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Russia’s trade with CIS countries up by 6.5% yoy in January-February — Prime Minister

According to Mikhail Mishustin, by leveraging the existing significant integration potential, member states continue to create conditions for improving the quality of life of the peoples of the Commonwealth and strengthening national economies

ASHGABAT, May 22. /TASS/. Russia's trade turnover with CIS countries in January-February of this year increased by almost 6.5% year-on-year, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a restricted meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government.

"In January-February of this year, Russian trade turnover with CIS countries increased by almost 6.5% compared to the same period last year," he stated.

"In the Commonwealth of Independent States, we rely on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual respect, security, and stability. A unique format of cooperation has been established in a wide range of areas, which brings tangible benefits to all our countries," the Prime Minister noted.

According to him, by leveraging the existing significant integration potential, member states continue to create conditions for improving the quality of life of the peoples of the Commonwealth and strengthening national economies.

Explosion at Hungary’s MOL plant not linked to outside interference — company

According to the company’s executive chairman Zsolt Hernadi, the Olefin 1 plant, where the explosion occurred, was undergoing repairs and was effectively not in operation

Ukrainian strike on college in LPR, punishment for Kiev: new briefing by Kremlin spokesman

The Ukrainian strike on the college in Starobelsk in the Lugansk People's Republic is a horrible crime, Dmitry Peskov said

Reaction to Putin’s China visit, clear message to world, failure to isolate Russia

According to former CIA analyst Larry Johnson, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are signaling to the West that they are establishing a new world order free from its dominance

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

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,205 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia is protected from fertilizer price fluctuations — Agriculture Ministry

Since 2021, Russia has maintained a quota mechanism in the mineral fertilizer market, with maximum domestic fertilizer prices currently frozen at the September 2022 level

Nine districts of Kherson Region completely out of power after Ukrainian drone attack

Governor Vladimir Saldo said that utility workers are doing their best to restore power supply as quickly as possible

West knows no bounds to aggression, tries to resolve issues by force — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Western policies result in number of unprecedented sanctions that undermine core principles of the Western order, such as free trade, market forces, and the inviolability of property

FACTBOX: What is known about development of Ladoga aircraft

Information about the suspension of the TVRS-44 Ladoga turboprop aircraft project is incorrect, as no such decisions have been made at the current stage of development, Ural Works of Civil Aviation reported

Afghanistan lowers legal age of marriage for girls to nine years old — newspaper

The article noted that the government has effectively abolished the minimum marriage age for girls by linking the possibility of marriage to the onset of puberty

Russian troops destroy German-made Gepard anti-aircraft gun in Ukraine operation

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 990 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russian investigators complete probe into former UK defense secretary

The Russian Investigative Committee stated that Ben Wallace had been charged with publicly calling for terrorist activity and put on an international wanted list

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

Russia sees no reason to theorize about less intense dialogue with US — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov also adeed that "nothing is impossible, but success here will require both parties to demonstrate political will and a realistic approach"

Zelensky ready to 'burn down Ukraine' for his survival as politician — Russian senator

Alexander Voloshin highlighted that the Zelensky team had destroyed a whole generation of Ukrainians with his decisions

Ukrainian attacks wound 35 people in LPR, 217 UAVs target Russia: aftermath of new strikes

The UAVs were shot down over the districts of Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Vladimir, Kaluga, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novgorod, Oryol, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver, Tula, and Yaroslavl, as well as the Moscow Region and St. Petersburg

Press review: Israel-Hamas truce starts today and NATO drills raise the alarm in Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 23rd

Trump says not trying to intimidate Cuba by sending aircraft carrier to Caribbean Sea

On March 5, the US president announced Washington's intention to develop a further course of action regarding Cuba after the conclusion of military operations against Iran

Russia condemns US pressure on Cuba aimed at government change — MFA

"It seems that everything possible is being done to signal the possibility of an armed intervention in Cuba," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Russian security chief, Vietnam’s deputy premier to discuss Asia-Pacific, Mideast

The press service of the Russian Security Council said the sides "will discuss the current situation worldwide from the perspective of the Middle East conflict and the situation in Asia-Pacific"

Trump’s initiatives on Ukraine hampered by globalists in Europe — expert

While Moscow should take the stance and actions of other countries into account, others’ position is not a priority to Russia, Yevgeny Poddubny stressed

Ukraine’s associate member status to ruin EU financially — French politician

Florian Philippot noted that this status would allow Ukraine even access to European funds

