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Developments in Afghanistan

Russia rejects NATO infrastructure deployment in Afghanistan — top diplomat

History shows that such presence is fraught with destabilization and conflict escalation, Sergey Lavrov stated

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. Moscow resolutely rejects any deployment of NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan or in neighboring countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated on Monday.

"I would like to reiterate that any deployment of NATO military infrastructure on Afghan soil or in neighboring countries under any pretext is categorically unacceptable," Russia’s top diplomat said in opening remarks at the eighth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan at the level of special representatives and senior officials.

"History shows that such presence is fraught with destabilization and conflict escalation. We have not witnessed other results of such presence over the past decades," Lavrov added.

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Russia discusses possible energy cooperation with US — Kremlin

At the same time, Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on The New York Times’ claims that the sale of Lukoil’s foreign assets is among the issues being discussed by Moscow and Washington as part of talks on resolving the Ukrainian conflict

One killed, six wounded in Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region over past day

Governor Alexander Shuvayev added that one of the wounded is in serious condition

Finland does not expect attack from Russia — Stubb

"We have no evidence of that," finnish president added

US in constant dialogue with Russia, Ukraine on crisis settlement — energy secretary

According to Wright, US President Donald Trump "has worked ceaselessly to try to end this war" that would make it possible to "dramatically lower energy prices"

Ukrainian army loses around 1,395 troops in special military operation zone — ministry

Russian forces also struck Ukrainian transport infrastructure facilities used by the Ukrainian army, as well as military equipment depots

Ukrainian budget lost $691 mln due to explosions since early 2026

According to late summer forecasts, the Ukrainian budget will lose about $155 mln more by the end of this year

Trump announces establishment of Super Intelligence Force

According to the US leader, the Force will coordinate the efforts by the federal authorities, consumers, public and religious organizations, critical infrastructure providers, and technology companies

Ukraine systematically shelling Zaporozhye Thermal Power Plant for two weeks — Rosatom CEO

According to Sergey Likhachev, the safety of the Zaporozhye NPP depends directly on the operational readiness of the equipment located on the Zaporozhye Thermal Power Plant’s grounds

Kiev loses up to 10,000 troops, mercenaries over week — military expert

Andrey Marochko added that Russian servicemen destroyed approximately 5,000 Ukrainian drones, 17 vessels, 74 armored combat vehicles

Kiev lost nearly 48,000 soldiers, mercenaries in September battles — expert

Russian forces also destroyed 24,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, 30 unmanned surface vessels, 70 marine vessels, Andrey Marochko said

Russian forces disabling rather than fully destroying Ukrainian bridges — expert

According to Boris Rozhin, an expert at the Center for Information and Geopolitical Research, Ukrainian bridges have sufficient structural strength because they were built back in the Soviet era

Merz announced another 1-bln-euro military aid package for Ukraine

German Chancellor noted "considerable technical progress" on this track in recent weeks

FACTBOX: Incumbent president, senator to advance to runoff in Brazil

Voter turnout exceeded 78.93% in the general election

Russian forces advance in northern, central parts of Dobropolye in DPR — ministry

The ministry added that 53 buildings were liberated in Dobropolye over the past day, with up to 20 Ukrainian troops eliminated

Nobel Prize for Medicine awarded to three scientists for their work in optogenetics

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel were selected as the winners

Merz ready to drag Germany into conflict with Russia to improve his ratings — expert

German Chancellor and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche arrived on an unannounced visit to Kiev on Sunday

Putin says Prigozhin’s plane didn’t sustain any external impact

He went on to say that the dead bodies were not tested for alcohol and drugs, although such tests should have been carried out

Germany to organize coalition of the willing meeting on Ukraine in winter — Merz

Merz and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche arrived on an unannounced visit to Kiev on Sunday

Houthis say they forces Saudi F-15 fighter jets to leave airspace over Yemen’s Taiz

The armed confrontation between government forces and Houthi rebels has been continuing in Yemen since August 2014

Space Forces personnel carry out key tasks to protect Russia’s security — Putin

Russian President stressed the importance of further expanding the capabilities of the orbital satellite constellation and ground infrastructure

