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Soyuz ST-A lifts off from Kourou spaceport carrying French reconnaissance satellite

PARIS, December 19//TASS/. A Russian Soyuz ST-A rocket has successfully blasted off from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana, carrying a satellite for the French military. The launch is broadcast online on the website of Arianespace, a satellite launch company.

The launch was made in the presence of French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly. Taking part in it were about a hundred specialists from Russia. The Russian rocket is carrying France’s reconnaissance satellite CSO-1.

Roscosmos defines advantageous location for lunar base — official

Roscosmos is currently laying an "experimental foundation" for formulating further goals for human exploration of space, Denis Kutovoy emphasized

Karin Kneissl: Zelensky Has No Chance Left

Special op, nuclear forces, Oreshnik and Burevestnik: what Putin told defense officials

The Russian president noted that Russia’s strategic nuclear forces will continue to play a key role in deterring aggression and maintaining the global balance of power

Cambodia, Thailand seek quick resolution to border conflict — Malaysian prime minister

Earlier, Anwar Ibrahim stated that his country was in "complex negotiations" with the parties to the conflict to "reduce tension"

Roman Protasevich becomes host on Belarusian TV channel STV

He appeared in this role during the premiere of a program dedicated to the fire at the decommissioned Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania on November 25

Billionaire Isaacman to serve as new head of NASA

A total of 67 senators voted in favor of Isaacman’s nomination, while 30 voted against it

Moscow values Budapest’s readiness to provide venue for Russia-US summit — diplomat

"I think the Russian and US leaders’ statements leave no room for doubt," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky said

Putin blames West for Yugoslavia’s breakup

The president noted that nothing that was created in the post-war period worked in relations with the West

Tucker Carlson believes Trump may declare war on Venezuela

The journalist added that he does not know whether the announcement "will actually happen"

Russia looks to work with US to reform UN — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the work of BRICS and the SCO could serve as a good guideline for changes at the United Nations

US House rejects resolution to end operations against drug cartels

The Republican-majority House voted 216 to 210 against this resolution

Russia hopes for US pragmatic approach to situation around Venezuela — diplomat

"We hope that common sense will prevail and will proceed from this in our actions," a high-ranking Russian foreign ministry official said

Italian PM says Rome has no intent of sending troops to Ukraine

The leaders of European countries said that security guarantees for Kiev should involve the creation of "a European-led ‘multinational force’ made up from contributions from willing nations

FACTBOX: Project 677 Lada-class submarines

Project 677 diesel-electric submarines are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels, conduct patrols, conduct reconnaissance, protect sea lanes, lay minefields, and perform other missions

West started war in Ukraine, Russia is trying to end it — Putin

The Russian president reiterated that it was the destructive forces in Ukraine, with the support of the West

West supplies arms to terrorists in North Caucasus — Putin

The President noted that the West liked to speak the language of force with Russia

Ukraine loses more than half of energy capacity — Russian defense chief

According to Andrey Belousov, this directly affected Ukraine’s resistance capability

FSB reports thwarting terror plot near administration building in Russia’s Volgodonsk

A female college student with 10 kilograms of an improvised explosive device was arrested

Russian army gains steam as Ukraine's falls apart — Putin

The Russian president thanked the Defense Ministry for keeping Russia strong on the battlefield

Austrian parliament rejects proposal to support EU seizure of Russian central bank funds

The statement noted that the relevant proposal was submitted by the party but did not receive the support of a majority of deputies

Incremental growth of Russian GDP close to 10% over last 36 months — Novak

According to the official, the main drivers of the economy are processing industry, machine-building, agriculture and construction

US hits another drug boat in international waters in Pacific — Pentagon

According to the Southern Command, the Joint Task Force Southern Spear "conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters"

Resolving Ukrainian issue impossible without Russia — Duma speaker

Saudi Arabia will not participate and earlier, China declined to attend, Vyacheslav Volodin noted

