17 Mar, 19:23

Colombian authorities eliminate cartel leader behind presidential assassination plot

The ministry reported that the Gulf Clan’s plan was to assassinate Petro last year during the president’s visit to the Choco region in the west of the country

BUENOS AIRES, March 17. /TASS/. A high-ranking member of Colombia’s Gulf Clan drug cartel, who previously plotted to assassinate the country’s President Gustavo Petro, was killed in a joint operation by the state’s armed forces and the police, the South American republic’s defense ministry said.

"One of the criminals involved in an assassination plot against President Gustavo Petro has been eliminated. This member of the Gulf Clan is known under the aliases Omar or Nino, and he is a gang member with a 25-year-long criminal record," the ministry said on the X social network.

According to the Colombian Defense Ministry, Omar was not just a low-level drug peddler, as he took orders directly from the Gulf Clan boss. He, along with another member of the cartel, was killed in an operation in the western Colombian region of Valle del Cauca.

The ministry reported that the Gulf Clan’s plan was to assassinate Petro last year during the president’s visit to the Choco region in the west of the country.

UAV attack causes explosion in apartment building in Russia’s Rostov-on-Don

According to preliminary reports, no deaths occurred, and two people were injured

Russian air defenses destroy 1,113 Ukrainian UAVs, 28 JDAM bombs, 7 HIMARS rockets in week

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 658 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters

Security guarantees in Ukraine still under discussion — top Turkish diplomat

Hakan Fidan expressed hope that "the parties will come to an agreement on a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible"

Kremlin welcomes Pashinyan's statement on strengthening ties with Russia

"It is a sovereign state, but we have a lot in common - both bilaterally, historically, and culturally," Dmitry Peskov said

Two days ago, 11:19

Ukraine’s strikes against Russian power installation are sabotage of agreements — Kremlin

"Information has already been widely available about the command of the Russian President, the command of the supreme commander-in-chief of Russia [about termination of strikes against Ukrainian power facilities for the period of 30 days] at the moment of launching these attacks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

NATO plotting major smear campaign against Zelensky — Russian intelligence

Thus, according to the SVR, it is planned to "make public information that the 'president' personally and his team have misappropriated more than $1.5 billion only from funds meant to buy munitions"

Yesterday, 11:41

Russian forces strike military train with Ukrainian ammo, armament over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US set to hold meeting with Ukraine in Riyadh one day ahead of talks with Russia — media

The Diplomatic website notes that Washington aims to make swift progress to announce a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible

No key rate lowering discussed — Bank of Russia

Rate reduction can only be expected "after we will be confident that inflation is declining consistently, steadily, and with the pace enabling us to return inflation to 4% in 2026"

Several prisoners break out in Syria’s Aleppo during riot — TV

Security forces managed to suppress the rioters and regain control of the institution, but a number of convicts managed to escape

Kremlin slams Kiev's accusations that Russia itself shelled Sudzha gas station as 'absurd'

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that such a statement "shows once again how much we can believe and trust the Kiev regime"

Yesterday, 06:58

Medvedev says return will be challenging for companies that left Russia

"Life has proved that those were true words. We did not chase anyone off, they left themselves, someone under pressure from their governments, someone out of fear, someone in solidarity with the neo-Nazis," the politician said

US attacks Houthi targets in Yemen’s southwestern Saada governorate — TV

No data on casualties were provided

Majority of Germans feel Merz’s budget reform plan strays from campaign promises — poll

Still, most voters support the idea of reforming the budgetary rule and establishing a fund for infrastructure investments

Yesterday, 00:01

Hungary wants to resumes its exports to Russia — PM

The Hungarian Prime Minister spoke to journalists in Brussels after a meeting of the leaders of the parties that formed the Patriots of Europe faction

Shoigu hands over message from Putin to North Korea’s Kim

The Russian Security Council secretary stressed that Vladimir Putin pays the utmost attention to the implementation of agreements reached with the North Korean leader

