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EU to impose entry ban on all participants in Russia’s special op — Kallas

The European Union is "working to keep potential hundreds of thousands of former Russian soldiers out of the Schengen area", the EU foreign policy chief said

BRUSSELS, February 23. /TASS/. The European Union will ban all those who took part in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine from entering its territory, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

"We are working to keep potential hundreds of thousands of former Russian soldiers out of the Schengen area," she said.

Iran's nuclear program

Witkoff, Kushner to travel to Geneva to continue talks with Iran — agency

US and Iranian diplomats have been trying to reach an agreement on the nuclear deal

Russia to defend its interests no matter how much it upsets its enemies — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that when Moscow talks to its friends, it defends its interests too

Italian Olympic organizers hand over Olympic flag to France

The 2030 Olympics will be hosted in the French Alps

Cosmonauts congratulate Russians on Defender of Fatherland’s Day from space

They expressed to servicemen their sincere gratitude for heroism, courage and devotion to duty

Air defenses down 34 Ukrainian drones over Kursk Region in past 24 hours

According to him, as a result of the attacks, the windshield of a car was damaged in the village of Zolomnoye in the Bolshesoldatsky District

Europe lost right to sit at Ukraine table with Moscow betrayal — Russian Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Europe needs to earn back trust and learn to keep its word, especially with regard to certain norms, rules and laws

Iraq transfers management of West Qurna-2 oil field to US Chevron

On February 17, the Iraqi government approved an agreement reached with Russia’s Lukoil to transfer oil production operations at the West Qurna-2 field to the local Basra Oil Company

EU fails to get US, G7 support for blocking Russian oil supplies — source

A diplomatic source did not exclude "the possibility of Washington imposing its own measures in due time and on its own terms"

Total of 1,500 people set free in Syria under general amnesty decree — justice minister

On February 18, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree granting a general amnesty on the occasion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

Kiev expects further talks on Ukrainian settlement late this week

Head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office Kirill Budanov added that Russian negotiators are conducting talks "restrainedly, politely, and professionally, in accordance with diplomatic protocol," although positions of the parties remain fundamentally different

Bitcoin, Ethereum decline by up to 4% amid broader crypto market pullback

According to data from CoinMarketCap, the total capitalization of the cryptocurrency market stands at $2.26 trillion

Talks on Ukraine may resume in Geneva on February 26 — source

Negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine took place in Geneva on February 17-18

EU, UK hardest-hit by new US tariffs — Russian presidential envoy

Kirill Dmitriev commented on an article, which says that Donald Trump’s new global tariffs will most greatly benefit countries that he heavily criticized

Epstein files exposed those who invented myths about Russia — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recalled numerous accusations against Russia, adding that the country came up with "arguments and facts" to refute them

Iran-US talks cover only republic's nuclear program — Aragchi

"Right now, we are negotiating only nuclear and there is no other subject," Iranian Foreign Minister replied to a journalist's question on whether these consultations concerned, in particular, Iran's missile program and Tehran's support for various forces in the region

European Parliament postpones vote on trade deal with US

This is the second such suspension by the European Parliament

Number of drones intercepted on approach to Moscow reaches 22 — mayor

Emergency responders are working at the crash sites,

Slovakia halts electricity transmission to Ukraine — TV

Slovakia halted electricity supplies to Ukraine in response to it blocking the transit Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline across its territory

US Secret Service shoots man trying to break into Trump's estate

According to the statement, on Saturday night, "an armed man was shot" by Secret Service agents and a local sheriff’s deputy following "an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago."

Olympic closing ceremony kicks off in Verona

The event will feature a parade of athletes, the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, and the transfer of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the 2030 Winter Olympics in France

Defender of Fatherland Day unites those who selflessly defend Motherland — PM Mishustin

Mikhail Mishustin wished further success in service for the benefit of great Russia, as well as good health to citizens and their loved ones

Putin meets with widows of Russian special forces soldiers in Kremlin

Earlier in the day, the president awarded state awards to Heroes of Russia

Ukraine’s budget deficit effectively amounts to around $50 bln

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov argued that even a €90 bln loan from the European Union would not help address this deficit, as the funds would primarily be directed toward military purposes rather than ensuring macrofinancial stability

Hungary to block sanctions against Russia until supplies via Druzhba start — Orban

Hungary will reject the 20th sanctions package submitted to the EU for consideration, the Hungarian prime minister said

Putin congratulates Russians on Defender of the Fatherland’s Day

Vladimir Putin noted that February 23 has been marked in Russia for many decades now as one of the most important national holidays

US ready to hold talks with Iran on February 27 if Tehran responds to proposals — media

The report says that US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner "plan to be in Geneva on February 27" if Iran responds early next week

EU to reduce its mission to Russia to 40 people — Kallas

The European foreign policy chief also announced that the top EU diplomats have failed to agree on the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions by February 24

China may be in work on development of nuclear weapons’ new generation — CNN

According to the TV channel, granted investments in the nuclear arsenal will enable China to be allegedly able to have technical capabilities that none of the dominant nuclear powers currently possess

US to withdraw its troops from Syria within one month — TV

Their number does not exceed 1,000, Syria TV reported

Special military operations forces on front lines firmly stand for Russia — Putin

He also added that competent and courageous actions by the heroes of the special military operation made it possible to plan and carry out offensive operations in the most intense sectors

Kiev can receive information posted on Telegram — FSB

The spokesperson said that the use of Telegram by the Russian army in the area of a special military operation in the last three months threatened the lives of military personnel

Attack by Ukrainian Armed Forces leaves 260 settlements in Zaporozhye Region without power

According to Governor Evgeny Balitsky, all healthcare facilities, as well as critical infrastructure sites, have been switched to backup power sources

EU not planning to withdraw from 15% tariff agreement with US — EC

However, the statement points out that the uncertainty following the court’s decision does little to promote fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic relations

Lavrov offers condolences to Wang Yi over death of Chinese tourists in Lake Baikal

Russian Foreign Minister stressed that relevant Russian agencies are conducting a full-scale investigation of the incident and promised to inform Beijing about its results immediately

Two apartment buildings, social facility damaged in Ukraine’s missile attack on Belgorod

No casualties have been reported so far

Man shot on premises of Trump’s estate was 21-year-old artist

According to the newspaper, Austin Tucker Martin was fond of drawing scenes from the golf courses

Ukrainian Armed Forces lose about 1,355 troops over past day

The Russian Armed Forces also struck transport, energy and fuel infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

EU fails to reach compromise on 90-bln-euro loan to Kiev — Kallas

The EU foreign policy chief suggested using Russian frozen assets

Air defenses destroy 36 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions in three hours

15 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Mexico special forces carried operation against Jalisco cartel leader without US help

Washington had only provided some intelligence information, the Mexican embassy in the US said

British trace visible in case of assassination attempt on General Alexeyev — FSB chief

Alexander Bortnikov noted that the Ukrainian intelligence services were the masterminds

Russia failed to find alternative to western capital markets in the east — Sberbank CEO

There is no alternative to western capital markets in the nearest years

Foreign mercenaries of Ukrainian army fight Russia near Raigorodka

According to an officer of the department for joint training and interaction with the armed forces of the organizational and planning department of the Moscow military district combat training directorate, they heard English and Georgian, but did not communicate personally

IOC head thanks Italy for 'magical' Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games ended on February 22

Representatives of all Russian peoples fight in special military operation — Putin

This exemplifies the tremendous strength of the Russian Army, Vladimir Putin said

EU fails to agree on new package of anti-Russian sanctions by February 24

EU Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas actually confirmed that the package is being blocked by Slovakia and Hungary

Russia helps secure Venezuela's statehood — MFA

No one would have negotiated with them; they would have been treated, as the West has repeatedly suggested, as those who are on the menu, Maria Zakharova said

Generals Moskalik, Sarvarov killed in Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks — General Staff

Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy noted that with the deaths of the generals, the troops "lost true professionals, loyal comrades, and true patriots"

US sends hospital vessel to shores of Greenland, says President Trump

The US leader noted that this is necessary to take care of the many people who are sick

Lukashenko says world is being drawn into another reckless arms race

The Belarusian President said that the system of checks and balances that previously ensured pan-European security has been dismantled

Slovak PM to request halt to power supplies to Ukraine on Monday

He explained that the move would be a response to the Kiev authorities’ suspension of Russian oil deliveries to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline

Russian air defenses shot down seven HIMARS multiple launch rockets, 326 UAVs

Russian troops have launched a strike with long-range precision weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial complex and energy infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian army, with all designated objects affected, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Nepryaeva's marathon result at Winter Olympic Games annulled for error while changing skis

Darya Nepryaeva covered most of the distance on skis that weren't hers

Nord Stream gas pipelines may resume work with US participation — daily

Washington hopes to expand its control over the energy infrastructure in the region, the newspaper said

Ukrainian conflict moves towards settlement — Russia’s charge d’affaires in US

In ensuring that children all over the world sleep peacefully because the great powers keep in touch in the form of a professional dialogue, Andrey Ledenyov said

EU leaders preparing for war with Russia — Hungarian PM

Hungary can only lose in such a war, as our historical military experience clearly demonstrates, Viktor Orban said

Closing ceremony of 2026 Winter Olympics over in Italy

Norway won the unofficial medal count, winning 18 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze

Russia not disclosing results of Ukraine talks under existing agreement — Medvedev

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that Russia has presented its position on the Ukrainian settlement during negotiations, including on territorial issues and the parameters of Ukraine’s demilitarization

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

Defenders of Russia are on right side of history — diplomat

Maria Zakharova congratulated Russian servicemen taking part in the special military operation on the Defender of the Fatherland’s Day

Price of gold futures tops $5,150 per troy ounce first time since January 30

By 2:12 a.m. Moscow time on February 23, it accelerated its growth to $5,161.5 per troy ounce

Iran will not hand over control of its energy resources to US — Reuters

Tehran’s right to enrich uranium under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons should be recognized, the Iranian official noted

'One Battle After Another' gets BAFTA Best Film award

The movie was nominated in 14 categories and won six of them

Russian skiers fail to win any medals at Olympics for first time in history

Russian skiers made their Olympic debut in 1956 in Cortina d'Ampezzo

US weighs on assassination attempt on Iran's supreme leader, his son — news outlet

The sources cited by Axios say that Iran may be allowed ‘token’ nuclear enrichment

EU to impose entry ban on all participants in Russia’s special op — Kallas

The European Union is "working to keep potential hundreds of thousands of former Russian soldiers out of the Schengen area", the EU foreign policy chief said

Vucic, Rosatom CEO discuss Serbian companies’ participation in nuclear projects

According to the Serbian leader, special attention was paid to the development of Serbia’s personnel and industrial potential in the nuclear sector

Russia promises retaliation if South Korea joins PURL initiative on Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow was surprised to hear reports about possible Seoul's participation in this program, since such steps would be at odds with the country's official line of non-participation in the efforts of the collective West to pump weapons and ammunition into the Ukrainian army

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Russia becomes leading country in unmanned systems — Medvedev

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the UAV industry was created almost "from scratch" by enthusiasts at the beginning of the special military operation, as there had been virtually no prior discussion of drones at that time

Aragchi says may meet with Witkoff in Geneva on February 26

We are still working on that, Iranian Foreign Minister said

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Hungary vetoes EU decision of anti-Russian sanctions, loan to Ukraine

Hungary warned that it would veto these EU decisions because of Ukraine blocking oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline

Russia to take part in 61st session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

According to the Foreign Ministry, the session’s agenda includes a high-level segment in which Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky will take part

Putin names development of nuclear triad his unconditional priority

Vladimir Putin stressed that this "guarantees Russia’s security"

Press review: Global response to Kerch standoff and EU joins Russia for SWIFT alternative

Top stories in the Russian press on Wednesday

Iran receives 'encouraging signals' at talks with US in Geneva — president

However, he stressed that Tehran continues "to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario."

EU unable to agree on 20th sanctions package at foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels

According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the European Commission is doing everything possible to push through the sanctions, working with the countries that are blocking them, but is hearing very firm statements from those countries

Russia needs victory, but its cost matters — Medvedev

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council added that he Kiev regime is gradually beginning to realize the position and circumstances it currently faces

US president's approval rate drops to 39% — poll

Meanwhile, 60% expressed a negative view, compared with 59% in October, including 47% who said they strongly disapprove of the measures taken by the US president

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"

Russia will never forget or forgive Kiev regime’s crimes — FSB chief

Asked whether Moscow should "behave in the same way the Kiev regime is behaving with Russia and conduct some kind of counter-special operations," Alexander Bortnikov emphasized that the issue of countermeasures is generally very delicate

Air defenses down 27 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions

13 UAVs were destroyed over the Belgorod Region, five over the Sea of Azov, four over the Krasnodar Region, two over the Kursk Region, two over the Republic of Crimea, and one over the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russians take part in athletes' parade at Olympic closing ceremony

The ceremony is taking place in Verona

Leader of Jalisco Cartel dies en route to hospital — Mexican Defense Ministry

The operation was coordinated with the National Intelligence Center and the prosecutor’s office, with informational support from US authorities, the ministry said

Russia does not threaten Estonia but will do what necessary to ensure security — Kremlin

If Estonia has nuclear weapons aimed at Russia, Moscow will aim its own nuclear weapons at Estonia, Dmitry Peskov said

Iran believes potential deal with US should include sanctions relief — foreign minister

In 2015, Iran, along with China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the US signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, resolving a crisis that had begun in 2002 amid Western accusations that Tehran was seeking nuclear weapons

Situation remains normal in most part of Mexico — president

Claudia Sheinbaum also added that the federal government maintains "full coordination with the governments of all states" and called upon citizens to remain informed and stay calm

Kim Jong Un re-elected general secretary during party congress

"To elect the head of the Workers' Party of Korea is an important affair decisive of the Party's leadership ability and the future destiny of the country and the people," the news agency said

Hungary informed by Russia that all damage to Druzhba pipeline has been repaired

The fact that the Ukrainians are not resuming transportation via the pipeline constitutes political blackmail against Hungary, as this is a political, not a technical or physical, decision, Szijjarto stressed

Russian presidential envoy expresses confidence in peace through dialogue

Peace will prevail through dialogue, Kirill Dmitriev said

Iran’s refusal to enrich uranium red line in negotiations for US — Witkoff

The special US envoy claimed Tehran would have enough uranium enriched to the level needed to make a nuclear bomb within a week

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

EU imposes sanctions on 8 Russian law enforcement, judicial officials outside 20th package

The blacklist includes two judges, a prosecutor, an investigator, and four heads of correctional colonies and pretrial detention centers

EDB head says investment bridge with Middle East being built

In December 2025, the EDB opened an official representative office at the ADGM International Financial Center in Abu Dhabi, Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, said

Almost 300 children wounded due to Ukraine’s crimes in past year — diplomat

In all, a total of 1,082 children were wounded and 236 killed by Kiev troops since February, 2022

Witkoff says Putin was always straight in conversations with him

The Special US Envoy indicated that it was important for him to understand Russia’s position

Current generation of servicemen fulfill their duty with honor — minister

Andrey Belousov emphasized that in the course of the special military operation servicemen are acting with precision and courage and demonstrate unbending will and devotion to the Motherland

Finnish top diplomat Valtonen says resumption of dialogue with Russia still possible

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen also believes that Europe should play a more significant role in the peace process

Trump warns of using remaining tariffs ‘in a much more powerful and obnoxious way’

Any country that wants to "play games with the ridiculous supreme court decision, especially those that have ‘Ripped Off’ the U.S.A. for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to," the US president said

IOC head declares 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy closed

Kirsty Coventry called upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in the French Alps