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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Kiev’s attempts to distribute drugs in Donbass and illegal trafficking: Security Council

More than 6.5 tons of narcotics, psychotropic substances and their analogues were seized in the first quarter of this year

© Alexander Reka/TASS

MOSCOW, May 12. /TASS/. Russia sees the Kiev regime’s efforts to distribute drugs among the population of Donbass, the press service of the Russian Security Council said.

It also stated that the number of drug-related crimes in the first quarter of 2026 decreased by 40% compared to the same period last year.

TASS has summed up key statement by the Russian Security Council.

Drug distribution by Ukraine in Donbass

Russia sees the Kiev regime’s efforts to distribute drugs among the population of Donbass: "The Federal Security Service has disrupted the activities of 25 members of an organized drug ring operated from Ukrainian territory, which was involved in the supply, packaging, and distribution of drugs within the Donetsk People's Republic, as well as in promoting drug addiction among the republic’s youth."

Illegal drug trafficking

The number of drug-related crimes in the first quarter of 2026 decreased by 40% compared to the same period last year: "The analysis of key indices of anti-drug activities in the first quarter of 2026 indicates that the number of registered drug-related crimes decreased by 40.1% compared to the same period last year.

The share of drug-related crimes in the overall structure of crimes shrank from 12.8% to 9.2%.

Seizure of drugs

More than 6.5 tons of narcotics, psychotropic substances and their analogues were seized in the first quarter of this year: "In the investigated criminal cases, over 6.5 tons of narcotics, psychotropic substances and their analogues were seized from illicit trafficking, most of which are synthetic psychoactive substances."

"There has been a continuing positive downward trend in the amount of heroin seized from illicit trafficking since 2021 thanks to a global reduction in opium drug trafficking from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan."

International cooperation

Russia is expanding international cooperation "to counter drug trafficking."

"Law enforcement agencies and special services are working to undermine the economic basis of drug-relates crime and the 6.1% growth in the exposed drug proceeds laundering crimes prove this."

Russia’s underground drug market in January-March 2026, as in pervious periods, rested on domestic production, illegal exports, "as well as illegal cultivating and collecting narcotics-containing plants, first of all cannabis."

Russian Security Council reports small victory in war on drugs

The Russian Security Council highlighted the 6.1% increase in detected drug-money laundering crimes

European Commission intends to allocate 9.1 out of €90 billion to Kiev in June

Of this money, €5.9 billion will go to military needs and €3.2 billion to macro-financial assistance, EC representative Balazs Ujvari said

Trump Route prospects dim amid US-Iran conflict — Russian MFA

The Armenian-American initiative does not automatically provide for a full connection of the Armenian and Azerbaijani railway infrastructure

Ukrainian attacks kill 25 Russian civilians in past week — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik added that 209 people, including 14 minors, suffered injuries

Oil prices could fall sharply if energy crisis drags on — Novak

"According to various international agencies, the conflict will cause a decline in global GDP growth rates by 0.3-0.5 percentage points in 2026-2027, possibly even more, depending on its duration," the Russian deputy prime minister said

CSU leader says withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany is painful blow

The discussion about US troop reductions in Europe intensified in April

Normality of economic slowdown and energy crisis: statements by Novak

The Russian deputy prime minister said that consumer activity will slow down this year, though the slowdown in demand will not "limit long-term and sustainable economic growth"

Kallas has no chance of mediating Russia-EU talks — Finnish politician

Armando Mema stated that he was more likely to take on the role than the EU foreign policy chief

No alternatives to Iran’s 14-point proposal for deal with US — top lawmaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf noted that any other approach would "lead only to failure"

The Netherlands quarantines 12 healthcare workers due to violations in handling hantavirus

According to a report by the Hart van Nederland news outlet, the Radboud University Medical Center acknowledged that existing safety protocols were not fully followed during the treatment of a patient

Victory Day ceasefire expires

All Russian servicemen in the special military operation zone strictly observed the ceasefire

Roscosmos chief informs partners of space station’s life extension to 2028

Roscosmos Chief Yury Borisov told TASS in November last year that the term of Russia’s participation in the ISS project would depend on the technical condition of the Russian segment, the timeframe of deploying the new Russian Orbital Station (ROS)

Sweden sends home detained Caffa cargo ship crew — Russian embassy

Sweden detained the Guinea-flagged cargo ship Caffa, en route from Casablanca to St. Petersburg, on March 6

Foreign companies’ exit from Russia contributes to growth of production — Novak

The economy grew at a very high rate in 2023-2024, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

India firmly resists Western pressure, its demands to stop buying Russian oil — Lavrov

India has repeatedly stated it will independently decide from whom to buy energy resources, the Russian foreign minister said

US cannot take enriched uranium from Iran without its consent — Russian MP

The US can observe, Alexey Pushkov said

Russia sees Canada's sanctions as ‘factory of absurdity’ — ambassador says

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand previously announced that Ottawa had added 23 more individuals and five entities to its sanction lists against Russia

EU desperately needs Russian energy supplies — Finnish politician

It would be wise for the EU to stop acting as morally superior, Armando Mema said

IN BRIEF: Zelensky’s former chief of staff faces money-laundering charges

Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office exposed a criminal group involved in laundering $10.5 mln

Russia gradually develops nuclear forces — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that "since 2025, the Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile system is on combat duty and it can be armed with nuclear warheads"

New government led by Magyar formed in Hungary — presidential decree

According to a statement from the press office of President Tamas Sulyok, he signed a decree appointing 16 ministers nominated by the prime minister and approved by parliament

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

Washington to probe into over 40 US biolabs in Ukraine — newspaper

One of the probe’s goals is "to identify where these labs are, what pathogens they contain and what 'research' is being conducted"

Sarmat tests confirm Russia capable of deterring any enemy — analyst

Igor Korotchenko emphasized that the test had confirmed all the specified characteristics of the Sarmat ICBM and the correctness of the applied circuit design solutions

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Islamabad requests US to suspend operation in Strait of Hormuz — ambassador

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi expressed hope that both sides will come to an understanding and a solution acceptable to both of them and the entire world will be reached

EU talks about peace in Ukraine, but in reality it's war-minded — senior Russian diplomat

Russia sees the practical actions the EU takes, Alexander Grushko said

Putin’s invitation for Trump to visit Russia remains open — Kremlin spokesman

In mid-August 2025, a Russian-US summit took place at a military base near Anchorage, Alaska

Situation with Yermak could ruin Zelensky’s reputation in West — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik noted that the situation left no chance "of keeping this scandal within the country and ignoring it"

Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to American researcher Claudia Goldin

The American researcher "provided the first comprehensive account of women’s earnings and labor market participation through the centuries"

US may resume operations in Strait of Hormuz or take more serious action — Trump

The US president reiterated that Iran’s response to new US proposals to end hostilities was "totally unacceptable"

In Pomorye 190-carat diamond discovered at depth of 375 meters, company says

All diamonds, regardless of their size and weight, form under similar conditions

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

London's new sanctions against Moscow based on distortion of facts — Russian embassy

The Russian embassy drew attention to Britain's selective approach to children

Special military op nearing completion, POW exchange stalled: Putin’s statements

The Russian leader also said he is ready to meet with Vladimir Zelensky in any country, but only for the purpose of signing a final settlement agreement

Ukrainian troops lose around 875 personnel in special op over past 24 hours — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy lost up to 145 troops in the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North

Pakistan rejects claims of Iranian aircraft deployment for protection against US strikes

Accoriding to the US news broadcaster, Iranian warplanes were stationed at Pakistan's Nur Khan air base south of Islamabad

FACTBOX: Key points from forecast for Russia's socioeconomic development in 2027-2029

Russia's GDP growth rate by 2029 could reach 2.4% annualized, according to the forecast

UAE may have carried out strikes on Iranian territory — newspaper

According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, Abu Dhabi may have attacked an oil refinery on the Lavan Island

Iran moved aircraft to Pakistan, Afghanistan to protect them from US strikes — TV channel

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied deployment of Iranian planes to Afghanistan in comments to CBS News

Japan considers it important to maintain relations with Russia — top diplomat

Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized that Russia is Japan’s neighbor

Kallas is in vain hoping to mediate in Russia-EU talks — MFA

Zakharova commented on Kallas’s expressed aspirations to serve as a mediator, emphasizing that her hopes are unlikely to materialize

West seeks to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Russia via Central Asia — MFA

According to Alexander Sternik, the West does this using vague terms such as 'economic diversification' and 'protection against external threats'

Pakistan would like to join BRICS — ambassador to Russia

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi says Pakistan’s accession to BRICS "would benefit the organization greatly"

Germany’s drone deal with Ukraine to make it complicit in Russia strikes — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that Western European countries can be considered Kiev’s high-tech military-industrial echelon

