10 Mar, 16:40

Russian court sentences Georgian mercenary for crimes near Kursk to 25 years in absentia

The investigation revealed that Gamsakhurdia, a mercenary since March 2022, entered the Kursk Region in August-September 2024 as a member of the armed group Caucasian Legion, which he commanded

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The Second Western District Military Court has sentenced Georgian mercenary Lado Gamsakhurdia, who is listed as an extremist and terrorist by a Russian watchdog, to 25 years in prison in absentia for his involvement in the invasion of the Kursk Region, according to the Main Military Prosecutor's Office.

Like other previously convicted participants in the incursion, Gamsakhurdia was found guilty under Part 2 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to acts of terrorism committed by a group of individuals acting in concert, resulting in severe consequences.

The investigation revealed that Gamsakhurdia, a mercenary since March 2022, entered the Kursk Region in August-September 2024 as a member of the armed group Caucasian Legion, which he commanded. During this time, he carried out armed attacks on villages, targeted Russian military personnel and law enforcement officers, and fired upon administrative buildings, residential houses, and other civilian infrastructure, instilling fear among local residents.

The prosecutor's office noted that in December 2024, Gamsakhurdia had already been convicted in absentia for mercenarism and the recruitment of mercenaries. Considering his previous sentence, the court has now imposed a 25-year prison term on Gamsakhurdia, with the first five years to be served in prison and the remainder in a high-security penal colony. He is currently on an international wanted list.

Patriarch of Serbia thanks Putin for his position on Kosovo, Republika Srpska

Patriarch Porfirije said that "without Kosovo and the Republika Srpska, the Serbian people have no future

Trump’s plan to resolve Ukraine crisis to feature in new history textbooks — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Medinsky noted 'the extraordinary efforts being taken by the new US administration in an attempt to find a reasonable solution to the Ukraine conflict'

Yesterday, 16:42

Putin says Ukrainian soldiers make restaurants military targets by holding parties there

This issue needs to be addressed, perhaps, through bilateral talks, according to the president

FACTBOX: What to know about explosion at Russia’s military unit

According to Governor Alexander Avdeyev, first responders are working at the scene of the explosion in the region’s Kirzhach District

Yesterday, 13:17

Zelensky loses London's support, hits out at Beijing — Medvedchuk

"If even London is tired of this political clown, that shows he is losing the last pillars of his support," the politician noted

Kremlin dismisses idea of placing rushed deadlines on Ukraine conflict resolution

As Dmitry Peskov stressed, the issue of the Ukrainian settlement is "extremely complex"

Yesterday, 16:41

Russian-made SJ-100 jet preparing for maiden flight — company executive

A prototype of the passenger jet with imported systems and domestically-produced PD-8 engines successfully completed its first test flight in March 2025

Pope Francis’ peace efforts rejected by Zelensky, NATO — Hungarian activist

According to Endre Simo, the head of the Roman Catholic Church "sought compromise between East and West, because he believed that the opposing sides should extend a hand to each other for the sake of harmonious coexistence of peoples and nations"

Yesterday, 14:54

Putin calls Pope's passing during Easter period 'special sign'

The Russian president stressed that "the Pope did much good not only for his flock, but for the world as a whole"

Russian army breaches second line of Ukrainian defenses near Konstantinovka

Advisor to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky noted that intense fighting is ongoing in the Chasov Yar area, where the enemy is attempting to hold strategic heights to prevent the Russian Armed Forces from gaining control of the region

Ukrainian reserves near Krasnoarmeysk running low amid new Russian successes — politician

Igor Kimakovsky recalled that the Ukrainian army attempted to "cut off" Russia's advance by drones

Trump’s approval rating slides to 42%, latest poll shows

The poll surveyed more than 4,300 US adults on April 16-21

Ukrainian forces unsuccessfully tried to attack LPR, DPR during Easter truce — expert

During the Easter truce, numerous ceasefire violations by Ukrainian armed formations have been recorded in the areas of Nadiya, Novoogorovka, Makeyevka, Belogorovka, Novoye and Grigorovka, Andrey Marochko said

Yesterday, 23:06

White House dismisses allegations against Pentagon chief as fake news

According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, US President Donald Trump said that 'he stands strongly behind the Secretary of Defense'

Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week, Kremlin aide says

Steve Witkoff most recently visited Russia on April 11 and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg

No plans for Putin to attend Pope Francis’ funeral — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, no decision has been made yet on who will represent Russia at the ceremony

Yesterday, 18:50

Pope Francis died of stroke that caused coma, cardiac arrest — statement

It also said that the pontiff suffered from type 2 diabetes

Move over Malkin: Ovechkin breaks record for playoff power play goals by Russians

The Russian hockey star now has 29 power play goals in the NHL playoffs surpassing Yevgeny Malkin’s record of 28 goals

