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Middle East conflict

US naval vessels used to defend Israel against Iranian missile attacks — TV

The media still noted that the number of US interceptions remained "relatively low"

NEW YORK, June 17. /TASS/. US ships were deployed to defend against Iranian missiles aimed at Israeli territory, NBC television reported, citing sources.

However, it was noted that the number of US interceptions remained "relatively low."

In the early morning hours of June 13, Israel kicked off Operation Rising Lion aimed against Iran’s nuclear program. Iran responded in less than 24 hours. Israel and Iran exchanged strikes again on June 14 and in the early hours of June 15. Both parties reported casualties and damage, and admitted that a number of facilities had been hit, but said the damage was limited.

Anti-Russian sanctions

New EU sanctions could affect Russia's nuclear, steel, oil sectors — EUObserver

According to the publication's diplomatic sources, the European Union will present the next round of sanctions in early 2026

Ukrainian losses in conflict have exceeded 1 million — Lavrov

"The Kiev regime, originally established as a fiercely ideological military entity, has now devolved into a criminal gang," the Russian foreign minister said

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"

US detains oil tanker off Venezuelan coast — media

The tanker’s detention could complicate Venezuelan oil exports, noted Bloomberg

Olympic bear from 1980 Moscow Games to become Russian national team mascot

"At the moment, 'Mishka' is being registered as a trademark with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property," Mikhail Degtyarev stated

Europeans present proposal on Ukrainian territorial concessions to Trump — Merz

The German Chancellor said the conversation was "constructive"

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

Russian troops liberate Liman community in Kharkov Region — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 145 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a foreign-made radar station in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

IOC Executive Board skipped issue of Russian Olympic Committee’s reinstatement

The IOC Executive Board held its final meeting of 2025 on December 9-10 at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland

US Treasury authorizes transactions for sale of Lukoil's foreign assets until January 17

The license also prohibits the transfer of any funds to individuals in Russia or to Russian accounts

Elections in Ukraine have become leverage against Zelensky — expert

Ruslan Pankratov argued that Zelensky’s reluctance to hold elections undermine not only his personal legitimacy but also that of Ukraine’s entire leadership

Rebel attack in eastern Congo slap in face of US — Burundi foreign minister

Edouard Bizimana noted that Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump on December 4

All of Google's assets in France seized following complaint from its Russian subsidiary

The seizure has been imposed as a security measure to prevent Google from attempting to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against its French subsidiary

UEFA files Euro-2028 trademark in Russia

The Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property received the trademark holder's application from Switzerland on December 5, 2025

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

Some Ukrainian figures set up child trafficking operation — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat called this topic excessively politicized

EU rushing to pass special law for perpetual blocking of Russian assets — FT

The European Commission wants to use revenues from frozen Russian assets to extend a loan to Ukraine amounting to about 90 bln euro during the next two years

Ukraine hates Russian children, babies — Russian MFA

According to the listings, their personal information was entered for allegedly "deliberately violating the state border" and "attempting to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine

Indonesia has vested interest in developing military cooperation with Russia — expert

"In this regard, the military training track mentioned by President Putin is of particular importance," Nikita Kuklin said

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

FACTBOX: Last night’s drone attacks on Russia hit 12 regions

Drone debris broke the windows of an educational establishment and a filling station in the Tula Region, and five civilian cars were affected in a drone attack on the Bryansk Region

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

Initial defendant list in Russia's Donbass genocide case just tip of iceberg — expert

On December 8, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that 41 individuals from Ukraine’s political and military leadership face life imprisonment in a criminal case concerning the genocide of the populations of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics

Macron along with other EU leaders talks Ukrainian settlement with Trump

The French president did not provide further details about the conversation

Russian forces holding their positions near Kupyansk, despite Ukraine’s counterattacks

According to Andrey Marochko, high-intensity counterattacks have been going on for a long time

Brazilian parliamentary commission rejects ratification of TPNW

According to the press service of the lower house of parliament, the decision was made on the recommendation of lawmaker Luis Felipe de Orleans e Braganca

Kim visits Russian embassy, extends condolences over Ambassador Matsegora’s death

