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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Merkel presidential bid rumors unsettle Merz camp — Bild

Another source of concern for the German Chancellor’s entourage, according to the magazine, are Angela Merkel’s plans to play a more active role in the political and public life of the country

Angela Merkel Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Angela Merkel

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

BERLIN, February 12. /TASS/. The entourage of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is worried that former Chancellor Angela Merkel might make a run at the German presidency.

According to the magazine, such rumors are circulating in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which she earlier led. Merz’s entourage is alarmed by the possibility, including that of Merkel’s nomination by the Greens, where she is widely popular.

If Merkel wins the office, Merz would find himself in a predicament, considering their not-so-friendly history. Merkel, who served as German chancellor from 2005-2021, played a role in Merz’s removal from his post as the leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction in 2002, effectively forcing him out of big politics for quite a while.

The chancellor wants to see a loyal president, with Education Minister Karin Prien and President of the Bundestag Julia Klockner named as his possible candidates.

The German president is elected by a special body, the Federal Convention, where the CDU/CSU, as the largest faction, has the greatest chance of victory. However, other political forces will also have their say in the process. Rumors about the growing concern among Merz’s closest political allies is indirectly proven by the fact that although the vote will take place in February 2027, the CDU has indicated that it will officially name its candidate in the coming weeks.

Another source of concern for Merz’s entourage, according to Bild, are Merkel’s plans to play a more active role in the political and public life of the country. For example, she decided to take part in the upcoming CDU party convention for the first time since leaving the chancellor’s post.

Meanwhile, Merkel’s office rejected the idea that she was planning to run for the German presidency, describing the rumors as "ridiculous.".

Germany faces volunteer shortfall for Lithuania brigade — Der Spiegel

So far, only 197 servicemen have volunteered to join the 203rd Tank Battalion of the required 414, the 122nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion managed to enlist only 181 of 640

No plans to participate in first meeting of Board of Peace in Kremlin — spokesman

The topic of the Board is still being studied by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Trump wants to remove Zelensky from power because he hinders peace — French politician

The leader of the French political party Les Patriotes Florian Philippot called this "a disaster for a man who has clung to power without elections for two years"

Russian forces hammer Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

Kiev loses 1,255 troops along engagement line in past day

France loses sovereignty in terms of nuclear deterrence — expert

"Since Francois Hollande’s presidency and the start of the Ukrainian crisis, Paris has ceded its strategic sovereignty to Washington," French military expert Xavier Moreau told

Cooperation between Russia’s, Burkina Faso’s militaries serves as exemplary — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat thanked his Burkinabe counterpart for support of Russian initiatives aimed at stabilizing the international situation

New US policy, equal dialogue, transition to multipolarity: senior diplomat's statements

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia is ready for dialogue with the US on Ukraine on equal terms, and, if necessary, to engage in tough negotiations

West’s 'colonial superiority complex' and New START limits: Lavrov speaks in parliament

The foreign minister stated that Russia had learned a lesson from communicating with the West on the UN platform and no longer believed in the West’s basic decency

Five states' withdrawal from Ottawa Convention to weaken European security — diplomat

According to Gennady Gatilov, this move came as no surprise to the Russian side and wasn’t out of the ordinary

Germany plans to reduce dependence on China, US in arms sector — Bloomberg

As one of the measures aimed at achieving this goal, the Ministry of Defense proposes giving priority when signing contracts to those companies that have established European supply chains

Europe incapable of maintaining competitiveness without Russia — special envoy

Kirill Dmitriev particularly emphasized the significance of Russia’s participation in the global economy and innovative processes for maintaining the competitiveness of European countries

Senior Russian diplomat says US military invasion of Iran entirely possible

The situation in the Middle East raises some alarms, Sergey Ryabkov said

US weight in global economy declining, dollar's monopoly eroding — senior Russian diplomat

The processes taking place in the world are "complex and difficult, posing challenges for everyone that have never existed before," Sergey Ryabkov added

EU ministers discuss relocating training of Ukrainian forces to its own territory — Kallas

According to the EU top diplomat, two training centers have already been selected for these purposes

MFA comments on Kiev’s attacks, Russians in Cuba, says Europe stalls settlement in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that Western nations did not abandon their aspirations to "tear" Belarus away from Russia

Russia ready to go as far in relations with India as New Delhi wants — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that Russia and India "have several projects in the pipeline, many of them with no parallel that others might have"

Belarus unveils laser weapon against drones

The weapon can be used to protect military and civilian facilities in urban areas

US license for Venezuelan oil prohibits deals with persons from Russia, Iran, DPRK, Cuba

