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Extraordinary snowfall in Moscow to affect airport operations

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

MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. A heavy snowfall approaching the Russian capital will cause adjustments in operations of the Moscow hub airports, the Ministry of Transport said.

"Weather worsening will influence air transport operations. Inbound and outbound schedules will be revised and flight cancellations are not ruled out," the ministry said.

The decision was made to limit landings and takeoffs in the Sheremetyevo Airport, affecting the schedule of the Russian flag carrier Aeroflot, the ministry 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

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

Russian Rubicon drones strike Ukrainian trench shelters

"Upon detecting enemy positions and equipment, the data was immediately relayed to the strike force," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russian defense minister’s strategic Latin American voyage

Shoigu’s overseas voyage had a pretty clear strategic message: Russia’s geopolitical rival must remember that Moscow has its own interests in that part of the world

US Department of Justice publishes list of 300 celebrities who appear in Epstein files

Prince Harry, Kim Kardashian, Kurt Cobain, and Bruce Springsteen are among the names mentioned

Japan joining Ukrainian arms procurement program to exacerbate relations with Russia — MFA

"The equipment that will be supplied to the Ukrainian armed forces with Japanese money will become another legitimate target for the Russian military," Maria Zakharova said

Tourism on the Pole of Cold. How to survive in minus 60 degrees and to enjoy the North

A young businessman has long wanted to organize an extreme route in the Oymyakon district in the north-east of Yakutia - after all, this is the coldest point in Russia

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

FACTBOX: What is known about Nipah virus outbreak in India, risks to Russia

No cases of Nipah virus infection have been recorded in Russia, according to the country’s sanitary watchdog

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

Russian banking system absolutely stable — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that all the risks were addressed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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"

Zelensky’s inner circle transfers $50 mln every month to UAE accounts — Turkish newspaper

At the same time, it published no documents to prove the transfers, according to Aydinlik

Dialogue with EU can be resumed when EU drops its sanctions policy — Russian diplomat

Any resumption of relations with the European Union can be seen as possible only in the event European colleagues change their approach to cooperation with Russia cardinally, Vladislav Maslennikov said

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

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

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

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

Marines of Battlegroup Center deliver cargo with centimeter precision using drones

The Vogan-15 drone was used for this purpose

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

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

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 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

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

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

Putin slams new restrictions on Cuba as 'unacceptable'

The Russian president stressed that Moscow's position is unambiguous

Most beautiful curlers at Sochi Winter Olympics

Canadian team has grabbed gold in women's curling

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

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

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

Russian troops strike Kiev airport used to train F-16 pilots — politician

"The Russian army hit hangars and warehouses at the site, with secondary detonations continuing for up to two hours," Vladimir Rogov said

Rosatom counts on fruitful cooperation with new Bangladeshi authorities — CEO

Alexey Likhachev noted that Rosatom's strategic project – Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant, Rooppur – is primarily aimed at improving the quality of life for the people

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

The meeting followed the main round of negotiations in Geneva

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

Maksut Shadaev said that Telegram is still available

Western operations only exacerbated terrorist threat in West Africa — Russia's UN envoy

Africans have every right to choose whom to partner with and on what conditions, Vasily Nebenzya said

IMF welcomes Russia returning to three-year budget in 2017 — report

Reintroducing in the 2017 budget the three-year framework is critical to help reduce policy uncertainty by providing greater clarity over future fiscal measure, saccording to the IMF report

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

81 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

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 consistently opposes blockade of Cuba — Kremlin

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

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

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

Belarus, Russia plan to sign treaty on security guarantees — foreign minister

The countries are looking to conclude the agreement by the 25th anniversary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus

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

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

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

Chinese President Xi congratulates Trump on US presidential election victory — CNN

The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded that it had no commentaries to make regarding this information

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

No one wants new tensions around Iran — Lavrov

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

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

Russian detained in Sweden at US request — TV

The man is suspected of violating sanctions in 2022-2023

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

The reasons for the shutdown will be set by the government

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

US Vice President noted that there are a lot of options

Russian delegation to arrive in Geneva on February 17 — source

According to the source, the delegation will fly back on Wednesday evening

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

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

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

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

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

S-500 system to be supplied to Armed Forces after 2015

Victor Gumenny said the advanced systems may solve the tasks of air-space defence and may fight hypersonic weapons

Situation in Russian fuel market stable, Energy Ministry says

Export restrictions do not cover direct producers of petroleum products, making it possible to provide for the uniform capacity utilization of oil companies, including in the low season

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 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

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

US citizen sentenced to four years in Russia for attempting to export rifle, parts to US

The California resident's defense was unable to challenge the lower courts' decisions, and the verdict came into force

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’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the special military operation is taking longer because it started against the Kiev regime and is continuing as a war between Russia and NATO

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

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

Russia, BRICS partners working on protection against Western piracy — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev recalled that the BRICS Will for Peace 2026 drills took place in the South Atlantic Ocean in January, with Russia, China, Iran, the UAE, and South Africa involved

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

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

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

The Russian delegation is led by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky

No one in Ukraine to sign agreements with, former PM says

"The best answer was given by Russian President Vladimir Putin when he said that negotiations are possible, but there is no one to sign agreements with at the moment," Nikolay Azarov said

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

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

US, NATO unleash new war in Middle East — Iranian expert

According to Ruhollah Modabber, Western and US supporters are too careless, if they think that the Israeli military operation is temporary

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

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

China-US relations not smooth, but competition not an option — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader said that Beijing and Washington will be capable of rising above their differences as long as they respect each other, strive for peace and pursue win-win cooperation

Hungary expects to increase oil supplies via Adriatic pipeline — Szijjarto

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

Russia tests drones in freezing temperatures

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

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

Poll reveals over half of Poles no longer consider US as reliable ally

Of the respondents, 45% believe that there is no alliance between the US and Poland

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

Extraordinary snowfall in Moscow to affect airport operations

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