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Anti-Russian sanctions

EU sanctions Lukoil, Gazprom Neft subsidiaries

Sanctions were also imposed on the Russian Presidential Foundation of Cultural Initiatives

BRUSSELS, June 15. /TASS/. The European Union introduced sanctions against Lukoil - West Siberia and Gazpromneft Shipping companies, the EU Council said in its document.

The United States blacklisted Lukoil - West Siberia last fall.

Sanctions were also imposed on the Russian Presidential Foundation of Cultural Initiatives.

Tags

Sanctions vs. Russia

Oil prices to entrench in $75-80 per barrel range in next 2 months — expert

Alexey Belogoryev said that attempts to break through the $75 mark down are possible but it will be difficult to gain a foothold below

UK detains so-called ‘shadow fleet’ tanker Smyrtos in English Channel — PM Starmer

According to the statement, Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officials boarded the detained vessel as part of the first ever operation of this kind

Trumps says ready to exert pressure on EU, Kiev to achieve peace — Kremlin aide

US President once again emphasized the need to end hostilities, Yury Ushakov said

Putin’s call with Trump lasted for 55 minutes — Kremlin aide

It was a friendly and open conversation, Yury Ushakov said

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

UK to ban social media for those under 16 — prime minister

According to Keir Starmer, social media is "designed to be addictive" and "is making children unhappy," as it also enables bullying and harassment

Senior Iranian diplomat confirms deal with US reached — Tasnim

Kazem Gharibabadi added that the US naval blockade on Iran will be lifted as of June 15 and the immediate and permanent end of the war and military operations on all fronts is announced

Trump says infuriated over Netanyahu’s decision to strike Beirut — media

Axios correspondent Barak Ravid quoted US President on his X page

West's illusions about Russia, Witkoff-Kushner upcoming visit: Lavrov's comment

The Russian foreign minister said he hopes that US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner will clarify Washington's plans to implement the agreements on Ukraine during their visit to Russia

Prosperous Armenia opposition party fails to win parliamentary seats — CEC

The Prosperous Armenia party received 58,378 votes, or 3.996%

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

Impossible to ban Russian language in Moldova — ex-president

"About 25% of Moldova’s population is Russian-speaking," Igor Dodon noted

Germany defeats Curacao 7-1 in 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match

Germany tops Group E with three points

IN BRIEF: Aide Ushakov on trust between Putin and Xi, two countries’ role in world

Yury Ushakov noted that cooperation between Russia and China is strengthening thanks to efforts made by Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Six Armenian opposition forces refuse to recognize recent parliamentary elections

The full responsibility for further escalation in the country rests entirely on Nikol Pashinyan and his administration, Strong Armenia spokesman Aram Vardevanyan said

Putin believes China attained impressive achievements under Xi Jinping — Kremlin aide

The Russian president specified that Beijing had achieved brilliant results in economic, scientific and technological development

Qatari PM urges US, Iran to pursue constructive approach in upcoming talks

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also thanked Pakistan and all international actors who contributed to reaching the agreements

Netanyahu told Trump that Israel will not pull back troops from Lebanon — Ynet portal

According to the publication, the Istraeli prime minister "made it clear" that the Israel Defense Forces will continue to act against the threat from the Shiite movement Hezbollah

Cooperation with Russia to benefit Japan amid Hormuz closure — lawmaker

When asked about the possibility of lifting the price cap on Russian oil, Shoji Nishida expressed the view that Washington is standing in the way of this

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

Israel to respond 'with full force' if Iran attacks over Lebanon — defense minister

According to Israel Katz, the response will demonstrate the difference in the country's capabilities

Trump says he may make US 'guardian of Middle East' in return for 20% of region’s revenues

Donald Trump noted that the US would be ready to assume this role if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear accord with the United States

Hungary says Kiev’s EU talks may be suspended over deal with Budapest

Anita Orban emphasized that Hungary supported Ukraine's accession to the EU "based on the results of reforms," taking into account the same requirements that are imposed on all candidates

Cote d’Ivoire seals a win over Ecuador in Group E opener at FIFA World Cup

Germany cruised to a 7-1 win over Curacao in the same group on Sunday

Casualties in Tula, 123 drones employed: new attacks on Russian regions

According to the report, drones were shot down over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver, Tula, Krasnodar, and Moscow regions, the Republic of Crimea

Kiev cannot escape responsibility for crime in Starobelsk — Russian Foreign Ministry

This crime has no statute of limitations, the ministry said

DPR's Gorlovka littered with civilian vehicles destroyed by Ukrainian drones — Ritter

The former US intelligence officer also pointed to numerous tire marks on the city's roads, which he said indicate attempts by drivers to evade incoming strikes

Philippines requests its leader’s first personal meeting with Putin — ambassador

Apart from the ASEAN-Russia summit, the two leaders could discuss a certain progress in bilateral dialogue between the Philippines and Russia

