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Lithuania bans St. George’s ribbon and Z and V symbols

Individuals responsible for violating the ban will be fined 300-700 euros and legal entities, up to 1,200 euros

VILNIUS, April 19. /TASS/. Lithuania’s parliament has prohibited the wearing of the St. George’s ribbon and the use of symbols Z and V in the public space. The corresponding amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences and the law on public rallies were adopted on Tuesday by a 124 majority vote, with one vote cast against and two abstentions.

"These amendments are crucial to maintaining national security, if we wish to escape the fate of Ukraine," one of the initiators of the bill, Monika Osmianskiene, said.

Individuals responsible for violating the ban will be fined 300-700 euros and legal entities, up to 1,200 euros.

Time magazine to give ‘Person of the Year’ status to Trump — Politico

To celebrate the unveiling of the cover, Trump will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday morning, according to people familiar with the plans

Annual inflation in Russia totals 8.88% in November, up from 8.54% in October — ministry

"In November 2024, inflation on the consumer market was 1.43%," the Economic Development Ministry reported

Drone attacks IAEA vehicle en route to ZNPP

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi strongly condemned the incident, describing it as "unacceptable."

Russian sleeper agents open up about secret trip to 2018 World Cup

The married couple, Artyom Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, returned home as a result of an exchange

Russia to look at steps by Syria’s HTS before removing it from list of terrorists — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Russia maintains communication with various political figures and forces in Syria

New sports airplane Laros-31 to have Russian engine, composite materials

It is also planned to use Russian composite materials in the design of Laros-31

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Russian Su-35S fighters cover aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian army in Kursk area

One of the fighter jets uncovered enemy air defense sites by its weapons suite, the statement added

ROSTA windows: the art of satirical poster

The world famous ROSTA project of satirical posters (1919-1921) in this photo gallery by ITAR-TASS

US could facilitate peace by ordering Ukraine out of Donbass, says Russian diplomat

"Those who expect Russia to make concessions are either poorly informed or have a short memory," Maria Zakharova noted

Moldova following Ukraine’s path, Russian diplomat warns

Maria Zakharova commented on reports of Chisinau signing a defense and security partnership agreement with London

Medvedev arrives in China on two-day visit

The Russian deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council is to hold meetings with China’s top officials

Russia should become world leader in adopting AI in all areas of life — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the government would do right to blaze a trail with daring examples

Sanctions fuel tech jump in Russia — Putin

The head of state underlined that Russia currently has everything for a technology breakthrough in the digital sphere

Russian prime minister approves list of countries imposing destructive attitudes

It includes the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and other states

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

FACTBOX: Syria under President Bashar Assad

Bashar Assad took over as the leader of the Syrian Arab Republic in the summer of 2000 after the death of his father Hafez Assad, who had been at the helm of power since 1971

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army, equipment in 141 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 515 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy ammunition depot in its area of responsibility over the past day

Musk becomes first person to reach $400 bln in net worth — report

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, his net worth was most recently driven up by a share sale of his privately held SpaceX, which boosted his wealth by $50 billion to $439.2 billion

Russia comes close to achieving special military operation's goals — intel chief

"Russia holds the initiative in all areas, while the Ukrainian armed forces are on the verge of collapse and the Zelensky regime has lost its legitimacy, along with the ability to make agreements," Sergey Naryshkin pointed out

Trump says he considers resolving Ukraine conflict as priority

The US President-elect believes that even though the situation in the Middle East is also important

New Syrian government to decide on fate of Russia’s military bases — opposition

"The issue of military bases is a sovereign decision of the Syrian state," Mohammed Alloush stated

Trade turnover between Russia, Belarus exceeds $37 bln in 9M 2024 — Putin

"By the end of the year, it will likely approach the figures President Lukashenko projected," the Russian leader said

Hungary, Russia find payment workaround for gas amid sanctions against Gazprombank

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed that "there are no factors on either the Hungarian or Russian side that would prevent us from finding a way out of the current situation"

Kremlin has nothing to say on Assad's evacuation from Syria

Earlier, a Kremlin source said that Bashar Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow

Israeli attacks on Syria do not contribute to country's stabilization — Kremlin

"Launching strikes or conducting hostilities near the Golan Heights, near the buffer zone, will hardly contribute to stabilizing the situation in the already destabilized Syria," Dmitry Peskov said

West disregards Russia’s signal with Oreshnik’s launch to shift blame for escalation

Alexander Tokovinin said that the next NATO-Ukraine session at the level of foreign ministers of the Western military bloc’s member states is scheduled to take place on December 3-4 in Brussels

Press review: Lavrov joins OSCE summit in Malta and Ukraine starts talks with Trump’s team

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 6th

Erdogan says he and Putin are the only two leaders in world

Turkish President also said that he respects Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder

Russia urges West to end support for Zelensky following attack on IAEA personnel — MFA

Russia also called on the US, the United Kingdom, and their allies to take measures to bring those responsible for the act of provocation to justice

Hungarian PM lays out his vision for Ukraine resolution in call with Putin — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto added that the Russian president also clarified his position on the matter, pointing to "obstacles hindering the process" of a peaceful settlement

Kremlin spokesman says Hungarian PM did not relay any messages to Putin from Trump

"The focus was mostly on the energy sector and an exchange of views on Ukraine and Syrian affairs," Dmitry Peskov said

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seeks to prove CIA involved in his uncle’s assassination — Axios

According to the sources, to this end, RFK is advocating for his daughter-in-law Amaryllis Fox Kennedy to be appointed First Deputy Director of the CIA. Axios notes that Trump feels like he owes Kennedy Jr. for helping him win the election and wants to pay him back

Two fixed-wing drones downed over Black Sea

The military keeps the situation under control, Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said

Israeli actions in Syria escalate tensions instead of stabilizing — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that under these challenging political conditions facing the Syrian people, "all members of the international community, particularly neighboring states, must exercise restraint, demonstrate maximum responsibility"

Russia helped Assad leave Syria as part of humanitarian gesture — diplomat

Maria Zakharova did not disclose any further details

Two aerial targets shot down in Sevastopol — governor

The governor earlier said two fixed-wing drones were destroyed over the Black Sea

Israeli tanks spotted 20 kilometers from Damascus — TV

The Israel Defense Forces has yet to comment on the information

Nuclear disarmament cooperation with unfriendly nations unacceptable — diplomat

These countries pursue anti-Russian policies, act aggressively, and supply our enemies with weapons, Sergey Ryabkov said

Seven Ukrainian drones taken down and jammed in Sevastopol — governor

According to the city’s rescue service, no damage was reported in the city, and its airspace is being monitored for threats

Analysts upgrade Russia’s key rate, inflation forecasts — Central Bank

Inflation outlook has been upgraded to 9.2% (+1.5 pp compared to October) for 2024, to 6% (+0.7 pp) for 2025, and to 4.5% (+0.4 pp) for 2026

Rock-solid relations and Western machinations: What Medvedev said in China

Cross-party cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Communist Party of China is developing intensively, the Russian senior official pointed out

Just a few km of Lugansk People’s Republic territory remain to be liberated — lawmaker

"People from all regions of our huge country are taking part in battles to liberate the remaining tiny piece of the LPR territory," Yury Yurov said

Minsk blasts Warsaw for attempting to compromise Belarusian diplomat

According to the ministry, the Polish envoy was warned that "Belarus reserves the right to take any response measures it deems necessary."

Russian athletes win gold in World Aquatics short medley relay race

The Russian team was represented by Miron Lifintsev (backstroke), Kirill Prigoda (breaststroke), Arina Surkova (butterfly) and Daria Trofimova (freestyle)

Russian economy expected to grow by 3.9% in 2024 — Novak

This is much above the average growth rates globally, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

Pentagon says Russia could fire Oreshnik missile at Ukraine again within days

According to Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, the potential strike will not make a strategic impact on the conflict in Ukraine

Fur design international winter school opens in Yakutsk

The school participants are students from Yakutia, Tatarstan and Mongolia

Australians disillusioned by Western values seek visas to move to Russia — Consul General