North Korean leader also met with Alexander Matsegora’s family and embassy employees

Three more drones targeting Moscow downed, taking the total number to 37 — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin said that emergency services are working at the scene where the debris fell

Russian Security Council secretary to met with Laotian leadership

Sergey Shoigu’s program includes talks with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Chansamone Chanyalath

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

Iran's ambassador to Russia says Putin and Iranian president to meet in Turkmenistan

Putin will start his visit to Turkmenistan on December 11

Kiev advancing unacceptable conditions to derail talks — Russian diplomat

"As a matter of fact, it is seeking to set forth unacceptable for Russia terms, and its next step will be to simply accuse it of breaking down the talks," Rodion Miroshnik said

West uses Ukraine to shift global community focus from Palestine — Russian top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov stressed that it is also one of the most critical global challenges

Central African Republic militants using drones against Russian instructors — advisor

The UAV threat currently persists, Dmitry Podolsky said

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

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

Nobel Prize awarding ceremonies held in Stockholm and Oslo

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden presented 13 Nobel Prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and economics

Trump says US will keep oil from detained tanker

The US leader earlier confirmed that the United States has detained a tanker off the Venezuelan coast

EU secretly discussing alternative plan to keep Kiev afloat — Politico

Hungary has made it clear that it opposes the decision that would require a unanimous vote

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

US forces in Caribbean inadequate for ground invasion of Venezuela — Politico

The only realistic option for the administration of US President Donald Trump may be missile and bomb attacks, according to the sources

Bolivia’s attorney general confirms ex-President Arce’s arrest in corruption case

Luis Arce "will be faced with charges and the judge will decide whether he will defend himself out of prison or not," Roger Mariaca told a news conference

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

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

Work on peace plan for Ukraine to continue in coming days — German government

German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said that the four heads of state and government discussed the progress of ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine

Trump's demand Ukraine hold elections signals political death for Zelensky — Medvedchuk

"If Trump does not bring Zelensky down in the next few months, he will have problems all over Europe," the head of the Other Ukraine movement said

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

AI is double-edged sword — Putin

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

NATO countries not prepared for US withdrawal from alliance — media

According to the news outlet, diplomats within the bloc view the signals coming from Washington as an indication to the EU that the US is shifting its foreign policy focus toward Asia and the Arctic

Spain purchases two times less Russian LNG in November than in previous year

In the first 11 months of this year, Spain purchased 36,020 GWh of Russian LNG

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

Russia recording multiple bogus news about Ukraine — Lavrov

Such actions are mostly aimed at hampering efforts to find a solution at talks and prolong the conflict, the Russian top diplomat stressed

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

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

Russia unveils domestically made dental milling machines at Moscow expo

Alexander Sinyugin, one of the developers, pointed out that the machine can create a dental crown or veneer in three hours

Israeli police mum on assassination attempt on Ukraine’s Mindich — spokesman

Earlier, Ukrainian businessman Igor Kolomoisky stated in court that an assassination attempt had been made on Mindich, who is in Israel, on November 28

Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

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

Putin to arrive in Turkmenistan on two-day visit

The Russian president is expected to take part in a forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Day of Neutrality, and 30th anniversary of the country’s neutrality

Russian ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

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

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

Russia to pursue goals in Ukraine regardless of predictions for conflict's end — Lavrov

"Russia's specific objectives were clearly and unambiguously outlined publicly by the President and discussed in detail in Anchorage, where understandings were reached on how best to move toward achieving these goals in the context of not a ceasefire, but a sustainable peace," the minister stated

Kiev refusing to receive its citizens evacuated from Sumy Region to Russia

According to Russian human rights ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova, six Ukrainian nationals are currently remaining in Kursk

Maduro demands US abandon its policy of regime changing in Venezuela, Latin America

"The riches of the Venezuelan soil will never be plundered either by gringo invaders or by any empire," the president stressed

CAR army grows over four times in last nine years — president

Faustin-Archange Touadera said the country’s goal is to increase the army to 50,000 troops by 2040

Press review: Kiev sets unacceptable peace terms while Thailand-Cambodia tensions flare

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 11th

Moscow working on organizing Russian-Arab summit — senior diplomat

Sergey Vershinin emphasized that a lot of preparatory work is required to organize the summi

No reaction from West to Ukraine’s decision to suspend talks with Russia — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat highlighted that before the talks were halted, specific results were achieved, particularly in the humanitarian sphere

US considering idea of creating G7 alternative with Russia — Politico

This proposal was reportedly included in the unpublished version of the National Security Strategy

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

Russia hopes conflict between Thailand, Cambodia will be settled through diplomacy

"Russia always stands for resolving all problems between countries politically and diplomatically," the Russian embassy in Phnom Penh said

Russia’s proposals on European security ‘last chance’ for salvaging any progress — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the West was currently trying to undermine those proposals

AI-based robotics to trigger new round of arms race — Russia’s intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin noted that, in the context of intensifying global competition, industrialized countries view science and technology as key factors in maintaining economic and military superiority

Trump reveals his favorite word

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

US, Israel agree to exert maximum pressure on Iran — mission to UN

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and Israeli President Isaac Herzog pledged to work together to "combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias at the United Nations"

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

Two persons were wounded, including a woman

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

Demonization of Russia deprives OSCE security forum of future — envoy to Vienna

Yulia Zhdanova called for cleansing the event "of propaganda husks and focusing its work on truly important issues of military-political security in the interests of all 57 OSCE participating states without exception"

Cuba condemns US’ seizure of oil tanker in Caribbean as piracy — president

Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed his "full support for the Venezuelan government"

Ukraine launches major drone attack on Moscow overnight

Due to security concerns, all Moscow airports were closed to aircraft landings and departures overnight

Humans come in seventh on mammal monogamy scale, study reveals

To compile the ranking, British evolutionary anthropologist Mark Dyble used archaeological and ethnographic data from more than 100 human populations

Court to begin questioning defendants in terrorist attack in Crocus case on December 15

According to the lawyer, on Wednesday, December 10, the state prosecution finished presenting its evidence in court

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

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

Kazakhstan to increase oil supplies to China, Russia, via Caspian Sea amid attack on CPC

The total volume expected to exceed 350,000 tons

Analysts maintain this year’s average key rate outlook

The average key rate is projected at 14.1% in 2026

Russia 'not wasting time' trying to predict when Ukraine conflict may end — Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that Russia has clear objectives and will work toward them, regardless of any predictions about when the conflict may conclude

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

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

Ukraine submits response to US peace plan — reporter

Ukrainian and American officials told Axios correspondent about this

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

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

Rosgvardia troops down some 700 enemy drones in Central Russia

The press service added that Rosgvardia officers are also responsible for protecting highly important and sensitive facilities, as well as the property of individuals and legal entities

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

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

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

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"

US Federal Reserve cuts rate to 3.5-3.75% per annum

The results of the next US regulator's rate meeting will be published on January 28, 2026

Ukrainian ambassador summoned to Israeli MFA for criticizing PM's remarks about Putin

According to the report, Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Director General Yuval Fuchs told the Ukrainian ambassador that his statements were "completely unacceptable" and "violated diplomatic protocol"

Thailand-Cambodia clashes leave 190 casualties with nine Thai soldiers killed

Thailand’s Defense Ministry said roughly 200,000 civilians have been forced to flee their homes amid the fighting

Latvia to decide on dismantling of railway tracks to Russia by year end

Chief of Defense Kaspar Pudans said the decision will be made in coordination with neighboring countries, "so that the approaches are similar"

Russian security official thanks Laos for assisting in rehabilitation of Russian soldiers

Sergey Shoigu assured that Russia will continue to support Laos

Czech parliament committee supports US efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine — agency

According to the agency, the committee adopted a resolution that praises Trump’s initiative, while noting the need to preserve Ukraine's statehood

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"

Kiev keeps a mere 25% of Seversk in Donbass region under its fire control — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian fighters have expanded control of ground in central Seversk

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

UK admits sending paratroopers to Ukraine — agency

This fact became officially known only after a British soldier was killed in an accident at a Ukrainian training ground, noted Press Association