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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Crimea and Sevastopol

Crimea protected against land threats from Ukraine, region's leadership says

Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov stressed that Crimea was also protected by air defenses

SIMFEROPOL, March 17. /TASS/. Russia is taking proper security measures to keep Crimea safe against potential land operations there by Ukraine, head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

"We are always ready for any situation. We are taking maximum measures to defend Crimea, ensuring protection against any sabotage and countering airborne and other operations. Land operations do not pose a threat, thanks to the measures implemented by President Vladimir Putin and his directives, as well as what our troops are doing in combat on the front lines - Crimea remains secure in this regard.

Everything else is under control; the situation is completely in check and stable, and the people are protected. The measures taken so far are sufficient for Crimeans to feel confident about both today and the future," Aksyonov said.

He went on to say that Crimea is protected by air defenses, but added that there is no system in the world that can ensure security 100%.

Aksyonov also noted that the coalition of Western countries supporting the Ukrainian regime wants Crimea targeted in attacks.

Tags

Crimea and Sevastopol Russia's domestic policy

Putin ratifies agreement on strategic partnership with Iran

The agreement sets out the legal framework for further development of cooperation between Moscow and Tehran for the long-term perspective

Rearmament initiative could fragment Europe, ex-Italian PM warns

Giuseppe Conte believes that the European public is being misled by promises of more security and efforts to arm every country, even though the military approach pursued until recently has not succeeded

Soyuz MS-26 crew returns to Earth

The cosmonauts and the astronaut were evacuated later from the return vehicle of the spacecraft

Kiev needs to draft 18-year-olds despite demographic issues, expert says

Alexander Gladun pointed out that in the current demographic situation, Ukraine must increase its birth rate

Holy Fire descends in Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

The Holy Fire symbolizes the light of Christ's resurrection

One settlement left until full liberation of Kursk Region from Ukrainian troops — sources

The Defense Ministry said that the Russian Armed Forces had liberated Oleshnya

Referendum on Ukraine's EU accession kicks off in Hungary

Voting will continue until the end of May, and its results will be summarized under strict control with the participation of a notary

FACTBOX: Pope Francis' biography

The 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88

Russian oil imports by China down 14.7% in Q1 2025 — statistics

The value of Russian oil supplies amounted to $13 bln over the reporting quarter

Ukrainian official says Kiev did not agree to recognize Crimea as part of Russia

Sergey Leshchenko pointed to the lack of official statements from any of the negotiators

Kiev demonstrates inability to cease fire even for 30 hours — Russian envoy

Ukraine has repeatedly broken ceasefire agreements reached within the Minsk and Normandy format, Miroshnik added

Ukrainian armed forces attack Donetsk during ceasefire — operative services

The Ukrainian army has also attacked Gorlovka, with four artillery shells fired at the town, according to the administration of the Donetsk People Republic’s head and government reported

IN BRIEF: What is known about end of Easter truce, Ukrainian violations

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that after the truce expired, Russian troops resumed their special military operation

Russian forces take control over section of important road in Sumy Region — expert

Distance-wise, about five kilometers of the Yunakovka-Oleshnya highway is under fire control of the Russian Armed Forces

Russia’s Economy Ministry downgrades forecast for average annual dollar rate for 2025

The Ministry has downgraded its forecast for the average annual US dollar exchange rate for 2025 from 96.5 to 94.3 rubles per dollar

Houthis claim strikes on two US aircraft carrier groups

"Missile forces and drone units launched two cruise missiles and two drones at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its associated ships in the northern part of the Red Sea," the movement said

US leadership understands root causes of Ukrainian conflict — Kremlin aide

However, a longstanding anti-Russian sentiment - built over many years and decades - hinders their ability to pursue reasonable solutions, Yury Ushakov said

Nothing to add to Defense Ministry’s report of Kiev’s ceasefire violations — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that Russia would share the information with all relevant parties

EU Commission president urges big tech giants to comply with EU’s digital laws

According to Ursula von der Leyen, the EU is ready to enforce its full digital rulebook

Easter ceasefire was initiated by Putin, Kremlin spokesman says

The Russian president declared a cessation of hostilities at a Saturday meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov

West trains drone engagement in Ukraine for future wars

The engagement of tanks and armored vehicles is likely to move to the background in future

Trump says hopes for Russia-US deal to be made in coming week

"Both will then start to do big business with the United States of America," US leader said

Press review: Easter truce may shift Ukraine conflict as Iran, US report nuclear progress

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 21st

Iranian, US experts to hold mediated discussions on Wednesday — senior Iranian diplomat

Iran insists that it has the right to uranium enrichment and this is one of Tehran’s redlines at the talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi added

Seasonal peak of Arctic ice area has shrunk to all-time low — JAXA

According to the scientists' findings, the maximum ice area peaked this season on March 20 and amounted to 13.79 million square kilometers

Zelensky’s office official confirms Ukraine’s participation in London talks next week

"I will not disclose who will be on the team," Sergey Leshchenko said

Netanyahu may lead Israel into crisis, former Israeli intel chief warns

According to Ami Ayalon, the Israeli prime minister’s most dangerous actions include a move to reform the country’s judicial system, which provides the government with more control over it

US remains committed to a full ceasefire in Ukraine — State Department

According to the State Department, "it is a long past time" to stop the conflict

Russian soldiers eliminated Ukrainian militants who shot civilians in Kursk region

During one of these clashes, fighter eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers in hand-to-hand combat

Russian troops continue special military operation after truce expires

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 20 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy artillery gun in its area of responsibility over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

Japan may increase rice imports from the US — newspaper

Japan is also considering an opportunity to offer simplified access of US vehicles to the country’s market, Nikkei reported

US proposes making territory around Zaporozhye nuke plant neutral — WSJ

The publication does not indicate which territories around the ZNPP Washington proposes to designate as neutral and in what format the United States could exercise control over these territories and the plant

IMF to lower global economic growth forecast due to US tariffs — Bloomberg

The world’s economy is expected to experience the first shock waves provoked by Washington’s tariff policy very soon, according to the agency

Kiev’s allies want to coordinate Ukraine ceasefire plan in London — newspaper

According to the New York Post, in order to attract Russia to negotiations on the said proposal, Washington may offer Moscow an easing of anti-Russian sanctions and possibly the unblocking of Russian assets frozen in the West

Ukrainian forces execute over 100 civilians in Selidovo

According to Maxim Grigoriev, all Ukrainian units participated in the shooting of civilians in Selidovo

Kiev will not become part of NATO, it’s out of the question — Trump’s special envoy

US President Donald Trump suggested earlier that the Ukrainian conflict may have been triggered by Kiev’s ambitions to join the alliance

Witkoff may travel to Russia again

The US President special envoy is likely to visit Russia in case of coincidence in positions of Washington, Europe and Kiev at the meeting in London this week

Pentagon chief shared details of strikes on Yemen in Signal private chat — NYT

According to the publication, on March 15, Hegseth posted the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornet fighters, which struck positions of Yemeni Houthis from the Ansar Allah rebel movement

Kiev vows to mirror Russia’s truce moves, but its reflection warped — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky stressed that the Ukrainian regime has repeatedly displayed its inability to comply with agreements

Another violation of Easter truce by Ukrainian troops reported from Gorlovka

The DPR government said that Ukrainian troops fired four rounds from 155mm artillery systems

Russian forces advance in South Donetsk area, DPR leader says

The Russian troops have advanced towards the settlements of Bogatyr, Otradnaya and Komar in the Velikaya Novosyolka area

Russian Economy Ministry lowers forecast for 2025 Brent price from $81.7 to $68 per barrel

The forecast expectations for the price of Russian Urals crude oil in 2025 are $56 per barrel

Ex-Ukrainian PM slams Kiev's idea to extend ceasefire as demagogy

Nikolay Azarov recalled that the Kiev regime, which came to power as a result of the 2014 coup, lacked commitment

Israeli military detain several Israelis trying to illegally cross into Gaza Strip

The civilians were transferred to the Israel Police for further questioning, the Israel Defense Forces said

Russia’s Medvedev says European troops to return in coffins if deployed to Ukraine

Earlier, Andrey Yermak, the head of the office of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, said he along with the Ukrainian defense and foreign ministers, Rustem Umerov and Andrey Sibiga, respectively, had arrived in Paris for talks with senior US officials

