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EU Council decided to perpetually block Russian sovereign assets

According to the plan of the European Commission, this step is the first phase in further expropriation of Russian assets

© Ugis Riba/Shutterstock/FOTODOM

BRUSSELS, December 12. /TASS/. The Council of the European Union made the decision on the indefinite freeze of Russian sovereign assets, the Danish presidency in the EU Council said.

"EU governments agree to indefinitely freeze Russian Central Bank assets held in Euro," the presidency said.

According to the plan of the European Commission, this step is the first phase in further expropriation of Russian assets.

EU considers Ukraine's accession by 2027 'absolutely impossible' — Reuters

A European diplomat briefed on the plan noted that it was not clear whether the EU leadership backed Ukrainian accession, the news agency said

Russian-hosted Wikileaks to release new classified files on biological weapons production

Alexander Ionov, leader of the International Anti-Globalist Movement, head of the Wikileaks 2.0 project, specified that the documented events had taken place in 2018-2022, particularly at the height of the coronavirus pandemic

Germany ‘shamefully resigned’ itself to destruction of Nord Stream — Lavrov

Lavrov also drew attention to the fact that "reckless proposals" are being made about strikes with Western long-range systems deep into Russian territory

Nearly 1,500 people evacuated from Moscow’s VTB Arena due to bomb threat

Firefighters and ambulances have arrived on the scene

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

Irresponsible politicians, not Russia, threaten Europe — embassy

Diplomats commented on NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statement that the alliance would allegedly become Moscow's "next target"

Russian oil export dynamics not to change upon price ceiling adjustment

Alexander Novak said that Russia always stood against non-market cases related to the adjustment, setting of the ceiling or prohibitions

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

Internationally wanted human trafficker eliminated in Libya — news outlet

According to the agency’s statement, Ahmed al-Dabbashi, also known as al-Amu, was killed during an operation to arrest his associates in Sabratha, a city located west of Tripoli

Bank of Russia will challenge any unauthorized use of its assets frozen abroad

The regulator stressed that the solutions proposed by the European Commission where Bank of Russia assets may be used directly or indirectly or any other forms of unauthorized use of Bank of Russia assets are unlawful and contradict international law, including in respect of immunity of sovereign assets

Kiev agrees to create demilitarized zone in Donbass along front line — Le Monde

This point is reportedly included in a new 20-point version of a peace plan developed by Kiev with the support of Great Britain, France, and Germany, which Ukraine recently handed to the United States

EU politicians attempt to alter public consciousness by falsifying facts — historian

Head of the National Center for Historical Memory under the Russian president Yelena Malysheva noted that the purpose of these statements was to embed new theses into public consciousness which, through repeated exposure, would no longer require any confirmation and would be perceived in the public space as truth

Kremlin aide says all of Donbass is Russian territory

Yury Ushakov cited a provision in the Russian Constitution

Ukrainian army attacks Belgorod Region with around 30 drones in one day

In the village of Sankovo, a drone struck a passenger car, breaking the windows and damaging the body

West will sooner lose its leading role in global economy due to sanctions — expert

According to Valery Andrianov, the declining role of Western currencies in international settlements is one link in a complex chain of factors leading to the exacerbation of global problems

Russian stock indices up as main trading session on Moscow Exchange opens

The MOEX and the RTS Index indices both went up 0.22%, reaching 2,755.06 points and 1,093.91 points respectively

Russian government drafting plan to introduce AI across key sectors

Mikhail Mishustin recalled that the president earlier emphasized that Russia must possess a full suite of its own solutions and products in the field of AI

Ukrainian attacks on Kharkov Region leave five children injured since year’s start

All of them were injured in deliberate strikes involving Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles

Kiev, Europe buy time and seek ways to continue Ukraine conflict, senator says

According to Alexander Voloshin, for Vladimir Zelensky, as well as for his patrons, the continuation of the conflict is the only chance for "political survival and further enrichment at the expense of the lives of ordinary Ukrainians"

Russia-Italy relations at their worst since WWII — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Italy has been swept up in anti-Russian narratives and is facing "pressure from NATO, the Anglo-Saxon world, and this ultraliberal dictatorship"

Magnitude-6.7 earthquake strikes northern Japan, tsunami warning issued

The national meteorological service warned about the possibility of a tsunami wave up to one meter high

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

World waits for Zelensky’s negotiating team to join Istanbul talks — Zakharova

It’s been nearly 24 hours that the Russian delegation has been in Istanbul, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman wrote

EU's grandiose fraud, Putin's possible visit to Turkey: Peskov's statements

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on Ukraine in depth

Russian youth volleyball teams to be allowed to participate in international tournaments

The IOC Executive Board recommended using the organization's standard protocols regarding flags, anthems, uniforms, and other elements

Three Ukrainian soldiers surrender in Dimitrov — Russia’s top brass

According to the report, the prisoners of war "recounted how their commanders had sent them to their deaths at the line of engagement"

Russia’s tennis player Alexandrova eager to represent country at 2024 Paris Games

"It would definitely be great to play at the Olympics because you only get that kind of opportunity once every four years," Yekaterina Alexandrova said

Russian diplomat slams any operations with Russian assets as theft

Sergey Nechayev warned against committing a crime that has no precedent in world history that will inevitably entail negative legal and reputational consequences for the European Union

USAID may be behind testing of pharmacological drugs on Ukrainians — Russia’s top brass

According to Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops Major General Alexey Rtishchev, US officials have repeatedly confirmed that the US defense agency conducted work in Ukrainian biolabs

Russian diplomat says Cuba’s being on US list of state sponsors of terrorism is absurd

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya stressed that this is another illegitimate instrument of US political and economic pressure on the Cuban government

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 96.1 rubles for October 15

The official euro rate was reduced by 0.45 rubles to 104.4016 rubles

Kiev’s nuke blackmail, suppression of sabotage: statements by Russia’s NBC Defense chief

According to the report, Western countries’ aggressive policy in the field of biological security and the expansion of NATO’s military-biological programs create additional threats to the non-proliferation of biological weapons

Everything you need to know about United Russia party

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is the party’s Chairman

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"

Jewish Region's new projects to attract $303 million in 2026 — development corporation

It is planned the Amuro-Khinganskaya Advanced-Development Territory will enter agreements with at least two new business residents on three investment projects to build transshipment, agro-logistic and petrochemical terminals

Russia ready to welcome Iraqi leader 'at any time' — Putin

At the talks in Ashgabat, Abdul Latif Rashid remarked that he would like to visit Russia and meet with Vladimir Putin

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

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 79.73 rubles for December 13-15

The official euro rate was increased by 62 kopecks to 93.5626 rubles

Cargo turnover at Russian seaports down 0.9% to 808.7 mln tons in 11M 2025

The data showed that the volume of dry cargo handled reached 403.7 mln tons, while the volume of liquid cargo transshipment stood at 405 mln tons

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"

Don State Technical University completes first stage of testing unmanned Dontech tractor

The tractor is equipped with a hybrid powertrain, pneumatic emergency braking system, and its own control system, which allows for operation via a tablet

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

Russian stock market indices in the red this Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 0.34% to 2,739.49 points, while the RTS Index dropped by 0.83% to 1,082.41 points

EU Council decided to perpetually block Russian sovereign assets

According to the plan of the European Commission, this step is the first phase in further expropriation of Russian assets

Press review: NATO divided over Ukraine’s status and US-Venezuela conflict escalates

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 12th

Ukraine hands over new 20-point peace plan to US — ABC News

According to the source, the proposals contain some new points on territories

British, Belgian PMs agree that latest peace talks are 'pivotal' for Ukraine’s future

Keir Starmer and Bart De Wever agreed that keeping up the economic pressure on Russia and putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position would remain the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace

Putin conveys best wishes to Iran’s supreme leader

The Russian president pointed out that meetings with Iranian officials take place on a regular basis

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"

NATO, EU preparing for large-scale conflict with Russia — Russian embassy in Belgium

The embassy emphasized that the war party in Brussels is seeking "to sell the uncontrolled increase in military spending and the militarization of economies to the population at the expense of socio-economic well-being"

Putin concludes his visit to Turkmenistan

The Russian leader held a series of bilateral meetings, including with the leaders of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan

Zelensky, his wife facilitate crimes against children in Ukraine — Russian MFA

"Representatives of the Kiev junta, including Zelensky’s wife Elena, use all international platforms to promote this, once again, fabricated story about kidnapped Ukrainian children," Maria Zakharova noted

FACTBOX: What is known about Bank of Russia's lawsuit against Euroclear

The procedure for executing the court order using Euroclear's assets will be determined after the court's decision enters into force, the regulator's press service reported

Japan moves to allocate record $58 billion for defense in 2026 fiscal year — Kyodo

The budget draft is expected to be adopted at a cabinet meeting in late December

Russian GDP reach $680.8 bln in Q3 2025 — statistics

The physical volume of GDP gained 0.6% in annual terms

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

Sixty-eight ionizing radiation sources lost in Ukraine — Russia’s top brass

According to the report, the loss of control over ionizing radiation sources was qualified as a radiation accident

Ukrainian ex-premier says it’s impossible to negotiate on Zelensky’s peace plan version

Nikolay Azarov added that there was no chances of resolving the conflict by Christmas "first of all because of the stance taken by Western countries and Vladimir Zelensky"

Moscow calls on Berlin to tone down anti-Russian rhetoric — embassy

Russia urged the German side to stop stirring up hysteria over Russia's alleged preparations to attack one or more NATO countries

Russian assets in EU to be blocked until end of conflict — Kosta

The next step will be "securing Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026-27," the president of the EU Council added

EU may lose 1 trillion euros over sanctions against Russia — Kremlin advisor

The Eurasian integration may become a good alternative for economic cooperation with Europe, the Russian president’s economic advisor, Sergey Glazyev, said at an economic conference in Kyrgyzstan

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Over the past week, Battlegroup South units liberated the settlements of Seversk and Chervonoye in the DPR

First draft standards for Islamic banking may appear in late 2025 — ARB

According to Anatoly Kozlachkov, head of the Association of Russian Banks, the bill on partnership financing, already submitted to the State Duma assumes that it is the ADB that will be engaged in standardization

Situation around Iran's nuclear program more complex now — Kremlin

Previous reports have suggested that Russia might take custody of Iran’s uranium stockpile

Russian Soyuz carrier rocket with remote sensing satellite lifted off Baikonur space pad

The new Resurs satellite has a set of scanners and three surveying systems that will receive full-color and infrared date

Russia prepares response to potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that the UK, the European Commission’s leadership, and the majority of NATO and EU member states took "a completely destructive position" on the Ukraine issue

RTS Index plunging after publication of official currency rates — market data

The RTS index moved downward by 0.57% to 1,085.23 points

Zelensky regime cannot be removed via election — lawmaker

"There will be the regime’s capitulation, either political or military," Artyom Dmitruk 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

Putin greenlights idea of fully banning vapes in Russia

"Not only such decision is important but carrying appropriate work" among the youth also, the president stressed

US hindering Venezuela to sell its oil, supply it to Cuba — Cuban foreign ministry

This step is part of escalation staged by the United States to bar Venezuela from realizing its legitimate right to the free use of and trade in its natural resources, the Cuban foreign ministry emphasized

FBI officials held secret meetings with Kiev's top negotiator in US — media

According to the report, the meetings have caused alarm among Western officials who remain in the dark about their intent and purpose

