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Austrian representative wins Eurovision Song Contest 2025

Russia has been barred from participating in the contest since 2022 by decision of the European Broadcasting Union

GENEVA, May 18. /TASS/. Austrian performer Johannes Pietsch (JJ) won the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, according to the official voting results.

Pietsch scored 436 points in the contest’s final. The second place was awarded to Israel’s representative Yuval Raphael, who received 357 points. Estonia’s Tommy Cash came in third with 356 points.

Russia has been barred from participating in the contest since 2022 by decision of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). This year, however, Russia is reviving the Intervision Song Contest, a television music competition held from 1965 to 1977 as an alternative to Eurovision. The contest is scheduled to take place on September 20 at the Live Arena in Moscow.

Over half of Germans want Merz to hold phone talks on Ukraine settlement with Putin — poll

According to the survey, 56% of respondents believe that Merz and Putin's phone talk on possible ways to end the Ukraine conflict would be beneficial if held in the near future

Battlegroup East liquidates over 170 servicemen of Kiev forces in one day

The head of the group's press center, Alexander Gordeyev, said the group continues to carry out combat missions in the special military operation zone

Israeli, US air defenses have no answer for some of Iran's missiles — US expert

Daniel Davis said that the US should not join Israel’s military operation against Iran

No compensations for termination of Russian gas purchases — EC

Dan Jorgen noted that EU countries having effective contracts for Russian gas-purchases would be offered to sever them on the basis of "force majeure" so that not pay compensations for early termination

Syria downed Russia's plane because Israeli F-16s used it as cover — Russian top brass

The bombing raid was not far from France’s frigate The Auvergne

Iran strikes Rafael weapons factory, sources say

No further details have been disclosed regarding the extent of the damage or the factory’s specific location

Natanz site hit hardest among Iran's nuclear facilities — Grossi

IAEA Director General added that no inspections are currently being conducted for safety reasons

Press review: Moscow sees no peace intent in Kiev as US aids Ukraine strikes

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 11th

Hungary threatens to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if EU bans Russian fuel

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto said that Hungary accounts for approximately 40-42% of energy imported by Ukraine

Israeli military detects more missile launches from Iran

Sirens sounded "in several areas in northern Israel" after the identification of Iranian missiles

Iran shoots down MQ-9 Reaper drone launched from Israel near Iraqi border — TV

According to the report, the aerial target was destroyed over the city of Dehloran

Trump to meet with Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada — White House

The source also specified that the US leader will hold bilateral meetings with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the summit

More than 100,000 Israelis unable to return home — minister

Miri Regev stressed that the Israeli authorities were working to resolve this issue

Iran will continue talks with US only after Israel halts its aggression — president

"If the United States wants to resume negotiations, it must first halt Israel’s aggression," Masoud Pezeshkian said

Advance in Dnepropetrovsk region leads to liberation of Krasnoarmeysk — DPR head

Denis Pushilin also reported intense street fighting in Chasov Yar, noting that the enemy continues to shift reserves in a bid to hold their positions

Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure could paralyze Israel’s economy — TV

According to the media, Israeli attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure would not have the same destabilizing effect

Iran to continue operations against Israel until its complete destruction — IRGC

Overnight into June 13, Israel kicked off Operation Rising Lion aimed against Iran’s nuclear program

Iran repels Israel’s attempted attack on Tabriz airport — agency

The current situation in the city is reportedly calm, being controlled by the law enforcement

Eight IRGC officers die in Israeli strikes on Khomein in central Iran

According to the statement, Israel’s attacks on Khomein "were successfully repelled thanks to the IRGC’s timely and resolute actions"

Netanyahu sees possibility of power change in Iran

"Millions of Iranians see it, and this is not the first case", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said

Conflict between Iran, Israel to be short-lived, experts predict

"Oil markets are heading into a peak demand period in the US and will be looking for signs of stabilization rather than further escalation," Mukesh Sahdev said

Russia working to determine responsibility of robotic transport operators

Certified laboratories should be created, which will deal with testing and conformation of the autonomy level of transportation means, Deputy Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin said

Ukraine, Europe plotting 'bloody provocations' against Russia — SVR

According to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, Ukrainian special services have established the closest cooperation with the intelligence agencies of Britain

