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NTV-Mir blackout in Lithuania example of toughest censorship — Foreign Ministry

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Ukraine’s TV & radio committee urges broadcasters to counter Russian information onslaught

MOSCOW, March 26. /ITAR-TASS/. Lithuania’s attempts to suspend retransmission of the NTV-Mir (World) television channel are an example of the toughest censorship, Russia’s Foreign Ministry says.

“The Lithuanian authorities have asked the Vilnius Court to order to stop broadcasting NTV-Mir TV Channel for three months due to the showing of the documentary ‘Sentenced. Trap for Alfa Group’ on the 1991 events in Vilnius,” the Russian Foreign Ministry's Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and the Supremacy of Law Konstantin Dolgov wrote on the Twitter microblog.

“The film does not coincide with Vilnius’ official version. This runs counter to Lithuania’s aspirations for democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

Presidential election in Georgia is completed as over half of electoral college cast votes

Ioseliani added that the voting would continue until 2:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. Moscow time), and then the Central Election Commission will begin calculating the votes

EU foreign ministers to approve new package of anti-Russian sanctions on December 16

On Wednesday, permanent representatives of 27 EU countries endorsed the 15th package of sanctions against Russia related to the conflict in Ukraine

Lula da Silva says he is ready to get back to performing duties of head of state

Social media and outlets have also posted a video showing the Brazilian leader walking a hospital corridor with his neurosurgeon

World heading towards major changes, says Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, these changes will impact the entire Western civilization as they "will take a long time in historical terms, leading from war to peace"

Washington does not rule out sanctions on Chinese banks for aiding Russian defense sector

Washington and Beijing have a channel "to discuss specific concerns", US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said

Kiev approves attracting $15 bln of Russian-asset backed funds from IBRD

In early December, the Ukrainian government published the conditions for receiving funds using frozen Russian assets

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Druze in Syrian border village opt for 'lesser evil,' seek Israeli rule

Early on December 8, Israel officially announced the deployment of its forces to the buffer zone on the border with Syria in the Golan Heights

NYT predicts Ukraine conflict will end in 2025

The article points out that Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election will serve to expedite the peace talks

Medvedev likens Donbass’ return to Russia to reunification of Germany

The politician noted that by 1990 the economic conditions, mentality and language of people living in East and West Germany had diverged "even more than those of Taiwan and mainland China" or even the Smolensk Region and Donbass

Kremlin vows retaliation after Ukraine’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield

According to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the response will come when and how Russia thinks fit

French president names Francois Bayrou as new prime minister

Bayrou, aged 73, takes over from Michel Barnier, who also shares the same age and stepped down after France’s lower house passed a successful no-confidence motion against his cabinet on December 4

Ukraine refuses to allow Russian gas to transit through its territory — Moldovan Deputy PM

"Ukraine will not agree to preserve transit for Hungary and the Republic of Moldova only," Oleg Serebrian noted

At least four countries provide assistance to Syria’s armed opposition — Iranian general

In late November, armed opposition units launched a large-scale offensive on positions held by Syrian government forces in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces

Russian troops liberate seven communities in Kursk Region, Donbass area over week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 3,350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Presidential election in Georgia is completed as over half of electoral college cast votes

Ioseliani added that the voting would continue until 2:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. Moscow time), and then the Central Election Commission will begin calculating the votes

Powerful explosions go off in Damascus — source

According to Al Manar television, the explosions were caused by Israeli shelling

Former FBI informant pleads guilty to fabricating charges against Biden family

Alexander Smirnov, who was arrested in February and is in custody, faces four to six years in prison

NATO looking to divide up Western Ukraine among members — Russian diplomat

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Russia sole heir to Ancient Rus — Security Council Deputy Chairman

Dmitry Medvedev criticized as "delusional" the so-called "Rus-Ukraine" paradigm, popularized by Ukrainian historian Mikhail Grushevsky "and his chauvinistic and xenophobic supporters" in the early twentieth century

Several missile attacks on Donetsk attempted by Ukrainian troops

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Fines to Viber messenger in Russia total more than $17,402 over past two years — official

Anton Nemkin noted that fraudsters most often choose Viber for their schemes due to its wide popularity among retired people

Ankara’s strategic goal is to exterminate Kurdish forces in Syria — top Turkish diplomat

Turkey’s authorities said earlier that they plan to complete the establishment of a buffer zone in northern Syria

Trump team could reject Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO — report

According to the report, the move could prompt Russia to agree to talks on settling the Ukrainian conflict

Distrust in political parties grows among Donbass residents — DPR leader

The DPR residents believe that Ukraine's former ruling party, The Party of Regions, abandoned them, Denis Pushilin noted

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Ukraine instructs its troops to kill civilians in front-line areas, POW testifies

Valentin Zubreichuk cited his fellow soldiers who have long been in military service in Ukraine as saying that civilians have been taken out not only in the South Donetsk region but also in the village of Kleshcheyevka and in Artyomovsk

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Situation with payments for gas transit via Bulgaria to be settled — Szijjarto

