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Russia initiated third stage of Eastern Range upgrade — PM

The second phase of the program was designed until late 2024

MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. Russia has started the third phase of Eastern Range [Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian Railways - TASS] development, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during his report in the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian legislative assembly.

"We are gradually developing the rail and marine infrastructure. We launched the third upgrade phase of the Eastern Range," the prime minister said.

In 2022, Russian Railways announced completion of the first phase of Eastern Range development, with the throughput capacity of two railways growing to 144 mln metric tons. The second phase of the program was designed until late 2024.

Vietnamese PM wants to boost economic ties with Russia

Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam-Russia relations have entered a new era of development

Vietnam-Russia ties model of healthy international relations — Vietnamese PM

Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam "consistently attaches great importance and strives for a steady development of traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with the Russian Federation in all areas"

Russian troops liberate Grafskoye community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,345 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

US ultimatum to Kiev could end conflict in one day — British politician

"Until Trump does that, the war will continue," Leader of the Workers Party of Britain George Galloway said

Ukrainian troops facing difficulties due to Starlink shutdown — commander

According to communications platoon commander of the 49th Combined Arms Army of the Battlegroup Dnepr, the Ukrainian reconnaissance drones and FPV drones are now flying less frequently and the operation of their live monitoring and recording systems has been significantly reduced

Msta-S crew hits Ukrainian fort in Dnepropetrovsk with Krasnopol shell

Live recording confirmed a direct hit on permanent firing positions and dugouts buried deep underground, as well as the destruction of enemy personnel and communications equipment

Russia creates global level solutions for digital platforms — Putin

Russia is proud that its scientists made "a sound contribution" to bioscience, the head of state added

Poland has no reason to place anti-personnel mines on Russia-Belarus border — envoy

According to Boris Gryzlov, the question of how this will help Poland improve its security is more rhetorical than practical

Russia to raise question of nuclear arms supplies to Kiev at OSCE — envoy

According to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the UK and France believe that "Kiev would be able to aspire to more advantageous terms of ceasing the hostilities" if it possesses nuclear weapons

Trump states that United States seeks dominance in Western Hemisphere

The US president pledged to protect national interests, defend the country from "violence, drugs, terrorism, and foreign interference"

Ukraine suffers more than 1.5 million casualties since Russia launched special military op

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost about 65,000 servicemen since the beginning of 2026

Russia initiated third stage of Eastern Range upgrade — PM

The second phase of the program was designed until late 2024

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Consequences of Ukrainian attacks: seven people die, medical unit destroyed

Kiev struck the Kurkovichi village in the Bryansk Region using kamikaze drones

Orban orders increased protection of Hungary's energy infrastructure from Ukraine

Hungary will not succumb to blackmail, the Hungarian prime minister added

Total capacity of Russian ports gain 25 mln tons in 2025 — PM

Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin said earlier this month that the capacity of Russian seaports would add 21 mln

Kurchatov Center’s chief shows Putin model of lunar settlement, small nuclear power plant

Mikhail Kovalchuk noted that while developing the model, the researchers had an idea of covering it with a special cap

US president mentions Russia twice in record State of the Union address

Donald Trump spoke of Russia in the context of the Ukrainian conflict and as he made a reference to the presence of Russian weapons off Venezuelan coast

US to authorize conditional Venezuelan oil resale to Cuba — OFAC

The favorable licensing policy is directed towards transactions that support the Cuban people, including the Cuban private sector, OFAC said

US Coast Guard refrains from comments on incident in Cuban waters

Earlier, the Cuban interior ministry said that a US-flagged boat entered Cuban waters and opened fire at approaching Cuban military

Inflation decline in Russia creates base for economic growth — Novak

"Inflation dropped from 9.5% to 5.6% as of the end of the last year," the deputy prime minister noted

Giatsint-B howitzer crews disrupt rotation of Ukrainian troops in Dobropolye area

During airborne reconnaissance, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator of the group’s unmanned systems troops located hidden enemy positions

Moldova, Transnistria to resume negotiations on February 26 after lengthy pause

The delegations will be led by Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Chiveri and Transnistrian Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev

Astana urges nuclear-armed nations to show flexibility and compromise for sake of security

First Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev also said that Kazakhstan is ready to facilitate a constructive dialogue between "key actors"

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 76.46 rubles for February 26

The official euro rate was lowered by 26.1 kopecks to 90.3211 rubles

Peace plan options, signals to Trump: what Putin aide said after Kremlin talks

The sides discussed several options for a peace plan, including territories, and agreed to continue contacts

Russian coal exports up 7% annually in 2025 — Energy Minister

Russian coal exports totaled 211 mln tons in 2025

Zelensky, Trump discuss upcoming meeting between US, Ukrainian delegations in Geneva

According to Vladimir Zelensky, US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son in law Jared Kushner also joined the call

Iranian president says ready to speak to student protesters

Government officials should visit universities and strengthen the spirit of dialogue, Masoud Pezeshkian said

Those who blew up Nord Streams now blocking Druzhba pipeline — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto called it a disgrace that the EU has not yet completed its investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, which, he recalled, constitutes an act of state terrorism

New Dutch cabinet missed opportunity to restore dialogue with Russia — embassy

The Russian embassy stressed that Russia has "duly taken note" of this signal from the kingdom’s authorities

Vietnamese PM wants to boost economic ties with Russia

Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam-Russia relations have entered a new era of development

Ukraine to resume oil supplies to Slovakia in March at the earliest — Fico

Kiev has repeatedly postponed the time for the restart of oil deliveries to Bratislava, with February 26 indicated as the latest deadline before

Tehran ready for both peaceful and military scenarios — Iran’s top diplomat Araghchi

Abbas Araghchi said that his country is capable of effectively defending itself

Talks on Ukraine may resume in Geneva on February 26 — source

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

Trump says he is working hard to facilitate Ukrainian conflict settlement

The conflict wouldn't have happened during his presidency, the official says

Medvedev meets with Xi in Beijing

Last time the deputy head of the Russian Security Council came to China was in December 2022

Ukraine could go bankrupt by April due to dispute with Hungary — magazine

Mandiner emphasized that in the context of general mobilization, more than a third of Ukraine's budget goes toward financing the army

Sixty-one foreign air carriers flying to Russia — Transport Minister

Plans for 2026 are to continue working on the upgrade of airport infrastructure and commission passenger terminals in Barnaul, Blagoveshchensk and Orenburg in particular, Andrey Nikitin added

West’s goal is to give Zelensky time to rearm his forces — Russia’s OSCE envoy

Dmitry Polyansky says that this tactics is compatible with "today’s version of the so-called European values"

Sanya airport's passenger traffic can reach 10 mln in 2020

Russia develops first tactical guided munition with range of over 100 km

The system was created in record time based on the experience of active deployment of guided munitions in the special military operation zone

Russia’s grain harvest in 2025 among top five in 20 years — PM

Mikhail Mishustin also noted the expanding network of professional and scientific centers in the country that clearly meet the needs of key sectors

West wants to escalate Ukraine conflict to global level — Russian delegation in Vienna

Those who are obstructing peace in Ukraine and sponsoring the war there cannot expect a place at the negotiating table to end it, Yulia Zhdanova added

Trump claims Iran has not promised to US to give up nuclear weapons

The US leader also says he will not allow Tehran to obtain the weapons

China, Germany support UN and development of green technologies

Beijing and Berlin confirmed that they will encourage the expansion of interpersonal contacts and boost culture and sports cooperation

If Kiev rejects talks, Russia to oust Ukrainian troops from new regions by force — envoy

Gennady Gatilov pointed out that Kiev "has to recognize the incorporation of the new regions into Russia and withdraw its armed forces from these territories"

US-registered boat enters Cuban waters, opens fire — Cuban interior ministry

As a result of the clash, four Americans were killed and six were wounded

Guterres announces to Lavrov his intention to attend BRICS summit in Kazan — MFA

Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin stated that Guterres' participation in the BRICS summit would provide "an interesting and substantial interaction with a power bloc in international relations that is visibly gaining authority"

Ukraine turned conflict with Russia into profitable business model — Szijjarto

According to the Hungarian top diplomat, Ukraine receives from funds of the European Union more money than the entire Ukrainian economy may give

