{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Macron wants to call Putin, conversation to be prepared several days — source

According to the source, the French leader is focused on achieving results

French President Emmanuel Macron EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA/POOL

French President Emmanuel Macron

© EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA/POOL

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron intends to call his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, but preparations for a substantive conversation will take several days, a French source told TASS.

"Preparing for a meaningful conversation will take more than a day, definitely several days," the source said. "The French leader is focused on results," he added.

Earlier, L’Express magazine reported, citing a source, that Macron's diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne was in Moscow on February 3 to meet with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

Earlier, Macron said that he intends to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible. In December 2025, following the EU summit in Brussels, the French leader said that it was time for Europe to resume dialogue with Russia. In his opinion, the current format of negotiations on Ukraine, in which US representatives discuss the terms of a settlement with Russia without the Europeans, "is not optimal."

Tags

Vladimir Putin Emmanuel Macron

UAE talks discuss ceasefire, territories — source

The source says that some "economic matters" are also within the framework of the negotiations

Military decisions regarding Iran unacceptable and dangerous — UN envoy

These actions may impact whole region, says Vasily Nebenzya

India seeks to deepen ties with Russia, expert says

"The Indian side speaks about it quite confidently," Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Club, said

UAE expects new round of Ukraine talks to advance mutual understanding

According to the statement, the launch of the second round reflects the parties’ continued commitment to the diplomatic process

Musk will be imprisoned like Durov if he shows up for questioning in France — politician

Florian Philippot characterized the situation with the search and investigation concerning the social network as a "disgrace for France"

Press review: UN urges flexible arms control and Xi pushes yuan as global reserve currency

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 3rd

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

Current inflation expectations at 13.7% likely to be peak — Bank of Russia

Peak inflation values of January 2026 will hardly appear again, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Alexey Zabotkin added

Putin, Xi discuss blooming Russia-China relations, exemplary bilateral cooperation

The Russian head of state expressed confidence that bilateral ties will develop sustainably, regardless of the international situation

US intends to work with Russia, China to reduce nuclear arsenals — Vance

US Vice President said in an interview with US journalist Megyn Kelly

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 76.91 rubles for February 5

The official euro rate was increased by 39.6 kopecks to 91.1138 rubles

Russia’s UN envoy rules out any military solutions against Iran

Vasily Nebenzya recalled that "at the beginning of this year, the campaign to 'denigrate' Iran continued with renewed vigor and insinuations about protests in the country were employed"

Putin confirms Russia’s support for One China principle — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov emphasized that the interaction between Moscow and Beijing is a powerful, constructive stabilizing factor on the world stage

Russia expects Turkey will speak against attempts to meddle in energy cooperation

Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova pointed to the advantage of time-tested partner relations between Moscow and Ankara

Five tank cars on fire in Tambov Region

"A fire outbreak at the Kochetovka railway station is being contained in the city of Michurinsk of the Tambov Region," the Russian Ministry of Emergencies said

Russian companies openly forced out of Venezuela after events in republic — Lavrov

The US forces captured Venezuela's president in early January, President Donald Trump pledged to "run" the country for some period

Gaddafi's son killed in attack in his home's courtyard — TV

Saif al-Islam was shot dead outside his residence, sources close to the Gaddafi family said

British police identify body found in Cyprus in January as that of Russian tycoon

The cause of Uralkali ex-CEO Vladislav Baumgertner's death has not been identified so far, a police officer said

Supercam UAVs fitted with flight safety software similar to Flightradar

The software is integrated into the drone's control program and installed at the ground control station

Ukrainians may revolt against Zelensky, West — Internet entrepreneur

Kim Dotcom noted that Western countries have dumped "warehouses full of outdated weapons on Ukraine for hundreds of billions"

Deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine categorically unacceptable for Russia — MFA

Russia will treat these troops as legitimate military targets, Maria Zakharova said

US needs to comply with Russia’s ideas on New START — expert vanden Heuvel

It is time for the United States to wake up, said editor and publisher of The Nation and President of the American Committee for US-Russia Accord