Hungary and Bulgaria set the task for themselves "to find such legal and financial solution" of this problem that will enable making payments for the Russian gas and will be acceptable for all the parties, Peter Szijjarto said later on the air with M1 television

Russia targets digital tech partnerships with EAEU, Asia — rating

Latin American and African countries make up the second and third groups

Putin extends Russia’s anti-'oil price cap' measures until June 30, 2025 — decree

The decree on retaliatory measures against the oil price cap initially came into effect on February 1, 2023, and was originally intended to last until July 1, 2023, but has been extended multiple times since then

Kremlin confirms recent strikes on Ukraine’s energy system part retaliation for Taganrog

Earlier on Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russia’s Armed Forces had launched high-precision strikes on Ukraine’s fuel and energy infrastructure, which generates power for its defense sector, in response to the attack on the Taganrog airfield with ATACMS missiles earlier this week

Ukraine to attempt new offensive in late December on Zelensky’s initiative — blogger

He did not disclose in which direction the Ukrainian troops will attempt their advance

Damascus, Aleppo airports resume operations, but so far only under special permits

The restriction period is set from 8:00 p.m. GMT on December 12 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 18

Su-57 fifth-generation fighter may get flat nozzle for stealth purposes — pilot

The flat nozzle technology is a breakthrough in modern aircraft-building, Major-General Vladimir Popov noted

Future of Russian bases in Syria to depend on its new authorities - top Turkish diplomat

The issue of Russian bases in Syria is linked to the negotiating process between the Russians and Syria’s new authorities, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said

Access to Viber messenger restricted in Russia — media watchdog

Viber is a messaging and voice communication app developed by Viber Media

Russia thwarts Ukrainian attempt to attack Donetsk with long-range missiles

Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin added that two civilian infrastructure objects were also damaged in two districts of Gorlovka on Friday

Ukrainian army to soon run out of soldiers to continue fighting — media

The report highlights that, in addition to a manpower deficit, Kiev may also face critical shortages of ammunition and weapons

Russia vows response to Austria's severing of gas partnership — ambassador

"It was Vienna that suddenly declared our long-standing gas partnership a historical mistake, thereby destroying one of the key pillars of our bilateral relations and business ties," Dmitry Lyubinsky recalled

Putin meets with former President of Kazakhstan Nazarbayev

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Medvedev criticizes idea that Russian, Ukrainian languages inherently different

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Georgia to hold presidential election on Saturday

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Turkish embassy in Damascus to begin operation on December 14 — Foreign Ministry

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Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

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Russia in talks with Syrian authorities on keeping its military bases — source

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Syria truce plan crushes Turkish president’s aggressive intentions

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US to continue efforts to impair Russian oil revenues — Treasury Secretary

Washington and its allies also could consider lowering the oil price cap on Russian oil, , US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said

Trump suggests that European troops monitor potential ceasefire in Ukraine — report

It is noted that Europe should play the main role in defending and supporting Ukraine

Russian forces liberate Novoivanovka: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

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Press review: Dubai hosts nuclear powers' meeting as OSCE preps Ukraine for EU and NATO

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

Argentinian president Javier Milei granted Italy’s citizenship

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Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Cuba is interested in expansion of cooperation with Eurasian Union — Prime Minister

Manuel Marrero noted that such areas of cooperation as pharmaceuticals, tourism, metallurgy, transport, and the development of banking relations are of particular importance for Cuba

Press review: Medvedev talks Ukraine with Xi and Houthis intensify attacks on Israel

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

Russia extends higher duties on goods from unfriendly countries until 2025 year-end

Renewal of measures was caused by continued effect of sanctions of unfriendly countries against Russia, the Ministry of Economic Development noted

Hungary hopes Ukraine will agree to Christmas truce — foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto pointed out that during the main Christian holiday, "peace always comes first," but hostilities between Russia and Ukraine continue

UNESCO chief’s report on journalist safety not approved amid heavy backlash

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7.5 mln Ukrainians remain abroad — Foreign Minister

He claimed that the newly-established Ministry of Unity will work on repatriation of these people

IAF unleashes 1,800 bombs on 500 targets, crippling Syria's air defenses — media

Previously regarded as one of the strongest in the region, Syria's air defense system has now been significantly weakened

Slovakia negotiating continued gas supplies through Ukraine — PM

The situation with gas supplies will be solved in coming days "at various levels in various countries", the republic’s Prime Minister Robert Fico said

Ukraine to lose third of territory, get no invitation to NATO — Slovak PM

Robert Fico also emphasized that the conflict's repercussions would significantly impact Ukraine's internal stability

Russia’s defense chief inspects Battlegroup East in special military operation area

Battlegroup East Commander Lieutenant General Andrey Ivanayev reported to the defense minister that the Battlegroup’s units had liberated seven communities over the month and gained control of an area of more than 300 square kilometers

IN BRIEF: Ex-Ukrainian intel officer’s car blown up in northern Moscow

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Ukrainian commander acknowledges 'incredibly brutal' situation near Krasnoarmeysk

The Ukrainian General Staff also reported that the "situation on the frontline remains challenging," highlighting the Krasnoarmeysk, Kurakhovo, and Vremevsky areas

