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Former South Korean first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison — TV channel

Prosecutors brought three charges against Kim Keon Hee, but she was found innocent of two of them

Kim Keon Hee Jung Yeon-je/ Pool Photo via AP

Kim Keon Hee

© Jung Yeon-je/ Pool Photo via AP

SEOUL, January 28. /TASS/. The court sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to one year and eight months in prison for violating anti-corruption laws, according to a YTN broadcast.

Prosecutors brought three charges against her, but she was found innocent of two of them. Kim was accused of manipulating the prices of a car dealer's shares. The investigation found that, as a result of her actions, the former first lady allegedly received a profit of 810 million won ($564,000). However, the court ruled her innocent on this charge.

In addition, prosecutors charged Kim with failing to comply with campaign finance laws due to free polls conducted in her and her husband's interests ahead of the elections. The court ruled that there was no proof that she violated the law.

At the same time, the court found Kim Keon Hee guilty of violating anti-corruption laws because she had accepted expensive gifts, including luxury handbags and necklaces worth 80 million won (approximately $56,000), from the Unification Church. However, this ruling can be appealed.

Prosecutors demanded a 15-year prison sentence for Kim. The former first lady has been in a detention center since August. This is the first time in South Korea’s history that both the president and the first lady have been sentenced to imprisonment. Earlier, the court ruled that former president Yoon Suk Yeol was guilty of obstructing his arrest and sentenced the politician to five years in prison.

Greenland issue

Europe forced to consider NATO without US because of Greenland — newspaper

According to the report, several European officials started to "press for a more active debate about the security architecture for the continent"

Polish army not yet ready for hybrid military conflicts — newspaper

At present, Poland has the third largest army in NATO after the US and Turkey, with approximately 215,000 troops

Ukrainian units trapped in Russian-liberated Kupyansk-Uzlovoy — analyst

According to Igor Korotchenko, the capture of Kupyansk-Uzlovoy demonstrates the successful operation of Battlegroup West

Ukrainians should get used to living with generators for next 3-5 years — expert

There are hours-long blackouts every day in all Ukrainian regions

Kiev concentrates mercenary forces near Kupyansk — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the Ukrainian command is trying to stabilize the front line in almost all areas of the special military operation zone and is increasing the number of counterattacks

Poland, Baltic states mistakenly demonize Russia — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov underscored that such an attitude is misguided, suggesting that these nations could benefit from engaging more deeply with Russian culture and fostering better relations

Israel will not allow Palestinian state to be created in Gaza Strip — Netanyahu

Prime Minister added that Israel will not allow "reconstruction of Gaza before [its] demilitarization" and will not let Turkish and Qatari military presence there

Russian units using drones targeting Ukrainian military 50 km from Krasnoarmeysk — expert

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According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the meeting was also attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and heads of the executive bodies of other Eurasian structures

Soyuz-5 carrier vehicle to be launched in late March — Roscosmos

The carrier vehicle was earlier scheduled to be launched before the end of 2025

Two Russians detained in US, face repatriation — Russian embassy

They are kept at a local deportation center

Putin to hold talks with Syrian interim president al-Sharaa tomorrow — Kremlin

The sides plan to discuss the state and prospects of bilateral relations in various areas

Former South Korean first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison — TV channel

Prosecutors brought three charges against Kim Keon Hee, but she was found innocent of two of them

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

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Russian troops keep advancing in all frontline areas — chief of General Staff

According to Valery Gerasimov, Russian troops have liberated 17 communities and over 500 sq. km of territory since early January

Some 710,000 users remain without electricity in Kiev — minister

Denis Shmygal warned that "the power system has been damaged unevenly," so after it is restored, the schedule may vary significantly in different power nodes

Kiev regime fails to meet any of EU’s accession criteria — ex-Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov stressed that even technical issues prevent Ukraine from becoming an EU member

Polish court delays hearing on recusal of judge in Russian archeologist Butyagin case

