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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Military operation in Ukraine

Ukrainian POWs in Russia outnumber Russian POWs in Ukraine — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova separately said that during exchanges the sides hand over an equal number of people

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. There are more Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia than Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine, Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova told TASS in an interview.

She mentioned this while responding to statements about the disproportion of the exchanges. The ombudswoman emphasized that during exchanges the sides hand over an equal number of people, and that on this side "everything is absolutely clear and correct."

"I can say - since we have more Ukrainian prisoners of war than we have our guys on the territory of Ukraine, there may be, for example, a disproportionate exchange of letters, a disproportionate exchange of parcels. I do not think that this is bad. As a human rights defender, I am ready, together with my team, to deliver these parcels to whomever needs them. This is a humanitarian matter," Lantratova said.

Tags

Military operation in Ukraine

Military operation in Ukraine

Ukraine loses 6 Starlink communication stations due to Battlegroup East’s actions over day

56 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and 35 unmanned aviation control points were also destroyed

G20, APEC, display huge demand for meetings with Russian Foreign Minister — ambassador

Marat Berdyev added that there is no isolation of Russia, nor it is foreseen

US does not believe Iran serious about negotiations — Rubio

The US secretary of state said that Tehran had made both direct and indirect requests to engage in talks about settling the conflict

Gazprom notes very low gas storage levels in Europe

Gas volumes in European UGS facilities are 16.8% lower than they were on the same date in 2025

Ukraine signs deal with BAE Systems to make howitzers — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the agreement envisages licensed production of the L119 light towed howitzer with a shooting range of up to 16.9 km

State Duma passes law on regulation of digital currencies, digital rights

The document also defines the conditions for cryptocurrency purchases by investors

US administration refuses to transfer military aid worth $400 million to Kiev — senator

Dick Durbin says the funds are unavailable until the next president is in office

Wagner PMC a 'journalist alias,' never legally existed — Putin

According to the head of state, the experience that Russia had with the ‘Wagner PMC’ was "so clumsy, because it was not based on the law"

IN BRIEF: Russia's latest strikes on Ukrainian ports

A dry cargo vessel unloading cargoes for the Ukrainian army was struck at the port of Nikolayev

Russian troops liberate Volokhovskoye community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russian forces continued delivering strikes on Ukraine’s ports used to handle cargo for the Ukrainian army

Israeli troops to remain in security zone in southern Lebanon — military source

The IDF will act via a "coordination mechanism mediated by the United States in the event of violations of the agreement by Hezbollah," the source said

Putin to lead Russia’s delegation at APEC summit in China — diplomat

The summit is scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen

Ukrainian military reports fuel supply problems

According to the command, additional funding was not provided in a timely manner, forcing the military to rely on previously accumulated fuel reserves

Ukrainian commanders send troops to certain death to obtain footage for reports — source

A source in Russian security agencies specified that the tactics was used by commanders of Ukraine’s 72nd Mechanized Brigade, allowing them to substantiate their false reports that they still controlled a settlement

Four more civilians wounded in Ukraine’s drone attacks on Belgorod Region

Two women were hurt in a FPV drone attack on a single-family house in the Belgorod district and two more women sought medical assistance

IN BRIEF: What we know about mass death of bees in Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk regions

The causes are being investigated

British interests in Middle East may become military target for Iran — TASS source

A high-ranking Iranian source says this could be the case if London joins the US war against the Islamic Republic

IRGC says hit radars at Ali al-Salem airbase in Kuwait

According to the statement, the strikes destroyed several radar systems

Trump claims Iran seeks new meeting with United States

The US leader reacted sharply to a reporter’s remark that there are no signs of Iran's willingness to stop fighting

Russian fencers set for World Championships in Hong Kong, marking end of neutral era

More than 1,000 athletes from over 200 countries will compete in foil, epee and saber events at the AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition center

Russian forces hit 200 railway engines hauling Western arms to Ukraine — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, "90% of military cargoes arrive from European countries"

US to spend $2.1 billion to send nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars — NASA

Spokesperson Jan Wittry says NASA is leveraging existing hardware and developing the reactor system "to deliver a flight system and prove a capability essential to sustained lunar operations, future Mars missions, and the next era of exploration"

Zelensky may lose control over Ukrainian army after replacing commander-in-chief — outlet

As reported by the Strana publication, the move could potentially provoke serious conflict within military leadership, especially over defense budget management

Russian Foreign Minister arrives in Philippines to attend ASEAN events

Sergey Lavrov will take part in events hosted by ASEAN

US has no plans to curtail military operation against Iran soon — Trump

According to the US president, the inflicted damage that will take Iran 20-25 years to recover from

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys five Ukrainian artillery mounts near Kharkov

The force’s self-propelled artillery battery commander with the call sign Yenisey added that crews of the Orlan-10 multipurpose unmanned reconnaissance systems adjust the Battlegroup North’s artillery fire

Lavrov highly praises Russia-Laos relations at meeting with counterpart

The Russian foreign minister pointed out the regular nature of bilateral contacts

US to consider putting pressure on Israel to withdraw forces from Lebanon — Trump

The US president said that he is aware of Israel shelling Lebanon's positions in the "pilot zone" in the city of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah

US military carries out airstrike on Iranian city of Bushehr — Tasnim agency

According to preliminary data, two facilities were damaged

Black Sea attacks could force revisions to Kazakh oil exports, production — Kazenergy

The association emphasized that international coordination is urgently required to safeguard civilian shipping and protect cross-border energy infrastructure

What we know about foiled terrorist attack on major enterprise in Urals

No casualties have been reported among security officers or civilians

Ukrainian involved in Nord Stream sabotage admits working for security agency — TV

According to N-tv, Sergey Kuznetsov made the admission during a monitored telephone conversation with his wife while in custody in Italy

US to strike Iran's alleged new nuclear facility — Trump

The US president said it will happen to any site where Tehran "is thinking about nuclear"

Number of injured in chairlift collapse in Russia’s Nalchik climbs to eight

It was clarified that two of those injured had been discharged following a medical checkup

Trump acknowledges that US is trying to influence political processes in China

The US leader added that it is not "a one-way street"

More than 500 US military personnel wounded during operation against Iran — AP

According to the source cited by the news agency, the number is "well over 500 troops" and exceeds Pentagon's official figure

Pilot zones in southern Lebanon meant to disarm Hezbollah — military source

The final parameters of the process have not yet been determined

Russian ministry presents doctrine for combating IT crimes

The document outlines areas of activity rather than ready-made solutions, the ministry noted

Fuel situation improves in several Russian regions as supply curbs lifted — deputy PM

According to Alexander Novak, the positive impact stems from temporary bans on petroleum product exports, market saturation through imports, as well as increased domestic production

Iran struck US Sheikh Isa airbase in Bahrain on Tuesday — military

Notably, Sheikh Isa serves as a critical hub for the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, facilitating air operations and drone control

Press review: Russia offers lifeline on Iran and Trump works art of nuke deal with Saudis

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 20th

Trump orders to cancel UFO non-disclosure agreements for ex-officials — TV

Such a move does not follow as a "declassification directive" and only allowed employees to come forward through government channels

Moldovan police used force against Russian embassy staff — Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian embassy's request to send a representative for making clarifications was ignored

Trump preparing to impose new tariffs on some countries as early as this week — FT

The restrictions will be based on findings of an investigation into the alleged use of forced labor by these countries, the publication said

Russian warships strictly comply with international law — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov commented on statements that a Russian frigate allegedly conducted exercises in international waters near the British coast

Rome knows what reciprocity means, Berlin's nuke research: Foreign Ministry's comment

TASS has compiled the key statements made by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko

Russian senator welcomes FBI Director Kash Patel's potential visit

As Vladimir Dzhabarov noted, such a visit would be nothing new

Czech parliament speaker voices opposition to admission of Ukraine to EU, NATO

Tomio Okamura, says he refuses to finance Ukraine, "which supports collaborators with the Nazis"

Russian ombudswoman prepares response to UN on Starobelsk tragedy

Yana Lantratova previously said the UN office had requested information from Russia on the investigation into the Ukrainian armed forces' strike

Russia to continue strikes on ships carrying arms for Kiev — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov answered the question about Russia’s missile strike on a vessel at the Odessa port

Houthis say they reversed six ships after blockading Saudi Arabia

Reuters earlier reported that international shipping companies receive messages from the Houthi in Sanaa demanding that they refrain from loading and unloading in the Saudi ports

Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief Drapaty is on Russia’s wanted list

Earlier, the Russian Investigative Committee brought charges against Drapaty for staging more than 70 shelling attacks killing or wounding 154 people

Zelensky offers Fyodorov new government post amid protests

He did not say whether Fyodorov had accepted the offer

What we know about Russia’s tagging of two hacker groups as extremist organizations

The reason for the ruling was the groups’ cooperation with the Ukrainian military

Ukraine loses 6 Starlink communication stations due to Battlegroup East’s actions over day

56 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and 35 unmanned aviation control points were also destroyed

Belgorod authorities taking measures to stabilize situation after attack on dam lake

The regional emergencies response headquarters said the situation is under control

Russia’s Sputnix boosts nanosatellite data transfer rate tenfold

The update is available for all devices produced by Sputnix, the company said

EU three did not request new meeting with Russian Foreign Ministry — deputy minister

Alexander Grushko emphasized that the Foreign Ministry maintains diplomatic communication with all embassies

Donbass fate to be decided by fight for Slavyansk, Kramatorsk — expert

Yevgeny Poddubny said the enemy will continue to use drones en masse, a wide range of Western-made weapons and will actively use the newest AI-powered unmanned systems

Russia’s Omich 3.0 ground military robot passes field testing

The Omich systems are used to evacuate wounded military personnel, to deliver ammunition, provisions, fuel

Bureau 1440 launches second part of satellite constellation

The Russian aerospace company continues to deploy a low-orbit satellite constellation for new-generation communication services

Press review: Truce on deck in Iran and EU to dry-run Ukraine deployment in Poland drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 21st

Ukrainian POWs in Russia outnumber Russian POWs in Ukraine — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova separately said that during exchanges the sides hand over an equal number of people

Russian warship holds live-fire exercise 46 miles off UK coast — Royal Navy

Before the naval maneuvers, the Russian warship informed HMS Tyne patrol ship of its intention to conduct gunnery activity

Zelensky says appointed Drapaty as new commander-in-chief instead of Syrsky

Many Ukrainian politicians and protesters have been demanding for a week the resignation of Alexander Syrsky

Houthi blockade threatens Saudi oil export routes — expert

If shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is disrupted Saudi Arabia would face increased security costs and reduced flexibility in export shipments, Ahmed Nagi added

Lithuania see no direct threat from Russia — presidential adviser

In recent years, the EU countries have been regularly blaming Russia for being behind various emergencies and what they call "malicious activities" in their territories

Bank of Russia raises dollar rate for July 22 to 78.55 rubles

The official euro exchange rate was raised by 20.16 kopecks to 89.7558 rubles

Cat caught carrying drugs into prison colony in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod

The cat carried a homemade tissue collar containing unknown substances

Houthi actions could reignite full-scale war in Yemen — expert

"The Saudi-led coalition has already said it will protect vessels transiting the Red Sea, suggesting that any Houthi attack would likely trigger a strong military response," International Crisis Group Senior Yemen Analyst Ahmed Nagi said

Russia fighting for its survival in special military operation — Duma deputy speaker

Pyotr Tolstoy said that Russia is defending its independence, freedom and "the ability to make its own decisions"

Framework agreement to put end to conflict with Israel — Lebanese president

Joseph Aoun stressed that Lebanon is committed to the agreement and thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts to stabilize the situation

Ordinary Moldovans no longer enamoured with idea of becoming part of Europe — expert

Dmitry Sorokin identified systemic corruption within government agencies and the judicial system as the main obstacle to progress, eroding public trust in the rule of law

Russian tourist flows to China projected to surge up to 50% in 2026 — ATOR

Artur Muradyan, ATOR Vice President for International Tourism and CEO of the Space Travel tour operator, noted that the visa-free travel regime is facilitating the expansion of travel geography

Mandatory evacuation for residents announced in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo said the city had been turned into a military staging ground

NATO facing shortage of cotton to produce gunpowder — WSJ

According to the newspaper, linters, or the short fibers left on cotton seeds after processing, are converted to nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton

US completes latest wave of strikes against Iran — CENTCOM

According to the US military, the strikes targeted Iranian military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure

Russia does not hold Ukrainian civilians prisoner — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova also said that if there are citizens of Ukraine who wish to go home, they "can freely leave through Russian territory"

Russian stocks close in the green on Tuesday

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble lost 4 kopecks to 11.6 rubles

Europe's daily LNG imports hit 23-month low — report

Since the beginning of July, LNG flows from European terminals into the EU gas transmission system have dropped by 26% year-on-year

Persian Gulf states irritated by US actions in conflict with Iran — Bloomberg

Other countries, including Qatar, disagree with this position and insist on immediate de-escalation

FACTBOX: Import diesel damper, 15 FAS cases, key statements on fuel market

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said at a plenary session that the situation on the fuel market would change dramatically in the near future

IN BRIEF: Kremlin on strikes against Wildberries facilities, foreign troops in Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia views any potential deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine as absolutely unacceptable

Ex-NATO chief agreed to consider buffer zone between alliance, Russia in 2021 — portal

Jens Stoltenberg wrote in his memoirs that he agreed to consider the possibility of withdrawing some NATO troops from Eastern Europe

Russia poses no threat to EU, but conflict being deliberately stoked — Croatian president

Zoran Milanovic also emphasized that the EU "is exclusively engaged in talk of war and attempts to finance military production"

Belgorod Reservoir equipment damaged: aftermath of Ukrainian attacks

Ukrainian forces continue to deliberately target the reservoir dam following the water release, with strikes still ongoing, according to the operational command

Moldovan ambassador called in to Russian Foreign Ministry, issued protest

Lilian Darii was summoned in connection with Moldova's gross violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

Ukrainian army flees Zakharovka in Kharkov region amid pressure from Russia — expert

Andrey Marochko says Ukrainian militants have abandoned some of their forward positions in the settlement as several strategic heights have come under Russia’s control

US signaling desire to see Putin at G20 summit in Miami — Russian MFA

Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev says US President Donald Trump has repeatedly noted that Russian president's participation would be useful, the American sherpa's team is sending "a similar signal"

Ice retreats in Siberia give way to greenhouse gases emissions, Tomsk scientists say

The spring ice meltdown provokes a sharp release of carbon accumulated over the cold season

Russia, Ukraine exchanging equal number of prisoners of war — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova added that she has managed to establish close communication with the Ukrainian ombudsman

Trump suggests Syrian forces be deployed to Lebanon to fight Hezbollah

According to the US leader, such measures would "be very effective"

No threat of Netanyahu's arrest in US — Trump

The US president said that it will not happen in any way

China, other countries support Moscow’s bid to chair APEC in 2035 — Russian MFA

Russia previously chaired the APEC forum in 2012, Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev noted

MTS Web Services proposes creating Russia-China AI alliance with network of data centers

The countries could scale up AI data center networks in Siberia and the Russian Far East

US army commences 11th wave of strikes against Iran — CENTCOM

The US military says the strikes "are designed to continue degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz"

US intelligence believes strikes cannot change Iran's negotiating position — media

Intelligence analysts believe Iran and the United States remain "stuck in an indefinite limbo between peace and war," the newspaper said

Saudi Arabia’s oil shipments fall 36% amid Houthi threats — newspaper

The Houthis previously announced that a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia had been imposed

Rada member points to deep political crisis, difficult situation on frontline

Alexey Goncharenko addressed recent protests demanding the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov and the removal of Ukrainian armed forces Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff of US army says he does not consider Russia friend of US

Dan Caine added that Russia and the US are in a "complicated relationship"

Drone hits apartment building in Vladimir, 209 UAVs: aftermath of Ukraine’s UAV attack

There no persons injured in the drone attack