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This week in photos: Putin's auto autograph, ball-playing bear cub, chefs at opera house

The world in pictures from TASS photo gallery

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 12

The opening of the 2019 Vakhta Pamyati All-Russian patriotic event at the Victory Museum on Moscow's Poklonnaya Hill, April 4

© Vyacheslav Prokofyev/TASS

Russia's President Vladimir Putin leaving a signature on a Mercedes-Benz car assembled at the 'Moskovia' Mercedes-Benz assembly plant, Moscow Region, April 3

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

Greenpeace activists staging a rally demanding the release of illegally caught orcas and beluga whales from the so-called 'whale prisons' off the coast of Russia, in Moscow, April 2. Cubs of these cetaceans were illegally caught in the Sea of Okhotsk in the summer of 2018 and are reportedly still kept in enclosures at bay Srednyaya in Primorsky Krai

© EPA-EFE/YURI KOCHETKOV

A little polar bear cub named Hertha playing with a ball in the outdoor enclosure of the Tierpark in Berlin, April 2

© EPA-EFE/FELIPE TRUEBA

A general view of the scenery for Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Rigoletto' during its topping out ceremony at the Seebuehne 'lake stage' in Bregenz, Austria, April 3

© EPA-EFE/DANIEL KOPATSCH

People on boat enjoying blooming cherry blossoms along the Chidorigafuchi Imperial Palace moat in Tokyo, April 3

© AP Photo/Koji Sasahara

A model presenting a creation by Russian designer Svetlana Evstigneeva during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, in Moscow, April 3

© EPA-EFE/SERGEI ILNITSKY

A marble statue of ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite is displayed for the first time in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, April 4

© EPA-EFE/ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU

Second day of the great feast of Italian cuisine 'Cibo Nostrum 2019' celebrating the culture of food and wine at the Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania, Italy, April 1

© Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images

Actors of clown-mime theatres and local citizens celebrating the Humor Day in central St. Petersburg, March 31

© EPA-EFE/ANATOLY MALTSEV

A volunteer makes preparations at a polling station ahead of Sunday's presidential election in Kiev, March 30

© AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

Tourists walking on a giant photographic work by French photographer and artist Jean Rene, known as JR in the main courtyard Cour Napoleon of the Louvre Museum in Paris, March 30

© Chesnot/Getty Images

Vladimir Putin's autographe on a Mercedes-Benz car, a little polar bear cub playing with a ball, Italian chefs at the theatre Vincenzo Bellini in Catania and other snapshots of the week. The world in pictures from TASS photo gallery.

More than 60% of Russians ready to take part in September elections — survey

Nearly 70% of respondents are aware of the single voting day, Mikhail Mamonov, director of political research at the VTsIOM analytical center, said

Kiev not to be able to use SCALP missiles effectively without US’ approval — expert

Security and defense analyst Michael Clarke noted that SCALP depended on MALD missiles manufactured by the US corporation Raytheon

Party radio debates ahead of State Duma elections begin in Russia

Television debates will begin on August 31

Russian household bank funds rise by 0.3% in July amid high demand for cash

On an annual basis, household funds held in banks increased by 9.5% in July, reaching $815.74 bln

Press Review: EU boosts arms aid to Ukraine as India bolsters Russia ties amid US pressure

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 25th

Chinese envoy hails Moscow Zoo for creating great atmosphere for pandas

Zhang Hanhui also congratulated panda Katyusha on her birthday

Russian UAV operators devise method against Ukrainian airborne EW systems — soldier

According to the soldier, an electronic warfare system mounted on a Baba-Yaga drone did not prevent unmanned aerial vehicle operators of the Battlegroup Dnepr from completing their combat mission

Nighttime drone attack on Krasnodar Region kills two, injures two

A fire was reported at an oil refinery in the region after drone debris fell there

Trump loses trade war with Canada — The Atlantic

According to the article, the pressure directed at Ottawa has not proven effective

Kazakhstan to cut 2026 oil output target due to CPC attacks

Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said the revised target now stands at 96 mln metric tons

Putin congratulates Tokayev on Adilet party's victory in parliamentary elections

The Russian leader stated that he has no doubt that the members of the Kurultai will cooperate fruitfully with Russian parliamentarians to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership

Ukrainian settlement, AI, POWs rights: Lavrov’s talks with Vatican envoy

Moscow expects the Vatican will pay attention to Kiev's illegal actions, the Russian foreign minister stressed

Russia, Ukraine hold 'ten-for-ten' prisoner swap in Belarus — TV

According to the report, the humanitarian mission was conducted in strict compliance with the norms of the international law

German foreign minister acknowledges funding shortfall for military aid to Ukraine

Johann Wadephul said he had discussed the matter in detail with Ukraine's new defense minister

Russian Soyuz-2.1b rocket with spacecraft lifts off from Plesetsk spaceport — ministry

The rocket carries a spacecraft in the Russian Defense Ministry’s interests

Russia, Vatican maintain trustworthy relations — Foreign Minister Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said the sides welcomed the upcoming meeting between the Secretary of the Holy See and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations

Bulgarian PM highlights that Coalition of the Willing not backed by entire EU

There are fewer than you can count on two hands, Rumen Radev said

Musk says humanity disappearing amid Singapore birth rate decline

Thus Elon Musk commented on news about new measures to support population growth in Singapore

Over 90 seafarers captured by pirates in Gulf of Aden — IMO chief

Shipping challenges are on the rise with the recent increase of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden

Kiev to continue feeling consequences for its attacks — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled Vladimir Putin’s words that the Kiev regime itself had opened Pandora’s box

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian connection in drone incident in Germany

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service questioned whether the German authorities have the political will "to draw impartial conclusions and officially announce them"

UN states 119% growth in casualties among civilians in Russia

In total, from January to July 2026, Russian authorities reported 329 civilians killed and 2,197 injured in the Russian Federation, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said

Coalition of the Willing announces plans to send troops to Ukraine

The exact presumed number of troops was again not disclosed

Former US envoy on Ukraine Kellog calls for mobilization of women in Ukraine

According to Keith Kellogg, it is very important that women, as part of society, on into service

Kazakhstan says Kondensat refinery to process Russian oil

Oil will be delivered by rail

German law enforcement discovers third drone near Leipzig/Halle Airport — newspaper

The discovery of the first two drones dates back to August 4

China opposes unilateral US sanctions — embassy in Washington

Chinese Embassy Spokesman Liu Chang stressed that Beijing will protect Chinese businesses’ legitimate and lawful rights and interests

Russia-India business cooperation has grown significantly — foreign minister

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is on an official visit to Russia on August 23-24 at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov

Russian stock market rises at start of trading session

As of 10:00 Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices increased by 1.09%

UN calls for end to attacks on civilians after Ukrainian strike on Krasnodar Region

Three children were killed as a result of the attack a private children’s facility

Iran was prepared for US sanctions, has plan to address them — minister

The country's government had planned in advance how to counter US sanctions

Ukrainian attacks affect over 400 people, including 21 children, in past week — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik specified that 407 people, or 99% of the total number of casualties, were affected by attack drones

Gazprom Arena says Kanye West concert is a no-go as no deal exists

Gazprom Arena hasn't entered into any agreements to rent the stadium for the event

Some half of Russian POWs interviewed by UN report torture in Ukraine

All prisoners of war must be treated humanely, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,400 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russian MP condemns Kiev’s strike on Krasnodar Region as 'PR built on blood'

According to Leonid Slutsky, Europe keeps turning a blind eye to Zelensky’s crimes and "continues using Ukraine as a foothold for a proxy war against Russia"

Russia, India discuss cooperation in manned spaceflight — Manturov

The Russian first deputy prime minister added that Russia and India are discussing potential cooperation in civil aircraft manufacturing

Putin signs decree on measures to protect critical infrastructure

According to the decree, the Russian government may assume temporary control over critical infrastructure sites, when owners neglect security protocols or delay necessary repairs

Russian expert points at lack of substantive agenda for Witkoff, Kushner’s visit

According to Ivan Timofeyev, the fact that Russian-US consultations and opinion exchanges are ongoing is a good thing, but they don't seem to yield any practical results

Ukraine’s population goes from 52 mil in 1991 to 25 mil today — Zelensky’s ex-spokesperson

Yulia Mendel said that Ukraine has lost more than 50% of its population

West seeks to create flashpoints along Russia’s borders, Medvedev says

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that it had been going on for centuries

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys 245 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over past day

The Ukrainian military lost up to 235 personnel and 11 vehicles over the past 24 hours

Russian troops develop methods to bypass Ukrainian EW systems — soldier

Russian developers track which frequencies are being jammed, switch to a different frequency, reflash the system, and the control works better, the soldier said

Russia says Zelensky regime murders children

All the talk about how they care about their precious little children is shattered by the facts of the Kiev regime’s sophisticated murders of children of all ages, Maria Zakharova stressed

Armenia to soon begin process of applying for EU membership — PM

Nikol Pashinyan has reiterated that a referendum makes sense when the discussion of the issue has reached a turning point

Deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia has consistently conveyed its position at multiple levels

Lavrov, top Vatican diplomat to hold first Moscow talks since start of special op

The sides will discuss international issues and prospects for bilateral cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Serbian justice minister asks Hague-based mechanism to release Mladic

According to Nenad Vujic, Serbia has offered to transfer Ratko Mladic to the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade for treatment in the presence of his relatives, subject to "any measures that the Mechanism deems necessary"

Armenia’s CSTO future, response to Kiev's strikes on targets in Russia: Kremlin’s briefing

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Armenia could withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization if it no longer required its membership

In calls with foreign leaders, Trump demands that they cut ties with Iran — Bessent

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent refused to name those who received calls from the US

Russia could localize nuclear fuel production in India — Manturov

The successful experience of cooperation on the Kudankulam NPP project provides a foundation for deeper cooperation in nuclear energy, the Russian first deputy prime minister said

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys 12 Ukrainian UAV control posts overnight

The battlegroup's artillery crews eliminated six enemy all-terrain vehicles and 79 personnel last night

US should comply with bilateral memo in practice — Iran’s national security council

Iran has no trust in the United States, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei said

Tanker hit by projectile, disabled off Oman — UKMTO

The crew are safe and no environmental impact has been reported

NATO remains hostile bloc for Russia, continues to expand — Medvedev

The politician stressed that Moscow needed guarantees from NATO that no other states would attack Russia and that all hostile actions against the country would cease

What to know about Amur Gas Chemical Complex fire that left one dead

According to reports, 19 people were hospitalized

US revokes Syria’s designation as State Sponsor of Terrorism — Treasury Department

The United States also has officially revoked the designation of Syria’s Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham

Battlegroup North drones destroy Ukrainian Bomber, Vampire hexacopters near Sumy

The UAVs have been destroyed by a single UAV crew

US offers to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for opening Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, this proposal was conveyed to the Iranian side by Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir during his visit to Iran

IN BRIEF: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on EU membership bid, CSTO withdrawal

Armenia may leave the CSTO if Yerevan no longer needs its membership, Dmitry Peskov said

Indian foreign minister points to huge potential for trade growth with Russia

The partnership between Russia and India has consistently demonstrated adaptability, flexibility, and strength, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said

Russian banks’ net profit rises 18% in July to $5.28 bln — Bank of Russia

Expenses declined mainly in the corporate segment by 77%

Russia’s Battlegroup East destroys 36 Ukrainian drone control posts over past day

The Ukrainian military lost over 315 personnel, an armored personnel carrier and two armored combat vehicles over the past 24 hours

Russian Battlegroup North units push Ukrainian forces back from state border — top brass

The battlegroup's service members continue creating a security zone in the Sumy and Kharkov Regions

With attacks on homes Kiev admits it is unable to reclaim Donbass, Novorossiya — activist

According to Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev, recent assaults on a residential building and the United Russia party headquarters in Melitopol, Zaporozhye, underscore this strategy

IN BRIEF: Kremlin Spokesman Peskov on US aircraft in Moscow, Ukrainian settlement terms

TASS has compiled the key statements by the Kremlin spokesman

Bessent threatens to deny access to dollar to countries that fail to join US sanctions

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent did not elaborate when the new sectoral sanctions on Iran will come into force

Manturov notes strong Indian interest in SJ-100, Il-114-300 aircraft

The Russian first deputy prime minister also said that a prototype of a high-speed electric train jointly produced by India and Russia will be assembled by the end of this year, after which serial production will begin

IBU Congress to 'formally handle' next month issue of Russia’s return to int’l arena

The IBU Congress will be held on September 17-20 in Berchtesgaden, Germany

UK to gain access to Ukrainian battlefield data for AI training

The UK will initially use the data to support the defense and national security of both countries

Russia’s Uraldronzavod manufacturer develops Upyr-K fixed-wing drone

The main distinguishing feature of the Upyr-K is its operational range, the manufacturer said

Bank of Russia raises dollar rate to 83.29 rubles for August 25

The official euro exchange rate was raised by 57.83 kopecks to 97.4384 rubles

Trade between Russia, India has increased this year — Putin

The Russian president stressed that the Indian foreign minister’s current visit to Moscow underscores the level of relations that Russia and India have built over decades

