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Greece, Malta oppose EU ban on Russian oil transport services — Bloomberg

The sources said that Greece and Malta had expressed concern that such a move could negatively affect Europe’s shipping industry and lead to higher energy prices

NEW YORK, February 10. /TASS/. Greece and Malta have voiced doubts about the advisability of the European Union introducing a full ban on services related to the transportation of Russian oil, including insurance and freight, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

According to the sources, the two countries raised the issue at a meeting of EU ambassadors where a draft of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia was presented. The agency’s sources said Greece and Malta expressed concern that such a move could negatively affect Europe’s shipping industry and lead to higher energy prices.

In addition, Athens and Valletta requested clarifications regarding other proposals in the package, including sanctions against foreign ports where Russian oil is loaded and tighter oversight of vessel sales.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that, as part of the 20th sanctions package, the EU intends to replace the ineffective price cap on Russian oil with a full ban on its transportation. The proposed measure is expected to be enforced jointly with the countries of the Group of Seven, primarily the United Kingdom and the United States.

Mutual trade between Israel, Russia close to $2 bln — Russian Ambassador

This figure was close to $3 bln several years ago, Anatoly Viktorov noted

Russia’s security post-New START, US’ global ambitions: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister noted that the aspects of the Ukrainian conflict settlement being considered by military officials during negotiations are both significant and complex, meaning they demand the most careful and detailed approach

Russia and Mexico aim to resolve payment issues to boost trade — ambassador

Eduardo Villegas Megias noted that Mexico was focused on ensuring that bilateral trade with Russia "continues to grow at all times"

Dutch chief of defense announces NATO plans to strengthen presence in Arctic

The general also said that the Netherlands "has the capabilities to operate in the Arctic" and sees this as a good idea, although no final decision has been made yet

Japan to provide non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine under NATO program

Japan has already informed several NATO member states and Ukraine of its decision

US intercepts tanker in Indian Ocean — Pentagon

The statement asserts that the tanker was operating in violation of the "quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean"

Russia unveils new Goliath 2.0, Karakurt 2.0 drones at exhibition in Riyadh

The copter-type drones have been successfully tested in the special military operation zone in Ukraine

US integrating Russian tank protection technologies into Abrams tanks — Rostec

Bekkhan Ozdoyev added that the entire history of tank design is a history of evolution

Armenia, US completed talks on signing agreements in peaceful nuclear energy

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan highlighted that the agreement would promote the country's energy diversity

Press review: EU turns to militarization and Japan PM Takaichi wins early election vote

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 9th

Russian forces destroy US-made Abrams tank in Zaporozhye Region

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the first strike immobilized the tank and the subsequent strikes wiped out the protective armor and the combat vehicle itself

Lavrov talks US reluctance to follow through with peace proposals, security architecture

While Russia and the United States could have embraced broader cooperation following the summit in Anchorage, the opposite trend has been observed

West seeks to pull Belarus away from Russia — lawmaker

Oleg Gaidukevich says Western countries have opposed the geopolitical choice of Minsk since 1994

Israeli army reports detention of over 20 Palestinian radicals in West Bank

The security forces suspect the detainees of manufacturing, storing, trading weapons, plotting attacks

Ukraine’s military shells Russia’s borderline Kursk Region 32 times in past day

According to the region's governor Alexander Khinshtein, the caused no casualties

Council of Europe launches new mechanism to pressure Russians — Duma probe’s chief

Vasily Piskarev pointed out that Russians have been encouraged to actively participate in activities against their own country, support initiatives such as tribunals against Russia, and advocate for the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine

Russia knows US listens to Moscow's arguments on Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat recalled Moscow's demand to restore the rights of Russians, Russian speakers, national minorities, and religious rights in Ukraine

Press review: Epstein files hit UK government as Russia seeks role in Trump peace route

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 10th

All guarantees discussed with Ukraine in Istanbul now null, void — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minster pointed to how these guarantees were formulated

US seeks to advance its interests globally, not to divide zones of influence, says Lavrov

As the Russian foreign minister the US has declared that Washington has other concerns in the Western Hemisphere besides European security issues

Nuclear powers must act responsibly to avoid nuclear arms race — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov commented on Ankara’s statement about the conditions that could make Turkey pursue nuclear weapons

Russia-US relations key to whole world, any worsening inadmissible, envoy says

Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev said that contacts were ongoing

