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Russia finishes year at 33rd in FIFA rankings

Spain tops the rankings, followed by Argentina, France, England, and Brazil

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russia’s national football team finished the year in 33rd place in the FIFA rankings.

The Russian team notched 1,524 points.

Spain tops the rankings with 1,877 points, followed by Argentina (1,873 points), France (1,870 points), England (1,834 points), and Brazil (1,760 points).

The Russian team last played in November, defeating Peru 1-1 in St. Petersburg on November 12, and losing to Chile 0-2 in Sochi on November 15.

In 2022, both FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) banned Russian football clubs from competitions over the situation in Ukraine.

Russian citizen wins Just Dance competition at Games of Future

Ivan Vlasov previously won the Games of the Future in Kazan, making him one of the main favorites at the tournament in the UAE

Putin’s envoy to brief president on his Miami talks upon arrival — Kremlin

Kirill Dmitriev is on his way to Moscow from the United States following two days of talks on resolving the Ukraine conflict

Hungarian PM objects to sending tax dollars to Ukraine, advocates spending money at home

Viktor Orban has repeatedly confirmed that his government calls for resolving the Ukraine conflict peacefully and has no plans to spend Hungarian taxpayer money on further military activities in the country

Putin to have no quiet schedule in January — Kremlin

The Russian leader works on holidays every year, however, not all of Putin's meetings during this period are public, noted Dmitry Peskov

Merz finds himself in isolation in Europe due to position on Russian assets — newspaper

German Chancellor attempted till the last "to praise advantages of the de facto expropriation of Russian assets, downplaying risks at the same time," the newspaper said

Senior Russian general killed in bomb blast in Moscow — Investigative Committee

"According to an investigation, on the morning of December 22, an explosive device planted under a car was activated on Yasenevaya Street in Moscow," Svetlana Petrenko said

Central African army well equipped, steadily developing — Russian envoy

Alexander Bikantov stressed that prospects for cooperation between Russia and the CAR in the defense industry are very promising

Putin satisfied with work of Medvedev government

It is an enormous responsibility, a colossal experience, and I am sure Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev will use it at his new post

Trump names Louisiana governor as US special envoy to Greenland

The American leader has repeatedly said that Greenland should become a part of the United States

Deep State wants military conflict between the US and Russia, Gabbard says

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said that every time Donald Trump makes progress and moves closer and closer to that hope for peace, the warmongers in the deep state step up and try to do everything they can to stop it

IN BRIEF: Kiev officials plan to flee, diplomats unlikely to return, Russia’s SVR reveals

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, Ukrainian diplomats serving overseas are aware that there are no options to put an end to the Ukraine crisis on Vladimir Zelensky’s terms

Trump administration recalls heads of nearly 30 foreign diplomatic missions — news agency

According to its information, the heads of US missions abroad have been notified that their terms in their current positions will expire in January

Ukraine must be prepared for continuation of conflict in 2026 — US envoy to NATO

The reason is that a peace agreement may not yet be concluded by the end of this year, said US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker

Ukrainian authorities evacuate almost 147,000 civilians from frontline areas

More than 16,500 of those evacuated are children

Russia sends home Ukrainians wishing to reunite with families — right commissioner

Tatyana Moskalkova noted that Russia had great difficulties in transporting the 15 Ukrainian nationals who were to reunite with their families because Ukrainian Nazis keep shelling the Kherson Region and we were unable to evacuate their own fellow citizens

Russian defense technologies unmatched by Western military-industrial complex — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that established industrial production would make it possible to make tens and even hundreds of items per year to provide strategic coverage for all critical areas and facilities in the Russian border regions

Russian troops expanding buffer zone near Seversk in DPR — Pushilin

According to the DPR head, the evacuation of civilians from the city is underway

Louvre robbers steal over 8,000 diamonds and 200 pearls — TV

Investigators are examining information about a white van that was parked in the south of Paris during the robbery

Dmitriev goes to second day of negotiations with United States with positive attitude

Dmitriev, accompanied by security guards, got into a car and went to the meeting area

Putin goes to St. Petersburg for informal CIS summit

The head of state will also have bilateral meetings with leaders of certain countries

Ukraine steps up its activities in Kharkov Region, initiative remains with Russia — expert

Andrey Marochko recalled that last week, Russian servicemen liberated the village of Novoplatonovka