Grossi fails to confirm Israeli intel findings on Iran’s nuclear program

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General stressed that "the accumulation of uranium enriched at 60%, which is almost military level, is a source of legitimate concern"

Russia hopes Iranian-Israeli conflict will not impact SPIEF — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would keep an eye on the development of the situation

No credible evidence that Iran is close to creating nuclear weapons — UK diplomat

Former UK Ambassador to Tehran Richard Dalton noted that US intelligence sees no signs that Iran is taking any steps toward nuclear weaponization

PREVIEW: G7 summit kicks off in Canada

Main topics of the meeting are expected to be the conflict in Ukraine, the situation in the Asia-Pacific Region and the tariff policy of US President Donald Trump

Ukrainian army can only meet a quarter of its troop shortage with mercenaries — lawmaker

Yury Kamelchuk also highlighted the problem of the forced selection of conscripts by military commissars and called it terrible

Iranian president reiterates country's stance against developing nuclear weapons

"Anyone whose stance contradicts this clear position has no place in Iranian politics," Masoud Pezeshkian said

US redeploys refueling aircraft to Europe following escalation between Israel, Iran

Similar reports came later from Fox News

Russia, US keeping in contact about Iran — deputy foreign minister

Sergey Ryabkov said that the issue of Iran was raised during Russia's contacts with US representatives

Arab, Islamic foreign ministers urge Israel to stop strikes on Iran

The top diplomats affirm "the imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran"

Trump describes West’s decision to abandon G8 format as huge mistake

"Vladimir Putin doesn't want to talk because he was very insulted when he got thrown out of the G8," the US president said

Trump reluctant to sanction Russia, says is waiting to see if a deal on Ukraine is there

Reporters asked the US head of state on the sidelines of a G7 summit in the Canadian resort area of Kananaskis on Monday why wait to sanction Moscow

Iran’s parliament approves strategic partnership treaty with Russia — embassy

On January 17, following talks in the Kremlin, Russian and Iranian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries

In conflict with Israel, Iran acts under right of self-defense — Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia has publicly urged all parties to exercise restraint

Senior Russian diplomat warns of risks to Iran’s Bushehr NPP

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that "the military standoff needs to stop in order to stabilize the situation"

US allows Israel to attack Iran, says Iranian president

Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that "the Iranian people must unite and strongly resist aggression"

UN concerned over Israeli strike against IRIB headquarters in Tehran

UN reiterates its concern about any attacks on journalists doing their work, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Farhan Haq said

Exports from Sevastopol in 2025 projected at $2.4 mln

The region is operating under the pressure of anti-Russia sanctions, though the development of export relations is supported by the work within the framework of the national project "International Cooperation and Export"

CIS countries want to study Russia's approaches to building first high-speed-railway

Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit noted that the topic of the high-speed railway will be a landmark event during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Russia, Ukraine continue exchanges of prisoners of war — Russia’s chief negotiator

"Arrangements have been also put in place regarding the exchange of severely wounded military servicemen from the frontline," Vladimir Medinsky noted

Israeli strikes on Iran violate UN charter — Arab, Islamic foreign ministers

In this regard, the ministers affirmed that all countries should respect "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, adhering to the principles of good neighborliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes"

Israel underestimates Iran’s ability to regroup after losing military commanders — expert

Trita Parsi added that "Iranian missiles are successful in penetrating all layers of Israel’s air defense systems"

Senior Russian diplomat receives credentials from new Czech ambassador — MFA

The position of head of the Czech diplomatic mission in Moscow had remained unfilled since May 2024

Iran’s neighbors fear being dragged into conflict with Israel — Bloomberg

Sources said that certain regional powers have privately voiced support for efforts to derail Iran’s nuclear program, which they have long taken issue with

Iran expects BRICS to condemn Israeli aggression, diplomat says

Iranian MFA Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei noted that the BRICS group will hold a meeting on June 16-17 to discuss the Iran-Israel conflict

Trump encouraging Vance, Witkoff to meet with Iranian officials — NYT

According to the newspaper, should such a meeting take place, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will likely represent the Islamic republic

Iran detains 28 people on suspicion of spying for Israel since start of newest escalation

According to the report, over a dozen special operations have been held since June 13

Kremlin aware of Israeli PM’s statement about 'change of government in Iran'

Dmitry Peskov added that the Kremlin condemns "the actions that have led to such a dangerous escalation in tensions" in the Middle East

Medvedev allows use of nuclear weapons by Russia when ‘patience runs out’

The politician underscored that no one really needs a nuclear conflict - it is "a very bad story with a very difficult outcome."

Three people killed, 125 wounded in Iran’s attack against Israel — Ynet

About 35 people are missed in the central part of Israel after the strike

Man detained in Kherson Region confesses to plotting attack on district official — FSB

SBU officers recruited the man in August 2024

RTS Index growing after official rates release by Bank of Russia

The RTS Index gained 0.18% to 1,098.6 points

Washington cancels Russia-US meeting on eliminating irritants — Foreign Ministry

As Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted, the Russian side hopes the pause they have taken will not last too long

Iran hasn’t hit Israel with all its missile might yet — IRGC

When the time comes, Iran will deploy its most advanced systems, Ahmad Vahidi said

Twelve Russian scientists leave Tehran, return to Moscow from Baku

Two more participants will return tomorrow by flights organized by the Russian side for those who fled Iran amid the conflict

Israel starts using Iron Beam laser weapon system to intercept missiles — embassy

The system was first used in combat conditions in the conflict with Iran

Int’l community’s reaction to Israeli attack on Iran 'good lesson for everyone' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia continues monitoring the situation in this regard

Press review: Iran-Israel conflict deepens and anti-Trump protests divide US society

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 16th

Russia recognizes that US-Iranian talks will not take place — senior diplomat

Russia believes that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic methods, Sergey Ryabkov said

Arab, Islamic countries urge to refrain from nuclear weapons in Middle East

Against the backdrop of "unprecedented escalation of tensions in the Middle East," the ministers urged to refrain "from targeting nuclear facilities that are under International IAEA safeguards"

Ten Iranian servicemen killed while repelling Israeli attacks — news agency

According to the report, the deceased were serving in the third division of the air defense forces

Iranian diplomat condemns Israeli attack on state-run broadcaster as war crime

Israel attacked the IRIB headquarters in Tehran earlier on Monday

German newspaper acknowledges failure of Western sanctions policy

The author argues that these restrictions represent "a long-term process reshaping the global economic order," and emphasizes that sanctions "may end up damaging those who impose them just as much, if not more, than those they target"

Tehran has evidence US military helped Israel in attack on Iran

Araghchi also mentioned "a number of statements by US President Donald Trump" in support of Israel's actions

Delegation from Afghanistan departs to SPIEF

According to the report, the delegation is headed by Minister of Agriculture Attaullah Omari

Iran delivering more missile strikes on Israel — agency

Tasmin news agency did not say however how many projectiles have been fired

Diplomat calls consequences of Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities 'obvious'

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov is confident that West Jerusalem must show restraint and common sense first and foremost

Israeli military command’s calculations groundless — senior Russian diplomat

"Common sense and the return to the negotiating table are needed instead of the escalatory pathway and the military spiral," Sergey Ryabkov said

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army training center, air defense radars over past day

Kiev loses 1,320 troops in all frontline areas over past day

Liberation of Petrovskogo in Donbass region paves way for offensive toward Dnepropetrovsk

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the liberation of Petrovskogo in the DPR

West gave green light to Israel’s attacks on journalists as it did in Ukraine

Christelle Neant emphasized that "Israel, just like the Ukrainian army and the government, is very much afraid of the truth, afraid of journalists, because they publish the truth about the IDF’s war crimes."

