23 Mar, 05:42

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

NEW YORK, March 23. /TASS/. The administration of ex-US President Joe Biden clandestinely authorized Chevron to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to the Venezuelan government despite sanctions prohibiting such payments, Bloomberg news agency said, citing sources.

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 initial license from OFAC of the US Treasury made it possible for the company to carry limited activities in Venezuela.

The administration of Donald Trump terminated that agreement earlier and demanded from Chevron to wind down operations in Venezuela.

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United States Joseph Biden Venezuela

Belarus capable of coping with all today's challenges — Lukashenko

Earlier in the day, Lukashenko, 70, who was elected president of Belarus for a seventh term in the January 26 elections, officially took office

Yesterday, 17:59

Izvestia correspondent Fedorchak dies in special military operation zone — agency

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

Yesterday, 15:01

NATO atrocities against Serbs remain unpunished, but Belgrade never forgets them — PM

According to NATO, during the operation, the aviation of NATO countries carried out 38,000 military flights, with over 10,000 of them aimed at delivering bombs

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

Yesterday, 12:49

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

Yesterday, 19:00

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

The meeting is taking place behind closed doors

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

Yesterday, 21:27

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

There were no reports of casualties

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

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

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

Yesterday, 17:55

No breakthroughs to be expected at Riyadh meeting, as multiple issues on table — MFA

The talks are conducted behind closed doors

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

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

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

Yesterday, 22:14

UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine scheduled for March 26

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

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

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

American Tater released under travel ban in a case of violence against police officer

The decision was made due to the accused committing a crime of moderate severity, and the maximum duration (six months) of the detention measure has expired

Yesterday, 17:29

Russian adventurer Konyukhov left with just one lifeline on epic journey

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

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

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

Yesterday, 20:54

HIMARS strike kills journalists, civilians in LPR — law enforcers

A 14-year-old teenager was wounded

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

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

Yesterday, 14:20

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

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"

Yesterday, 14:43

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

Yesterday, 09:43

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

Yesterday, 15:15

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

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

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

TASS has compiled the main information on the Ukrainian attacks

Yesterday, 17:05

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

Yesterday, 11:51

Lavrov describes Kiev regime as 'Nazis brought up' for Europe’s war against Russia

The Russian foreign minister drew attention to the "preferential" treatment by Europe regarding the Kiev authorities

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

Yesterday, 14:34

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

Yesterday, 16:00

Oil pumping to CPC impossible after strike against Kavkazskaya Pump Station

According to the consortium, shippers delivered at least 130,000 metric tons of oil monthly to the CPC system for further shipment from the oil terminal near Novorossiysk

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

Yesterday, 16:46

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"

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

Yesterday, 20:08

Two alleged Israeli hostages say almost killed in airstrike in video posted by Hamas

The recording was posted on the Telegram channel of the military wing of the movement

Yesterday, 15:14

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

Yesterday, 23:28

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

Yesterday, 18:42

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

The TV channel did not provide information on casualties or damage

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

Yesterday, 19:57

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

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"

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

Yesterday, 20:32

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

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

Two days ago, 05:44

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

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"

Yesterday, 10:00

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

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

Yesterday, 23:26

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

Yesterday, 12:00

Su-25 jet crashes in Russia’s Primorye, pilot ejects — top brass

The aircraft crashed in an unpopulated area

Yesterday, 18:56

Krikalev appointed deputy head of Roscosmos for manned, automated complexes

Dmitry Baranov was appointed Deputy Director General for Industry Development

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

Yesterday, 19:01

Belarus, Russia discuss cooperation in rare-earth metals segment

"The mineral and raw materials potential of rare-earth metals of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, technologies and equipment used to mine and process rare-earth metals were discussed during the meeting," the ministry said

Yesterday, 20:13

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'

Yesterday, 10:09

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

Russian prosecutors declare NATO-funded European Leadership Network undesirable in Russia

According to the statement, the organization's tasks are promotion of the concept of NATO expansion, advocacy of an anti-Russian agenda

Yesterday, 14:29

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

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

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

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

New meeting of US and Ukrainian delegations taking place in Riyadh — AFP

The agency does not provide any other information

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

Yesterday, 11:41

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

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

Yesterday, 19:02

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

Yesterday, 18:53

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

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

Yesterday, 17:39

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

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"

Yesterday, 17:33

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"

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

Yesterday, 16:08

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"

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"

19 Dec 2023, 15:12

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

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"

Yesterday, 13:03

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

Yesterday, 23:59

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

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

Yesterday, 17:59

Access to Russian services restored — watchdog

Failures were related to the use of foreign server infrastructure, the Russian watchdog said

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

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

Yesterday, 17:47

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

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

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

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"

Yesterday, 05:48

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

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

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 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

Atlantic editor says he was added to chat where US officials discussed strikes on Houthis

He stated that the chat included approximately 18 participants, among them a user going by the name "J.D. Vance" (the name of the Vice President of the United States)

Yesterday, 15:38

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

Yesterday, 16:18

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

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

Yesterday, 17:26

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

Yesterday, 17:30

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

Yesterday, 06:41

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