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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US lowers compensation claims against Ukraine to $100 bln — Bloomberg

The figure became closer to the one indicated by Ukraine and totaling about $90 bln, the news agency said

NEW YORK, April 16. /TASS/. The United States lowered compensation claims against Ukraine for provided aid to $100 bln, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.

According to the news agency, the administration of Donald Trump lowered the estimate of aid volumes provided by Washington to Kiev from $300 bln to about $100 bln after talks. The figure became closer to the one indicated by Ukraine and totaling about $90 bln, Bloomberg said.

Trump’s administration experts pressure on Kiev, demanding to sign an agreement on profit sharing from future Ukrainian investment projects, including minerals and infrastructure. Washington views it as a compensation for dozens of billions of dollars in the form of weapons and other aid provided under former President Joe Biden.

Tags

US State Department closes center on information counteraction to Russia, other countries

The top US diplomat specified that "under the previous administration, this office spent millions of dollars to actively silence and censor the voices of Americans they were supposed to be serving"

Kiev attempts to maintain its shaky construct by extending mobilization — Kremlin

Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada voted to prolong general mobilization in Ukraine for 90 days starting on May 9

Choco Pie maker to invest $168 mln into production facility in Russia’s Tver

According to estimates, Russia accounts for about 40% of Orion’s chocolate cookies sales globally

Serbia's accession to EU loses significance — Serbian minister

Milica Durdevic-Stamenkovski recalled that Serbia began the process of European integration at a time when the idea of EU membership was much more attractive to the public in Serbia and in other potential candidate countries

US lowers compensation claims against Ukraine to $100 bln — Bloomberg

The figure became closer to the one indicated by Ukraine and totaling about $90 bln, the news agency said

French expert sees signs of Ukraine's military exhaustion

Colonel Herve Carres also pointed to "a noticeable decline in the morale of Ukrainian society"

Russia's downing of Ukrainian F-16 shows hoopla around jet overblown, general says

Major-General Vladimir Popov argued that Ukrainian pilots have trouble with the multirole fighter jet because, among other things, they are not accustomed to the layout of the cockpit

Slovak premier says he will be in Moscow on May 9 despite threats from EU diplomatic chief

According to Robert Fico, Kaja Kallas' statement underscores the need for a debate on the essence of democracy within the European Union

Kremlin not ready to announce exact hour of end of ceasefire on energy sites strikes

The energy ceasefire has been in effect since March 18

Putin to hold talks with Qatar’s emir in Moscow on April 17

According to the Kremlin, the plan is to discuss pressing issues of Russia-Qatar cooperation in various areas with a focus on trade, economic and humanitarian areas

Russia’s Battlegroup West strikes Ukrainian National Guard position with Tornado-S MLRS

The battlegroup also destroyed 29 fixed-wing drones, 36 unmanned aircraft control points, and four Starlink satellite communication stations

Press review: Moscow mulls energy ceasefire extension as Trump eyes State Department cuts

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 16th

Russian bomb expert describes Ugledar tunnels as grave for numerous Ukrainian troops

It is reported that the tunnels created a wide network covered by buildings

Rhenium extraction from Kuril volcano gas may start in 24 months

Each year, the company dispatches a team to the volcano, works on ensuring safe presence in this hazardous area, and evaluates various technological models to extract rare and rare-earth elements from toxic, high-temperature volcanic gases, Maxim Korobov added

US holds productive talks with Russia, Moscow wants to end Ukraine conflict — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff that took place in St. Petersburg on April 11

Russia hopes for Iran's swift ratification of comprehensive partnership deal — diplomat

"We also very much hope that through our inter-parliamentary ties, taking into account the close relations between the parliaments of the two countries, distinguished senators and deputies will also motivate their Iranian colleagues during their contacts not to delay this process artificially," Andrey Rudenko said

Israeli fighter jet accidentally drops munition onto Israeli border community

According to the IDF, no one was hurt

Ethiopia to join BRICS bank in near future — ambassador to Brazil

Brazil will chair BRICS in 2025

Ukraine sustains more casualties than it recruits new soldiers, French general reveals

"Meanwhile, the Ukrainians lose more troops on the front line than they can draft," Dominique Delawarde continued

EU diplomacy chief says Israel 'crossed in the line' in Gaza

Israel’s security cannot be ensured without observing the Palestinians’ rights, Kaja Kallas added

UN chief’s remarks on Sumy events expose selective approach to UN Charter — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that "Russian forces have never carried out deliberate strikes on the civilian population, and they will never do that"

Energy strikes, dialogue with US, new intel: SVR chief Naryshkin talks to reporters

Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director lauded the renewed dialogue between Russia and the United States

