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Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin

Putin to question Assad about US journalist missing in Syria

The Russian leader clarified that he had not yet met with the Syrian ex-president after his arrival in Moscow but planned to speak with him

MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at his annual press conference and Q&A session that Syrian ex-President Bashar Assad knows little about the long-missing US journalist Austin Tice but promised to ask him about the case.

"We are all adults and understand the situation. A man went missing in Syria 12 years ago. We know what was happening in the country at that time - there was active fighting on both sides," Putin responded to a question from an NBC reporter about an appeal from a woman asking for help in bringing her son home from Syria. "Does Assad himself actually know what happened to this American citizen, who, as far as I understand, was carrying out his journalistic duties in the war zone? Nevertheless, I promise that I will ask him that question. Just as I can ask those who control the situation on the ground in Syria today," the Russian president said.

Putin clarified that he has not yet met with the Syrian ex-president after his arrival in Moscow but plans to speak with him.

NBC reported that the mother of the missing Austin Tice pleaded with Putin for his help in locating her son in Syria, where he is allegedly being held.

Tags

Military operation in Ukraine

Falling drone debris kills one person at Miratorg company’s facility outside Moscow

Another two company's employees were injured

Starmer intends to hold virtual summit on Ukraine on March 15 — PM’s office

On March 2, a summit on aid to Ukraine was held in London, attended by representatives of 18 states and associations

UN chief still not forwarded to Russia list of 'victims' of staged Bucha incident — envoy

Igor Sergeyev recalled that the so-called "evidence of Russian war crimes in Bucha" appeared a few days after the staging of the killing of civilians, when employees of the Ukrainian security services and the media arrived in Bucha

Experts from Russia, US, China submit initiative to UN to clean up space debris

According to the text of the proposal, TCTB asks the UN Office to review the initiative during the session, which will be held from June 25 to July 4

Britain does not want peace in Ukraine because of its interest in Odessa seaports — expert

Vladimir Karasev further elaborated that the British authorities were also interested in Ukraine's resources, which have been handed over to them by Vladimir Zelensky under a 100-year agreement

Fire at Russian coalmine prompts evacuation of 290 workers

A total of 30 mine rescue specialists and seven pieces of rescue equipment are working in the area

Ukrainian troops have direct orders to kill civilians on Russian territories — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik pointed to the fact that "the political leadership in Kiev consciously and deliberately uses forbidden forms and methods of warfare, uses a large arsenal of terrorist tools at the state level in order to achieve its criminal goals"

Death toll from shopping center shelling in Russia’s Kursk region rises to 4

On the evening of March 10, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the Dobryny

French neo-Nazi ringleader liquidated near Avdeyevka — sources

There is confirmed evidence of his connections with French secret services

Russia’s West battlegroup destroys M113 armored personnel carrier, 18 drones

Over the past day, the enemy's losses amounted to 210 servicemen

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 88.39 rubles for March 11

The Central Bank said last June that it would fix official dollar and euro rates against the ruble on the basis of reports of banks on results of transactions in the over-the-counter currency market

Syria interested in maintaining deep strategic relations with Russia — leader

Ahmed al-Sharaa also said that relations between Russia and Syria were so close that after Bashar Assad's ouster, the country's new authorities decided to "make room for meetings and dialogue"

London should be excluded from negotiations on Ukraine — politician

"Any negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine will be doomed to failure if Britain's intervention is not excluded," Sergey Mironov told TASS

FACTBOX: Ukrainian forces’ atrocities, enemy losses: situation in Russia's Kursk Region

Russian troops repelled three Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kursk Region over the past day

Russian, Turkish diplomats discuss situation in Syria — foreign ministry

The two diplomats also discussed prospects for settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in conformity with international law and the United Nations Charter, it said, adding that meeting was requested by the Turkish side

Houthis ready to resume attacks on Israeli ships from March 11, group’s leader warns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier suspended humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and ordered closure of all border checkpoints

Direct US contacts with Hamas were 'one-off,' produced no result — Rubio

Press secretary of the Hamas Politburo Taher Al-Nunu said in an interview with Al Qahera Al Ekhbariya television on Sunday that Hamas representatives had held direct talks with US delegates in Doha before the end of the first phase of the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement

Constitutional court allows Georgescu to run in Romania's presidential election

His candidacy must, however, also be approved by the Central Electoral Bureau

US lobbyist to establish contacts with officials and business for Lvov region — documents

Lvov region is the first in 33 years in Ukraine to decide to establish its own contacts in the US

IN BRIEF: What is known about drone attack on Russian regions

Drone attacks on the Moscow Region killed one person and left another three injured

Russian military liberates 32 settlements in Kursk Region

On March 8-9 alone, the decisive actions of the Battlegroup North resulted in the liberation of seven settlements, including Malaya Loknya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Kositsa, Lebedevka, Viktorovka, Nikolayevka and Staraya Sorochina

Spain’s left-wing party to demand withdrawal from NATO

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said earlier that the government will seek to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP ahead of the planned time, i.e. in 2029

Kremlin has no doubt about upcoming liberation of Kursk Region — spokesman

A state of federal emergency is in effect in the region

Ukrainian army reinforcing troops in Seversk in attempt to retain hold of logistics center

On March 6, Marochko told TASS that Kiev had been reinforcing troops in Seversk since the beginning of the week, with Ukrainian soldiers occupying the basements of residential houses and administrative buildings, hiding hardware in warehouses

Kiev troops in Kursk region are maneuvering to take new defense positions — commander

Alexander Syrsky ruled out the possibility of Ukrainian military units being encircled by Russian forces

UK coaches Ukrainian officials ahead of talks with US — media

The Times noted that Powell advised Zelensky to conduct negotiations with the United States in a way that would create the impression that Russia was obstructing peace

Rosoboronexport rejects information on Russia’s loss of positions in global arms exports

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report, Russia’s share on the global market of arms exports fell from 21% to 7.8% over the past five years

No lasting peace without Russia, Ukraine participating in conflict settlement — Erdogan

Speaking about relations with the EU, Erdogan said that Turkey "wants to develop relations with the EU and pursue the goal of full membership on the basis of mutual respect and common interests"

Russia’s top brass sets up Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Technologies

A key area of the Center’s work is to train highly skilled instructors from among UAV specialists of military units and formations and operators of unmanned combat systems within single units and groups of units, the Defense Ministry specified

US hopes it would not have to tighten sanctions against Russia — Rubio

US-Ukrainian talks on resolving the conflict are expected to take place in Jeddah later on Tuesday

Greenland to hold parliamentary elections

231 representatives of six parties will compete for 31 seats in parliament

Russia strips two UK diplomats of accreditation based on signs of intelligence activity

Alkesh Odedra and Michael Skinner are required to leave Russia within two weeks

Trump's advisers considering ways to ease anti-Russian sanctions — Bloomberg

On March 3, Reuters reported citing sources that the US administration was considering the possibility of lifting anti-Russian sanctions

Rescuers stop searching for sailor missing after North Sea ship collision

36 other crew members from the two ships were rescued

Russian army may launch large-scale operations in several directions — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, the command of the Ukrainian forces is attempting to transfer newly formed units from the Rovno, Volyn, and Kiev regions to the Sudzha area

Russian army enters Ukraine's Dnepropetrovsk Region during battle for Krasnoarmeysk in DPR

Krasnoarmeysk serves as a crucial logistics hub for the Ukrainian forces in the DPR

Dependence on US creates challenges with F-16 — retired Ukrainian officer

Roman Svitan added that while there are difficulties in interacting with Washington, the F-16s will have to be used in an air defense mode in the rear without taking them into the combat zone

Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev

According to the politician, "Poland's reckless actions, if rashly supported by its NATO allies, may have far-reaching dangerous consequences for the entire world"

All Kurdish facilities in northwestern Syria to go over to Damascus’ control

It is reported that these facilities include in particular all checkpoints in Kurdish territories, an airport, and oil and gas fields

US, China discuss preparations for potential presidential talks in June — WSJ

Both leaders have signaled their readiness to meet since Trump won the US presidential election last November

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

UK premier tells Trump he hopes for intelligence sharing with Ukraine to resume

The head of the UK government also informed about latest phone conversations between UK and Ukrainian officials, assuring the US leader that the sides were committed to the idea of a lasting peace

Over 15,000 mercenaries have fought in Ukraine against Russia since 2022 — diplomat

"They also participate in Ukrainian troops’ crimes against civilians and in torturing Russian servicemen," Yulia Zhdanova said

Russian troops approach border with Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk region — military expert

The enemy’s maneuver has enabled Russian troops to advance successfully in the Kursk frontline area, Yan Gagin added

Romania’s ban on Georgescu to run for president is dangerous precedent for Moldova

Earlier, Romania’s Central Electoral Bureau refused to register Georgescu as candidate for president at the May 4 election

