10 Dec 2024, 11:56Updated at: 10 Dec 2024, 12:15

Star defenseman for Russia's Zenit FC Douglas Santos proud to become Russian citizen

The Brazilian-born footballer has been playing left-back for Zenit St. Petersburg FC since July 2019

MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. Brazilian-born footballer Douglas Santos, who is playing for Russia’s Zenit St. Petersburg FC, says he is ecstatic about becoming a Russian citizen, Russia’s sports daily Sport-Express reported on Tuesday.

On October 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed to make Santos a Russian citizen. Irina Volk, spokesperson for the Russian Interior Ministry, announced to TASS on October 25 that the Brazilian footballer had received a Russian passport.

"Having lived in Russia for five years, I had the opportunity to become a citizen, and the [football] club guided me through this process," Santos said in an interview with the sports daily. "My family and I decided that this was an important step for me and for Zenit [St Petersburg FC]."

"We, my family and I, are extremely happy about it. I am happy that I am now a Russian citizen," he added.

Santos, 30, joined Zenit St. Petersburg FC in July 2019. Since then, the left back has helped the club win five Russian championships, two Russian Cups, and one Russian Super Cup.

The Brazilian defender has scored seven goals and served up 33 assists in his 204 match appearances with Zenit St. Petersburg FC.

Playing for Brazil at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, he won a silver medal.

Last month, Head Coach of the Russian national football team Valery Karpin said that Santos would be able to suit up for the national squad now that he was officially a Russian citizen.

Russia’s football ban

The International Association Football Federation (FIFA) announced on February 28, 2022 that the Russian national team and all professional clubs representing the country were barred from taking part in FIFA tournaments.

In turn, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) made a similar decision in regard to the Russian national football team’s participation in UEFA tournaments.

Both FIFA and UEFA cited Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine as grounds for their respective bans on Russian teams’ participation in competitions.

Putin congratulates women on International Women’s Day

Putin wished success, health, well-being, and all the best to Russian women

Two days ago, 10:07

MFA calls on Macron to apologize to French people for lying about Ukraine settlement

Maria Zakharova recalled that the ex-French president and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel "confessed, not under torture or pressure, that they were not going to fulfill the Minsk accords for all seven years, because they had a different plan"

Yesterday, 09:25

US company Maxar cuts off Ukraine's access to satellite images — news outlet

Militarny pointed out that Maxar is the main supplier of commercial satellite images for the Ukrainian armed forces

Yesterday, 11:15

Kremlin gives assurance of adequate security at Russian military bases in Syria

Later, the Latakia police chief told Qatar’s Al Jazeera television that government forces had taken control of Latakia, driving Assad-linked gunmen out of the city

Yesterday, 19:17

US national security adviser confirms his participation in talks with Ukraine next week

Mike Waltz also said that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit the United States within days

Yesterday, 15:03

Dialogue with Russia essential to resolve Ukraine conflict — former German chancellor

"We must not think only in military terms, which is only a part of the issue, but also use diplomacy," Angela Merkel stressed

Two days ago, 10:32

Kremlin does not consider US friendly nation

"However, we are currently working to revive and restore bilateral relations," Dmitry Peskov stated

Yesterday, 15:00

Route through Russia may become only way for rotation of IAEA experts at ZNPP

Mikhail Ulyanov recalled that the rotation of experts was under discussion throughout February, but each time the process was disrupted

Yesterday, 16:33

European MP warns of provocations in Ukraine to convince Europe to arm

Roberto Vannacci noted that the French president's proposal to send European troops to Ukraine was "a demonstration of the failure of a loser, his complete incompetence and ignorance"

Yesterday, 14:55

British will have to return to Russia everything being "generously given away" — Volodin

According to the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, Russia now "has every reason to respond in a similar way and confiscate British property" located in our country

Yesterday, 15:58

Russian President Putin voices solidarity with Republika Srpska leader Dodik — Kremlin

On February 26, a court in Bosnia and Herzegovina sentenced Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and imposed a six-year ban on his political activities

Putin congratulates women on International Women’s Day

Putin wished success, health, well-being, and all the best to Russian women

Two days ago, 14:43

Kiev planning to deploy foreign mercenaries to Chasov Yar in Donetsk region — expert

