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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Trump's decree on Cuba's oil blockade is 'completely insane' — ambassador

The decree absolutely contradicts international law, Viktor Koronelli said

MOSCOW, February 16. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump's decree introducing tariffs on oil exporters to Cuba is "completely insane" and absolutely contradicts international law, Russian Ambassador to Havana Viktor Koronelli stated on the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Monday.

The difficult situation with fuel supplies to the island "is connected to the fact that the US administration has effectively imposed a fuel blockade on Cuba through the well-known Trump decree, which provides for the possibility of introducing tariffs on countries exporting oil and petroleum products to Cuba," the diplomat noted.

"And the situation that has developed today is a direct result. The decree is completely insane. It absolutely contradicts international law. These are actually sanctions against third countries that trade with Cuba," the ambassador emphasized. He expressed hope that in the context of the current situation, "the voice of the world community will be listened to."

Situation Around Cuba

On January 29, US President Donald Trump signed a decree under which Washington may impose tariffs on goods from states exporting oil to Cuba. According to this document, the US formally introduces a state of emergency due to an alleged threat from Cuba. The head of the Republic's Foreign Ministry, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, stated his resolute condemnation of these measures, which threaten the island nation with a "total blockade of fuel supplies," "violate all principles of international trade," and create "extreme conditions" for the life of the Cuban people.

Washington stated that they are interacting with the leadership in Havana on the situation around Cuba due to the US energy blockade, and expressed the opinion that the parties are close to an agreement.

Tags

Foreign policy Cuba Donald Trump

Military operation in Ukraine

One killed, one injured in drone attacks on Kherson Region over weekend

In the Novye Lageri settlement, an unoccupied building and a private home were damaged as a result of shelling

Geneva MP calls transfer of talks to Switzerland 'gesture of goodwill' on part of Russia

Russia will hold high-level negotiations on the settlement in Ukraine in Switzerland for the first time since 2022, Guy Mettan says

Rostec corporation developing piston engine for small aircraft

The engine has compact dimensions, an optimal capacity of 1,211 cubic centimeters, and a light weight of 75 kg

More than 70 countries to participate in Milan naval exercise in eastern India

Russia will be represented at the maneuvers by the Russian Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov

EU needs statements about Navalny's poisoning to ‘cover up’ Epstein affair — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says Westerners overhyped the Navalny topic with "an element of detective work"

West succeeded in making Ukraine European in terms of Nazism — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says that Moscow has always regarded Ukraine "as a sovereign, independent state"

Tops Swiss diplomat says sure Russia wants to make step toward peace in Ukraine

Ignazio Cassis said that, referring to another round of talks on the Ukrainian settlement due to be held in Geneva on February 17 and 18

Europe should abandon its illusions about transatlantic relations — newspaper

According to the publication, the US is increasingly viewing its alliance commitments through the prism of its own interests rather than the idea of a "shared destiny" with its European allies

Battlegroup South forces advancing towards Slavyansk — military chief

The destruction of Ukrainian formations in Konstantinovka continues, Valery Gerasimov said

Russia ready to discuss idea of Ukraine’s temporary external governance — Galuzin

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin believes that such a step "would make it possible to hold democratic elections in Ukraine, bring to power a capable government with which a full-fledged peace treaty could be signed"

Russia adds new countries to its sanctions list

The list now includes Albania, Montenegro, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as Ukraine, under special conditions

Ukrainian forces suffer significant losses they unable to replace — Russian military chief

The Ukrainian armed forces are relying primarily on drones, Valery Gerasimov said

Turkish energy minister reiterates plans to commission Akkuyu NPP first unit this year

Touching on the plans for the construction of two more nuclear plants in Thrace and Sinop, Alparslan Bayraktar noted that "Turkey will become a country possessing significant nuclear capacities" after these projects are implemented

Europe's transgender policies will lead to serious tragedy — top lawmaker

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that in almost 20 European countries, there are no age or medical restrictions for gender transition

Russia response to Putin residence attack hit Ukraine military facilities — Galuzin

On the night of December 29 Kiev carried out an attack against President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region

EU to save face by using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Gaza Strip — RSPP head

Alexander Shokhin noted that such a project could involve the participation of Russia, the United States, and the European Union

Geneva talks to cover all key issues, including territories — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said this is why the presence of Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, is required

Terrorists kill 32 people, took hostages in western Nigeria — TV

As the Arise television channel notes, the pattern of these crimes is reminiscent of attacks by the extremist group Boko Haram

