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Russian authorities to introduce export duties on diamonds this year

Russian Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Moiseev called the measure protective as the industry was almost lost after the duty was abolished when Russia joined the WTO

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russian authorities expect the introduction of export duties on diamonds this year, Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Moiseev told reporters.

"Hopefully this year," he said when asked when duties would be introduced.

Duties will not apply to all stones, but only to those that are economically viable within Russia’s borders, the official added.

He also called the measure protective as the industry was almost lost after the duty was abolished when Russia joined the WTO.

India considers buying mining stake in Russia — deputy minister

Sandeep Poundrik noted that, in addition to coking coal, India is also interested in other raw materials used in metallurgy

US has already spent more than $85 bln on military operation in Iran

As calculated by Iran War Cost Tracker, basing on a Pentagon briefing for the US Congress on March 10, Washington planned to spend $1 bln for each day of the conflict

Tea talk with Chinese leader to conclude Putin’s visit to China — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are set to discuss all the most important issues in a friendly and sincere manner

Russia wipes out part of Ukraine’s Alpha special forces in Dnepropetrovsk Region — sources

The Ukrainian troops have been eliminated with aerial bombs and guided munitions

Israel occupies nearly 1,000 sq. km of Middle East territory since Oct 2023 — newspaper

According to the newspaper, Israeli forces control over half of the Gaza Strip

Press review: Putin China visit puts energy sector in focus as Trump signals bluff on Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 19th

IN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on unprecedented level of ties with China and mutual support

The Russian president says that the two countries are ready to support each other on key issues, including the protection of sovereignty

FSB detains two foreigners in Voronezh Region for blowing up drone at military unit

According to the FSB, two citizens of former Soviet republics were recruited by a Ukrainian Security Service agent via Telegram

Three NATO reconnaissance aircraft spotted over Kaliningrad Region

One of them is an American Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II intelligence and reconnaissance jet, which took off from Romania’s Constanta

Nearly 70% of Ukrainians use Russian language on daily basis — former PM

Nikolay Azarov pointed out that Ukraine tried to eliminate the Russian language and ban a significant part of its culture

US to waive sanctions on Russian oil shipments for 30 days — Treasury Secretary

This will ensure the most vulnerable countries have access to energy, Scott Bessent said

German carmakers face chip shortages due to EU anti-Russian sanctions — Handelsblatt

The situation was triggered by Brussels' decision in April to include Chinese company Yangjie in the 20th package of sanctions against Russia

EU pays highest amount for Russian LNG in over one year in March

The European Union purchased around 933 mln euros worth of LNG from Russia

Bulgaria insists on need to begin negotiations between Europe and Russia

The time has come for diplomacy, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said

Preliminary data shows Luna-25 lunar probe collided with Moon’s surface – Roscosmos

Automatic station "Luna-25" ceased to exist, noted in the state corporation

Roscosmos CEO says in-person meeting with NASA chief planned for summer

CEO of Russia’s Roscosmos State Space Corporation Dmitry Bakanov noted that the details of the meeting are currently being worked out

Roscosmos to bring US astronaut back to Earth March 30 as scheduled

Earlier, some US media expressed doubts if Russia would agree to take US astronaut Mark Vande Hei back to Earth amid the sanctions imposed on Russia over the situation in Ukraine

Iranian president says dialogue with US doesn’t mean surrender

Tehran will not "retreat from the legal rights of the people and the country," Masoud Pezeshkian says

Biden spared no expense on deadly biological research in Ukraine — Miroshnik

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large says that the results of the research could have included the development of biological weapons

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

Iran continues dialogue with Oman on security in Hormuz Strait — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that Tehran was in constant contact other stakeholders to develop a mechanism to ensure safe passage for all nations

Iran, US still far apart on key issues — agency

The American side "is still seeking to link talks on ending the war to the nuclear issue"

Nobel Prize in medicine awarded to two scientists for COVID-19 vaccine research

"The discoveries by the two Nobel Laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020," the statement reads