Sappers destroy more than 185,000 mines, explosive items in Kursk Region

More than 675 kilometers of roads and 26,000 hectares of land have been cleared of mines

Zelensky admits inability to regain lost territories

At the same time, he noted his distrust of Russian authorities and continued to demand security guarantees from the West

Compromise with Russia inevitable for Europe, says British expert

"I think all the mentioned things will dominate Western European politics so much that a compromise with Russia will eventually become inevitable," Anatol Lieven pointed out

US may sign mineral deal with Ukraine this week — Treasury Secretary

The latest proposal demands all of Ukraine’s revenues from natural resources as repayment for aid worth some $120 billion that Washington has provided to Kiev

US may introduce tariffs up to 245% on imports from China — White House

The White House did not give details regarding the timeframe and the configuration for toughening these measures

People worldwide increasingly see Russia as keeper of traditional values, says Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that "Russia has consistently upheld the belief that reliance on enduring values common to all major world religions and cultures along with respect for the unique identities of all nations and their right to sovereign development is key to building a fairer multipolar world order"

Zakharova brands Ukraine’s bid to host EU leaders on May 9 'theatre of absurd'

"For more than a decade now, these two words have characterized most of the events, steps, and statements that we hear and see from the so-called collective West and all those who pledge loyalty to it," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed

Taurus supplies to Kiev would usher in ‘new quality’ of Russia-Germany ties — ambassador

Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev emphsized that the Ukrainian soldiers could not operate these long-range weapons

Uncontrolled AI growth in US could doom humanity — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui stressed that China regards security as a fundamental principle of AI development, "emphasizing the priority of ethical norms and the need to keep AI under control"

JD Vance slams 'absurd' Zelensky’s words on US support for Russia

The US vice president pointed out that in order to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, it is necessary to understand the strategic goals of both sides

Russian ambassador says UK having hard time balancing between EU, US

"According to many objective conditions, the political choice will be Washington, while the trade and economic choice will be the European Union," Andrey Kelin noted

Russian envoy urges new German government to avoid past mistakes in Ukraine policy

"It is obvious to everyone that the proclaimed ‘tipping point’ with regard to Russia has not just failed, but has led Germany into a dead end," Sergey Nechayev said

Situation with inflation in Russia changing to the better — Putin

The Bank of Russia and the economic bloc of the government want to achieve reduction of mortgage lending to improve the macroeconomic situation, including as regards inflation, the Russian leader stressed

Up to ten Chinese car brands may leave Russian market — newspaper

Experts polled by Kommersant said that Russians prefer buying Chinese cars with a branched dealership chain

Sending Danish troops to Ukraine to draw Denmark into conflict — Russian ambassador

According to the reports, the Danish Armed Forces are planning to send soldiers to a training camp in Ukraine

Trump criticizes Chinese influence over Panama Canal operations

"Washington should never have "given it to Panama," the president said

Golden Dome missile defense shield won’t protect US from Russia or China, analyst says

Thomas Countryman noted that the system "could be overwhelmed by the much cheaper option of simply building a lot more missiles"

Press review: EU may become Ukraine’s top arms supplier while Trump seeks trade benefits

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 15th

Rubio, Witkoff heading to France for talks on Ukraine, Iran, tariffs — newspaper

The sides will also discuss the situation in Gaza, where Israel is conducting a military operation

Russian ambassador in London says 'coalition of willing' prepares intervention in Ukraine

Andrey Kelin also saw a desire to respond to the dialogue established between Moscow and Washington in the European initiative

US not to discuss relaxing sanctions on Russia until Ukraine ceasefire — State Department

"It's clearly a dynamic where there have to be more questions about the nature of who's really committed to peace and a ceasefire," Spokeswoman for the US Department of State Tammy Bruce said

Russian troops make wide-front advance toward Konstantinovka in Donetsk area — official

According to Igor Kimakovsky, Russian forces are trying to even out the front line between Dimitrov and Dzerzhinsk

Ukrainian army leaving positions in Gornal community in Kursk Region — officer

The artillery of Russia’s 30th Motor Rifle Regiment has cut off all the supply routes for the Ukrainian combat group in the village of Gornal, he said

Trump annoyed by EU’s backing of Zelensky after White House clash — Politico

On February 28, when answering questions from the media ahead of negotiations, Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky clashed verbally, during which Trump pointed out Zelensky’s lack of respect toward the United States

Minister of state: Qatar committed to stronger ties with Russia despite differing views

Over recent years, Russia and Qatar have intensified their engagement, which has continued to grow amid heightened global and regional tensions, particularly in the Middle East. As Doha maintains its role as an effective intermediary in conflict resolution, it has emerged as a nexus for both global and regional interests. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alone has traveled to the Qatari capital on two occasions in the past six months

