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US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

According to sources, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there

NEW YORK, February 19. /TASS/. The United States has insufficient air defenses in the Middle East for a large-scale military operation against Iran, NBC News reported quoting sources.

According to them, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there, but some of the air defense systems, including Patriot complexes, have not yet been fully deployed. A source said that available resources may be sufficient for only limited strikes.

NBC said that by mid-March the United States intends to deploy the necessary forces in preparation for a potential order from President Donald Trump to strike. Washington waiting to see if its ongoing consultations with Tehran result in a diplomatic solution, preventing military conflict.

EU adds Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to list of terrorist organizations

On January 29 the council also approved new sanctions against Iran

Lavrov warns of adverse consequences in case of new strikes on Iran

Russian Foreign Minister noted that the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in June 2025 not only undermined the authority of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but also "there were real risks of a nuclear incident"

Israel Airports Authority says Tucker Carlson faced no questioning

Tucker Carlson and his party were politely asked a few routine questions, in accordance with standard procedures applied to many travelers, Israel Airports Authority said

Russia tests drones in freezing temperatures

The tests included demonstration flights and testing of the drones’ operation with photo and thermal imaging systems

Europe wants to extend fighting in Ukraine as long as possible — Russian MFA

"At present, no real constructive contribution from the Europeans is visible, because their position makes it impossible," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated

Der Spiegel claims perpetrators of Nord Stream blasts acted without US approval

The magazine further claims that the saboteurs received private funding from Ukraine

Trump yet to make final call regarding strike against Iran — CNN

A meeting on this topic involving high-ranking officials was reportedly held at the White House on February 18

Vucic says EU membership without veto power would be acceptable for Serbia

The Serbian president emphasized that the core priorities for Serbia are access to the internal market and the free movement of goods, people, and capital

Marines of Battlegroup Center deliver cargo with centimeter precision using drones

The Vogan-15 drone was used for this purpose

Dmitriev denies Russia offered the US $12 trillion worth projects

According to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the lifting of sanctions will be eventually dictated by Washington's interests

Russia expects calls for de-escalation in Gaza at Peace Board meeting — envoy to UN

Earlier, the White House announced that representatives from more than 20 countries are expected to attend the meeting in the US capital

Putin slams new restrictions on Cuba as 'unacceptable'

The Russian president stressed that Moscow's position is unambiguous

Former Prince Andrew arrested in connection with Epstein case — broadcaster

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday

Journalist Tucker Carlson reports being questioned upon departure from Israel

According to the journalist, "it was bizarre"

Russia’s Federation Council Speaker calls energy blockade of Cuba act of genocide

Valentina Matviyenko said that the world community should help Cuba

US interested in lifting anti-Russian sanctions due to lucrative projects — Putin's envoy

Kirill Dmitriev stressed that the portfolio of potential Russia-US projects exceeds $14 trillion

Europe wants to keep Ukraine’s army at level sufficient for war, Lavrov says

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Brussels wants to integrate Ukraine’s military structures into those of the European Union

US gathers largest air force group in region since Iraq invasion — media

This buildup would allow Washington to conduct military operations against Iran for several weeks, the newspaper said

Extraordinary snowfall in Moscow to affect airport operations

Flight cancellations are not ruled out, the Ministry of Transport said

Hungary halts diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine — Szijjarto

The country is supplying "significant volumes" of diesel fuel, gas and electric power to Ukraine, the Hungarian foreign affairs and trade minister noted

Press review: Board of Peace to fund Gaza and Israel accused of annexing West Bank

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 19th

Russian, Ukrainian negotiating chiefs hold closed-door meeting in Geneva

The meeting followed the main round of negotiations in Geneva

West seeks to create security challenges for Russia in post-Soviet arena — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin pointed out that Russia is developing a full range of economic ties with the former states of the Soviet Union

US sends 50 fighter jets to Middle East in past day — Axios

According to the news outlet, the US could launch a military operation against Iran in the coming weeks

FACTBOX: What is known about situation with Russian oil supplies to Slovakia, Hungary

