26 Jan 2013, 22:30

Russian women win silver & bronze medals at European Figure Skating Champs

Carolina Costner of Italy won the 2013 European Championships in women’s skating

ZAGREB, January 27 (Itar-Tass) - Russian figure skater Adelina Sotnikova (193.99 points) won a silver medal at the European Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, on Saturday. Her compatriot Yelizaveta Tuktamysheva was third (188.85 points).

Carolina Costner of Italy won the 2013 European Championships in women’s skating (194.71).

Another Russian, Nicole Gosviyani, (154.41 points) was sixth.

Anti-Russian sanctions

New Zealand announces next package of anti-Russian sanctions

Extra sanctions target 52 Russian individuals and legal entities related to the military-industrial complex of Russia and "companies connected to energy exports," Foreign Minister Winston Peters said

Serbian army unit to participate in Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

Aleksandar Vucic also reaffirmed that he would come to Moscow for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War

Russia alarmed by sharp aggravation in Syria — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stressed that in such extreme circumstances, Russia urges "all influential Syrian leaders who can affect the situation on the ground to make every effort to end the bloodshed as soon as possible and prevent civilian casualties"

EU considers itself Russia’s adversary, Moscow finds its militarization alarming — Kremlin

"All this militarization is primarily aimed at Russia, which is, of course, a matter of deep concern for us," Dmitry Peskov said

Trump anticipating things when calling for complete denuclearization — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov noted that some cuts or arms control measures were "quite understandable"

Russia offers India very favorable deal on Su-57 fighter jet — ambassador to New Delhi

Denis Alipov expressed confidence that Russia was "in a very good position," if India announced a tender

Poland to seek access to nuclear weapons — PM

According to the Polish prime minister, the political negotiations with France on the nuclear umbrella are "at a very advanced stage"

Yesterday, 13:10

Russia sees no ground for compromise on EU military deployment in Ukraine — Lavrov

"If you have already deployed troops into the territory, you are unlikely to negotiate any conditions because you are shaping the situation on the ground," the Russian foreign minister emphasized

Yesterday, 12:16

Black Sea fleet receives Katran boat, Skvorets drones

The naval commando unit received a jet ski from party chairman Dmitry Medvedev

Half of Americans support Canadian provinces joining US — poll

The survey was held online and by phone from February 24 to 26

Yesterday, 10:32

Kremlin does not consider US friendly nation

"However, we are currently working to revive and restore bilateral relations," Dmitry Peskov stated

Yesterday, 16:45

Sales of heavy haulers in Russia plunge 50% in February — statistics

Kamaz was the bestseller in February with 1,190 trucks

Two days ago, 11:12

Nobody interested in Europe's proposals on Ukraine — ex-Merkel advisor

According to Erich Vad, it is unrealistic for the Europeans to continue the Ukrainian conflict being the only supporter of Kiev

Hungary to hold referendum on Ukraine’s accession to EU — premier

Previously, Orban has repeatedly said that at this point, Ukraine’s EU membership would deal irreparable damage to Europe’s agriculture and the economy in general

Yesterday, 14:30

Russia urges Germany to assess risks of supporting terrorist organizations — diplomat

"Germany has already had a bitter experience in this regard," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Yesterday, 10:14

Ukraine's disconnection from Starlink would set Ukraine back to last century — newspaper

If Washington cuts the system, it could also lead to a conflict with Poland, which is currently paying for 20,000 terminals on the network for Kiev's use

Zelensky won’t participate in Ukraine's talks with US in Saudi Arabia — TV

Zelensky will hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on March 10

Yesterday, 14:43

Kiev planning to deploy foreign mercenaries to Chasov Yar in Donetsk region — expert

In that frontline area, the enemy is hastily delivering concrete slabs by railways to create a defensive line, Vitaly Kiselyov said

Yesterday, 08:26

European leaders want 'forever war' — Musk

Earlier, the US businessman said that Vladimir Zelensky wants a "forever war" and not a resolution of the Ukraine conflict

Europe fuels enmity with Russia, unwilling to recognize Ukraine's defeat — German expert

Alexander Rahr argues that Europe has undergone a significant transformation

Yesterday, 20:29

US, Ukraine to discuss ways to resolve conflict at meeting in Saudi Arabia — envoy

The Axios news website reported earlier, citing sources, that US and Ukrainian officials would "discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire" at a meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 12

Turkey supports idea of immediate ceasefire in Ukraine — Erdogan

According to the Turkish leader, his country’s "efforts toward an agreement regulating safe navigation in the Black Sea" are in compliance with the European Union’s approaches to settling the Ukrainian crisis