Merz says doesn’t share Germans’ views on assistance to Ukraine

Some politicians say that Merz is rather a "Ukrainian chancellor" who is pushing his country, Germany, to escalation and further strains with Russia

Ukrainian army attacks Belgorod Region 141 times over past day

A civilian was killed

Press review: NATO escalates Russia tensions as Putin's envoy, economy minister visit US

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Rosatom expects Namibia to approve uranium mining project

The Rosatom chief stressed that the state corporation had been working for several years to enter Namibia’s uranium industry

GFCN finds inconsistencies in Telegraph investigation into Leipzig drone

The association also noted that the acute lack of facts was compensated for by aggressive visual argumentation

UKMTO reports tanker incident near Yemen’s coast

The crew are reported as safe

Merz says wants to expedite Ukraine’s accession to EU

According to the German Chancellor, work on this is underway in Brussels

Medvedev spells conditions for Ukraine peace, comments on impact from attack on Iran

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stressed that Ukraine will need to embrace a neutral, non-nuclear status, reject its nationalist policy course and recognize the four new Russian regions

Moscow format participants to discuss settlement of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations

Special envoys and senior officials from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will take part in the event

Hungary may lift its veto on technical phase of Ukraine’s EU accession talks — newspaper

The Financial Times emphasized that Hungary’s full political support for opening these negotiation chapters hinges on the Verkhovna Rada's passing a bill on the educational rights of minorities on October 12

Nobel Week to start with announcement of laureate in medicine

The prize winners in other nominations will be announced in the coming days

Team of Ecuadorian mercenaries arrived in Kharkov

According to law enforcement agencies, they will be engaged in counterattacks in the area of Kazachya Lopan and Goptovka

Japan to further pursue course to sign peace treaty with Russia — prime minister

Russia and Japan have been negotiating a post-World War II peace treaty since the mid-20th century

FACTBOX: What is known about the prisoner attack on Russian prison guards

The attack left one convoy officer dead and three others wounded

Putin congratulates teachers on their professional holiday

The Russian leader extended his heartfelt greetings to everyone who devotes their strength, energy, and knowledge to educating and guiding the younger generation

Bolsonaro loses absolute majority during presidential election in Brazil

64.81% of the electronic ballots have been processed thus far

IN BRIEF: Injured tanker truck driver, 199 downed drones, aftermath of attacks on Russia

The truck driver suffered multiple burns and was hospitalized in serious condition

Iran considers banning Israeli, hostile nations’ ships from Strait of Hormuz

Vessels from other, non-hostile states would be required to obtain special transit permits from the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces under regulations set out in the proposed legislation

Putin to attend CIS summit in Turkmenistan this week

The Russian leader will also inaugurate a high-tech enterprise and hold a meeting with members of the Russian Security Council

Russian Armed Forces to employ attrition tactics to take Slavyansk, Kramatorsk — expert

The cities are heavily fortified, Andrey Marochko said

Europe needs Russian energy to survive — envoy

Russian Presidential Special Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund commented an X post by popular US blogger and crypto entrepreneur Mario Nawfal about rising gas prices in Europe

Response to Kiev’s escalation now only way to pursue Russia’s interests — Peskov

Russia prefers to achieve peace through peaceful means, but until that becomes possible, it will "fight with full force," Peskov added

Flydubai co-pilot planned to steer hijacked aircraft into Ben Gurion terminal — TV

According to the TV channel, he said this, explaining why he had attacked the aircraft’s captain, Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, when the plane was flying over Jordan near Israel’s border

EU Commission hits new low by accusing Russia of isolating Alyoshki — lawmaker

Liberal Democratic Party of Russia leader Leonid Slutsky emphasized that Brussels is using the same information warfare tactics it tested in Syria and Bucha

Russia’s anti-plague institute employee diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown etiology

The watchdog clarified that expanded testing of samples from the patient found no microorganisms associated with her professional activities

Estonia actively redeploying troops to Russian border — FT

According to the newspaper, the military is constructing a new base in the city of Narva on the border with Russia to accommodate up to 1,000 troops

