industry’s capacity up about 14% since 2022 — First Deputy PM

Denis Manturov noted that production capacities were recorded to grow by 25.3% for ethylene, by 11% for plastics, and by 23% for mineral fertilizers

All US systems go for Iran op, call to strike deal: Trump's statements

The US president said he hoped that Tehran would sit down at the negotiating table and sign a deal on its nuclear program

Xi receives UK PM in Beijing

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun, the Chinese authorities hope to use this visit to boost bilateral practical cooperation with the United Kingdom

Russian rights commissioner sends evidence of Ukrainian army’s war crimes to UN

The document points out that information about the crimes was received from Russian service members who had returned from captivity in prisoner exchanges, as well as from civilians

Kiev concentrates mercenary forces near Kupyansk — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the Ukrainian command is trying to stabilize the front line in almost all areas of the special military operation zone and is increasing the number of counterattacks

Putin to hold talks with UAE president on Thursday

The leaders will discuss the key areas of multifaceted Russian-Emirati cooperation, the current situation in the Middle East and other issues on the international agenda

Maduro hard to rescue legally, only via UN — lawyer

"The only thing we can do is raise the question that Maduro’s capture is illegal, which we are doing through the UN Security Council," Sergey Stepashin said

Security guarantees for Kiev involve deployment of UK, French troops, US backstop — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized the need to seriously rethink NATO’s military capabilities and the commitment of some allies

Price of gold futures hits a new all-time high, exceeding $5,400 per troy ounce

By 01:00 a.m. Moscow time, the price of gold had speeded up to $5,410.94 per ounce

Russian military receive first Zubr anti-drone systems — Rostec

The Zubr airspace monitoring and control system is designed to provide close-in coverage for critical infrastructure

Top Russian lawmaker says Westerners freezing to death because of Russia sanctions

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that sanctions should be thought through before being imposed

CIA chief discusses important issues of potential cooperation with Caracas — Rubio

The US Secretary of State did not elaborate

US reconnaissance drone flies over Persian Gulf near Iranian border

The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton long-range reconnaissance drone is flying over the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs in close proximity to Iranian airspace at an altitude of over 14 km

Russian Battlegroup South destroys 31 shelters with Ukrainian personnel in past 24 hours

Six enemy drones were shot down

Moldova to remain in CIS agreements beneficial to it — organization’s chief

In March, Moldova intends to withdraw from the CIS' fundamental documents, Sergey Lebedev said

EU to supply Ukraine with arms regardless of talks between Russia, US — delegation

This approach only creates additional obstacles to a settlement, Yulia Zhdanova, head of the Russian delegation to the disarmament talks in Vienna, said

Zelensky wants to disrupt peace talks with terrorist attacks against civilians — diplomat

The strikes are being carried out precisely against the civilian population and social facilities, Maria Zakharova stated

Maduro's release possible; similar examples have already occurred — State Duma member

Referencing historical precedents, Novikov cited the defendants in the 1933 Leipzig Reichstag Fire Trials, including the prominent Bulgarian Communist, Georgy Dimitrov

Military intelligence chief taking part in Putin’s talks with Syrian leader

Igor Kostyukov also heads Russia’s negotiating team in the Abu Dhabi-hosted trilateral consultations with Ukraine and the US

Rubio states need to 'reimagine' NATO in terms of allies' commitments

The US Secretary of State said that the presence of the "NATO umbrella" gave European countries "the flexibility to spend a tremendous amount of their revenues on social programs and not on defense"

US’ claims for Greenland undermine global stability — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui also noted that China maintains close contacts and cooperation with Russia on the issue of the Norther Sea Route

US wants Venezuela to curtail Russian, Chinese, Iranian presence — Rubio

The US administration sees its mission in ensuring that Venezuela is no longer "the central base of operation for every geopolitical adversary" the US has, Marco Rubio said

