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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Spokesman: Kremlin deeply concerned at North Korea statement about hydrogen bomb test

Earlier on Wednesday, North Korea announced a successful test of a thermonuclear bomb

© EPA/BAE WOO-HWAN

MOSCOW, January 6./TASS/. Kremlin is extremely worried about North Korea’s announcing it carried out a hydrogen bomb test, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news conference on Wednesday.

"President Vladimir Putin has given instructions to thoroughly study data of all monitoring stations, including seismic, and analyze the situation in case the information about the test is confirmed," he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, North Korea announced a successful test of a thermonuclear bomb. The country’s government said in a statement circulated by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) the test had had "no adverse impacts on the environmental situation. Now, according to the statement, North Korea "possesses the strongest deterrent forces."

North Korea previously conducted three nuclear tests: in 2006, in 2009 and in 2013. Following these tests, the United Nations Security Council imposed different kinds of sanctions on Pyongyang. In the past two years, North Korea refrained from nuclear tests limiting itself to ballistic missile launches as a response to South Korea’s and the United States’ large-scale military exercises.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un said on December 10 the country had a hydrogen bomb of its own.

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North Korea Dmitry Peskov Situation on the Korean Peninsula

Russian strategy points to extremists’ attempt to fuel ethnic tensions

According to the document, in order to achieve their goals, extremists "assist destructive forces in infiltrating government agencies and local government bodies" to promote the ideas of separatism

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Friedrich Merz did not provide a clear response to a question about security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that "a ceasefire is still a long way off"

Almost all passengers aboard plane that crashed in South Korea presumably dead

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Russian fighters advance in Volchansk in Kharkov Region, force Volchya River — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Russian servicemen "start preparing the way for further advancement southwest of this locality"

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Invitations have been sent to the 300 members of the country’s electoral college

External forces to prevent Syria’s collapse — expert

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Baku creates international group to investigate plane crash — president

According to the Azerbaijani presidential press service, Aliyev mentioned this during a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Biden administration to send $1.25 bln in military assistance to Kiev — AP

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Russia’s still paying for gas transit through Ukraine — Putin

Pumping also continues through the Sudzha station, where military activities are ongoing

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Kanat Bozumbayev recalled that Kazakhstan had been a member of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation since 1992

Plane that crashed in Kazakhstan suffered damage outside of country — deputy PM

It is reported that the law enforcement agencies of Kazakhstan will conduct ballistic and explosive ordnance examinations

Germany seen defenseless against Russia’s Oreshnik missile system — report

Bild said the German Foreign Ministry commissioned an internal government analysis on defense from ballistic missiles

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North Korea announces extremely tough US strategy

Kim Jong Un highlighted "landmark achievements" in building up the country’s defense capabilities

South Korean president fails to show up for questioning for third time

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Project 885M latest nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk joins Russian Navy

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Russia concerned over escalation of tensions on Pakistani-Afghan border — diplomat

Earlier, Afghanistan's Ariana News reported clashes on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan

US, UK special services plotting terror attacks on Russia’s bases in Syria — intel agency

"Washington and London presume that in such conditions they will be able to achieve more quickly their geopolitical goal of ensuring their long-term dominance in the region on the basis of a repulsive concept of the rules-based order," the statement reads

Ukrainian troops leave their positions in Shevchenko near Krasnoarmeysk

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Press review: US, Israel aim to curb Turkey’s gains while Moscow, Tehran strengthen ties

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Transnistria must become part of negotiations on Ukraine — Foreign Minister of Moldova

The authorities of Transnistria call on the Moldovan leadership to intensify the negotiations on all platforms

Putin apologizes for AZAL airliner incident in Russia’s airspace — Kremlin

The Russian leader conveyed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the plane crash victims

Houthis say they shot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen

According to the group’s military spokesman Yahya Saree, the rebels have destroyed 13 such US drones since the escalation began in the Middle East

Salome Zourabichvili leaves Georgia's presidential palace, meets with protesters

After speaking with the demonstrators, Zourabichvili got into a car accompanied by security guards and left the area adjacent to the presidential palace

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Finnish police detain oil tanker on suspicion of damaging communication cables

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Kazan airport in Russia’s Tatarstan suspends service — regulator

"The air harbor is temporarily not accepting or sending flights," the statement reads

Recruitment for unauthorized rallies aims to destabilize Russia — strategy

It is specified that to this end, various ways of manipulating public opinion and spreading unreliable information are being increasingly used

Ukraine receives first 100 mcb of LNG from United States

It was noted that this delivery was aimed at ensuring Ukraine's energy security and took place several days before the end of Russian gas transit through the country's territory

Russia’s FSB foils assassination attempts on defense officer, military blogger

The plotter allegedly contacted an employee of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate via Telegram messenger

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On December 9, a TASS source said that Russia has commenced the negotiations with the new Syrian authorities on the continued presence of its military bases

