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Refusal from army service not sufficient reason to seek asylum in Finland — top diplomat

"I don’t think that the refusal from military service following the call-up (in the context of the partial mobilization in Russia - TASS) is a sufficient reason to seek asylum [in Finland]," the Iltalehti newspaper quoted him as saying

STOCKHOLM, September 23. /TASS/. Refusal from army service is not a sufficient ground to seek asylum in Finland, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on Friday.

"I don’t think that the refusal from military service following the call-up (in the context of the partial mobilization in Russia - TASS) is a sufficient reason to seek asylum [in Finland]," the Iltalehti newspaper quoted him as saying.

Venezuela grateful to Russia for concern over updated US national security strategy — MFA

"We express our gratitude and support for the statement issued by the Russian government," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto

Fix Price to start opening stores in Serbia in early 2026

A company’s office is already working in the country

Ukrainian elections, Russia’s negotiating position, Europe decaying: Trump's statements

The US leader stated that Russia is in a more advantageous negotiating position than Ukraine

Tony Blair not to join Gaza 'Peace Board' due to Arab countries' stance — media

According to the newspaper, Tony Blair’s candidacy was rejected by several Arab and Muslim states because of his active support for the US invasion of Iraq in 2003

Putin signs annual decree to call up reservists for military training

The Russian government and regional authorities are instructed to ensure the implementation of measures related to the call-up of citizens for military training and the conduct of these training sessions

Belarusian General Staff believes West preparing for war

Pavel Muraveyko noted that Minsk considers it necessary to resolve all issues diplomatically

Italy considers use of frozen Russian assets risky for Europe — minister

"None of the proposals under discussion guarantee compliance with international law," Italy's EU Affairs Minister Tommaso Foti said

Russia to become world leader in unmanned systems development by 2030 — expert

According to Konstantin Yashin, this issue is getting significant attention from the government, and personally from Russian President Vladimir Putin

Trump hopes to clinch peace deal on Ukraine by Christmas — Financial Times

The story says Zelensky replied that he needed to consult with his allies in Europe first

Russia prefers to achieve special op goals diplomatically — diplomat

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Russia sees no serious conditions for that because of the subversive activities of European hawks

Favorable conditions for business have created in Russian Far East — PM

Gross regional product has increased by more than one quarter, and the volume of private investment has reached roughly 5.5 trillion rubles, Mikhail Mishustin said

Maduro’s days are numbered, says Trump

The US president refused to answer the question about Washington’s potential ground invasion of this Latin American country

Russia says only Ukrainian air defense damages civilian objects in Ukraine

Vasily Nebenzya also said the majority of Ukrainians do not want to fight for a government he claimed they don't support

UK imposes sanctions against philosopher Alexander Dugin, the Rybar think tank

In addition, restrictions were imposed on the Foundation for the Protection and Support of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad

AI is double-edged sword — Putin

"This is an important and very difficult issue," the Russian leader said

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

"Neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet," Vladimir Zelensky said

Spain suspends investigation into death of defector from Russia over lack of suspects

The investigative actions did not allow to initiate a case against a specific person

Kiev is luring foreigners into trenches, Ukrainians are hard to come by — Russian envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, this strategy is driven by the increasing difficulty Ukraine faces in mobilizing its own citizens

RusHydro and Pakistan to determine areas of energy cooperation by year-end

Sergey Machekhin added that Pakistan is a highly self-sufficient country in terms of energy

Kaspersky Lab reveals patterns from Russia's data-leaked passwords

According to the company’s data, the average lifespan of a password is 3.5 to 4 years

Russia’s new Svarog digital drone put into operation in special military operation zone

According to the Frobotics official, the digital communication system allows the drone to stabilize, hover, and fly route missions autonomously

Putin asks human rights activist to send her proposals for pardons

At a meeting of the Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, Merkachyova put forward several initiatives on how to develop the jury trial

No progress on Trump’s peace plan possible until Israel stops violating ceasefire — Hamas

Hossan Badran also recalled that under the agreements, Israel was supposed to reopen the Rafah checkpoint on the border with the Gaza Strip or increase humanitarian deliveries to the enclave

New theft scheme, concern in Zelensky's circle: statements by Russia’s SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that Vladimir Zelensky's entourage fears that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict will hurt their pocketbook

North Korean leader offers condolences on death of Russian envoy to Pyongyang

Kim Jong Un emphasized that the course in which the DPRK-Russia relations have developed into the present firm alliance is clearly associated with the devoted efforts of Alexander Matsegora

Conflict in Ukraine unlikely to escalate into WW3 — Trump

According to the US president, the Ukrainian conflict is "a big problem for Europe," which "they’re not handling well"

Russia, Hungary must resist external pressure — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto added that Budapest and Moscow should make a breakthrough to increase the interaction rates

France does not want to expropriate Russian assets held in its private banks — FT

French banks hold around 18 bln euros in Russian assets, which is the second-highest figure in Europe, the paper said

Watchdog group accuses FIFA chief Infantino of bias, demands probe into Trump award

According to the source, the complaint stipulates four alleged violations of neutrality that Infantino committed when talking about US President Trump

Far East needs new 12.8 GW in generating capacity to eliminate energy deficit

"The first thing that must be done in terms of infrastructure is to eliminate the generation deficit," Yury Trutnev said

Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport diverts, cancels dozens of flights

Flights operated by Russian and foreign airlines for departure and arrival continue to be serviced by agreement

US Treasury Secretary discusses sanctions on Lukoil, Rosneft with Ukrainian PM

Scott Bessent also said that during the phone call with Yulia Sviridenko he highlighted US President Donald Trump’s commitment to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine

Liberation of Krasnoarmeysk, battle of Dimitrov: Statements by Russia’s top brass

The Russian Armed Forces taking control of Krasnoarmeysk marked a crucial stage in the operation to liberate the entire Donbass, Valery Gerasimov said

Overwhelming majority of companies redomiciles from Cyprus — First Deputy Minister

The threat of blockade from certain European countries for the Kaliningrad Region, where one of such regions is located, has not affected the redomiciliation

Gas pipelines, unified preferential regime to attract $169.0 bln to Far East

Many major projects have already been identified, Yury Trutnev said

Lavrov to update senators on key matters of Russia’s global agenda

The minister is expected to lay an emphasis on resolving the Ukraine crisis in light of the latest peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump

US official says will update Congress on Trump’s stance regarding Russia sanctions bill

The measure envisages secondary sanctions against Russia’s trading partners

Several rounds fired at military airdrome in western Damascus — TV

According to preliminary data, several rounds were fired by unidentified militants at the Mezzeh military airdrome in the city’s outskirts

Rapid easing of monetary policy may threaten 4% inflation target in 2026 — Bank of Russia

According to the regulator’s analysts, rising inflation expectations also indicate the need to maintain tight monetary conditions for an extended period

US plans to cut aid to Kiev after last installments of G7 loan

Along with Japan, the US rejected the European Union’s offer to join its plan to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine

Trump may exclude Zelensky from talks on Ukraine — US radio host

Steve Gill noted that many in Trump’s inner circle "are questioning whether Zelensky has either the power or the desire to actually end the conflict"

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

The vaccine is meant for adult patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma

More sabotage, Western patronage: what is known about terrorist acts prevented by Russia

Twenty-four criminals and their accomplices have been neutralized and over 2,000 have been detained through the coordinated efforts of security agencies since the beginning of the year

Lukashenko extends visa-free regime for 38 European countries to 2026

It said the conditions for visa-free entry remain unchanged

Launch pad for Angara rockets put into operation

Further to the launch table, 37 other facilities were put into operation as part of Angara launch site construction

Turkey tries to ensure non-proliferation of Ukrainian conflict in Black Sea — minister

Turkey has repeatedly said that it strictly adheres to the 1936 convention

Hungarian foreign minister rips EC president von der Leyen's leadership

According to Peter Szijjarto, under her leadership, Europe became a much less safe and much less competitive place than it used to be

Hungary, Russia to hinder actions of opponents of peace in Ukraine — Szijjarto

The minister expressed hope that the restoration of peace in Ukraine would lead to the lifting of sanctions

Putin to receive Indonesian leader for talks in Kremlin

The two leaders are set to discuss "issues of further development of the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership

Ukrainian military brings tanks, artillery, mercenaries to Kharkov Region — official

Reports indicate the presence of mercenaries from Poland, Georgia, and various Latin American nations, according to the press service of the Military-Civilian Administration of the Kharkov Region

Russians' domestic travel spending up by 30% yoy in autumn, study says

"Travelers prefer not only neighboring regions but also more distant destinations, expanding their vacation geography," Alexey Okhorzin noted

Zelensky admits that Ukraine cannot take Crimea back from Russia

"We don’t have enough support for this", also noted Vladimir Zelensky

FACTBOX: Russia hit by 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, nine wounded in Cheboksary

The injured people are getting all necessary medical assistance

Around 2,000 militants surrender in CAR under Russian-backed program

In many places, militants are in designated areas waiting for their turn to disarm, while they do not commit serious crimes, Dmitry Podolsky said

West increases military presence in Arctic, Russian Navy chief warns

Alexander Moiseyev noted that the updated Arctic strategies of NATO member states were clearly directed against Russia

National projects must lead to creation of domestic technologies — Putin

The head of state stressed that "technological leadership projects did not exist in isolation but had systemic significance for all spheres of life"

Taking Novodanilovka Russian troops move closer to Orekhov — defense source

Success in Novodanilovka was achieved thanks to a proven tactic: first, reconnaissance identifies weak points in the defense, then artillery and precision weapons deliver strikes, after which the infantry takes up positions, the source said

Putin to award Heroes of Russia with Gold Star medals today

The ceremony will be held in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace

US reporter Christopher Helali added to on Ukraine’s undesirable persons database

Christopher Helali has been accused of "encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Ukraine and "dissemination of Russian propaganda"

US calls on Cambodia, Thailand to immediately halt hostilities — Rubio

"We strongly urge the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and for both sides to return to the de-escalatory measures outlined in the October 26 Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords," the statement says

GAC not planning to leave Russian market — company

GAC continues operations as usual and performs all the current obligations, the press service informed

Russian troops liberate Ostapovskoye community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia’s new Armata tank gets new-generation reactive armour

The Armata tank’s armour ensures protection against all modern tank shells, anti-tank guided missiles and grenade launchers with the calibre of 100 to 150 mm

One dead, 260 wounded at Damascus rally marking one year since fall of Assad regime

The ministry stated that "rescue teams provided medical assistance to 247 people at the scene, while 18 others were taken to the hospital"

Musk calls for elected body instead of European Commission

"The current system is rule by bureaucracy, not democracy," he noted

Euroclear could lose 16 bln euros held in Russia if Russian assets confiscated in EU

"If the EU's decision is interpreted as a confiscation of Russian assets, this will make Euroclear and its clients investing in Russia vulnerable to legal action and asset seizure," Guillaume Eliet said

Silver price hits all-time high exceeding $60 per troy ounce

By 6:37 p.m. Moscow time, the price of silver had accelerated to $60.475 per ounce

Press review: EU seeks to push US peace plan to stalemate as Thai-Cambodia clashes flare

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 9

Zelensky says ready to hold elections in Ukraine

However, he said that legislative changes and security measures are needed to hold elections so that military personnel can also vote

Europe is 'moving in some bad directions' — Trump

Donald Trump voiced concern about the current political track taken by EU countries

Liberating Novodanilovka, Russian troops secure southwestern flank — expert

"After the liberation of Malaya Tokmachka, the settlement of Novodanilovka in the Orekhov area was another logical step for our servicemen, since it threatened the southwestern flank of our advancing troops," Andrey Marochko said

EU prepares to admit Ukraine by 2030 and start war with Russia — Orban

As the Hungarian prime minister recalled, the treaty establishing the EU states that "in the event of an armed attack on the territory of one of its member states, the other member states are obliged to provide this state with all the assistance at their disposal"

Annual inflation in Russia slows down, all factors point to decline in 2026 — Central Bank

"At the same time, the persistent components of consumer-price growth remain elevated and so far, show no pronounced tendency toward decline," the regulator’s analysts noted

Bank of Russia sells yuan worth $186 mln with settlements on December 8

The Central Bank sold yuan on the domestic market in the amount of 9 bln rubles with settlements on December 5, 2025

UN court accepts Russia’s lawsuit against Ukraine, gives Kiev one year to answer

Russia can submit its objections by December 7, 2027

Venezuela grateful to Russia for concern over updated US national security strategy — MFA

"We express our gratitude and support for the statement issued by the Russian government," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto

Russia, China conduct air patrol in Asia-Pacific Region — defense ministry

The air patrol was not directed against third countries, the ministry stressed

Russia’s military chief inspects Battlegroup Center in special military operation area

During the trip, Army General Valery Gerasimov handed state awards to the servicemen who had distinguished themselves in liberating Krasnoarmeysk in the DPR "and thanked them for their valor and courage displayed in accomplishing combat objectives"

Russia in contact with US, awaiting outcomes of discussions with Kiev — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov specified that consultations continued "at the current level of engagement"

Investments from Russia to Georgia double in Q3

Total volume of direct foreign investments in Georgia amounted to $533.2 mln in the reporting period

Russia seeks to put end to Ukraine's war against its own people with special op — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that those who did not accept the 2014 coup d'etat in Ukraine were met with armed resistance from authorities

Development plans for Russia’s Arctic Zone must be drafted through 2050

Andrey Chibis added that a project of such magnitude could be administered by the newly created Arctic Development Corporation, established on the basis of the existing Far East and Arctic Development Corporation, or by a joint corporation formed by Rosatom and VEB.RF

Countdown for Zelensky regime has begun — senior Russian MP

Trump’s patience is wearing, said Leonid Slutsky

Zelensky says new version of peace plan will be handed over to US on Wednesday

According to Zelensky, work is underway on three documents

Pope Leo says doesn’t know when he could visit Ukraine

"One must also be realistic in these matters," the pontiff added

Analyst says new US strategy offers Russia 'rare window' of opportunity

According to Eldar Mamedov, the new NSS demands a peace in Ukraine that serves American interests — prioritizing stability over maximalist justice, de-escalation over moral posturing, and the hard work of diplomacy over the seductive folly of endless war

German chancellor, other European leaders urge Zelensky to reject US peace plan — WSJ

The Europeans insisted on outlining clear security guarantees in the US peace plan, aimed at preventing an alleged resumption of Moscow’s confrontation with Kiev

Kiev’s power grid may collapse in coming months following Russian strikes — expert

Vitaly Kiselev believes that for greater success in the zone of the special military operation, Russian troops need to "put out of existence" the Ukrainian railways network

Russia pays fee to UN budget fully — representative of Secretary General

Stephane Dujarric added that Russia had contributed $71,781,915

Military transport aircraft crashes in Sudan, killing all crew onboard — AFP

The exact number of deaths is unknown

An-22 aircraft crashes in Ivanovo Region — emergency services

According to the source, seven people were on board

US, European leaders’ Statements on Arctic expose their Russophobia — Russian Navy chief

Key political statements emphasize the increasing pace of the Arctic’s militarization and preparations for a potential military confrontation in the region under the pretext of ‘protecting against threats from Russia and China,’ Alexander Moiseyev said

Zelensky's statement about readiness for polls bluff, manipulation of rules — envoy

He sets obviously unacceptable conditions, noted Rodion Miroshnik

Russian troops take major defense center of Ukrainian army — military source

The Ukrainian army lost a company of personnel and over 10 pieces of military equipment in the battle for Ostapovskoye

Japan refuses European plan to seize Russian assets — media

Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that Japan has no legal authority to dispose of Russian assets

Zelensky tries to drown sensible settlement proposals in stream of nonsense — envoy

The change in the format of Vladimir Zelensky's interaction with press is also due to his nervousness because of the tough position of the United States, noted Rodion Miroshnik

EU eyes seizing Russian money due to depletion of national resources — economist

"The goal is not simply to ‘take money away,’ but rather to establish a sustainable financial flow for Ukraine", said Nikolay Gapenko

US Department of Energy raises 2025 Brent oil price forecast to $68.91 per barrel

At the same time, the agency expects global oil inventories to continue growing, which will exert significant downward pressure on prices

Minsk has Moscow's support on nuclear weapons deployment — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader announced earlier that Russia’s Oreshnik missile system, which will enter combat duty in Belarus in December, will be moving throughout the republic

Liberation of Konstantinovka by Russian troops to affect whole military operation — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, Konstantinovka is currently one of the most difficult areas in the zone of the special military operation

Former US President Obama forced Ukrainian authorities to give up Crimea — Trump

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"