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US receives more than $6 billion from NATO arms procurement for Ukraine — envoy

Matthew Whitaker said that the US intends to continue the PURL program

NEW YORK, June 30. /TASS/. The US Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, funded by EU and NATO member states to supply American weapons to Kiev, has already generated more than $6 billion for the United States, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said.

He said in an interview with Fox News that the United States had received more than $6 billion through the program and intended to continue it.

President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte launched the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative on July 14, 2025. NATO allies purchase weapons for Ukraine from US stockpiles.

Moscow has repeatedly stressed that Western arms shipments to Kiev and assistance in training Ukrainian troops only prolong the conflict and do not change the situation on the battlefield.

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Ukraine United States

Hungarian government analyzing financial aspects of Paks-2 NPP project — Magyar

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that the previous government led by Viktor Orban left the state budget "in a terrible state" and with a deficit that could approach 7% of GDP by the end of the year

Press review: Ceasefire strain amid US-Iran tensions and Finnish nuclear plans near Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 29th

US biolabs triggered disease outbreaks in Ukraine — Medvedchuk

The leader of the Other Ukraine movement noted that after the ruling power in the country was changed following the 2014 state coup the issue of biolabs was taken off the agenda, but a new multi-year contract was signed in 2015

Twenty-eight US-affiliated biolabs set up in Ukraine under Yanukovich — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that the Ukrainian government at that time attempted to examine the issue of a cholera outbreak and studied it for three years

Russian exports of fish, seafood to Japan down 8% to 43,000 tons in January-May

In particular, surimi shipments rose by 5% in volume and 15% in value to 10,000 tons worth $24 mln, while pollock fillet shipments increased by 5% in volume and 15% in value, reaching 2,300 tons worth $8.5 mln

US ambassador to Russia honors anniversary of meeting on the Elbe

The diplomat noted that this anniversary is important to him personally, as his mother was a volunteer and his father served in the US Navy submarine service in the Pacific

'Never try riding seals!' What an Arctic diver has to say

Seals may be quick and curious, sharks — lazy and indifferent, and algae in northern seas — of any colors and forms you could imagine, an Arctic diver revealed

Aeroflot maintains traffic forecast for 2026 at 2024-2025 level — chief executive

Sergey Aleksandrovsky added that these are quite high figures given current conditions

Yerevan may delay referendum on EAEU in current circumstances — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin noted that Moscow does not understand why the Armenian leadership is in no hurry to ask the residents about their views on this important issue

Komi Region's investment portfolio worth $9 billion contains 72 projects — governor

Yury Trutnev said that Komi's economy retains a high investment potential

Bank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate to 77.7 rubles for June 30

The official euro exchange rate has been raised by 1 ruble and 24.45 kopecks to 88.6472 rubles

Air pollution from fires in Chernobyl in Kiev Region registered

The fires started on June 25, 2026

British dancer Akram Khan to perform his final solo work in Moscow

In mid-July, media reports emerged that Khan was going to retire from full-length dance performances

Over 100 streets, ten villages in Sevastopol without power — governor

Mikhail Razvozhayev asked the townspeople to meet the temporary difficulties with understanding

Iran proves it can control Hormuz Strait, former US lawmaker says

Marjorie Taylor Greene believes that it affected America's standing in the world

Meeting with E3 ambassadors, Gyumri base, referendum on EAEU: senior diplomat’s statements

Contacts through the human rights commissioners of Russia and Ukraine have turned out to be the only channel through which humanitarian issues can be discussed, Mikhail Galuzin noted

Price of aluminum futures down below $3,100 per ton on LME first since February 24

By 6:27 p.m. Moscow time, the price of aluminum futures was down to 3.47% reaching $3,087 per ton

Russian artillery crew destroys Ukraine’s heavy drone command post in Krasny Liman

Reconnaissance units reports that a Baba Yaga drone has landed, and operators rushed to fetch it

China, ASEAN countries have shown interest in Trans-Arctic corridor — RSPP head

Russia also faces the task of increasing the railway’s throughput capacity in the eastern direction to 180 mln tons, Alexander Shokhin added

Russia increases output of Orlan drones several times

Orlan flies for a long time and fulfils more missions than an electric drone

Russian forces strike drone storage facility in Kharkov

Secondary detonations were detected at the facility, which confirmed that the premises of Megasklad were used for military purposes in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces

Number of ships crossing Strait of Hormuz on decline for third consecutive day

In all, a total of 108 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz between June 26 and 28

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on proposal to limit combat zone, special op progress

The Russian president said that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s infrastructure do not affect the situation at the front or the position along the line of engagement

Refineries operating at maximum capacity, Russian market becoming saturated with fuel

All major suppliers are carrying out seaborne shipments of diesel and gasoline to the Kaliningrad Region

Qatari, Russian Defense Ministries agree to establish direct communication channel

Vice Admiral Viktor Kalganov, deputy head of the National Defense Control Center, signed the document on behalf of the Russian Defense Ministry

Kiev resorts to terrorism as Ukrainian troops retreat on battlefield — Putin

"The Kiev regime is retreating along the entire line of engagement, and therefore it has resorted to openly terrorist activities," the Russian leader said, referring to deliberate attacks on civilians

Upcoming US-Iranian consultations may be important — Trump

The US leader made it clear that the consultations will, among other things, touch upon the question of the Iranian nuclear program

West's coercive policies undermine global stability — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister called adherence to the UN Charter a guarantee of peaceful development for all humanity

Indonesia receives official status of partner country for this year’s Innoprom exhibition

The event will take place from July 6 to 9, 2026

Finland lifting its ban on nukes requires Russian response, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova lambasted the move as unfounded, given repeated statements from leading Finnish politicians and relevant agencies in the Nordic country that Russia does not pose a direct military threat to Finns

Commissioner informs Putin on Kursk Region residents return, foreign media in Starobelsk

The Russian president noted that Yana Lantratova has actively started working as the commissioner for human rights

Global ocean shipping rates hit two-year high due to US tariffs — FT

According to digital shipping platform Freightos, the cost of shipping a standard 40-foot container from China to the US East Coast surged to $7,880

Italian publishing house launches series dedicated to Russian literature

The authors include Fyodor Sologub, Alexander Kuprin, Ivan Bunin, Andrey Bely

LNG supplies from terminals to Europe in April hit fresh all-time high for this month

Liquified gas supplies from terminals to Europe’s gas transport system totaled 10.65 bln cubic meters last month

Armenia to have to take into account Russia’s view on Trump Route — MFA

The Trump Route will pass through an area guarded by Russian border troops, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

OPEC+ states to compensate for 659,000-807,000 bpd of excess oil production by July 2026

By July 2026, OPEC+ countries that voluntarily reduce production must compensate for 4.333 mln barrels per day of excess production

US receives more than $6 billion from NATO arms procurement for Ukraine — envoy

Matthew Whitaker said that the US intends to continue the PURL program

Roscosmos invites NASA to cooperate on projects outside scope of sanctions

Dmitry Bakanov emphasized that this proposal was made in good faith, highlighting the importance of renewed dialogue

Russian troops liberate two settlements in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye regions

Units of Battlegroup East moved deeper into enemy defenses, liberating the settlement of Pisantsy and the settlement of Novosyolovka

Russian troops liberate Bogodarovka community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 485 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

German police identify Stade shooting suspect as 45-year-old man of Turkish descent

According to head of the Luneburg Police Directorate Kathrin Schuol, "all the victims were employees of the social welfare facility or of child protective services"

Frontline developments reinforce confidence that Russia’s goals to be achieved — Kremlin

Russia's position on the settlement is well known and remains consistent, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia halves its holdings of US state debt in April

Japan remained the biggest holder of the US state debt in April 2023, with approximately $1.13 trillion dollars

Serbian president announces plans to resign by fall, hold elections in 3-4 months

On June 27, Aleksandar Vucic announced that he would step down as president "in a few weeks" and pledged to help the ruling Serbian Progressive Party secure victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections

No war between Europe and Russia, descendant of Otto von Bismarck says

Alexander von Bismarck also warned that it was dangerous to direct threats toward Moscow

Haikou and Sihanoukville launch direct flights

Hainan Airlines will be operating the flights

Nearly 1.8 million people in Venezuela need humanitarian aid after earthquake — UN

According to the organization's representative in the Bolivarian Republic, Manuel Rodriguez Pumarol, hospitals in the country are "working at capacity, thousands of children do not have reliable access to clean water"

