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Zelensky agreed to talks in Abu Dhabi so as not to annoy Trump — FT

The consultations were held in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24

LONDON, January 26. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky agreed to talks with Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi to keep US President Donald Trump off his back, political commentator for the Financial Times Gideon Rachman said.

"Zelensky’s willingness to engage in talks with the Russians partly stems from his desire not to antagonise Trump. But it also reflects a growing war weariness on the Ukrainian side," he said.

The consultations were held in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24. The Russian negotiating group was headed by Igor Kostyukov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov led the Ukrainian working group. Last Saturday, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed plans for a new round of trilateral talks this week.

Indian Consulates General in Yekaterinburg, Kazan open — ambassador to Russia

Vinay Kumar expressed confidence that the consulates would serve as a catalyst for further development of relations between the two countries on a wide range of issues

Russia’s proposal to extend New START limits after February 5 in force — senior diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia "keeps the door open"

Owner of Czech arms holding CSG becomes richest defense entrepreneur — Bloomberg

Michal Strnad is the third-richest person in the world under 40

Ex-commissioner Breton hates freedom of speech — Dmitriev

Thus Russian Presidential Envoy responded to a publication of Poliico, where it is said that the ex-commissioner does not hate the United States

Russian troops fighting Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman in Donetsk region — DPR head

Russian troops are advancing in areas near the settlements of Drobyshevo and Yarovaya northwest of Krasny Liman

Zelensky delays peace in Ukraine — Russian special envoy

"Zelensky’s lecturing of Europeans in Davos did not go well," Kirill Dmitriev added

INTERVIEW: Lots of unusual weapons emerge globally, senior Russian diplomat says

New, unusual weapons are being developed instead, he explained

EU diplomacy chief considers von der Leyen dictator — Politico

The newspaper noted that while von der Leyen had had tense relations with former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, they were even worse with Kaja Kallas

PM prevents Israeli president from attending World Economic Forum ceremony in Davos — TV

This situation has "created tension" between the offices of the prime minister and president in Israel, as well as between Netanyahu's office and the White House

Australian authorities replace ambassador to US who criticized Trump

Kevin Rudd called Donald Trump the "most destructive president in history," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said

Medvedev points to growing strategic sphere problems due to US actions

Dmitry Medvedev also pointed out that resuming full-scale nuclear testing by the US will significantly complicate any potential strategic dialogue

INTERVIEW: Russia’s security 100% guaranteed — senior Russian diplomat

Trump said earlier that the United States possesses weapons unknown to the rest of the world after being asked about the use of sonic weapons by the United States in Venezuela

FACTBOX: What is known about Leonardo booking system failure

As Rostec said, the failure came as a result of the network's infrastructure, from the provider's side, Sirena Travel

Hamas says it told mediators where body of last Israeli hostage can be found

Israeli soldier Ran Gvili was killed on October 7, 2023 during the Hamas attack on Israel

Lukashenko hopes to meet with Modi at BRICS summit

The Belarusian leader noted that India, as the BRICS chair, was contributing to the strengthening of a multipolar and just world order

Russia-US dialogue on irritants stagnating — Russian diplomat

The communications between the two parties continue, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

EU introduces 300% fine for Russian gas import since 2027

The press service said that EU countries must prepare national plans to diversify gas supplies and identify potential challenges in replacing Russian gas by this March

Iranian foreign ministry denies Western media reports of 30,000 killed during unrest

Iranian Foreign Ministry representative Esmail Baghaei called these statements "a Hitler-style big lie"

Venezuela’s leadership gave no directive to resist US attack — Russian ambassador

Sergey Melik Bagdasarov said there was tremendous tension in Venezuela throughout October and November

Trump says trade deal with China will be ‘disaster’ for Canada

In addition, he posted a video of a speech by the CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association who says, in particular, that trade relations with the United States are critically important

