{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Putin instructs prosecutors to pay special attention to Donbass, Novorossiya

He clarified that it is necessary to continue working on the integration of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, into the common legal space of Russia

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. Prosecutors should keep special control over the problems of people living in Donbass and Novorossiya, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video address on the occasion of Prosecutor's Office Workers Day.

"The Prosecutor General’s Office and its regional and municipal branches need to pay special attention to addressing the problems that people are facing in Donbass and Novorossiya, the Kursk Region and in our other regions located in the immediate vicinity of the line of contact," the president pointed out.

He clarified that it is necessary to continue working on the integration of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, into the common legal space of Russia "while assisting with those regions’ social and economic revival in every possible way.".

Tags

Vladimir Putin Russia's domestic policy

Russian MFA says Tusk's threats against Orban exemplify Western democracy

"That’s Western democracy for you," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Yuan falls below 13.5 rubles, first time since December 28, 2024

By 11:40 Moscow time, the yuan slowed down its decline and reached 13,516 rubles

Hamas making preparations to release four female Israeli hostages — TV

Fighters will handover the wowen to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Sky News Arabia reported

China locks down three cities due to coronavirus outbreak

People are allowed to leave the cities only when absolutely necessary

Israel to release 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for four Israeli hostages

According to the the Palestinian commission on detainees’ affairs, the group includes 121 Palestinians sentenced to life imprisonment and 79 people serving long terms in Israeli jails

Lavrov, top Qatari diplomat discuss ways to stabilize situation in Syria

Parties also discussed pressing issues related to the development of bilateral relations between Russia and Qatar

World needs shared prosperity, not 'golden age of America' — Medvedev

The dialogue between the heads of Russia and China, held after the US presidential inauguration is undeniable proof of the multipolarity of the modern world, the official noted

Expert paints picture of state-backed organ-harvesting scheme in Ukraine

Andrey Marochko cited his sources as saying that a special lane has been opened for ambulances crossing the border between Ukraine and Poland

Four female Israeli hostages released by Hamas arrive in Israel

They are Liri Albag (aged 20 years), Naama Levy (20), Karina Ariev (20) and Daniella Gilboa (20)

Kristi Noem confirmed as US homeland security secretary

Following a 59-34 vote, she is expected to take the oath of office

Seven children die of cold in Gaza since start of ceasefire between Israel, Hamas — TV

The Norwegian Refugee Council, in turn, said that nearly one million Palestinians in the enclave had no meaningful protection against the winter cold

Ukraine’s frontline to collapse in 100 days, if Zelensky does not negotiate — lawmaker

Alexander Dubinsky believes that Vladimir Zelensky lies the number of soldiers at the frontline is as large as 880,000

Hungary loses 19 bln euro due to EU sanctions against Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister reminded that the EU has to decide by January 31 whether to prolong the sanctions against Russia imposed over the conflict in Ukraine for another six months

US Senate approves Pete Hegseth as Pentagon chief

Vice President JD Vance came to the chamber to break the tie in his role as president of the Senate

Lavrov points to mass speculations in world media ahead of Trump's inauguration

According to the foreign minister, in parallel with the preparations for the ceremony, analysis and predictions are growing as to how it will affect various conflicts in various regions of the world

Putin expects extra budget revenues this year

"Let us see how we will have additional revenues of the federal budget evolved," the president said

OPEC oil price cuts to end Ukrainian crisis, Trump says

"We want to see OPEC cut the price of oil, and that will automatically stop the tragedy that's taking place in Ukraine," the US President noted

NATO to hold 'gigantic exercise' in 2025, Russia is ready for it — MFA

"All necessary precautions are being taken by our military," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko underlined

Moldovan calls on Russia to promote dialogue with Transnistria amid energy crisis

"Moldova is firmly committed to the norms of international law and interests of its citizens, including in the Transnistrian region, in full conformity with the country’s constitution," Moldova’s foreign ministry said in statement

US-Russia diplomacy fails to bridge fundamental differences — Russian ambassador

According to Anatoly Antonov, it has been confirmed that "the United States will use all forces and means to continue supplying Western weapons in order to kill Russian soldiers and civilians"

Ka-52M crew foils Ukrainian army’s rotation in Kursk Region

The helicopter has attacked troops and equipment of the Ukrainian army with air missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia against freeze of Ukrainian conflict, West may use it for revanche — MFA

