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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

This week in photos: Russia-Africa summit, a tank on a beach, and Kim’s spa resort visit

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

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 11

An anti-government demonstrator dressed as a clown looks at riot police in Santiago, Chile, October 22. Protests in the country have spilled over into a fifth day, even after President Sebastian Pinera cancelled the subway fare hike that prompted rioting, arson and violent clashes that have almost paralyzed the country

© AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd

Juventus Cristiano Ronaldo and Lokomotiv goalkeeper Guilherme in action during the UEFA Champions League group D soccer match Juventus FC vs Lokomotiv Moscow at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, October 22

© EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

A Thai Royal Navy oarsman steers a Royal Barge during the full dress rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession to honor the occasion of the Coronation of Thai King Rama X, along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, October 21

© EPA-EFE/DIEGO AZUBEL

Japan's Princess Mako attends the enthronement ceremony where Emperor Naruhito officially proclaimed his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, October 22

© Kazuhiro Nogi/Pool/Getty Images

Russia's President Vladimir Putin waves next to Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a family photo with heads of countries taking part in the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit at the Sirius Park of Science and Art in Sochi, Russia, October 24

© EPA-EFE/SERGEI CHIRIKOV/POOL

Members of the Rockettes dance company rehearse for the upcoming '2019 Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes' in New York, USA, October 22

© EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE

Antonio Monda, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Wes Anderson and Edward Norton walk a red carpet during the 14th Rome Film Festival in Rome, Italy, October 19

© Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for RFF

People walk past the sculpture 'Pink Tank Wrecked' by Czech artist David Cerny, on Bondi beach in Sydney, Australia, October 24. The sculpture is part of the 23rd edition of the exhibition Sculpture by the Sea, featuring artists from Australia and overseas

© EPA-EFE/JOEL CARRETT

Kim Jong Un is seen sitting on the side of a hot tub at North Korea's new Yangdok County Hot Spring Resort, North Korea, October 25

Virgin's Richard Branson kisses the ground as he lands at the Ben Gurion international airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, October 23

© REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Pope Francis presides over a Mass for the World Missionary Day, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, October 20

© AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Vladimir Putin at Russia-Africa summit, a pink tank on the beach in Sydney and Kim Jong-un visiting spa resort, along with more of this week’s best snapshots. So, have a look at the world in pictures from the TASS photo gallery.

One in five Russians believes "Labubu" word of year — poll

More than a third of respondents (36%) were unfamiliar with any of the word-of-the-year candidates

Putin noted good prospects in nuclear sphere for Russia, Indonesia

The Russian president added that relations between Moscow and Jakarta are also on the rise in the humanitarian sphere

Russia seeks answers from US on seizure of tanker off Venezuelan coast

The Russian foreign minister also said that Moscow wants discussions on the fight against drug trafficking and ensuring maritime security to be collective, so that no nation would be staring down unilateral actions

Russia to pursue goals in Ukraine regardless of predictions for conflict's end — Lavrov

"Russia's specific objectives were clearly and unambiguously outlined publicly by the President and discussed in detail in Anchorage, where understandings were reached on how best to move toward achieving these goals in the context of not a ceasefire, but a sustainable peace," the minister stated

Rosgvardia troops down some 700 enemy drones in Central Russia

The press service added that Rosgvardia officers are also responsible for protecting highly important and sensitive facilities, as well as the property of individuals and legal entities

Ukraine attacks hospital in Kherson Region's Aleshki, killing three employees

Two persons were wounded, including a woman

US considering idea of creating G7 alternative with Russia — Politico

This proposal was reportedly included in the unpublished version of the National Security Strategy

Russian forces holding their positions near Kupyansk, despite Ukraine’s counterattacks

According to Andrey Marochko, high-intensity counterattacks have been going on for a long time

Europe cannot cope with reality of Russia eventually winning, achieving set goals — Lavrov

"Europe is blinded by the desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," the Russian foreign minister said

IN BRIEF: Lavrov on attempts to steal from Russia, West pushing Kiev to continue fighting

The Russian foreign minister noted that European countries are trying to seize Russia’s foreign currency reserves because they don’t have enough money to continue military operations in Ukraine

Press review: Kiev sets unacceptable peace terms while Thailand-Cambodia tensions flare

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 11th

NATO chief calls on Germany to prepare for war lived by ‘grandparents, great-grandparents’

Mark Rutte also urged NATO countries to increase their defense spending

Italian official says Brussels wants no end to already lost conflict in Ukraine

Matteo Salvini pointed out that wars were fought for economic reasons "by those who produce weapons"