Russia understands final settlement of Ukraine crisis needs compromise — Lavrov

Russia has a firm position and will achieve it, the Russian foreign minister noted

Ombudswoman puts number of college children affected by Ukrainian attack in LPR at 36

Regional children’s rights commissioner Inna Shvenk said that 18 families are awaiting the results of a search and rescue operation at the scene of the attack

FACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on college in Starobelsk

Administrative buildings, stores, and private homes were also damaged in the city, according to the regional head

Israel frustrated with Trump's negotiating tactics, wants to reignite war — CNN

According to the report, the May 20 phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "tense"

'Russians ready for conversation' with Europe — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that talking is always better than leading to complete confrontation

DOBRO Association ready to welcome new member countries

According to DOBRO Association Chairman Zarnigor Rajabzoda, "Russia has tremendous experience" that can help develop the volunteer movement

West to sacrifice Baltic states, Finland, Poland, Romania after Ukraine — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the approach to warfare on the part of the Western countries is deeply cynical

No fuel shortages on Russian market, country prepared for demand growth — Energy Ministry

According to the ministry, particular attention is being paid to meeting the needs of the agricultural sector during the sowing campaign period

NATO military activity along Russian borders reaches Cold War levels — Moscow’s envoy

Dmitry Polyansky explained that Kiev was actively working out scenarios of sabotage attacks on Russia from Latvia’s territory

IN BRIEF: Kremlin spokesman speaks on Putin-Xi talks over tea, US pressure on Cuba

Dmitry Peskov said that the US blockade of Cuba was having catastrophic consequences for the island’s people

NATO’s attention, 'silent dialogue' with West: reaction to Russia’s nuclear drills

The North Atlantic Alliance is monitoring Russia’s nuclear drills but is not commenting on them, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated

Foreign air defenses fail to stop even 8% of Ukrainian drones attacking Russia — expert

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, Russia has developed and produced new interception systems tailored to combat drones and organized a multi-layered, echeloned defense with an end-to-end targeting and control system

Washington does not want Iran to charge shipping fees in Strait of Hormuz — Trump

"It’s an international waterway," the US president said

Iran taking steps to strengthen its defense capabilities, modernize weapons — president

The government provides comprehensive support to the armed forces, Masoud Pezeshkian said

Expert highlights crucial role of Russia-China partnership in reshaping world order

Tiberio Graziani opined that diplomacy between Moscow and Beijing should be viewed in a broader context

IN BRIEF: What we know about US move to send 5,000 troops to Poland

The US leader did not elaborate on exactly what US Army units will be deployed to Poland

World to face crisis like in 2008 if Strait of Hormuz remains closed — Bloomberg

Acccording to the analysis by Rapidan Energy Group, if the Strait reopens in July, an average oil demand reduction of 2.6 million barrels a day and the spot-market price for benchmark Brent crude peaking near $130 a barrel over the summer could be expected

NATO’s ideas about 'decolonizing' Russia still present in its public discourse — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister expressed concern over the West's continued use of "the same methods of self-superiority that have been repeatedly employed in Europe"

One killed, several injured in explosion at MOL plant in Hungary — Magyar

According to the Hungarian prime minister, Energy Minister Istvan Kapitany is heading to the scene along with the MOL CEO

Putin signs laws admitting four new regions to Russia

One can obtain Russian citizenship after having taken the oath of allegiance, provided a relevant request has been filed beforehand

Bank of Russia’s gold reserves in ounces fall to their lowest level since February 2022

In February 2022, the monetary gold reserves of the Bank of Russia also amounted to 73.9 million troy ounces

Russia has right to respond forcefully to EU for its siding with Ukraine — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Vladimir Zelensky was counting on a direct military conflict between Europe and Russia and was doing everything to achieve that

Vietnam is long-standing, reliable partner of Russia in Southeast Asia — defense minister

Andrey Belousov emphasized that Russian-Vietnamese relations are based on the best traditions of strong friendship

Number of victims in Ukrainian attack on Starobelsk college rises to 39 — regional head

Leonid Pasechnik said that fatalities were also reported

Putin, Xi Jinping offer world alternative to militarization — US expert

According to Peter Kuznick, Xi Jinping and Putin demonstrated not only "their open and explicit embrace of multipolarity," but also their rejection of unilateral force

IN BRIEF: Putin, Lukashenko observe joint Russia-Belarus drills via video link

According to the Russian president, the use of nuclear weapons is an exceptional measure to ensure the country's security

Senior Russian diplomat explains what Russia means by 'spirit of Anchorage'