Putin extends ban on Russian oil exports under price cap through end-2027

The document prohibits supplies of Russian oil and petroleum products to foreign legal entities and individuals if contracts for such supplies directly or indirectly provide for the use of a price cap mechanism

Top of EU filled with 'losers' — Otto von Bismarck's descendant

What is needed today is real, effective policy that acknowledges what’s happening right now, Alexander von Bismarck said

Turkey busy trying to revive negotiations on Ukraine — president

Istanbul hosted three rounds of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks last year

Mexican drug cartels help finance sabotage operations against Russia — expert

At the same time, Ukraine's effectively uncontrolled port infrastructure, currently under the supervision of the Kiev regime and operating with virtually no customs or border procedures, is being widely used, Alexander Stepanov said

Tunnel between Russia and US may become a most expensive project — expert

The reason is that the region is distanced from major economic centers and that the Far North is known for challenging conditions, director of the Center for Arctic and Northern Urban Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics said

Explosion rocks Monaco, at least three wounded

Two of the victims are in critical condition

Kiev loses 10,000 troops, mercenaries over week — military expert

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Russian stocks close in the green on Monday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 2.84% to 2,350.43 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 1.92% to 952.28 points

Hungarian government analyzing financial aspects of Paks-2 NPP project — Magyar

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that the previous government led by Viktor Orban left the state budget "in a terrible state" and with a deficit that could approach 7% of GDP by the end of the year

Russian farmers have harvested over 1 mln tons of grain from new crop

The average yield is one and a half times higher than at the same time last year

War with Iran increases risk of US, Israel using nuclear weapons — Taylor Greene

The former US House of Representatives member emphasized that the situation in the Middle East could spiral out of control

Guterres says terrorists learn to new technologies

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All districts in Kherson Region suffer power outage

Energy workers and emergency services are working on sites, Governor Vladimir Saldo says

Almost all terms of contract for 90 MC-21 aircraft agreed upon — Aeroflot chief

The lease rate will align with the company’s financial model, Sergey Aleksandrovsky said

Moscow, New Delhi draft package of agreements for Putin's visit to India — ambassador

Denis Alipov emphasized that a broad agenda and a tightly scheduled program had been outlined, with preparations actively underway

Zelensky moves to real terror against Belarus — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin said the Kiev regime intentionally attacked an absolutely peaceful object

Roscosmos CEO announces new ‘era’ in space race

Dmitry Rogozin said Roscosmos was actively discussing the lunar program with the Russian Academy of Sciences

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Russia is living through a crucial time, the head of state said, as he pledged that the security of the nation will be ensured

Iran, China unlikely to be thrilled about creation of Trump Route in Armenia — Russian MFA

According to Mikhail Galuzin, recent events demonstrate that the prospects for implementing the Trump Route project are mixed

Venezuela's earthquake death toll exceeds 1,700

5,034 people were injured

Ukraine forms 'cult of betrayal,' erects monument to Mazepa — MP

"Zelensky's actions to erect a monument to the traitor Mazepa in Kiev fully fit into his collaborationist logic," Mikhail Sheremet said

Growth in trade between Russia, India creates new business opportunities — trade mission

The volume of trade between the countries exceeds $70 bln, Russia’s Deputy Trade Representative in India Evgeny Griva said

Russia plans to launch direct flights to Malaysia in 2026 — ministry

According to senior official at the Russian Economic Development Ministry Nikita Kondratyev, Russia aims to boost air connectivity with Middle Eastern countries after the situation in the region normalizes, as well as with China and India

Launch vehicle with the Bion-M satellite installed on Baikonur launch pad

The spacecraft, weighing 6.4 tons, is intended to reach a sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 96.6 degrees

Kremlin delivers remarks on Putin-Lukashenko talks, Ukraine dialogue channels

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia's position on Ukraine, outlined by Vladimir Putin during his address at the Russian Foreign Ministry two years ago, remains unchanged

UK, France, Germany chose unacceptable approaches to Ukraine — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that he had articulated Russia’s stance to ambassadors to the European trio during a recent meeting in the Foreign Ministry

Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister tells Ukraine not to cross border 'red line'

Igor Sekreta emphasized that in case of a border violation, Belarus would respond with full force