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia could stop supplying electricity to Ukraine due to the Kiev authorities' suspension of oil transit to the republic via the Druzhba pipeline

Russia-US dialogue on nuclear arms control needs to continue — IAEA chief Grossi

Rafael Grossi said that he is not privy to the discussions between Moscow and Washington

Sewage discharge into Potomac River threatens environmental disaster — White House

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed hope that authorities in Maryland and Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia, would "ask the federal government for help"

Termination of electricity supplies from Slovakia to be severe blow to Ukraine — expert

Alexander Dudchak said that the European supranational bodies ignore Vladimir Zelensky's antics, because they can use Ukraine to punish the countries that show independent will and sovereignty

Ukrainian neo-Nazism threatens global community — Grushko

Alexander Grushko emphasized that Russia "consistently combats terrorism and manifestations of Nazism and opposes any revision of the outcomes of World War II"

Slovakia may suspend electricity supplies to Ukraine, Fico says

Zelensky halted oil supplies over the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary for the purpose of politically blackmailing them and the pipeline could have been damaged deliberately, the Slovak prime minister noted

Jose Balcazar to become Peru's new interim president

Jose Balcazar will become Peru’s ninth head of state in 10 years

West using post-Soviet space against Russia: deputy foreign minister’s statements

Mikhail Galuzin noted in a conversation with journalists that trilateral negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement are continuing, although they are difficult

Russia, US discuss root causes of Ukrainian conflict in Geneva, says Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister also noted that Moscow will discuss the understandings reached in Alaska during the talks with the Americans in Geneva

Air defenses destroy 120 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within six-hour period

81 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

Russia to demand legal codification of NATO’s non-expansion eastward — newspaper

According to the newspaper, Moscow will also demand the revocation of the decisions of the 2008 Bucharest Summit

UK opens embassy office in Lvov — Foreign Office

London noted that the UK is one of the few countries in the world that will have a diplomatic office in Lvov

Change of elites in West may help restore relations with Russia — UK journalist

Frank Wright criticized the suppression of dissent in Western countries

Special military op’s goal is to ensure peace for decades to come — Medvedev

The special military operation continues and it will undoubtedly be seen through to the end, the politician emphasized

Sweden awaits arrival of first non-American nuclear carrier in over half-century

The Charles de Gaulle carrier will stay in Malmo for several days

Stability in Middle East impossible without Palestinian state, Lavrov says

Russian Foreign Minister explained that the absence of a Palestinian state “will continue fueling extremism” which is not in the interests of Israel’s security

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

Kiev loses 1,235 troops along engagement line in past day

US weighs striking Iran this weekend — media

No final decision has been made yet

Moscow does not discuss Cuba issue with Washington — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that Moscow and Havana develop bilateral relations "in every possible way"

Cuba thanks Russia for solidarity amid tightening blockade — top diplomat

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla noted that he was happy to be in the Russian capital

US wants to build datacenter, tunnel to Alaska with Russia — The Economist

According to the report, people within the orbit of President Donald Trump are holding talks on acquiring stakes in Russian energy assets

Zelensky’s future hinges on corruption evidence, says ex-PM of Ukraine

Nikolay Azarov noted that Vladimir Zelensky’s current position prevents investigators from involving him in the probe at this stage

Slovak refinery orders 7 tankers of oil due to suspension of supplies via Druzhba pipeline

The director of one of Central Europe's largest oil refineries noted that there is no reason to panic and that the republic's energy security is ensured

US pushes for scale back of NATO missions, including in Iraq — Politico

These efforts reflect "a White House drive to treat NATO as a strictly Euroatlantic defense pact" and to abandon global partnerships and initiatives that have long irritated US President Donald Trump and his supporters", the report says

Ukraine, Moldova handed sovereignty to West — Russian deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin acknowledged that every country that emerged after the collapse of the USSR has its own priorities, including in relations with Russia

Iran, Russia to conduct joint drills in Sea of Oman Thursday — Iranian Navy

According to Iranian Navy’s spokesman Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsoudloo, the main objective of these maneuvers is to practice cooperation in combating maritime security threats, particularly in protecting merchant vessels and oil tankers

Russian-Iranian naval exercises were agreed upon before escalation — Kremlin

The maneuvers occur amid escalating regional tensions, as the United States continues to bolster its forces in the Middle East with increasing reinforcements

Rare leaks about Geneva talks on Ukraine may indicate positive dynamics — TV

According to the report, the talks in Geneva were "substantive"

White House estimates probability of US military action against Iran at 90% — news outlet

According to unnamed Israeli officials, Tel Aviv "which is pushing for a maximalist scenario targeting regime change as well as Iran's nuclear and missile programs," is preparing for war in the coming days

Support, cooperation despite woes: statements by Russia, Cuba foreign ministers

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia will "consistently continue to support Cuba" in protecting its "sovereignty and security"

Geneva talks notably without Ukrainian leaks — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, now, compared to Abu Dhabi, "the most difficult track, called "political," was discussed, when the parties clearly came with the stances they brought from Kiev, Washington, and Moscow"

Foreign access to Telegram correspondence, AI: statements by digital development minister

A bill to regulate artificial intelligence technology may be submitted to the lower house of parliament in the near future

Hungary expects to increase oil supplies via Adriatic pipeline — Szijjarto

In 2025, the country imported 400,000 tons via the Adriatic pipeline

Russia will continue to support Iran's peaceful development of nuclear atom — MFA

Russia has always firmly defended the Iranian people's right to independent development, Alexander Grushko said

US forces buildup and Geneva talks: what we know about situation around Iran

The War Zone portal said the number of US forces deployed to the Middle East is enough for a "major operation" against Iran lasting several weeks together with the Israeli Air Force

EU losing its last safety net in form of UGS reserves in political arena — expert

Nikolay Gaponenko is convinced that the current situation is not a disaster, but rather a normal one, signaling a rapid rate of reserve depletion and allowing for conclusions about the emerging key risks

No one wants new tensions around Iran — Lavrov

"Everyone understands that this is playing with fire," Sergey Lavrov emphasized

Russian banking system absolutely stable — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that all the risks were addressed

Ukrainian official declares he found over $653,000 in his grandmother's garage

Alexander Subbotenko characterized the practice of keeping savings in US dollars as a "family custom"

‘The Mask’ actor Peter Greene died from gunshot wound — medical examiner

On December 13, the 60-year-old actor was found dead in his New York apartment

'Tough-going but businesslike': outcomes of trilateral talks on Ukraine in Geneva

The talks took place behind closed doors at the InterContinental Hotel, which traditionally hosts important international discussions

US attempts to drive Russia out of energy markets — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that a couple of weeks after the Alaska summit the Donald Trump administration announced US sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft

France strengthens NATO though Macron says it is brain dead — Russian MFA

Alexander Grushko emphasized that, despite the president's rhetoric about the alliance's fragility, France is nonetheless committed to playing a more significant role in ensuring regional security

BBC disinformation and results of Geneva talks: Foreign Ministry spokeswoman’s statements

Maria Zakharova noted that the Russian delegation at the Geneva talks had clear instructions to adhere to the understandings reached at the Alaska summit

Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva offer glimmer of hope — Swiss magazine

The magazine described the talks as "a diplomatic success"

Casualties in Bryansk Region, fire at oil depot: Ukraine’s overnight drone strike

Two civilians were injured as a result of a massive attack by a fixed-wing jet drone on the Bryansk Region, Governor Alexander Bogomaz said

Annual inflation in Russia down to 5.85% from February 10 to 16 — Economy Ministry

Inflation slowed down to 0.12% over the week from February 10 to 16, 2026

Nuclear proliferation threatens weapons use in regional conflicts — IAEA

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi emphasized that several non-nuclear states have the technical capabilities to obtain nuclear weapons

Ukrainian soldiers blow up ferry in Dnepropetrovsk Region to skip combat — defense source

According to the source, it were soldiers of the Ukrainian army’s 67th brigade

Kremlin has nothing to add to Medinsky's assessment of Geneva talks — spokesman

Vladimir Medinsky described the talks as difficult but businesslike

Security Council warns Armenia’s railway plans to replace Russia risk system collapse

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu noted that a system built up over almost two decades could simply collapse overnight

Russian Transport Ministry not expecting traffic restrictions in Gulf of Finland

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin also added that two icebreakers will appear in the Baltic Region

UN Secretary General becoming obstacle to settlement in Ukraine — Zakharova

The diplomat said that on top of exceeding his powers as UN secretary general, Guterres is essentially acting "against the settlement of the conflict" in Ukraine

Russia to transfer $1 bln from frozen funds to rebuild Gaza — Lavrov

US authorities have not formally confirmed their president’s assessment, Russian Foreign Minister said

Russia’s Battlegroup West destroys 44 Ukrainian heavy combat quadcopters in past day

"Air defense crews and mobile air defense teams have shot down 24 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, two loitering munitions, and 44 enemy heavy combat quadcopters in the air," Ivan Bigma said

NATO rearmament, talks on Ukraine: senior diplomat’s statements

Alexander Grushko said that Russia takes the negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement "very seriously"

Battlegroup Center Marines 'blind' enemy kamikaze drones using image spoofing

A senior instructor at the battlegroup’s Marine Corps Unmanned Systems Center, call sign "Bolshoy," added that militants of the Ukrainian armed forces are aware of the image-swapping system and are trying to counter it, but to no avail

Still early to assess results of negotiations on Ukraine in Geneva — Kremlin

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the members of the Russia delegation are about to arrive home and then there will be results

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Putin has trusting relations with Saudi Arabia's leadership — Lavrov

The top duplomat noted that there have been "different" periods in relations between the two countries

Russia doubts anyone can replace it in operating Armenia's railways

Sergey Shoigu added that, according to statistics for the last two years, the South Caucasus Railway transports more than 500,000 passengers per year and over 1.6 million tons of cargo in Armenia

Next US attack on Iran could look like full-blown war — Axios

According to sources, it would be a joint US-Israeli operation, much larger that the one in June 2025

Russia to test Internet provider drone similar to Starlink — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers

Rosatom confirms dropping Siemens as partner in Paks II project

The state corporation noted that Siemens' potential participation was limited to individual elements of the automated process control system

Russia-NATO contacts can take place if necessary — MFA

Alexander Grushko also noted that communication between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance were maintained at the military level

Russian delegation returns from Geneva to Moscow

The plane arrived after almost seven hours in the air, a source in air traffic control services said

Digital development minister says foreign intelligence has access to Telegram messages

Maksut Shadayev said that the intelligence gathered is being used in combat operations against the Russian Armed Forces

Trump extends order authorizing detention of ships bound for Cuba for year

The US leader also added that a mass migration from Cuba would endanger United States national security

Time, venue for further dialogue on Ukraine have not yet been determined — Russian MFA

Mikhail Galuzin referenced a statement by Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator and presidential aide, who affirmed that the talks are ongoing

Russia pleased dialogue on Ukraine gains momentum

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stressed that Russia always welcomed the priority of political and diplomatic methods of resolving conflicts

Ukrainian conflict continues to be fueled with US arms supplies — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the current US leadership appeared to be making efforts to seek solutions to the crisis

More than 20 countries to take part in first meeting of Board of Peace — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that during the meeting, US President Donald Trump will announce that the countries participating in the Board of Peace have pledged to allocate five billion dollars for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza

Talks on Ukraine do not allow for public discussion — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov refrained from going into details, commenting on the trilateral talks in Geneva

Russia calls for restraint from all participants in escalation around Iran — Kremlin

Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, Dmitry Peskov said

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

Russia’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov participates in International Fleet Review in India

The Russian delegation is led by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy

US expects Iran to submit written proposal to bridge differences — media

According to the news agency, US troops deployed to the Middle East should be in place by mid-March