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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Ex-minister Ulyukaev brands Rosneft CEO's $2 mln 'transfer' a complete 'set-up'

Alexey Ulyukaev said in court that Igor Sechin regularly gave him "expensive gifts"

Alexey Ulyukaev Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

Alexey Ulyukaev

© Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Former Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukaev, accused of taking a bribe of $2 mln, told the court about his detention, branding the incident a “set-up."

"After the bag was opened bundles of banknotes were taken out, I realized that it was a set-up," he said in his testimony to Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky court. According to Ulyukaev, immediately after the arrest, (Federal Security Service) FSB officers prohibited him from making calls, but a video recording of the incident had been conducted from the very beginning.

Read also

Ex-Minister Ulyukayev suspected of extorting bribes maintains his innocence

He admitted that after the arrest he was bewildered, so answering the question about what is in the bag, initially he said he did not know. "But then I remembered and said that it must be wine that Sechin had promised me during the meeting in Goa," he recalled.

"Sechin visited me regularly and brought gifts, there were expensive watches and other things. As I understand that this was part of the etiquette by Rosneft’s CEO," Ulyukaev added.

Ulyukayev, the then economic development minister, was detained on November 14, 2016, which had been the first detention of a senior government official in Russia’s modern history. He is facing charges of large-scale bribe-taking by a government official (Part 6, Section 290 of the Russian Criminal Code).

According to the Russian Investigative Committee, Ulyukayev was detained while taking a $2 mln bribe in return for the ministry green-lighting Rosneft’s purchase of a 50.08% stake in Bashneft. Moreover, according to investigators, the former minister is being charged with extorting a bribe through threats to Rosneft representatives.

In November 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin relieved Ulyukayev of his duties over the loss of trust. The former minister is currently under house arrest.

Russian-Qatari trade in agricultural products up 50% yoy in 1H 2024 — Russian Ambassador

According to Dmitry Dogadkin, Qatar "is of interest to Russian entrepreneurs not only as the final point of delivery of goods, but also as a logistics hub for export to third countries"

Nearly 20% Ukrainian servicemen gone AWOL from battlefield — The Economist

According to the journal’s estimates, Kiev may face acute shortages of personnel and ammunition within about six months

Venezuelan president counts on longstanding cooperation with Russia

The agreements that were signed consolidate path of unity and cooperation, Maduro said

US companies can return to Russian market if so desire — Putin

"We see there are certain signals coming even from the US companies that they want to return to our market," the president said. "Let them return but certainly in new conditions, with losses, naturally; it was not actually our fault," Putin added

Finland invites NATO to deploy reconnaissance drone base on its territory — yle

The media notes that due to the nature of the operations, the reconnaissance base needs strong military protection around it, both from attacks using conventional weapons and from electronic warfare

IN BRIEF: What is known about new UK sanctions against Russia

The British authorities have imposed restrictive measures against the Afrika Corps paramilitary organization, allegedly linked to Russia

Putin sets record at plenary session of Valdai International Discussion Club

It lasted four hours and seven minutes

Russia, India boost cooperation in all areas – Putin

Bilateral trade turnover is almost $60 billion, Putin said

Trump vows to settle conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration

He also pledged to prevent World War Three

Trump’s election to facilitate real talks on peace in Ukraine — Vucic

Previously, The Wall Street Journal said that Donald Trump’s potential victory in the election will create even greater uncertainty in regards to Ukraine

Trump to appoint campaign manager Wiles as his chief of staff

Susie Wiles became the first female chief of staff in US history

West brought situation to coup in Ukraine, forced Russia to begin special op – Putin

The West needs to rip Russia and Europe apart, especially Russia and Germany, France, Russian President said

Russia says its Inokhodets drone destroyed Ukrainian fighting vehicle in Kursk Region

The ministry said the destruction of the target was captured on live-recording footage

Russia open to dialogue with US if Washington takes initiative — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat described the problems facing Russia-US relations as "very deep," stemming from the perception by the American elite that any rivals in the international arena should be suppressed unless someone questions the US global dominance

BRICS investment platform for developing markets to be created

That is, the point is to create such a platform of electronic payments, with the use of which it will be possible to invest in developing markets, Russian President Vladimir Putin said

Americans were on the Moon but footage may have been filmed in advance — Russian cosmonaut

