The Russian economy has been growing much faster than expected in 2023, despite numerous rounds of sanctions – in what many see a failure of Western policy. RT reviews the economic performance through the outgoing year.

The Chinese government has named the commander-in-chief of its naval forces as defense minister. The move comes after the previous holder of the role was fired in late October amid reports of his involvement in a corruption scandal.

Newly elected President Javier Milei had previously expressed his reluctance to join the bloc Argentina has formally rejected an invitation to become a member of the BRICS group of nations, several news media outlets reported on Friday, citing an official letter they have seen which has been sent to the leaders of Russia, China, India,…