Moscow, Tehran in close contact on Iranian nuclear program — Putin

The president noted that Russia supported Iran at the United Nations

Casualties in Tver, 90 drones: aftermath of overnight attack on Russian Regions

As a result of a drone attack on a house in Tver, seven people were injured, including a child

Platform for protecting regions from drones successfully tested in Russia

The project scheme is based on the Jupiter flight information service automation system developed by Azimut, which ensured unified management and processing of data received from specialized systems

Merz says 'a lot of open questions' remain in talks on Ukraine

According to Merz, a major element of security guarantees that have been the subject of discussions for several weeks is "strengthening the Ukrainian army"

Russia unaware of changes US and Ukraine made to peace plan — Peskov

No information from Washington regarding US-Ukraine negotiations has been received, Dmitry Peskov stated

Moldova receives paperwork to register Sputnik V vaccine, Medicines Agency says

In January, Moldova approved the national program of vaccination against the coronavirus

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

Zelensky set to disrupt elections in Ukraine as he cannot win — expert

According to Vladimir Karasev, if presidential elections are held in Ukraine, candidates endorsed by either the UK or the US will make it to the final round

EU intends won’t return Russian assets as long as Europe experiences economic problems

Commenting on this decision, EU leaders did not go into these legal details, but simply called the freeze on Russian assets "indefinite"

EU to rue indefinite freezing of Russian assets — RDIF CEO

The EU Council is expected to officially enshrine the decision on the indefinite freezing of Russian assets in Europe today

Versatility of Russian-Turkish relations helps to cope with difficulties — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that it also allows to resist the pressure from third countries

Silver prices all-time high on Comex today

The precious metal prices gained 0.72% to $65.06 per Troy ounce

Belgium demands EU countries halt investment agreements with Russia — media

Belgium is demanding independent and autonomous guarantees from EU countries in return for its support for a floated loan to Ukraine using immobilized Russian assets

Roscosmos to increase share of civilian, dual-use products output to 50% by 2030

"This decision is intended to play a key role in ensuring high-quality and technologically advanced medical rehabilitation," Dmitry Bakanov said

Russian ambassador rejects German accusations of state involvement in cyberattack on DFS

Sergey Nechayev called the German government's accusations unfounded, unjustified, and absurd

About 14,000 people killed during conflict in Donbass, top Ukrainian diplomat says

This number includes servicemen and civilian casualties, according to the country's foreign minister

'Paranoid' Hegseth removes Driscoll from Ukraine talks — media

According to the newspaper, Hegseth saw Driscoll as exceeding his authority during the Ukraine talks

Zelensky will not hold any elections in Ukraine, former prime minister tells TASS

Nikolay Azarov said that if elections are held under the current circumstances, they would not bring about any meaningful change

St Petersburg’s newly built football stadium hosts first 10,000 spectators

For over ten years, the Russian second-largest city had been expecting a stadium to be built with a retractable roof and roll-out field

Russian delegation for talks with Ukraine arrives in Istanbul — source

The delegation is headed by Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky

Indefinite freezing of Russian assets will undermine euro's positions, warns Russian MP

According to Leonid Slutsky, the decision to freeze the assets for their subsequent use in a reparations loan to the Kiev regime will mean "crossing the Rubicon," a step that will be followed by a wave of response measures from Russia

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

Many Russian companies show interest in working with Iraq — Putin

Relations between Russia and Iraq are diversifying and becoming more versatile by their nature, the Russian leader said

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

Russian Academy of Sciences to do everything possible to secure Butyagin's release

According to the institute, thanks to the work of the Myrmekion archaeological expedition led by Butyagin, the main stages of the ancient city's history were identified and documented in detail, and unique archaeological material was collected, which gained worldwide fame

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"

Belgium supported long-term freeze of Russian assets — Reuters

Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy and Malta also said that the EU summit should make the decision on the use of Russian assets for Ukraine

Bank of Russia files a lawsuit against Euroclear in Moscow Arbitration Court

The amount of the claim against the depository was not specified in the statement