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Germany's economy stuck in ‘valley of death,’ Saxony's minister president says

In Michael Kretschmer's view, Germany is currently in the midst of an "economic war with China and Russia," and under Donald Trump, the United States has become more foe than friend

BERLIN, April 15. /TASS/. Minister President of Saxony Michael Kretschmer of the Christian Democratic Union called for a radical change in economic policy to help Germany move out of crisis.

"Energy should not be a scarce, expensive commodity," he said on ARD television. "The path we have taken leads through a valley of death. We are right in the middle of it," Kretschmer believes.

According to the minister president, the German government’s reduction of the fuel tax "does nothing to solve the problem." In his view, Germany is currently in the midst of an "economic war with China and Russia," and under Donald Trump, the United States has become more foe than friend.

Kretschmer pointed out that tens of thousands of jobs are being cut every month in Germany, while the current ruling coalition refuses to take measures to overcome the crisis, as they are seemingly blind to the gravity of the situation.

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 75.23 rubles for April 16

The official yuan rate was reduced by 5.76 kopecks to 11.03 rubles

Potential Ukraine military bloc, EU ban on Russian energy: remarks by top Russian diplomat

Sergey Lavrov warned Europe that a full abandonment of Russian energy supplies would only make it dependent on another country

Lavrov says he cannot understand belief in Iran’s 'destruction'

The conviction of some countries to the contrary raises serious questions, the Russian foreign minister said

'Crisis knot' in Middle East difficult to untangle — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov pointed out that Arab states of the Persian Gulf see that Iran would not have blocked the Strait of Hormuz if not for what they view as aggression by the United States and Israel

Trump defends Orban amid loss in Hungarian elections

The US leader called the Hungarian PM his friend

Ukrainian troops set up shop in schools, kindergartens in Kherson for cover — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that the Ukrainian forces are trying to displace the civilian population

Not a single ship from Iran overcame US blockade, CENTCOM says

Six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman

Russia to continue oil supplies to Cuba — Lavrov

China will also continue to participate in such assistance, the Russian foreign minister noted

Berlin involved in conflict with Russia by supplying missiles to Kiev — Finnish politician

A member of the Finnish national conservative Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema emphasized that the German government is leading the charge in financing and producing air defense missiles for Ukraine

Volchanskiye Khutora was staging ground for Ukrainian troops — Russian security sources

According to the report, enemy troops, including reconnaissance units and special forces battalions of the Main Intelligence Directorate, National Guard, territorial defense, marines, and border guard detachments, were stationed in the village at various times

Putin’s visit to China being prepared — Kremlin

The dates will be announced in due time, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia, China joining forces to get planet 'off the hook' — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow and Beijing are focusing on stabilizing the international situation rather than carving up regions

Failure of US-Iran talks may heat up conflict — Russian Security Council

If the planned goals are not achieved during the negotiations, fighting may resume with greater intensity after two weeks, the Russian Security Council said

Russian Security Council warns negotiations could mask planning for Iran strike

The Pentagon continues to increase US troop numbers in the region, the Russian Security Council said

Ukrainian Armed Forces suffered around 90,000 casualties during counter-offensive — Shoigu

"At the same time, no tactically significant successes were made on the battlefield," he said

Global situation shaped by Western actions affects Russia-China ties — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi the previous day lasted more than four hours

Russia recovers 32 oil, gas, transport infrastructure enterprises in 2025

Prosecutor General Alexandr Gutsan noted that the effectiveness of government measures to improve citizens’ quality of life largely depended on economic stability, making the strengthening of the state’s property and financial base a key supervisory priority

Russia-China ties remain 'unshakable amid any storms' — Lavrov

"This is not just a slogan, but a statement of fact already proven by a number of developments in which Russia and China play a stabilizing role in the trends currently competing to prevail in international affairs," the Russian foreign minister said

Moldova to officially leave CIS in April 2027, notification already sent to Minsk — MFA

The withdrawal process is completed 12 months after the CIS Executive Committee is notified

US capable of reaching deal with Iran, both sides show interest — envoy to UN

Mike Waltz also indicated that both countries have "a lot to overcome in terms of trust"

Magyar's remarks on energy supplies from Russia cause tensions in Kiev — media

Experts express skepticism that Ukrainian authorities will agree to resume operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline, even as a foundation for dialogue with Peter Magyar

US doesn't want Iran to have any nuclear program at all — permanent rep to UN

Mike Waltz also claimed that the United States is ready to continue its naval blockade of Iran until Tehran restores navigation in full in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran still has large number of weapons — Russian Security Council

Contrary to the expectations of Washington and Tel Aviv, various socio-political groups in Iran rallied around the central government, and the most radical opposition forces went deep underground

Moldovan authorities pressuring Transnistria, avoiding negotiations — Russian diplomat

Airat Abdullin emphasized that the Moldovan authorities are blocking conflict resolution talks in the 'five plus two' format

Readiness for Paks-2 ‘exam,’ Kiev hits Zaporozhye nuke: Likhachev’s comments

According to the head of the Russian state corporation, Hungary, in a sense, will also be taking an exam for "a serious promotion of one of the world's largest modern energy projects"

Seizure of Russian ships violates international norms - Russian prosecutor general

Alexander Gutsan emphasized the troubling rise in Western countries’ piracy, including the detention of Russian vessels engaged in legitimate oil and gas transportation under existing contracts

Iran’s government remains stable despite US-Israel assault — Russia’s Security Council

According to the Russian Security Council, there is no unrest in the country

Lavrov sees US promoting idea of creating new military bloc led by Ukraine

The idea of dragging Ukraine into NATO "seems to have already been rejected," the Russian foreign minister noted

Lavrov says Europe pressured US to reject Russia’s proposals after Alaska summit

Europe immediately rushed to influence the US administration so that it would not agree to its own proposal, the minister said

Iran not yet ready to discuss transferring enriched uranium to Russia — Foreign Ministry

"There are many options for an agreement on the nuclear issue," Esmaeil Baghaei said

Possibility of ban on VPN, preparations for Putin’s visit to China: Kremlin’s statements

Dmitry Peskov has confirmed preparations for Vladimir Putin’s visit to China

Russia, China can avoid dependence on US 'aggressive ventures' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that one of the reasons behind the aggressive US-Israeli approach in the conflict against Iran is "once again, oil markets"

Roscosmos sues its subsidiary over satellite that stopped working in orbit

Under the law, Roscosmos is obliged to seek compensation for the faulty satellite and the launch services

EU to resume discussion of loan to Ukraine after Magyar takes office — newspaper

A European source confirmed that Peter Magyar’s assumption of the post will restart EU talks on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia

Over 20 vessels pass through Strait of Hormuz in past day — media

According to the newspaper, these ships included tankers, dry cargo and container carriers

No rhyme or reason to British foreign policy under Starmer — Politico

Several government officials said that in foreign policy, the UK prime minister is trying to be "a critical friend" of the United States and "a partner for practically everyone"

Participants of IPU Assembly in Istanbul to discuss international security, conflicts

The Russian parliamentary delegation is expected to participate

EU militarization advancing 'very quickly and rapidly' — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov also emphasized that the EU is attempting to turn Serbia into a buffer zone against Russia

Kiev mines Transnistrian section of border with Moldova — Ukrainian ambassador

Paun Rogovey stressed that this was done because Moldova does not control unrecognized Transnistria, where an Operational Group of Russian troops is stationed

Forced evacuation announced in 23 settlements in Kharkov Region — authorities

These evacuations will impact a total of 128 children, alongside adult residents

Situation around Iran puts GOP in losing position ahead of US midterms — Chinese expert

According to Huang Jing, the United States is unlikely to be able to withstand a long war with Iran due to problems with arms supplies and combat readiness

Restoring Druzhba pipeline's operation priority for Slovak cabinet — Fico

The Slovak prime minister expressed hope that Slovakia, together with Hungary, would continue to press for the speedy resumption of oil supplies via this route

Russian special forces use latest camouflage cloaks during night ambush in special op zone

According to the source, a moving Ukrainian military vehicle was hit by small arms fire and a controlled mine detonation

Press review: Iran-US talks near round two as Middle East crisis lifts Russian oil prices

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 15th

Iran not to allow trade through Persian Gulf if naval blockade remains in place

"Iran will act decisively to defend its sovereignty and its national interests," Ali Abdollahi added

NATO’s survival over next decade not guaranteed — Stoltenberg

The alliance's former secretary general said that US allies in NATO should focus not on Donald Trump’s rhetoric but on their own actions

