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Majority of Germans favor direct talks between Putin, Merz on Ukraine — poll

The survey showed that 58% of respondents support such contacts, while only 26% opposed them

BERLIN, February 12. /TASS/. Most German citizens support direct negotiations between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at settling the conflict in Ukraine, according to a survey conducted by the YouGov opinion research institute for the DPA news agency.

The poll showed that 58% of respondents support such contacts, while only 26% opposed them.

Possible direct communication between Merz and Putin enjoys the greatest support among the backers of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union bloc at 64%, and the least among the supporters of the Left Party at 47%.

The survey was conducted from February 6 to 9 and involved 2,042 respondents.

G7 countries increasingly see US as threat over past year — poll

The sharpest sentiment shifts were in Canada, India, and South Africa

Russia ready to go as far in relations with India as New Delhi wants — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that Russia and India "have several projects in the pipeline, many of them with no parallel that others might have"

Russia to send batch of oil to Cuba as humanitarian aid — Russian embassy

Russia’s ministry of economic development has recommended Russian tourists refrain from visiting Cuba amid the "fuel emergency" in the country

Belarus unveils laser weapon against drones

The weapon can be used to protect military and civilian facilities in urban areas

Belarusian military conducts day/night missile strike drills

According to the Belarusian Defense Ministry, the missile troops are performing a full range of activities

Lavrov tells US to keep out of regions that don't concern it

The foreign minister stressed that despite Washington's statements that its only area of interest is the Western Hemisphere, the US is actually "working hard to push its interests" in other regions too

NASA confirms plans to launch next crew mission to ISS on February 13

Liftoff remains targeted for no earlier than 5:15 a.m. EST Friday

Peskov does not exclude extending Victory Parade invitation to Trump

The Russian presidential spokesman recalled that Russia "recently marked a major anniversary, and large-scale events were held in Moscow"

Netanyahu, Trump discuss Iran, Gaza, agree to maintain coordination — PM’s office

The meeting lasted over two and a half hours, with no press statements made

No reason to believe that Russia-India agreements won't be honored — Lavrov

The Russian minister noted that no one except US President Donald Trump had spoken about India's refusal to purchase Russian oil

Zelensky rules out Russia, Belarus as venues for talks

Ukrainе is "ready to support US proposals and meet anywhere in America or Europe", Vladimir Zelensky said

Russian troops fit Kuryer ground robot with flamethrower — defense source

The system has demonstrated high effectiveness

Venezuela-US energy cooperation should be beneficial for both countries — Rodriguez

Venezuelan authorized President said that she is convinced that the issues between Venezuela and the United States can be resolved diplomatically

Attempts to hinder Ukraine peace process to get Europe into trouble — Russian diplomat

"Russia remains committed to the constructive search for peaceful ways to resolve the conflict through dialogue as the best option for achieving the goals of the special military operation," Yulia Zhdanova stated

West’s 'colonial superiority complex' and New START limits: Lavrov speaks in parliament

The foreign minister stated that Russia had learned a lesson from communicating with the West on the UN platform and no longer believed in the West’s basic decency

Belarusian troops live-fire Grad rocket launchers in national combat readiness check

On January 26, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced a combat readiness check of the republic’s military units and formations

Zelensky declines to confirm plans to hold elections in Ukraine by May 15

Vladimir Zelensky continues to link elections with a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine

Europe sees no benefit in peace efforts in Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Yulia Zhdanova recalled that Munich Security Conference Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger claimed that an end to hostilities could increase threats to NATO's eastern flank

OPEC+ oil production below target in January 2026 — report

The countries participating in the alliance produced 37,185 mln bpd not including Libya, Iran and Venezuela exempted from the deal implementation

Lavrov says BRICS never works against anyone, but refuses to depend on West’s whims

The top diplomat said Russia fully recognizes the need to develop supply chains, routes, and related infrastructure

FACTBOX: Two injured in drone attack on Michurinsk, blaze sparked in Volgograd region

Over the past night, alert air defense capabilities intercepted and destroyed 106 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over Russian regions, the Defense Ministry reported

Press review: Epstein files hit UK government as Russia seeks role in Trump peace route

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 10th

Proton-M rocket with satellite to be launched from Baikonur

This will be Proton’s first launch over nearly three years

Russia will not sign unfavorable peace treaty, but compromises possible — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also emphasized that after the establishment of peace, Moscow will not tolerate "any threats to the security of Russia"

Snap check of Belarusian Armed Forces proceeds intensively — Security Council secretary

"The people of Belarus can be assured that Belarus' armed forces are fully capable of fulfilling their assigned tasks," Alexander Volfovich stressed

IOC may look at reinstating Russian Olympic body in April or May — sports official

On December 10, 2025 the IOC Executive Board held a meeting but avoided any discussion regarding the reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee

Prime suspect in attempted murder of Russian General Alexeyev confesses to crime

Investigators established that Lyubomir Korba had been recruited by a Ukrainian Security Service officer in August 2025

Russian forces hammer Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

Kiev loses 1,255 troops along engagement line in past day

Idea of demands to Russia regarding Ukraine shows EU's wish to prevent settlement — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that neither Kaja Kallas, nor European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have ever acknowledged or documented any terrorist attacks carried out by Kiev against Russia

Eastern Economic Forum to be held on September 1-4 — Roscongress

It has become the main platform for coordinating the region's development and attracting investment, Executive Secretary of the EEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov said

US moving additional forces toward Iran — Treasury secretary

According to the Treasury Secretary, the US president thinks that the United States "can get a much better deal from the Iranians now"

UK colonization enters next stage — Russian special envoy

Kirill Dmitriev said that immigrants are fully in control of the UK leadership

Algeria on the brink of rupture with France in wake of TV program — GFCN

Kamel Mansari, a GFCN expert and editor-in-chief of the Algerian publication Le Jeune Independent, said that the situation has never been worse

US, Iran ready to compromise on Tehran’s nuclear deal — Turkey’s top diplomat

"It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries," Hakan Fidan said

Russia’s naval Pantsir-ME missile system effective against unmanned boats — Rostec

The corporation said that the Pantsir has a fully automatic operating mode and can be adjusted by the operator

WhatsApp unblocking to depend on Meta’s compliance with Russian laws — Kremlin

If the company continues ignoring Russia’s demands, there will be no chance for the service’s return, Russian presidential press ecretary Dmitry Peskov said

Moscow to return all historically Russian lands to their 'rightful home' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat stressed that linguistic, cultural and religious rights of those who remain under Kiev’s authority must be restored

Lancet drone operators hit Ukrainian Ceasar self-propelled system in Zaporozhye Region

Lancet operators attacked the self-propelled system when it was on its way to a firing position

Press review: France aims to join Ukraine talks as EU weighs frozen Russian assets move

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 11th

EU ministers discuss relocating training of Ukrainian forces to its own territory — Kallas

According to the EU top diplomat, two training centers have already been selected for these purposes

Russian Cabinet approves ratification of protocol on LNG projects with China

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to forward the document to the State Duma

Europe continues militarization directed against Russia — CSTO defense official

According to Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, "the most difficult situation is developing today" in the Eastern European region

Zelensky blocks peace in Ukraine to profit further from conflict — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova noted that the West was increasing pressure on Zelensky to organize elections

Instead of financing Ukraine, EU should return Russian frozen assets — Finnish politician

According to Armando Mema, Brussels continues the policy "that goes against its own interests and agaisnt a peaceful resolution for the conflict in Ukraine"

Russian recognized as co-official language in draft of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution

The Russian language can also be used alongside the Kazakh language at public organizations and local government entities

Ukrainian troops reinforce defenses in Svyatogorsk using civilian infrastructure — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko told TASS earlier that Russian forces have expanded the zone under their control near the settlement of Tatyanovka east of Svyatogorsk

EU undermining Ukraine peace efforts — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto noted that Hungary highly appreciates China’s peacekeeping efforts aimed at ending the Ukrainian conflict

US reports destruction of drone that violated country's airspace

According to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the flight restrictions in the area have been lifted

Batch of Giatsint-K self-propelled howitzers sent to Battlegroup West units

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that Giatsint-K crews, following the acceptance of the equipment, have already begun performing combat missions in the Kharkov Region

US license for Venezuelan oil prohibits deals with persons from Russia, Iran, DPRK, Cuba

