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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

British mercenary Burke killed in Ukraine by fellow mercenary, coroner says

The main suspect in the case is Abdelfetah Nourine, a dual citizen of Australia and Algeria

LONDON, December 13. /TASS/. Daniel Burke, a British mercenary, was murdered in Ukraine by another mercenary in 2023, the Sky News TV channel reported, citing the conclusions of a coroner’s office in Manchester.

"Daniel was unlawfully killed by someone who purported to be his friend," the statement reads. The 36-year-old Burke entered Zaporozhye in early August of 2023. Ukrainian authorities discovered his body in September of the same year.

Burke, originally from Manchester, arrived in Ukraine in 2022. The Daily Telegraph reported that the mercenary was killed by a gunshot to the back of the head and neck, citing Zak Golombek, the area coroner for Manchester. The main suspect in the case is Abdelfetah Nourine, a dual citizen of Australia and Algeria, who fought alongside Burke in the Ukrainian armed forces. According to Sky News, Nourine had previously fought in Syria.

The channel reported that Nourine was questioned by Ukrainian investigators in September of 2023. At that time, he admitted to being involved in the shooting, although he claimed it was an accident. Sky News stated that Nourine most likely left Ukraine shortly after the inquiry, and his current whereabouts are unknown. Burke's family hopes that, following the coroner’s conclusion, Ukrainian authorities will issue an international arrest warrant for Nourine.

Burke had previously served in the British Army, including participation in the Afghan campaign from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, he fought as a member of the Kurdish People’s Self-Defense Units in Syria against the Islamic State (banned in Russia). Upon returning to the UK in 2019, he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in terrorism, but after eight months in custody, he was released without charges.

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

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

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

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

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

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, Tehran to fight against disinformation on international platforms — ministry

Apart from that, the sides expressed interest in expanding contacts and exchanges between Russian and Iranian media outlets

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

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

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"

Trump declares readiness to meet with Putin any time he wants

Presidents last spoke over the phone on July 23, 2020

European Parliament votes to advise EU not to recognize presidential election in Belarus

Lawmakers also called for stepping up sanctions against Belarus, accusing its authorities of human rights violations

Russia may ease restrictions on imports of livestock products from EU — watchdog

Head of the regulator Sergey Dankvert noted that any potential relaxation of restrictions can occur only under one condition: that all products coming into Russia undergo strict inspections

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

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

Trump’s team prepares sanctions against Zelensky’s entourage — Ukrainian reporter

According to Diana Panchenko, these measures mark the beginning of the end for the "era of impunity" for Vladimir Zelensky

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

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

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

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"

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

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

Ukraine’s General Staff describes frontline situation as tense

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

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

The roofing of a storage facility and two vehicles were damaged

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

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

Ukrainian Armed Forces attack Energodar using four UAVs

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

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

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

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

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

Man, child killed in stabbing attack in southern Germany — report

The suspect, a 28-year-old Afghan man, has been detained

Russia should target moderate inflation — Putin

"Moderate inflation should be achieved and imbalances in the economy and in the consumer market should be avoided in general," the Russian leader said

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

On January 18, Nigeria joined BRICS as its partner country

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

West to start preparing for new conflict with Russia after clash in Ukraine over — Times

Lt. Gen. Ralph Wooddisse, the commander of NATO’s allied rapid reaction corps, said the Russian armed forces will be a "whole lot better next time round" as its military has shown the ability to constantly adapt to battlefield challenges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Syria’s defense minister says talks with Moscow over Russian bases still ongoing

The talks are conducted by the Syrian leadership and involve the Syrian Foreign Ministry, according to Murhaf Abu Qasra

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

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

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 resembles one big family — American previously working for Moscow

Daniel Martindale also compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to the head of a family

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

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

In letter to Trump, Biden says he prays for US prosperity — TV

"As I take leave of this sacred office I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years," Joe Biden wrote

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

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

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

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

Zelensky falls short of conservative values that Trump brings back — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk expects the US to become a much tougher and more determined actor in world politics during Trump's term

Journalist Lex Fridman says he wants to interview Putin in Russia

Fridman didn’t say whether he had reached an agreement for the interview with the Russian leader

Money behind Stargate signifies strategic importance of AI for the US

The project may become a gamechanger in the global technology race

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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"

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"

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

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

Trump aims at long-term deterrence of Russia — nominee

"I believe peace through strength is our strongest deterrence," Elise Stefanik said

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"

Thailand expects to welcome 1.9 mln tourists from Russia by year end

According to Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the flow of tourists from Russia to Thailand increased by 18% in 2024 compared to the previous year

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"

Serbian president skeptical about Trump’s plan to resolve Ukrainian conflict in 100 days

"If Trump indeed manages to resolve the conflict, he deserves a monument for saving the entire planet," Aleksandar Vucic said

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

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

US may bolster dollar amid shifts in EU triggered by Ukraine conflict — Chinese expert

Discussing the prospects for resolving the Ukraine conflict, Gou Liwu suggested there is a high likelihood that Donald Trump's return to power in the United States could lead to a resolution of the conflict, but not within the short timeframe he promised during his election campaign

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

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

Weekly inflation stands at 0.25% in Russia-statistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump administration allows to deport illegal migrants without court order

It is reported that the expedited removal process has "long been reserved primarily for the area near the southern border," with its major flows of illegal migrants while now it can be used across the US

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

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

Zelensky goes on ‘witch hunt’ to shift blame for military failures — Ukrainian MP

According to Irina Gerashchenko, several Ukrainian generals have already been arrested and accused of defensive failures

Trump would be fine with Elon Musk acquiring TikTok

Trump also stated that he would be open to dialogue regarding the acquisition of TikTok by another major American entrepreneur

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

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

US wants lasting peace in Ukraine — top diplomat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the negotiating process will not be smooth and each party will have to make concessions

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

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

Annual inflation in Russia accelerates to 9.92% — Economy Ministry

Prices changed by 0.34% in the food sector

Snowden's spouse applies for Russian citizenship — lawyer

Anatoly Kucherena sees no problems that might prevent Lindsay Mills from obtaining citizenship

IDF says it thwarted attempts to violate Gaza ceasefire

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

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 may recognize reunified Russian regions, says US expert

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

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

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