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Germany mulls reducing diplomatic presence in Russia — radio

On March 25, German magazine Focus, citing sources in the German Foreign Ministry, reported that Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock planned to declare over 30 Russian diplomats accredited in Berlin personae non gratae

BERLIN, April 4. /TASS/. Germany is likely considering reducing the size of its diplomatic mission to Russia as a pre-emptive move against Moscow’s reaction should Russian diplomats be expelled from Berlin, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) radio and Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) television reported on Tuesday.

According to the broadcasters’ information, the German authorities are looking at "dramatically reducing" the number of accredited diplomats in Berlin who may be involved in espionage. At the same time, they are also considering a reduction in the number of German diplomats posted to Moscow. In this way, the German government hopes to preclude any Russian move to "simply replace" the "spies" expelled from Berlin. Such a step is aimed at "pre-empting Russia’s [likely] reaction, that is the expulsion of German diplomats from Moscow." However, the German Foreign Ministry told NDR radio and WDR television that it had not been considering such actions at this time.

On March 25, German magazine Focus, citing sources in the German Foreign Ministry, reported that Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock planned to declare over 30 Russian diplomats accredited in Berlin personae non gratae. According to the publication, German security forces allege that these Russian diplomats use their diplomatic status to obtain information illegally. On the same day, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that a tough response to the diplomats' expulsion had already been prepared. Later, German Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Andrea Sasse did not confirm media reports about the alleged expulsion of diplomats.

US wants to pass on most of its NATO commitments to Europe by 2027 — media

According to sources, US officials stressed that if Europe fails to meet the 2027 deadline, Washington may withdraw from certain NATO defense coordination frameworks

Countries wishing to host US missiles are likely targets — Russian MFA

According to Alexander Grushko, this situation is very dangerous, because Europe is moving down the path of the Cold War, when aggressive military planning is paired with aggressive policies

Population collapse gathering pace in Ukraine — agency

Ukraine’s population, which stood at 42 million before the conflict, has now shrunk below 36 million

Russian diplomat points to growing fragmentation and politicization of int’l relations

According to the Russian Permanent Representative to the Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov, it was the result of ongoing attempts on behalf of certain Western countries "to aggressively impose their unilateral approaches"

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees in Israel about to be deported — Haaretz daily

As of today, the Israeli government has not decided whether to prolong the protection program and this issue is still under debates

West punishes countries that dare to pursue independent policies — Russian diplomat

Russian Permanent Representative to the Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov pointed out that certain Western countries widely use the notorious and harmful practice of introducing unilateral coercive measures

Ukraine’s army loses chance to get out of encirclement in Gulyaipole — expert

Sergey Yurchenko said that Russian troops are controlling all logistics routes leading to the city

Expert speculates that Zelensky's stay in Ireland might be permanent

Zoltan Koskovics also suggested that British intelligence services might stage an assassination attempt targeting him in order to prolong the conflict in Ukraine

The Results of the Negotiations in Moscow: What the Parties Are Willing to Concede

European diving champion swaps Ukrainian citizenship for Russian

Sofia Lyskun faced discrimination in Ukraine due to her communication with Russian-speaking athletes and coaches

Russia, India pursue independent foreign policies — Putin

According to the Russian leader, there is the right of each country to its own path of development and the preservation of its cultural and civilizational identity, respect for sovereignty, and an accurate balance of interests among all participants in the global community

Putin explains what it takes to avoid big mistakes

When asked about the potential establishment of a BRICS currency and other alternative systems of payment aimed at reducing dollar dependence, Vladimir Putin noted that "in this process there's no rush anywhere"

European Commission’s decision to blacklist Russia completely politicized

The European Commission made the decision earlier to include Russian into the list of countries with high risk

Russian air defenses down 41 Ukrainian UAVs overnight over Russian regions

Nine of them were destroyed over the Samara Region

Russian security official calls NATO Moscow’s enemy

And the enemy must be treated as such, said Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev

Russian Battlegroup South destroys 36 Ukrainian dugouts, two Starlink stations in past day

The Ukrainian army lost up to 150 servicemen in 24 hours

Putin, Indian PM travel in same car from airport

The media describe such situations as "limousine diplomacy"

Russia puts civilian death toll from Kiev regime’s crimes over past 11 years at over 7,100

Crimes committed by foreign mercenaries have been recorded

Russia to continue conflict if Kiev rejects settlement — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia's position is clear, and it has not changed since the Alaska summit

Revival of Soviet Union makes no sense — Putin

The president said that it would critically change the national and religious composition of the Russian Federation

Putin likes how Russian intelligence does its job, makes no comment on foreign ones

The Russian leader still described the CIA and Mossad as powerful intelligence agencies

UK seeks to disrupt talks on Ukraine by imposing more sanctions — Russian Embassy

According to the statement, the release of a report on the outcome of a public inquiry into the death of British woman Dawn Sturgess in Amesbury "came at a time when Kiev’s situation is determining and the Ukrainian army is suffering failures on the battlefield"

Meeting with Witkoff, Kushner, '4 package' US peace plan: Russian leader’s statements

According to Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump is sincerely trying to find a consensus solution to the Ukrainian problem, but that "is no easy feat"

Kallas' claims Europe has made Ukraine stronger sound monstrous — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that from Kaja Kallas's point of view, the fewer people there are in Ukraine, the stronger and richer it is

Russia’s T-90 tanks rank among best in world, Putin says

When asked when India could expect the deliveries of S-400 systems and Su-57 aircraft, President said: "India operates several other Russian-made aircraft too"

EU no longer key player in global politics, economics — top Hungarian diplomat

"By adopting pro-war, pro-migration, and pro-gender policies, Europe has simply isolated itself in world politics," Peter Szijjarto said

Russia, India maintain trusting relations in military-technical sphere — Putin

These include technology "related to the development and joint exploration in aircraft design, space, the broader hi-tech sphere and artificial intelligence," the Russian leader specified

Putin says briefed Modi on Ukraine situation yesterday

The Russian president thanked the Indian prime minister for the invitation, as well as "for yesterday's very pleasant evening and for the friendly yet meaningful and useful discussions"

Kushner working actively toward resolving Ukraine conflict — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, Jared Kushner’s personality added continuity to the work

Putin, Modi begin informal talks in Delhi

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said, this discussion can be considered the key event of the trip, as such informal settings typically address the most important and sensitive issues

Russia-India relations have deep historical roots — Putin

The president emphasized that Russia highly values these relations

S-400 gets new features unusual for air defense systems — Almaz-Antey

Modernization potential of the S-400 Triumph air defense system allows it to quickly mitigate emerging threats during the special military operation

US views reestablishing strategic stability with Russia as a priority — document

According to the National Security Strategy, it is also a core interest of the United States to negotiate an expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine

Russia-India talks take place in constructive, friendly atmosphere — Putin

The Russian president specified that he and the Indian head of government maintain close business and personal ties

Peace in Ukraine has to destroy system of anti-Russian sanctions — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban also expressed hope that the European Commission’s plan to phase out Russian oil and gas supplies to Europe by 2028 will never be implemented

Ukraine’s military attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 80 UAVs in past day

In the village of Borisovka, three men were wounded in drone attacks over the day, with one of them suffering heavy wounds

British Foreign Office summons Russian envoy following report on Amesbury incident

The Foreign Office said that the envoy had been summoned to answer questions about Moscow’s alleged "hostile activity against the UK"

Moscow working on response to potential EU seizure of Russian assets — MFA

According to Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the EU employs every possible method, up to explicit threats, blackmail and fake news

Many US companies want to return to Russia — Putin

The Russian president noted that large US companies sent the letters reminding "about their existence"

Former top EU diplomat resigns as College of Europe rector — agency

Earlier, Stefano Sannino, a second suspect in the corruption case, stepped down as head of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf

Press review: US proposed four-part Ukraine plan as EU eyes expropriating Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 5th

RDIF, India’s Yadu Corporation to launch joint investment platform

Pilot projects in biotechnology and green energy are expected to be launched in the coming months

Situation with Russian assets remains deadlocked due to conflicts among politicians in EU

According to European Politico edition reported, the proposal to allocate a so-called reparations loan to Ukraine became problematic after disagreements arose between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever

India to lease submarine from Russia in 2028 — Indian government

"No new agreement has been signed between India and Russia," the government information bureau stated

Seven more children reunite with families in Ukraine — Russian presidential commissioner

Maria Lvova-Belova thanked US First Lady Melania Trump for her continued commitment and participation in this work

Russia’s economy is in phase of declining inflation — Novak

Russian Deputy Prime Minister said the national economy showed its resilience and ability to move forward

Melania Trump welcomes reunion of seven children with their families in Ukraine

In her opinion, efforts to establish ties have created an atmosphere of cooperation, "an anchor for optimism"

Donbass’ 30-50 km space mentioned by Rubio crucial to water supply — Ukraine’s former PM

Nikolay Azarov underscored the severity of the situation

Kiev negotiators, EU, Ukraine corruption scandals: Foreign Ministry statements

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova assumed that Ukraine and the EU are linked by "unified corruption chains," which largely explains the inaction of numerous international anti-corruption structures

Russia did not annex Crimea, but extended helping hand to its people — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the residents of Crimea recognized that they had become part of an independent Ukraine following the Soviet Union's collapse

Trump wants to see early end to conflict in Ukraine, Putin says

As the Russian leader pointed out, Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to minimize losses

Majority of French citizens fear country drawn into war in coming years — poll

The survey was conducted among 1,000 French adults on December 3-4

Russia's participation in G8 discussed with Witkoff — Putin

As the Russian leader pointed out, this topic "just came up on its own"

Yesterday’s one-on-one talk between Putin, Modi lasted over 2.5 hours — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov did not disclose what the two leaders had discussed

Russian embassy rejects UK’s allegations of Moscow’s involvement in Salisbury incident

The Russian diplomatic mission stressed that "there still are no clear answers to the key questions related to the Skripal case"

NATO destroys all relations with Russia — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the bloc's plans to dissolve the Russia-NATO Council do not really matter

NATO has decided to disband NATO-Russia Council, says Sikorski

The decision was announced to the alliance's foreign ministers by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

Washington hopes for 'good news' on Ukrainian conflict settlement in few weeks — JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US administration has made "a lot of progress"

Europe has exhausted legal tricks on expropriation of Russian assets — FT

According to the publication, even allies of EC President Ursula von der Leyen have stated that she is essentially exceeding her authority by proposing to use emergency measures to push through 210 bln euros in loans to Ukraine

Russia insists on fulfillment of NATO’s promises not to expand NATO eastwards — Putin

The Russian president stressed that multiple waves of NATO’s expansion have taken place, culminating in efforts to include Ukraine in the alliance

Russia says may respond to British sanctions against Main Directorate of General Staff

As Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed, the British can be confident in the inevitability of such measures

US should not provide Kiev with security guarantees — US expert

According to senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington Doug Bandow, Ukraine "certainly is not worth war against a nuclear-armed power"

Putin, Modi kick off Russia-India talks

The two leaders had already held an informal meeting the day before, discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest in a friendly atmosphere

Russia to take adequate measures in response to Denmark building factory for Ukraine — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, this step confirms the absolutely hostile militaristic course of Copenhagen

Russian forces pound Ukrainian army’s transport, energy infrastructure over past 24 hours

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and five armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US lobbies EU countries to block plans to use frozen Russian assets — Bloomberg

The news agency quoted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as saying there is "no possibility of leaving the money we mobilize to the US"

FACTBOX: US National Security Strategy on EU disputes, Russia, abandonment of Atlas’ role

The document declares Washington’s departure from the philosophy of sole responsibility for the world order

Putin says he’s not one to dwell on past, always acts with conviction

The Russian president said that it's more or less pointless to look back and say that he would have redone any thing

FACTBOX: New nighttime attack with over 40 drones targets Russian regions

In the city of Temryuk, the drone attack damaged port infrastructure

Russia, India negotiating upgrading Indian Air Force Su-30 fighters — official

Denis Manturov added that Moscow is also interested in getting industrial components from New Delhi, as India has an advanced high-tech manufacturing industry

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian special force group in Sumy Region

The enemy launched a counterattack using a special forces company from the 225th separate assault regiment near Alekseyevka, but it was unsuccessful

Russia actively shares defense technologies with India — Putin

The Russian President also added that, India is one of Russia's "reliable and especially trusting partners" in this area

UK releases report into death of accidental victim of Salisbury incident

Former Justice of the British Supreme Court Anthony Hughes also found it necessary to look into the Skripal incident in Salisbury, claiming that Dawn Sturgess’ death could not be seen in isolation from it

Russia offers Ukraine troop withdrawal from Donbass, but Kiev chooses war — Putin

The president recalled that Russia had refrained from recognizing the Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic for eight years

EU needs to draw up its own plan regarding Ukraine, says EU Commissioner Kubilius

The European Union "needs to be independent or at least be ready to be strong in geopolitical developments," Andrius Kubilius said

Accepting Russia's conditions on Ukraine to benefit Washington itself — Iranian expert

Ruhollah Modabber also argued that normalizing relations between Russia and the United States would be advantageous for global stability

Russia seeks to end war unleashed by West — Putin

The Russian leader pointed out that the West had orchestrated a coup in Ukraine, while Russia had tried for eight years to resolve the issue peacefully

Europe warns Kiev against making deal with Moscow without US security guarantees — WSJ

The message was delivered during a telephone call on December 1 between Vladimir Zelensky and European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the newspaper said

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic two times over past day

There was no reported information about casualties or damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure facilities

Ukraine drone attack damages port infrastructure in Temryuk — emergencies center

According to the emergency response center, 32 specialists and eight pieces of equipment have been deployed to extinguish the fire

Swiss mercenary admits to violating Geneva Conventions in Ukraine

According to previously unpublished interrogation records obtained by the media, the mercenary said that many legal provisions discussed in textbooks and classrooms "cannot be applied" to the conflict in Ukraine

Rada’s decision on Russian language shows Kiev wants no peace — Russian MFA

As Maria Zakharova pointed out, the Kiev regime is thus demonstrating "signs of abnormality and madness"

US-Ukraine talks in Miami conclude — daily

The Ukrainian side at the talks was represented by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrey Gnatov

Russian diplomat slams Europe for being blind to Ukrainian army’s atrocities

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukrainian militants don’t hide their hatred of the people who live in southeastern Ukraine and Donbass

Moscow not against Kiev taking care of its security, but not at Russia's expense — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that there are general agreements to the effect that the security of one state cannot be guaranteed at the expense of the security of others

Putin says freedom must be fought for only by legal means

The Russian leader emphasized that any actions involving criminal methods or those harming people cannot be supported

Russia’s relations with India develop actively in many areas, Putin says

Vladimir Putin emphasized that the progress India has made since it gained its independence is nothing short of staggering

Russia supports India in fight against terrorism — Putin

Vladimir Putin also stressed that freedom can be achieved only by legal means

US continues buying Russian nuclear fuel — Putin

The Russian leader noted that if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, then India should rightly have the same privilege

G8 comprised leading economies, while G7 now in decline — senior Russian diplomat

Alexander Grushko emphasized that "the collective potential of BRICS is higher than that of the G7"

Reports on Ukrainian military casualties demotivate people to enroll — expert

Boris Rozhin added that the Ukrainian army has been unable to gather a sufficient number of people who would voluntarily sign a youth contract

US President Trump says Ukrainian conflict to be settled eventually

Donald Trump emphasized that his administration "is working very hard on it"

If Russian assets are seized, retaliatory measures to 'surprise' EU — MFA

Maria Zakharova also criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s conduct, describing it as inappropriate and expressing concern over what she called the "inadequacy" of her actions

Putin says economic situation in Germany and France difficult

Vladimir Putin emphasized that the G7’s share in the global economy will continue to decline due to deeply flawed economic policies

Russia never cooperates against other countries — Putin

Vladimir Putin said that the American leader has his own policies and objectives, while Russia and India are engaged in solving their own

US clashes with European countries that ‘trample’ democracy — National Security Strategy

According to the document, this situation could lead Europe to be "trapped in political crisis", preventing it from reforming its institutions

Russian oil supplies to India going seamlessly — Putin

The head of state added that Russian energy companies view their Indian counterparts as reliable and very serious partners

Russian troops dislodge larger part of Ukrainian battlegroup from Rodinskoye, says DPR

Pockets of resistance remain and Russian assault teams are suppressing them with the support of UAV operators, adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky said

Resumption of economic ties between Russia, United States to benefit both sides — Putin

According to the Russian leader, there are numerous areas for that

Security should be guaranteed when using AI, Putin says

According to the Russian President, "the people who have these databases, in essence, they can use their capacities, the capacities of the developing technologies to shape the world view of people"

Russia winning conflict in Ukraine, to dictate its terms — The Daily Telegraph

"No amount of indignant protests from EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas will change that brutal fact," British journalist Owen Matthews said in an article