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DOGE reveals shocking expenditures without Congress approval — Johnson

Immediately after the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump, DOGE began a comprehensive audit of the US budget spending with the aim of cutting it by $2 trillion

WASHINGTON, February 11. /TASS/. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by billionaire Elon Musk has revealed massive government spending that was not approved by the lawmakers, U.S. House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson said.

"What they’ve uncovered is, frankly, shocking. There are a lot of expenditures of the federal government that Congress has not been aware of, in spite of our best efforts to do oversight, some of this has been hidden," Johnson said as reported by The Daily Wire.

When asked whether the Donald Trump administration would abide by courts’ rulings to DOGE to suspend some activities, Johnson said that the Republican Party fully supports DOGE and the president, while Congress would now codify a lot of the changes.

Immediately after the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump, DOGE began a comprehensive audit of the US budget spending with the aim of cutting it by $2 trillion. Earlier, at Musk’s suggestion, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was halted pending reorganization.

Hamas to take note of Russia’s request to free Donbass native Maxim Kharkin

According to Political Bureau Deputy Chairman Mousa Abu Marzouk, Hamas leadership 'will definitely take Russia's request into account when negotiations are completed and the second phase begins'

Russian experts slam attack on Chernobyl NPP as provocation by Ukraine

Renat Karchaa pointed to Ukraine's "irresponsible approach to nuclear safety"

IN BRIEF: What is known about exchange of Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik

Alexander Vinnik was detained in Greece on July 25, 2017, at the request of the United States

Press review: Putin, Trump discuss Ukraine peace, Iran deal as Armenia moves toward EU

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 13th

USAID spent $30.6 bln to dominate, undermine Ukraine over 4 years — Zakharova

"If Washington allocated this money through USAID, sent it to Ukraine and at the same time realized that it was not an effective way to solve Ukrainian economic problems, why was it done?" the spokeswoman said

Russian national Trufanov should be freed during phase 1 of Gaza deal — Israeli ambassador

Simona Halperin stressed that Alexander Trufanov is alive

US could slap 100% tariffs on imports from BRICS countries — Trump

The president earlier said he would impose 100% tariffs on imports from BRICS countries if they set up their own currency or give up the dollar

Zelensky completely disheartened after conversation with Trump — expert

According to Mikhail Pavliv, this most likely indicates that the new administration in Washington, along with the demand for elections, "is prepared to declare the Verkhovna Rada as the only legitimate authority in the country"

Ukraine intensifies attacks on Energodar due to failures on frontline — Russian politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, Ukraine’s attacks on Energodar and its actions in the Kursk Region stem from Zelensky’s desire to portray the Ukrainian armed forces as a viable threat in these regions

India supports Trump's aspirations to peaceful resolution of conflict in Ukraine — Modi

The Prime Minister also stressed that India has been advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict since the beginning of the conflict

Trump announces start of "reciprocal tariffs" on Thursday

The president earlier said that he planned to announce taking measures to make the level of tariffs in the US’ bilateral trade with other countries equal in coming days

Kremlin refuses to disclose whether Russia, US intend to engage in Munich

The Munich Security Conference is taking place in Germany on February 14-16

Medvedev calls Putin-Trump talk crucial for whole world

According to the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, as a result of the previous US administration's policy, the world was teetering on the brink of apocalypse

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 21% per annum at its first meeting in 2025

The Bank of Russia will consider the advisability of raising the key rate at its next meeting, taking into account the speed and sustainability of the decline in inflation

New US administration recognizes Russia's military successes in Ukraine — American expert

"US Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s speech in Brussels on February 12, acknowledging the unambiguous reality of Russia’s military accomplishments in Eastern Ukraine, is a further indication of a new realism in American foreign policy," Theodore A. Postol said

Medvedev says Europe's era is over

"It is weak, ugly and useless," the politician wrote

Ukraine brought to catastrophe, faces collapse of statehood — Russian intel chief

It is well-known that the territory of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was shaped only during the Soviet period and "before that it simply did not exist as a single administrative unit," Sergey Naryshkin pointed out

FACTBOX: Car rams crowd in Munich

The accident happened just an eight-minute drive from the venue set to host the Munich Security Conference, which will open on Friday

Trump destroys Western alliance supporting Ukraine — newspaper

The approach to the events in Ukraine that Trump showed in his telephone conversation with Putin is "full of sense," it noted

Potential shift in US-Russia relations disrupts European officials’ plans — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the recent phone call between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States "roiled global politics"

Channel One cameraman injured as crew comes under Ukrainian attack in Russian region

According to Interim Governor Alexander Khinshtein, Yury Sholmov has already been taken to the Kursk Regional Clinical Hospital

Trump hopes to weaken Russia's partnership with China by bringing it back to G8 — senator

Alexey Pushkov also noted that the strengthening of China and the strengthening of the Russian-Chinese tandem are contrary to the interests of the United States

Zaporozhye NPP operating normally in wake of Ukrainian attack on thermal power facility

According to acting Energodar Mayor Maxim Pukhov, Ukrainian troops launched 15 artillery strikes on the city adjacent to the ZNPP

Israeli Air Force strikes refugee camp on West Bank — TV

Firearms and improvised explosive devices are being used against the Israeli military, Al Jazeera reports

G7 has lost its economic leadership and is of little interest for Russia — Kremlin

Donald Trump said it was a mistake to expel Russia from the G8 in 2014 after Crimea's reunification with Russia

Russian forces liberate six communities in Donbass region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 3,730 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy tanks and 26 armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week

Russia will return to global economic system after settlement in Ukraine — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister also recalled that Hungary has long advocated the lifting of sanctions against Russia, which cause great damage to the European economy, including by causing an increase in energy prices

Trump says he trusts Putin on Ukraine issue

The US president expressed confidence that the Russian leadership wanted peace

Scholz calls on Bundestag to ensure additional spending for Ukraine outside budget

"This means that our support for Ukraine, which is now more important than ever, will no longer be carried out at the expense of other tasks that our state must fulfill in relation to its citizens," the German Chancellor said

Putin would be happy to see Trump at Victory Day celebrations — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that "if some countries, particularly major ones, decide to share in the joy of this victory with us and celebrate this day with us, we - and especially President Putin - will be pleased to welcome them in Moscow"

Biggest threat to Europe’s security comes from within, not from Russia — US vice president

According to JD Vance, the Trump administration is very concerned about the state of European security

Ukrainian drones penetrate deeper into Zaporozhye Region — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, the Ukrainian military attacks civilian infrastructure at a distance of 25 kilometers from the line of engagement

Putin-Trump call amicable, constructive — Kremlin

The two leaders also agreed that the Biden administration did great damage to relations between the two countries

Trump excludes Kiev from talks on Ukraine conflict settlement — newspaper

The authors of the article also pointed to comments made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after the regular meeting of NATO defense ministers that Europe's leaders should take primary responsibility for ensuring its security

Zelensky announces visit to Saudi Arabia, no confirmation of discussions with US, Russia

US President Donald Trump earlier said that negotiations on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict would be held next week in Saudi Arabia

Possible Ukraine deal may 'shock a lot of people', senior US official says

In a telephone conversation on February 12, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed, among other things, the prospects for resolving the situation in Ukraine

EU pledges 'stable support' for Ukraine until just peace, not victory, is achieved

US President Donald Trump held phone calls with Russian leader Vladiir Putin and Zelensky on February 12. After his conversation with the Russian president, Trump announced a decision to immediately launch talks on Ukraine

Trump wants to discuss defense spending with Russia, China — report

The US president also said he supports moves toward denuclearization and there is no need to build nuclear weapons

Trump pledges Ukraine’s involvement in settlement talks

"We would have Ukraine, and we have Russia, and we'll have other people involved, a lot of people," the president said

Ramstein meeting 'the worst' for Ukraine — Zakharova

The diplomat noted that now only the British have decided to pledge aid

NATO must aspire to prevent conflict of great powers in Europe — Pentagon

According to Pete Hegseth, "the US is committed to building a stronger, more lethal NATO"

FACTBOX: Key rate role, price growth slowdown — key takeaways after regulator’s meeting

The Central Bank sees as the price growth rate gears down amid the ruble appreciation

Putin-Trump meeting to take place before potential exchange of visits — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the aides will now coordinate the meeting at the working level

European Commission chief says many in EU confused by latest statements by US officials

Ursula von der Leyen still emphasized that "when it comes to European security, Europe has to do more"

Russian officials to skip Munich conference, receive no invitation — Foreign Ministry

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that Russian and US officials would meet on February 14 to discuss the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference

Ukraine behind drone attack on Chernobyl NPP, Rada lawmaker says

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier called the Ukrainian accusations that a Russian drone had allegedly hit the destroyed power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant at night and damaged the protective sarcophagus 'another fraud'

US could still deploy forces to Ukraine, impose further sanctions on Russia, Vance warns

The US Vice President believes it is premature to say exactly what security assurances the United States and the West could provide to Ukraine

Russian troops liberate Vodyanoye Vtoroye community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 510 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility

EU’s exclusion from talks on Ukraine may change relations with US — German defense chief

Boris Pistorius said that Europe and Ukraine should be part of talks on resolving the conflict

Ukraine’s defense chief says no plans to abandon NATO accession

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth earlier effectively ruled out Ukraine's NATO membership

Ukrainian forces boobytrap wells in Kursk border area, four people reported injured

