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US exit from WHO signals need for reform, Kremlin aide believes

WHO is an inefficient and corrupt bureaucracy, as we know from the COVID days, Kirill Dmitriev pointed out

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The US exit from the World Health Organization (WHO) sends an important signal that the global health watchdog is in need of reform, Special Presidential Envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation Kirill Dmitriev said.

"Important sign for [the] WHO to reform itself, as [the] WHO is an inefficient and corrupt bureaucracy, as we know from the COVID days." Dmitriev, who is also CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) wrote in an English-language post on X.

His comment came after the White House announced that the United States has officially exited the WHO, fulfilling US President Donald Trump's order to do so.

In January of last year, Trump signed an executive order on his country’s withdrawal from the WHO, saying that Washington had been paying a disproportionately higher membership fee than any other country in the organization.

US looking at naval blockade of oil supplies to Cuba — media

No decision has been made on this matter but such an option could be part of potential measures presented to Trump

Russian assets frozen in US can be invested in affected areas including Donbass — Kremlin

The amount of assets frozen in the US is slightly less than $5 bln, Dmitry Peskov noted

Oreshnik strike on Ukraine aircraft plant causes nervous reaction from West — expert

Vasily Prozorov emphasized that this weapon had no analogues in the world

Musk returns to big politics — WSJ

Billionaire Elon Musk is ready to finance the Republican campaign for the 2026 midterm elections in the United States

Zelensky says territorial issues will be key topic at Abu Dhabi talks

Vladimir Zelensky said "the Donbass issue" is a key one

Russia to continue Arctic exploration amid global cooling — Putin

As the Russian president noted, the warming peak is now behind us and cooling will follow next

Kiev returns bodies of two Russian soldiers captured without injuries — ombudswoman

Tatyana Moskalkova added that during a meeting on January 16, 2026, in Geneva with Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, she presented multiple pieces of evidence confirming war crimes committed by the Ukrainian armed forces

US withdraws from WHO, leaving behind unpaid debt — agency

The WHO is set to discuss legal options for the US debt at its upcoming assembly meeting in May

US must have rights to Greenland’s resources as it defends its territory — vice president

JD Vance added that US President Donald Trump is working on the details of a Greenland deal

EU is pulling out its checkbook for Ukraine despite Zelensky's insults — Philippot

The leader of France’s Patriots party warned that Ukraine’s accession to the EU next year could trigger "catastrophic devastation" to European budgets

Russian senator says EU will have to 'reap what it has sown' in Ukraine, pay for rebuild

According to Alexander Voloshin, the cancellation of the so-called post-war reconstruction plan at the World Economic Forum sends a clear signal that Ukraine has lost its priority status for US President Donald Trump’s team

US army secretary Driscoll to take part in consultations on Ukraine in UAE — Axios

Special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law of the American leader Jared Kushner will also participate

Coalition of the willing seeks to preserve Kiev regime — Russian ambassador to London

Andrey Kelin explained that this strategy enjoys support not only from Britain, France, and Germany but also from the Nordic and Baltic nations

Brussels wants war in Ukraine to continue — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, Europe is doing everything to support the continuation of the war

Iran’s top diplomat confirms more than 3,000 were killed in recent riots

Protests in Iran began on December 29, triggered by a sharp decline in the value of the rial, and quickly spread to most major cities

Russian embassy granted access to jailed founder of SOS Donbass group

Russian consular officer visited Novikova at Fleury-Merogis Prison outside Paris

Europe remains major obstacle to peace in Ukraine — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban pointed out that the Europeans had supported "the idea by Zelensky and the Ukrainians to continue the war and secure a victory on the battlefield"

Putin-Witkoff talks continue for over two hours

Reports about the start of the talks came at approximately 11:25 p.m. Moscow time on January 22

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,110 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed nine enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Berlin's spy allegations 'absurd,' response coming to hostile actions — Russian embassy

The diplomatic mission confirmed that Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev was summoned to the German Foreign Ministry

FACTBOX: What’s known about upcoming Russia, US, Ukraine trilateral meeting in UAE

The issue of territorial control will be central at trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky said

Ukraine deal stalled over same issues as in 2025 — Trump

Trump did not elaborate what exactly this hold-up was about

Trump says US has ‘big force going towards Iran’

"I'd rather not see anything happen, but we're watching them very closely," US president added

Trump says work on Greenland agreements ongoing

It "will be amazing for the U.S.A.," US President said

World tired of clowns who have no independent army — Iranian foreign minister on Zelensky

As Abbas Araghchi noted, Vladimir Zelensky is "draining US and European taxpayers" to "line the pockets of his corrupt generals"

Europe debates building its own nukes amid tensions with US — media

The European officials are considering several options: upgrading France's arsenal, deploying its nuclear bombers abroad and strengthening NATO's conventional forces in the east

EU can work with Board of Peace if it is narrowed down to Gaza — diplomacy chief

Earlier on Thursday, representatives of 19 countries signed the charter establishing the Board of Peace for Gaza peace efforts in a ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos

Russian troops accelerate advance north of DPR liberating Seversk — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that the liberation of territories in the north of the region would open access to water sources that could feed the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal

Hungary won’t allow Ukraine to join EU in next 100 years — PM

That is why Kiev is interested in the opposition's victory and is trying to interfere in Budapest's internal affairs, Viktor Orban added

Brazil doubts it can accept Trump’s Board of Peace as an alternative to UN — diplomat

"It's impossible to consider a UN reform carried out by one country," Celso Amorim told

Zelensky put on show in Davos, insulted EU — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that the head of Kiev regime's promise to Europe protection from all enemies was an overreach that only underscored his delusions

AI could become smarter than all of humanity by 2031 — Musk

According to the businessman, AI that is smarter than any human will be created no later than 2027

US-Ukraine security guarantee agreement ready for signing — Zelensky

According to the head of the Kiev regime, other documents will be added to the agreement due to technical details

IN BRIEF: What is known about establishment of Board of Peace

Leaders and representatives of 19 countries signed the charter, alongside US President Donald Trump

Russian MFA spokeswoman, Israeli envoy stress need to fight historical revisionism

Maria Zakharova and Oded Joseph made this statement, commemorating the Day of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi Siege and International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Trump leaking messages from Macron, Rutte erodes trust in US — Politico

An anonymous European diplomat described Donald Trump’s actions as unacceptable and said the episode would likely discourage leaders from communicating via messengers

Trump threatens Europe with tit-for-tat measures if it starts selling US bonds

"If that would happen, there would be a big retaliation on our part, and we have all the cards," the US leader stated

Trump may propose $1 million payment to each Greenland resident — newspaper

The island's population currently stands at 57,000 people

Putin’s four-hour talks with US delegation were constructive — Kremlin aide

"I would also describe it as frank and trust-based to the utmost," Yury Ushakov added

US and China sign off on a deal to sell TikTok’s US business — Semafor portal

The deal will be finalized this week

French politician lambasts Zelensky's 'audacity' during Davos speech

According to Florian Philippot, Vladimir Zelensky is meddling in Europe’s domestic affairs and is seeking to push EU countries into ceding their sovereignty

London is engaging in dangerous hooliganism by detaining tankers — Russian ambassador

According to Andrey Kelin, the British government previously announced that there was a document that allowed for such actions

Gazprom names gas price growth drivers in Europe

Commodity exchange prices in Germany and Austria climbed above $500 per 1,000 cubic meters, the Russian holding said

Some Ukrainian soldiers surrender to Russian troops in Kharkov Region

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that during the liberation of Siminovka, Russian troops operated by small groups, using unmanned aerial vehicles to adjust their operations and denying the Ukrainian army any maneuver

Trump may rush to Armageddon, ending aid to Ukraine, over EU’s trade bazooka — NYT

According to the report, "that would be a disaster for Europe"

Russia develops Mnogotochie anti-drone multi-bullet rounds

According to Rostec, experience shows that small arms are an effective means of defense against UAVs

S-400 system to be demonstrated for the first time at Republic Day parade in India

The parade will take place on January 26

Denmark not to allow crossing red lines when discussing Greenland — PM

Mette Frederiksen called on the EU allies for unity

Kremlin aide highlights Putin’s 'extremely substantive' meeting with US envoys

TASS has gathered the key information about the meeting

Kremlin spokesman says has no info about Russia-US-Ukraine informal meetings

Dmitry Peskov refrained from giving further comments

Ukrainian artillery attacks evacuated areas of Kursk Region 78 times over past day

There were no casualties or injuries as a result of the attacks

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 445 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks and two armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Witkoff’s aircraft en route to UAE — air traffic controllers

The aircraft departed from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport

Russia, US outlined their next steps at today’s talks — Kremlin aide

In the Kremlin official’s words, "the next step in this direction has already been agreed," namely the meetings of the trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine working group on security issues and the bilateral Russia-US working group on economic affairs

EU doubts Board of Peace initiative’s compatibility with UN Charter

As for the Greenland issue, EC President Antonio Costa stressed that Denmark and Greenland had the full support of the European Union

All contacts with Russia on Ukraine useful, nothing like that happened under Biden — Trump

"If you don't meet, nothing's going to happen," the US president said

Russian embassy says it wasn't notified by France about tanker detention

Russian diplomats are currently finding out whether there are Russian citizens among the crew

Europe needs Ukrainian settlement more than US — Trump

"I’m doing this more for Europe than for me," US President said

Germany proposes bringing back gold reserves stored in US due to Trump’s policies

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann urged the German government to develop a plan as soon as possible for the return of gold reserves from the US to Germany, as well as to prepare an evaluation of the political and legal risks of storing these assets abroad

Russian-US talks in Kremlin continue for over three hours

Reports about the start of the talks came at approximately 11:25 p.m. Moscow time on January 22

Putin-Witkoff meeting continues for more than one hour

Reports about the start of the talks came at approximately 11:25 p.m. Moscow time on January 22

Mass graves found in Kursk Region after Ukrainian incursion — human rights ombudswoman

According to Tatyana Moskalkova, all of Russia’s available resources were mobilized to assist people in searching for their relatives and loved ones

New START Treaty, Davos chaos, Marinera sailors’ fate: Foreign Ministry comment

Russia "still has not received" a substantive official response from the United States to Putin's initiative to extend the restrictions imposed by the New START Treaty for a year

Ushakov, Dmitriev taking part in Putin’s meeting with Witkoff, Kushner in Moscow

The meeting is also being attended by Commissioner of the US Federal Acquisition Service Josh Gruenbaum, the Kremlin reported

Zelensky 'crossed the line' in his speech in Davos — Orban

In response to Vladimir Zelensky's insults, Victor Orban warned that life will put everything in its place and everyone will get what they deserve

Ukraine’s air defense resembles 'Frankenstein', triggers spontaneous launches — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, air defense systems are prime targets for Russian troops, which is causing their shortfall

Increased Russia-US contacts bringing genuine progress — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said there are a lot of areas that are of interest for both Washington and Moscow

US wants to eliminate restrictions on its military presence in Greenland — Bloomberg

The treaty reportedly obligates Washington to "consult with and inform" Denmark and Greenland before making "any significant changes to United States military operations or facilities in Greenland"

Greenland plans, uncertainty about allies, 24-hour weapons turnaround: Trump statements

According to the president, the United States will not have to pay anything for Greenland, Washington will be able to get all the necessary military access to the island

Palestine relations and possibility of contributing to Board of Peace: Putin's statements

Russia is ready to allocate $1 bln to the Board of Peace "first and foremost to support the Palestinian people," the Russian president said

UAE meeting to discuss Kiev's refusal of territories for money, guarantees — newspaper

According to the newspaper, four documents will be presented at the first trilateral meeting of the negotiating teams of Russia, the US, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, which are expected to form the basis of a peace treaty

FACTBOX: Tracking the price of silver through the years

Silver prices began rising rapidly in 2025

US delegates briefed Putin on Ukraine-themed US meetings in Davos — Kremlin aide

US delegates alsp "gave assessment to other contacts they had in December and January, including meetings in Florida’s Mar-a-Lago and in a number of European capitals"

Zelensky says meeting between US, Russia, Ukraine planned for January 23-24 in UAE

Vladimir Zelensky said it's good that there will be a trilateral meeting at the technical level

Israeli bullets found in bodies of children killed in Iran — TASS source

Unrest in Iran began on December 29, 2025, after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, spreading across most major cities

Putin believes nuclear-powered icebreaker Leader will be completed by 2030

The Leader is the most powerful icebreaker in the world, made as part of the Russian Project 10510 icebreaker Rossiya

Italy’s top diplomat calls Zelensky out for lack of deference to EU at Davos

Addressing the WEF, Vladimir Zelensky criticized the EU, stating that the Europeans lacked the "political will" to counter Russia

Russia not going to tolerate interception of its tankers by France — OSCE envoy

Commenting on the incident, Dmitry Polyansky noted that "all this falls in line with blatant broader lawlessness currently unfolding"

US talks show Ukraine conflict unfolding as Moscow intended — Russian senator

This is fully recognized in the US, Konstantin Kosachev added

Press review: Russia, US set high-level Moscow talks as Trump toughens EU stance at Davos

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 22nd

Trump expects US to get indefinite right to Greenland

When asked if Denmark was on board with the concept, Trump said: "I think everyone likes it. I’ll let you know in about two weeks"

Russia’s Tu-22M3 strategic bombers perform scheduled flight over Baltic

The flight continued for more than five hours

Kremlin says slightly less than $5 bln worth of Russian assets remain frozen in US

Dmitry Peskov did not specify the exact amount of frozen assets

Russia represented exclusively by military at Abu Dhabi talks — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted that it would be the first negotiations

Europe has 'crossed Rubicon' on future cooperation with US — newspaper

According to the report, the European Union learned its lesson and will no longer rely on the United States

Zelensky needs to aspire to conclude deal, situation is tough — Trump

US President also said that some of his agreements with Zelensky have fallen apart several times before

Trilateral negotiations between Russia, US, Ukraine begin in Abu Dhabi — Sky News

According to the broadcaster, it is not yet known whether Russian and Ukrainian representatives are in the same room

Buffer zones, control mechanisms among topics of Abu Dhabi talks — source

The exact venue of the talks was not disclosed

Europe's discontent, useless NATO, Zelensky ‘crosses line’: Davos happenings

Statements by European leaders on the sidelines of the WEF sounded like performances in an international theater of the absurd, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

US sanctions against Russian oil companies destabilizing — Novak

Sanctions turned into the tool of economic blackmail, which lead to polarization of the world, duplication of technologies and reformatting of trade flows, the deputy PM said

Ground-based robotic systems immune to EW when controlled via satellite — soldier

The serviceman noted that radio communication is also effective against enemy electronic warfare systems

French Navy stops oil tanker from Russia in the Mediterranean — Macron

The French president said the operation was conducted with support of France's allies

US chooses not to sign deal with Ukraine in Davos to hear Russia's position — newspaper

One of the officials interviewed by the FT pointed to Russia's refusal to agree to the settlement plan for Ukraine developed by the US and Ukraine with the support of European leaders

Ukraine's power grid breaks down — Ukrenergo

According to the company, several generation facilities went under emergency repair at the same time

Kiev has lost its own power generation capacity, relies on external sources — expert

Alexander Kharchenko noted that residents tend to turn on all their electrical appliances immediately after power is restored, which puts additional strain on the grid

AI-enabled satellite constellation to perform military tasks — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that a digital ecosystem using AI algorithms makes it possible to carry out detailed satellite monitoring of specific terrain areas, obtain highly detailed imagery with machine vision analysis

Press review: Davos Ukraine talks continue in Moscow as Slovakia joins anti-sanctions bloc

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 23rd

France's detention of tanker in Mediterranean ups tensions with Russia — senator

Deputy Head of the Russian Federation Council Committee for Defense and Security Konstantin Basyuk believes that such a policy is unlikely to yield any dividends to Paris

Tanker detained by French Navy was en route from Russia — prefecture

There is no information on whether any Russian citizens are among the crew

FACTBOX: Oil depot, house damaged as Ukrainian drones hit Russian regions overnight

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, seven drones were shot down over the Belgorod Region, two over the Voronezh Region, and one each over the Bryansk, Penza and Astrakhan regions

Transatlantic relations dealt severe blow this week — Kallas

"This year we have already realized that these relationships are not the same as they were," said chief of European diplomacy