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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

No Trump-Putin talk on Russian leader's conversation with Maduro — White House

Earlier, the Kremlin press service reported that Vladimir Putin had held a phone call with Nicolas Maduro and expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people

WASHINGTON, December 11. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin did not discuss Putin’s recent conversation with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press briefing.

"He [Trump] has not spoken to President Putin today, and I understand that call (between Putin and Maduro - TASS) took place this morning. So the answer is no," she said in response to a related question.

When asked whether the conversation between the Russian and Venezuelan leaders had raised any worries within the Washington administration, Leavitt responded: "I don't think that would be concerning to the president at all."

Earlier, the Kremlin press service reported that Putin had held a phone call with Maduro and expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people. The Russian leader reaffirmed his support for the Venezuelan government's policy aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty amid growing external pressure.

Maduro has repeatedly warned that Venezuela is facing the most serious threat of a US invasion in the past 100 years, claiming that Washington seeks to gain control over the world’s largest proven oil reserves. The United States has leveled unsubstantiated accusations that the Venezuelan authorities are not doing enough to combat drug smuggling.

The US Navy has deployed a strike group led by the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean Sea. Since September, US forces have sunk at least 20 speedboats in the region, causing nearly 90 fatalities.

Tags

Vladimir Putin United States Venezuela Donald Trump

Maduro, Putin confirm strategic nature of Venezuela-Russia relations

Vladimir Putin strongly supported Nicolas Maduro in his efforts to promote peace, political stability, economic development, and social protection for the Venezuelan people, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said

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

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

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

Putin's potential visit to Nepal to be discussed through diplomatic channels — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also pointed out that there are no specific agreements

Zelensky using referendum on territories as pretext to slow down talks — Medvedev

Vladimir Zelensky "straight up gave the White House the finger," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Infamous Ukrainian extremist database Mirotvorets doxes Russian rowing champion

Alexey Svirin is accused of attempting to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, taking part in the "Russia — A Sports Power" forum, and supporting the special military operation

Russian archaeologist working for Hermitage Museum detained in Poland at Kiev's request

According to the station, the Russian archaeologist was detained while traveling from the Netherlands to the Balkans

German expert calls Rutte's call to prepare for war 'dangerous madness'

BSW foreign affairs expert Sevim Dagdelen emphasized that either Mark Rutte is distorting history, or he is advocating for the next aggressive war

Training with Russian instructors helps CAR army to hold ground — presidential advisor

Dmitry Podolsky added that during training, soldiers master weapons handling techniques quite well, but they struggle with calculations, such as determining coordinates and direction of movement

Elections in Ukraine have become leverage against Zelensky — expert

Ruslan Pankratov argued that Zelensky’s reluctance to hold elections undermine not only his personal legitimacy but also that of Ukraine’s entire leadership

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

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

IOC greenlights young athletes from Russia to participate under national flag

"The definition of youth competitions and the application of these recommendations depends for this purpose on the regulations of each International Federation," according to the IOC

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

Free Trade Agreement between EAEU and Iran is already being implemented — Russian PM

"Agreements have been signed with the United Arab Emirates and Mongolia," Mikhail Mishustin said

Greece’s finance minister named chairman of Eurogroup — EC

Kyriakos Pierrakakis replaced Irishman Paschal Donohoe

Russia seeks answers from US on seizure of tanker off Venezuelan coast

The Russian foreign minister also said that Moscow wants discussions on the fight against drug trafficking and ensuring maritime security to be collective, so that no nation would be staring down unilateral actions

Georgia loses $350mln after Russian flight suspension

Russia suspended flights to and from Georgia following the protests that erupted in Tbilisi on June 20, sparked by an uproar over a Russian legislator’s address in the Georgian parliament

Ukraine launches drone attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region over past 24 hours

In the city of Belgorod, debris from downed aerial targets damaged a facility premises and four private houses

Russia to pursue goals in Ukraine regardless of predictions for conflict's end — Lavrov

"Russia's specific objectives were clearly and unambiguously outlined publicly by the President and discussed in detail in Anchorage, where understandings were reached on how best to move toward achieving these goals in the context of not a ceasefire, but a sustainable peace," the minister stated

Russia’s proposals on European security ‘last chance’ for salvaging any progress — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the West was currently trying to undermine those proposals

IN BRIEF: Polls in Ukraine, scientist detained, Brit soldier: what Foreign Ministry said

Vladimir Zelensky "has no chance of being legally re-elected" for a new term, Maria Zakharova stated

EU initiates written procedure for 'long-term freeze' of Russian assets

Bloomberg reported earlier that the European Commission hopes, if EU countries reject blocking of Russian assets once per six months and freeze them for several years, this will make it possible to convince Belgium to agree to the expropriation under the pretext of the "reparation loan"

Legitimate authorities regain control of situation in Benin — news agency

It was a small group of rebels who had access to television, a source told the agency

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

Operation Midas, Mindich tapes: what we know about corruption scandal in Ukraine

Five people have been detained, NABU said

Russia to maintain oil refining, gas, coal output at last year’s levels in 2025

Gas production in Russia amounted to 579 bln cubic meters in 2024

UN resolution on kidnapped children just more anti-Russia lies — MFA

"Those who voted for it are effectively covering up the Kiev regime's crimes against children," Maria Zakharova said

Serbia’s not considering seizure of NIS, ready for a 'fair solution' — Vucic

Belgrade is ready to facilitate the search for a fair solution for its continued operation, the Serbian president said

Europeans present proposal on Ukrainian territorial concessions to Trump — Merz

The German Chancellor said the conversation was "constructive"

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

Talks on Ukraine ongoing, contacts continue — diplomat

Russia's priority is pursuing peace, Maria Zakharova said

Silver climbs to new highs on Comex — market data

The precious metal prices gained 4.93% and climbed to as high as $64.035 per Troy ounce

Incremental growth of oil reserves to be 510 mln tons this year — Russian ministry

"According to preliminary estimates of Rosnedra, incremental growth of reserves will be 635 bln cubic meters for gas this year," Alexander Temnov said

Bulgarian government resigns — PM

Rosen Zhelyazkov said that the government must "give in" to the demands of citizens

NATO builds up forces on borders of Russia-Belarus Union State — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, NATO member states try convincing the world community that they are preparing not for war, but for some kind of just peace in Ukraine, seeking "some kind of role in the settlement"

US plan envisions Donbass buffer zone as Russian territory — Financial Times

According to their information, the plan specifies that "Russian forces will not enter this demilitarised zone"

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"

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

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

The total volume expected to exceed 350,000 tons

US considering idea of creating G7 alternative with Russia — Politico

This proposal was reportedly included in the unpublished version of the National Security Strategy

Lavrov sees Kallas' statements on Kiev aid as pro-Nazi 'confession'

The minister drew attention to Kallas’s words that Ukraine does not need a very rapid conflict settlement

IN BRIEF: Putin held a meeting on the situation in special military operation zone

The Russian leader noted that the promise to liberate the town by December 15 was fulfilled

Kiev disrupts latest agreements on prisoner swap — Russian diplomat

Less than 30% of the agreed-upon 1,200 have been exchanged, Maria Zakharova stated

Russian ambassador visits US congresswoman’s Christmas reception

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

Russian forces eliminate around 4,000 Ukrainian troops in LPR weekly — expert

"Ukrainian forces are currently also suffering major losses near Seversk," Andrey Marochko said

Republican Congressman Massie introduces bill for US to exit NATO

According to the document, NATO "no longer aligns with current US national security interests"

Alawites ask Israel for protection amid ongoing clashes in Syria — media

Referring to Israelis as "sons of David" and "respected brothers," the Alawites assured that they look forward to seeing them in Syria"

International commercial dispute resolution center opens in China’s Hainan

The center remotely handled seven cases involving enterprises wholly owned by foreign companies on its first day of operation

EU secretly discussing alternative plan to keep Kiev afloat — Politico

Hungary has made it clear that it opposes the decision that would require a unanimous vote

Putin says political factors led to oil price growth

He also said Trump 'should look in the mirror' to find one responsible for the oil prices growth

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"

TASS employee was one of hostages in seized bank office

The Citibank office located at 15 Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street 800 meters from the Kremlin was seized at about 18:30 Moscow Time on Wednesday

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

The messages for Russia-US relations sent by the administration of US President Donald Trump differs from approaches of previous administrations, the Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted

EU countries request €50 bln from EC to make shells, missiles, air defense systems

EC representative Tom Rainier noted that 65% of the 691 projects submitted to the European Commission by 19 EU countries involve joint purchases of military assets and equipment

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

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

US President Trump sincerely seeks ways to resolve Ukrainian conflict — Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat added that not only aspirations should be most important for resolving the ongoing Ukrainian crisis, but it would also require practical steps to eliminate the root causes of the conflict

Russia hopes Poland sees absurdity of charges against archaeologist Butyagin — MFA

Representatives of the Russian embassy in Warsaw have already visited Alexander Butyagin

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

Road vital to Ukrainian army near Ostapovskoye under Russian control — expert

Andrey Marochko said earlier that with the liberation of Ostapovskoye, Russian troops expanded the buffer zone between the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions by more than 1 km

Russian troops liberate Liman community in Kharkov Region — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 145 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a foreign-made radar station in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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

Press review: Kiev sets unacceptable peace terms while Thailand-Cambodia tensions flare

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 11th

Over 2 mln DPR, LPR residents flee homes since 2014 due to life-threatening conditions

From 2014 until the republics became part of Russia, their combined population declined from 6.5 million to 4.5 million

Root causes of special operation must be addressed for settlement in Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that a number of future issues remain to be resolved

