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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

With Starmer already gone, Merz could be next to go — Russian presidential envoy

According to Kirill Dmitriev, only 13% of Germans are satisfied with warmongering Friedrich Merz

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Russian president’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev has warned that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz could ne heading the way of former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"Only 13% of Germans are satisfied with warmongering Merz - a historic low. As AfD offers solutions on energy and migration and surges to record highs, pressure for change is mounting. Merz may do a ‘Starmer,’" he wrote on X.

According to an opinion poll conducted by the Infratest dimap pollster for the ARD television channel and the Die Welt newspaper, as many as 85% of Germans are "not fully satisfied" or "absolutely dissatisfied" with the government’s activity (minus 1 p.p.), while the number of those "very satisfied" or "satisfied" is still 13%. At the same time, support for AfD grew 1 p.p. on July, reaching 28%, a historic high in ARD polls. The CDU/CSU bloc lost 1 p.p. to drop from 21% to its lowest since November 2021. The Social Democratic Party, The Greens, and the Left Part saw their support stay unchanged from last month at 12%, 15%, and 11%, respectively. The poll was conducted from August 3 through 5 involving 1,297 respondents.

Tags

Russian Deputy files petition to disqualify Yabloko party from Duma elections

Rodina party Chairman and State Duma Deputy Alexey Zhuravlev said that investigators had uncovered "a great many legal violations," primarily related to funding

Referendum on Armenia’s EU membership impossible at present — PM

Nikol Pashinyan said there is no subject for the referendum

Press review: US halts Iran strikes as Pentagon develops nuclear plan for Russia, China

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 6th

Russia's Geran drone destroys Ukrainian locomotive in Kharkov Region

The destruction of the target has been successfully documented

Russia hits three dry cargo ships, destroys Ukrainian army train: results of new strikes

A Geran drone destroyed a locomotive of the Ukrainian military train in the Kharkov Region

Thai school shooter commits suicide — newspaper

According to the report by Khaosod, two people were killed, and updated figures indicate that 15 were injured

West increasingly reluctant to transfer air defense interceptor missiles to Kiev — NYT

According to The New York Times, Kiev's allies are taking into account ongoing conflicts around the world, including in the Middle East

Battlegroup North artillery eliminates 92 Ukrainian soldiers, 12 vehicles overnight

The battlagroup's artillery crews carried out over 200 fire missions in the Kharkov and Sumy Regions over the past night

Head of The Vatican’s diplomatic service to visit Moscow late August — source

The specific itinerary has not been disclosed

Ukrainian energy facilities remain unprotected ahead of winter — lawmaker

The coming winter in Ukraine will be difficult, Alexey Kucherenko said

FACTBOX: What we know about attack on Uraldronzavod CEO Vladimir Tkachuk

Vladimir Tkachuk, whose company produces Upyr drones and specializes in drone manufacturing, was injured in a car explosion

Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia injures 11 civilians — coalition

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said that the Houthis struck civilian targets in the Najran region

Trump admits US Army needs to replenish its weapons stockpiles

The US president made the corresponding statement, commenting on the rationale behind the administration’s request to Congress for $87.6 billion in additional funding, of which $21 billion is needed to purchase ammunition and strengthen the country’s industrial base

Russia may begin using tanks equipped with FPV drones — expert

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, if active operations begin and the line of contact collapses, traditional drones cease to be the ultimate weapon

Russian official calls Western $200 bln funding for Kiev ‘Project Anti-Russia’

Corruption is deeply rooted in Ukraine, chairman of Crimea’s State Council Vladimir Konstantinov pointed out

Russia calls on US to focus on resolving situation in Ukraine

Alexey Fadeyev emphasized that Moscow would be able to achieve its goals under any circumstances

Trump squashes rumors he's unhappy with Hegseth

The US president also claimed that fighting in the conflict with Iran is "going very well"

Russian troops eliminate 148 Ukrainian UAV control centers over past day

According to Battlegroup West Spokesman Ivan Bigma, 62 enemy UAV control centers have been destroyed in the area of battlegroup's responsibility

New US strategy increases risk of global nuclear war — Chinese expert

The US shift towards making nuclear weapons battlefield ready is extremely dangerous, Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe emphasized

Russia may demand release of its citizens from US in exchange for Gilman — exchanged pilot

The Russian Civic Chamber said that given the current aggressive US foreign policy toward Russia, the issue of Robert Gilman's release cannot be considered without reciprocal measures

