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Pentagon chief says won’t speculate on who is responsible for Nord Stream leaks

In terms of the attack - or the damage to the pipeline, at this point I think there's a lot of speculation, Lloyd Austin said

NEW YORK, September 30. /TASS/. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he was not going to speculate on who bears the responsibility for ruptures of the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 offshore gas pipelines.

"In terms of the attack - or the damage to the pipeline, at this point I think there's a lot of speculation. But quite frankly, until a complete investigation is done, no one will be able to really determine for certain what happened," he told reporters in Hawaii during a press conference broadcast live via the Department of Defense’s official Twitter account.

He said he had discussed the situation with his Danish counterpart on Wednesday.

"Until we get further information, or are able to do further analysis, we won’t speculate on who may have been responsible," Austin said.

Four Nord Stream gas pipeline leaks have been uncovered so far, with the most recent one being pinpointed by Sweden’s coast guard.

Earlier, the Nord Stream AG company reported that three threads of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 offshore gas pipelines had suffered unprecedented damage on Monday. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow was "deeply concerned about the news" and did not rule out that the pipelines’ operation could have been disrupted by an act of sabotage. Swedish seismologists later reported that two explosions had been recorded along the Nord Stream pipelines on Monday.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen slammed the incidents as sabotage and warned that "any deliberate disruption is unacceptable [and] will lead to the strongest possible response.".

'Political stumble' for Merz, von der Leyen, as EU fails to seize Russian assets — NYT

As The New York Times reported, the outcome made Europe "appear indecisive at a key moment"

West can simply steal countries’ gold and foreign exchange reserves — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader that the country held a record level of gold and foreign exchange reserves at present and suggested rethinking the strategy for managing international reserve assets

Russia welcomes election of Chile's new president — diplomat

Maria Zakharova added that Russia and Chile have been linked by decades of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation

EU leaders discuss ‘uncapped financial guarantees’ to Belgium — Euractiv

According to the report, the EU leaders are poised to continue the summit until a result is reached

Former French officer slams EU sanctions on its own citizens as 'Brussels dictatorship'

According to Xavier Moreau, imposing sanctions on a French citizen without a trial is unacceptable

Special EU decision now needed to unblock frozen Russian assets — von der Leyen

The qualified majority implies that 16 out of the 27 EU member countries, home to over 55% population of the European Union, need to support the move

Ukraine’s unused gas in 2013 may cause fines of almost ten billion dollars

Ukraine’s incomplete receipt of gas in 2013 may cause fines of almost ten billion dollars

Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia refuse to finance Kiev — EU summit statement

The European Council agrees to provide a loan to Ukraine of EUR 90 billion for the years 2026-2027 based on EU borrowing on the capital markets backed by the EU budget headroom

Inevitable Ukrainian surrender to make peace talk much easier — SVR

According to Sergey Naryshkin, no one will be able to prevent the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict after that

Ex-NASCAR racer killed in business jet crash in North Carolina

The members of Gregory Biffle's family were among the victims, a member of the US House of Representatives Richard Hudson said

Trump says US wants back oil rights allegedly taken by Venezuela

"They took all of our oil from not that long ago", US President said

ECB will not support loan mechanism for Ukraine breaching EU laws — Lagarde

Article 123 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union prevents the ECB from printing money explicitly to finance government spending

IN BRIEF: What is known about situation around frozen Russian assets

Four EU officials said that a key point in the discussion was the idea of excluding Hungary and Slovakia from the general debt repayment scheme, as both countries oppose further aid to Ukraine

Russophobic policies to cause further degradation of EU — Naryshkin

"The European Union has somehow missed the general trends and dynamics in global politics and global affairs," director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service noted

Russia says shoots down three bogeys over sea in Sevastopol

Earlier, an air alert was announced in the city

TikTok signs deal to sell its US business — Axios

Oracle, Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi-based MGX will collectively own 45% of the US entity, nearly one-third of the company will be held by affiliates of existing ByteDance investors, and nearly 20% will be retained by ByteDance

Lukashenko says he cannot be president forever

Alexander Lukashenko named himself "a departing president"

EU replaced its ‘strategic defeat’ mantra with ‘maximum damage’ — Naryshkin

"They no longer prioritize ‘strategic defeat,’ because they have already realized that it will be impossible, so they want to deal maximum damage to Russia instead," director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said