Kiev advancing unacceptable conditions to derail talks — Russian diplomat

"As a matter of fact, it is seeking to set forth unacceptable for Russia terms, and its next step will be to simply accuse it of breaking down the talks," Rodion Miroshnik said

Zelensky to hold sham elections in Ukraine in order to retain power — senator

"Zelensky has an incentive not to step down because outside the presidential office, he may face criminal charges for corruption and repression against political opponents," Alexander Voloshin said

Lavrov talks security guarantees and negotiations with US at a roundtable with ambassadors

The ongoing Russia-US talks are aimed at finding a long-term solution to end the Ukraine conflict, the Russian foreign minister noted

Olympic bear from 1980 Moscow Games to become Russian national team mascot

"At the moment, 'Mishka' is being registered as a trademark with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property," Mikhail Degtyarev stated

Kiev resorts to terrorizing civilians due to its failures on front lines — diplomat

The intensity of Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets in Russia has nearly doubled since the beginning of the year, reaching an average of 480 strikes per day

Iran's ambassador to Russia says Putin and Iranian president to meet in Turkmenistan

Putin will start his visit to Turkmenistan on December 11

US forces in Caribbean inadequate for ground invasion of Venezuela — Politico

The only realistic option for the administration of US President Donald Trump may be missile and bomb attacks, according to the sources

Nobel Prize awarding ceremonies held in Stockholm and Oslo

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden presented 13 Nobel Prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and economics

Maduro demands US abandon its policy of regime changing in Venezuela, Latin America

"The riches of the Venezuelan soil will never be plundered either by gringo invaders or by any empire," the president stressed

Ukrainian, EU agencies involved in generating fake news about Ukraine — envoy

Their main task is to blur and distort the pragmatic approaches that formed the basis of Trump's peace plan, Rodion Miroshnik noted

Initial defendant list in Russia's Donbass genocide case just tip of iceberg — expert

On December 8, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that 41 individuals from Ukraine’s political and military leadership face life imprisonment in a criminal case concerning the genocide of the populations of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics

Press review: Trump pushes Ukrainian elections as Europe debates use of Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 10th

Russia hopes conflict between Thailand, Cambodia will be settled through diplomacy

"Russia always stands for resolving all problems between countries politically and diplomatically," the Russian embassy in Phnom Penh said

Russia recording multiple bogus news about Ukraine — Lavrov

Such actions are mostly aimed at hampering efforts to find a solution at talks and prolong the conflict, the Russian top diplomat stressed

Top Hungarian diplomat slams Kiev’s attacks on tankers as state-supported terrorism

Peter Szijjarto stressed that EU leaders’ justification of attacks on energy facilities was "extremely dangerous" as it could lead to more attacks in the future

EU rushing to pass special law for perpetual blocking of Russian assets — FT

The European Commission wants to use revenues from frozen Russian assets to extend a loan to Ukraine amounting to about 90 bln euro during the next two years

Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

According to the document, NATO "no longer aligns with current US national security interests"

Some Ukrainian figures set up child trafficking operation — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat called this topic excessively politicized

Kiev keeps a mere 25% of Seversk in Donbass region under its fire control — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian fighters have expanded control of ground in central Seversk

Russia’s Battlegroup East takes control of Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — top brass

Units of Russia's Battlegroup East prevent the enemy from moving or changing of positions unnoticed in the urban area, as well as from supplying reserves and ammunition to them

Lavrov sees Kallas' statements on Kiev aid as pro-Nazi 'confession'

The minister drew attention to Kallas’s words that Ukraine does not need a very rapid conflict settlement

West running out of resources to wage proxy war against Russia — Lavrov

"The majority advocates the militarization of European economies and preparations for a large-scale armed confrontation in Europe," the Russian foreign minister said

Bill on US withdrawal from NATO in line with America First doctrine — Russian senator

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

Three more drones targeting Moscow downed, taking the total number to 37 — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin said that emergency services are working at the scene where the debris fell

Not only Trump in no hurry to lift sanctions on Russia but he increases them — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that the search for alternative payment systems "is gaining momentum"

US detains oil tanker off Venezuelan coast — media

The tanker’s detention could complicate Venezuelan oil exports, noted Bloomberg

West uses Ukraine to shift global community focus from Palestine — Russian top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov stressed that it is also one of the most critical global challenges

Kiev lacks forces and resources to bolster defenses near Staritsa — expert

The Ukrainian armed forces are hastily bolstering their defenses in the Ternovaya-Staritsa area of the Kharkov Region amid intensified shelling of Ukrainian positions by the Russian Armed Forces

Russian army pressing Ukrainian troops in Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army achieved certain successes in the city’s eastern part

Russian forces pound Ukrainian military-industrial, energy sites in past 24 hours

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 420 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy pickup trucks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian PM takes part in Eurasian Intergovernmental Council’s meeting

Prime Ministers of the EAEU member-countries are expected to discuss further deepening of Eurasian economic integration

UEFA files Euro-2028 trademark in Russia

The Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property received the trademark holder's application from Switzerland on December 5, 2025

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

The vaccine is meant for adult patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma

IN BRIEF: What we know about partial collapse of apartment building in Volgograd Region

According to the latest information, four people, including a child, were injured

US plan for Ukraine allows Kiev to employ support forces — media

According to the report, Ukrainian negotiators rejected all restrictions during talks in the US

Demonization of Russia deprives OSCE security forum of future — envoy to Vienna

Yulia Zhdanova called for cleansing the event "of propaganda husks and focusing its work on truly important issues of military-political security in the interests of all 57 OSCE participating states without exception"

Ukrainian ambassador summoned to Israeli MFA for criticizing PM's remarks about Putin

According to the report, Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Director General Yuval Fuchs told the Ukrainian ambassador that his statements were "completely unacceptable" and "violated diplomatic protocol"

Rebel attack in eastern Congo slap in face of US — Burundi foreign minister

Edouard Bizimana noted that Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump on December 4

European troops in Ukraine to become legitimate military targets for Russia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister recalled that Europeans are still fantasizing about sending their troops to Ukraine as "peacekeepers"

US Federal Reserve cuts rate to 3.5-3.75% per annum

The results of the next US regulator's rate meeting will be published on January 28, 2026

Cuba condemns US’ seizure of oil tanker in Caribbean as piracy — president

Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed his "full support for the Venezuelan government"

Former US President Obama forced Ukrainian authorities to give up Crimea — Trump

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

Europeans present proposal on Ukrainian territorial concessions to Trump — Merz

The German Chancellor said the conversation was "constructive"

UK admits sending paratroopers to Ukraine — agency

This fact became officially known only after a British soldier was killed in an accident at a Ukrainian training ground, noted Press Association

US, Israel agree to exert maximum pressure on Iran — mission to UN

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and Israeli President Isaac Herzog pledged to work together to "combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias at the United Nations"

US Treasury authorizes transactions for sale of Lukoil's foreign assets until January 17

The license also prohibits the transfer of any funds to individuals in Russia or to Russian accounts

Elections in Ukraine have become leverage against Zelensky — expert

Ruslan Pankratov argued that Zelensky’s reluctance to hold elections undermine not only his personal legitimacy but also that of Ukraine’s entire leadership

Trump's demand Ukraine hold elections signals political death for Zelensky — Medvedchuk

"If Trump does not bring Zelensky down in the next few months, he will have problems all over Europe," the head of the Other Ukraine movement said

US plan envisions Donbass buffer zone as Russian territory — Financial Times

According to their information, the plan specifies that "Russian forces will not enter this demilitarised zone"

New theft scheme, concern in Zelensky's circle: statements by Russia’s SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that Vladimir Zelensky's entourage fears that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict will hurt their pocketbook

Bulgarian government resigns — PM

Rosen Zhelyazkov said that the government must "give in" to the demands of citizens

EU secretly discussing alternative plan to keep Kiev afloat — Politico

Hungary has made it clear that it opposes the decision that would require a unanimous vote

Kazakhstan to increase oil supplies to China, Russia, via Caspian Sea amid attack on CPC

The total volume expected to exceed 350,000 tons

Russia’s proposals on European security ‘last chance’ for salvaging any progress — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the West was currently trying to undermine those proposals

Brazilian parliamentary commission rejects ratification of TPNW

According to the press service of the lower house of parliament, the decision was made on the recommendation of lawmaker Luis Felipe de Orleans e Braganca

Russia 'not wasting time' trying to predict when Ukraine conflict may end — Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that Russia has clear objectives and will work toward them, regardless of any predictions about when the conflict may conclude

Macron along with other EU leaders talks Ukrainian settlement with Trump

The French president did not provide further details about the conversation

Ukraine submits response to US peace plan — reporter

Ukrainian and American officials told Axios correspondent about this

Trump says US will keep oil from detained tanker

The US leader earlier confirmed that the United States has detained a tanker off the Venezuelan coast

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

"Neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet," Vladimir Zelensky said

Creation of buffer zone proceeds according to plan — Putin

The elimination of encircled enemy groups on the eastern bank of the Oskol River and in Dimitrov continues

Work on peace plan for Ukraine to continue in coming days — German government

German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said that the four heads of state and government discussed the progress of ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine

Ukraine hates Russian children, babies — Russian MFA

According to the listings, their personal information was entered for allegedly "deliberately violating the state border" and "attempting to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine

Latvia to decide on dismantling of railway tracks to Russia by year end

Chief of Defense Kaspar Pudans said the decision will be made in coordination with neighboring countries, "so that the approaches are similar"

Liman, Vilcha in Kharkov Region almost completely controlled by Russian forces — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian Armed Forces have recently significantly increased the pace of their advance south of Volchansk

FACTBOX: Last night’s drone attacks on Russia hit 12 regions

Drone debris broke the windows of an educational establishment and a filling station in the Tula Region, and five civilian cars were affected in a drone attack on the Bryansk Region

Kim visits Russian embassy, extends condolences over Ambassador Matsegora’s death

North Korean leader also met with Alexander Matsegora’s family and embassy employees

Court to begin questioning defendants in terrorist attack in Crocus case on December 15

According to the lawyer, on Wednesday, December 10, the state prosecution finished presenting its evidence in court

IN BRIEF: Putin held a meeting on the situation in special military operation zone

The Russian leader noted that the promise to liberate the town by December 15 was fulfilled

US proposes creating demilitarized zone in Ukraine — WP

According to the report, the planned demilitarized zone "would be established along the entire ceasefire line", behind which there will be "a deeper zone in which heavy weapons would be excluded"

Putin discusses situation in special military operation zone — Kremlin spokesman

Commander of the 123rd Motorized Rifle Brigade Denis Pirogov attended the meeting in the president's office in the Kremlin

Israeli police mum on assassination attempt on Ukraine’s Mindich — spokesman

Earlier, Ukrainian businessman Igor Kolomoisky stated in court that an assassination attempt had been made on Mindich, who is in Israel, on November 28

Ukrainian losses in conflict have exceeded 1 million — Lavrov

"The Kiev regime, originally established as a fiercely ideological military entity, has now devolved into a criminal gang," the Russian foreign minister said

Russian Security Council secretary to met with Laotian leadership

Sergey Shoigu’s program includes talks with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Chansamone Chanyalath

Russian security official thanks Laos for assisting in rehabilitation of Russian soldiers

Sergey Shoigu assured that Russia will continue to support Laos

Many EU countries, along with Belgium, oppose expropriation of Russian assets — PM

Bart De Wever said that he had named three conditions to the EC

Central African Republic militants using drones against Russian instructors — advisor

The UAV threat currently persists, Dmitry Podolsky said

Liberation of Seversk opens road to Slavyansk — DPR official

"Slavyansk is another major hub of the Ukrainian armed forces in the north of the republic," Igor Kimakovsky said

Humans come in seventh on mammal monogamy scale, study reveals

To compile the ranking, British evolutionary anthropologist Mark Dyble used archaeological and ethnographic data from more than 100 human populations

Indonesia has vested interest in developing military cooperation with Russia — expert

"In this regard, the military training track mentioned by President Putin is of particular importance," Nikita Kuklin said

Putin to arrive in Turkmenistan on two-day visit

The Russian president is expected to take part in a forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Day of Neutrality, and 30th anniversary of the country’s neutrality

Ukraine launches major drone attack on Moscow overnight

Due to security concerns, all Moscow airports were closed to aircraft landings and departures overnight

All of Google's assets in France seized following complaint from its Russian subsidiary

The seizure has been imposed as a security measure to prevent Google from attempting to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against its French subsidiary

Russia unveils domestically made dental milling machines at Moscow expo

Alexander Sinyugin, one of the developers, pointed out that the machine can create a dental crown or veneer in three hours

Russian troops liberate Liman community in Kharkov Region — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 145 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a foreign-made radar station in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

No reaction from West to Ukraine’s decision to suspend talks with Russia — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat highlighted that before the talks were halted, specific results were achieved, particularly in the humanitarian sphere

Kiev refusing to receive its citizens evacuated from Sumy Region to Russia

According to Russian human rights ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova, six Ukrainian nationals are currently remaining in Kursk

Russian forces secure foothold on outskirts of Drobyshevo in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko added that in the course of the fight Russian forces also advanced south from the Novoselovka settlement and expanded their zone of control along the Nitrius River bank line