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Rubio states need to 'reimagine' NATO in terms of allies' commitments

The US Secretary of State said that the presence of the "NATO umbrella" gave European countries "the flexibility to spend a tremendous amount of their revenues on social programs and not on defense"

WASHINGTON, January 28. /TASS/. The North Atlantic Alliance needs to undergo a transformation in how allies fulfill their obligations, as Europe has experienced an erosion of its military potential, said US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio.

"NATO needs to be reimagined as well in terms of the obligations [of the allies]," he said at a meeting of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"Our like-minded partners have to have [defense] capabilities. That's been part of the problem - the erosion in European defense capabilities," Rubio noted, adding that the presence of the "NATO umbrella" gave European countries "the flexibility to spend a tremendous amount of their revenues on social programs and not on defense."

US 'can't give timeline' for holding elections in Venezuela — Rubio

Delcy Rodriguez, who served as executive vice president under Nicolas Maduro, took over for him as head of state

AfD leader says Germany heading toward gas crisis

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

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"

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

Ukraine’s security service tried to inject agent into Donbass guerrilla troops, POW says

After he realized that the mission was actually a "one-way ticket," he attempted to enroll in the Ukrainian army

Russia, India are at advanced stage of consultations on Su-57 production — UAC

"Such contracts determine the trajectory of cooperation for several decades to come," Vadim Badekha said

Putin-Zelensky meeting, security guarantees: statements by Kremlin aide

The issue of a meeting between Putin and Zelensky was raised several times during telephone conversations between the Russian president and his US counterpart Donald Trump

Abu Dhabi talks on Ukraine to continue on February 1 — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the date is preliminary

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

Maduro hard to rescue legally, only via UN — lawyer

"The only thing we can do is raise the question that Maduro’s capture is illegal, which we are doing through the UN Security Council," Sergey Stepashin said

PREVIEW: Putin to receive Syrian interim leader

It will be Ahmed al-Sharaa’s second visit to Moscow in his current status

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

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

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

Ukraine tries to attack Crimea’s Sevastopol twice, ten drones downed — governor

Mikhail Razvozhayev added that a civilian was injured by a downed drone debris

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

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

Iran enters phase 3 of conflict with US, Israel after 12-day war and riots — MFA

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that Tehran had never desired war and did not seek it at present

Kremlin spokesman says Russia not discussing lists of Ukraine-related documents

Russia believes that Ukraine talks should continue behind closed doors, Dmitry Peskov said

Two tankers attacked near CPC were not part of 'shadow fleet' — Astana

"Their names were clearly legible and easy to identify," Erlan Akkenzhenov said

Russian-Indian Milan 2026 naval exercise in Indian Ocean set for February

As part of the exercise, Russian Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov will conduct an informal visit to the Indian port of Visakhapatnam from February 18 to 25, 2026

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

Relations reset, territorial integrity: Putin meets with Syrian leader

The Russian president noted that Moscow has always advocated the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity and supports all efforts of its authorities in this direction

EU should prepare for possible US exit from NATO, Belgium expert argues

According to Dr. Sven Biscop, the European Union should not make endless concessions to the United States in the economic sphere

Putin pays tribute to memory of Leningrad siege victims

On the way to the monument along the 300-meter alley from the Eternal Flame, the president traditionally laid flowers at one of the mass graves where his brother Viktor, who died in besieged Leningrad at a young age in the winter of 1942, rests

Russia signs deal with India for licensed production of SJ-100 aircraft

India's Hindustan Aeronautics will be granted a license to manufacture and sell the SJ-100, including components, parts, and spare parts necessary for the aircraft’s maintenance and repair

Israel seeks to use US to upend Iran, but Trump not ready to play that game — expert

Lana Ravandi-Fadai emphasized that Trump had changed his tune on Iran over the previous couple of days

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

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

Four private houses were damaged in the Krasnodar Region

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

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

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"

Trump to receive unlimited powers to govern Gaza within Board of Peace — media

According to The New York Times, US president would be able to appoint senior officials to administer the enclave, including a high representative and the commander of international peacekeeping forces

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

Zubr system effectively counters small UAVs — Rostec

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

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

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

Putin shakes hands with al-Sharaa before start of meeting in Kremlin

After the meeting, the Russian and Syrian leaders will continue negotiations during a working breakfast

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

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

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"

Maduro's release possible; similar examples have already occurred — State Duma member

Referencing historical precedents, Novikov cited the defendants in the 1933 Leipzig Reichstag Fire Trials, including the prominent Bulgarian Communist, Georgy Dimitrov

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

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

The Doomsday Clock is a metaphorical measure of how close humanity is to extinction

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"

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"

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

Musk rebukes Polish top diplomat over Starlink use in Ukraine

"Starlink is the backbone of Ukraine’s military communications," Elon Musk said

Iranian senior military official warns US of heavy losses if it attacks

According to Habibollah Sayyari, the US is attempting to intimidate Iran by announcing the deployment of substantial military contingents to the Middle East

Hungary ‘at crosshairs,’ but won't stop protecting people's rights — PM

Viktor Orban confirmed that, despite these threats, Hungary would not send money to Ukraine

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

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

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

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

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

Ukrainian brigade loses 70% of personnel in fighting at Krasnoarmeysk — defense source

The 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces was deployed by to the Pokrovsk-Mirnograd direction to plug the gaps in the defenses, when it was already clear to everyone that both localities would be taken by Russian soldiers under control

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

NATO alarmed amid uncertainty over Greenland issue — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the alliance member states' entire national legislation had been structured so that it was only possible to complain within NATO about those outside it

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,125 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Erdogan, Trump discuss Syria, Gaza Board of Peace

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

Ukrainian commander floats idea of mandatory army service for temporary residents

Denis Yaroslavsky suggested these people be called up to the army so that "an international regiment for the assault forces" could be formed

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

Third of Zaporozhye residents stay, most left — former Ukrainian serviceman

"The men were all taken by officers of the territorial recruitment centers, or they’re hiding somewhere, dispersed to villages, and sitting there so as not to fight," the volunteer fighter said

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

Two Russians detained in US, face repatriation — Russian embassy

They are kept at a local deportation center

Two Russian crew members of Marinera oil tanker on their way home — diplomat

The Russian Transport Ministry reported earlier that on January 7, US forces boarded the Marinera oil tanker in international waters

Trump again hints at possibility of running for third presidential term

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

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"

US reconnaissance drone flies over Persian Gulf near Iranian border

The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton long-range reconnaissance drone is flying over the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs in close proximity to Iranian airspace at an altitude of over 14 km

Trump says major US military force is approaching Iran

US president expressed hope that Tehran will agree to a deal

Syrian leader al-Sharaa arrives in Moscow

The Syrian leader's plane touched down at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport

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

Irina Yarovaya said that such calls reveal deep criminal wishes

Russia ready to respond to US if New START Treaty expires — expert

Boris Rozhin recalled that it was not Russia but the United States that initiated the resumption of the nuclear arms race

'Complex' talks on Ukraine, EU ban on Russian gas: Kremlin spokesman’s statements

Trilateral talks on the Ukrainian settlement in Abu Dhabi are scheduled to continue on February 1

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

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

Zelensky more likely to 'kill' Ukraine than accept compromise — US economist

"Europe, which is very poorly led, alas, goes along with Zelensky’s policies, which are catastrophic for Ukraine," Jeffrey Sachs said

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

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

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

All US systems go for Iran op, call to strike deal: Trump's statements

The US president said he hoped that Tehran would sit down at the negotiating table and sign a deal on its nuclear program

Car with 10 Chinese tourists flips on Lake Baikal in Russia

One of the tourists died in the accident

Russian rare-earth metals cluster to be launched in 2027

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

Rutte flatters Trump to protects NATO’s interests — Politico

The newspaper noted that several diplomats feared that this public veneration of Trump could undermine NATO’s authority

POW details Ukrainian killings, sexual violence against LPR civilians

According to former police officer and Ukrainian Security Service agent Sergey Mykhaylov, a unit of policemen under a police major’s command was particularly cruel

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

Security guarantees for Kiev involve deployment of UK, French troops, US backstop — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized the need to seriously rethink NATO’s military capabilities and the commitment of some allies

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

Top Russian lawmaker says Westerners freezing to death because of Russia sanctions

Vyacheslav Volodin noted that sanctions should be thought through before being imposed

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

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"

Action legend Seagal lists mansion outside Moscow for sale

According to the statement, the residence includes a two-story mansion, a two-car garage, a guest house, a bathhouse, and a barbeque gazebo, all situated on a forested plot of 1,500 square meters

Ukrainian counter intelligence agent surrenders in Zaporozhye region

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

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

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

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

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

Utilities catastrophe in Ukraine to last ages — former lawmaker

Vladimir Oleynik said the current state of the utilities requires complete replacement

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

Kremlin positively assesses start of direct talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi — spokesman

These were very difficult talks, which started at the expert level, Dmitry Peskov noted

Russian MP says Europe wary of sending more resources to Ukraine

According to Leonid Slutsky, the Europeans’ actions can be seen as an acknowledgement that arms supplies to the "Banderite regime against Russia have made a hole in the European defense perimeter"

US Navy ready to carry out operation in Iran a la Venezuela — Trump

The US president said he hopes that Iran will negotiate a fair and equitable deal

Press review: India, EU sign mother of all deals and Moscow offers Iran‑US mediation

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 28th