15 Apr, 15:23

Mercenaries from Colombia, other countries trapped in Gornal monastery — State Duma member

The encircled gunmen are unwilling to surrender because they came to Kursk "to hunt humans"

ROSTOV-ON-DON, April 15. /TASS/. Mercenaries from Colombia and several other countries that are fighting for Ukraine are trapped in the St. Nicholas Belogorsk Monastery in Gornal, located in the Kursk Region, according to Viktor Vodolatsky, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma’s committee on CIS affairs, Eurasian integration, and relations with compatriots, as reported by TASS.

Earlier, Russian military sources indicated to TASS that Ukrainian forces had killed one of their own officers after he tried to negotiate terms of surrender with the Russian military at the monastery.

"About 300 terrorists there have no intention of surrendering because they are members of death squads. All of them have blood on their hands. All are butchers who massacred civilians and they know well what awaits them. This group includes many mercenaries from Colombia and other countries. We can hear foreign languages in their intercepted communications," Vodolatsky stated.

The encircled gunmen are unwilling to surrender because they came to Kursk "to hunt humans."

The Gornal St. Nicholas Monastery, established in 1671 by hieromonks from the Ostrogozhsk Monastery, has been under Ukrainian artillery fire since August 2024. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has emphasized that the Ukrainian strikes have specifically targeted churches and monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Russian painter of Trump portrait describes his work as priceless amid current tensions

According to Nikas Safronov, he depicted a collection of important symbols

Grain exports to Africa via Baltic Sea up since year start reaching 698,000 tons

As for volumes of shipped grain and processed products, the ports of the Leningrad Region and St. Petersburg are the leaders in the Northwestern Federal District

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

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.

No deal yet with US on further military assistance — Zelensky

Speaking about Kiev’s interest in obtaining Patriot air defense systems, he left the door open that these might be included in a new assistance package, but acknowledged that this would depend on further negotiations

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

Delegation of Turkish Parliament discussed trade, Ukraine and Palestine in Moscow

At the meeting in Moscow, the two sides "explored steps that can be taken to further develop bilateral relations in the fields of economy, trade, investment, energy, education and tourism in order to achieve the trade turnover target of $100 billion"

Putin says he expects Serbian president to attend May 9 celebrations in Moscow

The Russian president said this during a meeting with Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije

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

Zelensky fails to comment on Russian proposal to stop hitting civilian infrastructure

The first attempt to get him to respond to the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin came from a Politico reporter

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

IMF forecast update reflects current trends in Russia's GDP growth — experts

Earlier, the International Monetary Fund released a report in which it raised its forecast for Russian economic growth in 2025

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"

Kremlin dismisses idea of placing rushed deadlines on Ukraine conflict resolution

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

Gold futures rise to new record high of $3,450 per troy ounce

As of 2:18 a.m. Moscow time on Tuesday (11:18 p.m. GMT on Monday), gold rose 1.72% to as high as $3,451,3

Russia can offer Africa what other nations cannot, says Kenyan media outlet

Editor Eric Biegon noted that active student exchanges were underway between Africa and Russia, as well as joint projects in nuclear energy, medicine, and other fields

Four people hurt in blast at munitions depot in Vladimir Region — governor

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a fire at a Russian military unit set off a detonation of munitions at the unit’s depot

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, 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"

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"

New anti-Russian sanctions to influence global oil supply routes — EIA

New sanctions against Russian oil did not significantly influence forecasts on the oil market balance and oil prices, the US Energy Information Administration said

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"

ECB warns Brussels of potential crypto apocalypse over Trump’s actions — Politico

European officials fret that several major financial market reforms the US president has touted will "undermine efforts to become strategically independent" as the EU tries to revamp its financial sector, the newspaper said

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

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

Shooting in northern India kills 27 tourists, injures many others

The incident occurred in Pahalgam, a popular destination for tourists in the region

White House confirms Witkoff to travel to Russia this week

Kremlin Foreign Policy Aide Yury Ushakov earlier said Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week

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

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

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'

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

Bank of Russia increases dollar rate to 81.46 rubles for April 23

The official euro rate was increased by 37 kopecks to 94.04 rubles

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

US to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods, but they will never be at zero — Trump

US president noted that the negative economic effects from increased customs tariffs will be felt in the United States for some time

Russia to reduce import duty on French perfumes, eau de toilette, hair products to 20%

In general, the list of countries subject to increased duties on imports of perfumes, cosmetics and household chemicals into Russia has expanded

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, 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

Over dozen countries declare mourning over Pope Francis’ death

Francis made history as the first Latin American pontiff

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

Visa-free regime will give new impetus to development of tourism with Oman — minister

The Economic Development Ministry stressed that the route network of air traffic with the kingdom is also developing

Rubio won’t attend Ukraine talks in London

US President Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg will attend the discussions

Russia to impose 35% duty on import of perfume, eau de toilette from unfriendly countries

As the Industry and Trade Ministry notes, the updated list of goods subject to duty was determined jointly with the business community

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

15 Jan 2024, 13:38

US hindered probe into COVID origin, Pfizer, Moderna harvested profits — Russian military