Alexander Butyagin's lawyer stated that decisions regarding the appointment of a new judge and the scheduling of a subsequent hearing have yet to be made

Russia plans 15 new and upgraded rare earth metals facilities

Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said they will cover approximately 65 critical products in rare and rare earth metals

Nearly 80% of French view Macron negatively — poll

Only 23% of respondents consider Macron to be a "good president"

Disgruntled, freezing Ukrainians send birthday regards to Zelensky — media

In a survey shared by the publication, many Ukrainians believe that Zelensky, who celebrated his birthday on January 25, should give up his office since it officially ended in 2024

Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

This breakthrough radically changes the understanding of one of the oldest areas of mathematics, crucial to fundamental physics and economics

Criminal case against Timoshenko regarding fakes about Russian armed forces sent to court

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Russian army is wiping out Ukrainian pockets of resistance near Gulyaipole — expert

The Russian troops are conducting meticulous and comprehensive clearing operations around Gulyaipole, leaving no Ukrainian soldiers hidden in trenches or hideouts behind the front

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Polyethylene consumption will continue growing and film grades will account for 50% of the total demand

Scientists move Doomsday Clock hands four seconds closer to midnight

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Russian captain denies accusations in March tanker crash off UK coast

Vladimir Motin also said he did not know that the bulk carrier’s crew member, who fell overboard during the incident, was on the bow

Over 1,700 people raise nearly 64,000 euros for lawyers for archeologist Butyagin

According to the statement, this is already half of the required amount

Trump’s tariffs, plans for Greenland breach NATO commitments — Politico

According to the newspaper, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s priority is to "keep the United States under Trump from walking away from Europe"

Moldovan president, ruling party boosting military spending amid crisis — ex-Gagauz head

According to statistics she cited, over the years Sandu and her party have been in power, expenditures on weapons have doubled and are planned to be further increased to up to 3% of GDP

Ukrainian counter intelligence agent surrenders in Zaporozhye region

Sergey Mykhailov told TASS that he has been a counter intelligence agent since 2014

Britain increases number of troops in Ukraine — defense secretary

John Healy said the UK personnel are providing support to the embassy and they are providing support to Ukraine in its defense

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

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,345 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Kupyansk-Uzlovoy was starting point for Ukrainian sabotage operation — security official

Chief of the Russian General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov announced the liberation of the settlement on Tuesday

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Price of gold futures hits fresh all-time high surpassing $5,200 per troy ounce

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Hundreds more ISIS fighters from Syria moved to Iraqi prisons — portal

Shafaq News did not mention the nationality of the foreign terrorists

EU leaders will push all of Europe into debt for the sake of Ukraine — Orban

The Hungarian PM recalled that EU leaders intend to provide multibillion-dollar aid to Kiev through a common loan from EU countries

FACTBOX: Oil products ablaze as 75 drones hit Russian regions overnight

Four private houses were damaged in the Krasnodar Region

Erdogan, Trump discuss Syria, Gaza Board of Peace

Apart from that, the presidents discussed "trade relations, in particular, in the defense sector"

Russian archeologist arrested in Poland could spend two years in pre-trial detention

Alexander Butyagin was detained by Polish special services on December 4, 2025, while traveling from the Netherlands to the Balkans during his European lecture tour

European Commission preparing complete ban on Russian nuclear fuel imports

The EC remains committed to the REPowerEU policy launched by it earlier

IOC extends 2026 Winter Olympics invitations to Russian lugers Olesik, Repilov

Both athletes won won the right to travel to Italy after acing Olympic qualifiers

Board of Peace may expand its mission to other territories — Trump

We have the Board of Peace, just to assure things go well, noted US President

Russian official says 'daddy' Trump needs to settle juvenile EU-NATO tiff

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte previously stated that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States

Hungary, Slovakia to file two separate lawsuits against ban on Russian gas imports — Fico

The Slovak prime minister also reiterated his belief that the Ukrainian conflict will end by the time the ban on Russian gas imports comes into effect in 2027

