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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russian cosmonauts complete spacewalk, installing X-ray spectrometer on Zvezda module

The instrument will be able to monitor 84% of the celestial sphere and help scientists determine the number of supermassive black holes in the Universe

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner (TASS correspondent aboard the ISS) closed the exit hatch of the Poisk module of the International Space Station, completing their spacewalk.

The extravehicular activity began at 6:36 p.m. Moscow time on Thursday. The cosmonauts were expected to spend six hours and 43 minutes in space, but their mission lasted 7 hours 17 minutes instead.

Their primary goal was to install and connect the SPIN-X1-MVN X-ray spectrometer on the Zvezda Service Module. The instrument will be able to monitor 84% of the celestial sphere and help scientists determine the number of supermassive black holes in the Universe.

Besides, Ovechkin and Vagner also dismantled research equipment from the Poisk module. Ovchinin then positioned himself in the ERA's portable manipulator arm workstation and flung the dismantled items away from the ISS. The garbage will soon burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.

This EVA was the first in Vagner career. He was wearing Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 4 with blue stripes. Alexey Ovchinin, who was wearing Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 5 with red stripes, was in outer space for a second time (for the first time during the current 72nd long expedition to the orbital outpost).

About the spectrometer

The spectrometer for the experiment All Sky Monitor was delivered to the station on the cargo spacecraft Progress MS-28 in August. In September, the Deputy Director of the Space Research Institute (SRI) under the Russian Academy of Sciences, associate member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Lutovinov told TASS that the device would go operational immediately after installation and perform 15 sky surveys in three years.

Lutovinov noted that the instrument would help scientists determine the number of supermassive black holes in the Universe and their contribution to its history by measuring the cosmic X-ray background - radiation made up of a huge number of distant objects that are almost impossible to view individually.

Russian cosmonauts install X-ray spectrometer on Zvezda module’s exterior

The extravehicular activity is conducted by Ovchinin, who is wearing Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 5 with red stripes, and Vagner, wearing Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 4 with blue stripes

Russian forces setting up fire pocket for Ukrainian troops in Kharkov area — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that if the Ukrainian command "does not react to these risks in time," up to a battalion of Ukrainian soldiers will be pushed against the Lozovaya River, cut off from any routes of retreat

Russian army’s combat readiness now highest worldwide — Putin

"We are increasing production of everything necessary for our army and navy," the Russian leader said

Putin responds to question about Russia's weakness by quoting Mark Twain

The president noted that Russia had become much stronger over the past two or three years as it became a truly sovereign country

Press review: Who benefits from Russian general's murder as Trump lacks Kremlin strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 18th

Aleppo taken by 350 militants while 30,000 gov’t troops retreated without fight — Putin

The Russian president recalled that no Russian land troops had been deployed to Syria, with Russia having only an airbase and a naval base

Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses near Oskol Reservoir in Kharkov Region

The new positions will enable Russian troops to advance further in that frontline area and deliver more effective strikes on the enemy, Andrey Marochko specified

Putin challenges West to try to intercept Oreshnik missile in Kiev

"Let them choose a target, say, in Kiev, and amass their air and missile defense systems there, while we will launch an Oreshnik missile at the target," the Russian leader said

Putin says he wells up with pride when Russians succeed, same as with his own family

The president noted that Russia was not just about vast territories but also about its people, history, culture and traditions

During Maduro’s inauguration, Russia to be represented at due level — diplomat

The invitation was sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin

Ukrainian unit of machine-gunners disguised as Russian soldiers shoots civilians — captive

According to Bogdan Nikitchenko, the command sends "anyone available" to the Kursk Region

Russian, Uzbek security agents work to identify accomplices in general’s killing in Moscow

"The special services of the Republic of Uzbekistan are doing all they can to provide assistance," the agency said

Russia getting stronger, will make decisions regardless of opinions of others — Putin

According to the Russian president, the state of the economy and the strengthening of defense capabilities allow Russia to depend little on anyone

US has 2,000 troops in Syria, up from previously reported 900 — Pentagon

Pentagon Spokesman Patrick Ryder did not specify the type of troops that arrived in Syria to fight the Islamic State

Hungary takes US sanctions against Gazprombank as political revenge — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister stressed that the American sanctions against Gazprombank affected those countries where governments are in power that pursue independent policies

Ukraine’s military attacks over 30 communities in Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region

The Ukrainian military fired 14 munitions and launched one UAV against three settlements in the Graivoronsky district. In the Borisovsky district, four Ukrainian drones attacked the villages of Baitsury and Tsapovka, damaging a private home, Vyacheslav Gladkov said

Russia achieves key objective in Syria — Putin

According to head of state, the groups that fought against Syrian government forces have gone through major internal changes

