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Croatia’s incumbent president winning elections with over 77% — exit poll

Thus, Milanovic is winning 77.86% of the vote while his rival, Dragan Primorac, who is supported by the ruling Croatian Democratic Community, or HDZ, party, has 22.14%

BELGRADE, January 12. /TASS/. Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic is winning a landslide victory at the runoff presidential election, according to the exit poll results released by the Dnevnik.hr news portal.

Thus, Milanovic is winning 77.86% of the vote while his rival, Dragan Primorac, who is supported by the ruling Croatian Democratic Community, or HDZ, party, has 22.14%.

According to the State Electoral Commission, the voter turnout at 4:30 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. GMT) was 34.77%.

Israel will not tolerate UNRWA’s presence in Gaza Strip — Israeli ambassador

Simona Halperin recalled that the Knesset, or Israel’s parliament, passed a law banning UNRWA’s activities

Japan’s prime minister recognizes value of relations with Russia — MP Muneo Suzuki

These relations contribute to stability in East Asia and worldwide, the member of Japan’s upper house of parliament said

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

US unable to force Russia acting in American interests regarding Ukraine — Lukashenko

The Belarusian President also stated that he assesses the chances of peace in Ukraine as 50/50

Senior Russian senator declares end to monopoly of Western election observers

Earlier, Konstantin Kosachev said that the presidential election was held in Belarus to the highest international standards

Colombia imposes retaliatory tariffs on US goods — president

Gustavo Petro also pointed out that the Foreign Trade Ministry should help direct Colombian exports to other countries around the world

Moscow would like US to agree to appointment of new Russian ambassador quickly — diplomat

"We urge our colleagues to take on this issue and get it done in a swift manner," Sergey Ryabkov said

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region with 58 munitions in past day

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that a woman turned to a medical facility with a mine blast injury after an UAV dropped an explosive on the night of January 26

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

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

Hungary received guarantees from European Commission before voting on sanctions

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that the European Commission "made it clear that integrity of the energy infrastructure making supplies to EU member-countries is the security issue of the whole European Union"

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

Kalashnikov designs AK-12 rifle modifications

AK-12 was upgraded according to the experience of the Ukrainian operation

At least 500 Ukrainian troops die in Velikaya Novoselka — commander

On January 26, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that units of the 5th Guards Separate Tank Brigade of the 36th Army and the 40th Guards Marine Infantry Brigade of the Battlegroup East had liberated the village of Velikaya Novoselka

Slovakia refuses to let EU take lead as biggest Kiev backer if US exits — top diplomat

Juraj Blanar reminded that Washington is the biggest supporter of Ukraine "both financially and militarily"

Tehran purchases Russian Su-35 fighter jets — Iranian general

"Any time that we have the need, we will purchase military equipment for strengthening our Air Force, Army and Navy," Ali Shadmani said

Congo, Rwanda attack each other's positions in Goma region — media

The republic's government blames Rwanda for supporting the rebels

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

One of them crashed near Rybatskoye, Eduard Basurin informed

Russia, China set to realize ambitious cooperation plans in 2025 — Russian ambassador

Igor Morgulov noted that in 2025, Russia and China will "widely celebrate" the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against Japanese aggression

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

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

Colombia agrees to accept migrants from US, tariffs, some sanctions lifted — White House

At the same time, the US leaves in place visa restrictions for officials and increased border controls on Colombian citizens

PREVIEW: EU to discuss aid to Kiev, relations with US, new measures against Russia

The foreign ministers will discuss the use of frozen Russian assets and the 16th package of sanctions against Russia

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

Captive officer says 1,700 soldiers defect from Ukrainian brigade trained in France

According to him, the soldiers lacked motivation and were fit only for limited military service

Israel has no claims to Syrian territories — Israeli ambassador to Russia

According to the Israeli diplomat, Israel will see to it that Syria’s new authorities "don’t let Syria’s territory be used as a springboard for aggression against Israel"

Lukashenko wins presidential election with 86.82% of votes — preliminary results

In the 2020 presidential election, Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote

Transnistrian leader dismisses Zelensky’s proposal on coal supplies as unserious

According to Vadim Krasnoselsky, Ukraine is offering coal that is incompatible with the power plant’s technology

Ukraine cannot just remove Vladimir Zelensky from power to find peace — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, the difficult situation in Ukraine may entail the loss of territories, and that drives the West to peace talks

Russian troops seize hundreds of weapons in Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

The trophies included NATO mines previously unknown to Russian troops

Moscow protests to Moldovan ambassador over allegations against Russian envoy — MFA

The Foreign Ministry also stated that Russia had protested Moldova’s decision to disclose a confidential note from the Russian embassy in Chisinau, issued in response to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry’s note concerning gas supplies

American people celebrate suspension of aid to Ukraine, other countries — congresswoman