Warmongers fail to interfere with talks between Russia, US on Ukraine in Miami — Dmitriev

The day before, Dmitriev told Russian journalists the talks were constructive

PREVIEW: Putin to continue two-day informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg

While the first day of the summit was filled with protocol events, the second day is devoted more to informal communication

Republika Srpska’s new president maintains course of friendship with Russia — MFA

Yury Pilipson recalled that "the early presidential elections in the Republika Srpska held on November 23 were the result of a campaign launched under pressure from Western countries to illegally remove Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from power"

Ukrainian journalists say took pictures of Mindich in Israel

The details are promised to be released later

INTERVIEW: Russia says relations with Slovenia fall to lowest level in history

Political dialogue has been frozen, diplomatic contacts have been reduced to a minimum, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties are gradually deteriorating, said Yury Pilipson

No new Russia-US meeting on irritants planned yet — embassy in Moscow

At the same time, US diplomats noted that Washington considers "the channel of bilateral operations as a constructive and permanent platform for negotiations to stabilize the work of the missions"

Putin baffled by NATO Secretary General Rutte's war-with-Russia talk

The Russian president advised that Mark Rutte read the national security strategy of the United States, which is a key player, creator and main sponsor of NATO

Longest night of year coming to Northern Hemisphere — Planetarium

It will last for seventeen hours

Leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan receive this year’s Leo Tolstoy Award

Valery Gergiev, general director of the Bolshoi Theatre and artistic and general director of the Mariinsky Theatre, presented the medal and diploma to the presidents

London court may hold hearings on Ukraine’s debt to Russia this spring

Russia was forced to take the case to the international court in London because Ukraine breached the debt payment deadline

Copper price on LME hits new all-time high

As of 8:32 a.m. Moscow time, the copper price stood at $11,993 per ton

US Air Force fighter jet intercepts aircraft for approaching Trump's residence

F‑16 intercepted an aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Palm Beach, NORAD reported

European leaders tend to delay decision making, Romanian president says

Nicusor Dan stressed that EU politics was a democratic process, but "the debates are a little bit too long"

Maduro condemns attacks on tankers carrying Venezuelan oil

He noted that the Venezuelan people and all social strata of society remain steadfast in defending peace and national stability

Kiev’s attempting to disrupt peace talks with drone attacks on ships in Black Sea — MFA

Commenting on Turkey's resolute statement to Ukrainian security services regarding the unacceptability of attacks on vessels in the Black Sea, the diplomat noted that Ankara attaches great importance to ensuring the security of civilian shipping as such

EU loan to Kiev funds continuation of conflict — political director for Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban argued that the move would ultimately lead to cuts in other areas of European countries’ budgets, emphasizing that Hungary will not participate in the loan

US National Intelligence confident Russia not planning to control entire Ukraine

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called such information about Russia's plans "a lie and propaganda"

Russia, Azerbaijan continue to boost partnership, Kremlin spokesman says

Dmitry Peskov commented on reports that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will not attend a Commonwealth of Independent States summit in St. Petersburg on Monday due to his heavy schedule

India ready to step up work on trade agreement with EAEU — Putin

The first round of consultations on the text of the agreements was held a month ago, noted Russian President

Russia says fakes about contacts with S. Korea aim to sow distrust between it, North Korea

These information fakes have no basis in fact, noted Maria Zakharova

Putin sends major message to West by his statement on Ukraine — portal

L’AntiDiplomatico also recalled that during his year-end press conference, the Russian leader noted that US President Donald Trump "is making serious efforts" to end the Ukrainian crisis and is doing this "absolutely sincerely"

Drones entering Romania’s airspace pose no threat, president says

Nicusor Dan believes the drones that have been recorded in the country’s airspace have not intentionally been sent on its territory

US in pursuit of third tanker off coast of Venezuela — Bloomberg

The reason is Donald Trump's tightening of the oil blockade against the government of Nicolas Maduro, noted Bloomberg

Lavrov holds over 20 meetings during two days of Russia-Africa Forum in Cairo

According to the Foreign Ministry, the top Russian diplomat held bilateral talks with his African counterparts from the Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, Botswana, Gambia, Namibia, Equatorial Guinea and others

Europe pressures Kiev to stem departure of youth to other countries — newspaper

El Pais also characterizes Ukraine’s demographic situation as catastrophic

US department confirms detention of tanker near Venezuelan coast

"The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil," the Head of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said