FACTBOX: What we know about missing An-2 plane in Russia’s Kamchatka

The An-2 airplane with two crew members and one passenger was transporting 800 kg of commercial cargo on the Milkovo - Ossora route

IAEA team travels to Ukraine to assess condition of electrical substations

The inspectors will assess seven electrical substations on which the country’s NPPs allegedly "depend to safely generate electricity," according to the post

Zelensky fully rules out possibility of gas transit via Ukraine — Slovak Prime Minister

Robert Fico emphasized that by blocking the continuation of gas transit, the Kiev authorities are damaging Slovakia's national economic interests and could negatively impact the European bloc as a whole

What is known about apprehension of perpetrator of terror attack on Russian general

The suspect admitted to being recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services

Putin says critics who insult him tell on themselves

According to the Russian president, people do it "because of their impotence"

Nuclear doctrine, special op, Oreshnik missile: what Putin said at Direct Line Q&A session

According to the head of state, the situation in the special military operation zone is "changing significantly"

Orban ready to discuss Christmas ceasefire with Zelensky

The prime minister was asked about this during his speech to the Patriots for Europe faction of Members of the European Parliament, which took place before the EU leaders' meeting

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 520 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy howitzers in its area of responsibility over the past day

Iraq returns over 1,900 servicemen who fled Syria during opposition’s advance

The Iraqi authorities urged Syria’s current government to ensure the security of the returning military, guarantee their amnesty and reunification with families

Putin reflects on his talks with former German Chancellor Kohl

The Russian president praised Helmut Kohl as a "pivotal political figure of our time"

Press review: Israel and Hamas near a truce while Zelensky drafts a new negotiation plan

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 19th

Ukrainian units in Kurakhovo ordered to hold ground until Trump’s inauguration — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Russian assault teams in the city continue to advance westward

Russia's ideas on settlement in Ukraine stem from practical needs — senior diplomat

On November 27, US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kellogg to be his assistant and US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

Abkhazian lawmaker accused of fatal shooting in the country’s parliament

"Lawmaker Adgur Kharazia, who fled the scene, is suspected of the shooting," acting Interior Minister Robert Kiut said

Russia, Ukraine could exchange POWs by Orthodox Christmas — Hungarian PM

"About 1,000 people could return home to their families in just two or three days," the prime minister said

Zelensky admits the impossibility of reclaiming Donbass, Crimea

Vladimir Zelensky responded negatively when asked whether Kiev could temporarily abandon its claims to Crimea or Donbass

Series of explosions rock central Kiev — eyewitnesses

Earlier, Ukrainian media reported about explosions in the capital, and local authorities informed about the work of air defenses

Russian public may one day decide to bury Lenin proper, Putin speculates

The Russian president still noted that "today, especially in today’s Russia, we must not do anything that could divide the country"

Ukraine to cede territory regardless of US aid — news agency

According to the news agency, Kiev expects a "bitter settlement," which implies giving up territorial claims and NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees

Outgoing US administration to continue aid to Kiev until Trump’s inauguration

US administration currently has $5.6 to help Ukraine under the PDA mechanism, and another $1.13 - under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder said

Witnesses confirm involvement of detained suspect in Russian general’s assassination

"The sufficiency of information about the crime and Kurbonov’s involvement is confirmed by testimony from the affected persons and eyewitnesses, crime scene examination, study of material evidence and documents, and other evidence as a whole," according to case files

Israel Defense Forces reports killing two field commanders in West Bank

Tarek Doush was eliminated in a strike by an IDF aircraft, and Dossam Awfi, a significant military operative in the Tulkarm terrorist network, was also eliminated together with two additional terrorists

NATO beneficial for US, Trump to try to demand more out of alliance — senior diplomat

Alexander Grushko also highlighted NATO’s origins, stating that it was created under US initiative and has always been designed to manage and control its European allies

Spain expands deliveries of lethal weapons to Ukraine — Russian ambassador

Yury Klimenko welcomed both the embargo imposed by Spain already after October 7, 2023 on arms shipments to the Middle East conflict zone, and the words of the Spanish prime minister to the international community with a call to follow the example of his country

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

According to the Turkish newspaper, the former Syrian president did it to ensure his own safety

Oreshnik’s launch is sudden, undetectable by satellites — analyst

The range of the Oreshnik system is up to 5,500 kilometers

Ukrainian army floundering, while Russian forces continue to advance — Putin

"The enemy is unable to gain a foothold in the positions where it has retreated," the Russian president noted

Western hysteria over North Korea-Russia cooperation proves success — Foreign Ministry

