Russian, Chinese air carriers operate 270 flights per week — Transport Ministry

In 2025, Russian airlines carried more than 1.6 million passengers

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Russian and Chinese air carriers operate 270 flights per week between the countries, Russia’s Transport Ministry reported.

"In the 2026 summer season, air carriers from both countries operate 270 flights per week," the ministry said in a statement.

In 2025, Russian airlines carried more than 1.6 million passengers, a 27% increase compared to 2024.

"In the first two months of 2026, approximately 300,000 passengers have already been carried," the ministry noted.

Russian business uses Thailand as gateway to Southeast Asian markets

Head of the Russian Export Center’s representative office in the kingdom Nikita Derkach noted that Bangkok was consistently developing its technology sector

Russia, China important trading partners for each other — Putin

The Russian president specified that trade turnover reached almost $240 bln in 2025

Russia remains reliable energy supplier amid Middle East crisis — Putin

The head of state noted that Russian-Chinese cooperation in the energy sector served as a driving force of economic cooperation

G7 united in their policy of continuing sanctions pressure on Russia — French minister

Roland Lescure noted that the G7 countries had reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation in the face of dangers to the world economy

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

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

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

Russia-US dialogue could continue at APEC forum in China — Russian MFA

Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev says the platform is relevant for building a dialogue between major economies

Russian, Chinese delegations sign 20 documents on sidelines of talks in Beijing

The ceremony took place in the presence of the two countries’ leaders, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping

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

Kiev forces expand attack area on Zaporozhye NPP over two weeks — official

Facility's Director Yury Chernichuk called the recent events "a massive psychological attack on the city, on the plant"

Hungary’s purchases of Russian pipeline gas down 27% in Q1

The European Union imported 414 mln euros worth of Russian pipeline gas in March

Armenia not looking to stoke tensions with Russia — top diplomat

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia realized that it had to choose between the European Union and the EAEU

Russian pipeline gas supplies to China up 1.8% in April — customs

Russia ranked second in supplies of this energy source to China

Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz announces withdrawal from Wimbledon due to injury

This year’s third Grand Slam tournament is scheduled to be played between June 29 and July 12

Kiev’s attacks on Zaporozhye NPP impossible without West’s support — Russian diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says Western curators "instill a false sense of impunity in the current Ukrainian authorities and provoke them to new ventures"

External power supply restored at UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi says the situation is still of grave concern

US Senate advances resolution to end war with Iran

Alongside most Democrats, Republicans Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Bill Cassidy also voted in favor

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

Putin arrives in Beijing for two-day visit

The Russian president's working schedule in China is quite extensive

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

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

Cyberattacks on video platforms surged 35% in 2025 due to AI development — expert

The primary driver behind this accelerated growth is the active use of artificial intelligence by threat actors, Alexey Zhukov, Director of Information Security for Digital Assets at Gazprom-Media Holding, said

Baltic states to be punished for assisting Ukraine in attacking Russia — MP

Speaking about Lithuanian threats against Kaliningrad, Leonid Slutsky noted that by making such statements the "hotheads" in the Baltics "are drawing fire not only upon themselves, but also on Europe as a whole"

Russian firm unveils laser system for protecting civilian infrastructure from UAVs

The system detects targets at a distance of up to three km

Russia considering projects with US investors as part of China partnership — RDIF chief

Kirill Dmitriev emphasized that Russia has the ability to provide the world’s cheapest energy for artificial intelligence

Putin calls Xi dear friend, quotes Chinese saying at meeting

"One day apart feels like three autumns," the Russian head of state said

Putin, Xi Jinping set to discuss key global issues during talks in Beijing

The meeting will be their second contact this year

Donbass Dome takes down 19 Ukrainian drones over Donetsk region in past 24 hours

Residents of the region are advised to report any found debris or explosive objects to emergency services

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

A number of US investors eye participation in Russian-Chinese projects — Dmitriev

As Kirill Dmitriev noted, Russia and China maintain a partnership approach based on mutual cooperation and the understanding that sanctions are illegitimate

Putin describes Russia-China talks involving key officials as substantive

According to the Russian president, the talks were held in a traditionally friendly and trust-based atmosphere