Putin lauds Melania Trump’s role in reuniting children with their families — Kremlin aide

Russian President naturally extended his best wishes to First Lady Melania Trump

US president threatens strikes on Iran’s energy, civilian infrastructure

Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that otherwise the country "will be living in hell

Company making Hornet drones for attacks on Russia owned by Google ex-head — envoy

The first combat use of such drones in the zone of the special military operation was recorded in March 2026, when these drones attacked Donetsk, said Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry for the Crimes of the Kiev Regime Rodion Miroshnik

Trump says victory over Nazism must not be forgotten — Kremlin aide

It is noteworthy that US President spoke about the alliance between our two countries during the Second World War, Yury Ushakov said

Russian air defenses down 483 Ukrainian UAVs, 14 smart bombs in past day — top brass

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 671 Ukrainian warplanes, 284 helicopters, 162,201 unmanned aerial vehicles

Israel notifies US before striking Beirut — media

This was reported by Axios and Israel's Channel 12 correspondent Barak Ravid, citing sources

Putin’s congratulations to Trump were informal — Kremlin aide

They were reflected the nature of the personal relationship between the two leaders, Yury Ushakov said

Armenian PM Pashinyan’s party receives constitutional majority in parliament

Thus, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling party not only gains the right to form the government on its own, but also secures the three-fifths majority required to pass constitutional laws

Former leader puts question mark over Moldova’s EU membership in coming years

Igor Dodon pointed out that the Europeans themselves acknowledge that becoming a member of the European Union will be very challenging

Russia to introduce new weather modification agents regulation since September

It will be effective until September 1, 2032

Lavrov arrives in Belarus on working visit

The top Russian diplomat will be received by President Alexander Lukashenko and will hold talks with his Belarusian counterpart, Maxim Ryzhenkov

Agreement between US, Iran reached, Pakistani PM announces

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Press review: US-Iran deal vulnerable to escalation and EU backs 21st sanctions on Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 15th

Netherlands, Japan end their FIFA World Cup encounter in 2-2 draw

Both teams continue their Group F action

Trump vows to "discombobulate" adversaries

US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image, in which he is standing, presumably on an aircraft carrier, looking through binoculars at ships and fighter jets

Three political forces to be represented in Armenia’s new parliament

These three forces are: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party, which garnered 49.7456% of votes, Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia bloc (23.2710%), and former President Robert Kocharyan’s Armenia bloc (9.9231%)

US confident deal with Iran be signed on June 14 — US diplomat

The United States "will not upfront cash" and "this is going to be, in terms of any unfrozen assets or sanctions relief, what's called pay for performance", US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz said

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy, transport sites in past day

Russian troops liberate 172 buildings in Konstantinovka in Donetsk region over past day

Lavrov calls for efforts to ensure justice in Ukraine

The Russian foreign minister specified that he means primarily "the rights of Russian speakers"

Putin wishes US successful hosting FIFA World Cup — Kremlin aide

The 2026 World Cup is being held for the first time with 48 national teams across three countries — Canada, Mexico, and the United States

Ukraine reinforces army units with fighters from Aidar battalion — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, this is done to strengthen conscript-based units that are not combat-ready

Britain, Germany, Italy, France state their readiness to lift sanctions on Iran

The E4 countries said they were prepared to lift certain sanctions in response to what they called "clear and verifiable" steps by Iran regarding its nuclear program

UK, German, French envoys bring nothing new to Foreign Ministry meeting — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that Europeans are drawing the mistaken conclusion that Russia is losing

UN chief welcomes announcement of US-Iran deal

Antonio Guterres reaffirms that the United Nations stands ready to support the parties in achieving a durable and comprehensive peace

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

The strikes also targeted military airfields and territorial recruitment centers

Russia’s Geran kamikaze drones wipe out Ukrainian UAV depot in DPR

The Geran-2 heavy long-range kamikaze drone is among the most successfully used unmanned aerial vehicles in the special military operation in Ukraine

EU sanctions Lukoil, Gazprom Neft subsidiaries

Sanctions were also imposed on the Russian Presidential Foundation of Cultural Initiatives

Putin notes mutual understanding he has developed with Trump

This allows them to discuss the most important issues frankly, according to a congratulatory telegram marking the US president’s 80th birthday that was released by the Kremlin

Germany takes Goebbels route and Zelensky’s tough guy act: Lavrov’s statements

According to the Russian foreign minister, German officials’ rhetoric on historical issues and regarding events in Ukraine suggest that Moscow needs "to take a tougher stance against them"

Putin, Trump agree on Witkoff, Kushner’s new visit to Russia — Kremlin aide

US negotiators on Ukraine, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will visit Moscow in the near future, Yuri Ushakov said

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

EU accession talks with Ukraine to begin with issues of democracy, values — von der Leyen

On June 15 Ukraine and Moldova will take an important step on their path to the EU, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said

Trump says postponed US-Iran deal signing due to Israel’s attack on Beirut — media