AmCham Russia preparing proposals on lifting US sanctions — RBC

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia is asking to lift restrictions in the aviation sector as a priority, the paper said, adding that aviation sanctions concern supplies of components and maintenance of aircraft

Russian-Chinese relations not aimed against third countries — top Chinese diplomat

"Solid and stable relations between Russia and China will not change overnight and will not be violated by third parties," Wang Yi added

Israel conducts most devastating operation in West Bank in past 58 years — UNRWA

"This operation is the single-longest and most destructive since the second intifada, resulting in the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since the 1967 war," Philippe Lazzarini said

Press review: EU boosts Kiev’s military power while London disrupts Ukraine peace talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 7th

Yesterday, 11:49

Russian troops liberate Andreyevka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted more than 70 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 22:02

For first time in decades, European Council makes no mention of US in defense statement

The document, however, makes one mention of NATO

Yesterday, 16:43

Putin asks Russia's opponents to recall ending of Napoleon's campaign

"All the mistakes of our enemies and adversaries began in the same way: with a profound underestimation of the Russian character and, more broadly, of the representatives of Russian culture," the Russian leader stressed

Yesterday, 13:22

IN BRIEF: Lavrov comments on Macron’s `nervous’ remarks, Ukraine peacekeeping plan

According to the Russian foreign minister, the French leader’s nuclear rhetoric presents a threat to Russia, while Moscow remains open to a frank dialogue with all parties

US company Maxar cuts off Ukraine's access to satellite images — news outlet

Militarny pointed out that Maxar is the main supplier of commercial satellite images for the Ukrainian armed forces

EU militarization to be carried out in cooperation with NATO — European Council

With priority status assigned to long-range artillery and missiles

India can launch Russian Su-57E fighter production within short time — Rosoboronexport

India’s HAL aerospace and defense company has produced already more than 220 Su-30MKI fighter jets at its production capacities, Rosoboronexport stressed

Ukraine has for first time used French Mirage 2000 fighter jets for air defense

On February 6, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced the delivery of the first Mirage 2000 aircraft to Ukraine

Some Ukrainian MPs, political analysts suggest US may physically remove Zelensky

Political analyst Yury Romanenko shared in his Telegram channel that the United States allegedly has compromising material on "250 people who embezzled several tens of billions of dollars," using this information to exert pressure on the Ukrainian political elite

Yesterday, 10:16

Macron's latest statements on Ukraine nervous — Lavrov

"There is a long distance between a 'strategic defeat of Russia' and the surrender of Ukraine, in general, and at least they found the strength to walk this distance," the top Russian diplomat said

Yesterday, 13:58

Lavrov to hold talks with OSCE secretary general in Moscow on March 11 — diplomat

According to the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, this situation will not change until Western countries stop using the Vienna platform to suit their own interests and violate OSCE principles, thus destroying this international structure

Yesterday, 19:08

Kellogg disagrees that Kiev wants peace more than Moscow

According to the envoy, Moscow reached out to the new administration in Washington "fairly fast" on Ukraine settlement matters

Yesterday, 15:05

Ukraine won’t be able to use Storm Shadow missiles without US intelligence — newspaper

The US has not only stopped sending its intelligence to Ukraine, but also prohibited the UK from sharing it with Kiev

Yesterday, 17:58

Poland not ready to transfer MiG-29 jets to Ukraine yet — Duda

Warsaw previously transferred 14 MiG-29 aircraft to Kiev

US encouraged by signals from Kiev, but aid still ‘on pause’ — defense secretary

Peter Hegseth said his country was "interested in creating the conditions for peace."

Macron says ready for dialogue with Putin when time is ripe

Previously, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Macron made no practical steps towards talks with Putin

Route through Russia may become only way for rotation of IAEA experts at ZNPP

Mikhail Ulyanov recalled that the rotation of experts was under discussion throughout February, but each time the process was disrupted

Russia suggests Istanbul deal as basis for Ukrainian reconciliation — diplomat

Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin said that the future negotiations will be based on this draft

Two days ago, 15:40

Moldovan prime minister refutes Macron's statement about threat from Russia

"At this stage, we do not see how Russia could pose a military threat to Moldova," Dorin Recean stated

Yesterday, 16:32

Russia’s defense chief inspects laser innovations at Sarov federal nuclear center

Andrey Belousov held a working meeting with the heads of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center and specialized military agencies

Trump unable to bring discord to China's partnership with Russia — expert

Qian Feng further elaborated that while the European Union supports Ukraine, it remains heavily reliant on the United States for military and economic assistance

