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Air defenses destroy two drones heading for Moscow — mayor

Response teams are working at the site where debris fell, Sergey Sobyanin said

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Air defenses have downed two drones heading for Moscow, the city’s Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said.

"The Defense Ministry’s air defenses have shot down two drones flying towards Moscow. Response teams are working at the site where debris fell," he wrote on Russia’s national messenger Max.

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Explosion reported in Ukraine’s Odessa Region

An air raid warning is currently in effect for the region

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

Agricultural trade between Russia and Egypt up 15% in January-April 2026 — ministry

Traditionally, Russia exports grain, oilseeds, and pulses to Egypt

IRGC calls for US Air Force chief to resign after aircraft downed in Iran

The IRGC Navy also congratulated the air defense forces of the Islamic republic’s army on intercepting an US F-15E fighter jet and an A-10 attack aircraft in the skies over Iran

Upper house speaker slams US-Israeli operation against Iran as geopolitical mistake

Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that this intervention has destabilized the Middle East, triggering an energy crisis, yet it ultimately changes nothing

Dirty Games: US to host first 'Steroid Olympics'

On May 23-25 of this year, athletes from around the world will compete enhanced with drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency

Kiev regime suffers frontline failures — Putin

The Russian president said the reasons for criminal behavior by the Kiev regime are clear

Iran fires 3,300 missiles, drones at UAE since start of conflict — advisor

According to Anwar Gargash, only about 4% of these missiles and drones reached targets within the UAE

Russia-Africa summit to open up great opportunities — Republic of Congo official

Jean-Dominique Okemba says Moscow remains an important historical partner for a number of African countries

China expresses concern over attack on Starobelsk college — envoy to UN

Fu Cong says: "China condemns any attacks targeting innocent civilians"

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"

Kremlin closely following developments after US airstrikes in Syria

Earlier on February 26, the US carried out airstrikes near the Syrian-Iraqi border

Ukrainian strike on college in LPR, punishment for Kiev: new briefing by Kremlin spokesman

The Ukrainian strike on the college in Starobelsk in the Lugansk People's Republic is a horrible crime, Dmitry Peskov said

US leader leans toward resuming strikes on Iran — Axios

Sources cited by the news portal say Donald Trump has grown "increasingly frustrated about the negotiations with Iran"

Further phases of BRICS expansion will follow, says South African president

It is noted that the membership will take effect from January 1, 2024

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe

Ukrainian Forces lose over 90 Starlink stations near Kharkov since early May — commander

According to the report, the Russian Armed Forces can easily detect Ukrainian Starlink stations due to their poor camouflage

US National Intelligence Director resigns due to her husband’s illness — TV channel

Tulsi Gabbard's last day on the job is expected to be June 30

Pakistani army commander arrives in Tehran to mediate between Iran, US

According to the report, Pakistan’s efforts are aimed at resolving existing differences

Nuclear component being added to US, South Korea, Japan’s military drills — Lavrov

This is seriously irritating the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Russian foreign minister said

West to sacrifice Baltic states, Finland, Poland, Romania after Ukraine — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the approach to warfare on the part of the Western countries is deeply cynical

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

Israeli army storms Palestinian town of Tubas in West Bank

Earlier, the IDF press service reported the completion of a 60-hour raid in the city of Jenin

Reactor vessel for Unit 2 of El Dabaa NPP delivered to Egypt — Rosatom

The total weight of the cargo was approximately 2,000 tonnes

Ukraine’s economics ministry expects 2014 inflation at 19%

Russia knows West supplying Ukrainian forces with intelligence — envoy to UN

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Western countries are assisting the Ukrainian military with targeting

Response to attack on Starobelsk, Time of Heroes, frontline situation: Putin’s statements

The president said he instructed the defense ministry to submit proposals on a potential response

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

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

Russian troops liberate five communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,260 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Pentagon, US intelligence community preparing for strikes on Iran this weekend — CBS

The TV channel added that no final decision on strikes had been reached as of Friday afternoon

E3 vows to step up support for Ukraine following Starobelsk attack

According to the statement, "the leaders confirmed they would double down on their support" for the Ukrainian authorities "in the coming months"

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

BRICS countries align on key areas of counterterrorism — Russian MFA

According to Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for New Challenges and Threats Pyotr Ilyichev, it is important that the BRICS countries are united in their understanding that "the root causes of the terrorist threat must be addressed first and foremost"

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

Brazil proposes US convene UNSC members in Washington to discuss organization’s reform

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says more large countries must become members of the Security Council

Kalashnikov working to make Chukavin rifle more corrosion-resistant — designer

According to Andrey Chukavin, as part of the rifle’s modernization, the gas system has been slightly modified to make disassembly more convenient, and the stock has been improved to eliminate any looseness

Kalashnikov unveils Kub-10ME guided munition with range of over 100 km

According to the arms manufacturer, the key features of the new system include an optoelectronic guidance system that enables the engagement of moving targets, and improved protection against electronic warfare and air defense systems

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

IN BRIEF: What we know about US move to send 5,000 troops to Poland

The US leader did not elaborate on exactly what US Army units will be deployed to Poland

Russian exporters interested in supplying beef to Indonesia — watchdog

As soon as pricing is agreed upon with the Indonesian colleagues, shipments will start immediately, Sergey Dankvert said

Coal mine blast kills over 80 people in northern China

A rescue operation is underway

Starship prototype rocket launched on its 12th test flight

The flight is expected to last about an hour

UN SC to convene emergency meeting in wake of Starobelsk attack later on Friday

Four people have been reported killed, while the number of those injured has climbed to 39

Air defenses shoot down 17 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions in two hours

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Global platforms where Western countries have advantage lost credibility — Medvedev

The Security Council deputy chairman emphasized that inclusive multilateral cooperation platforms, including the CSTO, CIS, SCO, ASEAN, and other forums, will play a significant role in shaping an interconnected Eurasian security architecture

UN agrees with Russia, dialogue on state of affairs globally absolutely necessary

UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Angel Moratinos says the world today is more than the P5

Putin condemns strike on Starobelsk as act of pure terror by Ukraine

The Russian president said that everything that could and should be said has been said

Ombudswoman puts number of college children affected by Ukrainian attack in LPR at 36

Regional children’s rights commissioner Inna Shvenk said that 18 families are awaiting the results of a search and rescue operation at the scene of the attack

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The group’s CEO Alan Lushnikov expressed confidence that the tests would be completed within the shortest possible period of time

EU will not return to Russian oil and gas purchases under any circumstances

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The 7.62x54mm rifle cartridge was first introduced in 1891

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

Russia requests UNSC extraordinary meeting after Kiev’s attack on Starobelsk college

The Ukrainian troops earlier launched a drone attack which left 4 people dead and 39 people injured

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

FSB thwarts suicide bombing in Russia’s Belgorod Region

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No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Request for UNSC meeting and new terror chapter: reaction to attack on LPR college

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Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Sweden suspects its citizen of espionage, conspiracy to commit murder in Moscow

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The US Secretary of State is not sure that this would necessarily be a NATO mission

World Wrestling Championship relocated from Bahrain to Kazakhstan — UWW statement

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region

Russia has right to respond forcefully to EU for its siding with Ukraine — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Vladimir Zelensky was counting on a direct military conflict between Europe and Russia and was doing everything to achieve that

Russia could become part of new impetus for Alliance of Civilizations — UN

High Representative for the alliance Miguel Angel Moratinos called Russia a big partner and a big actor in the international arena

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The Ukrainian army also lost six armored combat vehicles, 17 pickup trucks, 15 all-terrain vehicles, over 30 ground robotic vehicles and more than 60 heavy R-18 hexacopters

Western Europeans must accept world has changed — UN Under-Secretary-General

Miguel Angel Moratinos says there are others that "want to really share and participate, and to be at the same level"

Fire breaks out at oil depot in Novorossiysk due to falling UAV debris

There were no casualties

Number of victims in Ukrainian attack on Starobelsk college rises to 39 — regional head

Leonid Pasechnik said that fatalities were also reported

Some 350 European companies continue to operate in Russia despite challenges — AEB

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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

NPT Review Conference fails to agree on final document — chairman

Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Do Hung Viet expressed deep regret that the conference was not able to reach consensus after consultations

Qatar sends negotiating team to Tehran in coordination with US — agency

According to the agency, until now Doha has been refraining from playing a mediatory role in this conflict amid strikes on its territory during this conflict

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

Putin slams Kiev regime as thieving illegitimate junta

The Ukrainian troops earlier launched a drone attack on the Starobelsk college building and dormitory

Russian Defense Ministry introducing new materiel management system procedure

The launch of the updated procedure in the troops is planned for July 1, 2026

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage"

US aviation regulator detects anomaly during Starship rocket test flight

There have been no reports of public injuries or property damage

Maritime board chief notes importance of exchanging experience with Vietnam

Nikolay Patrushev highlighted that signs of a burgeoning global naval arms race are evident

US extends sanctions against Belarusian leadership for another year

The sanctions were imposed in 2006 and expanded on August 9, 2021

Strike on Starobelsk college carried out to maximize number of casualties — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya says the strike on a civilian facility, where children study and live, was deliberate

World to face crisis like in 2008 if Strait of Hormuz remains closed — Bloomberg

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Tehran, Washington not yet close to agreement to end war — Iranian diplomat

Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that "the main focus of the negotiations is on ending the war"

Russian stock market indexes end lower following Friday's trading

The MOEX Index fell by 1.48% to 2,624.83 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index dropped by 2.06% to 1,161.2 points

US attacks on Raul Castro on eve of his 95th birthday unite Cubans — President

Cuba does not threaten, challenge, or provoke the United States or any other country in the world, Diaz-Canel emphasized

Europe faces 'bad outcome', Russia remains independent state — foreign minister

According to Sergey Lavrov, Europe will repeat the mistakes of the past if its elites maintain their course toward armed confrontation with Russia

Critics label Elon Musk US 'shadow president' — media

The report says that "Musk’s rapid-fire messages - which included numerous false claims about the contents of the spending bill - ricocheted" across Washington

Situation with Islam in Russia remarkable unlike in US, Europe — UN

Miguel Angel Moratinos, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, believes Russia can be proud of its achievements in interreligious and interfaith dialogue

UAC to unveil Il-114-300 aircraft during St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Denis Pogodin, First Deputy Director of the P.A. Voronin Lukhovitsy Aircraft Plant, noted that the national aircraft industry has been tasked by the government to ensure technological sovereignty and produce new domestic aircraft

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

Sixteen people hurt in explosion on barge in New York — TV

CBS reports, citing the New York City Fire Department, that two firefighters and one civilian suffered serious injuries

Ukraine talks not currently underway, but US remains ready to mediate — top diplomat

Marco Rubio also emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict in Ukraine

Death toll from Ukrainian attack on student dorm in LPR rises to ten

As many as 11 students remain unaccounted for after the attack, Lugansk leader Leonid Pasechnik said

US not changing its program for supplying weapons to Kiev — top US diplomat

Marco Rubio said that Ukraine is getting more support than ever through the PURL program

Gagauzia head Gutsul may be removed from post after court hearing on May 28 — lawyer

If the court of appeal upholds the sentence, it will become enforceablе, Sergey Moraru said

Press review: Cuba readies for US attack as Moscow outlines ties with Washington

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 22nd

Putin condemns Ukraine’s attack on college in Starobelsk

The Russian president called this incident tragic