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Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict

Russia, Armenia keeping up efforts to stabilize Nagorno-Karabakh situation, says Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat highlighted the important contribution to normalizing the situation in the region, which has been made by the trilateral working group led by the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan

YEREVAN, May 6. /TASS/. Moscow and Yerevan note progress in stabilizing the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and are not scaling back any efforts on mine clearance, protecting cultural heritage and bringing home all POWs whatsoever, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference after talks with Armenia’s Acting Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan on Thursday.

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Russia’s top diplomat satisfied with situation in Nagorno-Karabakh normalizing

"We discussed the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh in detail. We took note of the progress that has been achieved and the stabilizing situation. We are not scaling back any efforts focusing on bringing home all the detainees, or on de-mining, protecting cultural and religious heritage or on launching the work of respective international organizations in Nagorno-Karabakh," Lavrov assured.

Russia’s top diplomat highlighted the important contribution to normalizing the situation in the region, which has been made by the trilateral working group led by the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan on unblocking economic ties and transport links in the region.

"The success of this effort will have crucial significance for creating conditions needed for normalizing the general situation and establishing creative cooperation in the post-conflict period," Lavrov said.

Lavrov also stressed that the further work of co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was in high demand, especially "for contributing to creating an atmosphere of trust."

The highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh has been disputed by Baku and Yerevan since February 1988 when the region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, 2020, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

On November 9, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. Under the statement, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides maintain the positions that they had held and then the Armenian forces would turn over control of certain districts to Azerbaijan. In addition, Russian peacekeepers were deployed along the contact line and to the Lachin corridor, which links Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia.

Conflict in Syria

Russia in talks with Syrian authorities on keeping its military bases — source

On December 9, a TASS source said that on the previous day armed groups of Bashar al-Assad's opponents had established full control of the provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where Russian military bases are located

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

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British mercenary Burke killed in Ukraine by fellow mercenary, coroner says

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

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

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Baltic countries’ disconnection from BRELL system not affecting Kaliningrad Region

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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"

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

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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

NYT predicts Ukraine conflict will end in 2025

The article points out that Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election will serve to expedite the peace talks

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

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

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

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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

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

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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

FACTBOX: Explosions, blackouts ravage Ukraine

An air alert has been declared across the entire country

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

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

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

French president names Francois Bayrou as new prime minister

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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

Russian troops liberate seven communities in Kursk Region, Donbass area over week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 3,350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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EU foreign ministers to approve new package of anti-Russian sanctions on December 16

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

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

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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

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

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

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

Ukrainian army to soon run out of soldiers to continue fighting — media

The report highlights that, in addition to a manpower deficit, Kiev may also face critical shortages of ammunition and weapons

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 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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Ukrainian losses exceed 40,260 troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian operational/tactical and army aircraft, missile forces hit enemy manpower and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions

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

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

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

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

Moldovan parliament does not support resignation of current government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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"

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

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

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

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

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"

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"

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"

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

Biden approves another military aid package to Ukraine — White House

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

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

The ceremony will take place on January 20, 2025

Situation in Georgia returning to political track, speaker says

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

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

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