20 Feb, 05:49

Musk blames Zelensky for murder of journalist Gonzalo Lira

The reporter was detained in Kharkov in May 2023 and was accused of supporting the Russian special military operation in Ukraine

NEW YORK, February 20. /TASS/. Entrepreneur Elon Musk, who heads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has blamed Vladimir Zelensky for the murder of American journalist and blogger Gonzalo Lira.

"Zelensky killed an American journalist!" he wrote on his X page, commenting on a publication by one of the platform's users, who said that Gonzalo Lira, a journalist who criticized Zelensky, was killed in Ukraine.

The reporter was detained in Kharkov in May 2023. He was accused of supporting the Russian special military operation in Ukraine. In October 2023, Lira fell ill with bilateral pneumonia. According to the journalist's father, the prison administration ignored the fact of his illness and tried to hide it from Lira's family and lawyers. In January 2024, the US State Department confirmed the accuracy of the data about Lira's death in custody in Ukraine.

Serbian Deputy PM says plotters against Trump behind protests in Serbia

According to Aleksandar Vulin, "same actors are behind attack on president Dodik and Republika Srpska"

Yesterday, 11:19

Ukrainian forces lose up to 315 servicemen in Russia’s South battlegroup zone

At the same time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost up to 85 servicemen in the area of responsibility of Russia’s Dnepr battlegroup over the past 24 hours

Putin and Trump could have other contacts alongside with official ones — Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also noted that the meeting between the two presidents must be carefully prepared and requires difficult technical negotiations first

Russian, Ukrainian gymnasts may compete in same tournament for the first time since 2022

The 2025 World Cup in artistic gymnastics will be held in Doha from April 16 to 19

Yesterday, 21:01

US seeks to develop Golden Dome defense system against long-range missile strikes

ccording to the sources, the White House will spare no expense in order to fulfill one of US President Donald Trump’s top Pentagon priorities

Yesterday, 11:39

Russian forces hit Ukrainian military airfields, ammunition depots in 135 districts

At the same time, Russia’s air defense systems have shot down a MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 10:39

Shoigu met with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Vulin

The previous meeting between Shoigu and Vulin took place in February, during which they discussed "the advancement of bilateral security cooperation and the current situation in Serbia"

Two days ago, 14:38

Russian Central Bank chief says economy in zone of elevated uncertainty

Elvira Nabiullina still noted that the economy "follows a 'soft landing' path"

Yesterday, 19:09

Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital on Sunday, doctors say

Doctors added that the 88-year-old pontiff would continue to receive rehabilitation treatment, which will take time

Two days ago, 17:57

Issue of dividing Ukrainian territories being discussed right now — Trump

On March 3, Donald Trump described Vladimir Zelensky’s remark about the conflict being far from over as "the worst statement that could have been made"

EU does not understand meaning of independence — Russian diplomat

The European Union’s office in Ukraine informed that it would allocate further 10 billion euro to Kiev to finance "independent media

Two days ago, 17:40

Confines of Ukraine deal already there, following contacts with Putin, Zelensky — Trump

The US leader also reiterated that the Ukrainian conflict would have never happened if he had been president in 2022

Two days ago, 23:17

Trump disagrees Russia rejected Ukraine ceasefire

Meanwhile, the US leader also effectively indicated that it is premature to discuss tightening Washington’s sanctions against Moscow

Two days ago, 18:21

Russia calls on Israel to stop expanding settlements in Palestine — Russian mission to UN

As Dmitry Polyansky underlined, he is convinced that "the Security Council can and must play a role in the negotiating process and make sure that its results are observed by all parties"

Two days ago, 15:14

Kremlin slams Kiev's accusations that Russia itself shelled Sudzha gas station as 'absurd'

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that such a statement "shows once again how much we can believe and trust the Kiev regime"

Serbian Deputy PM says plotters against Trump behind protests in Serbia

According to Aleksandar Vulin, "same actors are behind attack on president Dodik and Republika Srpska"