Yesterday, 14:25

EU cannot support Ukraine in military conflict without US — Kneissl

According to the former Austrian foreign minister, "France is now very upset that Germany and Poland are buying weapons from the United States, and not from France"

Cardinals Parolin, Tagle likely to become pope — betting agency

Cardinals may only convene to elect a new pope no earlier than after nine days of mourning after the funeral, or two weeks after death, meaning that the event can start no sooner than May 10

Top Russian human rights defender reveals real reason behind conflict with West

"They fear that the world will not be organized by their rules but by competing principles," Valery Fadeyev pointed out

Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

The authorities in Kiev usually do not disclose incidents at military facilities and factories

Kremlin says no plans for talks with Kiev on suspending attacks on civilian targets

Responding to a question about the likelihood of attacks on civilian facilities being halted, Dmitry Peskov noted that first, "this issue must be discussed taking into account the experience of the Easter truce"

Erdogan’s son confesses he ‘enjoys coming to Russia’

Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan said he had been to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi and Yakutsk

Yesterday, 14:45

Kiev was 'prompted' to accept Russia's Easter ceasefire proposal — Putin

The Russian president noted that initially Ukraine issued a statement dismissing the proposal "as a game with people’s lives"

Yesterday, 15:47

China is top marine economic power now — Russian presidential aide

The struggle for the World Ocean lasted for several centuries and a small quiet period was only after 1991, when the socialist block disintegrated, Nikolay Patrushev said

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Easter truce may shift Ukraine conflict as Iran, US report nuclear progress

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 21st

Russian forces encircling Ukrainian troops in Gornal in Kursk region — senior lawmaker

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that, prior to the Easter truce, units from Russia’s Battlegroup North had struck Ukrainian brigades near Gornal

Yesterday, 11:18

Moscow welcomes US statements on Ukraine’s impossibility to join NATO — Kremlin

Bloomberg news agency reported earlier that Washington presented its allies in Paris with proposals for a Ukrainian settlement and they included a refusal to discuss Kiev’s NATO membership and the easing of sanctions against Russia

Yesterday, 10:59

Former Italian PM says Russia’s wish not to have enemies at its doorstep understandable

Giuseppe Conte also believes that the EU has never intended to promote dialogue on settling the conflict

Mediators offer Israel, Hamas truce for 5-7 years — media outlet

Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled its readiness to relinquish control in the enclave and hand over governance of Gaza to another Palestinian political force, such as the Palestinian National Authority or some new organization

Yesterday, 09:53

Durov says Telegram never disclosed single byte of private messages in its 12-year history

The messenger's co-founder said that Telegram would only disclose the IP addresses and phone numbers of criminal suspects, if provided with a valid court order

Yesterday, 11:38

China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb

When activated by conventional explosives, the magnesium hydride underwent rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas that ignited into a sustained inferno, the researchers said in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese-language Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance

US to propose that Europe recognize Crimea as Russian — report

According to The Washington Post, the proposal will be part of a possible peace deal

Yesterday, 13:25

FACTBOX: Vatican enters sede vacante period, as pontiff passes

Sede Vacante is a period that spans from the death or resignation of the Pope to the election of his successor

Yesterday, 10:46

Nazis whom Zelensky made welcome in power to sacrifice him whenever possible — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Zelensky had long ago become a pawn in both foreign and domestic politics

Farewell ceremony for Pope Francis begins in Vatican

According to the press service of the Holy See, members of the Roman Curia and the Vatican staff are currently paying last respects to the Pope

Kadyrov says Ukrainian forces tried to cross Russian border in Sumy area, were stopped

According to the official, a Ukrainian armored fighting vehicle exploded on the minefield and was finished off by a precise strike of a fiber-optic drone

Yesterday, 16:37

Russia started strengthening marine potential before US actions — official

The situation will evolve "more likely the other way around," the presidential aide said when answering the question whether Russia endeavors to catch up with the US, considering extensive plans of the US administration

PREVIEW: Moscow-based MGIMO University to host Russian-African youth forum

On April 22-25, a plenary session, roundtables, expert and panel discussions, business games, and other events will take place in hybrid format

Erdogan’s son praises Putin as ‘decisive leader’

I see Mr. Putin as a leader who puts the interests of his country and his people in the forefront, Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan said

Yesterday, 12:02

No lasting peace possible in Ukraine without regime change, former PM says

Nikolay Azarov has repeatedly stated that Ukraine is being led by a Nazi regime, under which there is no freedom of speech, and the opposition and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church are being persecuted

Two days ago, 22:07

Trump says hopes for Russia-US deal to be made in coming week

"Both will then start to do big business with the United States of America," US leader said

Ukrainian troops intentionally destroy Gornal monastery — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that the monastery will be rebuilt

Kharkov mobilization bleeds local working class — Ukrainian legislator

A new law enacted on May 18, 2024, allows for the drafting of hundreds of thousands more Ukrainians into the military

Emergency introduced in Kirzhach district of Vladimir Region after explosion

Emergency response services are working on the site

Yesterday, 11:56

Putin ratifies agreement on strategic partnership with Iran

The agreement sets out the legal framework for further development of cooperation between Moscow and Tehran for the long-term perspective

Yesterday, 14:02

Kiev foolishly squanders chances given it by Russia, int'l community — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said that the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that Kiev is incompetent

Yesterday, 18:15

Pope Francis to be buried late this week

The spokesman also recalled that the pontiff had expressed the wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with a public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica

Yesterday, 18:57

Russia must repay moral debt to residents of Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

The president noted that restoration of Donbass and Novorossiya is a complex but gradually advancing process

Yesterday, 20:25

23 children die, 167 receive injuries in Ukraine’s attacks on Belgorod Region in 3.5 years

Region’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that the enemy shells 'cities and villages from all types of weapons, drops munitions from drones, causing suffering to civilians'

Russian, Bangladeshi naval crews hold joint maneuvers in Indian Ocean

After finishing practical training, the Russian vessels continued to perform tasks as part of their long-range cruise plan, according to the Pacific Fleet

Switzerland imposes sanctions on eight Russian media outlets

The restrictions will take effect on April 23

Russian servicemen liberate Gornal monastery in Kursk Region — sources

According to the Russian servicemen, the Ukrainian military considered the monastery a military facility

Hungarian PM casts vote opposing Ukraine's admission to the EU in national referendum

The Hungarian government intends to take the results of the referendum into account during talks with the EU leadership

Israeli air strikes kill at least 29 Gazans over past day — TV

According to the Al Jazeera, Israeli forces have been delivering attacks on tent camps for displaced people across the Palestinian enclave

Yesterday, 18:20

Russia will not abandon its other partners for sake of dialogue with US — diplomat

"The United States, we welcome you. But you are not the only one. And we will see what becomes of the dialogue with you," he added

Kiev blocks every effort to take bodies of Ukrainian soldiers from battlefields near Kursk

Russian security officer told TASS that Russian servicemen came under attack as they attempted to take the bodies of Ukrainian troops from areas near Guyevo and Nikolayevo-Daryino to mortuaries

US overestimates own power in attempt to squeeze China out of global trade — newspaper

Washington's blatant coercion of negotiating parties to "pick sides" and its open attempt to contain and isolate China lay bare its arrogant and hegemonic intentions, representing a blatant defiance and disruption of the global economic and trade order, the paper wrote

Envoy reveals frequency of Kiev’s attacks on Russian energy facilities in past month

Rodion Miroshnik told TASS that Ukrainian troops have launched 144 attacks on Russian energy facilities

Yesterday, 18:13

IN BRIEF: Putin signs off on bills to protect Russians from foreign influence

Foreign agent status will also be given for supporting similar decisions by foreign governments

Russian army advances near Pokrovsk despite massive attacks by Ukrainian drones

According to military expert Vitaly Kiselev, the Russian troops are still making gains under these challenging conditions

Sculptor Tsereteli passes away at 91

According to the sculptor's aide, the death occurred due to heart failure

Zelensky to continue sabotaging all peace initiatives — Crimean official

"It is possible to assert with confidence that dictator Zelensky, holding on to power, will never agree to and will continue to undermine any peace initiatives and compromises," Mikhail Sheremet said

Yesterday, 09:10

Houthis claim strikes on two US aircraft carrier groups

"Missile forces and drone units launched two cruise missiles and two drones at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its associated ships in the northern part of the Red Sea," the movement said

EU’s demands to leaders not to come to Moscow on May 9 show depth of West’s descent

"It's shameful that on the other side our adversaries dare to issue warnings to those who want to come to Moscow," Alexander Grushko said

Yesterday, 18:59

First Swedish AWACS aircraft arrives in Ukraine, test flight completed — UNIAN

Sweden promised to supply Kiev with two Saab 340 AEW&C (ACS-890) aircraft

Ukrainian troops blow up historical buildings at monastery in Russia’s Kursk Region

According to the Russian security forces, the monastery sustained major damage

Ukraine conflict taught Russia how to counter Western weapons, senior NATO commander says

French Admiral Pierre Vandier warned that if NATO forces "do not regain their technical and tactical superiority," they could face difficulties during the next conflict

Erdogan’s son says no plans to become president

Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan specified that he would like to stay in the non-governmental, leading civil society

Hyundai registers at least eight trademarks in Russia — patent authority

All trademarks registered are in Class 12 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which covers cars, as well as spare parts and accessories

Kremlin unaware about contents of Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia continues communication with the US through all available channels

Yesterday, 15:42

Putin explains strike on Sumy congress center by Ukrainian military award ceremony

