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Russia’s Knyaz Vandal drone has high export potential — FSMTC

According to the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, the unmanned aerial vehicle has proven its combat effectiveness during the special military operation

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod (KVN) fiber-optic FPV drone, which demonstrated its combat effectiveness during Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, has strong export potential, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) told TASS at the 1st International Security Forum.

"This product has not yet been exported, but we can already say that this drone has exceptionally high export potential, as the unmanned aerial vehicle has proven its combat effectiveness during the special military operation, which is the key indicator for such weapons systems," the FSMTC reported.

The 1st International Security Forum is being held under the auspices of the Russian Security Council from May 26-29 in the Moscow Region at the Live Arena and Patriot Park venues.

Middle East conflict

Russian military products demonstrate reliability during Mideast conflict — FSMTC

According to the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, the nature of combat operations, such as the widespread use of high-precision weapons, demonstrated the demand for layered, integrated defense systems

West seeks to manipulate people, turns Ukraine into testing range — FSB chief

Western countries seek to disrupt integration processes and undermine stability in CIS countries from within, Alexander Bortnikov said

Iranian president orders to restore internet access — agency

According to the international internet monitoring service NetBlocks, internet has been practically inaccessible in Iran for more than 86 days

Russia-EU contacts depend on whether Brussels can reconsider its anti-Russian course — MFA

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov noted that Moscow has not rejected dialogue with Europe

Iranian military spokesman warns oil could hit $200 amid conflict

The US government had repeatedly shown it understood only the language of force, Ebrahim Zolfaghari said

Russia sees prospects for constructing nuclear power units in Brazil

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted that Rosatom fully meets the needs of Brazilian nuclear power plants

Plane makes hard landing in Krasnoyarsk Region: what we know

The aircraft commander and the co-pilot were on board, they were injured

Media outlets that refused to go to Starobelsk cannot be called unbiased — Kremlin

This decision does not add credibility to the information they provide, Dmitry Peskov said

Gas injection rates in Germany, France minimal since 2013 — Gazprom

the Russian gas holding said that Rehden, the largest UGS in Germany, is just 4.2% filled, which is one of the lowest levels for May 22 throughout the history of observations

IN BRIEF: Foreign Ministry statement on retaliatory strikes, bans by Western media

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced the ministry will soon issue a special statement on Russian retaliatory strikes against Kiev

FACTBOX: Russia’s Oreshnik missile strike, breached Ukrainian air defenses

Ukrainian air defenses failed to counter Russian missile strikes on military installations in Kiev and the Kiev Region

Ukrainian strikes kill over 50 civilians in past week, says Russian diplomat

The majority of casualties were reported in the Lugansk and Donetsk people’s republics, as well as in the Belgorod and Zaporozhye regions, Rodion Miroshnik said

No safe place will remain for US forces in Middle East — Iranian Supreme Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei stressed that countries of the region will no longer serve as shields for US bases

Ukrainian forces increasingly target civilians with no link to Russia’s military op — MP

Stepan Kuvachev stressed that these kinds of attacks have no justification, and only cause pain and suffering

Trade turnover between Russia, Brazil reaches $10.5 bln

The basis of trade is the supply of all types of Russian fertilizers and diesel fuel, Russian Ambassador to Brazil Alexey Labetsky said

ADNOC uses 'shadow transit' to ship oil through Strait of Hormuz — Bloomberg

Vessels pass through the strait with their transponders switched off

US strikes missile launch sites, boats in southern Iran — Fox News, citing CENTCOM

According to the US Central Command, two boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were destroyed in the attack near Bandar Abbas and one missile launch site

Russia, Brazil in talks on long-term LNG contracts — minister

According to Maxim Reshetnikov, the negotiations enter the substantive stage

Top US diplomat says Washington still set to facilitate end of Ukraine conflict — AFP

Marco Rubio emphasized that the United States is ready and willing to do everything in its power to facilitate the end of this war

Lavrov informs Rubio that Russia begins strikes on military sites in Kiev

The measure is taken in response to the Kiev regime’s continued attacks against civilian population and infrastructure in Russia