US vice president arrives in India

During the visit, JD Vance will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Russia to discuss joint arms projects with Peru

Peru operates Russian-made airplanes, helicopters, armor, antitank complexes and air defense means

Ukraine running out of gas reserves, will need to import up to 6 bln cubic meters by fall

Storage facilities are filled only to 2.22%, "the lowest level over the entire record of their operation," Sergey Makogon, former CEO of Ukraine’s GTS Operator, said

Russian LNG deliveries to China plunge 18.7% in Q1 2025 — customs

Imports lost 24% in value terms to $800.61 mln, the Main Customs Administration of China said

Sultan of Oman departs for Moscow to hold talks with Putin — media

The head of state is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs Shihab bin Tariq Al Said and Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi

Easter Sunday celebrated by Orthodox Christians

This year Orthodox Easter coincides with the holy day for Catholics

Moscow welcomes US statements on Ukraine’s impossibility to join NATO — Kremlin

Bloomberg news agency reported earlier that Washington presented its allies in Paris with proposals for a Ukrainian settlement and they included a refusal to discuss Kiev’s NATO membership and the easing of sanctions against Russia

Putin to hold meeting of military industrial commission newt week — TV

Apart from that, the Russian president’s plans for the coming week include several international contacts, including a meeting with the sultan of Oman

Russia to resolve Ukraine conflict quickly if EU, US 'wash hands of it' — Medvedev

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the United States could withdraw from the negotiation on Ukraine if the parties sabotaged it

Latest POW exchange between Russia, Ukraine was largest since conflict began — UAE

Since taking on the role of mediator at the start of 2024, the UAE has overseen the exchange of more than 3,700 POWs

Pope Francis passes away

He has died at the age of 88

All countries will lose if global trade back to law of jungle — China's Commerce Ministry

Beijing is strongly against any country concluding deals to the detriment of China's interests, "if this happens, the PRC will never put up with it and will firmly take retaliatory measures," the ministry stressed

Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine announced by Moscow expires

As Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on April 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not ordered to extend it

Nazis whom Zelensky made welcome in power to sacrifice him whenever possible — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Zelensky had long ago become a pawn in both foreign and domestic politics

Gold price hits fresh all-time high surpassing $3,400 per troy ounce

By 9:24 a.m. Moscow time the gold price had extended gains to 0.21% as it traded at $3,401.2 per troy ounce

Incomprehensible how EU openly willing to resume Nazi ideology — Lavrov

The European Union’s intention to establish a coalition on sending troops to Ukraine demonstrates a superiority intention, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Geneva to host technical consultations ahead of next round of US-Iranian talks — media

The Guardian noted that "Russia could play a key role in a deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear program," pushing the UK, Germany, and France to the sidelines

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

EU seeks to tweak methane emission rules to increase US LNG imports — agency

A European Commission spokesperson declined to comment on whether it was exploring possible flexibilities in the methane law that could benefit US LNG exporters

Putin instructs to consider buyback mechanism for departed brands by May 15

Companies that left the Russian market after February 22, 2022 will be subject to this measure

Kiev had no choice regarding Easter truce — Russian lawmaker

Alexey Pushkov assumed that Vladimir Zelensky had urgent telephone talks with Prime Minister of the Unied Kingdom Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron, during which the decision to consent to the truce was made

Ukrainian army loses up to 155 troops in Kursk Region before Easter truce starts

Over the period of fighting in the Kursk frontline area, the Ukrainian army has lost more than 75,000 troops, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Trump uses Easter address to slam his political opponents

"With great love, sincerity, and affection", the US President wished happy Easter to all, "including the Radical Left Lunatics" who are seeking to bring dangerous criminals, such as members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) Salvadorian gang, back to the United States

Participants in Easter marches in Germany oppose arms supplies to Kiev

The primary issues on their agenda include disarmament, and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East

Russia’s Economy Ministry lowers investment growth rate in 2025 to 1.7% in its forecast

"If it is put into physical volume or nominal values, this is a very big amount," the document says

Kiev used Easter truce to advance military goals, says DPR advisor

Igor Kimakovsky emphasized that yet another breakdown of the ceasefire had demonstrated Kiev's complete lack of commitment and inability to control its own army

Russian groups of forces in area of special military operation strictly observe ceasefire

The Ukrainian army attacked the positions of Russian forces 444 times after the Easter truce was declared, as well as carried out 900 drone attacks, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian army launches over 40 drones at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

Four civilians, including three children, were injured

Zelensky may find US-proposed version of peace deal 'hard to swallow' — newspaper

The current US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff package "doesn’t seem to include US-backed security guarantees," The Washington Post columnist David Ignatius wrote

No peace is possible without disarmament — Pope Francis

The 88-year-olf pontiff called for peace in the Holy Land and across the entire Middle East, for extending prayers for Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, and called for peace in Ukraine

South Korea supplies cars worth $72 mln to Russia in March

Russia was the 12th-biggest trade partner of South Korean exporters of cars

Russian forces liberate Oleshnya in Kursk Region — top brass

The total losses of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk Region have exceeded 75,000 servicemen, the Russian Defense Ministry added

Over 11,000 US agency staff gained access to confidential files — newspaper

The documents reveal that employees inadvertently shared a Google Drive folder containing sensitive files with the entire General Services Administration staff

Ukraine used US-made HIMARS systems to violate Easter truce — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, this was quite expected from the Ukrainian side

US airstrikes on Yemeni capital Sanaa kill 12 — Houthi Health Ministry

According to the report, 30 more were wounded

Trump says many world leaders asking him to reduce tariffs

They "must right the wrongs," US president said

Vulin not included in Serbia’s new cabinet because of Western pressure on Vucic — source

"Aleksandar Vulin has been removed from the government because of pressure from Brussels," the source pointed out

Aircraft with Russian servicemen returned from captivity landed in Moscow

The prisoners’ swap with Ukraine was implemented on April 19

US’ threats to abandon talks on Ukraine directed against Kiev rather than Moscow — Axios

The European diplomats pointed out that during talks in Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not mentioned "increasing the pressure on Russia"

Israeli chief of General Staff visits Israel-controlled areas in Syria

Eyal Zamir vowed that Israel will retain its military presence there, the IDF said

BRICS: possible expansion

Ukraine seeks to stage counterattack in Krasnoarmeysk direction — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that the heaviest fighting was currently taking place near the village of Novoye near Krasny Liman

Golden Dome missile defense shield won’t protect US from Russia or China, analyst says

Thomas Countryman noted that the system "could be overwhelmed by the much cheaper option of simply building a lot more missiles"

US national shot dead during plane hijacking attempt in Belize

The pilots managed to land the aircraft at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Russian forces hit test site of Ukrainian Sapsan missile defense system — top brass

Russian servicemen have liberated the Shevchenko settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Defense Ministry said

Japan’s PM considers inappropriate to link trade and security talks with the US

"We must resolve security issues without linking them to tariff issues," Shigeru Ishiba noted

Russian troops strictly observed ceasefire during Easter truce — top brass

Despite the declared Easter truce, Ukrainian armed formations kept delivering artillery fire and strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles on the positions of Russian troops and civilian facilities in the border areas of the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk Regions and the Republic of Crimea, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Press review: UN ready to join Black Sea deal while Russia lifts Taliban ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 18th

Israel unlikely to strike Iran without Trump’s endorsement — media

Meanwhile, the US president himself is currently focused on pursuing diplomatic solutions to address Iran's nuclear program

Situation in Kursk region

Aviation, artillery and missile troops continued to defeat manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk region, as well as their reserves in the Sumy region

Former Italian PM says Russia’s wish not to have enemies at its doorstep understandable

Giuseppe Conte also believes that the EU has never intended to promote dialogue on settling the conflict

FSB detains Crimean resident for passing data on military facilities to SBU

The FSB Investigative Department for the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol has opened a criminal case against the detainee under Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code

No orders to extend Easter truce issued by Putin — Kremlin spokesman

The ceasefire is in force for 30 hours, from 6:00 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until 00:00 Moscow time on April 21

Durov says Telegram never disclosed single byte of private messages in its 12-year history

The messenger's co-founder said that Telegram would only disclose the IP addresses and phone numbers of criminal suspects, if provided with a valid court order

Russian Orthodox Church praises Pope Francis for his role in building communication

The Holy See said earlier on Monday that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88