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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russia’s Samsonova reaches semis of 2025 WTA Berlin Open in Germany

In under an hour Samsonova, who plays as a neutral at international tournaments, cruised past her American opponent Anisimova 6-1; 6-1

BERLIN, June 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Lyudmila Samsonova on Friday defeated American Amanda Anisimova to reach the semifinals of the 2025 Terra Wortmann Open tennis tournament in Germany.

In under an hour Samsonova, who plays as a neutral at international tournaments, cruised past her American opponent Anisimova 6-1; 6-1. Next up for the Russian is a semifinals date with China’s Xinyu Wang.

The 2025 Terra Wortmann Open tennis tournament is a WTA-500 event played on grass courts. Taking place in the German city of Halle, it runs from June 16-22. American Jessica Pegula is the tournament's reigning champion.

Samsonova, 26, is currently ranked 20th in the Women’s Tennis Association Rankings and has five career WTA titles. Playing on the Grand Slam circuit, she has made it as far as Round 4 (2021 Wimbledon and 2022, 2024 US Open). In 2021, she won the Billie Jean King Cup as part of the Russian national team.

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.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) ruled on March 1, 2022 to suspend the membership of the Russian and Belarusian national tennis federations while also canceling all previously scheduled tennis tournaments in the two countries.

On March 14, 2022, the ITF also confirmed its prohibition on the Russian and Belarusian national tennis teams from taking part in the 2022 Davis Cup and 2022 Billie Jean King Cup.

Tags

United States Germany Tennis

Figure skaters Efimova, Mitrofanov win US pairs championship

Efimova is currently awaiting approval of an American passport, which will prevent the pair from competing at the upcoming Olympic Games in Italy

Finnish politician reveals Helsinki's secret plans to deploy nuclear weapons

According to him, some people in Finland feel like the country is at war with Russia

European leaders lack expertise to make proper assessment of Ukraine crisis — Swiss MP

According to Mettan, today’s European leaders did not experience World War II and came of age only at the end of the Cold War

Aeroflot to restore its Sheremetyevo flight schedule by 8 a.m. on January 11

Starting at 6:00 p.m. Moscow time (3:00 p.m. GMT) on January 10, Aeroflot plans to operate flights to and from Sheremetyevo Airport as scheduled, excluding flight cancellations for Saturday

Putin's envoy reminds Kallas no defense system can stop Oreshnik

This is how Kirill Dmitriev commented on Kaja Kallas's statement about the Russian strike with the Oreshnik missile

US demands from Venezuela to severe economic ties with Iran, Cuba, China, Russia — TV

According to the US-based television broadcaster, Washington put forward several demands to the acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez

Russia’s Progress MS-30 resupply hip to deliver new Orlan spacesuit to orbital outpost

Currently, Russian cosmonauts use Orlan-ISS No. 4 and Orlan-ISS No. 5 spacesuits for extravehicular activity outside the space station

Lukashenko says there was collusion, betrayal in situation with Maduro's capture

The Belarusian leader also called for caution amid the events in the Bolivarian Republic

Russia’s Consulate General slams banning frigate Shtandart from entering Scottish harbor

It noted that "although the Shtandart does not belong to the Russian Federation, she is a replica of the Russian frigate built in 1703 by Peter the Great"

NATO stockpiles nukes near Russia's borders, preparing for offensive actions — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, at the initial stage, it is possible that B61 thermonuclear bombs, which are currently deployed in Belgium and the Netherlands, will be shifted to Russia's borders

US creates new legal reality by rejecting international law — Russian senator

Andrei Klishas stated this while commenting on US President Donald Trump's statement that he does not need international law

Damage to Qatari embassy in Kiev result of Ukrainian air defense failure — Russian MFA

There were no designated military objectives near the Qatari diplomatic mission, the ministry noted

US wants Russia, China to stay away from Greenland — Trump

Donald Trump also expects Caracas to become its ally in the future

UN Security Council schedules Ukraine-themed meeting for January 12

The meeting will take place at 3:00 p.m. local time

EU doesn’t recognize legitimacy of Venezuelan interim president — European Commission

The authorities in Venezuela derived their mandate from an electoral process that failed to respect the will of the people for democratic change

Russia calls on US to cease illegal activities against Marinera — MFA

The United States is required to ensure humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens and not create obstacles to their speedy return to their homeland

Damascus regards Kurdish drone strikes on Aleppo as terrorist attacks — MFA

"The Syrian Arab Republic calls on the international community to condemn these terrorist acts and support the efforts of the Syrian state in the fight against terrorism and in strengthening security and stability," the Foreign Ministry of the Syrian transitional government said

High time for Europe to talk to Russia — Italian PM

However, she believes that the conditions for Russia's return to the G7 have not yet been met

Lavrov urges to raise voice to shield Christians from persecution in the Middle East

According to Russian Foreign Minister, the Foreign Ministry and the Russian Orthodox Church have many joint projects

North Korea accuses South of violating its airspace

The incident occurred on January 4, when North Korean air defenses detected and tracked an aerial target that crossed the border from the South

Danish PM shocked by Trump's, his administration's statements about Greenland — NYT

Trump has repeatedly stated the need for Greenland to join the United States

Over 2,000 Belarusian servicemen take part in dealing with consequences of snowfall

The ministry noted that military personnel will continue assisting with recovery efforts for as long as necessary

Iran accuses Israel, US of organizing protests in country

The work of law enforcement agencies in the country is aimed at preventing such threats

"Coalition of the Willing" won’t send troops to Ukraine, French politician says

Russia opposes the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine

Venezuelan authorities declare constancy of foreign policy — Russian envoy

"Venezuelans, in their contacts with us, confirmed their commitment to adhering to the provisions of this document and, in general, to the spirit and principles of our partnership," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Biden’s statements on Ukraine crisis are illogical, Lavrov says

The Russian Foreign Minister also pointed to the lack of a channel for dialogue with Washington

Sheremetyevo Airport stabilizes operation after restrictions

Passengers on arriving flights are receiving their baggage in full

Russian forces launch Oreshnik strike in response to Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

According to the ministry, "the strike goals were achieved"

Russia maintains global leadership in Pacific salmon production

Russia is fully supplied with red fish and caviar, the agency added

Trump believes US allies in Europe are not feared, including by Russia

Donald Trump pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not afraid of Europe

Trump issues executive order to protect Venezuelan oil revenues from legal action

The proceeds from oil sales are sovereign property of the Venezuelan government held in custody in the United States, according to the document

Greenland party leaders call on US to stop disrespecting island

The authors note that Greenland is a democracy and wishes to continue cooperation with both the United States and Western countries

Ukrainian attacks Belgorod Region with nearly 50 UAVs, 18 munitions over past day

In addition, the Ukrainian military targeted the Valuysky, Volokonovsky, and Grayvoronsky districts with 12 drones, leaving five people injured

Medvedev bashes US general’s idiotic remarks about Kaliningrad’s air defenses

The Russian PM commented on media reports citing the commander of the US Air Forces in Europe on Pentagon's plans to ‘crack’ the air defenses in the Kaliningrad Region in case of Russia's aggression

Russian senator calls Vance's statement recognition previous US policy on Ukraine failed

Earlier, Vance described as illusory the belief that increasing military aid to Ukraine and tightening sanctions against Russia would enable Kiev to win the conflict

Situation in Venezuela stable, authorities maintaining order — Russian envoy

"The authorities confidently control public order," Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov added

Oreshnik’s launch is sudden, undetectable by satellites — analyst

The range of the Oreshnik system is up to 5,500 kilometers

Elon Musk calls UK 'police state'

The US entrepreneur responded to a post saying that the Royal Court of Cardiff had sentenced a British man to 20 months in prison for social media publications containing racist insults against Black people

Trump confirms plans to visit China in April

The US President believes that he "gets along very well" with President Xi Jinping

Trump does not intend to pardon Maduro — NYT

The US President also made it clear that he has "no intention of pardoning" the other individuals

US to redirect military resources from Europe to Indo-Pacific — Finnish president

European NATO countries hope that Washington will leave "key military equipment," including radars, on the continent

Over $300 bln paid for Russian gas stolen by West from Russia - Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that Russia has decided to switch to rubles in payments for its gas in order to stop "the shameless robbery" by the West

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Germany’s oil imports from Russia down 99.9% in January — statistics

The EU’s embargo on seaborne supplies of Russian oil became effective on December 5 of the last year

Early return of Crew-11 from ISS planned no earlier than January 14 — NASA

In this case, astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov will splash down off the coast of California on January 15

EU preparing for possible direct confrontation with Trump — newspaper

European governments now understand the seriousness of Trump's threats and are "desperately looking for a plan to stop him"