Number of ships crossing Strait of Hormuz falls by 80% amid escalation — Bloomberg

This is due to carriers' concerns over the latest escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran

Ukraine shells Novaya Kakhovka district of Kherson Region more than 460 times over week

Three civilians were injured

Russia says does not accept ultimatums, not to allow decisions to be imposed on itself

Russia’s acting permanent representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneyeva also noted that the Western members of the UN Security Council, whose governments supply weapons to the Kiev authorities, are direct accomplices in the crimes

IN BRIEF: No injuries reported as Russia downs total of 209 Ukrainian drones overnight

As many as 29 UAVs were downed in Sevastopol over the past day, Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said

Russian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near Konstantinovka

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clock

Reconstruction of Pogranichny crossing to boost Russia-China freight traffic, tourism

The border crossing’s throughput capacity has increased from 144 to 1,300 vehicles per day, while the number of traffic lanes has risen from 8 to 22

Ukraine as transit hub, Kiev’s cooperation with drug cartels: statements by SVR

Ukraine’s security agencies "deliberately show indulgence towards the increasing drug transit from Latin America to Europe"

Ukrainian authorities once again report difficult situation in Druzhkovka

The city has absolutely no gas, water and power supply, Vadim Filashkin said

Moscow to raise issue of release of 11 Russian citizens during Bayramov’s visit — MFA

This matter is being discussed through the relevant agencies of Russia and Azerbaijan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

Press review: NATO drills rehearse Ukraine logistics and quake strengthens Venezuela power

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 26th

Makhachkala airport resumes operation after riots — general director

The airport accepts domestic and international flights

UK’s outgoing PM Starmer eyeing role of NATO secretary general — weekly

Starmer’s plans would need some sustained government backing, the weekly wrote

Protection against UAV attacks, AI use: statements by Russia’s defense chief

Andrey Belousov said that Russia is actively introducing artificial intelligence systems in its air defenses and the results will be seen by November

Iraq would like to join BRICS — envoy

Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa pointed out that Iraq's potential accession to BRICS depends on a lot of things, on how the organization is organized and what is the condition to be part of BRICS

Russia passed 30 laws to support special military operation veterans in 2025 — PM

Mikhail Mishustin thanked Deputy Speaker Inna Svyatenko, who actively worked on the creation of a working group on legislative support for the rights of defenders of the Fatherland

France, Oman to jointly participate in mine clearance operations in Hormuz — Macron

According to the French president, the two leaders also agreed to continue efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East

Lebanese army to be deployed along entire border with Israel — president

"Israel must not obstruct this," Joseph Aoun said

IRGC delivers retaliatory strike on key US infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain

The IRGC also warned that Tehran’s future response to potential US aggression will be even more decisive

Russian army wiped out well-equipped terrorist groups in Syria, says Putin

They unhesitatingly showed their high professionalism and combat capabilities, their moral fiber and best features during the operation in the Syrian Arab Republic, Putin stressed

Temperature record broken in Hungary — weather service

Temperature in Budapest rose to 40 degrees Celsius on June 28

Russia succeeds in creating strike UAV industry comparable to nuclear industry — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin underscored that the integration of drones into modern warfare marks a fundamental shift from previous conflicts

Putin convenes meeting of government officials, Russian oil majors on fuel situation

The Russian president authorized efforts to minimize the impact of Ukrainian terrorist attacks on Russian civilian facilities

Russia under unprecedented pressure from Western elites — Putin

"Russia is under rude and unprecedented pressure from Western elites," the Russian leader noted

State Duma lauds Vatican's criticism of EU's policy of double standards

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Development of Civil Society, Public and Religious Associations Nikolay Novichkov noted that neither the European Union nor the United States are waging "fair or humane wars"

Drones that attacked Moscow assembled through cooperation of NATO countries — expert

The origins of the components and systems powering the examined drones have been identified, the unmanned aircraft expert and general designer at Russia’s Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions Dmitry Kuzyakin said

Witkoff, Kushner to travel to Doha for talks with Iran this week — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added that technical talks will also be held in Doha

Seven US biolabs set up in Ukraine starting in 2005 under Yushchenko — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, the agreement signed between the Pentagon and the Ukrainian Health Ministry provided for the collection and storage of dangerous pathogens in laboratories on Ukrainian territory, funded by the US