Russia carries out 150 hours of maximum-tension testing of PD-8 engine

"Based on the results of the block test, the PD-8 demonstrated its reliability when simulating real-life long-term operation," Artem Badernikov, Deputy Chief Designer for the PD-8 program at UEC-Saturn, said

Zelensky says 55,000 Ukrainian troops killed since start of special military operation

Many more soldiers remain missing in action, Vladimir Zelensky admits

Russian budget may miss $2.73 bln in extra oil and gas revenue in February

At the end of 2025, oil companies received $11.49 bln from the budget under the damper mechanism

US may slap Algeria with sanctions for purchasing Russian fighter jets — diplomat

The country has purchased several military jets from Russia

Putin dismisses his special envoy on environmental protection, ecology, and transport

Sergey Ivanov, who turned 73 on January 31, had held this position since August 2016

US President Donald Trump could leverage Epstein files to his advantage, expert says

Nikolay Novik interprets the situation as part of Trump’s broader strategy of retribution against what he terms the "hostile liberal globalist elites," the so-called "deep state," and pro-democratic forces both domestically and internationally

Juan Antonio Samaranch re-elected as IOC vice president

The Spaniard was elected for a second consecutive four-year term

Trump had to immediately accept Putin's New START proposal — US presidential candidate

According to Diane Sare, "great damage has been done to US-Russia relations over the last 13 years, particularly following the color revolution in Ukraine"

Trump to make decision on New START when deems appropriate — media

Bloomberg did not provide any information on when the decision might be made

Power plant accident leaves eastern Cuba without electricity

Local authorities launched recovery efforts

Unreasonable to ask China joining nuclear disarmament today — diplomat

The Chinese official stressed that Beijing "always keeps its nuclear strength at the minimum level required by national security, and never engages in arms race with anyone"

Il-76 cargo plane from Russia arrives in Cuba — Fidel Castro Foundation

The plane landed at the San Antonio de los Banos military base in Artemisa Province

Kiev to receive first disbursements from 90 bln euro loan in second quarter — EU Council

The Council now aims for a speedy agreement with the European Parliament to allow the first payment to be disbursed early in the second quarter of this year

Ukraine dialogue continues, but Europe seeks to rework US proposals — Lavrov

The foreign minister recalled Vladimir Putin's statements that Russia was seeking a diplomatic solution

Musk believes new civil war already underway in US

Another wave of protests erupted in Minneapolis in late January

Argentina moves to extradite Maduro from US — portal

The judge deemed it necessary to extradite Maduro to Argentina so that he could testify in the case

Russia effectively redirects gas supplies to new countries — foreign ministry

Maria Zakharova highlighted that Russia had effectively turned the main vector of gas supplies to new centers of global economic growth

Russia-US deal on arms control necessary for humanity’s survival — former US congressman

Dennis Kucinich noted that Russians and Americans share a common interest in nuclear arms reduction

India’s purchases of Russian hydrocarbons benefit both countries — Russian diplomat

Russia is ready to continue close cooperation in this sphere with its partners in India, Maria Zakharova added

NATO plans overt military intervention in Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that forces of the Coalition of the Willing are to be led by Britain and France

UN Secretary General Guterres urges Russia, US to resume dialogue on arms control

Russia ranks third in the world by number of CCTV cameras

There are 93 cameras per 1,000 people in Russia, according to a study

FACTBOX: Strategic arms agreements between the Soviet Union/Russia and the US

The arms limitation negotiations between the Soviet Union and the United States began in 1969

FACTBOX: New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

The New START Treaty was signed by the Russian and US presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama, in Prague on April 8, 2010

Kalashnikov introduces major software update to its SKAT-350M UAV last year

The changes were made amid appeals from customers

Oman to host Iran-US talks on February 6 — agency

The talks will follow the same format as in 2025, when the sides held indirect discussions mediated by Muscat

Security guarantees being floated for Ukraine preclude peace deal — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that he does not know what will be offered to Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi

OSCE bigwigs coming to Moscow for talks on how to bring end to Ukraine conflict

The discussions will focus on the importance of sustained multilateral dialogue

Ukrainian army launches HIMARS rockets, Neptune missiles, drones at Bryansk Region

The regional governor says one person suffered multiple injuries, 20 private houses, an appartment building were damaged