"There is a need for reliable, legally binding agreements and mechanisms that would guarantee the prevention of a resumption of the conflict," the Foreign Ministry said

EU sanctions against Russia will only be extended if Ukraine restores gas transit — Orban

As the Hungarian prime minister noted, he had told other EU leaders that "if Ukraine wants to receive assistance" it should also refrain from using "military means to attack" the TurkStream gas pipeline

Russian troops liberate nine communities in Donbass region, Kharkov area over week

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 4,050 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 28 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week

Istanbul-Moscow flight makes unscheduled landing in southern Russian city of Astrakhan

The landing proceeded normally

Russia to seek 'rock-steady' guarantees of non-participation in NATO for Kiev — diplomat

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, Ukraine joining NATO "would rule out achieving peace in Ukraine and, more broadly, establishing any security architecture"

Russia’s Shoigu sees increased risk of conflict between nuclear powers globally

According to Sergey Shoigu, Western countries have launched an aggression against the ideology and values in Russia and Belarus, as they have been attempting not only to attack by means of economic sanctions, but to destabilize political situation in the two countries

Russian military describes Velikaya Novoselka as Kiev’s last hub in south Donetsk

Earlier, the Defense Ministry said that Russian assault teams managed to split the settlement in two

Israel by banning UNRWA violates terms of its admission to UN — Russia’s UN envoy

Stopping UNRWA's work "will lead to catastrophic consequences for the most vulnerable groups of the population, especially children," Vasily Nebenzya said

Europe will have to boost LNG purchases in 2025, IEA says

Europe lowered LNG imports by 18% or by 30 bln cubic meters in 2024

Beijing, Washington should not turn their backs on each other, Chinese envoy says

Xie Feng expressed confidence that "China and the United States have extensive common interests and vast room for cooperation"

Trump changes his tactics for resolving Ukrainian crisis — news outlet

According to the news outlet, the threats to impose new anti-Russian sanctions, which Trump announced a few days after his inauguration, are similar to the course of his predecessor Joe Biden

Additional opportunities open up for Russia in Middle East, senior diplomat says

Commenting on US media reports alleging that Russia is losing its position in the Middle East, Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that it was "wishful thinking"

Hungary, Turkey find Kiev's attack on TurkStream outrageous — Szijjarto

"TurkStream must be protected by all available means," Hungarian Foreign Minister said

Ukrainian troops killed entire families in Selidovo — activist

Accoridng to member of the Russian Civic Chamber Maxim Grigoriev, more than 100 civilians of the town of Selidovo were killed as a result of the Ukrainian shootings

Zelensky shocked by Trump’s decisions, tries to manipulate Europe — LDPR leader

Leonid Slutsky recalled that at the talks in Istanbul, settlement agreements were reached and "initialed by the head of the Ukrainian delegation David Arakhamia"

Ukrainian army’s General Staff points to difficult situation on battlefield

Kiev seeks to blame its failures on its Western partners, accusing them of insufficient weapons supplies

Tusk threatens Orban with consequences if EU sanctions against Russia not extended

Polish Prime Minister also said his Hungarian counterpart "is playing in Putin’s team"

North Korea successfully tests sea-launched strategic cruise missile — KCNA

The missiles traveled a distance of 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) in approximately 7,500 seconds and hit the targets

German lawmaker says US troops need to get out of Germany

"This harmful policy of vassal loyalty needs to stop," Sevim Dagdelen stated

First bananas grown in Russia could debut by end of 2025 — association

A relevant government decree is already in place, approving the list of agricultural products for cultivation and processing by agricultural producers, Oksana Lut noted

Ukraine loses over 360 troops in Kursk area in past day — Russian Defense Ministry

Five soldiers were surrendered, the Russian Defense Ministry said

SVR chief praises Northern Sea Route as one of most promising transport links worldwide

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the existence of such a distinctive passage is Russia’s "natural strategic benefit"

EU sinking ship, Trump to expedite its demise — expert

Trump’s plans to boost domestic production in the US are bad news for Europe, especially Germany, with "Italy feeling the ripple effects too, considering their close economic ties," Tiberio Graziani noted

State Department issues pause on foreign aid to all states for 90 days — Politico

It is effective immediately

Kalashnikov to display new machinegun at IDEX show

RPL-7 can operate optical and night sights, rangers, light and other attachments

West throws wrench in Russian-Armenian relations — Russian foreign ministry

The ministry noted that Moscow has repeatedly warned its Armenian friends that neither Washington nor Brussels really care about the interests of their partners

USAID freezes projects supporting Ukraine — Reuters

Among the projects that have been frozen are support to schools and health assistance like emergency maternal care and childhood vaccinations

UN encourages possible Putin-Trump talks — secretary-general’s office

"We encourage all talks between the United States and the Russian Federation and we hope that they continue to engage in dialog," Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq said

Russian Economy Ministry working to improve corporate redomiciliation mechanism

A source familiar with the text of the document said that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to provide for the opportunity of redomiciliation of holding companies registered in unfriendly jurisdictions

About 100,000 people rally against Alternative for Germany party in Berlin — Bild

The crowd also criticized Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz over his proposal to tighten immigration laws

FACTBOX: Largest drone attack on Russian regions since beginning of 2025

Air defenses on duty have intercepted and destroyed 121 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia ready for disarmament talks taking US allies’ arsenals into account — Kremlin

"In the current situation, all nuclear capacities need to be taken into account. In particular, it’s impossible to hold a conversation without taking into consideration the nuclear capacities of France and the United Kingdom," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russian military splits Velikaya Novoselka in two, blocking Ukrainian troops — ministry

Russian troops have already hoisted the Russian flag on a recently liberated building in the settlement’s center

Kremniy El Group microelectronics plant in Bryansk suspends operations after UAV Attack

The governor of the Bryansk region Alexander Bogomaz said earlier that air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 37 unmanned aerial vehicles, including 18 jets

Press review: Trump gives Russia an unlikely ultimatum as US secretary visits Panama first

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 24th

Serial production of MC-21 passenger jet to start from 2026 — Rostec

Series production of the passenger jet was earlier planned to begin in 2025

Anti-government protests taking place in Slovakia

Some 60,000 people attended the demonstration in Bratislava, according to Aktuality portal

Some freed Palestinian prisoners cross border from Israel into Egypt — report

Al Hadath television reported that 16 Palestinians released by Israel have returned to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing

Serbia will never impose sanctions on Russia, President Vucic pledges

"As long as I am Serbian president, I will not impose sanctions either against Russia or other our friends," he emphasized

Russian stock market indices plunging on Thursday — market data

The yuan rate remained almost flat at 13.55 rubles

US supplied military products worth record-high $318.7 billion last year

This is the highest ever annual total of sales and assistance provided to US allies and partners

Size of US defense industrial base poses a doubt for Europe — expert

According to Guntram Wolff, European output of certain weapon systems outpaces production in the United States

UN Security Council meeting on DR Congo situation to be held on January 26 — source

According to the source, it was decided to reschedule it to a day earlier due to "recent developments" in the country

Kremlin sees Japan’s stance on Russia as clearly unfriendly

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s remark about his desire to resolve "the territorial issue" and sign a peace treaty with Russia

US military aircraft used to deport migrants from country — agency

According to Reyters, two C-17 aircraft, each carrying about 80 migrants, flew from the US to Guatemala

Trump confirms halting aid to foreign countries

Among other measures aimed at tackling inflation, Trump also listed the creation of a new US agency, Department of Government Efficiency, charged with boosting the efficiency of the US government

Russia’s stock market opens with growing key indices, ruble weakens against yuan

The MOEX index slowed down its growth and was at 2,926.82 points, while the RTS index amounted to 938.3 points

Musk speaks at Alternative for Germany campaign event via video link

He told the audience Germans should stop feeling guilt about their past

Potential US military intervention in Panama under Trump to lead to occupation — newspaper

Donald Trump said earlier that Washington needed to retain control over the Panama Canal

Indonesian president confident BRICS membership important for global stability

On January 6, the Foreign Ministry of Brazil, which assumed BRICS rotating presidency on January 1, announced that Indonesia had joined the group as a full member

New Pentagon chief vows to strengthen US defense industry, deterrence capabilities

Pete Hegseth, 44, a former Fox News personality and decorated veteran, was approved as US defense secretary by the Senate on Friday

Trump threatens to curb Russia’s exports if no deal on Ukraine reached

The US president said he was ready to do "a very big favor" to the Russian side

Trump’s aggressive trade policies leading to global economic crisis — journal

"Trying to force others to use the dollar would actually make them want to use it less — and undermine its credibility," the article says