US residents have positively perceived President Donald Trump's decision to suspend aid to Ukraine, US House of Representatives member Marjorie Taylor Greene said

Israel not excited by new Russia-Iran agreement — envoy to Moscow

The Russian and Iranian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian, signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on January 17 following talks in the Kremlin

One Oreshnik missile system will be enough for Belarus, Lukashenko says

The Belarusian president said that the system will be deployed to Belarus as soon as it is manufactured in Russia

Baltics, Moldova, Ukraine sold their sovereignty for cheap, Russian senator says

Konstantin Kosachev noted that gradually the West not only began to assess the elections but the political system itself in any given country based on the "friend or foe" principle

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

EU foreign ministers approve extension of anti-Russian sanctions

The restrictions were extended for another six months

NATO partners should consider feasibility outcome from joining military bloc — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that NATO members’ proposed scheme of cooperation remains unchanged, however, "such experiments" eventually end up with NATO's interference in the internal affairs of other countries

Russia eliminates 7,200 Ukrainian soldiers, mercenaries on LPR borders in week — expert

Marochko added that during the abovementioned period Russian fighters also destroyed 20 tanks

India maintains ironclad trust with Russia, says ex-ambassador to Moscow

Venkatesh Varma noted that the countries share their approaches to most of today's global problems

Countries must be unbiased for mediating Ukraine conflict — Russian Foreign Ministry

"Moscow reiterated its unwavering position on the unacceptability of the 'Zelensky formula' ultimatum and the 'Burgenshtok process' aimed at promoting it," the ministry reported

Belarusian Interior Minister says country never had such calm election before

Ivan Kubrakov clarified that "there have been no violations of public order in the election campaign venues"

No requests yet from Washington for communication between Russian, US presidents — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia maintains readiness for the dialoge

PM Pashinyan gave up on Karabakh himself, destroying Armenia now — Lukashenko

"They have now started courting the European Union. Listen, this is a very dangerous game," the Belarusian leader said

Swedish Prosecution Authority detains ship over recent cable damage in Baltic Sea

The vessel suspected of committing the sabotage was detained by decision of the Prosecution Authority

Crimea will never be ceded by Russia — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president also said that he hopes that some sort of a solution to the conflict in Ukraine will be found this year

Western offensive actions towards Russia, Belarus cannot but cause outrage — CIS

"We are closely monitoring the situation around Belarus and Russia," Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Sergey Lebedev said

Trump’s administration showing no interest in engaging with top EU figures — Politico

Columnists at the newspaper argue that this comes as a "radical shift from the friendly relationship that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other top EU figures had with Joe Biden’s administration"

Russian forces cut off Ukrainian army’s logistics near Krasnoarmeisk, says DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin, the settlement of Velikaya Novosyolka and the nearby communities liberated by Russian forces were the Ukrainian army’s most fortified area in the south Donetsk direction

Velikaya Novosyolka residents helped Russian forces spot Ukrainian positions, officer says

According to the report, the locals showed routes, roads, the spots that are rigged with mines

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

Peace talks on Ukraine may be launched in April-May — Hurriyet

According to columnist Abdulkadir Selvi, Turkey could take on a certain mission, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could play the role of a mediator

Zelensky was 'showing off to fullest extent' at talks with Russia — Lukashenko

Ukranian side was thereby delaying the meeting with Russian mission in 2022

Ukrainian intelligence chief predicts collapse, if peace talks fail to begin by summer

The daily's source said that Kirill Budanov dropped this remark "with a cold smile" on his face, which "made everyone look at each other and fall silent"

Hamas accuses Israel of violating Gaza ceasefire agreement

The Palestinian movement also noted that it hopes, along with mediators, "to reach a solution that would allow displaced persons to return" to the northern regions of Gaza

India ready to provide any assistance for Ukrainian settlement — envoy to Russia

Vinay Kumar also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously emphasized India's commitment to resolving the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy

Hamas hands over hostage list containing 'necessary information' about hostages

Hamas did not specify how many names were on the list or what specific information it was referring to

Ukrainian forces kill 15 of their own for refusing to fight in Velikaya Novoselka

The Russian defense ministry reported on January 26 that units of the 5th tank brigade of the 36th army and the 40th marine brigade of the Battlegroup East had liberated the settlement of Velikaya Novoselka

Lukashenko, Putin did not discuss countries’ merging

"Yes, we discuss how we will live, how we will cooperate," the Belarusian President said

Trump, Starmer discuss maintaining close US-UK ties at first conversation

Starmer also congratulated Trump on his inauguration

Impasse with US resolved, Colombia announces

Colombia's top diplomat, Luis Gilberto Murillo, will travel to Washington in the next few hours to hold working meetings and exchange diplomatic notes, the Colombian Foreign Ministry said

Bulgarian ship suspected of damaging communication cable in the Baltic Sea

On January 24, Vezhen left Russia's port of Ust-Luga

Russia pounds Ukrainian military airfields, UAV assembly workshops over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 355 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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"

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

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

Hamas ready for dialogue with US — movement

The Gaza agreement would not have been reached without Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, senior Hamas political leader Abu Marzouk said

Reports EU afraid about Trump-Putin 2.0 sign of deep-seated angst — Russian MFA

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the Europeans were wary of any change in the political and psychological status quo they are used to

Europe worried Trump, Putin could strike Ukraine deal bypassing EU, Kiev — media

According to the source, the US could craft a deal that proves to be disadvantageous for Kiev and the EU, binding Europe to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction and be the agreement’s guarantor

OSCE ODIHR loses image of independent election observer — Russian senator

"No observation mission has the right to monopolize election observation," Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev said

Putin honors memory of Holocaust victims

In his address, the president stressed that Russian citizens are the descendants and successors of the generation of victors and expressed gratitude to all who remain committed to preserving historical truth and combating neo-Nazi revanchism

Press review: Belarusian president re-elected while Denmark boosts aid to Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 27th

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

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

Israeli servicemen shoot two-year-old girl in West Bank, TV channel says

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the toddler died from a gunshot wound to the head

The Netherlands plans to increase army to 100,000 troops

Today, about 4,000 to 5,000 people sign contracts to join the army annually

Russia should not withdraw from UNESCO — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the most deplorable thing about UNESCO's leadership is that "they have an absolutely biased position on the Ukrainian crisis, thus flagrantly violating the UNESCO Charter, which provides for equal rights concerning the access to education for all"

Ukrainian soldiers surrender in Velikaya Novosyolka in Donetsk region

According to the report, the POWs are currently safe and are receiving the necessary assistance

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

Five soldiers were surrendered, the Russian Defense Ministry said

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

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

Putin congratulates Lukashenko on re-election as Belarusian president

Russia and Belarus will continue working closely together to boost their multifaceted cooperation, increase the efficiency of institutions at the Union State, the Russian leader underlined

Hungary will not allow Ukraine to delay gas transit restart

"The European Commission will hold talks with Ukraine on gas supplies to Europe via the Ukrainian gas pipeline network," Peter Szijjarto said

Poland pursues aggressive policies towards Belarus, prepares for intervention — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president added that "Poland is pursuing the most aggressive and destructive policies regarding Belarus"

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

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

US needs to consider Russia's interests for peace in Ukraine — expert

Endre Simo argued that Ukraine, Russia, and other European nations, including Hungary, require a sustainable peace founded on mutual security guarantees rather than a ceasefire, frozen conflict, or "buffer zones" in Ukraine

Rebels capture Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo — news agency

There is no official confirmation of this information from the country’s government sources

Scholz says too early to talk about peacekeeping mission in Ukraine

"We must be seeking to ensure that everything we do we do it together with the United States," German Chancellor said

IN BRIEF: What is known about completed presidential elections in Belarus

TASS has compiled the most important information about the election

Moscow Exchange resumes morning session from January 27

The morning trading session on the stock market will be held from 6:50 a.m. Moscow time to 9:50 a.m. Moscow time

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

Russia, China to unlock rich cooperation potential in 2025 — ambassador

Igor Morgulov emphasized that economic ties between Russia and China "demonstrate impressive dynamism"

Belarus presidential election now valid — CEC

The turnout at the presidential election in Belarus as of 11 a.m. GMT amounted to 66.41%

Top Hungarian diplomat says reassured by Rubio that Trump is set to end war in Ukraine

"Hungary will enthusiastically and firmly support any initiative that will bring us closer to the end of the war and peace," Peter Szijjarto said

Hungary to vote on anti-Russian sanctions depending on EU Commission’s guarantees

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that "after three years, it has become clear that sanctions against Russia had completely failed"

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

Ukraine sent special terrorist unit to hold Velikaya Novosyolka — Russian officer

According to the report, the 110th Independent Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, formed of deserters and wounded soldiers, had been left without support

Russian users complain of DeepSeek chatbot failures

According to Downdetector, personal account failures, website failures and notice failures are the main complaints

Iran updates Russia, China on nuclear talks with Europe — deputy foreign minister

Tehran is conveying Moscow and Beijing's views on various issues during its talks with European countries, Majid Takht Ravanchi noted

Heroism of blockaded Leningrad will live on forever, Putin says

"These timeless qualities have always given us confidence and strength, and will endure through the ages," the Russian president emphasized

EU set to extend anti-Russia sanctions, Hungary to lift opposition — Bloomberg

Previously the Hungarian authorities cast doubt on extension of sanctions. Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the sanctions would only be extended if Ukraine resumed transit of Russian gas