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First power generating unit of Kursk plant reach 40% capacity — Rosenergoatom

The pilot operation program provides for the gradual increase of the power generating unit capacity to the 100% rated level

KURSK, January 30. /TASS/. First power generating unit of the Kursk nuclear power plant (NPP) 2 has started pilot operation, Rosenergoatom company said on its Telegram account.

"The newest nuclear power generating unit of Russia reached 40% capacity. Pilot operation started yesterday at the first power generating unit of the Kursk NPP 2 with the WWER-TOI reactor - the phase following the power startup phase," the company said.

The pilot operation program provides for the gradual increase of the power generating unit capacity to the 100% rated level. The power generating unit works with the load of 408 MW as of January 30 "and already generated 71 mln kWh of electric power to the network during its functioning time," Rosenergoatom informed.

Abramovich is not suspect in Deutsche Bank case — businessman’s spokesperson

Legal action was initiated in connection with reports in mass media that "groundlessly linked" Abramovich with this case, the spokesperson said

Putin’s talks with UAE leader lasted over three and half hours

The Emirati president left the Grand Kremlin Palace and got into an Aurus car that had been waiting for him

Parties to conflict in Ukraine now closest to peace, Turkish foreign minister believes

Hakan Fidan said that the efforts of US President Donald Trump "to achieve a ceasefire are yielding results"

Europe, Kiev rewrite US plan for Ukraine, seek to sell it to Trump now — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, "it merely states that the sides should remain tolerant and be guided by the EU rules"

Beijing emphasizes protection of Chinese, other nations’ interests in Venezuela — embassy

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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

UN has no moral right to participate in Ukraine talks — envoy

Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya added that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "clearly playing on one side"

POW says he feared Ukrainian drones the most as he surrendered to Russian forces

The Ukrainian serviceman commended the humane attitude to him from the Russian military as he also advised his fellow soldiers to lay down arms or defect to the Russian side

Press review: Russia ready to aid Syria as Trump tariffs fall short on US national debt

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 29th

Moscow's January 2026 snowiest in two centuries, scientists say

The intense snowfall was driven by deep and expansive cyclones with sharp weather fronts passing over the Moscow Region

UK forces Russian anchored cargo ship out of its waters — Department for Transport

A Department for Transport spokesman noted that the vessel entered the UK waters to undertake essential safety repairs

Trump considering raids, special forces ops inside Iran — media

Among the riskiest scenarios under consideration is the covert deployment of US special forces to destroy or disable Iranian nuclear sites that were not hit during the US strikes in June 2025

Russia to test Yastreb 1.0 intelligent electronic warfare system against drones

Igor Potapov, spokesperson of the developer, NPP Design Bureau, emphasized that the system makes it possible to significantly accelerate scanning of the 100 MHz to 6 GHz band

Russian envoy discusses Kiev’s hunt for medics, intensified attacks and manipulation at UN

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador at Large on Kiev’s War Crimes Rodion Miroshnik said that at least 293 children suffered from Ukrainian attacks in 2025

Russia has no plans to remove EU ambassador to Moscow post — senior diplomat

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department of European affairs stressed that Moscow would shape the future framework for engagement with the EU based on Russia’s national interest

UN chief calls on US to use its influence to put pressure on Israel

The country that has more power to put pressure on Israel is the United States, Antonio Guterres said

Kremlin interested whether Zelensky's desire not to surrender ZNPP means plan to attack it

Dmitry Peskov noted that the ZNPP has been under Russia’s control for several years already

Venezuela’s authorized president holds phone call with Trump, Rubio

Delcy Rodriguez said the talks addressed a number of key issues, including the lifting of restrictions on commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace

Explosion reported at Turkish oil refinery — media

The facility belongs to the Tupras company

US demands reports on Venezuelan oil exports to other countries

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Russian diplomat questions data on Ukraine conflict compiled by UN agencies

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Trump intends to continue talks with Iran, urges to drop development of nuclear weapons

The US leader also intends to convince Tehran to stop using disproportionate force against participants in the unrest

No place in future security architecture for an anti-Russian OSCE — senior diplomat

According to Vladislav Maslennikov, the organization is facing the deepest crisis provoked by the shortsighted policy course pursued by Western countries

Lavrov has big questions for UN secretary-general over his position on Ukraine

The Russian foreign minster also noted an "interesting aspect" in the position of the UN Secretary General on Greenland, which, in particular, was outlined by his official representative, the head of the world organization, Stephane Dujarric

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

FACTBOX: Trump declares state of emergency in US over alleged threat from Cuba

Under US law, this grants the president authority to impose duties on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba

Russian envoy to OSCE says respectful contacts established with unfriendly countries

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According to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, EU Foreign Ministers have for the first time openly advocated for further war in Ukraine, confirming they are not ready for peace

