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World Wrestling Championship relocated from Bahrain to Kazakhstan — UWW statement

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region

GENEVA, May 22. /TASS/. The world’s governing body of wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW), has opted to move the 2026 UWW World Championships from Bahrain to the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, the organization’s press office announced on Friday.

"United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain."

"This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pending conflict involving the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel," the statement reads.

"While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority," according to the UWW.

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. On April 7, US President Donald Trump declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran. On April 11, Iran and the US held several rounds of talks in Islamabad; however, both sides later reported that they were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement of the conflict due to a number of contradictions.

On April 21, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to extend the ceasefire with Iran. Since then, a new round of talks has not taken place. On May 19, Trump stated that the United States was prepared to give diplomacy in the conflict over Iran a chance until early next week, postponing the resumption of hostilities until then. Meanwhile, according to the Iranian state television, Tehran does not recognize Washington’s unilateral ceasefire extension and will act as it deems necessary in its own interests.

Russia’s Nabiev sets sights on Paralympics after conquering Mount Everest

On May 21, Nabiev became the first person ever to summit Mount Everest using only his hands

Ukraine to bear responsibility for attacks on Moscow, other Russian cities — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that all investigative actions will be carried out eventually

Europe faces 'bad outcome', Russia remains independent state — foreign minister

According to Sergey Lavrov, Europe will repeat the mistakes of the past if its elites maintain their course toward armed confrontation with Russia

Network of labs modernized under Pentagon’s program operates in Ukraine — expert

Igor Nikulin added that, judging by documents, "a conclusion can be drawn that local specialists gathered, studied and artificially boosted tuberculosis pathogens with high resistance to antibiotics"

EU will not return to Russian oil and gas purchases under any circumstances

European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis said the largest gas supplies for the European Union now come from Norway

Industry leaders talked Trump out of signing AI executive order — WP

The US leader said the measure "could have been a blocker" to AI development, which benefits the US economy

EU leaders urge Zelensky to investigate Yermak’s case for EU membership — Zeit

According to the newspaper, immediately after the corruption scandal came into the spotlight in November, heads of several European countries urged Vladimir Zelensky to fully investigate the matter and take appropriate measures if necessary

US not changing its program for supplying weapons to Kiev — top US diplomat

Marco Rubio said that Ukraine is getting more support than ever through the PURL program

Kalashnikov unveils Kub-10ME guided munition with range of over 100 km

According to the arms manufacturer, the key features of the new system include an optoelectronic guidance system that enables the engagement of moving targets, and improved protection against electronic warfare and air defense systems

Russia has right to respond forcefully to EU for its siding with Ukraine — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Vladimir Zelensky was counting on a direct military conflict between Europe and Russia and was doing everything to achieve that

Eurozone public debt to exceed 90% of GDP in 2026, reach euro crisis level in 2027

The European Commission attributed these figures to rising energy prices caused by the war around Iran, but made no mention of any connection between these numbers and military financing for Ukraine

Russian security chief, Vietnam’s deputy premier to discuss Asia-Pacific, Mideast

The press service of the Russian Security Council said the sides "will discuss the current situation worldwide from the perspective of the Middle East conflict and the situation in Asia-Pacific"

Iran taking steps to strengthen its defense capabilities, modernize weapons — president

The government provides comprehensive support to the armed forces, Masoud Pezeshkian said

FACTBOX: What is known about development of Ladoga aircraft

Information about the suspension of the TVRS-44 Ladoga turboprop aircraft project is incorrect, as no such decisions have been made at the current stage of development, Ural Works of Civil Aviation reported

Ukrainian attacks wound 35 people in LPR, 217 UAVs target Russia: aftermath of new strikes

The UAVs were shot down over the districts of Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Vladimir, Kaluga, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novgorod, Oryol, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver, Tula, and Yaroslavl, as well as the Moscow Region and St. Petersburg

IN BRIEF: Russia’s Maritime Board chair comments on global contradictions, naval arms race

Nikolay Patrushev said that global contradictions are increasingly manifesting in military action, while divisions within NATO continue

Ombudswoman says four die in Ukrainian attack on college in LPR

Yana Lantratova added that 35 children were injured

Foreign air defenses fail to stop even 8% of Ukrainian drones attacking Russia — expert

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, Russia has developed and produced new interception systems tailored to combat drones and organized a multi-layered, echeloned defense with an end-to-end targeting and control system

Trump’s initiatives on Ukraine hampered by globalists in Europe — expert

While Moscow should take the stance and actions of other countries into account, others’ position is not a priority to Russia, Yevgeny Poddubny stressed

