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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Cargo transportation over Northern Sea Route reach 37.02 mln tons — minister

The transportation plan for the last year totaled 35.1 mln metric tons

MOSCOW, February 17. /TASS/. Cargo transportation over the Northern Sea Route totaled 37.02 mln metric tons last year, Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin said.

"The volume of transportation in the Northern Sea Route water area was 37.02 mln metric tons; the plan was overfulfilled," the minister said. The transportation plan for the last year totaled 35.1 mln metric tons.

Three Arc4 class rescue towboats were built in the Northern Sea Route under the Efficient Transport System National Project, the minister added.

US keeps influence on Venezuela through control over its oil sales — Energy Secretary

That money goes back down to Venezuela, Chris Wright said

European Commission silent on problems with approving new sanctions package against Russia

According to the agenda of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives, the 20th package of sanctions will be discussed at the ambassadors level on February 18 and 20 and on February 23 at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels

Man ties to cut off his hand with grinder to evade being drafted to army

According to it, the man suffered serious injuries and is currently in the hospital

China respects Russia’s home, foreign policies — Chinese Foreign Ministry

China is determined to keep building up the strategic partnership with Russia

Testing of universal tanker for Russian Aerospace Forces to be completed in 2026

According to Vladimir Demirov, the unique feature of the new technology is that a single chassis combines the functions of a tanker for aviation oils and oil mixtures, alcohol and water-alcohol mixtures, as well as hydraulic fluids

IN BRIEF: What is known about collapse of military police building in Leningrad Region

According to preliminary reports, there were casualties as a result of the incident

Precious metals futures decline by up to 7.2%

As of 4:45 p.m. Moscow time, the March 2026 palladium futures contract on NYMEX stood at $1,686.5 per troy ounce, while April 2026 platinum futures fell 3.04% to $2,014 per troy ounce

Czech Republic suggests supplying oil to Slovakia over its branch of Druzhba pipeline

The First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic said that a small oil volume is meant

Seaborne Pantsyr system engaged Storm Shadow missile

CEO of High Precision Weapons company Oleg Ryazantsev said that the Pantsir-M "is the system designed to counter threats of such kind"

Cargo transportation over Northern Sea Route reach 37.02 mln tons — minister

The transportation plan for the last year totaled 35.1 mln metric tons

Rosneft forecasts net profit at 439 billion rubles in 2013

The oil output will make about 207 million tons this year, according to Rosneft President Igor Sechin

State Duma passes bill giving FSB power to turn off telecom services

The reasons for the shutdown will be set by the government

Russia’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov arrives in India to participate in Milan exercise

The port and sea phases of the exercise will focus on complex maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, search and rescue operations, and joint security missions

Russian electoral system more than 99% ready to hold elections — official

We need to see how well polling stations are prepared from the epidemiological security point of view and whether there is enough personal protective equipment, Ella Pamfilova said

FACTBOX: Telegram blocking speculation and mass channel crackdown

Roskomnadzor’s press service stated that the agency has nothing to add to previously published information regarding the possible blocking of Telegram

Russia’s Petrosyan flawless in ladies’ short program at 2026 Italy Winter Games

The Russian, who is participating at the 2026 Games under a neutral status, had a clean performance skating to a mix of hits by US pop idol Michael Jackson

Gazprom plans to put Kharasavey field in operation in 2026

Gradual recruitment of the operating staff is underway in connection with the planned launch of the field, the company said

Iran, US see progress at indirect negotiations in Geneva — Oman’s top diplomat

Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi stressed that in order to conclude a final deal "much work is yet to be done"

France, Germany on collision course over EU military leadership — Russian expert

Both countries vie for military leadership in the European Union, Alexander Kamkin noted

Putin, Macron talk to each other 'on the go' after funeral service for Chirac

Putin talked with the French leader for about two minutes

Ukraine will only win as part of Russia, lawmaker says

Andrey Kartapolov highlighted that European politicians had already realized their defeat and were making such statements to justify themselves before their citizens

First consignment of coated pipes for North Stream 2 delivered to Finland

Trump extends order authorizing detention of ships bound for Cuba for year

The US leader also added that a mass migration from Cuba would endanger United States national security

Military police building collapses in Leningrad Region, investigation underway — governor