In that frontline area, the enemy is hastily delivering concrete slabs by railways to create a defensive line, Vitaly Kiselyov said

Yesterday, 17:54

US Treasury Secretary finds it too early to talk about American business’ return to Russia

Scott Bessent assured that US President Donald Trump is working hard to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Yesterday, 19:02

Europe embarks on path of accelerated militarization — Russian diplomat

"The lack of legal competence and real military capabilities is camouflaged by the speculation about the European Union's strategic autonomy complementary to NATO," Maria Zakharova stressed

Yesterday, 06:56

IAEA chief points to norm erosion in wake of Macron’s nuclear rhetoric

In an address to the nation earlier this week, Macron said that he would begin discussions with allies about bringing the European countries under protection of the French nuclear deterrent forces on request from incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz

Two days ago, 13:54

Respite for Ukrainian forces on battlefield unacceptable — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the true intention of France and the UK, which came up with a plan for Ukraine, was to prevent a collapse of the front line for Ukrainian forces

Yesterday, 20:56

Over 50 Syrian security forces’ officers die in clashes in Latakia — TV

The local security chief also said that the security forces "have taken control of the city of Jableh" and will "enter the city of Qardaha within hours"

Yesterday, 10:49

Russian forces strike mercenary concentrations, airfields in western Ukraine — expert

In addition, airfields with concentrations of NATO-standard and Soviet-made warplanes were hit, according to Vitaly Kiselyov

Brussels 'declares war' on European leaders supporting Trump — Russian intelligence

The European Union’s leadership is obviously behind the decision to bring charges against Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, the SVR emphasized

Yesterday, 16:04

China will not pit one side against the other in Ukraine conflict — expert

China is neither the instigator of the crisis nor a party to it, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China Wang Wen stressed

Yesterday, 15:02

Georgia asks Baltic states to stop involving others in confronting Russia — speaker

Shalva Papuashvili emphasized that these three post-Soviet countries want Georgia to be a tool and a means against Russia

Two days ago, 16:43

Putin asks Russia's opponents to recall ending of Napoleon's campaign

"All the mistakes of our enemies and adversaries began in the same way: with a profound underestimation of the Russian character and, more broadly, of the representatives of Russian culture," the Russian leader stressed

Yesterday, 16:26

Assad’s armed supporters act on instructions from abroad — Syrian intelligence

The security forces said that the armed men involved in the clashes were linked to former special forces commander Suhayl al-Hasan

Yesterday, 18:48

Israel will ensure demilitarization of southern Syria, protect Druze community — minister

According to Israel Katz, Israel will remain in buffer zone in the Golan Heights indefinitely

Zimbabwe doing everything possible to join BRICS, top diplomat says

The African country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira also noted that Zimbabwe could learn from Russia how to find local solutions to local challenges

Yesterday, 20:57

UK unable to replace US in terms of intelligence for Ukraine — Russian envoy to London

Andrey Kelin agreed that "all the hostile statements coming from London lack any real foundation"

Yesterday, 11:17

Kremlin rejects link between Russia strike on Ukraine military plants, Macron truce plan

Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian military "continues the special military operation and, as part of this operation, targets the installations related to the military-industrial complex, weapons production, and so on in Ukraine"

Yesterday, 17:24

Iran's mission to UN says did not receive Trump's letter for Khamenei

Earlier, the US President said in an interview that he would prefer to make a deal with Tehran and reiterated that Iran should not have nuclear weapons

Yesterday, 17:08

Bitcoin switches to growth, climbs above $90,000

Earlier, the value of the cryptocurrency fell to $85,700 after US President Donald Trump signed a decree on the formation of a strategic cryptocurrency reserve of bitcoins

Yesterday, 04:20

US encouraged by signals from Kiev, but aid still ‘on pause’ — defense secretary

Peter Hegseth said his country was "interested in creating the conditions for peace."