Lavrov to hold talks with OSCE Secretary General in Moscow

This will be the Turkish diplomat's first visit to Russia in his new capacity

Witkoff expects to visit Moscow and meet with Putin - Bloomberg journalist

This statement was made by Bloomberg journalist Annemarie Hordern

Any future talks on Ukraine should consider Kiev’s war crimes — diplomat

As an example, Rodion Miroshnik cited a recent Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council, dedicated to developments in the Donetsk People’s Republic settlement of Selidovo and in the border Kursk Region

Russian air regulator sees potential in widening cooperation with Iran

The participants determined the procedure of further action on flight safety improvement at their meeting

No specific timeframe for liberation of Kursk Region — Kremlin spokesman

The Kursk Region came under a massive attack from Ukraine on August 6, 2024

Press review: EU seeks Ukraine aid without Washington as Syria faces prolonged bloodshed

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 10th

US never halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine — special envoy Witkoff

In his words, intelligence sharing will be among the topics raised during a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Jeddah on March 11

Everyone, including US, wants Ukraine to demonstrate its desire for peace — Kremlin

Earlier, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said he hoped to discuss a framework for a ceasefire and a peace deal with Ukraine

Russian stock indices in the green on Monday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index ticked up by 1.07% to 3,200.81 points

Witkoff expects to meet with Putin on March 13 in Moscow — Axios

The White House and the State Department have not yet responded to TASS's request to confirm this information

Alawites ask Israel for protection amid ongoing clashes in Syria — media

Referring to Israelis as "sons of David" and "respected brothers," the Alawites assured that they look forward to seeing them in Syria"

Time for Europe to admit Ukrainian story lost — lawmaker from Slovakia

Lubos Blaha believes that Europe should follow US’ suit and suspend military assistance to Ukraine, but "they are not going to do this"

Ukrainian army’s group surrenders near Cherkasskoye Porechnoye in Kursk Region

The Russian troops are in fierce action in several directions in the border area of the Kursk Region, the source noted

One person killed, three wounded in Moscow region in attack — governor

According to Andrey Vorobyov, at least seven apartments were damaged in Ramenskoye

Number of UAVs shot down over Moscow region reaches record 65

The relevant services are working on the scene

Russian court sentences Georgian mercenary for crimes near Kursk to 25 years in absentia

The investigation revealed that Gamsakhurdia, a mercenary since March 2022, entered the Kursk Region in August-September 2024 as a member of the armed group Caucasian Legion, which he commanded

All 37 crew members rescued from two ships burning in North Sea — lawmaker

The incident happened at 9:48 a.m. off the northeastern coast of England

Rubio calls on Ukraine to be ready to make ‘difficult’ concessions to get US aid back

Rubio said the White House first needs to understand what concessions Kiev will be willing to make before restarting military aid

Syrian Kurds join government-controlled security forces

The agreement is to be implemented "by the end of this year."

Three killed, nine wounded after Ukraine’s attack on shopping center in Kursk Region

There are four teenagers of 13 and 14 years of age among those wounded

Serbian PM sees risk that protests could get out of hand on March 15

Vucic earlier said he expected the planned rally to descend into violence but warned that any attempts to seize government institutions by force will be harshly suppressed

Maritime Security Belt 2025 international drills kick off in Iran’s Chabahar

The drills involve warships of the Russian, Iranian, and Chinese Navies

Musk says his X platform sustained ‘massive’ cyberattack from IP addresses in Ukraine

He noted that the company "is not yet sure of the details"

Belavia, Nordwind clinch code sharing deal

"Passengers from various Russian regions will have access to comfortable flights to the capital of the Republic of Belarus with an optimal transfer in one of our hubs owing to evolved connecting models of carriage of Nordwind Airlines in Kazan and St. Petersburg," Nordwind Deputy CEO Anton Mattis said in his turn

Lavrov, OSCE secretary-general to discuss security of journalists — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said that the talks will take place in Moscow on March 11

Russia's coexistence with West to depend on its readiness to recognize mistakes — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat emphasized that the past three years have marked a "moment of truth"

Russian forces pound Ukrainian army, equipment in over 150 areas in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 30 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy military vehicles in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day, the ministry reported

NATO won’t allow formation of ‘security vacuum’ in Bosnia and Herzegovina — Rutte

The alliance secretary general called on the country's political leaders to resolve the situation surrounding the Bosnia and Herzegovina Court ruling against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik

Israel strikes military facilities in southern Syria

According to the television channel, several explosions were heard at the base after the air raid

