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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Zagitova to join national team for figure skating gala performance in Moscow next March

Less than two weeks ago the 17-year-old Russian figure skater announced her decision to take a break in her career

Alina Zagitova Valery Sharifulin/TASS

Alina Zagitova

© Valery Sharifulin/TASS

KRASNOYARSK, December 25. /TASS/. Russia’s 2018 Olympic Champion in figure skating Alina Zagitova will participate in the national figure skating team’s gala performance on March 29 in Moscow, Alexander Kogan, the director general of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (RFSF), said on Wednesday.

Less than two weeks ago the 17-year-old Russian figure skater announced her decision to take a break in her career for an indefinite period of time. RFSF President Alexander Gorshkov said commenting on the news that a place in the Russian national team of figure skaters remained reserved for Zagitova.

Read also

Russia’s 2018 Olympic champion in figure skating, Alina Zagitova, suspends sporting career

"We are holding a special event after the end of the season and it will be a gala performance, which we dubbed ‘Russia, Forward’," Kogan said speaking at a news conference in the Russian city of Krasnoyarsk.

"We are inviting everyone to come to Meagsport Sport Palace in Moscow on March 29 [2020]," he continued.

The almost 14,000-seat capacity Megasport Sport Palace in the northwest of Moscow was commissioned in 2006 to host basketball and ice hockey matches. The new sports facility was inaugurated with hosting the games of the 2007 Men’s Ice Hockey Championships.

"The participants in the gala event are all from the Russian national team - Zagitova, Yevgeniya Medvedeva, Yelizaveta Tuktamysheva, Alyona Kostornaya," Kogan said. "On the whole, anyone you can name. Everyone is invited to attend this event."

Zagitova currently tops the ISU (International Skating Union) list of the world’s best female figure skaters of the 2019/2020 season packing 4,702 points. She is followed by Japanese figure skaters Rika Kihira (4,035 points) and Satoko Miyahara (3,839 points) in second and third places respectively.

During the previous season Zagitova earned 2,620 points having won the gold of the 2019 ISU World Championship in Japan’s Saitama as well as the silver of the European Championship and the silver of the ISU Grand Prix.

In addition to the gold of the 2019 ISU World Championship, Zagitova was the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics gold medalist in singles and the silver medalist in the team event.

Zagitova is the first Russian female figure skater to win all awards in ladies singles competitions as she is also the winner of the 2018 European Championships in Moscow and the gold medalist of the 2017-2018 Grand Prix Final in Nagoya.

UEFA files Euro-2028 trademark in Russia

The Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property received the trademark holder's application from Switzerland on December 5, 2025

US Federal Reserve cuts rate to 3.5-3.75% per annum

The results of the next US regulator's rate meeting will be published on January 28, 2026

Putin noted good prospects in nuclear sphere for Russia, Indonesia

The Russian president added that relations between Moscow and Jakarta are also on the rise in the humanitarian sphere

Initial defendant list in Russia's Donbass genocide case just tip of iceberg — expert

On December 8, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that 41 individuals from Ukraine’s political and military leadership face life imprisonment in a criminal case concerning the genocide of the populations of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics

UK admits sending paratroopers to Ukraine — agency

This fact became officially known only after a British soldier was killed in an accident at a Ukrainian training ground, noted Press Association

Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

According to the document, NATO "no longer aligns with current US national security interests"

US plan for Ukraine allows Kiev to employ support forces — media

According to the report, Ukrainian negotiators rejected all restrictions during talks in the US

Kiev keeps a mere 25% of Seversk in Donbass region under its fire control — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian fighters have expanded control of ground in central Seversk

Maduro demands US abandon its policy of regime changing in Venezuela, Latin America

"The riches of the Venezuelan soil will never be plundered either by gringo invaders or by any empire," the president stressed

Brazilian parliamentary commission rejects ratification of TPNW

According to the press service of the lower house of parliament, the decision was made on the recommendation of lawmaker Luis Felipe de Orleans e Braganca

Court to begin questioning defendants in terrorist attack in Crocus case on December 15

According to the lawyer, on Wednesday, December 10, the state prosecution finished presenting its evidence in court

Ukraine hates Russian children, babies — Russian MFA

According to the listings, their personal information was entered for allegedly "deliberately violating the state border" and "attempting to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine

Press review: Trump pushes Ukrainian elections as Europe debates use of Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 10th

Number of Thai soldiers killed in border clashes with Cambodia up to eight

A 22-year-old soldier was killed by a Cambodia shell, Khaosod reported

Euroclear could lose 16 bln euros held in Russia if Russian assets confiscated in EU

