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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Gold futures top $4,250/oz for first time since June 18

As of 3:16 p.m. Moscow time, gold prices gained 1.88% to $4,264.5 per ounce

MOSCOW, August 5. /TASS/. Gold futures for December delivery on the Comex exchange surpassed $4,250 per troy ounce today, hitting their highest level since June 18, 2026, market data shows.

As of 2:57 p.m. Moscow time (11:57 GMT), gold prices rose 1.56% to $4,251 per troy ounce. By 3:16 p.m. Moscow time (12:16 GMT), the rally accelerated, pushing the contract further up to $4,264.5 per ounce, a 1.88% gain.

Eurasian Economic Union

Pakistan to sign free trade agreement with EAEU, ambassador to Russia says

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi believes that, as part of the Eurasian region, Pakistan has to have more people-to-people and business-to-business contacts with all the countries of the EAEU

Number of killed, injured at hands of Ukrainian army grows 25% compared to June — MFA

According to the data, in the week from June 15 to 21, the number of killed and injured was 291, while in the week from July 27 to August 2, it reached 391

Switzerland suspects 24 cases of involvement of its citizens in combat on Ukraine’s side

According to latest data, 10 proceedings have been completed while 14 are ongoing

Ukrainian troops killed those refusing to evacuate from DPR’s Konstantinovka — army

The Russian battlegroup South’s press service cited the local resident, who told that a group of people had been allegedly shot near Konstantinovka administration building

US preparing to announce deal with Iran, Oman on Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday — Axios

According to the news portal, the agreement's effect may be extended beyond 60 days

Russian troops create interceptor drone with maximum speed of over 500 km/h

The Astra-PVO can destroy unmanned aerial vehicles by kinetic energy or by a warhead

Africa Corps fighters defend encircled outpost in Mali for six days — officer

There were no casualties among Russian troops

Pentagon chief denies depletion of stocks of key munitions in US armed forces

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stressed that this information is not true

Press review: EU fails to resolve Ceuta crisis as Black Sea attacks disrupt shipping

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 5th

Hainan unveils development plan for 'Silicon Valley' of China's seed industry up to 2030

The establishment of the seed breeding Silicon Valley will be completed in two phases

Trump declines Zelensky’s request for additional Patriot interceptors — newspaper

According to the sources, the US leader cited shortages in US interceptor stocks linked to the military operation against Iran

Two-thirds of all drones attacking Russia target Moscow — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin highlighted that the Russian Defense Ministry and the city authorities were constantly strengthening the capital’s air defense capabilities

Russia to restrict transit of EU poultry meat, by-products from August 5

The decision was made to prevent the spread of epizootics and protect consumers

Coordinated information campaign may be behind migration crisis in Ceuta — GFCN

According to the Global Fact-Checking Network, the main trigger for this information campaign was a ruling announced by Spain’s Supreme Court on July 8

Zelensky’s 40-day plan opens 'portal to hell' for Ukraine — Duma member

Leonid Slutsky said that Ukraine is systematically being cut off from weapons supply routes and risks facing its worst winter yet

US, Iran exchanging peace drafts through intermediaries — Qatari Foreign Ministry

Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari said the documents "had been prepared on behalf of both governments"

Indian ship comes under fire near Yemen, sailors rescued

India strongly condemned the attack on the mechanised sailing vessel

NATO confirms discovery of UAV near Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig airport — news agency

The security sources noted that the drone had been carrying explosives with a detonator

Thai foreign ministry conveys letter of condolence to Lavrov over murder of Russians

Director General of the European Department of the Thai Foreign Ministry Somrudee Poophronnack confirmed that Thailand attaches great importance to this case

India's position not to allow creation of 'Asian NATO' out of QUAD — Indian expert

Robinder Sachdev said that the administration of US President Donald Trump adheres to a new strategic doctrine

What is known about detention of Russians plotting terrorist attacks in Sevastopol

The detainees conducted sabotage and terrorist activities in the Republic of Crimea under the instructions of Ukrainian intelligence services

Inflicting defeat on Russia, powerful nuclear power, impossible — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin pointed out that the West is striving to do so through the hands of its Kiev puppets

North Korea to take further measures regarding Japan — official

Kim Yo Jong accused Tokyo of speeding up the country’s transformation into "a military state," pointing to the recent test launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from a Japanese destroyer, Japan’s joint drills with the United States, the deployment of long-range weapons and the development of offensive weapons

Vladimir Medinsky: I’m conflictless but obstinate

Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky in TASS special project Top Officials

Ukraine’s air defenses fail to intercept even one Russian missile overnight

Russia launched Tsirkon and Iskander missiles, among others, on targets in Ukraine

Press review: US-Iran seek talks as Ukraine ups civilian hits and Syria oil route emerges

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 4th

NATO deceives Georgia, Ukraine by promising to admit them — Georgia’s ruling party

Kakha Kaladze said NATO no longer hesitates to openly state that joining the alliance is actually impossible and out of the question

Zelensky’s 40-day plan fails — Duma lawmaker

Alexey Chepa noted that Ukraine continued to lose territory in the special military operation zone

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

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,435 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

US developing new nuclear strategy for potential conflict with Russia, China — media

According to the sources, the Pentagon has begun drafting a new US nuclear strategy that "emphasizes the possible use of shorter-range tactical weapons"

World’s oceans once again becoming key arena of geopolitical rivalry — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev stressed the importance of discussing the expansion of Russia-Brazil cooperation in maritime logistics, advanced maritime technologies and other areas

Moscow sends more than 100,000 volunteers to special military op zone — mayor

The city also produces the best equipment, technical systems, military products, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and microelectronics

Kiev, by bombing economic infrastructure, attempts to escalate — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin stressed that the Kiev regime is apparently trying to 'beg' more weapons from its Western sponsors

Trump says Strait of Hormuz to be opened very soon

The US leader pointed out that the discussions were very good

Changes of Ukrainian army chiefs result in loss of control over military — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselyov, Ukrainian troops are fleeing from settlements with layered defenses

US, Iran engaged in closed contacts regarding conflict — Pakistani ambassador to Moscow

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi also emphasized that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed in June serves as confirmation of Pakistan's effective mediating role

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

Poland scrambles fighter jets for second day due to Russian Il-20 aircraft over Baltic Sea

The Polish military reported four such incidents in July

NATO can deploy nuclear weapons in Finland without government approval — politician

According to Armando Mema, no public debate was made on that issue

Tourists from 64 countries can visit Russia using e-visa — prime minister

According to Mikhail Mishustin, the permitted period of stay in Russia has almost doubled from 16 to 30 days

Zelensky statements about attacks on merchant ships unacceptable — Turkish trade union

Efecan Ozcan added that the Maritime Workers Platform strongly opposes attacks that turn the Black Sea into a battlefield

Zelensky announces further purges in Ukraine’s Security Service

Vladimir Zelensky changed SBU regional directorate chiefs in eight Ukrainian regions

Trump expects Iran’s renunciation of nuclear weapons to be formalized

The US leader stressed that Iran "would never have a nuclear weapon"

ONGC, Sodeco to have stakes in new Sakhalin-1 project operator

The Sakhalin-1 operator is to prepare required documents for the transfer of participation interests

EU, NATO responsible for bloody disintegration of Yugoslavia — Russian Embassy

The Russian diplomatic mission also noted that the experience of the events in Serbian Krajina "convincingly demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of encouraging nationalist radicalism"

Anonymous posts on social networks call for new mass migration to Ceuta — portal

According to the news portal, "in recent hours, users have been sharing posts, indicating the specific time of the proposed action - the night of August 15 to 16"

Astronomer assesses risks of destroying asteroid with nuclear bomb

The method involves first creating a deep hole on the surface of the celestial body using an unmanned spacecraft

Hormuz deal involves ships entering Persian Gulf through Iran — WSJ

According to the newspaper, Tehran requested the right to charge a toll for the passage of ships, guarantees of non-resumption of attacks, lifting the US naval blockade and easing sanctions against Iranian oil

