14 Mar, 09:17

Finnish court sentences Russian Torden to life in prison — lawyer

"The defense considers the guilt unproven and the verdict politically motivated," Natalya Malgina said

STOCKHOLM, March 14. /TASS/. The Helsinki District Court has found Russian citizen Voislav Torden guilty of a range of crimes and sentenced him to life in prison, his lawyer Natalya Malgina told TASS.

"The sentence is life imprisonment. They dropped only one charge," she said.

"The defense considers the guilt unproven and the verdict politically motivated. We will appeal the sentence," Malgina added.

Torden is in custody in Finland on suspicion of committing war crimes under aggravated circumstances in Ukraine.

The arrest warrant states that the alleged crimes occurred between 2014 and 2015. Torden was detained by Finnish border guards on July 20, 2023. Formerly known as Yan Petrovsky, he is a citizen of Russia and is included on the sanctions lists of the European Union and the US Department of the Treasury. Ukraine is seeking his extradition based on accusations of crimes allegedly committed in Donbass. Earlier, the Russian Embassy in Finland informed TASS that its diplomats were closely monitoring the situation and were prepared to continue advocating for Torden’s rights.

80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany

Russian Embassy to participate in celebrations of meeting on Elbe

The meeting will also be attended by Michael Kretschmer, minister president of the Saxony federal state

Russian Security Council prepares to update national security strategy — head

The science and expert council of the Russian Security Council, created in December 2024, is "actively taking part in this work, ensuring a profound scientific study of national security issues and assessment of existing challenges and threats," Sergey Shoigu noted

Yesterday, 13:03

Visa suspensions, airspace closures: terror attack creates tension between India, Pakistan

Indian authorities have nearly halved the size of their embassy in Islamabad, declared military advisers to Pakistan's diplomatic mission in India personae non gratae, and closed the key Attari checkpoint on the border with Pakistan

Special flight from US arrives at Vnukovo Airport

There are no regular flights between the two countries

Yesterday, 19:52

‘I think they both want peace’: Trump on Russia-Ukraine negotiations

Trump answered in the negative when asked if Russia was an "obstacle to peace" in Ukraine

Yesterday, 15:49

Expert doubts commercial benefit for US from managing Ukrainian gas pipelines

Alexey Belogoryev noted that the infrastructure is old and requires upgrade

Sanctions could not stop Russia’s trade growth — top security official

"Over the past two years, the Russian economy grew by 4.1%," Sergey Shoigu noted

Russia’s 2025-2027 budget to protect economy from external shocks — minister

"The federal budget for 2025-2027 has been developed on the basis of maintaining a zero primary structural deficit, fully in line with the fiscal rule," Anton Siluanov said

Yesterday, 18:36

Next few days to be very important for negotiations on Ukraine — Trump

The US leader also expressed confidence that a peace deal would get done soon, one that satisfies both Russia and Ukraine

Yesterday, 16:38

Russia will continue to support Cuba in demand to lift US blockade of island — ambassador

Victor Koronelli stressed that today relations between the Russian Federation and Cuba "have received new impetus and are marked by active exchange in all areas"

Yesterday, 17:06

US intends to push Russia to accept Kiev's right to its own army — news agency

At the same time, Bloomberg emphasized that these proposals have not yet been finalized and may be changed

Business jet traveling from US towards Moscow crosses Russian border — dispatchers

The source did not specify the further route of the plane

Yesterday, 17:28

Trump says he has 'his own deadline' in talks on Ukraine

The US president declined to specify what timeframe he was referring to

Yesterday, 18:36

India plans new 'stricter measures' following Kashmir terror — minister

"All parties said that they are with the government in this fight against terrorism," Kiren Rijiju said

Yesterday, 15:41

Iran offers US interim deal on its nuclear program — news outlet

According to Axios, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pointed out that the sides may not be able to reach a final agreement on the nuclear program within the timeframe proposed by Donald Trump

Russian air defenses eliminate 79 Ukrainian drones over various regions overnight

In particular, 59 UAVs were intercepted over the Republic of Crimea

Yesterday, 17:58

Russian actor wins best male actor award at Moscow International Film Festival

The prize for the best female role went to Spanish actress Maria Rodriguez Soto

Allies alarmed by Trump’s plans to recognize Crimea as part of Russia — CNN

Any deal that can get Russia on board will look unfavorable to the Ukrainians, but "within reason the Ukrainians will have to come to terms with something that may be second best to a deal they would have wanted two years ago," the diplomat said

Global trade obstructed by protectionism, clear rules needed — Russian deputy premier

"Against this backdrop, the World Bank could take a more active role in revitalizing global trade dynamics," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said

Yesterday, 15:08

EU no longer 'safe haven' for businesses it once was — Russian diplomat

As Maria Zakharova stressed, the European Union is not what it was 20 years ago

Yesterday, 15:57

Fighting near Zaporozhye nuke plant continues daily, threatens security — Grossi

The IAEA director general said the agency's inspectors at the nuclear power plant were forced to take shelter indoors the day before after hearing loud bursts of gunfire from near the main administrative building

Yesterday, 16:34

Israeli attack on northern Gaza kills almost 30 Palestinians — news outlet

According to the sources on the ground, the bombing targeted a camp housing displaced people

Yesterday, 20:38

US-Iran deal could save many lives — Trump

"We are doing very well with respect to Iran, and we're having very serious meetings, and there are only two options, and one option is not a good option," the president said

Yesterday, 19:41

Russian Sambo wrestlers win 11 gold medals at 2025 European Sambo Championships

The European Sambo Championships and the European Cadet, Youth and Junior Sambo Championships take place between April 23 and 27 in Limassol, Republic of Cyprus

Yesterday, 13:15

Trump says unhappy with massive Russian strike on Ukraine, calls for peace deal

The US leader called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to order a halt to such strikes

Press review: White House irritated with Zelensky’s behavior as India-Pakistan ties worsen

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 25th

Yesterday, 11:47

Pakistan closes its border, airspace to India — National Security Council

"Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than April 30, 2025," the statement reads

Yesterday, 18:56

Trump believes Putin to heed call not to launch massive strikes on Ukraine

Previously, the US leader said that he was "not happy" about Russia's massive strike on military installations in Ukraine, and called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict

Yesterday, 12:42

Medvedev sees ICC as instrument of dirty politics

The Russian official emphasized that the court’s current stance is a stark departure from its original mandate, believing that it has become "an instrument of dirty politics"

Two days ago, 13:44

Russian forces eliminate Ukrainian troops that seized Gornal monastery in Kursk Region

The regiment commander with the call sign Apostol said that a clean-up operation was underway at the monastery

Yesterday, 15:06

Ukraine masses up troops, vehicles in village close to Russia’s Belgorod Region — official

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, Ukraine is also busy assembling various military equipment

Yesterday, 07:00

Russia reserves right to use nuclear arms in event of Western aggression — Shoigu

According to the official, Russia is "carefully monitoring Europe’s military preparations"

Yesterday, 03:21

Russian FPV drone destroys British-made AS-90 howitzer in Kharkov Region

A FPV fiberoptic combat drone operator delivered a precise strike on a 45-ton self-propelled system of the 155mm caliber

Yesterday, 16:22

Lifting US sanctions on Nord Stream 2 could be part of a deal with Russia — expert

Russian gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream 2 will lead to a sharp drop in prices on the spot market, which is also disadvantageous for American LNG producers, Alexey Belogoryev noted

Yesterday, 15:30

Voronezh court adds one year to US citizen Gilman's sentence

The prosecutor's office asked for a tougher punishment, arguing that the last sentence was "too lenient"

Yesterday, 06:30

Sending peacekeepers to historical Russian lands may lead to WWIII, Shoigu warns

According to Sergey Shoigu, rather, the notion of `peacekeepers’ conceals the pursuit of control over Ukraine and its mineral resources

Yesterday, 12:43

Russia to talk alternative to ICC with BRICS partners — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that he had not yet reviewed the details of the initiative

Yesterday, 13:59

Zelensky's sabotage of negotiations to have dire consequences for Ukraine — magazine

Editor-in-chief Roger Koppel said that Vladimir Zelensky is taking a "completely unrealistic position" in these negotiations, preventing Russia from recognizing the territories it has liberated

Motorcade leaves Vnukovo-2 Airport amid reports of Witkoff's arrival

US special envoy Steven Witkoff may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday

Trump is the only leader ready to address root causes of Ukrainian crisis — Lavrov

According to Russian foreign minister, US leader said "it was a huge mistake to pull Ukraine into NATO, and this was a mistake by the Biden administration, and he wants to rectify this"

Yesterday, 16:14

More than 2,600 repatriates have come to Russia since 2024 — Interior Ministry

According to the statement, the ministry’s offices have already taken in about 1,100 applications for Russian temporary residence permits

Yesterday, 09:26

Zelensky frames Washington by using US-made weapons during Easter truce — Russian MFA

"Targeted attacks on Russian civilian facilities in the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, and Kherson regions, as well as in the Donetsk People’s Republic and Crimea, were reckless and shameless," Maria Zakharova said

Yesterday, 12:07

Pakistan suspends all bilateral agreements with India — National Security Council

The list includes the treaty on the outcome of the third India-Pakistan war

Explosive device triggers blast of car in Moscow Region

Fragments of the device were found at the site and will be sent for examination, the emergency response services said

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Europe, Ukraine undermine US peace plan and Washington seeks return to Libya

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 24th

Talks between Russia, US give hope for global international reset — lawmaker

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Crimea became part of Russia 11 years ago during the Obama administration without "a bullet fired"

Yesterday, 11:28

NATO has several options on table regarding Zelensky's fate — foreign intel chief

In February, the SVR press bureau reported that "NATO headquarters is preparing a large-scale operation to discredit Zelensky"

Russia remains in touch with US on Ukrainian settlement — Lavrov

"There are several signs that we are moving in the right direction," the minister said

Yesterday, 12:28

Construction rates going down in Russia — Putin

The Russian Cabinet already made certain decisions in this regard, the head of state said

Yesterday, 14:54

Ukraine attacks LPR's Kremennaya throughout all of today — military expert

"The Ukrainian army has been shelling the village of Kremennaya and carrying out UAV strikes for the whole day," Andrey Marochko said

Yesterday, 17:10

Rostec ready to produce more tanks, airplanes if needed

Since the onset of the special operation and the increase in the state defense order, many Rostec defense enterprises have shifted to round-the-clock, multi-shift operations

EU must stop funding wars in the world — MEP

Harald Wilimsky urged the EU to adhere to its core principles

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

Yesterday, 09:50

NATO establishes new 'strike fist' near Russia's western borders — Shoigu

The Russian official highlighted that NATO was transitioning to a new combat readiness system, capable of deploying a force of 100,000 troops within 10 days, 300,000 within 30 days, and up to 800,000 after 180 days

Serbian president hopes to bring together leaders of Russia, US, France, Germany, Italy

Aleksandar Vucic said that he has an idea "to hold a large global forum to discuss various subjects in Belgrade next year"

Yesterday, 21:29

Vucic says Europe can’t stand up to US, China so it puts pressure on Serbia

"You also have to take into account that many in Europe need to demonstrate they can exert influence on someone," Serbian leader said

Yesterday, 13:55

Diplomat says Kiev's killings of Russian reporters will not go unpunished

Maria Zakharova offered her condolences to the family and friends of Zvezda TV military reporter Nikita Goldin who was injured in a Ukrainian attack on March 24 and died of his wounds on April 22

Yesterday, 17:19

Europe to face difficulties with filling storages with gas — GECF report

About 35 million cubic meters remained in European UGS after the end of the previous heating season

Yesterday, 16:02

Sales of new premium cars in Russia dip twofold in Q1 — statistics

Exeed was the best-selling premium car brand in the first quarter of 2025, with 4,500 cars sold

Yesterday, 12:46

FACTBOX: 'Soft landing' to counter inflation

Russia should "use opportunities opening" in the world economy to develop its production, export and trade ties, the president said

Yesterday, 08:13

French general predicts Russia will be through with special military op by Christmas

The French military expert confidently stated that Russia will continue its operations not only until it fully liberates the four federal regions but may even advance as far as Odessa

Yesterday, 15:51

Germans, other countries reveal attitudes toward hosting nuclear weapons in new poll

According to the results, 49% of respondents were against Germany having its own nuclear weapons

Two days ago, 17:23

Peace in Ukraine possible after Kiev withdraws troops from Donbass, Novorossiya — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that these regions are enshrined in the Russian Constitution as an integral part of it

Yesterday, 20:20

New Jerusalem Temple complex near Belgorod burns down fully after Ukrainian drone attack

The construction of the all-wooden temple complex on Mikheyevskaya Hill in the village of Sukharevo has been underway since 2001

Yesterday, 18:20

VCIOM poll finds almost 70% of Russians see Victory Day as main holiday

Almost 40% of respondents said that the value of historical memory and continuity of generations is very important to them

Almost 130,000 people bid farewell to Pope Francis in Rome

Unprecedented security measures involving roughly 11,000 police officers and troops are in place in Rome

Yesterday, 20:18

Trump says question about tightening sanctions against Russia can wait a week

"I want to see if we can have a deal," the American leader said

Yesterday, 19:09

Kiev lost much territory, would struggle to get it back — Trump

"They lost a lot of territory," US President said

Kiev may resort to terror attacks with use of biopathogens — Shoigu

According to the official, "the Ukrainian special services are actively seeking those supporting pro-Ukrainian nationalist and neo-Nazi groups"

Yesterday, 10:44

Trump’s remark on Crimea in line with Russia’s position — Kremlin spokesman

The US president stated earlier that Vladimir Zelensky’s statement on the front page of the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine would not recognize Crimea as part of Russia was harmful to peace talks

Yesterday, 20:39

Israel to expand hostilities in Gaza unless hostage talks move ahead — General Staff chief

"We will continue our operational pressure and increase our control over Hamas as needed, and if we do not see progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our actions," Eyal Zamir said

Yesterday, 12:09

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine contains provisions on potential response to West

"This doctrine is available to the public," Dmitry Peskov said

Recognizing Crimea as Russian territory risks splitting NATO — media

European member states now face a difficult decision between continued support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and preserving close ties with the United States

Yesterday, 19:08

Russia stopping short of taking all of Ukraine 'big concession' — Trump

He was asked what concessions Russia is making towards a peaceful settlement in Ukraine

Yesterday, 21:32

Trump does not think Russia to drag its feet to sign Ukraine deal with future US leader

US leader also suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could drag on for a long time if it is not resolved

Yesterday, 13:24

Admiral Golovko frigate sails the Channel

The Admiral Golovko began the sortie on November 2 in Severodvinsk, the main base of the Northern fleet

Yesterday, 15:05

Russia’s dialogue with Northern Europe falls on deaf ears — diplomat

"For diplomatic tools to be truly effective, it is essential that these substantiated signals are at least received and, ideally, understood," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova clarified

Two days ago, 22:54

Entire Kursk Region to be mopped up soon — Russian Security Council chief

According to Sergey Shoigu, the situation in the special military operation zone is now the key factor influencing both international affairs and the situation inside Russia

Yesterday, 18:15

India weighs scrapping 2021 ceasefire agreement with Pakistan

The media said that despite the ceasefire agreement, terrorist groups based in Pakistan continue to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir

Yesterday, 20:53

Trump says NATO important for Europe

Trump again mentioned the issue of financial contributions to support NATO, and said Europe should pitch in more

