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Serbia joins Single Euro Payments Area

Practical use of SEPA standards in Serbia is expected to start in May 2026

BELGRADE, May 22. /TASS/. Serbia has become a member of the Single Euro Payments Area, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of the country Sinisa Mali said.

"The Republic of Serbia has officially become part of the geographic space of the Single Euro Payments Area, which represents a critical milestone in the process of financial and European integration of our country. Practical use of SEPA standards in Serbia is expected to start in May 2026," Mali said on his page on the Instagram (banned in Russia, owned by Meta recognized as extremist in Russia).

This step is a plan of the economic growth plan of the European Union for Western Balkans, aimed at accelerating economic rapprochement with the EU and strengthening of regional cooperation, he added.

Airport in Lugansk to be able to receive widebody aircraft — transport minister

Albert Apshev said that the construction of the airport was planned to be finalized in 2028

Iranian military develops plan to response to potential Israeli strike — newspaper

CBS News reported earlier that US officials had been told Israel was fully ready to launch an operation into Iran

IN BRIEF: What is known about last night’s Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

Three children suffered injuries in a drone strike on a border area in the Kursk Region

Orban replies to Zelensky’s threats to Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, that country doesn't want to give the Hungarian money to Ukraine

Russia, US continue direct contact to eliminate 'irritants' in bilateral relations

The next round of talks will take place "in Moscow in the near future"

Russia reaches new heights step by step, Putin says

"We increase Russia’s industrial, technological and scientific capabilities," the head of state pointed out

Kiev’s unwillingness to compromise to lead to more territorial losses — Russian negotiator

Vladimir Medinsky said that "if Ukraine keeps being driven by the national interests of others, then we will be simply forced to respond"

West seeks to escalate conflict in Ukraine at any cost — Foreign Ministry

"This testifies to the aggressive attitude of the Western European allies of the Kiev regime," Maria Zakharova said

SBU chief 'fully confessed,' announcing plotting new terror attacks in Russia — diplomat

"And, given that financing comes from abroad, this is international terrorism," Maria Zakharova added

Russian tennis player Khachanov advances to quarterfinals of 2025 Libema Open

Khachanov, 29, is currently ranked 24th in the ATP Rankings, and has seven career ATP titles

Vucic offers Ukraine Serbia's help in rebuilding region

The Serbian president said that Belgrade continued to support territorial integrity of Ukraine and was open to providing both humanitarian and political assistance

Russian troops developing an offensive in Dnepropetrovsk Region — top brass

Kiev loses 1,275 troops in all frontline areas over past day

Sales of new motorcycles in Russia growing in May — statistics

The Regulmoto brand is the new motorcycles market leader, with its sales surged by 30% year on year to 1,700 units

Putin, Mirziyoyev discussed economic, energy projects of two countries — Kremlin

"The successful performance of the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum, where the Russian delegation took part, was noted from both sides," the statement says

Israel denies its envoy's statement about Patriot deliveries to Kiev — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia is relying on the official assurances from Israel that the country has not supplied weapons to Ukraine and does not intend to do so in the future

NATO aims to 'fully expend' Ukraine’s human, industrial potential — Russian embassy

According to the Russian embassy, "the fate of Ukraine and its inhabitants, on the other hand, is of little concern to NATO military planners"

Airport in Lugansk to be able to receive widebody aircraft — transport minister

Albert Apshev said that the construction of the airport was planned to be finalized in 2028

IN BRIEF: Special op lessons, cutting-edge technologies: Putin on state arms program

The new state arms program should become the key tool to elevate Russian arms in the 21st century's fourth decade

Zelensky requests meeting with Brazilian leader at G7 summit in Canada — TV

Sources did not specify whether the president agreed to have a meeting with Zelensky

Israeli attack on aid distribution site in Gaza kills ten people — TV

Some 200 people suffered injuries, Al-Jazeera reported

Chisinau impedes formation of united opposition by all means — ex-president

Igor Dodon said that the authorities understand they are losing public support and, therefore, keep changing the rules for participating in elections

No agreements on Putin-Trump meeting so far — envoy to Washington

Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev answered reporters’ questions at a reception at the Russian embassy in the US on the occasion of Russia Day

Russia, Ukraine carry out another prisoner exchange

The Russian service members are currently in Belarus, receiving the necessary medical and psychological assistance, the Russian Defense Ministry added

