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At least 2 killed in earthquake in Iran — news agency

Over 300 injured

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. At least two people were killed and 307 were injured in a 5.7-magnitude earthquake in West Azerbaijan Province in Iran on Saturday, the ISNA news agency reported citing the Red Crescent and spokesman for the country's emergency services Mojtaba Khaledi.

According to their information, 307 people sustained injuries, including 300 in the city of Khoy and seven in the city of Salmas. The spokesman said that according to preliminary information, two people died.

He also noted that relief and rescue teams had been dispatched to affected areas and local hospitals prepared additional beds due to a large influx of those injured.

Armed man robs over $85,000 from bank in Russia’s Siberian city of Novosibirsk

"Police officers are conducting the necessary investigative and search activities to establish all details of the incident and locate the criminal," the statement reads

Moldovan parliament does not support resignation of current government

The opposition accused the government of incompetence over the uncertainty of gas and electricity supplies

IAF unleashes 1,800 bombs on 500 targets, crippling Syria's air defenses — media

Previously regarded as one of the strongest in the region, Syria's air defense system has now been significantly weakened

At least four countries provide assistance to Syria’s armed opposition — Iranian general

In late November, armed opposition units launched a large-scale offensive on positions held by Syrian government forces in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces

Kremlin confirms support for Orban's Ukraine-related efforts

As Dmitry Peskov remarked earlier, during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 11 Orban called for a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine and a Christmas truce, but Kiev rejected the idea

Situation near Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in Syria remains calm — witnesses

On December 9, the agency's source said that the armed opposition was in full control of the Syrian province of Latakia, where Russian military bases are located

Russian ombudswoman asks Kiev for secure corridor for Kursk region residents

Tatyana Moskalkova noted that the weather is cold, while many residents in the occupied territories have no heat

New Georgian president to be free from foreign influence — parliament speaker

According to Shalva Papuashvili, after the December 29 inauguration, Georgia will have a president focused on the country, its people, and respect for the constitution

West may sacrifice Ukraine using its 1938 playbook for Czechoslovakia — Slovak PM

According to Robert Fico, Slovakia has no complaints with the authorities in Kiev, but Bratislava recognizes that Ukraine has fallen victim to Western ambitions to weaken Russia

Russian air defenses down four Ukrainian drones over Russia’s Vladimir Region

The Kiev regime’s attempt to carry out a terrorist attack on targets in Russia using fixed-wing drones was foiled between 5:05 a.m. and 5:40 a.m. Moscow time

Moscow establishes interaction with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s political committee — diplomat

On November 27, members of armed opposition groups launched a large-scale offensive against government forces' positions in Aleppo and Idlib governorates

Zelensky rejected ceasefire proposal, says top Hungarian diplomat

The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated the Russian side’s commitment to a realistic resolution to the conflict, as outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 14

Trump did not invite Putin to his inauguration in January — Kremlin

The ceremony will take place on January 20, 2025

Medvedev accuses West of seeking to eradicate Russian language in Ukraine

According to the politician, Kiev is being "hand-fed" by countries of the collective West

Ukraine refuses to allow Russian gas to transit through its territory — Moldovan Deputy PM

"Ukraine will not agree to preserve transit for Hungary and the Republic of Moldova only," Oleg Serebrian noted

Russian forces liberate Novoivanovka: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, four motor vehicles and three mortars

US allocates new $500 million military aid package to Kiev — top diplomat

According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the package will include ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, HARM anti-radiation missiles, drones

Russian troops liberate Zarya community in Donbass region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 410 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and six artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Kiev gives Orthodox shrines to Vatican almost for free — ex-SBU officer

According to Vasily Prozorov, the Orthodox Church may lose these relics permanently

Russia, Ukraine agree on exchanging packages for POWs for New Year’s Eve

"This exchange is expected to take place in December on the Russian-Belarusian border or elsewhere," Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said

Netanyahu addresses Iranians, says freedom and peace to come ‘sooner than people think’

A video of his speech, with subtitles in Hebrew and Farsi, was posted to the prime minister’s accounts on X

Kremlin confirms recent strikes on Ukraine’s energy system part retaliation for Taganrog

Earlier on Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russia’s Armed Forces had launched high-precision strikes on Ukraine’s fuel and energy infrastructure, which generates power for its defense sector, in response to the attack on the Taganrog airfield with ATACMS missiles earlier this week

