{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Four people sentenced for stealing government funds earmarked for Kursk defense

Former Director General of the Kursk Region Development Corporation Vladimir Lukin was sentenced to nine years in prison

KURSK, February 20. /TASS/. A Kursk district court has sentenced four people to between seven and nine years in prison for embezzling funds meant for the construction of fortifications on the border with Ukraine.

Former Director General of the Kursk Region Development Corporation (KRCO) Vladimir Lukin was sentenced to nine years in prison and a 900,000 ruble (about $12,000) fine. He was also stripped of a medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland in the second degree.

Former KRKO deputy head Igor Grabin was sentenced to eight years in prison with a fine of 700,000 rubles ($9,000).

Another former KRKO deputy head, Dmitry Spiridonov, was sentenced to seven years and a fine of 600,000 rubles (about $8,000).

Andrey Volovikov, director of the Kursk-based KTK Service company, was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison and a fine of 800,000 rubles (about $10,000). The court also recouped 152.8 million rubles (about $2 million) from the former KTK management and the director for the corporation.

As established by the investigation and the court, Lukin, Grabin and Spiridonov secured contracts with KTK Service for the construction of platoon strongholds in the Kursk Region. But the company was not involved in any real economic activity, only the appearance of work was staged. Later, they stole more than 152 million rubles (about $2 million) as part of an organized group.

Kursk Region Governor Alexander Khinshtein said on Telegram the regional government has been actively cooperating with the investigation from the very first days, providing all the necessary data and will continue to do this. Khinshtein called this criminal case a doubly cynical crime, because "Lukin and his accomplices and patrons did not just steal funds from the budget, they undermined the country's defense capability and security. We're putting everyone on notice: no one is untouchable in the Kursk Region."

Currently, the Kursk court is also investigating a criminal case of bribery by former Governor Alexey Smirnov and his former deputy Alexey Dedov.

Zaporozhye nuke sees Ukraine’s attack on school attempt to disrupt peace talks

Communications Director for the ZNPP Yevgenia Yashina called this attack another "monstrous and ruthless act of terrorism"

Ukraine postpones restart of oil supplies to Slovakia until February 24

Russian oil supplies to Hungary over the Druzhba oil pipeline via Ukraine were halted since early February

Lavrov, Araghchi discuss situation involving Iranian nuclear program

The Russian side reaffirmed its support for the diplomatic process aimed at achieving fair political and diplomatic solutions, respecting Iran’s legitimate rights

Liberating Krinichnoye, Russian troops penetrate Ukraine’s defenses — expert

Andrey Marochko believes that, given the operational and tactical situation in this area, Russian forces will continue denting the enemy defenses at Krinichnoye

Air defenses shoot down 26 UAVs near Sevastopol

The Ukrainian armed forces used drones loaded with metal balls

Ukrainian lawmaker demands Zelensky's resignation after damning US corruption report

Alexey Goncharenko noted that due to US interest in this case, Vladimir Zelensky is deliberately delaying settlement negotiations and trying to bargain for better conditions for himself

Venezuela’s authorized president signs law granting amnesty to political prisoners

Delcy Rodriguez thanked the legislators, officials for an "exceptional political maturity"

Russian forces step up strikes on Ukrainian military enterprises — General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says the measures cut Ukraine’s capabilities to equip its army

US looks into possibility of targeting individual leaders in Iran — Reuters

No details on who will be viewed as a target are available

Geneva results, venue for next round, no sense in Europe’s participation: Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already been briefed by the negotiating team on the results of the Geneva talks

US administration to speed up nuclear weapons development — expert

According to Greg Mello, the administration of US President Donald Trump leads the National Nuclear Security Administration via a more hawkish approach

Many issues to address Ukrainian crisis mulled in Geneva — Russian deputy foreign minister

The talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine were held in Geneva on February 17-18

