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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russia concerned over any expansion of NATO — Kremlin spokesman

NATO is not an instrument of development, it is an instrument of confrontation," Dmitry Peskov underscored

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. NATO is an instrument of confrontation, so Russia is concerned over any expansion of this alliance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Wednesday, answering a question whether Moscow is concerned over the potential accession of Finland and Sweden to the alliance.

"Of course, Russia is concerned over any NATO expansion. NATO is not an instrument of development, it is an instrument of confrontation," the spokesman underscored.

According to Peskov, "the alliance was conceived this way, it was designed this way, it was implemented this way and it exists this way."

"It is a totally obvious fact, so an expansion of this mechanism is a threat for us," Peskov concluded.

Earlier, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland stated that the US will be ready to discuss Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO, should these countries express such desire.

Speaking at a press conference Monday, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson stated that the government does not intend to change the foreign policy course and state the necessity to joint NATO. On January 9, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen said in an interview that Finland must retain its freedom of movement regarding NATO. Meanwhile, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto stated earlier that Finland remains stable in its foreign policy, which also includes its option to file an application for NATO membership, as outlined in the government’s political agenda.

Tags

Situation in Syria requires urgent discussion in Astana format — Russian Foreign Ministry

The two ministers expressed support to actions of authorities and the army of Syria of thwarting the terrorist attack against the northern part of the country, the Foreign Ministry of Iran informed in its turn

Russia weighs resumption of nuclear tests — senior diplomat

"The situation is quite complicated," Sergey Ryabkov said

Hungarian PM’s office rules out his trip to Moscow for 80th anniversary of Victory

Gergely Gulyas was commenting on the decision of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to go to the Russian capital to celebrate the anniversary of Victory at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Putin slams election mudslinging against Trump’s family as 'vile'

According to the Russian president, when gangs fight with each other, they "don’t target women and children but leave them alone"

Western handlers beginning to dump Zelensky — Ukrainian politician

"Polls are now emerging where Zelensky is no longer at the top but in second or even third place," Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Kim Jong Un, Russian defense minister discuss development of partnership — KCNA

"The talks featured a broad exchange of views on issues related to further deepening and development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, the DPRK and the Russian Federation, in such fields as defense, protection of sovereignty," the news agency said

Foreign fighters involved in terrorist attacks in Aleppo, Idlib provinces — Syrian army

The Syrian Armed Forces’ General Command warned that "terrorist organizations are spreading misleading information, news and videos on their platforms aimed at intimidating citizens"

Russians wipe out three Ukrainian strongholds, over 20 Azov fighters in advance on Kharkov

According to Andrey Marochko, during their advance near Kopanki, which was liberated earlier this week, the Russian forces improved their tactical positions southwest of the locality as they also expanded their control zone at this sector of the line of engagement

List of new BRICS partner states to be released before end of year — Russian MFA

No country that received an invitation to become a BRICS partner state has rejected it, Sergey Ryabkov said

Bilateral exchanges between Russia, North Korea their own business — Chinese MFA

Mao Ning also stated that she was not aware of the details of Belousov's visit and reiterated that China's position on the Ukrainian crisis remains consistent

Lavrov clarifies Russia's position on Ukraine crisis to foreign diplomats — MFA

"Participants in the roundtable exchanged views on the conflict and other pressing international topics," the ministry stated

Japan's PM reiterates desire to sign peace treaty with Russia

Moscow and Tokyo have been negotiating a peace treaty to mark the end of World War II since the mid-20th century

Ukrainian forces follow Russian troops’ example to use fiber optics drones, Putin says

The head of state is confident that there will be a quick response from the Russian side

US funds 'Nazis, maniacs' in Ukraine, Israel — American journalist

Jackson Hinkle also pointed out that the US authorities are no friend of "freedom-loving American patriots"

Russia, China conduct air patrol over western Pacific Ocean

According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the two countries’ aircraft "completed the second phase of the ninth joint air patrol"

Ukraine loses over 36,800 troops, 225 tanks: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Russian forces destroyed two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, an armored combat vehicle, four motor vehicles and two mortars

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

Niger receives delivery of military equipment from Russia — TV

The report also stated that this delivery highlights the strengthening of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Niger

Russia’s Alisher Usmanov elected president of International Fencing Federation

The election took place in Tashkent

Putin apologizes to Merkel over labrador incident

The president said that he "wanted to create a casual, friendly atmosphere" and did not know that the former German chancellor was afraid of dogs

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards eyes big response to Israel's latest attack