US to hand over one of seized tankers to Venezuela — agency

According to the news agency, the tanker that will be handed over to Venezuela is the Panama-flagged supertanker M/T Sophia

Price of gold futures hits a new all-time high, exceeding $5,600 per troy ounce

By 02:48 a.m. Moscow time, the price of gold had slowed down up to $5,544.06 per ounce

Relations reset, territorial integrity: Putin meets with Syrian leader

The Russian president noted that Moscow has always advocated the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity and supports all efforts of its authorities in this direction

Iran open to talks with US, if they are 'genuine' — Iranian parliament speaker

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed that Donald Trump "just wants to impose his will on others"

Russia’s Battlegroup West repels Ukraine’s counterattack near Kupyansk

The battlegroup’s mobile air defense teams shot down ten Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, 58 heavy combat quadcopters and 52 drone control centers

France working on new anti-Russian sanctions, Macron says

The French president said that Paris is going to ratchet up the pressure on Russia

Fire at hotel in France's Courchevel put out

Around 120 firefighters were involved in combating the blaze

Rubio says Iranian government needs to change or get out

The US Secretary of State acknowledged that the protests in Iran have subsided

Russia expects specifics from US on stabilization force for Gaza — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya noted that the effectiveness of such forces "would directly depend on whether the parties accept them, as well as on their ability to impartially carry out missions under their mandate"

Rubio admits that Russia's consent to potential guarantees for Kiev yet to be secured

US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio called on Europe to build up its military capabilities

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

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 76.27 rubles for January 29

The official euro rate was reduced by 36.59 kopecks to 91.2988 rubles

Russia’s Il-114-300 aircraft performs 'brilliantly' in India's hot climate — chief pilot

According to Sergey Sukhar, this aircraft is "definitely suitable" for use in India's skies

Poland to cut child support for unemployed Ukrainians starting February 1

According to the Polish Interior Ministry, about one million Ukrainians live in the republic under a special refugee status

Russian forces expand zone of control near Ilyichevka in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Ukrainian troops offer fierce resistance, trying to counterattack

Venezuelan army takes oath of allegiance to authorized president

Delcy Rodriguez was proclaimed commander-in-chief of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces

Confiscating Russian assets could undermine EU stability, Roscongress warns

The implementation of such a scenario would send a signal to dissenting EU members that their views are being disregarded

Musk rebukes Polish top diplomat over Starlink use in Ukraine

"Starlink is the backbone of Ukraine’s military communications," Elon Musk said

Russia already seeking recovery of losses from its frozen assets via arbitration court

Director of the ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov emphasized that Russia considers any illegal actions involving its assets as a theft

Zelensky more likely to 'kill' Ukraine than accept compromise — US economist

"Europe, which is very poorly led, alas, goes along with Zelensky’s policies, which are catastrophic for Ukraine," Jeffrey Sachs said

Kremlin considering legalizing online gambling

The Kommersant newspaper said earlier that Finance Minister Anton Siluanov sent a relevant letter to President Vladimir Putin

Board of Peace now consists of 26 countries, including Belarus

Initially, on January 22, the charter of the Board of Peace was officially signed in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum by 18 internationally recognized nations

US 'can't give timeline' for holding elections in Venezuela — Rubio

Delcy Rodriguez, who served as executive vice president under Nicolas Maduro, took over for him as head of state

Il-114-300 makes its first overseas demo flight in India

The Il-114-300 was more than one hour in the air

Senior diplomat sees NATO actually preparing for conflict with Russia

"At present, Russia is defined as `the most significant and direct security threat’ in all of the North Atlantic Alliance’s doctrinal documents," Vladislav Maslennikov recalled

Lukoil reaches agreement with American Carlyle to sell foreign assets

The agreement signed is subject to some precedent conditions, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including permission of the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control for the transaction with Carlyle

US Navy ready to carry out operation in Iran a la Venezuela — Trump

The US president said he hopes that Iran will negotiate a fair and equitable deal