Russia-EU economic relations unlikely to recover even within decade — economist

According to the economist, the Russian economy and budget system have already adapted to the severing of old ties

Trump's portrait now on display at National Portrait Gallery in Washington

The black-and-white image depicts the US president standing in the Oval Office, leaning on a desk with both hands

Vatican urges US to avoid military ops against Venezuela — media

According to the publication, Parolin told Burch that Maduro could receive asylum in Russia

Russian says warning systems failed during US strikes on Caracas

According to Ivan Pavlov, there is still silence on television

Air defenses down 33 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions in seven hours

On-duty air defenses intercepted and destroyed 33 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Moscow time (6 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. GMT)

Trump says Venezuelan authorities aided in detaining new tanker

Earlier on Friday, the US Southern Command confirmed the seizure of the oil tanker Olina

Russia to use remote e-voting system in presidential election for first time

To vote on the remote electronic voting system, a voter must submit an application during a period that begins 45 days before election day and ends three days before the election (from January 29 to March 11)

Deployment of multinational forces for Ukraine impossible without Russia’s consent — Merz

Germany is ready to contribute to efforts to maintain a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, German Chancellor noted

EU goods imports into Russia exceed exports — Eurostat

Exports of Russian goods to the EU amounted to 21.7 bln euro, while imports of goods from the EU into Russia totaled 22.2 bln euro

Macron voices his plans to hold conversation with Putin as soon as possible

Marcon was answering a question from the channel's journalist, who recalled the French president’s recent statement that it would be useful to talk with Putin and inquired about any progress in this regard

Finnish politician backs Italian PM's stance on dialogue with Russia

Meloni earlier stated that the time had come for Europe to begin talks with Russia and voiced support for appointing a special representative for Ukraine

Use of phones is cause of tragedy in Makeyevka — Russian Defense Ministry

A commission investigating circumstances of the incident is working and required measures are being taken to exclude such tragedies in the future

Kaliningrad Region is well protected from US air attacks — top brass

The Russian Defense Ministry also said that the Pentagon had reasons to be concerned that the delivery of the Russian-made S-400 systems to Turkey might tarnish the image of the F-35 stealth aircraft

Medvedev considers use of Russian flag by Marinera to be inappropriate

He emphasized that the seizure of the tanker by the Americans was "a clear violation of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea"

Houthis say their strike prevented US military plane from landing in Israel

The Israel Defense Forces said on Tuesday evening they had detected a missile launch in Yemen

US government mulls holding nuclear test, but has no clear plan yet — energy secretary

Chris Wright also stressed that the US nuclear arsenal has to be meaningfully better than all of its foes in the world

Attack on Putin's residence was guided by NATO systems, expert says

Andrey Marochko believes that disrupting negotiations on a peace settlement of the conflict was Kiev's primary aim in the attack

European Commission considers Oreshnik's strike on Ukraine warning to EU, US — spokeswoman

Brussels intends to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine

Tehran rioters burn down 25 mosques, harm 26 banks, three medical centers — mayor

According to him, rioters harmed ten government buildings, 48 fire trucks, 42 buses and ambulances, as well as 24 apartments

Russian Cabinet sets export duties for fertilizers from September 1

The draft decree from the Cabinet is posted on the federal website of draft regulations

Russian protective service uses unique domestic innovations, says official

According to Deputy Director of the FSO Lieutenant General Viktor Shlemin, the service's resources are sufficient to complete its assigned tasks in full

What Solzhenitsyn said about Putin, and vice versa

The prominent writer and historian, who was exiled to GULAG camp, was born on December 11, 1918

At least 59 Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions overnight

11 of them were destroyed over the Black Sea waters

Trump plans to turn Greenland into militarized zone — expert

"Danish politicians have already said in a statement that they have sent a message to Trump, in which they offered to shake hands on a security deal, in fact, on the placement of American weapons," Alexander Mikhailov said

Russian air defenses take down drone heading to Moscow — mayor

First responders are working at the area where fragments have fallen, the Russian capital’s Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said

Minneapolis protestor shot dead by US immigration control officer — AP

Describing the incident as "an act of domestic terrorism," the US Department of Homeland Security said the woman was trying to run over ICE officers with her vehicle, and the officers acted in self-defense

Death toll from Kurdish shelling of Aleppo since Jan. 6 up to 23 — SANA

At least 104 people weere injured, according to the report

At least 25 law enforcement officers killed by rioters in Iran

Between January 3 and 9, Iranian authorities reported the deaths of more than 10 security personnel, including the Esfarayen city prosecutor

Tehran condemns US attempts to intervene in Iran’s domestic affairs — envoy to UN

Amir Saeid Iravani emphasized that the United States is interfering in Iran’s internal affairs through the encouragement of instability and violence

Ukraine loses around 1,090 troops across special op zone over past day — top brass

In the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North, the Ukrainian military lost more than 130 soldiers and three cars

Russia opposes any Western military contingent in Ukraine — Medvedev

It’s been said a thousand times: Russia won’t accept any European or NATO troops in Ukraine, Medvedev wrote on X in English.

Zelensky in talks with US on possible free trade zone — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, the deal will have zero tariffs on trade with the United States and will be in place in some of Ukraine’s industrial regions

President Putin congratulates Russians with Orthodox Christmas holiday

This year, Russian President Putin attended an overnight Orthodox Christmas service at the Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in the Moscow Region

No one knows what will happen to Cuba after US operation in Venezuela — Trump

The US leader also added that unlike Venezuela, Cuba does not have its own oil and other energy sources

Ukraine launches over thousand strikes on Aleshkinsky district in Kherson Region over week

The authorities added that Ukrainian militants shelled the Aleshki Central District Hospital

Ukraine, US to sign $800-bln post-conflict reconstruction deal in Davos

The loan will be provided within a decade

DPR leader hails referendum results as national victory

"We have been fighting for the right to join Russia, to come back home, to be with our real Motherland for more than 3,000 days. This is our national victory," Denis Pushilin said in a video address

Syrian army prepares to strike Kurdish positions in Aleppo — TV

According to the report, areas of the Kurdish neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud

Sberbank does not expect Bank of Russia to lower key rate before Q2 2025

Sberbank also expects the Bank of Russia's key rate to remain at the current level of 18% until the end of 2024

Press review: Zelensky peace plan is no-go for Russia and Trump puts on peacemaker hat

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 25th

Russian paratroopers destroy Ukrainian tanks, self-propelled gun by drones

"Crews of reconnaissance drones of Russian paratroopers discovered two tanks and a concealed self-propelled gun firing from covered positions against peaceful settlements on the left bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson Region," the Russian Ministry of Defense said

At least 200 rebel leaders detained in Iran — Tasnim

During the operations, a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, grenades, and Molotov cocktails were seized from the hiding places of the pogromists, the agency said

Jailed Russian tests negative for COVID-19 at US prison

Earlier, it was stated that the Russian embassy in the US addressed a note to the State Department demanding to ensure that the Russian woman would not get infected with COVID-19

Paris declaration on Ukraine brings world closer to third world war — Ukrainian politician

This declaration, in his words, "means that there will be no peace and the conflict will never end"

Europe has no strategy to prevent possible takeover of Greenland by US — FT

European leadership circles are considering retaliatory measures, including closing US military bases or banning the purchase of US Treasury bonds

Ukrainian armed forces carry out missile strike on Belgorod; no casualties reported

Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov added that emergency services are working on the ground

US wants to have Greenland, will get it anyway — Trump

The US President believes that if Washington does not own the island, Russia or China will take it over

Trump hopes sanctions bill against Russia will not be needed, but ready to support it

The US President stressed that Washington is already using "big sanctions on Russia"

NATO may bolster presence in the Arctic to avert US-Denmark conflict

According to the newspaper, NATO ambassadors proposed increasing defense spending in the Arctic, deploying additional military equipment, and stepping up military exercises to show Donald Trump that the region is sufficiently secure

North Korea’s military presence at May 9 parade shows Moscow-Pyongyang close bond — expert

Russian military expert Alexander Stepanov noted that real military cooperation with the Korean People’s Army and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea that has been implemented in practice is especially significant

Trump plans to meet with Venezuelan delegates soon

US President Donald Trump did not elaborate on who exactly he was planning to talk to

Iranian police report stabilization following armed unrest

An official spokesperson for the Islamic Republic’s police Saeed Montazer al-Mahdi emphasized that "the situation in various cities across the country is calm"

Nuclear powers UK, France risk provoking war with Russia — Szijjarto

"War fanaticism is rampant among Europe’s political leaders," the minister said

Hungary considers Ukraine's 20-point 'peace plan' unrealistic — Orban’s office

Gulyas warned that Budapest would not take part in implementing plans agreed upon by Kiev and Brussels under these conditions