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Erdogan briefs Stoltenberg on start of ratification of Finland's bid — chancellery

It is noted that the Turkish president said that Finland differed positively from Sweden in its attitude in this process

ANKARA, March 17. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan informed NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg about the start of Ankara's ratification of Finland's application to join NATO, the Turkish president's office told reporters on Friday.

"During the talks, they discussed developments of the process of Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO. President Erdogan said that Finland differed positively from Sweden in its attitude in this process and that Turkey has decided to start the process of approving the protocol on Finland's accession to NATO in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (parliament - TASS)," the chancellery said.

Trump says wants to visit Venezuela, expects Rodriguez to visit US

"She's been very good to deal with," the US leader warned

West aware their troops in Ukraine to become Russia’s legitimate target — envoy

Dmitry Polyansky noted that Moscow had repeatedly said it at various levels

Third party won’t change nature of Russia-Iran ties — Lavrov

"These relations are based on agreements reached by the presidents of Russia and Iran," the Russian foreign minister said

Kiev mayor admits worst energy situation since February 2022

Vitaly Klitschko added that "the capital is functioning under extreme conditions"

Trump blames Kiev for delaying conflict settlement

US President said that Vladimir Zelensky is the reason why the settlement efforts are not bringing about the desired result

Trump considers referendum preferred method for Greenland’s annexation to US — Politico

According to the publication, the US side is, in particular, considering the possibility of conducting disinformation campaigns to influence the population of this autonomous territory of Denmark

Russia boost Chilean fish imports by 28% annually in 2025

Fish imports from Chile to Russia increased in 2025 by 35% in money, to 64,000 tons worth $350 mln

Russian-Chinese trade turnover down by 6.9% yoy to $228 bln in 2025 — trade envoy

Alexey Dakhnovsky underscored that despite the decline Russia retained its place among China's top five trading partners

Russian troops liberate Komarovka in Sumy Region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, Kiev loses 1,310 troops along engagement line in past day

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 78.57 rubles for January 15

The official euro rate was reduced by 20.09 kopecks to 92.1964 rubles

Press review: EU mulls Russia oil sanctions as Trump hits Iran trade partners with tariffs

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 14th

US withdraws some personnel from key bases in Middle East — Reuters

According to the report, the decision was made as "a precaution given heightened regional tensions"

Only US can force Russia, China to leave areas near Greenland — Trump

The US president noted that two dogsleds won’t do it

IRGC increases missile production — Aerospace Forces' chief

According to Major-General Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, the air force is now on full combat alert

Russia says ready to be briefed by US on meeting with 'coalition of willing'

According to Sergey Lavrov, contacts between the two countries on Ukraine are based on the solid foundation built in Alaska

Electricity consumption in Russia falls by 0.8% in 2025 to 1.161 trillion kWh

Thermal power plants bore the main load in meeting electricity demand in Russia’s energy system

Trump says wants to visit Venezuela, expects Rodriguez to visit US

"She's been very good to deal with," the US leader warned

Russian Rostov FC explains reason behind FIFA’s transfer ban on football club

The transfer of the football player Saravia in the summer of 2024 was not paid in full, but divided into tranches

All assets of Roszarubezhneft in Venezuela acquired by Russia under market conditions

Roszarubezhneft holds stakes in joint oil and gas enterprises with the Venezuelan side

EU fails to appoint Ukraine negotiator — Politico

According to the report, there are "serious disagreements" between EU countries on the details of this appointment

Paris not yet working on Putin-Macron contacts — source

A French diplomat still noted that nothing can be ruled out

Russian General Staff chief inspects Battlegroup Center in Dnepropetrovsk area

Valery Gerasimov heard reports from commanders on the current situation

US to keep close eye on situation in Iran — Trump

US President said earlier that he was seriously considering using force against Tehran

EC introduces requirement to purchase European weapons for Kiev’s €90 bln loan

"If the capabilities needed for the war with Russia are not available in Europe, they can be purchased outside of it," Ursula von der Leyen added

Over 1,000 civilians killed in Ukraine’s attacks on 44 Russian regions — investigation