IN BRIEF: What is known about plane crash in India

There were 242 people on board the plane, including two pilots and ten cabin crew

Russia seeks to end conflict with Ukraine as soon as possible — top negotiator

Vladimir Medinsky noted that the Ukraine conflict is instead a fratricidal fight between two states with a common language and culture that are essentially one people and are destined to be close allies

Using Northern Sea Route will be economically beneficial for South Korea — expert

Chung Jae-Hung recalled that the new President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, indicated his intention to pragmatically build relations with Russia, approaching them from the point of view of national interests, rather than ideological values

IAEA cooperated with Israel against Iran — intelligence source

According to the report, the IAEA also allegedly disclosed to Israel the names of Iranian nuclear scientists, who were later assassinated in sabotage attacks

Global ocean surface temperature approaches historic high — meteorologists

Scientists attribute the high ocean temperatures to the fact that oceans absorb 25-30% of atmospheric CO2 emissions and about 90% of excess heat

Serbian president, Zelensky discuss strengthening cooperation, ways to achieve peace

Aleksandar Vucic described the conversation as "significant and frank," noting that it touched upon key geopolitical challenges facing Europe and the broader international community

Europe rejects Trump’s peace initiative for Ukraine, says Hungarian prime minister

"Europeans are not supporting the US president’s peace initiative and, in fact, want to push him back toward a pro-war stance," Viktor Orban said

IN BRIEF: What is known about exchange of bodies of soldiers between Russia, Ukraine

Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky noted that on Thursday, Moscow and Kiev will begin urgent "sanitary exchanges" of heavily wounded prisoners of war

Vladimir Putin offers condolences to Indian authorities over plane crash — Kremlin

An Air India plane crashed near the airport in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday

Putin to present awards, meet Time of Heroes participants on Russia Day

The ceremony of presenting the 2024 Russian Federation National Awards for achievements in science and the arts will take place in the Grand Kremlin Palace

Iranian Defense Minister threatens US with strikes on all American bases in Middle East

According to Major-General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Tehran recently conducted a test of a missile equipped with a 2-ton warhead, underscoring the extensive capabilities of its operational forces

Top Swedish diplomat calls for EU sanctions against Israeli ministers

"We now take the next step to also push for sanctioning individual extremist ministers," Maria Malmer Stenergard said

Russia, US doomed to non-confrontational peaceful coexistence — envoy to Washington

Russia and the US have shifted from monologues to a pragmatic though challenging conversation, Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev noted

India secures status of reliable energy partner of Russia — expert

India's energy deals are commercial, transparent, and anchored in mutual benefit, Manish Vaid emphasized

Russia discussing possibility of easing visa formalities with US — envoy

Russia also "raises the issue that normal contacts between societies and people should be restored", Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander said

Russia's Tu-22M3 long-range bombers perform scheduled flight over neutral Baltic waters

Su-30SM and Su-27 jets escorted the long-range aircraft

Rubio states US’ desire for engagement with Moscow on Ukraine in Russia Day greeting

"On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," the US Secretary of State said

Moscow hands bodies of 1,212 soldiers over to Ukraine, get bodies of 27 Russian troops

Russia and Ukraine reached a humanitarian agreement during talks in Istanbul on June 2

Mother commits ritual murder of 3-year-old daughter in western Ukraine — local police

The suspect currently remains in custody as pretrial investigations continue

Americans to participate in Intervision song contest

The names of the participants will be announced later

State program should focus on cutting-edge weapons — Putin

Sufficient volumes and the nomenclature of weapons and machinery to support current needs and looking-forward requirements must be included in the state program, the Russian leader stressed

US embassy in Iraq prepares to send 1,000 staff home — media

The outlet’s sources said the move will affect "employees of companies that have signed contracts with the embassy," though the specific firms were not disclosed

US Ambassador to Moscow Lynn Tracy to complete her mission in Russia soon

She was appointed as US ambassador to Russia under then-President Joe Biden in December 202

Russian ambassador to Ankara says finishes work in Turkey

Alexey Yerkhov worked in Istanbul for six years and in Ankara for eight years

‘Friends of Ukraine’ destroying country by promoting war — prominent economist

Jeffrey Sachs also underscored that the West continues encouraging the war despite its devastating consequences for Ukraine

Israeli forces bring back remains of two deceased hostages from Gaza — Netanyahu

Prime minister said, adding that Israel "will neither rest nor be silent until we return home all of our hostages"

