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Export loading on Russian Railways network up 3.4% in 1H

Chief Executive Officer Oleg Belozerov also noted an increase in container shipments

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. Export freight loading on Russian Railways’ network rose by 3.4% in the first half of 2026, and by more than 4.4% in June, Chief Executive Officer Oleg Belozerov said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Among positive indicators is the growth in export loading of over 3.4% for the six-month period. In June, export growth exceeded 4.4%," he said.

Belozerov also noted an increase in container shipments, "especially in June: 13% more were transported [compared to June 2025]." "We plan to set a record for container shipments this year," he added.

Russia’s energy sector cuts import dependence by over 20% since 2014 — expert

According to Alexey Fadeyev, Russian oil and gas companies are developing their own technologies, while government support also plays an important role

LNG market holds promise, but Russia faces cold reception — expert

Global LNG production capacity could expand by 65% over the next five years, with the US driving roughly half of that growth, Anvar Gafiatullin noted

US, Israel may impose land blockade on Iran — newspaper

The media outlet pointed out that Pakistan and Iraq, who are not close allies of Washington in the region, could be a weak link

Russian envoy likens migrant influx into Ceuta to fall of Rome

Kirill Dmitriev accompanied his post with Thomas Cole's painting "Destruction" from "The Course of Empire" series and a photograph from Ceuta

Russia cushions external shocks through large FX reserves — IMF

The remaining restrictions on cross-border transfers curtailed capital outflows and helped preserve buffers, the report said

Russia, Mauritania sign memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation

The sides focused closely on fisheries cooperation, a mutually beneficial partnership spanning over 50 years

Russian man detained for scouting defense sites for Ukraine

The suspect confessed to conducting reconnaissance of Russian military facilities on behalf of a terrorist organization

Iran strikes US military facilities in Bahrain

The Iranian army struck electric generators, a navigation system and administrative buildings

Russia to insist on identifying masterminds of Nord Stream sabotage — ambassador

Sergey Nechayev highlighted that the fact that "the German prosecutor general’s office admitted that it was not just an accident involving six diving amateurs who somehow managed to plant explosives" was "an important sign by itself"

EU seeks seat at Ukraine talks while refusing to hear Moscow — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova added that the West had blocked access to all alternative viewpoints

Fires at Wildberries facilities, 258 drones: aftermath of attacks on Russian regions

According to latest reports, four people were injured

IN BRIEF: Belarus tips Poland off about plot to attack opposition figure’s children

According to the former operative of Belarus’ State Security Committee, the attack was being planned by former journalist Denis Dashkevich, a member of the Belarusian opposition

Belousov congratulates Battlegroup Center on liberating Mogritsa in Sumy Region

The defense minister noted that that strategic success had opened up new opportunities for the development of Russia's offensive

Ukrainian ports handling military cargoes are legitimate targets for Russia — MP

The Russian Defense Ministry regularly reports strikes on Ukrainian ports used for delivering military supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces

Number of Colombian mercenaries in Ukraine eclipses 7,000 — defense sources

Captured Colombians almost unanimously claim that the conditions promised during recruitment are radically different from reality

PR for Zelensky's terrorism, pride in Russians, 'healthy anger': Lavrov's statements

The Russian foreign minister added that people need to understand the gravity of a situation where essentially the entire West is against Russia

Russia liberated 13 settlements in the Kharkov region in July — administration head

Russian units continue their advance in the area of Kupyansk, developing the offensive downstream along the Oskol River in the direction of Borovaya

Ukrainian strikes on Zaporozhye nuke plant pose risk of radioactive contamination — expert

The drone was detected in close proximity to the transporter storage building, which is used to move containers with spent nuclear fuel

US journalist Owens declares her love for Russia

The American journalist denied any allegations of her ties to the Russian authorities

Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnels near Beaufort

According to a joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, the IDF will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon and will "continue to destroy all terror infrastructure"

Trump says Israel to withdraw forces from Gaza after Hamas disarmament

According to the US president, as disarmament is completed, the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to ensure safety

Lebanon’s billionaire Sehnaoui accused of treason following dinner with Israel’s Netanyahu

Lebanese Prosecutor General Ahmed Rami al-Hajj issued an arrest warrant for Antoun Sehnaoui for violating the law on the boycott of the Jewish state, in force since 1955

Lukashenko thanks Trump for revealing true nature of US foreign policy

As an example of a wise and pragmatic model of national development, the Belarusian president pointed to China

Spain summons Italian ambassador over Schengen remarks

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Antonio Tajani's statement on an intention to suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain was "unworthy of the foreign minister of a partner and friendly country"

European football authorities oppose Infantino’s plans to sell World Cup’s rights — UEFA

The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product, it is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, the statement says

Russian forces deploy over 100,000 Gerbera drones in special op zone in Ukraine — expert

Igor Potapov noted that the Gerbera was initially designed as an air defense decoy, a deception target

At least 18 migrants die trying to reach Spain's Ceuta — media

Local media previously reported that more than 1,500 migrants reached Ceuta from Morocco over the past week

Russia developing new air defense system against Ukrainian UAVs — expert

Yevgeny Poddubny highlighted three key conditions for successful defense against enemy UAVs: the presence of radar stations, mobility, and well-coordinated interaction of units

CENTCOM says no US planes damaged by Iranian strikes

According to the US military, all missiles and drones were intercepted or failed to reach targeted areas

Impunity in Nord Stream sabotage case provokes new precedents — Russian envoy

Russian ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev noted that Moscow was closely monitoring the investigation into the sabotage of the pipelines

Russian Battlegroup North’s Lancet drone destroys Ukrainian MLRS in Sumy Region

The distance from the operator to the target was more than 20 kilometers

IN BRIEF: IIHF Council extends suspension of Russian ice hockey players

The Council said the decision was "due to ongoing safety, security and sporting integrity concerns"

One killed, eight others injured in Volgograd Region: aftermath of Ukrainian UAV attack

In the southern Rostov Region, one person was injured in a Ukrainian UAV attack on the town of Gukovo

FACTBOX: What to know about possible suspension of Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant

The plant is expected to suspend operations starting August 3

Russian drone operators destroy 120 Ukrainian UAV control posts in Kharkov area over month

According to the chief of Planning and Counter-UAV Operations of the 11th Army Corps, the destruction of Ukrainian UAV control posts helps reduce the activity of Ukrainian kamikaze and hexacopter drones at certain sectors of the engagement line

Any loss of F-16 fighter jet to be painful for Kiev — Der Tagesspiegel

The publication emphasized that Ukraine is unable to produce them on its own

Trump says agreement on full disarmament of Hamas reached

The US president stated that an agreement on the complete disarmament of all other armed groups in Gaza was also reached

Arms deliveries to Ukraine create problems for West — Crimean official

Weapons may end up in the hands of criminal groups, Vladimir Konstantinov said

Press review: Putin-Xi-Trump meeting rumors swirl while Kiev plays Poland against Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 31st

Moscow urges Austria to resolve diplomatic visa issue — envoy

According to Andrey Grozov, the visa issue remains "the most sensitive area" in relations with Vienna

‘Christian Corps’ plans punitive operations in Ukraine — Russian security official

According to available information, it includes members of the Tradition and Order group, the Stugna special unit and the Belarusian Volunteers group

Press review: US-Iran strike lull short-lived and Telegram's Durov faces terrorism charges

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 30th

International Ice Hockey Federation rules to keep Russia barred until 2027

The decision was made due to "ongoing safety, security and sporting integrity concerns"

Russian troops take Novaya Sech, start fighting for two neighboring settlements — expert

Fighting has begun for Kiyanitsa and Khrapovshchina

Poland not target of object that fell in southeast of country — Tusk

The Polish PM said that the US was interested in investigating the circumstances of the incident

Fate of 45,000 Russian children adopted abroad remains unknown — lawmaker

According to Nina Ostanina, these children had left the country before the law banning adoptions abroad was passed in 2022

Trump restricts export of waste containing recoverable critical materials

According to documents published on the White House website, the US Department of Commerce must determine the scope of the restrictions

Weapons supplies to Kiev fall into European mafia hands — expert

Alexander Stepanov said that it transforms European organized criminal groups and communities into paramilitary combat units equipped to carry out a wider range of tasks

West trying to provoke nuclear incident to start open war with Russia — expert

Renat Karchaa noted that the section of the front line where Energodar and the ZNPP are located is overseen by UK military experts

Riyadh seeks 50-nation coalition to protect Red Sea shipping

The key issue in establishing the coalition is the position of the United States

Western support provokes Zelensky to new dangerous adventures — Russian Foreign Ministry

Such actions by the Kiev regime would not have been possible if it had not had a constant political support provided to it by Western countries, Maria Zakharova noted

KCNA says US military headquarters in Japan turns into ‘war command’

According to the agency, the purpose of the reform is to ensure joint actions of the US and Japan’s armies in the event of war and to expand the capabilities of US troops to conduct independent operations in the region

Kiev uses drones to scatter new type of Lepestok landmine in LPR — diplomat

Kiev broadly uses anti-personnel landmines and explosive devices to booby-trap civilian facilities

Hamas, Palestinian factions agree on all Gaza deal provisions — TV

According to sources cited by Al Hadath, the official announcement will be made "after the Israeli side signal its approval to the provisions"

Russian missions assist compatriots in Baltics daily — envoy

Gennady Gatilov said protecting the rights and freedoms of Russians and Russian-speaking residents in the Baltic states remains one of Moscow's top priorities across the post-Soviet space

Fire breaks out at Wildberries warehouse in Volgograd

The company said the facility had previously been attacked

Spain’s Ceuta sees migrant 'invasion' — Politico

According to the report, the crisis in Ceuta has provoked criticism of the migration strategy of the Spanish government

Shnaider advances to quarterfinals of tennis tournament in Washington

Diana Shnaider will face Russian Liudmila Samsonova in the quarterfinals

Zelensky spouts rhetoric about ceasefire, but continues to strike energy sites — diplomat

In Maria Zakharova's words, Zelensky is absolutely unable to negotiate

Ukrainian army abandons weapons in three settlements while retreating — Defense Ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry earlier reported that Battlegroup North units established control over the settlement of Yurchenkovo in the Kharkov Region

Air defenses shoot down 59 Ukrainian drones over seven Russian regions

The Ukrainian fixed-wing UAVs were intercepted over Belgorod, Kirov, Kursk, Rostov, Udmurt and Perm regions, as well as Crimea

Russia at important point of completing special op — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman addressed volunteers of the United Russia Young Guard and the Volunteer Company departing to the special military operation zone

Aurus helicopter could be developed based on offshore Mi-171A3

The project was carried out in partnership with Gazprom and coordinated by its subsidiary, Gazprom Tech

Big Tech’s AI investments top $1 trillion — FT reports

According to the newspaper, such spending demonstrates both the scale of the AI ambitions and the speed at which America's technology giants have developed

SpaceX turns head as Ukraine uses Starlink for strikes against Russia — expert

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, the corporation's management deliberately ignores the problem for the sake of political dividends and enormous financial benefits from equipment sales

FACTBOX: What is known about last night's massive strike by Russia on targets in Ukraine

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strikes hit military airfields, defense industry enterprises, military telecommunication and logistics centers of Ukraine

Pavel Durov added to list of terrorists and extremists — Russia’s financial watchdog

Pavel Durov has been charged with aiding terrorist activities in Russia as part of a criminal investigation, and proceedings have been initiated to place him on an international wanted list

Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol kills one civilian — governor

Eleven houses were damaged

Ukraine admits failure to intercept any hypersonic missiles at night

The General Staff also acknowledged that the Ukrainian army was unable to shoot down several Russian Iskander-M ballistic missiles

Major ChinaJoy digital entertainment expo opens in Shanghai with Russian participation

Russian companies VK, RuStore, Yandex Ads, and the Moscow Department of Culture's Creative Industries Agency will participate in the event

Iran’s IRGC reports destroying three planes at US base in Jordan

According to the Iranian side, casualties were also reported

New drones forcing armies around world to change approaches to air defense — expert

Yevgeny Poddubny noted that such factors as UAV range and combat power continued to evolve

Restrictions on Pavel Durov unrelated to Telegram — watchdog

At the same time, organizations involved in financial transactions and deals with other property are obliged to freeze assets of those designated as terrorists and extremists in Russia, the federal agency said

LDARZ, LORTA plants in Lvov, struck by Russia, were of strategic importance for Kiev

Both plants were added to the list of strategic enterprises in 2015, when Ukraine embarked on a course of militarization with Western support

Iran carries out drone strikes on military facilities at air base in Kuwait

According to the statement, the air base in Kuwait plays a vital role in US air reconnaissance and support operations

Ukrainian attacks on Black Sea energy facilities raise concerns — Russian diplomat

On July 30, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium reported another drone attack on two tankers near its terminal outside the southern Russian city of Novorossiysk

World Boxing allows Russian athletes to compete under national symbols

In April, Russian athletes were allowed to compete as neutrals

Ukrainian positional defense tactics collapsing under Russian army pressure — official

Yevgeny Lisnyak noted that the main problem for the Ukrainian armed forces is the lack of personnel and the quality of reinforcements

Nearly 49,000 migrants enter Spain's Ceuta over past 24 hours — radio

At least 24 people died trying to reach the enclave

Netanyahu, Trump discuss three scenarios for dealing with Iran — Reuters

The source said that in the current conflict with Iran, the US president is acting as the "senior partner," while the Israeli prime minister is playing the role of "junior partner"

Russia welcomes UN efforts to advance Cyprus settlement — envoy

Murat Zyazikov stated that Russia continues to advocate resolving the Cyprus issue "solely through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful negotiations" under UN auspices

Trump says Witkoff, Kushner to visit Ukraine in coming days — media

The US president told the Financial Times that his attention was focused on ending the conflict

Allies not ready to provide US with direct military aid in conflict with Iran — newspaper

Politico noted that "traditional US partners are wary of any direct support until they receive reassurances of a lasting ceasefire – or other promises" from Washington

Ending special military op in 2026 optimal, provided Russia achieves goals — legislator

Grigory Karasin emphasized that Russia stands its ground and wants to "fully accomplish the tasks that were set by the president"

Peace in Ukraine possible, but Europe must be convinced of its necessity — Turkish expert

According to Professor Canan Tercan, Turkey continues negotiations on the issue of resuming talks on its platform

Maduro praises situation in Venezuela — Rodriguez

Delcy Rodriguez said that she had only received a few messages from Nicolas Maduro through his lawyers since January

Zelensky totally unreasonable, tries to scale up conflict — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the head of Kiev regime was trying to engage as many countries as possible into his terrorist actions

Russian Kalinskaya reaches tennis quarterfinals in Washington

The player defeated Indonesia's Janice Tjen

Drapaty’s appointment reflects compromise with West — Russian diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, Vladimir Zelensky had to make this decision because Mikhail Drapaty "belongs to the group" represented by former Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov

Saudi Arabia-Israel normalization is possible, Trump says

The US president said he had discussed normalization with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Medvedev says Ukraine conflict to end in Russia’s victory

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that the authorities would have to ensure the transfer of people from the military sector to the civilian sector of economy after the end of the conflict

Russia strongly condemns Ukrainian attempt to attack Zaporozhye nuke plant — MFA

The attack was supposed to target a spent nuclear fuel dry storage facility

Trump 'not sure' US will grant Ukraine license to produce Patriot ammunition

The US president said that Washington was "looking at it"

What we know about detention of terrorist organization member for scouting defense sites

According to the FSB, posing as an employee of a logistics and transport company, the detainee conducted reconnaissance of strategically important facilities in seven Russian regions and sent information via messenger to the handlers

Thousands of migrants flood into Spain’s Ceuta as authorities try to stem tide

The migrant run on Ceuta is the largest since a similar inundation in 2021

Russia doubts Armenia can secure comparable gas prices outside EAEU — ministry

According to Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia supplies gas to Armenia at $177.5 per 1,000 cubic meters within the Union’s Common Gas Market

Russian forces liberate four settlements in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

The Russia's battlegroup North has established control over the settlements of Yurchenkovo in the Kharkov Region, and Mogritsa and Malaya Slobodka in the Sumy Region

New temporary export ban and fuel supply for agriculture enterprises: cabinet’s measures

Under the signed decree, the temporary export ban on fuels will be in effect from August 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027

Russia urges UN to condemn Moldova's actions against Russian language — envoy

Gennady Gatilov says that the issue of the Russian language has long been used by the geopolitical opponents as a tool to "separate the former Soviet republics from Russia by any means"

Lebanese president determined to ensure withdrawal of Israeli troops

Joseph Aoun separately said after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Lebanon’s authorities intend "to rebuild the country, carry out reforms, and launch an economic recovery process"