Sergey Prokopyev pointed out that the fact that US astronauts did land on the Moon "is confirmed by automatic probes and cannot be subjected to doubt"

Russia offers aid to Cuba to help deal with energy crisis, hurricanes — minister

That Hurricane Rafael caused no deaths on the territory of Cuba, although damage was reported

Putin expects next 20 years to be even more difficult

"Experts point to the threats stemming from new regional conflicts, global epidemics, the complicated and controversial ethical aspects of interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, as well as to the way traditions and progress go together," the head of state noted

Countries of collective West virtually live on credit — Shoigu

"An increasing number of countries are abandoning the dollar and the euro as instruments of mutual payments," the Russian Security Council secretary pointed out

Humanity faces risk of plunging into anarchy, loss of values — Putin

"Ever more often democracy is beginning to be interpreted as the rule of the minority rather than the majority," the Russian president said

Western failure, Kiev's terrorism: what Shoigu told top security officials at CIS meeting

The Russian Security Council secretary pointed out that Kiev's aggression in the Kursk Region was aimed at seizing the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

Trump’s readiness to resolve Ukrainian conflict overnight is overstatement — Peskov

Kremlin spokesman added that if the new US administration "will be eyeing peace instead of conflict," it will certainly do better than its predecessors

World needs Russia regardless of decisions by 'Western bosses' — Putin

The Russian president noted that even a trained athlete "cannot swim against the current, no matter what tricks and doping he might use"

China not to blame for East Asia tensions, it’s NATO interference — Putin

He acknowledged certain difficulties on the border between India and China

Eurasian security system requires restoring trust between Russia, Europe – Putin

This will be the first step towards creating a common system of Eurasian security, Putin said

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

Local who transferred data about Russian military facilities to Ukraine nabbed in Crimea

A criminal probe has been launched

Putin considers premature to talk about common BRICS currency

Other variants are impossible and harmful, the Russian leader added

Russia ready to supply Su-57E fifth-generation fighter to foreign partners — UAC

The aircraft will take part in the airshow’s flight demonstration program while visitors will also be able to see the aircraft at the show’s static display

Kremlin names two reasons preventing Putin from congratulating Trump

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov also said the Russian president had no plans for congratulating Donald Trump

Putin doesn’t expect Trump to offer alliance against China

Putin said he believes that Trump realizes that this issue is "very far from the realities in which we live"

Some countries could be seeking to inflame crisis around Taiwan - Putin

Everyone formally recognizes that Taiwan is part of China. But in reality they act in a completely different fashion, Putin said

Men’s participation in women’s competitions kills women’s sports, Putin says

Speaking about the Paris Olympics, Putin pointed out that certain scenes from the opening ceremony were insulting for millions of Christians

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

About 10,000 Ukrainian troops are blocked on the bank of a water reservoir. In another area near Kupyansk, about 5,000 troops are blocked, Russian President said

Press review: BRICS membership may triple and German radical 'coup plot' foiled

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 8th

Some find Trump’s election win shocking because of legacy media’s lies, Musk says

The United States held its presidential election on November 5

Putin says West supported al-Qaida when it fought against Russia

According to Putin, Russia’s goal at the time was to use all means to hold the country together

Russia has repeatedly stopped those who pressed for world domination — Putin

The head of state recalled that some had already tried to ruin Russia and to eliminate everything that remained after the collapse of the Soviet Union

Medicine, food and energy security should be ‘factor out’ of any conflict — Putin

According to the Russian president, the lag of many countries and societies in terms of socio-economic development is a complex phenomenon

Zelensky says he needs no help to arrange talks with Russia

The Ukrainian president mentioned that Kiev had prepared its own settlement plan and intended to continue pushing for its implementation

Putin describes NATO as world’s only remaining bloc, ‘outright anachronism’

According to him, Russia has repeatedly pointed to the destructive role that the bloc played after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact

Residents of Kursk Region border areas describe living under rubble with no food

The resident of the borderline Kursk Region explained that her family was rescued by Russian troops

FACTBOX: What we know about collapse of ruling coalition in Germany

The German chancellor said he would call for a confidence vote on January 15, 2025, in the Bundestag, which could trigger a snap election before late March

Russia, India develop defense cooperation – Putin

As an example, Putin named the BrahMos cruise missile project

European countries often lack competence for making wise decisions – Putin

This applies to the green agenda as well, Putin continued

Russia, Venezuela to cooperate on solid minerals, hydrocarbons in 2024-2025

The document was signed during Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko’s meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas

Russia-China trust at highest level in modern history – Putin

The head of state recalled that the trade turnover between Russia and China is about 240 billion dollars

Donbass, Novorossia had right to declare independence under UN Charter – Putin

Residents of Crimea, and southeastern Ukraine disagreed with the state coup - which is an illegitimate and an anti-constitutional act - and they have the right for self-determination, Putin said

Kremlin unaware if Putin would pass messages to Western leaders at APEC summit

According to Dmitry Peskov, "relations with many [APEC] countries are developing very well, so such forums are used for bilateral contacts anyway"

Putin congratulates Trump on his election as US president at Valdai Forum

We will work with any head of state who is trusted by the American people, Putin said

George H. W. Bush called US boycott of 1980 Moscow Olympics huge mistake – Putin

Under outside pressure, the International Olympic Committee has turned into circus buffoonery, Russian President said

Russia dealing with tragic consequences of Soviet foreign policy of mid-1980s — Putin

He pointed out that in the middle of the 1980s, the Soviet Union had called for ending ideological confrontation, overcoming the legacy of the Cold War, and removing the barriers preventing common integration and universal development

Putin says he tries to be on good terms with all world leaders

Putin said he tries to avoid damaging relations with any of the world leaders

Preparations for White House transition "well under way" — source

Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025

Putin finds impressive Trump's behavior during assassination attempt

He is a courageous man, Putin said

Change of power in US increases likelihood of military coup in Kiev, expert says

According to Vyacheslav Smolenko, under the new administration, circles associated with the Democratic Party will remain sidelined in the United States

Russia not rejecting dollar use — Putin

Russia is not struggling with the US currency but is thinking of creating new instruments in response to new trends of global economic development, he added

Russia does not perceive West as enemy through 'either-us-or-them' lens — Putin

"The former hegemons, who have been in the habit of ruling the world since colonial times, are increasingly surprised to discover that they are no longer being obeyed," the Russian leader stated

Kiev conceals true casualties from Russian strike on Motor Sich Factory

Vladimir Rogov emphasized that all the victims were involved in the production of drone components

Democrats blame Biden for Harris’ election loss — report

The party "needs a complete reboot," hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said

IN BRIEF: What President Putin told the Valdai discussion club

TASS has compiled a summary of the Russian leader’s remarks

Work of Russian journalists obstructed in Europe, US — Putin

The Russian leader added that he is open to the Western media whenever possible

Putin announces era of radical, revolutionary changes

As the Russian leader noted, the society gets "to not only comprehend, but be direct participants of the extremely complex processes"

Saratov airport operates normally after drone attack on southwestern region

Earlier, Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin informed that a drone had been downed in the sky over Saratov during the night

Repelling counterattacks, striking reserves, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Units of the battlegroup continued offensive operations, defeating Ukrainian formations in the areas of the settlements of Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka and Plekhovo

Saudi Crown Prince’s words have enormous influence on energy market – Putin

Saudi Arabia is playing a very big role in the global energy sector, Russian President said

Kiev lost over 30,000 troops in Russia’s Kursk Region — Putin

At the same time, Ukraine lost fewer tanks - around 200, compared to 240 lost last year

Kremlin calls reports on Trump team's alleged Ukraine plan 'abstract'

"It looks just like The Wall Street Journal's plan for Ukraine," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Prolongation of Ukrainian conflict narrows options for diplomacy — Erdogan

"The negativity, caused by the war in Ukraine gets exacerbated every day," the Turkish leader noted

No place for hegemony in new world order, Putin says

Putin stressed once again that Russia did not see the Western civilization as an enemy

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

India should be added to list of global superpowers – Putin

At the same time, Putin said some other countries are showing rapid development as well

Russia believes all UN decisions on Israel, Palestine must be implemented – Putin

Russia considers it necessary to implement all the decisions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly on Israel and Palestine, President Vladimir Putin said

Russia maintains contact with all parties to Middle East conflict, says Putin

According to him, the process is currently moving "in the right direction"

Assassination attempt on Putin mentioned by Budanov prepared with US money — Russian MFA

"Yesterday one of chiefs of the Kiev regime Buganov openly admitted that the Ukrainian intelligence service prepared assassination attempts on the Russian president. This assassination attempt was again prepared with US money," Maria Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel

Russian troops liberate Kremennaya Balka community in Donbass region — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Trump to offer deal on Ukraine unacceptable to Russia, conflict to go on — expert

In his comments on the results of the US presidential election, Dmitry Suslov noted that Trump "will indeed try to quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine"

Russia not to mess around if Japan returns to cooperation – Putin

He underscored that Russia is ready to build relations with Japan "both for the next 5 and for the next 50 years"

Russian MLRS crew strikes Ukrainian infantry, vehicles near Krasnoarmeysk in DPR

According to the ministry, the use of the Uragan MLRS allows for delivering pinpoint strikes at ammo depots and concentrations of military harware and cutting off reserve units from the enemy’s main forces

Putin says West was trying to influence China's nuclear arsenals through Russia

"Everything else is nonsense," he added

Russia ready for talks, immune to pressure — Putin

"This is what we have called and are still calling on all participants in international communication to do," the president went on to say

Kiev stands 'the most to lose' over Trump’s victory — NBC

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal said that Trump’s potential victory may create even more uncertainty with regard to Ukraine

Trump to focus on China, leaving Europe to deal with Ukraine — analyst

Andrey Bezrukov said it’s an open question how much resources the United States will spend on the European track

Putin expresses readiness to engage in discussions with Trump

Earlier, when talking about a potential call from Trump, he noted that he would not consider it a disgrace to call Trump himself

Putin’s congratulations to Trump can be viewed as official — spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the US president-elect at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club

US received $12 trillion lately owing to dollar’s role as global currency — Putin

"The United States received for no apparent reason $12 trillion over the last decade, on account of issuing and giving. These funds then go as a rule to their banks, to their financial system, and also clipping coupons, having gains from that," Putin noted

Western plot to strategically defeat Russia failed — Shoigu

It is noted that the countries where color revolutions, supported by the West, took place had experienced "decreased living standards, weakened economic potential, the uncontrolled drain of capital and resources, and, in the worst-case scenario, the country becoming an instrument for implementing the interests of Western elites"

All countries involved in Middle East settlement oppose further confrontation – Putin

Almost all participants no longer want further momentum toward confrontation, Russian President said

US engages in policy of dual deterrence on Russia, China – Putin

In Putin’s opinion, Washington views China’s economic growth as a threat to its global dominance

Putin says ‘chaos and systemic crisis’ intensify in Western countries

According to Putin, the policy of the United States and its allies increasingly features the dangerous principle of "you're either with us, or against us"

Press review: Trump’s victory stuns investors while Russia’s economy holds strong

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 7th

West blocked post-quake aid to Syria for political reasons — Putin

In his words, it was not the only example of "egoistic and timeserving interests standing in the way of the common good"

Ukraine’s 2014 coup was CIA’s political mistake — Putin

The Russian president noted that the US agency had achieved its goal of changing the government but failed to see what it would evolve into

Trump to pressure multiple countries to end conflict in Ukraine, expert says

"Wars suck the political oxygen (and financial resources) from other administration initiatives, so the goal is to find solutions quickly," John Kavulich added

Trump sees possibility of talks with Putin

The president-elect went on to say that he had already talked to approximately 70 world leaders

Putin calls racist stereotyped ideas of 'civilized West,' 'barbarism' of other peoples

The Russian leader added that a sustainable international order can be based only on the principles of sovereign equality

Russia ready to restore relations with US, it never spoiled them — Putin

"The president-elect of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, has been speaking in roughly the same vein. It remains to be seen how this will function in reality," Putin concluded

US to pressure Europe, which may turn to Minsk, Moscow — Belarusian leader

The Belarusian president did not rule out that in the future, the EU might unite and begin collaborating with Belarus and Russia

Russia aims for peaceful development of situation in the world – Putin

Putin noted that all BRICS countries aim for peace

Warsaw gave Kiev all it could, Ukraine has no right to complain — Polish Defense Ministry

On October 31, during a meeting with the heads of territorial communities and districts in the Zakarpatye Region, Vladimir Zelensky criticized Poland for its reluctance to deliver the promised MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine despite prior agreements

China set to cooperate rather than dominate, Putin believes

He also emphasized that there is no tension between Moscow and Beijing regarding their relations with Central Asian nations