The Russian president exemplified that in restaurants, the Ukrainian military personnel "hold some gatherings, meetings, conferences"

Iran plans to build 19 more nuclear reactors, top diplomat says

According to Abbas Araghchi, Tehran has never opposed scientific and technological cooperation with Washington

Press review: Vatican adjusts after Pope’s death as Moscow eyes Afghan projects post-ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 22nd

Premature to talk about results of negotiations with US on Ukraine — presidential aide

"We are holding serious and substantial discussions on Ukraine and I believe the dialogue will continue this week," Yury Ushakov emphasized

Ban on strikes on civilian targets requires clear distinction — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said that "it is essential to distinguish the circumstances under which these sites may be subjected to military strikes and when they should not"

Yesterday, 21:39

Kiev’s proposal to extend Easter truce looks cynical to Russian expert

Political scientist Vladimir Karasev noted that drone, artillery and HIMARS attacks had been launched by Ukrainian forces against Russian positions almost on every front over the duration of the latest ceasefire

Russian troops liberate Sukhaya Balka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 17:57

Don't get too high or too low about talks with US, Russian diplomat says

According to the diplomat, this pragmatic approach is seen in other areas. For instance, when the Russian president says that those companies that have withdrawn from Russia would be able to return, but "on certain conditions"

Russian troops take precautions to prevent civilian casualties in Kursk Region settlement

The Ukrainian army lost a total of over 200 troops during fighting in the area

NATO’s aggressive policy based on military planning — senior Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noted that Moscow would use all available means to ensure its defense strength amid the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s aggressive aspirations

Yesterday, 20:59

Trump confirms his coming to Pope Francis’ funeral

Pope Francis will be buried some time between Friday and Sunday of this week, or on the fourth to sixth day after the pope’s death

Yesterday, 11:12

Russian troops continue special military operation after truce expires

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 20 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy artillery gun in its area of responsibility over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

Two days ago, 13:20

Incomprehensible how EU openly willing to resume Nazi ideology — Lavrov

The European Union’s intention to establish a coalition on sending troops to Ukraine demonstrates a superiority intention, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Kiev yet to respond to Putin's proposal on not hitting civilian targets — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian president has repeatedly stated willingness to engage the other side on this matter, but as Kiev has forbidden direct talks with Russia, it's unclear with whom Moscow could talk the issue over

Yesterday, 15:22

Russia ready to talk directly to Ukraine about civilian infrastructure strikes — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov underscored that "earlier the president repeatedly voiced his readiness for negotiations with the Ukrainian side"

Putin to take part in SPIEF 2025, Foreign Ministry says

The forum will be held on June 18-21

Yesterday, 15:51

Russia has no intention to get into naval arms race — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev drew attention to the "increased competition" between the United States and China in the naval sphere

Yesterday, 14:55

Trump not coming to Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

Earlier, Peskov said that more than 20 heads of state and government are expected at the parade in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory

Putin holds talks with Oman’s sultan for first time ever

The sides plan to sign ten agreements following the talks, including documents on the mutual refusal of visa requirements for regular passport holders

Evacuation underway after blast struck village in Vladimir Region

According to the report, all emergency response forces are engaged

Yesterday, 22:11

PREVIEW: Putin to hold talks with visiting Omani Sultan Al Said

The Kremlin has announced that the two sides will focus on key areas of cooperation in the economic, financial, and cultural spheres as well as pressing international and regional issues.

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

Yesterday, 13:15

West incapable of competing in trade on legal grounds — Russian Foreign Ministry

Improvements in the state of global economic relations are not expected in the near future because the West has historically engaged in trade and sanction wars, Maria Zakharova noted

Kiev hits LPR with UAVs, trying to show importance before London talks — expert

Andrey Marochko suggested that Ukrainian forces might escalate their attacks on other frontline villages ahead of the forthcoming talks

Trump’s plan may include deployment of European troops in Ukraine — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the negotiators are now considering "a separate peacekeeping force to monitor any ceasefire, which would look like a ‘joint commission’ of Russians, Ukrainians and a third, non-NATO country"

Ukraine acknowledges de facto purchase of Russian gas from Europe

According to the report, Ukraine requires around 4.5-6 bcm of gas for the upcoming season

Yesterday, 18:19

Head of Administrative and Budget Office Vought may replace Musk in DOGE — Bloomberg

Vought is a long-time supporter of US President Donald Trump. He was named ABU director on January 2, 2019, during Trump’s first presidential term

Yesterday, 11:14

Earth trembles at Russia’s tallest active volcano

Continued activity may affect low-flying aircraft

Political firestorm around Pentagon reshuffle aimed at hurting Trump agenda — Hegseth

The US defense secretary reiterated that the fired officials were deemed to be responsible for several high-profile information leaks