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US plans more meetings with Russia than before Alaska summit — WSJ

According to it, the US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instead of special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff

NEW YORK, October 19. /TASS/. Washington plans to hold more preliminary meetings with Russia at a low level than during the preparation of the summit in Alaska, hoping to lay the foundation for an agreement, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.

According to it, the US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instead of special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.

On October 16, Putin and Trump had their eighth telephone talk since the beginning of the year. After the 2.5 hour-conversation Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said that Moscow and Washington would immediately begin preparing a new meeting of the leaders, which could take place in Budapest. According to him, the Hungarian capital was proposed by the American leader, and the Russian president supported the idea. Later, Trump said that the meeting could take place within two weeks. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ordered the creation of an organizing committee to prepare for the summit, specifying that this work "began on Thursday evening.".

West seeking Zaluzhny’s possible return for a ceasefire with Russia — Dotcom

Starting from a year prior to current election planning, many political analysts identified Valery Zaluzhny as the main rival to Vladimir Zelensky in future elections

Russian troops repel Ukrainian counterattack in Zaporozhye Region — defense source

The Ukrainian military suffered heavy casualties, losing at least a tank, three armored combat vehicles, a pickup truck and a considerable number of its personnel

Europe’s so-called ‘War Party’ ready to go to full extent — Lavrov

Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say

Trump confirms US strike on target presumably on Venezuela’s territory

US President gave no further details and did not elaborate on the exact location of the targeted site

Trump says US ready for dialogue with Iran but could also use force

US President pointed out that "Iran may be behaving badly," but added that it had not been confirmed

EU, NATO prepare for armed confrontation with Russia — diplomat

"All necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the Russian Federation's defense capability and security are 100% guaranteed under any circumstances," Alexander Grushko stated

Kiev to face retaliation for terrorist actions, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Vladimir Zelensky "is trying to accuse Russia of lying, and claim that nothing like that happened"

Gold price falls below $4,400 per troy ounce, first time since December 22

By 5:45 PM Moscow time, the price of gold had slowed to $4,391.8 per troy ounce

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland goes against Somali’s sovereignty — Russian mission

"We understand the justified reaction the move caused from the Somali government, the leadership of the African Union, the countries of the region, and the nations of the Arab-Muslim world," Dina Gilmutdinova noted

Belorusneft lifted 2 mln tons of oil first time in 30 years

The record was registered by the Center of Integrated Operations of Rechitsaneft Oil and Gas Production Division

Kremlin agrees with Trump's assessment that peace in Ukraine is much closer

Dmitry Peskov did not specify which version of the peace plan is currently being agreed upon

Regulator notes interest of payment market players in introduction of innovative solutions

According to Director of the National Payment System Department at the Bank of Russia Alla Bakina, the main reason motivating market participants to innovate is competition for customers

Putin appoints Dmitry Polyansky permanent representative to OSCE in Vienna

Another decree relieves Alexander Lukashevich of his duties

Russia’s response to any attack to be 'devastating', worth repeating it — top diplomat

Earlier, the Russian head of state warned that any strikes deep inside Russia with long-range Western-made weapons would be met with a "crushing response"

Some politicians in Washington unwilling to pursue settlement in Ukraine — congresswoman

Anna Paulina Luna said that a lot of them have an invested interest into some of the defense contractors

Kiev stages provocations once talks enter decisive phase — senior Russian diplomat

This is becoming a routine practice, Alexander Grushko said

France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

Share of cashless payments in Russia to exceed 90% by 2030 — Central Bank

The number of transactions using bank cards slipped by 3% in Q3 2025

Number of AWOL cases in Ukrainian army nearing 400,000 — lawmaker

Anna Skorokhod did not specify however which time period these figures refer to

Putin, Trump to hold new phone talk 'very soon' — Kremlin

Donald Trump earlier welcomed Vladimir Zelensky to his Mar-a-Lago residence near West Palm Beach, Florida

Poll shows not-so-favorable view of Trump among citizens of France, Germany, UK

The survey data indicated that Trump enjoys the greatest support from right-wing populist parties in Europe

Next meeting between Trump and Zelensky expected in January — Umerov

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said that the talks are planned to be held in Washington

CUST ready to introduce integrated air defense system in Russian regions

The Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies is prepared to provide a training system for the personnel working at control posts, engaged in IT programs, and mobile air defense teams, as well as for those involved in maintenance

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 77.45 rubles for December 30

The official euro rate was increased by 27 kopecks to 91.4775 rubles

Top Chinese diplomat points to stronger relations with Russia

Wang Yi added that "communication between the two countries’ leaders in this historic year highlights the essence of comprehensive strategic partnership and strategic mutual trust and support"

Kiev attacked Russian president’s residence by long-range drones — Kremlin aide

The attack against the state residence of the Russian leader took place actually right after talks between the US and Ukraine in Mar-a-Lago, Yury Ushakov noted

Impact of higher import tariffs on global economy weaker than expected — Bank of Russia

Uncertainty related to escalating trade frictions remains high, and the risk of a deterioration in the global economic situation persists

FACTBOX: What is known about meeting on special op with Putin

Russian President instructed to continue fulfilling special operation’s objectives in accordance with the General Staff’s plans

US expert slams European statements about Russian threat as 'dangerous nonsense'

Commenting on Sunday's meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky, the American political scientist noted that Trump had said little about the Europeans except for praising their leaders and stating that they would have to take primary responsibility for security guarantees

Russian troops advance in Krasny Liman — Chief of General Staff

The liberation of the settlements of Bogoslavka and Dibrova was completed today

Trump’s reaction to attack on Putin’s residence and contacts with Kiev: Putin-Trump call

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the US-Ukrainian talks in Florida and agreed to continue their dialogue in the future "in quite a friendly fashion"

UAE denounces Kiev’s ‘deplorable attack’ on Russian president’s residence

The Emirati Foreign Ministry affirmed solidarity with the Russian president, as well as with the country’s government and people

Venezuelan air force destroys dozens of drug traffickers’ planes in 2025 — president

Nicolas Maduro stressed that as many as such 430 planes had been destroyed since the adoption of a law to combat drug trafficking

Trump says Hamas to pay high price if it fails to disarm

"They're going to be given a very short period of time to disarm", US President said

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian units in northwest of Kupyansk — Defense Ministry

Offensive actions are underway

Starlink being used to destabilize governments — diplomat

The diplomat cited as examples Iran and Venezuela, where thousands of Starlink terminals were imported to coordinate protests and spread disinformation

Working groups, unresolved territorial issues: results of Trump-Zelensky meeting

The US president said that the territorial issue is one of the remaining unresolved issues in the negotiations to settle the conflict in Ukraine

Gas companies of Russia, Lithuania ink transit agreement

The natural gas transport volume stipulated in the agreement totals 10.5 mln cubic meters per day

No agreement reached at talks with Trump on ZNPP, territories — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky said these are two outstanding issues from the 20-point document

Americans not sold that US should be involved in Ukraine peace, poll reveals

As the survey shows, 41% of respondents believe the US should remain involved in the Ukraine negotiation process, while 39% favor Washington's withdrawa

American expert expresses his frustration with Trump-Zelensky talks

Retired diplomat and former advisor to the US-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission James Carden opined that negotiations in Miami offered vague promises

President Milei says sovereignty over Falklands 'non-negotiable' issue for Argentina

The Argentinian president also stressed that he wants "to improve trade" with the United Kingdom

Gold prices down 2% on Comex

Silver futures with the settlement in next March lost 6.04% to $72.53 per Troy ounce at the same time

Russian stock indices decline as trading on Moscow Exchange closes

The yuan rate rose 6.5 kopecks to 11.101 rubles

Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence is ‘slap’ in Trump’s face — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists earlier in the day that overnight to December 29 the Kiev regime had attempted a terrorist attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region with the use of 91 long-range combat drones

Russian Railways Board approves 2026 investment program

The bulk of funds will be spent to maintain fixed assets of the company and assure transportation safety

Zelensky’s regime not ready to engage in constructive talks — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that Kiev's regime terrorizes civilians by targeting civilian infrastructure

Russian troops liberate Dibrova community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,360 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Saudi-led coalition conducts strike on vessels carrying military cargo from UAE

The coalition’s spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said that vessels’ crews had disabled tracking systems and unloaded a lot of weapons and military hardware meant for the Southern Transitional Council

Russia’s Battlegroup East advancing towards Zaporozhye city — Putin

In December, Russia’s Battlegroup East liberated over 200 sq. km of territory and 10 settlements, including the town of Gulyaipole

Three 22-year-olds become billionaires in 2025, youngest ever to reach mark — Forbes

The net worth of these three young entrepreneurs is estimated at $2.2 billion

Russia able to cover domestic needs, export lithium products — minister

Booked reserves in Russia amount to 3.5 mln metric tons of lithium oxide

Russia should not limit response to Kiev’s attack on state residence to diplomacy — expert

Political scientist Dimitri Simes pointed out that both Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov had reiterated that "Russia remains ready for talks"

Medvedev slams Zelensky ‘pathological liar, freeloader’

Security Council Deputy Chairman also noticed that Zelensky made US President Donald Trump sick of himself

European contingents in Ukraine to be legitimate targets for Russian forces — Lavrov

In mid-December, leaders of major European countries issued a statement saying that security guarantees for Kiev should include the creation of European-led multinational forces for Ukraine

Trump says he understands Putin who questions need of ceasefire for Ukraine referendum

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov revealed that in the phone call the two presidents "generally shared the view that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans would only prolong the conflict"

Russia’s battlefield advances compel Zelensky to be more cooperative — opinion

Journalist John Sparks noted that Vladimir Zelensky never mentioned the possibility of a referendum before

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

UAV attack on Putin's residence undermines US peacekeeping efforts — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky also expressed confidence that Russia's retaliatory measures "will inevitably follow," including a change in its negotiating position

Russia launches satellite into orbit for UAE — Sputnix Group

Sputnix representatives also reported that the launch of the carrier rocket from the Vostochny spaceport successfully expanded the SITRO-AIS constellation

Russian forces penetrate Ukraine’s defenses along entire frontline — Putin

"Ukrainian troops are retreating everywhere, along the entire combat engagement line," the Russian leader noted

LazerBuzz laser system hits FPV drone at 1 km range

According to LazerBuzz representatives, during testing, the system completely damaged the battery and other components of an FPV drone

Ukraine included in list of countries to receive US aid through UN in 2026

According to the UN agency, the list consists of 16 countries, including Syria, Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Ethiopia

Putin addresses soldiers on battlefield directly from Kremlin to thank them

The President highlighted that Russian soldiers, liberating Donbass, demonstrate courage and heroism every day, risking their lives

US strike on alleged drug vessel in Pacific Ocean kills two people

The strike was carried out by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear at the direction of Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth

Trump warns about potential strikes on Iran if it tries to revive its nuclear program

However, according to US President, he would prefer a diplomatic solution

Rosatom supplied fuel for starting charge of reactor at Kudankulam plant

The second stage of the Kudankulam NPP will be the history’s first power generating units VVER-1000 that will be launched with the 18-month cycle

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia dies at 79

She was handed long prison terms on corruption charges in 2018 but was released in August 2024 following anti-government protests that resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Ukraine peace talks still far from end stages, Tusk says

The Polish prime minister said a peace deal on Russia’s terms would equate to "the defeat of the West and Ukraine in the confrontation"

Netanyahu to try to persuade Trump to deliver another strike on Iran — WP

According to the report, Benjamin Netanyahu continues to view Iran as a regional threat to Israel’s interests

Russian diplomat blames West for erosion of conventional arms control in Europe

Yulia Zhdanova pointed out that after the Cold War ended, the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty has served as an instrument of stability and security

Russian Railways to allocate $1.5 bln for high-speed rail construction in 2026

The approximately 700-kilometer-long railway will pass through six regions of the country, home to 30 million people

Kiev’s drones attacked Kremlin at night, Putin unharmed — presidential press service

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that on Wednesday Putin is working in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, where he met with Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin

Ukraine faces demographic crisis if those who left country do not return — sociologist

Only about a third of Ukrainians who have left the country are ready to return home after the end of hostilities

Ukrainian revanchists may plan terrorist attacks once peace is reached — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that such groups are quite numerous in Ukraine

