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Russian rhythmic gymnasts return to World Championships after five seasons

The national team will compete in Frankfurt am Main

BERLIN, August 12. /TASS/. The Russian rhythmic gymnastics team will compete at the World Championships in Frankfurt am Main for the first time since 2021, when they won seven gold medals in Kitakyushu.

The 2026 championships will be the last where Russian athletes compete without flag and anthem.

The team includes individual gymnasts Maria Borisova and Sofia Ilteryakova, who medaled at the European Championships in May. The group exercises will feature six gymnasts.

The competition runs August 12-16, with qualification today, individual all-around finals on August 14, group all-around on August 15, and apparatus finals on August 16.

Russian swimmer Kornev wins gold at 2026 European Aquatics Championships

Maxime Grousset of France won silver and Grigori Pekarski of Belarus finished third

IN BRIEF: Latest Russian strike targets defense industry sites, logistic centers

The crews of the Russian Aerospace Forces delivered strikes against Ukrainian temporary deployment sites and drone control centers in the DPR, the Kharkov and Sumy Regions, the Defense Ministry reported

Siemens suspends contract for purchase of Sapsan trains for Russian Railways — CEO

Earlier, the German concern Siemens announced that it would continue maintenance of its trains supplied to Russian Railways

More than 130 UAV crews trained at Moscow Military District last month

During the training, the soldiers honed their skills in flying drones over obstacles on a special FPV training course equipped with structures simulating urban terrain

Press review: NATO boosts Northern Europe presence as Israel blocks Gaza peace efforts

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 11th

Trump says Russia agreed to release Gilman without exchange

According to the US leader, the Russian president agreed to release Gilman on a humanitarian basis

Aircraft possibly carrying Gilman makes stopover in Ireland

A source in EU air traffic control services said that Shannon Airport is often used to refuel aircraft before flying over the Atlantic

World's first stratospheric platform successfully launched in Arctic

Results of the platform's launch will be used for improving communications quality along the Northern Sea Route

IN BRIEF: What we know about release of American Robert Gilman, convicted in Russia

Robert Gilman was detained in 2022 at the Voronezh railway station after being involved in a drunken brawl on the Sukhum-Moscow train

Battlegroup North UAV crews destroy over 10 Ukrainian UAV control centers near Kharkov

A Russian serviceman, call sign Svat, said the enemy is constantly attempting to strike the civilian population and civilian infrastructure

Defeat in Kramatorsk to deal massive blow to Kiev — Bild

The situation is getting worse day by day, and the frontline is moving closer to Ukrainian positions

EU uncertain who to pay for Kiev’s 90 bln euro loan — German MEP

Fabio De Masi accused the German government of irresponsibility for approving the loan to Ukraine without properly assessing the risks and consequences while "nothing has functioned in Germany for a long time."

Brazilian, Spanish mercenaries surrounded near Kharkov — Russian defense source

According to the source, "nationalists from the reconnaissance battalion of Ukraine’s 425th Separate Assault Regiment have been tasked with evacuating the mercenaries"

If Russian gymnasts win at World Cup, 2024 Olympic Games anthem to be played

The World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships will be held from August 12 to 16 in Frankfurt am Main

Europeans not pleased about admission of Russians to world competitions — MP

Dmitry Svishchyov stressed that the IOC should withstand European pressure

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on innovations, sovereignty, SKIF

The head of state noted that Russia has grown even stronger by expanding its technological capabilities

Putin arrives in Far Eastern city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The Russian president will attend the final stage of the Pacific Fleet’s exercises

Kiev concerned over Russia’s Rassvet low-Earth orbit satellite constellation

In late March, Russia’s Bureau 1440 company successfully orbited the first 16 satellites of the Rassvet low-Earth orbit constellation

Press review: Iran missile risks may expand conflict and US eyes regime change in Cuba

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 4th

Larry Summers to resign from Harvard over Epstein ties — CNN

Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said Summers has also resigned from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government

Russia to create national database of genetic resources — Putin

The president pointed out that the database was expected to receive about 10 petabytes of data annually

US Department of Energy raises Brent oil price outlook to $86.81 in 2026

The authority expects "most production" to recover by early 2027

Russia develops Darwin-D protective net to shield roads from UAV attacks

The net is designed to shield highways, major roads, and transportation arteries at least 12 meters wide from attacks by FPV drones and fixed-wing UAVs

Ukrainian troops burn corpses of Colombian mercenaries with acid — war prisoner

The captured Ukrainian soldier added that he was guided to the position by a drone and was not provided with water or food, so he decided to surrender

CENTCOM reports disabling ship that attempted to breach blockade on Iran

According to the US military, the vessel has ignored repeated warnings while en route to an Iranian port via the Gulf of Oman

UK seeks to ‘reboot’ high-level military contacts with Russia — The Times

According to the report, UK military chiefs fear an "unintended escalation" caused by the lack of dialogue with Moscow

US expert views Gilman’s release as step towards de-escalation ahead of Witkoff’s visit

According to Gilbert Doctorow, the move also could be aimed at de-escalation between Russia and NATO

Russia develops latest Fantom camouflage cape, concealing soldier’s silhouette

At night, the cloak’s materials minimizes light reflection and glare and pronounced contrast to prevent detection by night-vision devices

Italian PM faces growing pressure over support for Ukraine — media

According to the report, Giorgia Meloni is also "hardening her tone" on migration

Russian rhythmic gymnasts return to World Championships after five seasons

The national team will compete in Frankfurt am Main

Moscow’s relations with Beijing are stable, protected from int’l fluctuations — ambassador

According to Igor Morgulov, the stability of Russian-Chinese relations is ensured by principles of equality, non-interference into domestic affairs, mutual respect and due account of each other’s interests

US President Trump says 'terrible mistake' may be made replacing FIFA chief Infantino

The US president said that FIFA World Cup "will never be as successful or profitable again" if Gianni Infantino leaves his position

Russia to respond tit-for-tat to Moldova's diplomatic provocations — Foreign Ministry

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin indicated that the Moldovan side introduced quotas on the number of embassy staff

Russian Forces intercept rare Portuguese Tekever AR3 recon drone

The UAV has been transferred to a research institute, where specialists will study its design, technical specifications, and engineering solutions

Switzerland adds 45 entities, 9 individuals to anti-Russian sanctions list — TASS

Nine individuals have been blacklisted for the first time, including Rostec Executive Director Oleg Yevtushenko

US citizen freed in Russia heads to Texas hospital — media

Robert Gilman’s family also flew to Texas to be with him

US lawmaker Luna lauds Russia’s release of Gilman

The lawmaker noted the contribution of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy to the US President Steve Witkoff and "all parties involved"

Russian swimmer Kornev wins gold at 2026 European Aquatics Championships

Maxime Grousset of France won silver and Grigori Pekarski of Belarus finished third

Trump confirms release of US citizen Robert Gilman convicted in Russia

According to the US President, Robert Gilman will arrive in the United States early on Wednesday Moscow time

EU ready to do everything to prevent Russia from returning to international sports — SVR

According to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, "so-called European elites are seriously concerned about the IOC's decision to remove all restrictions on the Russian Olympic Committee and Russian athletes"

Russia warns Ukraine against any provocations against Belarus — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin reiterated that the Agreement on Security Guarantees between Russia and Belarus implies "an obvious mechanism for joint response" to actions considered threats to a member of the Union State

Vietnam plans to launch satellites in partnership with SpaceX in 2027

The US company will deliver the Vietnamese satellites into orbit, while the Vietnamese company will be responsible "for the research, development, manufacturing and on-orbit operation of its satellites"

Putin arrives in West Siberia’s Novosibirsk on working visit

The Russian president's visit focuses on regional issues and the development of science and technology

Russian strikes paralyze Ukraine’s southern power grid — official

Yevgeny Poddubny said the damage to the energy infrastructure in the southern regions of Ukraine is of particular importance

Moldovan authorities stage provocative acts against Russian diplomats — embassy

In particular, the embassy's repeated requests to the Foreign Ministry of Moldova for assistance in returning the license plates, illegally seized from the diplomatic mission’s vehicle, still remain unanswered

NATO-style alliances in Asia create threats for entire region — Russian security official

Summing up the results of a Russian delegation’s visit to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, Sergey Shoigu pointed out that the issue of regional security had been discussed in detail

Death toll in Houthi strike on vessel rises to four

Another four crew members were injured

Russian, Belarusian deputy foreign ministers discuss relations with Western organizations

Moscow and Minsk reaffirmed their commitment to further close coordination and joint efforts to defend common interests in the international arena

Russian strikes destroy 80,000-100,000 sq m of refrigerated warehouses near Kiev — expert

According to Alexander Bondarenko, the remaining facilities cover only 20-30% of the region’s needs

OPCW turns down Russia’s, Iran’s initiatives against increasing its budget

Only about a fourth of the countries voted in favor of it

Serbian politician questions necessity of Zelensky's visit to Belgrade

In Milos Jovanovic's words, the people of Serbia "feel sad for casualties inflicted by the conflict on the two Slavic peoples," and Belgrade should "maintain the best possible relationship with all countries, including Ukraine

Georgia rules out restoring diplomatic ties with Russia — prime minister

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia’s objective with regard to Russia is a peaceful settlement of the conflict

Implementation of US peace plan for Gaza de-facto stalled — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya stated that the ceasefire was still being consistently violated, first of all by the Israeli side

Supreme Court rules to disqualify Yabloko party from parliamentary polls

The Yabloko party has five days to appeal the ruling

Ukrainians in Poland paying price for Kiev’s glorification of Nazism — Russian senator

Alexander Voloshin highlighted that the Ukrainian leadership had fostered the most radical forms of nationalism in Eastern Europe for many years

Ukrainian forces choose targets to sow fear, panic, but Russia shall win — expert

Yevgeny Poddubny emphasized that the most important thing for Russia right now is to prevail

Siding with West in conflict with Russia unacceptable for Serbs — politician

Milos Jovanovic explained that the reason was that the West positioned itself as an enemy of Serbia and the people of Serbia

EU can supply Ukraine with weapons purchased from US — Trump

The US president reiterated that he does not give weapons to Ukraine

Two suspected Russian drones found floating in Black Sea — Romanian defense minister

According to Romania’s acting Defense Minister Radu Miruta, the drones were spotted by a ship working in this area which called a coastal guard boat

Moldovan authorities ignoring threats to world from Kiev regime — Russian embassy

The diplomatic mission called on Chisinau to refrain from further escalatory steps that prove to be harmful for Moldovan citizens

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Battlegroup North units took control of the settlement of Shcherbakovka in the Kharkov Region and Battlegroup East units liberated the settlement of Novoye Pole in the Zaporozhye Region

Russia hopes West has common sense to prevent irreparable effects for Europe — MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin highlighted that the Joint Regional Group of Forces and the Unified Air Defense System are operating effectively within the integrated defense space of Russia and Belarus

EAEU leaders sign 25 documents at Nur-Sultan summit

In particular, an agreement was signed on the mechanism for traceability of goods imported into the customs territory of the union

Former Chinese official sentenced to death for taking $39 mln in bribes

From 2009 to 2025, Long Xiang held senior posts in the government of Nanjing, the administrative center of the eastern province of Jiangsu

Russian Aerospace Forces strike Ukrainian targets in DPR, Kharkov, Sumy

The Defense Ministry reported that Russian Aerospace Forces crews carried out airstrikes on the identified targets using FAB-250 aerial bombs

Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia — TV

The court also sentenced Atef Najib, the former head of the political security directorate in the Syrian province of Daraa

Russia, OPEC to occupy more than 50% of oil market by 2050 — IEA

Oil production in the United States in 2022 totaled 7.5 million barrels per day, by 2030 it will increase by 2 million barrels per day, but by 2050 it will decrease again to 8.5 million barrels

There have been no drafts of treaty on Ukraine, only questions for discussion — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that he had discussed this set of questions with American negotiators before his visit to Alaska

Morocco starts building four-meter-tall barrier near Ceuta amid new migration wave worries

According to the newspaper, the barrier is being built on the outskirts of the town of Fnideq

Container ship likely hit by missile in Gulf of Oman — news agency

According to UK’s Vanguard risk management group, the Vela Nova container ship was attacked 71 nautical miles off the coast of Pakistan

Su-57 constitutes key element for achieving air superiority — Russia’s Air Force Commander

Sergey Kobylash stated that during the special military operation, Russian aviation and aviation munitions "reached a qualitatively new level"

Hydrocarbon storages may be created in perennially frozen soils — expert

This way the country could solve problems of long-term and short-term fuel storage for the Northern Supplies program, as well as to make export reserves

Libya’s military intelligence chief Mansouri assassinated — news web portal

According to the report by Al Marsad, the attackers used an explosive device to assassinate Fowzi Mansouri near his home in Benghazi

Industrial production in Yakutia gain 9.7% YTD — head of region

It is reported that gold and diamond mining and the oil and gas sector are on the rise

