18 Feb, 11:28

Russian, US delegations begin working lunch — diplomat

Russia is represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev

MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. The Russian and US delegations have started a working lunch at the talks in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

"The first morning session [in Riyadh] is over, the sides have started a working lunch," the diplomat said.

The Russian and US delegations began talks in Riyadh at around 7:30 a.m. GMT. Russia is represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and special envoy for the Middle East Stephen Witkoff are participating in the negotiations.

Tags

Trump does not want confrontation of two largest nuclear powers — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, Russia and the United States are currently discussing the prospect of removing barriers for joint economic projects

Yesterday, 08:21

Ukrainian army tries to hold on to several villages in Russia’s Kursk Region — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, Russian forces have been ensuring a buffer zone in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Two days ago, 14:34

Israel ready to consider military solution to issue of Iranian nuclear program — diplomat

US President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on March 7 that he had sent a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

Yesterday, 14:19

Trump upset over leak scandal, blames Waltz — newspaper

It is not yet known whether Trump intends to fire his national security advisor

US again strikes Houthi arms depots in northwest Yemen — TV

According to the report, the United States delivered a series of strikes on warehouses in the district of Sahar

28 Sep 2016, 07:28

Court approves settlement deal on Russian tank manufacturer's multibillion debt

The debt of Uralvagonzavod and its subsidiaries, according to recent data, totals more than 7.3 bln rubles ($114.2 mln) and $30.2 mln

Yesterday, 12:32

Lavrov dismisses EU's Ukraine mission plans as 'dreamers' fantasy

"These dreamers are proving their complete political incompetence with each passing day," the Russian top diplomat said, referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron

Yesterday, 14:44

Trump trusts Waltz despite scandal — TV channel

The US leader considers this incident as "the only glitch in two months, and it turned out not to be a serious one"

Yesterday, 08:39

Russia at forefront of fighting for more just world order — Russian intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that in the history of mankind, there are already examples of successful solutions to "tasks related to the collective condemnation of certain forms of discrimination and the fair compensation for damage caused by them"

Convoy with humanitarian aid from France arrives in Donbass

In all, the convoy delivered around 1.5 metric tons of various humanitarian cargo, including wheelchairs, medical supplies, clothes, instruments, kitchenware and bicycles

Trump says he trusts his national security team despite leak scandal

US president added that his entire national security team works efficiently

Yesterday, 21:07

Black Sea ceasefire compliance issue to be resolved, other countries involved — Trump

Russia and the United States agreed to continue work on achieving a lasting and durable peace

Yesterday, 18:25

Indonesia to join BRICS Bank — President

The decision was made after the proposal made by the bank's chief Dilma Rousseff and following consultations with the financial bloc of the Indonesian government, Prabowo Subianto stressed

Yesterday, 15:27

Annual inflation to be 8% in March 2025 — Bank of Russia

Inflation is expected to be at the level of 4% in 2026; the rise in prices will be more significant in 2025, Alexey Zabotkin added

Yesterday, 16:56

EU incites Zelensky; idea of peacekeepers 'will perpetuate Nazi regime' — Lavrov

"These so-called security forces would serve to entrench the Nazi regime, enforcing a ban on anything that reminds people of Russian roots," the foreign minister emphasized

Yesterday, 11:40

Russia favors resumption of Black Sea Initiative in more acceptable form — Lavrov

Russia would like "the market of grain, and the market of fertilizers to be predictable," and for no one to attempt excluding Russia from those markets, the foreign minister noted

Yesterday, 18:39

Kremlin to soon issue another statement on results of contacts with US — spokesman

"The Russian and US sides continue to work in a constructive and positive manner within the framework of existing contacts," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 14:19

US politicians' visit to Greenland shows disrespect for its authorities — Danish PM

On March 4, US President Donald Trump stated that he would support the decision of the people of Greenland to make their territory part of the United States

Yesterday, 17:50

Russia to resume Black Sea deal after sanctions lifting from banks

The agreements will come into force when the Russian banks are also reconnected to SWIFT

Yesterday, 14:42

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 20:24

Trump says US looking at Russia’s conditions for Black Sea ceasefire

According to US president, 'there are about five or six conditions'

Trump does not want confrontation of two largest nuclear powers — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, Russia and the United States are currently discussing the prospect of removing barriers for joint economic projects

Two days ago, 14:43

Ukrainian legislator calls Witkoff's statements on settlement in Ukraine shocking

"Of course, we cannot dictate to our American friends who should represent them," Alexander Merezhko said

Yesterday, 19:17

Kremlin posts lists of energy facilities covered by moratorium on strikes

The moratorium on strikes against energy facilities is in effect for thirty days from March 18 and may be extended by a mutual agreement

Two days ago, 17:05

Israel opposes Ukraine’s glorification of Nazi collaborator — envoy

When asked about the Jewish state’s position on Ukraine’s glorification of Bandera, Alexander Ben Zvi recalled that Israeli ambassadors to Ukraine had issued notes of protest on that issue

Yesterday, 16:59

Europe wants to undermine US role in Ukrainian settlement in every possible way — Lavrov

Europe does not want to settle the Ukrainian crisis on the basis of eliminating the root causes, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Yesterday, 21:09

UN not yet ready to comment on participation in Black Sea agreements — official

Stephane Dujarric added that UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan was now on a visit to Turkey

Yesterday, 16:02

Sber joins ranks of Top 25 European bank brands

Sberbank keeps the leadership among the most valuable brands in the Russian banking market in 2025

Yesterday, 17:53

Black Sea initiative helps to provide more people with grain — presidential envoy

This initiative facilitates unobstructed access of Russian food and fertilizers to international markets, including raw materials for their production, the official stressed

Yesterday, 08:14

Waltz's future in doubt after data leak — newspaper

The report said nothing is finalized yet, and President Donald Trump would ultimately make the decision over the next day or two

Yesterday, 16:46

Ukraine more important for Russia's security than Greenland for this of US — Lavrov

In an interview, the top Russian diplomat recalled US President Donald Trump's words about the US urgently need of Greenland for its security

US wants to engage China in talks on strategic arms reduction — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister recalled that Beijing commented on these plans on numerous occasions

Lavrov describes NATO secretary general as ‘laughable and pathetic’

Russian Foreign Minister noted that Mark Rutte 'does not want even to speak on the subject'

Yesterday, 08:45

OMV, Romgaz spud first gas production well of Neptun Deep project in Black Sea

"The project is progressing according to plan, with first gas estimated for 2027," the statement reads

Yesterday, 09:55

Talks in Riyadh technical, content not to be made public — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the reports made by the delegations to their capitals are being currently analyzed

Yesterday, 13:13

Russian prosecutors declare NATO-funded European Leadership Network undesirable in Russia

According to the statement, the organization's tasks are promotion of the concept of NATO expansion, advocacy of an anti-Russian agenda

Two days ago, 23:59

Kiev regime once again reveals its brutal nature — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova also attributed the increase in terrorist attacks carried out by the Kiev regime to the realization by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that they are incapable of inflicting damage on the Russian Armed Forces on the battlefield

Yesterday, 18:50

Joint use of ZNPP by Russia, any other country unacceptable — Russian MFA

Moscow will never hand the ZNPP over to Ukraine or any other country, the ministry emphasized

Two days ago, 18:56

Krikalev appointed deputy head of Roscosmos for manned, automated complexes

Dmitry Baranov was appointed Deputy Director General for Industry Development

Yesterday, 20:19

US offers Ukraine new minerals deal — Zelensky

"I have asked to study it and we will see it before sending it to the parliament for ratification," he said

Yesterday, 11:51

Oil pumping for Europe to slump due to another terrorist attack by Kiev — Lavrov

On March 19, Kiev intentionally attacked an energy infrastructure facility in the village of Kavkazskaya in the Krasnodar Region with several drones

Yesterday, 15:24

Economic activity positive in Q1 2024 — Bank of Russia

The currency rate at the same time will be the one corresponding to the path of inflation decline to 4%, Alexey Zabotkin added

Two days ago, 16:08

Leader of Spain's left-wing coalition supports dissolving NATO

In Antonio Maillo's view, Europe has two options: "The first is to erect a wall of rearmament along the Russian border, and the second is to engage in dialogue with Russia, which is part of Europe"

Yesterday, 20:18

Russia in favor of negotiations with US on all fronts, including sports — Lavrov

"We are both 'for hockey' and 'for soccer.’ These are not just games, by the way, but what people want," the top Russian diplomat said

Two days ago, 10:32

Kremlin does not discuss personal gifts — Peskov on portrait allegedly presented to Trump

US special envoy Steven Witkoff mentioned earlier that after a March 13 meeting in the Kremlin, he delivered a gift from Putin to Trump

Yesterday, 17:12

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in "some form, better suited to all"

Yesterday, 17:56

30-day stop of strikes against Russian, Ukrainian energy sector counted from March 18

The deal has an option of the extension and the withdrawal from it in case one of the sides does not observe the agreement

Yesterday, 20:20

Gagauzia head detained at Chisinau airport — National Anti-Corruption Center

According to the center, all the details will be announced on Wednesday

Two days ago, 23:26

Lavrov plans to talk about aspects of Riyadh talks in TV interview on March 25

Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova announced an interview with Channel One

Yesterday, 19:02

Control over ZNPP cannot be handed over to Ukraine or any other country — Russian MFA

According to Moscow, "sharing the use of the ZNPP with any other country is also unacceptable. This is unprecedented in global practice"

Yesterday, 18:10

Grain deal will not work without lifting of sanctions on ships — Kremlin

One more condition is lifting of "restrictions of agricultural machinery supplies and other goods used in food and fertilizer production," the Kremlin noted

Yesterday, 15:14

EU will not release Russian assets — EC President

The G7 loan facility opened for using revenues of Russian assets frozen in EU jurisdiction is up to 40 bln Euro and is intended for the period until 2027, with the repayment to be completed by 2040

Gagauzia head’s supporters gather outside anti-corruption center after her detention

The National Anti-Corruption Center said Yevgenia Gutul was detained for 72 hours as part of a criminal investigation, adding that details will be published on Wednesday

Yesterday, 10:10

Rare gold coins stolen from French museum worth almost $656,000 found in Moscow

Russian law enforcement officers received a photo and a detailed description of the stolen exhibits

Yesterday, 06:11

Russia, US manage to raise numerous issues at Riyadh talks, negotiator Karasin says

The Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs noted that the dialogue was detailed and complex

Yesterday, 03:46

Trump to cut foreign aid spending by $2.5 bln — Semafor

According to the sources, US president will scale back funds designated as emergency spending under the debt ceiling legislation of 2023, enacted by the administration of Joe Biden

Yesterday, 17:51

US intelligence points to Russia’s closer ties with Iran, China, North Korea

According to the US intelligence community, removing the accelerant of the war in Ukraine is unlikely to revert these bilateral relationships to a pre-war, 2021 baseline"

Yesterday, 18:11

Ukrainian troops destroy churches while fleeing from Kursk Region — Putin

According to the president, "it is absolutely necessary to plan the restoration of these cultural facilities in advance"

Yesterday, 10:59

Kiev to undermine talks with US if displeased with their course — Russian senator

Vladimir Dzhabarov emphasized that the current Ukrainian authorities are "frowning" with the US-Russia talks and the Kiev regime is "incredibly irritated"

Yesterday, 10:26

China's experience should be used in making Northern Sea Route ports — Governor Tsybulsky

Alexander Tsybulsky cited as example the port in Dalian that handles 385 million tons of cargo per year