Iran’s Operation True Promise was carried out in April in response to the Israeli bombing of the Islamic republic’s embassy in Damascus

Georgian riot police disperses protesters in central street

The police ran after people and detained them, using force, according to a TASS reporter at the scene

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

UK continuing arms supplies to Kiev fraught with conflict of nuclear powers — diplomat

Andrey Kelin noted that "the British have utterly ignored all our warnings and opted for escalatory actions to further worsen the Ukrainian crisis"

Ukrainian army says desertion main reason for loss of Ugledar

The Ukrainian officer said that each company in his battalion was supposed to have 120 men, but "due to deaths, injuries and desertions," some companies had as few as 10 soldiers

Presidential aide blames West for attempts to harm Russia at sea

Nikolay Patrushev said that in a situation like this Russia should firmly defend its position and prepare tools for the "comprehensive management of maritime activities aimed at ensuring national interests"

Situation in Syria requires urgent discussion in Astana format — Russian Foreign Ministry

The two ministers expressed support to actions of authorities and the army of Syria of thwarting the terrorist attack against the northern part of the country, the Foreign Ministry of Iran informed in its turn

Hungarian PM sounds alarm over presence of US, French troops in Ukraine

Additionally, the news that Russia used its latest Oreshnik high-precision ballistic missile, which has significant destructive power, to destroy Yuzhmash, a Ukrainian defense plant in Dnipro (previously known as Dnepropetrovsk), is alarming, Viktor Orban stressed

Press review: CSTO discusses Russian weapons as US and Russia continue prisoner talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 29th

West refuses to accept proof of Ukraine’s use of chemical weapons — Russian envoy

Vladimir Tarabrin noted that instead, the West is trying to present Russia as violating the Chemical Weapons Convention

North Korean leader sees missile strikes inside Russia as Western involvement in conflict

According to the North Korean leader, it should be shown to the "US-led provocative forces" that they will achieve nothing useful if they ignore Russia's warning

Finland eyeing return of antipersonnel mines to inventory — president

Finland became the party to the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in 2012

No turning back on BRICS independent payment system

According to Sergey Ryabkov, BRICS is creating a payment structure that countries of the global majority can use to protect themselves from "hostile states" who want to do them harm

West deploying troops to Ukraine to up ante in fight with Russia — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin described such plans as provocative and noted that they "confirm the West’s intention to continue its profound engagement in a direct standoff with Russia"

Russian forces wipe out five ATACMS launchers using Iskander missiles

In particular, two MLRS launchers and a transporter-loader vehicle were destroyed near the settlement of Tokari, and three HIMARS launchers were taken out near the settlement of Maly Bobrik, the statement reads

Leonardo booking system’s functionality restored — Rostec

Aeroflot airline said earlier that the issue and the return of tickets and provision of extra services in all sales channels were temporarily complicated due to the system’s failure

Syrian army eliminates hundreds of terrorists, repelling their attack on Aleppo, Idlib

The Syrian army command reported on November 28 that units of the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group had staged a large-scale attack on Syria’s northern governorates the day prior

European gas prices rise by 21% in November

The main reasons behind the price rise include record-breaking gas withdrawals from European storage facilities amid a temperature drop, statements about Russia ending gas supplies to Austria’s OMV and risks for Russian gas payments due to US sanctions on Gazprombank

TASS Alley appears in Moscow

Dozens of TASS employees with their families, led by Director General Andrey Kondrashov, planted the alley of thirty trees near the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Lavrov, Fidan pointed to importance of Astana format for Syria

"The need was confirmed to coordinate joint activities for purposes of stabilizing the situation in Suria, in the first instance with the use of the Astana format’s potential," the ministry added

Russia’s top diplomat slams NATO for discussions of preemptive strikes on Russia

"These claims were made by some admiral. Absolutely reckless. They have a lot of high-ranking military officials who have never even seen real battle," Sergey Lavrov stated

Strike on NATO bases possible in case of escalation, Medvedev says

He made this comment answering a question if Russia can strike military hubs in Romania and Poland

Dialog with Japan on peace treaty possible if Tokyo gives up its hostile course

"Not a single agreement can be made without holding negotiations," official spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said

US actions undermine Washington’s competitiveness — Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Washington’s policy causes harm to the United States

Russian forces strike infrastructure at Ukrainian military airfields

Russian tactical aircraft crews, drone units, missile troops and artillery forces also struck enemy troops and equipment in 132 areas

West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, this represents the "confrontational logic" of the West

