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Venezuela’s ambassador to Russia returns home to assume post of foreign minister — Maduro

The Venezuelan president also thanked outgoing Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia for all of his work

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 17. /TASS/. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appointed to the post of the country’s Foreign Minister Carlos Faria, who earlier served as the ambassador to the Russian Federation.

"Carlos Faria is coming back [to Venezuela] and he will be at the helm of the Foreign Ministry," Maduro stated.

The Venezuelan leader added that Faria served over the past five years as the head of the country’s Embassy in Moscow and he is "an expert in geopolitics, a fighter for a multi-polar world…, and knows everything about active diplomacy in the interests of peace around the globe."

The Venezuelan president also thanked outgoing Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia for all of his work saying that the former top official of the foreign affairs body would assume a different post.

"Felix Plasencia would stand soon to a great responsibility in epicenter of investments and the Venezuelan economy’s growth," Maduro stated without specifying a new post for Plasencia.

Denmark fails to eliminate 'Russian threat' to Greenland, Trump claims

According to the US president, it is time, and it will be done

Damage to Germany from new US tariffs may reach up to 15 bln euro per year — Bild

The outlet recalled that the German economy has already suffered losses from a previously imposed 15% tariff by Washington

Voting at Portugal’s presidential election over

As many as 11 candidates, ten men and one woman, are vying for the office

Kalashnikov uniforms to be 100% Russian-sourced by 2027

Localization is going very well, CEO Alan Lushnikov said

French politician calls for resuming dialogue with Russia, lifting sanctions

According to Florian Philippot, each European country must "restore its own independence and defend its own national interests" as the European Union actions only lead from one crisis to another

FACTBOX: Orthodox feast of Epiphany

On January 19 Orthodox believers in Russia celebrate Epiphany

Europe needs to acquire weapons similar to Russian 'Oreshnik' — French president

Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France is within the range of the 'Oreshnik'

US needs Greenland for effective use of Golden Dome missile defense system — Trump

The US leader noted that "highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it"

Settlements of Privolye in DPR, Priluki in Zaporozhye Region liberated — top brass

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

Colombian mercenary advises against joining Ukrainian army

According to Russia’s security agencies, at least 750 Colombian mercenaries fighting for Ukraine have been killed since the start of the special military operation

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

Russian paratroopers advancing in four localities in Zaporozhye Region — governor

The fighting is heavy, but Russian soldiers are confidently advancing, Yevgeny Balitsky said

Putin made decision to revive production of Tu-160M strategic bomber — Air Force commander

Russia’s Air Force will purchase at least 50 Tu-160M strategic bombers

Trump invites Hungary to join Board of Peace for Gaza — PM

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said earlier that Orban had accepted Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace

Japan’s prime minister conveyed to Putin that ties with Moscow matter to Tokyo

Expert Masaru Sato believes the message was conveyed to Putin after the Japanese lawmaker passed it on to Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, whom he met on December 26

Death toll from train crash in Spain climbs to 21 — Reuters

According to the Spanish TVE television channel, roughly 100 people were injured

EU elites use Ukraine conflict to siphon off support funds — Saldo

The governor added that European Union leaders understand this and therefore are doing everything they can to ensure that the conflict continues

Air defense systems shot down 63 Ukrainian UAVs overnight over Russian regions

23 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod region

Trump was prepared to strike Iran but changed decision due to multiple objections — WSJ

The sources told The Wall Street Journal that Arab countries explained to Washington the timing for any potential strikes was inappropriate, citing Iran’s instability, the protests largely having been suppressed and unclear opposition leadership in case of regime change

Canada’s prime minister recalls NATO Article Five amid US plans regarding Greenland

Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should join the US

Syrian interim president cancels visit to Germany — TV

Ahmed Al-Sharaa was scheduled to hold talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Trump invites India to join Board of Peace for Gaza — agency

No official statement has been issued by New Delhi on this matter

Pink Floyd founder Waters confesses now he has more respect for Putin — Daily Telegraph

Trump invites Australian PM to join Gaza Board of Peace

Anthony Albanese said he would consider "all of these approaches respectfully" and through "proper processes"

Russia and Saudi Arabia plan to expand air service

According to the minister, Oman Air also plans this year to increase the number of flights to Moscow and to expand the geography of its services to St. Petersburg, Kazan, Ekaterinburg, and Sochi

US purchase of Greenland to send 'disastrous signal' to Ukraine — Guardian

Agreeing to sell part of the territory of an EU member state, should it take place, would alarm Ukraine, which is not even a member of the bloc

Russian forces are 30 km from Slavyansk — DPR head

According to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, fierce fighting continues near the settlements of Grishino and Beletskoye

EU, Mercosur sign free trade agreement, which provoked protests

According to European Commissioner for Trade and Interinstitutional Relations Maros Sefcovic, this agreement will create one of the largest free trade zones in the world, with over 700,000 people living in its territory

At least two killed, ten wounded after shelling attack by Kurds — agency

According to SANA, at least ten civilians were wounded

Hungary says ‘no’ to Ukraine’s accession to EU — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto recalled that under the Treaty on European Union, new members can be admitted to the community only on a consensus basis, hence, this cannot be done without Hungary’s consent

Only UN-led external administration can save Ukraine — Medvedchuk

According to the head of the Other Ukraine movement, in line with international practice, a temporary administration should assume responsibility for organizing and conducting fair and democratic elections for the president of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada, and local self-government bodies

American IT giant makes Ukraine free testing ground for drones — expert

Roman Shkurlatov added that the Americans make the Ukrainian military buy their finished products without sharing their technologies with the Ukrainians

FACTBOX: What is known about F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant in western Ukraine

Ukraine loses around 1,210 troops across all directions of special military operation

Russian forces also carried out strikes on facilities assembling unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as on energy and transport sites operating in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Golden Dome is US attempt to counter Russian hypersonic weapons — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that to ensure strategic dominance in the Arctic, the Pentagon plans to deploy additional ground tracking stations and radar systems in Greenland

Europe manipulates peace narrative on Ukraine — Kherson governor

On January 12, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Russia "has to show that they are interested in peace"

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Putin to hold international contacts during upcoming week

A meeting with members of the government is also scheduled

Air defense forces down 220 Ukrainian UAVs in past 24 hours

At the same time, seven unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down over North Ossetia, and relevant agencies are working at the scene, regional head Sergey Menyailo said on his Telegram channel

Estonia plans to take part in drills in Greenland, despite Trump’s threats — minister

According to Hanno Pevkur, Estonia has not yet sent its soldiers to Greenland and is looking at "technical details" of this process

Iranian president warns against attacking country’s supreme leader

The statement followed US President Donald Trumps’ remarks in an interview with Politico where he called Khamenei a "sick man" and said that it is "time to look for new leadership in Iran"

Russian troops successfully advanced on the outskirts of Kupyansk over past week — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko noted that while the Ukrainian armed forces are unsuccessfully trying to recapture Kupyansk, Russian forces are advancing in other areas of the Kharkov region

Kurdish coalition in Syria to remain intact, commander says

Mazloum Abdi announced a trip to Damascus on January 19 to "finalize work on the agreement," the details of which will be announced after his return

Putin opposed to removing Lenin’s body from mausoleum

The president noted that the Soviet Union was closely associated with Vladimir Lenin’s name

Putin orders to put Canpack, Rockwool assets in Russia under temporary new management

The decision took effect on December 31, 2025

Venezuela to strengthen oil and gas industry, authorized president says

"This stage requires unity and greatness from us as a nation," Delcy Rodriguez said

Dmitriev calls on EU 'not to provoke Daddy,' recall soldiers from Greenland

Russia’s president special Representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries said that the EU should return the soldiers sent to Greenland

Russia and US have not halted Ukraine talks — Medvedchuk

On January 15, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that dialogue with US negotiators is ongoing

‘The Lion King’ director Roger Allers dies at 76

He also participated in screenwriting for Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin"

Press review: Trump pressures Denmark as US business signals Arctic ties with Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 16th

London’s threats to stop Russian ships amount to return to piracy — ambassador

Andrey Kelin noted that Western countries have long relied on double standards in attempts to "spite Russia," but their disregard of international law has now reached "unprecedented levels"

Bundeswehr says task within mission to Greenland fulfilled

Lt. Col. Peter Milevchuk, a spokesman for the German mission, described cooperation with the Danish military as "very positive and constructive"

Iranian ambassador calls Trump’s January remarks on Iran ‘provocative, absurd’

Kazem Jalali called Trump the "architect and implementer of the policy of maximum pressure and sanctions" who sends "absurd and contradictory signals

Time in special military operation works in Russia’s favor — Medvedchuk

Ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform - for Life party noted that "there are ongoing contacts with the US, and Europe is already looking for ways to resume engagement with Russia"

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian attempt to counterattack in Zaporozhye Region

As a result, an M1117 armored personnel carrier, a Kozak armored combat vehicle, and several Novator armored combat vehicles were destroyed, along with other military vehicles

Starmer criticizes Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Europe

British Prime Minister said that "applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong," the statement reads

Peresvet combat lasers enter duty with Russia’s armed forces

Russian military personnel operating those systems underwent special training at the Mozhaysky Military Space Academy

Death toll from shopping mall fire in Pakistan’s Karachi rises to five, injured — to 20

Earlier, the outlet said that three people died and seven others were wounded

Trump's action regarding Greenland will destroy NATO — former CIA officer

Larry Johnson opined that Donald Trump is quite serious about the island

Portugal holds presidential elections on Sunday

10 men and 1 woman are vying for the highest state office

Ukraine loses 20 troops in Russian Grad strike near Konstantinovka

Russia’s Battlegroup South also destroyed three vehicles

Russian oil tankers in crosshairs of West, legal blocking of Baltic Sea impossible — envoy

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin emphasized that international law guarantees unimpeded passage of ships through the Baltic straits

European diplomacy is impotent, there is no one to talk to Russia — Medvedchuk

According to the head of the Other Ukraine movement, the arrogance with which Europe spoke to the rest of the world has already cost it dearly

Europe turns to Russia talks after realizing it’s being sidelined — Medvedchuk

Medvedchuk stressed that the principle behind the Ukrainian conflict is not a secret to anyone

Germany might raise rent for US military bases over tariffs — newspaper

According to the newspaper’s sources in Berlin, Germany is not considering the closure of US military bases on its territory

US to remain in NATO — treasury secretary

When asked what is more essential for the US national security, NATO or Greenland, Scott Bessent said, "Both"

Ukraine, US agree to continue talks in Davos — Umerov

However, Ukrainian Security and Defense Council Secretary said nothing about a potential meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Davos on January 19-23

Denmark fails to eliminate 'Russian threat' to Greenland, Trump claims

According to the US president, it is time, and it will be done

Battlegroup West repelled a counterattack by Kiev forces brigade in Kupyansk direction

Russian servicemen also destroyed 53 UAV control centers

Western Europe prepares for war with Russia — Orban

In confirmation of this, the Hungarian prime minister said that recent meetings of the EU leaders "have turned into military councils" where the issue of "how to defeat Russia" is discussed

Zelensky not to allow Ukrainians living in Russia to vote — Medvedchuk

In Kiev, they are again feeding everyone empty promises, the ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform — for Life party said

Trump explains his claims for Greenland by US subsidies to EU countries

American President added that "China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it"

EU may influence Trump on Greenland by threatening to remove US bases — The Economist

According to the magazine, it will be extremely difficult for Washington to project its military power into Africa and the Middle East without access to European military bases

Far-right, socialist candidates set to compete for Portugal’s presidency

As many as 11 candidates, ten men and one woman, are vying for the office, but none of them has secured 50% of the vote in the first round

EU unable to rebuff US on Greenland as long as it remains hostile towards Russia — expert

Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Dr Anatol Lieven also compared Donald Trump's statements on Saturday to the diplomatic note militaristic Japan delivered to the United States in December 1941

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Trump demands $1 bln from countries for permanent seats on Gaza Peace Council — Bloomberg

The US President will decide who exactly to invite to join the "Peace Council," the news agency said

Merz condemns US tariff threats as undermining transatlantic relations

They risk a dangerous downward spiral, the German chancellor said

Russian General Staff chief inspects Battlegroup Center in Dnepropetrovsk area

Valery Gerasimov heard reports from commanders on the current situation

'Black holes' of the Russian Navy

For the first time TASS publishes photos of Project 636.3 Varshavyanka submarines taken from a quadrocopter during sea trials in the Baltic Sea

Iranian foreign ministry blames US, Israel for organizing riots

Unrest in Iran began on December 29 after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, and spread to most major cities

Leader of Syrian Kurds sign ceasefire agreement with Damascus authorities — TV

According to Syria TV, the agreement establishes ceasefire along the entire frontline and provides for strengthening government institutions in Syria’s eastern and northeastern regions that were previously controlled by the SDF

Trump says to sue JPMorgan Chase bank

It closed US president's accounts after the Capitol was stormed on January 6, 2021

Moscow astonished by Obama’s claims that decision on Kosovo was taken at referendum

The claim on the part of the US President causes astonishment since there was no plebiscite in Kosovo, says Russia's Foreign Ministry's spokesman

France has real opportunity to leave NATO — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the discussion about France's withdrawal from NATO acquired new relevance thanks to the conscious decision of the US to officially return to an overt imperial policy

Bundeswehr servicemen suddenly ordered to leave Greenland — Bild

According to the outlet, 15 soldiers and officers led by Admiral Stefan Pauli are already at the airport in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and are due to depart on an Icelandair flight

Europe to respond to US duties related to Greenland — Macron

According to the French president, Paris will join the military exercises in Greenland based on its commitment to the sovereignty of states in Europe and the United Nations

West to recognize sooner or later that Russia defended Donbass in 2022 — politician

Fabrice Sorlin stressed that the truth will always prevail

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

Riots in Iran organized by Israeli agents — Iranian ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali noted that an analysis of the key players’ actions during the period in question shows "a shift in tactics and a turn to violence following the failure to achieve the stated objectives"

Train collision in Spain leaves 10 dead, 25 injured

Around 300 people were on board one of the trains, which derailed and crashed onto a neighboring track

Terms of deal on NIS to be referred to US Treasury Department by January 23 — Vucic

The main provisions of the future contract are a clear definition of ownership rights, the structure of the future company, the percentage of shares, each company's share, the Serbian President said

RDIF chief sure Europe will not be able to bar US from taking control of Greenland

"Europe will cave in, US will get Greenland," Kirill Dmitriev wrote

Tehran, Havana sign seven key documents on bilateral cooperation — Iranian government

It is specified that the memorandums and documents signed by Iran and Cuba address the fields of science, technology, healthcare, agriculture, energy, mining, communications and medicine

Almost 50% of Germans support boycott of FIFA World Cup if US seizes Greenland — poll

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19

Kallas calls on US not to be distracted by Greenland from Ukrainian crisis

According to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, China and Russia are the ones who benefit from Donald Trump’s announcement on introduction of duties on imports of goods from eight European countries

Kiev insists on unacceptable terms for exchange of Kursk Region residents — ombudsman

Tatyana Moskalkova explained that the residents of the Kursk Region remain hostages of Ukraine, which prohibits them from leaving their temporary accommodations

Italy arrests vessel carrying metal for alleged violation of anti-Russian sanctions

A vessel flying the flag of a small island state from Oceania with a cargo of more than 33,000 tons of ferrous metals allegedly stayed in the port of Novorossiysk

British PM calls Trump's planned duties completely erroneous

Keir Starmer stressed that Europeans will be pursuing this directly with the US administration

All of French army to fit into football stadium — politician

Potential deployment of French troops to Ukraine would have no impact on the frontlines, Fabrice Sorlin said

Record snowfall transforms Moscow into winter wonderland

A record snowfall blanketed Moscow with nearly one-fourth of the monthly norm