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Sri Lanka’s ex-President Rajapaksa returns to island — BBC

The BBC reported that the former president was staying in Thailand on a temporary visa and returned home via Singapore

LONDON, September 2. /TASS/. Sri Lanka’s former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his country in the wake of massive protests, has returned home, the BBC said on Friday.

The BBC reported that the former president was staying in Thailand on a temporary visa and returned home via Singapore. Several ministers welcomed Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the airport.

Hungarian PM rings alarm bell on war

Viktor Orban added that some proposals and decisions made at the European Union summit on December 18-19 were aimed at escalating the conflict in Ukraine and further antagonizing Russia

Another drone flying toward Moscow destroyed

Emergency services specialists are working at the site of the fallen debris, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said

Thai F-16 fighter jets attack Cambodian territory — newspaper report

Thai jets dropped six bombs near Phnom Sampov in the Banan district of the Battambang Province in northwestern Cambodia

Share of new heavy trucks from China on Russian market falls to 53% in 11 months

Imports of Chinese trucks weighing more than 16 tons into Russia dropped by 90%

West hindering peace deal in Ukraine — Georgian parliament speaker

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the defense ministry’s expanded board meeting on December 17 that European politicians are "whipping up hysteria" and "fearmongering" about an alleged clash with Russia

FACTBOX: Two traffic police officers killed in explosion in southern Moscow

The suspect is also dead

Russian ship caught fire in Busan — Yonhap

One person was injured and remains in a grave condition in a local hospital, the news agency said

Gloomy mood in European Commission’s headquarters — Politico

According to the newspaper, after months of discussions, EU leaders "delivered a harsh reality check, with the executive’s ambitions dashed by political and national red lines"

Globalist fake media machine attacks Trump, his peace efforts — Dmitriev

Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy commented on Donald Trump's opinion that the NYT newspaper poses a serious threat to national security and that its dissemination of false information should be stopped

Europe's biggest nightmare is Ukraine deal on Russia's terms — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that nobody can rewrite history

Platinum price on Nymex hits March 2008 high

The precious metal price was up by 10.14% at $2,301.2 per troy ounce

Putin warned Bush that NATO membership would split Ukraine — declassified documents

During their meeting in Sochi in April 2008, Bush asked the Russian leader why Russia opposes to Ukraine’s NATO membership

FIE clears Russian youth fencers to compete under national flag

The Executive Committee of the IOC earlier recommended that international federations allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in youth competitions with national symbols in both individual and team disciplines

Russian forces now occupy both banks of Seversky Donets River — military expert

Andrey Marochko said that significant success has been achieved in this area in a very short time

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

Polish prosecutor’s office receives Kiev's extradition request for Russian archaeologist

Alexander Burtyagin, who heads the North Black Sea region sector at the Ancient World department of the world-famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and heads the museum’s Kerch expedition, was detained on December 4

Russian reconnaissance drones penetrating deep behind Ukrainian lines — expert

Vitaly Kiselev added that the weather is also helping Russian forces operate in these areas

At least 5 people were on board plane that crashed near Ankara — Turkish interior minister

The Libyan Army Chief of Staff Muhammad al-Haddad was also on board the Falcon 50 aircraft

Medvedev suggests encouraging separatism in West as countermeasure

"Separatism is a gamble that can be played by two," the politician noted

Europe lacks money to sponsor Kiev, needs to look for compromise — French MP

According to Thierry Mariani, today, little depends on Europe as far as the Ukrainian settlement is concerned

Trump's Golden Fleet is doomed due to lack of proper US air defense system — expert

"Presently, the US Navy’s onboard air and missile defenses are incapable of reliably intercepting hypersonic threats, including sophisticated missiles like Russia’s Tsirkon and comparable Chinese systems," Alexander Stepanov noted

Russian scientists create 72-qubit quantum computer — Rosatom Quantum Technologies

According to Yekaterina Solntseva, Director of Quantum Technologies at Rosatom State Corporation, it is especially important that the scientists have taken another step toward progressively improving the reliability of operations

Russia’s Novocheboksarsk minesweeper conducts patrol sweep in Baltic Sea

The ship's crew also practiced laying out contact and non-contact sweeps

US can gain control of Greenland without 'firing a shot' — EP member

Anders Vistisen also noted that Denmark "cannot defend Greenland alone"

German top diplomat says Russia’s military successes pose 'serious threat' to NATO

Johann Wadephul also noted that there was no point in providing Ukraine with security guarantees without clear commitments from the United States

Peace in Europe unattainable without review of West's anti-Russian policy — Medvedev

"It is crucial to recognize that the root cause of the conflict in Ukraine stems from the aggressive ‘Eastern policy’ pursued by Anglo-Saxon nations along with NATO and the European Union," the politician stated

Brazil concerned about Trump's actions towards Venezuela — ambassador to Russia

Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos also expressed hope that a military conflict between the United States and Venezuela will not occur

Spacecraft with artificial gravity patented in Russia

"The space system with artificial gravity includes an axial module with static and rotating parts, connected with the help of a hermetically sealed flexible junction, as well as habitable modules, rotation equipment and power sources," according to the patent

Ukrainian troops try to bypass Russian EWF systems using short-range UAVs — developer

According to the statement, such steps are an attempt by the enemy to complicate the operation of radio reconnaissance and electronic countermeasures, reduce the time of reliable detection, and increase the survivability of the command and control channel

Russian expert questions CNN wolf story

According to Amirkhan Amirkhanov, the wolf population has increased in recent years in the European part of Russia and Europe in general

Brazil fully supports peace talks on Ukraine — ambassador to Moscow

Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos noted that Brazil has never supported the diplomatic isolation of Russia

London recklessly provokes US into confrontation with Russia — UK journalist

Frank Wright said "it's not realistic for the Europeans or the British to win a war against Russia"

Emergence of BRICS payment system quite possible — ambassador to Moscow

The diplomat called this topic one of the most important on the BRICS agenda

Russia developing scenarios for using net guns against drones

These scenarios will form the basis for the methodology that will be taught to Russian military personnel at training centers

Global gas consumption gain 25 bln cubic meters in 2025

Gazprom pointed to the revision of priority developments in favor of hydrocarbons in some countries and international energy companies

Top Syrian diplomat says country’s relations with Russia enter new stage

According to Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria "seeks to forge balanced relations with all states"

Putin to attend plenary session of Russian Federation Council — Kremlin

The autumn session of the Federation Council is closing and the Russian Parliament is summing up the year-end results, Dmitry Peskov said

Syrian foreign, defense ministers to visit Moscow for talks — SANA

The Syrian delegation will also include representatives of the General Directorate of Intelligence

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

Russia to formulate its position following Miami meeting, to soon continue talks — Kremlin

Negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement took place in Miami on December 20 and 21

Anti-Venezuela actions to be template for US actions against other states — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya pointed out that US policy represents "an unambiguous signal to all countries in the region seeking to pursue a sovereign course and independently determine their economic, political, and cultural systems"

Iraq says Iran stops gas supplies due to 'extraordinary circumstances'

Ahmed Musa, head of the Iraqi ministry's press service, noted that Baghdad "has taken emergency measures to prevent a crisis at power plants until gas supplies resume"

Press review: Ukraine mulls elections and Trump plans laser fleet as gold prices soar

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 24th

Parade of Russian Father Frosts, Snow Maidens takes place in Mexico City

The procession, accompanied by Russian and Soviet New Year's songs, attracted genuine interest from local residents and tourists

Kremlin spokesman urges Poland to remember political distortion has no place in G20

"As a rule, the Poles tend to politicize everything and distort the meaning of policies," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Russian-made Snickers bars on sale in London despite sanctions

Employees at one of the stores said they did not know where the bars were made

Russia, US hold talks to normalize work of diplomatic missions — Russian MFA

Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of the North Atlantic Alexander Gusarov emphasized that the parties have succeeded in making the issuance of visas to certain categories of diplomatic mission personnel more predictable

US pressuring Venezuela to change its government — Russian envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the US President's statement is "a direct claim to another state's natural resources and subsoil"

Sanctions against Russia have not hindered growth of its trade with Brazil — ambassador

Today, Russia ranks eighth among Brazil's trading partners, Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos said

Two policemen die as result of explosion while detaining suspect in Moscow

Investigators and forensic experts are examining the incident site and establishing all the circumstances around it

Expert slams as discrediting AP's claim about Russian anti-satellite weapons

Alexander Stepanov said that disinformation campaigns serve to hinder Russia’s peaceful space exploration efforts and to block its advancements in space defense

Debris of plane crash near Ankara located - NTV

According to the TV channel, the Falcon 50 crashed due to a technical malfunction

Hungary refuses to ignore 'constitutional coup' in EU — minister for EU affairs

Janos Boka warned that the Hungarian government "will not sit idly by" as this happens

Russia to make more efforts to remove irritants in relations with US — senior diplomat

"Minimal progress has been made," Sergey Ryabkov added

Air defenses down 172 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight

110 of them were destroyed over the territory of the Bryansk Region

Russian troops pressing Ukrainian army in Krasny Liman direction — expert

Igor Kimakovsky said that Russian forces are also successfully fighting near the settlement of Ozyornoye

Russian air defenses destroy drone en route to Moscow

Emergency services are working at the crash site

New German intelligence chief holds phone call with Russian counterpart — portal

The WDR broadcasting company’s investigative unit described the conversation as "a rare instance of direct contact between German and Russian agencies"

Parties to negotiations on Ukraine discussing four final documents — US NATO envoy

There is a 20-point peace plan, together with sort of the multilateral security guarantees, the US specific security guarantees, and the post-peace economic growth and prosperity plan, Matthew Whitaker said

Russia, Brazil plan to increase trade in national currencies — ambassador to Moscow

The large trade deficit between the two countries limits the use of national currencies for trade and commercial transactions, the diplomat noted

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 160 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Serbia supports Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, offers venue for talks — top diplomat

Marko Duric said that Belgrade strongly support US President Donald Trump’s peace plan and all other initiatives that may put an end to hostilities

Medvedev curious about reasons for unexpectedly conciliatory statements from EU

The Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council noted that Boris Pistorius stated he doesn't believe a war between NATO and Russia is imminent, while Alexander Stubb acknowledged that Moscow has no interest in attacking member countries of the alliance

Taliban harms Russia less than Western-backed groups promoting division — Medvedev

In April, Russia’s Supreme Court suspended a ban on Afghanistan’s Taliban movement, which had previously been included in the list of terrorist organizations

West 'understands nothing about Russians,' Rostec says in response to Reuters report

The Russian defense industry is currently focused on solving state problems, not on generating more profit

Two SKorean delegations to visit North to honour Kim’s memory

Seoul does not intend to send to Pyongyang an official delegation of the funeral

Resumption of air traffic between Russia, US long overdue — Russian MFA

Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of the North Atlantic Alexander Gusarov emphasized that this step would clearly demonstrate the improving dialogue between the two countries

Putin to present state awards at Kremlin today

The Russian leader will present orders, medals, and honorary titles to renowned musicians, artists, scientists, teachers, sports figures, healthcare workers, industrialists, agriculturalists, and other prominent figures

None of BRICS members wants to leave association — Brazilian ambassador to Russia

Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos noted that BRICS is a constructive force in strengthening a multipolar world order that is becoming increasingly inclusive and democratic

Ukraine conflict likely to end in 2026 on terms unfavorable to Kiev — Politico

Foreign affairs columnist Jamie Dettmer doubts a €90 billion loan will be sufficient to keep Ukraine solvent

Around 167,000 combat veterans already back from SMO zone — Kremlin

Sergey Novikov added that the integration of special military operation veterans into civilian life is one of the main challenges facing authorities at all levels and a comfortable environment for the fighters’ return must be created

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

Venezuela has overwhelming support in UN Security Council — president

The Venezuelan leader called the US seizure of vessels "piracy" and noted that "no one can defeat" the country

BRICS has developed criteria for admitting new members — ambassador to Moscow

A candidate country must have good relations with its neighbors and be opposed to unilateral sanctions, Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos noted

Brazil ready to cooperate with Russia on rare earth metals — ambassador to Moscow

Brazil is open to dialogue with Russia, both in the area of extraction and production, and in the processing of these resources, Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos said

SANA reports on meeting between Syrian foreign, defense ministers and Putin in Moscow

The Kremlin press service has not yet reported such contact

Italy becomes first NATO country to receive Rheinmetall’s Skynex air defense system

The contract is worth $86 million and includes an option to deliver up to three additional systems

