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Developments in Afghanistan

Powerful foes of Taliban will soon establish council — Afghan envoy in Dushanbe

Afghan Ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar pointed out that the council supporting the National Resistance Front would include Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum and other Afghan political leaders

DUSHANBE, September 8. /TASS/. Afghan political leaders who oppose the Taliban (outlawed in Russia) will soon create a council to support resistance forces, Afghan Ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar told a press conference on Wednesday.

"Political leaders of Afghanistan, including Marshal [Abdul Rashid] Dostum, will soon create the council supporting the National Resistance Front," the Afghan diplomat said. The envoy earlier said that he represents in Tajikistan "Afghanistan and Amrullah Saleh who serves as acting head of the state."

At the same time, he noted that Tajikistan was one of the first countries in the world to openly declare his position regarding Afghanistan. "Tajikistan exceeded our expectations and became the first country whose President Emomali Rahmon openly spoke on the international level about his position," he added.

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Power transfer in Afghanistan

Kim Jong Un re-elected general secretary during party congress

"To elect the head of the Workers' Party of Korea is an important affair decisive of the Party's leadership ability and the future destiny of the country and the people," the news agency said

Cosmonauts congratulate Russians on Defender of Fatherland’s Day from space

They expressed to servicemen their sincere gratitude for heroism, courage and devotion to duty

Russia’s National Wealth Fund totals $177 bln as of February 1 — Finance Ministry

The volume of the fund's liquid assets as of February 1 was $55.1 bln

Russian presidential envoy expresses confidence in peace through dialogue

Peace will prevail through dialogue, Kirill Dmitriev said

Russia helps secure Venezuela's statehood — MFA

No one would have negotiated with them; they would have been treated, as the West has repeatedly suggested, as those who are on the menu, Maria Zakharova said

Closing ceremony of 2026 Winter Olympics over in Italy

Norway won the unofficial medal count, winning 18 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze

Press review: Global response to Kerch standoff and EU joins Russia for SWIFT alternative

Top stories in the Russian press on Wednesday

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic two times over past day

There were no reports on casualties among civilians

Russia downs five Flamingo long-range missiles, 172 aircraft-type UAVs during day

According to the Defense Ministry, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 115,937 unmanned aerial vehicles

Valentina Tereshkova, legendary Soviet cosmonaut and the first woman in space

The first ever woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, celebrates her birthday on March 6

US ready to hold talks with Iran on February 27 if Tehran responds to proposals — media

The report says that US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner "plan to be in Geneva on February 27" if Iran responds early next week

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Epstein files exposed those who invented myths about Russia — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recalled numerous accusations against Russia, adding that the country came up with "arguments and facts" to refute them

Two apartment buildings, social facility damaged in Ukraine’s missile attack on Belgorod

No casualties have been reported so far

LPR head says Ukrainian army attacked oil depot with drones in Lugansk

Fuel tank was damaged and a fire occurred

Iran does not discuss removal of highly enriched uranium from republic with US — TV

At the same time, the source denied rumors about possible Iran’s concessions in the oil and gas sector

Finnish top diplomat Valtonen says resumption of dialogue with Russia still possible

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen also believes that Europe should play a more significant role in the peace process

Iran believes potential deal with US should include sanctions relief — foreign minister

In 2015, Iran, along with China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the US signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, resolving a crisis that had begun in 2002 amid Western accusations that Tehran was seeking nuclear weapons

Lavrov offers condolences to Wang Yi over death of Chinese tourists in Lake Baikal

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that relevant Russian agencies are conducting a full-scale investigation of the incident and promised to inform Beijing about its results immediately

Mexico special forces carried operation against Jalisco cartel leader without US help

Washington had only provided some intelligence information, the Mexican embassy in the US said

Air defenses destroy 73 Ukrainian drones during first half of Sunday

18 drones over the territory of the Belgorod Region, two drones over the territory of the Kaluga Region

Price of gold futures tops $5,150 per troy ounce first time since January 30

By 2:12 a.m. Moscow time on February 23, it accelerated its growth to $5,161.5 per troy ounce

Liberating Krinichnoye, Russian troops penetrate Ukraine’s defenses — expert

Andrey Marochko believes that, given the operational and tactical situation in this area, Russian forces will continue denting the enemy defenses at Krinichnoye

Estate to pay $35 million to 40 financier's victims — Bloomberg

The proposed settlement plan must be approved by a federal judge in New York to take effect

Kiev can receive information posted on Telegram — FSB

The spokesperson said that the use of Telegram by the Russian army in the area of a special military operation in the last three months threatened the lives of military personnel

US looks into possibility of targeting individual leaders in Iran — Reuters

No details on who will be viewed as a target are available

Eight types of newest drones introduced in Russia — Rostec

Rostec presented devices of different designs - aircraft, with a vertical takeoff, quadrocopters, multicopters, both with electric motors and internal combustion engines, said CEO Sergey Chemezov

Russia promises retaliation if South Korea joins PURL initiative on Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow was surprised to hear reports about possible Seoul's participation in this program, since such steps would be at odds with the country's official line of non-participation in the efforts of the collective West to pump weapons and ammunition into the Ukrainian army

Hungary to block sanctions against Russia until supplies via Druzhba start — Orban

Hungary will reject the 20th sanctions package submitted to the EU for consideration, the Hungarian prime minister said

Trump raises tariffs from 10% to 15% worldwide

On Friday, Trump signed an executive order imposing 10% tariffs on imports from all countries

EU, UK hardest-hit by new US tariffs — Russian presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev commented on an article, which says that Donald Trump’s new global tariffs will most greatly benefit countries that he heavily criticized

Iran’s refusal to enrich uranium red line in negotiations for US — Witkoff

The special US envoy claimed Tehran would have enough uranium enriched to the level needed to make a nuclear bomb within a week

Talks on Ukraine may resume in Geneva on February 26 — source

Negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine took place in Geneva on February 17-18

Ukrainian conflict continues to be fueled with US arms supplies — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the current US leadership appeared to be making efforts to seek solutions to the crisis

'One Battle After Another' gets BAFTA Best Film award

The movie was nominated in 14 categories and won six of them

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Iran will not hand over control of its energy resources to US — Reuters

Tehran’s right to enrich uranium under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons should be recognized, the Iranian official noted

Norway wins Winter Olympics for 11th time

In Italy, the Norwegians set a Games record for both the number of gold medals won and the total number of medals

Iran designates EU countries’ navies, air forces as terrorist organizations

According to the statement, "based on the principle of reciprocity," the Iranian foreign ministry recognizes and declares "the navies and air forces of all EU member states as terrorist organizations"

Iran receives 'encouraging signals' at talks with US in Geneva — president

However, he stressed that Tehran continues "to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario."

Russia will never forget or forgive Kiev regime’s crimes — FSB chief

Asked whether Moscow should "behave in the same way the Kiev regime is behaving with Russia and conduct some kind of counter-special operations," Alexander Bortnikov emphasized that the issue of countermeasures is generally very delicate

Situation remains normal in most part of Mexico — president

Claudia Sheinbaum also added that the federal government maintains "full coordination with the governments of all states" and called upon citizens to remain informed and stay calm

US sends hospital vessel to shores of Greenland, says President Trump

The US leader noted that this is necessary to take care of the many people who are sick

AfD leader calls for return to energy imports from Russia

Germany urgently needs reforms, Alice Weidel noted

Foreign mercenaries of Ukrainian army fight Russia near Raigorodka

According to an officer of the department for joint training and interaction with the armed forces of the organizational and planning department of the Moscow military district combat training directorate, they heard English and Georgian, but did not communicate personally

