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Gunfire heard in Niger’s capital, at international airport — Reuters

According to the news agency, the cause of the incident remains unclear

PRETORIA, August 29. /TASS/. Explosions and prolonged gunfire were heard early Saturday morning in several areas of Niger’s capital, Niamey, Reuters reported.

The cause of the incident remains unclear. According to an agency source in the security services, militants attacked the capital’s international airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidential palace.

Reports indicate that gunfire around the presidential palace was intense and continuous. Videos posted online show armored vehicles deployed near the airport. The airport is home to the country’s largest air force base, known as Base 101.

Sevastopol air defenses down 26 Ukrainian drones overnight

11 homesand 5 vehicles were damaged

State Department warns Americans about possible unrest in Ukraine

The State Department continues to advise American citizens to refrain from traveling to Ukraine due to the ongoing hostilities, placing the threat of "civil unrest" among the risk factors

US anti-Iranian sanctions to tell negatively on region — top Iraqi, Omani diplomats

Foreign Ministers Fuad Hussein of Iraq and Badr al-Busaidi of Oman emphasized the importance of holding emergency meetings of the countries concerned to discuss ways to address the dangerous developments and limit their repercussions

Failure to implement Gaza plan threatens ceasefire — Board of Peace official

The Board’s High Representative for Gaza Nikolay Mladenov stressed that his warning "applies to both the Israeli and Palestinian sides"

Over 6,500 sign petition demanding FAZ journalist be fired for comments about Russians

The petition's initiators accuse Martens of going beyond the boundaries of journalistic impartiality

Ukraine attacks populated areas of DPR 11 times in 24 hours

Two residential buildings, a minibus, and two civil infrastructure facilities were damaged

Moscow issued no ultimatums to Washington about its role in Kiev’s strikes — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said Moscow had a question, as information is leaked to the Western media on how exactly the administration of Donald Trump, is helping Ukraine with financial aid, weapons and intelligence

Von der Leyen admits EU economy relied on energy from Russia, exports to China

The European Commission president chose not to point out that the disruption of global trade and the blocking of energy supplies from Russia were a direct result of sanctions drafted by the European Commission

Trump says US struck deal on Venezuela’s oil reserves

More than 65 billion barrels of the country's proven oil reserves have passed under the control of the US

US-Venezuela oil deal to help develop 17 fields — Rodriguez

President of the Bolivarian Republic Delcy Rodriguez pointed out that the agreement contributes to "the country’s economic growth, the energy security of the hemisphere, and greater balance in international markets"

Agency for Strategic Initiatives develops relevant solutions in 15 years — Putin

In particular, the President mentioned the mechanism for competition of territories, the promotion of values and corporate social responsibility and cutting-edge developments

US sanctions threaten to undermine global economic order — China

Press Secretary of the Chinese embassy in Washington Liu Chang emphasized that China has made it clear on many occasions its firm opposition to illegal unilateral sanctions

Ex-Ukrainian defense chief Fyodorov becomes adviser to Italian defense minister

Mikhail Fyodorov thanked Guido Crosetto for his personal support and his offer to become his adviser on defense innovation

Court sentences former Ukrainian presidential adviser in absentia to 11 years for fakes

The case was heard in absentia after investigators took "exhaustive measures" to locate Alexey Arestovich and achieve his extradition, but determined that there was no possibility of securing his appearance in court

Russian emergencies ministry aircraft drops over 120 metric tons of water on Serbia fires

The ministry continues helping Serbia combat wildfires

Russian air defenses down 313 Ukrainian drones overnight

Drones destroyed over Russian regions and the waters of the Azov and Black Seas

Western countries show growing interest in resuming economic ties with Russia — diplomat

Some countries are expressing a desire to take part in the operation of the Northern Sea Route, Marat Berdyev noted

Putin to hold talks with Indonesian president in Vladivostok on September 3 — Kremlin aide

These talks will be held in the format of a business breakfast, Yury Ushakov said

Allies doubt whether US can deter its adversaries amid Iran war — newspaper

According to the newaspaper, America has notably reduced its military presence in the Pacific Ocean and in Europe

Press review: CIA chief's Moscow visit raises questions as Russia warns UK of retaliation

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 28th

Russia’s Petrov takes bronze in 1,000m event at 2026 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships

The Russian clocked the distance in 4 minutes 7.46 seconds

US officials say they `turned the tide’ in Hormuz — Axios

According to the media outlet, US officials believe it could be "a watershed moment in the war that brings not only gradual relief to the world economy, but also a better deal with Iran"

Transnistrians jumping on Putin's fast-track program to citizenship — entity's leader

Vitaly Ignatiev reported that the first 40 passports under this decree have already been received

Putin will participate in Eastern Economic Forum on September 1-3 — Kremlin aide

On the evening of September 1, the Russian president will fly to Vladivostok, Yury Ushakov said

Russian stocks close in the green on Friday

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble rose to 12.9 rubles

Putin to deliver major speech at EEF’s plenary session on September 3 — Kremlin aide

Many important issues will be discussed, Yury Ushakov said

DRC authorities begin vaccination campaign against Ebola

According to DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba, the DRC has received 50,000 Ervebo vaccine doses from the World Health Organization

Pentagon chief Hegseth considers running for president — NBC

But Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s assistant for public affairs, denied this, the TV channel said

Several thousand people protest against Trump’s policies in downtown Washington

The protesters carried banners and posters calling for an end to this course, holding signs that read "Trump, hands off the elections!", "This president is unworthy of us", "We will fight and will not remain in the shadows"

Rubio believes oil deal with US to attract $100 billion in investment to Venezuela

According to Marco Rubio, the agreement will be instrumental for the United States in "securing stable reserves and low-cost oil and lowering gas prices here at home"

Attacks on Zaporozhye NPP’s SNF storage site create threats to nuclear safety

An attack on the dry spent nuclear fuel storage site is dangerous primarily due to the potential damage to the complex’s infrastructure and containers holding spent nuclear fuel, the plant’s said

Ukrainian PM confirms major fire occurred at ammo depot outside Kiev

On Friday, numerous reports came about a fire with detonations near the Zhitomir highway in the Bucha District of the Kiev Region

Russia-Thailand trade may eventually exceed $10-15 bln — Russian ambassador

This figure is possible if the current barriers are removed, Evgeny Tomikhin said

North battlegroup destroys more than 215 Ukrainian soldiers, anti-aircraft gun over day

Vasily Mezhevykh, head of the group’s press center, added that during the day, 32 drone control points and 166 aircraft-type drones were also destroyed

Moldova cannot hope to benefit from CIS after leaving — Russian envoy

Oleg Ozerov emphasized that Chisinau’s pragmatic approach to cooperation with Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space has yielded tangible benefits

Kremlin comments on Russian strikes on military targets in Ukraine, contacts with US

According to Dmitry Peskov, no telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump is planned at present

Attacks on Moldova’s sovereignty erase history shared with Russia — envoy

Russia in its relations with Moldova as well as with other countries, consistently defends the principle of sovereign equality of states, their right to freely control their own destiny, to be guided by national interests, Oleg Ozerov said

FACTBOX: Russian strikes on Ukrainian logistics centers, seaports: What is known

TASS has compiled the key facts about the strikes on facilities in Ukraine.

Guests from Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, China to address EEF alongside Putin — aide

The Eastern Economic Forum will be held in Vladivostok on September 1 through 4

Twelve-year-old found dead in Moscow Region

The law enforcement agencies are checking three schoolgirls for involvement in the killing

Russia’s Far East sees 105 solid mineral deposits discovered this year — Kozlov

Major discoveries include the Televeyem gold deposit in Chukotka, with reserves of 26.7 metric tons of gold and 292 metric tons of silver, Russian Natural Resources Minister said

IAEA chief calls for restraint after three Ukrainian attacks on Zaporozhye NPP

The UN nuclear watchdog emphasized that radiation levels on the Zaporozhye NPP grounds remain within normal limits

SpaceX to launch Starships almost every week soon — NASA

According to the developer’s plans, the Starship space system will be universal and can be used in various versions for manned flights to low Earth orbit, launching satellites, and missions to the Moon and Mars

Vast majority of Russian fighters seeks a military comeback post treatment, medic says

According to Lukas, doctors are doing all they can so those injured can recover as promptly as possible.