US suspends initiative allowing Ukrainian immigrants to enter US temporarily — newspaper

According to the newspaper, a directive contained in an email sent by the top official at US Citizenship and Immigration Services on Thursday

Press review: Iranian leader’s Moscow visit alarms Tehran's foes as Trump plans China trip

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 20th

Russia is ready for talks with Ukraine, but Kiev stands against it, says President Putin

The Russian leader reiterated that "the current head of the regime in Kiev, when he was still a fairly legitimate head of state, inked a decree banning all negotiations with Russia"

Israel says it won’t let Palestinians return to northern Gaza over unreleased hostage

"Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from the Hamas terrorist group today, and in return will release security prisoners according to the agreed formula," Netanyahu said

Strategic stability dialogue should take note of UK, France’s arsenals — Russian lawmaker

Commenting on recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, Leonid Slutsky pointed out that Washington’s military assistance to the Kiev regime was hindering dialogue on the issue

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake hits Taiwan

No information on casualties or damage has been reported

Court again rejects request from prosecutors to extend arrest of South Korean president

The court previously rejected the request on January 24

Nearly 70% of Ukrainians say corruption got worse in 2024 — poll

Only 25.4% of those polled said that they thought corruption levels had stayed the same

Russian troops continue to crack Ukraine’s defenses in Velikaya Novoselka

According to the report, artillery units and FPV drones provide fire support to the Russian military

Hamas says it will release hostage sought by Israel for Gaza deal to move ahead

"We have notified the mediators that Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday," Al Jazeera's source said

Organ trading schemes created in Ukraine, human organs sold on Internet — Russian diplomat

"In Ukraine, in particular in places where combats were taking place and where servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces, national battalions were located, bodies and remains of people were found with clear signs that their organs had been removed," Maria Zakharova said

Two copters sent for evacuation of nationalists from Mariupol shot down — Donetsk militia

One of them crashed near Rybatskoye, Eduard Basurin informed

Russian intel chief expresses readiness to meet with CIA director

Asked if the SVR and the CIA continued to maintain contact, Sergey Naryshkin noted: "We have an official representative in Washington, while the Central Intelligence Agency has its official representative in Moscow"

Trump's decrees to change not only America, but the world too — Hungarian Prime Minister

According to Viktor Orban, with Donald Trump back in power in the US, "the rebellion against the woke liberal democracy has entered a new stage"

NATO’s hypocrisy brings direct clash with Russia closer — foreign ministry

Ukraine is at the heart of the Russia-NATO standoff, and Kiev’s troops are being supplied with long-range weapons that are in fact being operated by Western military specialists, the ministry said

Ukrainian attack on Alyoshki kills at least three civilians

The governor called on the city’s residents to stay at home because mines and unexploded cluster munitions scattered across the city pose a threat

IN BRIEF: Relations with US, negotiations with Ukraine: Putin comments on Trump's words

Russia "has never refused to communicate with the United States," but contacts have been interrupted by Washington

Age of Mars registered as violator due to failure to protect Russian users' personal data

The game has not been banned in Russia yet, and Russian users can register there and create a personal account

Ryzhenkov, Lavrov discuss bilateral cooperation, global affairs

Ministers agreed to continue regular working comminication on any issues in line with the allied relations between Belarus and Russia

Yemeni Houthis unilaterally release 153 war detainees — Red Cross

The released detainees will soon be brought to the territory controlled by the internationally recognized government

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"

West at fault for 2022 Ukraine negotiations failing, Slovak PM says

According to Robert Fico, Ukraine is headed for a potentially catastrophic future

Russian MFA says Tusk's threats against Orban exemplify Western democracy

"That’s Western democracy for you," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Russia to respond to Zelensky's ultimatums with its victory — Medvedev

The politician noted that attacks on Russia continue and various verbal ultimatums are being issued

US helped win WWII, but for Washington it was all business — Kremlin

"The main burden in the fight against fascism and the biggest price for the victory in the fight against fascism was paid by our country, the Soviet Union," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia’s foreign trade surplus up to $122 bln in 2024 — Central Bank

Surplus of Russia's foreign trade balance amounted to $53.8 in 2024 compared to $50.1 bln in the previous year

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, drone storage sites in 132 areas

Russian air defenses also downed 44 Ukrainian drones and three HIMARS rockets in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said