Transit through Strait of Hormuz falls by third this week — Reuters

The decline is taking place against the backdrop of progress in negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding shipping in the strait

Russian Deputy files petition to disqualify Yabloko party from Duma elections

Rodina party Chairman and State Duma Deputy Alexey Zhuravlev said that investigators had uncovered "a great many legal violations," primarily related to funding

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army’s infrastructure sites, logistics centers in past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,395 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Zelensky acknowledges Ukraine faces difficult situation near Slavyansk

According to him, the Ukrainian military needs to do a better job on this direction of the front

Russian gymnasts to fly national colors at 2026 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships

The Russian Gymnastics Federation noted that the use of World Gymnastics symbols in the arena is related to the transitional period provided for individual competitions, and this does not mean a return to a neutral status

Trump reports progress in settling Russia-Ukraine conflict

The US president did not specify what kind of progress he was referring to

Russia identifies Polish mercenaries by NATO uniforms in battles for Krasnoyarskoye

Russia's UAV operator said the mercenaries tried to escape from Krasnoyarskoye as soon as Russian troops entered the area

Embassy denounces new UK government’s anti-Russian stance

The diplomats noted that the sanctions exacerbate the erosion of international trade, freedom of navigation, and financial stability

Key US missile stockpiles run 'extremely low' amid Iran conflict — TV

According to the source, particular concern was focused on dwindling inventories of long-range offensive missiles, including ATACMS and PrSM

Russian deputy PM states need to establish railway link to Indian Ocean

Russia’s construction industry currently demands long-term financing, the official stressed

Hackers obtain files on Ukrainian strikes against oil storage terminals in Russia

The Russian hackers gained access to communications and files revealing who provided the exact coordinates of the facilities and who "pushed Ukraine toward terrorism in the Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions"

Russia cripples Ukraine’s 'southern gateway,' Kherson Region official says

Since July 10, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted ports in Greater Odessa

Concerned Ukrainians help Russian troops deliver more accurate strikes — underground

According to the activists, people have begun to take a greater interest in underground movements

NATO specialist supplies Ukraine with coordinates of Russian oil terminals — hackers

According to the information obtained by hackers, Bart De Wachter currently is affiliated with Hybrid Analyze Vigilant Network, an organization connected to Special Operations Forces and NATO intelligence

Western attempts to undermine Russia-Kazakhstan relations doomed to failure — diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin has characterized Russia's relations with Kazakhstan as a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance

Groupings in Iraq intend to attack neighboring countries within next 48 hours — television

Sources cited by Al Hadath said that the warning was issued at a special meeting with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi

Three UAVs fall on roof of Wildberries logistics facility in Yekaterinburg

Emergency responders are working at the scene, while firefighters are extinguishing the blaze

Passage through Strait of Hormuz not to be subject to fees pending final agreement — AP

According to the US diplomats, Washington views the agreement between Iran and Oman as temporary and insists that shipping in the Strait of Hormuz must remain free of duties and fees

Three civilians injured in Ukrainian drone attack in Gorlovka, DPR

Mayor Ivan Prikhodko said the UAV dropped an explosive on a civilian vehicle

Wildberries facility fire, 203 UAVs downed: aftermath of attacks on Russian regions

On-duty air defenses intercepted Ukrainian drones over 18 Russian regions

Trump signs executive order banning ‘birth tourism’ in US

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that the number of people ineligible for automatic US citizenship had been extended

UAV with explosives found at Leipzig Airport equipped with 5G antennas — TV

Sources in security agencies told ZDF that this indicates drone control via mobile communications

Total Ukrainian military casualties amount to nearly 2.5 million — Russian commander

Apty Alaudinov said that the Kiev regime buries the bodies of Ukrainian servicemen handed over by Russian forces without forensic examination and do not return these bodies to their families and loved ones

About 16,000 mercenaries from 72 countries fighting on Kiev’s side — authorities

Nearly 40% of them are citizens of Latin American countries

Press review: NATO expands Black Sea presence and raises risks as Hormuz deal sparks hope

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 7th

Iran warns Gulf countries of retaliatory strikes in event of US attacks — Reuters

According to sources in the Persian Gulf, such steps are aimed at exerting additional pressure on the US through its allies to reach a peace agreement acceptable to Iran

At least two US military transport aircraft spotted over Persian Gulf

A source in Middle Eastern air traffic control circles says that the aircraft are flying in a circular trajectory at an altitude of about 8.5 km

Russian naval drones to prevent enemy ships from participating in conflicts — admiral

Admiral Nikolay Yevmenov specified that unmanned maritime systems could perform more than just strike missions

Wildberries logistics facility catches fire in Yekaterinburg following attack

Eight hundred people were evacuated from the facility in advance

Russia’s Investigative Committee reveals details of Ukraine’s Kursk Region incursion

According to Russian Investigative Committee Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko, 640 civilians were killed and over 560 were wounded

Kiev’s attempts to interfere in Moscow-Beijing dialogue to fail — Russian Foreign Ministry

The ministry said that Russian-Chinese relations "are at an unprecedentedly high level and continue to develop dynamically in accordance with the agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries"

Russia says Japan has to be plainspoken about US bombing of its cities

Alexey Fadeyev noted that the politicians were trying to link this topic with anti-Russian narratives in connection with the situation in Ukraine

Kiev loses 80% of its ports, using remaining ones to deliver military cargoes — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselyov, Kiev uses civilian port infrastructure to deliver fuel and NATO-issued uniforms, since maritime transport is "the shortest and cheapest route"

Russia’s Oniks missile can overcome virtually all modern air defenses — Pacific Fleet

During the ongoing naval drills, Bal and Bastion shore-based missile system crews deployed launchers to designated positioning areas along the coast in the Primorye Region, Kamchatka, Chukotka, and the Kuril Islands

Media reports on depletion of US ammunition stocks ‘driving Trump crazy’ — newspaper

According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, media leaks have been troubling the US president for several weeks now

Putin signs law regulating digital currencies, digital rights in Russia

The document establishes operational frameworks for crypto exchanges, digital depositories, and market participants

US redirects 49 ships after resumption of naval blockade of Iran — CENTCOM

The US military reports that two more vessels have been put out of action

West has no need for strong, independent Ukraine — lawmaker

According to Alexander Krierenko, the West wants a territory that could be used to exert constant pressure on Russia

About 60 Moroccans officially missing after crossing into Ceuta — portal

Morocco said that this number may increase and recommended that families who cannot contact or find their loved ones "not rely solely on social media in their search"

NATO directly involved in strikes on Russian territory, hackers say citing files

According to available information, a NATO intelligence-linked hybrid warfare specialist, Bart de Wachter, provided the coordinates of oil and gas terminals in the Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions to Ukraine’s Security Service

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan to consider attack on one country as attack on all

A joint statement issued after the Mecca summit emphasizes that the agreement is aimed at strengthening joint deterrence against any aggression

US would like Russia to release convicted Gilman — news agency

A source told Reuters that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised the Gilman case during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila

US imposes sanctions on Cuba's military attache in Russia

Restrictions have been additionally imposed on Cuba's military attache in China

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, The Ukraine process is currently on hold

Iraqi prime minister orders army to increase combat readiness — news portal

The readiness level will be increased in all security force camps and army bases

Baltic states pursuing suicidal policy by manufacturing drones for Ukraine — expert

Alexander Stepanov commented on the Lithuanian government’s decision to begin producing drones for the Ukrainian army

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russian forces delivered two massive and 12 combined strikes by precision-guided weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on Ukrainian military sites over the week

Russia’s Smolensk Region declares state of emergency after severe weather kills two

About 15,000 consumers remain without electricity across the Smolensk Region

Iran, Oman discussing transit fee of 3% to 7% for Strait of Hormuz — Reuters

The Iranian side insists on introducing a fee of 5-7%

Iceland, Montenegro could join EU together in 2028 — media

The European official said simultaneous accession was a highly likely scenario

West completely fails in its attempts to defeat Russia — senior diplomat

Alexander Grushko said 'Russophobia' is used to cover up disagreements and divisions in Europe on economic and migration issues

Ukraine has network of underground UAV manufacturing facilities — British TV

The exact location has not been disclosed

Houthis launch missile strike on displacement camp in Yemen’s Marib Governorate — TV

Al Arabiya said eyewitnesses had seen missiles launched from the Yemeni capital before the strike

Russian hackers find documents on Ukrainian strikes against oil terminals

According to the hackers, the correspondence and documents reveal who supplied the precise coordinates of the facilities and who "incited Ukraine to commit acts of terror" in Russian regions

Russian, Armenian parliamentarians discuss referendum on Yerevan's accession to EU

Yerevan has recently been declaring its course towards integration with the EU

West gives Kiev carte blanche to commit crimes, becomes complicit in them — Russian MFA

According to the statement, leaders from Britain, France, and Germany issued a joint statement openly praising Ukraine’s innovative use of drone technology to strike deep into Russian territory

Leaks about depletion of US ammunition stocks anger Trump — TV channel

According to CNN's sources, the US president's anger stemmed from the fact that the leak occurred at what he considers a pivotal moment in the conflict with Tehran

Thailand school shooter first kills grandparents — media

The gunman fired 26 shots during the attack at the school

Ukrainian army mired in chaos, corruption — Rada member

Anna Skorokhod declined to offer specific details

Putin removes Sheremetyevo airport from list of strategic enterprises

The presidential decree was published on the official portal of legal information

Kiev’s bet on West’s ‘wonder weapons’ against Russia expectedly fails — govenor

According to Vladimir Saldo, Russia is growing stronger and finding countermeasures for everything

Russia successfully launches Elektro-L weather satellite into operation

Currently, the satellites Elektro-L No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 constitute the Russian orbital weather satellite cluster

Moscow sees Yerevan's attempts 'to blackmail' Russia — Foreign Ministry

This policy, according to the Russian MFA, "includes harassment of pro-Russian figures, threats of arbitration proceedings against Russian companies operating in Armenia"

Russian Geran UAVs hit railway locomotive with cargo for Ukrainian army in Kharkov area

The Russian Defense Ministry also released live-recording images of a Geran UAV hitting the Ukrainian army’s infrastructure

Relocating Russian embassy in Warsaw to rupture in relations — Polish MFA

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that no EU or NATO country has yet severed relations with Russia

Two people killed, over 20 injured in school shooting in Thailand — newspaper

According to the report by Khaosod, law enforcement and emergency services are at the scene

Ukraine ruined its military-industrial complex to please the West — Russian senator

Alexander Voloshin said the more outspoken members of the Ukrainian elite become, the more difficult it is for Western politicians to sustain their previous illusions

Hiroshima mayor criticizes Russia, makes no mention of US in bombing anniversary speech

Kazumi Matsui began his speech by accusing Russia of allegedly "using nuclear weapons as a tool of intimidation"

Kiev loses approximately 40 settlements during its 40-day plan — Russian lawmaker

During these 40 days, the Kiev regime reshuffled the government, dismissed the defense minister, appointed a new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian forces, lost hundreds of gas stations and dozens of locomotives, retired Major General Leonid Ivlev recalled

US denies Kiev Patriot system to protect image of military-industrial complex — lawmaker

According to Viktor Vodolatsky, "the Patriot system doesn’t work very well" against Russian weapons

Trump says he could be last Republican president in US

The US president also stood firm in his belief that the GOP would come out on top, but said the Senate will have to "get smart" for that to happen

Pashinyan says Armenia understands simultaneous membership in EAEU, EU impossible

The Armenian prime minister said the strategic goal of adopting the law initiating the process of the republic’s accession to the EU is to create an alternative for the country

Western countries may follow US in reducing Ukraine arms aid — Russian lawmaker

According to the earlier media reports, US President Donald Trump declined Vladimir Zelensky’s request for additional Patriot interceptors

Over 470 Ukrainian troops found guilty in Russia over Kursk incursion

The convicted individuals include 36 foreign mercenaries from 13 countries

US reduces oil imports from Saudi Arabia to zero for first time in 40 years — Bloomberg

According to the report, US refiners were buying more than 600,000 barrels of Saudi oil a day earlier this year

Kiev suffering enormously due to Russian strikes on port logistics — expert

Vitaly Kiselyov said the Russian army’s strikes against the enemy’s logistics, including port facilities, have reduced the enemy’s capabilities in the southern and central direction

West wants to use Moldova as pawn in its geopolitical chess game — MFA

Alexey Fadeev noted that Moldova’s population strongly opposed being drawn into the West’s militaristic adventures

Armenia's blackmail, West’s support of attacks on Russia: Foreign Ministry comment

Alexey Fadeyev, deputy director of the information and press department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, added that Kiev had not proposed to resume diplomatic contacts

Seoul warns UK sanctions on Russia threaten its energy security

The South Korean side noted that the European Union had previously granted an exemption for Seoul when adopting its 21st package of sanctions against Russia

Service fees for transit through Strait of Hormuz to depend on services provided — agency

The source dismissed recent reports of disagreements between Iran and Oman over the percentage of cargo value

What is known about UK’s latest sanctions against Russia

Twelve companies, including seven banks, one individual, and six vessels, were added to the list