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Trump defends Witkoff amid leaked conversation with Kremlin foreign policy aide

The alleged conversation revealed that Steve Witkoff gave Yury Ushakov instructions on how to properly approach the US president

WASHINGTON, November 26. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump described the communication between his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov as totally normal, commenting on Bloomberg’s publication of alleged transcripts of phone conversations between the two senior officials.

"That’s a standard thing, you know, because he’s (Witkoff - TASS) got to sell this to Ukraine, he’s got to sell Ukraine to Russia — that’s what a dealmaker does," Trump told reporters, with a video of his remarks available on the White House YouTube channel. The alleged conversation revealed that Witkoff gave Ushakov instructions on how to properly approach the US president.

Earlier, Ushakov said that leaks of transcripts allegedly reflecting the content of his conversations with Witkoff were intended to undermine Russian-US relations. He called various reports about these phone talks "fake" and stressed that his conversations with Witkoff were confidential and not meant for public release.

Bloomberg published what it claimed were transcripts of conversations between Ushakov, Witkoff, and Russian Special Presidential Envoy on Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation Kirill Dmitriev, asserting that the calls took place on October 14 and 29.

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

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

Zelensky’s inner circle transfers $50 mln every month to UAE accounts — Turkish newspaper

At the same time, it published no documents to prove the transfers, according to Aydinlik

Russia to support China in case tensions escalate in Taiwan Strait — top diplomat

Earlier, in an article for Rossiyskaya Gazeta on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russia and China, Lavrov emphasized that the West is deliberately escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait

Trump realizes need to eliminate root causes of Ukrainian crisis — expert

Peter Kuznick added that Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky failed to reach a consensus on security guarantees and control over the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant

Tu-214 to be produced step by step after all modifications are completed by 2026

Earlier on Saturday, the updated Tu-214 received approval for a major redesign of its standard configuration

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

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

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

Kremlin spokesman confirms Putin-Trump phone call

Trump described this call as "good and very productive"

Zelensky says another phone call with Trump upcoming

Vladimir Zelensky is also anticipating meetings with the European leaders

Laser systems against drones to be used in Russia in 2026 — CUST

CEO Andrey Bezrukov noted the effectiveness of a tactical radar station with specialized tactical software that transmits target designations about a moving target directly to a drone that then takes off and carries out kinetic destruction

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 40 UAVs in past day

The regional emergencies response center reported that in the village of Otradnoye, a man suffered from an FPV drone detonation

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

Europe ‘adding fuel to the fire’ in the Middle East — Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov

Lavrov noted that in 2025, we witnessed unprecedented events with Israel carrying out a direct act of aggression against Iran together with the United States, which targeted facilities related to the Iranian nuclear programme with missile and bomb strikes despite the fact that these facilities benefit from IAEA’s guarantees

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

Global Fact-Checking Network exposes opposition’s fake claims about CAR president

The opposition’s attempt to invoke the constitution to justify the removal of Touadera as a member of a ‘tribe not residing in the CAR’ also does not stand up to scrutiny

Trump rejects suggestions Russia not serious about peace in Ukraine

The US leader stated that Kiev had carried out strikes in various parts of Russia

Trump, Zelensky reveal names on working groups on Ukraine

The Ukrainian working group would involve National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces Andrey Gnatov and First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa

EU citizens will have to endure their leaders until next elections — Kremlin

"As for whether European citizens can ‘oust’ anyone before the next elections, I don’t think they have such rights," Dmitry Peskov noted

Senior Russian senator extends hope for a pivotal 2026 for Ukraine peace

If the 'peace camp' led by Russia can deactivate the destructive policy course being pursued by the still influential 'war camp', mutually acceptable solutions could be found, quite fast and easily, Konstantin Kosachev said

Russia terminates agreement on cross-border cooperation with Finland — decree

The Russian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to notify the other party of the decision

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

Special op experience, work of defense industry sector: Putin's statements

The president noted that the Russian defense-industrial complex is operating steadily, providing the armed forces with the necessary equipment

EU, Kiev sabotaging peace plan for Ukraine — senior Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev stressed that it is important to promote negotiations with the active role of the Trump administration

Threat of direct conflict between Russia, US in now past — senior Russian MP

Now, in his words, efforts are needed to reduce the number of conflicts

Sunday’s Putin-Trump phone call was their ninth in 2025, 1st since October 16

According to the Kremlin press service, along with the Ukrainian settlement, the two leaders focused on the situation in the Middle East

Trump says has spoken with Putin over phone ahead of meeting Zelensky

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS that such a phone call did take place

Zelensky says Kiev will be ready for talks with Russia after meetings with EU, US allies

Zelensky said that he hoped to organize a meeting with US and European advisers in Ukraine in January

Trump slams UN for not doing enough to settle conflicts, including in Ukraine

The United Nations must start getting active and involved in world peace, noted Trump

Liberation of Gulyaipole and Dimitrov: Putin's statements at meeting with Gerasimov

The Russian leader also pointed out that the establishment of a buffer zone on the Russian-Ukrainian border is proceeding well

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

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

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

Trump describes his phone call with Putin, meeting with Zelensky as excellent

The US leader said that he discussed a lot of points with his Russian counterpart

Russia will achieve all military operation goals by force if Kiev rejects peace — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at one of the command posts of the special military operation

World appreciative of Trump’s peace efforts, Putin’s envoy says

Kirill Dmitriev made the following statement in English

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"

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

Putin agrees to US proposal for settlement in framework of working groups — Kremlin aide

One of them will deal with "various aspects of security issues," and the other with "economic issues," Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said

Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia becomes new FIDE World Rapid Women's Champion

She grabbed the title after defeating Zhu Jiner of China 1.5:0.5 in a blitz tiebreaks match

