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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russia’s Karatsev through to semifinals of 2023 ATP Madrid Open tennis tournament

The 29-year-old Russian player reached his first ATP Masters 1,000 series semifinal

MOSCOW, May 4. /TASS/. Russian tennis player Aslan Karatsev defeated on Thursday Zhang Zhizhen of China in the quarterfinals match of the 2023 Madrid Open tournament in Spain.

The Russian reached his first ATP Masters 1,000 series semifinal with the straight sets win over Zhang Zhizhen - 7-6 (7-3); 6-4.

Karatsev, who plays under a neutral status at ATP (the Association of Tennis Professionals) tournaments, is now set to face in the semifinals of the 2023 Madrid Open the winner of the quarterfinals match between Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece and Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.

"I am happy with my condition. Back to the top level," ATP’s official website quoted Karatsev as saying after his win over Zhang Zhizhen.

"Playing well and feeling well. From the qualifying, match by match, it has got harder, so mentally you have to be there more," the Russian tennis player continued. "Because your opponent doesn't give you any free points so you have to be there yourself. The important thing is now recover well."

The 29-year-old Russian is the winner of three ATP tournaments and his best result playing at the Grand Slam tournaments was reaching the semifinal round of the 2021 Australian Open.

Karatsev, who is currently ranked 121st in the ATP Rankings is also the silver medal winner of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics in mixed doubles (played in pair with Russia’s Yelena Vesnina). Playing for the Russian national team he is the winner of the Davis Cup and the ATP Cup.

"I started the year inside the Top 100 then I dropped and lost some matches. You have to keep going and believe and I have a team behind me that is always supporting me and believing in me," Karatsev added speaking after his match with Zhang in Spain.

The 2023 Madrid Open is played on outdoor clay courts between April 25 and May 7 and has 7.7 million euros (some $8.5 million) in prize money up for grabs.

Russian players’ neutral status at tennis tournaments

On February 28, 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations to international sports federations to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in international tournaments, citing Moscow’s special military operation in Ukraine as the reason.

Following the IOC’s recommendations in late February 2022, the majority of global sports federations decided to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from all international sports tournaments.

However, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) allowed tennis players from Russia and Belarus to continue participating in WTA and ATP tournaments, but only under a neutral status.

Russian mogul skier Ivanova to compete at FIS Freestyle Cup stage in US

Ivanova, 30, is the winner and holder of numerous prizes in Russia’s national mogul competitions

Diplomat sees US decision to quit 66 global bodes as refusal to team up to solve problems

Gennady Gatilov said that "this step can hardly be viewed as something other than a yet another proof of Washington’s purely selective approach to UN activities"

Belarusian Armed Forces launch large-scale snap inspection on Lukashenko's directive

According to Security Council Secretary Alexander Volfovich, the inspection is being carried out based on the experience of Russia’s special military operation and its implementation by the troops

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians face imprisonment for killing Donbass residents — expert

Vitaly Kiselev assumed that these individuals were captured during the special military operation and tried for crimes committed since 2014

Yemeni government resigns, Zindani appointed new premier

The previous cabinet will continue to perform its duties until a new one is formed

German expert calls attempt to blame Russia for Nord Stream blast propaganda ploy

Previously, some German experts had suggested that Russia was responsible for the pipeline detonations

Russia says Council of Europe's attempts to 'punish' it doomed to failure

"The Council of Europe unconditionally supports the criminal Kiev regime and stands in solidarity with it," Maria Zakharova added

Russian envoy dismisses idea of OSCE sending mission to monitor Ukraine ceasefire

"The Russian delegation is unaware of the OSCE having such plans," Dmitry Polyansky said

Trump could actually seize Greenland amid Europe's decline — expert

Jin Canrong said the capture of Greenland is important to the US president because of the island's strategic location and rich natural resources

Witkoff announces US demands for Iran on diplomatic settlement

The US Special Presidential Envoy mentioned nuclear enrichment as one of four issues

Poland to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine during the year

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said this requires a government decision, as well as Ukraine’s transfer of UAV production and countermeasure technologies to Poland

Israeli PM asks Trump to postpone attack on Iran — newspaper

According to The New York Times, Netanyahu spoke to the US leader on January 14

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Ukraine needs to make 'painful concessions' to achieve peace — Czech president

Petr Pavel did not say which concessions he was referring to

Karin Kneissl: Greenland Could Become the 51st US State

WhatsApp to be completely blocked in Russia this year — lawmaker

Andrey Svintsov said this is because WhatsApp is owned by Meta, recognized as the extremist company in Russia

US violates its commitment to maintain only unofficial ties with Taiwan — Chinese embassy

According to spokesman Liu Pengyu, Washington "is deliberately pushing forward negotiations with the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan on the so-called agreement"

Ukrainian servicemen attack Bryansk Region’s energy sites, leaving residents without power

"Last night, the Ukrainian armed forces deliberately used multiple launch rocket systems to damage the Klintsovskaya thermal power plant and the Naitochovskaya electrical substation," Alexander Bogomaz said

US warns Iran of ‘grave consequences’ for executing protesters — White House

The president and his team are closely monitoring this situation and all options remain on the table for the president

EU to support Greenland but security issues rest with NATO — official

"We will continue our work on Arctic security with our allies and our partners, including the United States," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added

Russia to view London’s moves to intercept ships as violation of maritime law — MFA

Maria Zakharova also reiterated that the claim by British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey that the Marinera was sailing under a foreign flag is unfounded

Russian troops liberating Zhovtnevoye straighten frontline at Orekhovo — DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky called Orekhovo one of the largest enemy hubs in this section of the front

Ukrainian energy companies run out of equipment, materials — media

Disruptions to power supply in Kiev and the surrounding region began in late 2025 after serious damage to energy facilities in the capital area

Taiwan to invest $250 bln into chip production, energy and AI in the US

According to terms of the agreement, Taiwan will also extend credit guarantees totaling $250 bln for projects of its companies on investments in the United States

Machado gives Trump her Nobel Peace Prize, Trump takes it — Fox News

US President has repeatedly stated that he considers himself worthy of the medal

London is again trying to boost its authority at Kiev’s expense — senior legislator

"London seems to have entered the race for dominance within the 'warmongers’ camp,' effectively closing the 'window of opportunity' for Europe to reclaim its sovereignty," Leonid Slutsky said

IN BRIEF: Russian forces expand buffer zones, disrupting enemy plans, senior general says

Russian forces liberated around eight localities and took more than 300 square km of land under control in the first two weeks of January

UK rejects French, Italian calls to restore diplomatic ties with Russia — newspaper

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London needs "evidence" that Moscow "actually wants peace"

Court sentences ex-South Korean president to five years in prison for obstructing arrest

Yoon Suk-yeol is facing a total of eight trials, four of them related to the imposition of martial law

UK marines in Norway conduct exercises to prepare for NATO-Russia conflict — newspaper

According to the report, the number of personnel at the base is expected to reach 1,500 by spring 2026 and increase to 2,000 by 2027

Attempt to 'kidnap' Putin fraught with disastrous outcome for initiator — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova referred to a comment by Defense Secretary John Healy during his January 9 visit to Kiev, where he said that he would like to kidnap Putin to "bring the Russian president to justice"

All districts in Kupyansk controlled by Russian troops — Battlegroup West

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov listened to the report of the battlegroup commander and inquired about the situation around Kupyansk

Greenland situation tests Western unity — Global Times

The newspaper recalls that for decades, Europe has touted itself as a "defender and promoter of the rules-based international order"

West to recognize sooner or later that Russia defended Donbass in 2022 — politician

Fabrice Sorlin stressed that the truth will always prevail

Putin said he was impressed by specimens of driverless systems

Issues of accelerated development of the national industry of driverless and autonomous technologies are on the meeting agenda, the president said

Dmitriev calls Canada 52nd state of US

The Russian special presidential envoy noted that Greenland would be the 51st state

French politician dismisses West's interpretation of Ukraine conflict’s causes as nonsense

According to Fabrice Sorlin, "the conflict did not begin in 2022, but in 2014, with a coup d’etat, a 'color revolution,' which resulted in the overthrow of the legally elected president, Viktor Yanukovych"

US backs down on plans to attack Iran — TV

Washington also took into account the changing security situation in Iran and the government’s gradual progress towards retaking control of the country

German court believes Nord Stream explosions were ordered by Ukraine — media

Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled that Sergey K. should remain in custody

Arms deliveries to Kiev 'for peace' reveal West’s hypocrisy — Russian governor

Vladimir Saldo said the West is directly responsible for the civilian casualties caused by these weapons

Putin, Netanyahu discuss situation surrounding Iran — Kremlin

The Russian president outlined fundamental approaches favoring the intensification of political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region

Russia stands ready to restore relations with all European countries — Putin

Russia has always been committed to such diplomatic approaches, the Russian leader said

FACTBOX: What is known about US Golden Dome missile defense system

US President Donald Trump stated that Greenland is of strategic importance for building the Golden Dome missile defense system

UN experts call Israel's actions in Gaza after truce ‘genocide without witness’

