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This week in photos: Putin on vacation, Kardashian in Armenia, and Moscow’s first snowfall

Take a look at the world in pictures from TASS photo gallery

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spending their day off work in the Siberian taiga, October 7

© Alexei Druzhinin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Extinction Rebellion protestors posing outside Government Buildings on Budget day in Dublin, Ireland, October 8

© REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

A seagull flying near a small lake in Schwerin, Germany, October 7

© AP Photo/Michael Probst

US violinist and singer Lindsey Stirling performing during her concert in Papp Laszlo Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary, October 7

© EPA-EFE/Marton Monus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan observing the agreement exchange ceremony between Serbia and Turkey in Belgrade, Serbia, October 7

© EPA-EFE/ANDREJ CUKIC

King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and King Felipe of Spain at the opening of the Rembrandt Velázquez Exhibition in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 10

© Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

Male liger, Blag, at Primorye Safari Park; the animal has been taken at his new permanent home from a roadside cafe located between Vladivostok and Nakhodka, October 7

© Yuri Smityuk/TASS

Model and actress Kim Kardashian and her sister Kourtney Kardashian, with her children Mason and Penelope visiting the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, Yerevan, October 8

© Hayk Baghdasaryan/Photolure/TASS

Simone Biles of USA competes on Vault during the Women's All-Around Final on Day 7 of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, October 10

© Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Models are seen backstage ahead of the New Gen By IMA show during Mercedes-Benz Istanbul Fashion Week at Zorlu Performance Hall in Istanbul, Turkey, October 9

© Ian Gavan/Getty Images for IHKIB

Young people are seen in Domodedovo International Airport during the first snowfall of the season in Moscow, Russia, October 6

© Sergei Fadeichev/TASS

A woman looking on to a sea of fog in Silvaplana, Switzerland, October 9

© EPA-EFE/GIAN EHRENZELLER

Vladimir Putin spending his time off work in the Siberian taiga, Kim Kardashian visiting Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, Moscow’s first snowfall of the season, along with more of this week’s best snapshots. So, have a look at the world in pictures from the TASS photo gallery.

Piano prodigy Yelisey Mysin takes second place at Mozart Competition in Salzburg

According to the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper, the performance by the "Russian wunderkind" captivated the audience at the competition

Russian General Staff uses analytics to counter Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy noted that the Main Operations Directorate is directly involved in developing and implementing a set of measures to enhance air defense capabilities

Kallas tenure not 'golden age' of European diplomacy, Kremlin believes

Dmitry Peskov commented on the "list of demands" to Moscow compiled by Kallas that requires reduction of the army and payments from Russia

Four people hurt in oil well fire in Samara Region

The fire was extinguished on an area of 20 square meters

FACTBOX: King’s brother, former Prince Andrew, arrested in UK

The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday

Liberating Krinichnoye, Russian troops penetrate Ukraine’s defenses — expert

Andrey Marochko believes that, given the operational and tactical situation in this area, Russian forces will continue denting the enemy defenses at Krinichnoye

US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

According to sources, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there

Russian army stocked with 70% modern weapons — official

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that continuous modernization of models and the development of advanced weapons is under way

Zelensky actively sabotages peace process — Russian top senator

Valentina Matviyenko says Vladimir Zelensky "rejects any substantive basis for a peace agreement"

Ukrainian official declares he found over $653,000 in his grandmother's garage

Alexander Subbotenko characterized the practice of keeping savings in US dollars as a "family custom"

Deputy foreign ministers of Russia, Kazakhstan discuss nuclear disarmament in Astana

The two sides exchanged views on work within multilateral structures, including the First Committee of the UN General Assembly

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

Venezuelan parliament passes law granting amnesty to political prisoners

The authority approved the bill unanimously, Speaker Jorge Rodriguez says

Press review: Board of Peace to fund Gaza and Israel accused of annexing West Bank

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

Russian defense minister holds talks with visiting Madagascar counterpart

Andrey Belousov said that a lot of work had been done

Ukrainian soldiers blow up ferry in Dnepropetrovsk Region to skip combat — defense source

According to the source, it were soldiers of the Ukrainian army’s 67th brigade

FBI, US Justice Department oversee Ukraine’s corruption probe into Energoatom — report

According to the report, the consultations helped to raise the "ability to process significant cases related to corruption in Ukraine’s state-owned energy corporation"

Trump believes Hamas to make good on promise to lay down arms voluntarily

The US leader said the sides "are committed to achieving a Gaza that is properly governed throughout the whole area"

Bushehr nuclear plant remains priority for Rosatom — CEO

Rosatom has developed security plans for the Bushehr plant in view of escalation in the region, Alexey Likhachev added

Russia should not lose achievements it obtained under sanctions — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, this ultimately develops competencies that will be in demand in the country in the future

Netanyahu warns Iran of response it ‘cannot even imagine’ if it attacks Israel

Israel demands that Iran destroy the uranium enrichment infrastructure, cut the missile program, stop helping the allies, the official says

Europe wants to extend fighting in Ukraine as long as possible — Russian MFA

"At present, no real constructive contribution from the Europeans is visible, because their position makes it impossible," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated

West using post-Soviet space against Russia: deputy foreign minister’s statements

Mikhail Galuzin noted in a conversation with journalists that trilateral negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement are continuing, although they are difficult

Air defenses shoot down 26 UAVs near Sevastopol

The Ukrainian armed forces used drones loaded with metal balls

Senior Russian, Cuban defense officials discuss military-technical cooperation

Further steps have been outlined for cooperation between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Cuban side

Medvedev says Russia not doing enough in microelectronics

The senior official stressed the need for Russia to fully provide for itself in certain, particularly important, strategic sectors

AmCham head calls sanctions on Russian aviation mistake

Robert Agee also noted that he is working to remove some sanction restrictions on Russian banks’ licenses

Security in Europe impossible without Russia — top Russian senator

According to Valentina Matviyenko, European document with demands for Russia, if it indeed exists, once again clearly shows that with their current approach, Europeans have no place at the negotiating table for establishing a real, long-term peace

Russia’s Andreeva falls to American Anisimova in quarters of Dubai Tennis Championships

The 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships is a WTA-1,000 event which is played on February 15-21

Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil en route to US

The US has oil as well but "we’re helping them a lot," the president says

Conflict in Ukraine to end when one of the sides is 'exhausted' — Merz

According to the German chancellor, resuming normal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin is "practically impossible"

'Concrete issues' on agenda of Putin’s meeting with top Cuban diplomat — Kremlin

During his visit to Russia, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla held talks with the entire Russian leadership

Trump says Iran deal won't come easy, but talks going well

The US president reiterated that Washington will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and claimed that Tehran is still entertaining the idea

Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

This breakthrough radically changes the understanding of one of the oldest areas of mathematics, crucial to fundamental physics and economics

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Kremlin sees extension of US sanctions as automatic decision

Dmitry Peskov added that the negotiation process with Washington is complicated

Russia’s manufacturing output rises by more than 23% over five years

During this period, more than 21 trillion rubles were invested in fixed capital in the manufacturing sector, Denis Manturov noted

US government to release files on aliens, UFOs — Trump

The president explains that the decision was made amid a "tremendous interest shown"

Special military operation brings new combat trends — Russian General Staff

In addition to firepower, the range of applications of robotic systems is being expanded in reconnaissance missions, counter-battery warfare, minelaying, delivery of ammunition and supplies to the front, as well as evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield

Ukraine loses over 520,000 troops in 2025 — Russian General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says total loss of Ukrainian servicemen is estimated at more than 1,5 million

Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Donbass if Zelensky issues such order — National Guard

Alexander Pivnenko also complained about a shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian army and acknowledged that the Ukrainian public is tired of the fighting

Russian, Chinese, Iranian envoys meet with IAEA chief, urge diplomatic solution for Iran

The joint statements call for a solution to "all existing problems"

Russia calls for restraint from all participants in escalation around Iran — Kremlin

Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, Dmitry Peskov said

Generals Moskalik, Sarvarov killed in Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks — General Staff

Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy noted that with the deaths of the generals, the troops "lost true professionals, loyal comrades, and true patriots"

Russia's drone expertise can and should be used in civilian sector — Medvedev

The senior official noted that that until recently, Russia "was not a leader" in terms of developing unmanned aircraft systems

US forces move to Middle East, preparations for strike: escalation around Iran

According to sources, the Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines

Trump considers large-scale strike on Iran's nuclear targets — media

On Thursday, the US leader said he would give Iran no more than 15 days to reach an agreement

Trump expects clarity on possible US-Iran nuclear deal within ten days

According to the US president, the sides "may have to take it a step further"

Russia to test Internet provider drone similar to Starlink — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers

Italian journalist detained in Turkey on mission to investigate isolation prisons

International Reporters’ official says the organization witnesses a second detention of its journalist in six months

US gathers largest air force group in region since Iraq invasion — media

This buildup would allow Washington to conduct military operations against Iran for several weeks, the newspaper said

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

EU losing its last safety net in form of UGS reserves in political arena — expert

Nikolay Gaponenko is convinced that the current situation is not a disaster, but rather a normal one, signaling a rapid rate of reserve depletion and allowing for conclusions about the emerging key risks

European Commission should defend EU interests, not Ukraine’s — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto says that the authority must also make Croatians understand the obligation to fully import Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia

Upgraded Khrizantema-M antitank missile accelerates to hypersonic speed — Rostec

According to the holding company representative, this missile is being used in the special military operation zone in Ukraine

Talks of Russia, Madagascar presidents over after two and half hours

The meeting included talks with a limited circle of delegates and a working breakfast with the expanded circle of delegates

Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge to allocate over $4 bln to support Gaza Strip

On January 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the charter establishing the Board of Peace for Gaza in a ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos

Iranian-flagged container ship detained in Denmark — TV

The vessel is currently anchored east of Albaek in the northernmost part of Jutland

Russian Transport Ministry take support measures for ports of Gulf of Finland

A diesel-powered icebreaker already arrived in the Gulf of Finland, Andrey Nikitin noted

No plan B for Gaza, it will re-ignite conflict — Rubio

The US secretary of state said that no one wants going back to war

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Geneva results, venue for next round, no sense in Europe’s participation: Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already been briefed by the negotiating team on the results of the Geneva talks