Hooley surely not first UK soldier to die in Ukraine — Russian MFA

"What Downing Street will say is another matter, but he is not the first one," Maria Zakharova said

West must grasp consequences of Russian assets seizure — Foreign Ministry

"Such steps will inevitably affect the stability of the eurozone and the attractiveness of the EU jurisdiction for foreign investors, primarily from Asian and Middle Eastern countries," Maria Zakharova said

North Korean leader awards Korean participants of operation in Kursk Region — KCNA

Kim Jong-un noted the mass heroism and called the commanders the pride of the Korean people

EAEU must create conditions for joint work among innovators — PM Mishustin

"It is also necessary to ensure the accelerated creation and implementation of innovations," Mikhail Mishustin said

Russian assets seizure could trigger crisis in EU comparable to Great Depression — expert

According to Jacques Sapir, "this will have extremely dire consequences for the largest European banks"

Maduro, Putin confirm strategic nature of Venezuela-Russia relations

Vladimir Putin strongly supported Nicolas Maduro in his efforts to promote peace, political stability, economic development, and social protection for the Venezuelan people, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said

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

Alexey Pushkov believes the bill is more symbolic than anything

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

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

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

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

Russia’s coal industry losses exceed $3.7 bln since year’s start — Deputy Energy Minister

The ministry estimates that the sector's debt burden will increase by $19 bln by the end of the year

No Trump-Putin talk on Russian leader's conversation with Maduro — White House

Earlier, the Kremlin press service reported that Vladimir Putin had held a phone call with Nicolas Maduro and expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people

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

South African president arrives in St. Petersburg for Russia-Africa Summit

The delegation also includes foreign minister Naledi Pandor and ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka

EU leaders to oppose US-Russia relations thaw at summit — news outlet

The media outlet noted that the EU was preparing a statement for the summit that will reiterate all of its original demands on Ukraine

Lavrov talks security guarantees and negotiations with US at a roundtable with ambassadors

The ongoing Russia-US talks are aimed at finding a long-term solution to end the Ukraine conflict, the Russian foreign minister noted

FACTBOX: Last night’s drone attacks on Russia hit 12 regions

Drone debris broke the windows of an educational establishment and a filling station in the Tula Region, and five civilian cars were affected in a drone attack on the Bryansk Region

Russia’s Foreign Ministry calls reports about US withdrawal from NATO speculation

According to Maria Zakharova, the North Atlantic Alliance for the United States "is now just a mechanism for receiving colossal amounts of money, which are determined as a percentage of the GDP of the respective countries"

Ukrainian losses in conflict have exceeded 1 million — Lavrov

"The Kiev regime, originally established as a fiercely ideological military entity, has now devolved into a criminal gang," the Russian foreign minister said

Lula da Silva tells Maduro Brazil ready to offer help amid US threats

During the phone call the Brazilian leader "expressed concern about the US military presence in the Caribbean"

European troops in Ukraine to become legitimate military targets for Russia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister recalled that Europeans are still fantasizing about sending their troops to Ukraine as "peacekeepers"

Zelensky has zero chances of being legally re-elected for new term — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Vladimir Zelensky will only be able to win by using the so-called Moldovan scenario

Russia's questions to US about biolabs in Ukraine go unanswered for years — diplomat

Russia has been raising this issue openly and expressing concern for a long time now, Maria Zakharova said

Russia has no invitations from US to join Core 5, Kremlin spokesman says

Regarding whether Russia is interested in such a platform at all, Dmitry Peskov stated that "it remains to be seen what it means"

Russian shareholders set to sell off controlling stake in NIS — Serbian Energy Minister

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic-Handanovic noted that the name of the third party is not being disclosed until "crucial details" are worked out

NATO chief calls on Germany to prepare for war lived by ‘grandparents, great-grandparents’

Mark Rutte also urged NATO countries to increase their defense spending

Zelensky may opt for government headed by security forces — magazine

According to the magazine, if this happens, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov will likely be the candidate for the post of head of his office

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"

Ukraine launches major drone attack on Moscow overnight

Due to security concerns, all Moscow airports were closed to aircraft landings and departures overnight

Russian Railways recorded 1.5 mln cyberattacks since early 2025

"The response to that is the ongoing increase of digital maturity, digital skills of our employees, training and exercise," Deputy CEO Evgeny Charkin said

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"

Ukrainian, EU agencies involved in generating fake news about Ukraine — envoy

Their main task is to blur and distort the pragmatic approaches that formed the basis of Trump's peace plan, Rodion Miroshnik noted

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

Putin to meet with Turkish, Iranian, Iraqi leaders in Turkmenistan — Kremlin

There will be a series of bilateral meetings

Liberation of Seversk opens road to Slavyansk — DPR official

"Slavyansk is another major hub of the Ukrainian armed forces in the north of the republic," Igor Kimakovsky said