Macron wants to call Putin, conversation to be prepared several days — source

According to the source, the French leader is focused on achieving results

US wants to secure oil access for years, making Venezuela crucial — VP

US media and experts note that the current meeting in Washington has been convened by the US primarily as part of efforts to counter China and trade disputes with it

Elon Musk becomes first person ever worth over $800 billion

The surge in Musk’s fortune followed SpaceX’s acquisition of xAI, another company founded by the billionaire

Epstein’s files mention Zelensky in connection with human trafficking from Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky appears in Epstein's files several dozen times, most prominently in connection with the Jean-Luc Brunel case

Over 10,000 weapons enter into service with Russian Army in January — defense chief

According to Russia's Defense Ministry, more than 310,000 pieces of equipment and some 21 million munitions will be delivered to the Russian Army

NATO planning large-scale conflict with Russia within 2-4 years — diplomat

Yulia Zhdanova added there is a "desire to give the processes of Europe's militarization an irreversible character," despite economic stagnation and social pressures

Russia unveils Mi-34M1 helicopter at NAIS exhibition

The helicopter's maximum speed is 220 km/h, and cruising speed is 180 km/h

Russia assumes parties to New START no longer bound by obligations — MFA

According to the Foreign Ministry, Russia has not received a formal response from the US to its proposal to comply with the New START limitations

US hardly EU’s ally at present — senior diplomat

Belen Martinez Carbonell called US President Donald Trump "a very unpredictable person"

EU hinders Russia’s, US’s efforts on Ukrainian settlement — envoy

"Europe's fixation on acting 'from a position of strength' looks especially ridiculous against the background of the US administration's attempts to facilitate the negotiation process," Yuliya Zhdanova, head of the Russian delegation to the Vienna disarmament talks, said

Russia supports Cuba amid intensifying pressure — Foreign Ministry

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin discussed with Cuban Ambassador to Moscow Enrique Horta Gonzalez topical issues of further development of bilateral cooperation

Euroclear to transfer 3.3 bln euros of revenues from Russian assets to Ukraine

Out of this amount, Ukraine received 1.6 bln euro in July 2025

US silence on New START sends worst possible signal to nuclear powers — ICAN

According to Alistair Burnett, Head of Communications for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the lack of a response from US President Donald Trump is disappointing, making "every crisis more dangerous and increases the risk of mistakes and miscalculation"

Russia surprised by US sanctions against oil companies after Anchorage

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that sanctions still remain in force

Russia strongly condemns assassination of Gaddafi’s son

Russia hopes that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and those responsible will be brought to justice, Maria Zakharova said

EU Council confirms refusal of Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia to fund Kiev — document

The EU Council clarified that 30 bln euros of the money will be used to finance Ukraine's budget, and 60 bln euros will go to arms purchases

Lack of US response on New START, Putin-Xi talks: takeaways from Kremlin aide’s statements

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping "once again noted that the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries are at an unprecedented level"

French presidential diplomatic advisor visited Moscow on February 3 — L’Express

The Elysee Palace has not yet responded to TASS' request to confirm the report about a potential meeting between Bonne and Yury Ushakov

Russia launches production of Tor-M2KM air defense system’s seaborne version

CEO of the producer Fanil Ziyatdinov says that the development of Tor-MF missiles is in progress

Roscosmos opens cosmonaut recruitment, taking applications again

The selection process will proceed in two stages: a remote review of applications followed by in-person testing of required skills and physical and psychological indicators

Press review: Russia, Ukraine talks move to new round as New START expires without renewal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 4th

Putin points to Israel's huge Russian-speaking demographic

The Russian leader also noted that Russia has traditionally friendly allied relations with the Arab and Islamic world

Russian envoy to UN urges action against IS terrorists' use of Starlink terminals

Russia expects that the state under whose jurisdiction the relevant technology companies operate will be far sighted, Vasily Nebenzya said

India-China relations may provide important impetus to future of BRICS — expert

Andrey Bystritsky highlighted that this issue is of paramount importance for both nations, as they are the two largest countries in the world, collectively representing nearly half of humanity