Iran ready to hand over enriched uranium to Russia instead of US — Al Hadath

The required conditions were not specified in the media report

Putin to arrive in China on evening of May 19 to be met by Wang Yi — Kremlin aide

As Yury Ushakov specified, the Chinese side will organize a formal welcome ceremony at the airport

Kiev actively pushing toward escalation of terrorist war — Russian Foreign Ministry

Ambassador-at-Large for the Kiev regime's crimes Rodion Miroshnik pointed to Ukraine's deliberate attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure

Revenue of Russian theaters rises 18% to $819.66 mln in 2025

According to a report by RBC, attendance at theater events rose by 3.5% to 44.3 mln people

Russian presidential envoy urges EU to find constructive voice in support of peace

Kirill Dmitriev’s statement came in response to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said that the European Union has failed to use its diplomatic potential in the situation around Ukraine

Russian troops liberate Volokhovka community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,175 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

US pushing forward bill imposing sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil

US Senator Lindsay Graham said this would give President Donald Trump another powerful tool to lead on the world stage

Kiev will spare no one if left unrestrained — Kremlin

Actions by the Kiev regime may lead to more resignations in Europe, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told

Russia’s air defenses destroy six Ukrainian UAVs over Kaluga Region

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

Asia, Europe showing interest in Russia’s anti-drone nets — developer

The nets feature an innovative "spider knot" weave

Press review: US, Israel preparing new strikes against Iran as Ukraine mum on Russia talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 18th

US says Iran’s new proposal 'insufficient for a deal' — media

According to the report, Iran rejects many of Donald Trump's demands and refuses to make any meaningful concessions on its nuclear program

United States to conduct test launch of nuclear-capable Minuteman III ICBM on May 20

The statement emphasized that the test launch is routine, was planned several years ago, and is not in response to current world events

World Gymnastics clears Russians to compete under country’s flag: what to know

European Gymnastics will make its own decision on lifting restrictions on Russian athletes by the end of the week

Erdogan says Iran conflict 'devastating' global economy

The extent of the damage caused by the shockwave that has swept across the world like a tsunami cannot yet be accurately assessed, the Turkish president said

Ruble tops ranking of world’s best currencies — Bloomberg

The ruble’s exchange rate against the dollar has fallen to its lowest since February 2023

Russia’s Battlegroup North artillery destroys over 500 Ukrainian troops in week

The platoon commander said that artillery crews of the Battlegroup North thwarted several attempts by the Ukrainian army to rotate personnel in the Sumy and Kharkov Regions, accomplishing over 350 firing missions

Russia’s military planning to take into account NATO’s growing nuclear capabilities

This "cannot go unaddressed," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

Expectations from Putin’s visit to China and Zelensky’s remarks: Kremlin's briefing

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that any contacts between President Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping help create new momentum for the further development and expansion of relations between Moscow and Beijing

Naval exercises involving six NATO countries begin in Black Sea

The exercises involve Bulgaria, Canada, Portugal, Romania, the United States, and Turkey

Russia to respond to aggression as Kiev plans to launch drones from Latvia — intel agency

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence reported that service members from the Ukrainian army’s Unmanned Systems Forces had been deployed to Latvia to prepare attacks on Russia from the Baltic country’s territory

Moscow, Beijing manage to return to positive trade dynamics — Russian first deputy PM

Denis Manturov noted that investment activity is having a positive impact on the development of bilateral trade

Drone attack being repelled by air defenses on Iranian island of Qeshm — agency

Tasnim did not elaborate on the incident

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

US military intelligence believes Ukraine is delivering chaotic strikes on Russia

Ukrainian strikes lack the coordination, tempo, and concentration on critical Russian military infrastructure, according to a report compiled by inspectors general of the US Department of War, the Department of State and the Agency for International Development

Unidentified gunman opens fire at Islamic Center in San Diego

No information about deaths or injuries is available at this point

Trump says not ready to make concessions to Iran during peace talks

The US president also made it clear that Washington may take new measures against Tehran

Finland to practice forcefully crossing Russian border during naval drills — expert

Alexander Stepanov warned that industrial facilities in northwestern Russia as well as taking control of Karelia may be priority objectives in the course of potential aggression against Russia

Russia develops Odyssey repeater to increase UAV strike range

The Aviatechnolab Design Bureau said the Odyssey system extended the range of attack unmanned aerial vehicles to 70 kilometers

Europe ready to come to negotiating table to resolve conflict in Ukraine — Merz

The German chancellor underscored that "the fighting must cease first"

Senior diplomat sees growing risks of head-on clash between NATO, Russia

Sergey Ryabkov highlighted "the escalatory narrative" from European capitals about "the looming threat of a high-intensity war" with Russia

Bilateral relations, energy and Russian delegation members: aide on Putin’s visit to China

There is no link between the visits to China by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yury Ushakov noted

Bank of Russia’s assets to remain frozen — Euroclear

The decision is based on the fact that the Russian Central Bank's claim against Euroclear Bank is not recognized under EU law, and Euroclear "does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction"

Industrial site affected in Yaroslavl as Russia downs 315 Ukrainian drones overnight

There were no casualties or injured

US investigates 56 cases of corruption and theft of American weapons in Ukraine

According to a report prepared by the inspectors general of the Pentagon, the State Department, and the now effectively dismantled US Agency for International Development, 13 other investigations have been closed

Iranian issue, Eurovision criteria and Anchorage’s six-month anniversary: Lavrov’s remarks

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow is not trying to intrude into the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran, wishing this process every success

Iran without Internet for 80 days — NetBlocks

The blackout has become the longest nationwide internet disruption ever recorded worldwide

UK premier intends to lead Labour Party into next parliamentary election

Keir Starmer said he had no intention of resigning

Russia’s envoy highlights importance of Russia-China investment cooperation

According to Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian Direct Investment Fund has invested in more than 50 projects with Chinese partners

Russia no longer looking for replacing Western products but introducing its own — PM

Mikhail Mishustin made this statement during the Digitalization of Industrial Russia conference

Russian anti-drone technology market may reach $2.76 bln in 2026

Bulat Khabriev, managing investment director at VEB.RF, says that cyberattacks and UAV attacks have ceased to be abstract risks

Russia, China stand for independent foreign policy and supreme rule of law — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to China on May 19-20

Iranian military ready to unveil 'new surprises' to the enemy — Foreign Ministry spokesman

Esmail Baghaei said that Tehran is fully prepared for any contingency

China looking forward to Putin’s visit — MFA

At a scheduled summit, the two leaders will discuss China-Russia cooperation and global and regional issues of mutual interest, the Chinese diplomat said

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Russia holding nuclear forces drills — top brass

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the drills are set to practice readying some of nuclear forces’ units and formations for accomplishing assigned objectives

Putin to meet in China with grown-up participant in 2000 joint photo — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov emphasized the significance of this encounter

Superiority of Russian services and proactive work: statements by Mishustin

Advances in import substitution and development have reduced the urgent need for domestic software by a factor of four in recent years, the Russian prime minister noted

Russian troops deliver massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,075 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia’s air defenses destroy 17 Ukrainian UAVs over Voronezh Region overnight

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

Spokesman says Kremlin has no reaction to award of Nobel Peace Prize to Iranian activist

Narges Mohammadi was awarded "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all"

Estonia downs drone allegedly en route from Ukrainian territory — top defense official

According to Hanno Pevkur, the drone entered Estonia’s airspace and was downed over Lake Vortsjarv

Chinese diplomat dismisses report of Xi Jinping’s remark about Ukraine as 'pure fiction'

Guo Jiakun said the Financial Times information contradicts the facts

US continues to train Ukrainian pilots to use F-16 fighter jets — report

According to the report issued by inspectors general of the US Department of War, the Department of State, and the Agency for International Development, the training commitments are coordinated by the Air Force Capability Coalition that the US co-leads with Denmark and the Netherlands