Yesterday, 19:23

Energy strike moratorium voided if one side breaks it — Kremlin

"If one of the parties violates the ban, the other has the right to consider itself free from the obligation to comply with the agreement," the Kremlin added

Yesterday, 19:13

Saudi Arabia talks on Ukraine make great progress — Trump

"We're in deep discussions with Russia and Ukraine, and I would say it's going well," the US leader said

Yesterday, 11:33

Murder of Russian journalists reiterates special military operation’s rightness — Kremlin

On Monday, reports emerged that six people were killed in an artillery attack on the Kremenskoy district by the Ukrainian army

Two days ago, 17:26

US vice president ignores Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine

According to Vladimir Zelensky’s interview, he suggested that JD Vance reconsider his decision not to visit Ukraine until the armed conflict was over but the US vice president did not respond

Yesterday, 11:00

Kremlin says painting of its building on fire reflects Zelensky’s spiritual development

"Well, I suppose this illustrates in the best way the level of spiritual development and inner state of the one posing for these images," Dmitry Peskov noted

Yesterday, 21:48

Russia, US discuss Nord Stream pipeline issue — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, 'it will be interesting if the Americans use their influence on Europe and will force it not to reject the Russian gas'

25 Jan 2022, 20:18

Russian Ambassador: Sanctions may speed Russia and China switching to national currencies

But a complete shift is not expected, Andrey Denisov said

Yesterday, 12:16

Russia should restart non-resource exports by abandoning WTO model — expert

According to Konstantin Babkin, joining the Western economy has long been out of the question, however, under sanctions, Russia continues to adhere to WTO norms

Two days ago, 10:09

Russian army regains control over significant section of state border near Sumy

It is noted that in the vicinity of Guyev, Russian troops are actively clearing forested areas. Ukrainian soldiers in the region are facing shortages of food and ammunition

Yesterday, 15:25

Russia-US dialogue on strategic stability should be restored — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat specified that these principles were reflected in the preamble of the New START Treaty, emphasizing the connection between strategic offensive and defensive arms, as well as mutual respect and equality

Yesterday, 11:42

Russia will not tolerate ambiguity regarding Black Sea initiative — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West has consistently acted to benefit Ukraine and penalize Russia in matters concerning the implementation of the Black Sea initiative

Yesterday, 06:18

Russian forces push Ukrainians near Sudzha crossing in Kursk region — security official

As Russian forces have advanced, scattered Ukrainian troops have found themselves completely cut off from enemy forces in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Two days ago, 16:46

Putting nuclear power plants in US hands to turn Ukraine into colony — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova emphasized that Russia did not target Ukrainian nuclear power plants, being acutely aware of "the seriousness of such actions and committed to adhering to universally recognized norms of international humanitarian law"

Yesterday, 16:57

Russia, US agree to ensure safe navigation in Black Sea — Kremlin

"In accordance with the agreement between the presidents of Russia and the United States, both sides have committed to implementing the Black Sea initiative," the statement reads

Two days ago, 09:15

If US appoints new president of Ukraine, it will ruin the country — Russian legislator

"This would represent a continuation of the same colonial scenario and further accelerate Ukraine's collapse," Viktor Vodolatsky said

Yesterday, 12:50

Kiev blames its attack targeting Sudzha gas station on Russia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister warned that oil volumes to European consumers, too, will fall sharply following another recent attack in which Ukraine targeted the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in southern Russia’s Krasnodar Region

Yesterday, 14:09

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

Russia has already "been through" Europe’s desire to inflict strategic defeat, as Napoleon and Hitler had such plans, the top Russian diplomat said

Russia can maintain high operational tempo longer than Ukraine — Pentagon

Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse added that 'both sides would have a significant challenge maintaining their defense industrial base'

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Russia, US conclude talks in Saudi Arabia as Hamas discusses Gaza ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 25th

Russia to keep in mind ‘trust, but verify’ principle during dialogue with US — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that Washington used the dollar to punish certain countries, and, as a result, the transition to national currencies and alternative payment systems has become unstoppable

Yesterday, 13:03

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure

TASS has compiled the main information on the Ukrainian attacks

Two days ago, 15:14

IN BRIEF: Ukraine carries out assault on Russian energy infrastructure

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that the strikes involved both attack drones and HIMARS rockets

Yesterday, 19:47

US to monitor compliance with agreements reached in Riyadh, Zelensky says

He pointed out that agreements on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a ban on strikes against energy sites had been reached in Saudi Arabia

Yesterday, 16:45

West 'swallowed' Ukrainian UAV attack on Russian territory on March 11 — Lavrov

On that day Ukraine launched a record number of drones against central Russia, including Moscow and the surrounding region - nearly 340 drones, the foreign minister recalled

Yesterday, 21:30

White House describes data leak scandal as ‘tired gameplay’ by anti-Trump forces

Communications Director Steven Cheung described the situation as a "witch hunt"

Yesterday, 11:12

Nukes stationed in Belarus can be used if necessary — Russian ambassador

Under the latest agreement on security guarantees that took effect in the Union State earlier this month, the two countries view Russian nukes as a key factor in preventing nuclear conflicts or military conflicts involving conventional arms, as well as a means of containment that can only be used as an absolute last resort

Yesterday, 16:18

Number of energy sites affected by Ukrainian strikes in Bryansk Region double

According to the Region's Governor Alexander Bogomaz, 212 sites sustained damage

Yesterday, 18:55

UN welcomes agreements on safe navigation in Black Sea — official

Spokesperson for the UN secretary general Stephane Dujarric noted that he had seen the two announcements

Yesterday, 17:30

Russia-US relations worsened during Trump’s first term due to his entourage — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, although "Trump's entire foreign policy is guided by national interests," the US president understands that other countries, "especially the great powers," also have their own interests

Yesterday, 22:12

Zelensky understands that his days are numbered — Lavrov

In Russian Foreign Minister's words, he remains popular only among 'a part of the population that shares radical, ultra-right, revanchist and Banderite views'

Yesterday, 09:21

Lukashenko officially assumes post of president of Belarus for new term

The Belarusian leader swore to faithfully serve the people, respect and protect the rights and freedoms of people, observe and protect the nation's constitution

Yesterday, 20:34

Europe engages in ‘freeloading’ in cases with Ukraine, Yemen, NATO — Trump

US president said that 'the European Union has been absolutely terrible to us'

Yesterday, 05:28

Russia, US may issue joint statement following Riyadh talks on Tuesday morning — CBS

According to the sources, "reports shared with the Trump administration from the US technical team in Riyadh seemed optimistic"

Yesterday, 12:13

Nigeria interested in purchasing agriculture equipment from Russia — Russian trade envoy

The matter was discussed at an online seminar for exporters organized earlier this week together with Russian Export Center, Maxim Petrov said

Yesterday, 10:57

Chinese expert believes Russia needs to cooperate with Asia not relying too much on US

Chi Fulin noted that the Chinese and international community pay significant attention to Russian-American relations, which "are quite complex"

Yesterday, 10:22

NATO’s barbaric bombing of Belgrade must not be forgotten — SVR chief

NATO launched a military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on March 24, 1999

Two days ago, 17:47

Russia, US have no plans of signing documents after talks in Riyadh — Kremlin spokesman

Negotiations between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh began on Monday morning

Two days ago, 17:30

Russia’s Yars missile formations to be taken to field positions

Military units will also practice engineering support and radiological, chemical and biological protection tasks during the maneuvers

Yesterday, 12:39

EU's approaches on Ukraine directly contradict Trump administration’s position — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said the Europeans are currently facing "a huge number of problems"

Yesterday, 20:42

US authorities looking into how journalist was added to private chat on Yemen — Trump aide

Mike Waltz said said that there's 'a lot of lessons'