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Foreign access to Telegram correspondence, AI: statements by digital development minister

A bill to regulate artificial intelligence technology may be submitted to the lower house of parliament in the near future

Russia's Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Minister Maksut Shadayev Alexander Miridonov/POOL/TASS

Russia's Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Minister Maksut Shadayev

© Alexander Miridonov/POOL/TASS

MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. Foreign intelligence agencies have access to correspondence on Telegram, which has been confirmed by Russian law enforcement bodies, Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Minister Maksut Shadayev announced in the State Duma.

A bill to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) technology may be submitted to the lower house of parliament in the near future.

TASS has compiled the main statements by the minister.

Telegram operation

Roskomnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media) has decided to slow down Telegram services based on federal law requirements: "Roskomnadzor has decided to slow down Telegram services. The systematic and constant violation of federal law requirements by the messenger is the basis."

The Telegram messenger administration ignored around 150,000 "requests to remove channels, materials and posts containing illegal content."

Foreign intelligence agencies have access to Telegram correspondence, as confirmed by Russian law enforcement bodies: "We have direct confirmation from law enforcement agencies that, unfortunately, while at the beginning of the special military operation Telegram was considered a relatively anonymous service used by our military, now there are numerous facts confirmed by our agencies indicating that foreign intelligence agencies have access to Telegram correspondence."

These foreign intelligence agencies are using this data during military operations against the Russian Armed Forces: "While previously this was episodic, now it has become systematic."

The situation with personal data leaks

The number of personal data leaks from Russian structures in 2025 has decreased by 13%: "The mechanism is being adjusted, and we have clearly broken the trend when the number of leaks was growing annually."

Artificial intelligence

A bill regulating AI technology may be submitted to the State Duma "in the near future."

The government is currently working on the concept of a comprehensive bill. Once a unified position on the document is reached, it will be presented.

'Digital ID'

More than 2.6 mln Russians have obtained a digital equivalent of paper documents in the national messenger Max, dubbed 'Digital ID.'

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 76.15 rubles for February 19

The official euro rate was lowered by 59.75 kopecks to 90.2683 rubles

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

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

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Kiev loses 1,235 troops along engagement line in past day

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

Investigative actions are ongoing, Alexander Drozdenko reported

Europe's weapons supplies to Kiev show unwillingness to see peace in Ukraine — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that weapons are supplied despite the ongoing peace talks

Charges against China regarding nuclear tests shaky at best — US expert

Professor Peter Kuznick recalled that the first Donald Trump administration had made similar claims about Russia in May 2019 only to have most experts support Russia's denial

Kiev carries out targeted terrorist attacks against children — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, these are precise, targeted actions through planting Lepestok mines and using drones

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

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

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

Marines of Battlegroup Center deliver cargo with centimeter precision using drones

The Vogan-15 drone was used for this purpose

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

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

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

Dutch mercenaries flying Ukrainian planes will be legitimate targets — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the Netherlands is increasingly involved directly in the conflict with Russia

US must build trust with Russia, China to prevent resumption of nuclear testing — expert

Executive Director of the American Arms Control Association Daryl Kimball emphasized that any US resumption of testing would set off a chain reaction of nuclear testing by other nuclear-armed states

Iraq approves agreement with Lukoil to cede operations at West Qurna-2 to local company

In early January, Iraqi authorities announced the transfer, stating it was occurring "in accordance with the provisions of the service and development contract"

Russia very happy with how Geneva talks were organized — TASS source

The visit and work were organized flawlessly, the source said

US trying to fabricate pretext for resuming nuclear testing — Chinese embassy

China urges the US to take concrete steps to safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, Liu Pengyu said

Lagarde to step down as ECB head ahead of schedule — FT

According to the report, Christine Lagarde wants to give outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron, whose term ends in May 2027, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz the opportunity to appoint a new head of one of the community's most important institutions

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

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

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

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

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

Support, cooperation despite woes: statements by Russia, Cuba foreign ministers

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia will "consistently continue to support Cuba" in protecting its "sovereignty and security"

Russia consistently opposes blockade of Cuba — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "many countries in the world" act the same way

Moscow is selecting counter-measures to London's plans to ramp up military spending — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Russia interprets Keir Starmer’s announcement of increased defense expenditure primarily as a response to the challenging domestic political landscape in the United Kingdom

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

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

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

Russian fighters enter Ukrainian positions in forest near Konstantinovka, DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the enemy had seriously fortified Novodmitrovka, having constructed "strong fortifications"

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

Western media relies on fakes, defector stories to smear North Korea — experts

The GFCN analysis also states that, given the scarcity of confirmed information about North Korea, sensational claims about harsh measures are frequently and widely disseminated in Western media

Russia hopes Iran talks not to end in military gamble — Foreign Ministry

Russia is ready to contribute to political and diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement and implement possible agreements, Maria Zakharova said

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

Ukrainian soldiers blow up ferry in Dnepropetrovsk Region to skip combat — defense source

According to the source, it were soldiers of the Ukrainian army’s 67th brigade

Russian diplomat calls any step toward Ukrainian settlement significant

It is Kiev and its Western backers who are diminishing the importance of negotiations, Maria Zakharova emphasized

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

Canada’s nuclear weapons development would result in international isolation — newspaper

The media outlet doubts that Ottawa would use the weapons even if they were successfully produced

Russian detained in Sweden at US request — TV

The man is suspected of violating sanctions in 2022-2023

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

LDP leader Sanae Takaichi reelected Japanese prime minister

Sanae Takaichi secured 354 votes

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

German chancellor rules out pursuit of nuclear weapons

Friedrich Merz also noted that Berlin was ready to discuss with Paris and London a potential European nuclear umbrella within the framework of NATO

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

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

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

Telegram could meet all of Roskomnadzor’s requirements in month — MP

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy Andrey Svintsov stressed that Telegram has begun actively complying with illegal content blocking requirements

Russian delegation at Geneva talks reports directly to Putin — Kremlin spokesman

The Russian delegation is led by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky

Russian Finance Ministry suggests simplifying branches’ opening for foreign banks

The draft document also stipulates lifting restrictions on banking with individuals - all the transactions and deals authorized for branches of foreign banks to be made with legal entities will be available for 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

FACTBOX: Forty-three drones downed over Russian regions, one person injured

One person was injured in the drone attack on the city of Cheboksary

Russia to demand legal codification of NATO’s non-expansion eastward — newspaper

According to the newspaper, Moscow will also demand the revocation of the decisions of the 2008 Bucharest Summit

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

The talks were held behind closed doors at Hotel InterContinental

Hungary halts diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine — Szijjarto

The country is supplying "significant volumes" of diesel fuel, gas and electric power to Ukraine, the Hungarian foreign affairs and trade minister noted

Finnish politician calls on the West to recognize Russia's red lines in Ukrainian conflict

Armando Mema noted that the Russian side had repeatedly spoken about security guarantees, but Europe "refused them with arrogance"

Iran, Russia to conduct joint drills in Sea of Oman Thursday — Iranian Navy

According to Iranian Navy’s spokesman Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsoudloo, the main objective of these maneuvers is to practice cooperation in combating maritime security threats, particularly in protecting merchant vessels and oil tankers

Japan-Russia trade turnover in January increased by 14.65%, reaching $692 million

Japan increased coal imports from Russia by 258.6%

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

Russian drone operators destroy enemy equipment in Ukrainian-controlled territory

According to the serviceman, a target falls into the trap roughly once a week

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

Zelensky fails to simulate fight against corruption, bigger sacrifice needed — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik also added that an international investigation could reveal Vladimir Zelensky as a key figure in embezzling Western funds

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

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

Putin to chair supervisory board meeting on strategic initiatives for 15th anniversary

The meeting will review the agency’s 2025 results and outline goals for the upcoming period

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

That money goes back down to Venezuela, Chris Wright said

Press review: Ukraine talks in Geneva expand as US, Iran set deal principles amid tensions

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 18th

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

Putin to receive Cuba's foreign minister in Kremlin — presidential spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the meeting is of particular importance, given the difficult period which Cuba is experiencing

'Tough-going but businesslike': outcomes of trilateral talks on Ukraine in Geneva

The talks took place behind closed doors at the InterContinental Hotel, which traditionally hosts important international discussions

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

Foreign mercenaries in Ukrainian forces almost absent on the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk axis

Before, there were French and Poles, but now there was eliminated only one Georgian

US reportedly explores scenarios for potential lifting of anti-Russian sanctions

The magazine emphasized that Europe would lift sanctions against Russia with great reluctance, however US President Donald Trump could influence that decision

Witkoff announces significant progress in negotiation process on Ukraine

According to the US Special Presidential Envoy, "both parties agreed to update their respective leaders and continue working towards a deal"

Geneva talks were tough-going but businesslike — Russia’s chief delegate

Vladimir Medinsky announced that a new meeting on Ukraine would take place soon

MOEX Index up 0.4% as morning trading session opens

As of 7:10 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX Index was up by 0.19% at 2,770.72 points

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

Expert suggests Telegram may remain functional due to the messenger’s policy

Association of Bloggers and Agencies President Yulia Dolgova also highlighted the factor of using means to bypass blocking

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"

Russia to test Internet provider drone similar to Starlink — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers

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

Rosatom confirms dropping Siemens as partner in Paks II project

The state corporation noted that Siemens' potential participation was limited to individual elements of the automated process control system

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"

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

The reasons for the shutdown will be set by the government

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

The trilateral talks have been underway for over four hours

Galushchenko’s arrest shows Zelensky's corruption will not be swept under rug — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that Galushchenko’s detention demonstrates that NABU and those who stand behind NABU are quite serious

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

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

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

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

Russia urges US to refrain from imposing naval blockade on Cuba — top diplomat

Russia categorically rejects the far-fetched accusations against Russian-Cuban cooperation, as allegedly posing a threat to the interests of the United States

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

US Vice President noted that there are a lot of options

US allegations about China conducting nuclear tests baseless — Chinese embassy

Spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington Liu Pengyu stressed that this is political manipulation aimed at pursuing nuclear hegemony

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

Ten skiers missing in California avalanche

The avalanche struck near the town of Truckee in the Castle Peak area northwest of Lake Tahoe, which is a popular destination for freeride skiing

Russian stock indices decline after Geneva talks

By 1:20 p.m. Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices had declined by 0.17%

Russia, Iran fulfilling all military contracts — Iranian Ambassador

"In every matter, Iran relies on its domestic resources, its people, and its own armed forces," Kazem Jalali said

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

West unwilling to support Ukraine's economy, it just needs outpost against Russia — expert

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Europe does not need Ukraine as an equal economic partner

Japan-Russia trade turnover up 14.65% in January to $692 mln — TASS calculations

Imports from Russia added 6% in the reporting period, while exports from Japan to Russia soared by 53.4% year-on-year

At least 43 Ukrainian UAVs shot down overnight over Russian regions and Black Sea

21 of them were destroyed over the territory of the Bryansk Region

FACTBOX: What is known about situation with Russian oil supplies to Slovakia, Hungary

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia could stop supplying electricity to Ukraine due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil transit to the republic via the Druzhba pipeline

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

European UGS facilities are currently 33.02% full