{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Energy crisis in Europe

EU net gas injection tops 32 bln cubic meters ahead of winter

Europe has so far managed to inject only 47% of the volumes required for the upcoming winter

MOSCOW, August 4. /TASS/. Net gas injection by European Union countries into underground gas storage (UGS) facilities since the start of the injection season in April 2026 has exceeded 32 billion cubic meters, according to TASS calculations based on Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data.

Consequently, Europe has so far managed to inject only 47% of the volumes required for the upcoming winter. EU gas storage facilities are currently 57.39% full, which is 16.45 percentage points below the five-year average for this date, compared to 69.3% in 2025. This marks the lowest inventory level for this date since records began in 2011. EU storage sites currently hold around 62.7 billion cubic meters of gas, down 13.3 billion cubic meters from last year's level.

Russian gas giant Gazprom previously forecast that EU gas inventories might fail to reach even 75% ahead of the next heating season. TASS earlier reported that Europe risks entering the winter season with record-low gas reserves.

The average replenishment rate for EU storage in July hit one of its lowest levels since 2011, eclipsed only by the lows of 2020 and 2024. At this pace, Europe could fill its storage sites to just 70-75% by the traditional start of the autumn-winter period, marking an all-time low for the start of a heating season.

Under European Commission mandates, EU member states must ensure their gas storage facilities are 90% full between October 1 and December 1 each year, with a 10% flexibility allowance for challenging market conditions. Therefore, net injections into European storage must reach at least 68 billion cubic meters by the start of the 2026-2027 winter season to meet the target.

This year's slow replenishment rates were heavily driven by intense competition with Asia for available liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies amid the Middle East conflict, higher fuel prices, and extreme heat in June and July. Such summer heatwaves trigger a surge in electricity demand for cooling systems and air conditioners. Gas remains a primary source of power generation alongside nuclear, wind, and solar energy.

Tags

Energy crisis in Europe

Release of The Odyssey film boosts sales of Homer’s poem in Russia by 254%

According to analysts at the bookstore chain, overall sales of Homer’s works increased by 125% year on year

Iran drops plans to strike Ukraine after its apology for attack on ship — TV

According to Press TV, Mohsen Rezaee, a military adviser to the Iranian supreme leader, earlier reported plans to attack three facilities on Ukrainian territory

EU needs internal political changes to stop supporting Kiev — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, it is not true to say that there are no political forces in Europe focused on national interests

Western arms supplies to Kiev only push peace further away — Italian MP

Danilo Della Valle said the conflict is becoming more and more dangerous with each passing day

Four Zaporozhye nuclear plant workers injured by Ukrainian mine blast — ZNPP

According to the statement, any civilian could become a victim of remote mining

US to close diplomatic missions in Canada, Japan, Indonesia, other countries — Reuters

According to sources cited by the agency, the White House initially sought to close up to 30 overseas posts, but for now, the cuts will affect only five of them

Russia takes control of nearly 600 sq km of land in special military op zone in July

Expert Andrey Marochko said that 32 settlements came under control of Russian forces over the month

NATO, EU accomplice to terrorist activity by supporting Ukraine — Zakharova

The diplomat made the statement while commenting on the Ukrainian strike on a beach in Arkhipo-Osipovka near Gelendzhik

Putin arrives in Krasnoyarsk

The head of state arrived at the campus of the Siberian Federal University to participate in the closing ceremony of the All-Russian competition "Big Break"

Saudi Arabia warns US against further escalating Iran war — agency

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman noted that further escalation could severely damage the global economy while failing to achieve its intended objectives

Russian troops strike auto equipment plant, military cargo ships, port terminal in Ukraine

Throughout July, Russian troops struck over 80 sea vessels at Ukrainian ports and in the Black Sea

Hamas urges mediators to push Israel to agree to ceasefire in Gaza

According to the source, the movement insists on "direct intervention" by mediators to compel Israel to fully halt the fighting

Drapaty’s appointment exacerbates disagreements in Ukrainian army — official

Vladimi Vasilenko added that Mikhail Drapaty earned a reputation among the fighters as a "meat general"

Ukraine’s energy sector faces 650 mln euros shortfall ahead of difficult winter — PM

Sergey Koretsky also said that the Ukraine Energy Support Fund has raised over 2 bln euros, which is insufficient

IN BRIEF: Seven people killed in drone attack on Gelendzhik, three children among them