IN BRIEF: What’s known about Kiev's attempt to attack Putin’s residence in Novgorod Region

According to Sergey Lavrov, Moscow will not leave Kiev's attack unanswered

Ukraine takes part in NATO Article 5 response drills for first time ever

Around 1,500 civil and military specialists took part in maneuvers all over Europe

Ukrainians may support withdrawal of Ukrainian army from Donbass in referendum — pollster

Head of the Ukrainian sociological group Rating Alexey Antipovich confirmed that people in the western regions of Ukraine are less willing to support territorial concessions than those in the eastern regions

Trump’s treatment of Zelensky points to fragility of US-Ukrainian relations — newspaper

The paper notes that Putin "was welcomed to the United States in August with full ceremony, Mr Trump waiting for him at the end of a red carpet in Alaska"

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates efforts by Trump

Zelensky will have to hide for rest of life, Medvedev predicts

"The stinking Kiev bastard is trying to derail the settlement of the conflict", Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Zelensky asserts US to formalize security guarantees for Kiev in Congress

Vladimir Zelensky said that bilateral agreements with Europeans from the 'Coalition of the Willing' will subsequently be ratified by European parliaments to ensure that these agreements are legally binding

Russia to begin industrial lithium production by 2030 — ministry

According to Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov, the first stage of the mining and processing complex at the Kolmozerskoye deposit is expected to be launched in 2028

Attack on Putin’s residence marks major step towards Kiev’s collapse — expert

"The Kiev regime is betting on another round of escalation", Vadim Gigin, a member of the Belarusian lower house of parliament, said

Putin talked with US representatives 17 times this year — Kremlin aide

"This includes his visit to Alaska, 10 telephone conversations with Donald Trump, and six meetings with his special envoys," Yury Ushakov said

Russia has plan in place in case frozen assets are seized — Novak

It will be implemented if such cases arise, the Russian deputy prime minister added

EU’s decision on loan to Ukraine deals major blow to Zelensky, allies — newspaper

From a technical standpoint, this is a relief, but politically it is a defeat for Zelensky and his European allies, who promised to make Moscow pay, but in reality, settled for a compromise

Russia needs communications systems resistant to EW — expert

According to Andrey Bezrukov, the key development trend and the main solution for combating electronic warfare systems is drones’ complete autonomy, their own onboard intelligence

Profits of leading German companies down 15% in 2025 — DPA

Profits of German majors is falling for the third year in a row

Putin orders to expand security belt on border with Ukraine in 2026

"This is a very important task," the Russian president said

Russian diplomat calls attack on president’s residence 'unprecedented'

Nevertheless, in Maria Zakharova's words, the US President Donald Trump's administration "has embarked on this course and is pursuing it on many tracks"

Moscow raises the issue of speedy release of 11 Russians detained in Baku — MFA

The parties also summed up the results of bilateral cooperation in the past year

Press review: Florida talks ease Ukraine conflict and Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire at risk

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 29th

Collapse of plans by Kiev, Europe key outcome of Trump-Zelensky meeting — media

According to the analysts, the eventual terms of a peace agreement could prove even less favorable for Kiev, as US proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine may no longer apply by that time

Russia calls up 135,000 conscripts for military service in autumn draft

As in the previous army drafts, Russian conscripts had the right to choose military service in various military branches and armed services, considering their health condition and the results of professional psychological selection

High voltage line restarts after repair at Zaporozhye nuclear plant

The repair of the Ferrosplavnaya-1 high voltage power line damaged as a result of the Ukrainian army’s attack was performed with attending inspectors of IAEA, the plant informed

Trump recalls that he personally blocked Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine

US President commented on Ukraine’s attempted attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence

Germany’s defense exports to Ukraine in 2025 fall more than 7-fold

During this period, the government approved contracts for supplies of German defense-industry products to Ukraine worth 1.14 bln euro

Departures, arrivals delayed in Sheremetyevo Airport

The reason of the delays is not reported

Russian troops establish control over southeastern part of Grishino

About a half of Novopavlovka settlement in the Dnepropetrovsk Region has been liberated, Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov noted

Working groups on Ukraine, cooperation prospects: details of Putin-Trump phone call

According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and prospects for cooperation between the two countries prior to Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Zelensky