Alexander Drozdenko has ordered assistance to the military in clearing the rubble

Northern Fleet tankers made over 100 refueling stops in offshore maritime zone in 2025

The Northern Fleet’s Fuel and Lubricants Service, in addition to replenishing fuel reserves for ships and vessels in various parts of the world’s oceans, also delivers supplies to regions of the Far North

Any attempt to impose naval blockade on Russia illegal — Maritime Board chair

Nikolay Patrushev stressed that if the situation could not be resolved peacefully, the blockade would be broken and lifted by the Navy

Zelensky may suffer some kind of 'accident' if goes to talks — Ukrainian ex-officer

Vasily Prozorov added that Vladimir Zelensky is not just opposing the US administration without reason and that forces are standing behind him that do not want the fighting in Ukraine to end

MMK reports 32.6% drop in 2024 net profit under IFRS

MMK Group’s capital expenditures for the 12 months of 2024 rose by 4.2%, amounting to 98.8 bln rubles ($1.17 bln), in connection with the ongoing implementation of development projects within the company’s strategic growth plan

Kiev's negotiating team splits into two camps — The Economist

Head of Vladimir Zelensky's office Kirill Budanov believes that doing a deal now with Russia under the auspices of Washington will be more beneficial for Kiev, since the window of opportunity may close soon, the magazine claims

Russia’s UN ambassador has no doubt US will achieve its goal in Greenland

Vasily Nebenzya believes that the issue is "not necessarily about sovereignty over Greenland"

Body of ex-Uralkali CEO sent from Cyprus to Russia on February 14 — source

The Russian Embassy in Nicosia said that it provided all necessary assistance in preparing consular documents for Vladislav Baumgertner’s relatives

Russia ready to halt airstrikes on election day if elections held in Ukraine — diplomat

There is no talk yet of the practical organization of voting in Ukraine, Mikhail Galuzin said

Hungary, Slovakia seeking to receive Russian oil through Croatia — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister noted that Ukraine is blocking the transit of crude from Russia for political reasons

United States may use military force if talks with Iran reach deadlock — Vance

US Vice President noted that there are a lot of options

Bank of Russia set dollar rate at 76.74 rubles for February 18

The official euro rate was lowered by 17.1 kopecks to 90.8658 rubles

Russia, Armenia sign agreement on Combined Regional Air Defense System

Mutual cooperation plans for 2016 also were signed with participating Commonwealth of Independent States defense ministers

Russian MP slams Poland’s plans to claim reparations from Russia

"This is a 'smokescreen' of the dwarfish infantry on the fields of the proxy war against Russia," chairman of the international committee of the Russian State Duma Leonid Slutsky said

Putin envisions what Russia might look like in 200 years

The Russian leader pointed out that 200 years is not that long a time in the entire scheme of history in Russia

Activity in Russian steel construction segment down to its lowest over three years

According to Evraz Steel, the industry health ratio in Russia stood at 65.5% as of the end of December 2025, which is approximately 15 percentage points lower than the level in the like period of the prior year

Kiev negotiator died during ‘special assignment’ — defense ministry

Three intelligence officers, staffers of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate, were killed while performing special assignments, the statement noted

Russian stock market closes with major indices decline

The yuan exchange rate dropped by 13.5 kopecks to 10.99 rubles

Talks in Geneva address 'major issues, major compromises' — TASS source

The trilateral talks have been underway for over four hours

Ukraine's foreign mercenaries commit worst abuses against Kharkov residents

Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Kharkov Military-Civil Administration, added that the foreigners avoid open clashes with the Russian army

Press review: Ukraine seeks EU accession in 2027 and Germany urges Russian energy return

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 13th

Three victims found dead at building collapse site in Russia’s Leningrad Region — governor

Investigative actions are ongoing, Alexander Drozdenko reported

Trilateral talks on Ukraine end in Geneva after 6 hours of discussions

The talks were held behind closed doors at Hotel InterContinental

Slovakia requested Croatia to let Russian oil flowing over Adria pipeline

The Economy Ministry of Slovakia expects that feedstock supplies over the Druzhba oil pipeline halted since early February will resume shortly

Envoy Filatov calls Ireland’s comment on alleged Russian threat dangerous illusion

