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Hungarian foreign minister rips EC president von der Leyen's leadership

According to Peter Szijjarto, under her leadership, Europe became a much less safe and much less competitive place than it used to be

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. During her time as the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen has damaged Europe more than anyone else, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in an interview with Russia Today.

"When it comes to Madam von der Leyen, I think that she caused so much harm to Europe that very few others [did]. Under her leadership, Europe became a much less safe place than it used to be, a much less competitive place. And, you know, the corruption in Brussels is an explanation why Brussels has not raised the issue of the corruption in Kiev," he noted.

Szijjarto recalled that former European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders has been under investigation for alleged money laundering and former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, along with former Secretary General of the European External Action Service Stefano Sannino have been detained on suspicion of large-scale fraud. "The way Madame von der leyen has destructed European competitiveness, the European peace and the important role of Europe in global politics and global economy is really exceptional. The harm she caused to Europe is tremendous," he concluded.

Thailand to continue military operation on border with Cambodia — army

"Thailand is committed to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as ensuring the safety of the civilian population," the Thai military representative stated

Number of Thai soldiers injured in fighting on border with Cambodia up to 29

The Thai Second Army Area also reported that Cambodia had shelled Thai territory on Monday and Tuesday with BM-21 multiple rocket launchers and kamikaze drones

No Putin-Trump meeting planned until New Year — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that at this point, Moscow has no information about the outcome of talks between Washington and Kiev in Florida

Liberation of Volchansk year in making — expert

The Russian army began to move forward in the northern territory of the Kharkov Region back in 2024, Vitaly Ganchev noted

Kiev’s power grid may collapse in coming months following Russian strikes — expert

Vitaly Kiselev believes that for greater success in the zone of the special military operation, Russian troops need to "put out of existence" the Ukrainian railways network

Russia-China missile defense exercises aim to create common security system — expert

Russia is acting as an engineering driving force for ensuring not only regional but also global security and building a system based on a balance of power, with the potential to deter Western opponents who regularly resort to nuclear blackmail

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

Trump may exclude Zelensky from talks on Ukraine — US radio host

Steve Gill noted that many in Trump’s inner circle "are questioning whether Zelensky has either the power or the desire to actually end the conflict"

Kremlin wants to understand results of US' work with Kiev after meeting with Witkoff

Dmitry Peskov did not comment on US President Donald Trump's statement that, unlike his entourage, Vladimir Zelensky was not familiar with the peace plan's contents

Putin signs annual decree to call up reservists for military training

The Russian government and regional authorities are instructed to ensure the implementation of measures related to the call-up of citizens for military training and the conduct of these training sessions

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

"Zelensky is disregarding the peace plan: this is inadmissible and irresponsible," Florian Philippot stated

US plans to cut aid to Kiev after last installments of G7 loan

Along with Japan, the US rejected the European Union’s offer to join its plan to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine

Tony Blair not to join Gaza 'Peace Board' due to Arab countries' stance — media

According to the newspaper, Tony Blair’s candidacy was rejected by several Arab and Muslim states because of his active support for the US invasion of Iraq in 2003

Russian troops destroy Ukraine vehicles, stronghold in Zaporozhye

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy was using the vehicles to covertly transport personnel to Gulyaipole to reinforce positions in the locality

Liberation of Krasnoarmeysk, battle of Dimitrov: Statements by Russia’s top brass

The Russian Armed Forces taking control of Krasnoarmeysk marked a crucial stage in the operation to liberate the entire Donbass, Valery Gerasimov said

Ukrainian elections, Russia’s negotiating position, Europe decaying: Trump's statements

The US leader stated that Russia is in a more advantageous negotiating position than Ukraine

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

A significant number of foreigners are calling the hotline to express support for the Russian president

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

Ukraine needs $15 bln to buy weapons under PURL program in 2026 — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky said that as for this year, Ukraine was short of $1.5 billion but The Netherlands allocated $700 million

France does not want to expropriate Russian assets held in its private banks — FT

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

Press review: Kushner emerges in Ukraine talks as world reacts to new US security strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 8th

Trump could quickly broker Russia-Ukraine deal — Swiss Foreign Minister

Ignazio Cassis emphasized that Switzerland’s goal as OSCE Chair for 2026 is "to ensure the OSCE is ready" for such developments

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

Taking Novodanilovka Russian troops move closer to Orekhov — defense source

Success in Novodanilovka was achieved thanks to a proven tactic: first, reconnaissance identifies weak points in the defense, then artillery and precision weapons deliver strikes, after which the infantry takes up positions, the source said

Russian troops liberate Ostapovskoye community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Europe to come out of Ukraine conflict biggest loser — Republic Srpska leader

Milorad Dodik noted that Europe lacked an effective leader

Rosatom ready to starting operations at Rooppur plant — CEO

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

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

The leaders of UK, Germany and France discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made

UN court accepts Russia’s lawsuit against Ukraine, gives Kiev one year to answer

Russia can submit its objections by December 7, 2027

US pressuring Zelensky into accepting peace plan terms — media

Donald Trump's administration is pushing Vladimir Zelensky to act quickly, while Europeans are advising him to be careful and patient, the news agency said

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"

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

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

Russia’s new Svarog digital drone put into operation in special military operation zone

According to the Frobotics official, the digital communication system allows the drone to stabilize, hover, and fly route missions autonomously

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 145 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian Navy chief points to difficult situation in Arctic region

Instead of discussions of cooperation, there are increasingly more statements that the Arctic is the region of a potential future conflict, Admiral Alexander Moiseyev noted

North Korean leader offers condolences on death of Russian envoy to Pyongyang

Kim Jong Un emphasized that the course in which the DPRK-Russia relations have developed into the present firm alliance is clearly associated with the devoted efforts of Alexander Matsegora

Earthquake with 7.6 magnitude occurs near Kuril Islands

The epicenter of shocks was situated at the depth of 20 kilometers

EU, UK trying to sabotage Ukrainian peace deal — Russian envoy

"In 2022, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson pressured Ukraine to reject a neutrality deal with Russia and fight on Globalists, UK and EU bureaucrats, neocons, and the military-industrial complex, mainstream media massively fight peace," Kirill Dmitriev pointed out

Ukraine conflict likely to be resolved with Russian victory, US expert says

John Mearsheimer stressed that there’s nothing US President Donald Trump "can do to assuage Russian fears that any agreement Moscow reaches with Ukraine and the West will stick over time"

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

This is evidenced by radio intercepts obtained by TASS

Putin renews ban on deals with stakes of foreigners from unfriendly countries

The ban covers transactions changing the ownership structure of Russian companies, their authorized capital and the established procedure for implementation of investment projects

Russia in contact with US, awaiting outcomes of discussions with Kiev — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov specified that consultations continued "at the current level of engagement"

Russian troops take major defense center of Ukrainian army — military source

The Ukrainian army lost a company of personnel and over 10 pieces of military equipment in the battle for Ostapovskoye

Fire at Novosibirsk college extinguished after affecting 700 sq m

Firefighters are continuing to spray the building

FACTBOX: Russia hit by 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, nine wounded in Cheboksary

The injured people are getting all necessary medical assistance

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

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.

Kiev concentrates up to 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers in DPR's Konstantinovka — military expert

Vitaly Kiselev also added that Russian aviation is currently playing a decisive role in the advance on Konstantinovka

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"

Putin to award Heroes of Russia with Gold Star medals today

The ceremony will be held in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace

Launch pad for Angara rockets put into operation

Further to the launch table, 37 other facilities were put into operation as part of Angara launch site construction

Russia, India seek ways to counter US hegemony — Chinese expert

An expert at the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University in Shanghai Zheng Runyu noted that high-level diplomacy between Russia and India demonstrates efforts by major powers to foster a multipolar world order

Japan refuses European plan to seize Russian assets — media

Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that Japan has no legal authority to dispose of Russian assets

Ukrainian attacks kill seven Russian civilians, injure nearly 60 in week — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik specified that Ukrainian strike drone attacks were the most common cause of death and injury to Russian civilians

German chancellor, other European leaders urge Zelensky to reject US peace plan — WSJ

The Europeans insisted on outlining clear security guarantees in the US peace plan, aimed at preventing an alleged resumption of Moscow’s confrontation with Kiev

Israeli army launches eight attacks on southern Lebanon — website

No casualties or injuries have been reported

Ukraine can no longer depend on Western aid — opposition politician

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

Liberation of Konstantinovka by Russian troops to affect whole military operation — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, Konstantinovka is currently one of the most difficult areas in the zone of the special military operation

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

Reports indicate the presence of mercenaries from Poland, Georgia, and various Latin American nations, according to the press service of the Military-Civilian Administration of the Kharkov Region

‘Reparation loan’ for Ukraine legally doubtful — Euroclear CEO

"There is no free money for the European Union from Euroclear," Valerie Urbain said

More sabotage, Western patronage: what is known about terrorist acts prevented by Russia

Twenty-four criminals and their accomplices have been neutralized and over 2,000 have been detained through the coordinated efforts of security agencies since the beginning of the year

Earthquake with 6.4 magnitude strikes northern Japan

The earthquake’s epicenter laid at a depth of 22 km

Defendants in Donbass genocide case facing life sentence

The case has been referred to the DPR Supreme Court for consideration on the merits

