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Russian Transport Ministry not expecting traffic restrictions in Gulf of Finland

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin also added that two icebreakers will appear in the Baltic Region

MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. No vessel traffic restrictions are expected because of the ice situation in the Gulf of Finland until March 1, Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin told reporters.

"The forecast has actually improved. We thought serious constraints would start from February 19 but harbormasters gave a more positive forecast. We do not expect restrictions until March 1 on the one side but proactively prepare for the risks on the other side," he said.

Two icebreakers will appear in the Baltic Region, Nikitin said. "We hope that we will complete all the tasks even in case of situation worsening," the minister added.

US attempts to drive Russia out of energy markets — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that a couple of weeks after the Alaska summit the Donald Trump administration announced US sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft

Stability in Middle East impossible without Palestinian state, Lavrov says

Russian Foreign Minister explained that the absence of a Palestinian state “will continue fueling extremism” which is not in the interests of Israel’s security

Top Russian, Cuban diplomats condemn Washington's illegitimate actions against Havana

Russian diplomats pointed out that, during the meeting, the foreign ministers confirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership in all areas

Kalashnikov gunmaker scrutinizes experience of latest marksman rifle in Ukraine operation

"With regard to our new firearms already being supplied to the special military operation zone - and these are the Chukavin sniper rifle (SVCh) and the Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun - we carefully analyze the feedback and take it into account," Alan Lushnikov stressed

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

Rosatom submits documents for Zaporozhye NPP Unit 6 licensing

"As soon as the military and political situation allows, we will proceed directly to this work," Alexey Likhachev said

Extraordinary snowfall in Moscow to affect airport operations

Flight cancellations are not ruled out, the Ministry of Transport said

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

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

Russia, US discuss root causes of Ukrainian conflict in Geneva, says Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister also noted that Moscow will discuss the understandings reached in Alaska during the talks with the Americans in Geneva

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

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

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

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

The reasons for the shutdown will be set by the government

Annual inflation in Russia down to 5.85% from February 10 to 16 — Economy Ministry

Inflation slowed down to 0.12% over the week from February 10 to 16, 2026

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens

As of 10:15 a.m. Moscow time, the indices were up by 0.12% at 2,768.54 points and 1,136.52 points, respectively

'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

Lavrov warns of adverse consequences in case of new strikes on Iran

Russian Foreign Minister noted that the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in June 2025 not only undermined the authority of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but also "there were real risks of a nuclear incident"

Russia consistently opposes blockade of Cuba — Kremlin

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

Most beautiful curlers at Sochi Winter Olympics

Canadian team has grabbed gold in women's curling

Battlegroup Center Marines 'blind' enemy kamikaze drones using image spoofing

A senior instructor at the battlegroup’s Marine Corps Unmanned Systems Center, call sign "Bolshoy," added that militants of the Ukrainian armed forces are aware of the image-swapping system and are trying to counter it, but to no avail

Volume of Russians’ deposits in foreign banks decline, first time in seven years

The indicator fell by $2.1 bln in dollar terms

Russian Finance Ministry expects around 14 state company IPOs in 2026

According to Pavel Shakhlevich, secondary offerings are also expected

Digital development minister says foreign intelligence has access to Telegram messages

Maksut Shadayev said that the intelligence gathered is being used in combat operations against the Russian Armed Forces

Putin slams new restrictions on Cuba as 'unacceptable'

The Russian president stressed that Moscow's position is unambiguous

Russian banking system absolutely stable — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that all the risks were addressed

Russian detained in Sweden at US request — TV

The man is suspected of violating sanctions in 2022-2023

Russia confirms 23-member delegation for 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Italy

According to RPC President Pavel Rozhkov, some of the Russian Para athletes had already left for Italy and started practicing

EU cannot offer arguments for its role in Ukraine talks — Russian lawmaker

There are no serious answers to the question of why Europeans are needed at the negotiating table, according to Alexey Pushkov

US attempts to drive Russia out of energy markets — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that a couple of weeks after the Alaska summit the Donald Trump administration announced US sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft

Switzerland ready to host next round of talks on Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

The Swiss Foreign Ministry emphasized that it "is in contact with all parties and consistently offers its good offices"

Sweden awaits arrival of first non-American nuclear carrier in over half-century

The Charles de Gaulle carrier will stay in Malmo for several days

Slovakia may suspend electricity supplies to Ukraine, Fico says

Zelensky halted oil supplies over the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary for the purpose of politically blackmailing them and the pipeline could have been damaged deliberately, the Slovak prime minister noted

Russian delegation in Geneva negotiates based on Anchorage understandings — diplomat

The negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine took place in Geneva on February 17-18

Possible EU ban on sales of video game consoles won’t affect Russian market — distributor

According to a source close to the distribution market, the supply of consoles to Russia "has continued and will continue", but their export from the territory of the European Union will be complicated

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

Next US attack on Iran could look like full-blown war — Axios

According to sources, it would be a joint US-Israeli operation, much larger that the one in June 2025

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

Telegram will not be restricted in Special Military Operation area — minister

Maksut Shadaev said that Telegram is still available

Europe wants to keep Ukraine’s army at level sufficient for war, Lavrov says

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Brussels wants to integrate Ukraine’s military structures into those of the European Union

Russia to take into account Japan’s source toward supporting Kiev, anti-Russian sanctions

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, amid the current developments in Japan, where "a parliamentary election campaign has recently started, speculations on the above-mentioned topic are seen as pure populism"

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

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

BBC disinformation and results of Geneva talks: Foreign Ministry spokeswoman’s statements

Maria Zakharova noted that the Russian delegation at the Geneva talks had clear instructions to adhere to the understandings reached at the Alaska summit

Air defenses destroy 120 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within six-hour period

81 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

More than 20 countries to take part in first meeting of Board of Peace — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that during the meeting, US President Donald Trump will announce that the countries participating in the Board of Peace have pledged to allocate five billion dollars for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza

Record number of Russian tourists visit Japan in January, up 98.7% yoy

9,800 Russian nationals visited Japan in January

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

US Vice President noted that there are a lot of options

Russia plans to produce more than 1,000 aircraft by 2030 — Putin

The head of state added that the Russian industry plans to produce MC-21 passenger jets and make a change to Russian engines for certain aircraft

Russia to transfer $1 bln from frozen funds to rebuild Gaza — Lavrov

US authorities have not formally confirmed their president’s assessment, Russian Foreign Minister said

UK opens embassy office in Lvov — Foreign Office

London noted that the UK is one of the few countries in the world that will have a diplomatic office in Lvov

Hungary will not subdue to Ukraine’s blackmail — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister stressed that no technical obstacles are in place for Russian oil transit to Hungary and it is blocked because of the political decision of Vladimir Zelensky

No one wants new tensions around Iran — Lavrov

"Everyone understands that this is playing with fire," Sergey Lavrov emphasized

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

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

Japan increased coal imports from Russia by 258.6%

Real effective exchange rate of ruble up 1.9% in January — Central Bank

In January 2026, the real effective ruble rate edged up by 2.8% against the dollar

UN Secretary General becoming obstacle to settlement in Ukraine — Zakharova

The diplomat said that on top of exceeding his powers as UN secretary general, Guterres is essentially acting "against the settlement of the conflict" in Ukraine

US wants to build datacenter, tunnel to Alaska with Russia — The Economist

According to the report, people within the orbit of President Donald Trump are holding talks on acquiring stakes in Russian energy assets

US ban on Russian flights to come into force by late Wednesday

According to the US Department of Transportation, the ban will be applicable to all aircraft owned, certified, operated, registered, chartered, leased, or controlled by, for, or for the benefit of, a person who is a citizen of Russia

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

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

Still early to assess results of negotiations on Ukraine in Geneva — Kremlin

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the members of the Russia delegation are about to arrive home and then there will be results

US sends 50 fighter jets to Middle East in past day — Axios

According to the news outlet, the US could launch a military operation against Iran in the coming weeks

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Russia, Iran discussing large volumes of wheat supplies from Russia — minister

Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov added that Moscow and Tehran are rapidly developing a joint space program

Slovak refinery orders 7 tankers of oil due to suspension of supplies via Druzhba pipeline

The director of one of Central Europe's largest oil refineries noted that there is no reason to panic and that the republic's energy security is ensured

Top Cuban diplomat thanks Russia for support during meeting with Lavrov

The Cuban party and government attach to the comprehensive, sustainable, and strategic development of relations with Moscow

Cargo turnover of Far Eastern ports to grow over 1.5-fold by 2030 — VTB estimate

The cargo turnover of all Far Eastern ports will grow by more than 60% by 2030, reaching around 380 mln tons, Dmitry Sredin said

Cuba thanks Russia for solidarity amid tightening blockade — top diplomat

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla noted that he was happy to be in the Russian capital

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

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

Marines of Battlegroup Center deliver cargo with centimeter precision using drones

The Vogan-15 drone was used for this purpose

Russia’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov participates in International Fleet Review in India

The Russian delegation is led by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy

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"

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

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

Russia tests drones in freezing temperatures

The tests included demonstration flights and testing of the drones’ operation with photo and thermal imaging systems

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

Russia-US dialogue on nuclear arms control needs to continue — IAEA chief Grossi

Rafael Grossi said that he is not privy to the discussions between Moscow and Washington

Geneva talks notably without Ukrainian leaks — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, now, compared to Abu Dhabi, "the most difficult track, called "political," was discussed, when the parties clearly came with the stances they brought from Kiev, Washington, and Moscow"

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

Hungary expects to increase oil supplies via Adriatic pipeline — Szijjarto

In 2025, the country imported 400,000 tons via the Adriatic pipeline

Russia-Iran trade turnover up 13.1% in 11M 2025

Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov said the work of the intergovernmental commission covers a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation

US forces buildup and Geneva talks: what we know about situation around Iran

The War Zone portal said the number of US forces deployed to the Middle East is enough for a "major operation" against Iran lasting several weeks together with the Israeli Air Force

Construction of 2nd, 3rd power units of Bushehr NPP in Iran continues — Russian minister

Sergey Tsivilyov noted that equipment for the second and third power units of the Bushehr NPP has been ordered and is being manufactured in Russia

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

Russia’s latest frigates to carry super-long-range anti-aircraft missiles — source

Long-range anti-aircraft missiles will be launched from cells of the 3S14 versatile shipborne launching system installed on the Project’s frigates

Gas prices in Europe make summer injection unprofitable — Gazprom

Since mid-January, prices at the TTF gas hub with ‘next summer’ delivery are at the level of or higher than ‘next winter’ prices, the Russian gas holding said

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

Russian, Ukrainian negotiating chiefs hold closed-door meeting in Geneva

The meeting followed the main round of negotiations in Geneva

Termination of electricity supplies from Slovakia to be severe blow to Ukraine — expert

Alexander Dudchak said that the European supranational bodies ignore Vladimir Zelensky's antics, because they can use Ukraine to punish the countries that show independent will and sovereignty

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

Hainan tightens oversight of tourism sector during Chinese New Year holidays

Businesses have been advised to raise service standards and adhere to principles of fair and honest commercial conduct

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

Norway’s Klaebo makes history with tenth career gold at Winter Olympic Games

In the Summer Games, the most decorated athlete is US swimmer Michael Phelps with 23 Olympic golds

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

Nuclear proliferation threatens weapons use in regional conflicts — IAEA

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi emphasized that several non-nuclear states have the technical capabilities to obtain nuclear weapons

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

Russian Transport Ministry not expecting traffic restrictions in Gulf of Finland

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin also added that two icebreakers will appear in the Baltic Region

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

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"

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

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with nearly 180 UAVs in past day

In the settlement of Maisky, three persons were injured in a drone attack on a commercial facility