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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Putin says desecration of state symbols in Internet should be punishable

Putin urges people to respect their country

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Those who desecrate state symbols in the Internet should be held accountable, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the annual news conference on Thursday.

Read also

Online dangers? Most Russian parents believe Internet holds hidden hazards for children

"If there is responsibility outside the Internet, it should be also in the Internet. How does behavior in the Internet differ from the one beyond the Internet’s borders? This is the same society, moreover, the Internet has reached all spheres of our life. So I see nothing special here," the president said.

The Russian president recalled that there is responsibility for desecrating flags and other state symbols nearly in all countries.

"People should respect their country and there are rules, which need to be observed everywhere," he said.

Tags

FSB thwarts Kiev-planned terrorist plot on railway bridge in Perm Region

The Russian citizen, born in 1972, was detained in the city of Chusovoy

Kremlin spokesman critical of NATO chief’s remark about preparations for war

This must be a statement by a person from the generation that has forgotten what World War II was like, noted Dmitry Peskov

Ovechkin ranks 9th in NHL in terms of points scored during power plays

The Russian captain and forward for the Washington Capitals scored 614 points

Danish ambassador to US responds to Trump envoy's statement on Greenland occupation

Jesper Moller Sorensen stressed that only the people of Greenland have the right to determine their future

Brent oil price reaches $64 per barrel for first time since December 5, 2025 — trade data

By 3:08 a.m. Moscow time (12:08 a.m. GMT), Brent futures slowed their growth and traded at $63.7 per barrel

US Fed Chair says Justice Department prepares to bring criminal charges against him

Jerome Powell emphasized that the investigation is merely a pretext and that the real reason is that the Fed "sets interest rates based on the best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president"

China, South Africa will resist ‘the law of the jungle’, hegemony — Wang Yi

Wang Yi confirmed that Beijing will continue to work on eliminating tariffs on South African goods

What Solzhenitsyn said about Putin, and vice versa

The prominent writer and historian, who was exiled to GULAG camp, was born on December 11, 1918

Thousands of New Yorkers protest against Trump administration’s policies

The demonstrators gathered near Central Park in Manhattan, then marched down Fifth Avenue, where the Trump Tower skyscraper, owned by the US leader, is located

NATO would collapse if US annexed Greenland — Danish lawmaker

Rasmus Jarlov also called the hypothetical annexation of the island by the US "probably the most unjustified territorial claim in history"

Russian forces launch Oreshnik strike in response to Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

According to the ministry, "the strike goals were achieved"

Trump does not intend to pardon Maduro — NYT

The US President also made it clear that he has "no intention of pardoning" the other individuals

If Trump listens to Europeans, he might think Russia will ‘take’ all of Europe — senator

Earlier, the US leader told reporters that China or Russia could "take" Greenland if the US did not do so

Trump issues executive order to protect Venezuelan oil revenues from legal action

The proceeds from oil sales are sovereign property of the Venezuelan government held in custody in the United States, according to the document

Iran to retaliate against Israel, US if attacked, parliament speaker warns

US President Donald Trump announced Washington’s readiness to come to the "rescue" of Iranian protesters

Russia-EU economic relations unlikely to recover even within decade — economist

According to the economist, the Russian economy and budget system have already adapted to the severing of old ties

Europe has no strategy to prevent possible takeover of Greenland by US — FT

European leadership circles are considering retaliatory measures, including closing US military bases or banning the purchase of US Treasury bonds

US fighter jets deliver strikes against 35 Islamic State locations in Syria — Al Arabiya

According to the television channel, over 20 fighter jets struck terrorist locations in Syria firing some 90 high-precision missiles at IS targets

Russia calls on US to cease illegal activities against Marinera — MFA

The United States is required to ensure humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens and not create obstacles to their speedy return to their homeland

Situation in Venezuela stable, authorities maintaining order — Russian envoy

"The authorities confidently control public order," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov added

Iran announces arrest of two Mossad-affiliated organizers of protests

According to the Tasnim news agency, the detainees played "a key role in organizing mass unrest in the country"

Russia opposes any Western military contingent in Ukraine — Medvedev

It’s been said a thousand times: Russia won’t accept any European or NATO troops in Ukraine, Medvedev wrote on X in English.

Cuba denies US accusations of receiving compensation for security services

Havana also reiterated its right to import fuel from willing markets, free from interference or unilateral coercive measures imposed by the US, Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, said

Venezuelan authorities declare constancy of foreign policy — Russian envoy

"Venezuelans, in their contacts with us, confirmed their commitment to adhering to the provisions of this document and, in general, to the spirit and principles of our partnership," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Daniil Medvedev wins 22nd ATP title of his career

The Brisbane tournament, an ATP 250 event, saw Daniil Medvedev become the first Russian to win the singles title

Russian army disrupts Ukrainian troop rotation near DPR’s Konstantinovka

The Russian Defense Ministry added that reconnaissance troops from the 6th Motorized Rifle Division discovered an enemy observation post and temporary deployment site near the village of Konstantinovka

Potential EU sanctions on US companies unlikely to be effective — Russian senator

The Sunday Telegraph reported earlier that the EU was working on sanctions against American companies over US President Donald Trump’s plans to acquire Greenland

Ukraine attacks Belgorod Region with nearly 30 UAVs over past day

The Krasnoyaruzhsky district came under attack from 15 UAVs and 10 munitions, which damaged two private houses and a farm building

EU working on sanctions against US over Greenland plans — newspaper

The Sunday Telegraph points out that "a more extreme option could be to evict the US military from its bases in Europe, denying it a key staging post for operations in the Middle East and elsewhere"

Ovechkin ranks second in number of NHL seasons with 20 or more goals

The 40-year-old Russian scored a goal in an away game against Nashville, which was his 20th of the season

Olkhovsky describes Bublik's entry into top 10 of ATP rankings as big surprise

On Sunday, Alexander Bublik secured victory at the ATP tournament in Hong Kong

Aleppo airport to remain closed for another week — air traffic controllers

Previously, it was planned that the airport could resume operations after midnight local time on January 12

Iranian president calls on people to demonstrate to protest unrest

Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences to the families of civilians who lost their lives and cautioned young people against involvement in terrorism

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

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

Russia and Syria create joint air defense system

Russia's air defense group in Syria includes a radio engineering battalion, a battery of Pantsir-S units and the S-400 air defense missile systems

Trump feared operation in Venezuela could turn into 'Carter's disaster' — media

The American leader noted that this operation “destroyed the entire Carter administration"

US seriously considering response to events in Iran — Trump

"We're looking at it very seriously," US Presudent said in response to a question about the possibility of a response to events in Iran, including the use of military force

Russian Armed Forces liberate six settlements during the New Year holidays

The battlegroups East, Dnepr, North, West and South took control of Zelenoye, Belogorye, Grabovskoye, Podoly, Bratskoye and Bondarnoye

Trump posts screenshot stating that he is allegedly Venezuela’s acting president

Accordintg to it, US President "took office" in January 2026

Ukrainian lawmakers seek to abolish draft deferments for students over 25

According to head of the parliamentary Committee for Educational Affairs Sergey Babak, the average number of male students over the age of 25, which stood at about 30,000 before 2022, rose sharply to 250,000 by September 1, 2025

Ukraine loses about 1,330 troops in special military operation zone in past day

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup North hit the forces of two Ukrainian mechanized brigades and an assault regiment near Kondratovka, Miropolye, and Andreyevka in the Sumy Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Fico calls for Kallas's removal as EU head of diplomacy

The EU is facing an unprecedented crisis, the Slovakia’s prime minister declared

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

EU foreign policy chief reports readiness to propose new sanctions against Iran

According to the DPA news agency, the first measures will likely be taken against those responsible for actions against protesters, possibly including ministers

US may restore Iranians' access to internet, including with Starlink — Trump

The US leader confirmed that this includes the possibility of transferring Starlink terminals, owned by Elon Musk, to Iran, bypassing the authorities in Tehran

Russia or China may seize Greenland if US does not do so — Trump

US leader added that the option of concluding a deal to transfer control of the island to Washington would "be easier"

Wildberries launches sales in Germany

In the near future, Wildberries plans to enter the markets of France, Italy and Spain

Female civilian dead as Ukrainian drones target Russian city of Voronezh

Doctors performed surgery on her but the injuries proved fatal, regional Governor Alexander Gusev said

