Iraqi air strikes against ISIS militants kill 70 insurgents

US President Barack Obama said Washington will send 300 military advisers to Iraq

Smoke rises from the the Baiji oil refinery in northern Iraq on June 19

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Slovak parliament deputy speaker to visit Moscow on January 12 — press office

Earlier, Andrej Danko stated that a delegation from the Slovak parliament would travel to Russia in January and announced meetings with Russia’s Federation Council (upper chamber of the Russian parliament) Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma (lower chamber of the Russian parliament) Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, and other Russian officials

Bankruptcy moratorium for Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator extended until May 9

If the Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator fails to comply with this period, it will be recognized bankrupt without setting a grace period

Kremlin keeping eye on US claims to Canada, Greenland — spokesman

"We are closely following these dramatic developments - thank God, it has not gone beyond statements yet," Dmitry Peskov noted

Almost 180,000 Los Angeles residents told to evacuate amid fires — sheriff

About two dozen looters have been arrested since the disaster broke out, Robert Luna said

Ex-president of Georgia seeks to perform 'presidential duties' in new office in Tbilisi

Salome Zourabichvili's new office is located on Chovelidze Street in the heart of Tbilisi

Russian units capture fire-retardant factory in DPR

Currently, Russian troops are advancing in the industrial zone on the factory’s southeastern side, having launched an attack on Ukrainian positions from the northwestern flank

Ukraine’s allies adopt plans of support to Kiev until 2027 — Pentagon chief

The member countries said in a joint statement, released by the Pentagon, that Kiev’s allies plan to work closely with Ukraine to identify how to meet the designated benchmarks in Ukraine’s military needs through "respective national donations, procurements, investments, and efforts to expand defense industrial base capacity"

Humanity has fed AI with all its knowledge — Musk

The businessman believes there’s a good chance that artificial intelligence will surpass human capabilities as early as by the end of this year

Russia’s PM Mishustin to visit Vietnam next week

A wide range of issues related to the two countries’ ties, including cooperation in the spheres of trade, economy, science, technology, and culture as well as humanitarian issues are planned to be discussed at talks

No comments from Kremlin spokesman about Putin’s alleged apology for Lavrov’s remarks

During the press conference, reporters noted that the Israeli Prime Minister’s office told about Putin’s apologies in its statement, published after the phone call between the two leaders, while the Kremlin did not

Liberation of Kurakhovo to pave way towards Dnepropetrovsk Region — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Ukrainian defenses in the northern part of the Zaporozhye Region were not structured to counter a Russian advance from the east

Lithuania's territorial claims against Russia justify Moscow's actions — Kremlin

Earlier, the Lithuanian president referred to Kaliningrad as part of "Little Lithuania"

Trump seen ‘bound to fail’ if he threatens Russia with more aid to Ukraine — analyst

According to Bandow, America has other interests

Russia sees discord in Western approaches to aid for Kiev — Kremlin

"The United States, under its current leadership, with just ten days remaining in office, intends to do everything possible to prolong the war," Dmitry Peskov noted

Moscow seeks to resolve, not freeze Ukraine conflict — envoy to UK

Andrey Kelin noted that Moscow would need to resolve contradictions with the Ukrainian government in order to restore "security, prosperity, normal cooperation, normal trade, normal human relationship" in Europe

US admits shipments of ATACMS, F-16s, Abrams tanks did not help Ukraine

The official also said that the most part of the promised weapons has already been delivered, while the remaining weapons are currently being delivered to Ukraine

Kremlin says following debate around control of Panama Canal in wake of Trump’s remark

"We are watching this exchange of statements very closely," Dmitry Peskov said

Ukraine puts over 500,000 people on wanted list for draft evasion

At the same time, Natalya Kondratova says, 400 criminal cases against recruitment centers’ actions were launched, with most of them being at the stage of investigation or court hearing

Trump’s team yet undecided on Ukraine conflict settlement plan — FT

In the absence of a clear and definite plan, the US President-elect's administration may continue to provide assistance to the Kiev government after his inauguration

NATO countries to continue shipping tanks to Ukraine

On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced at the Ramstein-format meeting that the participants of the working group approved roadmaps in eight areas of military cooperation with Kiev

Russia says its Msta-B howitzer destroyed Ukrainian command post in Krasnoarmeisk area

To hit the targets, the servicemen of the artillery crew used a Krasnopol-M2 new-generation precision munition

UK top brass announces plans to deliver 30,000 drones to Ukrainian army

The Drone Capability Coalition was set up in November last year by the United Kingdom and Latvia to support Ukraine with uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities

About 100,000 tons of Russian fertilizers remain blocked in European ports — Uralchem CEO

Dmitry Konyaev noted that Uralchem has supplied about 200,000 tons of fertilizers as humanitarian aid to various countries

Top UK diplomat expects Trump to settle Ukraine conflict around Easter

In 2025, Catholics, Protestants and Russian Orthodox celebrate Easter on the same day, April 20

Russian units break through Ukrainian defenses near dominant point in DPR

Military expert Andrey Marochko said that in order to reduce threats, the Russian Armed Forces began delivering intensive combined strikes on Ukrainian positions

Ukraine crisis exposed flaws in West’s defense industry that are yet to be fixed — Austin

The 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on coordinating weapons supplies to Kiev took place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on January 9

US to announce new sanctions against Russia this week — Reuters

The US may also impose sanctions on a number of Chinese companies for the alleged support of Russia, the news agency noted

Trump said to be serious about acquiring Greenland to expand US influence — Reuters

Sources added that the US president-elect is interested in territorial expansion as a means of creating a legacy that will be remembered for numerous generations

FACTBOX: Putin instructs Cabinet on liquidation of fuel oil spill in Black Sea

The president noted that the relevant authorities are not doing enough to minimize the damage from the emergency

Expert gives Ukrainian army 10-14 days before they run out of steam in Kursk Region

Ralph Bosshard says that the goal of the Ukrainian offensive operation in the Kursk Region has always been unclear

Russia’s huge military experience could open opportunities for African nations – analyst

In the past few years, France has withdrawn troops from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger

DPR head announces restoration of liberated Kurakhovo

According to Denis Pushilin, specialists will assess the scale of the restoration work

Russian Human Rights Commissioner publishes list of 517 people missing in Kursk Region

Tatiana Moskalkova asked everyone who are aware about the fate of these people to call a hotline or submit an online form on her website

Russia boosts meat, meat products exports in 2024

"In general, imports of meat and meat products into Russia surged by 1.2 times from 586,200 metric tons in 2023 to 709,000 metric tons in 2024," the regulator noted

Kremlin keeps mum about how Russian gas getting to Slovakia

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico called reliable gas supplies to the republic at reasonable prices the main result of December talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow

Russian Su-35S fighter jets uncover Ukrainian air defense sites in Kursk area

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that "the crews of Su-35S multirole fighter jets practiced air cover in the designated area of sorties by bombers and attack aircraft"

Contact group on Ukraine may halt its activities under Trump — NYT

The group held its inaugural meeting on April 26, 2022, at the Ramstein air base in Germany

Russia welcomes inspections at Shanghai stores selling counterfeit products — REC

The REC press service believes that the growing popularity of Russian products and the Made in Russia national brand has a downside, stimulating "unscrupulous entrepreneurs who seek to profit from this popularity by selling counterfeit products"

Medvedev doubts Trump’s ability to swiftly resolve Ukraine crisis

The Russian senior official added that "the US economy continues at its own slow pace and even the fight against immigrants is not promising major victories"

West should remember Donbass in talks about respecting opinion of Greenlanders — Kremlin

"If they claim that public opinion should be taken into account, perhaps we should remind them of the views of those in the four new Russian regions," Dmitry Peskov clarified

Trump says meeting with Putin being set up

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US had not formally requested a meeting yet

Biden calls Los Angeles wildfires worst in California’s history

About 360,000 people have been evacuated, according to the US president

Zelensky says West pledged $2 bln worth of aid to Ukraine at Ramstein meeting

Zelensky noted the importance of the strategy to support Kiev in 2025 that was approved during the event

Press review: Russia notes Japan's militarization while allies expect Ukrainian assault

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 9th

Key Ukrainian supply routes to Chasov Yar under Russian army's gunfire control — fighter

The Russian serviceman said earlier on Friday that the Ukrainian combat group in Chasov Yar was complaining about a shortage of artillery shells and military personnel

EU civil aviation watchdog toughens safety guidance for flights in Russian airspace

The authority advises against operating within the Russian airspace "west of longitude 60° East, at all flight levels"

Houthis provide military training to over 800,000 people — leader

On February 1, 2024, he reported that at least 600,000 people had received military training during the three weeks of mobilization

Schoolboy breaks into school with hammer in Kursk

Russia's National Guard (Rosgvardiya) officers arrived four minutes after the guard pressed the alarm button, but the teenager had already managed to escape

Scientists drill deep down in Antarctic, take ice sample to unlock Earth's climate secrets

