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Share of new omicron variants in Russia rises to 38.86% – watchdog

Rospotrebnadzor recorded these figures for the last two weeks

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. The proportion of new omicron sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.5 in Russia has risen to 38.86% in the past week, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) said.

"The BA.1 sub-lineage of omicron accounts for 3.8% of all sequences, BA.2 - for 56.13%, BA.4/BA.5 - for 38.86%, the delta variant - for 1.21%," the watchdog’s press service said in a statement.

On July 5, Rospotrebnadzor press service said BA.4 and BA.5 sub-lineages accounted for 6.57% of all sequences.

New Year & Christmas

Putin extends Christmas, New Year greetings to foreign leaders — Kremlin

Among NATO leaders, US President Donald Trump and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Putin’s greetings

US expert slams European statements about Russian threat as 'dangerous nonsense'

Commenting on Sunday's meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky, the American political scientist noted that Trump had said little about the Europeans except for praising their leaders and stating that they would have to take primary responsibility for security guarantees

Arab coalition operation at Yemen's Mukalla port ends without casualties — statement

According to the coalition’s official spokesman, Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, the operation was limited in scope and targeted "weapons and military equipment unloaded from the two ships"

Russian economy to transition to sustainable growth rates in 2026 — minister

Anton Siluanov added that GDP growth will be around 1% by the end of this year

Ukraine peace talks still far from end stages, Tusk says

The Polish prime minister said a peace deal on Russia’s terms would equate to "the defeat of the West and Ukraine in the confrontation"

Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence is ‘slap’ in Trump’s face — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists earlier in the day that overnight to December 29 the Kiev regime had attempted a terrorist attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region with the use of 91 long-range combat drones

Kiev to face retaliation for terrorist actions, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Vladimir Zelensky "is trying to accuse Russia of lying, and claim that nothing like that happened"

Ukrainian attack on Putin's residence shows Zelensky is 'impotent' — US expert

According to Eddie Gonzales, this signals an awareness of the dangers of further arming Ukraine

Collapse of plans by Kiev, Europe key outcome of Trump-Zelensky meeting — media

According to the analysts, the eventual terms of a peace agreement could prove even less favorable for Kiev, as US proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine may no longer apply by that time

Terror plot targeting schoolchildren thwarted in Adygeya — FSB

A citizen of a Central Asian country, who supports an international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia, has been detained

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia dies at 79

She was handed long prison terms on corruption charges in 2018 but was released in August 2024 following anti-government protests that resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Trump confirms US strike on target presumably on Venezuela’s territory

US President gave no further details and did not elaborate on the exact location of the targeted site

West seeking Zaluzhny’s possible return for a ceasefire with Russia — Dotcom

Starting from a year prior to current election planning, many political analysts identified Valery Zaluzhny as the main rival to Vladimir Zelensky in future elections

President Milei says sovereignty over Falklands 'non-negotiable' issue for Argentina

The Argentinian president also stressed that he wants "to improve trade" with the United Kingdom

IN BRIEF: Global reactions to Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence

The Russian leader told Donald Trump that Moscow's position in negotiations to resolve the conflict would be reassessed

LazerBuzz laser system hits FPV drone at 1 km range

According to LazerBuzz representatives, during testing, the system completely damaged the battery and other components of an FPV drone

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin won’t publicly announce details of its tougher stance on Ukraine — spokesman

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that in the early morning hours of December 29, Kiev launched an attack using 91 drones on the state residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Novgorod Region

Trump’s reaction to attack on Putin’s residence and contacts with Kiev: Putin-Trump call

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the US-Ukrainian talks in Florida and agreed to continue their dialogue in the future "in quite a friendly fashion"

Starlink being used to destabilize governments — diplomat

The diplomat cited as examples Iran and Venezuela, where thousands of Starlink terminals were imported to coordinate protests and spread disinformation

Three 22-year-olds become billionaires in 2025, youngest ever to reach mark — Forbes

The net worth of these three young entrepreneurs is estimated at $2.2 billion

Trump urges PM Netanyahu to refrain from West Bank provocations — media

According to sources, during talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence near West Palm Beach, Florida, the US president and his aides "expressed concern about the situation in the West Bank"

Indian PM voices concern over reports of Ukrainian attack on Putin's residence

Narendra Modi urged all concerned parties to remain focused on the ongoing diplomatic efforts

Russia should not limit response to Kiev’s attack on state residence to diplomacy — expert

Political scientist Dimitri Simes pointed out that both Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov had reiterated that "Russia remains ready for talks"

Putin extends Christmas, New Year greetings to foreign leaders — Kremlin

Among NATO leaders, US President Donald Trump and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Putin’s greetings

Ukraine takes part in NATO Article 5 response drills for first time ever

Around 1,500 civil and military specialists took part in maneuvers all over Europe

Press review: Russia may revise Ukraine talks post attack and China launches Taiwan drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 30th

US, China can only draw closer if Americans stop aiding Taiwan — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky described the Taiwan issue as a "long-standing" conflict in which, he said, "fuel is periodically poured on the fire"

Arms control in Europe has no prospects unless Russia's interests are respected — diplomat

Yulia Zhdanova added that despite the escalation of military and political tensions, some NATO countries have recently been promoting the idea of resuming discussions on the future of conventional arms control mechanisms within the OSCE

Medvedev slams Zelensky ‘pathological liar, freeloader’

Security Council Deputy Chairman also noticed that Zelensky made US President Donald Trump sick of himself

EU’s decision on loan to Ukraine deals major blow to Zelensky, allies — newspaper

From a technical standpoint, this is a relief, but politically it is a defeat for Zelensky and his European allies, who promised to make Moscow pay, but in reality, settled for a compromise

Kiev attacked Russian president’s residence by long-range drones — Kremlin aide

The attack against the state residence of the Russian leader took place actually right after talks between the US and Ukraine in Mar-a-Lago, Yury Ushakov noted

Moscow raises the issue of speedy release of 11 Russians detained in Baku — MFA

The parties also summed up the results of bilateral cooperation in the past year

Russia’s response to any attack to be 'devastating', worth repeating it — top diplomat

Earlier, the Russian head of state warned that any strikes deep inside Russia with long-range Western-made weapons would be met with a "crushing response"

Zelensky, Western media's denial of attack on Putin's residence is insane — Kremlin

In response to a question from a Western agency journalist regarding the possible public presentation of the attack’s evidence, Dmitry Peskov replied: "I don't think there should be any evidence here when such a massive drone raid was carried out"

Belorusneft lifted 2 mln tons of oil first time in 30 years

The record was registered by the Center of Integrated Operations of Rechitsaneft Oil and Gas Production Division

Russian troops advance in Krasny Liman — Chief of General Staff

The liberation of the settlements of Bogoslavka and Dibrova was completed today

Russia’s battlefield advances compel Zelensky to be more cooperative — opinion

Journalist John Sparks noted that Vladimir Zelensky never mentioned the possibility of a referendum before

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland goes against Somali’s sovereignty — Russian mission

"We understand the justified reaction the move caused from the Somali government, the leadership of the African Union, the countries of the region, and the nations of the Arab-Muslim world," Dina Gilmutdinova noted

US strike on alleged drug vessel in Pacific Ocean kills two people

The strike was carried out by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear at the direction of Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth

Trump says US ready for dialogue with Iran but could also use force

US President pointed out that "Iran may be behaving badly," but added that it had not been confirmed

Russia able to cover domestic needs, export lithium products — minister

Booked reserves in Russia amount to 3.5 mln metric tons of lithium oxide

West using Ukraine to analyze Russia’s combat tactics — head of Kherson region

Vladimir Saldo added that the line of engagement along the Dnieper River in the Kherson Region has not been an exception

Russia to continue dialogue with US on Ukraine — Kremlin

The Russian leader warned that the attack would not go "unanswered"

UAE denounces Kiev’s ‘deplorable attack’ on Russian president’s residence

The Emirati Foreign Ministry affirmed solidarity with the Russian president, as well as with the country’s government and people

Russia calls up 135,000 conscripts for military service in autumn draft

As in the previous army drafts, Russian conscripts had the right to choose military service in various military branches and armed services, considering their health condition and the results of professional psychological selection

Germany’s defense exports to Ukraine in 2025 fall more than 7-fold

During this period, the government approved contracts for supplies of German defense-industry products to Ukraine worth 1.14 bln euro

Ukraine faces demographic crisis if those who left country do not return — sociologist