Top Turkish diplomat says plans to topple Iranian regime through airstrikes are illusion

This is a vain illusion to think that this will weaken the government and the people, he told CNN Turk

Dutch military chief recognizes Russian army's gains in Ukrainian conflict

General Onno Eichelsheim noted that the Netherlands considered it "unlikely" that the conflict would end anytime soon

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian positions in Zaporozhye Region

The troops also destroyed a dug-out sheltering with Ukrainian military personnel

Russia takes note of top Turkish diplomat’s statement on nuclear weapons — Kremlin

Earlier, commenting on Iran potentially acquiring nuclear weapons, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that it could make Ankara "involuntarily" enter a nuclear arms race

Russia and Iran may sign several economic cooperation agreements

During the meeting, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev and Iran’s ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali heard reports from representatives of government agencies and businesses on a broad range of issues

Six Russian athletes to compete on fourth day of 2026 Winter Olympics

A total of nine medal events are scheduled for Tuesday

Labour MPs back Starmer amid resignation rumors

According to the TV channel, the UK Prime Minister told his party mates that he has no intention of resigning

Russia opposes ties with Britain, Ireland, Canada given their political course — diplomat

Alexander Gusarov said that authorities of these countries resort to any attempts to eradicate different-thinking approaches regarding Russia

Macron believes Trump wants to dismember EU

The French leader acknowledged that the strategy European countries had chosen for dealing with the US had proven ineffective

Romanian authorities report drone fragments found on Black Sea beach

The metal debris was drifted ashore, local prosecutors have started an investigation

US to control Russia's military-technical ties with India, other BRICS members — Lavrov

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said earlier that India's military purchases from Russia irritated the United States

Zelensky wants to meet with Putin to mislead Ukrainians — MP

There is no expediency in such a meeting, first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs said

Mercenary recruitment center for Ukrainian army enlists Brazilians

According to a TASS correspondent, five people enrolled after a blog post of the center

Eighteen Russians freed from scam call centers in Myanmar in two years — envoy

The Russian diplomat noted that Myanmar’s authorities "have declared the fight against online scam and other illegal activities a national priority and are now working to increase efforts to curb the operation of cybercrime centers"

Epstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov

"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister added

Forcible conscription in Ukraine carried out with EU approval — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto recalled that Hungary had imposed sanctions on several senior Ukrainian military officers who were responsible for forcible conscription and the deaths of people as a result of beatings and abuse at recruitment centers

Many French citizens with traditional values seek to move to Russia — ambassador

A total of 170 visas have been issued for entry to Russia, which allows recipients to later obtain a temporary residence permit without quotas, with the prospect of acquiring Russian citizenship, Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov said

Europe hinders constructive talks by backing Kiev — Russian envoy to UN

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Vladimir Zelensky continues to insist on a solely military solution to the conflict, even though the situation is deteriorating for Kiev both on the frontline and inside the country

Starmer may resign next week — Bloomberg

The reason for such conversations was a scandal with the appointment of Peter Mandelson to the post of British ambassador to the US

French president accuses US of putting economic pressure on Europe over Greenland

Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that the Europeans "should not try to find a compromise" in a situation like that

Sociopaths in Washington profiting from Ukrainian conflict — Congresswoman Luna

Anna Paulina Luna stressed that she and her supporters wanted to "make Russian-American relations great again"

Europe’s 'sly' approach to ceasefire, Ukraine security guarantees to lead nowhere — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that Europe and Vladimir Zelensky "would stop on the current line of engagement but would recognize nothing and make no legal concessions"

US chips will be applied at data centers now under construction in Armenia — JD Vance

"These are chips that simply do not exist in most countries in the world," the US Vice President said

US now unprepared to implement its Alaska proposals on Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Moscow accepted Washington’s proposal in Anchorage

Kremlin confirms Moscow’s contacts with France

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Moscow took note of French President Emmanuel Macron's statements about the need to resume relations with Russia

Mexico suspends oil supplies to Cuba but to keep sending humanitarian aid — president

Claudia Sheinbaum also pointed out that Mexico City is engaged in diplomatic efforts to find a way to support Havana without falling under US restrictions

Putin holds phone call with South African president — Kremlin

Vladimir Putin and Cyril Ramaphosa discussed issues related to the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and investment

Hypersonic missile Tsirkon was used in special operation — Putin

The Tsirkon hypersonic missile was developed and is produced in the Reutov-based NPO Mashinostroyeniya

West using UNSC to put pressure on 'rogue' countries — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya stressed that open threats of using force against the Islamic republic or calls for violence against the legitimate authorities there "directly violate the fundamental principles of the UN Charter"

Russia, US determined to make relations 'great again' — ambassador to Washington

Alexander Darchiev noted that the history of Russian-American relations is a vivid example of diplomatic art

Japan denies reports on decision to join NATO’s PURL program for Ukraine

At the same time, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized that Tokyo would continue providing support to Ukraine aimed at rebuilding and strengthening its society and economy

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

Russia to act responsibly despite New START expiration — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya says Russia is ready for an equal dialogue to "fix the situation"

Zelensky's stubbornness in negotiations costs thousands of Ukrainian lives a day — senator

Igor Kastyukevich argued that Vladimir Zelensky lacked strategic advantages or leverage

Russia’s Battlegroup Center destroys Ukraine’s fortified positions near Kransoarmeysk

UAV operators destroyed dug-outs with Ukrainian personnel

Public platform being formed in Moldova’s Gagauzia to resist Chisinau’s pressure

According to Evghenia Gutsul's adviser Mikhail Vlah, the platform’s offices will be opened in Gagauzia’s three major cities - Comrat, Ceadir-Lunga, and Vulcanesti

EAEU, India set to complete talks on free trade area as soon as possible — diplomat

According to Denis Alipov, such an agreement will directly contribute to the expansion of trade and economic relations with India

Norway leads Olympic medal count after three days

Switzerland ranks second, Japan comes third. Nine competitions to take place tomorrow

EU considers options to secure Ukraine’s membership in peace deal

According to sources cited by the media, Brussels may offer to grant Ukraine immediate partial EU member rights

AI to ensure military superiority for army — Russian General Staff

Colonel General Vasily Trushin added that the traditional factors such as troop strength, weapon quality, and soldier professionalism are still important for military success

Israel will not dare to attack Iran without consulting US — Iranian Foreign Ministry

"Therefore, should aggression occur, the Islamic Republic of Iran's response will be forceful enough to make them regret it," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated

Ukrainian conflict’s root causes must be addressed in any peace deal — Lavrov

Commenting on contacts with the United States regarding this issue, the Russian foreign minister said that Washington knows Moscow's position "perfectly well"

Russia and Brazil must unlock full cooperation potential — PM Mishustin

Mikhail Mishustin specified that this involves increasing trade turnover and identifying new areas for exports of domestic goods, services, and technologies

Russia reaffirms solidarity with people of Cuba, Venezuela — top diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also stressed that Moscow is interested in further developing honest and equal international cooperation based on mutual understanding, trust and neighborliness

AI embedding to enable Gerbera mothership drone to identify multiple targets — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that the performance capabilities of drones used by the Russian Armed Forces have significantly expanded

US lawmaker highlights need to discuss trade, normalization of relations with Russia

According to Anna Paulina Luna, there is a general idea of when the meeting could take place but the process particularly depends on the issuance of visas to Russian parliament members by the US Department of State

US should abandon double standards in relations with Russia — presidential candidate

The current US administration of Donald Trump needs "to take a step back from his aggressive rhetoric, says Diane Sare

Kamaz, GAZ, UAZ prepare to debut in Ethiopia — Russian ambassador

"Negotiations on the localization of the Russian automotive industry are progressing in a substantive manner, taking into account Ethiopia’s regulatory specifics," Evgeny Terekhin said

Russian and Tanzanian foreign ministers discuss expanding trade between two countries

In addition to that the parties noted their shared principled positions in support of a polycentric world order, as well as the principles of justice and equality in international affairs

Russian troops strike Ukrainian military airfield, energy, transport sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,075 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

US to supply Armenia with $9 billion worth of nuclear energy products, services — Vance

"It means small modular reactors, American technology, is going to be coming to this country," the US Vice President said

Russia not going to attack Europe, but ready to retaliate — Lavrov

Russia has absolutely no reason for attack, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated

Talks on Ukraine ongoing, there is still a way to go — Lavrov

"We have repeatedly cautioned against excessive enthusiasm over what’s happening: US President Donald Trump 'put' the Europeans and Vladimir Zelensky in their place," the Russian foreign minister said