German general's war call is sick fantasy — State Duma’s deputy speaker

Irina Yarovaya said that such calls reveal deep criminal wishes

EU imposed sanctions on over 30 countries with population exceeding 2.2 bln — UN envoy

Elena Dovgan explained that any sanctions may be imposed only by a decision of the UN Security Council

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The Zubr system is equipped with four modules, a control center, and its own radar station

Five killed in fire in Russia’s Siberian region of Yakutia

The victims were a mother with her three children, and their relative

Liberation of Kupyansk-Uzlovoi to strengthen Russian position at Abu Dhabi talks — analyst

"This achievement is a significant milestone ahead of the second round of security talks within the trilateral group in the United Arab Emirates," Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov remarked

Top Hungarian diplomat confirms that Budapest will not let Ukraine join EU

According to Peter Szijjarto "Ukrainians will bring war to the EU"

Neither Zelensky nor his European partners have strategy — American expert

According to Jeffrey Sachs, providing Ukraine with $800 billion in aid is "a pure fantasy"

Trump again hints at possibility of running for third presidential term

US president also expressed hope that Republican candidates will win the midterm elections

Russian military receive first Zubr anti-drone systems — Rostec

The Zubr airspace monitoring and control system is designed to provide close-in coverage for critical infrastructure

Settlement programs needed for those who fled from Ukrainian Nazis — ombudswoman

Tatyana Moskalkova said these people have already obtained Russian citizenship, and cannot use programs for the resettlement of foreign citizens

Netanyahu vows to retaliate possible Iranian attack with unprecedented force

Israeli Prime Minister said that "the Iranian axis is trying to recover, but Israel will not let that happen"

Kiev ready to sacrifice its people to buy time for Europe to prepare for war with Russia

The Kiev regime acts in the interests of its European sponsors and is ready to take the most severe measures against people living in the territories under its control, Yury Barbashov, a member of the Kherson Region Duma, said

Chisinau’s allegations about Russia’s 'defiant attitude' towards Moldova are ungrounded

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the allegations that Russian Ambassador to Moldova Oleg Ozerov would not be able to present his credentials "as long as Russia had such a defiant attitude"

China ready to strengthen strategic coordination with Russia — defense minister

According to Dong Jun, Andrey Belousov confirmed Moscow’s readiness to strengthen contacts with Beijing’s armed forces, advance practical cooperation, hold joint activities and collaborate in areas such as personnel training

Trump expects Washington to resolve ninth conflict soon

The US leader noted that peaceful conflict resolution has become second nature to him

US Air Force to hold exercises in CENTCOM zone of responsibility

"Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) will be conducting a multi-day readiness exercise to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower", CENTCOM said on its website

Rubio to meet with Machado at Department of State

The topic of the meeting was not disclosed

Government of Venezuela obeys its people, does not accept external orders — Rodriguez

The acting president of the Bolivarian Republic emphasized that Venezuela "is not afraid of relations of respect with the United States"

Angara rockets production to be relocated to Omsk — Roscosmos

The Angara-A5M launch vehicle is the upgraded version of the Angara-A5 rocket, the presentation reads

Kiev must end conflict as thousands of Ukrainians die each day — security official

Belarusian Security Council State Secretary Alexander Volfovich stressed that the country's leadership is taking steps to prevent the conflict from spreading to the country’s territory

US collects $600 billion in customs tariffs — Trump

If the US Supreme Court will recognize these measures as illegal, the US administration will find a replacement for them, US president added

Loss of Kupyansk-Uzlovoi strips Kiev of chance to counterattack from the south — official

Igor Kimakovsky noted that Kupyansk-Uzlovoi served as the primary logistical hub for Ukrainian operations in this sector of the front

Gas storage occupancy in Germany at a critical low — expert

Timm Kehler said the main reason for the low storage occupancy is the cold weather that settled in Germany in December and January

US to terminate some sanctions against Venezuelan oil sector — Reuters

According to the news agency, such move will be "a shift from a previous plan to grant individual exemptions to sanctions for companies seeking to do business in the country"

Ombudswoman for opening checkpoint on Ukrainian border to reunite Russian families

Tatyana Moskalkova explained that many Russian nationals in Ukraine with expired passports are unable to leave the country

Power facilities in Ukraine’s Odessa heavily damaged — company

According to DTEK, an emergency situation occurred on the equipment of another energy company in the morning, leaving some consumers in the city and region without electricity

French politician Phillippot announces plans for 'Frexit' march

Florian Philippot has repeatedly criticized the policies of French President Emmanuel Macron, urging him to "focus on the sovereignty and independence of his own country"

Sanctions become weapon of mass destruction against entire nations — Belarusian diplomat

Konstantin Panasyuk emphasized that the international community has "missed the critical moment when legitimate UN Security Council sanctions began to be replaced by illegal unilateral prohibitive measures"

IN BRIEF: What is known about projectiles potentially fired by North Korea

According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, this is North Korea’s first missile launch since January 4 and the second one in 2026

German Federal Bank chief says gold and currency reserves safe in US

"These reserves have a special protection status", Joachim Nagel said

Iran welcomes any process leading to peace, preventing war — president

Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran wants "all the people in the world to live together in peace and tranquility"

Zelensky wants to disrupt peace talks with terrorist attacks against civilians — diplomat

The strikes are being carried out precisely against the civilian population and social facilities, Maria Zakharova stated

Trump says major US military force is approaching Iran

US president expressed hope that Tehran will agree to a deal

AfD leader says Germany heading toward gas crisis

"The level below 40% indicates a critical situation," Tino Chrupalla stated

Venezuela to resolve differences with US diplomatically — Rodriguez

Venezuela’s authorized President added that the two countries engage in a "diplomatic dialogue to bridge differences over sensitive issues"

At least 42 killed by snowstorm in US — ABC News

Among the victims are residents of New York and the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina

FACTBOX: Chief of Russia’s General Staff announces liberation of Kupyansk-Uzlovoi

Russian troops are destroying encircled Ukrainian armed formations on the eastern bank of the Oskol River

Russia vows to prevent horrific crimes like Holocaust from happening again

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As Doomsday Clock moves closer to midnight, UN calls for nuclear disarmament

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Putin pays tribute to memory of Leningrad siege victims

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Russian rare-earth metals cluster to be launched in 2027

It will cover four regions: the Krasnoyarsk Region, the Irkutsk Region, Khakassia and Tuva

US to end support to Iraq is al-Maliki becomes premier — Trump

"Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos", US president said

Over $163.3 mln to be invested in Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant in 2026-2027

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Kiev hopes US will sign separate peace documents with Russia, Ukraine

Among the outstanding issues, Andrey Sibiga cited issues of territories and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant

Trump reports 'very good' developments around Ukraine

The US President did not directly answer a question about whether the idea of a personal meeting between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest is being reconsidered

MEP says powerless EU's only tool of influence is sanctions

Fernand Kartheiser said that sanctions are supposed to provoke regime change

Kurds agree to deployment of Syrian security forces in Hasakah, Qamishli — TV

According to the Al-Ikhbariya, the parties agreed to a ceasefire on all fronts and the withdrawal of Kurdish forces from cities in northeastern Syria

Russian MP says Europe wary of sending more resources to Ukraine

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Russian troops eliminating Ukrainian equipment at Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

Vitaly Kiselev said that Ukrainian soldiers will now have difficulty transporting personnel and evacuating them

Press review: US risk on Iran remains high and Minneapolis unrest may harm Trump admin

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, January 27th

New Sollers SUV set for late August-early September 2026 launch

Adil Shirinov, chairman of the board of directors of Sollers PJSC, emphasized that sweeping transformations have never taken place at the plant over its entire history

Joint Putin-Trump photo from Alaska summit hung in White House

The photo was hung above another one, depicting Trump and one of his granddaughters

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