According to chief of Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, investigators are taking measures to identify all those responsible for these attacks, including Ukrainian army commanders who issued relevant orders

Iran’s IRGC forces ready to respond to enemy miscalculations — commander

Mohammad Pakpour emphasized that the crimes committed by Israeli and American mercenaries in the republic "will never be forgotten"

Venezuela op diverts US assets from Mideast, making Iran strike risky — paper

According to the report, the US withdrew planes, ships and personnel from the Middle East ahead of its operation in Venezuela

Safety of British soldiers in Ukraine cannot be guaranteed — Russian MP

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defense Staff of the British Armed Forces, stated that he would not send troops to Ukraine if the conflict ends unless he was confident of their safety

US Tempest system likely to play leading part in NATO’s 'drone wall' — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the Tempest is a compact and relatively inexpensive system, developed in collaboration between the US private sector and military industry

Charges of bribing Rada members brought against former Ukrainian PM Timoshenko

Yulia Timoshenko who is facing up to 10 years behind bars said she denied all charges against her

Iran's opponents wage hybrid war against Iranian state and society — president

Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the importance of restoring public trust and satisfaction as a crucial strategy for alleviating the pressures Iran faces

Riyadh assures Iran it will not permit its territory to be used for strikes — media

Reuters previously reported, citing European officials, that a US military operation against Iran appears likely and could begin within the next 24 hours

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

US would be making 'grave' error by using force against Iran — Russian lawmaker

Slutsky noted that the protests in Iran "are a classic ‘color revolution’

What is known about Ukraine’s corruption scandal as Timoshenko faces bribery charges

Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Speaker Olga Postolyuk has confirmed the charges against Yulia Timoshenko, who faces five to ten years in prison

Russian troops liberate Komarovka, forming buffer zone near Glukhov — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that this section was static for a very long time

Denmark deploys special forces, military assets to Greenland — TV

On Tuesday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced plans for a broader military presence in Greenland

Putin expresses condolences to King of Thailand in connection with railway disaster

The Russian president also asked to convey his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured

Russia wants peace, not confrontation in Arctic — ambassador to Denmark

"Russia does not harbor aggressive plans against its Arctic neighbors, does not threaten them with military action, and does not seek to seize their territory," Vladimir Barbin said

Witkoff, Kushner may soon visit Moscow to meet with Putin, Bloomberg reports

According to the agency's sources, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will present the latest drafts of plans for resolving the Ukrainian conflict

Venezuelan authorized President Rodriguez says held long phone call with Trump

According to her, they discussed "the agenda of bilateral cooperation in the interests of <…> the peoples, as well as outstanding issues in relations between the governments"

Iran to withdraw from naval maneuvers involving BRICS countries — news portal

Two Iranian Navy vessels that have already arrived in South Africa will not be taking a direct part in the exercise which runs until January 16

Pentagon obtains, secretly tests device that causes Havana syndrome — CNN

Experts continue to study the device and are looking for its connection to dozens of bizarre incidents that the authorities have not been able to explain

Russia, Lebanon to maintain close coordination internationally — foreign ministry

During the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky wished Lebanese Ambassador to Moscow Bashir Saleh Azzam success in his new post in Russia

Inflation in Russia reaches 1.26% on January 1-12 — Rosstat

From December 16 to December 22, 2025, inflation stood at 0.2%

Russian instructors, CAR military rescue UN peacekeepers besieged by militants

Investigative actions are currently being finalized at the scene to establish all circumstances and the perpetrators of the attack

Retail investment on Moscow Exchange nearly doubles to $31.9 bln in 2025

According to the Moscow Exchange, the number of retail investors with brokerage accounts increased by 5 mln in 2025 to 40.1 mln

US puts $700 billion price tag on Greenland — NBC

The TV channel said that scientific experts and former American officials were involved in assessing the monetary value of Greenland

US oil inventories rise by 3.4 mln barrels over week — Energy Department

The department specified that the current inventory level is 3% below the five-year average for this time of year

Colombian president says will meet with Trump on February 3

Gustavo Petro stressed that the government is sparing no effort to preserve public tranquility and prevent adverse impacts of Trump’s rhetoric on the country’s population

Austria’s ex-top diplomat doesn’t rule out Greenland becoming 51st US state

According to the former Austrian Foreign Minister, the region’s geostrategic location is what matters most for US President Donald Trump

Russian meat exports surge by 10.6% in 2025

Meat and meat products constitute a significant volume of supplies, over 911,000 tons

Proposal to seize Russian assets remains in effect — European Commission

The Russian assets were frozen permanently and these can only be released if the qualified majority of EU countries votes for that, Ursula von der Leyen stressed

Russia-Brazil cooperation commission meeting to be held on February 5 in hybrid format

It will be held under the joint chairmanship of Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

Trump says discussed oil, minerals, trade, national security with Venezuela’s Rodriguez

"We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover", US President said

Over 50% of Americans say US military oversteps foreign bounds under Trump — poll

About 56% of respondents are concerned about the US army intervening in the affairs of other countries

Federation Council member sees Orban as more suitable EU negotiator than Stubb

Among Victor Orban's strengths, Konstantin Basyuk cited his good relationship with the US president, his pragmatism

Qatar confirms withdrawal of some personnel from US air base amid regional escalation

The International Media Office of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions

US has limited military options to deploy against Iran — media

The US troops and ships that were once at the president’s disposal have shifted to the Caribbean, the newspaper said

Brussels wary of Musk, Starlink amid Grok controversy — media

According to the publication, the concerns are centered around the 2 GHz band currently used by US companies Viasat and EchoStar

Gazprom says gas reserves in Europe approach historic lows

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, as of January 12, the fill level of Europe’s UGS facilities fell to 53%, with 53.9 bln cubic meters of gas remaining

IDF keeping close eye on developments around Iran, put on high alert — spokesman

At the same time, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stressed that no special instructions have been issued for Israel’s civilian population

Russia strongly calls on US to release Maduro, his wife — MFA

It also emphasized the need "to create conditions for resolving any existing problems between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue"

Burevestnik cruise missile processes large stock of data with AI — expert

Burevestnik can fly at both high and low altitudes which makes it invisible, Valery Polovinkin, scientific head of the Krylov State Research Center, said

Explosions reported in southern Ukrainian city of Nikolayev

No other details were available

EU distracts population from US attempts to seize Greenland — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova questioned the actions of EU officials

Weakening ties between Moscow, Tehran does not serve Iran’s interests — expert

The West is currently taking coordinated steps to undermine friendly Russian-Iranian relations through propaganda, Iranian political scientist Ruholla Modabber said

Moldova cannot provide military aid to Ukraine, parliament chairman says

During Igor Grosu’s visit to Kiev, Stefanchuk asked him to consider the possibility of providing Ukraine with six MiG-29 aircraft that Moldova had earlier put up for sale

Trump says going to ‘talk basics’ with Venezuelan opposition politician Machado

According to the US leader, he doesn’t want her to give him her Nobel Peace Prize

Ukraine extends martial law, mobilization for 18th time

According to live television footage of the parliament session, 333 and 312 deputies voted in favor of the measures, respectively

Battles at Kupyansk forcing Kiev to divert forces from other areas — expert

Vitaly Kiselev noted that Kiev is currently attempting to send small sabotage groups to Kupyansk, calling it an "adventure" of the Ukrainian officers

Over 15,000 Ukrainian troops engaged in Kurakhovo, says Russian top brass

Control over Kurakhovo hinders supplies to Ukrainian troops

Trump says held ‘great’ phone call with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez

"We discussed a lot of things, and I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela," US President told reporters

Iranian freighter in distress in Caspian Sea, all those on board rescued

As a result of timely measures, all 14 people who were on the ship were rescued

Israel sought to drag US into conflict with Iran — Iranian top diplomat

"They started to shoot at people for one reason - they wanted to increase the number of deaths", Abbas Araghchi said

Trump says US wants to have Greenland, despite Denmark’s objections

US President added that he had already discussed this matter with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

US military 'likely' to move on Iran in next 24 hours — Reuters

An Israeli official told the agency that US President Donald Trump seems to have decided to carry out the operation, but the scale and timing are still unclear

Kiev in midst of near-total blackout — media

Supermarkets continue to shut down due to long-lasting power outages

French investigators make break in Louvre robbery case, but jewels still at large

Investigators do not rule out that the robbers could have acted on their own initiative, rather than as part of some sophisticated international scheme

Russia handed over 1,400 tons of grain to Bolivia — Embassy

The transfer of this cargo "confirms that even in conditions of global crises, Russia remains a reliable partner that does not leave friends alone and is ready to support in the decisive moment," Russian Ambassador to Bolivia Dmitry Verchenko said

Poseidon UUV is pinnacle in underwater drone development — Krylov Research Center

"It's rightly called a 'doomsday' weapon", Valery Polovinkin noted

Global unemployment rate to remain low in 2026 — ILO

According to ILO estimates, the pool of unemployed people will total 186 mln

West’s hoaxes, attempts to keep dominance: Russian foreign ministry’s statements

Maria Zakharova noted that Russia has carefully documented the hoaxes purported by the West and the Kiev regime, including the Bucha tragedy

Iran riots spearheaded by West to create pretext for military invasion — source

"Many of the detainees confessed that they had received money from abroad," the source said

Russian stock indices growing on Wednesday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index gained 0.21% to 2,702.69 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.57% to 1,083.61 points

Two million men wanted in Ukraine for draft evasion — official

According to criminal case files, organizing desertion costs over $7,000

Electricity generation in Russia falls by 1.2% in 2025 to 1.166 trillion kWh

At the same time, total installed capacity of power plants in the energy system as of January 1, 2026, stood at 271 GW, an increase of 1,101.5 MW over 2025

Kiev is increasing number of NATO EW systems in special military op zone — expert

Vitaly Kiselev added that a number of other UAV operator crews are being formed in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces

Israel destroys over 2,500 buildings in Gaza Strip after ceasefire declaration — newspaper

The newspaper noted that in one of the districts, groups of undamaged buildings were still visible in images several months ago

Avtovaz plans to sell 370,000 cars in Russia in 2026

Everything will depend on the market and the market will depend on macroeconomic conditions, chief executive of the Russian automaker Maxim Sokolov said

Roszarubezhneft to continue to fulfill its obligations in Venezuela

Roszarubezhneft intends to continue steadily developing its assets together with the Venezuelan side

Orban says $800 bln Ukraine aid won’t grow on trees, Europeans to foot bill

The Hungarian prime minister confirmed that Hungary will not fund Ukraine and, in doing so, support EU leaders’ aim to continue the conflict there

Investigative Committee establishes all stages of preparation for Crocus terrorist attack

The Committee, along with other relevant authorities, is actively collaborating with international partners to locate the organizers of the attack

FACTBOX: New searches, 'unmasking' in Ukraine corruption scandal

Leader of the Batkivshchina party Yulia Timoshenko confirmed the searches at her party's office and denied all accusations

US advises their citizens to leave Iran immediately via land borders

US citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area

Trump will not seriously intervene in Venezuela to avoid repeating mistakes — expert

The US president doesn't intend to repeat the mistakes the US made in Afghanistan or Iraq, and this is a new development, Andrey Sidorov, PhD in history and associate professor at the Department of History at Lomonosov Moscow State University, added

UK evacuates its diplomats from Iran — media

According to The Daily Telegraph, the decision was made after a thorough assessment of the security situation in Iran

FACTBOX: What is known about F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant in western Ukraine

EU may form battalions of 'Ukrainian mafia' for Ukrainian army — expert

Particular attention is being paid to offenders and individuals suspected of involvement in ethnic criminal groups, Alexander Stepanov noted

Venezuela, US tariff threats on Russia's partners, Macron's policy: Lavrov's comments

The Russian foreign minister added that Moscow signals its openness to contacts with American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner