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Europe is 'moving in some bad directions' — Trump

Donald Trump voiced concern about the current political track taken by EU countries

US President Donald Trump AP Photo/Evan Vucci

US President Donald Trump

© AP Photo/Evan Vucci

WASHINGTON, December 9. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump criticized the fine imposed by the European Commission on X and warned that Europe is "moving in some bad directions."

Asked about the fine at a meeting with representatives of the agricultural industry at the White House, Trump called Brussels' decision "nasty" and added: "I don't think it's right. Europe has to be very careful."

He voiced concern about the current political track taken by EU countries. "We want to keep Europe Europe. Europe is going in some bad directions. It's very bad, very bad for the people. We don't want Europe to change so much," the president said.

On December 5, the European Commission fined X €120 million for violating EU digital regulations.

Tom Rainier, an EC representative, said at a briefing that X had violated transparency rules. According to him, this includes the presence of a fee-based blue verified user badge on the platform, which is misleading because anyone can buy it and X does not conduct sufficient verification.

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United States Donald Trump

Europe feels humiliated as US, Russia determine Ukraine's future — media

According to the newspaper, "the Europeans are becoming irrelevant on their own turf"

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Russian troops destroy Ukraine vehicles, stronghold in Zaporozhye

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French banks hold around 18 bln euros in Russian assets, which is the second-highest figure in Europe, the paper said

New US national strategy signals readiness to discuss security architecture — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman noted that for the first time in many years, the US document refers to Russia not as a "threat" but as a participant in the dialogue on stability

E3 leaders instruct their advisors to continue work on settling Ukrainian conflict

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Ukrainian military brings tanks, artillery, mercenaries to Kharkov Region — official

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Trump says he is a bit disappointed that Zelensky has not read the draft peace deal yet

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Brazil urges Venezuela not to enter into war with US, even if attacked — newspaper

Lula da Silva’s administration will work to prevent the US attacks from happening

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The market is growing on account of two drivers, artificial intelligence and the transition of business to cloud models, Denis Khleborodov noted

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"Contacts are taking place," Dmitry Peskov said

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Tunja Bengin pointed to the cases, when hypocritical statements are being made by Europe

Lee chooses future prime minister of South Korea — Yonhap

The Central Election Commission said after counting 63% of the ballots that Lee Jae-myung had garnered 48.7% of the votes

Russia uses Lancet loitering munition in protecting Crimea, destroying unmanned boats

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According to Alexander Grushko, Russia continues developing its health resorts

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CSTO PA completes 2021-2025 legislative harmonization program — State Duma speaker

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Disappearance of 'Russian threat' from US national security strategy positive — Kremlin

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Touching on trade and economic relations between Turkey and Hungary, the Turkish president stated that the two countries "are close to reaching their trade target of $6 billion"

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French politician calls Zelensky ‘irresponsible’ for not reading Trump peace plan

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Viktor Medvedchuk noted that the promised economic integration between Ukraine and the EU had never materialized

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Anatoly Aksakov also noted that such actions by the European Union would constitute a violation of international law

Putin extends ban for residents to buy stakes in foreign companies without permit

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Conflict in Ukraine entering its decisive phase — Bloomberg

European leaders are deeply concerned about US attempts to broker a deal they see as a capitulation of the West, according to the report

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Chief executives of European multinationals losing interest in EU investments — report

76% of respondents said they have not seen so far practically any positive effect from the initiatives

Ukrainian troops suffer heavy losses in Zaporozhye — official

The region's governor Yevgeny Balitsky said that the Zaporozhye Region authorities were ready to provide all necessary administrative and humanitarian assistance to residents of the liberated territories.

Updated US National Security Strategy angers EU officials — newspaper

The Politico said that an unnamed European official on the sidelines of the Doha Forum called the strategy’s provisions regarding the European Union "very disturbing"

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"Construction of the first unit is almost completed," Alexey Likhachev said

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Russia urges US to refrain from escalating conflict with Venezuela — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that Moscow views the situation around Venezuela with great alarm and concern

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Russia alarmed by US rhetoric on China in new security outlook — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted "calls to all prominent regional partners to grant the Pentagon broader access to their ports and other facilities"

Putin extends authorization for foreigners to pay for gas not only with Gazprombank

The new authorization will be in effect until April 1, 2026

No one wants to share responsibility for seizing Russian assets with Belgium — Kremlin

Belgium opposes the European Commission’s plan for the expropriation of Russian sovereign assets blocked in Europe under the guise of a so-called "reparations loan" to Ukraine, being afraid of Russia’s potential response

Putin hopes VAT increase is temporary measure

The Russian president noted at the same time that the majority of activities anticipating adoption of federal laws is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 in the plan for improving legality in individual economic sectors

Hungary, Turkey condemn Ukrainian attacks against pipelines, tankers — Szijjarto

Hungary and Turkey together speak for termination of war in Ukraine through negotiations, the Hungarian foreign minister said

Russian industrial products export up 18% in 9M 2025 — PM

Machine-building, chemicals and metallurgy were the main drivers, Mikhail Mishustin noted

Foreigners wishing to move to Russia are calling Putin's Direct Line

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Europe is 'moving in some bad directions' — Trump

Donald Trump voiced concern about the current political track taken by EU countries

Lavrov says Savchenko will be headache for Ukraine

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Expropriation of Russian assets being 'crucial act for European defense' — von der Leyen

"Securing financial support will help ensure the survival of Ukraine," President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen added

Ukrainian militants ordered to shoot retreating troops near Kupyansk — radio interception

This is evidenced by radio intercepts obtained by TASS

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Russia, Nigeria discussing cooperation in exploration, fuel supplies

The key topic of the meeting was to discuss cooperation within the framework of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 77.27 rubles for December 9

The official euro rate was increased by one ruble to 89.7054 rubles

Only renewed cooperation with Russia can save Europe from collapse — Dodik

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EU prepares to admit Ukraine by 2030 and start war with Russia — Orban

As the Hungarian prime minister recalled, the treaty establishing the EU states that "in the event of an armed attack on the territory of one of its member states, the other member states are obliged to provide this state with all the assistance at their disposal"

Ex-EU foreign policy chief Mogherini detained: what we know

Officers are conducting searches at the EU diplomatic service headquarters

New anti-Russian sanctions ready, need to be approved by Congress, Trump — envoy

US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg emphasized that the restrictions are aimed primarily at Russian oil exports

National projects must lead to creation of domestic technologies — Putin

The head of state stressed that "technological leadership projects did not exist in isolation but had systemic significance for all spheres of life"

Russia’s CSTO presidency to focus on strengthening organization — Putin

According to the Russian leader, this work will piggyback on Kyrgyzstan’s work in key areas during its presidency this year

Chechen leader urges Ukrainians to make a stand against conflict with Russia

Ramzan Kadyrov added that captured Ukrainian servicemen often ask not to be returned back, fearing for their lives

Kaspersky Lab reveals patterns from Russia's data-leaked passwords

According to the company’s data, the average lifespan of a password is 3.5 to 4 years

Russia takes note of America's foreign policy turn in new National Security Strategy

Maria Zakharova drew special attention to America's about-face on hegemony

Zelensky unveils shortlist for new chief of staff — media

Among them are Defense Minister Denis Shmygal, First Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mikhail Fedorov, First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence Kirill Budanov, and Pavel Palisa, deputy head of Zelensky’s office in charge of military issues, the Novosti.Live portal said

Putin gives principled assessment of Bucha provocation in phone call with Orban — Kremlin

Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban also discussed a number of key issues in the relations between Russia and Hungary

Adversaries of Russia, Iran, China try to undermine their cooperation — MP

Iranian parliament member Ebrahim Azizi also emphasized that Russia and Iran should cooperate to protect peace and security in their common region

GDP growth rate expectably declined this year — Putin

Growth rates of the Russian economy passed through the expected slowdown stage in the present year, the head of state noted

Netanyahu says his regular contacts with Putin are in Israel’s interests

The United States, India, Germany, and Russia are the four powers Israel has bolstered ties with in the past two years, the Israeli prime minister added

Russian market ends session with declining major indices

The MOEX index fell 0.23% in the main trading session, closing at 2,705.17 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS index declined 1.75% to 1,102.82 points