Trump considers Ukraine pawn which can be sacrificed — media

Farah Stockmann also expressed the opinion that the current administration has come to realize two things: the liberal world order was sustained solely by American military might, and US residents no longer want to pay other people’s bills

Yesterday, 22:25

Washington, Moscow, Kiev made a lot of progress in past few days — Trump

"It'd be great to bring that to an end", US President said

IN BRIEF: What we know about explosions and impact on infrastructure in Ukraine

An air alert was announced throughout the country at night

IAEA chief points to norm erosion in wake of Macron’s nuclear rhetoric

In an address to the nation earlier this week, Macron said that he would begin discussions with allies about bringing the European countries under protection of the French nuclear deterrent forces on request from incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz

US froze military aid to Kiev because Zelensky took it for granted — intelligence chief

According to Tulsi Gabbard, US President Donald Trump thus sent a signal to Vladymyr Zelensky

FACTBOX: What we know about clashes between security forces, Assad supporters in Syria

The domestic security authority imposed curfews in Latakia, Tartus, and Homs amid ongoing clashes that have become the fiercest since the change of power in Syria in December 2024

Yesterday, 10:07

MFA calls on Macron to apologize to French people for lying about Ukraine settlement

Maria Zakharova recalled that the ex-French president and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel "confessed, not under torture or pressure, that they were not going to fulfill the Minsk accords for all seven years, because they had a different plan"

Brussels 'declares war' on European leaders supporting Trump — Russian intelligence

The European Union’s leadership is obviously behind the decision to bring charges against Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, the SVR emphasized

US still has potential for sanctions pressure on Russia, White House says

Director of the US National Economic Council Kevin Hassett declined to name the companies that may be targeted by new sanctions

Russia prefers diplomacy, but now must defend itself with special operation — Kremlin

"But in conditions when the same Ukraine refuses dialogue and, moreover, legally prohibits such dialogue for itself, we continue the special military operation to ensure our interests," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Yesterday, 16:55

Istanbul agreements may be departure point for Ukraine talks — US envoy

"You can start from that position," US president's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg stated

Foreign players may be behind attacks on ships leaving Russian ports — Ambrey report

According to the report, at least four tankers and one cargo ship have "experienced damage consistent with naval mines" since December 2024

Yesterday, 10:17

Lavrov compares Macron to Hitler, Napoleon

"Because they stated openly: 'We must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia'," the top Russian diplomat said

Russia ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but no temporary ceasefire — ambassador to UK

Andrey Kelin dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, previously put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron

NATO is dead, British expert says

Timothy Ash noted that Europe could no longer rely on the US security guarantee

Dialogue with Russia essential to resolve Ukraine conflict — former German chancellor

"We must not think only in military terms, which is only a part of the issue, but also use diplomacy," Angela Merkel stressed

Army seizes central regions of Syrian provinces Latakia and Tartus — TV

According to the TV channel, several militia members said they wished to negotiate with the new Syrian authorities

UK removes Russian bank, Turkish company from its sanctions list

The reasons for removing the mentioned companies from the sanctions list are not specified

British will have to return to Russia everything being "generously given away" — Volodin

According to the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, Russia now "has every reason to respond in a similar way and confiscate British property" located in our country

Yesterday, 16:21

As long as France is in NATO, it will be unable to manage nuclear arms on its own — expert

Alexander Mikhailov characterized Emmanuel Macron's statements as "political bravado," reflecting his desire to "consolidate his status as the informal leader of Europe"

Yesterday, 14:46

Ukraine's attacks on IAEA staff at Zaporozhye nuke plant cannot be left unpunished — envoy

Ukraine had violated written guarantees to ensure the safety of the IAEA observers at the Zaporozhye NPP more than once, Mikhail Ulyanov noted

Yesterday, 20:28

All EU members but Hungary back bigger aid to Ukraine

"EU's aid to Ukraine and the rearmament plan gained the support of 26 countries out of the total of 27," the diplomat said.

