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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Kiev unable to draft enough soldiers even by reducing conscription age — Russian envoy

"According to the command of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, over half a million people are currently wanted for draft evasion," Vasily Nebenzya noted

UNITED NATIONS, January 17. /TASS/. The Kiev authorities will not be able to draft enough soldiers ready to die even if they reduce Ukraine’s conscription age from 25 to 18 years, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said.

"The Kiev regime will disgracefully collapse, sharing the fate of the pro-US regime in Afghanistan, which collapsed in 2021," he pointed out at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

According to Nebenzya, unwilling to see that forcible mobilization has sparked outrage among the Ukrainian people who don’t want to be thrown into the meat grinder of war, Western countries "insist that the expired Ukrainian showman reduce the country’s conscription age from 25 to 18 years." "Meanwhile, they ignore the expert opinion that many men in that age category have already left Ukraine and the move will not make it possible to draft enough soldiers ready to die at the front," the Russian envoy stressed.

Nebenzya went on to say that "the Ukrainians are showing increasing unwillingness to fight for Zelensky’s corrupted clique and the West’s geopolitical interests." "According to the command of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, over half a million people are currently wanted for draft evasion," he noted.

A possible draft age reduction is being increasingly discussed in Ukraine as this is what the West demands. Currently, Ukraine is mobilizing men between the ages of 25 and 60. The draft age was previously lowered from 27 to 25 in April 2024. Despite this adjustment, the Ukrainian armed forces continue to face significant troop shortages.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that reducing Ukraine’s draft age to 18 years would be a crime. He stressed, however, that even such a measure would not help Kiev change the situation on the battlefield.

Tags

Foreign policy Ukraine Vasily Nebenzya

Russia, US to resume communication on certain issues — MFA

"The interest in continuing joint work to prepare the meeting between Russian and American presidents was confirmed," the statement reads

Russia-US talks kick off in Riyadh without traditional handshakes for press

Representatives of the Russian and American media were simultaneously led to the meeting venue, with Russian and US journalists waiting in different parts of the building

Putin ready for talks with Zelensky, whose legitimacy remains questionable — Kremlin

"At the same time, how the agreements can be legally enshrined is the subject of serious discussion," Dmitry Peskov added

Ukraine will not recognize outcome of Russian-US talks in Saudi Arabia, Zelensky says

According to the Ukrainian president, his visit to Saudi Arabia in the coming days is not related to the Russian-American meeting on Tuesday

Ukrainian law prohibits transfer of country's rare earth metals to US — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova recommended that Zelensky read his country’s laws again before squandering resources

Russia hits plant making components for Ukrainian equipment in Zaporozhye — politician

Three buildings of the Zaporozhye cable plant were destroyed

Poland skeptical about results of Paris summit on Ukraine — deputy defense chief

According to Pawel Zalewski, Poland has "high expectations from the talks within NATO that are underway with Americans"

Israel begins withdrawing troops from last nine municipalities in southern Lebanon — media

The Israeli army command said earlier that it planned to maintain control of strategic heights in the Jabal Blat, Labbouna, Al-Aziziyah, Al-Awaida and Al-Hamamis hills in the border area

Press review: US, Russia approach summit in Saudi Arabia and investors return to Europe

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 17th

Munich Conference may signify end to transatlantic relations — researcher

It means for Russia that the European Union, rather than the United States, is its main rival, German political researcher Alexander Rahr said

Finnish investors acquire Helsinki event venue earlier owned by Russians — newspaper

The arena, which had remained closed for nearly three years, is set to reopen as early as April

Slovakia will not send troops to Ukraine, opposes bringing it into NATO — PM

The European Union is not authorized to make decisions on the participation of foreign troops in peacekeeping operations in a third country, the country’s government stated

Fifteen suffer injuries as Delta Airlines flight crashes at Toronto airport

According to earlier reports, three injured people, including a child, are critical

Establishing economic contacts between Russia, US very important for Washington

According to head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev, Moscow is looking forward to a positive discussion

Israel takes delivery of heavy MK-84 bombs after US lifts ban

According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth "reaffirmed in a recent conversation America's commitment to continue to provide Israel with all the tools it needs to ensure its security"

Zelensky completely disheartened after conversation with Trump — expert

According to Mikhail Pavliv, this most likely indicates that the new administration in Washington, along with the demand for elections, "is prepared to declare the Verkhovna Rada as the only legitimate authority in the country"

France's overseas territories 'sick and tired' of being treated as colonies — Putin's aide

Nikolay Patrushev noted that "France does not intend to listen to the opinion of the inhabitants of the overseas territories who dream of independence"

EU has enough resources to support Ukraine even without US — top Estonian diplomat

The European Commission estimates that Russian assets worth more than 200 billion euros are frozen in Europe, Margus Tsahkna noted

Dialog with United States enables saying truth on failure of policy to deter Russia

About seventy American companies are in the list of the ones affected by severance of relations with Russia, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said

T-90MS tank enjoys latest technologies

According to Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev, the tank has reactive armor, bar screens, electronic warfare against drones, and differentiated armor principle

Sharp differences emerge at Paris meeting over troop deployment in Ukraine — newspaper

According to the report, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain said they were reluctant to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, hours after the UK proposed a possible deployment of European forces there

Russia, UAE sign agreement to eliminate double taxation — Finance Ministry

The agreement will help the two countries stimulate trade, increase mutual investment, and create a favorable environment for businesses and citizens

Russia demands respect to resume dialogue with Berlin — Putin’s aide

Nikolay Patrushev added that in recent years, Western countries "have either isolated themselves from communicating with Russia, or switched to the language of demands, ultimatums, insults, and calls for the destruction of the Russian population"

West cares not about Ukraine, sees it only as launchpad, resource base — Putin’s aide

Nikolay Patrushev stressed that "multinational British and American corporations do not hide their interest in obtaining unrestricted access to the natural resources"

Talks with US would undermine Iran's standing in Middle East — Iranian MP

According to Taghi Naghdali, history shows that cooperating with the US only results in increased pressure and new threats against Iran

US forces eliminate one of al-Qaeda's leaders in Syria — Trump

The US president congratulated US Central Command Commander General Michael Kurilla and military pilots on the successful operation

US happy Putin wants to negotiate peace, otherwise would face 'big problem' — Trump

"I think he wants to stop fighting", the US leader said

European politicians recall Putin’s speech at Munich Conference on sidelines — expert

"The End of History’ is coming to its end," President of the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations Alexander Dynkin stressed

Over 30 dead in Bolivia as bus drops 800 meters down from cliff

Fifteen people were hospitalized with injuries

Visa, Mastercard may soon try to return to Russia — lawmaker

According to Anatoly Aksakov, Visa and Mastercard will have to be used in case of sending payments to Europe and America, since these are international systems

EU leaders confirm ‘Ukraine deserves peace through strength’ — European Commission chief

According to Ursula von der Leyen, "Europe carries its full share of the military assistance to Ukraine"

US will not change Europe’s security architecture to resolve Ukraine issue — senator

According to Jim Risch, "there will be no absolutely happy people" once the conflict is settled because Kiev and its Western allies will have to make compromises

Hamas ready to hand over power in Gaza to Palestinian National Authority — TV

The organization made the decision under "strong pressure" from Egypt after the negotiations of its delegation in Cairo

Territorial concessions, US role in Ukraine conflict: key statements by Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the US has been playing a leading role in the Ukrainian crisis since its very start and now "may contribute to the settlement"

Israeli troops to stay in southern Lebanon’s five strategic sites, source tells TASS

According to the source, this stationing will be temporary

Musk points to 'competent leadership' as Russian delegation arrives in Riyadh

The two countries’ delegations will hold talks in Riyadh on February 18

EU ready to lead in providing security guarantees for Ukraine, NATO chief says

"Ready and willing to invest a lot more in our security," Mark Rutte said

Ukraine settlement will fail if EU doesn't rein in Zelensky — Russian diplomat

"If you fail to rein in your protege in Kiev and put him in his proper place, this will end badly for Ukraine," Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian Duma speaker predicts ‘serious changes’ for EU, its institutions

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, US Vice President JD Vance gave an accurate assessment of the situation in European countries at the Munich Security Conference

Death toll from hostilities in DPR since early 2022 exceeds 5,240

Among those killed are 153 children

US wants to find out at meeting in Riyadh if side can move forward — Department of State

Russian and American delegations are expected to meet in Riyadh on February 18

Russian troops just 1.5 km away from state border near Ugledar in Donbass region — expert

Russian fighters use special cartridges to shoot down enemy drones, Yan Gagin noted

Hungarian economy reacts positively to news of Russia-US talks — Orban

The Hungarian forint strengthened slightly against other currencies over the past week

Participants of Paris summit seek to prevent peace in Ukraine — Hungarian foreign minister

"These countries are for the war, they have supported the misguided strategy of sanctions in Europe," Peter Szijjarto stressed

Weapons stocks depleted in European, Ukrainian stockpiles — Rheinmetall head

Armin Papperger added that demand for weapons in the region will remain high even after the end of the conflict in Ukraine amid promises by US President Donald Trump to cut military support for Europe

Russia wins strategic victory in Ukraine conflict, can discuss its resolution — expert

Gabor Stier added that Donald Trump would like to put an end to the Ukraine crisis as soon as possible so that it does not divert US attention and resources

Kiev deploys Polish mercenaries to Konstantinovka in Donetsk region — defense source

According to the source, the mercenaries are well prepared and equipped

Casualty toll from Delta Airlines plane crash in Toronto rises to 17 — TV

According to her, there were 76 passengers and four crew members aboard the plane

Trump may want to settle Greenland issue within first 100 days in office — expert

By gaining access to Greenland's resources, Alexey Fadeev noted, the US is solving several problems at once, in particular rare earth metals

Russia’s State Duma to consider ratifying security treaty with Belarus on February 18

According to Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, the MPs’ objective is to implement the decisions made at the level of the Union State’s heads

All systems ready for SWIFT in Russia, but it is a dying technology — lawmaker

According to Anatoly Aksakov, new options for mutual settlements have been developed

US suggests Brazil, China participate in Ukraine 'peacekeeping force' — report

According to The Economist, Washington believes peace in Ukraine would be better if not only Western troops were present along a ceasefire line

Europe-less Ukraine talks would be exercise in futility, says German diplomat

According to German foreign ministry spokesman, Europe plays an important role in the settlement effort because a majority of Russia’s frozen assets are in Europe

Starmer says ‘there must be a US backstop’ for any EU troops deployment in Ukraine

"A US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again," he said

UK ready to guarantee Ukraine's security by deploying troops — PM

The UK could put its own "troops on the ground if necessary," Keir Starmer said

World's largest arms manufacturers show off products at IDEX-2025

Seven new countries are participating in IDEX-2025: Cyprus, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Qatar, Romania and Hungary

North Korea’s denuclearization no longer possible, MFA says

The North Korean Foreign Ministry stressed that "as long as the US and its satellites continue to make hostile threats, nuclear weapons will remain a guarantee of peace and security for North Korea, as well as a self-defense tool enshrined in the constitution"

Progress in US-Russia talks possible in 2-3 months — RDIF chief executive

"We have a number of proposals our colleagues are thinking of," Kirill Dmitriev pointed out

Russia terminates agreement with Ukraine on safety of navigation in Sea of Azov

Order was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

Estonian legislator calls Munich conference results Russia’s diplomatic triumph

Marko Mihkelson said that Moscow now has an initiative not only on the battlefield, but also in diplomacy

Russian official highlights global importance of Russia-US relations

"I think that Russia-US relations are very important for the world. I think it’s very important that the US and Russia cooperate together, and jointly, we can solve problems," Kirill Dmitriev said

Europe's army insufficient for sending troops to Ukraine — Polish intelligence service

The head of the Polish National Security Bureau, Dariusz Lukowski, said that Germany "most likely has only one division that could be fully mobilized, and even that would require considerable effort"

Russian army cutting Ukrainian battlegroup from several directions near Krasnoarmeisk

According to DPR Head Denis Pushilin, the advance by Russian troops is underway

Kiev makes over 10 futile attempts to storm Russian positions near Makeyevka in LPR

"The Ukrainian military command failed to carry through its plan," military expert Andrey Marochko said

Israel demands release of six hostages instead of three on Saturday — media

According to Ynet, Israel is also preparing to receive the bodies of several hostages who died in Hamas captivity

Europe not interested in Ukraine peace, has no place at negotiating table — Lavrov

The foreign minister highlighted how Europe had failed in its attempts to resolve the Ukraine crisis since 2014, particularly through the Minsk agreements, with France and Germany acting as guarantors

Russian, US delegations to hold talks in Riyadh

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov will represent the country during the talks

China supports any efforts for resolution in Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Guo Jiakun also hopes that all other interested parties will be able to participate in the negotiations in a timely manner

Zelensky ready to do anything to save himself — Russian diplomat

"Seeking to stay in power at any cost, he [Zelensky] is ready for any provocations to keep hostilities going where his countrymen continue to die," Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia destroys Abrams tank, NASAMS launcher in Kursk region

THe Russian forces also wiped out "three infantry fighting vehicles, among them two US-made Bradleys, three armored personnel carriers, 15 armored combat vehicles, 23 motor vehicles"

Top Russian diplomat, Kremlin aide arrive in Riyadh for talks with US delegation

According to CNN, the US delegation includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East envoy Stephen Witkoff

Russian Trade Ministry does not consider promoting return of foreign brands relevant

The trend towards the development of local Russian brands, supported by the state, will continue, the ministry stated

Medvedev certain Europe will 'swallow' Vance's criticism

The deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council remarked that the "anti-Russian coven" in Munich was stirred by Vance's provocative speech

Russian gas supplies to Europe via TurkStream hit record highs for second consecutive week

In particular, gas flows through the Strandzha 2 compressor station on the Turkish-Bulgarian border exceeded 396 mln cubic meters on February 10-16, reaching the highest weekly level since the gas pipeline’s launch in January 2020

Trump offers practical way of resolving Ukraine conflict — Dutch deputy

Gideon van Meijeren noted that Moscow has every reason to negotiate with Trump, as he offers a "realistic path to a negotiated settlement" rather than a "suicidal strategy of indefinite war"

European leaders’ informal meeting in Paris yields no final statement

According to the BFMT TV channel, the nearly three-hour meeting yielded no joint communique because of differences among the participants concerning the issue of the potential deployment of military contingents to Ukraine

Ukrainian army has no future in Kurakhovo anymore — DPR head

Denis Pushilin added that Russian forces hold the initiative nearly along the entire frontline

Munich Conference exposes growing rift within the collective West — Kremlin aide

Nikolay Patrushev notes that the West had failed to attract independent states under the banner of Russophobia

Russian troops liberate Figolevka community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 585 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

No one has done more than Zelensky to destroy Ukraine's statehood — Patrushev

"The Kiev regime has no support from its own people, the country's president is illegitimate, and the neo-Nazi government subjugates the citizens of Ukraine under the threat of taking their lives," the Russian presidential aide said

Russian official says US businesses lost $300 bln after leaving Russia

Kirill Dmitriev said "it’s very important that the US and Russia cooperate together, and jointly, we can solve problems"

Territorial compromise on Ukraine enters US political discourse — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, erritorial concessions to what is now called Ukraine were made by the Soviet leadership upon the creation of the USSR

T-90MS tank proves efficiency in Ukraine operation

Head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev noted that foreign partners are considering modernization of their Russian-made tanks

West seeks to turn Black, Baltic Seas into NATO-controlled waters — presidential aide

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the word "supposedly" has been used frequently by the West, "replacing evidence with rumors and slander"

Lavrov, Ushakov can send urgent reports to Putin from Riyadh — Peskov

In addition to bilateral relations, the parties will address preparations for potential negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement and a summit between the Russian and US presidents

Ukrainian forces attempt to bring reinforcements to Chasov Yar — DPR head

Denis Pushilin added that Ukrainian forces are at the same time trying to establish some defensive positions in the frontline area

Russia to prioritize plant modernization over repairing foreign gas turbines — UEC

Director General of UEC Engineering Andrey Vorobyov noted that it was far easier and more cost-efficient to offer a standard solution for replacing an engine instead of repairing foreign turbines

Musk calls Heusgen 'pathetic' for crying during closing speech at Munich Conference

On February 16, Christoph Heusgen, the chair of the Munich Conference, described the results of the forum in Germany as "a nightmare for Europe"

Russia ready to help Iran resolve issues on Tehran's nuclear program — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the start of US-Russian talks will not affect the further cooperation between Moscow and Tehran

UN secretary-general keeps track of Russia-US meeting in Saudi Arabia — spokesman

Russian and US delegations are expected to meet in Riyadh on February 18 to discuss the restoration of bilateral relations, preparations for talks on Ukrainian settlement and a meeting between the leaders

INTERVIEW: Certain EU countries nourishing ideas of annexing Ukrainian lands — Medvedchuk

Earlier, Medvedchuk stated that historical events show that Ukrainians have always been saved by Russians, which should happen naturally now

Europe finds itself 'at kids’ table' in Ukraine talks — Rheinmetall CEO

Armin Papperger pointed out that even if peace comes to Ukraine, European countries should continue to increase defense spending

Issues on Iran's nuclear program should be resolved through talks — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump discussed Iran's nuclear program during their telephone conversation, but it was not the main topic of discussion

Russia displays battle-tested weapons at IDEX show

Air weapons trigger major interest and include low-signature precision new-generation Kh-69 cruise missile and Kh-58UShKE antiradar missile and Grom-E1 guided missile

Kremlin takes note of Vance's rebuttal of claims regarding US troops in Ukraine

He earlier said in an interview that the option of sending the US military to Ukraine "remains under consideration" by Washington in case Moscow refuses to resolve the conflict in good faith

Scholz says too early to discuss German participation in military mission in Ukraine

According to the German chancellor, the question now is how to ensure peace without making decisions behind Ukraine's back

Zelensky forgets about people, forms coalition of those offended by Trump — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik said that the Ukrainian president "is hopping between countries, giving countless interviews, almost as if leaping from the frying pan into the fire"

EU faces tricky situation as US mulls lifting sanctions against Russia — Reuters

The article notes that Donald Trump could lift US sanctions unilaterally either in the wake of a truce, or to pressure Ukraine and its European backers if they are reluctant to agree on the offered deal

West must take responsibility for its actions, Lavrov warns

Among unlawful Western moves, Russia's top diplomat mentioned "years of illegal actions, and violations of their own once proclaimed rules of equality, fair competition, presumption of innocence, inviolability of property, freedom of expression, and access to information"

Deployment of NATO forces must be prohibited by future agreements — senior Russian MP

Konstantin Kosachev noted that a similar provision exists in the Russia-NATO Founding Act regarding new members, but it is being "steadily undermined by NATO members"

Russian Security Council chief promises Serbia to support its stability

The sides also agreed "to intensify dialogue to prevent color revolutions"