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Direct Line and Vladimir Putin's Press Conference

Incorrect narrative: Putin addresses WSJ reporter's detention, extension of custody

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in the Russian Urals city of Yekaterinburg in late March

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. It’s not correct to say that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, charged in Russia with espionage, remains in custody without trial and investigation, President Vladimir Putin said during his combined Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference.

"You said that [Gershkovich] is in custody without trial or any investigation but you also mentioned that his custody had been extended. If it was extended, then it was done based on a court decision, so it’s incorrect to say that it’s done without trial and investigation," Putin noted in response to a question from a US reporter.

When speaking about a possible handover of US nationals Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, Putin added: "You said, why can’t they return home? They should have refrained from committing offenses in Russia. It’s nothing but rhetoric."

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in the Russian Urals city of Yekaterinburg in late March. According to the Federal Security Service (FSB), he acted at the behest of the United States, collecting information constituting a state secret about the activities of Russian defense companies. Criminal charges were filed against him under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Espionage"). If found guilty, he may face up to 20 years in prison. However, Gershkovich pleaded not guilty.

Paul Whelan, who holds US, British, Canadian and Irish passports, was detained by the FSB at a Moscow hotel on December 28, 2018, while on a spy mission. A criminal case was opened against him under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code. The Moscow City Court eventually sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a high-security penal colony.

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Russia's domestic policy Direct Line and Vladimir Putin's Press Conference

Military operation in Ukraine

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Ukrainian General Staff reports difficult situation along entire frontline

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US military strikes car carrying Houthi rebel leaders — TV

According to the source, the US also carried out strikes at Houthi military targets in this area

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France to hand over six Mirage 2000-5 jets to Ukraine — lawmaker

Frank Giletti asked to speed up the commissioning of previously ordered Rafale planes to the armed forces

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Russia’s Rubikon unmanned technology center team destroys Ukrainian armor in Kursk area

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Russia, China sign cooperation memorandum — Xinhua

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Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 12th

Amount of Russian assets frozen in Switzerland unchanged since August — agency

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Houthis say they attacked US aircraft carrier in Arabian Sea

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Russian forces destroy Ukrainian Stryker armored vehicle in Kharkov Region

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Thailand receives invitation to become BRICS partner country — diplomatic source

The BRICS group was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining it in 2011

DPR head Pushilin visits Ugledar, says town badly destroyed

Denis Pushilin added that "it is almost impossible to find an undamaged building"

Over 1,000 dead seals found on Caspian coast in Kazakhstan

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Ukraine retreating fast, delaying peace to result in lost territories — entrepreneur

"The simplest path to peace in Ukraine is to go back to the draft deal signed in Istanbul," David Sacks said

Medvedev characterizes Great Britain as eternal adversary of Russia

"At least until such time as their arrogant, despicably dank island sinks into the abyss of the sea from a wave triggered by a cutting-edge Russian weapons system," the politician said

Two US military bases in Syria come under missiles attacks — TV

According to tAl Mayadeen, at least two attacks targeted a military facility near the Conico gas field in the Deir ez-Zor governorate in a span of one hour

Ukrainians play 'radio games' with Russian recon to spread disinfo on attacks — LPR expert

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Trump to end NATO’s obsession to get on Russian territory — White House ex-strategist

Steve Bannon noted that Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement seeks to completely cut funding to Ukraine. According to Bannon, Europe, including Italy, will follow Trump’s lead, and, if "they [Europe and Italy] truly believe what they have been saying in recent years, they should be ready to pay"

Ukraine aims to call up 1 mln people in eastern areas by end of 2024 — official

According to the plan, 360,000 people are to be mobilized in October; 325,000 and 300,000 in November and December, respectively

Russian senator slams candidate for German chancellorship’s remarks as irresponsible

Konstantin Kosachev also emphasized that talking to Russia in the language of ultimatums "is not only counterproductive, but also short-sighted, especially for Germany"

Ukraine issue gets more attention at UN after Trump’s election win — Russian diplomat

"People started actively commenting behind the scenes, making forecasts about where things could go now," Dmitry Polyansky noted

African countries interested in joining work in BRICS format — Russian MFA

The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was held on November 9-10 in the Sirius Federal Territory on Russia’s Black Sea coast

FSB foils attempted terrorist attack on power station in Nizhny Tagil

It was revealed that the detainee had materials for producing an improvised explosive device and had been communicating with Ukrainian security services via Telegram

Russia set to deepen cooperation with China in law enforcement — top security official

Russia is seeking to consolidate efforts toward fighting extremism, terrorism and transnational crime both bilaterally and multilaterally, Sergey Shoigu specified

Talks between Putin, Trump before inauguration possible — Kremlin

The United States Presidential Inauguration will be held on January 20, 2025

Russia says Su-35S fighter jets provide cover to bombers, attack aircraft in Kursk Region

Also, one aircraft used onboard weapons systems to detect enemy air defense sites, according to the ministry

Russian advances, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

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German president approves date for snap parliamentary election

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Russian engine maker unveils cutting-edge aircraft engine

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US plans to remove 'arrogant' Zelensky and stage 2025 elections in Ukraine — SVR

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Russian Security Council secretary meets with senior Chinese official

The meeting involves consultations on security, justice and public order

Africa goes through second 'awakening,' now from neocolonial oppression — Lavrov

"Africa no longer agrees to remain a source of raw materials that are bought and exported mainly to the West," he said

Ukrainian losses, Sudzhansky district head retirement: situation in Kursk Region

Units of the battlegroup continued offensive operations, defeating Ukrainian formations in the areas of the settlements of Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

First S-550 air defense systems enter service in Russia — source

The source described the new system as "an absolutely new and unrivalled mobile system of strategic missile defense"

Russian troops secure supply route to Plekhovo in Kursk Region — commander

It is reported that fighting in the settlement itself is taking place at the moment