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Billionaire Isaacman to serve as new head of NASA

A total of 67 senators voted in favor of Isaacman’s nomination, while 30 voted against it

WASHINGTON, December 17. /TASS/. The US Senate has approved billionaire Jared Isaacman’s nomination as head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), with his renomination by President Donald Trump this time going off without a hitch, according to a vote broadcast live on C-SPAN.

A total of 67 senators voted in favor of Isaacman’s nomination, while 30 voted against it. His candidacy was thus approved, and he is expected to be sworn in as NASA’s new chief in the near future.

Trump renominated Isaacman on November 4. He was previously nominated earlier in the year, and initially approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on April 30. A final Senate vote had been expected in June, but on May 31 Trump announced the withdrawal of Isaacman’s nomination. US media at the time described Isaacman as a protege of billionaire Elon Musk. Following the withdrawal, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was appointed acting NASA head.

Last September, Isaacman took part in the first commercial space mission, Polaris Dawn. During the flight, he served as captain of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and, together with engineer Sarah Gillis, conducted the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.

Trump says US wants back oil rights allegedly taken by Venezuela

"They took all of our oil from not that long ago", US President said

About five US military jets spotted over sea near Venezuelan border — air traffic control

According to the source, the aircraft are carrier-based

West, Ukraine exhaust diplomatic options in resolving conflict — Merz

The first round of negotiations between the US and Ukrainian delegations took place in Berlin on December 14

Security guarantees for Kiev make no mention of arsenal limits — newspaper

According to the publication, the United States is unlikely to directly supply long-range missiles to Kiev or finance the Ukrainian defense industry

Russian tourist trips abroad increase by 14% yoy in 2025 — RUTI

Turkey ranks first in terms of demand among Russian tourists in 2025, followed by Egypt and Thailand

Russian army gains steam as Ukraine's falls apart — Putin

The Russian president thanked the Defense Ministry for keeping Russia strong on the battlefield

EU stuck in the mud on Russian asset seizure — media

According to the media outlet, the ambassadors only moved further away from reaching an agreement

US informed Europe of its desire to use Russian assets as part of Ukraine settlement — WP

According to the publication, after Washington proposed its 28-point plan for settling the Ukrainian crisis in November, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and other European leaders "have faced pressure from US officials"

Iran reaffirms its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear program — foreign minister

According to Abbas Araghchi, the US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, even though they damaged buildings and equipment, were unable to destroy the technology

Russian national detained in Iran released from prison — embassy

The embassy expressed gratitude to the Iranian side for its assistance in resolving the situation

Lukoil’s IFRS net profit halved in 1H 2025 down to $3.57 bln

Operating profit for the reporting period amounted to $4.29 bln, compared with $8.63 bln a year earlier

Russia hopes for US pragmatic approach to situation around Venezuela — diplomat

"We hope that common sense will prevail and will proceed from this in our actions," a high-ranking Russian foreign ministry official said

Rome wary of Russian asset seizure, calls for going different route — radio

The broadcaster recalled that Italian PM Giorgia Meloni had signed a letter requesting "the exploration of less risky alternatives"

Europe has no plan B in case seizure of Russian assets is rejected — Finnish PM

Petteri Orpo said he does not want to think about that

Russian army’s capabilities keep developing — Putin

According to the head of state, the defense industry "has quickly restructured many production and technological processes"

Incremental growth of Russian GDP close to 10% over last 36 months — Novak

According to the official, the main drivers of the economy are processing industry, machine-building, agriculture and construction

Europe's 'symbolic politics' undermining Ukraine peace process — Berliner Zeitung

According to the publication, what the Europeans are trying to sell as "active peace policy" is, from the perspective of Moscow and Washington, nothing more than "informational noise"

Investigative Committee outraged by publication of footage of school attack near Moscow

According to Armen Gasparyan, if the media does not adhere to the request of the Human Rights Council, the state should punish them

Ukraine, Germany sign arms supply deals worth €1.2 bln

On December 15, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that since February 2022 Germany has provided €40 billion in military assistance to Ukraine and another €36 billion in civilian aid

US extends permits for certain activities related to Sakhalin-2 project until June 18

In June 2024, the US Treasury exempted oil supplies from the Sakhalin-2 project to Japan from the price cap until June 28, 2025