This also applies to persons from the People’s Republic of China

Polish President reaffirms being ready for talks with Putin

Karol Nawrocki stated that he was ready to do it if the interests of the Republic of Poland demanded it

Romania postpones signing documents on joining Board of Peace — agency

Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on February 8 that he had received an invitation to take part in the Board of Peace’s first meeting in Washington on February 19

Press review: Putin and Lukashenko miss Board of Peace meeting as EU pushes nuclear talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 12th

Accomplice in assassination attempt on General Alekseyev appeals arrest in absentia

Zinaida Serebritskaya had previously been put on the international wanted list

Russian recognized as co-official language in draft of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution

The Russian language can also be used alongside the Kazakh language at public organizations and local government entities

Negotiations on Ukraine must fit within Anchorage framework — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov’s assessment, this is a "difficult but correct path" towards achieving the goals of the special military operation through political-diplomatic means, toward peace in Ukraine, and also "toward the normalization of Russian-American relations"

Kremlin pushes for constructive dialogue with United States on Cuba

Among other sanctions, Washington imposed an embargo on any fuel supplies to the island republic

US, Iran ready to compromise on Tehran’s nuclear deal — Turkey’s top diplomat

"It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries," Hakan Fidan said

One killed in college shooting in southern Russia

The regional branch of Russia’s Interior Ministry reported earlier that a student had opened fire in the lobby of an educational facility

Russia defies threats, blackmail, attempts at external pressure — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia's foreign policy, "not linked to electoral cycles abroad or personal preferences, is long-term and predictable"

UK colonization enters next stage — Russian special envoy

Kirill Dmitriev said that immigrants are fully in control of the UK leadership

Press review: France aims to join Ukraine talks as EU weighs frozen Russian assets move

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 11th

Medvedev confident all those who condemn Russia to eventually do a 180

They will come to us again with various proposals, including economic cooperation mechanisms, the politician pointed out

Russian lawmaker urges Rutte not to hurl threats at world's largest nuclear power

Leonid Slutsky emphasized the dangers of such rhetoric, noting that issuing such threats is profoundly reckless

EU undermining Ukraine peace efforts — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto noted that Hungary highly appreciates China’s peacekeeping efforts aimed at ending the Ukrainian conflict

Peskov does not exclude extending Victory Parade invitation to Trump

The Russian presidential spokesman recalled that Russia "recently marked a major anniversary, and large-scale events were held in Moscow"

Kiev requires €60 billion in foreign support this year — German defense minister

Boris Pistorius shares the concerns of some countries that an EU loan to Ukraine could lead to a reduction in bilateral support for Kiev

Russia’s Proton-M rocket with Elektro-L weather satellite launches from Baikonur spaceport

The weather satellite will be orbited in about six hours and 38 minutes at an altitude of 35,406 km

Moscow court arrests accomplice in assassination attempt against General Alekseyev

Pavel Vasin assisted in gathering intelligence on the residential addresses and vehicles of SBU targets through Internet applications and search engines

Rutte is engaging in verbal escalation, threatening Russia — legislator

Leonid Slutsky emphasized that Russia had repeatedly affirmed its non-aggressive stance toward European nations, criticizing NATO for allegedly exaggerating the so-called Russian threat to justify increased militarization and soaring defense budgets

Proton-M rocket with satellite to be launched from Baikonur

This will be Proton’s first launch over nearly three years

US insists negotiations with Iran should continue, Trump says

"We will just have to see what the outcome will be," the US president noted

WhatsApp unblocking to depend on Meta’s compliance with Russian laws — Kremlin

If the company continues ignoring Russia’s demands, there will be no chance for the service’s return, Russian presidential press ecretary Dmitry Peskov said

3D printing equipment, new UAVs: Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup South

Andrey Belousov held a meeting at a command post of one of the Battlegroup South's units, listening to reports from commanders on the current situation in the area of responsibility and troop operations

Russian troops fit Kuryer ground robot with flamethrower — defense source

The system has demonstrated high effectiveness

Japan’s steps brought relations with Russia to point of no return — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that in Tokyo and other Japanese cities rallies were held on "the so-called Day of Northern Territories" on February 7, where claims to Russia’s Kuril Islands were raised

FACTBOX: Two injured in drone attack on Michurinsk, blaze sparked in Volgograd region

Over the past night, alert air defense capabilities intercepted and destroyed 106 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over Russian regions, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia wouldn’t want US tariffs over aid to Cuba, but trade is at zero anyway — Kremlin

The US administration announced its intention to impose proportional import duties on goods from countries that dare to supply Cuba with fuel

Maduro innocent, remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader — authorized president

Delcy Rodriguez added that she is fulfilling the presidential duties in strict compliance with the constitution of Venezuela

Zelensky rules out Russia, Belarus as venues for talks

Ukrainе is "ready to support US proposals and meet anywhere in America or Europe", Vladimir Zelensky said

Russia to skip first Board of Peace meeting — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, "work to formulate Moscow’s position on the Board of Peace is ongoing"

Russia to respond to potential deployment of US long-range missile in Germany — diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, Russia is ready to discuss with the United States the issue of missile deployment in Germany

US Treasury may lift sanctions on Russian oil if Ukraine conflict is resolved

On February 4-5, in Abu Dhabi, the second round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine took place

Venezuela-US energy cooperation should be beneficial for both countries — Rodriguez

Venezuelan authorized President said that she is convinced that the issues between Venezuela and the United States can be resolved diplomatically

Batch of Giatsint-K self-propelled howitzers sent to Battlegroup West units

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that Giatsint-K crews, following the acceptance of the equipment, have already begun performing combat missions in the Kharkov Region

Indian authorities urge state companies to buy more oil in the US, Venezuela — newspaper

Indian refineries are capable to refine about 20 mln metric tons of US oil per year or 400,000 barrels per day

Zelensky blocks peace in Ukraine to profit further from conflict — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova noted that the West was increasing pressure on Zelensky to organize elections

German politician slams sponsoring Kiev as waste German taxpayer money

Instead of seriously working on a peace plan and demanding a compromise, including from Vladimir Zelensky, the German government "is issuing one check after another to Ukraine," Sahra Wagenknecht said

Moscow reminds Tokyo Russia's sovereignty over Kuril Islands not up for revision — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that Tokyo rallies were clearly anti-Russian in nature, and there were "inappropriate links to Ukraine"

Algeria on the brink of rupture with France in wake of TV program — GFCN

Kamel Mansari, a GFCN expert and editor-in-chief of the Algerian publication Le Jeune Independent, said that the situation has never been worse

US-Europe disagreements expected to surface at Munich Security Conference — newspaper

China Daily highlighted an expert report released ahead of the conference, noting that the United States, pivotal in shaping the international order after 1945, is now itself becoming a factor in its weakening

Former NATO deputy chief calls deploying additional US troops to Greenland 'impractical'

A number of NATO officials believe, however, that allocating funds and military equipment to Greenland would be "a fair trade" that could help "prevent the alliance from collapsing"

Lancet drone operators hit Ukrainian Ceasar self-propelled system in Zaporozhye Region

Lancet operators attacked the self-propelled system when it was on its way to a firing position

Instead of financing Ukraine, EU should return Russian frozen assets — Finnish politician

According to Armando Mema, Brussels continues the policy "that goes against its own interests and agaisnt a peaceful resolution for the conflict in Ukraine"

Russia’s naval Pantsir-ME missile system effective against unmanned boats — Rostec

The corporation said that the Pantsir has a fully automatic operating mode and can be adjusted by the operator

Russian MFA slams 'partial EU membership' idea for Ukraine as political manipulation

According to Maria Zakharova, the European Union has already partially enmeshed itself with Ukraine

Lavrov says BRICS never works against anyone, but refuses to depend on West’s whims

The top diplomat said Russia fully recognizes the need to develop supply chains, routes, and related infrastructure

Russia ready to drive hard bargain with US — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov added that Moscow is facing "extreme hostility from Europe which has become the main sponsor of the Kiev regime and a systemic opponent of Russia"

Telegram hardly serves as provider of communication between front line fighters — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that it is difficult to imagine such a scenario

US reports destruction of drone that violated country's airspace

According to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the flight restrictions in the area have been lifted

Russia won’t stand idly by and watch Western attempts to destabilize Belarus — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, there is close cooperation between the security councils and special services of the two countries

Russian Cabinet approves ratification of protocol on LNG projects with China

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to forward the document to the State Duma

Two camps have emerged in Europe regarding interaction with Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that some continue to adhere to the previous approach, "completely short-sighted, irrational, and unreasonable"

IOC disqualifies Ukrainian athlete Geraskevich from 2026 Winter Olympics

The IOC earlier prohibited Vladislav Geraskevich from wearing a controversial helmet at the 2026 Games because it violates the Olympic Charter

Attempts to hinder Ukraine peace process to get Europe into trouble — Russian diplomat