The regional emergency center said 40 people were injured

Ukrainian drone kills one, wounds two people in car near Belgorod

The incident ocurred in the settlement of Oktyabrsky

US after Europe’s money, technologies, intellect — Russian diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the Europeans want to use US military and technological capabilities to continue the conflict in Ukraine, and are also interested in energy resources

Talks with Ukraine on production of Patriot systems progressing — US envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker believes the process is moving forward

Denmark has called up around 1,600 recruits amid rising global tensions — agency

According to sources cited by Reuters, the measure was prompted by the US administration’s claims regarding Greenland, among other things

Russia has not conveyed signals to West on Ukraine via Kazakhstan — MFA

Mikhail Galuzin added that Moscow maintains direct contact with those capable of influencing Kiev

Russia’s Africa Corps takes out Ukrainian drone operators in Mali — military officer

According to the helicopter pilot, the nationality of drone operators was identified through radio intercepts and statements from captured militants

Pantsir missile and gun system effectively destroys long-rage strike drones — publication

According to Major General Alexander Romanenkov, combat experience has convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of the Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun systems

Russia's antimonopoly watchdog opens antitrust case against Apple

The watchdog stated that Apple had failed to comply with an earlier warning regarding the pre-installation of a national messenger and a Russian application store on iOS devices

European leaders rule out possibility of Kiev joining EU in future — Russian intel agency

The intelligence service stated that European bureaucrats were intent on continuing to mislead the Ukrainian people, seeking to use them as ‘cannon fodder’ in the confrontation with Russia

First serial-produced, fully import-substituted MC-21 aircraft completes its maiden flight

The aircraft was piloted by a crew of experienced test pilots

Russia driving Ukraine from its positions in Veliky Burluk direction — administration head

According to preliminary information, the Kiev regime will tighten mobilization in Kharkov and the Kharkov Region to replenish the shortage of personnel in the armed formations, Vitaly Ganchev said

Kazakhstan to hold drills with troop redeployment in August, September

The Batyl Toitarys 2026 exercise is comprehensive in nature and encompasses training grounds across the country

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

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

Stargazers to observe Perseid meteor shower on Tuesday night — astronomers

The number of meteors will grow till August 10, reaching its peak on the night of August 12-13

Mercenaries from six countries fighting alongside Ukraine in Kharkov Region — authorities

According to the official, some of the mercenaries, primarily those from NATO countries, pose themselves as motivated and experienced fighters

India to expand export basket to Russia by end of fiscal year — FIEO

Growing opportunities are emerging in processed and ready-to-eat foods, beverages, tea, coffee, spices

No NATO-Kiev agreement on production of Patriot systems by winter — US envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker said that Washington is "going to do first things first"

Death toll from Venezuela earthquake rises to 6,125

According to a weekly state bulletin, 6,462 people were rescued during search-and-rescue operations

NATO command responsible for coordinating arms supplies to Kiev remains in US hands

The process of transferring command positions in Europe to European generals did not affect this command structure of the alliance

Russian drone operators hit gas station used by Ukrainian army in Kramatorsk

The station was used in the interests of the Ukrainian army, the Russian defense ministry said

Fire breaks out at Wildberries logistics facility in Leningrad Region — company

A preemptive evacuation was carried out at the facility, there are no casualties

Chinese game publishers increasing investment in promoting projects on RuStore

RuStore's Business Development Director Ilya Ulyanov says China accounted for around 80% of the total foreign advertising budget in the first six months of the year

What we know about drone attack on Gelendzhik, resulting in six deaths

Emergency and special services are working at the crash sites

Qatar, Egypt, Turkey condemn Israel’s ceasefire violations in Gaza

The mediators particularly condemned the targeting of healthcare facilities and medical infrastructure, and the resulting civilian casualties

FACTBOX: Danube River's low water level and effect on nuke plants in Hungary, Romania

Due to a severe drought, the Danube's water level has dropped to a 30-year low of 1,700 cubic meters per second

Ukraine loses 9,600 troops, mercenaries in special military op zone in past week — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russia's Battlegroup Center inflicted the heaviest manpower losses on the enemy

Trump says US and Iran in talks, even if Tehran denies it

The US president said the sides are "talking of a solution to a problem" that Tehran have caused

US secretly exchanges combat experience with Taiwan — newspaper

Koo Li-hsiung highlighted that Taipei’s cooperation with Washington "is far closer than you might imagine"

Six UAVs downed over Leningrad Region — governor

Alexander Drozdenko noted that combat operations are ongoing

Kiev sent forcibly mobilized soldiers for assaults in Kharkov Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, over the past week, Ukrainian troops attempted to stabilize the front line and conducted reconnaissance-in-force operations, using "low-skilled personnel"

Russian oil supplies to India in July reach highest level since 2022

According to vessel-tracking data from Kpler, India imported just over 5 million bpd of crude oil in July, up slightly from June

Seventeen UAVs shot down over Leningrad Region, one person injured

Damage was reported in the Krasny Bor warehouse area

Transport Ministry works on alternative logistics due to attacks on vessels in Sea of Azov

The ministry noted that the headquarters aims to protect the transport industry and economic interests

Trump claims US fully controls Strait of Hormuz

The US president said that nothing gets through to Iran, unless the United States wants it to

Twenty-one people hospitalized after being injured in Ukrainian UAV attack on Gelendzhik

The Health Ministry added that 19 people received outpatient medical care

Russia has not yet heard any constructive ideas from West on Ukraine — MFA

Mikhail Galuzin says Western ruling circles "sometimes descend into a completely unacceptable style of dialogue characterized by ultimatums"

US military seeks ‘unconventional’ options to punish Iran — TV

According to the report, the request highlights the limited and potentially politically unpalatable options available to the Washington administration in dealing with Iran

Over 80% of power plants destroyed in Ukraine — official

Ukraine began experiencing power supply problems in late 2025 amid severe cold weather and significant damage to energy infrastructure

Killed and injured in Moscow Region, 320 downed UAVs: aftermath of drone attacks on Russia

On-duty air defenses intercepted Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over 19 Russian regions

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

Russia ready for negotiations on Ukraine with mature approach from West — MFA

Mikhail Galuzin added that Moscow has "repeatedly demonstrated this"

Ukraine's energy system fragmented, refineries destroyed — former Zelensky spokesperson

According to Yulia Mendel, 37 gas stations of the Naftogaz group were targeted

Spain calls on EU members to show solidarity amid migrant crisis — top diplomat

Jose Manuel Albares stressed that Spain’s autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla had never posed a threat to the integrity of the Schengen zone

Moscow transfers 68% of taxes, fees to federal budget — mayor

According to Sergey Sobyanin, the capital ensures its own development and generates resources to support the country’s other regions

Sevmash Shipyard to deliver two vessels to Russian Navy by year end — CEO

Mikhail Budnichenko added that the Project 885M nuclear-powered submarine Perm will complete all stages of tests this year

US has shifted tactics in war with Iran, betting on internal destabilization — expert

Oleg Akulinichev, deputy chairman of the Russian-Iranian Business Council, noted that the strategic goals of the US and Israel remain unchanged

Trump says won't let Iran charge toll for Hormuz passage

USA will charge that, President Donald Trump said

Casualties, fire at Wildberries facility: aftermath of drone attacks on Russian regions

On-duty air defense systems downed a total of 131 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over 11 Russian regions

Six people injured by mines remotely planted by Ukraine in Energodar over day

Mayor Maxim Pukhov said that medical workers are providing all necessary assistance to the victims

Press review: US delays Iran action as Washington returns to Moscow-Kiev talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 3rd

Russia warns Ireland of maritime piracy attempts’ possible consequences — ambassador

Ireland’s recently adopted laws stipulate that the army may board vessels under the pretext of combating violations of the anti-Russian sanctions’ regime

Russia would welcome Kazakhstan’s accession to GFCN network — presidential administration

According to the statement, Russian and Kazakh media are ideologically close and largely perform common tasks

Amur tiger cubs transferred by Russia to Kazakhstan could be released into wild in year

The cubs need to reach the age of 18 months, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology says

Japan says situation similar to conflict in Ukraine could arise in East Asia

According to the Defense Ministry's report, global security challenges are particularly prominent in the Indo-Pacific region and are likely to intensify

Russian diplomat points to Ukraine’s attacks on Zaporozhye NPP

The Russian charge d'affaires outlined Moscow’s official position on Ukraine’s attacks against civilian facilities and infrastructure in Russia

Ukrainian drones injure four people on Turkish vessel heading to Russia — paper

The boat was carrying fresh vegetables and fruits

Drone attack on Moscow Region kills five, leaves six people injured

According to Governor Andrey Vorobyov, all those affected are receiving necessary medical care

Turkish intel chief, Hamas leader discuss roadmap for second stage of Gaza peace plan

The sides also discussed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip

New Pentagon contracts won’t help Ukraine with Patriots — expert

Nikolay Novik, an expert at the Higher School of Economics, says that the actual increase in output will occur in 2027-2028, not in the coming months

