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Iranian authorities consider partnership with SCO countries republic's long-term strategy

First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said that Tehran advocates for "deepening trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation" with its SCO partners

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Iran considers partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states its long-term strategy and supports deepening relations in various areas, the Islamic Republic's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said during a meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council in Moscow.

"We would like to emphasize once again that Iran’s cooperation with the SCO countries is a long-term strategy aimed at creating a powerful region by strengthening the national sovereignty [of states], establishing transport communications, [simplifying] trade, raising the level of energy security, developing technologies, and creating new financial structures," he said.

Tehran advocates for "deepening trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation" with its SCO partners, the official added.

Witkoff calls Russia-US consultations on Ukraine ‘productive, constructive’

Moscow highly values Washington's efforts to settle the conflict and strengthen global security, he added

PREVIEW: Putin to continue two-day informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg

While the first day of the summit was filled with protocol events, the second day is devoted more to informal communication

Europe should consider Putin's words on placing Oreshnik missile on combat duty — expert

Military-Political Analysis Bureau head Alexander Mikhailov emphasized that the tactical and technical characteristics of the Oreshnik missile allow the Russian army to launch a strike targeting any spot in Europe

Battlegroup South destroy five Ukrainian land robots over day

Drone system troops also destroyed six communication aerials and five land robotic systems

Participation in EAEU brings serious dividends to its participants — Putin

However, the Russian leader said that "every state should carefully look at all aspects related" to the joint work of the EAEU countries

US Representative Luna says not supporting money allocation to Kiev

Anna Paulina Luna stressed that she "never voted for a single dollar to go to Ukraine"

Moon not interfering with star fall observation in longest night of 2025

About 10 meteors per hour are expected, the press service of the Moscow Planetarium said

Introduction of visas for Russians will have severe impact on Montenegro's economy — MFA

The diplomat clarified that this "painful effect" is due to the priority Montenegro's tourism sector places on the country's budget

IN BRIEF: Resuming nuclear tests, NATO threat: what Russia's military chief of staff said

The North Atlantic Alliance, under the pretext of a so-called Russian military threat, has "significantly increased" its military presence near Russia’s borders

Ukraine’s losses in Kursk Region largest in three years — security forces

Earlier, hackers broke into the databases of the General Staff of the Ukrainian army and according to their information, the losses are estimated at more than 1.7 million people killed, seriously injured and missing

Putin, Yanukovich agree to exchange state visits

Russian President suggested discussing several areas of cooperation, including in the military sphere

Dmitriev calls for acknowledging existence of warmonger campaigns in Western media

UK/EU politicians push the "let’s go to war with Russia"—covering up migration blunders/cashing in on weapons sales via "friendly" contractors, noted Dmitriev

Russian citizen wins Just Dance competition at Games of Future

Ivan Vlasov previously won the Games of the Future in Kazan, making him one of the main favorites at the tournament in the UAE

Greece joined EU initiative to buy US weapons for Ukraine — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to Yury Pilipson, there is no doubt about involvement of ‘senior comrades’ in Greece's accession to the announced initiative

INTERVIEW: Russia says relations with Slovenia fall to lowest level in history

Political dialogue has been frozen, diplomatic contacts have been reduced to a minimum, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties are gradually deteriorating, said Yury Pilipson

The Wire actor dies at 36

Law enforcement officers filed a report on the death of a person, finding no signs of foul play

Trump says Zelensky not ready for peace

"He can come back when he is ready for peace," the US president said

Defense Ministry stops buying Kalashnikov AK-47 submachine guns

The weapon does not meet the Ministry’s needs, General Staff Chief Gen. Nikolai Makarov said

US Air Force fighter jet intercepts aircraft for approaching Trump's residence

F‑16 intercepted an aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Palm Beach, NORAD reported

Dmitriev arrives at negotiating platform on Ukraine in Miami

The day before Dmitriev told Russian journalists that the talks were constructive

Crush stone production complex in Norilsk due in 2027

The facility will process basalt ore from the Dvugorbaya Mountain deposit

Dmitriev goes to second day of negotiations with United States with positive attitude

Dmitriev, accompanied by security guards, got into a car and went to the meeting area

US National Intelligence confident Russia not planning to control entire Ukraine

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called such information about Russia's plans "a lie and propaganda"

India ready to step up work on trade agreement with EAEU — Putin

The first round of consultations on the text of the agreements was held a month ago, noted Russian President

Share of settlements in national currencies within EAEU at 93% — Putin

The president also said that the association had implemented a 5-year strategy for Eurasian economic integration

US department confirms detention of tanker near Venezuelan coast

"The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil," the Head of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said

Negotiations on Ukraine in Miami constructive, Dmitriev says

Talks on the settlement in Ukraine will continue in Miami on Saturday and Sunday local time, the Russian envoy continued

Putin goes to St. Petersburg for informal CIS summit

The head of state will also have bilateral meetings with leaders of certain countries

Battlegroup East destroyed five drone control centers over night

The adversary lost six Starlink satellite communication terminals

Continuation of Ukraine conflict beneficial to politicians, arms dealers, bankers — Orban

Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that Europeans deserve better, because Europe needs peace

Putin thanks Lukashenko for his high assessment of Russian-Belarusian relations

The president also said that he was very glad to see Lukashenko

Lavrov calls Kallas’ words about EU aid to Armenia 'confession'

The Russian foreign minister recalled, as an example, that in the case with Moldova, there was "blatant EU interference in the parliamentary elections"

Deep State wants military conflict between the US and Russia, Gabbard says

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said that every time Donald Trump makes progress and moves closer and closer to that hope for peace, the warmongers in the deep state step up and try to do everything they can to stop it

Deep State attempts to provoke third world war — Dmitriev

Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that "US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is great for exposing the deep-state warmonger machinery trying to incite WW3 by fueling anti-Russian paranoia across the UK and EU"

Putin baffled by NATO Secretary General Rutte's war-with-Russia talk

The Russian president advised that Mark Rutte read the national security strategy of the United States, which is a key player, creator and main sponsor of NATO

G7 countries urge holding election in Donbass

According to the final declaration of G7 summit, the alection is to be held as soon as possible

US, Ukraine discuss sequence of next steps during consultations — Witkoff

According to the Special Representative of the US president, the parties, in particular, held "a separate constructive meeting"

Russia interested in intensifying development of ties with EAEU nations — Putin

Putin is sure that all the colleagues share this attitude

Federal Passenger Company trains carry 39 M passengers in summer 2012

The greatest number of passengers – 458,100 – travelled on Federal Passenger Company trains on August 17

Kiev’s attempting to disrupt peace talks with drone attacks on ships in Black Sea — MFA

Commenting on Turkey's resolute statement to Ukrainian security services regarding the unacceptability of attacks on vessels in the Black Sea, the diplomat noted that Ankara attaches great importance to ensuring the security of civilian shipping as such

Russia says fakes about contacts with S. Korea aim to sow distrust between it, North Korea

These information fakes have no basis in fact, noted Maria Zakharova

Lawsuit against Euroclear filed in time — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that it is difficult for her to comment on specific arguments prevailing among EU member-countries that did not approve the confiscation of Russian assets

Kiev invents new scheme to steal Western taxpayers’ money — Russian intel agency

According to the SVR, the supplies will be financed by Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, and the UK

Two Opposition activists detained in Kiev

Criminal cases against the detainees were opened under Article 296, Part 3 of Ukraine's Criminal Code ("hooliganism")

Russian defense technologies unmatched by Western military-industrial complex — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that established industrial production would make it possible to make tens and even hundreds of items per year to provide strategic coverage for all critical areas and facilities in the Russian border regions

Russia and US can implement many mutually beneficial projects — Kremlin

But this should not be tied to the settlement in Ukraine, despite Washington's desire to consider these topics in a single package, noted Dmitry Peskov

Accused policeman wounded by blast in Ingushetia

A homemade bomb exploded in the yard of his house in Ingushetia

Press review: EU leaders clash over Ukraine and Trump approves Taiwan arms sale as test

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 19th

Warmongers fail to interfere with talks between Russia, US on Ukraine in Miami — Dmitriev

The day before, Dmitriev told Russian journalists the talks were constructive

Putin satisfied with work of Medvedev government

It is an enormous responsibility, a colossal experience, and I am sure Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev will use it at his new post

Captain of the sunken Russian ship arrested in Japan has not faced charges as of yet

Captain of the Russian "Tanya Karpinskaya" freighter Alexander Zaika, who was arrested in Japan on Thursday, has not faced official charges yet

US in pursuit of third tanker off coast of Venezuela — Bloomberg

The reason is Donald Trump's tightening of the oil blockade against the government of Nicolas Maduro, noted Bloomberg

Lukashenko invites Tajikistan to privatise Baranovichi-based cotton plant

"Belarus is interested in this cooperation, which has no political pre-conditions," said Belarusian President

EAEU prepares agreement with Uzbekistan on exchange of information on goods — Putin

This is a completely natural step, because all the EAEU states maintain the closest good-neighborly relations and intensive trade and economic contacts with their Uzbek friends, said Vladimir Putin

Russian intel chief reveals recent extended call with MI6 director

Sergey Naryshkin said the phone conversation was held "just a few days ago"

Ukraine in top 3 of world’s child porn suppliers, Prosecutor General says

According to the official, in 2020 and 2021, the police revealed about 300 facts of child porn dissemination

London court may hold hearings on Ukraine’s debt to Russia this spring

Russia was forced to take the case to the international court in London because Ukraine breached the debt payment deadline

RF, NATO inspectors to make TOS observation flights

Subsequently, the possibility is contemplated to spread the open-skies regime over to new areas of cooperation, such as environmental protection

Putin has no events scheduled for holidays, but some may take place — Kremlin

The president always has things on his agenda, said Dmitry Peskov

Kiev counterattacks near Krasnoarmeysk, trying to slow Russian advance — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk on December 1

Macron betrays Merz on expropriation of frozen Russian assets — FT

"He knows that there will be a price to pay for that", also said a senior EU diplomat

Russian, Turkish PMs discuss bilateral energy cooperation

Medvedev and Yildirim agreed to invigorate joint work on major energy projects, including the construction of the Akkuyu NPP and Turkish Stream gas pipeline

Currency exchange office cashier escapes with 24 mln rbls

The grand fraud was committed at the currency exchange office located in Prospekt Mira (Avenue), 70

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

Maduro condemns attacks on tankers carrying Venezuelan oil

He noted that the Venezuelan people and all social strata of society remain steadfast in defending peace and national stability

Medvedev approves list of precious rare animals, birds and fish put on Red Book

Including Altai big horn, Amur tiger, leopard, snow leopard, Polar bear and big birds of prey - saker falcon, golden eagle, gerfalcon and sapsan

Russian envoy: NATO has long history of hybrid operations

Russian ambassador to NATO dismissed the alliance's accusations of Russia inventing a new kind of military operation and applying it in Ukraine

Contact Group on Ukraine to hold meeting in Minsk on May 6 — Donetsk envoy

This information was also confirmed by Luhansk People’s Republic Envoy Vladislav Deinego

Putin sends major message to West by his statement on Ukraine — portal

L’AntiDiplomatico also recalled that during his year-end press conference, the Russian leader noted that US President Donald Trump "is making serious efforts" to end the Ukrainian crisis and is doing this "absolutely sincerely"

NATO plans confrontation with Russia by 2030 — top defense official

"We are not the ones making threats; we are the ones being threatened," Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stressed

Russia has understanding regarding direction of movement for NIS company matters

The Russian President said the dialogue is underway with Serbia

Former Yukos co-owner accused of grand theft goes on trial

Dubov is on the Interpol wanted list at present. Some reports said he lives in Israel

Europe will sooner or later have to repay what it steals from Russian assets — Putin

The EU and G7 countries froze approximately 300 billion euros in Russian assets

Putin sees EU's Russian asset grab as daylight 'robbery'

The Russian leader emphasized that the European Union is trying to do it overtly

Leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan receive this year’s Leo Tolstoy Award

Valery Gergiev, general director of the Bolshoi Theatre and artistic and general director of the Mariinsky Theatre, presented the medal and diploma to the presidents

Putin’s words about Europe echo position of Trump with his supporters — Die Welt

This position will significantly complicate the already tense relations between European elites and the Trump administration

Integration into EAEU should be based on development declaration until 2045 — Putin

The head of state also mentioned a draft decree on further steps to form a common financial market in the Eurasian Economic Union

Russia is capable of building orbital station on its own, deputy prime minister says

According to Yuri Borisov, the new Russian space station could be located higher than the International Space Station and this meant that it would be high orbital

More than 553,000 Russians notify authorities of double citizenship or residence permit

Failure to meet the deadline to file double citizenship notification is punishable with a fine of 500 to 1,000 roubles (12 to 25 US dollars)

Putin says 3I/ATLAS comet poses no threat to Earth, it can be 'sent to Jupiter' anytime

According to the president, Russian scientists keep this issue under control and "are well aware of ongoing developments regarding this comet"

WSJ names five key obstacles to peace between Russia, Ukraine

These include territorial issues, Ukraine's accession to NATO, the size of the Ukrainian armed forces, the status of the Russian language, and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Ukraine must be prepared for continuation of conflict in 2026 — US envoy to NATO

The reason is that a peace agreement may not yet be concluded by the end of this year, said US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker

Russia to think about peace plan proposals based on contacts in Miami — Kremlin aide

Ushakov added that, most likely, the bulk of the peace plan proposals would not suit Russia

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer barred from her local pub due to tax hikes — newspaper

Minister will only be able to return to the pub after taxes are cut, noted the owner of the Marsh Inn, Martin Knowles

Russia's Gazprom increases gas supply to Donbas on request of Ukraine's Naftogaz — Gazprom

Merz finds himself in isolation in Europe due to position on Russian assets — newspaper

German Chancellor attempted till the last "to praise advantages of the de facto expropriation of Russian assets, downplaying risks at the same time," the newspaper said

Russia to adhere to Alaska agreements in all versions of Trump’s plan — Kremlin aide

The Kremlin representative said Russia would work out its position from which it would go further, including with the Americans

Thailand doesn’t rule out possibility of a ceasefire in conflict zone with Cambodia

A special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers was initiated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and will be held on December 22 in Kuala Lumpur

Russia-Africa ministerial meeting joint statement adopted unanimously — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the statement lays bare the countries’ principled approaches to the key issues of international development

Longest night of year coming to Northern Hemisphere — Planetarium

It will last for seventeen hours

Economy, special op, taxes most popular topics on social media following Putin’s Q&A

Since the start of the event at noon Friday and until 10:00 p.m. Moscow time, approximately 1.5 million messages about it were posted on social media, a research by Russia’s Medialogia automated real-time media monitoring and analysis system says

Ukrainian journalists say took pictures of Mindich in Israel

The details are promised to be released later

Nicaragua thanks Russia for wheat relief supplies

“We confirm the high quality of Russian wheat to other countries in Central America and the whole world,” Solorzano noted

Georgian president calls EU decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine bluff

"Ukraine has simply been sold out," Mikhail Kavelashvili said

Possible pause in Russian airstrikes thwarts Kiev's plans to avoid elections — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that Russia is prepared to act for peace, and this is one of the main messages today

Russia’s offensive in Zaporozhye forces Kiev to expand evacuation zone

The reason behind this decision is an increase in the operational range of Russian drones, the source said

Three Ukrainian drones downed in Russian regions

Two of them were destroyed over the territory of the Volgograd Region

Putin to have no quiet schedule in January — Kremlin

The Russian leader works on holidays every year, however, not all of Putin's meetings during this period are public, noted Dmitry Peskov

EAEU establishes itself as self-sufficient center of multipolar world — Putin

The Russian leader noted the expansion of mutual trade exchanges and the deepening of cooperative ties between the members of the union

USC signs contract with Defense Ministry on building Lada submarines — Puchkov

USC Director General noted that, to achieve these ambitious goals, the corporation would continue its consistent work on modernizing and technologically developing the corporation’s enterprises

Blast that killed teenager in Moscow Region caused by mishandling of explosive object

An investigation is underway