Russian stock indices mixed on Monday — market data

The MOEX Russia is expected to be within 2,760-2,770 points on Tuesday, BCS Investment World said

Many in West share Russia’s position on traditional values — Putin

When the political situation changed, including in the United States, which is "one of the leading countries in the world, has a very large information resource, and influences the global economy and the economies of many countries on the planet greatly," people who shared Russia’s values also began to express them, Putin explained

Iran reaffirms its right to self-defense in response to Israeli actions - Iranian diplomat

Iran also called on the UN Security Council to "unequivocally condemn the Israeli regime’s act of aggression against Iran"

Russia honors its commitments, transfers 6,060 bodies to Ukraine — chief negotiator

According to Vladimir Medinsky, Russia has received 78 bodies of Russian soldiers from the Ukrainian side

Houthis support Iran in its standoff with Israel — politburo chief

Mahdi al-Mashat said that Yemen supported Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and repel aggression

Over half of Germans want Merz to hold phone talks on Ukraine settlement with Putin — poll

According to the survey, 56% of respondents believe that Merz and Putin's phone talk on possible ways to end the Ukraine conflict would be beneficial if held in the near future

Price of Brent crude oil down by more than 6% on London’s ICE

By 5:10 p.m. Moscow time the price of Brent futures contracts had narrowed losses to 5.4% as it traded at $71.54 per barrel

Top Israeli diplomat tells EU’s Kallas that strikes on Iran boost European security

Gideon Sa'ar stressed that Israel did not finish the job and will act to complete it

Bazan Group’s refineries in Haifa shut down as Iranian attack impacts power station — TV

According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, the power station producing steam and electricity was significantly damaged in the attack

Netanyahu names third goal of operation in Iran — to destroy 'axis of terror'

Previously, Israel declared two objectives for its operation: to put an end to Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs

Iranian president warns of tougher response to Israel if US fails to rein it in

According to the Iranian president, Israel’s attempt to destabilize his country was met with a severe retaliatory strike, and it "sustained heavy losses"

Trump may ban entry to the US for citizens of 36 more countries — The Washington Post

According to the The Washington Post, the list of countries, whose citizens may face the ban for receiving US visas or other restrictions, comprise 25 African countries

Hungary, Slovakia blocked Brussels plan to reject Russian energy resources

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto noted that this plan will lead to a rise in energy prices in Europe and will do harm to the economy of the entire European Union

Chairman of State Investments Committee to head Tajikistan’s delegation at SPIEF

"Three representatives of the country were declared for participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum," a committee spokesperson said

Iran to intensify attacks on Israel if it keeps targeting residential buildings — media

"Until now, Iran has refrained from deliberately targeting residential areas in the occupied territories," the Iranian official said

EU not to reduce price cap on Russian oil to $45 unilaterally — media

One of the diplomats told European Pravda that it was clear the G7 summit in Canada would not support lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel

About 3,000 Russians cannot fly out of UAE — Consulate General in Dubai

Diplomatic representatives are actively assisting passengers affected by canceled or delayed flights between Russia and the UAE

Putin holds phone conversation with Trump — Kremlin aide

This is the fifth phone conversation between the two leaders since the American president took office

Israel gave opportunity for dialogue on Iran, now aims to win militarily — Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister underscored that Israel will do its best to achieve its goals

What is known about repatriation of fallen troops’ remains, Russia-Ukraine POW swaps

The Russian Defense Ministry said that Moscow is ready to hand over an additional 2,239 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies to Kiev

Israel strikes southern Lebanon along with attacks on Iran

"Earlier today, the IDF struck and eliminated a Hezbollah terrorist in the area of Houla in southern Lebanon," the Israel Defense Forces said

Zelensky, Israel seek to draw US into conflict — Ukrainian politician

Viktor Medvedchuk recalled that the new US administration, led by President Donald Trump, came to power with a peace-oriented agenda

UK, Germany, France may pose ‘more conscience’ attitude regarding Iran — diplomat

"They are putting it the way that Iran must be blamed for suffering attacks," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Situation around Iran's nuclear program more complex now — Kremlin

Previous reports have suggested that Russia might take custody of Iran’s uranium stockpile

Trump cutting short his visit to G7 summit, returning to Washington — White House

The US president will be dealing with "many important matters", White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said

Escalation between Iran, Israel threats India’s energy security — experts

According to GTRI, instability around the Strait of Hormuz, with nearly two-thirds of Indian crude oil and half of its LNG imports passing through it, is the key risk for India

Russia’s Medvedev shines in opening round win at 2025 ATP Halle Open in Germany

In the next round, Daniil Medvedev will play against France’s Quentin Halys

Trump requests National Security Council meeting be held — TV host

The channel's journalist Lawrence Jones reported that the US president will leave for Washington immediately after dinner with the heads of state of the Group of Seven countries in Canada