NATO drills pose no threat to Minsk — Belarusian Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, "NATO has been conducting military drills one after another, particularly exercising the use of military force in close proximity to the Belarusian border"

Helicopters better than missiles shoot down UAVs over Russian territory — Kalashnikov CEO

According to Alan Lushnikov, as a result of the Vikhr missile upgrade, the company has obtained a sufficiently effective means of combating fixed-wing UAVs

Houthis say they attacked Saudi forces’ positions in Yemen

The attack left "dozens killed and wounded, including Saudis," Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree says

Brent oil on ICE climbs above $88 per barrel for first time since July 31

By 1:42 a.m. GMT, Brent crude had risen 0.41% to $88.08 per barrel

15 die, 75 missing after ferry capsized in Zimbabwe

Seventy-four people have been rescued

Russia preparing for G20 Ministerial Council in Atlanta at high level — Russian ambassador

According to Marat Berdyyev, negotiations on the final documents of the forum's activities this year have entered an active phase within the G20

FACTBOX: One killed, fires at warehouses in Voronezh Region, 396 UAV attack aftermath

TASS has compiled the main information about the consequences

Embassy in Colombia receives no appeals from Russian citizens regarding earthquake — envoy

Nikolay Tavdumadze says embassy staff are in contact with the authorities to verify information about allegedly affected Russians

Intoxicated takeoff aborted: Russian airline fires pilots for being drunk on duty

Pobeda has zero tolerance for staff members who drink liquor even outside their work hours, CEO says

Russian army is global military powerhouse — expert

According to Hero of Russia Yevgeny Poddubny, Russia currently has the most combat-ready and powerful army in the world

Battlegroup East fighters clear over 100 buildings liberating Novoye Pole in Zaporozhye

The Ukrainian armed forces suffered losses amounting to up to a company of personnel, seven armored fighting vehicles and 11 motor vehicles

Russia’s Battlegroup West destroys 85 Ukrainian heavy drones, EW station over past day

The battlegroup’s fighters also located and destroyed 61 enemy UAV control centers

Russia destroys Ukraine’s US-made Humvee vehicle in Donetsk region

As a result of a single precision strike, the enemy armored vehicle caught fire and its fuel detonated, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Press Review: EU seeks to prolong Ukraine conflict and NATO prepares Arctic ops

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 8th

US faces $13 billion in damage from Iranian strikes — newspaper

Iran has damaged or destroyed more than 42 US military aircraft, mostly large drones, but also fighter jets

US, Iran close to concluding peace deal — Pakistani defense minister

Khawaja Asif revealed that the two sides were close to "some sort of an arrangement"

US citizen Gilman released by Russia heads to hospital in Texas — activists

According to Global Reach, his family has flown to the state as well

Death toll in Houthi strike on Tihama rises to six

Another 10 people were injured

Iran offers Turkmenistan to strengthen transport cooperation between Caspian Sea ports

Iran's ambassador to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani believes that the Caspian Sea can be considered as part of the common civilizational heritage of the region

Control of Shcherbakovka facilitates Russian troops advance to Kharkov — defense source

According to the statement, the Russian troops’ active operations in the Kharkov Region are forcing the enemy to revise its combat plans

German lawmaker calls on government to rein in financial aid to Ukraine

Markus Frohnmaier recalled that since February 2022, Germany has allocated more than 100 billion euro in assistance to Ukraine

Biden caused US munitions problems by aiding Kiev — Trump

According to the US leader, Joe Biden gave Kiev munitions worth $300 billion to Ukraine

Armed provocations in Transnistria to be regarded as attack on Russia — MFA

Mikhail Galuzin noted that Moscow assessed the risk of direct armed provocations by Kiev and Chisinau against Transnistria as low

Russia to resort to measures in response to growing NATO presence in Finland — embassy

According to a source in the embassy, Russia has repeatedly drawn attention to the detrimental consequences of this policy, and the diplomats are sure that Helsinki are aware of these signals

Atom electric car sales to start in April — commercial director

Alexander Kostylev said that first deliveries will be made to clients posting the pre-order in 2023, as well as to carsharing partners, taxi companies and regional authorities for pilot tests

Russia, China discuss easier travel between countries for citizens — Foreign Ministry

The parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation in the consular field

Over 40 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions during day

Russian air defense systems intercepted Ukrainian UAVs over five Russian regions