Supreme commander-in-chief announces army reshuffles in special op zone

Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Denis Lyamin, former chief of staff of the battlegroup Center, to oversee Russian unmanned systems forces

Almost all recent illegal migrants leave Ceuta for Morocco — Foreign Ministry

According to the press release, illegally entering Spain through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the country, enter mainland Spain, or travel freely across Europe

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

China imposes retaliatory sanctions on six US entities over Xinjiang

The ministry stressed that these US entities "aided and abetted the United States' illegal sanctions against Xinjiang," yielding an "extremely negative impact"

Russian fighters drive wedges into Ukraine’s defenses near Novaya Sech — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that Russian servicemen are also pressing on the settlement of Maryino, which is located southeast of Khrapovshchina

UNICEF calls on Ukraine to honor international humanitarian law after attack on Gelendzhik

The United Nations Children's Fund noted in a statement posted on its website that over the past several days, "children have again been killed and injured in attacks in the Russian Federation"

Casualties, fire at Wildberries sorting center, 475 UAVs: aftermath of drone attacks

On-duty air defenses intercepted and destroyed Ukrainian drones over 17 Russian regions

Israel needs escalation in Gaza to secure resources for US investors — expert

Alexander Stepanov said the local population, residents, and the previous way of life in this territory are at odds with the commercial interests

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

Kiev’s 40-day plan results in losses on front, in economy — Russian MP

Konstantin Basyuk noted that "now is not the time to relax"

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

Mikhail Galuzin added that Moscow has "repeatedly demonstrated this"

US military redirects 45 vessels since resumption of blockade of Iran — CENTCOM

According to the statement, the US forces boarded two vessels to ensure compliance

Moscow can’t accept collective EU, NATO response to message on indivisibility of security

Russia is waiting for a detailed response from each side, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova informed

Russian forces strike largest Nova Post logistics hub in Kiev

Russian forces also hit an Epicenter logistics hub in the Ukrainian capital

India to continue modernizing its Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighters — Defense Ministry

The fighter jets will be armed with a variety of long-range missiles, including the Russian-Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

Defense chief reveals classified details of German RCH 155 deliveries to Kiev

During a visit to the KNDS plant in Kassel, Boris Pistorius said that the "wheeled howitzer has proven itself in Ukraine"

Russia’s Oniks missile can overcome virtually all modern air defenses — Pacific Fleet

During the ongoing naval drills, Bal and Bastion shore-based missile system crews deployed launchers to designated positioning areas along the coast in the Primorye Region, Kamchatka, Chukotka, and the Kuril Islands

No evacuation of employees of Russian institutions in Cuba currently considered — envoy

Viktor Koronelli noted that blackouts are occurring one after another as a result of the criminal fuel and energy blockade of the Caribbean republic by the United States

US anti-Russian sanctions to harm Washington more than Moscow — portal

Responsible Statecraft said the tightening of sanctions against Russia will not accelerate the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, but will only emphasize that the United States does not seek peace

Brazilian president, Russian Maritime Board chief hold talks on international security

During the talks, topical issues of Russian-Brazilian cooperation were discussed

Lavrov to lead Russian delegation at UN General Assembly session in New York

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly will open on September 8

Fire at Wildberries sorting center occurs in Tula Region during Ukraine’s UAV attack

According to operational information, damage was recorded in two apartment buildings in the Venevsky district, as well as at two industrial facilities in Novomoskovsk and the Uzlovsky district

Syria deploys troops to border with Iraq, puts army on high alert — TV

No reasons for this move were provided

Stocks of key Pentagon munitions reach dangerously low levels — CNN

The main reason for the depletion of air defense stocks was the war with Iran

Postponed visit of Pakistani Prime Minister to Russia expected in fall — envoy to Moscow

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi noted that as soon as the sides agree on dates, all details will be finalized in the next few weeks, if not in the next few days

Ukraine's farm sector stands to lose $3 billion in 2026 due to port closures — Reuters

Purchase prices for oilseeds and grains have declined by an average of 30% in Ukraine

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

Russia's Alrosa holds 50% of world's diamond reserves — Putin

The head of state specified that the company's output figures accounted for about 30% of global production

Nearly 185 Ukrainian drones flying toward Moscow during day — mayor

Most of them were neutralized on the far approaches, Sergey Sobyanin said

Iran, Oman plan to open new central 'corridor' through Strait of Hormuz — TV

The source said US President Donald Trump was attempting to interfere in negotiations between Iran and Oman to claim credit for a future agreement between Muscat and Tehran

Pakistan to sign free trade agreement with EAEU, ambassador to Russia says

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi believes that, as part of the Eurasian region, Pakistan has to have more people-to-people and business-to-business contacts with all the countries of the EAEU

Zelensky blames Western partners for Ukraine’s failure to down missiles

Commenting on the overnight developments, the head of Kiev regime stated that they were the result "of delayed supplies or unwillingness to provide interceptors"

Syrian troops’ movements on border coordinated with Iraqi army — commander

Iraqi border troops commander Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Saidi stressed that the situation on the border with Syria is normal

Saudi Arabia hosting Intervision in 2026 not guaranteed — TASS source

Key organizational matters such as the timing, the list of participants and the program of the event are in question

Head of Russian drone manufacturer injured in explosion

Doctors are fighting for his life

US strengthens cooperation with Russia, China to combat crime — FBI chief

Kash Patel specified that law enforcement cooperation with Russia had been underway for 15 months

Kiev’s strikes on infrastructure depend on Western navigational support — Russian diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Moscow will continue to counter these strikes using military, political and diplomatic means

Ukraine risks losing statehood by continuing cooperation with West — expert

In these circumstances, the special military operation is necessary to liberate ordinary Ukrainians, Vladimir Karasev said

Mother of Russians killed in Thailand sees execution as too lenient for killers — relative

The relatives added that the cremation will take place on the territory of Thailand

Geran drones strike five dry cargo ships at Nikolayev port, near Odessa

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the ships were involved in delivering military supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces

Another vessel ablaze off Odessa — media

According to the media outlet, the ship has sustained damage

US has no plans to withdraw its troops from Somalia — US Africa Command

The AFRICOM commander described Somalia as strategically important for the US due to its proximity to key maritime trade routes

US-Iran deal could be reached as early as August 4-5 — Bessent

According to the US Treasury Secretary, the agreement would guarantee freedom of navigation through the waterway

No Russian citizens contacting embassy in Cuba for assistance due to blackout — envoy

Viktor Koronelli also added that blackouts occur regularly in Cuba

Russian army strength increased by 27,000 personnel to form military construction units

The new units will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the military construction complex, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Appointment of new commander-in-chief of Ukrainian military escalates terrorism — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that during the period of Mikhail Drapaty's tenure as commander-in-chief, approximately 950 civilians have already been affected, including more than one hundred killed

IN BRIEF: Russia delivers new strikes on Ukrainian military sites overnight

A fire broke out in three districts of the Kiev Region after a series of explosions

Military construction units to build strategic facilities for Russian Armed Forces

Army General Anatoly Grebenyuk specified that personnel of the military construction units will also be involved in the development of military towns in remote garrisons

Russian Pacific Fleet's submarines key deterrent in Asia-Pacific — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the Pacific Fleet’s comprehensive naval drills are aimed at countering Washington’s policy of militarizing its proxies in the Pacific zone and flooding them with offensive weapons

Death toll from Ukrainian attack on industrial facility in Kursk Region rises to four

Governor Alexander Khinshtein said the strike injured a 56-year-old man, who was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, acoustic trauma and multiple shrapnel wounds

Saudi Arabia in talks with Houthis to de-escalate conflict — Bloomberg

At the same time Saudi Arabia is preparing for war, if the negotiations collapse

US presses on with Ukraine Patriot missile talks, despite Trump’s doubts — Reuters

According to one of the sources, one option is to produce some missile components in Ukraine for final assembly elsewhere in Europe

Putin signs law regulating digital currencies, digital rights in Russia

The document establishes operational frameworks for crypto exchanges, digital depositories, and market participants