Russian ambassador to Caracas predicts eventual homecoming for Venezuela's Maduro

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov also posited that the Venezuelan people know that the charges against Maduro are trumped up

Seven people killed in US snowstorm zone — CNN

Deaths due to weather conditions were recorded in Texas, Missouri, and Kansas

US egoism in dismantling New START to be globally unpopular — senior Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called on Washington "to consider the possibility of taking a more sensible and responsible path"

Israeli aircraft strike southern Lebanon over 20 times — portal

According to the news portal, airstrikes were reportedly carried out on the mountainous Jabbur area and the Wadi Barguz gorge

Russia enters top three in 2026 Global Firepower ranking

Based on the military power index, which is calculated from more than 60 factors, Russia ranks second among 145 countries

Kremlin says expecting high results from first trilateral contacts would be mistake

"This is a very complex matter, with complex issues on the agenda," Dmitry Peskov said

OSCE discredits itself, has no part in Ukrainian settlement — Russian envoy

Dmitry Polyansky noted that "no one is really interested in the OSCE resuming any monitoring functions in Ukraine"

Russia's coal production to reach 435 mln tons in 2026 — expert

Alexander Kotov said that a significant rise in production can be expected in Yakutia

Some European countries criticize plan for Ukraine to join EU by 2027 — newspaper

According to Politico, some European leaders are concerned about "unforeseen complications for the Union" if Ukraine’s recovery is tied to its EU accession

Russia keeps diplomatic ties with Venezuela — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow and Caracas had separate bilateral relations

Russia says Ukraine acts like international terrorists, using people as human shields

Sergey Mazur said he had spent most of his life at the forefront of the fight against international terrorism

US carrier strike group enters CENTCOM waters in Indian Ocean — TV

Washington is expanding its military presence in the region not only at sea but also in the air and on land

Medvedev slams Zelensky’s Davos address as spit in EU’s face

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman emphasized that it isn’t the 1st time "the EU impotents have had their faces spat in"

Russian forces advancing in Krasny Liman area — DPR head

Our troops are also advancing in the exact vicinity of Krasny Liman, he wrote on his Max channel

Putin’s special envoy lauds UAE’s peacemaking efforts

Dmitriev also conveyed to the Emirate leader Russian President Vladimir Putin’s greetings and thanks for hosting the trilateral talks on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

Talks on Ukrainian conflict settlement must be constructive in first place — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted that a friendly atmosphere was unlikely at this stage of the talks

Ukrainian doctors operate on Russian POWs without anesthesia — Investigative Committee

Sergey Mazur added that he had personally seen the bodies of Russian prisoners of war bearing signs of torture

Vucic doesn’t rule out Ukraine’s accession to EU in 2027

The Serbian President noted that some EU member states will not agree on this

Trilateral talks on Ukraine set to continue next week — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov did not disclose the exact day of the next meeting

Forty UAVs target Russian regions: attack aftermath

Debris from the UAVs fell on the territory of two enterprises in Slavyansk-on-Kuban, injuring one person

Iran's military is monitoring US military movements in region, taking action — MFA

"Deploying any vessel to the region will not diminish Iran's resolve or its commitment to defending its sovereignty," Esmail Baghaei emphasized

Israel to open Rafah crossing in limited capacity, under its full control

The Rafah border crossing will be opened only for the passage of people

FACTBOX: What is known about Nipah virus outbreak in India, risks to Russia

No cases of Nipah virus infection have been recorded in Russia, according to the country’s sanitary watchdog

Zelensky’s regime remains main obstacle to peace in Ukraine — Russian politician

According to Sergey Mironov, Vladimir Zelensky is "desperately trying to flatter" US President Donald Trump’s peace efforts and "only pretends to be ready for peace"

US plans to strengthen confidence between Russia and Europe — Politico

Washington wants "to create a framework where that can start a new paradigm," the source told the news outlet

Russia to say how to properly use $1 billion of its assets when they are unfrozen

If American banks, which are currently prohibited from executing orders from Russia, carry out these orders, then the transaction will proceed

Russia’s new Upyr-18 drones put into operation in special military op zone

The Upyr-18 drones, named for their 18-inch frame, are capable of carrying a 10-kilogram mine tens of kilometers, striking fortified dugouts and enemy positions

Air defense forces down 40 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight

34 of them were destroyed over the Krasnodar Region

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

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 415 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 12 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Zelensky rejects territorial concessions again

Vladimir Zelensky added that the US is trying to find a compromise

Italian deputy PM sends message to Zelensky, says 'you are losing the war,' sign deal now

Matteo Salvini has long advocated ending arms supplies to Kiev

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

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

Putin greets Malaysia's ruler, Sultan Ibrahim, at the Hermitage museum

The two leaders exchanged handshakes in a cordial gesture

Strike on Iran would destabilize region, Russia expects restraint from parties — Kremlin

Russia continues its efforts to de-escalate tensions, Dmitry Peskov said

Zelensky agreed to talks in Abu Dhabi so as not to annoy Trump — FT

The consultations were held in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24

At least 60% of Ukrainian military assault groups destroyed in Kharkov Region

Ukrainian military were destroyed during their attempts to counterattack

Ukraine attacks ambulance in Zaporozhye Region, driver wounded

The Ukrainian army drone attacked an ambulance that was taking a patient to a hospital in Vasilyevka

Another explosion reported in Ukrainian city of Kharkov

Earlier, two explosions were reported in the city

INTERVIEW: Russia insists on Maduro's release — senior diplomat

On January 5, leaving the courtroom in Lower Manhattan, Maduro shouted that he was a prisoner of war

US views its security guarantees for Ukraine more important than European ones — Politico

The newspaper's source called the efforts of the Coalition of the Willing nice and noted that the EU has "a couple helicopters and a couple troops"

Venezuelan defenders used Igla systems on January 3 but lacked training — Russian envoy

There were at least two shots, and both missiles failed to hit their target, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov said

Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi held at unmapped residence — correspondent

The trilateral talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi took place at the Qasr Al Shati residence

Putin, Zelensky may meet shortly — Axios

According to the news portal, additional trilateral negotiations should be organized before that

Austrian opposition party leader demands top diplomat’s resignation over Ukraine support

According to the Secretary General of Austria’s largest opposition party Michael Schnedlitz, Ukraine has long turned into a "bottomless pit into which Vienna recklessly pours billions"

IN BRIEF: Medvedev on New START extension, nuclear club expansion in interview

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, the United States still has time until February 5 to make a decision on the extension

Leonardo system back to normal functioning — Rostec

Several airlines reported a global failure in the system earlier, which entailed temporary constraints of passengers and luggage registration, and issue and reissue of tickets

Russian ambassador does not rule out that Maduro was betrayed by law enforcement

On January 3, US President Donald Trump announced a military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife by American forces

Von der Leyen criticized for not discussing corruption with Zelensky — newspaper

In response to the newspaper's request, the European Commission stated that it is monitoring the corruption scandal in Ukraine

Moscow records coldest temps this winter — meteorologist

Mikhail Leus said it was even colder in Moscow's suburbs where the air temperature dropped to about -17.7°F

US ‘making haste’ as mediator, Kremlin spokesman says

The Kremlin talks continued well into the night

Trump has invitation to visit Russia, senior diplomat says

However, in Ryabkov's words, there has been no practical development of the idea yet

Germany’s underground gas reserves down below 40%

UGS facilities are 39% full in France, 51.5% in Austria, 62.6% in Italy, and 33.3% in the Netherlands

Ban on Russian gas to cost Europeans their freedom — diplomat

Maria Zakharova said it is difficult to say at this stage whether they are contented vassals or unhappy slaves

Russian oil companies continue operating in Venezuela — Moscow's envoy

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov noted that Russian companies would continue to fulfill their obligations regardless of any decisions made by the Venezuelan leadership

Russian city of Belgorod comes under most massive shelling attack — crisis center

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties

INTERVIEW: No progress in dialogue with US on irritants — senior Russian diplomat

Ryabkov explained that "it is counterproductive to hold high-level events that are later deemed fruitless"

Recent Ukrainian strikes on Russia aim to sabotage negotiations in UAE — diplomat

It is not a given that Kiev ultimately wants to reach concrete agreements, Rodion Miroshnik said

Russia to ensure its security even in absence of New START — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that the treaty was suspended due to the dramatic worsening of Washington’s policy toward Russia

Preventing war is of mutual interest to Russia, Europe — envoy to OSCE

Dmitry Polyansky that Russia was concerned about "the population of European countries being brainwashed and indoctrinated with the idea that Russia allegedly threatens European peace"

Battlegroup South hits 39 Ukrainian bunkers, shelters in day — Russian defense ministry

Russian servicemen also destroyed 10 communication antennas and 6 temporary deployment points

AfD leader says her party will demand Ukraine pay compensation for Nord Stream blasts

According to Weidel, a country that is acting this way is not a friend to Germany

Russia receives no US proposals for better deal instead of New START — senior diplomat

Russia has repeatedly outlined its approach, in all aspects, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov said

Trump berated Danish PM for 45 minutes over Greenland — newspaper

Frederiksen declined to provide any details to the newspaper

Russia develops Mnogotochie anti-drone multi-bullet rounds

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

Press review: Europe, US on brink of trade war as Russia ready to respond to UK plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 19th

Russia’s new Pauk-30B net launcher set for testing in special military op zone

The net gun developer Polet research and production association added that the upgraded net gun has reduced recoil

Over half a million Ukrainians fled Kiev amid power outages — expert

Stanislav Ignatyev noted that the situation has created problems for public utility services, which have lost access to abandoned apartments needed to carry out repair work

French company supplies Ukraine with 500-km-range kamikaze drones — agency

Rodeur drones can carry a payload of up to 4 kilograms and fly at a velocity of 100 kilometers per hour for five hours

EU Council approves full ban on Russian gas supplies starting in 2027

The ban will start to apply six weeks after the regulation enters into force

Military-technical cooperation between Russia, Venezuela continues — ambassador

Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov assured that the need for servicing Russian military equipment in Venezuela would continue for decades

Press review: EU seeks to speed militarization and US shifts focus to Western hemisphere

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 26th

US determined to settle Ukrainian conflict at talks in Abu Dhabi — DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin, the Ukrainian side made contradictory statements revealing that Kiev did not want peace

Kremlin describes reports of possible blockade of Cuba as alarming

Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence that Havana was determined to defend its interests and independence

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

Russian consulate taking measures to get consular access to Marinera tanker crew

Protecting the interests of Russian citizens remains a key priority for diplomats, Russia’s consulate general in Edinburgh said

Russian troops improve position near Rodindkoye in DPR — DPR head

In addition, we see the advance of Russian forces in this area where they have improved their positions near the settlement of Rodinskoye, he said on his Max channel

Dialogue with Russia to resume after conflict in Ukraine ends — Italian Foreign Minister

Antonio Tajani noted that Europe "is not at war with Russia"

Arms control is no panacea, efforts must be systematic — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stressed that arms control fulfills a secondary function

Hungary warns EU may demand all countries send troops to Ukraine — foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto highlighted that Kiev, together with Brussels, is pressuring Budapest to stop using Russian energy resources

Russia has sufficient evidence for tribunal against EU officials — lawmaker

Vasily Piskaryov recalled that Kallas had previously announced plans to hold a tribunal against Russian leaders

Mysterious Komi: legends, frost and deep snow

Many legends about the region's mysterious and magical places have survived to this day