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Military operation in Ukraine

36 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions in three hours

22 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Thirty-six Ukrainian drones were shot down over several Russian regions in three hours on Friday evening, the Russian defense ministry said.

"From 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Moscow time (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. GMT) on December 19, Russian air defense systems destroyed 36 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles: 22 over the Belgorod Region, seven over Crimea, two over the Kursk Region, one over the Voronezh Region, and four over the Black Sea," it said.

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Military operation in Ukraine

Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin

Economy, special op, taxes most popular topics on social media following Putin’s Q&A

Since the start of the event at noon Friday and until 10:00 p.m. Moscow time, approximately 1.5 million messages about it were posted on social media, a research by Russia’s Medialogia automated real-time media monitoring and analysis system says

Kremlin warns about consequences for masterminds, perpetrators of Russian asset seizure

"Those who made decisions collectively, those who made decisions individually and those who put them into practice will all bear responsibility," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian army continues to advance west of Seversk, Putin says

The Russian leader recalled how the report on the liberation of Seversk was presented

Lawsuit against Euroclear filed in time — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that it is difficult for her to comment on specific arguments prevailing among EU member-countries that did not approve the confiscation of Russian assets

IN BRIEF: Putin's statements on Ukraine at 'Results of the Year' conference

The president said that Russian troops in the special operation zone are advancing in all directions, fully seizing the strategic initiative

Route to Slavyansk opens from liberated Seversk — Putin

The head of state recalled that the Russian side had long ago urged the Kiev regime to withdraw its troops from the territories of the republics which do not want to live under nationalist control

Georgian president calls EU decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine bluff

"Ukraine has simply been sold out," Mikhail Kavelashvili said

Russia’s former tennis star, world No. 2 Myskina added to Ukraine’s extremist database

President of Russia’s National Badminton Federation Andrey Antropov was also put on the Mirotvorets database

UN says famine phase overcome in Gaza Strip

According to the latest IPC report, at least 1.6 million people, or 77% of the population, including over 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, are still facing high levels of acute food insecurity in the enclave

FACTBOX: Putin’s statements on EU’s attempts to seize Russian assets

The Russian president noted that if Russian assets are seized, Russia will defend its interests in court and seek to identify jurisdictions that are not dependent on political decisions

VAT increase will not be permanent — Putin

The ultimate goal is to reduce the tax burden in the future, the head of state stressed

Hundreds of thousands of Russian troops fighting in special military operation — Putin

The Russian leader noted that not all of them planned to build civilian careers after the special military operation

Ukrainian soldiers desert due to lack of food, water, clothing — expert

Vitaly Kiselev pointed out that Ukrainian barrier detachments operating within the zone of the special military operation are unable to stem the tide of desertion

Russia ready to consider halting strikes deep inside Ukraine on election day — Putin

The Russian president still noted that if Kiev wants to use the elections solely to stop the offensive momentum of Russian troops, then this is the wrong choice

Russian asset seizure to undermine trust in Euro zone, Putin warns

The president pointed out that apart from Russia, many other countries also keep their gold and currency reserves in Europe

IN BRIEF: Resuming nuclear tests, NATO threat: what Russia's military chief of staff said

The North Atlantic Alliance, under the pretext of a so-called Russian military threat, has "significantly increased" its military presence near Russia’s borders

Russia and Mauritania agree on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passports

The two countries' foreign ministers signed the corresponding agreement on the sidelines of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Russia to practice tact in protecting compatriots abroad — Putin

The head of state noted that new mechanisms should be introduced to support citizens abroad

Purpose of VAT increase, key rate, rising prices: Putin’s takes at 'Results of Year'

As the head of state noted, the Russian economy grew by 9.7% over the past three years, which is much higher than in Europe

Russia’s offensive in Zaporozhye forces Kiev to expand evacuation zone

The reason behind this decision is an increase in the operational range of Russian drones, the source said

Zelensky cannot withdraw troops from Donbass due to nationalist resistance — opposition

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Western media outlets consistently report significant pressure from Washington on Kiev and Europe regarding this issue

Russia grateful to Egypt for its objective position on Ukraine — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Cairo "understands perfectly well that a political-diplomatic settlement is only possible with the elimination of the root causes of the conflict"

Russian army has full strategic initiative in special military operation zone — Putin

The president said that the Russian forces are advancing along the entire line of engagement

EU's aggressive policy on Russian assets threatens Belgium with major issues — ambassador

According to Denis Gonchar, the EU's actions could lead to huge financial losses, damage to the investment climate, and capital flight from Belgium and the EU

Lavrov, top Togolese diplomat discuss economy, investment — Russian MFA

The sides confirmed that Moscow and Lome had the same or similar positions on regional and international issues of mutual interest

