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Annual meeting of Valdai Discussion Club kicks off in Sochi

This year, the meeting is titled "The Polycentric World: Instructions for Use"

SOCHI, September 29. /TASS/. Experts from more than 40 countries will gather in Sochi on Russia’s Black Sea coast on September 29 - October 2 for an annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

This year, the meeting is titled "The Polycentric World: Instructions for Use."

The club’s flagship international conference will bring together 140 participants from 42 countries, including Algeria, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela.

The participants will traditionally meet with representatives of the Russian executive branch: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.

Anti-Russian sanctions

Switzerland updates anti-Russian sanction list — government

The government’s press service said that 5 individuals, 4 organizations and 41 ships were newly added to the annexes

Iran ready for talks on its nuclear dossier if US ceases threat tactics — top diplomat

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran is ready for any developments and hope that Washington will make a wise choice

China opposes US’ interference in Iran’s affairs — MFA

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing supports Tehran's efforts to ensure national stability

Russian forces exerting heavy pressure on enemy near Stepnogorsk — expert

Igor Kimakovsky added that counter-attacks are ongoing in the Konstantinovka and Krasnoarmeysk directions in the DPR

White House confirms Iran contacted Witkoff

According to the news agency, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously discussed the unrest in the Islamic republic and the possibility of a meeting over the weekend

IN BRIEF: Russian First Deputy PM speaks about armament, space sector

Denis Manturov said that Russia completed trials of more than a thousand of new materiel specimens on the battle line in 2025

Russia developing stratospheric fighter drone called 'Predator'

The drone's design utilized monowing technology, which enhances the aircraft’s flight speed, payload capacity and stealth

US can't do in Iran what it did in Venezuela, says Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that external military intervention in the current conditions would only strengthen the unity of the nation

Rosatom creates first domestic modular inverter for solar batteries

The unique feature of the first Russian inverter is its modular structure, making it possible to replace the power module without dismantling the entire equipment

Iran announces arrest of two Mossad-affiliated organizers of protests

According to the Tasnim news agency, the detainees played "a key role in organizing mass unrest in the country"

Zelensky, his patrons won’t escape responsibility for murders of reporters — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that, amid the West's ongoing hybrid aggression against Russia and its people, journalists are among the first to refute the large-scale dissemination of fake news about Russia and effectively block anti-Russian propaganda

Arctic is becoming potential theater of war through NATO's fault — expert

Dmitry Suslov noted that the EU is "hypocritically exploiting" the alleged need to protect the Arctic from Russia and China in order to "divert" US President Donald Trump's talk of the need to take control of Greenland

Trump says Zelensky would be destitute without him

The US president said that Vladimir Zelensky hadn't had any cards since day one of the special military operation

OSCE needs to fight myth of Moscow’s threat — Russian permanent representative

Dmitry Polyansky noted that the OSCE has largely discredited itself and is currently at a crossroads

French MEP dismisses idea of building a 100,000-strong European army as a folly

Thierry Mariani stressed that the authors of this initiative are ready for everything to drag EU into a war

NATO carries out over dozen recon flights over Belarus already this year — ministry

According to the ministry, over the past year, aerial reconnaissance over the territory of Belarus has reached a dozen flights on some days

Roszarubezhneft to continue to fulfill its obligations in Venezuela

Roszarubezhneft intends to continue steadily developing its assets together with the Venezuelan side

FSB thwarts Kiev-planned terrorist plot on railway bridge in Perm Region

The Russian citizen, born in 1972, was detained in the city of Chusovoy

EU to present 20th package of sanctions against Russia by February 24 — Euractiv

Finland and Sweden are calling on the European Commission to ban the export of luxury goods to Russia and the servicing of Russian oil tankers

G7 countries responsible for measures against China on rare earths — MFA

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stressed that Beijing will protect the stability and security of global supply chains

Creators of Knyaz Vandal drone working on version similar to Lancet

The developer plans to produce a loitering munition with a range of over 50 kilometers and the ability to operate in tandem with the Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod

Oreshnik’s launch is sudden, undetectable by satellites — analyst

The range of the Oreshnik system is up to 5,500 kilometers

Press review: Trump raises Latin America tensions and Greenland dispute tests NATO unity

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, January 13th

US ambition to claim Greenland driven by competition from Russia, China — White House

"Perhaps it would be in the best interest of Greenland to be part of the United States," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

US, Israel seek to exploit unrest in Iran — top Iranian diplomat

"The United States and Israel are using the unrest to achieve what they failed to through war," Abbas Araghchi said

Ukraine attacks Zaporozhye Region nine times in one day, injuring four people

Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said that strikes were launched on populated areas of the region

Greenland to strengthen defense under NATO auspices

The United States has reaffirmed its desire to take Greenland under its control

Air defenses destroy 56 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within four-hour period

21 of them were destroyed over the Republic of Crimea

Kalashnikov increases high-precision machine tool production by 10% in 2025

The arms manufacturer noted that last year, the concern's machine tool division also produced component kits for military products, specifically gunrests and the KUB guided munitions ground launch support system

Russia’s UN envoy puts civilian death toll from Kiev’s attacks in December at 56

At least 367 civilians were injured, Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian troops liberate Novoboikovskoye community in Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russian troops struck Ukrainian military airfields and storage sites of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles over the past 24 hours

NATO asks Turkey to send fighter jets for patrol mission in Baltic countries earlier

So far, Turkey has made no decision on NATO’s request

Drone attack on Russia’s Taganrog damages 2 industrial sites, 8 houses

Mayor Svetlana Kambulova said that experts are inspecting the buildings to assess the damage extent

Loss of Belogorye to complicate Ukrainian defenses near Zaporozhye city — defense source

According to the report, Russian unmanned systems troops played an important role in liberating Belogorye

Russia’s on final stage of testing new aircraft as part of their certification — minister

Anton Alikhanov also announced that work on adjusting the Comprehensive Program for the Development of the Russian Aviation Industry is continuing

Iranian foreign ministry demands four European countries stop supporting rioters

The Iranian foreign ministry expressed protest against "any form of political or information support for rioters" in Iran

What Solzhenitsyn said about Putin, and vice versa

The prominent writer and historian, who was exiled to GULAG camp, was born on December 11, 1918

Iran has evidence of US, Israeli involvement in riots — top diplomat

As Abbas Araghchi said, ex-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo admitted that agents of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad were guiding the terrorist movement together with rioters

London supports Ecumenical Patriarch in driving out Russian orthodoxy — SVR

According to the report, Patriarch Bartholomew "has found common ground with the authorities of the Baltic states in an effort to sow discord in the Russian Orthodox world"

Gazprom supplied more gas to China than to Europe in 2025

According to preliminary data, Gazprom supplied to China 38.8 bln cubic meters of gas in 2025

Russian Oreshnik missile exposes US Patriot's weakness vs hypersonic missiles — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, unbiased Western and Ukrainian sources recorded the warheads’ final velocity at approximately 13,000 km/h

West aware their troops in Ukraine to become Russia’s legitimate target — envoy

Dmitry Polyansky noted that Moscow had repeatedly said it at various levels

US may establish controlled military dictatorship in Venezuela — expert

Alexander Stepanov said that the key tasks for a pro-American government in Venezuela will be to suppress any potential resistance from within and create the appearance of investment attractiveness and stability

US expert doubts Trump will use force against Iran

US political commentator and co-host of the Russia Up Close talk show Eddie Gonzales opined that any military action against Iran carries a significant risk of escalation into a broader regional conflict

Putin discusses process industry, space developments with First Deputy PM

The Russian leader pointed to high results of the segment

Hundreds of farmers enter Paris on tractors to protest against deal with Mercosur

Law enforcement officials blocked some central roads to maintain order

Iranian president met with protest reps — top diplomat

The government has acknowledged the protests, Abbas Araghchi said

US Congress unlikely to approve Greenland annexation bill — GovTrack

Experts estimate that the probability of this initiative being adopted by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs does not exceed 10%

Ukrainian army attacks evacuating residents of Krasnoarmeysk-Dmitrovsk agglomeration

