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Putin gives Russian ice cream to China’s Xi as birthday present

On June 15, Xi Jinping turned 66

DUSHANBE, June 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished Chinese leader Xi Jinping a happy birthday, presenting him with Russian ice cream, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

On June 15, Xi Jinping turned 66.

"The president praised Xi Jinping’s role in the development of bilateral relations and pointed to his recent successful visit to Russia," Peskov said. Xi Jinping thanked the Russian president, adding that Putin was very popular in China.

A few years ago, Chinese businessmen participating in the Eastern Economic Forum told Putin that the Chinese people were especially fond of Russian ice cream. The Russian leader brought some ice cream as a present for Xi Jinping when he next visited China.

Court sentences Jehovah’s Witness to five years behind bars for funding organization

During the searches, foreign passports, electronic devices, flash drives, hard disks, laptops and other material evidence relevant to the preliminary investigation were seized

Israel announces closure of embassy in Ireland

The Israeli side motivated this step by recalling that last week Ireland supported South Africa’s legal motion against Israel with the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide

New regions may join Russia, Medvedev says

"This is quite possible," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Israel launches heavy strike on Syria’s air defense systems in Tartus — source

According to the source, the target of the strike was outside the city of Tartus

EU foreign ministers plan to allocate six billion euros for weapons to Ukraine — Szijjarto

"Despite the possibility of a Christmas ceasefire and a mass exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, today they want to waste over six billion euros on arms supplies," the Hungarian foreign minister said

Mikhail Kavelashvili elected as 6th president of Georgia

A total of 224 members of the 300-member electoral college cast their votes in favor of Kavelashvili

Another anti-government rally being held in Tbilisi

The protesters demand the resignation of the government and a new parliamentary election

Poland imposes sanctions on Russian billionaire Oleg Boiko

Boiko also faces sanctions in Ukraine and Australia

AfG leader says supplying Kiev with Taurus to turn FRG into target in case of nuclear war

"The historical experience of the 20th century should be a warning that Germany and Europe should never again get involved in a war," Alice Weidel said

Western aid to Ukraine ‘in increasingly short supply’ — Bloomberg

Pessimistic attitudes in the country are rising against the backdrop of the successful advance of Russian forces, the government’s failing mobilization attempts, and rolling blackouts

Scholz politically isolated in EU, German politician says

"Regrettably, it should be said so: the majority of European politicians simply do not want to meet anymore the German Chancellor that either sits silent for hours or lectures the world," said Friedrich Merz

Senior Russian diplomat calls for stepping up efforts to explain causes of Ukraine crisis

Mikhail Galuzin noted that the diplomatic missions of Russia and Belarus "are intensifying work on this track with the countries of the Global South, operating in close partnership and coordination, and this work should be continued"

Press review: Medvedev talks Ukraine with Xi and Houthis intensify attacks on Israel

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 13th

Vega missions to Venus mark triumph of space science — Roscosmos

Vega 1 spacecraft and its twin Vega 2 were launched on December 15 and 21, 1984, respectively

Press review: South Korean president impeached as Ukraine turns to foreign mercenaries

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

Ukraine's losses, compensations to residents: situation in Russia's Kursk Region

Over the period of fighting in the Kursk frontline area, the Ukrainian army has lost over 41,400 troops, 242 tanks, 182 infantry fighting vehicles, 126 armored personnel carriers and 1,276 armored combat vehicles

No sense for Georgia to join EU at expense of rejecting its values — president-elect

Mikhail Kavelashvili said that Georgia’s authorities are open to a discussion on any topic, but the West shows no willingness to do that, being limited to criticism only

Storm-beaten oil tankers were carrying nearly 9,000 tons of mazut — emergencies service

Both tankers were seriously damaged, with the foreship of one of them being torn off by a wave

Ukrainian troops often get surrounded in Kurakhovo area — report

On December 15, the Ukrainian General Staff described the Kurakhovo area as one of the hottest spots in the entire battlefield

EU Council adopts 15th package of sanctions against Russia — statement

The EU Council also extended the deadlines for sale of assets and divestments by European companies from Russia

EU foreign ministers to gather in Brussels for their last meeting this year

As the EU representative said, the foreign ministers will approve the 15th package of sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, as well as a "new blacklist" for Moscow's alleged "hybrid actions"

West should not link support for Syria with Russian bases — Turkey's ruling party

Spokesman Omer Celik added that it was the kind of stance that other countries eager to help Syria rebuild itself should demonstrate

Putin praises T-90 tank as the best in world

The president noted that any hardware got outdated with time

FACTBOX: EU’s 15th package of sanctions against Russia

The EU Council also imposed separate restrictions on 52 tankers from third countries carrying Russian oil, despite the so-called "price caps" that the G7 tried to introduce

Russian Armed Forces to receive advanced systems, including those using AI — Putin

According to the Russian leader, these include reconnaissance and attack vehicles, unmanned boats, and multipurpose robotic platforms

Nicaragua offers Russia to build new canal together — special envoy

The construction of a new Carribean port is already underway, Laureano Ortega Murillo said

Use of several Oreshnik missiles comparable to nuclear weapons — Putin

It is reported that the Oreshnik system, which has already proven itself well, is very powerful

Russia calls Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights unacceptable — MFA

"Israel must return to the full compliance with the well-known 1974 agreement with Syria," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Patriarch Kirill, Russian UN envoy avoid EU sanctions thanks to Hungary

According to the top Hungarian diplomat, the proposals put forward in connection with this package were nothing short of "insane"

Ukrainian military fires 30 projectiles at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

Eight projectiles and an FPV drone were launched at the Graivoronsky District

Israel not interested in confrontation with Syria — Netanyahu

Israel will build its policy toward Damascus based on the situation on the ground, Israeli Prime Minister said

Large Ukrainian stronghold wiped out near Konstantinovka — Russian military officials

According to them, more than 10 Ukrainian troops were killed in the attack

Seoul calls on Moscow not to discuss improvement of bilateral ties amid Yoon’s impeachment

On Saturday, Russian Ambassador to Seoul Georgy Zinovyev said that as long as the ROK has not crossed the "red line" of sending weapons to Ukraine the potential for restoring bilateral ties remain

Putin highlights need for more innovation in defense sector

The President specifically highlighted information exchanges between the units directly involved in Russia’s special military operation and defense companies

Erdogan maintained dialogue with Putin from first moments Syrian crisis — ruling party

The spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party noted that Ankara will continue consultations on the Syrian issue with all countries in the region

Situation in Krasnoarmeisk area improves after liberation of Shevchenko — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that Russian troops had also advanced in the Krasny Liman area

West to prolong agony of Zelensky's regime in proxy war against Russia — Duma

Leonid Slutsky stressed that the Russian government had repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve issues through political and diplomatic means

Russian troops repel several Ukrainian counterattacks on Novy Komar in DPR

"In Novy Komar, half of the village is under the control of Russian troops," Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber’s commission on sovereignty, patriotic projects and veteran support, said

Trump will never provide US security guarantees to Ukraine — The New York Times

It is reported that the US military will shift its priorities to the Asia Pacific Region in order to counter the growing influence of China under the Trump Administration

Lessons learned in military op should be integrated into training of new troops — Putin

The Russian leader stressed that the special military operation "should be taken into account while outlining priorities for the development of domestic weapons and hardware, as well as the tactics of their use"

Ukraine largely loses ability to produce weapons, ammunition — defense chief

Andrey Belousov added that this year, more than 58,000 pieces of various enemy weapons and equipment have been destroyed in the special military operation zone

Russian troops liberate Yelizavetovka community in Donbass area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 500 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy howitzers in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

IN BRIEF: Russian defense minister speaks out on confrontation with West, Ukrainian losses

According to the minister, Ukrainian losses exceeded 560,000 servicemen killed and wounded in 2024

Hungary opposes sending EU military mission to Ukraine — top diplomat

According to Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian authorities believe that dispatching EU military to Ukraine "on any mission, either training or coordination or reforms," is highly risky

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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

Syria urges BRICS to aid reconstruction, Syrian politician tells TASS

In Mohammed Alloush’s opinion, there are "no objections" to Syria joining BRICS, however, he expressed doubt that its "presence in the bloc would be beneficial" at this stage

Protest rally in downtown Tbilisi ends peacefully

By now, almost all the protesters have left the area, a TASS correspondent said

CSTO ex-Secretary General explains why Ukraine was never invited to CSTO

Even within the CIS Ukraine was in a semi-legal position because they had not ratified all of the CIS-related agreements, including the CIS founding acts, Nikolay Bordyuzha said

West continues to try to rule the world — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Washington and its allies "continue imposing on the world their so-called rules, which they change time and again as it suits them"

No decision yet on future of Russian bases in Syria as dialogue continues — Kremlin

Russia currently operates two military facilities in Syria: a logistics naval base in the port city of Tartus and the Hmeimim air base located near the city of Jableh in the Latakia Province

15-year-old girl killed in a stabbing attack in southwestern Japan — Kyodo news agency

All extracurricular activities and events in schools and kindergartens of Kitakyushu have been cancelled

Georgia’s president-elect suggests incumbent president resign if she is against govt

Incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili has been in open opposition to the ruling party over the past two to three years

Some 700 Ukrainian troops trapped near Kurakhovo, Russian official reveals

According to the Russian official, the remaining Ukrainian troops in Kurakhovo itself can find themselves trapped, and very soon, too

Russian envoy remains in Damascus, continues work — embassy

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Crisis Management Center announced the evacuation of some personnel from Russian foreign missions in Damascus but clarified that the embassy continues its operations

Ukrainian casualties in Kursk region amount to over 400 in past day

Also, seven Ukrainian motor vehicles, three artillery mounts and 10 mortars were destroyed

Ousted South Korean President to be questioned on December 18 — Yonhap

Yoon Suk Yeol is suspected of plotting a rebellion to overthrow the constitutional order

CSTO understood Ukraine was turned into anti-Russia — ex-secretary general

Nikolay Bordyuzha noted "that the Ukrainian population was actually fostered in the spirit of hatred of Russians, everything Russia, and Russia"

Hungary vetoes 6.5 bln euro in EU military funding for Ukraine — Szijjarto

This is not the first time that Hungary has blocked the allocation of funds from the European Peace Facility that are meant to fund arms supplies to Ukraine

Oil products no longer discharged from wrecked tankers in Kerch Strait

"The remaining tanks are well sealed," Sergey Stranichny said, commenting on the satellite monitoring data

BRICS will discuss Syria, common approaches to situation, diplomat says

"As the subject of an inclusive political process, which is expected to define the framework for Syria’s future governance structure and its political organization, gains more urgency, BRICS will undoubtedly address this," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Fall of Damascus and hopes for free Syria: Assad makes first statement after stepping down

Bashar Assad insists that he remained in Damascus until the early hours of December 8 and did not leave the country until late on that day

Preparations underway to address oil spill in Kerch Strait

According to preliminary estimates, not all of the oil products leaked from the tankers

Damaged Russian cargo ships in Kerch Strait cause oil spill emergency

Two rescue tugboats and two helicopters have been dispatched, the Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport reported

EU launches diplomatic contacts with new Syrian government — foreign policy chief

According to Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign ministers will discuss how and "on what level" the EU will engage with the new Syrian authorities and what the EU can offer them if they move "to the right direction"

Loss of Krasnoarmeysk to mark 'largest setback' for Ukraine in months — TV channel

Krasnoarmeysk is a key logistical hub for the Ukrainian group in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Ukraine’s judiciary 'paralyzed' as Supreme, Constitutional courts face repression — Putin

The Russian president noted that "the Supreme Court’s powers include the annulment of illegitimate presidential decisions"

Pro-Turkish, Kurdish forces clash could spark new civil war in Syria — newspaper

The newspaper suggests that there is a risk the Syrian opposition could collapse, prompting interventions by Israel, Turkey, and the US in Syria’s internal affairs

Russian missile frigate wraps up Mediterranean deployment

The ship’s crew successfully practiced all the assigned missions as part of the Russian Navy’s standing Mediterranean taskforce, the Fleet’s press office reported

British mercenary Burke killed in Ukraine by fellow mercenary, coroner says

The main suspect in the case is Abdelfetah Nourine, a dual citizen of Australia and Algeria

Serial production of Oreshnik missiles to begin shortly — Putin

The head of state recalled that Russia’s newest powerful weapon "was successfully used in November in response to the strikes on our country’s territory"

BRICS to review Syria’s membership application if new authorities confirm it — diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that the association does not "pressure anyone towards anything," treating any choice with respect

Special op's 'pivotal' year, nuclear deterrence: what Putin said at Defense Ministry

The Russian president stressed that the military and political situation in the world remains "uneasy and unstable"

Slovak president hopes for beginning of talks on ending conflict in Ukraine soon

"However, looking at the situation realistically, it should be noted that no one in Europe who is sober-minded thinks now that it will be possible to reach peace without Ukraine’s territorial losses," Peter Pellegrini said

Too soon to discuss deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, talks on Ukraine could resume based on the Istanbul accords

Washington cannot tell Kiev to lower draft age, says Ukrainian deputy prime minister

According to Olga Stefanishyna, she personally views these statements as "a desire on the part of the West to lift responsibility for all these arrangements that were previously in place"

Putin backs Orban’s peace initiatives rejected by Zelensky, Kremlin says

Commenting on reports that Viktor Orban’s proposals were endorsed by the team of US President-elect Donald Trump, Dmitry Peskov noted that at present, another president is in charge in the US

Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers encircled in Kurakhovo, the Russian military says

According to them, the Ukrainian battlegroup is being "ground down" gradually so that it cannot flee the town

Ukrainian army forced to switch to defensive, tap reserves — Russian defense chief

"The staffing level of its frontline units does not exceed 45-50%," Andrey Belousov said

US plans for medium-range high accuracy weapons cause concern — Putin

The Russian leader noted that "the relocation and deployment of these missile systems in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region is already being practiced"

Survival rate of wounded in Russian army up significantly — defense minister

Andrey Belousov thanked all medical workers who were saving soldiers’ lives on the frontline and in district and central military-medical and civilian hospitals

West turns Ukraine into impoverished, war-torn country — politician

Ukraine is a clear example of such actions of the West, Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Zelensky's rejection of ceasefire confirms Kiev has no interest in peace — diplomat

In a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 11, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposed a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, along with a Christmas truce

Next year unlikely to be easy, Russia hopes for victory — Medvedev

Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said it at the 22nd United Russia party congress.

Drafting 14-year-olds won't help Kiev, Putin asserts

The Russian leader said that he has no doubt that the draft age in Ukraine will ultimately be lowered

Russian forces liberate Vesyoly Gai, Pushkino in Donbass region

Russian forces also destroyed four US-made Patriot missile launchers, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Nearly 100% of wounded Russian troops good for service after treatment — defense chief

"This is one of the best indicators in the world," Andrey Belousov stressed

Rosatom gets Akkuyu project back on track after delivery failures by Siemens — CEO

The turbine that the Siemens company was supposed to deliver, was produced in Europe, Alexey Likhachev said

Russian forces advance southwest of Kurakhovo, start liberation of Zelenovka — politician

Earlier, Vladimir Rogov told TASS that Russian troops were mopping up the settlements of Sukhiye Yaly and Konstantinopolskoye southeast of Zelenovka

Russian oil tanker in distress in Kerch Strait with 13 people on board

No information about casualties or a possible oil spill is available at this point

Ukrainian command prohibits soldiers to retreat from Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

The Ukrainians at this sector of the line of engagement have been surrendering

Leader of new Syrian authorities meets UN envoy in Damascus — Al Jazeera

Al-Sharaa pointed out the importance of creating safe conditions for the return of refugees, as well as economic and political support for these refugees

New Syrian leader gives Russia chance to review relations with Syria

Ahmed al-Sharaa also said that the country's new authorities will not enter into a conflict with Israel

Assad says he did not consider resignation, evacuation at any point during recent events

"As terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus, I moved to Latakia in coordination with our Russian allies to oversee combat operations," Bashar Assad stressed

CIS must enhance anti-terror measures amid Syrian developments — senior Russian lawmaker

According to Leonid Slutsky, the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar Assad and the armed opposition's assumption of power could have repercussions far beyond the region

West seeks to open 'second front' against Russia in Central Asia — Russian diplomat

According to Mikhail Galuzin, this policy from the West is marked by "attempts to get Central Asian nations join sanctions and isolate Russia once and for all," and "restore their military and intelligence presence in the region"

Russian Aerospace Force radars able to detect any aerial threats

Distinctive features of new equipment of radio-technical troops are the modern element base and the high level of automation for all process of radar information processing and output

Russian forces down Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet — top brass

Air defenses downed a MiG-29 fighter jet belonging to the Ukrainian air force, eight US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and 116 unmanned aerial vehicles

Captured Ukrainian soldier tells about orders to shoot civilians in Russia’s Kursk Region

Artur Plombirus was conscripted from prison, where he was serving a sentence under Article 186 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code (robbery)

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

Russian forces repel Ukraine’s attempted counterattacks in Krasnoarmeisk area

According to DPR’s head, Denis Pushilin, Russian forces continue their advance in this section of the combat engagement line

Top Ukrainian diplomat rejects Christmas Day truce at EU meeting in Brussels

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that "warlike rhetoric" prevailed during the meeting, with "desperate attempts" being made to "give an impetus" to continue the armed conflict in Ukraine