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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Refugee crisis in Europe

EU agrees on new sanctions against Minsk, they will be finalized shortly — top EU diplomat

Josep Borrell confirmed that EU foreign ministers had agreed "to expand the scope of the sanctions regime on Belarus" which would also target those responsible for flying in migrants to Belarus

BRUSSELS, November 15. /TASS/. The fifth package of sanctions against Belarus has been coordinated and will be finalized shortly, EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell told a news conference after the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday.

"We agreed on [the] adoption of a new package, it will be the fifth one, a new package of sanctions which will be finalized in the coming days," Josep Borrell told the news conference. Additionally, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy confirmed that EU foreign ministers had agreed "to expand the scope of the sanctions regime on Belarus" which will also target those responsible for flying in migrants to Belarus.

EU countries accuse Minsk of the deliberate escalation of the crisis and call for more sanctions against Belarus. Meanwhile, Lukashenko said that the blame for this situation rests on Western countries because people are fleeing their countries gripped by hostilities provoked by their actions.

Tags

Kiev may be held accountable for lying about Bucha — GFCN expert

In September, a report by the International Public Tribunal on Crimes by Ukrainian Neo-Nazis regarding the falsification of events in Bucha was presented

Nearly all G20 countries reject revision of most-favored-nation treatment — Reshetnikov

According to the Russian economic development minister, the United States, as this year’s G20 chair, put the issue of reforming MFN treatment on the meeting’s agenda

Up to World Athletics to decide on Russian track and field int’l participation — IOC

Russian track and field athletes previously submitted appeals to the United Nations, the IOC and World Athletics against their ban in international tournaments

European Commission refutes Kiev’s statements about 27-billion-euro shortfall

European Commission Spokeswoman Paula Pinho said there is no financial gap

Ukraine paying price for Black Sea strikes, need for lasting peace: Kremlin remarks

No specific details are available regarding the Turkish and UN initiative to hold talks involving Russia and Ukraine on a ceasefire in the Black Sea, Dmitry Peskov said

Lithuania scrambles NATO jets to identify object in airspace

The center also "issued an air threat warning for Vilnius County and the area around the city of Ukmerge"

Russian forces strike Kiev bridge used to move troops across Dnieper

The Russian Armed Forces continue to strike Ukrainian infrastructure facilities and seagoing vessels used in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces

Christa Pike feared botched execution calling it her ‘worst nightmare’ — NYP

The newspaper also cited the death-row inmate as saying she was afraid the doctor would not be qualified enough to insert a central line

Ukrainian forces encircled in Kharkov Region lose up to 35 soldiers in 24 hours

Spokesman for Russia’s Battlegroup North Vasily Mezhevykh said that the battlegroup continues to tighten the encirclement around the Ukrainian formations in the northeastern part of the region and expand the outer zone of control

Iskander-M, Tornado-S crews launch coordinated missile strike against 'enemy'

Orlan-30 drone crews provided target reconnaissance and strike adjustments, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Situation in Europe so critical that it is being ‘eaten alive’ — Trump

The US president made the statement while addressing his supporters in Texas

Prison officers who thwarted escape in Kabardino-Balkaria to be nominated for awards

The Federal Penitentiary Service also warned against spreading false information following the incident

US incursion in Iraq entailed decades of instability in entire region — Russian diplomat

The 12-year-long presence of the so-called anti-ISIS international coalition in Iraq ended on September 12, Maria Zakharova said

Russia-DPRK film exchange to boost mutual understanding — minister

Olga Lyubimova noted that Russia and the DPRK are bound by a shared history, mutual respect, and strong friendship

Israeli forces shell Quneitra province in southern Syria — TV

No civilian casualties have been reported

Ukrainians tired of Zelensky’s PR built on their blood — former spokeswoman

According to Yulia Mendel, Ukrainians are also tired of the laundering of Western aid

Putin estimates damage from strikes against Russian refineries at 1% of GDP

The Russian leader said the strikes were launched deliberately

Decision on Putin’s G20 summit participation depends on range of factors — sherpa

Denis Agafonov noted that US President Donald Trump "has spoken quite clearly" in favor of his Russian counterpart attending the summit

Kiev begins to close all bridges during air raid alerts — media report

Footage published by the outlet shows long traffic jams already forming on the bridges

Russian forces strike Gostomel logistics center in Kiev Region

In this center materiel used to supply the Ukrainian armed forces is stored

UAE attorney-general classifies Flydubai incident as terrorist attack

The investigation found that the co-pilot who attacked the captain had planned to carry out a terrorist attack, the state-run WAM news agency quoted Al Shamsi as saying