Hungarian PM asks Putin about Russia’s response if EU uses frozen assets

According to Viktor Orban, Moscow responded that "a decisive response will follow, based on all mechanisms of international law"

Reducing threat of invasion, military support, new weapons: Belousov’s statements

According to the Russian defense minister, the threat of an incursion into the Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions has been reduced with the creation of a buffer zone in the Ukrainian border regions

US to fail to get via talks what it failed to get via attacks — Iran’s foreign minister

According to Abbas Araghchi, the United States should first change its approach to negotiations, then Iran will consider sitting down with it

EU stuck in the mud on Russian asset seizure — media

According to the media outlet, the ambassadors only moved further away from reaching an agreement

German party leader slams Merz’s position on expropriating Russian assets

"It is much easier to spend other’s money than one’s own," Tino Chrupalla, co-chair of Alternative for Germany (AfD) party noted

Trump names countries that will truly play important role — Kneissl

"Europe no longer plays any role in the world at all," the former Austrian Foreign Minister noted

Russia ready to assist Iran in finding acceptable solutions to nuclear program — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat stressed that the crisis had been created by the hands of the West and Moscow condemned attempts to put selfish interests above the principles of the UN charter

Russian oil imports to India to top 1 mln barrels per day in December — Reuters

"Ties between the two countries have remained strong despite pressure from Western sanctions," the agency said

BRICS nations seek alternatives to US dollar — Brazilian official

According to Celso Amorim, BRICS nations continue discussions of potential payment mechanisms that the group’s members could adopt

Putin awards Gold Stars to Russian heroes who excelled in liberating Seversk

The ceremony took place at the Defense Ministry

EU majority's decision on Russian assets to undermine solidarity within bloc — Euractiv

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his supporters are bluffing in this situation as both he and the EU leadership understand that implementing the plan bypassing Belgium will delegitimize the entire scheme

Russia to conclude military-technical cooperation agreements with six countries

Russia started the transition to a long-term and comprehensive nature of planning interaction with partners, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said

Hungary refuses loyal cooperation with EU on issue of Russian assets — Orban

Viktor Orban also said that EU leaders violated EU law by proposing to make decisions on Russian financial assets not by consensus, but by a qualified majority vote

Europe's 'symbolic politics' undermining Ukraine peace process — Berliner Zeitung

According to the publication, what the Europeans are trying to sell as "active peace policy" is, from the perspective of Moscow and Washington, nothing more than "informational noise"

Religious persecution in Ukraine 'cannot be ignored' — US congresswoman

On December 8, Luna said the US government should stop supporting Ukraine because of Kiev’s actions against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Russia going to develop international military cooperation — Putin

The collective security system of the Union States requires improvement, the Russian president stressed

West tries to twist international law where Ukraine is concerned — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, the West, especially the Europeans, want to continue their neocolonial policy, "aimed at living at the expense of others, as it has been for the last 500 years"

Trump says US wants back oil rights allegedly taken by Venezuela

"They took all of our oil from not that long ago", US President said

Security guarantees for Kiev make no mention of arsenal limits — newspaper

According to the publication, the United States is unlikely to directly supply long-range missiles to Kiev or finance the Ukrainian defense industry

Austrian chancellor doesn’t rule out country’s participation in int’l mission in Ukraine

At the same time, Christian Stocker stated that Austria is set to remain committed to the principle of neutrality

Liberating Gerasimovka, Russian troops expand bridgehead along Gaichur River — source

As a result of active combat operations, assault groups of the 36th Brigade advanced along the western bank, taking under control a 2-kilometer sector along the front and up to a kilometer in depth

February explosion at Chernobyl blown out of proportion by media — expert

According to head of the Atominfo research center Alexander Uvarov, forest fires that periodically occurred in the Ukrainian segment of the Chernobyl exclusion zone may have more significant radiation effects

Venezuela’s army rejects US’ accusations and threats

The escalation of threats of the use of force against Venezuela is aimed at "changing the regime, seize oil and other strategic resources of the republic," the defense ministry stressed

