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FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi named Man of the Match in World Cup semifinal win over England

Argentina's forward provided two assists

WASHINGTON, July 16. /TASS/. Argentina forward Lionel Messi has been named Man of the Match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal against England, FIFA's press service announced.

Earlier, TASS reported that Argentina defeated England 2-1 to advance to the tournament final. Messi provided two assists.

The World Cup final will take place on July 19. Reigning champions Argentina will face Spain in the title match.

FIFA World Cup 2026

Argentina to face Spain in World Cup final

The team beat England 2-1

Russian Defense Ministry’s Be-200 firefighting aircraft crashes in Turkey

There were five Russian servicemen and three Turkish representatives, who were showing the locations of wildfires to the crew, aboard the aircraft

EU defense spending nearing pre-World War II levels, Russian diplomat says

According to various estimates, planned defense-industrial spending in some member states is approaching the levels seen on the eve of World War II," Yulia Zhdanova said

Nevsky Shipyard floats out Project 23130 medium sea tanker for Russian Navy

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Navy Main Command, the Nevsky Shipyard of the United Shipbuilding Corporation and honorary guests

Restrictions lifted: ITTF returns anthem, flag to Russian table tennis players

The decision will come into effect on July 28

PayPal payment system being considered for acquisition for over $53 bln

A merger between Stripe and PayPal would create the world’s largest payment operator with an annual turnover of around $1.9 trillion

Russia creating wheeled heavy-duty robot named after esteemed WWII general

The platform is designed for logistics missions such as the delivery of provisions, water, combat ammunition loads and medicines

Qatar blocks Israel’s deal with Volkswagen to produce missiles for Iron Dome — media

The deal was blocked despite the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties in April

Zaporozhye nuke calls chief engineer killing breach of nuclear facilities safety principle

Nuclear facilities "should always remain beyond politics and violence," the statement read

Trump suggests findings of investigation into strike on school in Iran may never see light

The US president doesn't think there can be a conclusive report

Kiev’s attempts to scare Energodar people have reverse effect — Russian senator

Igor Kastyukevich expressed gratitude to the security forces, military personnel, and all involved in enhancing security measures for Zaporozhye NPP employees, residents, and the city as a whole

US' plans for more military aid to Kiev will only prolong conflict — Russian diplomat

According to the US draft federal budget for the 2024 financial year published in March, the US administration plans to increase defense spending by 3.2%, to 842 billion US dollars

Merz says Zelensky not opposed to his EU 'associate member' proposal for Ukraine

The German chancellor stated that allegedly many members of the European Council approved his proposal

Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, casualties in Krasnodar Region

Drone debris struck a multi-story residential building in the city of Krasnodar, injuring two people

Trump says sets no deadline for expanding strikes on Iran

According to the US president, the Iranian leadership should be "better behaved"

International Handball Federation allows Russian teams to participate in tournaments

The IHF said that full reintegration may require a transition period for both Russian and Belarusian teams and officials

Minsk court leaves Uralkali CEO Baumgertner under arrest

The Minsk city court tried an appeal of the lawyers against a ruling, which Partizansky district court in Minsk had passed to leave Baumgertner in custody

Russia’s Battlegroup South destroys over 90 Ukrainian robotic vehicles in half-month

Battlegroup's artillery units destroyed over 20 artillery guns of the Ukrainian army

US President Trump instructs Vance, Rubio to continue negotiations with Iran — CBS

A source told the channel that the talks are to take place in Oman on Saturday

Press review: EU struggles on Russia sanctions while Moscow trade surplus grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 14th

Argentina to face Spain in World Cup final

The team beat England 2-1

Trump speaks contradictorily about chances of passing bill on sanctions against Russia

The US president said that key provisions of the document had not been discussed with him and that he needs to review them

Pentagon blocks publication of F-35 fighter jet program report — Bloomberg

This is the first year that the acquisition reviews has been determined to contain CUI information and be restricted from public release

US launches second wave of strikes on Iran — CENTCOM

The strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz

Russia, China interested in developing energy cooperation

The participants of the meeting also shared views on cooperation within international organizations such as APEC, the SCO, and BRICS

European Commission strips Venice Biennale of grant over reopening Russian pavilion

The European Commission has withdrawn a 2-million-euro grant from the Venice Biennale

Von der Leyen promises Kiev ‘safe and secure production sites’ for drones to attack Russia

The European Commission President also promised "huge technological and industrial capacity" in Europe

Restrictions on operation of Kazan, Nizhnekamsk airports removed — Russian aviation agency

As the operation of the Kazan airport was suspended eight aircraft were diverted to alternative airfields, and two aircraft were diverted to alternative airfields in the airport of Nizhnekamsk, the agency noted

US oil inventories down 1.7 mln barrels over week — Department of Energy

The current stock level is 6% below the five-year average typical for this time of the year

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, The Ukraine process is currently on hold

Russian grain exports gain 11% to 61 mln tons in 2025-2026 season

Egypt, Turkey, and Iran were the largest importers of Russian grain products during the season

China opposes US bill imposing sanctions on buyers of Russian fossil fuels

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect legal rights and interests of Chinese companies

Russian forces strike Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Closure of Bab el-Mandeb Strait by Houthis to deal blow to container shipping market

According to Vice President of the Russian International Affairs Council Mikhail Margelov, this event would not have a critical impact on oil supplies

Spanish police looking for several people in Ukrainian ex-politician murder — agency

According to its information, the suspects may have fled through a wooded area near the school where Portnov was killed

Iran has no plans to negotiate with US, focused on defense — agency

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys Ukrainian UAV control antenna in Sumy Region

The antenna was located in a forest belt

Upgraded AK-12 assault rifle successfully completes scheduled tests

The assault rifle will reliably protect the life of a service member, Kalashnikov CEO Alan Lushnikov noted

FSB soldiers eliminate Ukrainian saboteurs, UAV control center in DPR

In total, FSB Gorynych unit operators eliminated four enemy sabotage-terrorist groups

Consulate general investigates detention of Russians in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque

Sources inside the Istanbul police confirmed the incident but declined further comment

Ruble’s share in payments by countries in Americas at historic high in May

The ruble’s share in payments by countries of the Americas for imports from Russia reached an all-time high of 71.6% in May

Coalition of the Willing troops in Ukraine, Western sanctions: Foreign Ministry briefing

The conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved if arms supplies to Kiev stop, Maria Zakharova said

Iranian military says attacks on US bases to continue until ‘ultimate victory’

The IRGC has launched six drone attacks on US bases in the Middle East

Serbia to stay out of military anti-Russian coalition being created by EU — Vulin

"Serbia did not sign the anti-Russian declaration in Kiev," the former Serbian deputy prime minister said

IN BRIEF: What is known about Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports

Russian forces hit Odessa and Chernomorsk port infrastructure facilities used to unload fuel and lubricants and fuel storage tanks for the Ukrainian military

Roscosmos, NASA to coordinate satellite operations to prevent collisions

Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov says Russia's satellite constellation includes hundreds of spacecraft, while partner constellations include thousands

Someone in Russia moves to trademark Spirit of Anchorage

The application for trademark registration was filed with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Rospatent, on July 10, 2026

German drone factory for Ukraine legitimate target for Russian military — expert

Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov added that with a new wave of military aid to Kiev, Germany is trying to escalate the conflict

Auterion, Skyfall to deliver 50,000 AI-powered Shrike FPV drones to Ukraine

The enterprise noted that the procurement is being financed by an unnamed NATO member in Europe

France, Russia to work together to unite Europe, de Gaulle’s grandson says

Pierre de Gaulle reiterated that his grandfather who ruled France after the Second World War placed great significance on the relations between Paris and Moscow