UK regularly adds fuel to fire of Ukrainian conflict — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov's statement comes following reports about London's plans to transfer data to Kiev for the production of long-range SCALP missiles in Ukraine

Kremlin calls rumors about mobilization in Russia fake news spread by Kiev

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the Kiev regime attempted to ideologically destabilize the situation in Russia

European countries arm Ukraine, encourage rejection of Minsk accords — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya noted that these countries "watched with delight and eager anticipation," looking forward to Russia's "strategic defeat"

Rescuers find cabins carrying tourists swept away from thermal springs on Sakhalin

Rescuers landed at the thermal springs and have now set off on foot toward the location where the containers were found

Russian planes drops almost 800 tons of water of wildfire hotspots in Serbia in four days

Serbian emergency specialists noted the high efficiency of Russian aerial operations

Gazprom Arena website back online, shows no Kanye West concerts upcoming

The event organizers, Say Agency, denied the cancellation, clarifying that they learned about Gazprom Arena's decision from the media

Ukraine needs transitional administration, not just elections — ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov noted that if elections were held under Ukraine's current political conditions, manipulation and fraud would allow representatives of the existing regime to come to power again

Top Iraqi diplomat meets with Rosoboronexport CEO, military cooperation service chief

Fuad Hussein welcomed the Russian delegation, stressing the importance of ties between Iraq and Russia

FACTBOX: What we know about detention of Armenia's former president, his son

Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee accuses Robert Kocharyan of removing a number of valuable real estate properties from state ownership and acquiring them at below-market prices

AfD to withdraw Germany from eurozone, Schengen Agreement if comes to power - leader

Germany was much better off before the introduction of the euro, co-chair of the Alternative for Germany Alice Weidel said

Top Russian, Indian diplomats discuss Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan

The top Indian diplomat is visiting Russia to hold a meeting of the Russian-Indian intergovernmental commission on trade-an-economic, scientific-and-technical, and cultural cooperation

FACTBOX: Two deaths, fire at oil refinery in southern Russia, aftermath of Kiev’s strike

During the past night, alert air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 148 Ukrainian aerial targets, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Covert mobilization of women underway in Ukraine — underground resistance

Document checks of women are already underway, territorial recruitment centers are compiling lists, and universities and employers are providing data, first and foremost on medical workers and pharmacists, a pro-Russian underground resistance source said

Coalition of the Willing has no exit strategy for Ukrainian conflict — European MP

"Europe is becoming more and more willing to arm itself instead of engaging in diplomatic efforts," Danilo Della Valle added

Venezuela earthquake death toll exceeds 6,500

More than 25,000 homes sustained significant damage

Ukrainian drone teams set up shop in Konstantinovka residential areas — refugees

According to the refugees, the Ukrainian drone operators launched Baba-Yaga hexacopters most frequently

Iranian parliament speaker dismisses US threats to Iran’s trading partners

"Americans know that no one buys their bombast," Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said

Russian forces mop up large area near Zaporozhye Region's Dolinka — expert

Andrey Marochko also said that Russian servicemen have almost mopped up Malye Shcherbaki, Mirnoye and Nesteryanka, which are located close to Dolinka

Ukrainian forces hunting for Zaporozhye NPP personnel — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik recalled that on August 18, Ukrainian troops used a drone to strike a bus stop in Energodar, where plant staff were waiting for company transportation

West not going to invest in Ukraine’s economic development — Ukrainian economist

Oleg Pendzin noted that Europe needs Ukraine as "a shield"

US ready to help facilitate Russia-Ukraine talks — deputy envoy to UN

Dan Negrea also called on Russia and Ukraine to return to the negotiating table

Russian troops liberate Annovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,275 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

US military transport plane lands in Moscow

The aircraft departed from Andrews Air Force Base near Washington

Damascus expects US to lift all remaining Syria sanctions

Earlier, Asaad al-Shaibani, foreign minister in the transitional government, stressed that Damascus expected a strategic partnership with Washington to deepen

Imports of new EVs to Russia more than double in July to 1,200 — Autostat

Imports of new electric vehicles to Russia increased by 116.5% in July 2026 compared with the same month last year

Security at critical facilities to be tightened — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is facing an obvious threat of drone attacks against both critical infrastructure and facilities that are critical to the economy and social sphere

Ukraine becomes key 'exporter of instability' in Middle East — Russian diplomat

Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov highlighted that the Kiev regime brazenly violated all the norms of international law

US extends Cuba trade embargo for one year

The trade embargo, which was due to expire on September 14, has thus been extended through September 14, 2027