"It is so bad — I couldn't believe it", US President said

Chinese cars are now better than German and Japanese ones — Russian Public Chamber

Deputy Secretary of the Russian Public Chamber Alexander Galushka noted that China is "deliberately focusing on the technological development of its economy"

Russia, China find good solutions for payments — envoy

More systemic issues are considered at present as the issue of payments has been resolved by now in terms of tactics, chairman of the Russian part of the Russia-China Committee of Friendship, Peace and Development Boris Titov said

Armenia would make mistake by relying solely on Western support — Russia's SVR chief

Sergey Naryshkin believes that additional barriers and difficulties will inevitably arise for the country's economic development

Kiev attacked Russian civilian objects more than 17,000 times in May — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, Ukraine "implemented the criminal strategy" of Vladimir Zelensky to strike civilian targets located deep in Russian territory

Trump says not concerned with change of power in Iran

"This is the third group we've dealt with, and this is the most rational group yet," the US president said

US denies Iran’s claim that it will get $12 bln from its frozen assets — Axios

According to the portal, Iran will not be able to get the sum from its frozen funds unconditionally before a 60-day period of negotiations starts

Russian defense firm delivers BK-16E assault boats to African customer ahead of schedule

The construction of five more such boats is underway

JD Vance lauds Iran deal as big moment for United States

According to the US Vice President, among other things, the deal means that "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon"

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon exceeds 3,780 — health ministry

At least 27 people died and 67 more were injured after Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon during the past day, the Lebanon’s health ministry said

Ukraine used nearly half of its Western aid to pay off debts

Ukraine's total debt to foreign and domestic creditors amounts currently to $208.97 billion

US-Iran deal: statements from parties, international response

US President Donald Trump said the signing of the agreement with the Islamic Republic will take place on June 19

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Armenian PM’s party wins parliamentary elections, to form new government — CEC

The Civil Contract party received 726,819 votes, or 49.746%

Putin suggests Trump tell Zelensky remember Holocaust — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Zelensky would do well to heed the advice not to forget the Holocaust, rather than honoring Nazi criminals, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a phone call with his US counterpart

BBC covered up US biolab network in Ukraine — expert

According to Fauzan Al-Rasyid, the facts reveal that the true disinformation was engineered in Washington, broadcast from London, and amplified by anti-Russian embassies across the globe

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

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

Moldovan politician reveals Western attempts to open new front against Russia

Igor Dodon recalled that Georgia, too, had pointed to Western calls for opening a second front with Russia earlier

Trump tells Putin US-Iran deal is close, may de announced today — Kremlin aide

The upcoming memorandum between the United States and Iran was among the topics discussed by Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Donald Trump of the United States during their phone call

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council decides to continue dialogue with US

According to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tehran has managed to restore good relations with its neighbors, despite the recent developments

Putin talks to Trump over phone, congratulates him on his 80th birthday

Today’s phone call was the first one between the two leaders in the past month and a half

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

Precious metals futures post gains

As of 10:30 a.m. Moscow time, August gold futures on Comex were trading at $4,336.7 per troy ounce, up 2.31%

Fico slams EU approach to conflict in Ukraine

According to the Slovak Prime Minister, EU leaders must focus on the issues most critical to the community, namely "the decline in the competitiveness of the entire European Union and extremely high energy prices"

Secessionist sentiment stronger in some US states, Canada — newspaper

The Seattle-based organization Cascadia Democratic Action is preparing referendums in Washington and Oregon to establish an independent nation of Cascadia and secede from the US in 2028

Ukraine loses up to 1,350 troops along engagement line over past day — Russia’s top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry’s figures the Ukrainian army lost up to 210 troops in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup North

Putin, Trump discuss bilateral relations, international situation — Kremlin aide

The meeting was not merely an exchange of pleasantries, Yury Ushakov said

Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike against Beirut — TV

According to the Lebanese health ministry, four other people were wounded

Iran to forego charging fee for passage through Strait of Hormuz for 60 days — agency

According to the publication, following this 60-day period, Iran intends to offer services in the areas of security, navigation, environment, and insurance

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

US responsible for implementation of US-Iran agreement — Araghchi

The United States, Iran and Pakistan, acting as a mediator, confirmed the agreement between Washington and Tehran will be signed in Geneva on June 19

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

Russian troops retain strategic initiative, steadily move forward — Putin

The Kiev regime is unable to hold back this advance and resorts to terrorist methods, the Russian president said

Russian intel chief not thrilled about Serbia taking part in NATO drills

Serbia and NATO held the first-ever joint two-week field exercises in May

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

Issue with Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline to be solved soon — envoy

Chairman of the Russian part of the Russia-China Committee of Friendship, Peace and Development Boris Titov emphasized that the issue relates more to logistics, but not to the price

51 drone control stations destroyed by Russian Battlegroup West

Battlegroup units also destroyed 17 ground-based robotic systems