Boosting Russian oil transit to China via Kazakhstan being finalized — Novak

The Russian deputy prime minister said that this agreement was reached long ago

Air defenses repel drone attack on industrial zone in southern Russia

According to the latest reports, there were no casualties or damage

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

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

Trump briefed on military options against Iran on May 18 — Axios

According to information obtained by the news portal, the meeting was originally scheduled for May 19, with some officials expecting the US president to make a decision on potential strikes against the Islamic Republic during the consultations

Latvia sets precedent by enabling strikes on Russia — expert

Ruslan Pankratov said that a new legal reality is emerging in which the territory of a NATO member state is being used as a bridgehead for strikes against Russia

Russian nuclear drills come in response to Western preparations for invasion — expert

The Russian nuclear triad is currently in optimal condition, Colonel Levon Arzanov said

Putin arrives at Great Hall of the People in Beijing for Russia-China talks

The venue is expected to host a Russia-China meeting involving key officials, talks between the two countries’ delegations, and Russian president's meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang

India wants to build metallurgical plant together with Russia — Steel Secretary

Sandeep Poundrik also pointed to the possibility of establishing Russian-Indian joint ventures in the metallurgical sector

Russia-China relations at unprecedented heights — Putin

The head of state emphasized that Moscow-Beijing relations served as an example of a genuinely comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation

FACTBOX: Review of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces drills since 2020

President Vladimir Putin reported in June 2025 that 95% of Russia's nuclear forces were equipped with modern weapons

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

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

Kremlin says calls from Lithuania’s top diplomat to attack Kaliningrad verge on insanity

Dmitry Peskov believes that such statements should not be taken seriously

US may withdraw several hundred more troops from Europe — NATO commander

Alexus Grynkewich assured that it would not affect NATO’s defense plans

Iran’s new leadership agrees on no nuclear weapons — senior Russian diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that the NPT provides Iran with the right to peaceful nuclear energy under IAEA supervision without any restrictions

Some Gulf countries had no idea US planned to attack Iran on May 19 — media

As Donald Trump said earlier, he was asked to hold off by the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who convinced him to give diplomacy another chance

RDIF expands cooperation with Chinese partners through new agreements in Beijing

The deals were signed during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing

Russia to respond proportionately if any country conducts nuclear tests — senior diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov says the current situation requires the readiness of the national infrastructure

No military-political foundation exists for Russia-West security dialogue — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said it is impossible to build this foundation unless the Western countries are willing to genuinely take Russia’s fundamental interests into account

Smartphones not to blame for global decline in birth rates — expert

According to Natalia Galkina, the real decline in birth rates stems from a complex set of factors

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

Ukrainian military attacks pose threat to Zaporozhye NPP’s rotation of personnel

Facility’s Director Yury Chernichuk says the executive management will resort to every possible effort to ensure the safety of personnel

Iran accuses US of abusing UN Security Council platform

Washington is spreading false information about Iran and its peaceful nuclear program, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN says

Fifth-generation Su-57 two-seater fighter jet prototype makes maiden flight

This jet will also be used as a trainer aircraft and a tactical control aircraft, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said

China’s oil imports from Russia gain 26% in January-April — customs

Russia continues to be the largest exporter of oil to China

Iran has no plans to withdraw from Non-Proliferation Treaty — senior Russian diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, despite the US-Israeli aggression and strikes on Iran's nuclear energy facilities, Tehran remains committed to its obligations under the treaty

Three plants for Volkswagen, Foton, and JAC brands to open in Uzbekistan by year-end

The announcement followed a meeting where President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to develop the automotive industry, expand production capacity, and enhance the sector's competitiveness

US seizes oil tanker allegedly affiliated with Iran — media

According to The Wall Street Journal , the seized vessel, Skywave, was put on the US sanctions list back in March

UK authorizes import of diesel and jet fuel produced from Russian oil from third countries

The exceptions to the sanctions rules come into force on May 20 and are of an indefinite duration

Germany’s rearmament more dangerous for world than ‘Russian threat’ — French politician

"When Germany rearms, it always turns out badly for France and the rest of the world," Florian Philippot emphasized

One killed, 18 injured in Damascus explosion

According to the Defense Ministry, a car packed with explosives detonated in the Bab Sharqi neighborhood in eastern Old Damascus

Trump says resolution of conflict with Iran close

According to the US president, Iranian authorities "want to make a deal so badly"

UK bans imports of Russian uranium

The new measures include a ban on the provision of technical assistance, financial services and funds, and brokering services related to these goods.

Ukrainian counterintelligence officer supplies dozens of coordinates for Russian strikes

Sergey Mikhailov surrendered in the Zaporozhye direction. He said he does not want to return to Ukraine

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

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

Dozens of Ukrainian men die crossing Carpathians to avoid draft

According to the media outlet, around 32,000 Ukrainian men have illegally entered Romania since 2022

Close cooperation between Moscow, Beijing important amid global tensions — Putin

The Russian leader emphasized that the countries' foreign policy cooperation was one of the main stabilizing factors on the international stage

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"

Resignations of Latvian politicians over Kiev may be just beginning — Kremlin

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says one should not allow drones flying toward Russia to pass through their territory

Russia, China concerned about confrontational policy of some countries — statement

Moscow and Beijing called for putting an end to attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of other states and undermine the existing security architecture in various parts of the world

Russian stock market closes mixed

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index fell 0.2% to 2,663.37 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index rose 1.28% to 1,176.87 points

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"

Kalashnikov Group delivers large batch of Saiga carbines to foreign customer

Contractual obligations to the foreign buyer were fulfilled ahead of schedule

Chinese man who met Putin in 2000 eager to build Russia-China friendship bridge

Peng Pai also revealed that it was a memorable encounter with Putin years ago that inspired him to pursue higher education in Russia

Russia, China to discuss energy projects during Russian delegation's visit — Novak

Moscow is satisfied with the ongoing cooperation with China on oil and gas supplies, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

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

Russia to cooperate with Chinese universities, companies in high-tech sector — ASI

Svetlana Chupsheva noted that international cooperation is expanding in high-tech medicine and creative industries

Nine fast-neutron reactors to be built in Russia by 2042 — Rosatom

According to the statement, fast reactors with a closed fuel cycle are not just a means of increasing the efficiency of nuclear energy, but a prerequisite for its long-term existence

Neural network for onboard satellite data processing developed in Russia

The solution is currently presented in the form of a prototype

US appears to sincerely want Ukrainian conflict to end — Russian diplomat

"But Washington has a lot of other priorities as well," Vasily Nebenzya said

US ready to let diplomacy try its luck in Iran situation until early next week — Trump

On Monday, the US leader announced his decision to postpone the resumption of operations against Iran at the request of Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, as a deal with Tehran remains possible

Qatar calls for respecting freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz

According to Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, contacts are currently being held at various levels to restore stability and ensure safe navigation in the Persian Gulf

Air defenses destroy 56 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within another six-hour period

The ministry reported earlier in the day that it destroyed 70 Ukrainian UAVs over various Russian regions between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Moscow time

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

Donbass will do without Ukraine, hardly vice versa - experts

After the independence referendums in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions quite a few Ukrainian analysts said Ukraine should let them go

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

US may need to deliver another 'big hit' on Iran — Trump

The US president said that he is not sure

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

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

US State Department backs Bolivian government amid protests

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said he had spoken with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz

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

UN chief’s spokesperson confirms receiving Lavrov’s letter on Bucha

Stephane Dujarric added that the response has not "been mailed yet"

Russia-China ties gain special value amid global turbulence — diplomats

Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov and Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said in a joint article that relations between Russia and China are stable and predictable

Moscow-Beijing relations develop in strategically stable manner — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova highlighted that these relations are being carefully planned, built and developed

Russian troops upgrading FPV drones in DPR against Ukrainian heavy UAVs — officer

The Russian serviceman noted that almost anyone can learn to fly an FPV drone, but not everyone is capable of effectively engaging targets

Senior Russian diplomat warns NATO ‘hot heads’ against posing threats to Russia

Russia will use military and technical means to repel any threats to it, Sergey Ryabkov said

EU might lengthen Russia sanctions renewal period from six months to one year — media

The EU leaders are set to discuss the timeframe extension in Brussels next month

Lavrov sends another letter to UN chief in search of answers about Bucha — diplomat

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Moscow views the incident as a "deliberate fake" used to derail the peace talks in 2022

Russia, China create peaceful nuclear development roadmap for decades to come — Rosatom

According to CEO Alexey Likhachev, the entire range of fast reactors in China is the result of the joint efforts