North Korea launches presumably ballistic missile — Japan Coast Guard

The South Korean military also confirms reports about North Korea’s missile launch

TOKYO, March 16. /TASS/. North Korea has launched, presumably, a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, Japan’s Coast Guard said on Thursday.

It called on vessels staying in this area not to approach fragments if they see any.

The South Korean military also confirms reports about North Korea’s missile launch.

An emergencies headquarters has beet set up under the Japanese prime minister’s office to collect information about the launch.

This was the eighth North Korea’s missile test launch since the beginning of the year.

Tags

Sergey Lavrov's interview with Tucker Carlson

Russia displays readiness for dialogue with West — expert on Sergey Lavrov’s interview

Daniel Kovalik, American lawyer also underscored that the Biden Administration’s recent decision to approve shipment of long-range missiles to Ukraine and the discussion of shipping nuclear weapons may lead to an escalation of the conflict

Russia in talks with Chinese automaker on production localization — minister

Negotiations are being held proactively

None of post-conflict scenarios envisages territorial integrity of Ukraine — daily

Under one of the scenarios, Ukraine could be transformed into a "European Israel," or a country outside NATO that would enjoy the commitment from members of the Western military alliance to supply weapons

Russian gunners carry out over 100 strikes on Kiev forces near Kupyansk in 24 hours

Military expert Andrey Marochko noted that the "hottest spots" in terms of the number of strikes carried out by Russian artillerymen were the areas of the settlements of Kucherovka, Petrovpavlovka, Lozovaya and Glushkovka

Tucker Carlson's interview with Lavrov gets 2 million views on social network X

Lavrov's conversation with Carlson lasted almost an hour and a half

Gazprombank remains sole authorized bank in ruble gas payments

Gazprombank does not provide assistance any more to foreign buyers in converting foreign exchange to rubles for purposes of payments for natural gas, the credit institution said

Shipbuilders to deliver latest nuclear-powered sub to Russian Navy next summer

The nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk deployed to the sea for the first time in June 2024 for shipbuilders’ sea trials

Ukraine faces tragedy, Palestine - disaster, says top Russian diplomat

Sergey Lavrov noted that Israel's operation in response to the terrorist attack acquired the proportion of collective punishment, which is against international humanitarian law

FACTBOX: Oreshnik may soon be deployed in Belarus

TASS has gathered the key facts around the situation

Nearing resolution, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 250 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles and five motor vehicles

Western Europe wants to come to Russia's borders through Ukraine — Lavrov

And there were plans that were discussed almost openly to put British naval bases on the Sea of Azov, Russian Foreign Minister said

US is going bankrupt fast — Elon Musk

US entrepreneur, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswami, will head the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" in Donald Trump’s administration

Russian troops liberate six communities in Donbass area, Zaporozhye Region over week

Russian troops delivered six strikes by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles at Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, army deployment areas and weapons arsenals over the week, the ministry reported

Russian Ka-52M gunship wipes out Ukrainian army stronghold in borderline Kursk area

After the strike, the Ka-52M crew performed a missile evasion maneuver at an ultralow altitude by firing decoy flares to evade hits by enemy surface-to-air missiles

Lavrov stays silent about meetings with US officials so as not to ruin their careers

When asked if the conversations were meaningful, the Russian top diplomat replied in negative

Lavrov considers Trump strong, friendly, but not pro-Russian

"I think he's a very strong person. A person who wants results," the Russian top diplomat said

Lavrov says events unfolding in Syria nothing but complex game with large number of actors

The Russian foreign minister expressed hope that the context which the sides were planning for this week would help stabilize the situation

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Ex-Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu appointed as OSCE Secretary General

"After months of intense negotiations, we have reached consensus on the top posts of the OSCE for the next three years," Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg said

Russian forces battling for Sukhiye Yaly, Konstantinopolskoye near Kurakhovo — official

The operation involves clearing a pocket of land south of Kurakhovo, Vladimir Rogov said

Russia's Oreshnik missile test made Europe 'nervous,' ex-Pentagon official says

Jim Townsend suggested that with US President-elect Donald Trump soon to take office again, some in Europe would be "secretly pleased" to see a peace deal get done

Syria pulls forces out of Hama to save civilian lives — defense minister

The minister warned that terrorists are working to take advantage of the current situation in their media efforts

Syrian army foils militant attack on Latakia province — media

On the morning of November 27, units of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) launched a large-scale attack in northern Syria

Versatile system for various scenarios: foreign media about close-up shots of Tsirkon

The launch in question took place on December 3, 2024, during joint exercises by the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces in the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Lavrov supposes Germany together with US could shed light on causes of Navalny's death

Talking to the American journalist, the Russian foreign minister noted the indifference of politicians and UN officials, as well as representatives of the Western press

Slovak consulate in St. Petersburg announces it will close at end of December

According to Slovakia's Foreign Ministry statement dated August 28, the Republic will close its embassies in such countries as Denmark and Norway, as well as the consulates general in Krakow and St. Petersburg by December 31, 2024

West makes serious mistake thinking Russia’s ‘red lines’ could be moved — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that statements by some NATO officials about the possibility of preventive strikes on Russia cause concern

Putin questions logic behind Volkswagen leaving Russia

The Russian president stressed that Russia allowed its German partners to operate under free market conditions in the country

Hungary’s Orban blames conflict in Ukraine on US

Viktor Orban noted what he described as a "critical situation" around Ukraine, as the outgoing Joe Biden administration was determined to give the widest possible military support, while the incoming Trump administration was apparently in favor of a peace settlement

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to take part in Doha Forum

A meeting of the ministers of the Astana Process countries is also planned amid the escalation of the situation in Syria

Russia becomes stronger in Ukraine conflict, while Kiev weakens — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "it will be a tough and lengthy set of negotiations, but for now, the focus should be on achieving a ceasefire" in Ukraine

Tucker Carlson only indirectly touched on topic of China in his interview with Lavrov

The interview focused on acute issues such as the Ukrainian crisis, relations between Russia and the USA, and the situation in Syria

Russia downs 33 Ukrainian drones over 4 regions, destroys 2 unmanned speedboats off Crimea

Also, two Ukrainian unmanned speedboats heading toward the Crimean Peninsula were wiped out by naval aviation crews of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, the ministry noted

Gold could become dollar's main competitor in world trade — Sechin

Rosneft CEO added that the US has lost its leadership in science, industry, and finance and has failed to maintain a fair world order

Russia open to honest dialogue with US, not sure if Trump will seize chance — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "by throwing shade at the current [US] administration, Trump and his camp send mixed signals, adhering to the principles of 'America first' and ‘peace through strength'"

Romania’s Constitutional Court nullifies presidential election outcome

According to the media, the election slate will be wiped completely clean, meaning politicians will have to do pre-election campaigning, and then a new election will be held

West escalating situation in Ukraine, pushing world toward global conflict — Putin

According to the Russian president, Western countries "are responsible for the present-day tragedy"

Ball in contacts with Russia on Trump's side, says Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that Russia respected the choice of the American people

Protesters in Tbilisi launch fireworks at Georgian parliament building

A group of unidentified your people unexpectedly brought fireworks and started firing them

Zelensky serves interests of other countries, not Ukraine — Georgian authorities

Earlier, the Ukrainian president signed a decree to impose sanctions against the Georgian authorities

Lavrov briefs Carlson about Russia’s relations with West over last 30 years

Carlson reminded Lavrov of the ideas of a number of politicians in Washington who 20 years ago proposed bringing Russia into the Western bloc

Kursk situation 'nearing resolution,' Kremlin says

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing State Duma lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein as the region’s interim governor

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV assembly workshop over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 560 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a German-made Leopard tank in its area of responsibility over the past day

Syrian army backed by Russia attacks militants in Hama, inflicting losses on terrorists

The attacks also destroyed military hardware and vehicles belonging to the terrorists

Romanian presidential candidate Georgescu financed campaign illegally — president

According to Klaus Iohannis, he will stay in office "until the new president is sworn in," as per the country’s constitution

Ukrainian soldiers in Velikaya Novosyolka surrender when possible — captive

According to him, his company had only 30 people left, "some of whom died, and some surrendered"

Russian forces cut off sole road from Kurakhovo in Donbass area

The Ukrainian battlegroup actually has no chances left to leave the town, the source specified

Putin to visit Minsk to take part in Supreme State Council of Union State

According to the Kremlin press service, at the meeting "special attention will be paid to strengthening the common defense space of Russia and Belarus"

Developments in Russia’s Kursk Region: Ukrainian commander under investigation, losses

Investigators started a criminal case against Colonel Pavlo Rozlach, who ordered cluster munitions with poisonous substances to be used in the Kursk Region

West could 'exile' Zelensky to London if ceasefire reached — newspaper

According to the report, this move could allegedly be accompanied by the country's "swift" accession to the EU, with economic aid for reconstruction and the deployment of European peacekeeping forces

Putin comments on Trump’s threats to impose 100% duties on goods from BRICS countries

The Russian leader noted that the dollar was now used as a tool of political pressure

Ukraine losing conflict with Russia, Dutch defense chief says

Ruben Brekelmans pointed out in a parliamentary debate that Moscow was capturing increasingly large areas in the east, and Russia's "military might is growing"

Turkey to exert efforts to ensure permanent ceasefire in Lebanon — Erdogan

The Turkish leader also stated that Israel must be held accountable for crimes in the Gaza Strip

Russia would like to see sanctions lifted, but economy stands firm — Lavrov

"The more we live under sanctions, the more we understand that it is better to rely on yourself, and to develop mechanisms, platforms for cooperation with ‘normal’ countries who are not unfriendly to you, and don't mix economic interests and policies and especially politics," the top diplomat said

Slovakia, Hungary intrigued by idea of new security architecture for Eurasia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister underscored that, to the West’s displeasure, the process of building a new architecture of security in Eurasia has already started

Finland dashed friendship, joint hockey games with Russia overnight — Lavrov

The Foreign Minister suggested that the previously existing good-neighborly relations between Russia and Finland only burdened Helsinki

Foreigners can pay for Russian gas to Gazprombank via third parties

Gazprombank can now open not merely type K special accounts but ruble and currency accounts also

Over 800 mercenaries accused of fighting for Kiev regime — Russia’s investigative agency

During the week, the Investigative Committee will complete the investigation of the criminal case against British mercenary James Scott Rhys Anderson who participated in the Ukrainian army’s incursion in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region, it said

Shoigu arrives in Minsk to attend Supreme State Council of Union State

The Russian Security Council press office specified that Shoigu is to brief attendees of the meeting on the concept for the security of the Union State

Russian army captures soldiers of Ukrainian presidential brigade

The POWs are currently being kept safe and are receiving all necessary assistance

Press review: Putin declares Russian economy's recovery as US reevaluates BRICS stance

Lavrov’s interview with Tucker Carlson turns out very interesting — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the interview is currently being translated and will be released in a couple of days

Lavrov's interview with Carlson lasts hour and half, tackling mostly Russia-US ‘war’

In one hour and 22 minutes, the top diplomat answered questions about possible solutions to the Ukrainian crisis

‘Invitation to disaster’ — Lavrov on US politicians mulling surgical nuclear strikes

The top Russian diplomat noted that earlier, US National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said that the Americans do not want any escalation while their European allies will suffer if nuclear weapons are used

Settlement in Ukraine must ensure lasting peace in Europe — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister reiterated that Budapest has great faith in US President-elect Donald Trump who has stated his intent to end the crisis even before his inauguration on January 20

Russia does not intend to destroy brotherly Ukrainian people — Lavrov

The minister recalled that Russia had warned for years that NATO's approach to its borders would create a problem, and Russian President Vladimir Putin had spent years explaining this on international platforms to people who dreamed of the "end of history" and their dominance

Macron says he will stay in office until his presidential term ends in 2027

He condemned the opposition, which he said is "only thinking about the presidential election."

Russia committed to preventing Ukraine from acquiring nuclear weapons — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed to alarming statements by Kiev officials, "which not only question the viability of the Budapest Memorandum but could also be interpreted as an outright attempt to review Ukraine's non-nuclear status"

Russia wants no nuclear war with US — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat emphasized that according to Russia's military doctrine, the most important thing was to avoid a nuclear war

Russia ready to deploy Oreshnik in Belarus in 2025 — Putin

The Russian president added that this will become possible in the second half of next year as the serial production of these systems in Russia increases

Lavrov says at summits Europeans run away from him and behave like kids

According to Russian Foreighn Minister, It's becoming 'contagious' when somebody sees an American or a European talking to him

Kiev troops attack DPR territory three times in past day

All three attacks were carried out in the Gorlovka direction

Ukrainian front collapses as Kiev faces worst situation since conflict started — analyst

Maria Berlinskaya noted the demoralization of Ukrainian society that, she said, is brought about by the actions of the country's military and political leadership and the corruption of officials

US doesn't like Georgian election results, that's why it ignores OSCE report — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister recalled that the monitoring mission of OSCE presented a positive report on the elections in Georgia

Lavrov envisions inclusive, polycentric Eurasian architecture

The Russian foreign minister expressed regret that "the OSCE leadership and those who manipulate it deliberately keep this organization from doing constructive work and outside the objective course of history"

Russia informed US about Oreshnik missile test, Washington mishandled information — Lavrov

The message was sent to the United States 30 minutes in advance

Roscosmos ready to make Oreshnik missile as powerful as Russian Defense Ministry wants

Russia responded by firing its newest Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile with a non-nuclear warhead at a Yuzhmash Ukrainian defense industry plant in the city of Dnepr, President Vladimir Putin said earlier

There can be no winners in nuclear war — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that back in 1987, US President Ronald Reagan and General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev approved a formula that meets the interests of the entire international community: "no nuclear war"

Situation in Ukraine, Russia's relations with US: Lavrov's interview to Carlson

TASS has compiled the key statements of the Russian foreign minister

Lukashenko says alarmed over situation on Belarus’ western borders

According to the Belarusian leader, the situation is worrying, given Poland's massive investments to strengthen its military

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian troops at Chasov Yar plant

According to the report, enemy troops are defecting in large numbers in this section of the frontline

Iran's Foreign Ministry demands Ukraine stop supporting terrorists in Syria

Ukraine's attempts to destabilize the Middle East go against all international norms, and are "immoral," the Iranian foreign minister's aide emphasized

Lavrov says US attacked Russia by proxy of Ukraine

"President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin has repeatedly said that we were left with no other option but to start the special military operation," the Russian foreign minister stressed

Russia’s new ambassador to US faces persistent work with 'Trumpists' — diplomat

Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Anatoly Antonov as Russia’s Ambassador to the United States

Press review: Lavrov joins OSCE summit in Malta and Ukraine starts talks with Trump’s team

Russian, Syrian military jets eliminate at least 300 militants over day

According to senior officer, also was destroyed 9 multiple rocket launchers, seven tanks, 28 armored combat vehicles

Trump’s policies against BRICS to affect supplies of semiconductors — Malaysian minister

Malaysia as a BRICS partner country is aware of Trump’s threats to impose tariffs for participants of the alliance should they abandon the dollar in mutual trade settlements, Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said

Top Russian diplomat lists conditions for peace in Ukraine

The foreign minister emphasized that Russia cannot tolerate the situation "when the Ukrainian legislation prohibits the Russian language, the Russian media, the Russian culture, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church"

Russia and US not at war, but hybrid war being waged against Moscow — Lavrov

What is going on in Ukraine is that some people call it hybrid war, the Russian foreign minister noted

Thailand says happy to be invited to become BRICS partner state, will seek full membership

Nikondet Phalangkun told TASS in November that Thailand had received an invitation to join BRICS as a partner country

Zelensky not thinking straight wanting to bring back people of Russian culture — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister recalled Vladimir Zelensky's interview in September 2021, where the Ukrainian leader advised people feeling associated with the Russian culture to "get out to Russia"

Strike with Oreshnik shows Russia’s resolve to prevent ‘strategic defeat’ — Lavrov

"The message which we wanted to send by testing in real action this hypersonic system is that we will be ready to do anything to defend our legitimate interests," the Russian foreign minister stressed

Russia expects West to take Oreshnik missile test seriously — Lavrov

"We don't want to aggravate the situation, but since ATACMS and other long-range weapons are being used against mainland Russia as it were, we are sending signals," the Russian foreign minister stressed

Boris Johnson could stop peace process on Ukraine driven by immediate desires — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said it in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson

Moscow ready for any events unfolding around Ukraine, top Russian diplomat says

"The Russian side strongly prefers a peaceful solution through negotiations on the basis of respecting legitimate security interest of Russia, and on the basis of respecting the people who live in Ukraine," Sergey Lavrov stressed

Russia would like normal relations with US — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that the countries were not at war

Clinton acknowledged that Russia had legitimate concerns over NATO expansion — archive

Bill Clinton also wondered "whether or not we should try to be more candid with the Russians" about the US vision on expansion and its timetable, the memo reads

Ukraine's mistake to abandon peace talks under US, UK pressure — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly stated that the Ukrainian conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield and should be settled at the negotiation table

US journalist Tucker’s interview with Lavrov to be published early on Dec. 6 — diplomat

Maria Zakharova earlier said that the interview with Russia’s top diplomat turned out to be "very interesting" and it included questions regarding the present-day relations with the United States, Ukraine as well as other issues

Lavrov tells Tucker Carlson about previously unknown conversation with Blinken

According to Sergey Lavrov, the US Secretary of State told him that the US that wanted to inflict strategic defeat upon Russia "only in Ukraine"

FACTBOX: Release of new Russia-North Korea treaty

The document came into force on December 4 and will be valid indefinitely