British mercenary Burke killed in Ukraine by fellow mercenary, coroner says

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Ukrainian losses exceed 40,260 troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

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West deliberately foments conflicts everywhere, Medvedev says

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Trump team in talks with US, Ukrainian officials about ending conflict - report

Trump’s advisers and cabinet nominees have yet to present a specific settlement plan, according to the report

Eurasian Economic Union falls short of 2014 founding vision — Belarusian PM

Member-countries of the association have not yet resolved all the issues they set for themselves, Roman Golovchenko said

Russian forces quickly break through Ukraine's weakened positions in Donbass — newspaper

The New York Times also said that the test of Russia's newest Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile has increased pressure on Kiev and its allies

Tourist traffic to St. Petersburg will reach a record 11.6 mln people by year’s end

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Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine to Sudzha totals 42.4 mcm

The volume of supplies has not changed despite the statements on suspended flows of Russian gas to Austria’s OMV

Russia’s naval nuclear forces fully modernized, says Navy Chief

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev emphasized that the condition and combat readiness of Russia's modernized naval strategic nuclear forces are at an exceptional level

UNSC still paralyzed on Palestinian issue due to US’ veto — Russian foreign ministry

The ministry recalled that on December 11 the UN General Assembly adopted by the overwhelming majority of votes two resolutions

Israeli jets strike Syrian military sites in Latakia, Tartus — report

According to the report, the strikes hit command centers and military depots that were used by the Syrian armed forces

Belarus aims for good-neighborly relations, but will protect sovereignty at all costs

Alexander Volfovich noted that border security and other structures are ready to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of the republic

Georgian president declares she will not give up presidency

Georgia will hold its presidential election on December 14 and the new president will be inaugurated on December 29

Fuel explosion likely behind destruction of European Intelsat satellite — scientist

Nathan Eismont added that all the satellite fragments recorded so far have been catalogued and their trajectories can be predicted

Any military presence in Syria should be decided by public referendum — Syrian politician

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South Korean lawmakers to vote on impeachment motion against president for second time

The initiative is expected to be supported by 191 lawmakers from the opposition and a formally independent speaker

Air raid alert issued in six regions of Ukraine

The air raid sirens went off in the Dnepropetrovsk, Kirovograd, Nikolayev, Sumy, Poltava and Kharkov regions

US wants to supply Kiev with 'massive quantities of weapons' before Biden steps down

According to one of the TV channel's sources, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has been entrusted with the coordination of this work

Medvedev says US wants Taiwan to be its outpost in East Asia

According to the official, the plan is "quite in line with Washington's aspirations to bring the Asia-Pacific region into NATO's orbit and pit states against each other"

Russian forces trap Ukrainian battlegroup near Kurakhovo in DPR — security official

The kill zone stretches for more than four kilometers (2.5 miles)

Swiss lawmakers receive threatening letters over death of children in Gaza

The Bern Cantonal Police are investigating the incident

West is hypocritical in discussing troop deployment to Ukraine, expert says

"Although Europeans have been involved in the conflict from the very beginning by supplying ammunition, weapons, advisors, and intelligence, they refuse to acknowledge that they are at war," Guillaume Ancel said

Medvedev accuses West of seeking to eradicate Russian language in Ukraine

According to the politician, Kiev is being "hand-fed" by countries of the collective West

New Georgian president to be free from foreign influence — parliament speaker

According to Shalva Papuashvili, after the December 29 inauguration, Georgia will have a president focused on the country, its people, and respect for the constitution

Ukrainian army loses 145 troops in 24 hours as result of actions by Battlegroup East

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Russia seeks return of national flag, anthem at int’l competitions — new ROC chief

Mikhail Degtyarev replaces previous ROC chief Stanislav Pozdnyakov

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on global community to back Syria’s sovereignty

Wang Yi highlighted that the international community could help alleviate Syria’s pressing humanitarian crisis

Kremlin says it approves of Trump’s criticism of strikes inside Russia

Earlier, Trump slammed the decision which he said had been approved by the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to use US-made weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory as "crazy"

Russia hits Ukraine's power grid after Kiev attacks airfield in Taganrog with ATACMS

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the attack was carried out with the help of high-precision long-range airborne and sea-based weapons, as well as strike drones

Russian stock market indices mixed on Friday — market data

The yuan rate gained 0.5% to 13.87 rubles

Crowds of protesters gather at Georgian Parliament’s building amid presidential election

Georgia is holding the presidential election on Saturday

Russian assets worth around 3.5 bln euro blocked in Germany — ministry

The German Finance Ministry’s spokesman said at the end of December 2023 that the authorities had frozen Russian assets totaling about 4.1 bln euro

Calling all residents of Ukraine 'Ukrainians' not accurate, Medvedev says

The Russian senior official pointed out that the very word "Ukrainians" did not take on its modern ethnic meaning until the mid-19th century

FACTBOX: Explosions, blackouts ravage Ukraine

An air alert has been declared across the entire country

Russian troops strike Kiev airport used to train F-16 pilots — politician

"The Russian army hit hangars and warehouses at the site, with secondary detonations continuing for up to two hours," Vladimir Rogov said