Annual inflation in Russia down to 6.34% from December 9 to 15 — Economy Ministry

Price growth rates changed by 0.05% for foods

Press review: EU sees Russia as threat while US ramps up attacks on boats near Venezuela

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 17th

Interpol puts two Ukrainians suspected of railway bombing on wanted list

"Interpol red notices have been issued for the men suspected of committing acts of sabotage in Garwolin County" Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said

US Congress approves defense budget proposal amounting to $901 billion

Ultimately, the lawmakers arrived at a compromise

Russian army’s capabilities keep developing — Putin

According to the head of state, the defense industry "has quickly restructured many production and technological processes"

Iran, Russia to sign deal on construction of Rasht-Astara railway within month

According to Houshang Bazvand, the Iranian side has accepted about 70% of Russian proposals for the design and construction of the railroad

Russian troops destroy 67 foreign mercenaries in battles for Yunakovka — defense source

According to the source, they were mostly Colombian nationals

Turkey’s Marmara Sea recedes 20 meters from shore — TV

According to the TV channel, the phenomenon occurred in the Marmaraereglisi district of the Tekirdag province in western Turkey

Four civilians injured after Ukraine’s attack on Bataisk — region’s governor

According to Yury Slyusar, the attack caused fire to two single-family houses

US imposing its ideas on Venezuela same as 100 years ago — ambassador to Russia

According to Jesus Rafael Salazar Velasquez, it is essential to defend the Bolivarian ideas of equality, social justice, and the unity

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian troops attempt to approach liberated Kupyansk

Airborne observation posts and mobile air defense teams ensured combat safety of the self-propelled guns

Russian troops liberate Gerasimovka in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that the Ukrainian army lost roughly 235 troops, two tanks and three armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup East

Putin vows that special military operation's goals will be achieved

In any international situation, the armed forces remain the key guarantor of Russia's sovereignty and independence, its security and future, the Russian leader emphasized

Iran reaffirms its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear program — foreign minister

According to Abbas Araghchi, the US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, even though they damaged buildings and equipment, were unable to destroy the technology

'Coalition of willing' has not called Putin's hotline, Kremlin official jokes

The event will be held at noon on December 19

Netanyahu says approved $34.6 bln deal for gas supplies to Egypt

According to the Israeli prime minister, the deal envisages large-scale investments in the gas infrastructure

First stage of Russian Army transition to new military construction model over — Belousov

According to the Russian defense minister, the regulatory framework for forming military construction units will be developed in 2026

Russia manages to reverse trend of declining military exports — defense chief

According to Andrey Belousov, Russia transitioned to a new system for promoting weapons to allies and partners

Trump says 25 mln illegal migrants had come to US before he took office

"There were drug dealers, gang members and even 11,888 murderers", US President stated

Ukrainian drone attack on tanker in Rostov-on-Don port cause casualties — authorities

No oil has been split

Russia welcomes emerging progress in dialogue with Trump administration — Putin

The head of state stressed that Russia still advocates cooperation with European countries and the shaping of a unified security system throughout the Eurasian region

MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center director shot dead in US

According to the newspaper, the scientist was found with gunshot wounds at his Brooklyn home on Monday

Russia, China could become world leaders if US does not step up — Biden

The former US president also called on Washington to continue to adhere to its current role, saying that the US "owes it to the world"

S-500's capabilities unachievable for Russia's military-industrial rivals — expert

Head of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis Alexander Mikhailov emphasized that the S-500 functions as a sophisticated space defense system

Maduro thanks Russia for condemning US aggression — top Venezuelan diplomat

According to Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, the rejection of the US imperial ambitions in the Caribbean is growing in the world

Fitch warns Euroclear of potential rating downgrade over Russian assets confiscation

The agency explained that the move "reflects Fitch's view of potentially increased liquidity and legal risks for Euroclear Bank"

US informed Europe of its desire to use Russian assets as part of Ukraine settlement — WP

According to the publication, after Washington proposed its 28-point plan for settling the Ukrainian crisis in November, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and other European leaders "have faced pressure from US officials"

US extends permits for certain activities related to Sakhalin-2 project until June 18

In June 2024, the US Treasury exempted oil supplies from the Sakhalin-2 project to Japan from the price cap until June 28, 2025

Silver prices continue setting records — market data

The precious metal surged by 5.88% to $67.045 per Troy ounce

Russian stock indices down as main trading session closes on Wednesday

The yuan-to-ruble rose 13.65 kopecks to 11.39 rubles

Russia will not agree to deployment of Western troops in Ukraine in any form — MFA

Russia is open-minded in terms of what decisions might be made, Sergey Ryabkov noted

Any sanctions harmful to fostering relations — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that it is obvious

Russia says shoots down three bogeys over sea in Sevastopol

Earlier, an air alert was announced in the city

Trump slow-rolling decision on new sanctions against Russia — Bloomberg

The new measures could be unveiled as early as this week

West, Ukraine exhaust diplomatic options in resolving conflict — Merz

The first round of negotiations between the US and Ukrainian delegations took place in Berlin on December 14

Ukraine, Germany sign arms supply deals worth €1.2 bln

On December 15, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that since February 2022 Germany has provided €40 billion in military assistance to Ukraine and another €36 billion in civilian aid

Russian national detained in Iran released from prison — embassy

The embassy expressed gratitude to the Iranian side for its assistance in resolving the situation

Issue of seizing Russian assets not on EU summit agenda — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stated that Hungary "won the battle ahead of the EU summit"

Investors will start withdrawing funds if Euroclear rating downgraded — Dmitriev

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund, "collapse begins"

Lukashenko says he is ‘outgoing’ president

According to the Belarusian leader, he wants to establish good relations between Minsk and Washington

Russia says rising tensions around Venezuela carry unpredictable fallout

Russia reaffirms its solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of the challenging times they are going through

Russia may ultimately replace UK in technology deal with US — Dmitriev

Russian Presidential Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev emphasized that "the UK needs to learn to solve real problems - not imaginary ones"

About five US military jets spotted over sea near Venezuelan border — air traffic control

According to the source, the aircraft are carrier-based

US House rejects resolution against hostilities against Venezuela

The Republican-majority House voted 213 to 211 against this resolution

Russian tourist trips abroad increase by 14% yoy in 2025 — RUTI

Turkey ranks first in terms of demand among Russian tourists in 2025, followed by Egypt and Thailand

Whole world, save for Europe, condemns US actions in Caribbean — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister underscored that "all other countries have clearly expressed their positions"

Parliament member admits 500,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, just as many wounded

The official number of killed Ukrainian soldiers has not been disclosed, but deputies and military personnel regularly complain about a shortage of personnel

Rome wary of Russian asset seizure, calls for going different route — radio

The broadcaster recalled that Italian PM Giorgia Meloni had signed a letter requesting "the exploration of less risky alternatives"

Press review: US-Ukraine talks fail on Donbass as Kiev struggles with election competition

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 16th

Euroclear rating’s downgrade could trigger capital outflows from EU — expert

Fitch's decision may be related to the agency's desire to reduce its own risks, deputy head of the specialized department of financial markets infrastructure at the HSE Andrey Stolyarov said

Russia had to start special op to change world — Serbian journalist

Mario Bojic said it needed to happen for the world to change

Russia does not deny anyone right to security, but insists on NATO not expanding — Putin

It was publicly stated that there would be no NATO expansion to the east and the West "couldn't care less" about these promises, the Russian leader noted

Russian industrial producers cut prices by 0.9% in November — statistics

In the mineral resources mining segment, prices went down for natural graphite, sea salt and dewatered, desalinated and stabilized oil

NATO plans confrontation with Russia by 2030 — top defense official

"We are not the ones making threats; we are the ones being threatened," Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stressed

Germany withdrawing Patriot air defense systems, military personnel from Poland

The command in Rzeszow has been taken over by the Dutch military