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Earthquake in Venezuela

Over 770 buildings damaged or destroyed by earthquake in Venezuela

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez added that 189 buildings had completely collapsed

CARACAS, June 29. /TASS/. At least 774 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed by the earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez reported.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Information and Communications, the disaster affected more than 2,500 buildings and infrastructure facilities. "The number of buildings damaged or destroyed has risen to 774," Rodriguez noted, adding that 189 buildings had completely collapsed.

On June 24, two series of powerful tremors struck Venezuela. The first, according to the US Geological Survey, registered a magnitude of 7.2, while the second had a magnitude of 7.5. These tremors were followed by more than 500 aftershocks. According to the latest data from Venezuelan authorities, the death toll has risen to 1,450, with more than 3,200 people hospitalized with injuries. Numerous residential buildings were destroyed, infrastructure and hospitals were damaged, and the country's main airport was closed.

Earthquake in Venezuela

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"

No signs of nuclear infrastructure being deployed in Finland — Russian embassy

According to the statement, even the theoretical possibility of its appearance seriously affects security in the region

Russia’s energy chief blames US trade war for current oil prices

Russia reduces crude oil production by 100,000 barrels per day in July, the energy minister says

Venezuelan journalist projects earthquake death toll to count in tens of thousands

Juan Barreto says rescue efforts continue in La Guaira state, and an enormous number of destroyed buildings can be seen

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

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 troops liberate settlement of Novoskelevatoye in Dnepropetrovsk region — top brass

Troops from Battlegroup West in Krasny Liman seized five strongpoints and captured 57 buildings over the past 24 hours, according to the reported

Russia’s security, inviolability of its borders to be guaranteed — Putin

"The West has preferred to turn a blind eye to all this Kiev’s terrorist attacks", Putin said

Trump threatens to destroy Iran if it decides to resume military actions

The president says that the US may become unable "to be reasonable" if the Iranian side does not learn lessons

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

The presidential decree 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

Putin describes reliance on traditional values as powerful basis for national unity

"It is obvious to all statesmen and politicians that reliance on traditional values forms a solid ideological foundation that unites Russian society," the Russian leader said at a United Russia party congress

What is known about largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow Region in two years

According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, air defenses downed more than 190 drones since the start of the day

Iraq ready to host meeting between Iran, Gulf Arab nations — top diplomat

According to Hussein, as Iraq maintains "perfect relations with the United States," Baghdad "expresses its readiness to help both Tehran and Washington put an end to the war between them."

Putin commends participants in special military operation as Russia’s true elite

"We should certainly create conditions so that such people who, as I have repeatedly stated, form the true elite of Russia can continue to serve the country - in civilian spheres, in politics", Putin said

Seoul, Tokyo reaffirm commitment to Korean Peninsula denuclearization

Notably, North Korea has repeatedly stressed that its nuclear status is non-negotiable

"Michael" movie becomes highest-grossing biopic in history

According to Variety, the movie earned over $977 million

Russia destroys up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Novoskelevatoye

Assault units of the 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th army of Battlegroup East have liberated Novoskelevatoye

US attacks violate agreements with Tehran — Iranian MFA

The Foreign Ministry stressed that Iran remained committed to defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter

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

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

Russian gunmaker Kalashnikov unveils new drone for Arctic operation

The ZALA Arctic drones are capable of successfully solving both civilian and military tasks, the manufacturer informed

Pakistani security forces eliminated 29 militants at the border with Afghanistan

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also reported the destruction of three targets including weapons and ammunition depots

Navigation recovery in Hormuz Strait to take months due to mines

The available routes are extremely limited, CEO of Japan’s NYK Line Takaya Soga says

Canadian national team qualifies for FIFA World Cup 1/8 finals

The team defeated South Africa 1-0

Russia reports downing 72 Ukrainian drones over its regions, Sea of Azov during 12 hours

Alert air defense capabilities intercepted and destroyed drones over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Krasnodar, Kursk, Moscow, Oryol, Smolensk, and Tver Regions as well as the Republic of Crimea

Temperature record broken in Hungary — weather service

Temperature in Budapest rose to 40 degrees Celsius on June 28

Spanish gas hub chief calls on EU to postpone Russian LNG ban — newspaper

Ivan Jimenez believes US President Donald Trump could keep pressure on the EU to maintain the Russian gas ban, given the boost it would provide to US exports to Europe

