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Russia, US agree to normalize embassy operations — Rubio

"Active work of diplomatic missions capable of functioning normally will be needed to be able to continue contacts," the US Secretary of State said

© Anatoly Bochinin/TASS

NEW YORK, February 18. /TASS/. Russia and the United States have agreed to restore their embassies in Moscow and Washington to previous staffing levels to facilitate continued diplomatic engagement, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

"We will need active work of diplomatic missions capable of functioning normally to be able to continue these contacts," Rubio was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

The agency said the increase in the number of diplomats in Moscow and Washington is necessary to accelerate work on an agreement to settle the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Lavrov, Moscow and Washington agreed to ensure the appointment of ambassadors in both capitals as soon as possible.

UN not yet ready to comment on participation in Black Sea agreements — official

Stephane Dujarric added that UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan was now on a visit to Turkey

Russia, US may issue joint statement following Riyadh talks on Tuesday morning — CBS

According to the sources, "reports shared with the Trump administration from the US technical team in Riyadh seemed optimistic"

Krikalev appointed deputy head of Roscosmos for manned, automated complexes

Dmitry Baranov was appointed Deputy Director General for Industry Development

Expert condemns deadly attack on Russian reporters in Lugansk region as deliberate murder

According to Vitaly Kiselyov, Ukrainian troops have frequently attacked agricultural vehicles in the Svatovo and Kremennaya directions of late

Nukes stationed in Belarus can be used if necessary — Russian ambassador

Under the latest agreement on security guarantees that took effect in the Union State earlier this month, the two countries view Russian nukes as a key factor in preventing nuclear conflicts or military conflicts involving conventional arms, as well as a means of containment that can only be used as an absolute last resort

Houthis claim to have attacked US aircraft carrier group in Red Sea

According to representative of the armed forces formed by the Houthis Yahya Saree, the actions of the rebels "foiled the enemy’s airstrike" on Yemeni territory

Inauguration of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to be held in Minsk

According to the Belarusian Central Election Commission, incumbent emerged victorious in the January presidential election

Russian army advances near Stepovaya Novosyolovka in Kharkov region — expert

"There have been regular attacks on our positions two to three times a day," Andrey Marochko said

US secretary of state sees no military solution to Ukrainian conflict

Marco Rubio expressed hope that progress will be made during the US negotiating team’s meetings in Saudi Arabia

Russia’s West battlegroup eliminates 10 Starlink stations, 25 UAV command posts

According to Head of the battlegroup’s press center Ivan Bigma, air defense crews of the West battlegroup have also downed 51 fixed-wing UAVs

Lavrov plans to talk about aspects of Riyadh talks in TV interview on March 25

Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova announced an interview with Channel One

Kiev loses some of its elite forces in counterattacks near Shevchenko in Donetsk region

The source added that US-made MaxxPro and HMMWV armored vehicles and German-made Leopard tanks are among the Western equipment destroyed by Russian troops

Leader of Spain's left-wing coalition supports dissolving NATO

In Antonio Maillo's view, Europe has two options: "The first is to erect a wall of rearmament along the Russian border, and the second is to engage in dialogue with Russia, which is part of Europe"

Russia's Federal Security Service detains employee of regulatory body for state treason

According to investigators, the man established secret cooperation with the Ukrainian side to aid in actions against Russia's security

NATO’s barbaric bombing of Belgrade must not be forgotten — SVR chief

NATO launched a military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on March 24, 1999

What is known about drone attack on Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in Krasnodar Region

Despite what Vladimir Zelensky says, Ukraine continues to deliberately attack energy infrastructure, including international, on Russian territory, the defense ministry said

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 170 munitions in past day

In the Belgorodsky district, the settlement of Dubovoye, the villages of Solntsevka, Ustinka, Cheremoshnoye and Yasniye Zory came under the shelling of nine munitions and an attack by five drones

Some European leaders do not want real settlement in Ukraine — Russian envoy

Earlier, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked in an interview with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin that instead of addressing the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict, Europe is merely exacerbating the situation by increasing military spending and considering the deployment of its forces in Ukraine

Izvestia correspondent Fedorchak dies in special military operation zone — agency

The correspondent worked in the Kharkov Region’s Kupyansk direction, the newspaper stated

Houthis claim to have launched missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport

According to a statement from the IDF, the missile was intercepted outside of Israeli territory

Putting nuclear power plants in US hands to turn Ukraine into colony — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova emphasized that Russia did not target Ukrainian nuclear power plants, being acutely aware of "the seriousness of such actions and committed to adhering to universally recognized norms of international humanitarian law"

Russia, US manage to raise numerous issues at Riyadh talks, negotiator Karasin says

The Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs noted that the dialogue was detailed and complex

Kremlin declines to specify which countries could be involved in Russia-US talks

Moscow and Washington have received details about the outcome of the Russian-US talks in Riyadh, and they are currently being reviewed, Dmitry Peskov said

US strikes Houthi weapons depots in Yemen’s Saada province — TV

There were no reports of casualties

Parties close to ceasefire in Ukraine, US diplomat says

According to US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, US was particularly working with Russia and Ukraine on ensuring a ceasefire in the Black Sea

Israel carries out airstrikes on military facility in As-Sanamayn south of Damascus

The TV channel did not provide information on casualties or damage

Kremlin posts lists of energy facilities covered by moratorium on strikes

The moratorium on strikes against energy facilities is in effect for thirty days from March 18 and may be extended by a mutual agreement

Trump to cut foreign aid spending by $2.5 bln — Semafor

According to the sources, US president will scale back funds designated as emergency spending under the debt ceiling legislation of 2023, enacted by the administration of Joe Biden

Russian official expects Moscow, Washington to agree on more initiatives

Vance stood up for the envoy amid criticism of the latter’s recent remarks on Ukraine

Over 130 Russians wounded over week due to Ukrainian military attacks, 16 killed

Mass drone attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces targeted civilian infrastructure in the Saratov and Rostov regions

West 'swallowed' Ukrainian UAV attack on Russian territory on March 11 — Lavrov

On that day Ukraine launched a record number of drones against central Russia, including Moscow and the surrounding region - nearly 340 drones, the foreign minister recalled

Results of Riyadh talks between Russia, US reported to capitals — Kremlin

The Russia-US consultations were held in Riyadh on March 24 and lasted more than 12 hours

EU's approaches on Ukraine directly contradict Trump administration’s position — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said the Europeans are currently facing "a huge number of problems"

UK army slams 'political theater' Starmer's words on sending troops to Ukraine — media

According to a high-ranking army source, London will not have time to develop a plan for presence in Ukraine by April 20

Negotiations between Russia, US reduce Ukrainian conflict escalation risk — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto believes that "the OSCE remains the last European platform for East-West relations"

Russia’s Yars missile formations to be taken to field positions

Military units will also practice engineering support and radiological, chemical and biological protection tasks during the maneuvers

Russian, US delegations to Riyadh talks trying to agree joint statement — source

The talks will be over once the parties agree on a joint statement

Russian army regains control over significant section of state border near Sumy

It is noted that in the vicinity of Guyev, Russian troops are actively clearing forested areas. Ukrainian soldiers in the region are facing shortages of food and ammunition

Russia overcomes West’s 'ideological blitzkrieg,' diplomat says

"The West was betting on the fact that the people would splinter, generations would fight with each other and we would not be able to get through it because of the economic difficulties they had created for us," Maria Zakharova noted

Ukrainian legislator calls Witkoff's statements on settlement in Ukraine shocking

"Of course, we cannot dictate to our American friends who should represent them," Alexander Merezhko said

Zvezda correspondent Nikita Goldin seriously wounded, he was with deceased journalists

Six people were killed as a result of the shelling by Ukrainian forces, including Izvestia correspondent Alexander Fedorchak, Zvezda cameraman and driver Andrey Pano and Alexander Sirkeli

Number of energy sites affected by Ukrainian strikes in Bryansk Region double

According to the Region's Governor Alexander Bogomaz, 212 sites sustained damage

Russian forces push Ukrainians near Sudzha crossing in Kursk region — security official

As Russian forces have advanced, scattered Ukrainian troops have found themselves completely cut off from enemy forces in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Russian adventurer Konyukhov left with just one lifeline on epic journey

Fyodor Konyukhov maintains daily contact with the headquarters via a satellite phone

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

Russia has already "been through" Europe’s desire to inflict strategic defeat, as Napoleon and Hitler had such plans, the top Russian diplomat said

Chinese expert believes Russia needs to cooperate with Asia not relying too much on US

Chi Fulin noted that the Chinese and international community pay significant attention to Russian-American relations, which "are quite complex"

Ukrainian army tries to hold on to several villages in Russia’s Kursk Region — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, Russian forces have been ensuring a buffer zone in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Lukashenko officially assumes post of president of Belarus for new term

The Belarusian leader swore to faithfully serve the people, respect and protect the rights and freedoms of people, observe and protect the nation's constitution

OMV, Romgaz spud first gas production well of Neptun Deep project in Black Sea

"The project is progressing according to plan, with first gas estimated for 2027," the statement reads

EU incites Zelensky; idea of peacekeepers 'will perpetuate Nazi regime' — Lavrov

"These so-called security forces would serve to entrench the Nazi regime, enforcing a ban on anything that reminds people of Russian roots," the foreign minister emphasized

Kiev regime once again reveals its brutal nature — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova also attributed the increase in terrorist attacks carried out by the Kiev regime to the realization by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that they are incapable of inflicting damage on the Russian Armed Forces on the battlefield

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, ammo depots over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin says painting of its building on fire reflects Zelensky’s spiritual development

"Well, I suppose this illustrates in the best way the level of spiritual development and inner state of the one posing for these images," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia-US relations worsened during Trump’s first term due to his entourage — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, although "Trump's entire foreign policy is guided by national interests," the US president understands that other countries, "especially the great powers," also have their own interests

Talks in Riyadh technical, content not to be made public — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the reports made by the delegations to their capitals are being currently analyzed

Russia, US to continue talks with participation of international community — negotiator

On Monday, Russia and the United States held more than 12-hour-long talks in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia to discuss resolving the Ukraine conflict

UN need to rethink peacekeeping strategies — Russia’s UN mission

"The peacekeeping and political aspects of UN activities need to be revised, improved and returned to realistic approaches," Anna Yevstigneyeva said

Kiev to undermine talks with US if displeased with their course — Russian senator

Vladimir Dzhabarov emphasized that the current Ukrainian authorities are "frowning" with the US-Russia talks and the Kiev regime is "incredibly irritated"

Energy strike moratorium voided if one side breaks it — Kremlin

"If one of the parties violates the ban, the other has the right to consider itself free from the obligation to comply with the agreement," the Kremlin added

Russia-US dialogue on strategic stability should be restored — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat specified that these principles were reflected in the preamble of the New START Treaty, emphasizing the connection between strategic offensive and defensive arms, as well as mutual respect and equality

UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine scheduled for March 26

The meeting had previously appeared on the Council’s official schedule

Return of European carmakers, new Chinese brands possible if sanctions lifted — expert

Dmitry Evdokimov noted that the reentry of European automobile brands into the Russian market could lead to lower prices and heightened competition among Chinese manufacturers

Russia at forefront of fighting for more just world order — Russian intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that in the history of mankind, there are already examples of successful solutions to "tasks related to the collective condemnation of certain forms of discrimination and the fair compensation for damage caused by them"

Kiev blames its attack targeting Sudzha gas station on Russia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister warned that oil volumes to European consumers, too, will fall sharply following another recent attack in which Ukraine targeted the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in southern Russia’s Krasnodar Region

Ukrainian forces begin to use ATACMS missiles less often due to lack of them — expert

The media outlet earlier reported, citing sources in the US presidential administration, that Ukraine no longer has ATACMS missiles

As Russia was open to Turkey’s proposals on Black Sea deal, Kiev changed its mind — Lavrov

The Black Sea Initiative, also known as the grain deal, was aimed at providing a safe corridor for the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports and also easing the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers

Russia will not tolerate ambiguity regarding Black Sea initiative — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West has consistently acted to benefit Ukraine and penalize Russia in matters concerning the implementation of the Black Sea initiative

EU will not release Russian assets — EC President

The G7 loan facility opened for using revenues of Russian assets frozen in EU jurisdiction is up to 40 bln Euro and is intended for the period until 2027, with the repayment to be completed by 2040

Europe wants to undermine US role in Ukrainian settlement in every possible way — Lavrov

Europe does not want to settle the Ukrainian crisis on the basis of eliminating the root causes, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Israel opposes Ukraine’s glorification of Nazi collaborator — envoy

When asked about the Jewish state’s position on Ukraine’s glorification of Bandera, Alexander Ben Zvi recalled that Israeli ambassadors to Ukraine had issued notes of protest on that issue

Press review: Germany relies on US missile plan for next year as protests erupt in Turkey

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 24th

Russian, US expert groups wrapping up talks in Riyadh — Russian delegate

The meeting is taking place behind closed doors

French influence in Africa weakens as Sahel states exit Francophonie — expert

Malian politician and public figure Aliu Tunkara believes that "France will not ignore the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from The Francophonie"

Karasin, Beseda to report to Putin on topics discussed during talks with US

The talks between the two delegations lasted for more than 12 hours

Russian forces make gains in DPR, strengthen positions — official

Denis Pushilin added that Russian forces have intensified their advances in the Krasny Liman area, while the Ukrainian army continues counterattacks in the Dzerzhinsk and Krasnoarmeysk directions, where they have deployed reserves

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in "some form, better suited to all"

US positively assesses Riyadh talks, will make statement soon — Reuters

According to the source, the talks that the expert groups of the [US President Donald] Trump administration are holding in Riyadh are going extremely well

Murder of Russian journalists reiterates special military operation’s rightness — Kremlin

On Monday, reports emerged that six people were killed in an artillery attack on the Kremenskoy district by the Ukrainian army

Kremlin to release statement on outcome of Riyadh talks with US soon — spokesman

The White House released a statement on the matter earlier

Joint use of ZNPP by Russia, any other country unacceptable — Russian MFA

Moscow will never hand the ZNPP over to Ukraine or any other country, the ministry emphasized

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure

TASS has compiled the main information on the Ukrainian attacks

Ukrainian troops destroy churches while fleeing from Kursk Region — Putin

According to the president, "it is absolutely necessary to plan the restoration of these cultural facilities in advance"

Waltz's future in doubt after data leak — newspaper

The report said nothing is finalized yet, and President Donald Trump would ultimately make the decision over the next day or two

UN opposes killing of journalists, calls for investigations — secretary general’s office

Deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary General Farhan Haq said that UN 'want them to be thoroughly investigated'

US should stay in touch with Russia — State Department

The first round of talks between the technical teams of Ukraine and the United States took place in the afternoon of Sunday, March 23, with the discussions lasting about six hours

Press review: Russia, US conclude talks in Saudi Arabia as Hamas discusses Gaza ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 25th

IN BRIEF: Ukraine carries out assault on Russian energy infrastructure

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that the strikes involved both attack drones and HIMARS rockets

Lavrov dismisses EU's Ukraine mission plans as 'dreamers' fantasy

"These dreamers are proving their complete political incompetence with each passing day," the Russian top diplomat said, referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron

Many in Western Ukraine want to become part of Poland, Romania, Hungary — Putin

"The people living there - many of them, at least, I know it for certain, 100% - they want to return to their historic homeland," the Russian president noted

Russia, US agree to ensure safe navigation in Black Sea — Kremlin

"In accordance with the agreement between the presidents of Russia and the United States, both sides have committed to implementing the Black Sea initiative," the statement reads

Rare gold coins stolen from French museum worth almost $656,000 found in Moscow

Russian law enforcement officers received a photo and a detailed description of the stolen exhibits

Israel wages secret war against Hezbollah in Africa — magazine

"All Shiites from Lebanon, especially those from the country’s south, automatically come under suspicion as potential Hezbollah sponsors," the source said

Oil pumping for Europe to slump due to another terrorist attack by Kiev — Lavrov

On March 19, Kiev intentionally attacked an energy infrastructure facility in the village of Kavkazskaya in the Krasnodar Region with several drones

Israel ready to consider military solution to issue of Iranian nuclear program — diplomat

US President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on March 7 that he had sent a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

Russia favors resumption of Black Sea Initiative in more acceptable form — Lavrov

Russia would like "the market of grain, and the market of fertilizers to be predictable," and for no one to attempt excluding Russia from those markets, the foreign minister noted

HIMARS strike kills journalists, civilians in LPR — law enforcers

A 14-year-old teenager was wounded

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Russia, US have no plans of signing documents after talks in Riyadh — Kremlin spokesman

Negotiations between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh began on Monday morning

US vice president ignores Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine

According to Vladimir Zelensky’s interview, he suggested that JD Vance reconsider his decision not to visit Ukraine until the armed conflict was over but the US vice president did not respond

Legal barrier needed against revival of Western colonialism — Russian intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin pointed out that "it would be historically fair to assess the damage inflicted on all of humanity by Western European colonial empires"

Russian negotiators to return from Riyadh to Moscow later on Tuesday — senator

Vladimir Dzhabarov said that Karasin described the talks with the US as "complex but constructive"