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Wagner PMC founder says four fighters from Finland killed in action, one missing

Previously, Yevgeny Prigozhin said that there are approximately 20 fighters from Finland in the Wagner PMC

MOSCOW, February 17. /TASS/. Four Wagner PMC fighters from Finland were killed and one went missing, PMC founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said Friday.

"Four Finnish fighters were killed, one went missing - possibly in Ukrainian captivity. Others keep fighting," he said, answering a question about the fate of the 20 Finnish soldiers, whose presence in the PMC Prigozhin disclosed earlier.

Prigozhin’s comments were published on his press office’s Telegram channel Friday.

Previously, Prigozhin said that there are approximately 20 fighters from Finland in the Wagner PMC. According to the PMC founder, they fight in the British battalion within the PMC, which is commanded by a US citizen, former Marine Corps General.

Pope Francis prays for peace for Russia, Ukrainian peoples

He also called for peace in the Holy Land, namely in Palestine, Israel, as well as in Lebanon, Syria, and the entire Middle East

Israeli military raiding West Bank — news agency

The military made searches using stun grenades and tear gas against local residents

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 cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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

Lithuania to continue training Ukrainian military instructors — top brass

Raimundas Vaiksnoras, Lithuania's Chief of Defense Staff, had trained military specialists for Ukraine even before the current hostilities began

Israel hits Hamas, Islamic Jihad radicals in Nuseirat camp in Gaza

"Among the terrorists eliminated in the strike was the Islamic Jihad terrorist Ahmed Bakr al-Lawh, who previously served as a Platoon commander in the Islamic Jihad's Central Camps Brigade," IDF said

IN BRIEF: Ex-Ukrainian intel officer’s car blown up in northern Moscow

The explosion occurred in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado off-road vehicle parked on Korovinskoye highway in the north of Moscow, when the driver started the SUV

Russia’s coal production in 2024 expected to be 1% less than in 2023 — deputy PM

Domestic consumption will go up, Alexander Novak said

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

Russians win 10 medals at World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest

The gold medals for the Russians were won by Miron Lifintsev, Ilya Borodin

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

Russia’s Ufa submarine, Malaysian Navy ships complete drills in South China Sea

The vessels from both countries practiced joint maneuvering, communication, and other forms of cooperation

Russia expects continued meetings on Syria with Turkey, Iran — senior diplomat

The Astana talks were founded in 2017, with 21 meetings held to date

Russian troops strike Kiev airport used to train F-16 pilots — politician

"The Russian army hit hangars and warehouses at the site, with secondary detonations continuing for up to two hours," Vladimir Rogov said

US, UK deliver airstrikes on Houthi targets in western Yemen — TV

According to the Al Masirah television channel, the strikes targeted Houthi facilities near the settlement of Al-Tuheita in the Hodeidah province

Pope Francis prays for peace for Russia, Ukrainian peoples

He also called for peace in the Holy Land, namely in Palestine, Israel, as well as in Lebanon, Syria, and the entire Middle East

Turkey ready to be mediator between US, Syria’s new authorities — top diplomat

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also said that Ankara "is coordinating actions on the situation in Syria with Saudi Arabia at the highest level"

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

Damascus, Aleppo airports resume operations, but so far only under special permits

The restriction period is set from 8:00 p.m. GMT on December 12 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 18

Georgian president declares she will not give up presidency

Georgia will hold its presidential election on December 14 and the new president will be inaugurated on December 29

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Su-57 fifth-generation fighter may get flat nozzle for stealth purposes — pilot

The flat nozzle technology is a breakthrough in modern aircraft-building, Major-General Vladimir Popov noted

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

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

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip nears 45,000 — health ministry

According to the ministry, 46 people have been killed in the past 24 hours alone

Russian economy growing despite unprecedented sanctions — Putin

The Russian leader added that all objectives set forth for Russia in the near future and the long-term perspective will be fulfilled

Nicaragua may consider direct flights with Russia, says special envoy

"We also discussed cooperation on culture and the establishment of a partnership between the media of our countries," Special Representative of the President of Nicaragua for Russian Affairs Laureano Ortega Murillo said

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

Ukraine to lose third of territory, get no invitation to NATO — Slovak PM

Robert Fico also emphasized that the conflict's repercussions would significantly impact Ukraine's internal stability

French president names Francois Bayrou as new prime minister

Bayrou, aged 73, takes over from Michel Barnier, who also shares the same age and stepped down after France’s lower house passed a successful no-confidence motion against his cabinet on December 4

Moscow’s special op exposed Pentagon’s biolab scheme in Ukraine, says key Russian MP

It is reported that the task of the commission is to "set forth all the evidence that has been investigated in a reasoned, consistent and systematic way"

Large Ukrainian stronghold wiped out near Konstantinovka — Russian military officials

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

Putin meets with former President of Kazakhstan Nazarbayev

Vladimir Putin met with first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in Novo-Ogaryovo

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

Press review: Syria’s future after Damascus takeover and Trump calls for ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 9th

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

Thousands of Moldovans will use migration amnesty in Russia — Moldovan president

Moldovan President Igor Dodon said about 500,000 Moldovan labor migrants are currently staying in Russia

West is hypocritical in discussing troop deployment to Ukraine, expert says

"Although Europeans have been involved in the conflict from the very beginning by supplying ammunition, weapons, advisors, and intelligence, they refuse to acknowledge that they are at war," Guillaume Ancel said

