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Talks on Ukraine in Geneva

Security measures tightened at Geneva hotel hosting Russian delegation

At least six police officers guarded the hotel entrances during the arrival of the Russian delegation

GENEVA, February 17. /TASS/. Security measures have been strengthened at the President Wilson hotel in Geneva where members of the Russian delegation for trilateral talks on Ukraine are staying, a TASS correspondent reported.

At least six police officers guarded the hotel entrances during the arrival of the Russian delegation.

They remained at their posts after the delegation entered the building. A hotel manager told TASS that access for journalists was nevertheless unrestricted. "No one forbids you from having a coffee here," he said.

The situation around the hotel remains calm. Several Russian journalists are working at the scene.

Military operation in Ukraine

Ukrainian army employs 30 drones to strike Belgorod Region over past day

In Grayvoron, two cars, as well as the fence of a private home and a commercial facility, were damaged in a drone strike

Lukashenko says offered US ideal scenario for Venezuela, but they 'did silly thing'

According to the Belarusian president, Washington chose to go its own way

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

Ukrainian army chief points to difficult situation in Gulyaipole area

Russia’s Defense Ministry earlier reported having thwarted the rotation of Ukrainian soldiers

US blogger calls London’s idea of allowing children to change gender identity madness

In the United States, Schutzman built a successful career in the IT sector, holding high positions at corporations such as Microsoft, Oracle and Red Hat

Europe tested waters to join Geneva talks — source

According to the source, Europe will not participate in this round of the negotiations

Gazprom Board to discuss prospects of gas exports to Asia-Pacific countries

Gazprom directors will also consider development of the company’s mineral and feedstock base and prospects of gas production in Russia

Testing of universal tanker for Russian Aerospace Forces to be completed in 2026

According to Vladimir Demirov, the unique feature of the new technology is that a single chassis combines the functions of a tanker for aviation oils and oil mixtures, alcohol and water-alcohol mixtures, as well as hydraulic fluids

Any attempt to impose naval blockade on Russia illegal — Maritime Board chair

Nikolay Patrushev stressed that if the situation could not be resolved peacefully, the blockade would be broken and lifted by the Navy

Munich Conference ignores all problems except Ukraine — Russian MP

It was as if neither Greenland, nor corruption in the upper echelons of Zelensky’s usurping machine, nor the kidnapping of Venezuela’s legally elected president, nor the broader crisis of compliance with international law and the looming collapse of Euro-Atlantic unity existed," Leonid Slutsky said

Russia’s UAV platoon in Zaporozhye area makes 1,000 successful sorties

Over three thousand were cunducted with reconnaissance and correction missions, a platoon reconnaissance drone operator, call sign "Kot," said

Military-civil administration controls 35 of 80 of Kharkov Region’s liberated localities

Vitaly Ganchev, the administration head, added that people continue to reside in this area

Canadian ice-hockey legend Esposito eyes Moscow trip to receive his Friendship Award

The two-time Stanley Cup champion vowed to come to Moscow and receive the award personally from the Russian president

Senior Russian MP advises Polish president against flexing ‘nuclear muscles’

Poland, in his words, will never be able to obtain nuclear weapons "either from the political or military-technical point of view"

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

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

New round of Russia-US-Ukraine talks to take place in Geneva

Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation

Russia sees new allegations regarding Navalny’s case as information attack — envoy

Vladimir Tarabrin says that no evidence or expert opinion were provided by the European states

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

Poland to sue Russia for alleged Cold War-era damage — newspaper

According to the newspaper, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk tasked a group of historians to examine events of World War II and the subsequent decades of the Cold War, as well as the negative consequences reportedly caused by Soviet influence

Over 600 Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip as result of ceasefire violations by Israel

According to the enclave’s health ministry, two people were killed and eleven sought medical assistance during the past day

At 46 and 18, mother and son make Olympic history by both competing in Milan

Sarah Schleper earlier became the first ever female alpine skier to compete in seven Winter Olympic Games

Baltic cod catch fell almost twofold over year

Head of the regional agency for fisheries Yury Maslov said the stock of this fish species gives rise to concerns

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"

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 170 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 18 enemy motor vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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

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

Japan’s Miura, Kihara win Olympic gold in pairs figure skating

Georgia’s Anastasia Metelkina, Luka Berulava won the silver

Swiss embassy issues visas to Russian journalists for negotiations in one day

The visas are issued for the dates of the trip

Sergey Ivanov removed as permanent member of Russia’s Security Council

In early February, Sergey Ivanov was relieved of his post as special representative of the head of state on environmental protection, ecology and transport

Ukraine will only win as part of Russia, lawmaker says

Andrey Kartapolov highlighted that European politicians had already realized their defeat and were making such statements to justify themselves before their citizens

Ukraine breaks records by firing 200 munitions at Belgorod Region in one day — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, five civilians were killed in strikes by Ukrainian military in the region over the week

Russian deputy foreign minister cautions against 'locking' Russian fleet

Sergey Ryabkov said that "if somebody assumes 'experiments' may be continued, it may have a sad end"