Launch of light rocket Angara-1.2 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome due Saturday — portal

The Angara family comprises Russian launch vehicles ranging from light to heavy classes

Russian army liberates Konstantinopol in DPR — top brass

The Russian forces hit gas refining facilities that ensured the operation of Ukraine’s military enterprises

Russia ready to show what true de-communization means for Ukraine - Putin

Present-day Ukraine was wholly created by Communist Russia, Putin said

Nord Stream destroyed by the US, truth is hidden — Slovakian lawmaker

One more route for Russian gas supplies to Europe was through Ukraine but Kiev halted in use on instructions of its sponsors, Lubos Blaha said

Russia is winning in special military operation — MEP

Lubos Blaha expressed hope that Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will be able to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Stena Immaculate operator confirms fuel leak after allision off UK coast

According to videos aired live by British TV channels, both vessels are on fire. They are at a distance of some ten nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) off the coast

Syrian Kurds join government-controlled security forces

It is reported that a relevant agreement was signed during al-Sharaa’s meeting with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi

Maximum air temperature values in Russia recorded in 21st century

Earlier, Roman Vilfand said that January 2025 was recognized as the warmest in the world

Around 90 Russians injured in Ukraine’s attacks over week, another 10 people killed

The largest number of civilians suffered in the Donetsk People's Republic and the Kherson region

Date for Putin-Trump meeting not yet set — top US diplomat

Putin and Trump held a telephone conversation on February 12

Missing plane found crashed in Alaska, all 10 people aboard killed — report

It is unclear yet what caused the accident

Time to send clear signal to London about futility of its efforts to ignite conflict — SVR

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, in the current environment, "The British authorities consider it an ‘urgent priority’ to undermine ‘peacekeeping’ efforts of the new US administration on the Ukrainian track

Putin says armed conflict in Ukraine forced on Russia

"The entire law enforcement sector and its key link, the Interior Ministry, should certainly build all their activities based on these threats, which undoubtedly arise in today's situation," the Russian president said

Putin advises Gazprombank to partner with Musk

"When he is finished reforming administrative agencies in the US, he will get back go back to science," the Russian leader noted

Kiev not yet willing enough to reach peaceful settlement, Trump says

"Well, I think they would sign the minerals deal. But I want them to want peace," US leader noted

Mark Carney to become Canada’s next prime minister

Mark Carney has been elected as the new leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party

Russian army wipes out almost 4,800 Ukrainian soldiers, mercenaries in LPR in past week

Russian forces also destroyed nine tanks, 77 field guns, 16 electronic warfare and counterbattery systems, 22 field ammo depots, and over 240 combat vehicles

Kiev relocates two brigades to Krasnoarmeisk, south Donetsk area from Kursk — DPR head

The move to relocate two Ukrainian army brigades has been prompted by Kiev’s attempt "to patch up the holes that have emerged in those tactical directions," Denis Pushilin said

Air Defenses downed 337 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions — Defense Ministry

The attack turned out to be the largest in 2025, the ministry stated

Attacks on ZNPP may be perceived as act of nuclear aggression — expert

Ulrike Reisner further asserted, "A direct prohibition on strikes against such technological facilities and their use in military operations is imperative"

Aeroflot, Rossiya delaying flights to, from Moscow

Several flights to Moscow were redirected to alternate airfields to Kazan, St. Petersburg, Samara, Ufa, Saratov and Syktyvkar

Russian President appoints Deputy PM Novak to RDIF Supervisory Board

Information about the composition of the RDIF Supervisory Board is now closed because of Western sanctions introduced against it in 2022

Germany concerned of F-35 jets deal with the US after decisions on Ukraine — Bild

Germany specifically fears that F-35A to be supplied to the German armed forces will be fitted with the Kill Switch system and the US will simply deactivate them if necessary

It will be hard for Ukraine to return to 2014 borders — US state secretary

The US-Ukrainian negotiations in Saudi Arabia are expected to take place on March 11

Work on overcoming problems in dialogue with US has not even begun — Lavrov

The foreign minister said that the new US administration is taking "steps in the right direction"

Lvov region hired lobbyist in US autonomously from Kiev - document

This is the first case in 33 years when an individual Ukrainian region officially ordered lobbying services in the US

Zelensly sends letter to Trump with apologies over Oval Office blow-up — US diplomat

"Zelensky sent a letter to the president. He apologized for that whole incident that happened in the Oval Office," the US official said, without providing any details