25 Dec 2024, 12:34

Azerbaijani president declares December 26 day of mourning after airliner crash

The commission is also tasked to provide adequate assistance to the families of those killed and injured in the crash

BAKU, December 25. /TASS/. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared December 26 a day of mourning following a deadly crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, the government’s news agency Azertac reported.

The president also set up a government commission led by Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov to investigate the causes of the crash and take appropriate measures. The commission is also tasked to provide adequate assistance to the families of those killed and injured in the crash. Additionally, it should "address issues related to the foreign nationals that were killed or injured in the crash."

An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane headed from Baku, Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russia crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau earlier on Wednesday. According to the latest reports, there were 69 people on board, nationals of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. According to the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office, at least 32 people survived, while the Kazakh Emergency Situations Ministry put the number of survivors at 29.

New fuel oil emissions found along Black Sea coastline — Krasnodar Region’s authorities

Pollution with oil products was recorded in four sections of the coast

Press review: Russia, US conclude talks in Saudi Arabia as Hamas discusses Gaza ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 25th

Russia in favor of negotiations with US on all fronts, including sports — Lavrov

"We are both 'for hockey' and 'for soccer.’ These are not just games, by the way, but what people want," the top Russian diplomat said

Yesterday, 17:39

US secretary of state sees no military solution to Ukrainian conflict

Marco Rubio expressed hope that progress will be made during the US negotiating team’s meetings in Saudi Arabia

Nigeria interested in purchasing agriculture equipment from Russia — Russian trade envoy

The matter was discussed at an online seminar for exporters organized earlier this week together with Russian Export Center, Maxim Petrov said

Kremlin says painting of its building on fire reflects Zelensky’s spiritual development

"Well, I suppose this illustrates in the best way the level of spiritual development and inner state of the one posing for these images," Dmitry Peskov noted

Yesterday, 15:15

US should stay in touch with Russia — State Department

The first round of talks between the technical teams of Ukraine and the United States took place in the afternoon of Sunday, March 23, with the discussions lasting about six hours

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in "some form, better suited to all"

Yesterday, 19:57

Russian official expects Moscow, Washington to agree on more initiatives

Vance stood up for the envoy amid criticism of the latter’s recent remarks on Ukraine

Russia-US dialogue on strategic stability should be restored — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat specified that these principles were reflected in the preamble of the New START Treaty, emphasizing the connection between strategic offensive and defensive arms, as well as mutual respect and equality

Yesterday, 15:14

IN BRIEF: Ukraine carries out assault on Russian energy infrastructure

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that the strikes involved both attack drones and HIMARS rockets

Yesterday, 16:08

Leader of Spain's left-wing coalition supports dissolving NATO

In Antonio Maillo's view, Europe has two options: "The first is to erect a wall of rearmament along the Russian border, and the second is to engage in dialogue with Russia, which is part of Europe"

19 Aug 2023, 14:32

All effects of drone attack against airdrome near Novgorod eliminated — authorities

According to the head of the Soltsy municipal district Maxim Timofeyev, nothing threatens the civilian population and infrastructure

Gagauzia head detained at Chisinau airport — National Anti-Corruption Center

According to the center, all the details will be announced on Wednesday

EU incites Zelensky; idea of peacekeepers 'will perpetuate Nazi regime' — Lavrov

"These so-called security forces would serve to entrench the Nazi regime, enforcing a ban on anything that reminds people of Russian roots," the foreign minister emphasized

Rousseff to head BRICS bank until 2030 — bank’s press service

The New Development Bank was set up by BRICS nations on the basis of the intergovernmental agreement signed at the sixth BRICS summit in Fortaleza in July 2014

Nukes stationed in Belarus can be used if necessary — Russian ambassador

Under the latest agreement on security guarantees that took effect in the Union State earlier this month, the two countries view Russian nukes as a key factor in preventing nuclear conflicts or military conflicts involving conventional arms, as well as a means of containment that can only be used as an absolute last resort

UN welcomes agreements on safe navigation in Black Sea — official

Spokesperson for the UN secretary general Stephane Dujarric noted that he had seen the two announcements

Russia favors resumption of Black Sea Initiative in more acceptable form — Lavrov

Russia would like "the market of grain, and the market of fertilizers to be predictable," and for no one to attempt excluding Russia from those markets, the foreign minister noted

Ukrainian troops destroy churches while fleeing from Kursk Region — Putin

According to the president, "it is absolutely necessary to plan the restoration of these cultural facilities in advance"

Yesterday, 17:30

Russia’s Yars missile formations to be taken to field positions

Military units will also practice engineering support and radiological, chemical and biological protection tasks during the maneuvers

Lukashenko officially assumes post of president of Belarus for new term

The Belarusian leader swore to faithfully serve the people, respect and protect the rights and freedoms of people, observe and protect the nation's constitution

India, Russia to conduct Indra Navy joint military exercises

Conducting the maneuvers "will serve the purpose of strengthening the friendship between Russia’s Navy and the Navy of the Republic of India," the Russian Embassy emphasized

Yesterday, 14:43

Ukrainian legislator calls Witkoff's statements on settlement in Ukraine shocking

"Of course, we cannot dictate to our American friends who should represent them," Alexander Merezhko said

OMV, Romgaz spud first gas production well of Neptun Deep project in Black Sea

"The project is progressing according to plan, with first gas estimated for 2027," the statement reads

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure

TASS has compiled the main information on the Ukrainian attacks

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 10:09

Russian army regains control over significant section of state border near Sumy

It is noted that in the vicinity of Guyev, Russian troops are actively clearing forested areas. Ukrainian soldiers in the region are facing shortages of food and ammunition

Murder of Russian journalists reiterates special military operation’s rightness — Kremlin

On Monday, reports emerged that six people were killed in an artillery attack on the Kremenskoy district by the Ukrainian army

Yesterday, 17:05

Israel opposes Ukraine’s glorification of Nazi collaborator — envoy

When asked about the Jewish state’s position on Ukraine’s glorification of Bandera, Alexander Ben Zvi recalled that Israeli ambassadors to Ukraine had issued notes of protest on that issue

Russia at forefront of fighting for more just world order — Russian intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that in the history of mankind, there are already examples of successful solutions to "tasks related to the collective condemnation of certain forms of discrimination and the fair compensation for damage caused by them"

NATO’s barbaric bombing of Belgrade must not be forgotten — SVR chief

NATO launched a military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on March 24, 1999

Oil pumping for Europe to slump due to another terrorist attack by Kiev — Lavrov

On March 19, Kiev intentionally attacked an energy infrastructure facility in the village of Kavkazskaya in the Krasnodar Region with several drones

11 Oct 2024, 09:22

Russia’s top brass sets up Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Technologies

A key area of the Center’s work is to train highly skilled instructors from among UAV specialists of military units and formations and operators of unmanned combat systems within single units and groups of units, the Defense Ministry specified

Black Sea ceasefire compliance issue to be resolved, other countries involved — Trump

Russia and the United States agreed to continue work on achieving a lasting and durable peace

Trump says US looking at Russia’s conditions for Black Sea ceasefire

According to US president, 'there are about five or six conditions'

Russia ranks second by tourists visiting Sri Lanka in 2M 2025 — authority

India topped the list with 77,381 tourists visiting in January-February 2025

Results of Riyadh talks between Russia, US reported to capitals — Kremlin

The Russia-US consultations were held in Riyadh on March 24 and lasted more than 12 hours

The Netherlands plans to increase army to 100,000 troops

Today, about 4,000 to 5,000 people sign contracts to join the army annually

US exports of LNG in January hit December 2023 high, Turkey top purchaser

LNG exports in January were 1% higher than in December 2024, and 4.7% higher than in January 2024

30 Jul 2015, 06:43

BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement Treaty comes into force

The parties agree that this contingent reserve arrangement shall contribute to strengthening the global financial safety net and complement existing international monetary and financial arrangements

China's experience should be used in making Northern Sea Route ports — Governor Tsybulsky

Alexander Tsybulsky cited as example the port in Dalian that handles 385 million tons of cargo per year

Grain deal will not work without lifting of sanctions on ships — Kremlin

One more condition is lifting of "restrictions of agricultural machinery supplies and other goods used in food and fertilizer production," the Kremlin noted

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

Russia has already "been through" Europe’s desire to inflict strategic defeat, as Napoleon and Hitler had such plans, the top Russian diplomat said

Russia to resume Black Sea deal after sanctions lifting from banks

The agreements will come into force when the Russian banks are also reconnected to SWIFT

Number of energy sites affected by Ukrainian strikes in Bryansk Region double

According to the Region's Governor Alexander Bogomaz, 212 sites sustained damage

Yesterday, 18:56

Krikalev appointed deputy head of Roscosmos for manned, automated complexes

Dmitry Baranov was appointed Deputy Director General for Industry Development

US intelligence points to Russia’s closer ties with Iran, China, North Korea

According to the US intelligence community, removing the accelerant of the war in Ukraine is unlikely to revert these bilateral relationships to a pre-war, 2021 baseline"

EU will not release Russian assets — EC President

The G7 loan facility opened for using revenues of Russian assets frozen in EU jurisdiction is up to 40 bln Euro and is intended for the period until 2027, with the repayment to be completed by 2040

"Angara-1.2" puts military satellites into orbit

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket being monitored by the ground automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Center.

10 Sep 2023, 22:40

Belt and Road Initiative more attractive than US project — expert

Accordingly, if other countries are indeed able to put forward an initiative similar to our one, China will be happy to welcome it, Yu Miaojie told

Chinese expert believes Russia needs to cooperate with Asia not relying too much on US

Chi Fulin noted that the Chinese and international community pay significant attention to Russian-American relations, which "are quite complex"

Russia, US in discuss Nord Stream pipeline issue — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, 'it will be interesting if the Americans use their influence on Europe and will force it not to reject the Russian gas'

Russian negotiators to return from Riyadh to Moscow later on Tuesday — senator

Vladimir Dzhabarov said that Karasin described the talks with the US as "complex but constructive"

Trump trusts Waltz despite scandal — TV channel

The US leader considers this incident as "the only glitch in two months, and it turned out not to be a serious one"

Energy strike moratorium voided if one side breaks it — Kremlin

"If one of the parties violates the ban, the other has the right to consider itself free from the obligation to comply with the agreement," the Kremlin added

EU's approaches on Ukraine directly contradict Trump administration’s position — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said the Europeans are currently facing "a huge number of problems"

Russia, US agree to ensure safe navigation in Black Sea — Kremlin

"In accordance with the agreement between the presidents of Russia and the United States, both sides have committed to implementing the Black Sea initiative," the statement reads

Russia, US may issue joint statement following Riyadh talks on Tuesday morning — CBS

According to the sources, "reports shared with the Trump administration from the US technical team in Riyadh seemed optimistic"

25 Jan 2022, 20:18

Russian Ambassador: Sanctions may speed Russia and China switching to national currencies

But a complete shift is not expected, Andrey Denisov said

Yesterday, 07:00

Five killed, eighteen injured in traffic accident in Crimea — Emergencies Ministry

The accident occurred in the Simferopol district on the Simferopol-Yevpatoria highway

Europe engages in ‘freeloading’ in cases with Ukraine, Yemen, NATO — Trump

US president said that 'the European Union has been absolutely terrible to us'

Joint use of ZNPP by Russia, any other country unacceptable — Russian MFA

Moscow will never hand the ZNPP over to Ukraine or any other country, the ministry emphasized

23 Oct 2024, 08:49

Russian, Belarusian militaries launch preparations for Zapad 2025 drills

Drills of this scope help "inspect the combat readiness level of the regional combat group in practice and the ability of troops to jointly accomplish assigned objectives," Viktor Khrenin said

Yesterday, 15:38

Some European leaders do not want real settlement in Ukraine — Russian envoy

Earlier, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked in an interview with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin that instead of addressing the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict, Europe is merely exacerbating the situation by increasing military spending and considering the deployment of its forces in Ukraine

Russia-US relations worsened during Trump’s first term due to his entourage — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, although "Trump's entire foreign policy is guided by national interests," the US president understands that other countries, "especially the great powers," also have their own interests

Yesterday, 16:46

Putting nuclear power plants in US hands to turn Ukraine into colony — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova emphasized that Russia did not target Ukrainian nuclear power plants, being acutely aware of "the seriousness of such actions and committed to adhering to universally recognized norms of international humanitarian law"

US authorities looking into how journalist was added to private chat on Yemen — Trump aide

Mike Waltz said said that there's 'a lot of lessons'

Press review: Putin, Trump hold high-stakes call while Israel resumes strikes in Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 19th

Talks in Riyadh technical, content not to be made public — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the reports made by the delegations to their capitals are being currently analyzed

Kremlin to soon issue another statement on results of contacts with US — spokesman

"The Russian and US sides continue to work in a constructive and positive manner within the framework of existing contacts," Dmitry Peskov said

Lavrov dismisses EU's Ukraine mission plans as 'dreamers' fantasy

"These dreamers are proving their complete political incompetence with each passing day," the Russian top diplomat said, referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron

Europe wants to undermine US role in Ukrainian settlement in every possible way — Lavrov

Europe does not want to settle the Ukrainian crisis on the basis of eliminating the root causes, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Russian prosecutors declare NATO-funded European Leadership Network undesirable in Russia

According to the statement, the organization's tasks are promotion of the concept of NATO expansion, advocacy of an anti-Russian agenda

US offers Ukraine new minerals deal — Zelensky

"I have asked to study it and we will see it before sending it to the parliament for ratification," he said

Investment projects with Russian capital in Nigeria worth $1.5 bln in year — trade envoy

According to Maxim Petrov, the number of investment projects implemented by Russian companies has seriously increased

Yesterday, 17:47

Russia, US have no plans of signing documents after talks in Riyadh — Kremlin spokesman

Negotiations between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh began on Monday morning

Trump to cut foreign aid spending by $2.5 bln — Semafor

According to the sources, US president will scale back funds designated as emergency spending under the debt ceiling legislation of 2023, enacted by the administration of Joe Biden

Yesterday, 14:34

Israel ready to consider military solution to issue of Iranian nuclear program — diplomat

US President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on March 7 that he had sent a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

White House describes data leak scandal as ‘tired gameplay’ by anti-Trump forces

Communications Director Steven Cheung described the situation as a "witch hunt"

Russia will not tolerate ambiguity regarding Black Sea initiative — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West has consistently acted to benefit Ukraine and penalize Russia in matters concerning the implementation of the Black Sea initiative

UN not yet ready to comment on participation in Black Sea agreements — official

Stephane Dujarric added that UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan was now on a visit to Turkey

Waltz's future in doubt after data leak — newspaper

The report said nothing is finalized yet, and President Donald Trump would ultimately make the decision over the next day or two

Kremlin posts lists of energy facilities covered by moratorium on strikes

The moratorium on strikes against energy facilities is in effect for thirty days from March 18 and may be extended by a mutual agreement

Indonesia to join BRICS Bank — President

The decision was made after the proposal made by the bank's chief Dilma Rousseff and following consultations with the financial bloc of the Indonesian government, Prabowo Subianto stressed

28 Sep 2016, 07:28

Court approves settlement deal on Russian tank manufacturer's multibillion debt

The debt of Uralvagonzavod and its subsidiaries, according to recent data, totals more than 7.3 bln rubles ($114.2 mln) and $30.2 mln

Ukrainian army tries to hold on to several villages in Russia’s Kursk Region — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, Russian forces have been ensuring a buffer zone in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Indonesia-EAEU free trade deal to be finalized by summer — Russian envoy

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on March 19 that the Asian country’s president would pay a state visit to Russia in June where he intends to sign an agreement on establishing a free trade zone with the Eurasian Economic Union

West 'swallowed' Ukrainian UAV attack on Russian territory on March 11 — Lavrov

On that day Ukraine launched a record number of drones against central Russia, including Moscow and the surrounding region - nearly 340 drones, the foreign minister recalled

Control over ZNPP cannot be handed over to Ukraine or any other country — Russian MFA

According to Moscow, "sharing the use of the ZNPP with any other country is also unacceptable. This is unprecedented in global practice"

US politicians' visit to Greenland shows disrespect for its authorities — Danish PM

On March 4, US President Donald Trump stated that he would support the decision of the people of Greenland to make their territory part of the United States

US to monitor compliance with agreements reached in Riyadh, Zelensky says

He pointed out that agreements on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a ban on strikes against energy sites had been reached in Saudi Arabia

Yesterday, 23:26

Lavrov plans to talk about aspects of Riyadh talks in TV interview on March 25

Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova announced an interview with Channel One

Federal Customs Service says pays $78.2 bln into Russia’s coffers in 2024

Valery Pikalev noted that this number was 11% higher than in 2023, but 1% short of its projected target

Yesterday, 09:43

Russia's Federal Security Service detains employee of regulatory body for state treason

According to investigators, the man established secret cooperation with the Ukrainian side to aid in actions against Russia's security

Trump upset over leak scandal, blames Waltz — newspaper

It is not yet known whether Trump intends to fire his national security advisor

Putin says armed conflict in Ukraine forced on Russia

"The entire law enforcement sector and its key link, the Interior Ministry, should certainly build all their activities based on these threats, which undoubtedly arise in today's situation," the Russian president said

Russia’s National Wealth Fund totals almost 12 trillion rubles as of March 1 — ministry

As of March 1, the amount of liquid assets of the NWF amounted to 3.394 trillion rubles (1.6% of GDP projected for 2025), which equals $38.7 bln, having lost 357.3 bln rubles

Rare gold coins stolen from French museum worth almost $656,000 found in Moscow

Russian law enforcement officers received a photo and a detailed description of the stolen exhibits

Yesterday, 23:59

Kiev regime once again reveals its brutal nature — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova also attributed the increase in terrorist attacks carried out by the Kiev regime to the realization by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that they are incapable of inflicting damage on the Russian Armed Forces on the battlefield

Yesterday, 10:32

Kremlin does not discuss personal gifts — Peskov on portrait allegedly presented to Trump

US special envoy Steven Witkoff mentioned earlier that after a March 13 meeting in the Kremlin, he delivered a gift from Putin to Trump