According to Igor Kirillov, the list of people involved in COVID-19 relief fraud also includes top managers from a number of US contracting organizations, namely Nita Madhav, who was CEO of Metabiota, and Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance

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

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, 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

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

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

Russian servicemen liberate Gornal monastery in Kursk Region — sources

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

30 Jun 2021, 17:57

Russia offers cybersecurity dialogue, while US insists on finding hackers first — Lavrov

The approach suggested by Washington "is once again a bit unbalanced", the Russian Foreign Minister said

Two days ago, 02:53

Japan may increase rice imports from the US — newspaper

Japan is also considering an opportunity to offer simplified access of US vehicles to the country’s market, Nikkei reported

RTS Index falling after official rates released by Bank of Russia

The MOEX Russia Index was traded at 2,941.54 points, up 0.65%

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

Putin recalls late Pope's warmth towards Russia

"But his Latin American heritage played a part in this, as the overwhelming majority of people from Latin America have this same attitude," the Russian president said

Plane flying from St. Petersburg to Kirov makes emergency landing in Moscow

The flight operator, Pobeda Airlines, said later that the pilot of flight DP513 made a decision to land in Moscow after a hydraulic system gauge signaled a malfunction

Evacuation underway after blast struck village in Vladimir Region

According to the report, all emergency response forces are engaged

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

Russian stock indices up as trading on Moscow Exchange closes

The yuan-to-ruble rate rose by 2 kopecks to 11.15 rubles

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

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'

Top Russian diplomat, Laos deputy prime minister discuss trade, economic cooperation

"The sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest on the regional and global agenda," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Kremlin says is ready for talks with Zelensky, an illegitimate president of Ukraine

"An analysis by our country that has been repeatedly voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin shows that Mr. Zelensky has big problems de jure in terms of his legitimacy, but the Russian side remains open to negotiations even despite this," Dmitry Peskov stated

Russian painter of Trump portrait describes his work as priceless amid current tensions

According to Nikas Safronov, he depicted a collection of important symbols

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

Russian president, Oman’s sultan to discuss Gaza, Syria

The plan is also to focus on "the unprecedented deterioration of the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone"

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

Yesterday, 11:14

Earth trembles at Russia’s tallest active volcano

Continued activity may affect low-flying aircraft

Speaker of Gagauzia’s People’s Assembly barred from leaving country for two months

Dmitry Konstantinov said that he received no response from authorities about the grounds for the ban on his travel

Envoy Witkoff cites status of five Russian regions as key issue in Ukraine conflict

According to him, 'that's the key issue in the conflict'

Russia remains Iran’s important partner regardless of outcome of talks with US — lawmaker

According to Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the chair of the Committee for National Security and Foreign Policy of Iran's parliament, the very fact that Tehran and Washington have agreed to continue consultations at the expert level indicates significant progress in the negotiations

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

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

Russia’s grain harvest in 2024 among top five best in history — minister

"It is enough to feed ourselves and feed 160 countries of our world more," Oksana Lut said

Emergency introduced in Kirzhach district of Vladimir Region after explosion

Emergency response services are working on the site

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

Pope did not allow his court to set him against Russian Orthodox Church — Patriarch Kirill

He noted that Pope Francis’ attitude towards Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church will not be forgotten

Mining ban can be introduced in three more Russian regions — ministry

The Energy Ministry does not have information thus far whether the ban is a complete one or is introduced for the heating season

Russia negotiating with US on Ukraine, tense work underway — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the process is difficult and time-consuming

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

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

Ukraine uses special op experience to train British military on drone warfare — The Times

According to the British Defense Ministry, British instructors have trained 50,000 Ukrainian troops between February 2022 and November 2024

Switzerland imposes sanctions on eight Russian media outlets

The restrictions will take effect on April 23

Ukrainian troops intentionally destroy Gornal monastery — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that the monastery will be rebuilt

Slovaks not to forget who liberated them from fascism — PM

Robert Fico also reminded that in 1944, some of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War took place in the vicinity of the Dukla pass near the Slovak-Ukrainian border

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"

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

Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

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

Putin to take part in SPIEF 2025, Foreign Ministry says

The forum will be held on June 18-21

Search operation for foreign climbers on Mount Elbrus suspended until morning

According to preliminary data, two climbers have high altitude sickness

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

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

US basketball legend Michael Jordan is world’s highest-paid athlete of all time — portal

According to the US-based sports business web portal, adjusting for inflation, Jordan, the 62-year-old six-time NBA champion, has earned $4.15 billion

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

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

Suzuki issue recall of over 3,700 vehicles in Russia due to vacuum pump malfunction

The pump valve may swell and partially block the negative pressure channel to the brake booster, which in turn may lead to an increase in the required force to press the brake pedal and the appearance of extraneous sounds when pressing the brake pedal, the technical regulator explains

Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders detained in Damascus — TV

Al Hadath noted that this is the first time leaders of Palestinian groups have been apprehended in Syria

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

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

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

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

Houthis report another attack on US aircraft carriers

According to the Houthi spokesman, these operations were carried out 'in the context of resisting America’s aggression against Yemen and supporting the Palestinian people'

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