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Russian narcotics police smash drug ring smuggling Afghan drugs

MOSCOW, December 17. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian narcotics squad officers have smashed an international drug ring and liquidated a major trafficking route for drugs from Tajikistan to Russia, sources from the Russian Federal Drug Control Service told Itar-Tass on Tuesday.

They said about seven kilograms of heroin had been seized in the operation. Earlier, drug police learned that a group of drug dealers was ‘specializing’ on supplies of major batches of Afghan heroin to Russia, and one of the batches was about to be smuggled from Tajikistan to Russia.

“In an operation in the Pushkino district of the Moscow region, narcotics squad officers detained a courier carrying about seven kilograms of highly-concentrated Afghan heroin,” service’s sources said.

They said that judging by the way drugs were packed, drug couriers had been crossing the border with drugs stashed in false suitcase walls. Narcotics officers found out that after arriving in Russia, drugs were being brought in vehicles to the Moscow region for sale. “Search and investigation continue, police taking measures to identify all members of the criminal group,” drug police said.

Georgian foreign ministry condemns pressure on its diplomats abroad

According to earlier reports, Georgia’s ambassadors to Bulgaria, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States tendered their resignation amid protests in Tbilisi

Sentence to mercenary, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Kursk Regional Court has sentenced Jordan O'Brien, a New Zealand citizen, to 14 years in prison in absentia for his involvement in the invasion of the Kursk Region

Houthis say they attacked targets in Israel with drones

The movement attacked military facilities in Jaffa and Ashkelon, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said

Nuclear disarmament cooperation with unfriendly nations unacceptable — diplomat

These countries pursue anti-Russian policies, act aggressively, and supply our enemies with weapons, Sergey Ryabkov said

Texas, California decolonization reflects global shifts, says Russian intel chief

"We are currently witnessing the true decolonization of the Global South, which has come to see itself as a full-fledged political actor rather than a subordinate ‘backyard,’" Sergey Naryshkin noted

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Kiev rejects peaceful solutions, Putin tells Orban

"Viktor Orban expressed his willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at jointly finding political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis, considering his contacts with several Western leaders," the statement reads

Group of militants from Syria tries to cross into Leban — Lebanese military

According to the statement, "unidentified individuals with firearms crossed the border, and headed towards a roadblock of the Lebanese armed forces, firing into the air"

Syrian opposition controls city of Tartus hosting Russian base — source

The opposition's armed forces did not and have no plans to penetrate the Russian military bases, which continue to operate normally, the local source noted

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Oreshnik launch serves as warning to certain political figures overseas — Ryabkov

"It was also a signal to their European clients, who have completely lost it as well, that Russia means business," the Russian deputy foreign minister added

Russian sleeper agents open up about secret trip to 2018 World Cup

The married couple, Artyom Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, returned home as a result of an exchange

Syrian airline restarts ticket flights to Moscow and back

Tickets are currently available for a flight from Damascus to Moscow on December 18 and back on December 19, 2024

Ukraine drone production drastically drops due to intrigues in Zelensky's office — Rada

"The Defense Ministry has barely purchased any drones throughout 2024," lawmaker Maryana Bezuglaya added

Russia maintains contact with all political forces in Syria, diplomat says

A related statement has already been issued recently by Russian Foreign Ministry

South Korea’s ex-defense minister attempts suicide — Yonhap

The former official’s current health condition is not life-threatening, the agency said

Russian troops advance towards Dachnoye, road leading out of Kurakhovo — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, as of early morning, Russian forces have reached the city council building, which is located in the western part of Kurakhovo

Hezbollah hopes that Syria’s new government can resist Israeli attacks

According to Israel’s N12 television channel, 350 Israeli fighter jets have hit 320 strategic facilities of the Assad army over the day

Just a few km of Lugansk People’s Republic territory remain to be liberated — lawmaker

"People from all regions of our huge country are taking part in battles to liberate the remaining tiny piece of the LPR territory," Yury Yurov said

Biden administration may remove HTS from list of terrorist organizations — NBC

Two sources expect this to happen soon, but one official said related discussions are still at early stages at this point

US may toughen sanctions on Russian oil exports — Bloomberg

Besides, the US administration is also looking into the possibility of imposing sanctions on "tanker fleet" allegedly transporting Russian oil, Bloomberg wrote

