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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Norway leads Olympic medal standings after nine days

Italy comes second, and the US is third. The competition will continue tomorrow

© Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

MILAN, February 15. /TASS/. Norway retained its first place in the Olympic medal standings in Italy after the ninth day.

Norwegian athletes have won twelve gold, seven silver, and seven bronze medals. Italy ranks second with eight gold, four silver, and ten bronze medals. The United States is third (5-8-4).

Six sets of medals will be awarded on February 16. The competition will conclude on February 22.

Tags

2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy

Norwegian cross-country skier Kleabo breaks Winter Olympic gold medal record

Johannes Klaebo won his ninth gold medal

Battlegroup West destroys Ukrainian forces on eastern bank of Oskol River — military chief

Russian troops have liberated the village of Glushkovka near the Oskol River, and fighting is ongoing in the Novoosinovo area, Valery Gerasimov said

Kiev forces redeploy most trained assault units to Zaporozhye area — Russian top brass

But the Battlegroup East units are confidently repelling enemy attacks, Valery Gerasimov said

Space industry scientist suspected of sharing top-secret data with Brussels institute

Russian scientist Viktor Kudryavtsev is pressed with high treason charges

Russian diplomat urges to condemn Zelensky over remarks on Russian athletes

"The moment when a supposed president of a country says something like this, thousands of international officials should shout ‘catch the nazi’ in unison, and millions of human rights advocates organize protests against neo-Nazism," Maria Zakharova said

IN BRIEF: Fire at enterprise in Tula Region, 172 UAVs, aftermath of overnight attack

In particular, 110 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Bryansk Region

Press review: Putin and Lukashenko miss Board of Peace meeting as EU pushes nuclear talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 12th

West using Armenia as a tool in confrontation with Russia — Russian diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Yerevan is aware of Moscow's fundamental assessments regarding the incompatibility of joining the EU with membership in the Eurasian Economic Union

Putin approves regulations on General Staff of National Guard troops

The decree comes into force on the day of its signing

Trump says Iran not ready to practical actions for striking deal

The US leader stressed that Tehran "does a lot of talking and no action"

Norwegian cross-country skier Kleabo breaks Winter Olympic gold medal record

Johannes Klaebo won his ninth gold medal

Bank of Russia not taking part in talks on return to dollar payments for exports

Central Bank chief Elvira Nabiullina added that the regulator is not expecting a new inflation wave in Russia

Gazprom EP International resumes oil production in Libya under Wintershall Dea JV

Gazprom EP International resumed oil production in Libya. The project is expected to get a significant boost.

Work to write Eurasian charter to begin soon — senior Russian diplomat

A group of like-minded countries is currently being formed to begin substantive work on the text of the charter, Vladislav Maslennikov pointed out

European experts to visit polling stations in Russia on election day

Earlier in the day, the experts met with Andrei Klimov, head of the Ad Hoc Commission on Protecting State Sovereignty and Preventing Interference in the Domestic Affairs of the Russian Federation

Western countries request UN Security Council meeting over North Korea’s missile launches

Closed-door consultations will take place at the request of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Albania and Ireland, the source said

West not to be able to compete with global South — Russian businessman

According to Deripaska, it would be useful for Russia to diversify its economic relations and opt for more pragmatic economic cooperation with China, Africa, India, and Latin America rather than continuing interaction with the dominating "wealthy" West

EU sanctions hurt Europe more than Belarus and Russia — Szijjarto

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said that even among his ministerial colleagues in Europe there is a clear opinion that the sanctions are not working as planned

Russian troops liberate Gerasimovka in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that the Ukrainian army lost roughly 235 troops, two tanks and three armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup East

Chief of Russian army’s General Staff inspects Battlegroup Center units — Defense Ministry

In particular, Valery Gerasimov heard reports from, Commander of the Battlegroup Center, Colonel General Valery Solodchuk on the current situation in the area of responsibility

Over 120 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions in five hours

They were destroyed over the Bryansk, Kaluga, Tula, Kursk, Oryol, Belgorod, Vladimir, and Moscow Regions

Two new mpox cases confirmed in Russian tourists returning from Thailand

The patients are in satisfactory condition, the consumer rights watchdog says

Russia bewildered by Baku claims of 'deliberate' Russian attacks on embassy in Kiev — MFA