Yesterday, 13:17

EU torpedoing mere prerequisites for peace in Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Meanwhile, Washington’s rhetoric has turned more realistic of late, Maria Zakharova noted

US officials praise Russia's new ambassador to US — newspaper

Washington handed Moscow an official note with an agreement to appoint Darchiev as ambassador after the talks on February 27 in Istanbul

France can deploy nuclear weapons in other European states — envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that there was no point for France in transfering nuclear weapons to other European countries

Yesterday, 08:22

Peace approaching soon, resulting in Russia's further elevation — Republika Srpska leader

Milorad Dodik has also said that in terms of geopolitics, Ukraine is not a country that deserves to survive

European MP warns of provocations in Ukraine to convince Europe to arm

Roberto Vannacci noted that the French president's proposal to send European troops to Ukraine was "a demonstration of the failure of a loser, his complete incompetence and ignorance"

Extending NATO's collective defense article to Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — senator

Konstantin Kosachev elaborated that Ukraine would always depend on NATO support and this dependency would inevitably lead Ukraine to provoke Russia again

Vucic confirms plan to attend Victory Parade in Moscow in 'great' phone call with Putin

Among other issues, the two leaders discussed political cooperation and the need for more intergovernmental work to restore bilateral trade and boost economic ties between their countries in what Vucic called a meaningful phone call

Yesterday, 10:27

IN BRIEF: What is known about accidental bomb release in South Korea

Local residents have been advised to evacuate during the operation

Russian troops raise national flag over liberated Andreyevka community in Donetsk region

In the liberation of the community of Andreyevka, Russian assault teams carefully planned their actions, it said

Kremlin rejects link between Russia strike on Ukraine military plants, Macron truce plan

Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian military "continues the special military operation and, as part of this operation, targets the installations related to the military-industrial complex, weapons production, and so on in Ukraine"

Russia, China advancing toward scrapping visas, Chinese diplomat says

According to Zhang Wei, both sides are currently holding visa-free talks

Yesterday, 14:00

International Criminal Court: at a crossroads or at an impasse?

EU leaders stop short of approving defense loans to member states

They called on the Council to consider the proposal as a matter of urgency

Damage reported to power, gas supply infrastructure across Ukraine

German Galushchenko referred to gas and power infrastructure facilities "across Ukraine," without elaborating

US fears Kiev may sell software for Storm Shadow missiles — expert

British-made Storm Shadow missiles have reportedly become "useless" for the Ukrainian military, as their deployment requires U.S. intelligence

Russian forces strike mercenary concentrations, airfields in western Ukraine — expert

In addition, airfields with concentrations of NATO-standard and Soviet-made warplanes were hit, according to Vitaly Kiselyov

Hungary’s Orban questions EU’s capacity to provide more military aid to Ukraine

The Brussels summit showed that, further down the road, "the Europeans would like to sponsor the Ukrainian army"

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted roughly 575 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 13:05

Russia won’t tolerate NATO contingents in Ukraine, Lavrov says

This would mean a direct, official, open involvement of NATO countries in the war against Russia, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Russia may retaliate against EU militarization — Kremlin

European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen offered the association’s countries a rearmament plan for 800 billion euros and a 1.5% increase in military spending the day before

Yesterday, 13:54

Respite for Ukrainian forces on battlefield unacceptable — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the true intention of France and the UK, which came up with a plan for Ukraine, was to prevent a collapse of the front line for Ukrainian forces

US seeks dialogue with Russia, China to get rid of nuclear weapons — Trump

Trump pointed out that he had discussed the issue with Moscow and Beijing during his first term in office

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Zelensky seeks talks as Europe hesitates to introduce military service

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 6th

Trump says he plans to visit Saudi Arabia soon

The US president did not answer whether he plans to visit Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Ukraine's oligarchs not happy with rare-earths deal with US — Treasury Department

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky had already promised the US administration several times to sign the mentioned deal, but he did not keep his word

Yesterday, 19:54

Trump makes it clear to Zelensky there is path back to talks with Washington — US envoy

Trump said earlier that he had received a message from Zelensky with the latter expressing his readiness for talks on a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine

Europe eggs Zelensky on for continued combat, Vance says

US Vice President said in an interview with Fox News

EU living through period of major turbulence, choices — State Duma speaker

While right-leaning politicians and conservatives have been winning elections, including to the European Parliament, a trend Volodin said will only intensify in the future, Europe is also seeing a "protracted economic crisis," with the eurozone’s GDP rising a mere 0.7% in 2024

Yesterday, 18:11

Europe not to win arms race against Russia as Moscow has no intention of joining — Kremlin

"We will focus on our own matters and secure our own interests," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Yesterday, 15:22

Makeshift graves with bodies of 17 civilians found near Kupyansk — administration

Kharkov Region military-civilian administration deputy head Yevgeny Lisnyak stated that most of the deceased showed signs of being forcibly held, strangled, and had other types of trauma and gunshot wounds

Zelensky plans to visit Saudi Arabia on March 10

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Witcoff said earlier that delegations from Kiev and Washington planned to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukrainian reconciliation

US finds it harder to engage with Ukraine than with Russia — Trump

The US leader noted that the Russian side "has all the cards"