Russia no enemy of Europe — State Duma speaker

Russia has helped Europe grow by supplying affordable energy, making its economy more competitive, Vyacheslav Volodin added

Dmitriev jokes European Commission chief would be banned from entering US

Kirill Dmitriev commented on a post by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the State Department's intention to take steps to bar leading figures of the global censorship-industrial complex from entering the country

Switzerland extradites Ukrainian suspected of 'espionage activity' to Germany

The German Prosecutor General's Office said that the suspect was detained on May 13 in the Swiss canton of Thurgau

Anglo-Saxon nations tap into Soviet-era tactics to 'decolonize' Russia anew — Medvedev

The senior Russian official recalled a briefing in the US Congress on the "decolonization of Russia" in June 2022, as well as the financial and media support provided by the Anglo-Saxons to the terrorist organization "Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum"

US moves additional forces to Caribbean — media

At least ten Osprey tiltrotor aircraft that are used in special operations, as well as a C-17 large military transport aircraft have been deployed to the area

KazTransOil, PERN ink agreement for oil transot to Germany

The agreement on cooperation regulates issues of oil acceptance and delivery at the Adamowo-Zastawa point in the territory of Poland

About 70,000 Indians working in Russia — Russian ambassador to India

Denis Alipov added that "overall, the prospects in the Russian labor market are enormous"

Russian air defenses destroy drone en route to Moscow

In total, three drones were shot down after midnight

US remains hostage to approaches it criticizes in case of Venezuela — UN envoy

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya expressed hope that "Washington will be able to stop in time and avoid a fatal mistake"

Ukrainian media outlet releases Kiev’s 20-point peace plan

Ukraine presented this plan to the American side at recent talks in the United States

Brazil interested in Russian diesel, gasoline supplies — ambassador to Moscow

Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos emphasized that "diesel is especially important because Brazil's transportation system relies heavily on road freight"

About 417,000 Russians have signed military service contracts — Medvedev

Additionally, more than 36,000 have voluntarily joined units dispatched to the zone of the special military operation, the politician stated

Press review: Russia-US dialogue eyed in 2026 and EU seeks retreat after summit failure

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 23rd

Russian intel chief reveals recent extended call with MI6 director

Sergey Naryshkin said the phone conversation was held "just a few days ago"

Deployment of Oreshnik in Belarus will not affect balance in Europe — defense minister

Viktor Khrenin emphasized that the deployment is a direct response to aggressive actions by Western nations

Putin warned Bush that admitting Ukraine to NATO will lead to Russia-US confrontation

The Russian leader stressed that this would create a threat of NATO moving its military bases and various arms systems to the exact proximity to the Russian border

US NATO envoy believes ball is in Russia's court in Ukrainian settlement

According to Matthew Whitaker, Washington is trying to find out the maximum that Russia is willing to do to end the conflict

Russia, China promote new world order standing back-to-back — Russian ambassador

Igor Morgulov highlighted that Moscow and Beijing have faced unprecedented Western pressures aimed at stifling their development

Liquidation of Hezbollah’s military wing aligns with Lebanon’s security interests — MFA

"In accordance with the government plan, the process of disarming Shiite fighters must extend to not only the south but all other regions of the country," Lebanese Foreign Minister Yousef Raji said

CSTO refutes information about Tajikistan’s appeal for assistance

The organization noted that Tajikistan’s interaction with its CSTO allies in the context of strengthening the border with Afghanistan is based on the relevant targeted interstate program approved at the 2024 session of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Astana

West accuses Russia of Bucha killings just as it did with Holodomor — Medvedev

According to the politician, the groundwork laid by predecessors in creating false ideologies is now actively exploited by the "regime of the bloody Kiev comedian"

Kiev loses about 20 battalions in fighting near Vilcha — expert

Vitaly Kiselev added that, despite heavy losses and massive, combined attacks by the Russian army, the Ukrainian army brigades have "a very large number of soldiers that go AWOL"

Medvedev calls on world to designate Ukraine’s nationalism as destructive ideology

The politician described Ukrainian nationalism as a hand-made political project that rose to its anti-human fame last century with what he called targeted mass support from the United States and Great Britain

Corruption in Biden's team at root of Ukrainian conflict — Dmitriev

"Warmongers are warmongers for one reason: they profit from war," the envoy stated