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Putin warmly congratulates Lukashenko on his birthday

Russian President congratulated his Belarusian counterpart over the phone

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on his birthday over the phone, the Kremlin press service reported.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who had just concluded a working visit to Moscow the day before, on his birthday over the phone," the statement said.

Putin congratulates Lukashenko on his birthday

Russian President noted that he values the trust that has been established between them

Dozens of servicemen arrested after attempted mutiny in Niger — AP

According to the news agency, footage showing dozens of detainees, mostly young soldiers, was broadcast by the RTN state-run television and radio company

Russian canoeists win silver in 500m four-man canoeing world championships

The Russian crew comprised Alexey Korovashkov, Alexander Bots, Dmitry Sharov and Matvey Arsenov

One-Sixth international film festival opens in Yekaterinburg

Films from more than 12 countries, master classes and meetings with prominent actors on the program

Russia to win both hot, economic wars — Medvedev

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

Opponents of EU accession talks are leading polls in Iceland — TV

In the referendum, 52.5% of voters, or more than 99,000 people, voted against resuming negotiations

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

EU debate on seizure of Russian assets stalls due to irreconcilable disagreements — expert

Uncertainty in relations between Europe and the United States, domestic political changes in European countries and growing conflict fatigue were also hindering efforts to revive the debate, said director of the P.A. Stolypin Institute for Growth Economics Anton Sviridenko

Russian icebreaker fleet may boost NSR popularity in Arctic — Kobyakov

According to Executive Secretary of the Eastern Economic Forum Organizing Committee, Russia plans to build another 14 icebreakers by 2030

ZNPP personnel work to restore external power supply

The main efforts are currently focused on restoring external power supply and ensuring the stable operation of all systems needed to maintain the safe condition of the power units, ZNPP Communications Director Yevgenia Yashina

Niger authorities say military mutiny in Niamey suppressed

The authorities urged residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.

Number of people injured in Ukrainian attack on Rostov Region rises to 11

Nine people, including four children, are currently in hospitals in Rostov and the Aksay District

Trump's 'Greenland plan' aims to bring Arctic under US control — presidential adviser

Anton Kobyakov opined that this project was an alternative to the NSR from the Pacific Ocean to the North Atlantic

French poll predicts Le Pen's victory in 2027 presidential election runoff

President Emmanuel Macron will be ineligible to seek a third consecutive term in 2027 under France’s constitutional two-term limit

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

Cryptocurrency trading in Russia may reach $46.43 bln in first year

The conservative forecast reflects the fact that a significant share of transactions will continue to be conducted through cryptocurrency exchange services, bypassing exchange trading

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

Press Review: EU boosts arms aid to Ukraine as India bolsters Russia ties amid US pressure

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 25th

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

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

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

Ukraine's national debt grows by $4-5 bln each month

This would amount to about $8,500 in debt per Ukrainian by the end of 2026

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

Kiev increasingly losing on battlefield — US journalist

Russian forces continue to liberate territories, Christopher Helali said

European governments have no interest in peace in Ukraine, former OSCE adviser says

Retired Swiss General Staff Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Bosshard pointed out that European leaders "prefer to secure their own safety with their checkbooks" and "leave the fighting to others"

Russia’s mass media watchdog to check media outlets after interview with Zelensky

Roskomnadzor warns the Russian mass media about the necessity of refraining from publishing this interview

Moscow court sentences US citizen to 3.3 years over undeclared Colt pistol

The appeals court upheld the sentence

The US is trying to drive wedge between China, its neighbors — EEF organizer

Anton Kobyakov recalled that China and some ASEAN countries have territorial disputes in the South China Sea

Lukashenko speaks highly of his meeting with Mishustin

The President of Belarus clarified that all problems and issues were discussed together with the Russian Prime Minister

Death toll from flooding in northern Nepal rises to 675

219 people have been injured

Ukrainian forces attack Donetsk People's Republic settlements 27 times over past day

The attacks damaged six civilian infrastructure facilities, a residential building, and a tanker truck belonging to the Emergencies Ministry

Security, peace in Europe impossible without Russia — Fico

According to the Slovak Prime Minister, Western countries must acknowledge the fact that "Russia exists alongside them as their equal"

Russia's trust in Switzerland as talks venue is nearly exhausted — envoy

Bern has consistently pursued an unfriendly policy toward Russia, including by "unlawfully freezing Russian assets" and adopting nearly all US and EU sanctions against Moscow, Sergey Garmonin said

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

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

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

CIA chief proposes Putin-Trump-Zelensky meeting during visit to Moscow — Axios

According to the news outlet, John Ratcliffe also sought to determine whether talks with Ukraine could be resumed with US mediation

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

Putin congratulates Lukashenko on his birthday

Russian President noted that he values the trust that has been established between them

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

Switzerland should restore diplomacy, mutual understanding with Russia — lawyer

Philipp Kruse also called for an end to military propaganda against Russia

Blocking extradition of Ukrainian to prove Kiev’s fault in Nord Stream sabotage — lawmaker

According to Steffen Kotre, the Ukrainian military "does not have carte blanche to sabotage German or European energy infrastructure"

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

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

Denmark suspends issuance of residence permits to Ukrainians of mobilization age

According to parliamentary documents, the proposal was approved by 98 votes to 11

Kremlin spokesman sees no grounds for better Russia-EU relations for now

The Europeans are mobilizing military resources against Russia, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia-Belarus trade up 12.5% since start of year — Putin

The president noted that direct investment from Russia amounts to $4.5 bln

Greater Eurasian Partnership to help remove trade, investment barriers — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister noted that the current stage of global development, marked by the strengthening of multipolar principles in international affairs, offers broad opportunities to create new and fairer mechanisms for global economic cooperation.

Leaders of 17 countries, UN secretary-general to attend SCO summit in Bishkek

The summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be held in Bishkek from August 31 to September 1

African Union prepares action plan to prevent conflicts on continent

The plan’s key objectives include improving the effectiveness of the early warning and crisis response system, strengthening the role of the AU Peace and Security Council, enhancing cooperation with regional organizations and securing sustainable funding for peacekeeping initiatives

Eight Russians missing on China-Nepal border — Russian Embassy

The diplomatic mission reported that they had not received any information about their discovery

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

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

Russia readies to strike Ukraine’s energy sites to retaliate attacks on its infrastructure

At the same time, Russian servicemen continued to launch coordinated strikes against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities that support the Ukrainian military overnight, the ministry emphasized

Russia, Belarus continue to work actively on international scene — Putin

President mentioned Moscow and Minsk's active work on all international platforms, including the UN, the CIS, and the SCO

Switzerland lost its neutrality in eyes of more than just Russia — ambassador

The Swiss authorities have "taken an unequivocally pro-Kiev position and consistently adhered to it" since 2022, Sergey Garmonin said

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

Russian forces continue strikes on Ukrainian logistics facilities, ports

They are used by Ukrainian troops

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 forces liberate Rubezhnoye, Novoandreyevka, take control of Khrapovshchina

Russian forces also struck Ukrainian fuel and energy facilities and logistics centers used by Ukrainian forces over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Nepal flood death toll reaches 734, disaster agency says

Nearly 2,500 people remain missing

In Nepal 184 tourists rescued — Tourism Board

420 people remain out of contact

Nearly 70% of Germans note growth in US influence on their country during Trump's 2nd term

Respondents in eastern Germany were more likely to perceive an increase in US influence than those in the west, at 78% and 65%, respectively

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

Merz to impose separate sanctions against Russia ahead of elections to harm competitors

Berlin plans to cite the recent drone incidents in Leipzig as a pretext for the measures, while government sources told Politico that a key objective is to weaken the Alternative for Germany ahead of upcoming regional elections

Demand for Russian citizenship high in Transnistria

60,000 applications filed, Russian Ambassador to Moldova Oleg Ozerov said

Gunmen tried to enter hotel housing AES parliament members — Russian ambassador

Viktor Voropayev attended a gala dinner at the hotel on the evening of August 28 for lawmakers taking part in the parliamentary session

Switzerland to host 2028 World Judo Championships

The confidence placed in Switzerland by the IJF is both an honour and a responsibility, Swiss Judo Federation President Sergei Aschwanden said

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

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

By now 241 tourists rescued in Nepal, 320 still out of contact — Tourism Council

The table provided by the council lists two previously reported rescued Russian citizens

Putin warmly congratulates Lukashenko on his birthday

Russian President congratulated his Belarusian counterpart over the phone

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

French journalist says over third of French mercenaries fighting for Ukraine are neo-Nazis

Laurent Brayard clarified that this figure differs from the overall trend within the Ukrainian armed forces

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 seriously considers use of nuclear weapons in Europe — Russian MFA

According to Andrey Belousov, Washington’s efforts to initiate discussions on Russia’s non-strategic nuclear weapons serve to divert international attention from what he described as the threat posed by US nuclear weapons stationed in Europe

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

Japan's highest heavy rain alert covers 244,000 residents

No casualties have been reported

Rosel develops radar station capable of detecting swarms of drones — Rostec

Built-in AI algorithms classify targets and filter out harmless ones, minimizing the number of false alarms, Russia’s state tech corporation said

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

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

Ukrainian forces attack Donetsk primarily with Western-made missiles — DPR head

This is not the first time Donetsk, the capital of the Donetsk People’s Republic, has come under such attacks, Denis Pushilin said

Belarus, Russia will not be left ‘naked’ in microelectronics - Lukashenko

Belarus and Russia maintain a high level of cooperation in microelectronics, Belarusian President said

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

Belgium blocks new attempt to expropriate Russian assets — minister

"This door is closed", stressed Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken

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"

Niger’s military thanks Russia’s Africa Corps for assistance in suppressing mutiny

The Chief of the General Staff of the Niger Armed Forces, the Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces and the commander of Air Force Base 101, located at the airport, visited the base of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Africa Corps, Russian ambassador to Niger Viktor Voropayev said

Russian air defenses down 313 Ukrainian drones overnight

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

Tibet landslide death toll rises to 16 with 546 people still missing

Preliminary data indicate that an avalanche at the Chinese border triggered the flooding, about 20 km northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing

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

Russia’s media watchdog again demands Wikipedia remove fakes about Ukraine

Wikipedia publications mislead internet users by means of untrue information, Roskomnadzor notes

Russia is averse to using nuclear weapons as deterrent — Liberal Democrats’ leader

Leonid Slutsky stressed that Russia would respond immediately if the West supplied Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky with components for tactical nuclear weapons for use against Russia

Finnish citizens outraged by their president’s policy toward Russia — politician

Armando Mema emphasized that the direction in which Stubb is leading Finland "remains uncertain and very dangerous"

Ukraine’s ambassador summoned to Turkish Foreign Ministry over shelling of Turkish vessels

Nariman Dzhelyalov was summoned over the shelling of the Turkish bulk carrier Lider Bordo Mavi off the coast of Tuapse on August 26

Bank of Russia may pause key rate cuts at next board meeting — Aksakov

According to State Duma Financial Market Committee Chairman, rapidly lowering the key rate amid high inflation does not automatically lead to lower lending rates

Putin says Russia holds world's second-largest coal reserves

The Russian leader noted that coke, iron ore, and other minerals remain one of the foundations of the national economy today

Russian ambassador suspects Niger mutiny attempt may have been coordinated from abroad

Viktor Voropayev did not directly accuse any country of organizing the mutiny, but he noted that France was highly dissatisfied with developments in the Sahel and its loss of influence in the region

North Korean defense minister removed from post, KCNA reports

According to the news agency, Kim Song-gi, head of the Korean People's Army General Political Bureau, was appointed the new North Korean Defense Minister

Russian air defenses down 494 Ukrainian drones overnight — top brass

Air defenses intercepted and destroyed fixed-wing drones over the Leningrad, Bryansk, Belgorod, Kaluga, Kursk, Tver, Smolensk, Oryol, Pskov, Tula, Novgorod, Rostov, Krasnodar, and Moscow Regions, Crimea, as well as over the waters of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea

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

NASA postpones Crew-13 launch with Russian cosmonaut

A new target date will be announced once available

G7, EU plan to ban restart of some Russian pipeline gas supplies — FT

The decision is scheduled to be finalized by G7 leaders at a summit in Hiroshima next week

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

Number of AI agents going out of control peaks in July — British newspaper

The study notes that the number of such incidents nearly doubled compared to the previous month