Merz accuses Russia of revisionism, not knowing meaning of word — diplomat

Russia stands "against Nazism, fascism, colonialism, racism, terrorism and dictatorship," Maria Zakharova stressed

FACTBOX: What we know about Russian strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure

Authorities in the Ukrainian capital closed three bridges across the Dnieper river to traffic

Unmanned tanks used during main stage of Center-2026 drills

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the use of a multi-channel, jamming-resistant control system facilitates the rapid movement of unmanned tanks on the battlefield

Western countries draw up plans to relocate embassies from Kiev — The Guardian

According to the sources, the diplomatic missions could relocate to Lvov or eastern Poland

North Korea rejects military sovereignty talks with South — Kim Yo-Jong

The department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea slammed Seoul’s proposal to hold talks on establishing a military demarcation line as "an illusion unworthy of a response and unilateral whining"

Soviet Union’s collapse is tragedy for tens of millions — Putin

Russia has been through a complicated path of fundamental transformations and this process is ongoing, said russian leader

US-Russia relations may enter 'abnormal' phase after Trump — US journalist

Christopher Helali is not sure that the parties will be able to normalize relations

Russia tests several new ground robotic systems at Center-2026 drills

Chelnok ground-based drones of increased cross-country capability and carrying capacity were also involved in the drills

Putin observes Center-2026 exercises

The exercises are aimed at improving the practical skills of the command staff and headquarters of the formations in managing troop groupings

Center-2026 drills conducted in accordance with Russian military training plan — Putin

The Russian president noted that the drills are linked to the Interaction-2026 command-and-staff exercise, which is taking place within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization

Heads of government of EAEU countries discuss trade, agriculture development

The Eurasian Intergovernmental Council greenlighted the forecast for the development of the agriculture sector

Seoul says North Korean missile flew 700 km — Yonhap

According to the report, South Korea's presidential administration held an emergency meeting to review military readiness and assess the security impact

G7 countries agree not to restrict energy exports

The decision comes amid a sharp rise in prices and high volatility in oil markets

Signal 2.0 perimeter surveillance system is deployed in Zaporozhye front of special op

"The Signal 2.0 mobile system is designed for the rapid deployment of security systems at technically unprepared front lines and temporary facilities," Igor Potapov said

Russia backs US push to preserve G20’s original priorities — sherpa

Trade was probably one of the most difficult negotiating tracks, and those talks concluded only yesterday, Russian G20 Sherpa and Chief of the Presidential Experts’ Directorate Denis Agafonov said

Flydubai suspends flights to Tel Aviv at authorities’ request — CEO

Ghaith Al Ghaith confirmed that all 172 passengers and crew members aboard flight FZ 1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, are safe

Ukraine loses 2 mln tonnes of metallurgical output by end-September — TASS calculations

Based on European market prices, these losses are valued at approximately $580.2 million per month for steel, $274.9 million for pig iron, and $449.9 million for rolled products

US military transport aircraft sends out distress signal over Canada

According to the source, the aircraft took off from Reykjavik

G7 to release 100 mln barrels of diesel, other reserves

G7 countries also agreed to coordinate maintenance schedules across refineries to prevent simultaneous capacity shutdowns and temporarily increase utilization rates where feasible

Rada urges concessions on NATO, language, faith to secure peace with Russia

According to Verkhovna Rada deputy Alexey Goncharenko, Kiev should "send a signal" to Moscow that it is willing to discuss Ukraine’s neutral status to launch a peaceful dialogue

Latest ground-based complex with LMUR missiles deployed during Center-2026 drills

The Russian Defense Ministry said that the ground-based missile system is designed for high-precision destruction of important stationary and moving targets at a range of up to 20 kilometers

Belarus’ refusal to stab Russians in the back, gratitude to Trump: Lukashenko’s statements

The Belarusian president stressed that Minsk will always remain committed to a common course with Moscow

US will not ban diesel fuel exports — Trump

According to the US president, the issue was "never really ever on the table"

Almost all Germans understand chancellor destroying country — Russian envoy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is destroying the country despite having an approval rating of just 10%, Kirill Dmitriev said

US Coast Guard reports seizing two vessels carrying fuel to Cuba

The US considers the vessels part of a shadow fleet but did not specify their ownership

International tribunal’s report on Bucha helps establish truth — GFCN expert

Alexandre Guerreiro noted that the investigation involved examining official documents and hearing testimony from witnesses with direct knowledge of the events

Iran considers banning Israeli, hostile nations’ ships from Strait of Hormuz

Vessels from other, non-hostile states would be required to obtain special transit permits from the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces under regulations set out in the proposed legislation

Special military op’s experience used during Center-2026 drills — Putin

The Russian president said that new weapons and vehicles are used during the drills

Putin meets with foreign military attaches

The Russian president visited the Chebarkul training ground in the Chelyabinsk Region, where he observed a phase of the Center-2026 strategic command-and-staff exercises

Troop grouping completes main stage of Center-2026 drills by defeating enemy

The total number of troops at the Chebarkul training ground exceeds 6,000 military personnel

IN BRIEF: Putin speaks on Russia’s economic sustainability, Europe’s aggression

Russia’s offensive in the special military operation zone is gaining momentum, the president says

Russian forces strike cargo ship carrying dual-use goods to Odessa

The ship was struck while in transit in the northwestern part of the Black Sea

Zhanna Nemtsova added to Russian register of foreign agents

Rustam Khuazhev, a member of the presidium of the League of Free Nations, and the information resource Reanimation were also added to the register

Su-30SM2 fighter jets, Su-24M bombers conduct exercise near Kaliningrad

The pilots surveyed the area, performed flights to the designated sector, and conducted precision bombing runs on full-scale targets using OFAB-250ShN high-explosive fragmentation bombs

Putin says he has fairly good relationship with Trump

The Russian leader said that he is grateful to Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis

EU fully rejects ban on diesel exports that would undermine trust in US

European Commission representative Anna-Kaisa Itkonen confirmed that the EC was coordinating a plan to use diesel from European strategic reserves with the International Energy Agency and the G7

Russian stocks close in the red on Friday

Freedom Global expects the MOEX Index to trade within the 2,250-2,350 point range on Monday

Su-57 aircraft provides cover for helicopters during strike on UAV control post

The crews of Ka-52 helicopters launched a strike with light multi-purpose guided missiles against an enemy UAV control point exposed by reconnaissance means at the Chebarkul training ground as part of the Center-2026 exercises

Two-year boy injured after drone detonation in Belgorod Region

The child was taken to a hospital, the local crisis response center said

West views Ukraine as expendable in effort to harm Russia — Duma lawmaker

Brussels considers this strategy toward Ukraine an acceptable price for advancing its own interests, Alexander Boroday said

Kiev sacrifices entire generations for illusion of victory — Zelensky’s former spokeswoman

According to Yulia Mendel, Ukrainians have grown "tired of militarization" and of "Ukraine’s autocratic system"

One Russian convoy officer killed, 3 wounded in attack by inmate in North Caucasus

The attacker has been liquidated

Ukrainian people will curse Zelensky, says deputy chairman of Duma committee

Alexander Borodai also claimed that Vladimir Zelensky had long made arrangements for potential future residence in Europe and Israel

Christa Pike remains hospitalized, unconscious, her lawyers say — CNN

The death-row inmate's attorneys told the TV channel that she was on a ventilator

FPV drones take 'swarm' formation against assault groups during Center-2026 drills

The ministry noted that, in parallel with the attack by the assault groups and drone crews, mobile fire groups using Ulan-2 vehicles were engaged in combat against the enemy’s unmanned aerial vehicles

TASS source refutes media allegations about prisoner riot in train car near Vladikavkaz

One of the convicts attacked an officer in a train car and killed him, the official explained

US to announce sweeping sanctions against International Criminal Court — The Times

According to the report, supporters of the court fear this could lead to its dissolution

Fridman’s access to assets in EU remains limited despite removal of sanctions - Bloomberg

Mikhail Fridman’s main assets in the EU include a 37.9% stake in LetterOne, a Luxembourg-headquartered multinational investment firm, according to the agency

Center-2026 drill being held at ten training grounds — deputy defense minister

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov noted that the distinctive features of operations at the Chebarkul training ground include the wide use of unmanned aerial vehicles

Russia welcomes US troop withdrawal from Iraq — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Iraqi army and law enforcement can now strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and ensure national security on their own

Russia open to dialogue on Black Sea security with all countries — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that Moscow is not engaged in any concrete talks on bilateral agreements

Damage to refineries decreasing — Novak

The government promptly took a wide range of measures to saturate the domestic market with fuel, the Russian deputy prime minister added

Ukrainian forces attack DPR settlements 25 times over past 24 hours

Fifteen civilians were wounded

Active phase of CSTO drills over in Russia

All components of the CSTO’s Rapid Reaction Force demonstrated coordinated actions at the Chebarkul training ground during a joint operation to contain a border armed conflict

US not ready to join Saudi operation against Houthis — media

According to the Axios, the United States has rebuffed a Saudi request to join the operation and conduct airstrikes against Houthi positions for the second time in recent weeks

Situation in CSTO’s area of responsibility currently deteriorating — secretary general

Taalatbek Masadykov added that conflict potential is rising in CSTO border regions

Kiev may be held accountable for lying about Bucha — GFCN expert

In September, a report by the International Public Tribunal on Crimes by Ukrainian Neo-Nazis regarding the falsification of events in Bucha was presented

Co-pilot who attacked captain on Flydubai flight identified as Omani national — TV

According ABC News sources, extremist materials were discovered in 2024 belonging to him, and investigators have yet to determine how he was cleared to operate a Flydubai flight as a co-pilot

IN BRIEF: Japan introduces package of anti-Russian sanctions

Restrictive measures were for the first time introduced in respect of 35 ships

IN BRIEF: Russian gains in Kharkov Region, Dobropolye, Ukrainian losses

Ukraine lost approximately 1,325 troops over the past 24 hours as a result of Russian military operations in the special military operation zone

Troop strength at Center-2026 exercises totals 6,000 men — Russian defense minister

Representatives from nearly 60 countries, along with forces and equipment from the CSTO collective security system, are taking part in the exercises

New world’s conflicts, chaos, West’s attempts to destroy Russia: Putin’s speech

The Russian president says the world needs to think about what should be done to avoid the most catastrophic scenarios, in which humanity could slide to the brink of survival

Putin shown unmanned tanks based on T-72 in Chelyabinsk Region

The tanks are equipped with two different combat modules – a tank-type module and a BMPT-type module

Covert strike behind enemy lines with underground routes practiced at Center-2026 drills

The assault groups carried out a covert advance along the water supply line and through a pre-prepared underground passage to the rear of the enemy’s stronghold, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Live-fire exercise at naval target performed during Center-2026 drills

According to the drills’ scenario, a simulated enemy attempted to seize a section of the coastline and launch an offensive

No one has weapons of destruction like Russia — Putin

The head of state stressed that it is Russia's competitive advantage

German authorities launch re-privatization of former Gazprom subsidiary — newspaper

SEFE is valued at around 6 bln euro, Börsen-Zeitung said

Drone attack damages apartment buildings in Kaluga Region, injures residents

The injured sustained minor wounds from glass fragments and received all necessary medical assistance

FACTBOX: What is known about the prisoner attack on Russian prison guards

The attack left one convoy officer dead and three others wounded

Russia’s grain harvest projected at 140 mln tons in 2026

Last year, Russia’s grain harvest amounted to over 144 mln tons

Russian troops liberate 17 communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North thwarted all the Ukrainian army’s attempts during the past week to break out of the encirclement in the northeast of the Kharkov Region, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian strikes undermine production of military products in Ukraine — State Duma deputy

Leonid Ivlev said Russia had many times warned that retaliatory strikes would be launched against Ukraine's infrastructure facilities

Russian forces disabling rather than fully destroying Ukrainian bridges — expert

According to Boris Rozhin, an expert at the Center for Information and Geopolitical Research, Ukrainian bridges have sufficient structural strength because they were built back in the Soviet era

Yemeni military neutralizes over 1,500 Houthis in past day

The strikes involved combat aircraft, drones, artillery and missile systems, Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesman Col. Majed Al-Nuzaili said

Russian Foreign Ministry warns foreigners, diplomats against staying in Ukraine

The ministry reiterated that the Russian Armed Forces continue to carry out systematic and consistent strikes on military facilities in Kiev and other Ukrainian cities in response to terrorist actions by the Ukrainian army against Russia’s civilian population and infrastructure

Japan sanctions Russian companies, individuals

Restrictive measures were for the first time introduced in respect of 35 ships that may be associated with Moscow, in the opinion of Tokyo

Prisoner killed while trying to escape from train near Vladikavkaz

A spokesman for the law enforcement agencies said that reports about a riot are not true

Russian air defenses intercept, destroy 218 Ukrainian drones overnight

Russian air defenses destroyed fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over the Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tula, Moscow, and Krasnodar regions

Press review: NATO escalates Russia tensions as Putin's envoy, economy minister visit US

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 2nd

Over 2,000 soldiers with special op experience involved in Center-2026 drills

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov said the drills also involve more than 780 students of military academies who gained a vast expertise while deploying and commanding units