Russian exports of grain, grain-based products up 69% year-to-date

An increase in grain shipments from Russia was recorded: to Turkey, Egypt, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Sudan, Kenya

Russian stocks close in the red on Wednesday

The MOEX Index lost 2.91% to 2,107.67 points, while the RTS Index fell by 3.49% to 851.7 points

West must identify mastermind behind Nord Stream attack, not just perpetrators — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed to a German federal prosecutor's press release stating that an indictment had been filed on June 30 against "Ukrainian national Sergey K." in connection with the September 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines

Iran could target US bases if Washington launches ground operation — ex-foreign minister

Iranian lawmaker and former Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki pointed out that all previous agreements with Washington, including the recent memorandum of understanding, "were nothing but deception"

Russia’s BRICS chairmanship to define format of new members’ participation

The BRICS summit took place in Johannesburg under South Africa’s chairmanship on August 22-24

What we know about detention of man who planned sabotage at oil company in Russia’s Yugra

The detainee has confessed to plotting a terrorist attack on an oil company in Nyagan

Kiev suffering unjustified losses counterattacking near Konstantinovka in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, all previous attempts by the Ukrainian command in this area have been futile and unsuccessful

'Major overhaul' of state: Kazakhstan begins operating under new constitution

One of the key innovations was the restructuring of the legislative branch

Russia does not see real desire from Paris to seek peaceful solutions on Ukraine

Maria Zakharova said that Emmanuel Macron's approach fits into the current ruling European elites’ course of deterring Russia, wearing the "tricorn hat of the war party"

Trotsky coming soon to Netflix: Russian revolutionary series to go on online streaming

The film describes the story of the former leader of the Russian revolution

Von der Leyen, Vucic, Sandu, other leaders arrive in Kiev

They are expected to meet with Zelensky and participate in the Southeast European summit

Death toll from Bangkok pub fire rises to 32 — newspaper

All the victims have been identified

Russia's current account surplus up to $27 bln in January-May — Central Bank

Russia’s foreign trade balance stood at $14.2 bln compared to $7.4 bln in May 2025

Press review: US, Iran vie for Hormuz leverage as Russia, US conclude ISS program by 2030

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 15th

Russian stock market pares losses during main trading session

As of 2:25 p.m. Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices were down 2.78%, at 2,110.51 and 857.98 points, respectively

Saudi Arabia receives US approval before strike on airport in Yemen — Axios

According to the publication, the Saudis are "concerned about a larger conflict with the Houthis," so the authorities decided to coordinate their actions with Washington in advance

US diplomats can't take unlimited short-term business trips to Russia anymore, says Lavrov

Lavrov explained that in addition to its regular diplomatic employees stationed in Russia, the US sends several hundred people annually "for short-term business trips"

EU to revoke asylum eligibility for Ukrainian military-age men from March 2027

The EU does not plan to deport Ukrainian military-age men already residing in Europe

US airstrikes in Iran kill 35 over past day, authorities say

Health Ministry Spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said that the number of killed citizens could rise

Those plotting 'new campaign' against Russia should remember lessons of history — MFA

Maria Zakharova advised them to stop deluding themselves into believing they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia

Millions sign online petition demanding Argentina be booted from World Cup

The petition claims that FIFA and the referees are biased toward Lionel Messi and the Argentininan national team

Long-range Ukrainian strikes possible only with Western help — Russian Security Council

Deputy Secretary Yury Kokov says that in particular, Kiev receives technical support in reconnaissance, targeting, and logistics

Kremlin briefing covers US sanctions plans against Russia, Baltic ‘fearmongering’

Dmitry Peskov revealed that Moscow had received signals through existing channels that the US was ready to resume work on the Ukraine settlement after the Iran situation was resolved

Russia says France's refusal to grant visa to TASS reporter for UNESCO events puzzling

According to Maria Zakharova, on July 17, during a global conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, a UNESCO-Russia International Prize for Achievements Fundamental Sciences will be awarded at UNESCO headquarters in Paris