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

Iranian attack damages residential building — Bahraini Interior Ministry

There were no casualties

Putin pledges to bring Russian economy to new technological level

"We will bring the Russian economy to a brand new technological level across all key spheres", Putin said

NATO no longer needed today — descendant of Otto von Bismarck

Alexander von Bismarck says many people in Germany share this opinion

Russian man kills National Guard member, wounds policeman, kills himself after family spat

A woman called police amid a family spat, when a police car approached the house, the husband opened gunfire at it

Relations between Russia, China should evolve without regard to secondary sanctions

Deputy General Director of the Russian International Affairs Council Dmitry Kiku added that a new page in relations between the two countries is needed

Saudi Aramco helicopter crash kills 14 people

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash

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

EU discussing new loan to Ukraine of 30-45 billion euros after 2027

The financing will be provided in the event that the conflict continues after 2027, Pekka Toveri, member of the European Parliament, says

What to know about FSB thwarting arson attack on synagogue in Yaroslavl

According to Russia's Federal Security Service, the perpetrator purchased components and chemicals to manufacture incendiary devices on instructions from a handler in Syria

Russian, Chinese warplanes conducted joint six-hour patrol

Fighter air cover was provided along the entire joint patrol route by Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Jian-16 aircraft of the Chinese Air Force

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

According to Andrey Marochko, the trend towards the growth of losses among the Ukrainian military personnel has been observed for the sixth consecutive week

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

Most US citizens want to restore relations with Russia — Marjorie Taylor Greene

When asked why Washington is taking virtually no meaningful action to improve relations with Moscow, even though US President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared his willingness to do so, the former House of Representatives member replied that people constantly call him and demand meetings

Israel announced destruction of underground Hezbollah facility

Israel notified the US and the American representative in Lebanon in advance of the operation, according to a statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz

Western attempts strangle Russia financially, economically fail — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov stressed that Russia has withstood the sanctions-driven economic blitzkrieg thanks to the consistent efforts of the government, society, and the business community

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

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry reports interception of two ballistic missiles

The armed forces identified two enemy ballistic missiles in Kuwait’s airspace, which were intercepted and neutralised in line with the authorised operational procedures

IN BRIEF: Putin comments on Russia’s strategic goals, security, Duma election

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

Russia standing firm on its feet, ready to fight for its core interests — Putin

"Russia is standing firm <…> on its feet, as it declares its fundamental, core interests and is ready to fight for them and our future, way of living, sovereign ideology, foundations, and living principles," the president stated

Ukraine’s 124 UAVs shot down over Russian regions, Black Sea in one day — Defense Ministry

During the day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Moscow time

Israeli army strikes three Hezbollah command centers in response to ceasefire violations

The IDF attacks targeted the areas of Nabatieh and Mayfadoun in southern Lebanon

Russia plans to complete clinical trials of tuberculosis vaccine by end of 2026

Scientists intend to register it in 2027, Irina Vasilyeva, Director of the National Medical Research Center for Phthisiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, says

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"

Russia adjusting plans based on situation, will implement strategic ones in full — Putin

"Naturally, we have been adjusting certain plans, based on the situation", Putin said

Russia under unprecedented pressure from Western elites — Putin

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

United States, Iran agreed to stop strikes — Axios

Washington and Tehran also reached an agreement to hold consultations in Doha on Tuesday

Russian theatrical institute teachers give master class in Johannesburg

The session took place on the stage of the Joburg Theatre, the largest venue in the city

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

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

Ukraine hopes to get at least $154 billion from its Western allies by 2030

The Finance Ministry estimates that the country will need $46.4 billion in 2026 to maintain the functioning of its governmental bodies

Europe 'getting a taste' for producing UAVs for Ukrainian strikes against Russia — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin highlighted that Ukraine itself no longer hosts significant large-scale UAV manufacturing facilities

Lionel Messi emerges as top scorer in 2026 World Cup group stage

The Argentine forward scored six goals in three matches, setting a new tournament record

Emergency outage covered significant part of Zaporozhye Region

Damage assessment is underway, Governor Yevgeny Balitsky says

Eleven people killed in light aircraft crash in France — media

According to the L'Est Republicain newspaper, the victims include five instructors, five amateur parachutists and the pilot

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

Time isn’t ripe yet for talks between EU, Russia, Finland’s top diplomat says

Elina Valtonen added there should be no impression "that we in Europe are desperately seeking talks to achieve peace, regardless of the conditions"

Messi’s goal helps Argentina defeat Jordan in World Cup match

The match ended with a score of 3:1

Putin orders to minimize impact from Kiev’s terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure

"I would like to reiterate that the impact from terrorist attacks on our civilian facilities and infrastructure should be minimized," the Russian head of state said

Belarusian president embarks on East, Southeast Asia tour

Alexander Lukashenko will visit a number of countries and hold high level talks

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

US in search of quick, low-cost missile production options after Iran operation — media

The Financial Times points out that "the US Air Force has requested some $12 bln over the next five years for 28,000 missiles"

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

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

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

West fails to defeat Russia on battlefield, attempts to destabilize nation futile — Putin

"Russia is under rude and unprecedented pressure from Western elites", Putin said

Putin appoints new members of commission on Russia’s participation in G20

Denis Agafonov, head of the expert department of the presidential administration and the Russian sherpa in G20, was appointed chair of the commission

Kiev builds up cooperation with Mexico’s largest drug cartels — Russia’s SVR

According to the press release, Ukrainian security agencies deliberately show indulgence toward the increased drug transit from Latin America to Europe

Dialogue with Japan possible when Tokyo changes its stance on Ukraine — Putin

Russian President added that unlike Japan, Russia did nothing that would mar bilateral ties

Russia, US have much more in common, than apart — former US lawmaker

Marjorie Taylor Greene called for strengthening Russia-US ties in such fields as politics, economics and trade

All districts in Kherson Region suffer power outage

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

US no longer treats Israel as special ally — media

Politico points out that Vice President JD Vance has become the face of changes in Washington's approach to Israel

Head of International BRICS Forum sees growing interest in Russian culture

According to Purnima Anand, "the Indians like Russian culture very much, and people in Russia like the Indian one"

Russia destroys two Ukrainian MiG-29 aircraft at Voznesensk airfield in Nikolayev region

Russian Armed Forces used Geran-4 Seeker UAVs

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

ECHR decision to register same-sex marriages violates Russian constitution — Peskov

Earlier, the court recognized the refusal to marry three same-sex couples as a violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights

Iran, Qatar agree to unfreeze $6 bln in Iranian assets in emirate — Pezeshkian

The Iranian president said the necessary work to return the remaining portion of the funds is also continuing

Serbia will not give up friendship with Russia but will honor EU commitments — president

Aleksandar Vucic added that Serbia values "these friendly ties"

11-year old rescued in Venezuela after 70 hours under rubble

The child was pulled from the rubble by Colombian rescuers

Russia may begin exploration and development of Moon resources after 2036

Among the main projects through 2036, Roscosmos also proposes including the exploration of the Moon using automated spacecraft

Medvedev describes Western interference in Armenian election campaign as unprecedented

Russian Security Council deputy chairman pointed to the Armenian authorities’ persecution of Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia party

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

Russia ready to continue discussing Anchorage modalities with US — Putin

The president added that Moscow is ready to continue the talks

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

Kiev, West not intending to implement Minsk Agreements — Putin

The Russian president added that it is important that Belarus has always provided its venue for talks

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

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

CENTCOM says it struck ten military targets in Iran

The US Central Command also published a video of the strikes

Russia living through crucial time — Putin

"The United Russia party, our leading political party, is holding a congress at a crucial time for the country as the entire world, too, is undergoing a radical, systemic transformation," the Russian head of state said

Mayor of Zaporozhye nuke plant host city dismisses evacuation reports

According to Maxim Pukhov, the city’s authorities and all services continue to operate normally

Russian specialists develop Duplet double net launcher against drones

The new net launcher has been created based on requirements from combat personnel

Maduro sends solidarity to his nation as he quotes from Bible — CNN

The earthquake struck Venezuela late on June 24, when about 40 seconds separated two series of tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5

Moscow will not ignore ban on use of Russian symbols at competitions — Foreign Ministry

The only possible and logical response from the Russian side was to refuse to participate in the competition, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said in a commentary

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

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

Russian stock market rises by more than 1%

The MOEX index was trading at 2,314.72 points, up 1.27%, while the RTS index stood at 946.25 points

Iran warns third countries against interfering in Hormuz Strait — top diplomat

According to Abbas Araghchi, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz could return to pre-conflict levels within 30 days, provided all existing obstacles were removed