NATO countries importing 'HIMARS clones' from South Korea to use against Russia — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, contracts are currently known to be in place for the supply of at least 290 systems of this type to Poland, 9 to Estonia, and 16 to Norway

Putin, Xi to discuss most sensitive issues of bilateral relations — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said the Russian president will begin his meeting with Xi Jinping after the welcome ceremony in the Great Hall of the People

Russian troops gain control of road linking communities near Volokhovka in Kharkov Region

Russia’s Battlegroup North units continue creating the security zone on the territory of the Sumy and Kharkov Regions

Vladimir Region creating BARS-Vladimir anti-drone unit

Under the guidance of instructors with real combat experience, the BARS-Vladimir unit members will master firearms, tactical, engineering, and medical training, as well as the basics of electronic warfare and communications

Leaders of Russia, China to adopt declaration on emergence of multipolar world — Kremlin

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will sign a Joint Statement on further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction

US extends sanctions waiver until June 17 on Russian oil loaded by April 17

The document emphasizes that the license does not authorize transactions related to a number of Russian regions, including Crimea, the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as Iran, Cuba, and North Korea

Chances for agreement with Iran appear very good right now — Trump

The US president added that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and several other countries asked the US to delay strikes on Iran by two to three days, believing that a deal is close

US probe confirms presence of military-biological facilities near Russian border — expert

According to Boris Rozhin, the probe will transfer the issue of American military-biological activity abroad from the level of charges to the status of legal recognition

Newspaper points to unprecedented level of Putin-Xi friendship

Since his official inauguration in 2013, Xi Jinping has met with Vladimir Putin more than 40 times

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Ukrainian forces attack DPR territory 11 times over past day, one person killed

Two people were injured

Ukrainian forces subject Zaporozhye NPP to massive shelling — plant’s management

Communications Director Yevgenia Yashina said the exact number of drones that attacked Energodar is being established

Extension of Russian oil sanctions relief a positive signal — Dmitriev

"Global energy security is impossible without Russian energy resources," the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund said

US increasingly leaning toward use of military force against Cuba — Politico

According to one of the newspaper’s sources, US President Donald Trump and his aides have grown frustrated that the US pressure campaign has not led Cuba’s leaders to agree to significant economic and political reforms

Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to American researcher Claudia Goldin

The American researcher "provided the first comprehensive account of women’s earnings and labor market participation through the centuries"

US oil sanctions relief aimed at stabilizing market — Treasury Secretary

"It will also help reroute existing supply to countries most in need by reducing China’s ability to stockpile discounted oil," Scott Bessent believes

Russia maintains strategic advantages in Ukraine — US authorities

According to a report compiled by inspectors general of the Pentagon, the Department of State, and the US Agency for International Development, now effectively terminated, the collective West’s assistance to Kiev has amounted to more than $325 billion since February 2022

Iran to stand firm on its demands to US — president

Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran is conducting negotiations with honor

US laboratories in Ukraine violate legal norms, threaten millions of people — Miroshnik

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large added that the activities of the laboratories constitute "a deception of US taxpayers"

Euroclear refuses to unfreeze Russian Central Bank’s assets: what is known

The decision is based on the fact that the Russian regulator’s claim against Euroclear Bank is not recognized under EU legislation, and "Euroclear does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction"

Zelensky becomes ‘inconvenience’, setting stage for his removal — expert

Viktor Medvedchuk recalled that Vladimir Zelensky's name had repeatedly popped up in corruption investigations

Ukrainian troops attack localities in Russia’s Kursk Region with artillery 171 times

A private home completely burned down in the village of Novaya Krivtsovka in the Oboyan District as a result of the attack

Putin to travel to China on two-day visit

The Russian leader will meet with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, hold Russian-Chinese talks in both narrow and expanded formats

Kiev forces lost over 1,100 troops in 24 hours across all special military operation zone

In the Battlegroup North zone, the enemy lost up to 155 soldiers