Ukraine evacuates Kupyansk residents as Russian army advances — administration head

Vitaly Ganchev said said the Kharkov Regional State Administration with the help of the military is in touch with the civilians, trying to provide them with everything they need or organize an evacuation

Ukraine ‘better come to the table fast,’ Trump says

The president says, the US urges Kiev to start being more flexible

Russian special envoy to leave Geneva late on Feb. 17 — source

Kirill Dmitriev will fly back on Tuesday evening after the negotiations within the framework of the group on economic cooperation with the US

European leaders deluding themselves hoping for Ukraine’s victory over Russia — Orban

The hungarian prime minister says that Western politicians are firmly committed to supporting Ukraine "until Russia is exhausted"

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"

Head of Armenian regulator backs idea of connecting to power systems of Turkey, Azerbaijan

The operation of power systems of the two countries will provide greater flexibility to control from the engineering standpoint and will provide economic benefits, Mesrop Mesropyan noted

Bank of Russia to study influence of marketplaces on inflation and its expectations

The effect of online trade and marketplaces on rigidity of prices and transmission of price shocks of producers will also be assessed

Russia’s naval shipbuilding to address need to protect its economic activity — Patrushev

The Navy performs the tasks of protecting maritime trade with quite a high strain on its forces, the Russian presidential aide said

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 76.62 rubles for February 17

The official euro rate was lowered by 52.07 kopecks to 91.0368 rubles

Russian presidential aide proposes creating unified ship engine technology body

Nikolay Patrushev suggested that heads of the Krylov State Research Center and the St. Petersburg Marine Technical University to put forward proposals on setting up such a competence center

Victims in Krasnodar, Sevastopol regions, oil refinery fire: new UAV attack

Air defenses intercepted and destroyed 151 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over Russian regions

Russia should focus on creating high-tech fleet — presidential aide

Technological leadership is one of the priorities included in the Navy’s Development Strategy and the Shipbuilding Program until 2050, Nikolay Patrushev said

Lithuania outlines priorities of its EU council presidency

President Gitanas Nauseda stressed that for Ukraine to become a full member by 2030, further negotiations and political determination are needed, emphasizing that this was ditto for Moldova

Gas tank caught fire in Dagestan, one man died — emergency services

Sixty-three people and nineteen vehicles are engaged in firefighting, the Main Department for Emergency Situations of the region added

US envoy departs for Geneva — source

Steve Witkoff, entrepreneur Jared Kushner are expected to represent the US during this round of the Russia-US-Ukraine talks

Putin creates national committee for business cooperation in BRICS

Deputy head of the Russian presidential administration Maxim Oreshkin became the head of the committee

Series of explosions rocks southern Ukrainian city of Odessa

Air raid warnings are in effect in the region

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

Russian delegation heading to Geneva and difficult dialogue with US: Ryabkov's statements

As the Russian senior diplomat reiterated, Moscow proceeds from the understanding that agreements on the Ukrainian settlement must eliminate the root causes of the conflict and be durable in nature

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

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

Ukraine loses 2,000 mercenaries, elite forces personnel in Gulyaipole — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that, having neutralized all enemy threats, Russian fighters created fire pockets for them in this sector of the front, destroying a large group of the Ukrainian armed forces

Russia expects no substantial dialogue with West anytime soon — envoy to OPCW

According to Vladimir Tarabrin, a "collective delusion" and psychosis in Western countries, including insinuations about Navalny’s "poisoning," indicate that pressure on Moscow will continue

Russian presidential aide says time for BRICS to gain strategic maritime dimension

Nikolay Patrushev recalled the exercises held in January and February to protect sea lanes from Western piracy

Russia still trying to nail down Board of Peace mission — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Moscow has been quite open about its position on the Board of Peace

More explosions reported in Ukraine

Odessa, Kropyvnytskyi, Dnepropetrovsk are witnessing blasts. Air raid warnings are in effect in several more cities

Lukashenko denies rumors Putin barred him from attending Board of Peace meeting in US

The Belarusian president noted that when he talked with Putin, he did not yet know that he had been invited to the Board of Peace

Bank of Russia to study AI effect on economy, competition

The regulator is going to look at the consequences of broad application of these methods for the economy and its structure, innovations and productivity, the labor market and inequality across households in terms of incomes

US weapons orders exceed $900 bln but allies have to wait for deliveries — officials

Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth say in a joint op-ed that US allies often wait for several years

Kiev’s attacks on Russian targets intensify amid Geneva talks — diplomat

The Ukrainian armed forces launched nearly 150 drones to strike civilian targets, primarily in southern Russia, Rodion Miroshnik said

Ukrainian army carries out two attacks on Donetsk People’s Republic in past day

Local authorities say, one civilian was injured, some road-building equipment was damaged

Russia emphasizes that spirit of Anchorage lives on — source

This is the starting point in negotiations, a source in the Russian delegation noted

Russia-China contacts yield visible results — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui says he hopes for a growth of the tourist flow amid a mutual abolition of visa requirements

Two new mpox cases confirmed in Russian tourists returning from Thailand

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

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

Revocation of visas, dialogue with Iran, and Ukrainian settlement: Rubio’s statements