North Korea's Foreign Ministry has criticized the G7 and several Western countries, labeling them "a bunch of thugs," for their statements on cooperation between North Korea and Russia

Putin says he gained much from former French President Jacques Chirac

The French politician passed away on September 26, 2019, at the age of 87

Putin says Russia should have launched special op earlier

The Russian leader recalled that the 2014 events in Crimea had been spontaneous

West pushing Kiev to continue conflict — France’s Le Pen

Marine Le Pen told the newspaper that she believes US President-elect Donald Trump can get Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky to hold talks and a diplomatic solution will be found

Syria’s new leader assures new authorities have no ties to Al Qaeda

"Now I am acting in Syria’s supreme interests," Ahmed al-Sharaa said, adding that he never took part in hostilities in Iraq

Missing plane’s beacon signal detected in Kamchatka

The plane is yet to be found, Kamchatka emergencies minister Sergey Lebedev said

Russia to invite World War II allies to next year’s Victory Day parade

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made the comment following a statement on the subject by Vladimir Putin

German Armed Forces to upgrade its Taurus missiles — report

According to the report, the agreement aims to keep the systems functional so that they can potentially be used in modern conflicts

Russian gas importers to receive deferral on payments via Gazprombank until April 1, 2025

Since April 2022, under the presidential decree, buyers from unfriendly countries paid for supplies using special type K accounts in Gazprombank

Putin calls issue of Vladimir Lenin’s burial extremely sensitive

"These are certainly not the questions to be addressed during a Q&A session or press conference," the head of state said, commenting on several remarks by a reporter

Serial production of missiles for S-500 air defense systems begins in Russia — source

State trials of S-500 are under way at a testing range in southern Russia

Putin suggests Zelensky may flee abroad, says Russia would take him in

"But he will be taken care of by those people whose interests he is serving now," the Russian leader said

Press review: EU imposes new anti-Russian sanctions and Russia braces for NATO conflict

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

Four new Russian regions moving toward self-sufficiency at a rapid pace — Putin

According to the head of state, tax revenues have seen a consistent increase in absolute figures

Special military op evolves, Russia liberates territory by kilometers — Putin

The Russian leader characterized what is happening on the line of engagement as "a classic of the development of combat operations"

Lavrov explains Russia’s position on Ukrainian settlement to Swiss counterpart

"The Russian side stressed the inadmissibility of NATO’s eastwards expansion, which was among the key reasons of the current situation, which made the special military operation unavoidable," the statement reads

EU determined to keep Russian assets frozen until compensation paid to Kiev — resolution

The decisions of the European Council are legally binding for the EU institutions and all its member states, and can only be revised by a unanimous resolution of another summit

Scholz, Trump agree conflict in Ukraine goes on for too long

"The sides paid special attention to the issues of security policy in Europe," German Government Spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said

Venezuela’s Maduro reveals ultra-right plot to trigger civil war in South American nation

Plots and attempts to destabilize the situation in Venezuela had been "foiled by military and police units, as well as judicial and law enforcement forces," Nicolas Maduro stated

Ukrainian forces try leaving positions southwest of DPR’s Krasnoarmeysk — security service

It is reported that Ukrainian positions in the settlement are under intense artillery fire by the Russian Armed Forces

Russia to combat high inflation — Putin

The President emphasized that Russia took first place in Europe in purchasing power parity, leaving the United Kingdom well behind

Total number of messages to Putin’s Direct Line surpasses 2.5 mln

Meanwhile, the number of messages to the president using social media beat last year’s record

Armenian premier sees no reason to preserve OSCE Minsk Group

Nikol Pashinyan told the country’s parliament in June that the OSCE Minsk Group, comprising Russia, the United States and France, de-facto stopped its work after February 2022

High-ranking US diplomat to visit Damascus soon — Axios

According to the portal, United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf will pay a visit to Damascus

Russia’s UN envoy criticizes US for double standards on AI technologies

If US continues with approaches of the past - imposing rules on others while simultaneously freeing themselves from these rules - it will repeat its historical mistakes, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said

Yemeni Houthis say they struck military target in Tel Aviv with drone

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saria added that the unmanned aerial vehicle "has successfully reached its target"

Artyom military plant reportedly on fire after explosions in Kiev

The Artyom plant is known for producing air-to-air missiles, as well as equipment for aircraft

NATO prepares for war with Russia, Moscow takes these risks into account — senior diplomat

According to Alexander Grushko, NATO's general course poses a danger both to Russia and to the entire architecture of global and regional security

Oreshnik test launch forces London to take a step back — Russian ambassador

According to Andrey Kelin, the UK’s official reaction to the launch of the Oreshnik missile was rather vague

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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