Fico highlights need for compromise at European Council

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico repeatedly said that he would refuse to vote for any support for Ukraine's military needs at the summit

NATO plans confrontation with Russia by 2030 — top defense official

"We are not the ones making threats; we are the ones being threatened," Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stressed

Russian troops destroy 67 foreign mercenaries in battles for Yunakovka — defense source

According to the source, they were mostly Colombian nationals

Russia does not deny anyone right to security, but insists on NATO not expanding — Putin

It was publicly stated that there would be no NATO expansion to the east and the West "couldn't care less" about these promises, the Russian leader noted

Russia’s international reserves down $0.5 bln over week to $741 bln

As of December 5, the volume of reserves amounted to $741.5 bln

Russia’s Safonov makes history for PSG in FIFA championship win

The Russian national team’s goalkeeper is the first one in history to save four penalties in a row in a match at a FIFA tournament

Tucker Carlson believes Trump may declare war on Venezuela

The journalist added that he does not know whether the announcement "will actually happen"

EU summit fails to expropriate Russian assets, but may do so in future — von der Leyen

"The member states have agreed to finance Ukraine through an EU borrowing on the capital markets for an amount of 90 billion euro for the next two years," Ursula von der Leyen said

Cessna 550 business jet crashes in US with victims — TV

The crash killed people, but their number and identities have not yet been disclosed

EU leaders upset about late start to Brussels summit — media

According to Politico, the delay was caused after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa held an impromptu meeting with a farmers’ association

Whole world, save for Europe, condemns US actions in Caribbean — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister underscored that "all other countries have clearly expressed their positions"

FACTBOX: Oreshnik ballistic missile

According to the Russian president, the combat testing of the Oreshnik missile system was conducted in response to an attack by US-made and British-made long-range missiles on Russian territory

Putin receives random but curated questions from Russians for Q&A session — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, to date, more than 2,100,000 questions have come in via different channels

Lukashenko says he is ‘outgoing’ president

According to the Belarusian leader, he wants to establish good relations between Minsk and Washington

US relations thaw proving difficult — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Russia's principled position, firmly based on the protection of national interests, respect for traditions, and a sustained readiness for pragmatic dialogue, constitutes the only correct approach

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 80.03 rubles for December 19

The official euro rate was raised by 10 kopecks to 94.2524 rubles

Russia’s Intelligence Service likens declared unity of West to chimera

"It is based not on the common core interests of the peoples of these countries, but on the megalomania and exclusivity of their elites," Sergey Naryshkin, Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, said

US aware that continued conflict will end in Ukraine's defeat — intelligence chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the US administration has begun seeking compromise solutions and they were identified and articulated in what is known as the Trump peace plan

Russia ready to restore intergovernmental trade commission with Slovakia

Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov heads the commission from the Russian side, Maria Zakharova noted

US Treasury removes six entities, two individuals from anti-Russian sanctions

The sanctions will no longer apply to Russian citizen Dmitry Bugayenko and Finnish citizen Evgenia Dremova

New US security strategy rightly America first — Russian intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that "there are clear tendencies toward isolationism, which US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance do not hide"

Desertion in Ukrainian armed forces grows — Russian intelligence chief

"In contrast to the Ukrainian side, the Russian army is continuously advancing, liberating several villages and cities each week." Sergey Naryshkin stated

Special customs regime will make Hainan a development leader — expert

Deputy Director of the Swedish Belt and Road Institute noted that the launch of such a regime shows a firm commitment to expanding openness

Russian stock market indices mixed on Thursday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 0.24% to 2,753.07 points

EU to issue 90 billion euro in interest-free loan to Kiev — Merz

The German Chancellor said that "the Russian frozen assets will remain blocked until Russia has paid reparations to Ukraine"

Russia, Africa working to increase number of intergovernmental commissions

19 such commissions are already operational

Intelligence services remain ‘almost sole’ link between Russia, Europe — SVR

Responding to a question about whether the Russian side observes more common sense in the approaches of European countries’ intelligence services than in the activities of their politicians, Sergey Naryshkin noted that "the approaches of intelligence services generally align with the policies of their states"

EU fixated on idea of stealing Russia's money to continue war in Ukraine — Kremlin

"It feels as if they can think about only one thing: how to find money to continue the war," Dmitry Peskov noted

EU leaders looking for ways to finance Ukraine, but Hungary will not support them — Orban

"There is a huge possibility that no matter what kind of aid they would want to provide to Ukraine, Hungary will stay away from it," he said

Ukrainian soldiers’ morale collapses after corruption scandal — SVR

According to the report, an increasing number of newly mobilized troops are deserting their positions, unwilling to risk

Fifteen Sydney attack victims remain in hospitals

Four of the victims are currently in critical condition

Kiev and Europe try to disown compromises of Trump plan, Naryshkin says

"We have seen that in recent weeks both the Kiev regime and its European patrons, contrary to common sense, have been trying to disown those, in my opinion, sound, fair compromises proposed in the so-called Trump peace plan," Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said

Putin to sum up 'Results of the Year'

It will begin at noon Moscow time on Friday

Russia to boost fertilizer output by 3% to 65 mln tons in 2025

Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers President Andrey Guryev noted that by this figure Russia has surpassed the United States, India, and Canada and has firmly held second place globally behind China for several years

First NPP in Belarus significantly strengthened country’s energy security — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader stressed that energy was the guarantor of economic development and a matter of national self-sufficiency

UK 'co-running war' in Ukraine — former French military officer

When asked about the presence of Western servicemen in the area of the Russian special military operation, Xavier Moreau emphasized that there are "many British" in Ukraine

Washington's main concert complex to be renamed in honor of Trump and Kennedy

According to White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, the board of governors of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts decided "to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center because of the unbelievable work US President Donald Trump has done over the last year in saving the building"

EU elites put stake on anti-Russian policy — Russian intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that leaders of certain European countries are "in a dangerous situation"

Hungary 'absolutely ready' to host Russia-US summit — top diplomat

Hungary has maintained a pro-peace position since the onset of the conflict, Peter Szijjarto noted, despite what he called "enormous political attacks" against Budapest

Durov compares UK’s future to dystopian thriller

V for Vendetta’s totalitarian UK felt far-fetched 20 years ago, now "it feels less like fiction and more like a government action plan," Telegram co-founder said

Russia hopes Serbia stands by national interests, not West's lies — SVR chief

"We will not interfere and will respect whatever choice they make," Sergey Naryshkin added

Press review: Trump seeks to pressure Moscow as EU desperate to find funds for Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 18th

Karin Kneissl: Zelensky Has No Chance Left

EU diplomats do not rule out retaliation against Ukrainian elites by angry mob — SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that the Mindich-Zelensky case is undermining Ukraine

Four US planes spotted again near Venezuela's maritime border — dispatchers

"At least four carrier-based aircraft, namely Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter-bombers, are over neutral waters in the immediate vicinity of the Venezuelan border," the source said

Lavrov to discuss preparations for third Russia-Africa summit in Cairo

It will be the first event of the format held on the African soil, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Further funding for Ukraine risks prolonging conflict with Russia, Hungarian PM warns

Viktor Orban also pointed out that the idea of a Russian asset seizure was dead because talks on the issue "have stalled"

Euro democracy in US crosshairs, meddling threat in Russian elections: Lavrov statements

The Russian foreign minister said that the US had sent a strong signal to Europe criticizing the democracy "that is practiced in Europe"

EU summit communique makes no mention of Russian assets, meeting continues

The European Council press service has not yet provided journalists with even an approximate ending time for the first day’s discussions

Russian defense technologies unmatched by Western military-industrial complex — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that established industrial production would make it possible to make tens and even hundreds of items per year to provide strategic coverage for all critical areas and facilities in the Russian border regions

Corruption scandal fallout, threat to Ukrainian elites — Russia’s SVR statements

According to the intelligence service, the corruption scandal in Ukraine has resulted in "a sharp decline in the morale of Ukrainian troops on the frontlines"

Russia gradually returning to world sports — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that "this is a welcome process that can only be supported"

IN BRIEF: Resuming nuclear tests, NATO threat: what Russia's military chief of staff said

The North Atlantic Alliance, under the pretext of a so-called Russian military threat, has "significantly increased" its military presence near Russia’s borders

Russia alarmed by worsening humanitarian situation in Syria — UN mission

"We are concerned by the fact that, despite political shifts in the country and the efforts by UN agencies, the humanitarian situation not only remains dire but is also showing signs of systemic deterioration," Dmitry Polyansky said

FACTBOX: S-500 Anti-Aircraft Missile System

The system is being developed with the capability to be operational for the next 25 years

Continuation of conflict in Ukraine extremely dangerous — Belarusian president

The Belarusian leader commented on rumors that the end of the conflict in Ukraine is disadvantageous to him and the military-political leadership of the republic

Gold futures record high on Comex again — market data

The precious metal price gained 0.92% to $4,401.9 per Troy ounce

Netanyahu approves record gas deal with Egypt under US pressure — Axios

According to the source, the Trump administration has been pressing Natanyahu for several weeks to approve the deal

INTERVIEW: Ukraine can return to normalcy when Nazism snuffed out — intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin said "the Ukrainian people must find the strength and will to eliminate the neo-Nazi plague"

Russia-UK relations head south after Putin's Munich speech in 2007 — foreign intel chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, it has been a gradual process

Belarus will not completely relocate its factories — Lukashenko

According to the President, agreements on localizing the production of Belarusian tractors and trucks in Vietnam are being implemented

Russian military doing everything to celebrate Victory in peace — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that "the Kiev regime continues to demonstrate its true nature"

Western military presence in Ukraine in any format unacceptable for Russia — MFA

Maria Zakharova stated that such pseudo-peacekeepers would become legitimate targets for the Russian army

Billionaire Isaacman to serve as new head of NASA

A total of 67 senators voted in favor of Isaacman’s nomination, while 30 voted against it

Orban describes EU loan for Ukraine as 'lost money' — Reuters

Viktor Orban assured that his country "is staying out" from European financing of the Kiev government

UK introduced sanctions against Russian oil producers

In total, restrictions affected 24 legal entities and individuals, including companies from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the UAE

Russia advances in Donbass while West plays shell games — Ukrainian opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it abundantly clear that the desire for war in this situation does not come from Russia

Zelensky admits Biden told him Ukraine would not be brought in to NATO before conflict

Vladimir Zelensky noted that he repeatedly raised the issue with the White House, becoming a kind of running joke among US officials

Beijing vows decisive response to $11 bln US arms sale to Taiwan

"The US side has announced a large-scale plan to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan, which seriously violates the One China principle and provisions of three joint communiques," Guo Jiakun said

Kremlin gets set to be briefed by US on talks with Ukraine, EU

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian side is working on arranging contacts with American counterparts

Russia’s Safonov makes football goalkeeping history in French PSG FIFA championship win

The final match of the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup between Paris Saint-Germain football club from France and Brazilian Flamengo FC was played at the 45,000-seat capacity Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

Zelensky cannot withdraw troops from Donbass due to nationalist resistance — opposition

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Western media outlets consistently report significant pressure from Washington on Kiev and Europe regarding this issue

Russian intel chief reveals recent extended call with MI6 director

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

Bank of Russia refrains from naming foreign banks it plans to sue

The regulator said that it is too early to speak about any assessments

Anti-drone systems of Rosel holding protect Russia’s infrastructure — Rostec

The state corporation noted that the integrated defense of facilities is based on the principles of long-range detection, identification, tracking, and suppression of enemy drones

Kremlin warns about consequences for masterminds, perpetrators of Russian asset seizure

"Those who made decisions collectively, those who made decisions individually and those who put them into practice will all bear responsibility," Dmitry Peskov said

Europe should consider Putin's words on placing Oreshnik missile on combat duty — expert

Military-Political Analysis Bureau head Alexander Mikhailov emphasized that the tactical and technical characteristics of the Oreshnik missile allow the Russian army to launch a strike targeting any spot in Europe

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day

According to the latest figures, Kiev loses 1,405 troops along engagement line in past day

US actions in Venezuela display Washington's neocolonial approach — Russia’s UN envoy

"Starting with false pretexts of combatting drug trafficking and terrorism, Washington has already moved on to open threats of military aggression and seizure of the territory and natural resources of a sovereign state," Vasily Nebenzya said

Maduro vows full effort to protect Venezuela’s sovereignty under any circumstances

The Venezuelan president stated that the United States is seeking a regime change in the Bolivarian Republic "to impose a puppet government that will turn the country with its natural resources into a colony"

Trump signs defense budget worth $901 billion — White House

"The Act will enable the DoW [Department of War] to carry out my Peace Through Strength agenda, protect the homeland from domestic and foreign threats, and strengthen the defense industrial base," the US leader said

Venezuela is Russia’s ally, Moscow, Caracas are in constant contact — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro spoke on the phone on December 11

Lukoil left Ghasha concession in the UAE in November — mass media

The Russian company transferred its 10% participation interest to ADNOC