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Grain harvest in Russia to surpass 130 mln tons this year — expert

Barley harvest is projected at 17.582 mln tons, while corn harvest is expected at 14.637 mln tons

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Russia’s grain harvest may total 131.29 mln tons this year, which is 1.2% higher than in 2024, according to a presentation by Chief Executive Officer of Prozerno analytical center Vladimir Petrichenko.

Meanwhile, grain harvest in Russia is expected at 126.873 mln tons, including 81.2 mln tons of wheat, without taking into consideration Donbass and Novorossiya. Moreover, barley harvest is projected at 17.582 mln tons, corn harvest is expected at 14.637 mln tons, while the harvest of grain legumes may reach 6.132 mln tons, according to the presentation.

In 2024, Russia’s grain harvest totaled 129.8 mln tons.

Focus in light aviation shifts to remotorization of An-2 after terminating Baikal project

Earlier reports indicated that the first serial deliveries of the regional Baikal aircraft were scheduled to begin in 2026

Russian delegation to discuss political, technical issues at Istanbul talks — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov did not answer whether he himself is part of the Russian delegation

Putin underscores importance of adjusting estimate of Russia’s GDP growth for 2024 to 4.3%

According to him, this is the result of partnership between the state, business and labor teams

Zelensky’s entourage wants to trade abducted Kursk civilians for captured Azov terrorists

According to SVR intel, Kiev intends to hold on to the remaining Kursk civilians forcibly held in Ukraine for as long as possible

Fire near Tsiolkovsky town poses no threat to Vostochny spaceport — Roscosmos

The space agency said that all the spaceport’s units continue operating in normal mode

Bolivian president not to run for re-election

"I am telling the people of Bolivia with absolute resolve about my decision not to participate in the August election because I have no intention to split the popular vote or facilitate the implementation of a Fascist right-wing project," Luis Arce said

Europe dreams of dividing Russia into parts using Ukraine — Republika Srpska leader

Europe also wants to seize the country’s energy and mineral resources, Milorad Dodik emphasized

Skilled negotiators to represent Russia in Istanbul talks — lawmaker

According to Leonid Slutsky, it will be a highly professional delegation, capable of dealing with the toughest team of Ukrainian negotiators in the most challenging circumstances and demonstrating the will to achieve fundamental agreements that would pave the way for peace

‘Soft landing’ of national economy will allow Bank of Russia to lower key rate — Putin

Zelensky confirms his visit to Turkey on May 15

Vladimir Zelensky hopes to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ankara or Istanbul

Mirolyubovka seizure paves way for liberating Dimitrov, Krasnoarmeysk in DPR — expert

"The seizure of the settlement of Mirolyubovka by the Russian Armed Forces opens operational space, in particular, in the direction of the settlement of Dimitrov located close to Krasnoarmeysk," Andrey Marochko said

TASS denied accreditation to informal NATO ministerial talks in Antalya

The accreditation request was sent via NATO’s official website

Foreign companies' exit tactics won't be forgotten — Putin

The Russian leader highlighted that product quality requirements in Russia have always been higher than in the EU

Putin states attractiveness of Donbass, Novorossiya for business

The President noted that it is necessary to develop common criteria for the use of land in these territories

Chinese Film Festival sets newly inked agreements between Russia, China in motion

Vitaly Fadeyev, deputy director of the ministry’s first Asia department, recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently visited Moscow, where he attended V-Day celebrations and held talks with the Russian leader

EU court blames von der Leyen for hiding information on COVID-19 vaccines

While the court decision does not define the scope of von der Leyen’s responsibility or impose any disciplinary or penal measures against her, it may trigger new cases against the Commission chief with more serious accusations

Russia to send delegation to Istanbul talks on May 15 regardless of Kiev’s stance — MP

Leonid Slutsky called on Kiev to listen to the only viable position, formulated by the Russian president, that can bring peace

Trump says ready to make deal with Iran if Tehran refuses to develop nuclear weapons

The US president called on Iran to stop supporting terror and not have a nuclear weapon

Russian Navy to set up unmanned systems regiments — paper

According to the report, the new regiments will comprise robotized systems operating in various environments

Brazilian president to relay Kiev’s Istanbul talks request to Putin during Moscow visit

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also mentioned that, during his visit to Russia on May 8-10, he received a request from Vladimir Zelensky to inquire about the Russian authorities' plans to announce a ceasefire

Zelensky says ban on talks with Russia does not apply to him

Vladimir Zelensky claimed his decree was meant to prevent potential contacts between fugitive Ukrainian opposition activists and Russia’s authorities

Trump issues ultimatum, saying Russia, Ukraine should hold direct talks — Witkoff

According to the US President special envoy, if direct talks between Russia and Ukraine bring any result, there will be "a strong chance to getting an end to this conflict"

Israeli military structures recognize threat of starvation in Gaza Strip — NYT

According to the newspaper, "Palestinians in Gaza face widespread starvation unless aid deliveries are restored within weeks"

West still considering sending troops to Ukraine — US diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly stated that the presence of NATO troops under any flag and in any capacity on Ukrainian soil is a threat to Russia, and that Moscow will not accept it under any conditions

Berlin's silence over video showing Merz, Macron is telling — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the Elysee Palace had immediately labeled the news as fake, but had not asked the Kiev regime to stop spreading false information

Houthis say they attacked Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport

According to the Houthi spokesman, Ben Gurion Airport suspended operation for an hour and millions of the Israelis were forces to be hiding in bomb shelters

Indian premier notes Russian-made S-400 air defense system’s role during escalation

Narendra Modi also praised domestically made Akash missile systems

Press review: Russia, Ukraine mull peace as US, China slash tariffs amid tensions

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 13th

Russia, US in contact on Ukraine but not 'coordinating' on Istanbul talks — top diplomat

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin in the early hours of May 11, Putin urged Kiev to resume direct talks suspended in 2022, without preconditions

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian army strongholds near Makeyevka in Lugansk region

Andrey Marochko added that Russian forces moved forward, took two wooded areas under their control and mopped up forest terrain

Only foreign brands that bring value to Russia will be allowed to return — Putin

Putin stressed that he wasn’t exaggerating, that this is how things work

NATO expansion at heart of Ukraine conflict, alliance must be present at talks — expert

According to Gou Liwu, the negotiations will be fruitless if the root causes of the conflict, which involve NATO, are not dealt with

Russia to be guided by own interests when it comes to return of Western brands — Putin

The Russian leader explained that "if our market lacks something, and there is still no possibility or there are still 20 years to go before we reach certain parameters for the production of certain product groups, we need to act accordingly"

Japan reiterates push for dialogue toward peace deal with Russia — PM

Shigeru Ishiba stressed that it was essential to sustain communication and share information closely with Russia

Szijjarto brands EC’s plan to ditch Russian energy final blow to EU economy

Speaking at an international automotive conference in Budapest, the Hungarian top diplomat noted that due to EU sanctions "the previous economic growth model based on cutting-edge Western technologies and cheap eastern energy resources is a thing of the past"

Russians can now pay with Mir cards in Iran — Islamic republic’s Central Bank

The main tourist centers of Iran popular with Russians were equipped with the technology in the first place

Russian troops expand control area in Kharkov Region on 30 km frontline — military expert

Troops "are demonstrating positive dynamics in that frontline area," Andrey Marochko said

Putin says Western brand apologies insufficient for return to Russian market

The president noted that Russia would focus on its own national interests in deciding on Western brands’ return to the country

Death toll in Israeli strike on northern Gaza Strip climbs to 45

According to Al Jazeera, over 100 were injured

Rubio, other US officials to travel to Istanbul for Ukraine talks — Trump

Trump was optimistic when talking about the meetings in Turkey

Ten Ukrainian soldiers surrender in southern DPR

They laid down their arms during assault operations on a number of strongholds

EC chief says 17th sanctions package on Russia targets 189 tankers

The blacklisted tankers will be prohibited from entering EU ports, and any transactions with those vessels will be banned for European business

EU to blacklist 30 entities over alleged circumvention of anti-Russia sanctions — Politico

"75 individuals and companies have been listed" for their alleged involvement in Russia’s military industrial sector

Istanbul 2.0 signals a losing game for Zelensky, even if he skips talks — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Zelensky erred by overestimating his geopolitical role, as he has been a pawn, not a queen as he was told, since the very beginning

Putin declares creation of unstoppable nuclear-powered missile

Putin showed a video modelling the flight of a nuclear power plant-equipped cruise missile circumventing missile defenses

India’s Operation Sindoor tests New Delhi’s ties with QUAD — magazine

India’s Operation Sindoor has become a litmus test for New Delhi’s relations with the other QUAD members, who did not support it

Press review: Turkey to host Russia-Ukraine talks as NATO starts drills by Russian border

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 12th

No sense in pause to hostilities at all for Russia, Medvedchuk argues

The politician recalled that Russia had alreadey withdrawn troops from Kiev in the spring of 2022, but no peace ensued

Poland to ban Dodik from entering its territory — foreign ministry

Earlier, Dodik was banned from entering Australia and Germany

EU envoys approve 17th package of anti-Russia sanctions — source

A source in EU institutions said that the approval of restrictions by EU foreign ministers is expected on May 20

Putin to hold talks with Malaysian premier

At this time, Russia and Malaysia have concluded 20 cooperation agreements

US envoy to NATO says focus is on ending Ukraine conflict, not more sanctions on Russia

US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker was all positive about the upcoming May 15 talks on Ukraine in Istanbul, proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Trump still undecided on Istanbul visit — CNN

The official also confirmed that Trump’s special envoys, Steven Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, will be present at the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations as observers

Russia-US bilateral talks in pipeline, date yet to be agreed on — Russian diplomat

The Russian side will decide on the optimal timing for the new round of talks depending on how the existing agreements with the Americans are implemented, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

New anti-Iranian sanctions by US unacceptable, Iranian Foreign Ministry says

The sanctions "will impact our approach" to the negotiation process, the ministry noted

Washington does not think Russia trying to drive wedge between US, NATO — diplomat

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin in the early hours of May 11, Putin urged Kiev to resume direct talks suspended in 2022, without preconditions

EU to sanction select banks, curb Russian uranium imports — Bild

Acording to the repor, Europe may fully reject gas supplies from Russia and tighten restrictions on prices for its oil

Russian troops liberate Mirolyubovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 470 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

US envoy confirms Trump may visit Istanbul if Putin attends talks on Ukraine

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin in the early hours of May 11, Putin urged Kiev to resume direct talks suspended in 2022, without preconditions

Moscow's rivals scheme to replace power in Russia — foreign intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin added that Russia’s geopolitical rivals are hatching plans, with financial support from the West, to split Russia into multiple parts

EU nuclear proliferation won’t contribute to Europe's security — Kremlin

The entire system of strategic stability and security is in a deplorable state for understandable reasons, Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Russian troops advance in Verkhnekamenskoye community in Donetsk region — expert

The situation in the community remains tense, Andrey Marochko added

Serbian leader rejects European Council president's call to condemn Russia

Aleksandar Vucic emphasized that his duty was to serve the people of Serbia and he was not obliged to obey anyone

Turkey's Foreign Ministry has no official program for Istanbul talks yet

The ministry assured that the program will be announced in due time

Russia won’t renounce ties with Islamic world — top diplomat

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia and the Islamic world states share common goals

Russia gives targeted response to Poland shutting down Consulate General in Krakow — MFA

Russia's response will be appropriate and guided by its national interests, Maria Zakharova stated

Russia says Ukraine lost many armored vehicles, heavy drones in fighting for Kotlyarovka

The statement followed the Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement on May 12 that units of the battlegroup had liberated the village

Russian diplomat accuses France, Germany, UK of seeking to extend Ukraine conflict

According to Alexander Grushko, statements by European politicians are hard to comment on because their position changes dramatically within a short span of time

Russian diplomat slams NATO’s denial of accreditation to TASS journalist

On Telegram, she described those who made the decision as "destroyers of free speech"

US Department of State describes Istanbul talks as ‘critical opportunity’

"This is a critical opportunity to again have those direct talks to try to achieve that ceasefire and then that long and enduring peace," the US diplomat added

Putin says major foreign companies ask him directly if they can come back to Russia

Putin stressed that foreign countries "foolishly banned their companies" from operating in Russia, and now they will face a lot of hurdles if they want to come back

Pentagon does not rule out direct US-Russia conflict if Ukraine crisis escalates

Even though China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran "seek to avoid armed conflict with the United States," their conviction in "Western decline fosters a growing willingness to challenge the United States, General Gregory Guillot, commander of the United States Northern Command, said

Hungary's top diplomat urges EU to avoid interfering with Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul

"This week could be a great one for the whole world if the Russian-Ukrainian talks in Turkey yield success," Peter Szijjarto said

Outcome of Istanbul talks to depend on Kiev’s Western sponsors — Russian diplomat

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin on May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the Kiev authorities to resume the direct talks they broke off in 2022 without any preliminary conditions

Ukrainian troops prepare for battles for Sumy, try to hold Yunakovka — security forces

They are building up several defense lines

Yemen’s Houthis launch new strike on Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv — spokesman

According to Yahya Saria, the missile "hit its target" and the airport operations were suspended for about an hour

Russia proceeds with groundwork for Istanbul negotiations — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin currently has no plans to provide additional comment on the projected Russia-Ukraine meeting in Istanbul

France already given everything it could to Ukraine — Macron

"We have done everything we could," French leader said

France ready to discuss deployment of strategic bombers in EU countries — Macron

At the same time, he said that the deployment will be conditioned on three requirements: "France will not pay for the security of others," the deployment will not undermine France’s own security, and the president of France, who is also the supreme commander-in-chief

Russian army to start battles for Krasnoarmeysk after seizure of Kotlyarovka — expert

Since 2014, Ukrainian troops have built "a large number of fortifications" in Krasnoarmeysk, Andrey Marochko noted

Russia must brace for Western moves that hurt both sides — Putin

The president said that Russia must at least minimize the negative consequences

Russia hopes to deal directly with Ukraine in Istanbul — senior Russian diplomat

The senior Russian diplomat told reporters earlier in the day that the upcoming Istanbul talks will focus on reaching a sustainable peace agreement based on realities on the ground, particularly new Russian territories

US to stop Iranian oil exports if no nuclear deal is reached — Trump

The United States and Iran have already held four rounds of negotiations to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program

Baku reports shelling of Azerbaijani army positions from Armenia

In response, Azerbaijani forces reportedly took "appropriate response measures" in the affected areas

Malaysian PM says hopes his visit to Russia will help strengthen bilateral ties

Apart from that, according to the Malaysian prime minister, he plans to "meet with Russian industry players to bring in high-impact investments back home, before heading to Kazan for the meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia-Islamic World and KazanForum"

Russia, US, EU countries to work for strategic security — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov responded to questions regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks about the possibility of deploying French nuclear-armed aircraft in other European nations

Russia rejects ICAO Council’s accusations on MH17 case as illegitimate — foreign ministry

Russia will not recognize the Council’s ruling, it is illegitimate and violates the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and its own rule of procedure, the ministry said

The Netherlands, Australia want ICAO to oblige Russia begin talks on MH17 case

According to the Dutch government, the ICAO Council ruled earlier in the day that Russia "is responsible for the downing of flight MH17"

Press review: Russia prepares for Ukraine talks and Trump pursues Middle East megadeals

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 14th

IN BRIEF: Putin's key statements at a meeting with the Business Russia association

Private business is writing the "success story of the Russian economy," the President noted

Russian diplomat says talks with Ukraine should be held behind closed doors

"No one should hear what is going on in the talks, but this happens only when both sides are serious about reaching an agreement," Rodion Miroshnik said

NATO summit in The Hague to focus on strengthening alliance, not Ukraine — news agency

The summit will be shorter than previous meetings, and the outcome will be a brief declaration, Bloomberg reported

Russian delegation to be waiting for Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul on May 15 — Kremlin

The Kremlin spokesman added that members of the Russian delegation would be named once the president handed down the relevant instructions

Russia’s Kornet anti-tank missile system can pierce any Ukrainian tank — Rostec

The Kornet "is not simply an anti-tank missile system but a multipurpose high-precision guided weapon," the tech corporation stressed

Kiev agrees to talks without ceasefire to secure US backing — MP

Mikhail Tsymbalyuk said that it was important for Ukraine to stick to the US position

NATO using Ukraine as testing ground for military tactics — Russian lawmaker

Dmitry Belik stressed that for years, Ukraine was being prepared to become "a battering ram against Russia"

US discusses deployment of European deterrence force west of Dnieper River — Kellogg

Kellogg noted that starting positions in negotiations on the territorial issue should begin with freezing the conflict along the lines of contact

EU set to impose much higher tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural products — newspaper

The decision would affect maize, sugar, honey, and poultry

US film director Robert Benton passes away at 92 — NYT

The cause of death was not specified

Ukrainian intelligence launches covert operation against Hungary, uses opposition — Orban

Its leader, European Parliament member Peter Magyar, claimed earlier that while the Hungarian government is preaching peace, the Hungarian armed forces are preparing for war