Industrial facility, gas station suffer damage in Ukraine's southern Odessa Region

Earlier, air raid sirens went off in the Odessa Region

Yesterday, 19:56

Houthis say they will resume naval operations against Israel

They want Israel to unblock humanitarian deliveries to the Gaza Strip within four days

Yesterday, 10:23

Russia prefers diplomacy, but now must defend itself with special operation — Kremlin

"But in conditions when the same Ukraine refuses dialogue and, moreover, legally prohibits such dialogue for itself, we continue the special military operation to ensure our interests," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Yesterday, 16:25

US fears Kiev may sell software for Storm Shadow missiles — expert

British-made Storm Shadow missiles have reportedly become "useless" for the Ukrainian military, as their deployment requires U.S. intelligence

Yesterday, 13:41

Over 40% of Danes see US as threat to kingdom

32% of respondents consider the United States to be a serious threat

Yesterday, 17:26

Fighting continues in Assads’ hometown of Qardaha continues — agency

According to the agency’s source, the government military has broken into the city held by the pro-Assad forces and are fighting against them within the city limits

Yesterday, 05:21

Damage reported to power, gas supply infrastructure across Ukraine

German Galushchenko referred to gas and power infrastructure facilities "across Ukraine," without elaborating

Yesterday, 07:22

Russian troops raise national flag over liberated Andreyevka community in Donetsk region

In the liberation of the community of Andreyevka, Russian assault teams carefully planned their actions, it said

Yesterday, 19:41

Paris, London’s mediation will only complicate talks on Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Andrey Kelin noted that the "chief peacemakers" - French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer - are seeking to outdo one another and "assume the leading role" in a bid to "keep afloat the Ukrainian project

Yesterday, 17:01

US still has potential for sanctions pressure on Russia, White House says

Director of the US National Economic Council Kevin Hassett declined to name the companies that may be targeted by new sanctions

Two days ago, 10:17

Lavrov compares Macron to Hitler, Napoleon

"Because they stated openly: 'We must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia'," the top Russian diplomat said

Two days ago, 13:00

Transition of Panama Canal under US control won’t affect Russian economy — expert

Alexey Bezborodov recalled that the operator of the ports will be Mediterranean Shipping Company

Yesterday, 13:16

Vucic confirms plan to attend Victory Parade in Moscow in 'great' phone call with Putin

Among other issues, the two leaders discussed political cooperation and the need for more intergovernmental work to restore bilateral trade and boost economic ties between their countries in what Vucic called a meaningful phone call

Yesterday, 13:26

Trump considers Ukraine pawn which can be sacrificed — media

Farah Stockmann also expressed the opinion that the current administration has come to realize two things: the liberal world order was sustained solely by American military might, and US residents no longer want to pay other people’s bills

Yesterday, 18:09

US finds it harder to engage with Ukraine than with Russia — Trump

The US leader noted that the Russian side "has all the cards"

Yesterday, 16:30

Europe should provide Ukraine with security guarantees — US Treasury Department

According to Scott Bessent, Washington does not intend to give such guarantees to Kiev

Yesterday, 16:46

Ukraine's oligarchs not happy with rare-earths deal with US — Treasury Department

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky had already promised the US administration several times to sign the mentioned deal, but he did not keep his word

Yesterday, 19:23

Kabul blast plotter confesses to involvement in Crocus attack — US Justice Department

The terror attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in the city of Krasnogorsk just a stone’s throw from Moscow’s city limits was staged on the evening of March 22, 2024

Yesterday, 15:22

Poland to seek access to nuclear weapons — PM

According to the Polish prime minister, the political negotiations with France on the nuclear umbrella are "at a very advanced stage"

Yesterday, 15:45

UK removes Russian bank, Turkish company from its sanctions list

The reasons for removing the mentioned companies from the sanctions list are not specified

Yesterday, 09:04

Hungary’s Orban questions EU’s capacity to provide more military aid to Ukraine

The Brussels summit showed that, further down the road, "the Europeans would like to sponsor the Ukrainian army"

Yesterday, 10:39

Europe fuels enmity with Russia, unwilling to recognize Ukraine's defeat — German expert

Alexander Rahr argues that Europe has undergone a significant transformation

Yesterday, 08:00

India can launch Russian Su-57E fighter production within short time — Rosoboronexport

India’s HAL aerospace and defense company has produced already more than 220 Su-30MKI fighter jets at its production capacities, Rosoboronexport stressed

11 Nov 2024, 14:27

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: EU boosts Kiev’s military power while London disrupts Ukraine peace talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 7th

Russia supports stability in Abkhazia — Kremlin

"It is important for us that the election process concludes within the legal framework," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 17:09

Zelensky won’t participate in Ukraine's talks with US in Saudi Arabia — TV

Zelensky will hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on March 10

Yesterday, 20:59

Trump considers moving US contingent from Germany to Hungary

At the moment, 35,000 US troops are on their service in Germany

Yesterday, 12:53

Trump anticipating things when calling for complete denuclearization — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov noted that some cuts or arms control measures were "quite understandable"

Yesterday, 15:33

Georgescu registers as candidate for Romania’s president again

Calin Georgescu continues to position himself as an independent candidate

Ukrainian forces likely to pull out of Russia’s Kursk Region within two weeks — newspaper

The Kursk Region came under a massive attack from Ukraine on August 6, 2024

Two days ago, 16:32

Russia’s defense chief inspects laser innovations at Sarov federal nuclear center

Andrey Belousov held a working meeting with the heads of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center and specialized military agencies

Two days ago, 09:25

Ukraine’s intelligence services sent fake letters to 42 Russian educational entities — FSB

It is noted that Ukraine’s military intelligence service and the Security Service (SBU) obtain information about the Russian military personnel against the background of military equipment and various sources on the Internet due to non-adherence to basic requirements for protecting information about army membership, while information about teenagers and educational organizations is open

Yesterday, 08:33

Bank of Russia sells yuan worth over $62 mln with settlements on March 6

The Bank of Russia carries out purchase and sale operations on the domestic market in the currency section of the Moscow Exchange in the yuan-ruble instrument

Yesterday, 15:15

Ukraine has for first time used French Mirage 2000 fighter jets for air defense

On February 6, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced the delivery of the first Mirage 2000 aircraft to Ukraine

Yesterday, 11:08

Some Ukrainian MPs, political analysts suggest US may physically remove Zelensky

Political analyst Yury Romanenko shared in his Telegram channel that the United States allegedly has compromising material on "250 people who embezzled several tens of billions of dollars," using this information to exert pressure on the Ukrainian political elite

Yesterday, 12:30

France may deploy nuclear weapons in other European countries — envoy

"It definitely can't transfer it. This is prohibited by the Non-Proliferation Treaty. As for deploying — yes, it can," Mikhail Ulyanov said

Yesterday, 08:53

IN BRIEF: What we know about explosions and impact on infrastructure in Ukraine

An air alert was announced throughout the country at night

Yesterday, 01:32

US froze military aid to Kiev because Zelensky took it for granted — intelligence chief

According to Tulsi Gabbard, US President Donald Trump thus sent a signal to Vladymyr Zelensky

Two days ago, 13:22

IN BRIEF: Lavrov comments on Macron’s `nervous’ remarks, Ukraine peacekeeping plan

According to the Russian foreign minister, the French leader’s nuclear rhetoric presents a threat to Russia, while Moscow remains open to a frank dialogue with all parties

Over 130 civilians killed in clashes in two Syrian provinces — TV

According to the broadcaster, most of those killed were members of the Alawite community

Yesterday, 15:37

Foreign players may be behind attacks on ships leaving Russian ports — Ambrey report

According to the report, at least four tankers and one cargo ship have "experienced damage consistent with naval mines" since December 2024

Yesterday, 15:04

Europe’s security cannot be guaranteed without Russia — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto emphasized that Europe’s new security framework cannot be established without Moscow

Musk blames Zelensky for murder of journalist Gonzalo Lira

The reporter was detained in Kharkov in May 2023 and was accused of supporting the Russian special military operation in Ukraine

Yesterday, 04:31

Hungary to hold referendum on Ukraine’s accession to EU — premier

Previously, Orban has repeatedly said that at this point, Ukraine’s EU membership would deal irreparable damage to Europe’s agriculture and the economy in general

Yesterday, 11:09

FACTBOX: What we know about clashes between security forces, Assad supporters in Syria

The domestic security authority imposed curfews in Latakia, Tartus, and Homs amid ongoing clashes that have become the fiercest since the change of power in Syria in December 2024

Syrian interim president calls on Assad’s supporters to lay down arms

He stressed that the country’s new authorities "would persecute the remnants of the fallen regime"

Greater portion of winter crops in good, satisfactory condition — minister

Planting is planned to be increased this year for oil crops, sugar beet, vegetables, potato and feed crops, Oksana Lut said

Yesterday, 14:29

Vucic thanks Putin for support amid attempts of color revolution in Serbia

Aleksandar Vucic noted that he had discussed that issue with the Russian president Vladimir Putin

Yesterday, 18:46

Iran next major international issue, 'interesting days ahead' — Trump

The US leader emphasized that he couldn't let Iran have nuclear weapons

Two days ago, 15:05

Ukraine won’t be able to use Storm Shadow missiles without US intelligence — newspaper

The US has not only stopped sending its intelligence to Ukraine, but also prohibited the UK from sharing it with Kiev

Yesterday, 18:32

Russia’s export duty on wheat to be $27.42 per metric ton from March 12

The duty on corn will be 1,925.9 rubles ($21.61) per metric ton

Yesterday, 13:40

France can deploy nuclear weapons in other European states — envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that there was no point for France in transfering nuclear weapons to other European countries

Yesterday, 15:35

Russia alarmed by sharp aggravation in Syria — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stressed that in such extreme circumstances, Russia urges "all influential Syrian leaders who can affect the situation on the ground to make every effort to end the bloodshed as soon as possible and prevent civilian casualties"

Yesterday, 16:28

EU defense stockpiles may run out in weeks without US support — media

The agency emphasizes that Europe is heavily reliant on the United States for communications, intelligence, logistics, as well as strategic military guidance and firepower within NATO

Yesterday, 12:14

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted roughly 575 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported

3 Apr 2023, 08:32

France to consider it success if Macron persuades Xi to make Zelensky negotiate — agency

Earlier, it was confirmed that Emmanuel Macron would pay a state visit to China on April 5-7

Yesterday, 12:25

Extending NATO's collective defense article to Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — senator

Konstantin Kosachev elaborated that Ukraine would always depend on NATO support and this dependency would inevitably lead Ukraine to provoke Russia again

Organization of Islamic Cooperation decides to resume Syria’s membership

Turkey, in his words, "is doing its best to ensure that Syria regains its legitimate place in regional international formats"

10 Jul 2024, 09:30

NATO looking to divide up Western Ukraine among members — Russian diplomat

"No NATO ally would ever receive the copious amounts of [funds and weapons] that non-member Ukraine has," Maria Zakharova argued

Bank of Russia sells currency worth $62.7 mln in domestic market

The Bank of Russia is buying and selling foreign exchange in the domestic market in the currency section of the Moscow Exchange with the use of the yuan-ruble instrument

Yesterday, 14:08

Serbian army unit to participate in Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

Aleksandar Vucic also reaffirmed that he would come to Moscow for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War

All systems ready for SWIFT in Russia, but it is a dying technology — lawmaker

According to Anatoly Aksakov, new options for mutual settlements have been developed

Yesterday, 15:26

New Delhi, Moscow sign $248 million contract to buy engines for Indian tanks — top brass

The deal also includes the transfer of technology from Rosoboronexport to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines

Two days ago, 13:05

Russia won’t tolerate NATO contingents in Ukraine, Lavrov says

This would mean a direct, official, open involvement of NATO countries in the war against Russia, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Two days ago, 18:11

Europe not to win arms race against Russia as Moscow has no intention of joining — Kremlin

"We will focus on our own matters and secure our own interests," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Two days ago, 20:29

US, Ukraine to discuss ways to resolve conflict at meeting in Saudi Arabia — envoy

The Axios news website reported earlier, citing sources, that US and Ukrainian officials would "discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire" at a meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 12

Rusal to set up pilot production for scandium oxide with annual capacity of 1.5 tons

The total global production of scandium oxide is estimated at 20-25 tons per year

Yesterday, 01:54

Russia ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but no temporary ceasefire — ambassador to UK

Andrey Kelin dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, previously put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron

Yesterday, 17:11

Russia offers India very favorable deal on Su-57 fighter jet — ambassador to New Delhi

Denis Alipov expressed confidence that Russia was "in a very good position," if India announced a tender