"If the EU's decision is interpreted as a confiscation of Russian assets, this will make Euroclear and its clients investing in Russia vulnerable to legal action and asset seizure," Guillaume Eliet said

Ukraine attacks hospital in Kherson Region's Aleshki, killing three employees

Two persons were wounded, including a woman

Former US President Obama forced Ukrainian authorities to give up Crimea — Trump

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

"Neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet," Vladimir Zelensky said

Zelensky to hold sham elections in Ukraine in order to retain power — senator

"Zelensky has an incentive not to step down because outside the presidential office, he may face criminal charges for corruption and repression against political opponents," Alexander Voloshin said

Europe cannot cope with reality of Russia eventually winning, achieving set goals — Lavrov

"Europe is blinded by the desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," the Russian foreign minister said

Russian army separated from northern part of Seversk in DPR by about 2.5 km — expert

The liberation of Seversk located on a hill will allow Russian fighters to take control of neighboring Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, and Krasny Liman, Vitaly Kiselev added

Nobel Prize awarding ceremonies held in Stockholm and Oslo

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden presented 13 Nobel Prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and economics

EU rushing to pass special law for perpetual blocking of Russian assets — FT

The European Commission wants to use revenues from frozen Russian assets to extend a loan to Ukraine amounting to about 90 bln euro during the next two years

Sberbank maintains plans to spend 50% of its profit on dividends for 2025 — CEO

According to Herman Gref, with the current key rate, lending activity is expected to normalize

All of Google's assets in France seized following complaint from its Russian subsidiary

The seizure has been imposed as a security measure to prevent Google from attempting to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against its French subsidiary

US proposes creating demilitarized zone in Ukraine — WP

According to the report, the planned demilitarized zone "would be established along the entire ceasefire line", behind which there will be "a deeper zone in which heavy weapons would be excluded"

Vaccination brings monkeypox situation under control in Central African Republic

"To date, the epidemic is under control thanks to the vaccination campaign in 2025, during which 3,395 people from risk groups were vaccinated, including 2,910 health workers," Faustin-Archange Touadera said

Kiev resorts to terrorizing civilians due to its failures on front lines — diplomat

The intensity of Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets in Russia has nearly doubled since the beginning of the year, reaching an average of 480 strikes per day

Russia hopes conflict between Thailand, Cambodia will be settled through diplomacy

"Russia always stands for resolving all problems between countries politically and diplomatically," the Russian embassy in Phnom Penh said

Many EU countries, along with Belgium, oppose expropriation of Russian assets — PM

Bart De Wever said that he had named three conditions to the EC

Demonization of Russia deprives OSCE security forum of future — envoy to Vienna

Yulia Zhdanova called for cleansing the event "of propaganda husks and focusing its work on truly important issues of military-political security in the interests of all 57 OSCE participating states without exception"

Russian forces pound Ukrainian military-industrial, energy sites in past 24 hours

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 420 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy pickup trucks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Not only Trump in no hurry to lift sanctions on Russia but he increases them — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that the search for alternative payment systems "is gaining momentum"

Kim visits Russian embassy, extends condolences over Ambassador Matsegora’s death

North Korean leader also met with Alexander Matsegora’s family and embassy employees

WWIII avoided thanks to Trump’s policies — Russia’s special presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev also thanked the US leader for clarity on Russia "having a stronger negotiating position than Ukraine to resolve the conflict"

NATO countries not prepared for US withdrawal from alliance — media

According to the news outlet, diplomats within the bloc view the signals coming from Washington as an indication to the EU that the US is shifting its foreign policy focus toward Asia and the Arctic

Russia insists on fulfillment of NATO’s promises not to expand NATO eastwards — Putin

The Russian president stressed that multiple waves of NATO’s expansion have taken place, culminating in efforts to include Ukraine in the alliance

Czech parliament committee supports US efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine — agency

According to the agency, the committee adopted a resolution that praises Trump’s initiative, while noting the need to preserve Ukraine's statehood

Trump's demand Ukraine hold elections signals political death for Zelensky — Medvedchuk

"If Trump does not bring Zelensky down in the next few months, he will have problems all over Europe," the head of the Other Ukraine movement said

Russian stocks close mixed on Wednesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 0.66% to 2,720.66 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index lost 0.75% to 1,100.22 points

US Treasury authorizes transactions for sale of Lukoil's foreign assets until January 17

The license also prohibits the transfer of any funds to individuals in Russia or to Russian accounts

Latvia to decide on dismantling of railway tracks to Russia by year end

Chief of Defense Kaspar Pudans said the decision will be made in coordination with neighboring countries, "so that the approaches are similar"

Qatar ambassador states growing number of Qatari tourists visiting Russia

Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani said that Qatar highly appreciate the kind attitude and warm welcome of Russian citizens

US oil inventories down 1.8 mln barrels over week — Department of Energy

The current stock level is 4% below the five-year average typical for this time of the year, the department added

Zelensky tries to drown sensible settlement proposals in stream of nonsense — envoy

The change in the format of Vladimir Zelensky's interaction with press is also due to his nervousness because of the tough position of the United States, noted Rodion Miroshnik

UAV operators destroy Ukrainian dormant drones at Krasnoarmeysk — top brass

Having learned the tactics of Ukrainian militants, the unmanned aerial vehicle operators successfully identify camouflaged enemy drones on rooftops, roads, and in other hidden places

Israeli police mum on assassination attempt on Ukraine’s Mindich — spokesman

Earlier, Ukrainian businessman Igor Kolomoisky stated in court that an assassination attempt had been made on Mindich, who is in Israel, on November 28

Indonesia has vested interest in developing military cooperation with Russia — expert

"In this regard, the military training track mentioned by President Putin is of particular importance," Nikita Kuklin said

AI is double-edged sword — Putin

"This is an important and very difficult issue," the Russian leader said

Nornickel continues mutually beneficial cooperation with indigenous peoples — company

The metallurgical company, Russia's Federal Agency for Nationalities, and the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East signed an agreement on sidelines of the international forum

UEFA files Euro-2028 trademark in Russia

The Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property received the trademark holder's application from Switzerland on December 5, 2025

Cuba condemns US’ seizure of oil tanker in Caribbean as piracy — president

Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed his "full support for the Venezuelan government"

Putin to receive Indonesian leader for talks in Kremlin

The two leaders are set to discuss "issues of further development of the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership

Indonesian president particularly values relationship with Putin — expert

"For Jakarta, Russia is an important strategic partner with a high level of military and civilian technologies," Nikita Kuklin said

Rebel attack in eastern Congo slap in face of US — Burundi foreign minister

Edouard Bizimana noted that Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump on December 4

US detains oil tanker off Venezuelan coast — media

The tanker’s detention could complicate Venezuelan oil exports, noted Bloomberg

IOC Executive Board skipped issue of Russian Olympic Committee’s reinstatement

The IOC Executive Board held its final meeting of 2025 on December 9-10 at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland

Cambodia gathering evidence to file lawsuit against Thailand at ICC — newspaper

A high-ranking Cambodian official told the publication that Thailand’s encroachment on Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has led to large-scale destruction and numerous civilian casualties

Russian Security Council secretary to met with Laotian leadership

Sergey Shoigu’s program includes talks with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Chansamone Chanyalath

Russian army pressing Ukrainian troops in Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army achieved certain successes in the city’s eastern part

Kazakhstan to increase oil supplies to China, Russia, via Caspian Sea amid attack on CPC

The total volume expected to exceed 350,000 tons

Half of Russian instructors in CAR have special military operation experience — commander

A platoon commander added that the special military operation skills are very helpful in terms of morale and psychological support and in personnel training

Russian forces secure foothold on outskirts of Drobyshevo in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko added that in the course of the fight Russian forces also advanced south from the Novoselovka settlement and expanded their zone of control along the Nitrius River bank line

Putin to arrive in Turkmenistan on two-day visit

The Russian president is expected to take part in a forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Day of Neutrality, and 30th anniversary of the country’s neutrality

CAR army grows over four times in last nine years — president

Faustin-Archange Touadera said the country’s goal is to increase the army to 50,000 troops by 2040

Kiev advancing unacceptable conditions to derail talks — Russian diplomat

"As a matter of fact, it is seeking to set forth unacceptable for Russia terms, and its next step will be to simply accuse it of breaking down the talks," Rodion Miroshnik said

Analysts maintain this year’s average key rate outlook

The average key rate is projected at 14.1% in 2026

New theft scheme, concern in Zelensky's circle: statements by Russia’s SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that Vladimir Zelensky's entourage fears that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict will hurt their pocketbook

Russia could export 57.8 mln tons of grain, leguminous crops by the end of season — expert

Igor Pavensky, head of the Rusagrotrans analytical center, added that grain exports by rail in July-November approached a record high of 10.3 million tons

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

The vaccine is meant for adult patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma

Iran's ambassador to Russia says Putin and Iranian president to meet in Turkmenistan

Putin will start his visit to Turkmenistan on December 11

Russian forces holding their positions near Kupyansk, despite Ukraine’s counterattacks

According to Andrey Marochko, high-intensity counterattacks have been going on for a long time

UAC delivers new batch of Su-34 fighters to Russian Defense Ministry — Rostec

Rostec emphasized that the Su-34, thanks to its versatility and significant arsenal of weapons can perform a wide range of missions, making it one of the most sought-after aircraft in the Aerospace Forces

Rosgvardia troops down some 700 enemy drones in Central Russia

The press service added that Rosgvardia officers are also responsible for protecting highly important and sensitive facilities, as well as the property of individuals and legal entities

Court sentences Zaporozhye resident to 15 years imprisonment for treason

The Zaporozhye Regional Court has sentenced a resident of Akimovka, Zaporozhye Region, to 15 years in prison for transmitting data on Russian military personnel to Ukraine and providing financial assistance to the Ukrainian armed forces

Humans come in seventh on mammal monogamy scale, study reveals

To compile the ranking, British evolutionary anthropologist Mark Dyble used archaeological and ethnographic data from more than 100 human populations

Spain purchases two times less Russian LNG in November than in previous year

In the first 11 months of this year, Spain purchased 36,020 GWh of Russian LNG

Russia unveils domestically made dental milling machines at Moscow expo

Alexander Sinyugin, one of the developers, pointed out that the machine can create a dental crown or veneer in three hours

Macron along with other EU leaders talks Ukrainian settlement with Trump

The French president did not provide further details about the conversation

Top Hungarian diplomat slams Kiev’s attacks on tankers as state-supported terrorism

Peter Szijjarto stressed that EU leaders’ justification of attacks on energy facilities was "extremely dangerous" as it could lead to more attacks in the future

Russia’s Battlegroup East takes control of Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — top brass

Units of Russia's Battlegroup East prevent the enemy from moving or changing of positions unnoticed in the urban area, as well as from supplying reserves and ammunition to them

Bill on US withdrawal from NATO in line with America First doctrine — Russian senator

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

Work on peace plan for Ukraine to continue in coming days — German government

German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said that the four heads of state and government discussed the progress of ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine

IN BRIEF: Lavrov on attempts to steal from Russia, West pushing Kiev to continue fighting

The Russian foreign minister noted that European countries are trying to seize Russia’s foreign currency reserves because they don’t have enough money to continue military operations in Ukraine

Liman, Vilcha in Kharkov Region almost completely controlled by Russian forces — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian Armed Forces have recently significantly increased the pace of their advance south of Volchansk

Trump reveals his favorite word

The US president said that he loves word "tariff" more than any other word in the dictionary

Moscow working on organizing Russian-Arab summit — senior diplomat

Sergey Vershinin emphasized that a lot of preparatory work is required to organize the summi

Ukrainian ambassador summoned to Israeli MFA for criticizing PM's remarks about Putin

According to the report, Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Director General Yuval Fuchs told the Ukrainian ambassador that his statements were "completely unacceptable" and "violated diplomatic protocol"

Olympic bear from 1980 Moscow Games to become Russian national team mascot

"At the moment, 'Mishka' is being registered as a trademark with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property," Mikhail Degtyarev stated

Russia prioritizes sustainable peace in Ukraine over ceasefire — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that it should be accompanied by the signing of documents on the matter

Kiev refusing to receive its citizens evacuated from Sumy Region to Russia

According to Russian human rights ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova, six Ukrainian nationals are currently remaining in Kursk

Italian official says Brussels wants no end to already lost conflict in Ukraine

Matteo Salvini pointed out that wars were fought for economic reasons "by those who produce weapons"

Russian ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

"Wonderful event with warm atmosphere and exceptional hospitality," the Russian embassy wrote

US forces in Caribbean inadequate for ground invasion of Venezuela — Politico

The only realistic option for the administration of US President Donald Trump may be missile and bomb attacks, according to the sources

Ukraine submits response to US peace plan — reporter

Ukrainian and American officials told Axios correspondent about this

AI-based robotics to trigger new round of arms race — Russia’s intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that, in the context of intensifying global competition, industrialized countries view science and technology as key factors in maintaining economic and military superiority

Bolivia’s attorney general confirms ex-President Arce’s arrest in corruption case

Luis Arce "will be faced with charges and the judge will decide whether he will defend himself out of prison or not," Roger Mariaca told a news conference

Around 2,000 militants surrender in CAR under Russian-backed program

In many places, militants are in designated areas waiting for their turn to disarm, while they do not commit serious crimes, Dmitry Podolsky said

EU lacks strategy for ending conflict in Ukraine — NYT

European leaders are also grappling with challenges such as "budget shortfalls, worsening public opinion and the far right" in their attempts to ensure their countries' security and assist Kiev

Central African Republic militants using drones against Russian instructors — advisor

The UAV threat currently persists, Dmitry Podolsky said

Trump says US will keep oil from detained tanker

The US leader earlier confirmed that the United States has detained a tanker off the Venezuelan coast