US Department of Justice publishes list of 300 celebrities who appear in Epstein files

Prince Harry, Kim Kardashian, Kurt Cobain, and Bruce Springsteen are among the names mentioned

Obama turns media into tool of left-wing propaganda — Russian envoy

Epstein was detained by New York State law enforcement on July 6, 2019

Ukraine attacks Belgorod Region with over 80 drones in 24 hours

The Shebekinsky district came under attack from 23 UAVs and one munition, damaging a commercial facility, two infrastructure sites, four private houses, and two power lines

Zaporozhye nuke plant unharmed by temporary power outage in Energodar

The plant’s communications director Yevgenia Yashina emphasized that the current power situation in Energodar was normal

Russia considering ways to provide aid to Cuba — ambassador

Communication is ongoing both directly and through Russian embassy in Havana and the Cuban embassy in Moscow, Viktor Koronelli said

Most intense fighting taking place in Battlegroup Center zone — military chief

Units of the battlegroup are developing an offensive in the Dobropolye direction, Valery Gerasimov said

Slovak PM calls for dialogue between West and Russia

According to Fico, a direct dialogue with the Russian leadership will promote the soonest settlement of the conflict in Ukraine

Munich Conference proves NATO solidarity nonexistent — Russian diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says two doctrines can be seen in the alliance

Norway leads Olympic medal standings after nine days

Italy comes second, and the US is third. The competition will continue tomorrow

Russia, US, Ukraine agree to conduct talks 'without leaks' — Deputy Foreign Minister

Mikhail Galuzin also recalled that Kiev returned to the negotiating table under pressure from the American side and as a result of defeats on the battlefield

Ukrainian fighters blame command after bulk of their regiment destroyed — source

Local militants blame the staff command for leaking coordinates to the Russian side

World’s oldest living person aged 120 found in Russia’s Astrakhan region

Tanzilya Bisembeyeva was born in the late 19th century, in 1896, and she has four children, ten grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren

Zelensky devises election manipulations in Ukraine — Russian deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin noted that Vladimir Zelensky has begun speculating about a willingness to organize elections and even a referendum on territorial issues

Hillary Clinton considers Washington's failure to extend New START big mistake

The official urged to strive for deals limiting nuclear weapons

Five municipalities, Bryansk left without power, heating after Ukraine’s attack

According to the governor, repair works are underway

Battlegroup West destroys 76 Ukrainian heavy quadcopters over day — spokesman

The servicemen also eliminated 27 drone control posts, and 13 ground-based robotic complexes

UK plans to ban social networks for teens under 16 this year — newspaper

The amendments to the Online Safety Bill can start urgently, be implemented in summer

Kiev’s sponsors drew conclusions after attack on Putin residence — Galuzin

Moscow's partners "once again saw firsthand the terrorist nature of Vladimir Zelensky’s junta," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

Telegram blocks over 235,000 channels and groups for first time since late January

As of February 16, more than 7.254 million groups and channels have been blocked on Telegram so far in 2026

Russia downs 229 Ukrainian UAVs over Bryansk Region since 05:00 GMT February 15

The region's governor Alexander Bogomaz described the Ukrainian attack on the region on February 15 as the most massive and powerful, damaging the energy infrastructure

Bank of Russia not taking part in talks on return to dollar payments for exports

Central Bank chief Elvira Nabiullina added that the regulator is not expecting a new inflation wave in Russia

Top Iranian diplomat sets off for Switzerland for talks with US

Talks will be held on Tuesday

So far, only Russia has allocated $1 billion to Palestine — Kremlin

"This fact is of great significance and should not be overlooked," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian troops cut off Ukrainian army’s logistics in Konstantinovka — DPR head

Russian troops have advanced towards Dobropolye, Denis Pushilin added

Battlegroup East takes control of Staroukrainka, Pridorozhnoye, Zaliznichnoye, Tsvetkovoye

Battlegroup South troops are advancing towards Slavyansk, they are liberating Reznikovka, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Army General Valery Gerasimov, said

Launch of UK munitions factory to produce shells for Ukraine being delayed — newspaper

The plant owner, BAE Systems, says that the delay is due to a plan to double the capacity

Munich Conference did not bring peace in Ukraine any closer — lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky says that the participants of the conference have brought about a plan "for the militarization of Europe"