Next antigovernmental rally underway in Tbilisi

The main demand of protesters is the resignation of the government

FACTBOX: What to know about attacks of militants on Syria’s government forces

Russian passengers on Antarctica cruise liner with engine failure go on hunger strike

The liner left Cape Town on November 13 for a 20-day cruise, and passengers say they paid between $9,000 and $12,000 for the trip

Georgia determined to prevent Ukrainian coup-like scenario, PM says

Mass protests took place in Georgia in the past two days, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police officers, who used tear gas and water cannons

West may well just set money intended for Ukraine on fire — Russian diplomat

Politico reported earlier that US President Joe Biden had asked the Congress for another $24 bln to provide additional military aid to Kiev and replenish US stocks

Russian scientists to develop computer working at ‘speed of light’ by 2027 — researcher

"In the next two years, we plan to create a working prototype with processing speed of over 10 to the power of 19 operations per second, which significantly exceeds the current global level," Alexander Sergeyev said

Kiev's defeatist rhetoric may be masking planned attacks on Russia — expert

The enemy may be trying to lull us into a false sense of security by saying that their situation is bad, only to hit us by surprise, Andrey Marochko said

Russia to ensure continued uranium exports, senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, debates have been going on for a while about the need for Russia to stop supplying strategic goods to its opponents

Russia works on transforming '3+3' platform into organization — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin stressed that the '3+3' regional cooperation platform is important for harmonizing the interests of all countries of the region

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Riot police fully clears square in front of Georgian parliament from protesters

The protesters moved up Rustaveli Avenue

NATO growing more inclined to freeze Ukraine conflict — Russia’s SVR

"NATO has been unfolding training centers in Ukraine in an effort to train at least 1 million mobilized Ukrainians," the SVR highlighted

Russian aerospace forces eliminate at least 20 militants in Syria’s Aleppo, Idlib

Russia’s aerospace forces are backing the Syrian government army and deliver missile strikes on positions of illegal armed groups, their weapons, control centers, and weapons depots, Oleg Ignasyuk, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria said

Hezbollah to coordinate moves with Lebanese military as part of ceasefire

Assessing the outcome of the war with Israel, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem asserted that the resistance forces had won "the greatest victory over Israel"

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Russia-North Korea partnership pact reaffirms their interest in developing ties — Belousov

"We are grateful for the commitment to the course of deepening ties with Russia," the minister said

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

The process, which can today be confidently called the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia, began after the 2014 coup, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Senior Russian diplomat points to risk of nuclear exchange

But Moscow will do everything possible to prevent it, Sergey Ryabkov said

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with Russian defense minister — KCNA

"Kim Jong Un said that Korea-Russia relations are a strong security mechanism that facilitates the prosperity of the peoples in the two countries, alleviates the situation in the region and guarantees international strategic stability," the news agency said

Russia against sending OPCW reps to probe into chemical incidents in Ukraine — diplomat

According to Vladimir Tarabrin, Russia doesn’t want to "expose to danger the lives and health of international experts amid the extensive use of various weapons" along the engagement line

Novaya Zemlya facility prepared for resumption of nuclear tests — Russian general

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS that Russia was considering a resumption of nuclear tests amid the United State’s policy of escalating tensions

US mercenary in-absentia arrest, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 340 troops, an armored personnel carrier, an armored combat vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, an artillery piece and six mortars

Banning import of food from New Zealand won’t affect Russia — watchdog

Earlier on Friday, the Russian government extended the food embargo for countries that imposed sanctions against Russia until the end of 2026

Syrian government army hits militants’ positions in southern Idlib — newspaper

According to Al-Watan, Syrian forces targeted militants’ positions in the al-Ruweiha, Khan al-Sabil, and Maardabsa, as well as in the Jebel al-Zawiya mountainous area in southern Idlib and the city of Mareya north of Aleppo

Scholz shares details of talks with Putin, Zelensky says

The conversation between the Russian president and the German chancellor took place on November 15

Israel conducts strike on military targets on Syria-Lebanon border, army says

The military infrastructure sites were actively used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons from Syria into Lebanon, the statement reads

Root causes need to be addressed to settle Ukrainian conflict — Kremlin spokesman

"Everything here is much deeper than a decision to send a peacekeeper mission," Dmitry Peskov said

Putin signs law on taxation of digital currencies

According to the law, digital currency is recognized as property

Paris grants Netanyahu immunity for Lebanon ceasefire role, French magazine says

The report indicates that shortly after the ICC issued its warrant, Macron had a phone conversation with Netanyahu, in which he acknowledged that Paris was obliged to respect the ICC and cooperate fully