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large on Kiev’s War Crimes Rodion Miroshnik, Ukraine literally "squeezed out" the population of the agglomeration from their homes, forcing people to leave the territory

US may deploy tactical nuclear missiles in Greenland — expert

According to Nikolay Novik, the absorption of the world’s largest island is a major geostrategic step for the United States

Lukashenko says there was collusion, betrayal in situation with Maduro's capture

The Belarusian leader also called for caution amid the events in the Bolivarian Republic

Venezuela’s authorized president makes her first cabinet changes

Delcy Rodriguez has appointed the new Minister of Popular Power and Minister of Ecosocialism

Trump admits that US is profiting from Ukrainian conflict

The US leader reiterated his claim that he is making efforts to resolve the crisis solely because he "wants to save lives"

Venezuela is ruled by own government, says interim president

On January 3, US President Donald Trump announced a military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores by American forces

Trump can use military forces against Iran if thinks that necessary — White House

According to Leavitt, while the nuclear program was the main leverage of pressure on Iran several months ago, now, the situation has changed

Brent price rises above $64 for first time since December 5 on London ICE

By 10:44 p.m. Moscow time, Brent was trading at $64.07 per barrel

Russian troops intensify attack efforts in Orekhovo in special military op zone — expert

During the New Year holidays, the Russian Armed Forces liberated six localities

IN BRIEF: Casualties in Lipetsk Region, damage in Taganrog after overnight drone attack

Two people were injured as a result of UAV attacks on the town of Yelets in the Lipetsk Region

Iran shuts down internet to foil foreign-orchestrated terrorist operations

NetBlocks, an international internet monitoring service, reported earlier on Monday that Iran had been without internet access for 96 hours

Iran to withdraw from naval maneuvers involving BRICS countries — news portal

Two Iranian Navy vessels that have already arrived in South Africa will not be taking a direct part in the exercise which runs until January 16

Greenland does not want to be part of Denmark or US — Russian envoy to Copenhagen

According to Vladimir Barbin, Greenland "is interested in closest possible relations with US, particularly in US investments needed to ensure sustainability of island’s economy"

Nine newborns die in Kemerovo Region maternity hospital over New Year holidays

The authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident

The consequences of January 9 strike with Oreshnik missile system on targets in Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant

West completely ignores Kiev’s atrocities — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that Russia’s armed forces are not targeting civilians with their strikes

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

Russia not invited to this month's Davos Economic Forum, won't participate

The annual WEF meeting will take place in Davos from January 19 to 23 under the slogan 'A Spirit of Dialogu'

Group of Ukrainian troops attempting to hoist flag destroyed near Krasnoarmeysk

The Kiev regime is still making attempts to deploy Ukrainian militants to stage such PR actions with a view to showing the presence of Ukrainian troops in localities liberated by Russian troops, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

White House shares photo of Trump with Greenland map, invites monitoring of situation

Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should become part of the United States

Unusually cold winter brings Western European countries to their knees — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister said that Hungary continues to operate normally

Proposals to resume dialogue with Russia gain support in Brussels, EU capitals — Politico

According to the source, there is a range of issues which cannot be discussed with only the US when they have direct implications on the security of Europeans

NATO is 'now done' — Tucker Carlson on Greenland

According to him, "the whole illusion has shattered in the past four days"

Russian troops repel Ukrainian counteroffensive near Konstantinovka

Igor Kimakovsky added that the Ukrainian military launched counterattacks in the Krasnoarmeysk direction

EU countries clash over US arms purchases for Ukraine — newspaper

According to Politico, most EU countries believe that Kiev should have more freedom in deciding which weapons it needs under the assistance plan

Trump announces 25% tariff on countries cooperating with Iran

The US leader stressed that it was a final and conclusive decision

Tehran answers Trump's threats to attack Iran with stark warning of its own

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf invited the US president to come and see how all America’s resources in the region are being blasted

Patriarch Bartholomew intends to grant autocephaly to Montenegrin church — SVR

The aggressive appetite of the Patriarch of Constantinople "is not limited to Ukraine and the Baltics," the press bureau noted

