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Russia acknowledges problems with media freedom, combats them, says OSCE envoy

A comprehensive and integrated approach to ensuring freedom of speech is enshrined in the Russian legislation, the ambassador said

VIENNA, April 29//TASS/. Nobody is immune to problems with media freedom, and they also exist in Russia, which is combating these problems using legal methods, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said on Thursday at an online meeting of the organization’s Permanent Council.

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A comprehensive and integrated approach to ensuring freedom of speech is enshrined in the Russian legislation, the ambassador said. Thus, under the Constitution, freedom of thought and speech is guaranteed to everyone, freedom of press is also guaranteed, while censorship is prohibited, Lukashevich said. There is an article in the Criminal Code that establishes punishment for obstructing legitimate professional activity of the journalists, the diplomat added.

"However, no one is immune to media freedom problems, and Russia also has them. We are trying to combat them using all possible legal methods. We are also ready to discuss them honestly and openly," he added.

"However, instead of a constructive dialogue, some in the West time and again continue to artificially demonize our country, as well as other ‘undesirable states’," turning a blind eye to problems at home, Lukashevich said.

World Press Freedom Day is marked on May 3. It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1993.

Last of world-famous Dionne quintuplets dies at age 91 — New York Times

According to its information, Dion passed away on December 26 in a hospital

Zelensky to call referendum for Trump’s plan if he is not satisfied — Axios

Vladimir Zelensky plans to agree on a framework agreement with the US leader to end the conflict

Sales on main Russian e-commerce platforms up 30% — First Deputy PM

The trade segment in Russia is constantly evolving on account of robotization and digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence, Denis Manturov said

Last of world-famous Dionne quintuplets dies at age 91 — New York Times

According to its information, Dion passed away on December 26 in a hospital

Moscow-Tokyo relations crucial for global security — Japanese MP

Muneo Suzuki also noted that ties between Japan and Russia are important for the national interests of both nations

Russia rescued Ukrainians abandoned by Kiev in Sumy Region — human rights commissioner

Russian troops brought them to a safe place in Belgorod

Moldova could help stabilize gas supplies to Transnistria — ex-Moldovan president

According to Igor Dodon, the pro-Western government in Chisinau is not interested in overcoming the energy crisis in Transnistria

End of war in Ukraine to have positive impact on Moldova — former president

Igor Dodon highlighted recent warnings from Western officials, noting that Moldova has faced increasing scrutiny

US says more progress reached on Ukraine in two weeks than in year — news outlet

Axios' source said that Washington is ready to submit a document to the US Senate for ratification that will outline security guarantees for Ukraine similar to NATO Article 5

Russian GDP up 1% in 11M 2025 — Economy Ministry

In November, the GDP was 0.1% above the last-year level after 1.6% in October, the ministry said

Zelensky says US has proposed 15-year settlement agreements

In his words, there are some "technical things" that need to be further discussed

Russia supplies another batch of Su-30SM2 fighters to Belarus — Defense Ministry

Deputy Commander of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces, Chief of Aviation Colonel Alexander Belyaev said these aircraft will soon undergo technical inspection at the air base

Special op experience, work of defense industry sector: Putin's statements

The president noted that the Russian defense-industrial complex is operating steadily, providing the armed forces with the necessary equipment

Those who expect to defeat Russia in open conflict deeply mistaken — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, politicians who make such statements are either forgetting or deliberately pretending not to notice that it is nothing but an attempt to defeat a nuclear power

US currently has no plans to recognize Somaliland — Trump

The move includes establishing full-fledged diplomatic relations, sending ambassadors and opening embassies

Russia, US close to settling Ukraine conflict, final push needed — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that it "depends on the other side's political will, especially since Kiev and its sponsors, particularly in the EU, who are not interested in an agreement, have redoubled their efforts to torpedo it"

Trump threatens Democrats with 'last Christmas' in light of Epstein case

The US leader also noted that Democrats will "have a lot of explaining to do" when their involvement in US financier scandal becomes known

Russia’s retail trade turnover up 2.5% YOY in 11M 2025 — statistics

Retail sales in November 2025 gained 3.3% annually to 5.22 trillion rubles ($66.1 bln)

Ukrainian government may declassify data on uranium reserves

"At this point, only the information on uranium and uranium ore reserves remains classified," the head of Ukraine’s National Extractive Industries Association of Ukraine, Ksenia Orinchak, said

West does not believe Ukraine can win without external assistance — United Russia official

Andrey Klimov believes that even with ongoing Western assistance, Ukraine will not achieve its military objectives

Russian army destroys Ukraine's underground bunkers in Zaporozhye Region

Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky stressed that the seizure of Gulyaipole would pave the way for the liberation of the entire Zaporozhye Region

Kiev’s settlement plan differs from one Russia, US working on — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said it is necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis of the results of the meetings in Florida

Japanese MP, who visits Moscow, notes Russia’s might

"A year and four months have passed since I last visit Moscow, but, looking at the [New Year] illumination all over the city it’s hard to believe that there is war nearby," Muneo Suzuki said

Russia open to contacts, but Europe is not interested in that — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, political contacts between the sides are maintained but this in not done publicly

Deployment of Oreshnik was response to West’s aggressive moves — Belarus' defense minister

Only time will reveal how this will influence the broader situation, Viktor Khrenin added

Israel recognizes Somaliland as independent state — Netanyahu

The prime minister's office added that Israel "plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy"

Defense industry operating steadily, supplying everything necessary to army — Putin

At the same time, weapons are being supplied "both to the units involved in the special military operation and to the armed forces as a whole," the Russian president added

Putin thanks Russian emergencies ministry personnel working in special operation zone

"Under fire, you restore critical infrastructure, deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians, and clear areas of explosive hazards," the president said

KVN drones destroy Ukrainian equipment worth two German armies — Ushkuynik

According to CEO Alexey Chadayev, after the invasion of the Kursk Region, the Ukrainian armed forces "were unable to carry out a single successful attack with the mass use of mechanized military equipment"

Russia has plan in place in case frozen assets are seized — Novak

It will be implemented if such cases arise, the Russian deputy prime minister added

West's policy on Ukraine rules out peaceful coexistence with Russia — German expert

Werner Patzelt emphasized that regardless of the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia "will not cease to be part of European geography and geopolitics"

Russian car market to decline by 19% in 2025 — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov said the market volume is about 1.45 mln vehicles across all segments

Russian detained in Donetsk for inciting murder of military personnel, strikes on Moscow

It has been established that she proactively established contact with representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Telegram and, on their assignment, carried out photography of Russian military equipment

Authorities discussing establishment of Islamic bank in Russia — lawmaker

Anatoly Aksakov said that he expects this work to be completed next year

Silver prices set new record on Comex today

The precious metal prices gained 8.86% to record-breaking $78.035 per Troy ounce

West uses sanctions to cling to fading dominance — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that unilateral coercive measures represent a serious obstacle to establishing a just and equitable multipolar world order

Press review: Zelensky peace plan is no-go for Russia and Trump puts on peacemaker hat

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 25th

France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

Talks with US on Ukraine result-oriented, Moscow not backing down from its position — MFA

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the understanding that has developed in Anchorage is being implemented through contacts

DPRK leader sends New Year greetings to Russian president — KCNA

"On behalf of the government of the DPRK and the Korean people, I extend the warmest and sincerest greeting of best wishes to you and, through you, to the government of the Russian Federation and the fraternal Russian people on the occasion of the New Year 2026," Kim Jong Un said

Silver price hits record high

By 1:14 a.m. GMT, the value of silver accelerated its growth to $75.235 per troy ounce

Russia develops Yunost-82 unmanned sub able to circumnavigate the globe

According to expert Dmitry Kuzyakin, the boat’s speed is equal to the speed of the ocean currents

Russian football chief Dyukov says outgoing year 2025 was success for national teams

This year, the Russian men’s national team played 10 friendly matches winning six of them, lost another one and finished three more in a draw

Russian troops to isolate large Ukrainian logistics center after liberating Kosovtsevo

As a result of active combat operations, conditions have been created for blocking a large enemy logistics center and up to a platoon of manpower of the Ukrainian army’s 110th separate mechanized brigade and 33rd separate assault regiment

Unemployment in Russia falls to 2.1% in November, statistics service says

In November, 1.6 million people aged 15 and older were classified as unemployed

Risk of nuclear conflict not eliminated, Russia ready to negotiate — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that contacts with the US now intensified, "there is a businesslike, substantive conversation, but great efforts are needed to move further away from this edge"

Niger bans issuing visas to US citizens — agency

According to the sources, the measure is based on the principle of reciprocity

AZAL plane incident doesn't crash Moscow-Baku dialogue — top Azerbaijani diplomat

According to the minister, the meeting between Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Vladimir Putin of Russia on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of the CIS heads of State in Dushanbe on October 9 marked a major step toward normalizing bilateral relations

Putin holds meeting on state armament programs, defense industry development

The event took place in the Kremlin

Ukrainian soldiers ignore pressure to celebrate Catholic Christmas — military expert

According to Adnrey Marochko, the majority of Ukrainian servicemen continue to consider rescheduling of the Christian holiday an act of blasphemy

EU loan to Kiev won’t hinder Russia's strengthening of its position — senior diplomat

EU countries decided to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros in 2026-2027

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center forces kept destroying the surrounded Ukrainian combat group in Dimitrov and mopping up the settlements of Rodinskoye and Grishino in the Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week

Russian man wins over $400,000 in lottery after guessing every number wrong

The family plans to use the prize to buy an apartment

Russian diplomat talks Ukrainian conflict settlement with Turkish ambassador — MFA

According to the statement, the parties also discussed key issues of mutual interest, regarding the international and regional agendas

Trump receives box of red caviar from Russia's Far East

The caviar reportedly made such a "strong impression" on Steve Witkoff that he was given an entire box to deliver to President Trump

Customs transfer $73.3 bln to Russian budget

The target is 97% delivered for the time being, the press service of the customs authority said

Russian cars production estimated at 750,000 in 2025 — First Deputy PM

According to the Russian national statistical agency Rosstat, production of cars in Russia lost 12.6% to 591,000 units in January - November 2025

Energy System of East sets absolute power consumption record

Power consumption totaled 8,295 MW

All car plants left by foreigners to be launched by summer 2026 — First Deputy PM

Authorities expect that the volume of the Russian car market will grow to 2.5 mln by 2030, Denis Manturov added

Zelensky's address demonstrates intent to prolong conflict — Duma member

As Leonid Ivlev stressed, the rhetoric from the Kiev regime does not advance peace negotiations

Trump says he expects to speak with Putin soon

The US leader also said he expects to hold a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky this weekend

Belarus designates combat patrol areas for Oreshnik missiles — senior military official

According to Pavel Muraveiko, work to coordinate combat crews’ actions is currently underway

The Cure’s member Perry Bamonte dies aged 65

The musician "passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas," the British band said

Liberation of Kosovtsevo brings area of over 23 sq km under control — security forces

Guardsmen of the 37th Brigade of the 36th Army of the Battlegroup East advanced 4 km inland and 6 km along the front on the western bank of the Gaichur River

European leaders, Zelensky, Trump to hold phone call on December 27 — Reuters

According to his information, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will also take part in the discussion

Zelensky works for MI6, Russian official believes

According to Andrey Klimov, in the first months of the special military operation, there was a real chance to end the conflict through political and diplomatic means

Putin notes multiple growth in production of weapons in demand in special operation zone

"The production of armored vehicles has increased by 2.2 times, of light armored vehicles (infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers) by 3.7 times, and military aircraft by 4.6 times," the Russian president said

Nigerian TV says US strike aimed at IS hits area that hasn't seen terrorists in decade

There is currently no confirmed information regarding casualties among either civilians or militants

German customs involved in legal arbitrariness against Russians — Foreign Ministry

According to Maria Zakharova, Germany has de facto been turned into a territory of lawlessness for people of a certain nationality, in this case, citizens of Russia

South Korea asks UN chief to visit North Korea — agency

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac met with the UN chief in New York on December 18 to discuss cooperation between South Korea and the United Nations, as well as regional problems

Google plans to move obsolete servers out of Russia — RBC

The case in point are the servers used as part of the Google Global Cache system that expedites the content delivery for users

Senior Russian diplomat rejects deadlines for resolving Ukraine conflict as inappropriate

No artificial deadlines will help here, Sergey Ryabkov said

Russia’s public catering turnover up 8.7% YOY in 11M 2025 — statistics

The turnover had an uptick by 8.2% in annual terms to 377.2 bln rubles ($4.8 bln) this November, Russian Federal State Statistics Service reported

Putin discusses AI development with Russian Security Council members

The Russian leader pays serious attention to the topic of artificial intelligence

Submerged car retrieved from river in Russia’s Yakutia, child’s body found inside

According to the Yakutia Health Ministry, five victims were hospitalized with frostbite following the incident

Russia would like to see friendly Ukraine, senior diplomat says

Sergey Ryabkov did not rule out that Ukraine can be a sovereign state post the conflict

Belarus will judge US security policy by concrete actions — defense ministry official

"Actions speak louder than words," Pavel Muraveiko

US combat drones attack Nigeria’s Sokoto State — TV

According to the Punch newspaper, a missile strike targeted the village of Offa in Kwara State some 500 kilometers from Sokoto

Almost all Ukrainian brigade deserts — Russia’s security forces

The source said there are quite a lot of units in the Ukrainian army that did not meet expectations of the command

African Union condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

"The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia," Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said

Russia-US agree to maintain dialogue on Ukraine after Dmitriev’s trip to Miami — Kremlin

Negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement took place in Miami on December 20 and 21

Syrian Interior Ministry reports eight fatalities in Homs mosque explosion

No radical group has so far declared responsibility for the attack

Russian forces destroy company of Ukrainian soldiers by FAB bomb in Dnepropetrovsk area

The Ukrainian military is trying to evacuate the wounded and dead personnel from the site of the strike and work is underway to clear the debris

'Coalition of the willing' to discuss Ukrainian settlement in January — newspaper

These discussions are to take place after the meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump

Russia harvested 139.4 mln tons of grain in 2025

Grain threshing gained 10.7% year on year

Israeli artillery shells eastern areas in Syria’s al-Quneitra — agency

No information about casualties among civilians was immediately available

Trump sees good chance for resolving Ukrainian conflict

According to the New York Post, the US leader is optimistic about the possibility of reaching a peace agreement during his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Zelensky on Sunday

Russian strategic bombers fly over neutral waters of Barents, Norwegian seas

Su-33 fighter jets of the Russian Navy escorted the long-range bombers

Kiev steps up attacks on Russia using NATO arms — military expert

Andrey Marochko suggested that Kiev had intensified the number of strikes against Russia using NATO-supplied weapons due to increased ammunition deliveries from alliance countries

IN BRIEF: Russia’s key foreign policy results of 2025 summarized in statements from MFA

Unfriendly nations had to acknowledge that it is impossible to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia

Russian electricity exports may slightly drop this year — Inter RAO

Kazakhstan and Mongolia are traditional destinations of Russian electricity supplies in recent years, the energy major noted

Syrian Foreign Ministry condemns Homs mosque blast as attempt to undermine stability

According to the ministry, Damascus holds "a firm position in its fight against terrorism in all of its manifestations"

Sweden better apologize for detaining Russia's Adler vessel — Foreign Ministry

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Swedish customs and law enforcement agencies, including security services, continued their so-called inspection

Somaliland says ready to boost ties with Israel after recognition of independence

"Somaliland welcomes and appreciates Israel’s historic and principled decision to recognize its sovereignty and independence," the self-proclaimed republic said in a statement

Russia plans to upgrade nuclear triad through 2036 — Kremlin

The state arms program is a long-term planning document that stipulates developing, producing and maintaining the combat readiness of armaments, military and special equipment

Trump says Zelensky’s peace plan means nothing without his approval — Politico

"So we’ll see what he’s got," the US leader said

US urges Yemen conflict sides to show restraint — Department of State

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed US support to diplomatic efforts of its partners in the region - the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia

Over 200,000 personnel desert from Ukrainian army in 2025

Kiev currently characterizes the strength of its armed forces at about 800,000

NATO countries really preparing for war, not bluffing — top Belarusian defense official

According to Viktor Khrenin, this is evidenced by infrastructure being built in countries neighboring Belarus, the numerous drills and training sessions being conducted, and the modernization of seaports and airfields for the delivery of weapons

Ukrainian army pulls forces toward key cities in Donbass — DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky noted that the Ukrainian military was building fortifications and preparing a line of defense in these areas

Rutte pushes back against idea that EU can only rely on itself for defense

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recalled decisions made at the NATO summit in The Hague this summer, where alliance members agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035