"Russia remains committed to the constructive search for peaceful ways to resolve the conflict through dialogue as the best option for achieving the goals of the special military operation," Yulia Zhdanova stated

Ukrainian troops reinforce defenses in Svyatogorsk using civilian infrastructure — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko told TASS earlier that Russian forces have expanded the zone under their control near the settlement of Tatyanovka east of Svyatogorsk

Lavrov tells US to keep out of regions that don't concern it

The foreign minister stressed that despite Washington's statements that its only area of interest is the Western Hemisphere, the US is actually "working hard to push its interests" in other regions too

Human rights commissioner appeals to UN over illegal detention of Russians in Ukraine

Tatyana Moskalkova added that she was in dialogue with Ukraine on the return of Kursk residents

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region with 160 UAVs in past day

The regional crisis response center reported that a child was injured in a rocket attack

US moving additional forces toward Iran — Treasury secretary

According to the Treasury Secretary, the US president thinks that the United States "can get a much better deal from the Iranians now"

Belarusian military conducts day/night missile strike drills

According to the Belarusian Defense Ministry, the missile troops are performing a full range of activities

Eastern Economic Forum to be held on September 1-4 — Roscongress

It has become the main platform for coordinating the region's development and attracting investment, Executive Secretary of the EEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov said

Russia tests new air defense fire support information system in special op zone — Rostec

The Pantsir and airspace control systems, developed by the High Precision Systems holding company, are currently on display at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia

TotalEnergies to remain Yamal LNG shareholder — CEO

The company will continue buying LNG from the Russian plant at least in 2026 but will have to terminate the contract in 2027 because of the EU ban

Destruction of Lasar Group plant deals serious blow to Ukraine's war effort — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the higher-ups within Lasar's Group, which has a broad network of industrial sites, has until now been "greatly favored by Kiev’s leadership, not least due to corruption-related interests"

Kiev intensifies attacks on civilians during important settlement talks — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed to a series of attacks carried out by Kiev last week using drones and missiles on the Belgorod Region, resulting in casualties and injuries to civilians and damage to civilian facilities

West turns global majority against itself in pursuit of dominance — senior diplomat

"Rejection of hegemony has taken deep root in their worldview, and rejection of neocolonial practices is now gaining ground," Sergey Ryabkov said

Idea of demands to Russia regarding Ukraine shows EU's wish to prevent settlement — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that neither Kaja Kallas, nor European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have ever acknowledged or documented any terrorist attacks carried out by Kiev against Russia

Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup South

According to the Defense Ministry, Battlegroup Commander Lieutenant General Sergey Medvedev reported to the defense chief on the progress of offensive operations by the battlegroup’s forces

Norway leads Olympic medal standings after four days

Norwegian athletes have won seven gold, two silver, and four bronze medals

Shooting at vocational school in Krasnodar Region: what we know

According to preliminary information, a student at a trade school in Anapa opened fire with an unidentified weapon in the institution's lobby

Moscow to return all historically Russian lands to their 'rightful home' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat stressed that linguistic, cultural and religious rights of those who remain under Kiev’s authority must be restored

Putin approves regulations on General Staff of National Guard troops

The decree comes into force on the day of its signing

Kiev's forced evacuation of children tears families apart — ombudswoman

Maria Lvova-Belova said it was especially shameless that Ukraine was threatening to take away parental rights

Europe sees no benefit in peace efforts in Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Yulia Zhdanova recalled that Munich Security Conference Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger claimed that an end to hostilities could increase threats to NATO's eastern flank

Russia to send batch of oil to Cuba as humanitarian aid — Russian embassy

Russia’s ministry of economic development has recommended Russian tourists refrain from visiting Cuba amid the "fuel emergency" in the country

Top Iranian security official says US moves away from military scenario

"The United States has moved towards a rational path by engaging in negotiations," Ali Larijani said

Europe continues militarization directed against Russia — CSTO defense official

According to Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, "the most difficult situation is developing today" in the Eastern European region

Zelensky declines to confirm plans to hold elections in Ukraine by May 15

Vladimir Zelensky continues to link elections with a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine

Oman conveyed US messages to Iran after first round of talks — Iranian Security Council

Iran and the US held another round of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program in Oman on February 6

Russia delivers precision strike on Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a Grad multiple launch rocket system in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

IDF announces military drills near Eilat on February 12

During the exercises, there will be intense movement of military vehicles, rescue vehicles, and ships in the area

Netanyahu, Trump discuss Iran, Gaza, agree to maintain coordination — PM’s office

The meeting lasted over two and a half hours, with no press statements made