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Anti-Russian sanctions

Disagreements arise in EU on measures for new anti-Russian sanctions package — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, Greece and Malta speak against the proposal to replace the Russian oil price cap with a ban on maritime services for Russian oil, such as insurance and transportation

© AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

BRUSSELS, February 17. /TASS/. The proposal of the European Commission to penalize foreign ports and banks involved in Russian oil sales ran into resistance, Bloomberg reports.

According to the news agency, Greece and Malta speak against the proposal to replace the Russian oil price cap with a ban on maritime services for Russian oil, such as insurance and transportation.

Italy and Hungary object to sanctions against the port of Kulevi in Georgia. Greece and Malta are against the like sanctions for a port in Indonesia.

"Separately, Italy and Spain are taking issue with proposed penalties on a bank in Cuba, added the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations," Bloomberg reported.

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Sanctions vs. Russia

Iran, US see progress at indirect negotiations in Geneva — Oman’s top diplomat

Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi stressed that in order to conclude a final deal "much work is yet to be done"

European icebreakers not suited for tasks in Arctic — expert

Alexander Stepanov explained that icebreakers equipped with diesel power plants have serious limitations

Russian troops break Ukrainian defenses near Kramatorsk after liberating Minkovka — expert

The Ukrainian army had many strongholds, materiel depots and temporary deployment sites in Minkovka, Andrey Marochko said

Kiev’s attacks on Russian targets intensify amid Geneva talks — diplomat

The Ukrainian armed forces launched nearly 150 drones to strike civilian targets, primarily in southern Russia, Rodion Miroshnik said

Explosion reported in southern Ukrainian city of Odessa

The city is witnessing a partial blackout, a local media outlet says

Ukraine's foreign mercenaries commit worst abuses against Kharkov residents

Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Kharkov Military-Civil Administration, added that the foreigners avoid open clashes with the Russian army

Press review: Geneva talks on Ukraine begin and Epstein case could spark GOP fiasco

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 17th

Russian special envoy to leave Geneva late on Feb. 17 — source

Kirill Dmitriev will fly back on Tuesday evening after the negotiations within the framework of the group on economic cooperation with the US

Cold weather turns Ukrainian shelters in Kharkov Region into death traps — POW

According to Dmitry Kushnirenko, Ukrainian soldiers have only two options: freeze to death or retreat under fire from Ukrainian blocking detachments positioned behind the lines

Plane carrying Russian delegation for talks on Ukraine arrives in Geneva — source

The flight from Moscow to Geneva took nine hours and bypassed unfriendly countries

Baltic cod catch fell almost twofold over year

Head of the regional agency for fisheries Yury Maslov said the stock of this fish species gives rise to concerns

Zelensky's accusations cannot force Hungary to approve Ukraine's EU accession — PM

Viktor Orban warned that his government would not change its stance on the issue

Disagreements arise in EU on measures for new anti-Russian sanctions package — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, Greece and Malta speak against the proposal to replace the Russian oil price cap with a ban on maritime services for Russian oil, such as insurance and transportation

Sergey Ivanov removed as permanent member of Russia’s Security Council

In early February, Sergey Ivanov was relieved of his post as special representative of the head of state on environmental protection, ecology and transport

Russian deputy foreign minister cautions against 'locking' Russian fleet

Sergey Ryabkov said that "if somebody assumes 'experiments' may be continued, it may have a sad end"

Testing of universal tanker for Russian Aerospace Forces to be completed in 2026

According to Vladimir Demirov, the unique feature of the new technology is that a single chassis combines the functions of a tanker for aviation oils and oil mixtures, alcohol and water-alcohol mixtures, as well as hydraulic fluids

European Commission silent on problems with approving new sanctions package against Russia

According to the agenda of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives, the 20th package of sanctions will be discussed at the ambassadors level on February 18 and 20 and on February 23 at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels

Victims in Krasnodar, Sevastopol regions, oil refinery fire: new UAV attack

Air defenses intercepted and destroyed 151 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over Russian regions

Ukrainian units face 'icy hell' in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy area — Russian Defense Ministry

Up to 30% of Ukrainian army soldiers in the Kupyansk direction are incapacitated due to frostbite and other cold-related injuries, and it is impossible to evacuate them

