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US envoy Witkoff meets Mossad chief in Paris — portal

In response, Iran announced in 2020 that it would reduce its commitments under the JCPOA and limit access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors

WASHINGTON, April 18. /TASS/. US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff has held an informal meeting with chief of Israel’s intelligence service Mossad David Barnea and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Paris, the Axios portal said, citing sources.

According to the sources, the meeting focused on the US-Iranian nuclear talks. Barnea and Dermer tried to influence the US position ahead of the second round of talks with Iran due to be held in Rome on April 19, the sources said.

They also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had expressed concern that the talks could yield an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program like the 2015 deal Trump withdrew from during his first presidential term.

The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the Iran nuclear deal, with Iran in 2015, putting an end to a long-running standoff about Iran’s alleged development of nuclear weapons. However, during his first presidential term, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and re-imposed all the anti-Iranian sanctions after they began to be lifted under the deal.

In response, Iran announced in 2020 that it would reduce its commitments under the JCPOA and limit access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. Negotiations to restore the nuclear deal took place in Vienna from 2021 to 2022 but yielded no results. Joe Biden, who was US President between Trump’s two terms, repeatedly declared his country’s readiness to get back to the deal, but once in the White House again in 2025, Trump signed an executive order to resume a policy of maximum pressure on Iran and warned about the potential use of military force should Tehran reject a new deal with Washington.

Nevertheless, discussions between representatives from Tehran and Washington aimed at resolving issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program were held in Oman on April 12. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US delegation was headed by Presidential Special Envoy Steven Witkoff. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the meeting was constructive and took place in a calm atmosphere, with both parties agreeing to continue consultations. The second round is scheduled for April 19 in Rome.

Number of Ukrainian emigrants rises by 166,000 in 2025, to 5.9 million — National Bank

The regulator attributed the trend to "a permission to leave the country for men aged 18-22," which came into force on August 28

Moscow working on response to potential EU seizure of Russian assets — MFA

According to Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the EU employs every possible method, up to explicit threats, blackmail and fake news

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees in Israel about to be deported — Haaretz daily

As of today, the Israeli government has not decided whether to prolong the protection program and this issue is still under debates

Population collapse gathering pace in Ukraine — agency

Ukraine’s population, which stood at 42 million before the conflict, has now shrunk below 36 million

Press review: US proposed four-part Ukraine plan as EU eyes expropriating Russian assets

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 5th

Euroclear to go bust if Russian asset seizure plan executed — depository head

Valerie Urbain warned that if the plan is approved at the EU summit on December 18-19, Euroclear is "ready to challenge it in court"

Potential visa-free travel, fuel supplies: takeaways from Putin-Modi negotiations

Russia is satisfied with the results of discussions with Indian counterparts in New Delhi, the country’s head of state noted

US, Ukraine discuss security, deterrence — Department of State

According to the document, the sides discussed "the results of recent meeting of the American side with the Russians and steps that could lead to ending" the conflict

NATO destroys all relations with Russia — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the bloc's plans to dissolve the Russia-NATO Council do not really matter

Moscow unable to share information on Syrian ex-President Assad’s stay in Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that he also could not provide any information whether the former leader of Syria held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past year

Gambian-flagged tanker in distress off coast of Bulgaria after marine drone attack

According to the Maritime Administration of Bulgaria, in whose waters the tanker is anchored, the crew requested evacuation

Russia, India launching cooperation on unmanned transport vehicles — ministry

The countries are also discussing the possibility of integrating Russia's national digital transport and logistics platform with India's Unified Logistics Interface Platform

Putin concludes two-day state visit to India

The Russian president held a series of bilateral talks with Indian officials, took part in the Russia-India Business Forum, and laid a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial

Russia, India plan cooperation on bridge and tunnel construction

Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin discussed the development of land transport and infrastructure with India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari

More than 20 families separated by conflict in Ukraine to reunite soon — ombudswoman

Tatyana Moskalkova added that the Russian and Ukrainian ombudspersons collaborate on various human rights issues

Tourist flow between Russia, India to increase 2.5-fold after launch of visa-free travel

The Russian side is currently awaiting a response from its Indian partners regarding the draft of the relevant intergovernmental agreement, which Russia prepared and submitted to India

Nearly 30 light aircraft intercepted by Venezuelan military in 2025 — commander

According to Domingo Hernandez Larez, this was the 28th light plane intercepted this year and the 419th one since 2013

Indian foreign ministry spokesman describes Putin’s visit as ‘highly successful’

"A visit to remember!" Randhir Jaiswal said

Russia insists on fulfillment of NATO’s promises not to expand NATO eastwards — Putin

The Russian president stressed that multiple waves of NATO’s expansion have taken place, culminating in efforts to include Ukraine in the alliance

US-Ukraine talks in Miami conclude — daily

The Ukrainian side at the talks was represented by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrey Gnatov

All EU countries should share Belgium’s risks regarding Russian assets — Merz

"Belgium's particular vulnerability in the issue of using the frozen Russian assets is indisputable, and must be addressed in such a way that all European states bear the same risk," the chancellor said

Russia, India start discussing joint production of Il-114 aircraft

A memorandum on the joint production of the aircraft has already been signed between the Indian state corporation Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, Sergey Chemezov added

Hungary blocks European Commission’s plan for issuing Eurobonds to sponsor Kiev

According to the Politico, Hungary used its right to veto at a meeting of the ambassadors from the 27 EU countries in Brussels where they discussed a potential expropriation of Russian assets

Supermodel Vodianova, TV presenter Shepelev to run 2018 FIFA Preliminary Draw show

The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition will be held on July 25 in Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg

Chechen leader urges Ukrainians to make a stand against conflict with Russia

Ramzan Kadyrov added that captured Ukrainian servicemen often ask not to be returned back, fearing for their lives

Putin links RT's ban in some countries to their fear of the truth

The Russian president described RT as the really trustful source of information, targeting a progressive audience

Rada’s decision on Russian language shows Kiev wants no peace — Russian MFA

As Maria Zakharova pointed out, the Kiev regime is thus demonstrating "signs of abnormality and madness"

Von der Leyen, Merz fail to convince Belgian PM to authorize seizure of Russian assets

"We agreed to continue our discussions with the aim of reaching a consensus at the European Council meeting on December 18," European Commission President said

Advanced Kalashnikov assault rifles accepted for service in Russian troops

Russia’s Defense Ministry has accepted new Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 assault rifles for service

US lobbies EU countries to block plans to use frozen Russian assets — Bloomberg

The news agency quoted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as saying there is "no possibility of leaving the money we mobilize to the US"

Russia seeks to end war unleashed by West — Putin

The Russian leader pointed out that the West had orchestrated a coup in Ukraine, while Russia had tried for eight years to resolve the issue peacefully

US Department of State describes talks with Ukrainian delegation as ‘constructive’

The talks will continue on December 6

Kallas' claims Europe has made Ukraine stronger sound monstrous — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that from Kaja Kallas's point of view, the fewer people there are in Ukraine, the stronger and richer it is

Foreigners can submit their question for Putin’s year-end Q&A, too — Rostelecom

Foreigners can call to the mobile hotline (+7 (499) 550-40-40 and +7 (495) 539-40-40) or submit their questions online on moskva-putinu.ru

FACTBOX: US National Security Strategy on EU disputes, Russia, abandonment of Atlas’ role

The document declares Washington’s departure from the philosophy of sole responsibility for the world order

US no longer sees Middle East as centerpiece of its foreign policy

According to the administration of US President Donald Trump, tensions among countries in the region have decreased significantly over the past year

Russian ambassador sees attempt to disrupt Ukraine talks in Amesbury poisoning report

Andrey Kelin suggested to see who this story played into the hands of

US, Ukraine underscore need for ceasefire, de-escalation - Department of State

According to the document, the negotiators emphasized that "credible steps toward ceasefire and de-escalation" are necessary to prevent the conflict from breaking out again

Russian ambassador to Germany warns of large-scale consequences in case of asset seizure

Sergey Nechayev said there are no "legal mechanisms" for the plans to appropriate the Bank of Russia's assets held in the Belgian Euroclear depository

Ukraine drone attack damages port infrastructure in Temryuk — emergencies center

According to the emergency response center, 32 specialists and eight pieces of equipment have been deployed to extinguish the fire

Russians want Putin's take on special op, economy, social issues at year-end Q&A

According to the PF, by the middle of the day on December 5, more than 100,000 calls and messages with a variety of questions had already been received and processed

Russian forces capture Ukrainian FPV drone operators near Krasnoarmeysk

According to commander of a Russian assault detachment Vladimir Khodykin, many Ukrainian soldiers were unaware that Krasnoarmeysk had been taken by Russian troops

Umerov to hold another meeting with Witkoff, Kushner on Friday — media

According to the source, another round of talks "on further steps in the peace process" will be held in Florida

Russian troops liberate seven communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

In particular, during the week, Battlegroup North units liberated the town of Volchansk in the Kharkov Region through decisive operations

About 20 Indian banks open special rupee accounts for trade with Russia — Indian MFA

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the talks between the two countries’ leaders focused on economic issues, including trade

Leader of Ukraine's unrecognized republic questioned in Russian court

Igor Plotnitsky is being questioned on the case of former Ukrainian pilot Nadezhda Savchenko currently on trial in Russia

Russia to train Indian specialists to work in polar waters — Transport Ministry

According to the statement, a memorandum signed by Russia’s Transport Ministry and India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways creates the necessary legal basis for the training of qualified personnel

Gazprom renews its record for daily gas supplies to China via Power of Siberia

In January-September of 2025, Gazprom increased supplies via the Power of Siberia by more than 27%

Elephant, giraffe and wildcats found among Muscovites’ house pets

The responsible pet ownership bill was submitted to the State Duma in the autumn of 2010

Modi joins Putin’s meeting with Indian President Murmu

After a closed-door meeting, Vladimir Putin and Droupadi Murmu took part in the ceremony of introducing the two countries’ delegations

Phosagro more than doubles fertilizer exports to India in 11 months

Sales volumes to India in the Q3 2025 increased more than 12-fold year-on-year, CEO Alexander Gilgenberg emphasized

International Court of Justice ready to assess Kiev's crimes — Russian Foreign Ministry

The West's hopes of using "legal weapons" against Russia have once again failed, the ministry said

Putin meets with Indian president in New Delhi

Earlier, the Russian leader held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Russia says may respond to British sanctions against Main Directorate of General Staff

As Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed, the British can be confident in the inevitability of such measures

Zelensky removes Yermak from national security council, supreme headquarters

The executive orders will come into force once published

Russian stock indices in the green as week's trading on Moscow Exchange closes

The yuan rate rose 7.8 kopecks to 10.78 rubles

Unjust fine on X confirms prospects for Europe’s ‘civilizational erasure’ — RDIF CEO

"EU’s viscous censorship machine and the unjust fine against X once again prove Trump’s National Security Strategy warning about Europe’s ‘stark prospect of civilizational erasure’," Kirill Dmitriev said

Russia-India talks held in open, constructive atmosphere — Putin

The Russian leader expressed deep gratitude to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as to all Indian colleagues for their exceptionally warm and cordial welcome

NATO sees future of European security hanging on Ukraine talks — WP

According to the newspaper, the US stance on Ukraine puts the EU in a difficult position and doesn’t breed trust within the community

Ukrainian army conducts punitive operations against civilians — official

Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik said that this situation reflects the real policy pursued by the Kiev authorities today

Switzerland has 15 open cases on mercenarism in Ukraine

Current Swiss law prohibits citizens from becoming mercenaries in the armies of other countries

US fears Europe on verge of civilizational collapse — National Security Strategy

The document doubts that some European states would have the appropriate economic and military potential to remain reliable allies of Washington

High-rise Grozny City building attacked by Ukrainian drone — Kadyrov

The head of Chechnya condemned this attack as an attempt to intimidate the republic’s civilian population

European Commission’s plans on asset seizure contradict EU norms — Russian mission

According to the statement, any illegal actions with Russian assets will have long-term negative consequences for the European economy and will entail Russia’s harsh response measures

Russia to continue conflict if Kiev rejects settlement — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia's position is clear, and it has not changed since the Alaska summit

Russia did not annex Crimea, but extended helping hand to its people — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the residents of Crimea recognized that they had become part of an independent Ukraine following the Soviet Union's collapse

Washington hopes for 'good news' on Ukrainian conflict settlement in few weeks — JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US administration has made "a lot of progress"

Russia to become India’s largest supplier of fertilizers by year-end — association head

Andrey Guryev said that Russian companies have increased their fertilizer supplies to India fourfold since 2021, and by 40% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year

Russia can receive unlimited number of Indian specialists — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov confirmed that the labor mobility agreement was signed during the Russian-Indian summit in New Delhi

EU sets unrealistic rules to punish companies that reject censorship — Durov

In Telegram co-founder's words, the EU exclusively targets platforms that host inconvenient or dissenting speech

Putin explains what it takes to avoid big mistakes

When asked about the potential establishment of a BRICS currency and other alternative systems of payment aimed at reducing dollar dependence, Vladimir Putin noted that "in this process there's no rush anywhere"

Russian Battlegroup South destroys 36 Ukrainian dugouts, two Starlink stations in past day

The Ukrainian army lost up to 150 servicemen in 24 hours

Two to three dozen minesweepers for Russian Navy to be built in St. Petersburg

Project 12700 Alexandrit seagoing minesweepers' displacement is 890 tons, speed is 16.5 knots, and crew is 44 navy men

Russia, India interested in collaboration on assembly of SSJ-100, Il-114-300 aircraft

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov stressed that these are precisely the aircraft that meet India's requirements

EU, G7 to completely ban transportation of Russian oil on Western ships — Reuters

Representatives of the US and UK are actively promoting this idea at G7 technical meetings, sources told the agency

Russian Defense Ministry denies setting up military base in Palmyra

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov commented on AP’s reports saying that Russia’s military are building a new military base in Palmyra

Finnish presidency fails to revive Helsinki Accords spirit within OSCE — Russian diplomat

According to the Russian diplomat, all the ideas were about the ways to shrink interstate cooperation

Macron acknowledges that Europeans cannot compel Russia to negotiate Ukraine with them

According to the French president, it is necessary to "build up pressure on the Russian economy to compel Moscow to return to the negotiating table"

Lavrov says Savchenko will be headache for Ukraine

The foreign minister considers handing the ex-servicewoman over to Kiev the right decision as Moscow had to bring back its citizens sentenced on terrorism charges in Ukraine

Kremlin aide describes tone of recent Russia-US meeting as constructive, friendly

Yury Ushakov added that Vladimir Putin and Steve Witkoff are on good terms as they had already met six times

India to lease submarine from Russia in 2028 — Indian government

"No new agreement has been signed between India and Russia," the government information bureau stated

Washington, Kiev discuss post-conflict reconstruction of Ukraine — Department of State

The talks were attended by Special Envoy for Peace Steven Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as Ukrainian Secretary of National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and Chief of General Staff General Andrey Gnatov

Safety mechanisms activated during attack on CPC, no environmental threat — ministry

Kazakhstan uses all oil export options

Expert speculates that Zelensky's stay in Ireland might be permanent

Zoltan Koskovics also suggested that British intelligence services might stage an assassination attempt targeting him in order to prolong the conflict in Ukraine

Over 4,000 trucks stuck in traffic jam on major highway in Russia

All in all traffic jams were as long as 191 kilometers, including 135-kilometer long traffic jams in the Tver region and 56-kilometer-long – in the Novgorod region

Peace in Ukraine has to destroy system of anti-Russian sanctions — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban also expressed hope that the European Commission’s plan to phase out Russian oil and gas supplies to Europe by 2028 will never be implemented

FIFA awards in first-ever Peace Prize to Trump

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States

Ukrainian military sites to be hit soon in retaliation for strike on Grozny — Kadyrov

According to Chechen leader, the attack on high-rise buildings makes absolutely no sense from the tactical point of view

German parliament turns down two anti-Russian resolutions

A total of 455 lawmakers voted against the first resolution, and 77 supported it

Moscow expects India to ease technical barriers for certain Russian goods — ministry

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov stressed the importance of achieving parity in the negotiations

Russia and India discussing localization of nuclear fuel production — Rosatom CEO

Likhachev also noted that Rosatom has agreed with India a on memorandum on the construction of new nuclear power units, on expanding the agenda to include low-power units, on engaging Indian partners in the fourth generation, and on localizing a whole range of fuel cycle competencies

S-400 gets new features unusual for air defense systems — Almaz-Antey

Modernization potential of the S-400 Triumph air defense system allows it to quickly mitigate emerging threats during the special military operation

Russia genuinely values friendly relations with India, Putin says

The Russian president pointed out that Soviet specialists had taken an active part in the construction of major industrial, energy and infrastructure facilities in India

Number of Ukrainian emigrants rises by 166,000 in 2025, to 5.9 million — National Bank

The regulator attributed the trend to "a permission to leave the country for men aged 18-22," which came into force on August 28

Source in Ukrainian intelligence calls Rubicon 'tough guys' — Le Parisien

According to a Ukrainian soldier in the drone battalion stationed near Krasnoarmeysk, which was previously liberated by the Russian Armed Forces, Rubicon has good weapons and well-trained operators

Putin heads to Hungary to discuss economic ties, situation in Ukraine

According to the Kremlin press service, "advancing major joint projects in trade and economic sector and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties" will be top on the agenda

Russia’s National Wealth Fund reaches $175.21 bln as of December 1

As of November 1, the fund amounted to $173.89 bln

EU ambassadorial meeting on expropriation of Russian assets ends with no results — source

The discussion will continue next week

Russia, India work together to establish multipolar world — Putin

The Russian President added that Moscow and New Delhi are firmly convinced that this system should rely on the central role of the United Nations

Russian airlines increase passenger traffic between Russia, India by 12% in 10M

Regular flights are operated on four routes with a total frequency of 15 flights per week

Russian troops dislodge larger part of Ukrainian battlegroup from Rodinskoye, says DPR

Pockets of resistance remain and Russian assault teams are suppressing them with the support of UAV operators, adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky said