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Middle East conflict

US intelligence believes that strike on Fordow may spur Iran’s nuclear ambitions

In their opinion, the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may also prompt Iran to make a nuclear weapon

NEW YORK, June 20. /TASS/. The US intelligence community believes that Tehran may start building a nuclear bomb if the United States strikes the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, The New York Times (NYT) reported citing sources.

In their opinion, the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may also prompt Iran to make a nuclear weapon. US intelligence believes that Tehran has not yet made the final decision on whether it should make a bomb, the report says.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday Washington administration believes that Iran has the ability to create nuclear weapons within "a couple of weeks" if its leadership makes such a decision.

Trump’s Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said in March that US intelligence agencies had found no evidence suggesting Iran was working to build a nuclear weapon. She added that Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei had not authorized a revival of the country’s nuclear weapons development program suspended in 2003. Gabbard said the US intelligence community is closely monitoring Iran's nuclear activities.

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United States Iran

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

Russian diplomat slams Europe for being blind to Ukrainian army’s atrocities

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukrainian militants don’t hide their hatred of the people who live in southeastern Ukraine and Donbass

Putin likes how Russian intelligence does its job, makes no comment on foreign ones

The Russian leader still described the CIA and Mossad as powerful intelligence agencies

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

Putin, Indian PM travel in same car from airport

The media describe such situations as "limousine diplomacy"

Putin says economic situation in Germany and France difficult

Vladimir Putin emphasized that the G7’s share in the global economy will continue to decline due to deeply flawed economic policies

US continues buying Russian nuclear fuel — Putin

The Russian leader noted that if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, then India should rightly have the same privilege

Seven more children reunite with families in Ukraine — Russian presidential commissioner

Maria Lvova-Belova thanked US First Lady Melania Trump for her continued commitment and participation in this work

Reports on Ukrainian military casualties demotivate people to enroll — expert

Boris Rozhin added that the Ukrainian army has been unable to gather a sufficient number of people who would voluntarily sign a youth contract

Kiev should have pursued settlement earlier — Trump

The US leader stressed that Ukraine "has no cards"

The Results of the Negotiations in Moscow: What the Parties Are Willing to Concede

Russian Foreign Ministry says meetings with US officials on Ukraine aimed at results

"They are aimed at results, not at an external effect," Maria Zakharova added

LPR could take up to 50 years to demine — military expert

Despite the serious and difficult situation, 100 years is too long for demining, noted Marochko

Long range, multirole capability make S-400 most powerful air defense system — Almaz-Antey

The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly reported that the S-400 system has been successfully used in repelling Ukrainian army strikes

Former top EU diplomat resigns as College of Europe rector — agency

Earlier, Stefano Sannino, a second suspect in the corruption case, stepped down as head of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf

Trump wants to see early end to conflict in Ukraine, Putin says

As the Russian leader pointed out, Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to minimize losses

Situation with Russian assets remains deadlocked due to conflicts among politicians in EU

According to European Politico edition reported, the proposal to allocate a so-called reparations loan to Ukraine became problematic after disagreements arose between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever

Meeting with Witkoff, Kushner, '4 package' US peace plan: Russian leader’s statements

According to Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump is sincerely trying to find a consensus solution to the Ukrainian problem, but that "is no easy feat"

Russian Government Bond Index up above 118 points first since November 24

The RGBI Index was up by 0.89% at 118.01 points, after which it extended gains slightly to 0.91% as it traded at 118.04 points

Donbass’ 30-50 km space mentioned by Rubio crucial to water supply — Ukraine’s former PM

Nikolay Azarov underscored the severity of the situation

Attacks on tankers in Black Sea reflect Kiev's terrorist nature — MFA

Maria Zakharova explained that these actions are driven by a segment of the Western minority, which has declared a reconfiguration of the current global order - particularly within the energy sector

Russian embassy rejects UK’s allegations of Moscow’s involvement in Salisbury incident

The Russian diplomatic mission stressed that "there still are no clear answers to the key questions related to the Skripal case"

Head of anti-Hamas group from southern Gaza dies in Israeli hospital — radio

The Popular Forces group mainly operates in the area of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip

Russian Pacific Fleet anti-submarine aircraft stage sub detection drills

As part of the maneuvers, the aircraft crews ran an algorithm for the simulated release of sonar buoys

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

Security should be guaranteed when using AI, Putin says

According to the Russian President, "the people who have these databases, in essence, they can use their capacities, the capacities of the developing technologies to shape the world view of people"

VTB expects oil production growth in Russia next year

According to VTB estimates, global oil consumption will reach 107.6 mln barrels daily by 2030 and climb above 110 mln barrels daily by 2035

Afghanistan takes steps to reduce drug trafficking — Putin

The Russian president added that Kabul is also making strides in combatting terrorism

US President Trump says Ukrainian conflict to be settled eventually

Donald Trump emphasized that his administration "is working very hard on it"

Population collapse gathering pace in Ukraine — agency

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

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 76.97 rubles for December 5

The official euro rate was lowered by 69 kopecks to 89.9011 rubles

Russia never cooperates against other countries — Putin

Vladimir Putin said that the American leader has his own policies and objectives, while Russia and India are engaged in solving their own

Swiss mercenary admits to violating Geneva Conventions in Ukraine

According to previously unpublished interrogation records obtained by the media, the mercenary said that many legal provisions discussed in textbooks and classrooms "cannot be applied" to the conflict in Ukraine

Russia’s relations with India develop actively in many areas, Putin says

Vladimir Putin emphasized that the progress India has made since it gained its independence is nothing short of staggering

Press review: Russia and US discuss peace plan as experts doubt US will invade Venezuela

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 3rd

Israeli army names Hezbollah arms depots as targets of new strikes on Lebanon

The presence of the weapons storage facilities constituted a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon

European diving champion swaps Ukrainian citizenship for Russian

Sofia Lyskun faced discrimination in Ukraine due to her communication with Russian-speaking athletes and coaches

Pentagon halts contact with Germany’s Defense Ministry — German general

German Lieutenant General Christian Freuding said that the Trump administration had not warned about the termination of deliveries of some armaments to Kiev

Europe has exhausted legal tricks on expropriation of Russian assets — FT

According to the publication, even allies of EC President Ursula von der Leyen have stated that she is essentially exceeding her authority by proposing to use emergency measures to push through 210 bln euros in loans to Ukraine

Russian diplomat points to growing fragmentation and politicization of int’l relations

According to the Russian Permanent Representative to the Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov, it was the result of ongoing attempts on behalf of certain Western countries "to aggressively impose their unilateral approaches"

Russian security official calls NATO Moscow’s enemy

And the enemy must be treated as such, said Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev

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

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 can't save himself by betraying his associates — Russian diplomat

"Yermak’s sudden resignation only proves that NABU has more than enough evidence on the Zelensky office chief’s corrupt actions," Rodion Miroshnik said

Chaos ensues at several Indian airports as over 200 flights canceled — TV

According to the channel, at least 191 of the affected flights served airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad

UK seeks to disrupt talks on Ukraine by imposing more sanctions — Russian Embassy

According to the statement, the release of a report on the outcome of a public inquiry into the death of British woman Dawn Sturgess in Amesbury "came at a time when Kiev’s situation is determining and the Ukrainian army is suffering failures on the battlefield"

Kiev negotiators, EU, Ukraine corruption scandals: Foreign Ministry statements

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova assumed that Ukraine and the EU are linked by "unified corruption chains," which largely explains the inaction of numerous international anti-corruption structures

Russian forces pound Ukrainian army’s transport, energy infrastructure over past 24 hours

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and five armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Both India, China are Russia's close friends, Putin says

The Russian president expressed confidence that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are committed to finding solutions to all intergovernmental issues, including the most sensitive ones

Modi personally greets Putin upon arrival in India

The Russian leader’s plane landed at the Indian Air Force base in Palam

Accepting Russia's conditions on Ukraine to benefit Washington itself — Iranian expert

Ruhollah Modabber also argued that normalizing relations between Russia and the United States would be advantageous for global stability

Russia actively shares defense technologies with India — Putin

The Russian President also added that, India is one of Russia's "reliable and especially trusting partners" in this area

Russia supports India in fight against terrorism — Putin

Vladimir Putin also stressed that freedom can be achieved only by legal means

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

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

Putin kicks off two-day India visit

The road leading to the airbase has been decorated with welcome posters reading "Welcome to India" and portraits of the Russian president

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic two times over past day

There was no reported information about casualties or damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure facilities

Countries wishing to host US missiles are likely targets — Russian MFA

According to Alexander Grushko, this situation is very dangerous, because Europe is moving down the path of the Cold War, when aggressive military planning is paired with aggressive policies

British Foreign Office summons Russian envoy following report on Amesbury incident

The Foreign Office said that the envoy had been summoned to answer questions about Moscow’s alleged "hostile activity against the UK"

Musk predicts Vance to be next US president

According to the Politico, he talked about this during a video conference on November 22 to the employees of the Department for Improving the Efficiency of the American government

Elements of US-drafted peace plan for Ukraine cover territory, sovereignty — NYT

One of the elements includes limits on the size of its army in the peacetime period and on the range of its missiles

Cocaine consumption in Europe sees sixfold increase over ten years — European Commission

European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner announced that the EC is launching a European anti-drug strategy

OSCE 'poisoned' by Ukraine issue, hence no progress in promising areas — Russian diplomat

Alexander Grushko added that Ukraine-centered approach distorted the Helsinki Principles and weakened the OSCE as a universal platform

Fewer than half of UN member states back anti-Russian UNGA resolution

Despite this, the document was adopted

Russia to take adequate measures in response to Denmark building factory for Ukraine — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, this step confirms the absolutely hostile militaristic course of Copenhagen

EU no longer key player in global politics, economics — top Hungarian diplomat

"By adopting pro-war, pro-migration, and pro-gender policies, Europe has simply isolated itself in world politics," Peter Szijjarto said

UK releases report into death of accidental victim of Salisbury incident

Former Justice of the British Supreme Court Anthony Hughes also found it necessary to look into the Skripal incident in Salisbury, claiming that Dawn Sturgess’ death could not be seen in isolation from it

West punishes countries that dare to pursue independent policies — Russian diplomat

Russian Permanent Representative to the Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov pointed out that certain Western countries widely use the notorious and harmful practice of introducing unilateral coercive measures

Resumption of economic ties between Russia, United States to benefit both sides — Putin

According to the Russian leader, there are numerous areas for that

If Russian assets are seized, retaliatory measures to 'surprise' EU — MFA

Maria Zakharova also criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s conduct, describing it as inappropriate and expressing concern over what she called the "inadequacy" of her actions

Moscow not against Kiev taking care of its security, but not at Russia's expense — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that there are general agreements to the effect that the security of one state cannot be guaranteed at the expense of the security of others

Russia's participation in G8 discussed with Witkoff — Putin

As the Russian leader pointed out, this topic "just came up on its own"

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

Russia’s T-90 tanks rank among best in world, Putin says

When asked when India could expect the deliveries of S-400 systems and Su-57 aircraft, President said: "India operates several other Russian-made aircraft too"

Putin, Modi begin informal talks in Delhi

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said, this discussion can be considered the key event of the trip, as such informal settings typically address the most important and sensitive issues

Putin says he’s not one to dwell on past, always acts with conviction

The Russian president said that it's more or less pointless to look back and say that he would have redone any thing

Melania Trump welcomes reunion of seven children with their families in Ukraine

In her opinion, efforts to establish ties have created an atmosphere of cooperation, "an anchor for optimism"

NATO has decided to disband NATO-Russia Council, says Sikorski

The decision was announced to the alliance's foreign ministers by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

Europe warns Kiev against making deal with Moscow without US security guarantees — WSJ

The message was delivered during a telephone call on December 1 between Vladimir Zelensky and European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the newspaper said

India to become global growth leader in coming decades, Kremlin official says

Maxim Oreshkin noted that India is one of the key drivers of the global economy today

Russian oil supplies to India going seamlessly — Putin

The head of state added that Russian energy companies view their Indian counterparts as reliable and very serious partners

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

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

Russia offers Ukraine troop withdrawal from Donbass, but Kiev chooses war — Putin

The president recalled that Russia had refrained from recognizing the Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic for eight years

Many US companies want to return to Russia — Putin

The Russian president noted that large US companies sent the letters reminding "about their existence"

G8 comprised leading economies, while G7 now in decline — senior Russian diplomat

Alexander Grushko emphasized that "the collective potential of BRICS is higher than that of the G7"

Putin says freedom must be fought for only by legal means

The Russian leader emphasized that any actions involving criminal methods or those harming people cannot be supported

Russia winning conflict in Ukraine, to dictate its terms — The Daily Telegraph

"No amount of indignant protests from EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas will change that brutal fact," British journalist Owen Matthews said in an article

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian special force group in Sumy Region

The enemy launched a counterattack using a special forces company from the 225th separate assault regiment near Alekseyevka, but it was unsuccessful

Ukraine planned missile strike on Shaman concert in Belgorod — Safe Internet League

The head of the Safe Internet League emphasized that both concerts were sold out, meaning over two thousand potential spectators could have been affected

India to pay $2 billion for lease of Russian nuclear submarine — Bloomberg

The parties are finalizing delivery of the vessel after roughly a decade of talks

US should not provide Kiev with security guarantees — US expert

According to senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington Doug Bandow, Ukraine "certainly is not worth war against a nuclear-armed power"

Geran-2 UAV upgraded version threat to Ukrainian fighters, helicopters — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the use of the new Geran-2 modification provides experience for more comprehensive testing of various scenarios for the S-70 Okhotnik unmanned attack drone

European Commission’s decision to blacklist Russia completely politicized

The European Commission made the decision earlier to include Russian into the list of countries with high risk

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"

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"

EU needs to draw up its own plan regarding Ukraine, says EU Commissioner Kubilius

The European Union "needs to be independent or at least be ready to be strong in geopolitical developments," Andrius Kubilius said

Ukraine’s army loses chance to get out of encirclement in Gulyaipole — expert

Sergey Yurchenko said that Russian troops are controlling all logistics routes leading to the city

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"

Revival of Soviet Union makes no sense — Putin

The president said that it would critically change the national and religious composition of the Russian Federation

Hungary ready to host peace talks on Ukraine — top diplomat

According to Peter Szijjarto, Budapest is ready to support any initiative that serves to achieve the restoration of peace on the European continent