PMs of Belgium, Italy emerge victorious at EU summit on Russian assets — media

Earlier, the newaspaper described the summit’s decision on Russian assets as a "major setback" for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

EU's decision to support Ukraine confirms that it does not want peace — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova said that EU member states decided to further prolong the Ukrainian conflict

US starts striking Islamic State sites in Syria — NYT

The operation involves US fighter jets and attack helicopters

Europe will sooner or later have to repay what it steals from Russian assets — Putin

The EU and G7 countries froze approximately 300 billion euros in Russian assets

Trump not ruling out war with Venezuela

The US leader declined to clarify whether US strikes on Venezuelan vessels could directly lead to war

Russia to retaliate possible endorsement of Magnitsky bill

Many people in the U.S. realize that the endorsement of this bill will harm relations with Russia

EU €90 bln loan cannot save Ukraine from defeat — Hungarian PM

Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic earlier declined to participate in providing the loan to Kiev using funds raised through joint EU borrowing

Moscow vows to retaliate against West’s sanctions aimed at Russian politicians, companies

The Russian top diplomat lambasted the practice of employing unilateral restrictions "in bypassing the UN Security Council"

Ukrainian forces execute civilians in Seversk — Hero of Russia

According to Naran Ochir-Goryaev, the Ukrainian troops were primarily targeting young people between 30 and 40 years old

Bank of Russia reduced key rate to 16%

According to the regulator, the economy continues to return to a balanced growth path

Russian stock market indices in the red this Friday — market data

The MOEX Index lost 0.36%, the RTS Index declined by 1.22%

E3 countries’ advisers to meet with Witkoff, Umerov in Miami — correspondent

According to Barak Ravid, the Turkish foreign minister and the Qatari prime minister will also participate in the talks

No decision to dismiss GRU chief Alexander Shlyakhturov - Makarov

“Everybody has one’s age limit, and I cannot anticipate anything,” he said

Kiev counterattacks near Krasnoarmeysk, trying to slow Russian advance — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk on December 1

Zelensky admits Biden told him Ukraine would not be brought in to NATO before conflict

Vladimir Zelensky noted that he repeatedly raised the issue with the White House, becoming a kind of running joke among US officials

US actions in Venezuela display Washington's neocolonial approach — Russia’s UN envoy

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Trump's efforts, piglets, Russia's secret weapon: Putin's statements at 'Results of Year'

The Russian president explained that when he took a jab at Europeans by calling them "piglets," as the Western media translated the Russian term, he was not referring to anyone specific in Europe, but rather to a "group of people"

EU 'war party' to pay Kiev 'reparations' itself — Foreign Ministry

"Brussels did not even notice how absurd the situation had become for the EU," Maria Zakharova stated

Lavrov gives war-minded European hawks a piece of his mind

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow advocates for "ensuring indivisible security – in an honest manner and on equal terms"

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens, yuan surpasses 11.5 rubles

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Russia not at war with West, West fights Russia with Ukrainian nationalists’ hands — Putin

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The situation along the perimeter of the Gaza Strip has seriously deteriorated again lately

36 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions in three hours

22 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

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At the same time, the regulator is considering defending its interests in foreign jurisdictions

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Russia insists that West honor security commitments — Putin

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Europe 'stuck in a rut,' difficult to change course — Putin on support for Ukraine

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Europe will have to reopen dialogue with Russia — Macron

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Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 19th

Russia advances in Donbass while West plays shell games — Ukrainian opposition politician

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"The Russian-American dialogue is based on understandings reached in Alaska," the Russian top diplomat stressed

Putin baffled by NATO Secretary General Rutte's war-with-Russia talk

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Russian troops to move westward after liberating Kupyansk-Uzlovoi — Putin

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Ukrainian forces fail to retake parts of Krasnoarmeysk, suffer losses — Putin

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Rubio says US continues to share intelligence information with Ukraine

Marco Rubio commented on the prospects for resolving the Ukrainian crisis

Kiev's terrorist attacks against ships, energy infrastructure in Black Sea inadmissible

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin participated via on-line conference in the ministerial meeting of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

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Putin points to new report on special military operation by General Staff chief

The supreme commander-in-chief emphasized that the Russian army had the full strategic initiative, advancing in all directions

Putin's Results of the Year program concludes after almost 4.5 hours

The event lasted 4 hours and 27 minutes, while the combined format was used for the fourth time

Russian troops liberate four communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 1,795 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy tanks and 20 armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Possible pause in Russian airstrikes thwarts Kiev's plans to avoid elections — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that Russia is prepared to act for peace, and this is one of the main messages today

Investments in Russian economy remain record high — Central Bank

According to Elvira Nabiullina, the investing activity declined in construction, transport and certain mining industries over the last year