Zelensky ready to 'burn down Ukraine' for his survival as politician — Russian senator

Alexander Voloshin highlighted that the Zelensky team had destroyed a whole generation of Ukrainians with his decisions

US lost almost 20% of its MQ-9 Reaper drones during operation against Iran — Bloomberg

The agency estimates the overall damage at $1 billion

West knows no bounds to aggression, tries to resolve issues by force — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Western policies result in number of unprecedented sanctions that undermine core principles of the Western order, such as free trade, market forces, and the inviolability of property

FACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on college in Starobelsk

Administrative buildings, stores, and private homes were also damaged in the city, according to the regional head

US brought diplomatic property talks with Russia into stalemate — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that Americans have brought to a dead end negotiations not only on this subject, but on other related matters as well

Some 18 people may be trapped under rubble of attacked college in LPR — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said there were 86 children aged between 14 and 18 in the facility at the time of the attack

Putin praises Belarusian allies for nuclear know-how

The Russian leader highlighted the well-coordinated work of the Belarusian military personnel

US approves possible sale of equipment for HAWK SAMs to Ukraine worth $108.1 mln

According to the US Department of State, the Kiev government requested to buy spare parts, maintenance and service support, as well as repair and return support

Conflict in Ukraine to be resolved when threats to Russia’s security are removed — Lavrov

"This will mean eliminating the Kiev regime’s threats to people living in Crime, Donbass, Novorossia, and other residents of the former Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic," the Russian foreign minister said

Russian troops liberate Shesterovka community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,205 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

New Ukrainian tactics for extreme overload of Russian air defenses fail — soldier

The unit's fighters have personally seen that the Moscow-made Yolka interceptor drone is capable of countering Ukrainian UAVs in various situations

Expert highlights crucial role of Russia-China partnership in reshaping world order

Tiberio Graziani opined that diplomacy between Moscow and Beijing should be viewed in a broader context

Ukraine purposefully targeted Starobelsk dorm with four drones

According to the Investigative Committee, 86 students and one staff member were in the dormitory at the time of the attack

E3 vows to step up support for Ukraine following Starobelsk attack

According to the statement, "the leaders confirmed they would double down on their support" for the Ukrainian authorities "in the coming months"

Medvedev sees seven signs indicating Ukraine is 'failed state'

The Security Council deputy chairman asserted that Ukraine's decline is an irreversible process

West to sacrifice Baltic states, Finland, Poland, Romania after Ukraine — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the approach to warfare on the part of the Western countries is deeply cynical

Chernobyl exclusion zone becomes one of Europe’s largest wildlife habitats

Among species registered by camera traps are lynxes, wolves, elks, deer and Przewalski’s horses

'Russians ready for conversation' with Europe — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that talking is always better than leading to complete confrontation

Putin, Xi Jinping offer world alternative to militarization — US expert

According to Peter Kuznick, Xi Jinping and Putin demonstrated not only "their open and explicit embrace of multipolarity," but also their rejection of unilateral force

Press review: Israel-Hamas truce starts today and NATO drills raise the alarm in Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 23rd

Russian premier to visit Council of CIS Heads of Governments in Turkmenistan

In line with the schedule, Turkmenistan holds the rotating CIS presidency in 2026

Russia requests UNSC extraordinary meeting after Kiev’s attack on Starobelsk college

The Ukrainian troops earlier launched a drone attack which left 4 people dead and 39 people injured

Zelensky trades warnings with Lukashenko

Earlier, Kiev reported sending reinforcements to the Belarusian border

One killed, several injured in explosion at MOL plant in Hungary — Magyar

According to the Hungarian prime minister, Energy Minister Istvan Kapitany is heading to the scene along with the MOL CEO

US arrests sister of Cuban conglomerate GAESA’s head

Marco Rubio claimed that Adys Lastres Morera "was managing real estate assets and living in Florida, while also aiding" the Cuban government until the US administration terminated her permanent resident status

Ombudswoman puts number of college children affected by Ukrainian attack in LPR at 36

Regional children’s rights commissioner Inna Shvenk said that 18 families are awaiting the results of a search and rescue operation at the scene of the attack

Ukrainian strike on college in LPR, punishment for Kiev: new briefing by Kremlin spokesman

The Ukrainian strike on the college in Starobelsk in the Lugansk People's Republic is a horrible crime, Dmitry Peskov said

NATO military activity along Russian borders reaches Cold War levels — Moscow’s envoy

Dmitry Polyansky explained that Kiev was actively working out scenarios of sabotage attacks on Russia from Latvia’s territory

US companies looking forward to return to Russian market — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov that the United States continues to conduct the policy of sanctions on Russian partners by prohibiting them from buying Russian fuel and preventing cooperation in other areas

EU turning into NATO twin, Western aggression has no limits: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister noted that the Western aggressive policy mixes direct military intervention with sanctions

Enemy drone attacks on college building in Starobelsk in LPR leave 35 wounded — official

According to LPR head Leonid Pasechnik, there were 86 children aged between 14 and 18 in the building at the time of the attack

Israel frustrated with Trump's negotiating tactics, wants to reignite war — CNN

According to the report, the May 20 phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "tense"

Russian flamethrower crews destroy five Ukrainian strongpoints in Sumy Region in one day

The platoon commander said the work of the nuclear biological, and chemical protection crews is making a significant contribution to the advancement of Russian units along the entire line of contact

Trump says not trying to intimidate Cuba by sending aircraft carrier to Caribbean Sea

On March 5, the US president announced Washington's intention to develop a further course of action regarding Cuba after the conclusion of military operations against Iran

Russian investigators complete probe into former UK defense secretary

The Russian Investigative Committee stated that Ben Wallace had been charged with publicly calling for terrorist activity and put on an international wanted list

World to face crisis like in 2008 if Strait of Hormuz remains closed — Bloomberg

Acccording to the analysis by Rapidan Energy Group, if the Strait reopens in July, an average oil demand reduction of 2.6 million barrels a day and the spot-market price for benchmark Brent crude peaking near $130 a barrel over the summer could be expected

Russian defense minister holds talks with Vietnamese counterpart

Andrey Belousov noted that priority attention is being given to strengthening mutually beneficial military and military-technical cooperation

China opposes deployment of US missile systems in Japan — Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Guo Jiakun stressed that such actions harm the legitimate security interests of other countries

European Commission recognizes Russia's economic resilience — expert

According toVladimir Yeremkin, the EC forecast exaggerates the positive impetus from instability in the Middle East and does not fully account for the scale of monetary tightness imposed by the Bank of Russia itself

Putin condemns Ukraine’s attack on college in Starobelsk

The Russian president called this incident tragic

Nine districts of Kherson Region completely out of power after Ukrainian drone attack

Governor Vladimir Saldo said that utility workers are doing their best to restore power supply as quickly as possible

Russian high-explosive bomb strikes eliminate large Ukrainian UAV group in Zaporozhye

Enemy communications equipment was completely destroyed

Luxury car sales in Russia hit a 4.5-year high in April — Avtostat

According to the agency, Rolls-Royce led the luxury brands

Russian troops liberate five communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,260 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian Forces lose over 90 Starlink stations near Kharkov since early May — commander

According to the report, the Russian Armed Forces can easily detect Ukrainian Starlink stations due to their poor camouflage

Rubio reports 'slight progress' in Iran talks

According to the US secretary of state, the fundamentals remain the same

Palestine withdraws its diplomat’s candidacy for post of UNGA Vice President

The spokeswoman for the office of the 80th session’s president, La Neice Collins, noted that the UN General Assembly’s presidential office has received a nomination for this post from Lebanon

Over past 24 hours 35 commercial vessels pass through Strait of Hormuz — IRGC

The vessels include oil tankers, as well as container ships

IN BRIEF: Putin, Lukashenko observe joint Russia-Belarus drills via video link

According to the Russian president, the use of nuclear weapons is an exceptional measure to ensure the country's security

Kiev regime suffers frontline failures — Putin

The Russian president said the reasons for criminal behavior by the Kiev regime are clear

Putin slams Kiev regime as thieving illegitimate junta

The Ukrainian troops earlier launched a drone attack on the Starobelsk college building and dormitory

Press review: Cuba readies for US attack as Moscow outlines ties with Washington

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 22nd

Innovative Russian medicines account for over 60% of market — minister

Anton Alikhanov also recalled that the ministry is preparing support measures for companies registering drugs that meet first-in-class requirements

Rutte plans to keep US in NATO with promises to buy more American weapons — Politico

According to the sources, this will not only eliminate the real shortfall in the alliance's arsenals but also "send a demand signal" to US President Donald Trump

Rubio’s new lies aimed at provoking aggression against Cuba — foreign minister

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla emphasized that "Cuba is not, nor has it ever been, a threat to the national security of the United States"

Russia sees no reason to theorize about less intense dialogue with US — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov also adeed that "nothing is impossible, but success here will require both parties to demonstrate political will and a realistic approach"