Epstein files show how West treats children — Russian Foreign Ministry

"The criminal regime in Kiev continues to be demonstratively supported and protected by its direct sponsors, who pay handsomely for all this - the murders of children in the first place," Maria Zakharova said

EU representatives agree 90 bln funding mechanism for Kiev — Reuters

According to the report, the ambassadors reached the agreement at a closed-door meeting in Brussels

Swiss foreign minister to be tried at ICC for alleged complicity in crimes in Gaza

The Foreign Ministry said it had taken note of the statement

Annual inflation in Russia gearing up to 6.45% from January 27 to February 2

Price growth rates for foods declined to 0.29, including for foods excepts fruits and vegetables - to 0.12%

Russia determined to continue developing comprehensive cooperation with Cuba — MFA

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has condemned the US sanctions on Cuba, which bypass the UN regulations

Russian diplomat praises Republika Srpska leadership for resisting external pressure

Maria Zakharova noted that the West was seeking to provoke domestic political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to interfere in the country’s internal affairs

Xi calls Putin friend, says ready for dialogue

The Chinese president says he is open to discuss major strategic issues with his Russian counterpart

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

Russian troops liberated the settlement of Stepanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and the settlement of Staroukrainka in the Zaporozhye Region

Europe is under censorship and lacks unbiased info on Ukrainian conflict — Orban

The reason behind that is the ban on broadcasting of Russian media in the EU, says Hungarian Prime Minister

Russia to continue closely monitoring Japan’s course toward remilitarization — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Moscow reserves the right to take the necessary measures in order to prevent any damage to Russia’s interests and security in the Asia-Pacific region

US to establish alliance for production of critical minerals with fixed prices — JD Vance

The US vice president noted that the participants will establish so-called reference prices for specific minerals and maintain them at a stable level

Dmitriev proposes investigating possible family ties between Tusk, Epstein

The special presidential envoy and Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO responded to Donald Tusk's statements that Jeffrey Epstein was allegedly a Russian spy

Kremlin plans no statements today following Abu Dhabi meeting

The negotiations in various formats will continue on Thursday

Macron says technical preparations for talks with Putin underway

The French president noted that consultations on the matter are also being held with European partners and Vladimir Zelensky

Deputy chief of EU foreign policy says bloc already at war with Russia

The EU is trying to avoid a conflict that would require the mobilization of the Europeans, Belen Martinez Carbonell says

Ivanov voluntarily steps down from his post as special presidential envoy — Kremlin

Sergey Ivanov, who turned 73 on January 31, had held this position since August 2016

Kiev authorities actively assist terrorists in Africa — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also noted that Africa is suffering from the uncontrolled supply of Western weapons to the Kiev regime

Epstein files, Zelensky follows in Nazi footsteps: Foreign Ministry statements

According to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev regime is engaged in "a most real linguistic genocide" as it persecutes Russian-speaking people

Russian troops start using Germes anti-drone MANPADS in special military op zone

Kaisant Research and Production Association said the system had undergone numerous design changes, including aerodynamic improvements, and propellant cell redesign

Kremlin downplays reports about India potentially switching oil suppliers

Dmitry Peskov noted that India always purchased oil and petroleum products from other countries

Russian Finance Ministry to sell FX and gold worth $2.96 bln in February-March

The daily volume of foreign currency and gold sales will amount to the equivalent of $155 mln

First day of resumed talks on Ukraine concludes in Abu Dhabi — Axios reporter

According to the sources, the discussions will resume "on Thursday in the late morning"

OSCE chairman to visit Russia as representative of organization in deep crisis — envoy

The ambassador noted that the agenda for the talks includes "finding ways to overcome the current sad state" of the OSCE

Russia’s newest Piranha-13 kamikaze drone unveiled at Moscow exhibition

Representatives for the producer say that the drone is in use in special military operation in Ukraine

Top Iranian diplomat denies reports of cancellation of talks with US in Oman

Nuclear talks with the United States are scheduled to be held in Muscat on about 10:00 a.m. February 6, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated

Despite problems, New START fulfilled its functions — MFA

New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty initially contributed to discouraging the strategic arms race, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in connection with the document’s expiration