"We have entered a new phase in which Israel and its supporters have reached the genocide without witness stage," said the document, signed by more than 20 UN experts

US should account for nuclear potential of entire West, not only China’s — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia respects the position of China, which does not see the need for its inclusion in the treaty

Senior Russian legislator slams US fund's suit for 'tsarist debts' as legal aggression

Previously, Noble Capital RSD initiated legal proceedings demanding $225.8 billion based on alleged obligations under sovereign bonds issued during the Russian Empire

EU leaders tell Europeans fairy tales about Ukrainian victory — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stressed that the calculations of European politicians advocating the continuation of military action against Russia "do not correspond to reality"

Italy sees no direct military threat in Arctic from Russia, China — document

Rome sees benefits for its companies in Arctic development

Unacceptable to use blackmail, threats when talking to Cuba — Russian MFA

Moscow is concerned about escalating tensions around Cuba, Maria Zakharova said

FACTBOX: What is known about undercover British intelligence officer exposed in Moscow

Russia’s Federal Security Service stated that the British intelligence officer working undercover at the embassy is being expelled from the country

Russia, China need to address issues related to payment difficulties for tourists

Maria Zakharova noted that Chinese tourists have no reason to be concerned about the operation of mobile communications, the availability of payment options, or the arrangement of accommodations in Russia

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 400 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and three armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Murder of blogger Tatarsky, attempted murder of Prilepin ordered by same person

As a result of Permyakov's active contribution to the investigation of the case, the organizer of the crimes was identified, a criminal case was opened against him and a separate proceeding was initiated

China urges US to abandon idea of attacking Iran — deputy envoy to UN

Sun Lei emphasized the need for a team effort of all parties to maintain international peace and security

West wrong in its evaluation of Iran's resilience, German expert says

Constantin von Hoffmeister stressed that "a system that survives war with Iraq, decades of sanctions, assassinations of its scientists, cyberattacks, and constant pressure is not fragile"

Israeli officials believe US may strike Iran in coming days — Axios

According to sources, the United States has begun redeploying offensive and defensive weapons to the Middle East in case US President Donald Trump orders a strike

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian army’s HIMARS system that attacked civilian facilities

The Ukrainian army’s HIMARS MLRS was completely destroyed together with its crew as a result of prompt and well-coordinated operations by the teams of reconnaissance and strike UAV operators

French politician labels Ukrainian actions in Donbass as genocide

Fabrice Sorlin said he had been regularly visiting Donbass for humanitarian purposes since 2017

Trump threatens countries opposing US plans on Greenland with tariffs

The United States needs Greenland for national security, the US president noted

Europe needs to acquire weapons similar to Russian 'Oreshnik' — French president

Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France is within the range of the 'Oreshnik'

Trump said Machado showed respect by giving him her Nobel Peace Prize

US president described Venezuelan opposition member's decision as "a wonderful gesture"

Cuban officer downs US helicopter during US operation in Caracas — Cuban president

Cuban servicemen offered fierce resistance to the prevailing enemy, Miguel Diaz-Canel said

Putin, Iranian president speak over phone — Kremlin

The results of the telephone talk with Iranian President Pezeshkian will be announced in the near future, Dmitry Peskov said

Greenland, Denmark unite against US threats of island’s seizure — Russian envoy

Vladimir Barbin emphasized that only Greenland and Denmark can make decisions on this issue

EU pays minimum amount for Russian gas in five years in November 2025

In the reported period, the EU imported Russian gas for a total of 752.5 mln euros

US, Ukraine 'not on same page' on some issues in peace talks — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky continues to insist that Ukraine field 800,000 soldiers while admitting that Kiev cannot afford such an army

Ukrainian troops using drones to deliver weapons for sabotage operations — governor

According to Vladimir Saldo, Russian troops are thwarting all enemy attempts to cross the river

Press review: Trump pressures Denmark as US business signals Arctic ties with Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 16th

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,345 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian paratroopers advancing in four localities in Zaporozhye Region — governor

The fighting is heavy, but Russian soldiers are confidently advancing, Yevgeny Balitsky said

Point of no return already behind, Ukrainians lack motivation to join army — Rada lawmaker

Anna Skorokhod said it is linked not only to the actions of territorial recruitment centers and forced mobilization, but also to the overall situation in the country

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Degradation of international situation, security architecture: Putin's statements

The Russian president pointed out that Russia was "sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world"

Russian troops liberating Zakotnoye expand zone of control southeast of Krasny Liman

This will speed up the formation of the southern flank, Igor Kimakovsky noted

World heading toward chaos due to West's actions — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed to "the West’s destructive activities, both in its own countries and abroad, aimed at dismantling the basic principles of morality"

Veronica vessel became sixth tanker captured by US

According to Marinetraffic data, the vessel was under the flag of Guyana

Threat of Butyagin's extradition to Ukraine high — Russia’s charge d'affaires

"The defense focuses precisely on this, that for Alexander, for his health, for his life, there is a real and great threat in the event of his extradition to Ukraine," Andrey Ordash said

IN BRIEF: Threats to 'abduct' Putin,' Greenland: statements by Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said all issues around Greenland should be resolved within the framework of international law

Casualties in Ryazan Region, 106 drones: aftermath of overnight Ukrainian attack on Russia

Two people were injured in the Ryazan Region as a result of the drone attack

India’s IIT Madras researchers develop innovative ramjet-propelled artillery shells

According to the institute’s press release, the new 155mm ammunition will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s firepower

Russian budget may fall short of $2.96 bln in additional oil and gas revenues in January

In December 2025, the Russian budget fell short of 137.6 bln rubles in additional oil and gas revenues

US sends air crews to Middle East amid tensions with Iran — Fox News

The redeployment is estimated to take at least one week

Russia has no claims for Greenland — ambassador

Vladimir Barbin recalled Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen’s remarks during a conference in Washington on January 14

Sending European military contingent to Greenland will not lead to success — expert

Alexander Stepanov warned that deploying European troops to Greenland would likely prompt the Pentagon to bolster its military foothold in the region

Belarusian Security Council hopes Oreshnik never comes into play

Late last December, Russia's Defense Ministry said that the Oreshnik missile system had been put on combat duty in Belarus

Russia urges UN secretariat to abandon double standards and bias — Permanent Mission

Dmitry Chumakov, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations noted "a rapid loss of impartiality in the work of the United Nations" and called for combating the arbitrariness of large donors imposing mandates that do not enjoy consensus

First European servicemen arrive in Greenland — newspaper

According to Bild, a Danish military transport plane landed last night at the airport in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland

Russian troops gain foothold on western bank of Gaichur River — top brass

As a result of the offensive, Battlegroup East units crushed the enemy defense, liberating an area of over 6 square kilometers

Trump describes Florida Panthers goalkeeper Bobrovsky as ‘legendary'

US president said Sergey Bobrovsky "played phenomenal hockey" and shook the Russian goalie’s hand

Situation in Middle East: Putin holds telephone talks with Netanyahu, Pezeshkian

The Russian president confirmed the readiness of the Russian side to "continue appropriate mediation efforts and foster constructive dialogue with the participation of all interested states"

German defense minister thinks US unlikely to seize Greenland

In Boris Pistorius's words, a US military attack on a NATO territory would be "an unprecedented step that would undoubtedly have consequences for the alliance"

Russia may resume electricity exports to China at Beijing’s request — Energy Ministry

According to the statement, a key priority for Russia remains the accelerated provision of electricity to the dynamically developing economy of the Far East

Andreeva vs. Shnaider: All-Russia semifinals at 2026 WTA Adelaide International

In the other semifinals match in Adelaide, Australia’s own Kimberly Birrel will square off versus 8th-seeded Victoria Mboko of Canada

Russian foreign ministry advises Russian citizens not to travel to Moldova

"Moscow continues to record numerous episodes of discrimination, ungrounded harassment and undue treatment of Russian citizens in Moldova by the Moldovan authorities," the ministry said

Houthis monitor Israel’s activities in Somaliland, ready to attack its sites — leader

The rebels are convinced that Israel has been trying to gain a foothold in Somaliland to control the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Kiev enters fourth consecutive dark day

Disruptions to power supply in Kiev and the surrounding region began in late 2025 after serious damage to energy facilities in the capital area

Ex-top Austrian diplomat reveals what BRICS needs to do to counter US policies

"BRICS has no mechanisms," Karin Kneissl noted

Kremlin welcomes signals from Rome, Paris, Berlin regarding dialogue with Moscow

Dmitry Peskov noted that it was necessary to talk to Russia

French politician recounts crimes committed by Ukrainian troops in Donbass

Fabrice Sorlin said the organization he belongs to, which helps residents of Donbass, "had to relocate families to safe places because their homes were bombed by Kiev's nationalist battalions"

Kiev’s terrorist methods horrify even residents of Ukraine — official

Artem Zhoga called the Ukrainian regime criminal in nature

Russia’s UN envoy urges West to focus on guarantees of non-confrontation around Iran

Vasily Nebenzya added that Russia was "ready to provide all possible support" to such an effort