It's about the atmosphere of trust that emerged between the presidents of Russia and the US, which, in the context of last year’s Alaska summit, allowed to shape the basic contours of the Ukrainian peace process, Sergey Ryabkov said

Kiev troops fire 11 munitions towards DPR in past day, one killed

Cars and a civilian infrastructure site were damaged as a result

Nabiev scales Mount Everest using hands only, plants Russian flag at peak

Rustam Nabiev is the first person ever to scale Mount Everest using only his hands

Russian presidential aide sees naval arms race taking place globally

Nikolay Patrushev noted that the reformat of the global architecture that had begun would be accompanied by a further increase in naval importance

Enemy drone attacks on college building in Starobelsk in LPR leave 35 wounded — official

According to LPR head Leonid Pasechnik, there were 86 children aged between 14 and 18 in the building at the time of the attack

Innovative Russian medicines account for over 60% of market — minister

Anton Alikhanov also recalled that the ministry is preparing support measures for companies registering drugs that meet first-in-class requirements

Russian high-explosive bomb strikes eliminate large Ukrainian UAV group in Zaporozhye

Enemy communications equipment was completely destroyed

Network of labs modernized under Pentagon’s program operates in Ukraine — expert

Igor Nikulin added that, judging by documents, "a conclusion can be drawn that local specialists gathered, studied and artificially boosted tuberculosis pathogens with high resistance to antibiotics"

Russian premier to visit Council of CIS Heads of Governments in Turkmenistan

In line with the schedule, Turkmenistan holds the rotating CIS presidency in 2026

Rutte plans to keep US in NATO with promises to buy more American weapons — Politico

According to the sources, this will not only eliminate the real shortfall in the alliance's arsenals but also "send a demand signal" to US President Donald Trump

Nuclear triad to continue to guarantee sovereignty of Russia, Belarus — Putin

The Russian president mentioned the growing tensions in the world and the emergence of new threats and risks

Rubio’s new lies aimed at provoking aggression against Cuba — foreign minister

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla emphasized that "Cuba is not, nor has it ever been, a threat to the national security of the United States"

Battlegroup North drone crews destroy over 20 Ukrainian UAV control posts since early May

The coordinates of Ukrainian targets are transmitted to Molniya-2 or FPV drone operators, who eliminate the launch and control points of enemy drones attempting to carry out strikes on civilian infrastructure facilities in the Belgorod border area

EU leaders urge Zelensky to investigate Yermak’s case for EU membership — Zeit

According to the newspaper, immediately after the corruption scandal came into the spotlight in November, heads of several European countries urged Vladimir Zelensky to fully investigate the matter and take appropriate measures if necessary

Ukraine has to make painful concessions to achieve peace — media

The news outlet noted that the imbalance in resources between Russia and Ukraine has always meant that Kiev would never be able to succeed

New Ukrainian tactics for extreme overload of Russian air defenses fail — soldier

The unit's fighters have personally seen that the Moscow-made Yolka interceptor drone is capable of countering Ukrainian UAVs in various situations

Chernobyl exclusion zone becomes one of Europe’s largest wildlife habitats

Among species registered by camera traps are lynxes, wolves, elks, deer and Przewalski’s horses

Some 18 people may be trapped under rubble of attacked college in LPR — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said there were 86 children aged between 14 and 18 in the facility at the time of the attack

Eurozone public debt to exceed 90% of GDP in 2026, reach euro crisis level in 2027

The European Commission attributed these figures to rising energy prices caused by the war around Iran, but made no mention of any connection between these numbers and military financing for Ukraine

China’s top parliamentarian to visit Russia, Kazakhstan on May 25-30 — Xinhua

As part of his visit, Zhao Leji will attend the 11th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation

Industry leaders talked Trump out of signing AI executive order — WP

The US leader said the measure "could have been a blocker" to AI development, which benefits the US economy

Moscow to protect Transnistrian Russians, respond to use of its assets to fund Kiev — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Kiev’s nervous reaction to the issue of Russian citizenship for Transnistrian residents was inappropriate

Ukrainian Forces lose over 90 Starlink stations near Kharkov since early May — commander

According to the report, the Russian Armed Forces can easily detect Ukrainian Starlink stations due to their poor camouflage

EU will not return to Russian oil and gas purchases under any circumstances

European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis said the largest gas supplies for the European Union now come from Norway

China opposes deployment of US missile systems in Japan — Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Guo Jiakun stressed that such actions harm the legitimate security interests of other countries

US lost almost 20% of its MQ-9 Reaper drones during operation against Iran — Bloomberg