IAEA hesitates to recognize Kiev's guilt in threatening ZNPP under Western pressure — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that, "despite the serious obstacles imposed by the Kiev regime," Russia is doing everything possible to ensure the safe and effective presence of IAEA personnel at the plant

FACTBOX: Russia Day

On June 12, 1995, the holiday was celebrated for the first time

EU, Spain, Britain reach political agreement on status of Gibraltar

"The future agreement protects the respective legal positions of Spain and the United Kingdom regarding sovereignty and jurisdiction," the Spanish Foreign Ministry said in a statement

UK army chief says regrets breakdown in ties with Russian military

"In a dangerous world, not having those mil-to-mil communications - that’s a regret," Admiral Tony Radakin remarked

Russian stock indices mixed on Wednesday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index gained 0.4%, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index dropped by 0.11%

US returning some diplomats, military dependents from Middle East due to danger — Trump

US President also noted that the US did not want Iran to develop a nuclear weapon

Russian Gymnastics Federation announces return of athletes to international sports

The federation stressed that efforts are ongoing for Russian athletes to resume full-fledged participation in international sports

Lula da Silva to take part in G7 summit in Canada, to meet with Trump

Meanwhile the Brazilian president’s press service has not yet reported whether negotiations with the head of the White House are planned

NATO countries should already be starting to learn Russian — MFA spokeswoman

Maria Zakharova suggested that if NATO countries had engaged with the Russian language earlier, they wouldn’t have wasted money trying to cancel Russian culture, history, and economy

Pentagon chief authorizes departure of US military dependents from Middle East

US Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East

Talk between Putin, Leo XIV opens new page in relations between Russia, Vatican — envoy

Russian Ambassador to the Vatican Ivan Soltanovsky stressed that in the context of the breakdown of the old paradigm of international relations, Russia is among those who seek to conduct creative work in the name of peace and security

Press review: Moscow sees no peace intent in Kiev as US aids Ukraine strikes

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 11th

Ukrainian journalist recognizes threatening situation for Ukraine in Sumy Region

Earlier, military expert Andrey Marochko told TASS that over the past week Russian units had created several bridgeheads for further advance and forming a buffer zone in the Kharkov and Sumy Regions

Poland discovers abandoned air defense systems on Ukrainian border — media

According to the report, the systems did not belong to Poland or its army

Ukrainian neo-Nazis ready to do anything to disrupt peace talks — Russian envoy to Belarus

Boris Gryzlov stressed that Russia, like no other, is interested in ending the conflict

Annual inflation totaled 9.88 in May 2025 in Russia — statistics

According to statistics, foods prices gained 0.26% monthly and 12.49% annually in May 2025

Bars-27 detachment fighters hit Ukrainian army’s UAV control point, mortar in DPR

The detachment fighters also attacked the Ukrainian army’s camouflaged mortar position with drones as it was detected by the air when the crew was camouflaging the position

Annual inflation accelerates to 9.71% from June 3 to 9 — Russian Economy Ministry

Inflation slowed down to 0.03% in the consumer market over the week

Rostec CEO brands Challenger tank 'a cooking pot'

Russian designers also studied German-made Leopard tank and found no breakthrough solutions to borrow

Export potential of Russian arms to be increased — Putin

Russian arms are competitive in terms of price and maintenance costs, "which is important for the buyers," the president stressed

West forces Iran to implement JCPOA without lifting sanctions — Russian envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stated that the Eurotroika and the United States submitted to the IAEA Board of Governors a draft resolution on the Iranian nuclear program, which he described as "extremely negative and unfair"

US reviews viability of AUKUS alliance — Pentagon

The alliance's trilateral pact was concluded in 2021 under the previous United States President Joe Biden

Ukraine loses up to 1,380 troops in special military operation zone in past day

In particular, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 155 troops in the area of operation of Russia’s Battlegroup North, over 240 troops in the area of operation of Battlegroup West, over 190 soldiers in the area of operation of Battlegroup South

Russia hammers Ukrainian military enterprises, sites in Kiev in overnight strike

The ministry said that all the designated targets were struck

US national intelligence chief says world is close to nuclear apocalypse like never before

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard went on to say that modern nuclear weapons are way more powerful than the bomb used by the United States in 1945

JD Vance urges Musk to stop conflicting with Trump — media

The newspaper notes that while the vice president sided with Trump, he refrained from criticizing Musk