Russian diplomat says US won’t stop Russia from accomplishing special operation goals

Sergey Ryabkov was responding to a request to comment on news reports that US President Joe Biden had asked Congress for an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine

Romania, Poland, Germany, UK plan to divide Ukraine — Russia's foreign intel

"A total of 100,000 so-called peacekeepers are planned to be sent to Ukraine," the SVR noted

Design of super-heavy rocket to be finalized based on new technologies — Roscosmos

"The development of a super-heavy class rocket exposed a need for introducing innovative solutions, including new materials and engines," the press service said

No countries reject invitations to become BRICS partner states — Russian diplomat

"All participants to a meeting of sherpas and sous-sherpas in Yekaterinburg were informed about it. Everyone agrees that this is the right path," Ryabkov added

Israel prohibits residents of 60 villages in southern Lebanon from returning home

According to the army statement, those moving south of the line may endanger themselves

Borrell calls for preventing consolidation of whole world against West

The EU diplomatic chief once again tried to portray Russia as an "imperialist" power that allegedly poses "an existential threat" to the EU, if the EU wishes to achieve victory in Ukraine

Syrian forces conducting strikes on terrorists infiltrating Aleppo — high command

The Syrian Armed Forces are waiting for reinforcements to launch a counterattack

Russian football chief disappointed national team left off 2026 World Cup draw list

"Until the decision is reversed, our team will have no chance to participate in international competitions," Alexander Dyukov said

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk area, Kharkov Region over week

Russian forces delivered one massive and 32 combined strikes by air-launched, seaborne and ground-based precision weapons, hitting Ukrainian military airfields and power facilities of defense enterprises over the past week, the ministry reported

Britain’s MI6 chief admits London's involvement in covert operations in Ukraine

According to Richard Moore, the cost of supporting Kiev was "well known"

Closure of Russian consulates general in Poland possible, ambassador says

"Anything is possible, so we have long been prepared for any eventuality," Sergey Andreyev noted

Sending EU troops to Ukraine to make peace settlement impossible — Austrian lawmaker

Harald Vilimsky noted that the joint deployment of European troops will further escalate the security situation in Europe

Putting Oreshnik's in Eastern Russia strategic play to help allies, counter US

According to Alexander Stepanov, the deployment makes sense in a situation where the Pentagon continues to project its military presence on Russia's eastern borders

Hungary greenlights pouring of first concrete in Paks-2 NPP foundation — MFA

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that in order to approve the construction of Paks-2, some not-so-simple safety measures had to be taken

Putin believes that US President-elect Trump’s life may be in danger

Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts this year: one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, and the second one in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida

Top Turkish diplomat calls for taking note of Putin’s remarks about nuclear weapons

The Russian President said that Russia would be forced to use all weapons at its disposal if Ukraine obtained nuclear arms

Russia says Ukraine lost up to 140 troops in battlegroup East’s zone of responsibility

The enemy also lost up a MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, a Caesar self-propelled artillery unit, a motor vehicle and four fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, said Oleg Chekhov, a spokesman for the battlegroup

Ukrainian servicemen abandon military units due to fear of Russian army — official

Kiev is constantly losing control over populated areas because "tens of thousands of tired and desperate Ukrainian servicemen are leaving their positions to flee in an unknown direction," the agency reported

Peacekeepers deployment in Ukraine possible only with consent of all conflict parties

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said in a statement earlier in the day that the West may seek to achieve its objectives in Ukraine by implementing an actual occupation, deploying a so-called peacekeeping contingent of 100,000 personnel, with plans to divide the country among Romania, Poland, Germany, and the UK

Medvedev says Zelensky's fate won't be pretty if Ukraine faces second Maidan

The Russian senior official was indignant over the fact that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry "condemned the crackdown on protests in Georgia"

Foreign Ministers of Russia, Turkey discuss situation in Syria

"The situation in Syria and the Astana process were discussed at the meeting," the source said

Zelensky reshuffles Ukrainian military command

According to the statement, Mikhail Drapaty has been appointed as the new commander of the Ukrainian ground forces

Russian Embassy in Argentina monitors situation with malfunctioning ocean liner

The diplomatic mission said that they are in touch with the company organizing the cruise as well as with the Russian citizens onboard the vessel

Putin approves purchase of Russian Elevator Company from French grain trader Louis Dreyfus

The corresponding order of the president was published on the official portal of legal information