EU not planning to withdraw from 15% tariff agreement with US — EC

However, the statement points out that the uncertainty following the court’s decision does little to promote fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic relations

Air defenses destroy 36 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions in three hours

15 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Nepryaeva's marathon result at Winter Olympic Games annulled for error while changing skis

Darya Nepryaeva covered most of the distance on skis that weren't hers

Olympic closing ceremony kicks off in Verona

The event will feature a parade of athletes, the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, and the transfer of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the 2030 Winter Olympics in France

Press review: Board of Peace to fund Gaza and Israel accused of annexing West Bank

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 19th

Georgia purchases record 4,800 tons of liquefied propane from Russia in January

This is 2.2 times more than in January 2025 and the highest figure ever for a single month

US president's approval rate drops to 39% — poll

Meanwhile, 60% expressed a negative view, compared with 59% in October, including 47% who said they strongly disapprove of the measures taken by the US president

Defenders of Russia are on right side of history — diplomat

Maria Zakharova congratulated Russian servicemen taking part in the special military operation on the Defender of the Fatherland’s Day

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Generals Moskalik, Sarvarov killed in Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks — General Staff

Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy noted that with the deaths of the generals, the troops "lost true professionals, loyal comrades, and true patriots"

Leader of Jalisco Cartel dies en route to hospital — Mexican Defense Ministry

The operation was coordinated with the National Intelligence Center and the prosecutor’s office, with informational support from US authorities, the ministry said

Slovak PM to request halt to power supplies to Ukraine on Monday

He explained that the move would be a response to the Kiev authorities’ suspension of Russian oil deliveries to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline

US terminates number of tariffs following Supreme Court ruling — White House

In particular, the tariff on products from 185 countries and territories imposed in April 2025 shall no longer be applied

EU fails to get US, G7 support for blocking Russian oil supplies — source

A diplomatic source did not exclude "the possibility of Washington imposing its own measures in due time and on its own terms"

Ukrainian FPV drone strike kills man in Belgorod Region

The Ukrainian military attacked a car

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

Witkoff says Putin was always straight in conversations with him

The Special US Envoy indicated that it was important for him to understand Russia’s position

US Secret Service shoots man trying to break into Trump's estate

According to the statement, on Saturday night, "an armed man was shot" by Secret Service agents and a local sheriff’s deputy following "an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago."

Italian Olympic organizers hand over Olympic flag to France

The 2030 Olympics will be hosted in the French Alps

Lavrov warns of adverse consequences in case of new strikes on Iran

Russian Foreign Minister noted that the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in June 2025 not only undermined the authority of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but also "there were real risks of a nuclear incident"

Russians take part in athletes' parade at Olympic closing ceremony

The ceremony is taking place in Verona

Iran-US talks cover only republic's nuclear program — Aragchi

"Right now, we are negotiating only nuclear and there is no other subject," Iranian Foreign Minister replied to a journalist's question on whether these consultations concerned, in particular, Iran's missile program and Tehran's support for various forces in the region

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

Hungary to block 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia — Szijjarto

The minister called Ukraine's decision not to resume Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline clear political blackmail, adding that Ukraine will not succeed in undermining Hungary's energy security

IOC head thanks Italy for 'magical' Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games ended on February 22

Number of drones intercepted on approach to Moscow reaches 22 — mayor

Emergency responders are working at the crash sites,

Iranian official says Iran-US talks could take place in March — Reuters

Tehran and Washington have different views on the scope and mechanism for lifting sanctions against Iran, a senior Iranian official said

IOC head declares 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy closed

Kirsty Coventry called upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in the French Alps

Russian air defenses shot down seven HIMARS multiple launch rockets, 326 UAVs

Russian troops have launched a strike with long-range precision weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial complex and energy infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian army, with all designated objects affected, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Putin names development of nuclear triad his unconditional priority

Vladimir Putin stressed that this "guarantees Russia’s security"

