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Anti-Russian sanctions

Should US lift anti-Russian sanctions, EU’s would become ‘toothless’

The EU could still hold on to €200 bln of frozen Russian assets, the web portal said

BRUSSELS, February 19. /TASS/. Europe’s sanctions lists against Russia would lose their impact if the US decides to lift restrictions set by Washington earlier, the EUobserver web portal said.

"If the US was to cancel its Russia sanctions as part of a Ukraine deal, it would make EU blacklists toothless on their own, although the EU could still hold on to €200 bln of frozen Russian assets," the web portal said.

The next set of anti-Russian sanctions will not include "big Russian oligarchs," the EUobserver noted. According to its information, the EU sanctions package, to be approved next week, will comprise 48 individuals and 35 legal entities.

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Sanctions vs. Russia

Many EU countries, along with Belgium, oppose expropriation of Russian assets — PM

Bart De Wever said that he had named three conditions to the EC

Italian official says Brussels wants no end to already lost conflict in Ukraine

Matteo Salvini pointed out that wars were fought for economic reasons "by those who produce weapons"

New world order awareness emerges among some Western elites — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov noted that Russia, as early as after the Munich Conference in 2007, highlighted the inevitability of the world becoming multipolar

Russian troops expand buffer zone liberating Ostapovskoye — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the liberation of Ostapovskoye opens maneuver room for Russian troops to advance both north and west of the settlement

Taking Novodanilovka Russian troops move closer to Orekhov — defense source

Success in Novodanilovka was achieved thanks to a proven tactic: first, reconnaissance identifies weak points in the defense, then artillery and precision weapons deliver strikes, after which the infantry takes up positions, the source said

Ukrainian elections, Russia’s negotiating position, Europe decaying: Trump's statements

The US leader stated that Russia is in a more advantageous negotiating position than Ukraine

Russia’s Battlegroup East takes control of Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — top brass

Units of Russia's Battlegroup East prevent the enemy from moving or changing of positions unnoticed in the urban area, as well as from supplying reserves and ammunition to them

Putin to receive Indonesian leader for talks in Kremlin

The two leaders are set to discuss "issues of further development of the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership

Kiev’s power grid may collapse in coming months following Russian strikes — expert

Vitaly Kiselev believes that for greater success in the zone of the special military operation, Russian troops need to "put out of existence" the Ukrainian railways network

Europe cannot cope with reality of Russia eventually winning, achieving set goals — Lavrov

"Europe is blinded by the desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," the Russian foreign minister said

Ukraine seizes ship under flag of African country in Odessa

The SBU conducted searches and opened a criminal case under four articles at once, including treason and violation of entry and exit regulations

Military transport aircraft crashes in Sudan, killing all crew onboard — AFP

The exact number of deaths is unknown

Not only Trump in no hurry to lift sanctions on Russia but he increases them — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that the search for alternative payment systems "is gaining momentum"

Bill on US withdrawal from NATO in line with America First doctrine — Russian senator

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

Putin asks human rights activist to send her proposals for pardons

At a meeting of the Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, Merkachyova put forward several initiatives on how to develop the jury trial

Development of updated Navy shipbuilding program nearing completion — Kremlin aide

Nikolay Patrushev said earlier that Russian President Vladimir Putin had approved the Russian Navy Development Strategy until 2050 on May 30

Italy considers use of frozen Russian assets risky for Europe — minister

"None of the proposals under discussion guarantee compliance with international law," Italy's EU Affairs Minister Tommaso Foti said

Russia prioritizes sustainable peace in Ukraine over ceasefire — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that it should be accompanied by the signing of documents on the matter

UAC delivers new batch of Su-34 fighters to Russian Defense Ministry — Rostec

Rostec emphasized that the Su-34, thanks to its versatility and significant arsenal of weapons can perform a wide range of missions, making it one of the most sought-after aircraft in the Aerospace Forces

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

The vaccine is meant for adult patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma

Kiev resorts to terrorizing civilians due to its failures on front lines — diplomat

The intensity of Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets in Russia has nearly doubled since the beginning of the year, reaching an average of 480 strikes per day

Russia’s Battlegroup East wipes out seven Starlink terminals

According to the report, drone operators also destroyed two quad bikes and a supply depot

Hungarian foreign minister rips EC president von der Leyen's leadership

According to Peter Szijjarto, under her leadership, Europe became a much less safe and much less competitive place than it used to be

Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport diverts, cancels dozens of flights

Flights operated by Russian and foreign airlines for departure and arrival continue to be serviced by agreement

Around 2,000 militants surrender in CAR under Russian-backed program

In many places, militants are in designated areas waiting for their turn to disarm, while they do not commit serious crimes, Dmitry Podolsky said

Spain suspends investigation into death of defector from Russia over lack of suspects

The investigative actions did not allow to initiate a case against a specific person

Lukashenko extends visa-free regime for 38 European countries to 2026

It said the conditions for visa-free entry remain unchanged

Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

According to the document, NATO "no longer aligns with current US national security interests"

Former US President Obama forced Ukrainian authorities to give up Crimea — Trump

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

WWIII avoided thanks to Trump’s policies — Russia’s special presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev also thanked the US leader for clarity on Russia "having a stronger negotiating position than Ukraine to resolve the conflict"

NATO-style alliances in Asia create threats for entire region — Russian security official

Summing up the results of a Russian delegation’s visit to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, Sergey Shoigu pointed out that the issue of regional security had been discussed in detail

Lavrov to update senators on key matters of Russia’s global agenda

The minister is expected to lay an emphasis on resolving the Ukraine crisis in light of the latest peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump

Liberation of Krasnoarmeysk, battle of Dimitrov: Statements by Russia’s top brass

The Russian Armed Forces taking control of Krasnoarmeysk marked a crucial stage in the operation to liberate the entire Donbass, Valery Gerasimov said

Russian troops liberate Ostapovskoye community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian forces pound Ukrainian military-industrial, energy sites in past 24 hours

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 420 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy pickup trucks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Europeans to hold coordination talks on Ukraine settlement soon — Merz

The German chancellor stated that Europeans are "united in their position" and that "only Kiev can decide what territorial settlement it will accept"

Gas pipelines, unified preferential regime to attract $169.0 bln to Far East

Many major projects have already been identified, Yury Trutnev said

German chancellor, other European leaders urge Zelensky to reject US peace plan — WSJ

The Europeans insisted on outlining clear security guarantees in the US peace plan, aimed at preventing an alleged resumption of Moscow’s confrontation with Kiev

Two peace deals brokered by Trump on verge of failure — agency

A senior Trump administration official said the US president expected Thailand and Cambodia, as well as Rwanda and Congo, to "honor their commitments" to halt the violence

Liman, Vilcha in Kharkov Region almost completely controlled by Russian forces — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian Armed Forces have recently significantly increased the pace of their advance south of Volchansk

Zelensky says ready to hold elections in Ukraine

However, he said that legislative changes and security measures are needed to hold elections so that military personnel can also vote

Zelensky says new version of peace plan will be handed over to US on Wednesday

According to Zelensky, work is underway on three documents

Trump may exclude Zelensky from talks on Ukraine — US radio host

Steve Gill noted that many in Trump’s inner circle "are questioning whether Zelensky has either the power or the desire to actually end the conflict"

Zelensky's statement about readiness for polls bluff, manipulation of rules — envoy

He sets obviously unacceptable conditions, noted Rodion Miroshnik

Musk calls for elected body instead of European Commission

"The current system is rule by bureaucracy, not democracy," he noted

UK imposes sanctions against philosopher Alexander Dugin, the Rybar think tank

In addition, restrictions were imposed on the Foundation for the Protection and Support of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad

UAV operators destroy Ukrainian dormant drones at Krasnoarmeysk — top brass

Having learned the tactics of Ukrainian militants, the unmanned aerial vehicle operators successfully identify camouflaged enemy drones on rooftops, roads, and in other hidden places

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

"Neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet," Vladimir Zelensky said

An-22 aircraft crashes in Ivanovo Region — emergency services

According to the source, seven people were on board

IN BRIEF: Lavrov on attempts to steal from Russia, West pushing Kiev to continue fighting

The Russian foreign minister noted that European countries are trying to seize Russia’s foreign currency reserves because they don’t have enough money to continue military operations in Ukraine

Russia, China conduct air patrol in Asia-Pacific Region — defense ministry

The air patrol was not directed against third countries, the ministry stressed

Trump reveals his favorite word

The US president said that he loves word "tariff" more than any other word in the dictionary

Press review: Trump pushes Ukrainian elections as Europe debates use of Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 10th

Zelensky admits that Ukraine cannot take Crimea back from Russia

"We don’t have enough support for this", also noted Vladimir Zelensky

China outperforms US in globalization 'by their rules, on their field' — Lavrov

According to Russia’s top diplomat, Americans and Europeans are now lamenting that China "produces high-technology and other goods too cheaply yet too well"

Liberating Novodanilovka, Russian troops secure southwestern flank — expert

"After the liberation of Malaya Tokmachka, the settlement of Novodanilovka in the Orekhov area was another logical step for our servicemen, since it threatened the southwestern flank of our advancing troops," Andrey Marochko said

Russia seeks to put end to Ukraine's war against its own people with special op — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that those who did not accept the 2014 coup d'etat in Ukraine were met with armed resistance from authorities

Euroclear could lose 16 bln euros held in Russia if Russian assets confiscated in EU

"If the EU's decision is interpreted as a confiscation of Russian assets, this will make Euroclear and its clients investing in Russia vulnerable to legal action and asset seizure," Guillaume Eliet said

Zelensky tries to drown sensible settlement proposals in stream of nonsense — envoy

The change in the format of Vladimir Zelensky's interaction with press is also due to his nervousness because of the tough position of the United States, noted Rodion Miroshnik

Road vital to Ukrainian army near Ostapovskoye under Russian control — expert

Andrey Marochko said earlier that with the liberation of Ostapovskoye, Russian troops expanded the buffer zone between the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions by more than 1 km

Russia has to look for alternatives to dollar — Lavrov

The minister recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that Russia was cut from the dollar by abusing its position as the global reserve currency and using it as the political weapon

Russia ready to share with Vietnam special military operation experience — Shoigu

Sergey Shoigu highlighted that no other country in the world had experienced the kind of pressure from information warfare that Russia was experiencing these days

Countdown for Zelensky regime has begun — senior Russian MP

Trump’s patience is wearing, said Leonid Slutsky

Ukrainian military brings tanks, artillery, mercenaries to Kharkov Region — official

Reports indicate the presence of mercenaries from Poland, Georgia, and various Latin American nations, according to the press service of the Military-Civilian Administration of the Kharkov Region

Trump hopes to clinch peace deal on Ukraine by Christmas — Financial Times

The story says Zelensky replied that he needed to consult with his allies in Europe first

Putin noted good prospects in nuclear sphere for Russia, Indonesia

The Russian president added that relations between Moscow and Jakarta are also on the rise in the humanitarian sphere

Russia prefers to achieve special op goals diplomatically — diplomat

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Russia sees no serious conditions for that because of the subversive activities of European hawks

AI is double-edged sword — Putin

"This is an important and very difficult issue," the Russian leader said

US plan for Ukraine allows Kiev to employ support forces — media

According to the report, Ukrainian negotiators rejected all restrictions during talks in the US

Russian troops take major defense center of Ukrainian army — military source

The Ukrainian army lost a company of personnel and over 10 pieces of military equipment in the battle for Ostapovskoye

Russian ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

"Wonderful event with warm atmosphere and exceptional hospitality," the Russian embassy wrote

US Treasury Secretary discusses sanctions on Lukoil, Rosneft with Ukrainian PM

Scott Bessent also said that during the phone call with Yulia Sviridenko he highlighted US President Donald Trump’s commitment to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine

More sabotage, Western patronage: what is known about terrorist acts prevented by Russia

Twenty-four criminals and their accomplices have been neutralized and over 2,000 have been detained through the coordinated efforts of security agencies since the beginning of the year

Russia cannot ignore Japan’s belligerent policy — top security official

Sergey Shoigu pointed to "almost constant provocations"

Pope Leo says doesn’t know when he could visit Ukraine

"One must also be realistic in these matters," the pontiff added

Putin may drive himself around city when traveling without motorcade — Peskov

Vladimir Putin is an experienced driver with more than 50 years behind the wheel

Russia to become world leader in unmanned systems development by 2030 — expert

According to Konstantin Yashin, this issue is getting significant attention from the government, and personally from Russian President Vladimir Putin

New theft scheme, concern in Zelensky's circle: statements by Russia’s SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that Vladimir Zelensky's entourage fears that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict will hurt their pocketbook

Zelensky to hold sham elections in Ukraine in order to retain power — senator

"Zelensky has an incentive not to step down because outside the presidential office, he may face criminal charges for corruption and repression against political opponents," Alexander Voloshin said

Kremlin calls Zelensky's statement on readiness for elections ‘quite new’

Earlier, Zelensky said he was ready for Ukraine's presidential election, but added that it requires legislative changes and security measures so that servicemen can vote

EU ready to break summit's 'golden rule' to speed up decision on Russian assets — media

Summit extensions have become relatively common, as European leaders often struggle to reach consensus on complex issues

Arrival of Western-funded NGOs herald color revolutions — Russian security official

According to Sergey Shoigu, more and more experts, countries, and governments are coming to realize that this issue requires constant attention

Venezuela grateful to Russia for concern over updated US national security strategy — MFA

"We express our gratitude and support for the statement issued by the Russian government," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto

Ukraine attacks hospital in Kherson Region's Aleshki, killing three employees

Two persons were wounded, including a woman

Trump only Western leader who understands underlying causes of Ukraine crisis — Lavrov

The United States is showing increasing impatience due to EU position on Ukrainian settlement, the minister noted

Ombudswoman slams potential seizure of Russian assets as violation of everyone’s rights

Tatyana Moskalkova described immobilized Russian assets held in foreign banks as "a national treasure, and every Russian citizen’s contribution to this fund, a disaster or calamity fund"

Russia’s New START proposals can stop destructive process in field of security — official

According to Sergey Shoigu, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposals aimed at creating a system of equal and indivisible security are particularly important now

Russia pays fee to UN budget fully — representative of Secretary General

Stephane Dujarric added that Russia had contributed $71,781,915

US proposes creating demilitarized zone in Ukraine — WP

According to the report, the planned demilitarized zone "would be established along the entire ceasefire line", behind which there will be "a deeper zone in which heavy weapons would be excluded"

Europe fears that Trump may blame it, Kiev for hampering Ukraine peace deal — TV

According to CNN, The fear among European officials is that the US leader is growing so impatient with the lack of progress in peace talks that he may walk away from the negotiations process

Europe deliberately obstructs Ukraine peace process — Lavrov

The minister emphasized that Europe’s "ideological fervor" in the context of the Ukrainian crisis is increasingly shaped by financial considerations

US official says will update Congress on Trump’s stance regarding Russia sanctions bill

The measure envisages secondary sanctions against Russia’s trading partners

Macron along with other EU leaders talks Ukrainian settlement with Trump

The French president did not provide further details about the conversation

Twenty-five more Russian children listed on Ukraine’s database of unwanted persons

The personal details of the children were included in the database over an alleged attempt to undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

Top Hungarian diplomat slams Kiev’s attacks on tankers as state-supported terrorism

Peter Szijjarto stressed that EU leaders’ justification of attacks on energy facilities was "extremely dangerous" as it could lead to more attacks in the future

Russian army pressing Ukrainian troops in Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army achieved certain successes in the city’s eastern part

Russian forces secure foothold on outskirts of Drobyshevo in DPR — expert

Andrey Marochko added that in the course of the fight Russian forces also advanced south from the Novoselovka settlement and expanded their zone of control along the Nitrius River bank line

Liberation of Konstantinovka by Russian troops to affect whole military operation — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, Konstantinovka is currently one of the most difficult areas in the zone of the special military operation

Russia says only Ukrainian air defense damages civilian objects in Ukraine

Vasily Nebenzya also said the majority of Ukrainians do not want to fight for a government he claimed they don't support

Russian Finance Minister noted importance of reducing dependence on oil, gas revenues

Anton Siluanov said earlier that the share of revenues from hydrocarbons will continue declining in budget receipts

Russia prepares response to potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that the UK, the European Commission’s leadership, and the majority of NATO and EU member states took "a completely destructive position" on the Ukraine issue