Larry Summers to resign from Harvard over Epstein ties — CNN

Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said Summers has also resigned from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government

National ensigns flown on Arctic rescue vessels

The vessels' equipment is 70% Russian-made

British army, air force begin preparations for deployment to Ukraine — Defense Secretary

Defense Secretary John Healey stressed he had already accelerated the allocation of $270 million so that the forces have the necessary equipment for deployment

Iranian foreign minister arrives in Geneva to participate in talks with US

The Foreign Ministry also said the Iranian delegation plans to meet with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi this evening to outline Tehran's position "on sanctions and the nuclear program"

Ukrainian troops suffer heavy losses in Dnepropetrovsk Region — Russian security official

According to the source, the enemy is attempting to resist the advance of Russian troops, relying on surprise and taking advantage of weather conditions

Litasco may go to arbitration due to external management of assets in Bulgaria

The measures taken by Bulgaria constitute breaches of its obligations under the applicable bilateral investment treaty and the Energy Charter Treaty, the company said

Russia to test digital ruble use soon — PM

This is a challenging case, Mikhail Mishustin added

Russian coal exports to remain at 200 mln tons in 2026 — expert

The Asian coal market is currently experiencing a local reduction in output in China, as well as temporary supply disruptions in Australia due to flooding and plans to restrict production in Indonesia

Press review: EU delays Ukraine association as US businesses demand Trump tariff refunds

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 25th

Plans by Paris, London to give Kiev nuclear arms show they lost touch with reality — envoy

They are mistaken in hoping to avoid responsibility, Gennady Gatilov said

Russian diplomat sees UK, France flirting with Kiev over nukes

Maria Zakharova noted that, over the past week, the media had downplayed the news by diverting global attention

IN BRIEF: Russia’s stance on UK, French plans to hand over nuclear weapons to Kiev

Paris and London’s plans to transfer nuclear technologies to Kiev for the purpose of creating a bomb as bordering on insanity, Dmitry Peskov said

Ukrainian attacks kill 35, injure 239 people in Belgorod Region since start of year

Сompared to 2025, the number of vehicles hit in attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces has doubled

Russian General Staff: Air strikes convince terrorist sponsors their efforts are hopeless

The Russian pilots have made 1,631 combat sorties and delivered air strikes at 2,084 terrorist facilities since the military operation started

Merz says he asked China to use its influence to end conflict in Ukraine

The German chancellor said that signals from China are taken very seriously in Moscow

Yet-to-be created low-enriched uranium bank in Kazakhstan to be IAEA-managed

The bank’s operation will be liable to the legal and regulatory requirements of the host country, but all management functions will be performed by the International Atomic Energy Agency

German defense minister confirms no supplies of Taurus missiles to Ukraine

"Taurus will not resolve and will not end this war," Boris Pistorius underscored

Tucker Carlson trying to talk Trump out of war with Iran — US expert

Andrew Napolitano believes that Trump's use of force against Tehran is practically predetermined

Russia’s position on North Korea remains unchanged — source

North Korea carried out its new missile test early on November 29 after a 75-day pause

Iran says to be more careful in talks with US, taking into account past experience

On February 26, Geneva will host the third round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States to resolve the situation around the republic's nuclear program

US lawmakers expects authorities to share details about incident with boat off Cuba

The Representative from Florida Maria Elvira Salazar noted that she is closely monitoring reports

Kiev is failing to stabilize the front near Slavyansk — Russian military expert

Andrey Marochko says that Ukrainian servicemen are unable to contain the advance of the Russian army

Situation in Russian fuel market stable — Novak

According to the official, fuel production volumes in Russia are above the requirements

Russian PM outlines key goals for government in 2026

"The first and the key task is to preserve and increase our people," Mikhail Mishustin said

Switzerland to apply paragraphs of 19th EU sanction package against Russia

Measures include the complete ban on purchases and imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and the ban on transactions with certain cryptocurrencies pegged to the Russian ruble

Share of oil, gas revenues in Russian budget to be less than 20% — Finance Minister

The Russian budget indicators for this year may be amended subject to the market situation, Anton Siluanov noted

Budget revenues from Sber Group over $17 bln — CEO

Herman Gref said that Sber Group paid $7.1 bln of income tax as of 2025 year-end

Russia considering proposal to help Cuba with fuel — Novak

"The intergovernmental commission for development of trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Cuba is dealing with that," the deputy prime minister said

United States making progress with both Russia, Ukraine — Vance

The US vice president also noted that the US administration is continuing diplomatic efforts to bring the negotiations to a point at which both Russia and Ukraine will consider their objectives sufficiently achieved and bring the conflict to an end

Motorcade leaves Vnukovo-2 airport amid reports of Witkoff's arrival

The motorcade is heading towards Moscow

Russian Army clears Berestok in Donbass region of Ukrainian troops — expert

Andrey Marochko says Russian fighters are advancing in three sectors

China to support development of Germany, other countries — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader stressed that was still following the path of peaceful development

Qatar’s investments in Russia exceed $13 bln, ambassador says

Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser Al-Thani noted that the Qatar Investment Authority invested "18.9% into the Russian oil company Rosneft, 24.99% into the St. Petersburg Western High Speed Diameter Project, 25% into Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, and another 25% into Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport"

US abstains from voting on anti-Russian General Assembly resolution on Ukraine

A total of 107 countries voted in favor, while 12 were against, including Russia, Belarus, Iran and North Korea

Consequences of using nuclear bomb, Russian developments: Putin's statements

The Russian president said that Russia has promising defense and civilian developments, and some of them have not yet been publicly presented

Sanctions, support of population, tasks for 2026: Mishustin’s report to State Duma

The premier mentioned six tasks facing the state in 2026

Russia could launch nuclear strikes on France, UK if they arm Kiev with nukes — Medvedev

"This is the proportional response that Russia has the right to," the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed

Russia’s Krasnopol-M2 guided shell exceeds Western analogues in accuracy — Rostec

The use of these guided munitions turns self-propelled artillery units and towed howitzers from area suppression weapons into a tool for the precise destruction of enemy targets, Rostec representatives said

Russia to start production of Tu-214 airplane — PM

The certification of the medium-range airliner Tu-214 was completed in December 2025

Ukrainian army preparing Odessa region for all-round defense

Denis Nosikov, head of the regional department of the South territorial defense forces, noted that various fortifications are being constructed around the region

British, French embassies make cliched statements about nukes for Kiev

According to Federation Council Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev, there was no responsible, serious, or official high-level reaction

Battlegroup West destroy 59 heavy combat quadcopters of Kiev troops in one day

The fighters also eliminated 39 drone control points, Spokesman for the Battlegroup West Ivan Bigma says

Ukraine’s military unhappy with ineffective UAVs supplied by Western countries — media

The Ukrainian officer admitted that Ukraine’s allies were unaware of how quickly the situation changes during the conflict

UK, France readying to arm Ukraine with nuclear bomb — Foreign Intelligence Service

According to the SVR, the British and the French realize that their plot is "a gross violation of the international law, first of all the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and carries the risk of destroying the global non-proliferation system"

Control over Grafskoye allows Russian forces to advance south along Seversky Donets

The Defense Ministry reported earlier that servicemen of assault groups from the 82nd Motorized Rifle Regiment of Battlegroup North took control over Grafskoye

Iran ready to engage with US or respond to its threats — parliament’s speaker

Iran makes it clear to the Americans in a direct and decisive way that all options are being considered, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said

IN BRIEF: Putin speaks at Future Technologies Forum

Russia is proud that its scientists made a "sound contribution" to biosciences, the Russian leader said

Serbian interior minister hospitalized in grave condition — TV

According to the TV channel, Ivica Dacic has been placed on life support

Tisza may become first "trash river" in Europe — environmentalist

"Rivers are used to deliver waste to the ocean instead of dump trucks in certain poor Asian countries," head of Green Patrol organization’s environmental projects Roman Pukalov said

Ukrainian army trying to divert attention from failures to Odessa defenses — expert

Retired Colonel Timur Syrtlanov noted that all cities located in the combat area were always preparing for defense

Zaporozhye NPP operating normally in wake of Ukrainian attack on thermal power facility

According to acting Energodar Mayor Maxim Pukhov, Ukrainian troops launched 15 artillery strikes on the city adjacent to the ZNPP