This also applies to persons from the People’s Republic of China

Russia, Bangladesh work out repayment plan on state loan to Dhaka — Russian Ambassador

By the end of 2025, Bangladesh became Russia's largest state debtor

Press review: Putin and Lukashenko miss Board of Peace meeting as EU pushes nuclear talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 12th

Russian stock indices in the green on Wednesday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index gained 1.5%, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 1.16%

US-Europe disagreements expected to surface at Munich Security Conference — newspaper

China Daily highlighted an expert report released ahead of the conference, noting that the United States, pivotal in shaping the international order after 1945, is now itself becoming a factor in its weakening

IDF announces military drills near Eilat on February 12

During the exercises, there will be intense movement of military vehicles, rescue vehicles, and ships in the area

Top Iranian security official says US moves away from military scenario

"The United States has moved towards a rational path by engaging in negotiations," Ali Larijani said

Accomplice in assassination attempt on General Alekseyev appeals arrest in absentia

Zinaida Serebritskaya had previously been put on the international wanted list

Trump wants to remove Zelensky from power because he hinders peace — French politician

The leader of the French political party Les Patriotes Florian Philippot called this "a disaster for a man who has clung to power without elections for two years"

Russia to respond to potential deployment of US long-range missile in Germany — diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, Russia is ready to discuss with the United States the issue of missile deployment in Germany

US insists negotiations with Iran should continue, Trump says

"We will just have to see what the outcome will be," the US president noted

Ukraine adds economy minister to Russia talks lineup — Bloomberg

Kiev intends to focus on economic recovery at the next stage of consultations and will integrate Alexey Sobolev into its delegation for that purpose, Vladimir Zelensky said

Polish President reaffirms being ready for talks with Putin

Karol Nawrocki stated that he was ready to do it if the interests of the Republic of Poland demanded it

Annual inflation in Russia down to 6.37% from February 3 to 9 — Economy Ministry

The price growth rates declined for foods to 0.24, including to 1.67% for fruit and vegetable products

German politician slams sponsoring Kiev as waste German taxpayer money

Instead of seriously working on a peace plan and demanding a compromise, including from Vladimir Zelensky, the German government "is issuing one check after another to Ukraine," Sahra Wagenknecht said

Colombian president reports assassination attempt against him

His helicopter had to change the route due to the threat of being fired upon, Gustavo Petro says

Moscow reminds Tokyo Russia's sovereignty over Kuril Islands not up for revision — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that Tokyo rallies were clearly anti-Russian in nature, and there were "inappropriate links to Ukraine"

Moscow court arrests accomplice in assassination attempt against General Alekseyev

Pavel Vasin assisted in gathering intelligence on the residential addresses and vehicles of SBU targets through Internet applications and search engines

France loses sovereignty in terms of nuclear deterrence — expert

"Since Francois Hollande’s presidency and the start of the Ukrainian crisis, Paris has ceded its strategic sovereignty to Washington," French military expert Xavier Moreau told

No plans to participate in first meeting of Board of Peace in Kremlin — spokesman

The topic of the Board is still being studied by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Zelensky would back Ukraine election if US provides security — Rada deputy

Yegor Chernev cited the establishment of an "air shield" over Ukraine, as one of the measures

Oman conveyed US messages to Iran after first round of talks — Iranian Security Council

Iran and the US held another round of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program in Oman on February 6

IN BRIEF: What is known about current issues with Telegram’s operation in Russia

There have been more than 11,000 complaints from Russian users regarding Telegram’s operations over the past 24 hours, according to Downdetector’s data

Kiev's forced evacuation of children tears families apart — ombudswoman

Maria Lvova-Belova said it was especially shameless that Ukraine was threatening to take away parental rights

One killed in college shooting in southern Russia

The regional branch of Russia’s Interior Ministry reported earlier that a student had opened fire in the lobby of an educational facility

Medvedev confident all those who condemn Russia to eventually do a 180

They will come to us again with various proposals, including economic cooperation mechanisms, the politician pointed out

Kiev intensifies attacks on civilians during important settlement talks — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed to a series of attacks carried out by Kiev last week using drones and missiles on the Belgorod Region, resulting in casualties and injuries to civilians and damage to civilian facilities