According to Rodion Miroshnik, some of the injured still remain hospitalized

Zelensky says Ukraine not to accept results of talks without Kiev

Zelensky emphasized that the fact that American President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin before calling him was deeply upsetting for him

Medvedev explains Scholz's call to declare state of emergency over Ukraine by polls

Olaf Scholz earlier said the Bundestag should decide on additional spending on Ukraine from other sources than the national budget as soon as possible because of an urgent budget situation under paragraph 2 of Article 115 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany

Trump's office says Ukraine's NATO membership not off the table

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the regular meeting of the Western contact group in Brussels on February 12 that a return to Ukraine's 2014 borders was unrealistic

West betrayed Kiev by pitting Ukrainians against Russians, Moscow diplomat argues

Maria Zakharova pointed out that it was the leaders of EU countries who admitted a while back that it was never their intention to implement the Minsk Agreements on Ukraine despite assuring the world otherwise

Another 26 foreigners from 12 countries prosecuted for mercenary activities in Ukraine

British, Colombian, Polish, Swedish and Argentinian nationals have been prosecuted

Crimes of Kiev forces in Kursk region should be recognized as genocide — official

"In addition to the village of Russkoye Porechnoye, which is well-known, there are cases in Korenevo, where civilians were shot in cars, and liberated Nikolayevo-Daryino, where the militants of the Ukrainian armed forces killed all the men," Vladimir Rogov said

Biden's attempt to rule over world almost killed mankind — Medvedev

At some point, the US appointed itself as the leading country of our planet, the Russian official noted

Ukrainian crew to blame for aircraft incident in CAR — head of officers’ union

Alexander Ivanov specified that an investigation into the incident is currently underway

Putin-Trump talks sent shivers through European Parliament, MEP tells TASS

The phone talks between the two leaders served as a kind of reality check for the EU, Thierry Mariani argued

Kiev steps up efforts to hold back Russian army’s advance near Krasnoarmeisk, says DPR

Meanwhile, in the area between the Solyonaya and Volchya Rivers, Russian troops have achieved serious successes and are straightening the frontline in the sector between Chasov Yar and Dzerzhinsk, Igor Kimakovsky specified

Kremlin now forming group of negotiators with US — Kremlin

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Moscow and Washington intend to immediately start negotiations on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

Scholz calls for increasing military spending so that Europe would be an equal ally of US

"In order for Europe to be and remain an equal ally of the US, we must do much more for our security so that we can continue to live in peace," the German Chancellor said

Rostelecom estimates loss from cable break in Baltic Sea at tens of millions of rubles

The kind of the cable break "gives rise to many questions," Rostelecom President Mikhail Oseyevsky said

Trump says US to get back chip business from Taiwan — Reuters

US leader repeatedly announced the intention to impose tariffs on imports of chips from Taiwan and the wish to get chip producers back to the territory of the US

Half of Kursk Region village residents died before it was liberated by Russian forces

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian side received data about people who had lost their relatives who had been degraded, tortured, shot and killed

EU’s 'reduced priority' and 'blow to Ukraine': global reaction to Trump-Putin conversation

Trump has demonstrated that he considers Russia an important force in global governance, which is a very positive sign for dialogue and cooperation, Gou Liu, an expert from the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University, said

Russian diplomat says Musk let slip that USAID involved in bioweapon activity in Ukraine

"The United States itself has acknowledged that Russian statements about the dangers of US bioweapon activity are absolutely true," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Kiev to attempt to disrupt Russia-US dialogue with terrorism — diplomat

Attempts by Kiev to disrupt it will occur in various ways, primarily those violating the norms and principles of international law: terrorism, sabotage, and efforts to pressure the civilian population," Rodion Miroshnik noted

Ukraine's NATO membership could happen in 25 years — Pentagon chief

Hegseth on February 12 outlined some U.S. positions ahead of negotiations on settlement in Ukraine, including that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is "unrealistic," that no U.S. troops would be deployed to Ukraine

Lavrov doesn't understand why the world is in shock over Putin-Trump conversation

The top diplomat stated that the United States' European allies had abandoned dialogue and diplomacy as a means of communication with the outside world, opting instead for "the language of threats, sanctions, and arming the Nazi regime in Kiev to wage war against Russia"

Orban sees EU as undeserving of role in Ukraine settlement talks

"The position of Brussels - to support killing as long as it takes - is morally and politically unacceptable," the Hungarian prime minister wrote

Russia’s Su-57 fighter jet outshines US F-35 aircraft by maneuverability — Rostec

The latest Russian fighter jet features many unique solutions valued by the domestic design school, for example, the integral layout, perfect aerodynamics and vectored thrust engines, Russia’s state tech corporation explained

Japanese lawmaker urges to lift sanctions against Russia

Muneo Suzuki said that it would be great if Ishiba "makes constructive steps and statements that would promote cooperation between Japan and the United States, Japan and Russia, and the three countries"