Ukrainian authorities started preparing for elections, ex-minister says

It is indicated by Vladimir Zelensky’s presentation of the so-called "plan of resilience" in the Verkhovna Rada, by the establishment of the Ministry of Unity and a number of other measures, says Andrey Reva, ex-Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine

FACTBOX: Syria under President Bashar Assad

Bashar Assad took over as the leader of the Syrian Arab Republic in the summer of 2000 after the death of his father Hafez Assad, who had been at the helm of power since 1971

Russian FPV drone wipes out Ukrainian army shelter in Kursk area

"A reconnaissance unit of the Battlegroup North used an UAV in a border area of the Kursk Region to uncover a shelter for Ukrainian troops in a forest belt," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Israeli tanks spotted 20 kilometers from Damascus — TV

The Israel Defense Forces has yet to comment on the information

Russian Su-35S fighters cover aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian army in Kursk area

One of the fighter jets uncovered enemy air defense sites by its weapons suite, the statement added

Hungary plans to hold new events on Ukrainian settlement on December 11-12 — Szijjarto

Hungarian Foreign Minister did not specify which events exactly the Hungarian government plans to carry out on Wednesday and Thursday

FACTBOX: What we know about Mohammed al-Bashir, head of Syria’s interim government

The interim government’s mandate is expected to last three months

Italian expert says Europe biggest loser in Syrian uprising

Tiberio Graziani recalled that Italy had sent its ambassador to Damascus to resume diplomatic relations with the Bashar Assad government shortly before power in that country was seized by the armed opposition

Russian economy expected to grow by 3.9% in 2024 — Novak

This is much above the average growth rates globally, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

Medvedev to begin his two-day visit to China

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council is expected to meet with senior Chinese government officials

Russian defense chief commends growing defense ties with India

Andrey Belousov stressed that the relationship based on trust between the two countries’ leaders was crucial for strengthening bilateral ties between Russia and India

Trump unlikely to keep US aid to Ukraine at current volumes — NYT

The report says that Kiev depends on foreign aid to keep its economy afloat

Syria’s interim cabinet to focus on preventing collapse of statehood — PM

"We are face with big challenges but our previous experience of governing the Idlib governorate and adjacent territories has furnished us with vast expertise," Mohammed al-Bashir noted

Committee on constitutional amendments to be established in Syria — opposition

"The new Syria will be based on justice and law," spokesperson for the Syrian opposition’s political department told

Russia urges West to end support for Zelensky following attack on IAEA personnel — MFA

Russia also called on the US, the United Kingdom, and their allies to take measures to bring those responsible for the act of provocation to justice

Oreshnik missiles to eliminate need for nuclear weapons, Putin says

This is why, in President Putin’s words, Russia behaves with caution and even restraint in all areas

Russian troops advance to better positions near Malaya Tokmachka in Zaporozhye Region

Russian servicemen struck Ukrainian artillery guns and their crews in the area of the town of Gulyaipole

Lukashenko confirms Belarus has nuclear weapons

Commenting on plans to deploy the non-nuclear Russian Oreshnik missile system to Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that using these types of high-powered weapons carries a great responsibility

IN BRIEF: Assad in Moscow, security of Russian bases: what Kremlin source said

According to the source in the Kremlin, Russia has granted asylum for Syria’s former President Bashar Assad and his family members

Syria’s Assad was no dictator, didn’t kill anyone, Lukashenko says

According to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, the Belarusian embassy in Syria remains in Damascus and the diplomats will continue working

Putin to discuss coal industry development with Russian government

A number of current issues will be also discussed

Syria’s new government to prevent attempts to split country — opposition

"We want to rebuild Syria, which is in line with its people’s wishes," spokesperson for the Syrian opposition’s political department told

Special military op to end after all goals set by Putin achieved — Kremlin

"These goals can be achieved both as a result of the special military operation and as a result of the peace talks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Iran ready to sell missiles, drones to any countries, especially Arab — official

"When Iran was attacked (referring to the start of the Iranian-Iraqi war in 1980 - TASS), all foreign countries, with which we had contracts and were paying billions to, severed all ties in military production," the former IRGC commander emphasized