Two days ago, 12:24

Iranian nuclear issue must be resolved diplomatically — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also stated that Moscow "proceeds from statements made by the Iranian leadership and Iranian representatives that Iran has no plans to acquire nuclear weapons"

Two days ago, 14:46

Russia receives slew of people’s requests for resettlement from West — Zakharova

The Russian diplomat stressed that for most countries, Russia is becoming a "pioneer" that strives to defend vital things regardless of sanctions and restrictions, because they are universal

Yesterday, 12:43

Russia reserves right to respond symmetrically to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure strikes

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that despite the agreement initiated by the US on not striking energy infrastructure facilities, Kiev continues treacherous attacks on Russian territory

Yesterday, 00:54

Envoy Witkoff 100% certain Russia has no plans to attack Europe

US Presidential Special Envoy noted he finds the claims that 'the Russians are going to march across Europe' odd

Two days ago, 13:51

Belgian PM warns confiscating Russian assets to be 'act of war'

The European Union, Canada, the United States and Japan froze $300 billion worth of Russia's assets after the start of the special military operation

"Angara-1.2" puts military satellites into orbit

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket being monitored by the ground automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Center.

Yesterday, 12:51

Shoigu confirms Russia's appreciation of Serbia's commitment to boosting bilateral ties

Secretary of Russia’s Security Council also stressed that Moscow is deeply concerned about the situation in Belgrade, and Russia will continue to do everything possible to support the fraternal Serbian people

Yesterday, 11:18

Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 95 servicemen in Belgorod direction in 24 hours

The Ukrainian Armed Forces also lost up to 165 servicemen in the area of responsibility of Russia’s East battlegroup over the past 24 hours

Two days ago, 20:55

Turkish opposition leader says 210,000 people taking part in rally in Istanbul

Rallies and marches in support for detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu are also held in Ankara and several other Turksih cities

5 Dec 2022, 18:36

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Yesterday, 19:07

Kenya-registered cargo aircraft crashes near Somalia’s capital

There were four people onboard the plane

Russia to deliver 2,000 jam-resistant kamikaze drones to Ukraine operation zone

According to the People’s Front, UDK drones have destroyed over 50 US-made Bradley vehicles and over 30 M777 artillery guns

Two days ago, 16:07

Federal Customs Service says pays $78.2 bln into Russia’s coffers in 2024

Valery Pikalev noted that this number was 11% higher than in 2023, but 1% short of its projected target

Two days ago, 15:59

Zelensky doing damage control after losing big in Jeddah talks — expert

Mikhail Pavliv explained that in Jeddah, the Americans got everything they wanted in the military aspect from Ukraine very quickly

Yesterday, 20:30

Israeli attack kills two, leaves 11 injured in Lebanese city of Tyre

Israel carried out airstrikes on facilities allegedly belonging to the Hezbollah Shia militia in eastern and southern Lebanon

Two days ago, 12:18

Putin calls for technological leadership in unmanned aerial systems within five years

The Russian president also ordered to take measures providing for the use of solutions based on artificial intelligence in manufacturing and operation of drones

Yesterday, 19:07

Russia’s Operation Pipeline triggers panic among Ukrainian troops — newspaper

The situation had already been critical when he and his fellow soldiers heard that Russian forces had broken through Ukrainian lines, Ukrainian Senior Sergeant Zenon Dashak said

Winter season in Russia may become shorter — expert

Variability of weather characteristics is growing during the climate warming period, Research Director of the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia Roman Vilfand said

Two days ago, 08:48

Preparations for Operation Flow in Kursk Region took three months — commander

About 500 Russian fighters moved through the pipe towards Sudzha

Two days ago, 13:35

Ukrainian troops 'cling' to Chasov Yar, unwilling to give up strategic height — DPR head·

"We see that the enemy 'clung' to Chasov Yar, realizing that this settlement is located on elevated ground, the dominant height, and in the future our units will have operational space in terms of advancing in a number of directions: to Kramatorsk, to Slavyansk, to Konstantinovka, so, of course, the enemy is impeded," Denis Pushilin said