According to the Russian ambassador to Ireland Yury Filatov, a similar thesis, like in the other countries, is used to justify a course towards militarization of the country

Russian stock indices accelerate decline as talks on Ukraine settlement start in Geneva

By 3:58 p.m. Moscow time, the MOEX Index had declined to 2,771.17 points, while the RTS Index was down 0.41% to 1,139.36 points

Ukrainian units face 'icy hell' in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy area — Russian Defense Ministry

Up to 30% of Ukrainian army soldiers in the Kupyansk direction are incapacitated due to frostbite and other cold-related injuries, and it is impossible to evacuate them

Political, military groups to continue consultations in Geneva on Wednesday — Umerov

Vladimir Zelensky will be briefed on the results of the first day of talks, Ukraine’s chief negotiator said

Europe harming itself by sabotaging its own interests — US Vice President

JD Vance also pointed out that that he would like to see greater efforts from European states to protect their borders in order to preserve "civilizational coherence"

Totally 666,000 people hit by flood in east of China - Xinhua

The local authorities estimated economic damage at the amount of 85.5 million U.S. dollars

Russian army thwarts attack by Ukrainian assault team in South Donetsk area

"In an active defense an attack by the assault team of the 72nd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces was thwarted near Shevchenko," Spokesman for Battlegroup East Oleg Chekhov said

Russia’s president, Qatar’s emir to discuss Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin

"There will also be discussions on regional issues, as the area is fraught with conflict potential. Qatar plays a significant role in efforts to resolve many pressing situations," Dmitry Peskov said

Crimea has excellent conditions for rehabilitation of TB patients — Health Ministry

US keeps influence on Venezuela through control over its oil sales — Energy Secretary

That money goes back down to Venezuela, Chris Wright said

Senior Russian MP advises Polish president against flexing ‘nuclear muscles’

Poland, in his words, will never be able to obtain nuclear weapons "either from the political or military-technical point of view"

EU to save face by using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Gaza Strip — RSPP head

Alexander Shokhin noted that such a project could involve the participation of Russia, the United States, and the European Union

Russia actively shares defense technologies with India — Putin

The Russian President also added that, India is one of Russia's "reliable and especially trusting partners" in this area

Ukraine’s ex-energy minister facing up to 12 years behind bars

NABU said on February 16 that charges of large-scale money laundering and involvement in a criminal organization had been brought against Galushchenko, who had testified as a witness in the Mindich case

Lavrov discusses strengthening strategic partnership with BRICS ambassadors

According to the Foreign Ministry, the sides discussed current issues on the global agenda, with a focus on the inadmissibility of undermining the central role of the United Nations

Total length of Russian roads reach 1.58 mln km — Transport Ministry

Regional roads stand at 502,500 km and federal roads equal 65,500 km

Russia, Iran intend to expand cooperation in energy, transport, trade — Energy ministry

Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov and Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad met in Tehran ahead of the 19th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation

Maria Kitayeva appointed adviser to defence minister

Earlier, Kitayeva worked as TV anchor on Rossiya 24 Channel

Ukrainian military attack Alyoshki district 750 times in one week

Ruslan Khomenko, head of the district, added that four civilians were wounded in Ukrainian strikes over the past seven days

Ex-Karabakh State Minister Vardanyan gets 20 years behind bars

Ruben Vardanyan was charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism and its financing, and illegally crossing Azerbaijan’s border

Polish president not coming to inaugural Gaza Board of Peace meeting — spokesperson

Polish President Karol Nawrocki will be represented by the head of the Bureau for International Policy, Minister Marcin Przydacz

Azerbaijani-Russian trade turnover down 40.5% in January 2026

The trade turnover between the two countries totaled $411.813 mln in the reporting period

Russia develops Bulavka FPV interceptor system against drones

The drone is not equipped with a warhead, its maximum payload is 200 grams and the maximum speed is 270 km/h

Russian troops break Ukrainian defenses near Kramatorsk after liberating Minkovka — expert

The Ukrainian army had many strongholds, materiel depots and temporary deployment sites in Minkovka, Andrey Marochko said

Disagreements arise in EU on measures for new anti-Russian sanctions package — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, Greece and Malta speak against the proposal to replace the Russian oil price cap with a ban on maritime services for Russian oil, such as insurance and transportation

India must become one of the world's top three AI powers — Modi

As the Indian Prime Minister pointed out, with AI emerged at the times when the world found itself at a turning point in the development of civilization

Navy Chief Moiseyev heads Russian delegation at Milan 2026 multilateral naval exercise

In the next few days, the Marshal Shaposhnikov crew will take part in some protocol, cultural and sports events as part of the coastal phase of the multilateral naval exercise

Client sues Russian mobile operator for $500 mln for writing off six minutes of traffic

The client argues his mobile operator MTS unreasonably wrote off six minutes from his package of voicemail services

Russia can receive unlimited number of Indian specialists — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov confirmed that the labor mobility agreement was signed during the Russian-Indian summit in New Delhi

Tatneft to upgrade crude distillation unit at Taneco refinery

"The cryogenic unit is planned to be revamped," Minister of Industry and Trade of Tatarstan Oleg Korobchenko said

Russia rises by 30 positions in new World Bank's Doing Business rating

In this year's rating that assesses the comfort of doing business in 189 countries around the world, Russia occupies the 62nd place

State Department confirms US wants China to take part in disarmament talks

The Treaty between Russia and the United States on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms expired on February 5

Japanese warships arrive in St. Petersburg on first visit

This is the first visit of the Japanese warships to the banks of the Neva River

Russian Finance Ministry to hold federal loan bonds auctions on February 18

Bids for the auctions can be submitted via the Moscow Exchange or the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange

What we know about second round of US-Iran nuclear talks on Tehran’s nuclear dossier

Tehran and Washington reached understanding on a range of general issues, the IRNA news agency said

Russian presidential aide says time for BRICS to gain strategic maritime dimension

Nikolay Patrushev recalled the exercises held in January and February to protect sea lanes from Western piracy

Corvette Stoiky took part in exercise with Iranian Navy ships in Gulf of Oman

This activity followed an unofficial port visit by the Russian vessel to Bandar Abbas

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

Europe withdraws almost all gas it pumped in for heating season from storage facilities

Gas withdrawal from UGS facilities in EU countries amounted to around 475 mln cubic meters on February 15

What we know about Ukrainian settlement talks beginning in Geneva

The Russian delegation, which includes about 20 people, is headed by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky

US Department of State claims that Russia, China conducted nuclear tests

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw said that current situation in this sphere is extremely disadvantageous for Washington

Russia to hold informal UNSC meeting on media coverage of Ukrainian crisis on Feb 20

Russia plans to discuss the role of the Western and Ukrainian media in forming a distorted vision of the Ukrainian crisis

Large Flamingo missile production line destroyed in Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky added that he could speak about this because the incident occurred some time ago

Russian deputy foreign minister cautions against 'locking' Russian fleet

Sergey Ryabkov said that "if somebody assumes 'experiments' may be continued, it may have a sad end"

Press review: Geneva talks on Ukraine begin and Epstein case could spark GOP fiasco

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 17th

Talks on Ukrainian settlement in Geneva pass three-hour mark

The Russian delegation is led by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky

US says Geneva talks with Iran met expectations — Axios

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier that Iran and the United States had reached an understanding on a range of issues

US strike on drug-trafficking vessels leaves 11 people dead — Pentagon

According to the statement, two of the vessels were detected and struck in the Eastern Pacific

Russian athletes to march at 2026 Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony — sports official

The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games will be held in Italy on March 6-15

Road network funding amount to $43.2 bln in 2025 — Russian transport minister

Andrey Nikitin said that 1,600 km of were built and renovated in Russia in 2025

US wants all nuclear powers to engage in nuclear disarmament talks

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw said that is a high priority for Washington

US gives guidance on combat operations to Ukraine — Russian Foreign Ministry

Washington is engaging its allies in these activities, prompting them to send armaments to Ukraine, Director of the Second Department of CIS Countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry Aleksey Polischuk noted

Russian troops deliver massive strike on Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 195 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two US-made armored vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US Department of State says China conducts nuclear tests

"China has used decoupling, a method to decrease the effectiveness of seismic monitoring to hide its activities from the world," Christopher Yeaw said