Yesterday, 15:09

Ukraine’s Finance Ministry ready for talks with investors to avoid defaulting

The Finance Ministry stated that Ukraine suggested two restructuring options but none of them suited the special committee

Leader of Georgia’s ruling party Garibashvili says quits politics

According to the former Georgian Prime Minister, he fulfilled his role by holding various positions in the government and the party and sees no need to stay in the party and in politics in general

Yesterday, 17:00

European Commission will 'in two weeks' present plan how to phase out Russian gas imports

In practice, this only concerns gas, since the European Union has imposed an embargo on the purchase of Russian oil since December 2022, and petroleum products since March 2023

Yesterday, 16:28

Belgium to withdraw 1.2 billion euros from aid to Kiev for its military needs

These funds are generated from emergency taxes on income derived from the reinvestment of frozen Russian assets

Europe eventually to take path of peace in Ukraine conflict, Hungarian PM says

According to Viktor Orban, "it's time to end the military frenzy in Europe," which persists in spite of the US’ efforts on settling the Ukrainian conflict

Two days ago, 16:32

Russia is not going to attack anyone — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia has not had any problems with Finland or Sweden

Yesterday, 20:41

Zelensky admits Washington's assistance to Kiev exceeds $100 bln

"I have my own internal audit, and my country clearly documents how much assistance has been provided," he said

Yesterday, 15:47

Ukraine has time until May 31 to reach deal with creditors, preventing default

Earlier, the Ukrainian Finance Ministry confirmed that Kiev had not yet reached a deal with foreign holders of GDP-linked government debt bonds but emphasized its commitment to constructive talks

Yesterday, 17:22

Russia, Iran ready to work on new overland gas corridors

"Alexander Novak noted that Russia is ready to provide assistance to expansion of trade and economic ties between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran," the Russian Cabinet stated

Yesterday, 23:37

Russia ready to strike deal on Ukraine, but some details yet to be agreed — Lavrov

"We are busy with this exact process," the minister said

Yesterday, 17:31

Russia to hold international drone technology forum in August

"UAS application scenarios are planned to be presented by the time of the international forum on drone technologies," head of the unmanned system and robotics division at the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Alexey Serdyuk said

Russian Embassy to participate in celebrations of meeting on Elbe

The meeting will also be attended by Michael Kretschmer, minister president of the Saxony federal state

Yesterday, 09:48

Intense fighting continues in Gornal village as Ukraine seeks to deploy reinforcements

The Ukrainian army command tried to deploy several assault groups equipped with armored units but they were eliminated

Yesterday, 15:34

Kremlin spokesman clarifies own words about prospect of resuming gas transit via Ukraine

According to Dmitry Peskov, "if the buyers show interest, if the transit route works, then, of course, the seller will be ready to discuss all this"

SVR chief informs TASS of constructive meeting with Syrian security official

On April 17-18, Sergey Naryshkin visited Baku to participate in the conference titled Afghanistan: Regional Interconnectivity, Security and Development

FSB detains Romanian citizen in Sochi for spying on air defense sites for Ukraine

According to the FSB, in exchange for his actions, Ukrainian security agencies promised to facilitate his safe departure from Russia and arrange for him to join a Ukrainian volunteer unit to take part in combat operations against Russia

Global economy is at critical point — Russian finance minister

"TWe are witnessing heightened risks to financial stability, mounting inflationary pressures, and a weakening of fiscal discipline," Anton Siluanov said

Pakistan, India exchange gunfire on Line of Control — media

No casualties have been reported so far

Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

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

Yesterday, 06:07

Russian Army approaches Grigorovka in Donbass region to almost 1 km — expert

Russian forces also managed to expand the zone of control west of Belogorovka in the neighboring Lugansk People’s Republic

Russia’s unemployment down to historic low of 2.4% in January-February — minister

According to Anton Siluanov, "against the backdrop of challenging external conditions, the Russian economy has demonstrated resilience"