Russian skiers fail to win any medals at Olympics for first time in history

Russian skiers made their Olympic debut in 1956 in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Kremlin sees extension of US sanctions as automatic decision

Dmitry Peskov added that the negotiation process with Washington is complicated

Child present among Chinese tourists who died on Lake Baikal

Seven bodies have been located using an underwater camera

Current generation of servicemen fulfill their duty with honor — minister

Andrey Belousov emphasized that in the course of the special military operation servicemen are acting with precision and courage and demonstrate unbending will and devotion to the Motherland

Air defenses destroy 130 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions in four hours

65 drones intercepted over the Bryansk Region

China may be in work on development of nuclear weapons’ new generation — CNN

According to the TV channel, granted investments in the nuclear arsenal will enable China to be allegedly able to have technical capabilities that none of the dominant nuclear powers currently possess

Nord Stream gas pipelines may resume work with US participation — daily

Washington hopes to expand its control over the energy infrastructure in the region, the newspaper said

Google's foreclosed Russian debts exceed 26.3 billion rubles

The court and other materials reviewed by TASS say that 58 enforcement proceedings were opened against the company

Putin congratulates Russians on Defender of the Fatherland’s Day

Vladimir Putin noted that February 23 has been marked in Russia for many decades now as one of the most important national holidays

Peace in Europe possible only with Russia’s participation — Germany’s ruling AfD party

Alice Weidel has also landed sharp criticism regarding the foreign policy rhetoric voiced by the current German government as part of the CDU/CSU and SPD bloc

British trace visible in case of assassination attempt on General Alexeyev — FSB chief

Alexander Bortnikov noted that the Ukrainian intelligence services were the masterminds

Russia does not threaten Estonia but will do what necessary to ensure security — Kremlin

If Estonia has nuclear weapons aimed at Russia, Moscow will aim its own nuclear weapons at Estonia, Dmitry Peskov said

Man shot on premises of Trump’s estate was 21-year-old artist

According to the newspaper, Austin Tucker Martin was fond of drawing scenes from the golf courses

Central Asia’s growing population requires leap forward in energy, water — EDB head

It is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank, said, adding that the EDB expects the combined economy of the region's five countries to reach $600 bln this year

EDB head says investment bridge with Middle East being built

In December 2025, the EDB opened an official representative office at the ADGM International Financial Center in Abu Dhabi, Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, said

Representatives of all Russian peoples fight in special military operation — Putin

This exemplifies the tremendous strength of the Russian Army, Vladimir Putin said

Russia failed to find alternative to western capital markets in the east — Sberbank CEO

There is no alternative to western capital markets in the nearest years

Aragchi says may meet with Witkoff in Geneva on February 26

We are still working on that, Iranian Foreign Minister said

Ukrainian conflict moves towards settlement — Russia’s charge d’affaires in US

In ensuring that children all over the world sleep peacefully because the great powers keep in touch in the form of a professional dialogue, Andrey Ledenyov said

US team defeats Canada in Olympic hockey tournament final

Total of 1,500 people set free in Syria under general amnesty decree — justice minister

On February 18, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree granting a general amnesty on the occasion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

Europe lost right to sit at Ukraine table with Moscow betrayal — Russian Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Europe needs to earn back trust and learn to keep its word, especially with regard to certain norms, rules and laws

Russia to defend its interests no matter how much it upsets its enemies — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that when Moscow talks to its friends, it defends its interests too

Russian General Staff uses analytics to counter Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy noted that the Main Operations Directorate is directly involved in developing and implementing a set of measures to enhance air defense capabilities

US weighs on assassination attempt on Iran's supreme leader, his son — news outlet

The sources cited by Axios say that Iran may be allowed ‘token’ nuclear enrichment

Dmitriev notes assistance of Witkoff, Kushner in resolving Ukrainian conflict

US President's special envoy and entrepreneur Kirill Dmitriev are actively promoting the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict and the restoration of relations between Moscow and Washington