Situation with Yermak to lead to serious upheaval beyond Ukraine's borders — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik noted that the signal will reach international leaders who are "accomplices in this money laundering operation known as ‘Ukraine’"

Stubb agrees EU must start dialogue with Russia, but mediator still unknown

The Finnish president thinks that the most important thing is the coordination of all actions among Europeans, especially between the E5 countries, and the Nordic and Baltic states on the border

Iran expands area of control in Strait of Hormuz

According to the senior officer, the strait’s width, which used to be estimated at 32 to 48 km, has increased to between 321 and 482 km

End of ceasefire, chance of Putin-Zelensky meeting: Kremlin delivers new press briefing

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia remains open to dialogue and fully welcomes US mediation efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

EU becoming aggressive, uncooperative player — Russian Foreign Ministry

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Third CIS Department Alexander Sternik said the European Union is increasingly hostile to both Russia and countries building mutually beneficial ties with Moscow

Russia notified US, other countries of Sarmat tests — Kremlin

In accordance with international agreements, when ICBMs are launched, a notification is sent to other countries through the National Center for Nuclear Risk Reduction in order to avoid undue tension

EU actions make its participation in peace efforts for Ukraine impossible — Russian MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said the stance the European Union is taking in relation to a peaceful settlement essentially prevents it from being achieved

Zelensky proposed ‘handing over’ Donbass during 2022 talks with Russia — former official

Yulia Mendel says people who represented Ukraine at the negotiations "agreed for everything"

There are currently no clear plans for Witkoff's visit to Russia — Kremlin

Earlier, Ushakov expressed confidence that "sooner or later" Witkoff and Jared Kushner would come to Moscow and that dialogue would continue

NABU, SAP indict former head of Zelensky's office, Yermak

The penalty under this article is imprisonment for a term of 8 to 15 years with confiscation of property

Russia continued to strictly observe truce — defense ministry

In turn, over the past day, Ukrainian forces made 12 attack attempts, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Kallas believes that Russia's influence in Europe is growing again

This can be seen in sports, as well as in Russia’s presence at the Venice Biennale, the EU foreign policy chief said

Ukraine faces military collapse this year — retired US Army officer

David T. Pyne believes the EU cannot be trusted to negotiate a peace agreement ending NATO’s proxy war with Russia

Russia's Sarmat ICBM has a range of 35,000 km — Putin

The missile can move not only on a ballistic but also on a suborbital trajectory, the Russian president said

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

Iran’s president says negotiations with United States possible, despite mistrust

Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran will need to consolidate in the diplomatic arena everything the Iranian armed forces have achieved on the battlefield

Putin briefed on successful Sarmat ICBM test: what is known

The head of state congratulated the Russian military on the successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile

Zelensky can currently only be removed from power by coup d’etat — expert

Vladimir Zharikhin, Deputy Director of the CIS Institute, emphasized that such a coup would depend heavily on external influences, particularly the will of the Americans

Lithuania's airspace not open to foreign drone flights — official

Asta Skaisgiryte specified that she referred to "drones from various third countries, not necessarily Ukraine"

Situation around Strait of Hormuz shows importance of protecting sovereignty — MFA

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Third CIS Department Alexander Sternik emphasized that protection of physical security of heads of state was becoming a special priority these days and required reliable allies

West eager to transform Central Asia into bridgehead for threats against Russia — diplomat

The West is not abandoning attempts to reshape this region to serve its needs, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

Kiev’s attempts to distribute drugs in Donbass and illegal trafficking: Security Council

More than 6.5 tons of narcotics, psychotropic substances and their analogues were seized in the first quarter of this year

US unlikely to start ground operation in Iran, rather to step up bombing — senator

According to Jack Reed, if Washington wanted to deploy ground troops, there would be very discreet special operations

Two civilians killed, eight injured in Ukraine strikes on Belgorod Region in past 24 hours

The regional emergency response center added that three medical personnel were injured in a drone strike upon arrival to assist a wounded man

Kiev loses 8,400 troops, mercenaries in special military op zone in past week — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian armed forces suffered the greatest manpower losses in the area of operation of Russia’s Battlegroup East in the Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye regions

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Iran could raise uranium enrichment to 90% if US attacks again, lawmaker says

Ebrahim Rezaei said the Iranian parliament will discuss such an option

West needs Central Asia’s rare earths to militarize economy — Russian Foreign Ministry

Director of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Sternik noted that rare earth metals are used in advanced weapons and military equipment, laser systems and navigation systems

