{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US first lady pressed Biden to pardon his son Hunter — TV

It is reported that Biden "was not sure" about his decision, suggesting Jill’s push may have played a decisive role

US first lady Jill Biden AP Photo/Susan Walsh

US first lady Jill Biden

© AP Photo/Susan Walsh

NEW YORK, December 3. /TASS/. Jill Biden may have convinced her husband, US President Joe Biden, to pardon his son Hunter, CNN correspondent Jeff Zeleny surmised.

"Clearly there was pressure inside the family," Zeleny opined during an appearance on the network on Monday. "We were told really in recent weeks that <…> first lady Jill Biden was very supportive of the president doing something like this," he added. According to Zeleny, Biden "was not sure" about his decision, suggesting Jill’s push may have played a decisive role.

The New York Post called Jill, 73, "one of the most influential first ladies in the last 100 years." She has gained a reputation for "tightly controlling access" to her husband and for taking steps to shield the US leader from reporters, the newspaper reported.

According to Biden’s written statement published by the White House on December 1, he had decided to issue a pardon for his son Hunter on two separate criminal charges. This concerns the period from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024, and Hunter Biden’s federal gun charges in Delaware and federal tax evasion charges in California.

US President-elect Donald Trump called Biden’s announcement an abuse of power and a denial of justice. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Biden’s decision to pardon his son was a mockery of democracy.

Tags

Canadian premier to attend events marking anniversary of Auschwitz death camp liberation

He will be accompanied by Canadian Holocaust survivors as well as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons

West realizes peace in Ukraine hinges on tackling underlying issues — Lavrov

The foreign minister underscored Russia's continued commitment to achieving the goals of the special military operation and resolving the Ukrainian crisis by fixing its root causes

Trump declares readiness to meet with Putin any time he wants

Presidents last spoke over the phone on July 23, 2020

Zelensky fears US will seal Ukraine’s fate behind its back

"I very much believe that the US won’t do that, although I’m not sure that earlier this did not happen," Vladimir Zelensky said

Trump may recognize reunified Russian regions, says US expert

Ukraine’s membership into NATO remains the main issue of the conflict, Christopher Helali emphasized

Zelensky shocked by Trump’s decisions, tries to manipulate Europe — LDPR leader

Leonid Slutsky recalled that at the talks in Istanbul, settlement agreements were reached and "initialed by the head of the Ukrainian delegation David Arakhamia"

Kiev announces decline in gas stocks after Russian attack on storage facility

According to the former energy minister, the total amount of natural gas in Ukrainian underground storage facilities is 8.9 billion cubic meters

Russia's budget deficit reaches 1.7% of GDP in 2024 — Putin

"This is an acceptable level, especially against the background of the state of public finances of the so-called developed economies," the Russian president noted

Trump will order to review trade relations with China, Canada and Mexico — WSJ

The memorandum offers a plan for possible further action, which may include duties and other measures

Slovakia faces destabilization by those responsible for similar events in Georgia — party

Commenting on reports about "foreign experts" and their activities in her country, European Parliament member Katarina Roth Nevedalova said: "This is a question of national security, and we are in the process of assessing the situation"

Trump becomes 'less precise' about China, Ukraine — former US legislator

Despite Trump’s calls on NATO allies to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP, many European countries "may find that the additional financial burden is simply too much to bear," Richard Black argued

Higher import duties in the US may re-orient goods to Russian market — experts

Assuming the extension of US foreign trade restrictions to other Asian nations, deliveries of goods from India and Vietnam may potentially grow

Trump starts major reshuffle of National Security Council — report

The career government employees were told to work from home while the administration reviews staffing, according to the report

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

West's illegal actions set stage for terrorism in Africa — Russian envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also referenced reports from African states and European security agencies about weapons supplied by Western countries to Ukraine ending up in the hands of criminal and terrorist groups in various regions of the world

Latest Ukrainian drone attack targeted ZNPP host city, not nuclear plant itself

Yevgeniya Yashina said that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s inspectors, who are monitoring the situation at the nuclear power plant, will be informed about the attack

Ukraine launches drones at two enterprises in Russia’s Belgorod Region

The roofing of a storage facility and two vehicles were damaged

Tourist flow from Russia to Japan up 2.4-fold in 2024 — association

All in all, Japan accepted almost 36.87 mln foreign tourists in 2024, with South Korea, China and Taiwan being among three leaders in terms of entry

About 85% of Russian major companies already operating in Crimea — leader

Foreign investors are also actively investing in the economy, Sergey Aksenov noted

Press review: Putin, Xi talk after Trump’s inauguration as US reconsiders aid to allies

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 22nd

Renaming Gulf of Mexico may require approval of international organization

"According to the UN recommendation, the issues of names of geographical objects that are disputable between states should be resolved through negotiations," the statement reads

S7 reports passenger transportation down 19% YOY in 2024

In 2024, the company carried 12.9 mln passengers at almost 100,000 flights

Putin, Xi Jinping hold talks, say Russia-China ties 'self-sufficient,' ready for new high

Trade between Russia and China expanded by 7% year on year over the first 11 months of 2024, reaching more than $220 billion, despite a negative outside impact, the Russian leader said

Ukrainian Armed Forces attack Energodar using four UAVs

"According to preliminary information, at least four UAVs attacked the town," the statement said

Russia’s Zenit FC announces transfer of its forward Claudinho to Qatar’s Al Sadd

Claudinho played 104 games for the Russian football club, netting 21 goals

Press review: Trump reveals his priorities as US president and Iran threatens to exit NPT

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, January 21st

Russia needs to look at Trump’s proposals on Ukraine first — diplomat

"It's not merely the question of ending the war. It's first and foremost the question of addressing root causes of Ukrainian crisis," Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said

Lavrov, Kyrgyz foreign minister to discuss CSTO agenda under Bishkek's chairmanship

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova listed topics on the agenda, naming Eurasian integration, global and regional security, and the coordination of joint efforts on international platforms

Annual inflation in Russia accelerates to 9.92% — Economy Ministry

Prices changed by 0.34% in the food sector

Kadyrov says drones destroyed Ukrainian firing positions equipped with Starlink

The operation was carried out in the Kharkov Region by servicemen of the West Akhmat battalion of the Russian Defense Ministry and the police department of Chechnya’s Kurchaloyevsky District

Russia’s operation in Ukraine proceeds according to plan — Kremlin spokesman

The operation will be completed on time and in full, Dmitry Peskov noted

Infrastructure facilities suffer damage in Kiev-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region

Air raid sirens went off in the Kiev-controlled part of the Zaporozhye Region five times on January 21 and once on January 22

Trade between Russia, Central African Republic soars 8-fold over past year — Putin

The Russian leader also pointed to the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation

Colombian police make historically large cocaine bust — president

Including today, Colombian police have seized 24 metric tons of cocaine this month alone, Gustavo Petro said

Russian troops liberate Volkovo community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 510 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Western countries using ‘hidden veto’ to block UNSC resolutions — Russian mission

According to First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky, Western countries openly abuse their membership in the UN Security Council

Falling drone debris damages private house in Russia’s southern Krasnodar Region

Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said that there were no casualties

Russian forces to control Ukrainian army routes after seizure of Zapadnoye in Kharkov area

The Russian troops continue expanding the right-bank bridgehead towards Kupyansk

IDF says it thwarted attempts to violate Gaza ceasefire

Besides, "masked suspects were identified approaching IDF troops," the IDF press service said

French court issues new arrest warrant for ex-Syrian president Assad — media

The warrant was issued at the request of France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, which investigated the death of 59-year-old Franco-Syrian national Salah Abou Nabout

Andrey Filatov reelected president of Russia’s Chess Federation

Filatov was supported by 58 votes at the Federation congress. His opponent, Sergey Karjakin, received seven votes

Germany not the one to lecture others on freedom of speech — Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova referred to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Trump says people shouldn’t forget Russia ‘helped us’ win World War II

"I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin," the US President wrote on his Truth Social platform

Serbia’s NIS continues seamless operations amid US sanctions

"The chain of NIS retail sites is provided with required volumes and the refinery in Pancevo is working normally and supplying all the required petroleum products to the market," the Serbian company’s press service said

Death toll in Turkish hotel fire climbs to 76 — interior minister

According to Ali Yerlikaya, 52 of them have been identified and 45 bodies have been handed over to relatives

Twenty-five countries currently waiting to join BRICS — South African envoy

New members expected to be ushered into the association at the summit in Kazan, South Africa's ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Geoff Maqetuka said

Russian troops advance along three sectors of frontline, military expert says

Besides, Russian troops have "improved their frontline position" near Makeyevka in the Lugansk People’s Republic, Andrey Marochnko pointed out

Ukraine’s frontline to collapse in 100 days, if Zelensky does not negotiate — lawmaker

Alexander Dubinsky believes that Vladimir Zelensky lies the number of soldiers at the frontline is as large as 880,000

Drunken American goes on rampage in Moscow cafe over Trump’s inauguration

The 44-year-old American said he wanted Biden to stay in office, while his girlfriend backed Trump

Any day could be Zelensky’s final in office, Ukrainian lawmaker believes

Donald Trump claimed that he planned to resolve the Ukrainian conflict in the near future and on January 21, the US leader told reporters that "Zelensky wants to make a deal"

Russia sends signals to Israel, Hamas on need to honor truce — ambassador

According to Anatoly Viktorov, "the process is going in the right direction"

Alexis Rodzianko steps down as President of AmCham Russia at the end of year

The Board of Directors of AmCham has appointed Robert Agee as his successor

Russian watchdog revokes license of Anglo-American School of Moscow

The register says that the school’s license was declared invalid by an order issued on July 12, 2023

Total of 17.67% of voters cast their ballots early in Belarus election

The highest turnout was reported in the regions of Brest and Vitebsk, where 19.35% and 18.35% of voters, respectively, have already cast their ballot

Press review: Hamas-Israel long ceasefire uncertain as UK backs Ukraine with 100-year pact

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 17th

Russian diplomat slams Ukraine-UK agreement as Kiev’s PR stunt

She recalled that the document covers various spheres, including trade, science, energy and others

Russian army’s foothold on Oskol River’s right bank growing, expert says

"The enemy’s attempts to retain their positions there are not the same as, for instance, three or four months, half a year ago, when we could not even approach the Oskol River," Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov said

Rebels seize Bweremana city in eastern DR Congo — report

On Tuesday, rebels took control of Minova, an important commercial and industrial center with a population of more than 50,000

Sales of used passenger cars in Russia up 6% in 2024 to 6 mln — statistics

In December, 523,000 used passenger cars were sold in Russia, which is 24.6% higher year-on-year

Kursk governor condemns Ukraine's killing of civilians in local village as genocide

The Main Military Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee has launched criminal proceedings against the Ukrainian militants

Russia, Vietnam plan to reach $15 bln trade turnover by 2030 — PM Mishustin

The Russian Prime Minister arrived in Vietnam on an official visit the day before and has already held talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh with the participation of delegations from both countries

Trump says he has good relations with Putin, likes Russia

"I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin," the US President wrote

Ukrainian commanders in Krasnoarmeisk form group of looters — Russian security officer

"There is evidence that it was organized by the command of the battlegroup stationed there, which is now managing the process," he said

Trump’s aggressive trade policies leading to global economic crisis — journal

"Trying to force others to use the dollar would actually make them want to use it less — and undermine its credibility," the article says

Colombian mercenary fighting in Russia’s Kursk Region detained

The investigation has revealed that Boorjes took part in the armed conflict for a financial reward as part of Ukrainian forces

Moscow notifies Tokyo of terminating agreements that set up Japan Centers in Russia

"The unprecedented unfriendly steps that has been taken by Tokyo against our country since February 2022 are contrary to the spirit and letter of the memorandums," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated

World needs shared prosperity, not 'golden age of America' — Medvedev

The dialogue between the heads of Russia and China, held after the US presidential inauguration is undeniable proof of the multipolarity of the modern world, the official noted

Last year was rather successful for Russian economy — Putin

Key macro indicators are in the positive zone owing to calculated and responsible action of the government and the business community, the president said

Kasatka signal relay drones developed in Russia

Flying at an altitude of one to two kilometers, Kasatka drone can transmit direct radio commands at a range of up to 50 kilometers to quadcopter suicide drones Tribunal

Trump instructs special envoy to resolve Ukraine conflict in 100 days — newspaper

Trump is determined to control peace talks himself, the Wall Street Journal notes

Ukraine’s General Staff describes frontline situation as tense

Ukrainian commanders of various ranks have been describing the frontline situation as very complex lately

Trump prioritizes settlement in Ukraine — Lavrov

"They make it clear that they understand certain aspects of Russia's position, such as the unacceptability of Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Alliance," the Russian foreign minister noted

Russia ships first batch of wheat to Togo — Russian embassy

Russia boosted its export supplies to Africa by 35% over the first ten months of last year, the embassy said

Iran’s intelligence minister warns against accords with the US

Esmaeil Khatib believes the United States is likely to intensify its pressures on Iran after the inauguration of President Donald Trump

Ukraine conflict unlikely to be resolved quickly under Trump, expert says

At the same time, Krissada Promvek highlighted a new trend in some European countries, which "have started to withdraw their support from Ukraine"

Russia’s migration policy must correspond to domestic interests — Medvedev

According to the official, the state structures must "cover all the key directions of the government’s policy on migrants"

Trump threatens to curb Russia’s exports if no deal on Ukraine reached

The US president said he was ready to do "a very big favor" to the Russian side

Russia, China carry out more than 95% of trade in rubles, yuan — Kremlin aide

Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke via video link for 95 minutes

Russia to assist Nigeria in BRICS in agriculture, oil and gas sectors — trade envoy

On January 18, Nigeria joined BRICS as its partner country

Russian troops push for full control of Dzerzhinsk

According to the report, people from the main office of the Ukrainian armed forces keep complaining about an insufficient number of troops

Uzbek president, top Russian military official discuss bolstering strategic partnership

The statement noted that before the meeting, Belousov conveyed to Mirziyoyev Russian President Vladimir Putin’s best regards

Senior diplomat predicts ambiguity ahead for Russia-US ties after Trump’s inauguration

Sergey Ryabkov said that Donald Trump ushered in "a revolution of common sense" in his inaugural speech

Almost 70 people killed in Turkish hotel fire — interior minister

Ali Yerlikaya went on to say that firefighting crews responded promptly to the alert, and started putting out the fire at 4:15 a.m. local time (1:15 a.m. GMT)

Syria terminates Tartus port management contract with Russian company

The 49-year-long agreement was signed between the Syrian government and Russia’s Stroytransgas company in 2019

Xi briefs Putin about his conversation with Trump — Kremlin aide

Immediately after the conversation with Xi, Trump wrote on his social media page Truth Social that the discussion was very good for both Beijing and Washington

Biden’s administration has done tremendous disservice to Russian-US relations — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister also commented on the US President statement who tried to compare himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he summed up his presidency, claiming that he was in the center of Kiev, not Putin

Russian authorities should respond to accelerated inflation — Putin

The head of state noted that there should be no imbalances in the credit sphere because the decline of activity in this sector may create risks for economic development on the whole

Ukraine’s army lacks strength to hold Krasnoarmeisk in Donbass area — ex-military officer

Igor Romanenko also highlighted that the situation in the Pokrovsk area "is indeed, difficult and is deteriorating"

Tanks at Iranian oil storage facility holding 18,000 tons of oil ignite

According to the company’s statement, it was a small liquefied natural gas tank that ignited

Kremlin rejects all accusations of breaching INF Treaty

The Kremlin spokesman also cited Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying that Russia remained committed to its international obligations

Fraudsters use Trump and his wife's memecoins to attract victims — cybersecurity company

Users are offered to link their wallets to the resource to check their right to participate in transactions with the new cryptocurrency

Dozens of birds, five dolphins affected by fuel oil spill die off Crimea — top legislator

According to Vladimir Konstantinov, there is no shortage of volunteers to save affected animals

Russia, Uzbekistan approve program of strategic partnership in military sphere

The documents were signed by Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and his Uzbek counterpart Shukhrat Halmukhamedov

Fico calls meeting of Slovak Security Council after intel points to impending coup d’etat

According to the Slovak prime minister, foreign "specialists" have already arrived in Slovakia

Von der Leyen’s vaccine purchase transparency case to continue — plaintiff

"Today’s court decision will only grant Ursula von der Leyen a temporary respite from trial," Belgian lobbyist Frederic Baldan stressed

Weekly inflation stands at 0.25% in Russia-statistics

In annual terms, inflation in Russia was 10.06% as of January 20, 2024

Belgian court throws out von der Leyen’s vaccine transparency case

"The decision also applies to other parties that joined the lawsuit," the court said in a statement

Granddaughter of Cold War-era Soviet leader dies after being hit by train near Moscow

The woman attempted to cross the rail tracks away from the established safe crossing

New Russian fiber-optic drone wipes out Ukrainian combat vehicle in Kursk Region

The Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod FPV cable-controlled drone has been engineered by the Ushkuinik research and production center

Russian troops liberate Zapadnoye community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 40 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day, the ministry reported