Ukrainian troops hunting down Russian civilian buses, attacking over 30 this summer — MFA

Rodion Miroshnik noted that those strikes had become a part of the Ukraine's deliberate strategy to destroy civilian logistics

Burevestnik’s range outstrips all other known missile systems — Putin

"It has high precision and hits its targets in designated time," Russian leader added

Two employees of ZNPP injured by Ukrainian mine remain in serious condition

Two more employees received minor wounds

US and Iran discuss resumption of shipping in Strait of Hormuz by August 4, Trump says

The US president mentioned complete opening of the strait

Even mild winter could turn into nightmare for Ukraine — expert

Vasily Koltashov, director of the Institute of New Society, said that a mild winter with fluctuating temperatures would damage water supply systems

IN BRIEF: SVR statements on EU plans for Ukrainian soil, Kiev’s EU membership prospects

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service stressed that European bureaucrats intend to mislead the Ukrainian people and use them as "cannon fodder" in their confrontation with Russia

Russian Forces intercept rare Portuguese Tekever AR3 recon drone

The UAV has been transferred to a research institute, where specialists will study its design, technical specifications, and engineering solutions

Zelensky seeks to drag Muslim world into conflict in Ukraine through Umerov’s appointment

Russian lawmaker Leonid Ivlev recalled that Rustem Umerov is a Crimean Tatar and Kiev has been unsuccessfully seeking to use them for its purposes for decades

Russian synchronized swimmers win their first gold at European Aquatics Championships

This is the seventh medal at this tournament for Russian athletes

Zelensky dismisses Ukrainian ambassador to US

A new ambassador has not yet been appointed

Ukrainian army trying to hush up internal conflict over Drapaty appointment — official

Vladimir Vasilenko previously said that Drapaty’s appointment as the Ukrainian army commander-in-chief exacerbated disagreements among service members in Ukraine’s southern group of forces

35 vessels redirected by US military since resumption of blockade of Iran — CENTCOM

Disabled 2, and boarded 2, it wrote on X

Telegram app once again available on App Store

The reasons for the temporary removal have not yet been disclosed

Senior Russian diplomat outlines conditions for Ukraine talks

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Russia had yet to receive substantive proposals from Western countries regarding the Ukraine issue

Pentagon concludes agreements worth $3 billion to increase interceptor production volumes

The department emphasized that this will in the future help triple production volumes of PAC-3 missiles for Patriot and quadruple those for THAAD systems

Russian stock indices decline as trading on Moscow Exchange opens

By 10:15 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX Index decreased by 0.54%, while the RTS Index fell by 0.53%

Negotiations are Iran’s chance to avoid ‘decapitation’ — Trump

According to the US president, Washington could increase the scale of attacks

S-400 systems ‘triumphantly’ down 10 Ukrainian MiG-29s in one day in 2023 — journal

According to Chief of the Air Defense Missile Forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces Major General Alexander Romanenkov, at that time, 24 aircraft were shot down in a week, using a new method

Crimea’s power grid faces unprecedented load this week due to Ukrainian attacks — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, during the week, the enemy deliberately targeted distribution substations that supply power to several regions at once

Telegram app has disappeared from App Store

The messenger can no longer be downloaded in the Russian, Turkish, and US regions

Ceuta authorities report 88 deaths amid mass influx of migrants — news agency

On August 2, the Spanish government’s press office reported 72 fatalities, and the Moroccan authorities reported 11 deaths

Russia expects Kazakh media to objectively report on root causes of Ukraine conflict

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, the Nazi regime in Kiev has gone so far as to blatantly attack the economic interests of Russia and Kazakhstan

Nadezhda crew evacuate to Novorossiysk after Ukraine’s drone attack

There were 22 crew members on board

Liberation of Svetloye creates springboard for offensive on Dobropolye — Russian soldier

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the settlement of Svetloye in the Donetsk People’s Republic was liberated on July 29

Russian divers win silver at 2026 European Aquatics Championships

Russia’s silver medalists are Evgenii Kuznetsov and Nikita Shleikher, with their eventual result of 408.99 points

Russian-Kazakh Media Forum discusses role of media in building trust between nations

Its plenary session focused on the strategic role of the mass media in countering disinformation and consolidating bilateral ties

Strait of Hormuz transit remains low amid US-Iran talks — Reuters

According to analysts, only three tankers and three bulk carriers passed through the strait over the past 24 hours