Macron says Europe 'to be swept away in five years' if nothing is done

The French president added that the situation around Greenland has made it clear that Europe is facing a threat

Energy situation in Cuba critical amid US blockade — Russian envoy

Viktor Koronelli says Russia is ready to be the first to help Cuba, sees it as a brother nation

US ready to contribute to settlement in Ukraine by eliminating root causes — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that the Russian and US sides shared a common stance that in the event of a conflict of interests, "it would be a crime to allow this to escalate into a heated confrontation, or any other confrontation"

Rossiya Airlines to continue flights to Cuba, may adjust routes — Aeroflot Group

If the situation changes, Aeroflot will promptly inform passengers about the status of flights to Cuba, the company noted

US attacks drug trafficking vessel in Pacific Ocean, two people dead — Pentagon

The vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific, the US Southern Command said

Saudi Arabia showing interest in Russian oil, gas production equipment

Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said that Moscow is in discussions with Riyadh regarding developing cooperation with the Institute of Oil and Gas Technology Initiatives

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

Vladimir Zelensky appears in Epstein's files several dozen times, most prominently in connection with the Jean-Luc Brunel case

Russian defense minister holds talks with CSTO secretary general

Andrey Belousov noted that the CSTO had established and continued to improve its crisis response system, formed collective forces, and regularly conducted combat training exercises

BRICS focused on integrating new members, still open to expansion — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that there would be expansion and no current BRICS member opposed that

French president calls on European leaders to resume dialogue with Russia

Emmanuel Macron sees the need "to arrange the resumption of European discussions with the Russians"

No prerequisites for resuming Russian-German dialogue — Russian ambassador to Berlin

Sergey Nechayev noted that the government of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not yet shown any interest in restoring dialogue with Russia

Trump demands half ownership of bridge between US, Canada

The US leader stressed that otherwise he will not allow this bridge to open

US-China summit set for early April in Beijing — Politico

Earlier, the US leader said he expected his Chinese counterpart to make a reciprocal visit to Washington by the end of the year

Lavrov highlights role of MFA staff involved in special military operation

The Russian foreign minister emphasized the role of a balanced and consistent foreign policy in the formation of a multipolar world

Dutch chief of defense allows for country's participation in Ukraine mission

According to the general, the decision on participation in a potential mission will be made by the country's new government, which is due to be sworn in and take office on February 23

Russia expects West to explain who is to get 'security guarantees' in Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that "nowhere in the world, in no country between conflicting parties, be it the Arab-Israeli conflict or any other, there is anyone banning each other's languages"

US to lower tariff for Bangladesh from 20 to 19% — newspaper

According to Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, the United States has granted duty-free or preferential access to 2,500 Bangladeshi goods, while Bangladesh has granted duty-free or preferential access to 4,400 American goods

Pashinyan says Armenia acquired military drones from US

"Their effectiveness has been proven by extensive operational experience," Armenian Prime Minister noted

IN BRIEF: Key details on detainees in assassination attempt against Russian general

Russia’s Federal Security Service said the detainees provided details of preparations for the assassination attempt against Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, carried out on orders from the Ukrainian Security Service

Significant amount of seized Ukrainian equipment analyzed — Russian Gen Staff deputy chief

Colonel General Vasily Trushin emphasized that "all identified features are promptly taken into account and are put to further use"

US envoy to NATO denies Zelensky's remarks on settlement

Matthew Whitaker emphasized that Washington was focused on ending the conflict "as soon as possible"

NPT remains cornerstone of multilateral cooperation in nuclear sphere — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya pushed for depoliticized collaboration between all NPT signatories toward strengthening the agreement ahead of the 2026 NPT Review Conference to be hosted by New York in April-May

Recent attempted assault on Russian general meant to undermine Ukraine talks — diplomat

That was an absolutely pre-planned act, Rodion Miroshnik said

Issue of Iranian missiles is not directly linked to US’ security — top Turkish diplomat

Hakan Fidan emphasized that "the number of issues Iranians want to discuss is not the same as the number of issues on the United States’ agenda"

Kremlin says no response to idea of sending some of frozen assets to Board of Peace

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the topic of possible participation in the Board of Peace continued to be explored

Kiev steps up drone, missile attacks on energy, industrial facilities — FSB chief

Alexander Bortnikov noted that heads of enterprises and organizations, led by anti-terrorism commissions, had done a lot to enhance security at industrial, energy and transport facilities, particularly to protect against airstrikes