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

US not to 'abandon' Ukraine, Trump says

The US president-elect added that if he had been still in office in 2022, the special military operation would not have started "for numerous reasons"

After Oreshnik launch, NATO fears Moscow’s resolute response to aggression — intel agency

Moscow has solid evidence of the West’s aggression against Russia, which is "an extremely disturbing sign for NATO," the SVR said

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield — top brass

The ATACMS missile fragments that fell on the Taganrog military airfield caused injuries among the personnel and no destruction on the ground, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Cuba, Bolivia may become BRICS partner states in 2025, says senior Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that talks on providing partner status to the invited countries were still ongoing but none of them had rejected the invitation

Russia’s defense chief inspects Battlegroup East in special military operation area

Battlegroup East Commander Lieutenant General Andrey Ivanayev reported to the defense minister that the Battlegroup’s units had liberated seven communities over the month and gained control of an area of more than 300 square kilometers

US wants to supply Kiev with 'massive quantities of weapons' before Biden steps down

According to one of the TV channel's sources, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has been entrusted with the coordination of this work

West is hypocritical in discussing troop deployment to Ukraine, expert says

"Although Europeans have been involved in the conflict from the very beginning by supplying ammunition, weapons, advisors, and intelligence, they refuse to acknowledge that they are at war," Guillaume Ancel said

FACTBOX: Explosions, blackouts ravage Ukraine

An air alert has been declared across the entire country

Russia vows response to Austria's severing of gas partnership — ambassador

"It was Vienna that suddenly declared our long-standing gas partnership a historical mistake, thereby destroying one of the key pillars of our bilateral relations and business ties," Dmitry Lyubinsky recalled

Russian forces quickly break through Ukraine's weakened positions in Donbass — newspaper

The New York Times also said that the test of Russia's newest Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile has increased pressure on Kiev and its allies

Press review: Medvedev talks Ukraine with Xi and Houthis intensify attacks on Israel

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

Door for negotiations on Ukraine opened, Hungarian PM believes

Viktor Orban reiterated that he had held a number of meetings and phone conversations with other leaders in order to settle the Ukraine conflict

Putin extends Russia’s anti-'oil price cap' measures until June 30, 2025 — decree

The decree on retaliatory measures against the oil price cap initially came into effect on February 1, 2023, and was originally intended to last until July 1, 2023, but has been extended multiple times since then

Former FBI informant pleads guilty to fabricating charges against Biden family

Alexander Smirnov, who was arrested in February and is in custody, faces four to six years in prison

Russia hits Ukraine's power grid after Kiev attacks airfield in Taganrog with ATACMS

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the attack was carried out with the help of high-precision long-range airborne and sea-based weapons, as well as strike drones

Western IT environment enters final phase of militarization — expert

"A new defense technology consortium is being formed in the US under the auspices of the Pentagon to focus on research into military artificial intelligence," Alexander Stepanov said

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

Texas, California decolonization reflects global shifts, says Russian intel chief

"We are currently witnessing the true decolonization of the Global South, which has come to see itself as a full-fledged political actor rather than a subordinate ‘backyard,’" Sergey Naryshkin noted

Ukraine instructs its troops to kill civilians in front-line areas, POW testifies

Valentin Zubreichuk cited his fellow soldiers who have long been in military service in Ukraine as saying that civilians have been taken out not only in the South Donetsk region but also in the village of Kleshcheyevka and in Artyomovsk

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Damascus, Aleppo airports resume operations, but so far only under special permits

The restriction period is set from 8:00 p.m. GMT on December 12 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 18

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Any military presence in Syria should be decided by public referendum — Syrian politician

"This would occur only after achieving security and political stability in Syria, completing the political transition process, and establishing the political system that Syrians aspire to build," Mohammed Sabra added

Ukrainian troops near Novosyolka surrender rather than counterattack

According to the captives, they were tasked with entering the outskirts of the settlement, gaining a foothold, and awaiting assault groups

Russian forces repel nearly 20 counterattacks in the Svatovo-Kremennaya area recently

Andrey Marochko noted that when attempting to counterattack, the enemy "operated in small groups with insufficient preparation"

US citizen who entered Syria few months ago released from prison in Damascus — TV

Travis Timmerman said that he came to Syria "for spiritual purposes" as a pilgrim

Oreshnik missiles to eliminate need for nuclear weapons, Putin says

This is why, in President Putin’s words, Russia behaves with caution and even restraint in all areas

White House mum on Trump's criticism of Biden's decisions on strikes against Russia

According to John Kirby, president's decisions on aid to Kiev are aimed at ensuring the most favorable position for Kiev in possible future negotiations

World heading towards major changes, says Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, these changes will impact the entire Western civilization as they "will take a long time in historical terms, leading from war to peace"

Trump suggests that European troops monitor potential ceasefire in Ukraine — report

It is noted that Europe should play the main role in defending and supporting Ukraine

Pentagon reports successful conventional hypersonic missile test in Florida

US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro called the Florida launch "an important milestone in the development of one of the most advanced weapons systems" at Washington's disposal

UNSC resolution on Syria no longer in line with realities — newspaper

Currently, the need arises "to find another method to develop a constitution, as well as offer at least a new interpretation of the resolution" or adopt a new document

Russia, China hold consultations on missile aspects of strategic stability — MFA

The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the consultations "reaffirmed the parties’ determination to enhance dialogue and coordination on the above-mentioned factors of strategic stability"

Baltic countries’ disconnection from BRELL system not affecting Kaliningrad Region

The drill for independent disconnection of the region from the BRELL took place in September and was not noticed by residents, Alexey Besprozvannykh said

Ukraine’s energy system comes under massive attack, Zelensky says

Earlier, air raid sirens rang out across Ukraine, with multiple blasts recorded in the Odessa, Vinnitsa, Ivano-Frankovsk and Cherkassy regions

Kremlin vows retaliation after Ukraine’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield

According to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the response will come when and how Russia thinks fit

Five Ukrainian nuclear reactors reduce power output after attacks on energy sites — IAEA

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the country’s Armed Forces had launched high-precision strikes on the Ukrainian defense industry’s crucial energy facilities in retaliation to an ATACMS missile attack on a military airfield in the city of Taganrog

Moldova declares state of emergency due to uncertainty over gas transit through Ukraine

During this period, the government's Commission for Emergency Situations is authorized to issue orders binding both state institutions and economic agents

Ukraine loses its population, Ukrainians choose Russia, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, even some representatives of the current government acknowledge that the state policy regarding the support of internally displaced persons has actually failed

Russian forces trap Ukrainian battlegroup near Kurakhovo in DPR — security official

The kill zone stretches for more than four kilometers (2.5 miles)

Christmas prisoner exchange between Russia, Ukraine still possible — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban pointed out that a major prisoner exchange "could make hundreds and even thousands of people happy"

Medvedev paints 'grim' picture of today's Syria

The politician noted that Russia had provided substantial support to the administration and government of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, recognizing the global threats posed by the potential fragmentation or disintegration of Syria, similar to what occurred in other Middle Eastern countries

Russia’s naval nuclear forces fully modernized, says Navy Chief

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev emphasized that the condition and combat readiness of Russia's modernized naval strategic nuclear forces are at an exceptional level

Time names US President-elect Donald Trump person of the year

By claiming Time’s person of the year title, Trump left behind such other contenders as billionaire Elon Musk, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Meta Corporation (banned in Russia as an extremist organization)

Russia to help its nationals if they want to leave Syria — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said the safety of Russian citizens in Syria is an absolute priority for Russia

Interpol not cooperating with Russia after launch of special op — Investigative Committee

"We hope that wise individuals within Interpol will reconsider and change their stance toward Russia," Alexander Bastrykin added

US must choose between ‘feeding gods of war’ in Ukraine and peace — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, Trump’s pledges to resolve the Ukraine crisis "in a day" should be taken as election rhetoric, given the complexity of the given crisis

Zelensky wrong to think that Biden corruption link gives him impunity to do what he wants

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the scale of corruption between the US and Ukraine is truly astonishing

Kurdish units ready to become part of Syria's army in future — spokesman

SDF representative Farhad Shami announced to readiness for dialogue with the current authorities in Damascus

Distrust in political parties grows among Donbass residents — DPR leader

The DPR residents believe that Ukraine's former ruling party, The Party of Regions, abandoned them, Denis Pushilin noted

Trump criticizes Kiev over strikes inside Russia with US-provided missiles

According to the US president-elect, such actions just escalate the conflict

Russia may partially continue gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine without contract — expert