NATO looking to divide up Western Ukraine among members — Russian diplomat

"No NATO ally would ever receive the copious amounts of [funds and weapons] that non-member Ukraine has," Maria Zakharova argued

Syrians to decide on US military presence in republic themselves — opposition

Mohammed Alloush expressed hope that "Syria will become a country of local and global peace, without the presence of foreign military bases of any party there"

Syria should not be turned into base of terrorists — top US diplomat

Antony Blinken "emphasized the need to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance, prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors," department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said

New Syrian government to decide on fate of Russia’s military bases — opposition

"The issue of military bases is a sovereign decision of the Syrian state," Mohammed Alloush stated

West could make ‘crazy’ move to hand over nuclear weapons to Ukraine — National Interest

The transfer of American-made B-61 nuclear bombs appears to be the most likely scenario, the report said

Kremlin declines to reveal number of Russian troops stationed in Syria

"Only our military can provide you with this information," Dmitry Peskov told reporters

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Euroclear warns of risks in confiscating seized Russian assets — Bloomberg

According to the head of Euroclear, the use of the sanctioned Russian assets to provide aide to Ukraine, as proposed by the EU, could undermine confidence in the existing international financial system and create a dangerous precedent

Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

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

Fight of major world players unfolding in Syria, says Belarusian president

Alexander Lukashenko also pointed to his long record of interaction with Syria's leaders

Russia's Syria operation cost over $460 million — Putin

According to the president, additional costs are required after the operation in Syria but they are justified in order not to pay a higher price in future

US Department of State approves possible sale of F-16 equipment to Kiev

The US believes that the deal "will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats"

Russian troops seize Ukrainian stronghold south of Kurakhovo — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Ukrainian units in this section of the frontline are currently in control of Annovka, a small area surrounding it, and Uspenovka, through which they are receiving supplies

Russia hammers Ukrainian railway sites of Western arms deliveries

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 455 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed eight enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

At least 75 civilians killed in Syria in past two weeks — UN

The UN agency also reported that the security and humanitarian situation in the country remains unstable

Sanctions fuel tech jump in Russia — Putin

The head of state underlined that Russia currently has everything for a technology breakthrough in the digital sphere

Israel attacks two ports in Syria harboring 15 Syrian military ships

The press office noted that "dozens of ship-to-ship missiles with a range between 80 and 190 km, which posed a threat to civilian and military ships in this region, were destroyed" during the strikes

US losing ground in post-Soviet space, everywhere else, Russian intel chief says

According to Sergey Naryshkin, SVR intel says that the post-Soviet space remains the priority destination of attacks by US and UK intelligence

Yemeni Houthis say they attacked two US destroyers in Gulf of Aden

The movement’s military spokesperson said that this was the second attack on destroyers and support ships in the past ten days

Drone attacks IAEA vehicle en route to ZNPP

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi strongly condemned the incident, describing it as "unacceptable."

Syrian ex-president Assad now in safety in Russia — deputy foreign minister

The Russian diplomat added that it "would be very wrong for me to elaborate on what happened and how it was resolved."

US could facilitate peace by ordering Ukraine out of Donbass, says Russian diplomat

"Those who expect Russia to make concessions are either poorly informed or have a short memory," Maria Zakharova noted

Kiev to last only six months if US cuts aid under Trump — finance minister

According to Sergey Marchenko, Kiev can "allocate sufficient budgetary resources to afford the necessary ammunition and military equipment in 2025"

FPV drones take out Ukrainian convoy in Kursk Region — Defense Ministry

The first drone successfully intercepted a fleeing pickup on the move, while the second drone struck another vehicle parked near a wooded area, neutralizing additional personnel," the ministry reported

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Suspension of Russian gas transit via Bulgaria last resort measure — source

The Bulgarian side expects that the problem with transit payment will be solved and sees "nothing critical" in the evolved situation

Sanctions on Gazprombank to be lifted, says head of Turkey-Russia Business Council

"This is a completely personal choice of US President Joe Biden to slap sanctions on Gazprombank," Izzet Ekmekcibasi said

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

Ukrainian troops attack DPR’s Yenakiyevo with long-range weapons — DPR head

According to Pushilin, Ukrainian forces staged six shelling attacks on the DPR, using long-range weapons, 155mm artillery systems and a combat drone

Russia expands list of e-visa eligible countries

At the same time, Andorra and Serbia, who have agreements on visa-free travel with Russia, were taken off the list

Russian forces liberate 1.5 square miles near Kurakhovo — official

"Russian forces have liberated four square kilometers in and west of the settlement of Sukhiye Yaly," Vladimir Rogov said

Bulgaria may stop gas transit from Russia if payment solution not found — minister

As Vladimir Malinov explained, at the moment, the Bulgarian state gas company Bulgargaz has received all payments

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army, equipment in 141 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 515 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy ammunition depot in its area of responsibility over the past day

Former Syrian President Assad personally decided to resign from his post — Kremlin

A Kremlin source said earlier that Bashar Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow

Ukraine fires 34 projectiles at 8 settlements in Belgorod Region in past day

No injuries or damage were reported

Russian troops liberate Zhyoltoye community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 225 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored personnel carrier in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Australians disillusioned by Western values seek visas to move to Russia — Consul General

Zarina Gabiyeva emphasized that, while the number of visas issued to Australians relocating to Russia "may appear modest, for a nation as geographically distant from Russia as Australia, this represents a very encouraging outcome"

Russian forces liberate Daryino, Plyokhovo: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, a tank, three Bradley infantry fighting vehicles of US manufacture, seven motor vehicles and six mortars, with one Ukrainian serviceman surrendering as a prisoner of war

Putin ranked among Europe’s most influential figures — newspaper

The name of the most influential person in Europe will be revealed later in the evening

Trump says he considers resolving Ukraine conflict as priority

The US President-elect believes that even though the situation in the Middle East is also important

Russia comes close to achieving special military operation's goals — intel chief

"Russia holds the initiative in all areas, while the Ukrainian armed forces are on the verge of collapse and the Zelensky regime has lost its legitimacy, along with the ability to make agreements," Sergey Naryshkin pointed out

Trump may unravel fresh loan to Kiev by lifting sanctions on frozen Russian assets — NYT

The move would not affect the European portion of the loan

Conversation with Putin took place in most dangerous period of conflict in Ukraine — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister did not specify what issues he had discussed with the Russian president

Press review: Israel controls Golan Heights as Kiev plans aid summit before Trump’s term

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

Functioning of Russian bases, Israeli army in the buffer zone: situation in Syria

The Syrian armed opposition currently controls the Latakia Governorate, where Russian military bases are located

Poland shouldn’t send troops to Ukraine, senior security official says

According to the security official, Ukraine will not be able to retake territories from Russia, even if Kiev calls up more soldiers

Medvedev arrives in China on two-day visit

The Russian deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council is to hold meetings with China’s top officials

Erdogan says he and Putin are the only two leaders in world

Turkish President also said that he respects Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder

HAMAS hands over full list of hostages to Egypt — Al Arabiya

Neither HAMAS nor Egypt has confirmed the reports so far

Polish Defense Minister recognizes Kiev's critical situation in special military op zone

According to Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Ukrainian population feels "enormous war fatigue"

Russia, Arab countries stand for just world free from diktat — Putin

"We stand united in advocating for the establishment of a just and democratic world order founded on genuine equality and adherence to international law, free from all forms of discrimination, coercion, and sanctions pressure," the Russian leader emphasized

Russian lawmaker calls for looking at granting CSTO membership to Iran

Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the defense committee of Russia’s State Duma, or lower parliament house, recalled that a delegation from Iran had already taken part in a meeting of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly

US allocates $20 bln loan to Ukraine on account of revenues from Russian assets

The loan is provided within the framework of the initiative of the Group of Seven on provision of the $50 bln loan to Kiev, the Treasury said

Zelensky demands security guarantees for Ukraine at meeting with Trump — agency

According to the sources, Zelensky’s meeting with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris lasted 35 minutes

Kremlin has nothing to say on Assad's evacuation from Syria

Earlier, a Kremlin source said that Bashar Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow

Rumors about Trump-Zelensky tete-a-tete prove false, says expert

According to Mikhail Pavliv, the leaders' meeting lasted about ten minutes or less