12 Dec 2023, 17:19

West overlooks crimes by Zelensky’s gangland regime — European Parliament member

Thierry Mariani said Zelensky "behaves like a mafioso, ready to eliminate those whom he considers a threat to his own power"

15 Jan 2020, 02:45

Republika Srpska does not plan to join NATO — leader

Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik said that "the first article of the approved reform plan states that it does not envisage membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in NATO"

Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov receives highest state order as he turns 75

According to the Russian President's decree, the order was conferred to Sergey Lavrov to recognize his "outstanding services to the Fatherland, significant contribution to developing and implementing Russia’s foreign policy course, and years of dedicated activity as a statesman"

Russian investigators open case over Ukrainian troops' blowing up of Sudzha gas station

The investigation established that on March 20, Ukrainian servicemen, having illegally entered Russian territory, intentionally detonated the Sudzha gas distribution station

US is able to ensure that Kiev fulfills its agreements with Moscow — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova doubted that Washington would have a reason not to take advantage of these opportunities

Military expert slams Kiev's strikes on Russian gas facilities as acts of terrorism

Alexander Mikhailov noted that Zelensky understands his resignation is merely a matter of time

2 Jan 2023, 16:13

Russia discussing building two mini-NPPs with Sri Lanka, envoy says

According to Levan Dzhagaryan, two power units will be just the beginning to be followed by four and finally six power plants later on

Yesterday, 20:59

Kiev already broke US-proposed ceasefire — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that attacking an energy facility in this context is understandable, 'because everything began with the energy sector in 2022'

US State Department refrains from saying who will be on delegation to talks with Russia

"I think it's inappropriate to discuss personnel, let alone senior officials who might be on a negotiation team," US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said

Navy development strategy to account for Ukraine operation experience — Maritime Board

The document is expected to contribute to the defense of Russia and the protection of its national interests in the World Ocean

Around world in 75 years: Sergey Lavrov celebrates milestone anniversary

Back in 2021, the minister said that he had visited about 150 states, but Russia was always the most attractive country for him

Yesterday, 14:59

Kick-sharing services resumes operations in Moscow

E-scooters rental is available for users in mobile apps

16 Jan 2024, 11:34

Idea of relocating Russia’s capital city to Irkutsk in Siberia not feasible — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov explained that he had not read the letter outlining the capital relocation proposal itself, but was aware of its contents from the media

Russian energy strategy 2050 to be endorsed in 1-2 weeks, Energy Ministry says

Problems of the national coal sector will be discussed on April 1 at a strategic session to be chaired by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Sergey Tsivilyov said

Russia receives slew of people’s requests for resettlement from West — Zakharova

The Russian diplomat stressed that for most countries, Russia is becoming a "pioneer" that strives to defend vital things regardless of sanctions and restrictions, because they are universal

Battlegroup West destroys 3 Starlink stations, 25 UAV control points

Over the past 24 hours the group's units improved their tactical position, defeated the manpower and equipment of three mechanized brigades, an assault brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, a territorial defense brigade, and a national guard brigade

Yesterday, 20:18

Slovakia insists on free will principle for EU military aid to Kiev — PM

Robert Fico noted that the republic will not send a single cent to arm Ukraine

Belgian PM warns confiscating Russian assets to be 'act of war'

The European Union, Canada, the United States and Japan froze $300 billion worth of Russia's assets after the start of the special military operation

Russian stocks down as main trading session opens

The MOEX Index (with additional IMOEX2 ticker) fell by 0.28% as morning trading session started reaching 3,213.97 points, according to trading data as of 7:00 a.m. Moscow time (4:00 a.m. GMT)

Yesterday, 14:04

European Council fails to approve 5-billion-euro plan to supply weapons to Kiev

The final statement of the meeting makes no mention of the 40-billion-euro military aid package, proposed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, or its reduced variant

Ukraine's military intelligence chief identified as organizer of drone attacks on Russia

They have been charged in absentia and placed on the wanted list

Two days ago, 08:10

Putin-Trump's discussion to mark new chapter in US-Russia partnership — expert

Helga Zepp-LaRouche drew attention to "an important contrast" between the results of the conversation between Putin and Trump and the vote in the Bundestag for the amendments allowing Berlin to receive a "potentially unlimited war credit"

30 Dec 2013, 08:44

Alexei Kabanov sentenced to 14 years in prison for brutal murder of wife

Kabanov insisted in the court that he had acted in the state of affect

Yesterday, 14:29

Russia to boost arms exports after special military operation — Security Council

This refers to air defense systems, strike drones and upgraded armored vehicles, Sergey Shoigu said

14 Jan 2020, 02:48

Iran’s defense minister says strike on US base was ‘necessary action’

Hatami was speaking about the consequences of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force

London seeking to use Ukraine to avoid being marginalized, Chinese expert argues

By convening "a coalition of the willing", London seeks to "demonstrate British influence and avoid being marginalized by the US and Russia," Cui Heng argued

Yesterday, 02:54

27 Chinese planes approach Taiwan — defense ministry

Taiwan’s defense agency has regularly recorded the approach of Chinese warplanes and warships of late

Yesterday, 17:30

UN chief ready to mediate Ukraine talks — deputy spokesperson

According to Farhan Haq, Antonio Guterres "made clear to his various interlocutors the willingness of the UN to make available its good offices, if the parties accept"

US has considerable influence on Kiev, but weak on Moscow, expert says

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, in turn, told the newspaper that the US realizes that an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is unattainable

Kiev fears Trump may agree to cede Odessa to Russia — media

The US president did not specify which specific regions he was referring to, but the White House has already made it clear that Russia is expected to maintain control over territories "that its troops already command," the newspaper said

5 Feb 2020, 17:57

Situation with non-issuance of US visas to Russian officials deteriorating, ministry says

The Foreign Ministry expressed hope that common sense would prevail and that the US would stop interfering with the organization of int'l events on their country’s territory

Press review: Moscow forms delegation for US talks as EU fails to approve aid for Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 21st

Two days ago, 03:59

Previous US administration deceived and destroyed Ukraine — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukraine was an "emerging democracy" plagued with "corruption, graft and nationalism"

9 Feb 2020, 01:11

Zelensky hopes to hold Normandy talks in Berlin in two months

After a three-year break, a Normandy Four summit was held in Paris on December 9, 2019

Court convicts 46 Ukrainian soldiers for crimes in Kursk Region — Investigative Committee

Eight commanders of the Ukrainian Armed Forces brigades who participated in the attack on the Kursk Region were charged in absentia, the spokesperson said

7 Aug 2023, 16:32

Court declares Oracle subsidiary in Russia bankrupt

Sberbank and Alfa-Bank are also among the company’s creditors, with claims totaling 77.2 mln ($800,000) and 99.4 mln rubles ($1 mln), respectively

Yesterday, 16:16

Trump fully supports Israel’s current military operation in Gaza — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that previously Donald Trump threatened Palestine’s radical movement Hamas with tough measures if Israeli hostages are not released

Two days ago, 16:39

Telegram’s active users above one billion monthly — Durov

"On average, each user opens Telegram 21 times daily and spends 41 minutes on the app every day," the messenger founder said

Confines of Ukraine deal already there, following contacts with Putin, Zelensky — Trump

The US leader also reiterated that the Ukrainian conflict would have never happened if he had been president in 2022

Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu arrives in North Korea

It is planned that Shoigu will meet with the leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un and other leaders of the country

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian sabotage of Sudzha gas metering station

The Ukrainian troops used the facility as a secure logistics point while the station was under their control

Strike on Sudzha gas metering station shows real worth of Kiev's promises — Kremlin

In the early hours of March 21, the Ukrainian military blew up the Sudzha gas metering station, a key conduit through which Russian gas once flowed to Europe

UAV attack causes explosion in apartment building in Russia’s Rostov-on-Don

According to preliminary reports, no deaths occurred, and two people were injured

24 Jan 2019, 18:05

How Russia’s population changed over the years

Key facts about Russia's population since the year 1897

Ovechkin's 888th goal helps Caps clinch playoff spot, now six away from Gretzky

Alexander Ovechkin now has 35 goals in 53 games this season

Yesterday, 17:59

Armenia to lose many privileges if it joins EU — Russia’s top security official

Sergey Shoigu recalled that money transfers from Russia into Armenia amount for approximately 15% of the country’s GDP

Trump signs executive order to initiate elimination of Department of Education

The complete closure of the Department of Education requires the approval of a corresponding bill by Congress

3 Sep 2024, 16:50

Russian companies interested in developing in BRICS markets

BRICS countries are capable of developing their economies without the use of the dollar equivalent in payments by building up trade and economic relations among such countries, expert Dmitry Prokhorenko said

Putin requests allocation of extra funds for development of satellites for drone control

The execution deadline is June 1, 2025

Trump says likes idea of Charles III’s 'secret offer'

The newspaper earlier pointed out that during Trump's potential state visit to the United Kingdom, Charles III could propose that the United States become a member of the British Commonwealth

Thousands taking part in opposition rallies in Ankara, Istanbul

The opposition-organized rallies are proceeding peacefully

Zelensky doing damage control after losing big in Jeddah talks — expert

Mikhail Pavliv explained that in Jeddah, the Americans got everything they wanted in the military aspect from Ukraine very quickly

Coordination of new Putin-Trump talk took several days — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the preparation time, in general, "depends on the decisions of the heads of state"

Turkish opposition leader says 210,000 people taking part in rally in Istanbul

Rallies and marches in support for detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu are also held in Ankara and several other Turksih cities

Russian forces not hitting Ukraine's energy sector, Putin's order in force — Kremlin

After talks with his US counterpart Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a halt to attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure

Iran to give "heavy slap in face" to anyone who harms its people — Khamenei

According to Ali Khamenei, US and European politicians are seriously mistaken when they call resistance in the region Iran's proxy forces, since all countries that oppose Israel's aggression against the Palestinians have their own stance

Russian forces take control of major Ukrainian stronghold near Kremennaya in LPR — expert

Russian fighters have so far taken a new foothold and are conducting a clearance operation, Andrey Marochko specified

Putin calls for technological leadership in unmanned aerial systems within five years

The Russian president also ordered to take measures providing for the use of solutions based on artificial intelligence in manufacturing and operation of drones

Europe offered Syria to ease sanctions in exchange for ‘kicking Russia out’ — Lavrov

"This mentality has characterized Europe in recent times: either with us or against us," the Russian foreign minister stated

Yesterday, 21:19

Trump is confident that Ukrainian conflict will be resolved

Speaking at the White House, the American leader noted that he had previously held telephone conversations with Russian President state Vladimir Putin, as well as with Vladimir Zelensky

Russian regulator extends restrictions on flights to Israel at nighttime

Russian air carriers Red Wings and Azimuth make direct flights from Russia to Israel

Putin orders establishment of unmanned aviation development center in Samara Region

A report on the implementation of the order must be submitted to the head of state by June 15

Europe uses idea of sending troops to Ukraine for blackmail to upset US-Russia talks-view

Vitaly Kiselev noted that reports from Russia’s sympathizers in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic indicate that local media are propagating the narrative that the Kiev forces have not surrendered Sudzha

Ukrainian troops forbade people in Kursk Region to evacuate to use them as human shield

The Ukrainian militants had previously acted in a similar way against civilians in the city of Mariupol and other settlements

Kiev does not consider UN peacekeepers as alternative to security guarantees

Vladimir Zelensky said that "the UN will not have any mandate to protect Ukraine"

Russia calls on Israel to stop expanding settlements in Palestine — Russian mission to UN

As Dmitry Polyansky underlined, he is convinced that "the Security Council can and must play a role in the negotiating process and make sure that its results are observed by all parties"

Issue of dividing Ukrainian territories being discussed right now — Trump

On March 3, Donald Trump described Vladimir Zelensky’s remark about the conflict being far from over as "the worst statement that could have been made"

Two days ago, 01:22

UK policy may lead to total destruction of Ukraine — Russian ambassador

In his words, the United Kingdom has chosen to go into confrontation

Yesterday, 03:09

Russian Battlegroup East eliminates 5 Ukrainian drone control centers

During the day, the enemy lost a MaxxPro armored combat vehicle

Yesterday, 15:04

Russia has no plans to attack Germany — MFA on Merz's remarks

"If Berlin makes such claims, it means that Germany may have such plans itself; but in that case, Berlin needs to call things by their proper name," Maria Zakharova stated

Yesterday, 08:41

Package attached to car bottom found near Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol

According to the Directorate for the Development of the City's Road Transport Infrastructure, some buses and trolleybuses are altering their routes due to the temporary closure of Lenin Street

Yesterday, 16:57

Zelensky admits Ukraine no longer being invited to NATO

At the same time, the Ukrainian president denied saying that he was ready "to discuss the question of Ukraine’s neutral status"

Yesterday, 16:29

Poland’s exit from Ottawa Convention shows disregard for int'l obligations — Zakharova

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed that "Western countries are ready to abandon their international legal obligations at literally any moment - whenever they feel like it, whenever it suits them"

Yesterday, 18:50

Sales of new premium cars in Russia dip twofold in February — statistics

"Avtostat agency experts note that premium cars made up 8.8% of total car sales in Russia last month," the report said

Ukrainian troops 'cling' to Chasov Yar, unwilling to give up strategic height — DPR head·

"We see that the enemy 'clung' to Chasov Yar, realizing that this settlement is located on elevated ground, the dominant height, and in the future our units will have operational space in terms of advancing in a number of directions: to Kramatorsk, to Slavyansk, to Konstantinovka, so, of course, the enemy is impeded," Denis Pushilin said

Newly-elected IOC president to discuss with taskforce possible return of Russian athletes

Kirsty Coventry stated it in response to a question whether Russian athletes would be likely to take part in the 2026 Winter Olympics

Yesterday, 18:59

EU protracts conflict in Ukraine at any cost, ignoring calls for peace — European MP

Harald Vilimsky added that "the European Union is treating Hungary as if it does not exist"

Yesterday, 10:02

Kremlin says Europe becomes 'war party'

"The main signals from Brussels and the European capitals now relate to the plans for militarization of Europe, which is clearly at odds with the mood of the presidents of Russia and the United States to seek ways out for a peaceful settlement process," Dmitry Peskov said

Britain may be behind explosion of Sudzha gas metering station — Russian politician

The destruction of the gas metering station in Sudzha by Ukrainian forces is a provocation designed to undermine the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump, Sergey Mironov stated

BMW's net profit falls by around 37% in 2024

According to the company’s data, the largest share of the group's revenue (42.7%) came from the European market, with Asia (32.7%) and North and South America (22.4%) in second and third place

Russia’s import-substituted SJ-100 equipped with PD-8 engines takes off for maiden flight

According to First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, it was an important and long-awaited step towards certification of a technologically independent version of the Superjet

Many EU leaders oppose sending troops to Ukraine — news agency

Accoriding to the sources, most of the participants in the meeting of the "coalition of the willing" expressed their unwillingness to participate directly in sending forces to Ukraine, limiting themselves to offering support to those NATO countries that decide to deploy their troops there

Tanks of Battlegroup Dnepr destroy strongholds of Kiev forces in Zaporozhye region

According to a tank commander with the call sign Veter, the Battlegroup Dnepr continues to carry out combat missions in the Zaporozhye direction, showing high efficiency and professionalism

Over 560 people evacuated from Kursk Region’s Sudzha district — Emergencies Ministry

According to the report, these people are taken to temporary accommodation centers where they can receive all necessary assistance

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 1,670 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 19 enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported