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Russia’s Alexandrova sets personal record climbing to 14th place in WTA Rankings

Her best career finish in Grand Slams was at the Wimbledon tournament in 2023, when she reached the fourth round

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russia’s Yekaterina Alexandrova has set her personal record reaching 14th place in the new WTA (Women Tennis Association) Rankings list that was published on Tuesday.

The Russian tennis player, who is participating under a neutral status at international tournaments, currently has 2,786 points and her previous best result in the world rankings was 15th place.

Alexandrova, 30, has five career WTA tournament titles. Her best career finish in Grand Slams was at the Wimbledon tournament in 2023, when she reached the fourth round. She is also the winner of the 2021 Billie Jean King Cup.

This week’s WTA Top-10 is as follows: 1st Aryna Sabalenka (a Belarusian player competing under a neutral status; 11,225 points); 2nd Iga Swiatek (Poland; 7,933); 3rd Coco Gauff (the United States; 7,874); 4th Jessica Pegula (the United States; 4,903 points); 5th Mirra Andreeva (a Russian player competing under a neutral status; 4,733); 6th Madison Keys (the United States; 4,699); 7th Qinwen Zheng (China; 4,674); 8th Jasmine Paolini (Italy; 4,116); 9th Amanda Anisimova (the United States; 3,869) and 10th Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan; 3,663).

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.

However, the Women 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 lugers issued entry visas ahead of FIL Luge World Cup round in US

President of the Russian Luge Federation Natalia Gart thanked Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev for his support

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

Analyst says new US strategy offers Russia 'rare window' of opportunity

According to Eldar Mamedov, the new NSS demands a peace in Ukraine that serves American interests — prioritizing stability over maximalist justice, de-escalation over moral posturing, and the hard work of diplomacy over the seductive folly of endless war

Russian troops liberate Ostapovskoye community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian troops take major defense center of Ukrainian army — military source

The Ukrainian army lost a company of personnel and over 10 pieces of military equipment in the battle for Ostapovskoye

US Department of Energy raises 2025 Brent oil price forecast to $68.91 per barrel

At the same time, the agency expects global oil inventories to continue growing, which will exert significant downward pressure on prices

Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

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

Russia has to look for alternatives to dollar — Lavrov

The minister recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that Russia was cut from the dollar by abusing its position as the global reserve currency and using it as the political weapon

Lavrov to update senators on key matters of Russia’s global agenda

The minister is expected to lay an emphasis on resolving the Ukraine crisis in light of the latest peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump

Kazakhstan partly redirects oil to China after attack against CPC — Energy Ministry

"The incident at the CPC marine terminal did not result in a complete halt of exports" over the oil pipeline and supplies continue with the use of the existing infrastructure subject to safety measures, the ministry stated

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Many major projects have already been identified, Yury Trutnev said

Ukrainian elections, Russia’s negotiating position, Europe decaying: Trump's statements

The US leader stated that Russia is in a more advantageous negotiating position than Ukraine

Venezuela grateful to Russia for concern over updated US national security strategy — MFA

"We express our gratitude and support for the statement issued by the Russian government," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto

Russia, China conduct air patrol in Asia-Pacific Region — defense ministry

The air patrol was not directed against third countries, the ministry stressed

Trump hopes to clinch peace deal on Ukraine by Christmas — Financial Times

The story says Zelensky replied that he needed to consult with his allies in Europe first

NATO-style alliances in Asia create threats for entire region — Russian security official

Summing up the results of a Russian delegation’s visit to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, Sergey Shoigu pointed out that the issue of regional security had been discussed in detail

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

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

Kiev’s power grid may collapse in coming months following Russian strikes — expert

Vitaly Kiselev believes that for greater success in the zone of the special military operation, Russian troops need to "put out of existence" the Ukrainian railways network

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

Russia cannot ignore Japan’s belligerent policy — top security official

Sergey Shoigu pointed to "almost constant provocations"

Europe fears that Trump may blame it, Kiev for hampering Ukraine peace deal — TV

According to CNN, The fear among European officials is that the US leader is growing so impatient with the lack of progress in peace talks that he may walk away from the negotiations process

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

Liberating Novodanilovka, Russian troops secure southwestern flank — expert

"After the liberation of Malaya Tokmachka, the settlement of Novodanilovka in the Orekhov area was another logical step for our servicemen, since it threatened the southwestern flank of our advancing troops," Andrey Marochko said

Trump may exclude Zelensky from talks on Ukraine — US radio host

Steve Gill noted that many in Trump’s inner circle "are questioning whether Zelensky has either the power or the desire to actually end the conflict"

Russia to become world leader in unmanned systems development by 2030 — expert

According to Konstantin Yashin, this issue is getting significant attention from the government, and personally from Russian President Vladimir Putin

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

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

Overwhelming majority of companies redomiciles from Cyprus — First Deputy Minister

The threat of blockade from certain European countries for the Kaliningrad Region, where one of such regions is located, has not affected the redomiciliation

Trump reveals his favorite word

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

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

Conflict in Ukraine unlikely to escalate into WW3 — Trump

According to the US president, the Ukrainian conflict is "a big problem for Europe," which "they’re not handling well"

Russia’s Battlegroup East wipes out seven Starlink terminals

According to the report, drone operators also destroyed two quad bikes and a supply depot

Countdown for Zelensky regime has begun — senior Russian MP

Trump’s patience is wearing, said Leonid Slutsky

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"