President Vucic confirms plans to organize parliamentary elections in Serbia in 2026

According to the Serbian President, the snap elections will be a political response to the demonstrators

Russia launches satellites for its allies from Vostochny spaceport

These include satellites to serve scientific research and technology needs of companies based in Russia and friendly states

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’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

Hezbollah refuses to disarm until Israel withdraws troops from Lebanon — leader

The group’s leader Naim Qassem emphasized that the government’s striving for a monopoly over weapons now is in the interests of the United States and Israel

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

Trump believes prospects for new meeting with Putin hinge on settlement progress

The US president added that he believes the essential elements of a deal have already been outlined

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

Netanyahu expected to ask US support for another operation in Gaza — TV

The Israeli prime minister apparently needs such an operation to demonstrate strength to satisfy his partners before making further concessions

Russia’s manufacturing PMI index down to 48.1 points in December

According to the report, output decreased at the fastest pace since March 2022

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

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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

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

Nearly 970 ceasefire violations by Israel reported in Gaza Strip since October 10

418 people were killed and more than 1,140 were injured

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

French movie star Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

Bardot was previously hospitalized in the city of Toulon in southern France

Liberation of Gulyaipole opens good prospects for offensive — Putin

Vladimir Putin also noted the effective actions of the Battlegroup Center in eliminating Ukrainian forces near Krasnoarmeysk in the Dimitrov agglomeration

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

Kiev loses nearly 4,400 soldiers, mercenaries in past week of battles near LPR — expert

Andrey Marochko said the greatest damage to the enemy's manpower was inflicted in the operational zone of the Battlegroup South

At least 13 people killed as train derails in Mexico

98 people were injured, the country's president Claudia Sheinbaum said

Ukraine conflict might be settled in foreseeable future — congresswoman

Anna Paulina Luna noted that she is also making efforts to help resolve the Ukrainian crisis

Gazprom reports record gas withdrawals from European storage facilities during holidays

In particular, gas storage levels in Germany have fallen below 60%

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

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

Armenia doesn’t want to sever ties with Russia — top diplomat

When Armenia promotes relations with the United States and the European Union, there is no secret agenda for pushing Russia away behind this, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said

Over 100 rioters detained in Latakia city — TV

The defense ministry has deployed additional forces and armored vehicles to Latakia and Tartus

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

Offensive actions are underway

US abandons decades-old partnership with Europe in 2025 — newspaper

The newspaper also emphasized it was now unclear whether Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defense was anything more than an empty declaration

Estonian intelligence chief says Russia has no plans to attack NATO countries

Kaupo Rosin added that Moscow "respects NATO and tries to avoid any open conflict"

Trump, Zelensky holding phone call with European leaders — news agency

The talks between the two leaders lasted around two hours

Oreshnik missile system in Belarus is anti-aggression warning to West — expert

Andrey Bogodel noted that Western countries crossed many red lines during the Russian Federation’s special military operation in Ukraine

Eight Tu-214 aircraft may be produced in 2026, 12 in 2027, industry minister says

Anton Alikhanov emphasized that current efforts and ongoing work provide confidence in meeting the 20-aircraft annual production goal by the end of 2027

Russia, US hold keys to resolving Ukraine conflict — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that it is too early to give final assessments

Japan should weigh everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Earlier, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is concerned about Japan’s remilitarization, warning that this trend could lead to the dismantling of the current global order

Putin appoints Dmitry Polyansky permanent representative to OSCE in Vienna

Another decree relieves Alexander Lukashevich of his duties

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

Comex silver futures climb to new all-time high of over $82 per troy ounce

By 2:05 a.m. Moscow time, the silver price accelerated gains to trade at $82.67 per troy ounce

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

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates efforts by Trump

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

Putin wishes Russians change for better in coming 2026

"We always look forward to these bright holidays with special excitement and hope, striving to share their warmth with our family, loved ones, comrades, and friends," the congratulatory message says

Russian scientists create 72-qubit quantum computer — Rosatom Quantum Technologies

According to Yekaterina Solntseva, Director of Quantum Technologies at Rosatom State Corporation, it is especially important that the scientists have taken another step toward progressively improving the reliability of operations

Houthi leader warns rebels will view Israeli presence in Somaliland as military target

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stressed that the movement will consider any Israeli presence as threat to security in the region

At least 20 years for Ukraine to meet EU accession criteria — German MP

According to the MP, the EU has long ceased to be a community of economic and social cooperation and has become an instrument of unilateral political orientation of European states

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

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

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"

Samsung registers two trademarks in Russia

The trademarks are registered under Class 9 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which includes various types of televisions and monitors

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

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

Trump sees diminishing leverage for Kiev as settlement stalls — expert

According to Peter Kuznick, the US leader "even restrained his usual penchant for saying how 'perfect' meetings are and how much was achieved"

Trump offers Ukraine 15-year security guarantees, Kiev seeks 30-50 years — Zelensky

According to Vladimir Zelensky, the US president said that he would think about it

Paris to host another meeting of coalition of the willing in January — Macron

Emmanuel Macron said that he along with other European leaders as well as US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky were making progress on security guarantees for Kiev

Kupyansk under control of Battlegroup West — Russian defense ministry

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

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

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

Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

TASS has compiled the key statements by the official representative of the Foreign Ministry

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

Konstantin Kosachev said that such groups are quite numerous in Ukraine

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

Diplomat calls drills near Taiwan 'response' to foreign interference in China’s affairs

Lin Jian pointed out that the Democratic Progressive Party administration is stubbornly sticking to its position and trying to "let the wolf into the house," which would turn the island into a "powder keg"

Zelensky says Ukrainian people should vote whether to accept peace deal

Vladimir Zelensky added that it would be necessary to establish a ceasefire for at least 60 days to hold the referendum