Greenland joining US would contradict NATO's articles 4 and 5 — expert

According to the Military-Political Analysis Bureau head Alexander Mikhailov, the rhetoric from the new US administration underscores a tectonic shift in how Washington sees its role in the bloc

US disguised military aircraft as civilian planes in strikes on suspected drug boats — WP

The news outlet recalled that Washington carried out almost 30 attacks on alleged drug boats in the waters around Venezuela and other Latin American countries, killing over 100 people

Hungary grants political asylum to several Polish citizens — Szijjarto

"Democracy and the rule of law in Poland are in crisis and under threat," the Hungarian foreign minister said

Russian forces crush two Ukrainian breakthrough attempts near Kupyansk - top brass

Roughly 10 militants and a US-made M113 APC were wiped out

US senator believes annexation of Greenland to prompt NATO’s collapse

Chris Murphy said that NATO would have an obligation to defend Greenland, and so query whether this would lead to war with Europe

Medvedev considers use of Russian flag by Marinera inappropriate

He emphasized that the seizure of the tanker by the Americans was "a clear violation of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea"

Major Russian banks reduce deposit rates — financial marketplace

The cuts were the largest for three-month and six-month deposits, by 0.37 pp

Press review: Ukraine attempts to stall peace talks as Trump takes control of Venezuela

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 12th

Iranian defense official accuses Israel, US of sending IS fighters to take part in unrest

Abdolrahim Mousavi warned that "the Iranian security forces would not allow a single IS terrorist or foreign puppet to gain a foothold in the country"

Ukrainian drone attack damages facility in Rostov Region, no casualties — governor

Yury Slyusar added that the drone attack alert remains in effect in the region

French officials concerned by Germany’s rearmament — Bloomberg

The news agency characterized the mood in France as "schizophrenic"

Russian MFA lodges protest with Polish ambassador over archeologist’s detention

The Russian side reiterated to Krzysztof Krajewski that "the accusations of the Kiev regime are absurd"

Finnish politician calls London’s missiles for Ukraine attempt to prolong conflict

The UK has been an obstacle to peace many times, Armando Mema noted

Air power, missiles seen central to potential US military action against Iran — TV

Pentagon officials are also considering scenarios in which "conflict could extend beyond battlefield strikes to include sustained" operations in the digital space and influence campaigns, the TV channel said

No British troops to be sent to Ukraine unless safety guaranteed — UK chief of staff

Richard Knighton acknowledged that despite confidence in ensuring proper safety for British military personnel in Ukraine, "there is no such thing as zero risk in operational environments"

Oreshnik strike on Ukraine signal for NATO to abandon support for Kiev — Rutte

NATO Secretary General added that the alliance would still provide assistance to Kiev

China to protect its interests if US imposes tariffs for cooperation with Iran — MFA

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing takes a "clear and consistent position" on such issues

Fico calls for Kallas's removal as EU head of diplomacy

The EU is facing an unprecedented crisis, the Slovakia’s prime minister declared

US Congress introduces bill to protect Greenland from Trump’s ambitions — Axios

The initiative aims to curb the expansion of the US armed forces in Greenland and to conduct public campaigns to persuade the local population against supporting the island's takeover by American authorities

Bill on annexation of Greenland submitted to US House of Representatives

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives Randy Fine called the bill a "landmark legislation focused on securing America’s strategic national security interests in the Arctic"

Musk must fix Grok's algorithms, otherwise EU to take action — European Commissioner

Henna Virkkunen deemed "horrendous" the use of Grok for "creating and sharing pictures of undressed women and children"

Russian ambassador does not rule out that Maduro was betrayed by political elites

"As for betrayal, it was probably betrayal, it was probably indecisiveness, and, surely, sheer negligence of office duties," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Trial for Russian sailor Motin begins in London

The hearing was devoted to organizational issues

Ukraine’s PM confirms Trump-linked investors win tender for lithium deposit

According to her, Ukrainian and foreign companies with financial resources, technical capabilities and experience in the field of subsoil use were invited to the competitive selection

Silver outpaced Nvidia by market capitalization

Gold ranks first with a market capitalization of $32.103 trillion