Trump eager for peace in Ukraine, even if most in US Congress are not — Pentagon chief

"As a result, a negotiated peace in Ukraine makes America look strong," Pete Hegseth said

Russian authorities working to simplify payments for foreign tourists — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov noted that Russian banks are also developing the possibility of paying for foreigners using a QR code

Pentagon disagrees US should employ 'every tool' to pressure Russia

Pete Hegseth stressed that the United States had "a lot of tools in a lot of places"

German defense chief arrives in Kiev for unannounced visit — agency

Boris Pistorius plan to discuss more military aid for Ukraine, the DPA new agency reported

Cargo turnover of Russian seaports down 4.9% YOY in 5M 2025 — regulator

The cargo turnover amounted to 355.3 mln tons

Trump says he doesn’t want war with Iran but doubts possibility of nuclear deal

The US and Iran held the fifth round of nuclear talks in Rome on May 23

Russia fully ready to hand bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian service members over to Kiev — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, on June 7, Russia delivered 1,212 bodies to the designated area on the Belarus-Ukraine border, however, "the Kiev regime refused to accept them"

National pride rising as Russians rate country among world’s top — poll

The survey found that an overwhelming majority of respondents believe Russia deserves a higher position on the world stage than it currently occupies

Ukrainian government plans to increase budget military spending by $9.63 bln

"There will be no interruptions in the provision of military personnel," the statement reads

Business interested in restoration of direct flights between Russia, US — envoy

Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev said in an interview with TASS earlier than Russia expected the talks on restoration of direct flights between the two countries to start in the near future

Deterrence of Russia should be Europe’s responsibility — Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth warned in late April that the United States can no longer be the guarantor of Europe’s security

Medics in Gaza Strip need 7,000 blood units due to lack of donors

Director of Gaza’s Medical Laboratories and Blood Banks Department Sahar Ghanem urged "the entire world to interfere" in order to save the patients in local hospitals

Sixth round of US-Iran talks to be held in Muscat on Sunday — Oman’s foreign minister

Badr Al Busaidi acts as a mediator between the parties

Russia bans association, which includes Ukrainian oligarch

The Koshekhablsky District Court of Adygea banned the association in March 2024 at the request of the Prosecutor General's Office

Russian forces eliminate all US-made Bradley IFVs sent to Ukraine — Rostec chief

An infantry fighting vehicle should be quick, mobile and capable of moving across rough terrain and also across rivers afloat without bridges and roads, Sergey Chemezov said

Armenian PM expects relations with Russia to strengthen

"On this day, the Russian people celebrate the anniversary of the country’s sovereignty and the start of a new stage in Russia’s history," Nikol Pashinian said

Air India Boeing 787 crashes right after takeoff from India’s Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport suspended operations following the plane crash, a spokesperson told reporters

Moscow, Kiev to begin urgent swaps of wounded POWs on June 12 — head of Russian delegation

On June 7, Ukraine unexpectedly delayed "both the acceptance of bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war," Vladimir Medinsky recalled

Weekly inflation stands at 0.03% in Russia-statistics

In annual terms, inflation in Russia was 9.73% as of June 9, 2025

Lavrov's visit to Turkmenistan expected at end of June — Russian ambassador to Ashgabat

Ivan Volynkin said that constant Russian-Turkmen dialogue is the most important factor influencing the development of the entire range of interstate relations

Russia gave US roadmap on return of diplomatic property — ambassador

Russia reacted to the seizure of diplomatic property as an openly hostile act

Russian, Indonesian top diplomats to meet next week for talks in Moscow — Foreign Ministry

"During the meeting between Sergey Lavrov and Sugiono both sides are expected to share their views on a wide range of issues regarding the present-day global agenda," Maria Zakharova said

US officials have been told Israel ready to launch operation into Iran — CBS

US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff is still planning to meet with Iran for a sixth round of talks on the country's nuclear program in the coming days, according to the publication

NATO boosts presence in Black Sea under fabricated pretexts — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that the concentration of NATO’s military might in the region is absolutely unfounded and only leads to the further exacerbation of the military and political environment

Putin proposes discussion of key parameters of state armaments program until 2036

Russian President specified that this document will be the main reference point for the development of weapons systems for Russia’s Armed Forces and other troops and units in special services and agencies

Trump says maintained great relationship with Putin

On June 4, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump had their fourth telephone conversation since the American leader took office, which lasted 1 hour and 10 minutes