Zarina Gabiyeva emphasized that, while the number of visas issued to Australians relocating to Russia "may appear modest, for a nation as geographically distant from Russia as Australia, this represents a very encouraging outcome"

West determined to dismember Russia, eliminate its peoples — Security Council’s secretary

According to Nikolay Patrushev, by fueling interethnic discord, the West is creating a real threat to democratic and universal values, security, social stability and the unity of society

Revenues from West’s frozen assets allocated for support of Russian regions — ministry

The US Department of the Treasury said earlier that a $20 bln loan would be provided to Ukraine and paid in tranches

Russian troops advance to better positions near Malaya Tokmachka in Zaporozhye Region

Russian servicemen struck Ukrainian artillery guns and their crews in the area of the town of Gulyaipole

Russian forces liberate Daryino, Plyokhovo: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, a tank, three Bradley infantry fighting vehicles of US manufacture, seven motor vehicles and six mortars, with one Ukrainian serviceman surrendering as a prisoner of war

Annual inflation in Russia up to 9.32% in week ended December 9 from 9.07% — ministry

In the food sector price growth rates amounted to 0.76% in the reporting week, the Economic Development Ministry said

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Trump unlikely to keep US aid to Ukraine at current volumes — NYT

The report says that Kiev depends on foreign aid to keep its economy afloat

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Tourism between Russia, China growing by leaps and bounds — Medvedev

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that "we have to thank our Western 'friends' who spoiled the mood of our people and do not let them go anywhere or put spokes in their wheels"

Kremlin declines to reveal number of Russian troops stationed in Syria

"Only our military can provide you with this information," Dmitry Peskov told reporters

FACTBOX: What we know about Mohammed al-Bashir, head of Syria’s interim government

The interim government’s mandate is expected to last three months

Press review: Israel controls Golan Heights as Kiev plans aid summit before Trump’s term

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 11th

Russia ready to talk Ukraine with US, no serious proposals yet — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the terms Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out earlier for a Ukraine resolution should be the groundwork for any deal

Russian stocks close in the red on Wednesday

BCS World of Investment expects the MOEX Index at 2,500-2,600 points on December 12

Trump wants to set 100% duties on BRICS goods if they create single currency

"There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US dollar in international trade and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield — top brass

The ATACMS missile fragments that fell on the Taganrog military airfield caused injuries among the personnel and no destruction on the ground, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Zelensky rejects Hungary's proposal to establish Christmas ceasefire with Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister did not specify how the peace proposal was sent to Vladimir Zelensky and, accordingly, how the response was received

Special military op to end after all goals set by Putin achieved — Kremlin

"These goals can be achieved both as a result of the special military operation and as a result of the peace talks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Tomb of Bashar Assad’s father set on fire in Syria, report says

Beside Hafez Assad, who ruled the country from 1971 to 2000, the mausoleum in the town of Qardaha in the Latakia region also holds the tombs of his wife and elder son

Zelensky wrong to think that Biden corruption link gives him impunity to do what he wants

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the scale of corruption between the US and Ukraine is truly astonishing

Texas, California decolonization reflects global shifts, says Russian intel chief

"We are currently witnessing the true decolonization of the Global South, which has come to see itself as a full-fledged political actor rather than a subordinate ‘backyard,’" Sergey Naryshkin noted

An-2 plane makes emergency landing in northwest Siberia, no casualties

"According to preliminary information, no one was harmed in the incident, but the aircraft was damaged," the statement says

Israel openly acknowledges its role in recent events in Syria — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the United States has also exacerbated the situation in Syria, deliberately imposing sanctions against the country and its people for many years

Kiev to last only six months if US cuts aid under Trump — finance minister

According to Sergey Marchenko, Kiev can "allocate sufficient budgetary resources to afford the necessary ammunition and military equipment in 2025"

Over one million Syrians displaced by latest escalation — UN Human Rights Office

On November 27, armed opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive against government troops' positions in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces

Time magazine to give ‘Person of the Year’ status to Trump — Politico

To celebrate the unveiling of the cover, Trump will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday morning, according to people familiar with the plans

Russian defense chief commends growing defense ties with India

Andrey Belousov stressed that the relationship based on trust between the two countries’ leaders was crucial for strengthening bilateral ties between Russia and India