End of ceasefire, over 30,000 violations by Ukraine: Russian Defense Ministry statements

Following the end of the ceasefire, the Russian Armed Forces returned to the special military operation

Boomerang UAV immune to electronic warfare, can fly over 45 km — soldier

The drone’s frame is made of non-conductive textolite, which increases its operational reliability

Islamabad to remain venue for US-Iran talks — Pakistani ambassador to Russia

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi says both sides of the conflict see Pakistan as "an honest mediator"

Trump seriously considering resuming war with Iran — TV channel

According to sources cited by CNN, the US president is unlikely to make a final decision before leaving for China this week

Kiev may face accusations of producing biological weapons — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky commented on remarks by US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who said that more than 120 biological laboratories in over 30 countries funded by US taxpayers over several decades were under investigation

Pakistan to increase oil purchases from Russia amid crisis in Strait of Hormuz — envoy

Demand for Russian energy resources has increased amid the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi noted

Russia to place Sarmat ICBM on combat alert by year end — Putin

The President congratulated the Ministry of Defense, all employees, researchers, engineers, defense industry production organizers, prime contractors, and the thousands of workers engaged in the teamwork on "this major event and unconditional success"

Hungary has no plans to send weapons, soldiers to Ukraine — future foreign minister

Hungary will also not support accelerated EU accession for Ukraine, insisting it must be "based on merit and the fulfillment of strict conditions", Anita Orban stated

Modi calls for reinstatement of COVID-19 restrictions amid Middle East crisis

The Indian prime minister stressed the importance of fuel economy, called for a return to working from home and a review of consumption habits

Kallas discredits EU in the eyes of decent people — Milorad Dodik

The Bosnian Serb leader says that under her leadership, the association can only shrink, not expand

Armenian prime minister confirms his absence at upcoming EAEU summit

Nikol Pashinyan added that if Armenia leaves the EAEU, it will be "planned, without surprises," and all policies and intentions are "transparent"

Situation with Yermak results from Zelensky ignoring US signals — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik noted that the officials "behind the anti-corruption agencies have direct ties to the US"

Bishop Shio elected as new Patriarch of Georgia with 22 votes — voting results

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Russia calls for fully resuming Arctic Council’s work — senior diplomat

Alexander Grushko stressed that Moscow remains open to dialogue based on mutual respect, as well as to constructive cooperation

Tbilisi admits West demanded opening second front against Russia — MFA

According to Director of the Fourth Department for the CIS Countries Mikhail Kalugin, Russia continues "painstaking work on the post-conflict restoration of Georgia’s relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia"

Ukraine’s rich do not revolt against Zelensky for fear of sanctions — former secretary

Yulia Mendel explained that such sanctions often result in the closure of businesses and the freezing of assets

Yermak declines to comment on charges until investigation is complete

The official replied "I am Andrey Yermak. I have no other name" when asked what nickname was used in relation to him in the "Mindich audio files"

IN BRIEF: What we know about UAV attack on Orenburg and damage to apartment building

Governor Yevgeny Solntsev quoted the emergency services as saying that there were no casualties

Return of 3,700 POWs and families reunited: Putin meets with Moskalkova

The head of state stressed that Russia and Ukraine should continue working at the level of ombudspersons to ensure the reunification of families with children

US not to launch new military operation against Iran — Pakistani ambassador

"Now everything has come down to opening the Strait of Hormuz," Faisal Niaz Tirmizi noted

SpaceX launches satellites into orbit for US intelligence purposes

The launch of the NROL-172 mission was SpaceX’s second launch for the US National Reconnaissance Office in 2026

Press review: Putin V-Day speech gives life to Ukraine peace and Iran's new superweapon

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 12th

Opening Strait of Hormuz at forefront of Iran talks — Pakistani ambassador

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi says the issue was not on the table at the beginning of the negotiations

Russia develops neural network algorithms for low-level air defense anti-drone system

The Arkodim company specified that the neural network analysis and tracking algorithms calculate ballistics and ensure reliable target tracking even during brief loss of visual contact

Slovakia’s Fico briefs Austrian President Van der Bellen on talks with Putin

This information was shared via the Slovak prime minister’s social media channels

Russia ensures partial demilitarization of NATO through special military op — US expert

David T. Pyne assumed that Russia is winning a proxy war against the combined military might of NATO and Ukraine

No progress in organizing Russia-US hockey match — Kremlin

Peskov was responding to a question about the initiative