Child present among Chinese tourists who died on Lake Baikal

Seven bodies have been located using an underwater camera

Ukraine may make territorial concessions for sake of joining EU — Die Welt

According to the report, Kiev "does not have enough time" to go through the standard procedure, as Ukraine lags "light years" behind the EU members in the rule of law and the fight against corruption

Deputy foreign ministers of Russia, Kazakhstan discuss nuclear disarmament in Astana

The two sides exchanged views on work within multilateral structures, including the First Committee of the UN General Assembly

Kallas tenure not 'golden age' of European diplomacy, Kremlin believes

Dmitry Peskov commented on the "list of demands" to Moscow compiled by Kallas that requires reduction of the army and payments from Russia

Ukrainian soldiers blow up ferry in Dnepropetrovsk Region to skip combat — defense source

According to the source, it were soldiers of the Ukrainian army’s 67th brigade

Opposition figure links Epstein, Ukraine in explosive commentary

"There is more than enough of the Ukrainian trace in the Epstein case," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Russian General Staff uses analytics to counter Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy noted that the Main Operations Directorate is directly involved in developing and implementing a set of measures to enhance air defense capabilities

Medvedev says Russia not doing enough in microelectronics

The senior official stressed the need for Russia to fully provide for itself in certain, particularly important, strategic sectors

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Russia’s new Oko-2, Oko-3 recon drones deployed in special military operation zone

The Oko-2 drone has a range of up to 60 km, while the Oko-3 has a range of up to 130 km

Armed fighting for power between Zelensky and Zaluzhny possible in Kiev — Russian senator

Alexander Voloshin pointed out that in 2022, Valery Zaluzhny threatened to conduct searches and send troops to the heart of Kiev, while now he publicly blames Zelensky for Ukraine's failed counteroffensive in 2023

FACTBOX: King’s brother, former Prince Andrew, arrested in UK

The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday

Dmitriev denies Russia offered the US $12 trillion worth projects

According to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the lifting of sanctions will be eventually dictated by Washington's interests

Generals Moskalik, Sarvarov killed in Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks — General Staff

Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy noted that with the deaths of the generals, the troops "lost true professionals, loyal comrades, and true patriots"

US military ready to strike Iran on Saturday, but Trump yet to make decision — media

The channel notes that the White House is weighing the consequences of both escalation and restraint

US deploys 68 military cargo aircraft to Middle East over three days — media

According to the report, the US Air Force has also dispatched an AWACS radar aircraft to the Middle East

Russian Transport Ministry take support measures for ports of Gulf of Finland

A diesel-powered icebreaker already arrived in the Gulf of Finland, Andrey Nikitin noted

Netanyahu warns Iran of response it ‘cannot even imagine’ if it attacks Israel

Israel demands that Iran destroy the uranium enrichment infrastructure, cut the missile program, stop helping the allies, the official says

Ukraine to resume oil pumping to Slovakia on Saturday

Slovakia expected that deliveries would resume this Friday

US could launch limited strike on Iran to push for nuclear deal — WSJ

The sources say that the potential strike could target military and government buildings

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Security in Europe impossible without Russia — top Russian senator

According to Valentina Matviyenko, European document with demands for Russia, if it indeed exists, once again clearly shows that with their current approach, Europeans have no place at the negotiating table for establishing a real, long-term peace

Special military operation brings new combat trends — Russian General Staff

In addition to firepower, the range of applications of robotic systems is being expanded in reconnaissance missions, counter-battery warfare, minelaying, delivery of ammunition and supplies to the front, as well as evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield

Trumps says is considering limited military strike on Iran

The US president refrained from giving further details

Snowmageddon in Moscow: nearly three feet of snow on ground

According to the World Meteorological Organization, Moscow’s Vnukovo district was one of the snowiest places on Earth in the last 24 hours

Ukraine loses over 520,000 troops in 2025 — Russian General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says total loss of Ukrainian servicemen is estimated at more than 1,5 million

Trump extends anti-Russian sanctions related to Ukraine for one year

"The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the US leader said

Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil en route to US

The US has oil as well but "we’re helping them a lot," the president says

AmCham head calls sanctions on Russian aviation mistake

Robert Agee also noted that he is working to remove some sanction restrictions on Russian banks’ licenses

West using post-Soviet space against Russia: deputy foreign minister’s statements

Mikhail Galuzin noted in a conversation with journalists that trilateral negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement are continuing, although they are difficult

Trump says gets on well with Putin

The US president complained that he had underestimated the complexity of resolving the crisis in Ukraine

Kiev argues Ukraine is interested only in full EU membership

The deputy head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office expressed optimism that a political decision on Ukraine’s EU accession could be reached by 2027

US forces move to Middle East, preparations for strike: escalation around Iran

According to sources, the Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines

Iranian-flagged container ship detained in Denmark — TV

The vessel is currently anchored east of Albaek in the northernmost part of Jutland

Uralvagonzavod Group delivers batch of modernized BREM-80 vehicles to troops

The BREM-80 vehicle is based on the T-80 tank chassis and is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, providing it with high mobility

Russia ready to increase agricultural exports to Madagascar

Trading in mineral fertilizers is also a promising area of cooperation

Ukrainian official declares he found over $653,000 in his grandmother's garage

Alexander Subbotenko characterized the practice of keeping savings in US dollars as a "family custom"

Russia does not see Switzerland as ideal venue for negotiations on Ukraine — envoy

This country cannot be perceived as an 'honest broker,' Sergey Garmonin said

Kremlin sees extension of US sanctions as automatic decision

Dmitry Peskov added that the negotiation process with Washington is complicated

Defense minister says Israeli military to stay in Gaza forever

Israel will not allow "threats of annihilation" in the future, Defense Minister Israel Katz says

Venezuelan parliament passes law granting amnesty to political prisoners

The authority approved the bill unanimously, Speaker Jorge Rodriguez says

Russia should not lose achievements it obtained under sanctions — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, this ultimately develops competencies that will be in demand in the country in the future

US Supreme Court rules against Trump’s import tariffs

Six judges voted for this decision, while three were against it

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Zelensky actively sabotages peace process — Russian top senator

Valentina Matviyenko says Vladimir Zelensky "rejects any substantive basis for a peace agreement"

Poland's withdrawal from landmine ban convention threatens escalation — Russian MFA

"Beyond weakening the Convention itself, these steps could set off a domino effect, with other countries following suit," Maria Zakharova said

US government to release files on aliens, UFOs — Trump

The president explains that the decision was made amid a "tremendous interest shown"

Trump considers large-scale strike on Iran's nuclear targets — media

On Thursday, the US leader said he would give Iran no more than 15 days to reach an agreement

Zelensky's order to develop battle plan bad news for Ukrainians — senator

Grigory Karasin highlighted that Zelensky was too dependent on his Western curators

Some EU countries oppose EC plans to expand staff by 2,500 employees — media

EU ministers described the European Commission's request for an additional €1.4 billion to hire new staff and strengthen administrative capacity as inappropriate

Italian journalist detained in Turkey on mission to investigate isolation prisons

International Reporters’ official says the organization witnesses a second detention of its journalist in six months

Medvedev praised import substitution in Russian defense industry

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that this often happens because there is no other choice

EU envoys meeting on anti-Russian sanctions ended without result — Reuters

According to the diplomatic source, the 20th sanctions package contains a rationale for attempts to detain tankers with Russian oil

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

Trump expects clarity on possible US-Iran nuclear deal within ten days

According to the US president, the sides "may have to take it a step further"

European Commission prepares legal grounds to intercept Russian oil tankers — source

The potential measure raises concerns among several EU states over a military confrontation risk

Europe blocks peace following Alaska summit — Russia’s former PM

Sergey Stepashin says believes that the summit was a breakthrough

Preparations for Putin's visit to China have not yet begun — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also highlighted that there is a mutual understanding that the visit will occur this year

