{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Pakistani army maintains combat readiness due to risk of war with India — defense minister

Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan does not trust India "under any circumstances"

ISLAMABAD, November 20. /TASS/. Pakistan’s army maintains the highest level of combat readiness due to the risk of a full-scale war with India, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said.

"Pakistan cannot rule out the possibility of an all-out war with India due to New Delhi’s unpredictable strategy," the minister said in an interview with the local TV channel Samaa TV. "Our army is at maximum combat readiness."

The minister called for vigilance. "We are not ignoring India’s actions and do not trust it under any circumstances," Asif added.

Earlier, the defense minister stated that "any future Indian aggression would provoke a harsher response from Pakistan" than its reaction to India’s Sindoor military operation conducted in May.

Since India and Pakistan gained independence, three full-scale wars have broken out between the neighboring states – in 1947, 1965 and 1971.

Relations between India and Pakistan intensified again following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese national. New Delhi stated it had evidence of the involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence in the attack. During the night of May 7, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, striking targets in Pakistan and the part of Kashmir under its control where terrorists were based. Pakistan carried out retaliatory strikes. On May 10, India and Pakistan announced a complete ceasefire. Indian officials noted that Operation Sindoor was suspended, but not terminated.

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

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

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

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

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

EU lacks strategy for ending conflict in Ukraine — NYT

European leaders are also grappling with challenges such as "budget shortfalls, worsening public opinion and the far right" in their attempts to ensure their countries' security and assist Kiev

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

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

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

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

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

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

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

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

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

Cambodia gathering evidence to file lawsuit against Thailand at ICC — newspaper

A high-ranking Cambodian official told the publication that Thailand’s encroachment on Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has led to large-scale destruction and numerous civilian casualties

Sberbank maintains plans to spend 50% of its profit on dividends for 2025 — CEO

According to Herman Gref, with the current key rate, lending activity is expected to normalize

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

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

Indonesian president particularly values relationship with Putin — expert

"For Jakarta, Russia is an important strategic partner with a high level of military and civilian technologies," Nikita Kuklin said

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

Russian army separated from northern part of Seversk in DPR by about 2.5 km — expert

The liberation of Seversk located on a hill will allow Russian fighters to take control of neighboring Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, and Krasny Liman, Vitaly Kiselev added

Analysts maintain this year’s average key rate outlook

The average key rate is projected at 14.1% in 2026

US detains oil tanker off Venezuelan coast — media

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

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

Two persons were wounded, including a woman

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 receive Indonesian leader for talks in Kremlin

The two leaders are set to discuss "issues of further development of the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership

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"

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

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

Macron along with other EU leaders talks Ukrainian settlement with Trump

The French president did not provide further details about the conversation

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

Russian ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

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

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

Qatar ambassador states growing number of Qatari tourists visiting Russia

Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani said that Qatar highly appreciate the kind attitude and warm welcome of Russian citizens

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"

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

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

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

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"

Russian stocks close mixed on Wednesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 0.66% to 2,720.66 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index lost 0.75% to 1,100.22 points

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

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

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

Around 2,000 militants surrender in CAR under Russian-backed program

In many places, militants are in designated areas waiting for their turn to disarm, while they do not commit serious crimes, Dmitry Podolsky said

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

WWIII avoided thanks to Trump’s policies — Russia’s special presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev also thanked the US leader for clarity on Russia "having a stronger negotiating position than Ukraine to resolve the conflict"

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

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

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

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

Number of Thai soldiers killed in border clashes with Cambodia up to eight

A 22-year-old soldier was killed by a Cambodia shell, Khaosod reported

UAC delivers new batch of Su-34 fighters to Russian Defense Ministry — Rostec

Rostec emphasized that the Su-34, thanks to its versatility and significant arsenal of weapons can perform a wide range of missions, making it one of the most sought-after aircraft in the Aerospace Forces

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

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

Nornickel continues mutually beneficial cooperation with indigenous peoples — company

The metallurgical company, Russia's Federal Agency for Nationalities, and the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East signed an agreement on sidelines of the international forum

Vaccination brings monkeypox situation under control in Central African Republic

"To date, the epidemic is under control thanks to the vaccination campaign in 2025, during which 3,395 people from risk groups were vaccinated, including 2,910 health workers," Faustin-Archange Touadera said

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

Ukraine submits response to US peace plan — reporter

Ukrainian and American officials told Axios correspondent about this

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

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’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

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

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"

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

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"

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

AI is double-edged sword — Putin

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

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

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

The US leader called the peninsula "massive and beautiful"

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

Half of Russian instructors in CAR have special military operation experience — commander

A platoon commander added that the special military operation skills are very helpful in terms of morale and psychological support and in personnel training

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 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

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

Putin will start his visit to Turkmenistan on December 11

Zelensky tries to drown sensible settlement proposals in stream of nonsense — envoy

The change in the format of Vladimir Zelensky's interaction with press is also due to his nervousness because of the tough position of the United States, noted Rodion Miroshnik

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

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

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

Central African Republic militants using drones against Russian instructors — advisor

The UAV threat currently persists, Dmitry Podolsky said

Court sentences Zaporozhye resident to 15 years imprisonment for treason

The Zaporozhye Regional Court has sentenced a resident of Akimovka, Zaporozhye Region, to 15 years in prison for transmitting data on Russian military personnel to Ukraine and providing financial assistance to the Ukrainian armed forces

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

US oil inventories down 1.8 mln barrels over week — Department of Energy

The current stock level is 4% below the five-year average typical for this time of the year, the department added

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

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

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

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

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

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

The total volume expected to exceed 350,000 tons

Russia could export 57.8 mln tons of grain, leguminous crops by the end of season — expert

Igor Pavensky, head of the Rusagrotrans analytical center, added that grain exports by rail in July-November approached a record high of 10.3 million tons

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

Moscow working on organizing Russian-Arab summit — senior diplomat

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

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

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

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

Trump reveals his favorite word

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

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

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