Russia provides basic necessities to Ukrainians evacuated from combat zones — commissioner

Tatyana Moskalkova did not specify the number of those evacuated

Witkoff calls Russia-US consultations on Ukraine ‘productive, constructive’

Moscow highly values Washington's efforts to settle the conflict and strengthen global security, he added

Continuation of Ukraine conflict beneficial to politicians, arms dealers, bankers — Orban

Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that Europeans deserve better, because Europe needs peace

US tanker with Venezuelan oil left for US — official

Vice President and Hydrocarbons Minister Delcy Rodriguez also posted a video of the tanker leaving port

Increase in birth rate noted in 26 Russian regions — deputy prime minister

It is still too early to talk about a reversal of birth rate trends, Tatyana Golikova said

Macron played key role in derailing EU plan on Russian assets at summit — Politico

At the summit, the French leader held discussions with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the report stated

Kiev counterattacks near Krasnoarmeysk, trying to slow Russian advance — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk on December 1

Ukrainian drone attack damages two piers, two vessels in Krasnodar Region

According to the regional operational headquarters, specialists are extinguishing fires that broke out at the piers and are covering an area of 1,000 to 1,500 square meters

Vance rings alarm bell over growing 'Islamist' presence in European politics

The US Vice President also warned of potential long-term risks to Europe-Washington relations across various fields

Vance indicates breakthrough in Ukraine talks between Russia, United States

The US vice president said that America would continue to make diplomatic efforts towards a Ukraine resolution

US Department of Justice plans no redactions in Epstein files to project famous people

The agency pointed out that some of the material was temporarily removed based on requests from victims and their lawyers

EAEU prepares agreement with Uzbekistan on exchange of information on goods — Putin

This is a completely natural step, because all the EAEU states maintain the closest good-neighborly relations and intensive trade and economic contacts with their Uzbek friends, said Vladimir Putin

Kiev loses nearly 4,300 troops, mercenaries in fighting near the LPR over week — expert

Russian servicemen also destroyed more than 300 various enemy combat vehicles

Currency exchange office cashier escapes with 24 mln rbls

The grand fraud was committed at the currency exchange office located in Prospekt Mira (Avenue), 70

Share of settlements in national currencies within EAEU at 93% — Putin

The president also said that the association had implemented a 5-year strategy for Eurasian economic integration

Ukraine talks progress, territorial issues: statements by US vice president

JD Vance noted progress on the Ukraine front during the negotiations with Russian Presidential Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Miami

Another 25 children added to Ukraine’s database of unwanted persons

All of them were born between 2015 and 2021

US, Ukraine discuss sequence of next steps during consultations — Witkoff

According to the Special Representative of the US president, the parties, in particular, held "a separate constructive meeting"

Russia and US can implement many mutually beneficial projects — Kremlin

But this should not be tied to the settlement in Ukraine, despite Washington's desire to consider these topics in a single package, noted Dmitry Peskov

Greece joined EU initiative to buy US weapons for Ukraine — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to Yury Pilipson, there is no doubt about involvement of ‘senior comrades’ in Greece's accession to the announced initiative

Captain of the sunken Russian ship arrested in Japan has not faced charges as of yet

Captain of the Russian "Tanya Karpinskaya" freighter Alexander Zaika, who was arrested in Japan on Thursday, has not faced official charges yet

Russia’s Su-57 fighter with fifth-generation engine begins flight tests — Rostec

The state corporation added that UAC is currently implementing a program to expand production capacity, which will allow it to increase the volume of Su-57 aircraft deliveries to the military

Brussels promised that sanctions would crush Russia, but they destroyed Europe — Orban

Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that this is the price of poor decision-making and that negotiations are needed

Press review: Kiev's Western support weakens as experts weigh in on Putin’s Q&A statements

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 22nd

Dmitriev calls for acknowledging existence of warmonger campaigns in Western media

UK/EU politicians push the "let’s go to war with Russia"—covering up migration blunders/cashing in on weapons sales via "friendly" contractors, noted Dmitriev

Russia downs 41 Ukrainian drones over past eleven hours — top brass

Three drones were intercepted over the Krasnodar Region

Defense Ministry stops buying Kalashnikov AK-47 submachine guns

The weapon does not meet the Ministry’s needs, General Staff Chief Gen. Nikolai Makarov said