Senior Russian, Cuban defense officials discuss military-technical cooperation

Further steps have been outlined for cooperation between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Cuban side

FBI, US Justice Department oversee Ukraine’s corruption probe into Energoatom — report

According to the report, the consultations helped to raise the "ability to process significant cases related to corruption in Ukraine’s state-owned energy corporation"

Japan's PM reaffirms intent to sign peace treaty with Russia

Sanae Takaichi criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the conflict

Russia to test Internet provider drone similar to Starlink — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers

FACTBOX: Nearly 150 drones target Russian regions at night

One man was killed in Ukraine's attack on Sevastopol

IMF takes not of moderate contraction of US dollar share in international reserves

The IMF also pointed to the dollar depreciation against other currency from peak values of 2024

Russia strengthening its western border security — General Staff

According to Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy, equipping the general purpose forces with modern military equipment remains a priority

Slovak PM warns about response measures if Ukraine playing politics around oil

According to Robert Fico, it can't be ruled out that Ukraine is deliberately delaying the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline

Russia calls for restraint from all participants in escalation around Iran — Kremlin

Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, Dmitry Peskov said

European Commission should defend EU interests, not Ukraine’s — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto says that the authority must also make Croatians understand the obligation to fully import Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia

Everyone in EU knows that Ukraine is losing — Slovak premier

Robert Fico added that anti-Russian sanctions had proven to be ineffective

US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

According to sources, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there

Upgraded Khrizantema-M antitank missile accelerates to hypersonic speed — Rostec

According to the holding company representative, this missile is being used in the special military operation zone in Ukraine

Russian army stocked with 70% modern weapons — official

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that continuous modernization of models and the development of advanced weapons is under way

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

US fails to issue visas to Belarusian delegation for Board of Peace meeting

Minsk has completed all the necessary procedures, according to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

Conflict in Ukraine to end when one of the sides is 'exhausted' — Merz

According to the German chancellor, resuming normal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin is "practically impossible"

Poland not seeking to possess nuclear weapons — defense minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz says that the country will develop the nuclear sector still

Hungarian PM voices concern over possible US withdrawal from talks on Ukraine

The US might "pack up and leave", Viktor Orban says after a session of the Board of Peace

Russia returns to electronic engineering pool — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov added that Russia should master the new lithography machine for 130 nanometers

Russian, Chinese, Iranian envoys meet with IAEA chief, urge diplomatic solution for Iran

The joint statements call for a solution to "all existing problems"

UK will not let US use its bases for strike on Iran — newspaper

According to the sources, the UK authorities are to ban the use of the facilities due to a concern that a US strike would constitute "a breach of the international law."

Seven dead in Lake Baikal tourist vehicle tragedy — Emergencies Ministry

Rescuers conducted a survey using an underwater camera

Russian Pacific Fleet frigate to join security exercise in India — Commander

According to Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, all Milan 2026 events "are being held in the spirit of cooperation, peace, and security"

Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Donbass if Zelensky issues such order — National Guard

Alexander Pivnenko also complained about a shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian army and acknowledged that the Ukrainian public is tired of the fighting

Zelensky inventing battle plans to fuel 'war of attrition,' get more money

Vladimir Zelensky's future depends entirely on this conflict and on those who have invested in it, including arms manufacturers and others who expect results, Alexey Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said

Trump fails to make compelling case for why he wants to attack Iran — newspaper

According to The New York Times, the American leader "has given no speeches preparing the American public for a strike on a country of about 90 million people, and sought no approval from Congress"

Special military op’s goal is to ensure peace for decades to come — Medvedev

The special military operation continues and it will undoubtedly be seen through to the end, the politician emphasized

Car falls through ice on Lake Baikal, killing tourists: what we know

According to preliminary data from the Investigative Committee, there are deaths as a result of the incident