Death toll in Kahramanmaras school shooting up to nine — Turkish Interior Ministry

Thirteen people are receiving medical treatment

Ukrainian forces shell territory of DPR eight times over past day

As a result of the shelling, residential buildings, cars, and civilian infrastructure facilities were damaged

IN BRIEF: What we know about incident at gunpowder factory in Russia’s Kazan

The incident left a man dead, while two people had been injured

Zelensky says Ukrainian army awaits return of Ukrainians who fled country

Vladimir Zelensky said that many of them left in violation of the Ukrainian law

Russia-US relations not frozen as under Biden — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, Russia-US relations are open

US still considering ground operation in Iran — WP

This option is not excluded if the ceasefire regime is disrupted, the newspaper notes

Oil prices artificially kept below 'psychological limit' — Dmitriev

The Russian special presidential envoy made his comment on the post from Global Markets Investor that oil prices are growing dramatically despite the dip in the futures, highlighting the market strain and the continuing energy crisis

Kiev loses up to company of soldiers during attempted counterattack near Gulyaipole — POW

The captured Ukrainian counterintelligence officer added that this mission was supposed to be completed at the end of 2025

Russian troops liberate Volchanskiye Khutora community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 175 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored personnel carrier in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US eases sanctions against Venezuela’s banks and government

The Office of Foreign Assets Control said that Washington has allowed, with certain reservations, the signing of commercial contracts with the Venezuelan government

Zaporozhye Region left without electricity following Ukrainian attack

"As a result of the shelling, a number of energy facilities were damaged, which has caused a total power outage across the region," Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said

Blockade of Strait of Hormuz could lead to new losses among American military — CNN

According to an analytical report, Iran has already vowed to attack US ships with small speed boats and inexpensive drones

Iran calls for dialogue, rejects attempts to impose surrender terms — president

Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that Iran does not seek war or instability

FACTBOX: Moldova’s withdrawal from CIS

After President Maia Sandu promulgated the Parliament’s decisions on denouncing agreements on Moldova’s participation in the CIS, a notification was sent to the secretariat in Minsk on April 8

Almost 400 US troops wounded in Iran conflict — CENTCOM

According to the report, a total of 13 US service members were killed in combat

Second Iranian vessel crosses Strait of Hormuz amid US naval blockade — agency

According to the report, the vessel is heading towards the port of Imam Khomeini

US-Iran talks may resume in couple of days — Trump

The new round of talks could be held in Islamabad

European countries at work on plan to control Strait of Hormuz without US — WSJ

The plan’s goals reportedly include three main branches of action: restoring logistics routes, conducting demining operations and providing military escort for commercial vessels

China, Russia should work together to restore UN authority — Xi Jinping

The Chinese leader noted that China and Russia should maintain strategic resolve, trust and support each other

Europe accelerates work on plan for NATO’s functioning without US — WSJ

The drafting began last year and gained momentum after US President Donald Trump’s Greenland annexation threats and criticism of allies for not helping in the Iran war

Europe’s Nordic countries say won't host World Aquatics events — sports official

Earlier, World Aquatics lifted all previously imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus, allowing their athletes to compete again under the countries’ flags and to the tune of national anthems

West's creation of military alliance with Ukraine to escalate conflict — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Glebov pointed out that the architects of this new military arrangement are aware that NATO is currently experiencing difficulties, making Ukraine’s accession unlikely

Internet restrictions, arms control: daily briefing from Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is currently forced to impose digital restrictions for security reasons

Russia-China relations act as stabilizing force in global affairs — Lavrov

Sergei Lavrov noted that thanks to the interaction between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, bilateral ties show resilience to economic and geopolitical shocks that are increasingly acquiring a military dimension

Vance to remain head of US delegation in talks with Iran — CNN

US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will also remain on the US delegation

Russia, Azerbaijan reach agreement on resolving aftermath of AZAL plane crash

The crash resulted from an unintentional strike by an air defense system in the airspace of the Russian Federation, the statement said

UK to provide 120,000 drones to Ukraine in biggest-ever package

According to the statement, deliveries of these new drones to Ukraine have already started this month

Press review: US blocks Hormuz Strait as Magyar win may reshape Russia-Hungary ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 14th