The agency estimates the overall damage at $1 billion

US approves possible sale of equipment for HAWK SAMs to Ukraine worth $108.1 mln

According to the US Department of State, the Kiev government requested to buy spare parts, maintenance and service support, as well as repair and return support

Likelihood of nuclear weapons being used in Ukrainian conflict increasing — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said that Europe is currently producing massive quantities of weapons, launching a huge number of new factories, and essentially openly preparing for war

European Commission recognizes Russia's economic resilience — expert

According toVladimir Yeremkin, the EC forecast exaggerates the positive impetus from instability in the Middle East and does not fully account for the scale of monetary tightness imposed by the Bank of Russia itself

CSTO member states discuss air defense improvement

In the course of the consultations, the participants agreed on drafts of relevant documents being developed as part of the Organization’s priority areas of activity during Russia’s presidency in 2026

Press review: Cuba readies for US attack as Moscow outlines ties with Washington

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 22nd

Putin authorizes transactions with Metalloinvest Holding Company shares

The relevant executive order has been published on the official portal of legal acts

Ombudswoman says four die in Ukrainian attack on college in LPR

Yana Lantratova added that 35 children were injured

Rubio reports 'slight progress' in Iran talks

According to the US secretary of state, the fundamentals remain the same

Teenage son of Russian figure skating star to compete for Azerbaijan

The Figure Skating Federation of Russia has authorized Alexander Plushenko’s transfer to Azerbaijan’s team, a source told TASS

Zelensky trades warnings with Lukashenko

Earlier, Kiev reported sending reinforcements to the Belarusian border

Medvedev sees seven signs indicating Ukraine is 'failed state'

The Security Council deputy chairman asserted that Ukraine's decline is an irreversible process

West's current aggression stems from decline in influence, fear of competition — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov also noted that "the financial and economic system led by the West after World War II can no longer function in a way that guarantees continued benefit for Western countries"

Palestine withdraws its diplomat’s candidacy for post of UNGA Vice President

The spokeswoman for the office of the 80th session’s president, La Neice Collins, noted that the UN General Assembly’s presidential office has received a nomination for this post from Lebanon

Russian flamethrower crews destroy five Ukrainian strongpoints in Sumy Region in one day

The platoon commander said the work of the nuclear biological, and chemical protection crews is making a significant contribution to the advancement of Russian units along the entire line of contact

Ukrainian troops mine road to Energodar that supplies Zaporozhye nuke plant — NPP

There were no casualties from the remote mining, the plant’s press service reported

Ukraine purposefully targeted Starobelsk dorm with four drones

According to the Investigative Committee, 86 students and one staff member were in the dormitory at the time of the attack

Kalashnikov unveils Kub-10ME guided munition with range of over 100 km

According to the arms manufacturer, the key features of the new system include an optoelectronic guidance system that enables the engagement of moving targets, and improved protection against electronic warfare and air defense systems

Putin praises Belarusian allies for nuclear know-how

The Russian leader highlighted the well-coordinated work of the Belarusian military personnel

EU turning into NATO twin, Western aggression has no limits: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister noted that the Western aggressive policy mixes direct military intervention with sanctions

US companies looking forward to return to Russian market — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov that the United States continues to conduct the policy of sanctions on Russian partners by prohibiting them from buying Russian fuel and preventing cooperation in other areas

US brought diplomatic property talks with Russia into stalemate — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that Americans have brought to a dead end negotiations not only on this subject, but on other related matters as well

Luxury car sales in Russia hit a 4.5-year high in April — Avtostat

According to the agency, Rolls-Royce led the luxury brands

Budapest links relations reset with Kiev to resolution of Hungarian minority issue

Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar said that improving the situation with the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia was regarded as an essential condition for the launch of negotiations on Ukraine’s EU accession

US arrests sister of Cuban conglomerate GAESA’s head

Marco Rubio claimed that Adys Lastres Morera "was managing real estate assets and living in Florida, while also aiding" the Cuban government until the US administration terminated her permanent resident status

Ukraine to bear responsibility for attacks on Moscow, other Russian cities — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that all investigative actions will be carried out eventually

Kremlin comments on readiness for talks with Europe, Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline

The Kremlin sees no risk of fuel shortages caused by ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries

Both Russia, US view mutually respectful co-existence as acceptable variant

Sergey Ryabkov also stressed that Moscow is ready to examine other variants as well

Russian defense minister holds talks with Vietnamese counterpart

Andrey Belousov noted that priority attention is being given to strengthening mutually beneficial military and military-technical cooperation