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Borrell’s visit to Russia is planned and won’t be just about human rights — diplomat

The sides are expected to discuss a whole range of issues and prospects of Russia-EU relations

MOSCOW, February 4. /TASS/. The visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to Russia is a planned one and will not be centered exclusively around the human rights issue, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova said Thursday.

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"Mr. Borrell’s visit is a planned one. The way the information is being trotted out now that this visit and these talks will allegedly be only about human rights is not true, of course," she said.

Zakharova added that the sides intend to look into all current problems. "A whole range of issues will be discussed. There are a lot of problems; this topic [of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny] will also be on the agenda," she underlined.

The diplomat recalled that the Russian Foreign Ministry compiled materials dedicated to police actions at protests in Europe. "We sent this compilation of materials about how detentions are carried out and peaceful protests are broken up, how the police act in EU countries to Mr. Borrell so that he and his delegation could have a chance to answer many questions themselves before posing them to us," she said.

The talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell will be held on February 5. The sides are expected to discuss a whole range of issues and prospects of Russia-EU relations. The chief diplomats will exchange opinions on current issues of the international agenda, including the situation in the Western Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa and the post-Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) space. Lavrov and Borrell will also hash over implementation of the Iranian nuclear deal, the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh and security issues in Europe.

Military operation in Ukraine

Russian troops seize section of Seversky Donets-Donbass canal

Additionally, the division reported eliminating several dozen Ukrainian armed forces personnel

Russian troops overtake forest belt, railway station in Kupyansk advance — military expert

Russian forces also expanded the liberated area north and south of Kruglyakovka and took over the Skorostnoi railway station, Andrey Marochko specified

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

Data on recon drone base in Finland near Russian borders must be verified — Kremlin

"If you recall their statements when they were joining NATO, they said that Finland will not deploy any elements of military infrastructure near our borders," Dmitry Peskov said

Putin considers premature to talk about common BRICS currency

Other variants are impossible and harmful, the Russian leader added

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"

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

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"

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

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

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

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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

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

Europe unable to finance Ukraine conflict without US — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the number of people who think they need to adjust to the new circumstances is rising"

Trump to appoint campaign manager Wiles as his chief of staff

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

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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

Putin reaffirms Russia's stance at Valdai Forum, signals readiness for US ties — expert

According to Alexander Dynkin, the Russian leader gave his assessment "on all key issues of the international agenda"

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

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

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

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

He acknowledged certain difficulties on the border between India and China

At least 10 Israelis injured in attack by Palestinian supporters in Amsterdam

Israel's National Security Council on Friday also urged Israelis visiting Amsterdam to take shelter in their hotels after violent attacks began late Thursday night against Tel Aviv’s Maccabi soccer fans at the end of a match against Dutch club Ajax

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

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Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

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

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

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"

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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

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

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

Press review: Trump’s foreign policy reshapes alliances while Germany’s coalition crumbles

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

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"Putin has repeatedly spoken about openness to dialogue with all interested parties and all those who can contribute to the settlement of this conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

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

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

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Venezuelan president counts on longstanding cooperation with Russia

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

Russia, India boost cooperation in all areas – Putin

Bilateral trade turnover is almost $60 billion, Putin said

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

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

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

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Russian troops destroy group of foreign mercenaries in Kharkov area

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The United States held its presidential election on November 5

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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

Zelensky to try to rebrand himself as peacemaker after Trump's victory — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk explained that no one asks Zelensky's opinion anymore

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

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

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Russia, India develop defense cooperation – Putin

As an example, Putin named the BrahMos cruise missile project

Putin sets record at plenary session of Valdai International Discussion Club

It lasted four hours and seven minutes

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

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

Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025

Trump vows to settle conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration

He also pledged to prevent World War Three

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

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

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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

Trump sees possibility of talks with Putin

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

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

A criminal probe has been launched

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

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's speech at Valdai Forum gives a chance to end Ukrainian conflict — expert

"It has long been known about [the conditions for ending the conflict, which include] Kiev’s neutrality, determination of Ukraine's new borders along the division line, maybe with taking our new regions into account," Alexander Dynkin noted

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

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

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

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

European countries often lack competence for making wise decisions – Putin

This applies to the green agenda as well, Putin continued

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

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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

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"

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

"Everything else is nonsense," he added