US to announce sweeping sanctions against International Criminal Court — The Times

According to the report, supporters of the court fear this could lead to its dissolution

OPEC+ seven keep November oil production plan unchanged

The seven countries will also continue to hold monthly meetings to review market conditions

Hormuz situation could drive grain prices up by as much as 80% — ICC

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BiH Central Election Commission announced preliminary results of general elections

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Battlegroup West downed 102 heavy multicopters — spokesman

Fifty-five drone control stations, twelve Starlink terminals, thirty-five unmanned ground vehicles and a field ammunition depot of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also uncovered and destroyed

Russian stock market rises at start of trading session

The MOEX and RTS indices rose by 0.6% to 2,293.56 and 865.46 points, respectively

Zelensky says Germany will provide Ukraine with 1.3-bln-euro assistance

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Russians await launch of direct flights to Malaysia, Japan — ATOR

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`Logistical nightmare’ may await Ukraine amid attacks on bridges — NYT

According to the newspaper, attacks "could weaken the bridges’ supporting structures," forcing the authorities "to close them indefinitely"

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The main presidential contest is between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing candidate Senator Flavio Bolsonaro

Russians more often sell dollars than purchase in September — bank

The ratio in the number of cash dollar conversions in September stood at 56% to 44% in favor of sales

France becomes Europe’s ‘weakest link’ under Macron’s leadership — news agency

According to the article, the French president’s political movement will "be effectively over" after he leaves office in 2027, and the promised "revolution" never led to a change in France’s economic policy

World’s most famous stealth aircraft

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Iranian MP says US must choose between Iranian diplomacy and Iranian missiles

According to Rezaei, the Iranian side "has no other option and no other proposal" to Washington

Russian forces hit power substation in Kharkov Region, port facility in Odessa Region

A dry cargo ship with materiel was struck in the Chernomorsk port

Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz within seven days if US accepts proposal

Most importantly, there is the plan presented by the Islamic Republic of Iran this year to resolve the existing disagreements and ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said

Voting begins in Brazil’s presidential election

The main presidential contest is between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing candidate Senator Flavio Bolsonaro

Russian Defense Ministry hears Zelensky’s statement on stepping up refinery strikes

The Russian Defense Ministry said it has heard Vladimir Zelensky’s statement that the Kiev regime will step up strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian defense industry facilities

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The Russian Armed Forces will step up strikes on military and defense industry facilities, as well as related infrastructure, in Kiev and other Ukrainian regions, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Senior Iranian military officer says US forces have moved 1,000 km away from Iran

According to Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, for the first time ever, US warships were absent from the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and the northern Indian Ocean

Russian air defenses down 1,222 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over past day

According to the Defense Ministry, a total of 674 aircraft

Kiev carries out terrorist strike on Belgorod residential areas overnight — ministry

The strike killed and wounded civilians and damaged apartment buildings, private homes, and vehicles, the Russian Defense Ministry noted

Russian forces fight to liberate four settlements in Kharkov Region

The ministry added that Russian forces continue eliminating encircled enemy formations near Rublenoye, Nefedovka, Kupino, and Chernoye in the Kharkov Region

Trump says Iran abandoned plans to acquire nuclear weapons

The US leader also said that Iran has been defeated

US hit go-fast boat said to be involved in drug trafficking

According to the US Southern Command, four persons were killed

Austrian Vice-Chancellor to step down from his post in early 2027

Andreas Babler will remain in the office of the Minister of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport

Preparations for Putin’s new Direct Line already underway — Peskov

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told it to Rossiya-1 journalist Pavel Zarubin

Ukrainian army expanding rationing, tightening audit measures — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the Russian Armed Forces’ strikes on bridges in Kiev shocked both the authorities in Kiev and the general public

Russia to begin mass production of propellers for FPV air defense drones

According to Executive Director of the Spektr Design Bureau Andrey Bratenkov, a test batch of propellers has already successfully undergone testing

Ukrainian army fights 'tooth and nail' for Krasny Liman, energy sites attacked — DPR head

Denis Pushilin said that Russian forces cleared Ukrainian troops from the residential sector in the eastern part of Dobropolye in the Donetsk People’s Republic and battles continue in the north and center of that town

New world’s conflicts, chaos, West’s attempts to destroy Russia: Putin’s speech

The Russian president says the world needs to think about what should be done to avoid the most catastrophic scenarios, in which humanity could slide to the brink of survival

Ukraine’s 2027 military spending to reach 131% of budget revenues

As a result, the draft budget leaves Ukraine needing an additional $25.4 billion from Western sponsors to cover military spending alone

OPEC+ monitoring committee reviews July, August oil production data

The next meeting of the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee is scheduled for November 29

CIS economies manage to cope with West’s pressure — Secretary General

Sergey Lebedev noted that the pressure applied by the West to CIS member-countries prompts to make efforts in order to proactively develop the economy

Russia ready to continue dialogue on world trade rules — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov stressed that the Russian economy remains open

Russian Defense Ministry says it strikes Kiev in response to Kiev regime’s actions

Russian forces will step up strikes on military and defense industry facilities in Kiev and other Ukrainian regions

Iran to decide on sending uranium to Russia based on national interests — Foreign Ministry

On October 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow’s proposal to transfer enriched uranium from Iran to Russia remained on the table

Merz wants Germans to work more to support Ukraine — RDIF CEO

"Somehow only 10% of Germans like Merz," Kirill Dmitriev said

Current government in Afghanistan running country quite successfully — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Afghanistan’s authorities were waging an uncompromising fight against terrorist groups

NATO strikes on Serbs ‘preparation’ for Ukraine conflict — war correspondent

Danijel Simic stressed that Russians should remember the lessons of history and not allow NATO and the European Union to dictate what they should do

US withdraw all B-1 bombers after incident at Fairford airbase — WSJ

The US military used the airbase as a landing point for bombers to deliver strikes against Iran

Russia’s services PMI stands at 51.3 in September

An index reading above 50 points indicates an expansion in business activity

Flavio Bolsonaro, Lula da Silva advance to second tour of presidential election

Flavio Bolsonaro came in first with 47.42%, while Lula da Silva received 44.70%

Ukraine has largely exhausted its air defense capabilities — military analyst

Igor Korotchenko noted that Russia has modernized its Geran family of drones

Ukraine attacks Zaporozhye NPP overnight, no threat to nuclear safety — Rosatom CEO

The laboratory building and the radioactive waste processing facility were attacked simultaneously

Iranian Foreign Ministry confirms discussions on possible withdrawal from NPT

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that Iran currently remains a party to the treaty and that the Foreign Ministry would abide by the decision of the competent authorities on the matter

Dodik announces his party’s victory at elections, thanks Putin for support

Тhe Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina said that the party’s candidates, Savo Minic and Zeljka Cvijanovic, are winning the elections of the Republika Srpska’s president and the entity’s member of the Presidency (Presidium) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, respectively

EU to limit Kiev's access to subsidies, single market if becomes member state — newspaper

According to the Financial Times, European officials are proposing to limit agricultural subsidies to Ukraine in the event of its accession to the EU to "ease fears among existing members"

Yemeni authorities announce launch of military operation to liberate capital

The Yemeni government forces earlier regained control of the Dhubab area, located near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemeni government announces launch of operation against Houthis

Тhe decision to proceed "from the stage of preparations to the stage of liberation" was made after the authorities have exhausted all other options for a peaceful settlement

OPEC+ monitoring committee concerned over attacks on global energy infrastructure

In addition, the committee reviewed current market conditions and emphasized the importance of OPEC+ in maintaining energy market stability

Trump nominates John Coale as his envoy for hostage affairs

According to The Hill newspaper, Coale’s candidature is to be approved by the US Senate

Writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane died in Senegal

The writer gained worldwide fame with his debut novel Ambiguous Adventure, published in 1961

Russia’s warnings over Kaliningrad blockade consequences not a threat — Peskov

We said that this is a Russian region, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told

US doesn’t rule out imposing secondary sanctions on Russia’s trade partners by Oct. 18

On September 18, Trump signed into law legislation passed by the US Congress to tighten sanctions on Russia