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Germany’s far-right party questions wisdom of sending troops to Ukraine

The Alternative for Germany said that this would not guarantee peace, but may rather lead to a permanent escalation against Russia

BERLIN, August 19. /TASS/. Putting German boots on the ground in Ukraine would cause a protracted escalation against Russia, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party said in a statement on X.

"Even as [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz does not rule out sending German troops to Ukraine, this would not guarantee peace, but may rather lead to a permanent escalation against Russia," the AfD warned.

Earlier, Merz refused to comment on the idea of deploying German troops to Ukraine at a news conference following talks at the White House. He stressed that he would discuss this with the coalition in Berlin, including the issue of whether the Bundestag will have to make "decisions that require a mandate." However, the German head of government argued, "it is too early to give a final answer regarding this."

On August 18, US President Donald Trump held meetings with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky and EU leaders. Apart from Zelensky and Merz, the talks also involved French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Macron said the discussions focused on security guarantees for Ukraine.

After those talks, Trump called his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. In a 40-minute phone call, the US leader discussed holding a one-on-one between Putin and Zelensky to be followed by a trilateral meeting with Trump present. Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said that the Russian and US leaders supported the idea of holding additional direct meetings between Moscow and Kiev as they also considered elevating them to a higher level.

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Their main task is to blur and distort the pragmatic approaches that formed the basis of Trump's peace plan, Rodion Miroshnik noted

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

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

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

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

Kiev advancing unacceptable conditions to derail talks — Russian diplomat

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Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

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

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

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

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

AI is double-edged sword — Putin

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

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

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

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

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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

Zelensky admits no chance of Ukraine joining NATO

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

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

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

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"Europe is blinded by the desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," the Russian foreign minister said

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

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

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

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

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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

Putin to arrive in Turkmenistan on two-day visit

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Europeans present proposal on Ukrainian territorial concessions to Trump — Merz

The German Chancellor said the conversation was "constructive"

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

Central African Republic militants using drones against Russian instructors — advisor

The UAV threat currently persists, Dmitry Podolsky said

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West running out of resources to wage proxy war against Russia — Lavrov

"The majority advocates the militarization of European economies and preparations for a large-scale armed confrontation in Europe," the Russian foreign minister said

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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

Some Ukrainian figures set up child trafficking operation — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat called this topic excessively politicized

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The total volume expected to exceed 350,000 tons

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

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

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

Rosgvardia troops down some 700 enemy drones in Central Russia

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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"

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

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

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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

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

Sergey Shoigu assured that Russia will continue to support Laos

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

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

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

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

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

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US detains oil tanker off Venezuelan coast — media

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

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

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

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

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Ukraine submits response to US peace plan — reporter

Ukrainian and American officials told Axios correspondent about this

Russia’s Battlegroup East takes control of Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye Region — top brass

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Kazakhstan loses 480,000 tons of oil production due to CPC attack — ministry

Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov described the damage to the tanker's single-point mooring as minor

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

Two persons were wounded, including a woman

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

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Top Hungarian diplomat slams Kiev’s attacks on tankers as state-supported terrorism

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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

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

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

Ukraine launches major drone attack on Moscow overnight

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

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

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 ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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Bulgarian government resigns — PM

Rosen Zhelyazkov said that the government must "give in" to the demands of citizens

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

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

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"

Macron along with other EU leaders talks Ukrainian settlement with Trump

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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

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"

Lavrov talks security guarantees and negotiations with US at a roundtable with ambassadors

The ongoing Russia-US talks are aimed at finding a long-term solution to end the Ukraine conflict, the Russian foreign minister noted

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

Italian official says Brussels wants no end to already lost conflict in Ukraine

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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

Kiev lacks forces and resources to bolster defenses near Staritsa — expert

The Ukrainian armed forces are hastily bolstering their defenses in the Ternovaya-Staritsa area of the Kharkov Region amid intensified shelling of Ukrainian positions by the Russian Armed Forces

Russia moves forward with production of series of cancer vaccines

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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