Bryansk Region withstands heaviest UAV attack

"The Ukrainian army’s terrorist actions resulted in damage to energy infrastructure facilities," the region's governor stated

Austria’s underground gas reserves below 40%

UGS facilities are 23.95% full in Germany, 16% in the Netherlands and 24.5% in France

Siberian tiger attacks hunter in Primorsky Region, fatal outcome

The attack took place 20 km from the village of Izvilinka in a forest

Polish president speaks in favor of Poland having nuclear weapons

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said earlier that the Polish government is not discussing stationing nuclear weapons on the country's territory

Zelensky's statements have long been ravings of sick person — Russian MFA

First he's urging everyone to organize the electoral process, and then in a split second he either changes his mind or postpones them, Maria Zakharova has told the media

Russian embassy rejects Canada's accusations over Navalny’s death

The statements "lack any supporting evidence," Ambassador Oleg Stepanov says

Pyongyang unveils street built in honor of those who fought in Russia’s Kursk Region

The North Korean leader also gave housing orders to the families of the deceased

Ukraine's hardest attack: Bryansk Region recovering after UAV raid

More than 170 fixed-wing drones were shot down over the region

One dies after Ukraine’s drone attack on LPR

Also 23 civilians were hurt, LPR Minister of Health Natalia Pashchenko said

West not to be able to compete with global South — Russian businessman

According to Deripaska, it would be useful for Russia to diversify its economic relations and opt for more pragmatic economic cooperation with China, Africa, India, and Latin America rather than continuing interaction with the dominating "wealthy" West

Four people hurt in oil well fire in Samara Region

The fire was extinguished on an area of 20 square meters

US wants to prevent European bureaucrats from ruining Western civilization — Russian envoy

Kirill Dmitriev said that EU bureaucrats are highly focused and skilled at destroying it through false narratives, migration, warmongering, and economic decline

Kremlin agrees with Fico’s assertion oil has become subject of blackmail — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that it was impossible to interpret the situation any other way

Moscow, Astana discuss dates for Putin’s 2026 visit to Kazakhstan — ambassador

Russia’s ambassador to Astana Alexey Borodavkin also pointed out that work is underway on the substantive agenda of the talks

Hosting nuclear weapons would be Finland's second biggest mistake — politician

A member of the Finnish national-conservative party, the Freedom Alliance, Armando Mema noted that normalizing conversations about nuclear issues in the country is becoming the new norm

Press review: Ukraine seeks EU accession in 2027 and Germany urges Russian energy return

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 13th

Putin popular in Russia across all age groups — Peskov

Russian presidential spokesman also noted that Vladimir Putin enjoys the trust of citizens of very different ages

Kallas says situation with freedom of speech in Estonia is much better than in US

The European Union foreign policy chief said this at a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference

Taking Tsvetkovoye creates base for liberation of Zaporozhye region — Defense Ministry

The ministry noted that during the liberation of Tsvetkovoye, the enemy lost a large number of personnel and military equipment

Board of Peace members to allocate $5 bln to restore Gaza — US president

On January 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the charter establishing the Board of Peace for Gaza in a ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos

Zelensky's accusations cannot force Hungary to approve Ukraine's EU accession — PM

Viktor Orban warned that his government would not change its stance on the issue

Too early to talk about thaw in Russia-Switzerland relations — Geneva lawmaker

Guy Mettan says that a partial lifting of the existing sanctions, no new ones, fresh proposals are needed to state a thaw

Two new mpox cases confirmed in Russian tourists returning from Thailand

The patients are in satisfactory condition, the consumer rights watchdog says

Russia brings Europe back into play by moving talks to Geneva — Swiss politician

Guy Mettan says Turkey, the Persian Gulf states will continue to play the mediating role in the crisis

West using Armenia as a tool in confrontation with Russia — Russian diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Yerevan is aware of Moscow's fundamental assessments regarding the incompatibility of joining the EU with membership in the Eurasian Economic Union

Europe has withdrawn 99% of gas it pumped into storage for heating season

The total volume of fuel in UGS facilities stands at 37.5 bcm at present

Battlegroup West destroys Ukrainian forces on eastern bank of Oskol River — military chief

Russian troops have liberated the village of Glushkovka near the Oskol River, and fighting is ongoing in the Novoosinovo area, Valery Gerasimov said

Ukraine suffers setbacks in Zaporozhye Region, 'compensates' them with terror — governor

Saldo said that the situation on the Zaporozhye direction impacts the situation in the neighboring Kherson Region

Russia ready to halt airstrikes on election day if elections held in Ukraine — diplomat

There is no talk yet of the practical organization of voting in Ukraine, Mikhail Galuzin said

Russian troops liberated 12 settlements in the first half of February — military chief

Over 200 square kilometers of territory have come under their control, Valery Gerasimov said

Russian diplomat urges to condemn Zelensky over remarks on Russian athletes

"The moment when a supposed president of a country says something like this, thousands of international officials should shout ‘catch the nazi’ in unison, and millions of human rights advocates organize protests against neo-Nazism," Maria Zakharova said

Kiev forces redeploy most trained assault units to Zaporozhye area — Russian top brass

But the Battlegroup East units are confidently repelling enemy attacks, Valery Gerasimov said

Press review: Putin and Lukashenko miss Board of Peace meeting as EU pushes nuclear talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 12th

Europe chooses to remain deceived due to dependence on US — Chinese political scientist

Wang Yiwei said transatlantic ties would be more accurately compared not to relations between spouses but between parents and children

Energy ceasefire to be discussed at Geneva talks — source

The next round of the negotiations is scheduled for February 17-18

US intercepts another tanker in Indian Ocean — Pentagon

No further details were provided

Man ties to cut off his hand with grinder to evade being drafted to army

According to it, the man suffered serious injuries and is currently in the hospital

Press review: France aims to join Ukraine talks as EU weighs frozen Russian assets move

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 11th

Militarization to entail Japan’s crushing defeat, Chinese foreign minister warns

This will happen if Tokyo decides to use military force in the situation around Taiwan, clarified the ministry's official representative Jiang Bin

Orban, in response to Zelensky's insult, declares that Ukraine will not join EU

At the Munich Security Conference, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Hungarian Prime Minister was "growing a belly" instead of building up his army

Claims of Navalny's poisoning are Western propaganda hoax — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has dismissed claims that blogger Alexey Navalny was poisoned with frog-derived poison

Any escalation scenario possible in Ukraine conflict — Medvedev

According to the politician, Western nations need to understand that they are fighting on Ukraine’s side

US ready to support Israel’s potential strikes on Iran — TV

The officials cited by the channel say that US President Donald Trump announced the intention during a meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December 2025

Norwegian cross-country skier Kleabo breaks Winter Olympic gold medal record

Johannes Klaebo won his ninth gold medal

Estonia Foreign Ministry summons Russian ambassador over Putin’s comments on Narva

On June 9, the Russian President said that Peter I did not seize any Swedish territories during the Great Northern War but "got them back"

Kyrgyz president says no conditions for coup exist in country

"First, the law does not allow it, and second, no such situation exists," Sadyr Japarov said

Ukraine continues to block oil supplies from Russia to Hungary — Szijjarto

Commenting on reports of the suspension of oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary through Ukrainian territory, the Hungarian foreign minister noted that "the Druzhba pipeline was not damaged as a result of the latest strikes"

West’s role in bloody coup in Ukraine must be remembered — Peskov

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that after 2014 everything changed

Gates Foundation established global control over vaccines, pursuing evil goals — Dmitriev

The RDIF CEO says that the foundation "promoted bad vaccines"

Large Flamingo missile production line destroyed in Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky added that he could speak about this because the incident occurred some time ago

Detention of ex-Ukrainian justice minister signals Zelensky's looming collapse — Duma

"These events are a powerful indicator that the Kiev regime’s ship has sprung a leak that can no longer be plugged by obedient sailors," Mikhail Sheremet said

Element Group to produce around 200,000 chips for civilian drones — newspaper

The project is being implemented as part of the program to achieve a 70.3% output of domestic components for unmanned aerial vehicles by 2030

Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk Region continuing for over 12 hours

Alexander Bogomaz called on the region’s residents to remain vigilant, observe measures of precaution and not to approach dangerous and suspicious-looking objects

Trump's decree on Cuba's oil blockade is 'completely insane' — ambassador

The decree absolutely contradicts international law, Viktor Koronelli said

Press review: Ukraine talks in Geneva shape settlement as Russia explores MERCOSUR deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 16th

Kiev forces lost 1,110 servicemen over past 24 hours — Russian Defense Ministry

In the area of responsibility of the Battlegroup North, the Ukrainian forces lost over 180 service members