Poland imposes sanctions on Russian billionaire Oleg Boiko

Boiko also faces sanctions in Ukraine and Australia

Bolivarian Alliance summit participants approve declaration — Maduro

The plenary session of the summit took place for "four hours and forty minutes, and the work continued behind closed doors for two hours," the president said

South Korean Parliament upholds impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol

The formal impeachment procedure regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol will now have to be approved by the Constitutional Court within 180 days

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

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

Protest rally in downtown Tbilisi ends peacefully

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

TOS-1A Solntsepyok-1A ammunition creates long-lived shock wave — Rostec

The state corporation specified that the Solntsepyok munition creates a very high temperature, burning everything that can burn

Russia in talks with Syrian authorities on keeping its military bases — source

On December 9, a TASS source said that on the previous day armed groups of Bashar al-Assad's opponents had established full control of the provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where Russian military bases are located

Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

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

11 people taken to hospital after oil tanker wreck in Black Sea — health ministry

Two of them are in grave conditions, Alexey Kuznetsov, an aide to the Russian health minister, said

Ukraine refuses to allow Russian gas to transit through its territory — Moldovan Deputy PM

"Ukraine will not agree to preserve transit for Hungary and the Republic of Moldova only," Oleg Serebrian noted

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

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

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

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Israel, Jordan held secret talks on Syria — Axios

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According to the report, Russian operational/tactical and army aircraft, missile forces hit enemy manpower and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions

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

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

NYT predicts Ukraine conflict will end in 2025

The article points out that Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election will serve to expedite the peace talks

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

Ukraine loses its population, Ukrainians choose Russia, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, even some representatives of the current government acknowledge that the state policy regarding the support of internally displaced persons has actually failed

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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"

Russian forces liberate Vesyoly Gai, Pushkino in Donbass region

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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

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Washington and its allies also could consider lowering the oil price cap on Russian oil, , US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said

Russia hits Ukraine's power grid after Kiev attacks airfield in Taganrog with ATACMS

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the attack was carried out with the help of high-precision long-range airborne and sea-based weapons, as well as strike drones

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

Putin to present state awards to winners, medalists of 2024 Paris Paralympics

Nine athletes will be awarded the Order of Honor, eight will receive the Order of Friendship, and another 22 will receive the Order for Merit to the Fatherland of the 1st or 2nd degree

Putin praises T-90 tank as the best in world

The president noted that any hardware got outdated with time

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.

Calling all residents of Ukraine 'Ukrainians' not accurate, Medvedev says

The Russian senior official pointed out that the very word "Ukrainians" did not take on its modern ethnic meaning until the mid-19th century

Putin orders rescue efforts after two oil tankers run aground off Crimea — Kremlin

The Russian leader also ordered to set up a governmental working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Davelyev, Dmitry Peskov said

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

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

Ukrainian army to soon run out of soldiers to continue fighting — media

The report highlights that, in addition to a manpower deficit, Kiev may also face critical shortages of ammunition and weapons

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

Medvedev says US wants Taiwan to be its outpost in East Asia

According to the official, the plan is "quite in line with Washington's aspirations to bring the Asia-Pacific region into NATO's orbit and pit states against each other"

Smart drone return technology created in Russia — developer

Astron-Aero plans to test the technology in September

New regions may join Russia, Medvedev says

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

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

Unidentified drones disrupt airport operations in State of New York — governor

The US administration has not yet established the origin of unmanned aerial vehicles spotted in skies over the State of New Jersey and New York, a FBI official said earlier at the online briefing

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

Russian developer unveils heavyweight, all-weather drone

It is reported that the drone can also be operated in subzero temperatures

Nicaragua offers Russia to build new canal together — special envoy

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

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"

Results of Russian cancer vaccine’s preclinical studies due in late 2024 — minister

The research "is financed by the state as part of the governmental order," Mikhail Murashko said

Another anti-government rally being held in Tbilisi

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

US authorities not yet finding causes of drones appearing in skies

FBI official thinks "there has been a slight overreaction” to the situation

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

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

Air raid alert issued in six regions of Ukraine

The air raid sirens went off in the Dnepropetrovsk, Kirovograd, Nikolayev, Sumy, Poltava and Kharkov regions

South Korean ruling party chairman Han Dong-hoon steps down — Yonhap

He apologized for the declaration of martial law to his fellow citizens and supporters of the People Power faction, whose feelings were hurt by the impeachment of the president

Russian assets worth around 3.5 bln euro blocked in Germany — ministry

The German Finance Ministry’s spokesman said at the end of December 2023 that the authorities had frozen Russian assets totaling about 4.1 bln euro

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

Putin lauds participation of lawmakers in special op as courageous move

The Russian president also said that the veterans who returned with injuries must receive special attention and full support

Su-35S fighter jets providing air coverage in border areas of Kursk Region

"When performing combat missions, crews of Su-35S multirole fighters practiced the air coverage in the designated area for operations of bombers and assault aircraft and army aviation helicopters when delivering air strikes against armored vehicles and personnel of the Ukrainian army," the ministry informed

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

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

Press review: Dubai hosts nuclear powers' meeting as OSCE preps Ukraine for EU and NATO

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 12th

All 13 crew members evacuated from tanker aground in Kerch Strait, one dies

According to the Crimean department of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, two oil tankers were damaged in a storm in the waters of the Black Sea

Kremlin says it approves of Trump’s criticism of strikes inside Russia

Earlier, Trump slammed the decision which he said had been approved by the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to use US-made weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory as "crazy"