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

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

Russia, Hungary must resist external pressure — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto added that Budapest and Moscow should make a breakthrough to increase the interaction rates

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

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"

Russian army controls key highways in Kupyansk district — expert

The Ukrainian army sends its units to this area with full knowledge that the city and the region are lost, head of the Kharkov Regional State Administration Vitaly Ganchev said

Turkey reaches deep into diplomacy bag to resolve Ukraine conflict — Erdogan

"We will spare no effort to reach a settlement and will be guided by the motto that there can be no losers in a fair world," the Turkish president said

Conflict in Ukraine unlikely to escalate into WW3 — Trump

According to the US president, the Ukrainian conflict is "a big problem for Europe," which "they’re not handling well"

Cosmonauts, astronaut move from ISS to Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, shut hatches

The descent module is expected to land 146 km southeast of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, at 5:04 a.m. GMT

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

Russia hopes that US refrains from full-scale conflict with Venezuela — diplomat

The US-Venezuela conflict threatens to cause unpredictable consequences for the entire Western hemisphere, Maria Zakharova said

Russia’s military chief inspects Battlegroup Center in special military operation area

During the trip, Army General Valery Gerasimov handed state awards to the servicemen who had distinguished themselves in liberating Krasnoarmeysk in the DPR "and thanked them for their valor and courage displayed in accomplishing combat objectives"

Zelensky says new proposals for peace plan to be submitted to US on December 9

"The plan has been reduced from 28 points to 20," and a compromise on the issue of territories "has not yet been found," he said

Thai Navy launches operation to drive Cambodian troops out of Trat Province

Cambodian troops dug defensive trenches, deployed heavy weapons, and used UAVs to conduct continuous surveillance of Thai positions and military facilities, Thai Navy Spokesman Parat Rattanachaiphan said

US continues working on Ukraine settlement for 'humane' reasons — Trump

The US leader stressed that he "just wants to see people stop from being killed"

Soyuz MS-27 turns on engines for braking ahead of descent to Earth

The descent module is expected to land in Kazakhstan at 5:04 a.m. GMT

Cambodia starts shelling Thai territory from multiple rocket launchers — army

Cambodian forces fired first, prompting a Thai response

Europe is 'moving in some bad directions' — Trump

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

Liberation of Novodanilovka lets Russian troops advance to Orekhovo — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on December 8 that the Russian army had liberated Novodanilovka in the Zaporozhye Region

Kiev's European allies seek to undermine US, Russian efforts on Ukraine — mission

Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky stated that history will harshly judge Kiev's European allies

Ukrainian PM involved in secret plot to oust Yermak — media

According to the news report, after Andrey Yermak discovered the plot, he demonstratively blocked some participants in messaging apps and ignored their messages

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

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

Biden’s policy made any criticism of NATO taboo — Russian envoy

Kirill Dmitriev added that the "dam" of false narratives of the Biden administration is breaking

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

Press review: EU seeks to push US peace plan to stalemate as Thai-Cambodia clashes flare

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 9

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

Russian House in CAR finds interesting fix to snake problem — organization head

"It turned out that simple housecats were perfect for the job - to keep the Russian House territory safe," Dmitry Syty explained

Maduro’s days are numbered, says Trump

The US president refused to answer the question about Washington’s potential ground invasion of this Latin American country

Russian security chief arrives in Vietnam for talks with country’s leadership

The agenda of the meetings includes discussions on a wide range of aspects in the Russian-Vietnamese relations

Kiev is luring foreigners into trenches, Ukrainians are hard to come by — Russian envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, this strategy is driven by the increasing difficulty Ukraine faces in mobilizing its own citizens

Trump threatens Mexico with new tariffs

Mexico is violating water supply agreement, the US President said

Some 670 students evacuated from Novosibirsk school due to fire — Emergencies Ministry

There are no any reports of injuries

Ukraine's new budget lays foundation for country's complete economic defeat

On December 3, the Rada adopted Ukraine’s draft budget for 2026 with a record deficit of $47.5 bln

Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora dies at age of 70

Alexander Matsegora has been Russia’s ambassador to North Korea since 2014

Infamous Ukrainian database Mirotvorets doxes RUSADA head

Veronika Loginova is accused of "attempting to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and "supporting the special military operation"

An-22 aircraft crashes in Ivanovo Region — emergency services

According to the source, seven people were on board

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"

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

Benin coup attempt aimed to undermine regional stability, Russian expert says

Alexander Ivanov also highlighted France’s role, saying it is particularly noteworthy as the country seeks to maintain its influence in Africa