Russia, China continue to discuss Power of Siberia-2 route — ambassador

According to Zhang Hanhui, as for the price of gas, the parties already have the first pipe, so it is easier for them to agree

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian army’s overnight drone attack on Kursk

A total of 109 unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down over the region, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russia lists BMD-4M advantages for foreign customers

BMD-4M can be airlifted and dropped on a parachute from Il-76MD-90A(E) aircraft

EU threats to Serbia over potential Victory Day visit to Russia ‘Euronazism’ — Zakharova

"80 years ago, this is how the fascists forced those who were considered ‘second-class citizens’ to abandon their homeland, ethnicity, and faith," the diplomat stated

US tariff war could speed up de-dollarization process — Chinese expert

On April 2, Trump announced the introduction of customs duties on products from 185 countries and territories

US wants to use tariffs for isolating China on global stage — media

The US plans to persuade more than 70 countries to ban Chinese companies from operating on their territories and supplying their goods through them, in return, the US is expected to promise them lower import duties, according to the Wall Street Journal

Acting Kursk Region head reveals number of apartment houses damaged in Ukrainian attack

According to acting Kursk head Sergey Kotlyarov, over 20 cars were damaged

US sanctions slow development of China-Russia ties, but they will be overcome — ambassador

According to Zhang Hanhui, Russia and China need to settle the issue of mutual payments and are considering such options as an alternative to SWIFT

Russian troops liberate Kalinovo community in Donetsk region over past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 223 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 11 JDAM smart bombs over the past day, the ministry reported

Swedish Foreign Ministry summons Russian envoy

The diplomat was summoned over "recent attacks on the cities of Krivoy Rog and Sumy"

Russian Pacific Fleet ships call at Bangladeshi port of Chittagong

The ships will take part in the PASSEX 2025 joint naval drills, the Russian embassy in that country said

Former Kursk Region governor detained on suspicion of fraud

Alexey Smirnov's former first deputy Alexey Dedov have also been detained

Russian intel agency says foreign pundits hope Russia, US will team up to prevent conflict

The agency also stated that analysts are not surprised by London's leading destructive role in the Ukrainian conflict

Russia, US, China to divide spheres of influence under new world order — Argentine leader

According to Javier Milei, Europe is currently incapable of claiming global leadership

What we know about Russia’s Iskander strike on Ukrainian military command in Sumy

The strike on the target eliminated more than 60 Ukrainian army personnel, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Kiev attacks Russia's energy infrastructure six times over past 24 hours — top brass

Over 17,400 people were left without electricity as a result of the Ukrainian attacks in the Belgorod Region

Slovak parliament rejects resolution condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine — agency

The document was submitted to parliament by the largest liberal opposition movement Progressive Slovakia

UK wages unannounced hostilities against Russia, ambassador says

Andrey Kelin also pointed to London's desire to prevent a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region deflated, actively surrendering — Russian officer

Army General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and first deputy defense minister, said on March 12 that around 430 Ukrainian soldiers had been captured in the Kursk Region

Russian envoy to Sweden responds to country’s position on Sumy strike

"The Ukrainian army regularly used civilians as human shields for military facilities in violation of international humanitarian law," the Russian embassy in the kingdom said

US starts pulling out forces from military base in southern Syria — TV

The US has established nine military bases and three outposts in Kurdish-controlled areas of Syria in 2015-2018

Ukrainians could face deportation for taking part in protests against Trump — ex-PM

According to Nikolay Azarov, 64% of Ukrainian protesters are draft-age men between the ages of 25 and 47, who may end up in the armed forces at home after participating in protest rallies in the United States

Instigators to be first targets to be hit in case of NATO aggression — Russian SVR chief

Sergey Naryshkin drew attention to the fact that Poland and the Baltic states "are characterized by a high level of aggressiveness"

Russia not to 'offer anything to anyone' on New START Treaty — Lavrov

The ten-year treaty was to expire in February 2021, when Moscow and Washington agreed to extend it for a maximum period of five years, with Russia describing it as the gold standard of disarmament accords

Slovak PM slams top EU diplomat over warning on May 9 visit to Russia

Robert Fico noted that during his visit to Russia he intended to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and take part in the Immortal Regiment march

West attempts to twist UN’s foundation over hegemonic ambitions — Russian diplomat

Gennady Gatilov stressed that some countries, seeking to secure their domination, attempt to distort the UN’s core, erode the system of international law, which enshrines the sovereign equality of countries

Russian army expands buffer zone around liberated villages in Sumy Region

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its troops had liberated Veselovka, Zhuravka, and Basovka in the Sumy Region