Taking Novodanilovka Russian troops move closer to Orekhov — defense source

Success in Novodanilovka was achieved thanks to a proven tactic: first, reconnaissance identifies weak points in the defense, then artillery and precision weapons deliver strikes, after which the infantry takes up positions, the source said

Spain suspends investigation into death of defector from Russia over lack of suspects

The investigative actions did not allow to initiate a case against a specific person

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

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

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

Hungarian foreign minister rips EC president von der Leyen's leadership

According to Peter Szijjarto, under her leadership, Europe became a much less safe and much less competitive place than it used to be

Russia pays fee to UN budget fully — representative of Secretary General

Stephane Dujarric added that Russia had contributed $71,781,915

Putin may drive himself around city when traveling without motorcade — Peskov

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Russia in contact with US, awaiting outcomes of discussions with Kiev — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov specified that consultations continued "at the current level of engagement"

Russian troops expand buffer zone liberating Ostapovskoye — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the liberation of Ostapovskoye opens maneuver room for Russian troops to advance both north and west of the settlement

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

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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

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

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Russia, US not yet discussed Zelensky's statements about readiness for elections — Kremlin

"We haven't had time to discuss it with anyone," Dmitry Peskov stated

Zelensky's statement about readiness for polls bluff, manipulation of rules — envoy

He sets obviously unacceptable conditions, noted Rodion Miroshnik

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

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US reporter Christopher Helali added to on Ukraine’s undesirable persons database

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North Korean leader offers condolences on death of Russian envoy to Pyongyang

Kim Jong Un emphasized that the course in which the DPRK-Russia relations have developed into the present firm alliance is clearly associated with the devoted efforts of Alexander Matsegora

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

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

US proposes creating demilitarized zone in Ukraine — WP

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Russian Finance Minister noted importance of reducing dependence on oil, gas revenues

Anton Siluanov said earlier that the share of revenues from hydrocarbons will continue declining in budget receipts

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Lukashenko extends visa-free regime for 38 European countries to 2026

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Russia’s New START proposals can stop destructive process in field of security — official

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Russia prefers to achieve special op goals diplomatically — diplomat

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Putin promises to visit Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto noted that perhaps the Russian leader could find time for this in 2026 or 2027

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The measure envisages secondary sanctions against Russia’s trading partners

Belarusian General Staff believes West preparing for war

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An-22 aircraft crashes in Ivanovo Region — emergency services

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Europe deliberately obstructs Ukraine peace process — Lavrov

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Road vital to Ukrainian army near Ostapovskoye under Russian control — expert

Andrey Marochko said earlier that with the liberation of Ostapovskoye, Russian troops expanded the buffer zone between the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions by more than 1 km

Twenty-five more Russian children listed on Ukraine’s database of unwanted persons

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Tatyana Moskalkova described immobilized Russian assets held in foreign banks as "a national treasure, and every Russian citizen’s contribution to this fund, a disaster or calamity fund"

Italy considers use of frozen Russian assets risky for Europe — minister

"None of the proposals under discussion guarantee compliance with international law," Italy's EU Affairs Minister Tommaso Foti said

Russia says only Ukrainian air defense damages civilian objects in Ukraine

Vasily Nebenzya also said the majority of Ukrainians do not want to fight for a government he claimed they don't support

Musk calls for elected body instead of European Commission

"The current system is rule by bureaucracy, not democracy," he noted

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Russia prepares response to potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine — Lavrov

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Trump only Western leader who understands underlying causes of Ukraine crisis — Lavrov

The United States is showing increasing impatience due to EU position on Ukrainian settlement, the minister noted

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

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Russia seeks to put end to Ukraine's war against its own people with special op — Putin

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Zelensky admits that Ukraine cannot take Crimea back from Russia

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Russian ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

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

Zelensky says new version of peace plan will be handed over to US on Wednesday

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AI is double-edged sword — Putin

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

More sabotage, Western patronage: what is known about terrorist acts prevented by Russia

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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

Europe is 'moving in some bad directions' — Trump

Donald Trump voiced concern about the current political track taken by EU countries

Two peace deals brokered by Trump on verge of failure — agency

A senior Trump administration official said the US president expected Thailand and Cambodia, as well as Rwanda and Congo, to "honor their commitments" to halt the violence

Pope Leo says doesn’t know when he could visit Ukraine

"One must also be realistic in these matters," the pontiff added

Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport diverts, cancels dozens of flights

Flights operated by Russian and foreign airlines for departure and arrival continue to be serviced by agreement

Russian senators to hold a vote on ratification of logistics pact with India

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New world order awareness emerges among some Western elites — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov noted that Russia, as early as after the Munich Conference in 2007, highlighted the inevitability of the world becoming multipolar

Turkey tries to ensure non-proliferation of Ukrainian conflict in Black Sea — minister

Turkey has repeatedly said that it strictly adheres to the 1936 convention

Military transport aircraft crashes in Sudan, killing all crew onboard — AFP

The exact number of deaths is unknown

Putin asks human rights activist to send her proposals for pardons

At a meeting of the Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, Merkachyova put forward several initiatives on how to develop the jury trial

German chancellor, other European leaders urge Zelensky to reject US peace plan — WSJ

The Europeans insisted on outlining clear security guarantees in the US peace plan, aimed at preventing an alleged resumption of Moscow’s confrontation with Kiev

Liberation of Konstantinovka by Russian troops to affect whole military operation — expert

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