Russian snipers, mobile air defense teams successfully targeting long-range Ukrainian UAVs

The Russian serviceman stressed that sniper teams, consisting of several people, were fully mobile and could carry out drone-hunting missions for up to seven days

Russia ratified economic partnership agreement between EAEU, Indonesia

Conditions were determined for further development and deepening of trade and economic cooperation in spheres of mutual interest, including customs cooperation, e-commerce, technical barriers in trade

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Top Russian diplomat reminds his US counterpart about Anchorage agreements on Ukraine

Sergey Lavrov expressed regret that the high-handed efforts of the European elites and the Kiev regime are undermining these agreements

Bulgaria sends lots of weapons to Ukraine, MP tells TASS

A member of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Angel Georgiev emphasized that it was a huge mistake

Pakistani army chief says Iran, US close to striking deal — Chinese foreign ministry

Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir pledged that Islamabad is sparing no effort to get a deal done between Tehran and Washington

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

Captain confirms two mines planted near stern of Arrhenius vessel calling at Ust-Luga

According to Igor Loy, his ship operates between the ports of Ust-Luga and Antwerp

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Sales of new premium cars in Russia up 13% in April — statistics

According to the Avtostat analytical agency experts, premium cars account for a tenth of the Russian auto market

IN BRIEF: Bank of Russia says Visa, Mastercard should leave Russia

According to experts, the final withdrawal of Visa and Mastercard cards from Russia will be smooth and gradual, while users will calmly and progressively switch to Mir cards

NATO to begin its 'Strike Back 26' military exercise in Bulgaria on May 26

The country’s Defense Ministry said the tactical exercise will be held with live firing at the Koren training area near the city of Haskovo

Oreshnik strike, statements by Armenian PM: new briefing from Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan this week

Zelensky bemoans undersupply of US air defenses following warning from Russia’s MFA

Vladimir Zelensky pointed out that there has been no progress with America for a long time regarding the expansion of anti-ballistic production

Russian ratified free trade agreement between EAEU, Indonesia

The agreement should create conditions for further development of trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU member-states and Indonesia

Slovak PM says Kiev must 'move toward peace' to receive EU associate member status

Slovakia, in Robert Fico’s words, reacted with restraint to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to grant Kiev special status as an "associate member" of the community

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Russia ready to increase supplies of coffee, tropical fruits from Brazil — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov said that Russia is also open to cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Ukrainian media report air defense system failure in Kiev

The Russian Defense Ministry earlier reported that during a massive strike with Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Tsirkon missiles in Kiev and the Kiev region, the Russian Armed Forces hit Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities

Bulgarian parliament discussing lifting sanctions on Russia — legislator

Angel Georgiev noted that Bulgarian parliament has proposed lifting sanctions on Russian fuel, energy sanctions, and sanctions targeting the maintenance of MiG-29 aircraft

North Korea fires several short-range ballistic missiles

The missiles were launched from the area of the city of Chongju in the North Pyongan Province

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

Putin signs laws admitting four new regions to Russia

One can obtain Russian citizenship after having taken the oath of allegiance, provided a relevant request has been filed beforehand

Russia uses Oreshnik weapon to strike Ukrainian military command posts

That was response to terrorist attacks by the Ukrainian military against civilian facilities located on the territory of the Russian Federation, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Rubio to sign memo of understanding in Armenia on Tuesday — Department of State

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan and participate in the memo signing ceremony

Booby-trapped ship arriving in Ust-Luga from Belgium was rigged in haste — expert

Alexey Malyshev assessed that the explosives were probably planted when the ship was sitting higher in the water

Russia ratifies treaty on closer cooperation with South Ossetia

The two countries will take measures to harmonize the labor, social protection, and retirement benefits law, including on the issue of mutual recognition of work record

Russia to build 600 MW of energy storage units in 2026 — official

The pilot project on construction of 250 MW energy storage units is already being implemented in South Russia

Israel attacks over 70 Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon during day

The Israel Defense Forces struck approximately 10 command centers, weapons storage facilities, and additional infrastructure sites used by Hezbollah to advance attacks against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians

Ukraine adds employees of attacked Starobelsk college to its Mirotvorets database

In total, seven women and three men were added to the database, including the college’s deputy directors and teachers

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

Senior Russian diplomat, Azerbaijani ambassador discuss high-level contacts — MFA

The meeting included a detailed discussion of "the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, including the importance of fully restoring cultural and humanitarian ties"

Russia’s top security official speaks of Sarmat missile test and Armenia’s choice

According to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, the main threat to the CSTO comes from NATO and the bloc’s members "in the so-called civilized Europe, gripped by a revanchist and militarist frenzy"

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

IRGC says US drones, fighter jet violated Iranian airspace

Iranian forces destroyed one MQ-9 drone

Four-day international security forum opens in Russia

Hundreds of participants from 120 countries will spend four days discussing various aspects of security, the protection of traditional values, and countering neo-colonialism and neo-Nazism

Progress in talks on US-Iran deal slows down — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the US side is seeking clear nuclear guarantees from Tehran in advance, while Iran insists that Washingon be more precise regarding the sanctions relief process

Russian footballer Dzyuba to trade cleats for MMA gloves

The Russian football player previously sparred a few times with UFC heavyweight fighter Alexander Volkov

US president says new deal with Iran to be 'exact opposite' of JCPOA

The deal with Iran will either be a great and meaningful one, or there will be no deal, Donald Trump stated

ISIS branch in Afghanistan recruiting people from CIS into terrorist networks — FSB chief

Director of Russia’s Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov emphasized the importance of developing counterterrorism contacts with the Afghan colleagues

CSTO, African Union’s counter-terrorism body sign cooperation deal

Taalatbek Masadykov, CSTO Director General, and Deputy Secretary General Valery Semerikov earlier met with AUCTC Acting Director Idriss Mounir Lallali

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

IN BRIEF: MFA's statements on systematic striking Kiev's MIC and warnings to foreigners

The Russian Foreign Ministry advised foreigners to leave Kiev as soon as possible and its residents not to approach military and administrative infrastructure sites

Russian troops liberate Dobropasovo community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,135 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Magnetic mines planted on vessel that arrived at Russia’s Ust-Luga port from Belgium — FSB

According to Russia’s Federal Security Service, the explosive devices were attached in the area of the engine room

Over 30 ships pass through Strait of Hormuz in past day — IRGC Navy

There were five supertankers among them, the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said

Russian forces launching strikes on military-industrial complex sites in Kiev — MFA

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that "strikes will also be directed at decision-making centers and command posts"

Ukraine loses 7,830 soldiers, mercenaries in special military op over week — expert

Andrey Marochko added that during the aforementioned period, Russian forces also destroyed more than 4,000 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, which is almost double the amount from the previous week

US Justice Department slams May 23 shooting near White House as assassination attempt

According to media reports, the man, who opened fire approximately 150 meters from the White House, had mental health issues

Bangladesh ink fertilizer supply contract with Russian company

The Russian Embassy in Dhaka said this is the largest contract throughout the history of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fertilizer sphere

Military, political situation across world becomes significantly more difficult — Putin

New pockets of instability have emerged along the borders of Commonwealth of Independent States countries, the Russian president said

New Batch of Su-35S fighters delivered to Russian Aerospace Forces — Rostec

The 4++ generation aircraft have completed a full cycle of factory trials

Iran not yielding to US president’s pressure on deal terms — newspaper

On May 23, the US president stated that the draft of the future agreement with Iran has been largely agreed upon

EU aid to Ukraine frozen — Borrell

The ex-chief of EU diplomacy said the situation is similar with the approval of new sanctions against Russia

Press review: Attacks on Russian energy define Western strategy as Armenia deepens US ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 26th

Import-substituted Ka-226T helicopter completed maiden flight — Rostec

Further to the new engine, the helicopter has the upgraded avionics and control system installed on its board

Russian Security Council official speaks of biolabs, Western support for terrorists

Deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council Alexander Venediktov noted that a number of Western countries actively used terrorists to serve their own purposes, providing them with advanced weapons and intelligence

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

Russia sees water diplomacy as instrument to consolidate Eurasia — diplomat

Nikolay Lomakin recalled that forests, water and soil are interconnected resources, urging to protect and maintain them

Russia’s experience in special military operation in demand worldwide — Shoigu

According to Russia’s Security Council Secretary, technologies have emerged, serving as core of combat operations

Fire in Russia’s Omsk Region kills six, including four children — investigators

A criminal case has been opened

FSB chief announces formation of drug production belt for transit to Russia, West

According to Alexander Bortnikov, Ukrainian organized crime groups have recently become involved in the production and transit of synthetic drugs, remotely controlling drug labs in CIS countries, with part of the profits being used to recruit perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Russia

Russia welcomes African countries’ plans to open embassies in Moscow — top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov stressed that broader Russian diplomatic presence on the continent helped to strengthen strategic cooperation with Africa

Ukraine reports serious deficit of surface-to-air missiles amid latest air defense failure

Ukrainian media wrote earlier that the country’s air defense systems were unable to repel Russia’s strike on military facilities in Kiev

Russia views Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention in Czechia as frame-job — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Russia demands Metropolitan Hilarion’s immediate unconditional release

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

Defense minister inspects Battlegroup East: what is known so far

Andrey Belousov presented orders to three units of the Battlegroup East for mass heroism displayed during the special military operation in Ukraine

Seven civilians killed, 15 wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during day

Four houses, four infrastructure facilities, and several transport vehicles were damaged

US leader says Iran’s enriched uranium will be destroyed

Donald Trump also called on the Atomic Energy Commission to be witness to this process

Russian Orthodox Church slams Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention as provocation

Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s External Church Relations Department Igor Vyzhanov emphasized that the use of such underhanded tactics by Russia’s opponents reveals their weakness

West hopes to undermine CIS countries from within — FSB chief

The environment on the CIS’ external borders and within the Commonwealth is becoming challenging, Alexander Bortnikov said

Russia lodges protest with Czech charge d’affaires over detention of Metropolitan Hilarion

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the drug production and trafficking charges brought against the Orthodox Church hierarch were completely unfounded and absurd

Russia to help Africa consolidate its role in new multipolar world — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the continent’s economic and demographic trends, as well is its commitment to contribute to the resolution of the present-day pressing problems "determine Africa’s role as one of the pillars of the emerging polycentric world order"

Russian envoy criticizes OSCE’s reaction to Starobelsk attack as provocative, hypocritical

Dmitry Polyansky stressed that "the comment in English was phrased very carefully but it did not contain even a hint of condemnation"

Russia built 26 hydrofoil ships in six years

Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev emphasized that Russia made high-speed hydrofoil ships the mass kind of passenger transport

Russia meets almost third of needs of Brazil’s fertilizer market — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov said the Russian companies are implementing comprehensive investment projects

Detailing thwarted terrorist attack on gas tanker arriving from Belgium at Ust-Luga port

During an underwater inspection of part of the gas carrier’s hull, divers discovered foreign objects attached to magnets near the engine room that resembled explosive devices

Creation of digital labs in CIS to allow West to manipulate public opinion — FSB head

Alexander Bortnikov especially highlighted "the activity of Britons and EU countries in assisting the promotion of digitalization projects in the financial sphere, trade and transport of some CIS states"

Russia’s Oreshnik system can destroy Kiev’s underground industrial infrastructure — expert

"This is truly what is capable of penetrating these numerous Soviet-era engineering legacy sites, which now house the main assembly shops and storage facilities for components for the Ukrainian attack and reconnaissance drones, as well as Flamingo-type missiles," Alexander Stepanov said

Serbian president may step down as Balkan nation faces protests

A major anti-government rally took place in Belgrade’s Slavija Square on the afternoon of May 23

What is known about Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention in Czech Republic

According to Metropolitan Hilarion’s attorney Michal Pacovsky, his client is suspected of drug possession