17 Dec 2017, 16:50

Putin thanks Trump for CIA tip that foiled terror plot in St. Petersburg

According to the Russian president, the CIA alert was enough to expose and arrest the criminals

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu arrested by court order — A haber TV channel

He is charged in two cases related to corruption in the mayor's office and aiding terrorism respectively

Two days ago, 09:08

Around world in 75 years: Sergey Lavrov celebrates milestone anniversary

Back in 2021, the minister said that he had visited about 150 states, but Russia was always the most attractive country for him

Two days ago, 15:47

Trump says likes idea of Charles III’s 'secret offer'

The newspaper earlier pointed out that during Trump's potential state visit to the United Kingdom, Charles III could propose that the United States become a member of the British Commonwealth

Yesterday, 21:06

Turkish police use tear gas, water cannons against demonstrators

Clashes between protesters and police also took place in front of the Istanbul mayor’s office where a major opposition rally is taking place

Yesterday, 16:10

Trump may break NATO up without formal withdrawal — media

According to the magazine, "the White House does, in fact, have many options, if it wishes to undermine the alliance"

Ukrainian armed forces lost over 190 soldiers in Kursk direction in 24 hours

The Russian Defense Ministry added that units of the Battlegroup North inflicted losses on formations of a mechanized, airborne assault brigade, a marine brigade and three territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces in the areas of the settlements of Gogolevka, Gornal, Guevo and Oleshnya during offensive operations

Biden’s administration authorized Chevron to make payments to Venezuela — Bloomberg

A supplement to the sanction carve-out issued in November 2022 enabled Chevron to remain within the framework of laws when paying taxes and royalty to Venezuela, the news agency said

Russia’s new Ambassador to US Darchiyev to travel to Washington next week — source

In early March, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing Alexander Darchiyev as the Russian ambassador to Washington

Yesterday, 19:08

Ukrainian shelling leaves civilian injured in Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region

A drone exploded near a private house in the village of Kaznacheyevka, shattering its windows

Two days ago, 11:10

Russian forces not hitting Ukraine's energy sector, Putin's order in force — Kremlin

After talks with his US counterpart Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a halt to attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure

Two days ago, 13:14

Putin requests allocation of extra funds for development of satellites for drone control

The execution deadline is June 1, 2025

Yesterday, 16:11

Over 570 civilians evacuated from border areas in Russia’s Kursk Region — acting governor

According to the acting regional governor, doctors, psychologists, legal experts and social welfare workers are providing the necessary assistance to the evacuees

Yesterday, 06:49

Security services of unfriendly state behind terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

The representative of the Investigative Committee did not specify which country it was

Yesterday, 13:22

Casualties in Gaza rise to 634 since March 18, over 1,000 injured

Since the start of Israel’s military operation in October 2023, the total number of fatalities in the enclave has reached 49,747, while 113,213 people have sustained injuries

Macron's talk of sending 'peacekeepers' to Ukraine shows disconnect from reality — MFA

"We have repeatedly said that introduction of so-called peacekeepers into Ukraine in practice would mean a foreign military intervention that further escalates the conflict," Maria Zakharova stated

Russia to speak separately with brands that quit leaving loopholes — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council opined that those companies would most probably want to get back

Yesterday, 02:22

Twitter logo removed from former headquarters sells for nearly $35,000 at auction

The purchaser has not been named

24 Jan 2019, 18:05

How Russia’s population changed over the years

Key facts about Russia's population since the year 1897

Yesterday, 21:21

Interrogation of detained Istanbul Mayor ended — TV

According to Halk TV, a court decision on pre-trial restrictions for Imamoglu is expected on Sunday morning

Yesterday, 19:10

Hamas, mediators discuss US envoy’s plan for resolving situation in Gaza

According to the Hamas official, the movement "is ready to accept any form of government in the Gaza Strip that will be agreed on"

Yesterday, 19:10

German official calls for working to restore relations with Russia

However, according to prime minister of the German state of Saxony Michael Kretschmer, Russia poses a threat at the moment

Two days ago, 14:31

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 1,670 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 19 enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 21:16

Hamas ready to be flexible for reaching agreement on Gaza

Hamas is in discussion with mediators on the plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza proposed by US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanou said earlier

Russia to invite US to meeting of high representatives on security issues — Shoigu

Sergey Shoigu noted that representatives from over 100 countries had already confirmed their participation in the upcoming meeting

Medvedev urges to feel free to follow Trump’s example in protecting domestic brands

Russian companies quickly reacted to the withdrawal of Western brands, taking free niches, well done to them, the politician added

Zelensky admits Ukraine no longer being invited to NATO

At the same time, the Ukrainian president denied saying that he was ready "to discuss the question of Ukraine’s neutral status"

Yesterday, 16:10

Israel carries out airstrikes on military facilities south of Damascus — newspaper

According to the paper, military facilities and officers’ barracks in the settlement of Nadzha came under attack

Yesterday, 00:28

Ukraine's leadership agrees to hold presidential election — envoy Witkoff

American journalist Tucker Carlson recalled that 'the Russian position is he is not elected,' so one 'can't sign any kind of treaty with him'

Yesterday, 21:01

US carries out strikes on airport in Yemeni city of Hodeidah — TV

Al Hadath added that Houthi Naval Forces Chief of Staff Mansur al-Sa'adi had suffered injuries in the attack

Two days ago, 14:38

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian sabotage of Sudzha gas metering station

The Ukrainian troops used the facility as a secure logistics point while the station was under their control

Death toll from new Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip rises to 23 — Al Masirah TV

The Al Jazeera channel reported that the Israeli military struck an ambulance near the city of Rafah in the south of the enclave

Yesterday, 12:45

Israel strikes dozens of targets in Lebanon in response to morning shelling

Israeli military announced it had begun a series of strikes on positions belonging to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

Two days ago, 10:00

Press review: Moscow forms delegation for US talks as EU fails to approve aid for Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 21st

Yesterday, 13:23

Hezbollah denies involvement in missile attacks on Israel

According to the LBCI television channel, Hezbollah conveyed this information to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam

Two days ago, 01:49

Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu arrives in North Korea

It is planned that Shoigu will meet with the leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un and other leaders of the country

Two days ago, 09:04

Ukraine's military intelligence chief identified as organizer of drone attacks on Russia

They have been charged in absentia and placed on the wanted list

Investors anticipating return of Russian company shares to global stock market — Bloomberg

American banks Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are among those brokering deals on acquiring assets related to Russia, the agency said

Yesterday, 14:07

Russia expects to achieve progress in negotiations in Riyadh, senator says

Grigory Karasin added that Russian delegation members would return home on March 25

Russia has no plans to attack Germany — MFA on Merz's remarks

"If Berlin makes such claims, it means that Germany may have such plans itself; but in that case, Berlin needs to call things by their proper name," Maria Zakharova stated

Press review: Russia, US discuss ceasefire as the West forms new NATO alliances

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 18th

Two days ago, 15:36

No key rate lowering discussed — Bank of Russia

Rate reduction can only be expected "after we will be confident that inflation is declining consistently, steadily, and with the pace enabling us to return inflation to 4% in 2026"

Yesterday, 20:03

Israel carries out another series of strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

This was the second series of strikes on Lebanon since the beginning of the day

Air defense systems downed 59 drones at night

The Russian Defense Ministry said that air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 29 drones over the territory of the Rostov Region, 20 drones over the Astrakhan Region, three drones over the Voronezh Region, three drones over the territory of the Volgograd Region, two drones over the territory of the Republic of Crimea, and one drone in each of the Kursk and Saratov Regions

10 Jan 2020, 13:11

Ukraine's security chief discusses Iran plane crash with Canadian, UK, Swedish ambassadors

The Ukrainian top diplomat added that he expects Zelensky to hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Yesterday, 11:58

Serbian authorities will not allow western services to orchestrate ‘color revolution’

Vulin expressed his gratitude to Shoigu and to Russian President Vladimir Putin for their "attitude and position" amid the ongoing events

Yesterday, 21:45

Hungary not lifting veto on Ukraine’s admission to EU due to situation in Transcarpathia

"Therefore, until such sad situation remains, any progress in talks on Ukraine’s admission to the EU is out of the question," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said

Two days ago, 15:45

Britain may be behind explosion of Sudzha gas metering station — Russian politician

The destruction of the gas metering station in Sudzha by Ukrainian forces is a provocation designed to undermine the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump, Sergey Mironov stated

Yesterday, 02:41

Trump says set no deadline for ceasefire in talk with Putin

Putin and Trump held a phone call on March 18, discussing the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 13:42

Envoy delivers Trump’s portrait commissioned by Putin to US president

Witkoff said in an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson that the two leaders had sent signals to each other of their readiness for dialogue

Kiev fears Trump may agree to cede Odessa to Russia — media

The US president did not specify which specific regions he was referring to, but the White House has already made it clear that Russia is expected to maintain control over territories "that its troops already command," the newspaper said

Yesterday, 04:24

Envoy Witkoff cites status of five Russian regions as key issue in Ukraine conflict

According to him, 'that's the key issue in the conflict'

Yesterday, 11:38

Russian forces shot down MiG-29 aircraft of Ukrainian Air Force

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have also lost more than 500 servicemen per day as a result of the actions of Russia’s Center battlegroup

Russian forces strike military train with Ukrainian ammo, armament over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian army hit Ukraine’s Azov brigade location

Seven Starlink terminals, 21 drone control points and a field ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army were destroyed, the Russian Battlegroup West spokesman Ivan Bigma added

NATO plotting major smear campaign against Zelensky — Russian intelligence

Thus, according to the SVR, it is planned to "make public information that the 'president' personally and his team have misappropriated more than $1.5 billion only from funds meant to buy munitions"

Yesterday, 09:12

Europe unlikely to lift sanctions even if Ukraine conflict is settled

President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin said that any settlement option is unlikely to satisfy Europe

Yesterday, 02:24

Houthis report strike on Ben Gurion airport, US vessels in Red Sea

Following the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Ansar Allah movement said it would strike Israeli territory

18 Dec 2019, 15:34

First fast food restaurant in Chukotka’s capital: what’s on the menu?

Recently, the menu has been expanded: instead of 50 dishes, guests are now offered 200

Yesterday, 09:55

Decision on Russia’s hockey team participation in the Olympics to be made in April

In early February, the IIHF Council extended its sanctions against Russian and Belarusian teams through the 2025-2026 season, with a stipulation that the decision could be reconsidered should the global political situation change

Year of 2025 can be among top warmest in history — expert

"This is because recent years are becoming increasing warmer under influence of growing concentration of greenhouse gases," Research Director of the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia Roman Vilfand said

Yesterday, 02:58

Investigation into American Tater's attack on police officer complete

According to the documents obtained by TASS, the supervisory agency approved the indictment and sent the charges to the capital's court

Yesterday, 12:45

Serbia withdrew its vote on anti-Russian UN resolution, not wanting to ‘offend friends’

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin also noted that Serbia has not joined Western sanctions against Russia and will continue to adhere to this stance

Medvedev says return will be challenging for companies that left Russia

"Life has proved that those were true words. We did not chase anyone off, they left themselves, someone under pressure from their governments, someone out of fear, someone in solidarity with the neo-Nazis," the politician said

Poland’s exit from Ottawa Convention shows disregard for int'l obligations — Zakharova

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed that "Western countries are ready to abandon their international legal obligations at literally any moment - whenever they feel like it, whenever it suits them"