US losing ground in post-Soviet space, everywhere else, Russian intel chief says

According to Sergey Naryshkin, SVR intel says that the post-Soviet space remains the priority destination of attacks by US and UK intelligence

Russian stock market drops, yuan strengthens against the ruble

By 10:15 the yuan exchange rate accelerated its growth and reached 13.78 rubles

Russia open to negotiating Ukraine settlement, unlike Kiev regime — senior diplomat

"However, we see that the West has not yet even bothered to tell the Kiev regime to lift its self-ban on talks with Russian leaders," Mikhail Galuzin stressed

Bulgaria may stop gas transit from Russia if payment solution not found — minister

As Vladimir Malinov explained, at the moment, the Bulgarian state gas company Bulgargaz has received all payments

EU anti-Russia sanctions package includes extension for Prague to import oil products

Slovnaft, one of the largest oil refineries in Central European countries, is located in Bratislava

Russia’s Alliance for Artificial Intelligence joins international AI-alliance

The document was signed in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Israeli minister’s suggestion of nuclear strike on Gaza raises questions — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that such statements by Israeli officials shed light on the true reasons why Tel Aviv was opposing the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East

US may toughen sanctions on Russian oil exports — Bloomberg

Besides, the US administration is also looking into the possibility of imposing sanctions on "tanker fleet" allegedly transporting Russian oil, Bloomberg wrote

FPV drones take out Ukrainian convoy in Kursk Region — Defense Ministry

The first drone successfully intercepted a fleeing pickup on the move, while the second drone struck another vehicle parked near a wooded area, neutralizing additional personnel," the ministry reported

Syrian ex-president Assad now in safety in Russia — deputy foreign minister

The Russian diplomat added that it "would be very wrong for me to elaborate on what happened and how it was resolved."

EU envoys agree on 15th package of anti-Russia sanctions

The new package adds more persons and entities to the already existing sanctions list, as well as constrains the activity of additional vessels of third states operating to contribute or support actions or policies supporting Russia’s actions against Ukraine

Oreshnik launch serves as warning to certain political figures overseas — Ryabkov

"It was also a signal to their European clients, who have completely lost it as well, that Russia means business," the Russian deputy foreign minister added

Syria’s new leader says his forces had no outside support

The operation to capture Damascus had been prepared for a long time, Ahmad al-Sharaa said

Kiev rejects peaceful solutions, Putin tells Orban

"Viktor Orban expressed his willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at jointly finding political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis, considering his contacts with several Western leaders," the statement reads

Ex-EU official who oversaw seizure of Russian assets suspected of money laundering

According to the publication, Reynders and his wife purchased pre-paid cards to top up their National Lottery player's electronic account all in cash, spending 25,000 euros per year

Russian troops liberate Zhyoltoye community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 225 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored personnel carrier in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

West could make ‘crazy’ move to hand over nuclear weapons to Ukraine — National Interest

The transfer of American-made B-61 nuclear bombs appears to be the most likely scenario, the report said

Oreshnik missiles to eliminate need for nuclear weapons, Putin says

This is why, in President Putin’s words, Russia behaves with caution and even restraint in all areas

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Mexico buys 30 Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft from Russia — ambassador

According to the Ministry of Economy of Mexico, in 2014 the volume of trade between Mexico and Russia amounted to $1.78 billion

OMV announces termination of contract with Gazprom Export due to suspension of supplies

Prior, OMV received approximately 7,400 MWh per hour, corresponding to approximately 5 TWh per month, at the Austrian Slovakian border, the company added

Putin says 'strong AI' may appear soon

"More and more experts and scientists say that the development of the ability to reason will lead to the emergence of strong artificial intelligence," the Russian leader noted

China's imports of Russian oil up by 10% month-on-month in October — OPEC

Saudi Arabia and Malaysia accounted for about 13% and almost 17% of deliveries respectively

Russian troops gradually eliminate Ukrainian forces in Kharkov frontline area — official

Vitaly Ganchev added that Russian troops were conducting active operations across the entire Kharkov frontline