West's spinning of Sumy strike aims to undermine peace talks — portal

Journalist Davide Malacaria drew a parallel to the 2020 Bucha provocation staged by the Kiev regime, when Western media blew that story up to discredit Russia, hindering talks in Istanbul

US derails G7 condemnation of Russian strike on Ukrainian troops in Sumy — news agency

On April 13, the Russian Armed Forces delivered a strike by two Iskander-M tactical missiles on a gathering place of the command staff of Ukraine’s Seversk operational-tactical group in the city of Sumy

Hamas says sees no actual guarantees in Israel’s new Gaza ceasefire proposal

Hamas did not give an unequivocal answer whether it rejects the proposal

Friends in Defense of UN Charter note need to address root causes of crises

Sergey Lavrov expressed appreciation for the group's unity in supporting the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination and return to their native lands

Only 37% of people in Africa enjoy internet access — UN

UNDP also notes that Africa is experiencing an acute shortage of digital capacity, with only 2% of the world's data centers located on the continent

Trump believes China needs trade deal — White House

"The ball is in China's court," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Russia, US public figures to send letter to Putin, Trump to commemorate meeting on Elbe

Citing historical parallels, they stressed that good relations between Russia and the United States are achievable today, and noted the importance of the activity of social movements in the two countries for the preservation of a common history

Former US President Biden delivers first public speech since leaving office

The former White House host spoke for about 30 minutes, refraining from mentioning the name of the current American leader Donald Trump

Zelensky hopes Europe purchases Patriot SAMs for Ukraine — MP

The Ukrainian state budget is currently deficient and will not be able to bear the burden of buying weapons, noted Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Anna Skorokhod

Zakharova says Russia needs no analogues of foreign music awards

According to the diplomat, there are time-tested awards in Russia that "resonate all over the world"

Szijjarto says Rubio assured him US committed to peace in Ukraine

Peter Szijjarto confirmed that Hungary supported the peace efforts of the Trump administration and counted on their success

Ukraine, France, Britain, Turkey hold Black Sea-themed meeting in Istanbul

Russia is not participating

Mercenaries from Colombia, other countries trapped in Gornal monastery — State Duma member

The encircled gunmen are unwilling to surrender because they came to Kursk "to hunt humans"

Kremlin to clarify deadline for moratorium on strikes on energy infrastructure

According to Dmitry Peskov, everything will depend on further orders from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief

Russian forces held off Ukrainian counteroffensive near Krasnoarmeysk, official says

According to Igor Kimakovsky, the enemy gathered up significant drone forces in the area for the counteroffensive attempt

EC chief supports EU’s renewal for shaping of new world order

The EU needs to strive for progress in building its own defense capability and improving its competitiveness, Ursula von der Leyen said

Technology to jam Starlink signal begins to be used in Kherson Region — governor

This technology has already started to be deployed, and the effects are already being felt, Vladimir Saldo stressed

Zelensky says Witkoff overstepped his authority when discussing Ukraine's territory

The latest meeting between Putin and Witkoff took place on April 11 and lasted more than four hours

Russian ruble becomes world’s top-performing currency amid dollar weakness — media

Iskander Lutsko, the Dubai-based head of research and portfolio management at Istar Capital, noted a visible thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington, which, in his view, also played a role in making the Russian currency more attractive to investors

IN BRIEF: What we know about Ukrainian UAV attack on Russia’s central Ivanovo Region

An UAV attack alert has been issued in Shuya in the Ivanovo Region

Lebanon's army detains two Hamas senior officials in Saida — media

The identities of the detainees were not disclosed

Hamas rejects reports suggesting its conversion into political party

Senior Hamas official Husam Badran said that "political parties only operate in independent countries"

Ukrainian army sustains colossal losses in Chasov Yar area — DPR head’s adviser

The Ukrainian troops are reluctant to surrender this location, which overlooks the entire agglomeration north of Konstantinovka, Igor Kimakovsky noted

Solution for Ukraine envisages nuclear-free status, demilitarization — intelligence chief

Such a settlement also concerns "the recognition and sovereignty of Russia’s current territorial borders"

Russia invites 19 countries to Victory Day parade on Red Square — minister

According to Andrey Belousov, solemn events involving military personnel will be held in 370 settlements

Collective West's 'Zelensky project' has failed, opposition politician says

Viktor Medvedchuk reminded that Vladimir Zelensky and his team continually accuse Donald Trump of promoting pro-Russian rhetoric

Netanyahu visits northern Gaza, prime minister’s office says

The Israeli prime minister was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Head of Southern Command Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor and division and brigade commanders