US exploring possibility of strikes, cyberattacks in Iran — newspaper

According to Politico, US President Donald Trump will be briefed on January 13 on potential responses to the situation in Iran

Iran reports damage to 150 ambulances during riots

The unrest peaked on the evening of January 8, when at least 13 civilians, including a child, lost their lives due to rioters’ actions

Japanese youth celebrate Coming of Age Day

For young Japanese residents, Coming of Age Day is an important occasion that offers an opportunity to look their best

Lukashenko says there was collusion, betrayal in situation with Maduro's capture

The Belarusian leader also called for caution amid the events in the Bolivarian Republic

Russian forces hit Ukraine’s defense facility, energy sites used by Ukrainian army

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a total of 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 108,406 drones, 645 missile systems, 27,057 tanks

Europeans well aware of Kiev's attacks on Russia, hence no reaction — diplomat

"We have not heard any outrage or appropriate comments from the Europeans regarding the attempted strikes on the presidential residence or the bloody terrorist attack in the Kherson Region", Rodion Miroshnik noted

Iranian protests lose momentum — authorities

Tehran Province Governor Mohammad-Sadegh Motamedian said there is no more cause for concern

Over $300 bln paid for Russian gas stolen by West from Russia - Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that Russia has decided to switch to rubles in payments for its gas in order to stop "the shameless robbery" by the West

White House thinks Trump will preserve good relations with Putin, Xi, despite Venezuela

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the US leader is going to "enforce our policy that’s best for the United States of America"

High time for Europe to talk to Russia — Italian PM

However, she believes that the conditions for Russia's return to the G7 have not yet been met

At least 200 rebel leaders detained in Iran — Tasnim

During the operations, a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, grenades, and Molotov cocktails were seized from the hiding places of the pogromists, the agency said

US President Trump instructs JSOC to draft Greenland invasion plan — UK daily

US president has repeatedly stated the need for Greenland to join the United States

Russian air defenses shoot down seven Ukrainian drones in five hours

Four drones were shot down over the Belgorod Region and another three over the Kursk Region, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Agonizing Kiev regime vents its anger on Russian civilians — MFA

Maria Zakharova called on international organizations to provide an impartial assessment of the terrorist assault carried out by the Ukrainian military against civilians in Russia’s regions

Moscow’s January 9 snowfall inks 146-year record — meteorologists

"The snowfall closes the top five for the entire period of meteorological observations," a source in the country’s Hydrometeorological Center said

FSB thwarts Kiev-planned terrorist plot on railway bridge in Perm Region

The Russian citizen, born in 1972, was detained in the city of Chusovoy

Russian Doomsday Planes’ service life is 25-30 years — manufacturer

Doomsday Planes were designed as national airborne operations centres that could be used by the senior military leaders in case of a nuclear war or other very serious conflict

Gold price reaches new all-time high, exceeding $4,600 per troy ounce

As of 3:55 a.m. Moscow time (12:55 a.m. GMT), the price of gold accelerated its growth

Nordic nations reject Trump’s claim of Russian threat facing Greenland — newspaper

"There are no ships, no submarines," a senior diplomat said

Ukrainian drone attack leaves civilian injured in Zaporozhye Region

According to governor Yevgeny Balitsky, four deliberate attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces targeting populated areas were recorded in the past day

Volvo files application to register three trademarks in Russia

Two of them are for Volvo, and the third is for Volvo Penta

US to file criminal charges against Marinera ship crew — attorney general

The ship’s crew members undertook "frantic efforts to avoid apprehension" of the tanker, which reportedly was "responsible for transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran," Pam Bondi said

NATO builds up forces on borders of Russia-Belarus Union State — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, NATO member states try convincing the world community that they are preparing not for war, but for some kind of just peace in Ukraine, seeking "some kind of role in the settlement"

US striking Islamic State in Syria — Fox News

For the second time since December 19, 2025, the US military is launching airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria in retaliation for the killing of two National Guard soldiers and a translator, the presenter said on air

Russia grateful to US for decision to release two Russians from Marinera crew — diplomat

According to Zakharova, the Russian side is urgently addressing issues related to the return of its freed citizens to their homeland

Russia-US talks on Ukraine experience difficulties, but they can be overcome — expert

Dmitry Suslov highlighted media reports about a potential meeting in Paris involving Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund

EU will continue to churn out sanctions against Russia — expert

Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board at the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club, characterized EU sanctions as more than mere punitive measures

Putin's envoy reminds Kallas no defense system can stop Oreshnik

This is how Kirill Dmitriev commented on Kaja Kallas's statement about the Russian strike with the Oreshnik missile

Russian artillery forces wipe out over 110 Ukrainian targets in past week

An artillery battalion commander with the callsign Kulak said that battlegroup members particularly targeted engineering and special equipment used by the Ukrainian army to strengthen fortifications

Almost 1 million cubic meters of snow removed from Moscow streets over two days

Cleanup operations continue around the clock, as snowfall persists at a slightly reduced intensity

Putin signs law on reliable Russian Internet

The document presupposes the centralized operation of the Runet if it is disconnected from the global network infrastructure

US envoy to Greenland says Denmark occupies island in violation of UN rules

Jeff Landry said that Greenland’s attitude toward the US "should be about hospitality, not hostility"

5.6-earthquake recorded near Russia’s Kuril Islands

The tremors were recorded at a depth of 423 kilometers below the seabed, 214 kilometers north of the village of Reydovo on Iturup Island

Trump admits that US is profiting from Ukrainian conflict

The US leader reiterated his claim that he is making efforts to resolve the crisis solely because he "wants to save lives"

Europe’s wrong Ukraine policy leads to dead end, Swiss politician says

Guy Mettan pointed out that ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former French President Francois Hollande had pretended to comply with the Minsk Agreements in order to cover up Ukraine’s rearmament and Kiev’s plans to take back control of Donetsk and Lugansk by force rather than through diplomacy

Iranian authorities ready to heed people’s demands, implement reforms — Pezeshkian

Iranian President asserted that the demonstrators are expressing their disagreement with the worsening economic situation, but they are not setting markets on fire or committing criminal acts

Russia, Venezuela maintain strategic partnership — ambassador

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov emphasized that these relations of strategic partnership will continue in all areas

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Cuba is ready to defend its independence to last drop of blood — President Diaz-Canel

He further noted that the United States has no moral standing to criticize Cuba, as it often reduces human lives and international relations to mere commodities

Russian sabre fencer Mikhailova wins Grand Prix in Tunisia

Yana Egoryan and Milena Sergeyeva advanced to the round of 16, whereas Olga Nikitina and Evelina Popova were eliminated after the round of 32

Trump open to meeting with Iranians on nuclear program — White House press pool

The Reuters news agency also pointed out that the US leader noted that Washington is in contact with Iran’s opposition forces

US President Trump ponders several options regarding strikes on Iran — NYT

Donald Trump has not made a final decision, the New York Times daily reported

Trump says there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba

The US president also mentioned Venezuela, saying that the country "now has the United States of America" to protect it

One of Russia's oldest centenarians, Nafiza Zharylgapova, dies at 112 years of age

In her final days, she dedicated her time to visiting children in the Kazakh city of Uralsk, where she was laid to rest

Iran accuses Israel, US of organizing protests in country

The work of law enforcement agencies in the country is aimed at preventing such threats

Russian says warning systems failed during US strikes on Caracas

According to Ivan Pavlov, there is still silence on television

Finnish politician reveals Helsinki's secret plans to deploy nuclear weapons

According to him, some people in Finland feel like the country is at war with Russia

Drone strikes damage two apartment buildings in Sevastopol

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev pointed out that small debris from a downed drone had been found on the territory of a kindergarten

NATO is 'now done' — Tucker Carlson on Greenland

According to him, "the whole illusion has shattered in the past four days"

Damage to Qatari embassy in Kiev result of Ukrainian air defense failure — Russian MFA

There were no designated military objectives near the Qatari diplomatic mission, the ministry noted

EU is pursuing increasingly irresponsible policy — Chinese expert

Yan Xuetong further explained that EU member states are "considering the possibility of deploying troops in East Asia, yet they are unable to guarantee their own security"

US tech billionaire Musk slams UK government as ‘fascist’

That is what he said in response to a previous media reports that more than 12,000 people were arrested in the UK for online comments

US business interests orchestrate Madagascar crisis — newspaper

Influential businesses in the US linked to President Donald Trump see the instability as an opportunity to reshuffle their agents in Madagascar to the detriment of national sovereignty, the article says