If the transit through Ukraine is completely stopped, Gazprom's pipeline exports in 2025 may decrease by only 5-7 bln cubic meters, the expert noted

US pledges $63.5 billion in military aid to Kiev under Biden

According to the document, "the United States has committed more than $63.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration"

Ukrainian commander acknowledges 'incredibly brutal' situation near Krasnoarmeysk

The Ukrainian General Staff also reported that the "situation on the frontline remains challenging," highlighting the Krasnoarmeysk, Kurakhovo, and Vremevsky areas

SpaceX headquarters to move to Texas, Musk says

Several hundred employees of the company already live there

Ukraine to lose third of territory, get no invitation to NATO — Slovak PM

Robert Fico also emphasized that the conflict's repercussions would significantly impact Ukraine's internal stability

Israel may strike Iran's nuclear facilities after Syria, army radio says

According to its information, various Israeli military structures, including the army, are now coordinating various intelligence and defense agencies

Kiev fails to hand over Soviet-era assets although Russia repaid Soviet debts — Putin

Russian President recalled that Russia asked other states to hand over those assets explaining that it had repaid the debts of the former Soviet Union but heard in response that it was its own problem

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

United Shipbuilding Corporation to build at least 1,000 ships in next decade

The cutting-edge technologies should be used to solve this task and the complete import phase-out needs to be ensured for the national technological independence, Konstantin Golubev stressed

French president names Francois Bayrou as new prime minister

Bayrou, aged 73, takes over from Michel Barnier, who also shares the same age and stepped down after France’s lower house passed a successful no-confidence motion against his cabinet on December 4

Ukrainian serviceman admits shortage of soldiers in Ukrainian ranks

He also noted that there are such commanders who send their subordinates to their deaths, for example, as on the islands in the Dnieper area

Russian troops close in on Ukrainian combat group at Kurakhovo power station in DPR

According to the source, the Ukrainian battlegroup is unsuccessfully trying to leave the power station’s premises

Talk of Moscow-Kiev dialogue 'absurd' given Ukraine’s negotiation ban — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov referred "not only to the authorities in Ukraine but also to those located thousands of kilometers away who are heavily involved in shaping Kiev's political agenda"

Ex-Ukrainian officer shocked by high number of foiled terror attacks in Russia

Ukraine developed a major multi-phase operation to carry out the attack, Vasily Prozorov went on to say

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Situation in Georgia returning to political track, speaker says

According to Shalva Papuashvili, forces seeking destabilization still remain in the country

Afghanistan’s terrorists continue to receive financial support from abroad — envoy to UN

According to Vasily Nebenzya, militants are strengthening their influence, committing new attacks

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine if Kiev grasps situation on battlefield — Medvedev

The politician went on to say that the topics of Ukraine and Syria were raised during his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

PREVIEW: Russian PM to take part in Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

During the meeting the prime ministers of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union intend to discuss issues of further deepening of integration

Turkey to take action against Syrian terrorists if national security threatened — Erdogan

He said that Turkey, as a NATO country, will prevent attempts by the PKK and its units to take advantage of the situation

Biden approves another military aid package to Ukraine — White House

72nd aid package will include additional air defense, artillery, drones and armored vehicle

Trump considering airstrikes on Iran to impede Tehran’s nuclear program — newspaper

According to the sources, Trump’s transition team is working on a new "maximum pressure" strategy against Tehran, which would include military steps and tighter financial penalties

US decision to impose sanctions against Georgia has no sense, parliament speaker says

Shalva Papuashvili recalled that the outgoing US authorities ignored human rights violations in Georgia during Mikhail Saakashvili's rule

General Ivanayev appointed commander of Russia’s Battlegroup East

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held a working meeting at the command center of the Battlegroup East in the special military operation area where he listened to commanders’ reports on the current situation

Kremlin says it approves of Trump’s criticism of strikes inside Russia

Earlier, Trump slammed the decision which he said had been approved by the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to use US-made weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory as "crazy"

Politician accuses Israel of trying to prevent Syria from achieving stability

Mohammed Sabra called on the UN Security Council and the Arab League to intervene urgently to prevent Israel from continuing these unjustified attacks

Press review: Dubai hosts nuclear powers' meeting as OSCE preps Ukraine for EU and NATO

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 12th