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Ex-UK Ambassador to Russia Brenton calls for stopping viewing Russians as enemies

The official says that people exaggerate, "see the Russian hand behind a lot of things"

LONDON, February 25. /TASS/. The deeply rooted false image of Russia as an enemy in the United Kingdom is very difficult to dispel due to the UK government's stance on Ukraine, former UK Ambassador to Moscow (2004-2008) Anthony Brenton told TASS.

"We are very quick to see the Russian hand behind a lot of things which is actually occasionally exaggeratedly. We believe that the Russians blew up Nord Streams, whereas in fact obviously it was the Ukrainians in retrospect," the former diplomat said.

According to him, "there's a sort of instinct in the UK when looking around for a villain to find Russia."

"And as someone who has immense affection for Russia, I find that very sad and try to remedy it by saying, look, the Russians are not all devils with tails and horns. But that's not an easy message to deliver in today's UK," he said.

US sanctions 3 Russian individuals, 3 companies from Russia, UAE due to cyber threats

Russian company Matrix, Dubai-based Advance Security Solutions and Special Technology Services are on the list

UK, France readying to arm Ukraine with nuclear bomb — Foreign Intelligence Service

According to the SVR, the British and the French realize that their plot is "a gross violation of the international law, first of all the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and carries the risk of destroying the global non-proliferation system"

Witkoff and Kushner to meet with Umerov in Geneva on February 26 — media

The next round of negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement may take place in ten days, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff says

European Parliament passes first resolution omitting Ukrainian ‘military victory’

The document only calls for pressure on Russia to strengthen Kiev's negotiating position and provide military guarantees to Kiev after the signing of peace

Iran expects to sign fair agreement with US very soon — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi says a deal is within reach "but only if priority is given to diplomacy"

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

Russian troops liberate Rizdvyanka community in Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 170 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US may take part in Europe’s SAFE program as weapons supplier — Polish minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said he hopes that SAFE will eventually offer not only low-cost loans, but also subsidies for weapons procurements

London, Paris at work on transfer of nuclear weapon components to Ukraine — Russian MFA

"Efforts are focused on ensuring that the appearance of such weapons in Kiev looks like the result of the Ukrainians' own development," Maria Zakharova noted

German defense minister confirms no supplies of Taurus missiles to Ukraine

"Taurus will not resolve and will not end this war," Boris Pistorius underscored

Senior Russian diplomat reiterates Moscow’s solidarity with Venezuelan people

The sides reiterated mutual commitment to strengthening relations of strategic partnership between Russia and Venezuela

Russian foreign minister to discuss cooperation in UN, ASEAN with Vietnamese counterpart

Sergey Lavrov recalled that in May of last year, on the sidelines of the meeting of the leaders of Russia and Vietnam as part of the celebration of the anniversary of the Great Victory in Moscow, a consultation plan between the foreign ministries of both countries for 2025-2026 was signed

West’s goal is to give Zelensky time to rearm his forces — Russia’s OSCE envoy

Dmitry Polyansky says that this tactics is compatible with "today’s version of the so-called European values"

Russia won’t make any demarches to US before expiration of New START — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that Moscow did everything necessary in a timely manner

Russia implemented over 70 sustainable development projects with UNESCAP — diplomat

The commission will celebrate as much as 79th anniversary this March

UK will not let US use its bases for strike on Iran — newspaper

According to the sources, the UK authorities are to ban the use of the facilities due to a concern that a US strike would constitute "a breach of the international law."

Russia’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov conducts gun practice at Milan 2026 exercise

Russian sailors also practiced anti-submarine warfare missions and joint operations with carrier-based aircraft

Russia calls on US to release Maduro, his wife — foreign ministry

Russia reiterates its unwavering support for the Venezuelan authorities in their efforts to defend their country’s sovereignty

Russian troops continue to advance, battling near Svyatogorsk — DPR head

Denis Pushilin stressed that the advance in the north of the Donetsk People’s Republic was bringing closer a solution to the region’s water supply problem

US strikes drug trafficking vessel in Pacific Ocean, killing three people — Pentagon

The US Southern Command says that the narco-trafficking engagement of the ship was confirmed by intelligence

Ukrainian troops facing difficulties due to Starlink shutdown — commander

According to communications platoon commander of the 49th Combined Arms Army of the Battlegroup Dnepr, the Ukrainian reconnaissance drones and FPV drones are now flying less frequently and the operation of their live monitoring and recording systems has been significantly reduced

NATO plans confrontation with Russia by 2030 — top defense official

"We are not the ones making threats; we are the ones being threatened," Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stressed

US sanctions 3 Russian individuals, 3 companies from Russia, UAE due to cyber threats

Russian company Matrix, Dubai-based Advance Security Solutions and Special Technology Services are on the list

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

Russian forces advance in southeast of Konstantinovka, DPR, over day — military expert

"Konstantinovka is the last major stronghold of Ukrainian militants in Donbass," Andrey Marochko noted

Russia to raise question of nuclear arms supplies to Kiev at OSCE — envoy

According to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the UK and France believe that "Kiev would be able to aspire to more advantageous terms of ceasing the hostilities" if it possesses nuclear weapons

Everyone in EU knows that Ukraine is losing — Slovak premier

Robert Fico added that anti-Russian sanctions had proven to be ineffective

Iran denies former president Ahmadinejad was killed

Some news media earlier reported that the former president was killed in Tehran

Putin calls for tough measures against Russophobia, attempts to divide Russian society

The Russian leader recalled that 2026 was declared Russian People’s Unity Year

Protesters tried to attack Azerbaijani president’s car in Washington — embassy

The Presidential Security Service had no choice but to immediately intervene, since any attempt to obstruct or physically interfere with a protected vehicle carrying the head of state constitutes a serious security concern

Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia to team up to counteract Ukrainian blackmail — Szijjarto

The minister also said that he had agreed with Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic to accelerate the preparation to build an oil pipeline between the countries

Iran ready to do everything necessary to reach deal with US — senior diplomat

If there is a political will on all sides, the deal can be reached as soon as possible, Majid Takht-Ravanchi said

Ukraine wants to lay hands on nukes to use them against Russia — senior legislator

Konstantin Kosachev recalled that Ukraine had never had the status of a nuclear power

Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Donbass if Zelensky issues such order — National Guard

Alexander Pivnenko also complained about a shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian army and acknowledged that the Ukrainian public is tired of the fighting

Schedule for new round of negotiations on Ukraine not yet finalized — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the timing of the negotiations will become known as soon as "an understanding is reached between the sides"

MiG-31 interceptor jet crashes in Russia

The Defense Ministry says a MiG-31 interceptor jet crashed in Buryatia during a training flight

Senator Voloshin warns Paris, London nukes in Kiev’s hands to have strategic effects

Alexander Voloshin emphasized that nuclear weapons should never serve as tools for unilateral blackmail

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

Board of Peace to focus not only on Gaza, but other hotspots as well — Trump

The US president added that the Board of Peace would work with the UN

G7 undertakes commitment to work on nuclear safety in Ukraine — statement

The group also expressed its "continued support" to US President Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine

Ex-UK Ambassador to Russia Brenton calls for expanding dialogue with Moscow

According to Tony Brenton, there no signs of improvement in relations between Moscow and London due to the position taken by the UK authorities in support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia

US abstains from voting on anti-Russian General Assembly resolution on Ukraine

A total of 107 countries voted in favor, while 12 were against, including Russia, Belarus, Iran and North Korea

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

European Parliament postpones vote on trade deal with US

This is the second such suspension by the European Parliament

Transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine to violate North Atlantic Treaty — expert

A direct transfer of nuclear weapons has catastrophic consequences and leads to the destruction of the global non-proliferation system, Vitaly Kiselyov said

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

West’s attempts to ensure dominance, lack of will for peace in Ukraine: envoy’s statements

According to Gennady Gatilov, NATO countries' actions, including the development of security guarantees for Kiev, demonstrate their unwillingness to settle the Ukrainian conflict

Russia could launch nuclear strikes on France, UK if they arm Kiev with nukes — Medvedev

"This is the proportional response that Russia has the right to," the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed

Russian stocks up as main trading session opens

The yuan exchange rate was up by 1.75 kopecks at 11.127 rubles

Russia’s online trade up 36% in 1H 2025 — association

The share of online trade in the total volume of the country’s retail sales for the first six months amounted to 22.4%, according to AKIT

Liberating Karpovka, Russian troops establish bridgehead on Nitrius River — expert

Andrey Marochko said that it will facilitate the further liberation of this area

Ukrainian army deploying drones with toxic substances in special military operation zone

Russian service members have experienced severe illness, dizziness and a fever if they touched such unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with their bare hands after such UAVs had been forced to land

Journalist Lucidi participates in informal meeting of UN Security Council on Ukraine

Another rapporteur is Norwegian political scientist Glenn Diesen, who was unable to attend the meeting in person because his flight was mysteriously cancelled

UK PM’s spokesperson denies reports on London’s plans to transfer nuke arms to Kiev

The UK will continue its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, a spokesman for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer added

Press review: Russia readies for new Ukraine talks as US aids Mexico in cartel crackdown

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 24th

Top Hungarian diplomat secures US support for energy security amid Ukrainian blackmail

The US is interested in Hungary's success in the energy sector as a new period started after a "joint work in the nuclear sphere," Peter Szijjarto says

Belarus uses aircraft, air defenses to destroy intruder UAVs

Major General Andrey Lukyanovich underscored that the Air Force maintains a state of daily combat readiness for air defense operations

Special op started timely, prompted by Kiev's Nazi rhetoric — MFA

"The timeliness and propriety of the decision taken by the Russian leadership in 2022 to launch the special military operation are confirmed by the ongoing drift of Kiev-controlled territories into genuine Nazi obscurantism," Maria Zakharova said

Nuclear bomb to turn Kiev into 'monkey with grenade' — Zaporozhye official

Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev said that the transfer, if it happens, will violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and become nonsense in international law

Putin orders to strengthen counter-terrorist protection of critical facilities

The number of terrorist crimes in Russia increased in 2025 and the greater portion of them is associated with the activity of Ukrainian special services and foreign sponsors, the head of state stressed

Ukraine could go bankrupt by April due to dispute with Hungary — magazine

Mandiner emphasized that in the context of general mobilization, more than a third of Ukraine's budget goes toward financing the army

IBU explains ban on the word ‘Russia’ at world championships

The International Biathlon Union said it believes that the World Anti-Doping Agency sanctions rule out using the full name of the Russian Biathlon Union at the 2021 World Biathlon Championships

Trump believes Hamas to make good on promise to lay down arms voluntarily

The US leader said the sides "are committed to achieving a Gaza that is properly governed throughout the whole area"

Medvedev calls transferring nuclear technologies to Kiev ‘direct path to world war’

The politician recalled that Moscow had repeatedly stated the consequences of such steps

Senators urge investigation into plans by London, Paris to arm Kiev with nuclear weapons

The body also proposed that the UN Security Council, the IAEA , and the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons carry out investigations in accordance with their respective mandates

Yandex N.V. sells Yandex to consortium of private investors for $5.22 bln

According to the decision, Yandex N.V. will cease to be the parent company of the group and will change its name and stop using Yandex brands by July 31, 2024

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

EC confirms coordination group meeting on oil supplies

The meeting of the coordination group will be the first one over the month elapsed from the termination of oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia

Resolving Ukraine crisis should involve taking Russia’s interests into account — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says "All goals of the special military operation will be achieved"

Western aid cannot solve problem of high losses among Ukrainian troops — Russian MP

Since the beginning of 2026, Kiev has already lost about 65,000 personnel

Russian Embassy warns of energy markets destabilization risk due to UK sanctions

Attempts to impose trade and economic dictates cannot produce any positive outcome, the embassy noted

Ex-UK Ambassador to Russia Brenton calls for stopping viewing Russians as enemies

The official says that people exaggerate, "see the Russian hand behind a lot of things"

Japan to explain importance of Sakhalin-2 for energy security to EU, G7 — cabinet

Sakhalin-2 accounts for around 9% of total LNG imports by Japan

Ukraine may make territorial concessions for sake of joining EU — Die Welt

According to the report, Kiev "does not have enough time" to go through the standard procedure, as Ukraine lags "light years" behind the EU members in the rule of law and the fight against corruption

European Troika should start dialogue with Russia — deputy head of AfD faction

Markus Frohnmaier said the AfD has repeatedly put forward the initiatives to lift sanctions against Russia and unfreeze its assets in case of progress in resolving the conflict

Consequences of using nuclear bomb, Russian developments: Putin's statements

The Russian president said that Russia has promising defense and civilian developments, and some of them have not yet been publicly presented

Removing Kiev regime must be discussed with US — politician

Аormer Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov emphasized that, in the long term, the Ukrainian people are primarily interested in removing the Kiev Nazi regime

UK, France’s plans to transfer nuke technologies to Kiev border on insanity — Kremlin

It is certainly very serious news, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia aims at development of multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov says that Vietnam is a very important partner of Russia in Asia

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

Military service beginning to be perceived as shameful in Ukraine — battalion commander

Ukraine's general mobilization has been repeatedly extended since February 2022

West left Russia with no choice but to start special op — envoy to OSCE

Russia's opponents will not be able to silence the inconvenient truth about their years of interference, about their attempts to turn Ukraine into an ‘anti-Russia,’ Dmitry Polyansky said

Military drills by US, Canada, Denmark indicate militarization of Arctic — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that such exercises appear to be an effort to reinforce NATO countries’ military presence in the Arctic

Spanish top diplomat says peace in Ukraine still far off

According to Jose Manuel Albares, no one is currently raising the issue of deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine

Bank of Russia set dollar rate at 76.63 rubles for February 25

The official euro rate was increased by 29.88 kopecks to 90.5821 rubles

Foreign ministers of Russia, Egypt discuss strengthening of trade and economic cooperation

"The primary focus was on issues of continuing close foreign political coordination between Russia and Egypt on current problems at international platforms," the Russian Foreign Ministry noted

Ukraine may return to its 1654 borders after special military op ends — expert

Pepe Escobar pointed out that at the end of the conflict, Ukraine may be completely fragmented, as its neighboring countries dream of regaining the territories that Ukraine acquired thanks to the Soviet Union's political will

Russia ready to increase agricultural exports to Madagascar

Trading in mineral fertilizers is also a promising area of cooperation

Putin meets with widows of Russian special forces soldiers in Kremlin

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

Syria’s new authorities want to establish control over weapons in country

According to al-Sharaa, all forces in Syria are committed "to the country’s unity and reject its division or separation of any of its part"

Plans to supply Kiev with nuclear bomb breach international law — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow urged London and Paris to initiate parliamentary investigations

EU decision on Russian diplomats aims to undermine Ukraine peace process — Duma member

Dmitry Belik expressed confidence that such actions by the EU are aimed at weakening the positions of the Russian diplomatic mission, hindering its activities and creating artificial obstacles in the work of diplomats

West ignored invitation to roundtable in Vienna about causes of special op — diplomat

Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky says that the European countries are "trying to disrupt " the Russian, US peace efforts

Russian athletes to compete for 2026 Paralympics medals in 18 sports disciplines

A week ago, Rozhkov said that six Russian Para athletes had received bipartite invitations to the 2026 Winter Paralympics

IN BRIEF: Russia’s stance on UK, French plans to hand over nuclear weapons to Kiev

Paris and London’s plans to transfer nuclear technologies to Kiev for the purpose of creating a bomb as bordering on insanity, Dmitry Peskov said

Russian scholar Andrey Lankov detained in Latvia — Delfi

Lankov was taken to an immigration service office

EU sanctions hurt Europe more than Belarus and Russia — Szijjarto

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said that even among his ministerial colleagues in Europe there is a clear opinion that the sanctions are not working as planned

All contacts with Russia on Ukraine useful, nothing like that happened under Biden — Trump

"If you don't meet, nothing's going to happen," the US president said

Macron acknowledges lack of unity in 'coalition of willing' on guarantees to Kiev — AFP

The French president also called it important to continue peace talks, but at the same time said he was "skeptical about the prospects for a quick agreement"

Slovak PM Fico criticizes EU for lacking effective foreign policy

According to Robert Fico, a former head of the French or German government should be nominated for the post Kallas occupies