Russian national Vinnik on his way to Russia via Turkey after being released from US jail

His lawyer Arkady Bukh explained that Alexander Vinnik’s name "has been removed from the database of the correctional facility where he was kept"

Ukrainian soldiers looted villages in Kursk Region — special envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, several individuals informed him that the Ukrainian army had special units that used trucks to transport the stolen items

Trump says he wants to discuss nuclear arsenal reduction with Russia and China

"Hopefully there'll never be a time where we need those weapons," US president said

US presence in Europe won’t last forever, top defense official says

Pete Hegseth pointed out that the US was committed to working with NATO and reiterated the country's call for allies to increase defense spending

Europe has hard truth to face in Ukraine post Russia-US relations shift — expert

Jacques Sapir noted that the US is the key weapons supplier to Ukraine, and if Washington refuses to keep supporting Kiev, the Europeans will have to acknowledge the reality that "they have been turning away from since February 2022"

Ukrainian forces strike Zaporozhye thermal power plant, equipment critically damaged

It led to a power outage for more than 50,000 subscribers

Neighborly dialogue with Russia needed on range of issues — Japan's foreign minister

Meanwhile, Takeshi Iwaya noted the importance of the Russia-US dialogue within the Ukraine situation

Russia's mission in Ukraine is one of liberation — ambassador to Romania

Vladimir Lipayev believes that Russia is actually protecting the interests of the Ukrainian people against the colonial aspirations of Western countries

US’ realistic assessment of Ukraine conflict not concession to Russia — Pentagon chief

Speaking in Brussels at a regular meeting of the Western contact group coordinating arms deliveries to Kiev, Pete Hegseth emphasized that returning to Ukraine’s 2014 borders was unrealistic

Putin spent many hours discussing world problems with Saudi crown prince — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that "Saudi Arabia is a nation with which we have very constructive interactions across various sectors"

Russia says never sent UAVs to Moldova — Foreign Ministry

"Combat drones are used by the Russian armed forces against military targets and related infrastructure facilities in Ukraine," Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed

Detailed Ukraine talks not started yet — Russian MFA

"But it is still too early to talk about a specific negotiation process. Until recently, in principle, there was nothing to stimulate," Maria Zakharova said

Press review: Trump probes Ukraine options while Russian military technologies rise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 12th

Ukrainian shelling disables sole backup power supply line for ZNPP

The ZNPP's needs are supplied by the 750 kV high-voltage line Dneprovskaya at present

Masterminds of Kiev's war crimes guaranteed it impunity — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik also reported that Ukrainian soldiers engaged in looting and pillaging in nearly every village they entered in the Kursk Region

EU leaders must take primary responsibility for European security — Pentagon chief

"It's an imperative given the strategic realities that we face, and that begins with increasing defense spending," Pete Hegseth added

Press review: Saudi Arabia may host Putin-Trump talks and Moscow eyes Africa hub

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 14th

Russian forces entrap Ukrainian battlegroup near Dvurechnaya in Kharkov Region

Russian forces have taken control of actually all strategic heights in that frontline area, which "aggravates the position of Ukrainian armed formations," Andrey Marochko said

Contacts on Ukraine will be held next week in Saudi Arabia — Trump

"Tomorrow, there's a meeting in Munich, and then next week there's a meeting in Saudi Arabia, not with myself or President Putin, but with top officials. And Ukraine will be a part of it too," US leader said

Trump says parties ‘went a long way toward getting solution on Ukraine’

"And I think we went a long way toward getting a solution to the horrible war where so many people are being killed," the president said

US Vice President Vance’s recent remarks on Russia should be clarified — Kremlin

"It’s unquestionable that during the discussions we have mentioned, we expect to be provided with additional clarifications," Dmitry Peskov said

Talks on Ukrainian settlement should address Russian security concerns — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, when the Russian and US leaders, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, spoke by phone on Wednesday, they agreed that problems "can and should be solved through dialogue"

Russia to respond to any cases of vessel seizures in Baltic Sea — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that any potential acts of seizure of vessels linked to Russia cannot be legally viewed as acts of piracy

Putin discusses with Security Council his conversation with Trump — spokesman

Vladimir Putin's conversation with Donald Trump occurred on Wednesday and marked their first communication in three years

EU must alter its policy to join the negotiating table on Ukraine — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban emphasized that "you cannot do nothing for peace" and still claim to participate in peace talks

Flight from Istanbul carrying Russian national Vinnik lands in Moscow's Vnukovo airport

"It spent a little over 4 hours in flight from Istanbul," the agency's source said

Nuclear technologies in Kiev regime’s hands pose global security threat — Russian diplomat

"We have repeatedly warned that the Kiev regime is preparing such provocations. Unfortunately, our fears turned out to be justified," Maria Zakharova pointed out