Only about a third of Ukrainians who have left the country are ready to return home after the end of hostilities

Trump’s treatment of Zelensky points to fragility of US-Ukrainian relations — newspaper

The paper notes that Putin "was welcomed to the United States in August with full ceremony, Mr Trump waiting for him at the end of a red carpet in Alaska"

Top Chinese diplomat points to stronger relations with Russia

Wang Yi added that "communication between the two countries’ leaders in this historic year highlights the essence of comprehensive strategic partnership and strategic mutual trust and support"

Kremlin says will 'toughen' negotiating stance after Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov recounted that Vladimir Putin in his most recent phone call with President Donald Trump drew the US leader’s attention to Kiev’s attack, which was launched "almost immediately" after US-Ukraine talks in Mar-a-Lago

Trump recalls that he personally blocked Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine

US President commented on Ukraine’s attempted attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence

Venezuelan air force destroys dozens of drug traffickers’ planes in 2025 — president

Nicolas Maduro stressed that as many as such 430 planes had been destroyed since the adoption of a law to combat drug trafficking

Kiev attacked Putin's residence in attempt to provoke Russia into quitting talks — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, each of Zelensky’s trips to meet with world leaders is "accompanied by a large number" of drone strikes on Russian regions

Russia’s Battlegroup East advancing towards Zaporozhye city — Putin

In December, Russia’s Battlegroup East liberated over 200 sq. km of territory and 10 settlements, including the town of Gulyaipole

Trump says he understands Putin who questions need of ceasefire for Ukraine referendum

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov revealed that in the phone call the two presidents "generally shared the view that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans would only prolong the conflict"

IN BRIEF: What’s known about Kiev's attempt to attack Putin’s residence in Novgorod Region

According to Sergey Lavrov, Moscow will not leave Kiev's attack unanswered

Russia's retaliatory measures to create operational problems for Euroclear — FT

According to the report, Euroclear has hired 200 additional employees to handle frozen Russian assets on a permanent basis

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian servicemen attempting to break through to Kupyansk

According to the Russian Defense Ministry the FPV drones destroyed three pickup trucks used by Ukrainian militants to transport assault troops and Ukrainian infantry

Putin appoints Dmitry Polyansky permanent representative to OSCE in Vienna

Another decree relieves Alexander Lukashevich of his duties

Industrial facility damaged in Kiev-controlled city of Zaporozhye

An air raid warning is currently in effect in the Kiev-held part of the Zaporozhye Region

Kiev’s provocations have no power over Putin-Trump dialogue — Kremlin

"The leaders maintain a trusting dialogue and continue to engage in talks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russian troops liberate Dibrova community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,360 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Ukrainian attack on Putin's residence threatens peace efforts — Mirziyoyev

The Uzbek president strongly condemned the attempted attack

Belarusian top brass confirms Oreshnik missile system goes on combat duty in republic

The Oreshnik missile system arrived in Belarus pursuant to a decision made by the Russian and Belarusian leaders

Drone attack against Krasnodar damage railway infrastructure

Two people were injured as a result of a drone attack against Krasnodar

Prep for war with Moscow now top narrative in EU policy — Russian senator

At present, European leaders are not considering the option of a direct military conflict with Russia, Alexey Pushkov added

Poll shows not-so-favorable view of Trump among citizens of France, Germany, UK

The survey data indicated that Trump enjoys the greatest support from right-wing populist parties in Europe

UAV attack on Putin's residence undermines US peacekeeping efforts — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky also expressed confidence that Russia's retaliatory measures "will inevitably follow," including a change in its negotiating position

Putin's whereabouts cannot be discussed publicly under current circumstances — Kremlin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that Kiev launched an attack on President Vladimir Putin's state residence in the Novgorod Region on December 29 using 91 drones

Saudi-led coalition conducts strike on vessels carrying military cargo from UAE

The coalition’s spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said that vessels’ crews had disabled tracking systems and unloaded a lot of weapons and military hardware meant for the Southern Transitional Council

Europe’s so-called ‘War Party’ ready to go to full extent — Lavrov

Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say

Americans not sold that US should be involved in Ukraine peace, poll reveals

As the survey shows, 41% of respondents believe the US should remain involved in the Ukraine negotiation process, while 39% favor Washington's withdrawa