Russian officials plan to open 80 areas in Yamal for flying civilian drones

The number will expand in the future

Rostec unveils Pautina system for protection of industry facilities from drones

The state corporation said that the Pautina is capable of protecting facilities over 25 meters high and of any size

Europe's worst mistake, Donbass liberation, nuclear escalation: Kremlin comments

Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says European countries still believe that they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and added that this is "the greatest mistake ever"

Messi named Man of the Match in World Cup semifinal win over England

Argentina's forward provided two assists

Air defenses down 340 drones heading for Moscow Region in 24 hours — authorities

Mayor Sergey Sobyanin says most of them were shot down at distant approaches

Trump says Iran is fighting US like 'great boxer'

The US leader stressed that Tehran continued to resist despite repeated US strikes

Russian troops destroying over 80% of Ukrainian drones in LPR — expert

Andrey Marochko emphasized that Russian soldiers at this point "are handling the challenges from the Ukrainian militants quite effectively"

Russia rejects Western accusations of cyberattacks — embassy in The Hague

Vladimir Tarabrin warned Dutch authorities that any further expansion of EU sanctions would provoke retaliatory measures from Moscow

Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71

Republican Senator passed away from a brief and sudden illness

New Russia-Ukraine prisoner swaps on deck, Kiev’s terror: ombudswoman’s key statements

Human rights commissioners are a "major shield protecting human rights" in Russia, Yana Lantratova said

EU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russia sanctions — source

Negotiations have been postponed until next week

Spring draft brings 141,000 conscripts into Russian Armed Forces

The spring conscription campaign has concluded, the Defense Ministry says

West to justify killing of Zaporozhye nuclear power plant chief engineer — Duma deputy

Mikhail Sheremet says the IAEA will "again take an ambivalent blurred position" on the incident

EU readies infrastructure for large-scale military conflict — diplomat

Attention is being paid, among other things, to adapting the civilian transport and logistics infrastructure to the tasks of military planning and operational mobility, Yulia Zhdanova said

People rallied in Buenos Aires due to murder of three girls

Representatives of public associations and citizens, mainly women, marched in a column from the square in front of the presidential palace to the Congress building

Gas injections into European storage at six-year low for July

European gas storage facilities are currently 52.49% full

Russian, Chinese Navy ships head out for joint patrol after drills

Rear Admiral Sergey Sinko stressed that the experience gained would be in demand in future naval activities of the two countries and would be an important contribution to deepening mutual trust and Russian-Chinese cooperation

Russia, US ready to discuss cooperation between their national space stations

During the meeting, the sides elaborated a joint program to complete the station’s flight in late 2030

Bitcoin, Ethereum showing growth

As of 4:15 p.m. Moscow time the price of Bitcoin was up by 2.46% at $65,399, while the price of Ethereum was up by 4.24% at $1,937

Russian troops advance northeast of Svyatogorsk in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the combat conditions are the most intense in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk area

Russian drivers bought 500,000 baseball bats last year to settle road disputes — police

Only one pair of baseball gloves and one ball was sold over that year

Arms supplies to Kiev prevent conflict resolution — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that the West needs to stop hiding behind talk of peace

Trump believes Ukrainian crisis to be resolved before end of his presidential term

The US president thought it would have ended before

Ukraine to receive 300 mln euros in EU grants to finance defense

Mikhail Fyodorov said that 260 mln euros will be allocated to expanding Ukraine’s production capabilities

Ukrainian labor shortage deepens in June — survey

This problem is the worst in the Kirovograd, Chernovtsy, Lvov, Cherkassy, Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Zhitomir and Zaporozhye regions

Ukrainian forces attack DPR 24 times over past day

Four civilians were injured

US not to conduct ground operation to change Iran’s government — Vance

According to Vance, the United States is currently striving to ensure the unhindered transportation of oil and gas, as well as "to keep the Iranians from having a nuclear weapons program and using the tools of diplomacy and military power to accomplish that."