The Russian Foreign Ministry reminded that the Azerbaijani side was promptly provided with necessary clarifications

Norway leads Olympic medal standings after nine days

Italy comes second, and the US is third. The competition will continue tomorrow

Lavrov is no longer chain-smoker, says spokeswoman

Sergey Lavrov has cut down on smoking to literally a couple of cigarettes a day, Maria Zakharova says

Air raid warning briefly issued in Crimea’s Sevastopol — governor

Putin popular in Russia across all age groups — Peskov

Russian presidential spokesman also noted that Vladimir Putin enjoys the trust of citizens of very different ages

Russia adds new countries to its sanctions list

The list now includes Albania, Montenegro, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as Ukraine, under special conditions

Militarization to entail Japan’s crushing defeat, Chinese foreign minister warns

This will happen if Tokyo decides to use military force in the situation around Taiwan, clarified the ministry's official representative Jiang Bin

Russian-Ukrainian summit may be held in March – Russian ambassador in Kiev

Zurabov noted that both Russia and Ukraine had intensified bilateral contacts since the start of 2013

Any escalation scenario possible in Ukraine conflict — Medvedev

According to the politician, Western nations need to understand that they are fighting on Ukraine’s side

No plans to transform BRICS into military bloc — Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that BRICS is not a military union and not a collective security organization and has never been planned as such

Trump calls on Zelensky to act not to miss opportunity for settlement

"Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelensky is going to have to get moving, otherwise he's going to miss a great opportunity," the US leader stated

Board of Peace members to allocate $5 bln to restore Gaza — US president

On January 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the charter establishing the Board of Peace for Gaza in a ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos

Zelensky's statements have long been ravings of sick person — Russian MFA

First he's urging everyone to organize the electoral process, and then in a split second he either changes his mind or postpones them, Maria Zakharova has told the media

Moscow’s non-resource exports to Thailand soared 3.5 times in 2023 — MEC Deputy CEO

The city’s share in Russia’s total volume by this indicator amounted to almost 25%, Nadezhda Larionova said

Five municipalities, Bryansk left without power, heating after Ukraine’s attack

According to the governor, repair works are underway

Taking Tsvetkovoye creates base for liberation of Zaporozhye region — Defense Ministry

The ministry noted that during the liberation of Tsvetkovoye, the enemy lost a large number of personnel and military equipment

Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau conforms ex-minister Galushchenko’s detention

German Galushchenko, whose name is mentioned in the notorious Minich case, was detained while trying to leave the country

Security crisis in Europe not limited to conflict in Ukraine — envoy

According to Dmitry Polyansky, the Ukrainian crisis has become merely the culmination of the security crisis in Europe

Large Flamingo missile production line destroyed in Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky added that he could speak about this because the incident occurred some time ago

Udokan Copper to launch second phase of Udokan project in 2028

Udokan Copper (earlier known as Baikal Mining Company) was established in 2008 to develop the Udokan Copper Deposit in Kalar District of the Trans-Baikal Region (Russia)

Russia and Ukraine to resume gas negotiations

A decision to resume the negotiations was made after a telephone conversation the Ukrainian president had with the Russian leaders two days ago

T-90S tanks contract with India boosts Russian tank industry revival — Rosoboronexport

The company added that India, for its part, has received advanced technologies and mastered the assembly of Russian tanks at domestic facilities

Kiev forces lost 1,110 servicemen over past 24 hours — Russian Defense Ministry

In the area of responsibility of the Battlegroup North, the Ukrainian forces lost over 180 service members

Russia, Syria plan projects in industry, sports, medicine — Putin

The Russian president also noted the need to discuss the economic component of relations between Russia and Syria

Croatia not a reliable country for oil transit to Hungary, Slovakia — Szijjarto

Croatia formally notified the European Commission (EC), Hungary and Slovakia about readiness to provide the two countries with oil via the Adriatic oil pipeline JANAF, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic said on August 1

Hosting nuclear weapons would be Finland's second biggest mistake — politician

A member of the Finnish national-conservative party, the Freedom Alliance, Armando Mema noted that normalizing conversations about nuclear issues in the country is becoming the new norm

Man ties to cut off his hand with grinder to evade being drafted to army

According to it, the man suffered serious injuries and is currently in the hospital

Chisinau will continue course toward 'Romanianization' — Russian deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin expressed hope that the Moldovan people will be able to defend their identity

Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk Region continuing for over 12 hours

Alexander Bogomaz called on the region’s residents to remain vigilant, observe measures of precaution and not to approach dangerous and suspicious-looking objects

Kiev’s sponsors drew conclusions after attack on Putin residence — Galuzin

Moscow's partners "once again saw firsthand the terrorist nature of Vladimir Zelensky’s junta," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

Russia ready to halt airstrikes on election day if elections held in Ukraine — diplomat

There is no talk yet of the practical organization of voting in Ukraine, Mikhail Galuzin said

Ukrainian forces attack Russia’s Belgorod Region using 60 drones over past 24 hours

According to the regional crisis center, the emergency services will begin repair work after coordination with the Russian Defense Ministry

Sweden detected ship movements when cable damage occurred, minister says

According to the police, the situation is currently being monitored and work is underway to determine measures that need to be taken

Russia response to Putin residence attack hit Ukraine military facilities — Galuzin

On the night of December 29 Kiev carried out an attack against President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region

Zelensky maneuvering when he announces referendum on territories — Ukraine’s former PM

Nikolay Azarov also stressed that Vladimir Zelensky has never consulted the people of Ukraine

Sydney beach shooting kills ten, leaves 16 injured

One of the attackers was killed and another two were detained

Tops Swiss diplomat says sure Russia wants to make step toward peace in Ukraine

Ignazio Cassis said that, referring to another round of talks on the Ukrainian settlement due to be held in Geneva on February 17 and 18

Russia’s armor producer to arrange for licensed production of tanks in Asia, Africa

EU to spend 60 bln euro for weapons from 90 bln euro loan to Kiev

The soonest possible approval of the proposals by the EU Council is expected in order to allocate first funds as early as in April 2026, Ursula von der Leyen added

Massive Ukrainian drone strike on LPR causes 19 casualties

Ukrainian drones struck the village of Tsentralny in the Perevalsk Municipal District

Ukrainian forces suffer significant losses they unable to replace — Russian military chief

The Ukrainian armed forces are relying primarily on drones, Valery Gerasimov said

World’s oldest living person aged 120 found in Russia’s Astrakhan region

Tanzilya Bisembeyeva was born in the late 19th century, in 1896, and she has four children, ten grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren

Kazakhstan resources to be used in NPP construction — Russian ambassador

Alexey Borodavkin noted that "this concerns uranium mined here, which will be used as fuel for the power plant, as well as Kazakh nuclear scientists"

Moscow, Astana discuss dates for Putin’s 2026 visit to Kazakhstan — ambassador

Russia’s ambassador to Astana Alexey Borodavkin also pointed out that work is underway on the substantive agenda of the talks

West’s role in bloody coup in Ukraine must be remembered — Peskov

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that after 2014 everything changed

Global aluminum production gain 1.05% in 2025

Aluminum production in Russia and East Europe surged by 1.7 times annually in 2025 to 7.06 mln metric tons

Zelensky devises election manipulations in Ukraine — Russian deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin noted that Vladimir Zelensky has begun speculating about a willingness to organize elections and even a referendum on territorial issues

Russian border guards detain ship flying Panama’s flag for poaching

They found over 76 tonnes of frozen cooked crab legs in the refrigerator ship’s holds

EU countries should fear officials in Brussels, not eastern neighbors — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban noted that the previous US administration under President Joe Biden interfered in Hungary’s internal affairs in a manner similar to the EU leadership today

Top Iranian diplomat sets off for Switzerland for talks with US

Talks will be held on Tuesday

Finland plans to fully ban Russian citizens from buying real estate in spring — Yle

According to Antti Hakkanen, "solutions will be found in the spring"

Russian troops liberated 12 settlements in the first half of February — military chief

Over 200 square kilometers of territory have come under their control, Valery Gerasimov said

US ready to support Israel’s potential strikes on Iran — TV

The officials cited by the channel say that US President Donald Trump announced the intention during a meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December 2025

Putin congratulates Trump on US Independence Day - Kremlin

This year the US held the 244th celebration of the national holiday commemorating America’s declaration of independence from the British Empire on July 4, 1776

Estonia Foreign Ministry summons Russian ambassador over Putin’s comments on Narva

On June 9, the Russian President said that Peter I did not seize any Swedish territories during the Great Northern War but "got them back"

Europe’s anti-Russian politicians doomed, they don’t trust their strategies — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that the key task of domestic diplomacy today is to support the efforts of fighters in the special military operation

Ukraine continues to block oil supplies from Russia to Hungary — Szijjarto

Commenting on reports of the suspension of oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary through Ukrainian territory, the Hungarian foreign minister noted that "the Druzhba pipeline was not damaged as a result of the latest strikes"

Russia pushes Ukrainian troops out of two towns in Zaporozhye Region — military expert

Andrey Marochko says that the servicemen are clearing the territories of the towns

Russian troops liberate Peschanoye community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,480 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia, US, Ukraine agree to conduct talks 'without leaks' — Deputy Foreign Minister

Mikhail Galuzin also recalled that Kiev returned to the negotiating table under pressure from the American side and as a result of defeats on the battlefield

Terrorists kill 32 people, took hostages in western Nigeria — TV

As the Arise television channel notes, the pattern of these crimes is reminiscent of attacks by the extremist group Boko Haram

Kallas says situation with freedom of speech in Estonia is much better than in US

The European Union foreign policy chief said this at a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference

Press review: Ukraine seeks EU accession in 2027 and Germany urges Russian energy return

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 13th

Turkish energy minister reiterates plans to commission Akkuyu NPP first unit this year

Touching on the plans for the construction of two more nuclear plants in Thrace and Sinop, Alparslan Bayraktar noted that "Turkey will become a country possessing significant nuclear capacities" after these projects are implemented

Battlegroup South forces advancing towards Slavyansk — military chief

The destruction of Ukrainian formations in Konstantinovka continues, Valery Gerasimov said

US intercepts another tanker in Indian Ocean — Pentagon

No further details were provided

Russia ready to discuss idea of Ukraine’s temporary external governance — Galuzin

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin believes that such a step "would make it possible to hold democratic elections in Ukraine, bring to power a capable government with which a full-fledged peace treaty could be signed"

Trump says he held conversation with Putin recently

The US leader did not give any details

Polish president speaks in favor of Poland having nuclear weapons

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said earlier that the Polish government is not discussing stationing nuclear weapons on the country's territory

US wants to prevent European bureaucrats from ruining Western civilization — Russian envoy

Kirill Dmitriev said that EU bureaucrats are highly focused and skilled at destroying it through false narratives, migration, warmongering, and economic decline

Putin calls for ensuring ‘capacity reserve’ when upgrading Eastern polygon project

The head of state drew attention to the fact that when constructing new facilities, one must not forget about the existing infrastructure and maintaining it in standard condition. He stated that this work "has problem areas"

Battlegroup East takes control of Staroukrainka, Pridorozhnoye, Zaliznichnoye, Tsvetkovoye

Battlegroup South troops are advancing towards Slavyansk, they are liberating Reznikovka, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Army General Valery Gerasimov, said

One dies after Ukraine’s drone attack on LPR

Also 23 civilians were hurt, LPR Minister of Health Natalia Pashchenko said

Most intense fighting taking place in Battlegroup Center zone — military chief

Units of the battlegroup are developing an offensive in the Dobropolye direction, Valery Gerasimov said

Russian embassy calls Western claims about Navalny's poisoning circus act, propaganda

The embassy further criticized the coordinated efforts of Western media outlets, political figures, and intelligence agencies, describing them as servile and complicit

Key Russian lawmaker reveals illicit Ebola, smallpox research at US-run Ukraine biolabs

According to the legislator, the information obtained indicates "aggressive goal-setting that underpins the foundation of these programs, de facto implemented by US Department of Defense on Ukrainian soil"

Four people hurt in oil well fire in Samara Region

The fire was extinguished on an area of 20 square meters

Slovak PM calls for dialogue between West and Russia

According to Fico, a direct dialogue with the Russian leadership will promote the soonest settlement of the conflict in Ukraine

Obama turns media into tool of left-wing propaganda — Russian envoy

Epstein was detained by New York State law enforcement on July 6, 2019