Oreshnik missile system assumes combat duty in Belarus — Russia’s top brass

The Oreshnik road-mobile intermediate-range missile system was employed for the first time in November 2024

EU, NATO prepare for armed confrontation with Russia — diplomat

"All necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the Russian Federation's defense capability and security are 100% guaranteed under any circumstances," Alexander Grushko stated

Share of cashless payments in Russia to exceed 90% by 2030 — Central Bank

The number of transactions using bank cards slipped by 3% in Q3 2025

Putin orders to expand security belt on border with Ukraine in 2026

"This is a very important task," the Russian president said

Russian Railways to allocate $1.5 bln for high-speed rail construction in 2026

The approximately 700-kilometer-long railway will pass through six regions of the country, home to 30 million people

Russian troops establish control over southeastern part of Grishino

About a half of Novopavlovka settlement in the Dnepropetrovsk Region has been liberated, Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov noted

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

Attack on Putin’s residence marks major step towards Kiev’s collapse — expert

"The Kiev regime is betting on another round of escalation", Vadim Gigin, a member of the Belarusian lower house of parliament, said

Zelensky's presumptuous demands could doom Ukraine talks to failure — expert

According to Andrew Day, these demands will not be convincing but will create serious political and geopolitical risks for the Trump administration

Ukrainians may support withdrawal of Ukrainian army from Donbass in referendum — pollster

Head of the Ukrainian sociological group Rating Alexey Antipovich confirmed that people in the western regions of Ukraine are less willing to support territorial concessions than those in the eastern regions

Trump says Hamas to pay high price if it fails to disarm

"They're going to be given a very short period of time to disarm", US President said

Kiev loses nearly 17,000 soldiers, mercenaries near LPR in December — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the number of the Ukrainian armed forces’ sanitary losses and irreparable personnel losses has been increasing

FACTBOX: What is known about meeting on special op with Putin

Russian President instructed to continue fulfilling special operation’s objectives in accordance with the General Staff’s plans

Trump furious over Ukraine's attempted attack on Putin's residence — politician

Florian Philippot also stated the need to "assess as soon as possible the extent of Europe and NATO's involvement in this insane act of sabotage"

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

High voltage line restarts after repair at Zaporozhye nuclear plant

The repair of the Ferrosplavnaya-1 high voltage power line damaged as a result of the Ukrainian army’s attack was performed with attending inspectors of IAEA, the plant informed

Gas companies of Russia, Lithuania ink transit agreement

The natural gas transport volume stipulated in the agreement totals 10.5 mln cubic meters per day

Ukraine included in list of countries to receive US aid through UN in 2026

According to the UN agency, the list consists of 16 countries, including Syria, Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Ethiopia

Yemen severs defense agreement with UAE amid tensions in eastern republic

Yemen also demanded that the UAE withdraw all its forces and technical personnel from the republic within 24 hours

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian units in northwest of Kupyansk — Defense Ministry

Offensive actions are underway

Zelensky will have to hide for rest of life, Medvedev predicts

"The stinking Kiev bastard is trying to derail the settlement of the conflict", Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Ukrainian forces near Druzhkovka lost 15 armored vehicles to UAV strikes Rubicon center

The targeted equipment included T-64BV and T-80U tanks, an M113 armored personnel carrier, and an American-made M109A6 Paladin self-propelled gun

European contingents in Ukraine to be legitimate targets for Russian forces — Lavrov

In mid-December, leaders of major European countries issued a statement saying that security guarantees for Kiev should include the creation of European-led multinational forces for Ukraine

President vows Iran's response to further US aggression will be harsh

Masoud Pezeshkian said the retort "will make the enemy regret"

Russian forces penetrate Ukraine’s defenses along entire frontline — Putin

"Ukrainian troops are retreating everywhere, along the entire combat engagement line," the Russian leader noted

Russian diplomat calls attack on president’s residence 'unprecedented'

Nevertheless, in Maria Zakharova's words, the US President Donald Trump's administration "has embarked on this course and is pursuing it on many tracks"

Trump warns about potential strikes on Iran if it tries to revive its nuclear program

However, according to US President, he would prefer a diplomatic solution

Yemen declares state of emergency for 90 days amid UAE-backed offensive

The chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council also announced a 72-hour air, sea, and land blockade on all ports, airports, and border crossings