EU diplomats do not rule out retaliation against Ukrainian elites by angry mob — SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that the Mindich-Zelensky case is undermining Ukraine

Russian embassy in Mali rejects accusations against Africa Corps

According to its statement, the article "is a collection of propaganda cliches and idle fakes aimed at discrediting Russian servicemen in the eyes of the Malian population, the countries of the Sahel Confederation, and the international community"

Britain refuses to expropriate Russian assets after failure of EU summit — FT

According to the newspaper, London "will continue to work closely with the G7 and EU on Ukraine financing"

Putin thanks special services for their work to defend country during special op

The Russian leader also wished the leadership and personnel of special services a happy New Year 2026

Ukraine investigating corruption mastermind Mindich for treason

The deputy requested SBU to check whether Timur Mindich had access to state secrets, whether he had connections in the Russian special services and what influence he had on Zelensky, as well as on former Defense Minister and current NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov

Two Russians arrested in Bulgaria at US request — Russian embassy

No official details about the US extradition request are available at this point

Putin explained to the West conditions for building relations with Russia — expert

Andrey Bystritsky said that Vladimir Putin’s stance is consistent in emphasizing the principles on which peaceful coexistence can be based

Arms supplies to Ukraine did not stop after Trump’s decision to cease financing

Speaking at NSATU's Wiesbaden headquarters, Major General Maik Keller said that NATO had dispatched nearly 220,000 tons of military aid to Ukraine in 2025

Brussels will have to repay Ukraine’s debts to Europe, warns Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that Ukraine will not receive the loan in a lump sum

Only Trump can decide on US refusal to negotiate on Ukraine — Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that "both sides have to give and both sides have to get"

Cancer-stricken Serbian sues NATO for use of depleted uranium in 1999 attack on Yugoslavia

His lawyer Srdan Aleksic disclosed that the Serbian officer’s grievance is fully identical to the 500 lawsuits, filed by Italian soldiers who were deployed in Kosovo in 1999

Kiev's lead negotiator holds consultations with Europeans ahead of meeting with US

Rustem Umerov said he would present a report to Vladimir Zelensky following the talks

Krasny Liman to be liberated in near future — Putin

The head of state added that Russian forces currently control about half of the city

Construction of El Dabaa NPP in Egypt proceeding according to schedule — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the installation of the reactor vessel for Unit 1, which took place on November 19, was a significant milestone

Ukraine conflict to be resolved on Russia-US track, Europe ancillary player — analyst

Today’s European politicians don’t hold a candle to their predecessors, Deputy rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleg Karpovich noted

Donbass's water supply collapsed over decades of Ukraine’s governance — Putin

The Russian president explained that now to bring this system to a standard state and reduce water losses to zero it is necessary to spend as much money as it costs to construct and build another water pipeline

Ukraine's Goncharenko sentenced 18 years in prison in absentia by Russia

The court also deprived him of the right to post information, manage websites and channels using electronic and information and telecommunication networks for four years

Russia needs such aircraft as An-124, upgraded Il-76 — Putin

According to the Russian president, high-technology production requires very large-scale cooperation of such technological level

Russia, Botswana confirm their intention to expand cooperation at United Nations — MFA

According to the statement, during the conversation between the countries' top diplomats, a substantive exchange of views took place on current issues of the bilateral agenda

US blacklists seven individuals allegedly linked to Venezuelan president’s inner circle

Five of the blacklisted individuals are residents of Venezuela, while the remaining two are Panama passport holders

Bank of Russia raises dollar rate to 80.72 rubles for December 20-22

The official euro exchange rate was raised by 26 kopecks to 94.512 rubles

FACTBOX: S-500 Anti-Aircraft Missile System

The system is being developed with the capability to be operational for the next 25 years

Nurgaliyev orders all measures to avert terrorist acts on holidays

Two blasts in Makhachkala claimed 11 people and wounded 87 people

Dmitriev calls for resignation of Merz, von der Leyen after failure at EU summit

The Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund added that Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen "spent all their political capital, promised results – and delivered a spectacular failure"

Russia and Egypt take steps to expand air service between two countries — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that Egyptian resorts "have long been a favorite vacation spot for Russians," with 1.5 million people visiting Egypt in 2024

Refusal to use Russian assets for loan to Kiev will be victory for law — Dmitriev

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund, it was a "major blow to EU warmongers" led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Putin sees EU's Russian asset grab as daylight 'robbery'

The Russian leader emphasized that the European Union is trying to do it overtly

Slovak politician considers EU’s decision to refrain from seizing Russian assets sensible

The country’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok noted that Slovakia would not act as a guarantor for the EU loan to Ukraine