IN BRIEF: What we know about situation around US blockade of Hormuz Strait

Baghdad Today reported that Iran had anticipated a US blockade of its ports and therefore moved dozens of oil-laden tankers out to sea in advance

Montenegro yet to make official decision on visa regime with Russia — parliament speaker

President Jakov Milatovic previously stated the country would align visa rules with EU requirements

Russian troops pound Ukrainian army’s energy, transport sites over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,180 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

List of customers for Russia’s Su-57E fighter jet is expanding — Rosoboronexport

The arms exporter specified that the aircraft will be presented at the international Asian arms and military equipment exhibition

Xi Jinping and Lavrov hold meeting in Beijing

Xi Jinping and Sergey Lavrov are meeting as part of the Russian foreign minister’s visit to China

Trump sees no need to extend truce with Iran — media

As the ABC reported, the US president said that "amazing two days" will follow

Macroeconomic indicators below expectations — Putin

The unemployment rate remains record low at the same time and totals 2,1%, the head of state noted

Magyar insists on resignation of Hungarian president

Tisza party leader Peter Magyar said the current president cannot "embody the unity of the Hungarian nation, serve as a guarantor of the rule of law, as well as be a moral standard and a role model"

Upper house speaker urges to step up actions against countries attacking Russian ships

According to Valentina Matviyenko, the Ukrainian regime is carrying out terrorist acts against Russian ships, causing massive damage to the ocean's ecology

During US-Israeli operation against Iran, one Russian woman was injured — Russian MFA

According to Alexey Klimov, "no official information about other injured Russian citizens has been received"

Russia urges continuation of US-Iran talks begun in Pakistan — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that Moscow and China support realistic and fair goals in line with international law and are ready to assist these talks in various external formats

Turkey rolls tanks close to UN buffer zone in Cyprus — agency

United Nations peacekeepers who patrol the neutral zone were subsequently reinforced, while the British military base in Dhekelia is deploying new forces to the zone of tensions

Russia ready to play a role in solving problem around Iran’s enriched uranium — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, over a period in modern history, Russia was part of a process that finally led to reaching an agreement of guarantees and solving Iran’s nuclear program

Trump administration maintains and expands sanctions against Russia — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that the essence of these sanctions is reflected in the "ongoing discrimination against Russian companies in global energy markets," which began even before the start of the special military operation

Power of Siberia 2 aligns with regional projects — Lavrov

"Power of Siberia 2 is a project that has long been discussed between Moscow and Beijing," the Russian foreign minister noted

US committed to negotiations with Iran, believes Tehran aiming for deal — Vance

JD Vance noted that the US is offering Iran the opportunity to "join the world economy" in exchange for a firm renunciation of the ability to develop nuclear weapons

Merz is drawing Germany deeper into conflict in Ukraine — Bundestag member

Gerold Otten emphasized that instead of pushing for the deployment of Ukrainian defense companies in Germany or encouraging young Ukrainians to fight on the front lines, German politicians should prioritize diplomacy

Russian forces consolidate near Grigorovka, Ukraine’s counterattacks futile — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko said that it will be extremely difficult for the Ukrainian command to dislodge Russian servicemen from their positions

IN BRIEF: Fire at south Urals company, bus in DNR: consequences of UAV attacks on regions

TASS has compiled the key facts about the attacks

Top brass discloses addresses of firms in Europe producing UAVs for strikes on Russia

The branches of Ukrainian companies producing drones for strikes on Russia are located in cities of eight European countries, including London, Munich, Prague and Riga

Kalashnikov to submit splinter-proof vests for testing

According to the statement, the product will soon be sent for testing to identify and address any potential deficiencies

Trump laments Strait of Hormuz cannot be named after him

The US president also criticized Europe’s migration policy and said relations with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have worsened

US leader says he is reopening Hormuz Strait for Iran

According to Donald Trump, China "agreed not to send weapons to Iran"

Russia launches serial production of combat robots

Russia ready to continue negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister also stressed that Moscow remains committed to the agreements reached at the summit with Washington in Anchorage

Russian army takes control of Volchanskiye Khutora, cutting Ukrainian supply routes

The Defense Ministry further reported that unmanned aerial systems swiftly identified and neutralized UAV control centers, as well as field weapons and ammunition depots from the air

Orban 'allies' may still obstruct EU loan to Kiev — newspaper

Politico mentioned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni