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Wadephul sought Lavrov meeting to shore up Merz’s falling ratings — diplomat

My assumption is that these talks, which they requested and which ultimately amounted to reading out a prepared text from a piece of paper, were needed solely to demonstrate to the German public some semblance of activity - and, of course, we put this in quotation marks - ‘by official Berlin on the diplomatic front,’the diplomat said

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul requested talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York in an effort to demonstrate diplomatic activity to the German public and shore up Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s falling approval ratings, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"My assumption is that these talks, which they requested and which ultimately amounted to reading out a prepared text from a piece of paper, were needed solely to demonstrate to the German public some semblance of activity - and, of course, we put this in quotation marks - ‘by official Berlin on the diplomatic front,’" the diplomat said on the program Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov.

"And all of this was needed to somehow, in some way, shore up Merz’s falling ratings," Zakharova stressed.

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Germany Maria Zakharova

Kiev taking 'exhaustive measures' to hinder reconstruction in DPR — Pushilin

DPR Head Denis Pushilin emphasized that the adversary is specifically hindering the installation of utility networks and life-support systems in the liberated territories

Ukrainian forces launched 31 attacks on DPR settlements over past 24 hours

Three residential buildings, passenger cars, specialized machinery, and three civilian infrastructure facilities sustained damage

UAC delivers batch of Su-57 fighter jets in new technical configuration to military

The aircraft underwent a full cycle of factory tests

Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation fighter makes first flight with new engine

The flight lasted 17 minutes

Putin’s envoy says Russia, Germany could reopen Nord Stream jointly

Kirill Dmitriev noted that AfD is the voice of German people that fights for German energy sovereignty, prosperity, peace and cooperation

Ukraine's neighbors have no wish to join Kiev's military adventures — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova highlighted that the leaders of neighboring states had made it clear that they would not rush to build or jointly use energy facilities with Ukraine

Iran no longer trusts talks with US amid ongoing strikes, sanctions — president

Mediators Qatar and Pakistan are conveying Iran’s messages to Washington, President of the Islamic Republic Masoud Pezeshkian noted

Rutte states NATO allies ready to provide security guarantees to Kiev

NATO secretary general said the alliance had agreed on a package of guarantees in January in Paris under the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron

Number of foreign mercenaries in Ukrainian army rises over past months — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that these include Latin American citizens, and the number of Polish mercenaries has also risen slightly

Lavrov says Guterres’ team promotes double standards, serves Western interests

Moscow wants the UN to genuinely become a center for coordinating the interests of all states, as required by its Charter, the foreign minister said

FIDE General Assembly upholds suspension of Chess Federation of Russia

Delegates rejected proposals from the chess federations of Armenia, Belarus, Cuba, and Nicaragua to reinstate Russia’s membership by a majority vote

Trump urges Zelensky to visit Moscow for talks with Putin — media

According to the newspaper's sources, the head of Kiev regime rejected the proposal and was upset that the US leader had raised the issue

Russia to respond to Russophobic moves by EU countries — MFA

On Thursday, the European Union added Ksenia Fedorova, the former head of RT’s French bureau, to its sanctions list

Bill Gates says AI could lead to deaths of 1 billion people

The businessman explained that artificial intelligence could be used by people "with bad intentions"

At least 11 killed, 30 more injured in blast in northwestern Pakistan — Reuters

The incident took place in Dera Ismail Khan, the news agency said

Russian Armed Forces hit Cosmonova data center in Kiev

It provided the operation of mobile internet and supported the Starlink satellite communication system in the interests of the Ukrainian army, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia has confidential capacity with some EU, NATO nations to exchange opinions — Lavrov

We have several channels of communication with a number of EU and NATO countries, and we have the confidential capacity, if you wish, to exchange opinions through bilateral channels, he stated

Russian forces hit Vodafone data center in Kiev — top brass

It is one of the largest providers of telecommunications and internet services to the Ukrainian military

US-Iran Islamabad memorandum is fair deal, worth returning to — Lavrov

There was also the Islamabad memorandum, which contained specific agreements, he said

Middle East situation requires unconventional steps from UN — Lavrov

This concerns not only Palestine, but also Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan and other African countries where conflicts are raging, he said

Russia, US maintain regular dialogue in various formats, Lavrov reveals

We maintain regular dialogue with the [US President Donald] Trump administration in various formats. This alone equates to normality, he said

Trust between Arab nations, Iran must be restored to resolve Hormuz crisis — Lavrov

We view establishing trust in relations between the coastal Persian Gulf states - Arab nations and Iran - as a precondition for resolving the Hormuz crisis, Russia’s top diplomat said

NATO seeks to extend influence far beyond area of responsibility — Lavrov

Lavrov noted that the values of broad and equal cooperation underpin Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiatives to create a Greater Eurasian Partnership and a security architecture across the Eurasian continent

Ukraine solely responsible for all damage to Black Sea shipping — Lavrov

All damage to commercial shipping is caused by Ukrainian terrorist attacks and not only in the Black Sea, but also in the Caspian Sea -- the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Lavrov said

Four US TV networks to resume coverage of Trump events — NYT

According to the newspaper, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC will return to their press pool duties on Sunday

Lavrov sees Europeans preparing for war with Russia

It is Europe which is preparing for a war with us, he said

Trump tells aides strikes against Iran may resume after November midterms — WSJ

The US President is skeptical Iran would meet his demands and has told his staff that he sees a renewed bombing campaign as likely, the newspaper said

Defense minister inspects Battlegroup North, hears reports on current situation

Following his visit to the command post, Andrey Belousov presented state awards to servicemen who had demonstrated valor, courage and heroism

Metastases of Nazi ideology visible among EU, NATO members, including Germany — Lavrov

Metastases of this inhumane ideology can now be seen in other countries on our continent, primarily among EU and NATO members, in the Baltic countries and in Germany as well. This is particularly concerning, Lavrov said

Kiev loses over 1,900 troops in Battlegroup East’s area this week — top brass

Russian forces hit five dry cargo ships used by the Ukrainian army in the Black Sea and at the port of Odessa by Geran drones, the Defense Ministry reported

Meeting with Germany’s top diplomat shows Russia ready for dialogue with everyone — Lavrov

We are always ready to lend an ear, the Russian foreign minister said, referring to his meeting earlier on Saturday with Johann Wadephul.

Seven Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip during Israeli attacks — Health Ministry

Most of the victims were brought from the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood and the Nuseirat refugee camp, where Israeli forces had been conducting intense fire

Ukraine has no method to counter Geran drones so far — Putin

The Russian leader noted that Russian retaliation against Ukrainian attacks had been so sensitive and devastating that the Kiev regime had requested truce

Kiev taking 'exhaustive measures' to hinder reconstruction in DPR — Pushilin

DPR Head Denis Pushilin emphasized that the adversary is specifically hindering the installation of utility networks and life-support systems in the liberated territories

Ukraine cannot make up for losses in Druzhkovka because of Russian pressure — expert

Andrey Marochko stressed that almost all the routes leading to Druzhkovka are under tight fire control of the Russian military

Russia may agree to move S-400s from Turkey to friendly jurisdiction — Lavrov

We will be ready to transfer the S-400s to such a country when there is a request, he explained

Swiss voters reject initiative to preserve neutrality

According to preliminary results published by the Federal Statistical Office, 68.6% of voters opposed the initiative, while 31.4% supported it. Voter turnout was 46.36%

Lavrov says he learned nothing new from German foreign minister's remarks at UN meeting

Lavrov stressed that Moscow does not suffer from a lack of trust in the context of the Ukraine negotiation track, but continues to insist that "one must prove that one is capable of reaching agreements and prove that one can be trusted," while Kiev has failed to do so, encouraged by Western representatives

China sends two pandas to zoo in American Atlanta - TV

A farewell ceremony was held for them at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

CSTO military drills kick off in Russia - top brass

The opening ceremony was attended by CSTO Joint Staff Chief and Hero of Russia Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, CSTO Deputy Secretary General Mirlan Turgunbekov, commanders of military contingents, and invited officials

EU’s reaction to corruption in Ukraine shows Europeans involved in it — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that even the heads of European states are involved in these corruption schemes

Russia to proceed from its own interests regarding future settlement — Putin

He noted that on the night of September 19-20, the main day of voting in the parliamentary elections, more than 1,600 Ukrainian drones entered practically the Moscow zone

Putin speaks by phone with Vucic

The conversation was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the Kremlin reported

Ukraine's public debt reaches roughly $223 bln by late September

It has risen by roughly $4-5 billion over the past month

North Korea congratulates United Russia on Duma election victory

In a telegram sent on Thursday on behalf of the Central Committee of North Korea’s ruling party and himself, Jo Yong Won extended heartfelt congratulations and comrade greetings to all members of the All-Russian political party

Moldova declares state of energy and hydrology emergency for 60 days

The National Crisis Management Commission can change prices, tariffs, excise duties and other fees, as well as the rules regulating the energy market during this period

US not to include Patriot system missiles in $400 million aid package for Kiev — Reuters

This military aid is to be sent to Kiev by October 2029 and will consist of weapons, including parts for armored vehicles, the news agency said

Purpose of Ukrainian attacks against Russian marketplaces unclear — Putin

The head of state also mentioned other Ukrainian strikes against Russian infrastructure and merchant ships

Putin relieves Andrey Kelin of his duty as Russian ambassador to UK

Andrey Kelin held this post since November 2019

Ukraine’s layered defenses in Orekhov area overwhelmed — expert

Maxim Zubarev said the fate of Orekhov had been decided

Russia ready to continue dialogue with US — Lavrov

We are ready, we will always talk. Especially with countries like the United States. We will always listen and honestly say what we disagree with, he said

IN BRIEF: What we know about Russian special military operation’s course over day

The Russian Armed Forces eliminated approximately 1 515 troops over the past 24 hours

Boeing identifies software glitch in 737 MAX aircraft — WSJ

The software malfunction could lead to a failure of the automated navigation system and potentially pose a safety risk during landing, the newspaper said

Ukrainian fighters covertly abandoning positions in Zaporozhye region — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko , this is primarily due to the intense fire Russian forces are directing at units stationed in the Zaporozhye region

Air defenses down 645 drones over Russian regions, Black Sea, Sea of Azov overnight

Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed over the territories of the Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Tula, Moscow, Krasnodar, Stavropol Regions, the Republic of Crimea

Russia opposes new ‘Western seats’ on UN Security Council — Lavrov

He reiterated support for permanent seats for Brazil and India while meeting Africa's interests in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration

Europe willingly hands Nazi ashes to Ukraine, knowing it will make show — Lavrov

Compliant Europeans willingly handed them over to the Kiev regime, fully aware that they would turn them into a show, he said

Russia insists on immediate release of Maduro with his wife — foreign minister

At the beginning of this year, in violation of all norms, including moral norms, the United States’ invasion of Venezuela ended with the capture of President Maduro and his wife and their extrajudicial detention in a US prison, he said

CSTO drills relevant in view of complex military-political situation — Joint Staff Chief

The deterioration of international relations and the encroachment of "zones of instability" on the borders of CSTO member states are contributing to a rise in threats to military security

Russian forces control all Ukrainian logistics routes to Dobropolye in DPR

Units of the Battlegroup Center continue to destroy Ukrainian troop formations blocked in the Dobropolye settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia expects new UN chief not to serve interests of certain countries only — Lavrov

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Security threats to Russia from Kiev to be eliminated after special military op — Lavrov

e will continue our struggle for truth and justice to the end, achieve the goals of the special military operation, eliminate security threats to Russia, and restore peaceful life, Lavrov stressed

Lavrov sees Belgrade being forced to join anti-Russian sanctions

Belgrade is literally being pushed to impose sanctions on Russia as they offer an illusory, as everybody understands already, prospect of EU accession in return, Russia’s top diplomat maintained

Russia’s Lavrov holds final bilateral meeting on sidelines of UNGA session

Lavrov is expected to hold a traditional news conference at the UN headquarters before the flight

Domestic aircraft will be able to refuel on Hainan on preferential terms

Aviation plays a key role in building the free trade port in the province

Kremlin comments on response to attacks in Black Sea, Russian ambassadors to UK, France

Dmitry Peskov noted that there is no need to rush the appointment of Russian ambassadors to Britain and France

Former Zelensky spokeswoman says UK premier derailed Ukraine peace deal

The UK wants to wear Russia down using Ukrainians, Yulia Mendel said

Russia inflicts serious damage to Ukraine in Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, expert says

According to Andrey Marochko, after the line of combat contact has been stabilized and Nikolayevka, located east of Slavyansk, has been cleared, Russian troops will be able to begin assaulting the eastern borders of the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration

Russia downs 105 Ukrainian drones over its regions since morning — top brass

Between 8:00 a.m. Moscow time (5:00 a.m. GMT) and 8:00 p.m. Moscow time (5:00 p.m. GMT), alert air defense capabilities intercepted and destroyed 105 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, and Krasnodar Regions, the Republic of Crimea and the Black Sea

Vatican envoy heads to Russia to discuss humanitarian aspects of Ukrainian settlement

On September 28-30, cardinal Matteo Zuppi will hold a series of meetings in the Russian capital to discuss ways to resolve humanitarian issues

Lavrov sees Europe making every effort to disrupt potential peace talks

The West is pumping the Ukrainian regime with weapons as it also helps Kiev to target drones and missiles at civilians and civilian infrastructure, Russia’s top diplomat stated

UN foundations under threat as West turns blind eye to Ukrainian Nazism — Lavrov

Judging by statements from their representatives, the ruling elites of many European Union countries are clearly infected with the virus of racial superiority -- they are harboring extremist, Russophobic ideas, the minister said

Ex-Russian sports minister Kolobkov elected FIDE vice-president

Kazakhstan’s Timur Turlov was elected president of the global chess body

Russia believes time is right to ensure Palestinian statehood — Lavrov

We believe the time has come to address the main issue in the Middle East, namely ensuring Palestinian statehood based on numerous UN decisions, he said

Russia insists Anchorage summit yielded agreement — Lavrov

We believe that an agreement was reached in Anchorage and we are still ready to return to it. And Europe is feeling sidelined, Lavrov noted

Putin says he intends to attend APEC summit

The head of state reiterated that his trip to the summit would depend on the situation inside Russia

Euractiv columnist questions need for extra funding for Ukraine

Claims were already made earlier this year that Ukraine would run out of money in April, yet this did not happen, Thomas Moller-Nielsen said

IN BRIEF: Lavrov comments on EU attempts to derail Ukraine settlement, threats to billions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, touching on Ukraine, the West’s Russophobic and destructive policies, the Middle East and UN reform

Lavrov says West destroyed European security system in an attempt to contain Russia

Pursuing the utopian goal of containing Russia, the West destroyed the European security system with its own hands and fostered the Russophobic regime in Kiev, he noted

Ukrainian troops encircled in Kharkov Region lose over 50 soldiers

"The Ukrainian army’s also losses an armored combat vehicle, two cars, an ATV, and a multiple rocket system launcher, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia considers killing of Iran’s supreme leader, officials unacceptable — Lavrov

We consider the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, and members of the Islamic Republic’s military and political leadership an unacceptable act of coercive diktat, the minister said

Russia calls for lifting Cuba blockade, urgent humanitarian measures — Lavrov

Cuba faces unprecedented pressure from its northern neighbor and needs urgent measures to improve the dire humanitarian situation, he said

Many analysts say Europe is trying to create Fourth Reich — Lavrov

Not to mention that all memory of those who defeated Nazism is being erased from textbooks and through the removal of monuments in a number of European countries, he said.

West raised terrorists in Kiev capable of making bombs from children's toys — DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin, the West’s tacit approval of terrorism is accompanied by support for such technical means, against which there is no full-fledged "antidote"

349 seats for United Russia, Ukrainian attacks on polling stations: CEC statements

The voter turnout in the State Duma elections reached 59.8%

OpenAI pauses training of advanced AI models over safety concerns — Axios

Specialists at OpenAI and Anthropic are currently investigating tens of thousands of incidents that occurred in recent months during testing and real-world deployment

Israeli aircraft launch series of strikes on mountainous areas in southern Lebanon

Intense airstrikes targeted underground shelters, command posts, and depots belonging to the Shiite organization Hezbollah on the heights of Jebel al-Rafi, Rayhan, and Sajoud

West jeopardizes billions of lives on planet by acting recklessly — Lavrov

The West increasingly resorts to brute force as it acts unpredictably and recklessly, jeopardizing the life and wellbeing of millions if not billions of people on our planet, Lavrov argued

Ukrainian army redeploys extra forces to Kharkov’s Prikoltnoye, Khatneye — expert

"They are still attempting to punch a hole in the 'fire trap' that has formed there," Andrey Marochko said

Hormuz blockade to threaten to least 45 million people with food shortages — UN

Under-Secretary-General and Director of the UN Office for Project Services Jorge Moreira da Silva stressed that a humanitarian crisis can be avoided if at least five or seven ships carrying fertilizers pass through this strait per day

Kazakh president dismisses defense minister over drills incident, appoints new one

At the same time, Tokayev signed a decree appointing Aidos Myrzakhmetov, commander of the Special Operations Forces, as the new top defense official

Iranian army seizes second US underwater drone in Strait of Hormuz

The Remus 600-class underwater vehicle has been taken as a trophy and is now in the hands of specialists for data extraction

Timur Turlov of Kazakhstan elected World Chess Federation president

A total of 110 delegates voted for him

Lavrov says Putin repeatedly said Russia has no intention of going to war with Europe

Quite recently, I think it was in St. Petersburg, he reaffirmed that we have no intention of going to war with Europe, Lavrov said

Lavrov jokingly evades question on Russia’s alleged targeting of Romanian base

"Well, that’s a secret," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Putin, Vucic discuss Ukrainian conflict, situation in Balkans

Vucic also expressed gratitude for Russia’s comprehensive assistance to Serbia, especially in helping to fight forest fires, the Kremlin reported

Russia’s top diplomat holds meeting with his German counterpart on sidelines of UNGA

The meeting is taking place at Germany’s request, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters

Trump advocates for trilateral arms control talks between US, Russia, China

US leader and Chinese President Xi Jinping also discussed "on-going global concerns," including those concerning Russia, North Korea, and Iran

Leaders of China, US agree to provide mutual support for hosting APEC, G20 summits

Еhe heads of state expressed their intention to participate in the events organized by the other side, Xinhua news agency reported

Russian forces strike logistics hub in Odessa, bulk carrier at sea — top bras

In addition, a bulk carrier with cargo for the Ukrainian army was struck at sea en route to the port of Odessa, the ministry added

Press review: Trump, Zelensky signal Russia deal interest as Moscow eyes fresh US dialogue

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 23rd