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Portuguese PM doesn’t rule out sending peacekeepers to Ukraine after conflict is over

MADRID, December 20. /TASS/. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro doesn’t rule out that his country’s peacekeepers could be deployed to Ukraine after the conflict is settled.

"Nothing will prevent the Portuguese military from doing in Ukraine what they are already doing in neighboring countries, such as Slovakia, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and other [countries], where our national forces, deployed within the framework of the European Union and NATO, are participating in peacekeeping missions and missions to ensure security," the Diario de Noticias quoted him as saying during his visit to Kiev.

"Our participation does not involve any ground intervention," he added.

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The officials did not say where operation was taking place but added the ·Coast Guard was in the lead, Reuters said

Donbass's water supply collapsed over decades of Ukraine’s governance — Putin

The Russian president explained that now to bring this system to a standard state and reduce water losses to zero it is necessary to spend as much money as it costs to construct and build another water pipeline

More than 400 Palestinians killed during ceasefire with Israel — Palestinian ambassador

This is due to Israel continuing to violate the ceasefire regime and allowing humanitarian aid to be brought in only in minimally possible volumes, noted Abdel Hafiz Nofal

Lavrov tells Europe we don't need your help on Ukraine deal, just don't blow it up

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Russia attaches great importance to developing relations with African partners — Putin

Putin noted that African states possess enormous economic and human potential and are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics

Providing military aid to Ukraine weakens EU instead of making it stronger — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister recalled that the European Union’s summit on December 18 and 19 in Brussels decided to grant a military loan to Ukraine in 2026-2027 at the expense of a common European loan worth 90 billion euro

Rubio says US continues to share intelligence information with Ukraine

Marco Rubio commented on the prospects for resolving the Ukrainian crisis

Putin envisions what Russia might look like in 200 years

The Russian leader pointed out that 200 years is not that long a time in the entire scheme of history in Russia

Kiev bombed polling stations for Russian elections during special op — Putin

The Russian president recalled that the voters were standing in line at polling stations when shelling began

EU €90 bln loan cannot save Ukraine from defeat — Hungarian PM

Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic earlier declined to participate in providing the loan to Kiev using funds raised through joint EU borrowing

International coalition delivers missile strike on IS targets from base in Syria — TV

The missile strikes targeted militant hideouts in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate

Trump announces plans to visit Florida, where talks on Ukraine expected

The US leader noted that he "has a lot of meetings scheduled"

36 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions in three hours

22 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

EU's decision to support Ukraine confirms that it does not want peace — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova said that EU member states decided to further prolong the Ukrainian conflict

Britain refuses to expropriate Russian assets after failure of EU summit — FT

According to the newspaper, London "will continue to work closely with the G7 and EU on Ukraine financing"

Ukrainian elections only legitimate if citizens residing elsewhere take part — Medvedchuk

Medvedchuk also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated political will by declaring his readiness not to hinder the free will of Ukrainian citizens

Ukraine, Portugal sign statement on joint production of surface drones

Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro is on his first visit to Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky said

US conducting operation to seize ship off Venezuela — agency

The officials did not say where operation was taking place but added the ·Coast Guard was in the lead, Reuters said

US Air Force carries out second wave of attacks on Islamic State sites in Syria — TV

IS sites in the Deir ez-Zor province were the hardest hit, the TV channel said

Netanyahu plans to discuss potential new strikes on Iran with Trump — TV

According to NBC News, the Israeli prime minister plans to share with the American leader his concern over Tehran’s missile program that may require swift actions in response

Ukraine's Goncharenko sentenced 18 years in prison in absentia by Russia

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Russian troops to move westward after liberating Kupyansk-Uzlovoi — Putin

As the president stressed, the Russian troops have been assigned a very important task to eliminate the enemy group on the left bank of the Oskol River

Hong Kong fire death toll up to 161 — police

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Speaking at NSATU's Wiesbaden headquarters, Major General Maik Keller said that NATO had dispatched nearly 220,000 tons of military aid to Ukraine in 2025

Brussels will have to repay Ukraine’s debts to Europe, warns Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that Ukraine will not receive the loan in a lump sum

Lavrov gives war-minded European hawks a piece of his mind

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow advocates for "ensuring indivisible security – in an honest manner and on equal terms"

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US blacklists seven individuals allegedly linked to Venezuelan president’s inner circle

Five of the blacklisted individuals are residents of Venezuela, while the remaining two are Panama passport holders

Krasny Liman to be liberated in near future — Putin

The head of state added that Russian forces currently control about half of the city

Putin sends major message to West by his statement on Ukraine — portal

L’AntiDiplomatico also recalled that during his year-end press conference, the Russian leader noted that US President Donald Trump "is making serious efforts" to end the Ukrainian crisis and is doing this "absolutely sincerely"

Syria to step up counterterrorism effort in areas where Islamic State is active — ministry

The Syrian Foreign Ministry called upon the United States and other members of the international coalition "to support Syria’s counterterrorism efforts"

Europe will sooner or later have to repay what it steals from Russian assets — Putin

The EU and G7 countries froze approximately 300 billion euros in Russian assets

Russian army continues to advance west of Seversk, Putin says

The Russian leader recalled how the report on the liberation of Seversk was presented

Bern takes part in EU’s risky plans, though it realizes danger of stealing Russian assets

Russian Ambassador to Switzerland Sergey Garmonin stressed that Swiss elites "understand perfectly well that a theft of Russian assets will be illegal and destroy the confederation’s reputation of a 'safe haven' for foreign investors"

EU's aggressive policy on Russian assets threatens Belgium with major issues — ambassador

According to Denis Gonchar, the EU's actions could lead to huge financial losses, damage to the investment climate, and capital flight from Belgium and the EU

Ukrainian forces fail to retake parts of Krasnoarmeysk, suffer losses — Putin

According to the Russian president, the enemy is achieving no success

Peace in Ukraine close like never before — US envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker added that the US administration will not give up its efforts to resolve the conflict

Kiev counterattacks near Krasnoarmeysk, trying to slow Russian advance — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk on December 1

At least 27 drones taken down over various Russian regions overnight

Two of them were destroyed over the Sea of Azov waters

Crew Dragon with Russian cosmonaut on board to be launched no earlier then Feb. 15 — NASA

The spacecraft’s multinational crew will also comprise NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway

Putin’s words about Europe echo position of Trump with his supporters — Die Welt

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Russia ready to organize voting for Ukrainians in case of legitimate elections in Ukraine

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Two Russians arrested in Bulgaria at US request — Russian embassy

No official details about the US extradition request are available at this point

Ukrainian forces execute civilians in Seversk — Hero of Russia

According to Naran Ochir-Goryaev, the Ukrainian troops were primarily targeting young people between 30 and 40 years old

Cancer-stricken Serbian sues NATO for use of depleted uranium in 1999 attack on Yugoslavia

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US drafts $112-billion Gaza reconstruction plan — WSJ

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Bank of Russia won’t withdraw its lawsuit against Euroclear over asset freezing

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Volvo files application to register three trademarks in Russia

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Dmitriev calls for resignation of Merz, von der Leyen after failure at EU summit

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Putin says 3I/ATLAS comet poses no threat to Earth, it can be 'sent to Jupiter' anytime

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Only Indonesia, Italy ready to join ‘stabilization forces’ in Gaza — Palestinian envoy

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Ukraine investigating corruption mastermind Mindich for treason

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Hundreds of thousands of Russian troops fighting in special military operation — Putin

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Kiev's terrorist attacks against ships, energy infrastructure in Black Sea inadmissible

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Ukrainian soldiers desert due to lack of food, water, clothing — expert

Vitaly Kiselev pointed out that Ukrainian barrier detachments operating within the zone of the special military operation are unable to stem the tide of desertion

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

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 1,795 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy tanks and 20 armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia, Thailand in talks about use of Mir cards — deputy foreign minister

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Slovak politician considers EU’s decision to refrain from seizing Russian assets sensible

The country’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok noted that Slovakia would not act as a guarantor for the EU loan to Ukraine

Kiev's lead negotiator holds consultations with Europeans ahead of meeting with US

Rustem Umerov said he would present a report to Vladimir Zelensky following the talks

Russia’s offensive in Zaporozhye forces Kiev to expand evacuation zone

The reason behind this decision is an increase in the operational range of Russian drones, the source said

Only Trump can decide on US refusal to negotiate on Ukraine — Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that "both sides have to give and both sides have to get"

Israel trying to resettle Palestinians abroad with US support — Palestinian envoy

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Hong Kong flu has pandemic potential — virologist

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Route to Slavyansk opens from liberated Seversk — Putin

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Putin thanks special services for their work to defend country during special op

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Russia negative about discussions on nuclear weapons for Japan — deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko pointed out that the militarization of Japan will only make the situation in Northeast Asia worse and, of course, will entail due countermeasures from countries who see this militarization as a threat

UN says famine phase overcome in Gaza Strip

According to the latest IPC report, at least 1.6 million people, or 77% of the population, including over 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, are still facing high levels of acute food insecurity in the enclave

US starts striking Islamic State sites in Syria — NYT

The operation involves US fighter jets and attack helicopters

Trump's efforts, piglets, Russia's secret weapon: Putin's statements at 'Results of Year'

The Russian president explained that when he took a jab at Europeans by calling them "piglets," as the Western media translated the Russian term, he was not referring to anyone specific in Europe, but rather to a "group of people"

Putin explained to the West conditions for building relations with Russia — expert

Andrey Bystritsky said that Vladimir Putin’s stance is consistent in emphasizing the principles on which peaceful coexistence can be based

Possible pause in Russian airstrikes thwarts Kiev's plans to avoid elections — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that Russia is prepared to act for peace, and this is one of the main messages today

Economy, special op, taxes most popular topics on social media following Putin’s Q&A

Since the start of the event at noon Friday and until 10:00 p.m. Moscow time, approximately 1.5 million messages about it were posted on social media, a research by Russia’s Medialogia automated real-time media monitoring and analysis system says

Putin to chair SEEC, host CIS leaders in St. Petersburg

Furthermore, on the initiative of the Russian leader, a traditional informal meeting of the leaders of the CIS member countries will be held in St. Petersburg on December 22

EU summit undertook to finance military action against Russia — diplomats

"The leaders of the EU Member States have reaffirmed their course towards comprehensive support for the Kiev regime and further escalation of the Ukrainian conflict," the Russian Permanent Mission to the European Union said in a statement

Putin’s Direct Line demonstrated that 2025 was successful for Russia — Focus

According to Focus, Russia, despite a tough sanctions regime, successfully exports its products and secures its defense budget

Ukraine itself to blame for failure of mobilization — intelligence chief

Budanov emphasized that "it was all done from here," meaning within Ukraine, "sometimes deliberately, due to the personal ambitions of certain people, sometimes thoughtlessly"

WSJ names five key obstacles to peace between Russia, Ukraine

These include territorial issues, Ukraine's accession to NATO, the size of the Ukrainian armed forces, the status of the Russian language, and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Russian diplomat says US Justice Department places her in waiting queue for Epstein files

Maria Zakharova believes that the files "show all those western 'mentors' in interesting circumstances and with no less interesting fellow partygoers"

Russia to practice tact in protecting compatriots abroad — Putin

The head of state noted that new mechanisms should be introduced to support citizens abroad

Kiev troops shell DPR four times in past day

The attacks targeted the city of Gorlovka and the town of Starobeshevo

Trump confirms retaliatory strike against IS in Syria

The strike was very successful, with precision, also said US President

US starts publishing Epstein case files — FBI

Jeffrey Epstein’s friends and acquaintances included a large number of current and retired officials not only from the United States but also from many other countries, including former heads of state, major entrepreneurs, and show business stars

Ukraine must be prepared for continuation of conflict in 2026 — US envoy to NATO

The reason is that a peace agreement may not yet be concluded by the end of this year, said US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker

E3 countries’ advisers to meet with Witkoff, Umerov in Miami — correspondent

According to Barak Ravid, the Turkish foreign minister and the Qatari prime minister will also participate in the talks

Russia to eliminate threats to Kaliningrad Region should they emerge, says Putin

The Kaliningrad Region is separated from mainland Russia by the borders of European Union countries

Putin baffled by NATO Secretary General Rutte's war-with-Russia talk

The Russian president advised that Mark Rutte read the national security strategy of the United States, which is a key player, creator and main sponsor of NATO

Zelensky says Ukraine discusses options to ensure election security with US

According to Vladimir Zelensky, the Ukrainian foreign ministry is working on the issue of organizing voting among Ukrainian nationals living abroad

EU diplomats do not rule out retaliation against Ukrainian elites by angry mob — SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that the Mindich-Zelensky case is undermining Ukraine

PMs of Belgium, Italy emerge victorious at EU summit on Russian assets — media

Earlier, the newaspaper described the summit’s decision on Russian assets as a "major setback" for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

EU 'war party' to pay Kiev 'reparations' itself — Foreign Ministry

"Brussels did not even notice how absurd the situation had become for the EU," Maria Zakharova stated

Lawsuit against Euroclear filed in time — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that it is difficult for her to comment on specific arguments prevailing among EU member-countries that did not approve the confiscation of Russian assets

Russian army has full strategic initiative in special military operation zone — Putin

The president said that the Russian forces are advancing along the entire line of engagement

Georgian president calls EU decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine bluff

"Ukraine has simply been sold out," Mikhail Kavelashvili said

German expert slams EU decision on loan to Ukraine as 'madness'

Earlier, an EU summit concluded with no consensus on the expropriation of Russian assets under the guise of a so-called reparations loan to Kiev despite spending 17 hours in discussion

Ukraine conflict to be resolved on Russia-US track, Europe ancillary player — analyst

Today’s European politicians don’t hold a candle to their predecessors, Deputy rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleg Karpovich noted

Europe will have to reopen dialogue with Russia — Macron

The French president believes that "Europeans and Ukrainians, will have to find the right framework to re-engage in this discussion in a proper manner"

Purpose of VAT increase, key rate, rising prices: Putin’s takes at 'Results of Year'

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Russian embassy in Mali rejects accusations against Africa Corps

According to its statement, the article "is a collection of propaganda cliches and idle fakes aimed at discrediting Russian servicemen in the eyes of the Malian population, the countries of the Sahel Confederation, and the international community"

Russia ready to consider halting strikes deep inside Ukraine on election day — Putin

The Russian president still noted that if Kiev wants to use the elections solely to stop the offensive momentum of Russian troops, then this is the wrong choice