Russian troops advance West of Orekhov in Zaporozhye Region — military expert

Andrey Marochko said the liberation of Orekhov is "a key to Zaporozhye city"

Russia’s naval shipbuilding to address need to protect its economic activity — Patrushev

The Navy performs the tasks of protecting maritime trade with quite a high strain on its forces, the Russian presidential aide said

Russia emphasizes that spirit of Anchorage lives on — source

This is the starting point in negotiations, a source in the Russian delegation noted

Europe tested waters to join Geneva talks — source

According to the source, Europe will not participate in this round of the negotiations

IN BRIEF: What is known about preparations for upcoming talks in Geneva

The Russian delegation for the upcoming negotiations in Geneva will be expanded

More explosions reported in Ukraine

Odessa, Kropyvnytskyi, Dnepropetrovsk are witnessing blasts. Air raid warnings are in effect in several more cities

Ukraine breaks records by firing 200 munitions at Belgorod Region in one day — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, five civilians were killed in strikes by Ukrainian military in the region over the week

Lithuania outlines priorities of its EU council presidency

President Gitanas Nauseda stressed that for Ukraine to become a full member by 2030, further negotiations and political determination are needed, emphasizing that this was ditto for Moldova

Russia still trying to nail down Board of Peace mission — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Moscow has been quite open about its position on the Board of Peace

Russia to create special firefighting unit to protect Zaporozhye NPP

The 211-person unit will enter duty in 2027-2028

Senior Russian MP advises Polish president against flexing ‘nuclear muscles’

Poland, in his words, will never be able to obtain nuclear weapons "either from the political or military-technical point of view"

Russia, BRICS partners working on protection against Western piracy — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev recalled that the BRICS Will for Peace 2026 drills took place in the South Atlantic Ocean in January, with Russia, China, Iran, the UAE, and South Africa involved

Senior Russian MP warns Poland against pursuing nuclear weapons

According to Andrey Kartapolov, European politicians are currently indulging in "sabre-rattling, boasting about weapons they have and those they don’t"

Kiev engaging in energy blackmail against EU member by blocking supplies to Hungary

Despite the EU’s position, Hungary and Slovakia did not refuse high-quality Russian energy supplies at competitive prices

Ukraine ‘better come to the table fast,’ Trump says

The president says, the US urges Kiev to start being more flexible

Georgia holds televised debates on potential EU membership

The event was initiated by the opponent of Georgia joining the EU, NATO Vakhtang Shakarisjvili

Geneva talks to cover all key issues, including territories — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said this is why the presence of Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, is required

West revives gunboat diplomacy, turning sea into aggression springboard — aide

Nikolay Patrushev also noted that although the West "dominated the seas for a long time, until the start of this century," its hegemony is now "largely a thing of the past"

Japan’s Miura, Kihara win Olympic gold in pairs figure skating

Georgia’s Anastasia Metelkina, Luka Berulava won the silver

Air defenses repel massive drone attack on Sevastopol

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev says about 24 drones were destroyed

Kremlin urges to expect no news from Geneva talks today

Work is scheduled to continue tomorrow, Dmitry Peskov said

'You’ll fail' to destroy Iran, supreme leader tells Trump

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that even America's self-proclaimed "strongest army" will be dealt such a blow that it will not be able to recover

US envoy departs for Geneva — source

Steve Witkoff, entrepreneur Jared Kushner are expected to represent the US during this round of the Russia-US-Ukraine talks

Russia’s UAV platoon in Zaporozhye area makes 1,000 successful sorties

Over three thousand were cunducted with reconnaissance and correction missions, a platoon reconnaissance drone operator, call sign "Kot," said

Security measures tightened at Geneva hotel hosting Russian delegation

At least six police officers guarded the hotel entrances during the arrival of the Russian delegation

At 46 and 18, mother and son make Olympic history by both competing in Milan

Sarah Schleper earlier became the first ever female alpine skier to compete in seven Winter Olympic Games

SpaceX, xAI compete for Pentagon contract to develop autonomous drone swarms — Bloomberg

The winning project with a $100 mln investment can end up with a technology using voice commands for multiple drones

Navalny poisoning story disrupts West-Russia dialogue — ambassador to Germany

Sergey Nechayev said there are too many in the West who are all-in on conflict with Russia

Ukraine loses 2,000 mercenaries, elite forces personnel in Gulyaipole — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that, having neutralized all enemy threats, Russian fighters created fire pockets for them in this sector of the front, destroying a large group of the Ukrainian armed forces

What we know about Ukrainian settlement talks beginning in Geneva

The Russian delegation, which includes about 20 people, is headed by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky

At least five tracks planned at talks on Ukraine in Geneva — TASS source

According to the source, these are primarily territorial, military, political issues, as well as important economic matters

New round of Russia-US-Ukraine talks to take place in Geneva

Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation

FACTBOX: Diplomatic efforts and negotiations on Ukraine

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict began almost immediately after the onset of Russia’s special military operation in late February 2022

Large Flamingo missile production line destroyed in Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky added that he could speak about this because the incident occurred some time ago

Russian presidential aide says time for BRICS to gain strategic maritime dimension

Nikolay Patrushev recalled the exercises held in January and February to protect sea lanes from Western piracy

Russia-China contacts yield visible results — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui says he hopes for a growth of the tourist flow amid a mutual abolition of visa requirements

Russian delegation to arrive in Geneva on February 17 — source

According to the source, the delegation will fly back on Wednesday evening

Russian delegation heading to Geneva and difficult dialogue with US: Ryabkov's statements

As the Russian senior diplomat reiterated, Moscow proceeds from the understanding that agreements on the Ukrainian settlement must eliminate the root causes of the conflict and be durable in nature

Ukrainian army carries out two attacks on Donetsk People’s Republic in past day

Local authorities say, one civilian was injured, some road-building equipment was damaged

US Department of Justice publishes list of 300 celebrities who appear in Epstein files

Prince Harry, Kim Kardashian, Kurt Cobain, and Bruce Springsteen are among the names mentioned

Swiss embassy issues visas to Russian journalists for negotiations in one day

The visas are issued for the dates of the trip

Press review: Ukraine seeks EU accession in 2027 and Germany urges Russian energy return

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 13th

Ukrainian fighters blame command after bulk of their regiment destroyed — source

Local militants blame the staff command for leaking coordinates to the Russian side

Ukrainian army employs 30 drones to strike Belgorod Region over past day

In Grayvoron, two cars, as well as the fence of a private home and a commercial facility, were damaged in a drone strike

Canadian ice-hockey legend Esposito eyes Moscow trip to receive his Friendship Award

The two-time Stanley Cup champion vowed to come to Moscow and receive the award personally from the Russian president

Poland to sue Russia for alleged Cold War-era damage — newspaper

According to the newspaper, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk tasked a group of historians to examine events of World War II and the subsequent decades of the Cold War, as well as the negative consequences reportedly caused by Soviet influence

What we know about second round of US-Iran nuclear talks on Tehran’s nuclear dossier

Tehran and Washington reached understanding on a range of general issues, the IRNA news agency said

Munich Conference ignores all problems except Ukraine — Russian MP

It was as if neither Greenland, nor corruption in the upper echelons of Zelensky’s usurping machine, nor the kidnapping of Venezuela’s legally elected president, nor the broader crisis of compliance with international law and the looming collapse of Euro-Atlantic unity existed," Leonid Slutsky said

French authorities release Grinch tanker — Marseille prosecutor's office

According to the statement, the vessel's owner was ordered to pay a fine of an unspecified amount for not flying a flag

Russian troops deliver massive strike on Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 195 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two US-made armored vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US weapons orders exceed $900 bln but allies have to wait for deliveries — officials

Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth say in a joint op-ed that US allies often wait for several years

Driscoll, Grynkewich to take part in Ukraine talks in Geneva, CNN reporter says

The US Army Secretary and the NATO supreme Allied Commander Europe will be a part of the US delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner

FACTBOX: Telegram blocking speculation and mass channel crackdown

Roskomnadzor’s press service stated that the agency has nothing to add to previously published information regarding the possible blocking of Telegram

Ukrainian army chief points to difficult situation in Gulyaipole area

Russia’s Defense Ministry earlier reported having thwarted the rotation of Ukrainian soldiers

Lukashenko says offered US ideal scenario for Venezuela, but they 'did silly thing'

According to the Belarusian president, Washington chose to go its own way

Ukraine will only win as part of Russia, lawmaker says

Andrey Kartapolov highlighted that European politicians had already realized their defeat and were making such statements to justify themselves before their citizens

Any attempt to impose naval blockade on Russia illegal — Maritime Board chair

Nikolay Patrushev stressed that if the situation could not be resolved peacefully, the blockade would be broken and lifted by the Navy

State Duma passes bill giving FSB power to turn off telecom services

The reasons for the shutdown will be set by the government

Press review: Ukraine talks in Geneva shape settlement as Russia explores MERCOSUR deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 16th

West succeeded in making Ukraine European in terms of Nazism — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says that Moscow has always regarded Ukraine "as a sovereign, independent state"

Ukraine's hardest attack: Bryansk Region recovering after UAV raid

More than 170 fixed-wing drones were shot down over the region

Participants in Geneva talks on Ukraine to try to agree on framework principles — source

A new round of consultations on settlement in Ukraine will start on February 17

Hungary expects Russian oil supplies through Croatia to begin in March

The oil can arrive at the Croatian port of Omisalj by tankers, then it would be sent to Hungary and Slovakia via the Trans Adriatic pipeline

Russia in contact with oil buyers in Europe, Kiev complicating situation — Kremlin

Ukraine does not allow transit deliveries

Russia expects no substantial dialogue with West anytime soon — envoy to OPCW

According to Vladimir Tarabrin, a "collective delusion" and psychosis in Western countries, including insinuations about Navalny’s "poisoning," indicate that pressure on Moscow will continue

Washington, Tehran may discuss US access to Iran’s mineral resources — TV

The next round of nuclear program negotiations between the US and Iran is slated for February 17

European leaders deluding themselves hoping for Ukraine’s victory over Russia — Orban

The hungarian prime minister says that Western politicians are firmly committed to supporting Ukraine "until Russia is exhausted"

Revocation of visas, dialogue with Iran, and Ukrainian settlement: Rubio’s statements

Washington is "going to continue doing everything" it can to settle the Ukrainian crisis, the US Secretary of State said

Series of explosions rocks southern Ukrainian city of Odessa

Air raid warnings are in effect in the region

Russia should focus on creating high-tech fleet — presidential aide

Technological leadership is one of the priorities included in the Navy’s Development Strategy and the Shipbuilding Program until 2050, Nikolay Patrushev said

Geneva authorities ensure security of Russian negotiators — source

Geneva is very enthusiastic about hosting the negotiations, the source says

Zelensky may suffer some kind of 'accident' if goes to talks — Ukrainian ex-officer

Vasily Prozorov added that Vladimir Zelensky is not just opposing the US administration without reason and that forces are standing behind him that do not want the fighting in Ukraine to end

Finnish politician calls on the West to recognize Russia's red lines in Ukrainian conflict

Armando Mema noted that the Russian side had repeatedly spoken about security guarantees, but Europe "refused them with arrogance"

Geneva talks to be closed to media — Kremlin

The Russian delegation led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky arrived in Geneva this morning

Unfair competition has become West’s tactic in economic relations — Russian Deputy PM

According to Alexey Overchuk, sanctions, as well as other tariff and non-tariff restrictions, have begun to play a major role

Russia sees new allegations regarding Navalny’s case as information attack — envoy

Vladimir Tarabrin says that no evidence or expert opinion were provided by the European states

EU to save face by using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Gaza Strip — RSPP head

Alexander Shokhin noted that such a project could involve the participation of Russia, the United States, and the European Union

Russia develops Bulavka FPV interceptor system against drones

The drone is not equipped with a warhead, its maximum payload is 200 grams and the maximum speed is 270 km/h

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 170 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 18 enemy motor vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Hungary, Slovakia remain largest energy exporters to Ukraine

Ukraine’s three other neighbors - Poland, Romania, and Moldova - accounted for 38%

Ukraine evacuates Kupyansk residents as Russian army advances — administration head

Vitaly Ganchev said said the Kharkov Regional State Administration with the help of the military is in touch with the civilians, trying to provide them with everything they need or organize an evacuation

Kiev's negotiating team splits into two camps — The Economist

Head of Vladimir Zelensky's office Kirill Budanov believes that doing a deal now with Russia under the auspices of Washington will be more beneficial for Kiev, since the window of opportunity may close soon, the magazine claims