Nabiev scales Mount Everest using hands only, plants Russian flag at peak

Rustam Nabiev is the first person ever to scale Mount Everest using only his hands

Putin signs laws admitting four new regions to Russia

One can obtain Russian citizenship after having taken the oath of allegiance, provided a relevant request has been filed beforehand

NATO’s ideas about 'decolonizing' Russia still present in its public discourse — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister expressed concern over the West's continued use of "the same methods of self-superiority that have been repeatedly employed in Europe"

Senior Russian diplomat explains what Russia means by 'spirit of Anchorage'

It's about the atmosphere of trust that emerged between the presidents of Russia and the US, which, in the context of last year’s Alaska summit, allowed to shape the basic contours of the Ukrainian peace process, Sergey Ryabkov said

Budapest links relations reset with Kiev to resolution of Hungarian minority issue

Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar said that improving the situation with the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia was regarded as an essential condition for the launch of negotiations on Ukraine’s EU accession

Russia understands final settlement of Ukraine crisis needs compromise — Lavrov

Russia has a firm position and will achieve it, the Russian foreign minister noted

Request for UNSC meeting and new terror chapter: reaction to attack on LPR college

No leniency will be shown to anyone guilty of the attack on the college in Starobelsk, the Russian foreign ministry said

Ukraine talks not currently underway, but US remains ready to mediate — top diplomat

Marco Rubio also emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict in Ukraine

Russia advocates for equitable security without diktat or pressure — Putin

The Russian president emphasized that such an international security system should create conditions for the development of truly mutually beneficial cooperation based on universally recognized and binding legal norms

Ukraine has to make painful concessions to achieve peace — media

The news outlet noted that the imbalance in resources between Russia and Ukraine has always meant that Kiev would never be able to succeed

Number of victims in Ukrainian attack on Starobelsk college rises to 39 — regional head

Leonid Pasechnik said that fatalities were also reported

Kremlin comments on readiness for talks with Europe, Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline

The Kremlin sees no risk of fuel shortages caused by ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries

Kiev loses two companies of troops in battle for Verkhnyaya Tersa in Zaporozhye area

The Ukrainian army also lost six armored combat vehicles, 17 pickup trucks, 15 all-terrain vehicles, over 30 ground robotic vehicles and more than 60 heavy R-18 hexacopters

Russian presidential aide sees naval arms race taking place globally

Nikolay Patrushev noted that the reformat of the global architecture that had begun would be accompanied by a further increase in naval importance

IN BRIEF: What we know about US move to send 5,000 troops to Poland

The US leader did not elaborate on exactly what US Army units will be deployed to Poland

NATO’s attention, 'silent dialogue' with West: reaction to Russia’s nuclear drills

The North Atlantic Alliance is monitoring Russia’s nuclear drills but is not commenting on them, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated

Likelihood of nuclear weapons being used in Ukrainian conflict increasing — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said that Europe is currently producing massive quantities of weapons, launching a huge number of new factories, and essentially openly preparing for war

West's current aggression stems from decline in influence, fear of competition — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov also noted that "the financial and economic system led by the West after World War II can no longer function in a way that guarantees continued benefit for Western countries"

Ukrainian troops mine road to Energodar that supplies Zaporozhye nuke plant — NPP

There were no casualties from the remote mining, the plant’s press service reported

Moscow to protect Transnistrian Russians, respond to use of its assets to fund Kiev — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Kiev’s nervous reaction to the issue of Russian citizenship for Transnistrian residents was inappropriate

No fuel shortages on Russian market, country prepared for demand growth — Energy Ministry

According to the ministry, particular attention is being paid to meeting the needs of the agricultural sector during the sowing campaign period

Both Russia, US view mutually respectful co-existence as acceptable variant

Sergey Ryabkov also stressed that Moscow is ready to examine other variants as well

Afghanistan lowers legal age of marriage for girls to nine years old — newspaper

The article noted that the government has effectively abolished the minimum marriage age for girls by linking the possibility of marriage to the onset of puberty

Washington does not want Iran to charge shipping fees in Strait of Hormuz — Trump

"It’s an international waterway," the US president said

Ukraine’s associate member status to ruin EU financially — French politician

Florian Philippot noted that this status would allow Ukraine even access to European funds

IN BRIEF: Kremlin spokesman speaks on Putin-Xi talks over tea, US pressure on Cuba

Dmitry Peskov said that the US blockade of Cuba was having catastrophic consequences for the island’s people