The research team has been drilling every summer for four years

Pentagon chief points to Russia’s 'advantages' in Ukraine conflict

Lloyd Austin will chair the 25th meeting of the group of Western countries coordinating weapons supplies to Ukraine

Russian diplomat notes Vatican’s realistic approach to current global affairs

"The Vatican fears that the world may split into interest groups, and that armed conflicts may exacerbate," Ivan Soltanovsky said

Hunter Biden's home burns down in California wildfire

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, fires in Los Angeles County have engulfed almost 27,000 acres of land

Russia welcomes Indonesia’s full BRICS membership — foreign ministry

The ministry said that Indonesia’s candidacy was submitted and tentatively approved during the 2023 Johannesburg summit, when the group began its initial process of expansion

Indonesia managed to join BRICS despite domestic criticism, top diplomat says

Sugiono noted that Indonesia’s "free and active" foreign policy allows the country to establish ties with any nation or group while maintaining independence in pursuing and defending its national interests

Musk looking for ways to oust Starmer as British premier — newspaper

"Musk has sought information about whether it might be possible to build support for alternative British political movements," the report said

US defense spending to skyrocket if Russia prevails in Ukraine — experts

According to experts of the American Enterprise Institute, "maintaining security in a strategic environment in which Russia is victorious over Ukraine could cost the United States an additional $808 billion in defense spending over five years"

Russia’s Malka heavy artillery gun can wipe out enemy armor with one shot — Rostec

"Each projectile scatters a mass of fragments over a considerable radius," the state tech corporation added

Putin ready to meet with Trump without any preconditions — Kremlin

Earlier, Trump said that he would like to meet with Putin during the first six months of his presidential term and that he was ready for such interaction

Slovak PM threatens Kiev with tough response if gas transit issue remains unresolved

Robert Fico noted that Slovakia could also use its veto power in the EU on Ukraine-related issues

Kurakhovo fortified area as crucial as Avdeyevka, Ugledar — official

Denis Pushilin added that the enemy had used considerable forces in the battles for the city

Japan sanctions 11 individuals, 54 entities in Russia, some companies in 7 other countries

The restrictive measures also apply to 18 companies in China, 1 in UAE, 1 in Kazakhstan, 2 in Kyrgyzstan, 1 in Thailand and 8 in Turkey

European Commission, Slovakia to create working group for solving gas problems

Russian gas transit to Europe via Ukraine was completely halted on January 1 due to Kiev’s refusal to renew the agreement

Germany to supply Ukraine with almost 50 missiles for IRIS-T air defense systems in 2025

According to Pistorius, Germany will also deploy two Patriot air defense systems and 200 servicemen to Poland in the coming weeks to protect a logistics center handling supplies to Ukraine for an expected six months

Transnistria still considers Russia as main gas supplier — foreign minister

For supplies through the TurkStream gas pipeline political decisions are required, Vitaly Ignatyev noted

UN ready to chip in to help fire-ravaged California

According to the California Fire Department, wildfires have engulfed an area of almost 29,000 acres

General Joseph Aoun sworn in as Lebanon's 14th president

The president pledged to develop "a new Lebanese defense doctrine that will protect the country from Israeli aggression"

Russia hammers Ukrainian army, equipment in over 160 areas in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 245 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Zelensky cleared Ukrainian political field enough to secure re-election, experts say

"However, given the ongoing developments at the frontline, his chances are diminishing with each day of combat," Vladimir Zharikhin stressed

Putin to only welcome Trump’s will to seek contact — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the Russian president repeatedly stated his readiness for dialogue as well as the need for this

Trump looking to conceal NATO defeat in Europe with threats to Canada, Greenland — weekly

"Today, capitalism, after the era of American-style globalization, is undergoing its inevitable failure and decline," columnist Lido Iacomino stressed

Ukrainian army abandons servicemen refusing to lay mines — captive

According to Mikhail Kostyuk, following his draft, he went through virtually no training

Frontline situation tense, Ukrainian General Staff acknowledges

Earlier, the Kiev regime reported the forced retreat to the Dnepropetrovsk Region from the Donetsk People’s Republic’s territories controlled by Ukraine

Russia maintains its firm position on Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov reminded that President Vladimir Putin had outlined it in detail in June 2024, when addressing the Russian Foreign Ministry

Russia preparing to use lasers to protect infrastructure against drones

Protection of critical infrastructure and industrial facilities against drone attacks requires the use of different technologies anticipating neutralization and physical destruction of drones, Nikita Danilov said

Russia welcomes resolution of Lebanon's presidential crisis — Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, "Russia believes that the restoration of broad national accord is key to ensuring unity and civil peace in the multi-confessional republic"

Man detained at Moscow airport after making bomb threat on plane

An investigation has been launched into the incident

European NATO members call to preserve Ramstein-format meetings — minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that Warsaw is preparing another package of military aid for Kiev

Evacuation request rejected, Ukrainian POW captured in Kursk Region claims

The soldier added that he is being treated well in captivity, receiving medical assistance

Eurasian Economic Union and EU not compatible — Russian Deputy PM

"It is becoming increasingly evident at present that membership in the EAEU is a privilege and considering economic and social problems the European Union faces, entry into the EU can be compared with buying a ticket to the Titanic," Alexey Overchuk said

Europe loses to Putin in Ukraine despite billions in aid — president

Milorad Dodik paid special attention to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statement about arming Kiev, also noting that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (in office from 2005-2021) also resorted to misleading within the Minsk agreements

Russia’s pork exports to China total 39,000 in 2024 — agricultural watchdog

The Russian agricultural watchdog reported that the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China signed a protocol on inspection, quarantine and veterinary and sanitary requirements for pork exported from Russia to China, and a corresponding veterinary certificate was also approved

Shifts towards US, Russian presidents’ contacts to emerge after Trump’s inauguration

"Apparently, there will be some movements in this direction after Trump enters the Oval Cabinet [in the White House]," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian Ka-52M combat helicopter wipes out Ukrainian army stronghold in Kursk area

The Defense Ministry uploaded video footage showing the destruction of enemy targets

Russian artillery disrupts enemy rotation near Belogorovka in Lugansk region — expert

The Russian artillery men wiped out part of the enemy group, Andrey Marochko specified

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar competing for influence in the new Syria — WSJ

Analysts interviewed by the newspaper stated that, by providing assistance to Damascus, the Arab monarchies aim to minimize the risks of new Islamist movements and the rise of terrorist groups

Death toll of shooting in Montenegro grows to 13 — report

Thus, the death toll of the shooting in Cetinje has increased to 13, two of the victims being children

Ukrainian HIMARS strike hits supermarket in Donetsk

According to the source in the security services, four people were injured

Ukrainian troops attacking Kamenka-Dneprovskaya with artillery, drones

Information on casualties and damage is being clarified

Ukraine's Kursk counteroffensives flounder as losses mount — expert

According to Alexander Mikhailov, Vladimir Zelensky is currently pouring all available resources into Kursk

Russia eyes discussion of EU accession in Armenia as start of withdrawal from EAEU

"In the meantime, this is the sovereign choice of the Republic of Armenia and she definitely has the right to it," Alexey Overchuk noted

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to take office third time on Friday

Russia will be represented at the inauguration ceremony by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin

Moldovan foreign ministry slams Russian embassy’s statement on Transnistria energy crisis

Earlier this month, gas supplies to Moldova were halted after the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine and Chisinau's refusal to settle the problem of fuel debt, which Moscow estimates at $709 mln

Insurers’ losses from fires in California may reach $20 bln — newspaper

Anticipated insured losses were doubled from the $10 bln estimated a day earlier, limited progress on containment and the spread to neighboring areas were indicated as the reasons, The Financial Times said

Acquiring Greenland to become 'bad deal' for Trump — Politico

The US’ objectives in Greenland are well met today, Politico pointed out

Russia says its T-80BM tanks destroyed Ukrainian strongpoint, infantry

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, tank crews of the battlegroup West are on the forward edge of the special operation and provide support to Russian motorized rifle and assault units

Over 15,000 Ukrainian troops engaged in Kurakhovo, says Russian top brass

Control over Kurakhovo hinders supplies to Ukrainian troops

China to send high-ranking official to Trump’s inauguration — report

The envoy is also set to hold talks with Trump

Yakutia, Magadan Region record coldest temperatures globally in the past day

The warmest temperatures on Earth were observed in Australia and Paraguay on January 8

Free Syrian Army deploys heavy weapons to frontline with Kurds — newspaper

Currently, Turkey is not preparing for a direct military operation against Kurdish forces in Syria, but is not dismissing such an option either

Greenland looking forward to dialogue with US on business opportunities — government

The island’s authorities reiterated that Washington is one of its closest partners, and cooperation will continue

Trump’s territorial claims signal his neo-Fascist drift, Chinese expert warns

According to Wang Wen, the United States has long embraced expansionist policies, securing its present-day territory over the past 200 years through purchases and economic pressure