Diplomat calls UN rights commissioner out for hypocrisy over Kirillov killing

The Russian diplomat recalled that a few months ago, when terrorist methods were used in Lebanon to detonate pagers and other electronic devices, the high commissioner himself and OHCHR experts promptly issued condemnations, calling for a thorough investigation of the incident

Russia ready to work with UK, but only if interest mutual, says Putin

As the head of state stressed, if that did not happen, Russia would be fine "without our former allies in the anti-Hitler coalition"

Chad asks France to withdraw its troops by January 31, 2025

According to a source close to the Chadian authorities, the previous plan to withdraw the troops by March did not suit the African side

What is known about Russia’s retaliatory strike on Ukraine after attack on Rostov Region

Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported the fires in Solomensky and Shevchenkovsky districts

European Union spends 130 bln euro to support Ukraine — von der Leyen

According to her, the EU accounts for 47% of weapons sent to Ukraine with around 40% being provided by the United States

Putin describes Oreshnik missile as cutting-edge Russian weapon

While Western anti-missile systems have seen "substantial" upgrades, no one will ever be able to shoot down Oreshnik missiles, the Russian leader boasted

Putin begins his Q&A session combined with major press conference

According to Alexandra Suvorova, the number of appeals exceeded 2.2 million by the start of the program

Orban suggests deciding on anti-Russian sanctions after Trump's inauguration — news agency

Toward the end of the EU summit, the Hungarian prime minister "surprised his colleagues" by saying he was not ready to extend the sanctions, the sources said

Russian cosmonauts install X-ray spectrometer on Zvezda module’s exterior

The extravehicular activity is conducted by Ovchinin, who is wearing Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 5 with red stripes, and Vagner, wearing Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 4 with blue stripes

US keeps silent its money turns Zelensky regime into terrorist cell — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the State Department "did not hesitate to include blatant falsehoods in its report"

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s attack by Western missiles on Rostov Region — top brass

The attack was carried out by six US-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles

No military logic behind Ukraine’s attack on Kursk Region — Putin

Many experts have noted that Ukraine’s "operation" in the Kursk Region is ambiguous in its nature

Rutte announces launch of Command on Ukraine, calls to refrain from discussing peace

NATO secretary general claimed that Western states should focus on arms shipments to Ukraine

Russia to press for return of its diplomatic property under new US government — diplomat

"We remain focused on the issue, so the new administration should be prepared that that we will constantly ‘pester’ them in that regard," Sergey Ryabkov said

Putin's message on Moscow’s course in Syria neutral, Russians’ safety is priority — expert

According to Boris Dolgov, external actors should not be discounted either, since "Israel may well expand its zone of occupation, which may cause some kind of response"

Ukraine will soon run out of willing fighters, Putin says

The head of state pointed out that ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said at some point that Ukraine "needs to keep fighting until the last Ukrainian"

Putin says he is always ready to talk to or meet with Trump

The Russian leader noted that he did not know when he would meet with the US president-elect

Zelensky describes Hungarian PM’s ceasefire proposal as political PR stunt

Vladimir Zekensky claimed that "the Hungarian prime minister has no mandate to hold talks"

Russian air defenses destroy 36 Ukrainian drones over different regions

It is reported that on-duty air defenses intercepted and destroyed 16 Ukrainian UAVs over the Krasnodar Region

Zelensky’s rudeness towards Orban shows lack of culture in Kiev regime — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the Kiev regime refused to support Viktor Orban’s efforts, while Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the contrary, did support them

Putin to sum up results of outgoing Year of the Family

According to the Kremlin press service, participants will address additional measures of federal support aimed at reversing demographic trends in the country

Putin shrugs off potential deployment of US THAAD missile defense systems in Ukraine

According to the Russian president, there are a lot of "our men" in Ukraine who want to liberate their country from neo-Nazism and Russia is maintaining ties with them

Ukraine deprives European countries of access to Russian gas — Putin

The Russian leader noted that Ukraine could exist only with support from the West, particularly from Europe

Massacre staged by retreating Ukrainian troops in Selidovo — report

According to Maxim Grigoryev, videos of interviews with witnesses and preliminary forensic examination of the bodies indicate that most of the victims are elderly women

Terror attack on Israeli consulate thwarted in New York

The Times of Israel newspaper reported that the detained suspect was a supporter of terrorist organizations

Putin’s proposal for talks meant for Trump, not Zelensky — analyst

"Putin is ready for dialogue, Trump is ready for dialogue, but the dialogue will be hard and tough," Vladimir Zharikhin, deputy director at the Institute of CIS Countries, said

Putin to take wait-and-see approach with Russian bases in Syria

"The vast majority of the countries of the region tell us that they would like our military bases to stay up in Syria," the Russian president stated