Kiev loses nearly 400,000 soldiers on Lugansk’s frontline in 2024

Andrey Marochko noted that over the year the Russian army did not just manage to withstand the onslaught of the Ukrainian armed forces and mercenaries, but also "successfully advanced" deep into the enemy’s defense

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Drills have been organized for newly employed officers who are trained on programs of upgraded professional education at educational establishments of the Russian Defense Ministry

Georgia's new president promises to focus on uniting society

"Every citizen of Georgia is dear to me, regardless of their views or political affiliation. I will be everyone’s president, of my supporters and opponents. My future efforts will be aimed at consolidating and uniting society," Kavelashvili stated

RuStore surpasses AppStore in terms of user audience in Russia — minister

Maksut Shadayev noted that Chinese developers have increased investments in promoting their applications in the store fivefold this year and spent 60 million rubles ($590,088)

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It is reported that the vessel is equipped with a twin-reactor nuclear power plant RITM-200

Trump’s Greenland comments could be part of policy of countering Russia and China — media

Trump’s transition team did not respond to a TASS request for comment

Russian Su-35S jets cover combat aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian troops in Kursk area

It is highlighted that the Su-35S fighters practiced aerial cover in the designated area for sorties by bombers and attack aircraft and army aviation helicopters in delivering air strikes at Ukrainian armor and manpower

What is known about plane crash in South Korea

Oreshnik missile systems still few, but they are enough — Putin

According to the head of state, the system's serial production has begun

Putin, Kazakh president to remain in touch over plane crash in Kazakhstan — Kremlin

"The two countries’ leaders will remain constantly in contact on matters related to investigation into the circumstances of a tragic incident involving the Azerbaijani airplane and on important issues of fostering Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation," the statement says

Bosphorus transit suspended due to malfunction of tanker en route to Russia

The Cordelia Moon is 274 meters long and 50 meters wide

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Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

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According to Oleg Starikov, common citizens increasingly seek to stay away from people in military uniform

Kazakh president warns against misinformation, provocations about plane crash near Aktau

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the General Prosecutor's Office and the government commission to conduct an impartial investigation of the plane crash near Aktau

Russian Investigative Committee’s head office takes over plane incident investigation

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Alexander Stepanov emphasized that "the goal of the enemy’s terrorist campaign on international shipping routes was to disrupt trade and economic cooperation"

US may face bankruptcy if situation with national debt does not change — Musk

The US national debt for the first time climbed above $36 trillion on November 15

Ukraine opens second front in Africa — envoy

Igor Gromyko noted that in August, Mali's transitional government announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Ukraine

Roscosmos buys Earth observation satellite data from private company for first time

The Sputnix Group confirmed that the contract had been signed

Russia ratifies agreement on outer space cooperation with Tajikistan

The areas of cooperation are space science and exploration, including astrophysical research and planetary study, remote sensing of the Earth, satellite systems and related technologies, manned space flights and personnel training, provision and use of launch services and other areas

Russian state arms seller reports record high orders portfolio of over $57 bln in 2024

Rosoboronexport clarified that the priority of the defense industry sector today is to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces

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Yury Borisov announced that throughout next year, Roscosmos will continue working on the development of projects such as creating multi-satellite clusters, new launch vehicles, and Russia’s future orbital station

Ukraine’s army reports forced retreat to ‘last defensive line’ in Donbass area

Ukraine’s General Staff admitted earlier that the frontline situation remained tense for the Ukrainian army

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The source said that attempts to recruit more pilots in Poland and other Eastern European countries were not particularly successful

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Russian strategy points to extremists’ attempt to fuel ethnic tensions

According to the document, in order to achieve their goals, extremists "assist destructive forces in infiltrating government agencies and local government bodies" to promote the ideas of separatism

Russian, Azerbaijani presidents discuss details of passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan

According to the latest updates, 38 people, including seven Russians, lost their lives, while 29 others survived

Moldova can go to court over Gazprom's decision to suspend supplies — Prime Minister

Dorin Recean confirmed that his government does not recognize the debt to Gazprom for supplied gas, which representatives of the Russian gas holding estimate at $709 million

WHO head says he escaped death narrowly as Israeli missile hit Yemen

"It’s a matter of luck, otherwise, if the missile deviated just slightly, it could have been on our head," Tedros Ghebreyesus told the British radio station

Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone to serve as ‘windows to Russia’ — deputy PM

According to Alexey Overchuk, it is important to create comfortable conditions for the activation of business contacts

Russian forces liberate DPR’s Novotroitskoye — top brass

The battlegroup East has eliminated up to 170 Ukrainian servicemen over the past 24 hours, the military emphasized

Colorectal cancer vaccine to be able in Russia in 2025

Veronika Skvortsova noted that research is currently ongoing on drugs targeting glioblastomas and melanomas - malignant brain tumors and skin cancers

Russia sees elimination of threats in Ukraine as critical condition for fighting extremism

According to the strategy, the widespread occurrence of neo-Nazi ideas and the increasing strength of radical nationalist armed formations in such countries as Ukraine create "most serious extremist threats"

Syrian ports of Latakia, Tartus fully resume operations — official

Both ports are now serving ships and handling cargo normally

US believes Ukrainian forces to be pushed out of Kursk Region in few months — Bloomberg

According to the report, Ukraine lacks personnel and Kiev has no confidence in further provision of military aid by the West

Russian policy paper says foreign NGOs conduct destructive activities

Signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the strategy includes the clause on the list of the main extremist threats to Russia

Kremlin points to a wide range of countries to host negotiations on Ukrainian conflict

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow respects the peacekeeping efforts of various countries

Russia withdraws from agreement on multilateral nuclear environmental program

The agreement also involved Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, as well as EURATOM and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

German lawmaker slams Ukrainian diplomat for demanding more weapons

According to Sevim Dagdelen, Friedrich Merz, Economic Minister Robert Habeck and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz 'will probably continue to burn German taxpayer money in Ukraine'

Ukraine loses over 250 servicemen over past day in Kursk Region, another surrenders as POW

Russia's army continues to defeat Ukrainian formations in the Kursk Region

Fighting erupts on border between Afghanistan, Pakistan — report

According to sources, light and heavy weapons were employed in the skirmishes

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Baku creates international group to investigate plane crash — president

"President Ilham Aliyev announced that, at Azerbaijan's initiative, a team of international experts has been formed to investigate the causes of the accident in detail, and this team has already begun its work," the press service said

Russian Railways tests robodogs for work on dangerous railway sections

The iron dogs are equipped with cameras and lidars that automatically transmit data to the operator's computer

Russia substantially expands blacklist of EU officials in response to sanctions — MFA

"Any unfriendly actions on the part of the European Union will continue to be met with a timely and proportionate response," the ministry warned

Russian chess grandmaster comes third at FIDE World Rapid Championship 2024

Yekaterina Lagno scored eight points in 11 rounds

Russian, Azerbaijani investigators, prosecutors working together in Grozny — Kremlin

Cooperation is underway along the lines of relevant agencies from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan

US debt to reach limit in mid-January, authorities to take extraordinary measures — Yellen

The national debt of the US currently stands at around $36.2 trillion

Kazakh, Russian specialists jointly investigate Azerbaijani plane crash — president

"Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the Government Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan continues the investigation with the involvement of specialists from Azerbaijan, Russia, and Brazil," the Kazakh presidential press service said

At least 85 people killed in plane crash in South Korea — agency

There were 175 passengers and six crew members on board the plane

Russia to counter extremists’ attempts to recruit minors — strategy

The strategy suggests that in order to counter such activities, teenagers should be encouraged to take part in efforts to maintain war memorials

Gazprom to limit gas supplies to Moldova up to zero from January 1 over contract breach

The company notes that the restriction will remain in effect until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz in writing otherwise

Press review: Putin discusses EU gas supplies and Russia open to Ukraine talks with Trump

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 27th

NATO considers use of ATACMS missiles in Ukraine reckless, indiscriminate — NYT

The newspaper notes that, since Ukraine received an authorization from the UK and the US, Kiev carried out at least six missile strikes, using 31 ATACMS and 14 Storm Shadow missiles

Expert offers to use navy ships to escort tankers after Eagle S incident

Alexander Stepanov believes that NATO intends to lock the Kaliningrad enclave, to lock the Russian trade fleet in Neva estuary and to simultaneously block the Leningrad naval base

Yemen’s Houthis claim strikes on Israeli Nevatim airbase

The missile successfully hit its target, the organization’s military spokesperson Yahya Saree said

Moscow Exchange index tops 2,800 first time since October 16

The index climbed by 1.56% at 10:56 p.m.

Europe must be punished, US ignored after hybrid war between West, Russia — Medvedev

According to the politician, Europe "became the primary stronghold of Russophobia globally," undermined the Istanbul agreements, initiated the sanctions campaign, and fueled the most extreme war factions without considering the losses suffered by both sides of the conflict

Russian Guardsmen destroy Ukrainian UAV team in Chernigov Region

The Guard’s press office said that images transmitted live from a drone confirmed the destruction of the enemy team

Fall conscription concluded with 133,000 individuals drafted — Russian Defense Ministry

As in previous conscription campaigns, conscripts had the right to choose service branches based on their health status and the results of psychological testing

Fox News includes Biden’s Putin slip-up in top political gaffes of 2024

The list also concludes Biden calling Donald Trump’s supporters "garbage" during the US presidential campaign

Russian chess grandmaster Volodar Murzin wins FIDE World Rapid Championship

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, the winner of last year’s championship, was earlier disqualified for breaching the dress code

Scholz polling increasingly worse as German chancellor candidate — Bild

For comparison, ahead of the 2021 election, the CDU/CSU bloc enjoyed the support of 27% voters in opinion polls and came ahead of Scholz’s party by just a 9.5% margin