Kiev regime’s functionaries want to flee abroad after its fall — Russian intel agency

This trend is especially evident in Ukrainian diplomatic missions in Western countries

Spain annually loses 2 billion euros of potential revenues from Russian tourists

Russian Ambassador in Madrid Yury Klimenko stressed that the EU decision to further toughen the visa regime for Russian nationals will undoubtedly lead to a further dip of Russian tourism to Spain to minimal indicators

New French missile could form basis of European 'nuclear umbrella,' expert says

Alexander Stepanov pointed out that the ASMPA-R has successfully completed tests with the Rafale M carrier-based aircraft, confirming its operational compatibility

Dmitriev hints that next Russia-US meeting on Ukraine could take place in Moscow

Special presidential envoy accompanied the post with a photo of himself wearing a T-shirt with the words "Next time in Moscow" and the signature of Russian President Vladimir Putin

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer barred from her local pub due to tax hikes — newspaper

Minister will only be able to return to the pub after taxes are cut, noted the owner of the Marsh Inn, Martin Knowles

Zelensky contradicts himself about elections in Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, this discussion is a reaction to the Russian leader’s latest statements

Deep State attempts to provoke third world war — Dmitriev

Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that "US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is great for exposing the deep-state warmonger machinery trying to incite WW3 by fueling anti-Russian paranoia across the UK and EU"

Russian citizen wins Just Dance competition at Games of Future

Ivan Vlasov previously won the Games of the Future in Kazan, making him one of the main favorites at the tournament in the UAE

Expanding partnership within CIS meets interests of member countries — Putin

The Russian leader said that the Commonwealth will continue to address the challenges of socioeconomic development, strengthening stability, and shared security

Iran promises not to break off relations with Russia at Europe’s request

According to Esmaeil Baghaei, European countries should pay attention to their behavior and analyze why the conflict in Ukraine arose in the first place

Battlegroup South destroy five Ukrainian land robots over day

Drone system troops also destroyed six communication aerials and five land robotic systems

Special unit of Ukrainian International Legion neutralized — security forces

The Ukrainian command continues to use elite special forces as assault troops

Conflict with Thailand leaves 525,000 Cambodians dispaced — ministry

The number includes 274,800 women and 167,100 children

Russia to adhere to Alaska agreements in all versions of Trump’s plan — Kremlin aide

The Kremlin representative said Russia would work out its position from which it would go further, including with the Americans

Ukraine employs 30 drones to attack Belgorod Region over past day

In particular, in the Grayvoronsky district, the Ukrainian army launched nine munitions and 20 UAVs, damaging two vehicles

The Wire actor dies at 36

Law enforcement officers filed a report on the death of a person, finding no signs of foul play

Russia to think about peace plan proposals based on contacts in Miami — Kremlin aide

Ushakov added that, most likely, the bulk of the peace plan proposals would not suit Russia

Macron betrays Merz on expropriation of frozen Russian assets — FT

"He knows that there will be a price to pay for that", also said a senior EU diplomat

Lavrov calls Kallas’ words about EU aid to Armenia 'confession'

The Russian foreign minister recalled, as an example, that in the case with Moldova, there was "blatant EU interference in the parliamentary elections"

Drone strikes damage moorings, vessels in Russia’s southern Krasnodar Region

There were no casualties

European Commission becomes ‘Titanic’ dragging EU down with it — magazine

According to journalist Rafael Pinto Borges, Brussels has experienced institutional decline, which the European Commission prefers to ignore

Volvo files application to register three trademarks in Russia

Two of them are for Volvo, and the third is for Volvo Penta

Georgian president calls EU decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine bluff

"Ukraine has simply been sold out," Mikhail Kavelashvili said

Blast that killed teenager in Moscow Region caused by mishandling of explosive object

An investigation is underway

FACTBOX: What we know about terror attack on senior Russian general in Moscow

A parked car exploded at 12, Yasenevaya Street at around 7:00 a.m. Moscow time

EAEU establishes itself as self-sufficient center of multipolar world — Putin

The Russian leader noted the expansion of mutual trade exchanges and the deepening of cooperative ties between the members of the union

Critical infrastructure facility damaged in Ukrainian city of Odessa

One of the city districts was partially left without electricity