Russia tops medal standings at 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships

The Russians won six gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the competition

Medvedev declares Russia's drone supremacy over rest of world

It is because of the dramatic developments taking place in Russia amid the military conflict, the Russian security council deputy chairman said

Russian judoka Vorobyova wins gold at 2026 Judo Grand Slam in Switzerland

In the final bout, the Russian judoka defeated Laura Martinez Abelenda of Spain

Ukraine’s budget deficit in 2027 could exceed projections — Bloomberg

According to the report, talks between Kiev and the International Monetary Fund have faced headwinds due to "politically sensitive demands" from the country’s second-largest lender

Russia’s Medvedev awaits both positive, negative surprises from AI in few years’ time

Artificial intelligence has been quite a terra incognita, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council said

General Staff: Russia-Turkey balance of force in Black Sea has changed over years

According to the Russian General Staff chief, several years ago the Russian fleet’s combat capabilities were in stark contrast with that of the Turkish Navy

US companies preparing for potential Republican defeat in November elections — newspaper

According to The Wall Street Journal, major technology companies that have made large donations to Trump’s projects fear becoming targets of congressional investigations and legal prosecutions

White House remains silent on Europe’s remarks about ‘burial’ of Anchorage — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that the Europeans, alongside with Vladimir Zelensky, made a year-long lobbying effort before these statements were made

IN BRIEF: Major speech at EEF and series of int’l meetings at SCO summit: Putin’s schedule

The Russian president will pay a visit to Bishkek on August 31 and September 1 to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit

Putin arrives in Nizhny Novgorod to attend Agency for Strategic Initiatives forum

The Russian leader will visit several newly built unique major facilities in the city, as well as a new automobile plant

Iran calls US claim to Strait of Hormuz delusion, hallucination

On August 22, Donald Trump said that he already considered the Strait of Hormuz to be US territory

Russian embassy accuses Netherlands of trying to steal Russia’s frozen assets

The diplomatic mission warned that Moscow's response would carry heavy consequences for the Netherlands

Kiev increasingly losing on battlefield — US journalist

Russian forces continue to liberate territories, Christopher Helali said

Khamenei calls for mobilization of domestic resources against US economic isolation plans

Mojtaba Khamenei called on all Iranians to show solidarity in the face of external threats as he highlighted the need to stop any actions or remarks that can split society

Russia to win both hot, economic wars — Medvedev

The information war will continue indefinitely, the Russian security council deputy chairman said

Official decisions should be focused on Russian families, their needs — Putin

The head of state invited the Agency for Strategic Initiatives to come up with ideas regarding additional incentives for investment in business, social and educational initiatives

Russia fights for its present and future — Putin

The Russian leader emphasized the key role the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, established 15 years ago

Only neutrality to ensure Moldova’s sovereign development — Russian envoy

Oleg Ozerov pointed out that this can be achieved only on the basis of strict adherence to the neutral status enshrined in the country’s constitution

Ruble share in settlements hits record 60% in Q2 2026 — MP

Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market Anatoly Aksakov noted that Russia continues to build a multi-layered protection of the financial sector against the shocks of sanctions

Russian forces continue strikes on Ukrainian logistics facilities, ports

They are used by Ukrainian troops

Fourteen Russian tennis players to hit court in New York at 2026 US Open

The 2026 US Open is played on outdoor hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York between August 30 and September 13

Army general comments on Russia’s unabated offensive, Ukraine’s attempts to hold Donbass

Kiev’s main strategic objective is to maintain control over the remaining part of Donbass, and the Ukrainian army has created a defense in depth, Valery Gerasimov said

Russian, Chinese initiatives in Eurasia share solid foundation — MFA

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev, Russia and China "see eye to eye on the objectives of international cooperation"

Ukraine’s combat capability down after resignation of Fyodorov, Syrsky — MP

Deputy of the Kherson Regional Duma Yury Barbashov also added that Mikhail Fyodorov had become an alternative to Vladimir Zelensky in the public consciousness of Ukrainians, which created a real threat to the head of the Kiev regime

Kiev unwilling to settle conflict peacefully, Russia continues special op — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said the Kiev side knows Moscow's demands perfectly well

Retired US rear admiral claims he possibly found Atlantis

Tim Gallaudet added that he would not go into details because he does not want the location to be revealed

Ukrainian forces using prohibited phosphorus munitions in Zaporozhye — doctor

The Russian medical unit has received soldiers with severe chemical and thermal burns

Ukraine injures seven people in massive attack on Rostov Region — governor

The emergency services are at the spot

Wheat price up to $7.79 per bushel on Chicago Mercantile Exchange first since Feb. 2023

By 5:30 p.m. Moscow time the wheat price had narrowed gains to 2.07% reaching $7.76 per bushel

Putin to hold nine bilateral meetings on sidelines of SCO Summit — Kremlin aide

Major international events provide a good opportunity for bilateral contacts and bilateral meetings, Yury Ushakov said

Intelligence works 'in silence', Yerevan’s claims stir emotions: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister said the UN and Western countries are sweeping under the rug Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure, as they have firmly sided with the Kiev regime

UN secretary-general worried about spread of conflict to Russia — spokesman

Stephane Dujarric also noted that the Secretary·General reiterates his call for an urgent de-escalation, leading to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, for just, for sustainable, and for comprehensive peace

Visa, Mastercard cards to virtually disappear in Russia within several years — Sber

The share of Visa and Mastercard cards among the bank's customers is declining every quarter, Sberbank Deputy Chairman and CFO Taras Skvortsov noted

Russia’s S-400 systems played decisive role in Operation Sindoor — Indian expert

The S-400 shot down a Pakistani long-range airborne warning and control system aircraft — the missile was launched at it from a distance of 314 km

MFA comments on viability of hitting British targets, Stubb's shameful Russophobia

Given Ukraine’s strikes with British weapons, Moscow has every right to attack British military facilities, Maria Zakharova stated

US to force NATO countries to compete for American bases on their territory — newspaper

According to Politico, NATO countries have already begun a "contest"

Ugandan king, crowned at age of three, dies at 34

According to the kingdom’s authorities, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has left an heir, whose name will be announced later

Battlegroup North drones destroy three US-made Ukrainian armored vehicles overnight

The FPV drone crews eliminated one International MaxxPro armored vehicle and two Humvee armored vehicles

CIA head, Vatican diplomacy chief visited Russia to talk — foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov briefly commented on the visit by John Ratcliffe and Paul Richard Gallagher "on the very same day"

Russian forces liberate seven communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 2,540 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 12 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian Armed Forces deploy FPV interceptors that fly at 200 km/h

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov inspected combat training operations at a shooting ground in the Nizhny Novgorod Region

About 1,000 Ukrainian troopers died in Ilovaisk encirclement in 2014 — investigators

Fierce battles between the Ukrainian military and the militias of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic were underway near Ilovaisk in the second half of August — early September 2014

US leaves European allies uninformed about details of CIA chief’s Moscow visit — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, their assessments were based on their own intelligence and their understanding of how Washington tends to operate in similar situations

North battlegroup destroys 15 drone positions, over 80 Ukrainian soldiers overnight

As a result of artillery and multiple rocket launcher strikes, a 155-mm howitzer, two ammunition depots and six units of Ukrainian Armed Forces vehicles were also destroyed

Kherson unfit for living due to Zelensky’s PR stunt surrounding its 'liberation' — MP

Deputy of the Kherson Regional Duma Alexander Fomin stressed that Kherson cannot survive without Russia, even Ukrainian officials are forced to admit this

NATO reconnaissance aircraft circles over Black Sea for over eight hours

The aircraft maintained an altitude of about 12.5 km

India intends to promote development of a threat-free region within the SCO — Modi

The Indian Prime Minister highlighted terrorism, separatism and extremism among the threats

Putin to attend event on Saturday marking September 1

The Russian leader will talk to teachers and winners of school Olympiads

Russia, Belarus to resolve ‘common problem’ on southwestern borders — Lukashenko

According to the Belarusian leader, the problem will be resolved "no matter how much some people may want otherwise"

Gazprom posts 12% drop in 1H net profit under IFRS

The holding’s revenue for 1H totaled $61.5 bln

Two civilians killed, six injured in Ukrainian drone attack on minibus in Belgorod Region

One woman is in a serious condition

Putin to meet with Lukashenko on Saturday afternoon

The start of the meeting will be open to the press, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Pentagon chief denies reports of his intention to run for president

Pete Hegseth stressed that it is "100% false"

Trump wants some Moon object to be named after him

The US leader also admitted that he would never agree to go into space

Russia begins mass production of Volna Kupol Garant EW system — defense source

According to the source, the Volna has become a factor affecting not only the special military operation zone, but also having global influence

Whole world underestimated AI’s military potential — Medvedev

The Russian security council deputy chairman noted that Russia had barely worked on drones before the start of the special military operation

Early elections in Gagauzia to benefit everyone — Russian ambassador

The sooner elections to the People's Assembly of Gagauzia are organized, the better it will be for all parties, including the authorities, Oleg Ozerov said