Putin approves regulations on General Staff of National Guard troops

The decree comes into force on the day of its signing

Verba MANPADS downs thousands of drones in special military op zone — Rostec

The company expert noted that the system is currently being used along the line of contact against reconnaissance drones

Restoring Darnitsa power plant in Kiev to require three years, according to expert

Vladimir Omelchenko said that restoring the plant will also demand at least €600 - 700 million

Telegram hardly serves as provider of communication between front line fighters — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that it is difficult to imagine such a scenario

Shooting at vocational school in Krasnodar Region: what we know

According to preliminary information, a student at a trade school in Anapa opened fire with an unidentified weapon in the institution's lobby

Unique legal system unfolding in China’s Hainan province — newspaper

The advanced formation of a comprehensive legislative framework within the construction of a free trade port is the key factor shaping investor confidence

Death toll from Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar rises to 31 — authorities

Over 17,000 residential buildings have been destroyed, another 36,000 have been damaged, and nearly 11,000 have been flooded, the portal Orange reported

Ukrainian army carries out strike on kindergarten in Zaporozhye Region — governor

There were no casualties

Romania postpones signing documents on joining Board of Peace — agency

Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on February 8 that he had received an invitation to take part in the Board of Peace’s first meeting in Washington on February 19

Indian authorities urge state companies to buy more oil in the US, Venezuela — newspaper

Indian refineries are capable to refine about 20 mln metric tons of US oil per year or 400,000 barrels per day

Europe’s, Kiev’s interference with US peace plan, Russia’s security: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that Russia is always ready to search for a balance of interests but will never sacrifice its own security

TotalEnergies to remain Yamal LNG shareholder — CEO

The company will continue buying LNG from the Russian plant at least in 2026 but will have to terminate the contract in 2027 because of the EU ban

Parents sometimes cannot return children after evacuation in Ukraine — rights commissioner

Sometimes the children end up in foster families or institutions that relocate to Western Europe, Maria Lvova-Belova said

IOC disqualifies Ukrainian athlete Geraskevich from 2026 Winter Olympics

The IOC earlier prohibited Vladislav Geraskevich from wearing a controversial helmet at the 2026 Games because it violates the Olympic Charter

Former NATO deputy chief calls deploying additional US troops to Greenland 'impractical'

A number of NATO officials believe, however, that allocating funds and military equipment to Greenland would be "a fair trade" that could help "prevent the alliance from collapsing"

Rostov Nuclear Power Plant operating normally after overnight drone attack

The NPP representatives stated that radiation levels at the nuclear power facility and in the surrounding area were normal and did not exceed natural background levels

Russia tests new air defense fire support information system in special op zone — Rostec

The Pantsir and airspace control systems, developed by the High Precision Systems holding company, are currently on display at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia

Orban calls EU's new plan for Ukraine's accession declaration of war against Budapest

The Hungarian prime minister argues that those advocating for Ukraine’s EU membership aim to bring the opposition Tisza party to power

Norway leads Olympic medal standings after four days

Norwegian athletes have won seven gold, two silver, and four bronze medals

Kiev requires €60 billion in foreign support this year — German defense minister

Boris Pistorius shares the concerns of some countries that an EU loan to Ukraine could lead to a reduction in bilateral support for Kiev

Europe incapable of maintaining competitiveness without Russia — special envoy

Kirill Dmitriev particularly emphasized the significance of Russia’s participation in the global economy and innovative processes for maintaining the competitiveness of European countries

Russia ready to drive hard bargain with US — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov added that Moscow is facing "extreme hostility from Europe which has become the main sponsor of the Kiev regime and a systemic opponent of Russia"

Canada’s Mboko stops Russian teen prodigy Andreeva on way to 2026 WTA Qatar Open quarters

In a match that lasted two hours and 10 minutes, the 5th-seeded Andreeva, who is playing under a neutral status at the tournament, lost to 10th-seed Mboko 3-6; 6-3; 6-7

Iran, US not discussing complete cessation of uranium enrichment — Security Council chief

Ali Larijani emphasized that the country needed it in the energy and pharmaceutical industries

US Treasury may lift sanctions on Russian oil if Ukraine conflict is resolved

On February 4-5, in Abu Dhabi, the second round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine took place