EU’s 19 packages of sanctions on Russia weaken European economy — Italian official

Italian deputy prime minister and minister of transport and infrastructure Matteo Salvini emphasized that sanctions brought European economies to their knees, leading to more expensive energy for Italians

Liberating Gerasimovka, Russian troops expand bridgehead along Gaichur River — source

As a result of active combat operations, assault groups of the 36th Brigade advanced along the western bank, taking under control a 2-kilometer sector along the front and up to a kilometer in depth

Hungary refuses loyal cooperation with EU on issue of Russian assets — Orban

Viktor Orban also said that EU leaders violated EU law by proposing to make decisions on Russian financial assets not by consensus, but by a qualified majority vote

Ukraine loses more than half of energy capacity — Russian defense chief

According to Andrey Belousov, this directly affected Ukraine’s resistance capability

Ukrainian strike on Zaporozhye NPP is another act of nuclear terrorism — Balitsky

"There are no words to describe the sick attempts by the enemy to shell a nuclear facility," Zaporozhye Region Governor Evgeny Balitsky said

Kiev's proposals will reveal how much Zelensky seeks peace — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, Moscow needs to review the documents that emerged from discussions between the Americans, Europeans, and Ukrainians

Italian PM says Rome has no intent of sending troops to Ukraine

The leaders of European countries said that security guarantees for Kiev should involve the creation of "a European-led ‘multinational force’ made up from contributions from willing nations

Russia will not agree to deployment of Western troops in Ukraine in any form — MFA

Russia is open-minded in terms of what decisions might be made, Sergey Ryabkov noted

Engine production at Haval plant in Russia to start in early 2024 — Haval Motor Rus

According to executive director of Haval Motor Rus Andrey Akifyev, the construction of a plant is almost complete

Russian coal exports down 4% in 9M 2025 — Deputy Minister

Russia plans to keep coal exports to China at the level of about 100 mln metric tons in 2025

February explosion at Chernobyl blown out of proportion by media — expert

According to head of the Atominfo research center Alexander Uvarov, forest fires that periodically occurred in the Ukrainian segment of the Chernobyl exclusion zone may have more significant radiation effects

Settlements in national digital currencies to become norm within 5 years — MP

First international payments in digital currencies may be carried out with China or Belarus, Anatoly Aksakov noted

Anti-government protests took place in Slovakia — TV

The protests, where people demanded the resignation of the government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, a Social Democrat, were organized by opposition liberal parties and movements of Slovakia

Trump names countries that will truly play important role — Kneissl

"Europe no longer plays any role in the world at all," the former Austrian Foreign Minister noted

Special op, nuclear forces, Oreshnik and Burevestnik: what Putin told defense officials

The Russian president noted that Russia’s strategic nuclear forces will continue to play a key role in deterring aggression and maintaining the global balance of power

Russian embassy in The Hague calls on the Netherlands to end 'anti-Russian hysteria'

The embassy also recalled that Acting Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans recently called for increased military support for Kiev and expressed the need to "be prepared for a conflict with Russia by 2030"

Resolving Ukrainian issue impossible without Russia — Duma speaker

Saudi Arabia will not participate and earlier, China declined to attend, Vyacheslav Volodin noted

Russian troops liberate Gerasimovka in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that the Ukrainian army lost roughly 235 troops, two tanks and three armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup East

Whole world, save for Europe, condemns US actions in Caribbean — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister underscored that "all other countries have clearly expressed their positions"

Russia had to start special op to change world — Serbian journalist

Mario Bojic said it needed to happen for the world to change

FACTBOX: Project 677 Lada-class submarines

Project 677 diesel-electric submarines are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels, conduct patrols, conduct reconnaissance, protect sea lanes, lay minefields, and perform other missions

MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center director shot dead in US

According to the newspaper, the scientist was found with gunshot wounds at his Brooklyn home on Monday

EU majority's decision on Russian assets to undermine solidarity within bloc — Euractiv

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his supporters are bluffing in this situation as both he and the EU leadership understand that implementing the plan bypassing Belgium will delegitimize the entire scheme

Russia looks to work with US to reform UN — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the work of BRICS and the SCO could serve as a good guideline for changes at the United Nations