Washington is "going to continue doing everything" it can to settle the Ukrainian crisis, the US Secretary of State said

Russia, BRICS partners working on protection against Western piracy — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev recalled that the BRICS Will for Peace 2026 drills took place in the South Atlantic Ocean in January, with Russia, China, Iran, the UAE, and South Africa involved

Air defenses repel massive drone attack on Sevastopol

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev says about 24 drones were destroyed

Almost 500,000 Chinese tourists visit Moscow in 2025

China has topped the list of countries for the number of tourists traveling to the Russian capital for the past several years

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

Russian troops have advanced towards Dobropolye, Denis Pushilin added

Explosion reported in southern Ukrainian city of Odessa

The city is witnessing a partial blackout, a local media outlet says

Georgia holds televised debates on potential EU membership

The event was initiated by the opponent of Georgia joining the EU, NATO Vakhtang Shakarisjvili

Hockey legend Phil Esposito says 'it's a disgrace' Russia not at Olympics

In February 2022, the IIHF suspended Russia and Belarus from participation in international competitions

Security measures tightened at Geneva hotel hosting Russian delegation

At least six police officers guarded the hotel entrances during the arrival of the Russian delegation

Navalny poisoning story disrupts West-Russia dialogue — ambassador to Germany

Sergey Nechayev said there are too many in the West who are all-in on conflict with Russia

SpaceX, xAI compete for Pentagon contract to develop autonomous drone swarms — Bloomberg

The winning project with a $100 mln investment can end up with a technology using voice commands for multiple drones

Driscoll, Grynkewich to take part in Ukraine talks in Geneva, CNN reporter says

The US Army Secretary and the NATO supreme Allied Commander Europe will be a part of the US delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner

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

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

Russian troops advance West of Orekhov in Zaporozhye Region — military expert

Andrey Marochko said the liberation of Orekhov is "a key to Zaporozhye city"

Azerbaijani-Russian trade turnover down 40.5% in January 2026

The trade turnover between the two countries totaled $411.813 mln in the reporting period

Russia, Ukraine discuss return of Kursk Region residents — ombudswoman

Tatyana Moskalkova said that the Ukrainians rescued by Russia from the war zone and taken to a safe place have already left for their homeland, provided they had documents

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

Kremlin spokesman to marry? No comment, says Peskov

Russian Olympic figure-skating champion Tatiana Navka, 40, said her wedding with Peskov, 47, would take place in Sochi, venue of the 2014 Winter Olympics, on August 1

Israel tests David's Sling air defense system from naval surface ship

According to the Israeli Defense Ministry, the system underwent a series of tests designed to assess its effectiveness in various combat scenarios against current and future threats

IN BRIEF: What is known about preparations for upcoming talks in Geneva

The Russian delegation for the upcoming negotiations in Geneva will be expanded

Cabinet in Russia discussing biometric age verification with marketplaces

The system allows the buyer to be remotely identified through a facial image or fingerprint

Ukraine's foreign mercenaries commit worst abuses against Kharkov residents

Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Kharkov Military-Civil Administration, added that the foreigners avoid open clashes with the Russian army

Plane carrying Russian delegation for talks on Ukraine arrives in Geneva — source

The flight from Moscow to Geneva took nine hours and bypassed unfriendly countries

Russia ready to support UN efforts toward Yemeni settlement — Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, the resumption of safe movement of commercial ships in the Red Sea off the Yemeni coast has long been a good catalyst for restarting indirect negotiations between the opposing Yemeni forces

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"

Hungary expects Russian oil supplies through Croatia to begin in March

The oil can arrive at the Croatian port of Omisalj by tankers, then it would be sent to Hungary and Slovakia via the Trans Adriatic pipeline

Russian delegation to arrive in Geneva on February 17 — source

According to the source, the delegation will fly back on Wednesday evening

Russian troops break Ukrainian defenses near Kramatorsk after liberating Minkovka — expert

The Ukrainian army had many strongholds, materiel depots and temporary deployment sites in Minkovka, Andrey Marochko said

Participants in Geneva talks on Ukraine to try to agree on framework principles — source

A new round of consultations on settlement in Ukraine will start on February 17

UN chief condemns Israel’s decision to resume land registration in West Bank

According to Antonio Guterres, this policy "is eroding the prospect for the two-State solution"

Washington, Tehran may discuss US access to Iran’s mineral resources — TV

The next round of nuclear program negotiations between the US and Iran is slated for February 17

Russia develops Bulavka FPV interceptor system against drones

The drone is not equipped with a warhead, its maximum payload is 200 grams and the maximum speed is 270 km/h

Press review: Epstein files hit UK government as Russia seeks role in Trump peace route

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 10th

Russian stock indices in the green on Monday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index gained 0.23% to 2,782.6 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index ticked up by 0.98% to 1,144.06 points

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

West revives gunboat diplomacy, turning sea into aggression springboard — aide

Nikolay Patrushev also noted that although the West "dominated the seas for a long time, until the start of this century," its hegemony is now "largely a thing of the past"