Zelensky rejects invitation to Moscow

Vladimir Zelensky said that it was impossible for him to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow

Kremlin surprised by response to publishing list of foreigners denied entry to Russia

The EU mission in Moscow received a list of 89 EU politicians, diplomats and military officials barred from entering Russia

Action legend Seagal lists mansion outside Moscow for sale

According to the statement, the residence includes a two-story mansion, a two-car garage, a guest house, a bathhouse, and a barbeque gazebo, all situated on a forested plot of 1,500 square meters

Kiev responds to all peace initiatives with shelling, terrorist attacks — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik noted that the intensity of attacks and the number of civilian casualties from Ukrainian strikes "have grown exponentially and are directly related to the intensification of the peacekeeping process"

Frontline situation speaks for itself — Kremlin

Russian forces are going on a successful offensive in Donbass as they clear one locality after another of Ukrainian formations over there

Energy markets view US attack against Iran as inevitable — expert

According to Jorge Leon, the current situation in the oil markets is close to the one last summer ahead of the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran

Ukraine assistance, Iran situation: Russian, UAE presidents talk current affairs

According to Vladimir Putin, the Russian-Emirati economic partnership is intensively developing on all tracks, and there are a number of significant initiatives in the energy sector

EU is party to Ukraine conflict, cannot monitor ceasefire — senior Russian diplomat

Alexander Grushko also mentioned the disastrous experience the European Union has accumulated in recent years and its subversive role

Israel to target Iran’s military capabilities in potential attack — top Turkish diplomat

Commenting on Israel’s potential desire to change Iran’s government, Hakan Fidan noted that "they would like to do that but I don’t know if they can do it"

UN chief claims principle of self-determination does not apply to Crimea, Donbass

Antonio Guterres said that the Office of Legal Affairs came to this conclusion after a very careful study

Training of Russia’s Battlegroup East fighters based on interchangeability — instructor

According to the instructor, despite versatility, combat training is still divided by specialty

UN ignores violations of international law in Novorossiya — Russian senator

Igor Kastyukevich stressed that if the UN Secretary General believes that the principles of self-determination of peoples do not apply to Crimea and Donbass, then "work at the UN does not apply to him"

Ukraine is Western pawn for creating direct threats to Russia — Lavrov

The foreign minister added that Moscow regards this conflict as a major confrontation between Russia and the West

Cuba strongly condemns US ‘oil blockade’ measures — foreign minister

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla emphasized that these measures "violate all principles of free trade"

Russian troops liberate Belaya Beryoza community in Sumy Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,150 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Guterres' position on Donbass undermines UN foundations — deputy

Leader of the LDPR Party Leonid Slutsky called the UN Secretary General's selective approach an extremely dangerous precedent

Trump warns Britain, Canada against closer ties with China

The US leader believes that it is especially dangerous for Ottawa "to get into business" with Beijing and it shouldn't look at China as the answer to its problems

'Everyone understands everything' in Abu Dhabi talks — Russian military intel chief

"Everybody said that it was constructive," Igor Kostyukov said

Iran better prepared for possible aggression than in summer of 2025 — Russian envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the situation is alarming

UN chief’s position on Donbass proves need for organization’s reform — lawmaker

According to Sergey Mironov, the United Nations needs to get rid of double standards

Venezuelan-level betrayal should not be expected in Cuba — Russia's UN envoy

Russia’s Permanent Representative at the UN Vasily Nebenzya noted that recent US statements on Cuba largely remained "just rhetoric for now"

Work to write Eurasian charter to begin soon — senior Russian diplomat

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West prepared battle in Ukraine in advance, planning Kiev’s accession to NATO — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that Ukraine’s declaration of independence "clearly proclaimed a policy of non-participation in military blocs, neutrality and renunciation of nuclear weapons"

Kiev ignored moratorium on attacks on energy facilities in 2025 — Russian diplomat

"Kiev also persistently escalated its attacks on civilian energy facilities throughout the year," Rodion Miroshnik noted

Iranian military commander calls Iraq's measures to strengthen common border unprecedented

Ahmad Ali Goudarzi emphasized that these measures make a significant contribution to improving the security of the border between the two countries

Zelensky asked for meeting with Putin, not the other way around — Kremlin

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Europe completely at a loss, does not know where to turn — Russia’s ambassador to UN

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Domodedovo is business project to rehabilitate important part of Moscow hub

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US envoy to NATO says Ukrainian settlement 'close as ever'

Matthew Whitaker also added that "security guarantees that a peace deal would bring to Ukraine are done for all intents and purposes"

Azov fighters act on instructions to kill Russian troops rather than capturing them — POW

Daniel Zharkov earlier confessed to killing a Russian soldier

Guterres' claim that Donbass does not have right to self-determination is wrong — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow has its own well-reasoned position, which is well known to all

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Truce sought by Zelensky unacceptable to Russia — Lavrov

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Zelensky not ready for compromises on Donbass, Zaporozhye NPP

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US cites Cuba’s ties with Russia, China as grounds for measures against oil supplies

Under the executive order signed by Donald Trump, the United States formally declares a national emergency over what it describes as a threat posed by Cuba

Europe grows critical of von der Leyen — senior Russian diplomat

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov noted that this trend can be seen as evidence that European societies are increasingly looking for nationally oriented politicians

In 2015, Ukrainian militants moved bodies of Donbass residents to LPR woods

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Attack on Iran would put all US military bases in region at risk — representative to IRGC

The armed forces are ready for combat, Abdollah Haji Sadeghi said

US experts say Russia has no claims to Greenland — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that President Vladimir Putin has recently shared his take on the situation with Greenland ahead of a meeting of Russia’s Security Council

Hungary intends to bypass EU ban on gas supplies from Russia — Orban

The Hungarian government claimed earlier that it would challenge the decision made by the Council of the EU to ban Russian gas supplies in court

Russia to stay at OSCE `for a while,’ senior diplomat says

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov described the OSCE as a "component of the Euro-Atlantic security concept that has discredited itself"

Protasevich says Belarusian opposition plans to seize power in 2030

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Many European countries consider US threat to EU — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto noted that EU foreign ministers openly spoke about this at a meeting in Brussels

EU loses autonomy on all key issues, senior Russian official says

Maxim Oreshkin said that the European Union de facto entered the orbit of the United States of America

US breaks international law by demanding oil concessions from Venezuela — Chinese embassy

Liu Pengyu pointed out that "Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources and economic activities"

FSB thwarts Ukrainian plot to kill Russian serviceman in St. Petersburg

A Makarov pistol with ammunition and a silencer was seized from the attacker

Russia condemns UN’s conclusion on inapplicability of self-determination right to Donbass

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman commented on the statement by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

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

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 1,300 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 22 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia, Syria coordinate important agreements, projects — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia has had "decades of good relations with Syria since Hafez al-Assad with a focus on strategic ties"

Trump to announce his Fed chief nominee on Friday

Donald Trump did not name the nominee

IN BRIEF: What we know about current escalation around Iran

Donald Trump is looking at different military options against Iran, ground operations among them, but prefers to find a diplomatic solution to the situation

Core demands, security guarantees: Lavrov's statements on talks on Ukraine

The Russian Foreign Minister said that Moscow does not have information about the security guarantees the United States and Ukraine could have agreed on

EU, NATO countries preparing for 'inevitable' confrontation with Russia — senior diplomat

"Russia is now viewed as a long-term threat," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stressed

Press review: Russia, UAE hold Kremlin talks and NATO plans defense bank by 2027

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 30th

US military ready to follow any order Trump gives regarding Iran — Pentagon chief

Iran should not pursue nuclear capabilities, Pete Hegseth said

'Broad clash' between Russia, West, questions to UN: Lavrov's statements

The Russian Foreign Minister gave an interview to Turkish media

Azerbaijan never to allow its territory to be used for strikes on Iran — MFA

Azerbaijanian Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed that Baku’s position is principled and unwavering

Syria no longer bent on prosecuting Assad — Lavrov

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Guterres reminds of exclusive powers of UN Security Council

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Russia to showcase new aircraft, air defense systems at Airshow China 2026

The Airshow China 2026 international aerospace exhibition will take place in November

Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

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Many countries, including UAE, willingly buy Pantsir system from Russia — Rostec

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Sheremetyevo Airport subsidiary becomes new owner of Domodedovo Airport

The contract with the buyer will be signed within five business days

Trump asks Putin to refrain from striking Kiev until February 1 — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov did not clarify whether Russia had responded to Trump’s proposal to halt the strikes

Guterres’ statement on Crimea, Donbass indicate UN crisis — Zaporozhye Region politician

Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev also emphasized that the referendums in Crimea, Donbass, and Novorossiya represent unprecedented expressions of popular will

Trump signs order allowing US to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba

The exact rate of the tariffs has not yet been specified

Kremlin aide refutes Rubio's claim that territorial issue only item left in Ukraine deal

Yury Ushakov noted that there are still many open issues in negotiations on Ukraine, but the territorial issue is now the main one

Wall Street Journal outlines three scenarios for Ukraine conflict

One of the options is that Ukraine’s "military eventually becomes exhausted" due to a lack of troops and Russia’s superiority in drone technology

US lifts some sanctions on Venezuelan oil industry

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US envoy points to progress reached in trilateral talks on Ukraine

Steve Witkoff said the talks will continue in about a week

Trump says he asked Putin to halt strikes on Kiev for one week due to extreme cold

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NATO brings confrontation to previously peaceful Arctic — Russian diplomat

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Ukraine wants security guarantees before signing peace deal — Zelensky

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