Russia says shoots down three bogeys over sea in Sevastopol

Earlier, an air alert was announced in the city

Interpol puts two Ukrainians suspected of railway bombing on wanted list

"Interpol red notices have been issued for the men suspected of committing acts of sabotage in Garwolin County" Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said

Turkey’s Marmara Sea recedes 20 meters from shore — TV

According to the TV channel, the phenomenon occurred in the Marmaraereglisi district of the Tekirdag province in western Turkey

Russia, China could become world leaders if US does not step up — Biden

The former US president also called on Washington to continue to adhere to its current role, saying that the US "owes it to the world"

Austrian parliament rejects proposal to support EU seizure of Russian central bank funds

The statement noted that the relevant proposal was submitted by the party but did not receive the support of a majority of deputies

West started war in Ukraine, Russia is trying to end it — Putin

The Russian president reiterated that it was the destructive forces in Ukraine, with the support of the West

Issue of seizing Russian assets not on EU summit agenda — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban stated that Hungary "won the battle ahead of the EU summit"

Defense Ministry take steps to limit increase of military budget — minister

The ministry has switched to a budget planning system which implies strict setting of priorities

FIFA announces record $727 mln in prize money for 2026 World Cup participants

The announced sum marks a 50% increase compared to the championship’s previous edition, which was the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Russia going to develop international military cooperation — Putin

The collective security system of the Union States requires improvement, the Russian president stressed

US imposing its ideas on Venezuela same as 100 years ago — ambassador to Russia

According to Jesus Rafael Salazar Velasquez, it is essential to defend the Bolivarian ideas of equality, social justice, and the unity

Russia does not deny anyone right to security, but insists on NATO not expanding — Putin

It was publicly stated that there would be no NATO expansion to the east and the West "couldn't care less" about these promises, the Russian leader noted

Book about expedition to Russia's northernmost destination presented in Yakutsk

The expedition, which lasted from 2020 to 2022, featured a team of eight people - mostly rescuers from the Yakutsk branch

Press review: EU sees Russia as threat while US ramps up attacks on boats near Venezuela

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 17th

Trump slow-rolling decision on new sanctions against Russia — Bloomberg

The new measures could be unveiled as early as this week

West supplies arms to terrorists in North Caucasus — Putin

The President noted that the West liked to speak the language of force with Russia

BRICS nations seek alternatives to US dollar — Brazilian official

According to Celso Amorim, BRICS nations continue discussions of potential payment mechanisms that the group’s members could adopt

Russia, North Korea to hold intergovernmental commission’s meeting soon

The previous 10th meeting of the bilateral intergovernmental commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation was held in November 2023 in Pyongyang

West tries to destabilize situation in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger — Deputy Foreign Minister

Sergey Vershinin also pointed out that Moscow is paying increasing attention to building multifaceted cooperation with Africa’s subregional communities

Germany withdrawing Patriot air defense systems, military personnel from Poland

The command in Rzeszow has been taken over by the Dutch military

Former UN expert warns against deploying European force to Ukraine

Alfred de Zayas stressed that "NATO boots on the ground would only mean an escalation to the war"

US Congress approves defense budget proposal amounting to $901 billion

Ultimately, the lawmakers arrived at a compromise

Investors will start withdrawing funds if Euroclear rating downgraded — Dmitriev

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund, "collapse begins"

Billionaire Isaacman to serve as new head of NASA

A total of 67 senators voted in favor of Isaacman’s nomination, while 30 voted against it

Roman Protasevich becomes host on Belarusian TV channel STV

He appeared in this role during the premiere of a program dedicated to the fire at the decommissioned Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania on November 25

West tries to twist international law where Ukraine is concerned — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, the West, especially the Europeans, want to continue their neocolonial policy, "aimed at living at the expense of others, as it has been for the last 500 years"

Foreign journalists to be able to ask questions during Putin’s Q&A session — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also noted that there will be journalists from unfriendly countries as well

Russian troops destroy 67 foreign mercenaries in battles for Yunakovka — defense source

According to the source, they were mostly Colombian nationals

Russia may ultimately replace UK in technology deal with US — Dmitriev

Russian Presidential Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev emphasized that "the UK needs to learn to solve real problems - not imaginary ones"

Russian industrial producers cut prices by 0.9% in November — statistics

In the mineral resources mining segment, prices went down for natural graphite, sea salt and dewatered, desalinated and stabilized oil

Euroclear rating’s downgrade could trigger capital outflows from EU — expert

Fitch's decision may be related to the agency's desire to reduce its own risks, deputy head of the specialized department of financial markets infrastructure at the HSE Andrey Stolyarov said

Fitch warns Euroclear of potential rating downgrade over Russian assets confiscation

The agency explained that the move "reflects Fitch's view of potentially increased liquidity and legal risks for Euroclear Bank"

S-500's capabilities unachievable for Russia's military-industrial rivals — expert

Head of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis Alexander Mikhailov emphasized that the S-500 functions as a sophisticated space defense system

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian troops attempt to approach liberated Kupyansk

Airborne observation posts and mobile air defense teams ensured combat safety of the self-propelled guns

Russia manages to reverse trend of declining military exports — defense chief

According to Andrey Belousov, Russia transitioned to a new system for promoting weapons to allies and partners

Russia says rising tensions around Venezuela carry unpredictable fallout

Russia reaffirms its solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of the challenging times they are going through

Press review: US-Ukraine talks fail on Donbass as Kiev struggles with election competition

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 16th

Religious persecution in Ukraine 'cannot be ignored' — US congresswoman

On December 8, Luna said the US government should stop supporting Ukraine because of Kiev’s actions against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Trump says US wants back oil rights allegedly taken by Venezuela

"They took all of our oil from not that long ago", US President said

Presidents of Russia, Iran keep eye on North-South Corridor construction — Lavrov

Commissioning of the mentioned railway section "is a critical condition for the full-scale launch of the Western branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor" that is among the flagship international projects, the Russian foreign minister stressed

NATO plans confrontation with Russia by 2030 — top defense official

"We are not the ones making threats; we are the ones being threatened," Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stressed

Russian oil imports to India to top 1 mln barrels per day in December — Reuters

"Ties between the two countries have remained strong despite pressure from Western sanctions," the agency said

'Coalition of willing' has not called Putin's hotline, Kremlin official jokes

The event will be held at noon on December 19

Parliament member admits 500,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, just as many wounded

The official number of killed Ukrainian soldiers has not been disclosed, but deputies and military personnel regularly complain about a shortage of personnel

Russian shipbuilders deliver 19 ships, three subs to Navy in 2025

Head of the Russian Presidential Directorate for State Defense Industry Policy Viktor Yevtukhov emphasized that domestic innovative solutions were used in the construction of each ship

Tucker Carlson believes Trump may declare war on Venezuela

The journalist added that he does not know whether the announcement "will actually happen"

Putin blames West for Yugoslavia’s breakup

The president noted that nothing that was created in the post-war period worked in relations with the West

Hungarian PM asks Putin about Russia’s response if EU uses frozen assets

According to Viktor Orban, Moscow responded that "a decisive response will follow, based on all mechanisms of international law"

Russia welcomes emerging progress in dialogue with Trump administration — Putin

The head of state stressed that Russia still advocates cooperation with European countries and the shaping of a unified security system throughout the Eurasian region

Revival of Nazism in EU and Europe’s 'bent towards stealing:' What Lavrov said

Russian Foreign Minister also noted that the situation around Russia’s frozen assets made it clear that "stealing is in the Europeans’ blood"

Putin awards Gold Stars to Russian heroes who excelled in liberating Seversk

The ceremony took place at the Defense Ministry

Russia bans entry to 227 US citizens involved in Washington's Russophobic agenda — MFA

The ministry specified that the entry ban applies to specific individuals in the executive branch, the business community, the media and academic circles, "who are regularly involved in hostile attacks or the spread of fabrications and outright slander about Russia’s foreign and domestic policies"

Any sanctions harmful to fostering relations — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that it is obvious

Moscow values Budapest’s readiness to provide venue for Russia-US summit — diplomat

"I think the Russian and US leaders’ statements leave no room for doubt," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky said

Karin Kneissl: Zelensky Has No Chance Left

Annual inflation in Russia down to 6.34% from December 9 to 15 — Economy Ministry

Price growth rates changed by 0.05% for foods

Reducing threat of invasion, military support, new weapons: Belousov’s statements

According to the Russian defense minister, the threat of an incursion into the Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions has been reduced with the creation of a buffer zone in the Ukrainian border regions