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Russia to be guided by humanitarian law concerning receiving Afghan refugees — Lavrov

We are guided solely by our international commitments, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Russia will be guided by its liabilities in what concerns receiving refugees from Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.

"We are guided solely by our international commitments under international humanitarian law," he told journalists when asked whether Russia is ready to receive Afghan refugees.

EU attempts to interfere into Georgia’s affairs to do no good — Russia’s UN envoy

Attempts by the EU to interfere in the country’s domestic political situation, as well as to drag Tbilisi into NATO, will not lead to anything good," Vasily Nebenzya said

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements at meeting on nuclear energy

According to the head of state, there are plans to broaden the geographic distribution of nuclear power plant units across Russia's regions

Japan begins converting ships into aircraft carriers — Chinese ambassador to Russia

For the first time, the country has re-exported Patriot missiles and begun exporting military frigates, Zhang Hanhui noted

Russian forces strike logistics center in Kiev Region with Geran UAVs — top brass

The strike destroyed the target

Russia is sole guarantor of Ukraine's sovereignty — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Western policies, suggesting that the West has little genuine interest in Ukraine as an independent or prosperous nation

Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkovka turned into ‘ghost cities’ by Ukrainian army — expert

Andrey Marochko said that Ukrainian militants are using abandoned civilian facilities for military purposes

Collective Security Treaty Organization, CIS border troops drill interaction in crises

According to the CSTO, the main objective of the joint command-staff exercise was to improve coordination between border guard and other agencies of the CIS member states

Russia ready to cooperate with everyone who cares about South Caucasus — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya added that Russia is guided by the interests of preserving and strengthening security in the region

Zelensky shouted demanding dismissal of official who failed to pay bail for Yermak

A court session to choose a preventive measure for Makim Mikitas will continue on Friday

EU attempts to interfere into Georgia’s affairs to do no good — Russia’s UN envoy

Attempts by the EU to interfere in the country’s domestic political situation, as well as to drag Tbilisi into NATO, will not lead to anything good," Vasily Nebenzya said

Gulf war becomes test ground for Iran's defense industry, ministry says

The Iranian Ministry of Defense said that each new act of pressure or sanction has highlighted the need to rely on domestic resources

Israel sees US joint mechanism to resolve Gaza problem pointless — portal

"Just as it is clear that Hamas will not disarm of its own free will, so it is clear that such mechanisms will not work," the source said

Germany detains suspect involved in inciting schoolboy to kill child in Russia

According to investigators, the suspect created at least two online communities in 2024 that brought together followers of far-right extremist ideology

Russian government to present new anti-COVID measures by end of this week — Deputy PM

The measures to be applied if the situation in Russia develops by the worst-case scenario

Russian stock indices decline by the end of trading on Moscow Exchange

The Chinese yuan edged down 10 kopecks to 12.32 rubles

Bulgaria restricts operation of Kozloduy NPP due to low water level in Danube — ministry

The capacity of Unit 5 will be scaled down by 120 megawatts on August 21 to avert a potential emergency

Production of fuel for Ukrainian missiles in Denmark delayed until 2027

Euractiv noted that Danish authorities had "cleared more than 20 bureaucratic hurdles for the construction of the plant," but this did not help

Houthis attack eight Saudi oil tankers over month — spokesman

Five vessels were attacked in the Red Sea and three in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden

US establishes corridor in Strait of Hormuz for covertly transporting oil — news outlet

According to sources cited by Axios, between 15 and 20 tankers pass through the strait’s southern channel along the coast of Oman every day, exporting roughly half of the pre-war level of oil from the Middle East

New mobilization rules forcing Ukrainians into servitude, driving them to front — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Ukrainian leaders offered no explanation to ordinary people about how they are supposed to survive

International organizations become accomplices in Kiev’s crimes against media — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the reaction of international organizations to the murder of war correspondent Darya Dugina in 2022 was particularly telling

Kiev’s sponsors become accomplices of terrorists attacking Zaporozhye NPP — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Ukraine's motives are clear

Explosive growth of AI-generated content worsens disinformation problem — GFCN

Countering modern information threats requires not only fact-checking individual reports "but also building a resilient infrastructure for international cooperation," the expert said

Russian Il-76 aircraft drops ten loads of water on active fire sites in Serbia — ministry

The Emergencies Ministry said that Russian rescue teams are working closely with Serbian ground services and receiving organizational support from the Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center

IAEA Director General Grossi’s visit to Zaporozhye plant delayed — director

The reason given is safety concerns for the delegation

UN chief calls for halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, including in Russia

Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that Antonio Guterres remains deeply concerned by the continued escalation of the Ukrainian conflict

US may halt exports of petroleum products this autumn — expert

Strategic reserves in the US are dwindling, and a new decision on releasing stocks to balance the market may be required in 78 days, Andrey Polishchuk said

Ukrainian attack on Crimea kills two people, injures four others — regional head

Sergey Aksyonov expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and stated that the authorities would provide all the necessary assistance

Russian deputy defense chief discusses military cooperation with Sri Lankan ambassador

Vasily Osmakov and Shobini Gunasekera also discussed the current state and prospects of Russian-Sri Lankan relations

North Korea launches approximately 10 missiles toward Sea of Japan — South Korean military

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they "maintain vigilance for additional launches"

Conflict in Ukraine requires prompt measures — candidate for UN secretary-general

Yvonne A-Baki believes that the Ukrainian crisis can be resolved through a solution, which both parties will find acceptable

UN secretary-general candidate A-Baki proposes agreeing that Ukraine abstains from NATO

Yvonne A-Baki believes that Russia and Ukraine should sit together in the United Nations and talk

Israel won't put up with Turkey's military presence in Syria — Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister said that the prior warnings on the issue were not heard "clearly enough"

Russian envoy cautions US, West against triggering arms race in outer space

According to Gennady Gatilov, individual Western countries and blocs directly mention near-Earth space as "yet another field for hostilities in their documents regarding space policy"

IN BRIEF: What we know about Russia’s massive attack targeting defense-tech sites in Kiev

Russian forces struck a Fire Point plant, a Kiev-based assembly site owned by the Antonov aircraft manufacturing factory and an arsenal with M-900 thermobaric bombs and munitions for Baba-Yaga drones

USS George Washington begins operations in Middle East — CENTCOM

The USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East to relieve the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln

Government submits space cooperation agreement with Myanmar to State Duma for ratification

As noted in the explanatory note, the ratification will contribute to expanding cooperation between the two countries in such areas as satellite navigation, space communications, satellite TV and radio broadcasting

Russia’s Battlegroup South confidently advancing after liberating Nikolaipolye in DPR

The liberation of the settlement became possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of reconnaissance units, artillery crews, and UAV operators from the unmanned systems forces

Russian envoy sees possibility of more candidates seeking top UN post

They may emerge, if the current candidates fail to secure the required support

Russian troops clear 400 buildings of Ukrainian forces in liberating Vodyanskoye

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the settlement was liberated on August 19

Kremlin reacts to 'fishing in troubled waters' in Ukraine, potential Wikoff, Kushner visit

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia highly values the efforts of all countries that sincerely seek to contribute to settling the Ukraine conflict

Lithuania seeking to take Russians hostage by tightening transit from Kaliningrad

Chairman of the region’s Legislative Assembly Andrey Kropotkin noted that such moves were driven by a political agenda of further pressure on Russia

Tougher US sanctions against Iran constitute economic terrorism — MFA

According to the statement, Washington's new restrictions against Tehran represent "a continuation of a failed US policy, the repetition of which will lead only to another failure"

Russia only country in world with expertise across entire nuclear energy sector — Putin

These competitive advantages enable the country to hold a leading position in the market for the construction of nuclear power plants abroad, the Russian leader stressed

Several hundred Ukrainian soldiers desert during training in Germany — newspaper

Under Ukrainian law, these individuals could face up to 12 years in prison if they return home

Vucic thanks Russia for providing Serbia with aircraft for fighting forest fires

Serbia is currently facing wildfires, prompting local authorities to turn to Moscow for assistance

Germany doesn't expect winter gas shortage despite low storage levels — ministry

The Ministry for Economic Affairs believes that the primary responsibility lies with the private sector

Upgraded Kuryer robotic system evacuates wounded while providing drone cover

The vehicle not only transports people, but is also capable of automatically engaging enemy drones, providing fire cover for the evacuated personnel

Iran was not the one to trigger escalation in Middle East — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya said that the US should be the one to blame for the latest escalation in Middle East

Kiev building up forces to fight for Dobropolye in Donetsk region — Russian combatant

According to the serviceman, the Russian troops are operating in a coordinated manner, eliminating enemy forces attempting to redeploy to better positions

Court finds farmer who shot at drone caused less harm than he prevented — documents

Earlier, a source in the judicial system said the Volgograd Regional Court had terminated the proceedings in the case of 66‑year‑old Nikolay Mukhin

Presidential spokesman describes fortifications on eastern border as 'full of holes’

Rafal Leskiewicz pointed to statements by Polish politicians about just how narrow and small a section of the sky along Poland’s eastern border is protected by air defense systems

Ukraine adds American rapper Lil Pump to its Mirotvorets database

The website’s creators have accused the rapper of publicly supporting Russia

Ukraine’s Zelensky should resign before he is forced into it — German daily

The author of the German-based Berliner Zeitung article believes that instability and weakening of negotiating positions are not the main threat to the country

Moscow to respond to any hostile actions by Helsinki — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that Finland, starting in 2022, "has become one of the most ardent sponsors of the Kiev regime"

Ukrainians' right to protection in EU depends on their usefulness on frontline — senator

Alexander Voloshin remarked that Kiev has long promoted Europe as a sanctuary where human rights are a fundamental priority

German MP says Ukraine’s role in sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines needs clarification

Markus Frohnmaier called for identifying and holding to account "the perpetrators, organizers, and possible state patrons" of the attack, regardless of the positions of Poland or Ukraine

NewNew Shipping Line sees significant business prospects in Murmansk Region

Chief Executive Officer Ke Jin said that Murmansk offers the best conditions thanks to the governor’s support and the fact that it is the only ice-free port in western Russia

Slovakia condemns Ben-Gvir’s call to kill Palestinians in Gaza

According to the statement, Slovakia rejects such rhetoric, especially from a high-ranking government official, which contradicts the fundamental norms of international law and human dignity

Chinese company aims to increase Northern Sea Route shipments to 1.2 mln tons by 2027

NewNew Shipping Line intends to put six new container ships into service by the end of October this year

US Golden Dome has offensive capabilities despite defensive claims — envoy

According to Gennady Gatilov, the project envisages "the development and deployment of space-based interceptors"

Candidate for UN secretary·general declares neutrality in conflict in Ukraine

Yvonne A-Baki opined that for a final settlement, both sides need to make certain concessions

Deflation in Russia stands at 0.02% from August 11 to 17, 2026 — Rosstat

Consumer prices in Russia have declined by 0.08% since the beginning of August

Japanese ambassador leaves Russia’s MFA after 25 minutes inside building

The diplomat was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry over Tokyo’s protest after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Island of Iturup

Parliament votes on new Bangladesh’s president

The Times of India reported that 255 members of parliament voted for Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the candidate from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Israel could cease to exist after the Middle East conflict — senior Russian officer

Apty Alaudinov says Israel’s objective is to drag both the US and the entire NATO bloc into the struggle

Russian troops liberate Vodyanskoye community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 380 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Zelensky calls Russian ballistic missiles 'main threat' to Ukrainian military industry

Ukrainian military officials and politicians regularly mention shortage of air defense missiles and ask Western countries to increase deliveries of such weapons

Scientists develop water purifying sorbent of Arctic mosses

The new material may be used for the post-treatment of surface wastewater from urbanized and industrial sites, as well as industrial wastewater before they are discharged into water bodies

FAZ journalist Martens’ profile appears on Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted list

Reason for being wanted is a Criminal Code article

Kiev to return to talks with Russia on terms worse than those in 2022 — magazine

According to The American Conservative, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing a shortage of manpower, and their stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles "is at, or approaching, zero"

Ukraine’s ex-defense minister urges to mobilize women

Alexey Reznikov noted that women can enter military service not just as medical workers

Israeli strike on Syrian base undermines Syria’s stability — Turkish Defense Ministry

According to the statement, the future of the region must be built not on the unilateral use of force, but on a security model based on respect for international law, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of states

Russia’s grain harvest to reach 100 mln metric tons in coming days

Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut noted that the volume harvested this year is higher than last year

Fuel imports to Russia: statements by Novak and overview of market situation

Russian authorities expect a number of oil refineries to complete maintenance work soon, leading to a significant improvement in the fuel market situation

Civilians injured, 726 UAVs downed: aftermath of attacks on Russian regions

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian drones were intercepted over 19 Russian regions

Ukrainian army facing serious shortages of Patriot missiles — Russian defense source

The source noted that the global shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles had intensified following their large-scale use in the Middle East

EU doesn't need Ukrainians, sees them as resource for conflict with Russia — senator

According to Igor Kastyukevich, Europeans believe they have been "excessively kind" to Ukraine, especially in light of conflicts between refugees and local residents

Attempts to cut Russia off from world permanent tactic of Western policy — adviser

Anton Kobyakov noted that Russia had never closed itself off from the world throughout its history

Russia plans to add around 30 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity — Putin

According to the president, nuclear energy accounts for roughly 20% of the electricity generated in Russia

Press review: Ukraine crisis nears peak as Israel-Turkey tensions rise over Syria

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 20th

Russian frigate Pallada sails off from DPRK — captain

The sailing ship’s departure from the pier drew several hundred townspeople – despite pouring rain and thunderstorms, people came to see the Russian sailors off

Russia calls on Japan to stop revising history of World War II — MFA

Maria Zakharova highlighted that instead of openly acknowledging its role in initiating aggression across Asia and the Pacific, Japan appears to be increasingly engaged in whitewashing its wartime crimes

Iran supports Iraq’s plan to control armed groups’ weapons — Majlis speaker

Qasim Al-Aboudi added that Tehran "is committed to the security agreements concluded between the two countries"

Ex-deputy head of Zelensky’s office Mudraya detained — lawmaker

Irina Mudraya is currently under an investigative procedure at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine

Bank of Russia lowers dollar exchange rate for August 21 to 83.36 rubles

The regulator lowered the official euro exchange rate by 1 ruble 81.22 kopecks to 96.7335 rubles

FACTBOX: What to know of Omsk oil refinery intel sharing, foiled terrorist attack in LPR

Officers detained two men in the Lugansk People’s Republic, who helped the Security Service of Ukraine plan a terrorist attack against the republic’s interior minister

Zelensky complains about lack of funds to continue war

Vladimir Zelensky also expects Khmara to audit all agreements with Western partners and take a "more humane approach" to the organizational issues in the army

Ukraine imposes sanctions on authors of Russian comedy cartoon 'Masha and the Bear'

An executive order, published on Vladimir Zelensky’s website, imposes sanctions on the Animaccord animation studio, the cartoon’s producer Dmitry Loveyko and animator Oleg Kuzovkov

Russia expects new UN chief to show courage in settling conflicts — envoy

Vasily Nebenzy noted that the UN can be the platform for Ukraine crisis resolution

20 Brazilian mercenaries eliminated in special military operation zone

An official in Russian law enforcement structures said that after being recruited via social networks, they came to Colombia and signed contracts with the Ukrainian army

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

Russia's Battlegroup South and Battlegroup Center units liberated settlements of Nikolaipolye and Matyashevo in the Donetsk People’s Republic

American mercenary Conor Kennedy arrested in absentia in Russia, placed on wanted list

He participated in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian forces incognito

Russia’s Battlegroup West downs 124 Ukrainian drones

Spokesman Ivan Bigma said that the battlegroup had also destroyed 98 Ukrainian hexacopters and five HIMARS projectiles

Liberation of Matyashevo opens way for Russian forces’ advance in Dobropolye area

The settlement was liberated by Pskov Guards Airborne Forces formation

Germany, UK, France, Italy call on Israel to withdraw its E1 settlement project plans

The international community has long opposed this settlement expansion, and has voiced their grave concerns privately and publicly, the joint statement said

Date for new Russia-US contacts on removing ‘irritants’ being agreed upon — diplomat

Maria Zakharova added that Russia is ready to cooperate with the US partners "to move toward substantive discussions on the issues that are of priority for us"

Some 250 drones were flying toward Moscow Region during night

Mayor Sergey Sobyanin says most of them were destroyed at distant locations

Russia, China to oppose Japan’s attempts to obtain nuclear weapons — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui also said that Moscow and Beijing think it necessary to "resolutely oppose Japan's accelerated remilitarization"

IN BRIEF: Russian MFA statements on FAZ reporter’s provocation, UN criticism

The Foreign Ministry calls on the citizens living abroad to be vigilant and not to give in to provocations ahead of the State Duma elections

Russia has no need for mobilization — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that mobilization is not planned and expected