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West sought to strip Belarus of independence and Russia gave helping hand — Lukashenko

The West "will never be able to break our relations, they will only grow stronger," he stressed

MINSK, December 19. /TASS/. The West was seeking to deprive Belarus of its independence and sovereignty but Moscow extended a helping hand to it, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday after talks with his visiting Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

"If anyone tries to tear us apart, to drive a wedge between us, they will fail. It was not him (the Russian president - TASS), not Russia who attacked me along the perimeter in the 2020s. Russia extended a helping hand to us when we were pressed from there (the West - TASS). They wanted to deprive us of independence and sovereignty," Lukashenko said.

The West "will never be able to break our relations, they will only grow stronger," he stressed.

"Today, together with the [Russian] president and our colleague we have actually created a basis for a future leap forward. And we will make it," he pledged.

"There is not a single matter that cannot be settled," the Belarusian leader stated. "Russia has always been meeting us halfway and we are meeting its halfway."

"You know, we are co-aggressors, the worst and most toxic people on this planet. We are only arguing who is the worst. Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] says that it’s me. I begin to think that it’s him. So, we have decided that both," he added jokingly.

Belarus will be able to defend its sovereignty only with Russia’s help, Lukashenko said.

"Let us be frank, can we defend our independence and sovereignty by ourselves, without Russia? No, we cannot. And he (Putin - TASS) did not refuse to help us when we needed it. <…> He reached out to help as a close friend of Belarus," he said.

Georgia expects steps from new US leadership to improve relations — PM

On November 30, the US State Department announced that the United States had suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia

Azerbaijan toughens rules of stay for Russian citizens

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has signed a decree on the matter

Gazprom supplies 42.4 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe via Ukraine to Sudzha

The application for pumping through Sokhranovka was rejected by the Ukrainian side

Biden announces around $2.5 bln in aid for Ukraine

The American president also said the US Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds and thousands of missiles to Kiev

Russian troops liberate Novoelenovka settlement in Donetsk People's Republic

At the same time, the Russian Armed Forces hit energy facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, airfields, storage depots, command posts, and launch sites for attack drones over the day

Ukrainian forces lose up to 310 servicemen in Russia’s Kursk direction

One infantry fighting vehicle was destroyed, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Germany seen defenseless against Russia’s Oreshnik missile system — report

Bild said the German Foreign Ministry commissioned an internal government analysis on defense from ballistic missiles

MOEX, RTS indices rise by 0.81% in early trading session

The yuan fell to 13.58 rubles

World Rapid Chess Championship in New York ends with triumph of Russian players

During the championship, Russian chess grandmaster Murzin scored 10 points in 13 rounds and secured his first place

Incumbent president ahead in Croatian election

His main political rival, independent candidate Dragan Primorac, is in second place with 19.43% of the vote

German lawmaker slams Ukrainian diplomat for demanding more weapons

According to Sevim Dagdelen, Friedrich Merz, Economic Minister Robert Habeck and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz 'will probably continue to burn German taxpayer money in Ukraine'

North Korea announces extremely tough US strategy

Kim Jong Un highlighted "landmark achievements" in building up the country’s defense capabilities

South Korea to inspect all Boeing 737-800s after Jeju Air plane crash

The country has declared a week of mourning

Russian units attack Ukrainian troops near Kurakhovo power plant in DPR — republic’s head

"Russian units are also storming the industrial zone and we are also seeing combat in the vicinity of the thermal power plant," he said in a video address published on his Telegram channel

Roscosmos buys Earth observation satellite data from private company for first time

The Sputnix Group confirmed that the contract had been signed

Thirteen officers who fled Syria detained while crossing border into Lebanon

According to a Lebanese security source, local residents spotted the fleeing Syrian soldiers in a pickup truck that had crossed the border near the village of Mish Mish in the Akkar border district

Ukraine loses over 250 servicemen over past day in Kursk Region, another surrenders as POW

Russia's army continues to defeat Ukrainian formations in the Kursk Region

Voting concludes in Croatian presidential election

The favorites in the race are current President Zoran Milanovic and independent candidate Dragan Primorac

Ukrainian forces attack Kherson region hospital with drone, chief doctor seriously injured

His deputy was killed, Head of the region Vladimir Saldo reported

Kiev loses nearly 400,000 soldiers on Lugansk’s frontline in 2024

Andrey Marochko noted that over the year the Russian army did not just manage to withstand the onslaught of the Ukrainian armed forces and mercenaries, but also "successfully advanced" deep into the enemy’s defense

Russia withdraws from agreement on multilateral nuclear environmental program

The agreement also involved Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, as well as EURATOM and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Project 885M latest nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk joins Russian Navy

During the ceremony, the Russian Navy chief handed in the St. Andrew’s naval flag to the submarine commander, Captain First Rank Alexander Gladkov

Washington to host farewell ceremony for ex-US President Carter — Biden

A large-scale farewell ceremony will be held in the American capital

Dollar exchange rate surges by almost 6% surpassing 111 rubles on Forex

The euro exchange rate is trading above 109 rubles

Fighting erupts on border between Afghanistan, Pakistan — report

According to sources, light and heavy weapons were employed in the skirmishes

Experts to assess damage to black box following South Korea plane crash

Earlier reports indicated that one of the two black boxes - the flight data recorder - had sustained damage by the time it was discovered

Mobilization campaign makes Ukrainians see state as enemy — retired colonel

According to Oleg Starikov, common citizens increasingly seek to stay away from people in military uniform

Kazakh president warns against misinformation, provocations about plane crash near Aktau

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the General Prosecutor's Office and the government commission to conduct an impartial investigation of the plane crash near Aktau

Upgraded T-90M tank to enter service soon

The first consignment will be enough to rearm one battalion

Russia’s FSB foils assassination attempts on defense officer, military blogger

The plotter allegedly contacted an employee of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate via Telegram messenger

Georgia expects steps from new US leadership to improve relations — PM

On November 30, the US State Department announced that the United States had suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia

Trump’s Greenland comments could be part of policy of countering Russia and China — media

Trump’s transition team did not respond to a TASS request for comment

Baku demands Moscow admit guilt, punish those responsible for AZAL plane crash

Russian, Azerbaijani presidents hold telephone conversation on Aktau plane crash

INTERVIEW: Georgia’s people, new government lack desire to become West’s pawn — Lavrov

He noted that over many years, Washington and its allies have been using "color revolutions" as a tool to contain their geopolitical rivals and get rid of those unwanted

Ukraine opens second front in Africa — envoy

Igor Gromyko noted that in August, Mali's transitional government announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Ukraine

Russian forces liberate DPR’s Novotroitskoye — top brass

The battlegroup East has eliminated up to 170 Ukrainian servicemen over the past 24 hours, the military emphasized

Russian forces break through Ukrainian defense lines in Kharkov Region — expert

Marochko added that the operation allowed Russian troops to "expand their zone of control" in the area

Gazprom to limit gas supplies to Moldova up to zero from January 1 over contract breach

The company notes that the restriction will remain in effect until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz in writing otherwise

US may face bankruptcy if situation with national debt does not change — Musk

The US national debt for the first time climbed above $36 trillion on November 15

Milanovic, Primorac to vie for Croatia's presidency in run-off on January 12

The incumbent president, Zoran Milanovic, who opposes sending Croatian soldiers to the Ukrainian conflict zone, secured first place with 49.12% of the votes after 99.59% of the ballots were counted

Expert offers to use navy ships to escort tankers after Eagle S incident

Alexander Stepanov believes that NATO intends to lock the Kaliningrad enclave, to lock the Russian trade fleet in Neva estuary and to simultaneously block the Leningrad naval base

Press review: Putin discusses EU gas supplies and Russia open to Ukraine talks with Trump

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 27th

Kremlin points to a wide range of countries to host negotiations on Ukrainian conflict

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow respects the peacekeeping efforts of various countries

Russia not satisfied with Trump team’s proposals on Ukraine — Lavrov

At the same time, Lavrov noted that Moscow has not received any official signals from the United States on the Ukrainian settlement at the moment

Over 340 military officials’ cars set on fire in Ukraine over year

According to the report, the majority of these crimes occurred between Spring and Summer this year

Air defenses thwart nearly 170 Ukrainian air attacks on DPR over week

The system also intercepted a fixed-wing drone attempting to attack the Makeyevka machine-building plant

Russian chess grandmaster Volodar Murzin wins FIDE World Rapid Championship

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, the winner of last year’s championship, was earlier disqualified for breaching the dress code

Putin signs law on increased penalties for armed mutiny

According to the law, a participant in a mutiny may be exempted from criminal punishment if they voluntarily and promptly inform the authorities or otherwise contribute to "preventing further harm to the interests of Russia"

Israeli strikes on arms depot in Damascus province kill five soldiers — source

According to a source in the region, "the airstrikes by Israeli drones targeted an arms depot that previously belonged to the former Syrian government forces."

Special aircraft brings Kyrgyz citizens injured in plane crash near Aktau to Bishkek

The plane arrived at the international airport in the Kyrgyz capital on the night of December 30

Russia employs over 16,000 former servicemen and personnel of Ukrainian armed forces

Drills have been organized for newly employed officers who are trained on programs of upgraded professional education at educational establishments of the Russian Defense Ministry

Kazakhstan sends AZAL plane flight recorders to Brazil for decoding

"The flight recorders will be delivered to the CENIPA," the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan said

US, UK special services plotting terror attacks on Russia’s bases in Syria — intel agency

"Washington and London presume that in such conditions they will be able to achieve more quickly their geopolitical goal of ensuring their long-term dominance in the region on the basis of a repulsive concept of the rules-based order," the statement reads

Ukrainian troops attempt unsuccessful counterattack in DPR — republic’s head

The adversary attempted a counterattack with several of these attempts resulting in enemy losses

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Public debt back on Europe's agenda for first time in five years — media

It estimates that increasing public debt during the coronavirus pandemic was not seen as a priority in European countries due to low interest rates

Colorectal cancer vaccine to be able in Russia in 2025

Veronika Skvortsova noted that research is currently ongoing on drugs targeting glioblastomas and melanomas - malignant brain tumors and skin cancers

Syrian ports of Latakia, Tartus fully resume operations — official

Both ports are now serving ships and handling cargo normally

Mikhail Kavelashvili takes office as Georgian president

Kavelashvili took an oath on the Bible and the Constitution of Georgia in the plenary hall of the parliament in a solemn atmosphere

Scholz polling increasingly worse as German chancellor candidate — Bild

For comparison, ahead of the 2021 election, the CDU/CSU bloc enjoyed the support of 27% voters in opinion polls and came ahead of Scholz’s party by just a 9.5% margin

Salome Zourabichvili leaves Georgia's presidential palace, meets with protesters

After speaking with the demonstrators, Zourabichvili got into a car accompanied by security guards and left the area adjacent to the presidential palace

Kalashnikov improves combat capabilities of Vikhr-1 aviation missile

"I will not comment on that in any further detail, it is our client’s prerogative," Kalashnikov CEO Alan Lushnikov said

Kremlin says no comment on 'highly specialized' issue of Finland’s seizure of oil tanker

On December 25, Reuters reported that Finland’s police and border guards have detained an oil tanker, which flies under the flag of the Cook Islands, suspecting that an anchor of the vessel may have damaged the EstLink 2 cable

Russian state arms seller reports record high orders portfolio of over $57 bln in 2024

Rosoboronexport clarified that the priority of the defense industry sector today is to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces

What is known about plane crash in South Korea

Recruitment for unauthorized rallies aims to destabilize Russia — strategy

It is specified that to this end, various ways of manipulating public opinion and spreading unreliable information are being increasingly used

Ukrainian troops leave their positions in Shevchenko near Krasnoarmeysk

"The Ukrainian military has abandoned its positions in Shevchenko. They could not withstand the onslaught of our troops and combined strikes," the sources told TASS

Russia to respond to blocking of media Telegram channels in EU — diplomat

Zakharova noted that blocking a Russian news outlet is seen as the reinforcement of the West’s policy to suppress

At least 85 people killed in plane crash in South Korea — agency

There were 175 passengers and six crew members on board the plane

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

Russia open to talks on Ukraine, agreement must be ironclad — Lavrov

"I would like to particularly emphasize that this can only be about reliable, legally binding agreements which must remove the root causes of the conflict and enshrine the mechanism of the impossibility to violate them," he explained.

Putin congratulates foreign leaders on New Year and Christmas

The list did not include the leaders of the UK, Germany, the US, France, Japan, and other large states unfriendly to Russia

Fox News includes Biden’s Putin slip-up in top political gaffes of 2024

The list also concludes Biden calling Donald Trump’s supporters "garbage" during the US presidential campaign

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

According to the Turkish newspaper, the former Syrian president did it to ensure his own safety

Top Russian, Jordanian diplomats discuss importance of Syria’s territorial integrity

It was unanimously agreed that it is necessary for the international community to make every effort to fully respect the key principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254

Participants of anti-government rally in Tbilisi block city’s main street again

The rally participants are demanding to release those earlier detained for disturbances and to hold new parliamentary elections

US must make first step to restore ties with Russia — Lavrov

"So we’ll see. If the Americans begin to take our interests into account, dialogue will gradually recover. If not - then everything will remain the way it is," the top Russian diplomat said

Russia updates record for rice harvest surpassing 1.2 mln tons — Agriculture Ministry

At the same time, almost two thirds of the production falls on the Krasnodar region - in 2024 the rice harvest in the region amounted to 829,000 tons

Russia practically eliminates remnants of Ukraine’s Air Force — source

The source said that attempts to recruit more pilots in Poland and other Eastern European countries were not particularly successful

New Syrian authorities do not intend to annul agreements on Russian military bases

On December 9, a TASS source said that Russia has commenced the negotiations with the new Syrian authorities on the continued presence of its military bases

Oreshnik missile systems still few, but they are enough — Putin

According to the head of state, the system's serial production has begun

179 of 181 people killed in South Korea plane crash — news agency

Earlier, the authorities admitted that all those on board had died, except for two surviving crew members who were in the rear of the plane

South Korean president fails to show up for questioning for third time

According to legal proceedings, the third summons is the last one before the issuance of an arrest warrant

Syria may take four years to organize elections — new authorities

"Before any real elections, we need to hold a general census," Ahmed Sharaa pointed out

The Carter Center confirms death of former US president Jimmy Carter

The Carter Center non-governmental organization confirmed the death of Jimmy Carter

INTERVIEW: US applies Ukrainian scenario to pressure China — Lavrov

"We do not make assumptions about the plans of the future US administration", Russian Foreign Minister said

Survivors of South Korean plane crash in normal condition — TV

Both crew members were in the rear part of the plane, which broke away from the fuselage "during the hit."

Former Armenian defense minister detained in Moscow

Arshak Karapetyan has been put on the international wanted list under a number of articles of the Criminal Code, law enforcement bodies told TASS

FACTBOX: New Year’s celebrations in Russia

In 2024, according to a government decree, December 29-31 (Sunday through Tuesday) will be days off, while December 28 (Saturday) will be a working day

Kiev signs deal with World Bank on $15 bln loan from US using Russian assets

The agreement will include funds from the PEACE in Ukraine project and part of the $20 bln US contribution to the G7 initiative, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal announced

US believes Ukrainian forces to be pushed out of Kursk Region in few months — Bloomberg

According to the report, Ukraine lacks personnel and Kiev has no confidence in further provision of military aid by the West

Press review: BRICS challenges existing security concepts and Europe's economy in trouble

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 13th

Taiwan reports approach of 23 Chinese planes, six vessels

16 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ

NATO considers use of ATACMS missiles in Ukraine reckless, indiscriminate — NYT

The newspaper notes that, since Ukraine received an authorization from the UK and the US, Kiev carried out at least six missile strikes, using 31 ATACMS and 14 Storm Shadow missiles

Ukrainian Armed Forces attack settlements in Russia’s Belgorod region over 50 times

One person was injured, the region's governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported

Slovak PM calls on EU to pay urgent attention to Ukraine's decision to halt gas transit

Robert Fico stated that the EU's governing bodies had not adequately evaluated the negative consequences of halting gas transit through Ukraine

Putin apologizes for AZAL airliner incident in Russia’s airspace — Kremlin

The Russian leader conveyed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the plane crash victims

Russian Su-35S jets cover combat aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian troops in Kursk area

It is highlighted that the Su-35S fighters practiced aerial cover in the designated area for sorties by bombers and attack aircraft and army aviation helicopters in delivering air strikes at Ukrainian armor and manpower

Musk calls idea of Russian NPP on Moon ‘interesting’

US entrepreneur and founder of the SpaceX space technology company Elon Musk has called the prospect of delivering a Russian nuclear power plant to the Moon in 2033-2035 "interesting."

Russian flag hoisted on nuclear-powered icebreaker Yakutia in St. Petersburg

It is reported that the vessel is equipped with a twin-reactor nuclear power plant RITM-200

Jeju Air plane returns to airport after departure due to landing gear problem - media

The plane took off from Gimpo International Airport on Monday