European Commission prepares legal grounds to intercept Russian oil tankers — source

The potential measure raises concerns among several EU states over a military confrontation risk

Dmitriev denies Russia offered the US $12 trillion worth projects

According to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the lifting of sanctions will be eventually dictated by Washington's interests

Trump says gets on well with Putin

The US president complained that he had underestimated the complexity of resolving the crisis in Ukraine

Venezuela’s authorized president signs law granting amnesty to political prisoners

Delcy Rodriguez thanked the legislators, officials for an "exceptional political maturity"

International forces in Gaza to include troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police

Defense minister says Israeli military to stay in Gaza forever

Israel will not allow "threats of annihilation" in the future, Defense Minister Israel Katz says

Russia returns to electronic engineering pool — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov added that Russia should master the new lithography machine for 130 nanometers

Special military op’s goal is to ensure peace for decades to come — Medvedev

The special military operation continues and it will undoubtedly be seen through to the end, the politician emphasized

Board of Peace necessary, because other organizations fail to keep global peace — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister said that new initiatives are needed to bring forward the issue of peace globally

Medvedev praised import substitution in Russian defense industry

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that this often happens because there is no other choice

Some EU countries oppose EC plans to expand staff by 2,500 employees — media

EU ministers described the European Commission's request for an additional €1.4 billion to hire new staff and strengthen administrative capacity as inappropriate

Many issues to address Ukrainian crisis mulled in Geneva — Russian deputy foreign minister

The talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine were held in Geneva on February 17-18

Russia’s Filippov wins silver at 2026 Winter Olympics in Ski Mountaineering

Nikita Filippov is the first out of 13 athletes representing Russia under a neutral status at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games to win an Olympic medal

Trump extends anti-Russian sanctions related to Ukraine for one year

"The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the US leader said

Uralvagonzavod Group delivers batch of modernized BREM-80 vehicles to troops

The BREM-80 vehicle is based on the T-80 tank chassis and is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, providing it with high mobility

Board of Peace to focus not only on Gaza, but other hotspots as well — Trump

The US president added that the Board of Peace would work with the UN

US military ready to strike Iran on Saturday, but Trump yet to make decision — media

The channel notes that the White House is weighing the consequences of both escalation and restraint

Ukraine to resume oil pumping to Slovakia on Saturday

Slovakia expected that deliveries would resume this Friday

Russia strengthening its western border security — General Staff

According to Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy, equipping the general purpose forces with modern military equipment remains a priority

FACTBOX: Nearly 150 drones target Russian regions at night

One man was killed in Ukraine's attack on Sevastopol

Deliveries of Upyr-18 drone to Russian military to increase substantially

According to CEO of Uraldronzavod Plant Vladimir Tkachuk, the company’s other innovation is being considered by the enemy as a "strike by an unknown type of UAV"

Europe blocks peace following Alaska summit — Russia’s former PM

Sergey Stepashin says believes that the summit was a breakthrough

Russia ready to increase agricultural exports to Madagascar

Trading in mineral fertilizers is also a promising area of cooperation

Trump announces plans for symbiotic relationship between Board of Peace, UN

The US president said that Washington was planning to provide financial support to the global organization and help modernize its infrastructure

US deploys 68 military cargo aircraft to Middle East over three days — media

According to the report, the US Air Force has also dispatched an AWACS radar aircraft to the Middle East

At least 5,000 police to provide security in Gaza — head of Committee for Administration

Ali Shaath said the priorities include four categories

Deployment of Russian orbital station planned to begin in 2028 — first deputy premier

Denis Manturov said it will become a key platform for deep space missions, including the creation of a Russian lunar base

Japan's PM reaffirms intent to sign peace treaty with Russia

Sanae Takaichi criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the conflict

US could launch limited strike on Iran to push for nuclear deal — WSJ

The sources say that the potential strike could target military and government buildings

IMF takes not of moderate contraction of US dollar share in international reserves

The IMF also pointed to the dollar depreciation against other currency from peak values of 2024

Israeli planes attack Hezbollah bases in mountainous areas near Syrian border — TV

Eyewitnesses reported powerful explosions in the vicinity of the village of Al-Nabi Shayth

UK will not let US use its bases for strike on Iran — newspaper

According to the sources, the UK authorities are to ban the use of the facilities due to a concern that a US strike would constitute "a breach of the international law."

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Gulf countries allocate $7 billion to rebuild Gaza — Trump

The Board of Peace was created on January 22, when 19 countries signed its charter. It was established as part of a peaceful settlement in the Gaza Strip

US fails to issue visas to Belarusian delegation for Board of Peace meeting

Minsk has completed all the necessary procedures, according to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Hungarian PM voices concern over possible US withdrawal from talks on Ukraine

The US might "pack up and leave", Viktor Orban says after a session of the Board of Peace

Russian forces step up strikes on Ukrainian military enterprises — General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says the measures cut Ukraine’s capabilities to equip its army

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

Poland not seeking to possess nuclear weapons — defense minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz says that the country will develop the nuclear sector still