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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Military operation in Ukraine

US, Ukraine to finalize bilateral talks on security arrangements in next several weeks

Spokesperson for the US Department of State Matthew Miller said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba also discussed the situation on the battlefield and the upcoming Switzerland-hosted "Summit on Peace in Ukraine"

WASHINGTON, June 1. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba agreed in their phone call on Friday to finalize bilateral talks on security guarantees for Kiev in the next several weeks, Spokesperson for the US Department of State Matthew Miller said in a press release.

"The two agreed to finalize bilateral talks on long-term security arrangements in the next several weeks," the diplomat said.

In addition, he said, the two top diplomats touched upon the situation on the battlefield and the upcoming Switzerland-hosted "Summit on Peace in Ukraine."

On 30 May, The Financial Times said that the United States was close to inking a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine. At the NATO summit in Vilnius in the summer of 2023, the G7 countries promised to sign agreements with Kiev on security guarantees. Ukraine has already inked such ten-year agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Canada, Latvia, the Netherlands, Finland, and France. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the agreements say nothing about guarantees, but merely state what is already being done by Kiev’s allies, with no one promising anything more than that.

Tags

Ukraine United States Antony Blinken Military operation in Ukraine

IDF claims elimination of Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon

According to the IDF, a precision airstrike near the settlement of Deir Kifa eliminated Fadel Ibrahim

Kalashnikov unveils equipment developed for Legionnaire combat suit

The fighting capabilities were developed by Kalashnikov’s engineers on the basis of requirements from servicemen that are engaged in the special military operation

Ukrainian soldier who switched to Russia’s side on T-64 tank applies for Russian passport

Maksim Likhachyov surrendered to Russian troops near Donetsk in late May

Russia to respond if restrictions placed on diplomats’ travel in EU — MFA

As Yevgeny Ivanov noted, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moscow at a certain point lifted restrictions on the US diplomatic mission

US still unwilling to normalize operation of embassies — senior Russian diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov noted that the process of rotation of Russian diplomatic personnel in the United States is very difficult

Russia to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam — Putin

"We are ready to continue active joint work on a wide range of topics, including economic, scientific and technical spheres, defense, security and humanitarian relations," the Russian leader underlined

Russian forces wipe out group of foreign mercenaries in DPR — adviser

Igor Kimakovsky noted that several pieces of equipment were also destroyed

South Korea intends to reconsider arms supplies to Ukraine

Earlier, the Republic of Korea provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine and supplied non-lethal military items, but not weapons

US Central Command says senior official of Islamic State killed in Syria

CENTCOM that his death "will disrupt ISIS’s ability to resource and conduct terror attacks"

Kim Jong Un calls Russia 'true friend'

"I stand with my Russian comrades, true friends and associates, in this solemn hall," the North Korean leader noted

Vietnam’s ties with Russia built on basis of equality, mutual benefit — senior diplomat

The leaders of the two counties "always attach great significance to bilateral relations, which meet the expectations of the two people’s and development interests of each country," Le Thi Hang Thu said

Putin takes Kim Jong Un for ride in Russian-made Aurus

Putin took a seat behind the wheel, while Kim Jong Un got in the neighboring passenger seat

EU ambassadors agree on 14th package of sanctions against Russia

The statement did not reveal the nature of the new measures, only noting that they include both "targeted restrictions" and measures to " close gaps" in previous sanctions packages to increase their effectiveness

Kim Jong Un drives Putin around in Russian-made Aurus

Earlier, the two leaders held talks at the Geumsusan residence

Russia demands US remove its nuclear weapons from Europe — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that said missions are based on the forward deployment of US weapons in Europe "thousands of kilometers away from the US national territory and within operational reach of Russian territory"

Kiev forces pound city near Zaporozhye NPP with artillery after drone attack — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, as of 9:00 p.m. Moscow time, Ukrainian forces had fired seven shells at Energodar

Tsirkon hypersonic weapons in service with Russian naval ships — defense firm

The Tsirkon underwater modification was test-fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk in its surface position

Tokyo accuses Moscow of violating UNSC resolutions by cooperating with Pyongyang

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi refrained from direct comments on the Russian-North Korean comprehensive strategic partnership treaty

Putin notes USSR’s aid in Vietnam’s fight against foreign invaders

"After the victory and complete liberation of the Vietnamese territory from the occupiers, it was Soviet builders, engineers, doctors, teachers and scientists who helped rebuild Vietnam," the Russian leader said

West’s response to Russian peace proposal limited to public statements — Kremlin aide

On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with top Foreign Ministry officials and set forth new peace proposals to settle the conflict in Ukraine, which envisage recognition of the status of Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions as parts of Russia

Special operation shows that Western forces no match for Russia — newspaper

According to the article, "the Russian people and government stand united by patriotism, steadfastly defending the security and sovereignty of the country"

West now hopeless, Russia’s attempts to reach out do not yield results — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the West "has completely closed itself in its shell of rejection of alternative models of both socio-political structure and foreign policy positioning"

Russia, Vietnam not to conclude treaties hurting sovereignty

The two leaders held bilateral talks in Hanoi, signing at least 11 documents and approving a statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership

Press review: China in NATO crosshairs over Russia support and Kiev eyes ZNPP return

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 19th

Russia, North Korea agree on cooperation in medicine, creation of border bridge

The two governments signed an agreement on the construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River on the border of the two countries

Strategic partnership, rejection of sanctions: results of talks between Putin, Kim Jong Un

The treaty will take interaction between the two countries "to a new level" rather than resting on laurels that already exist

Russian troops wipe out Western-supplied equipment depot in Ukraine operation

Russian forces improved their frontline positions in the Donetsk area where the Ukrainian army lost roughly 665 troops over the past day

Dnieper Hydroelectric Plant goes offline, disrupting Ukrainian defense output — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, the disabling of the power plant is designed to help halt production in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces

Russia’s Pacific Fleet begins deployment to exercise involving 40 ships

The Fleet explained that this is the first time this exercise is considered bilateral

Putin arrives at Presidential Palace in Hanoi

Hanoi greeted the Russian president with sweltering heat

Putin’s visit to North Korea to bring bilateral relations to new level — newspaper

According to the Global Times, cooperation between the two countries will make Moscow more capable of "playing the long game" amid the Ukrainian crisis

Strategic partnership with Vietnam among priorities in Russia — Putin

Putin’s visit comes as the two countries mark 30 years of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations

Putin paying state visit to Vietnam

The talks are expected to focus on issues of partnership between Moscow and Hanoi and will yield a number of bilateral documents

Russia-North Korea relations seen as part of strategy of developing ties with global South

According to the expert, such an agreement, especially its part on military cooperation, can be seen as a response to the West’s recent actions against both Russia and North Korea

Ukraine will never join NATO, says Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov

He noted that the condition for Ukraine's entry into the military bloc will be its victory in the conflict with the Russian Federation, which means this will never happen

City next to Zaporozhye NPP hit by blackout after Ukrainian drone attack on substation

ZNPP’s spokeswoman Evgeniya Yashina emphasized that the outage would have no effect on the operation of the power plant

Russia, North Korea conclude new treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, the new document is needed because of profound changes in the geopolitical situation in the region and worldwide

Russia-Vietnam joint statement following Putin’s visit: key provisions

Russia and Vietnam "consistently strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance amid the tough international situation"

Second oil reservoir in Azov suffers breach after drone attack

Governor Vasily Golubev added that Ministry of Emergency Situations specialists continue working to extinguish the fire

Putin calls Vietnam one of Russia's most reliable partners

The Russian president noted that the Soviet Union had provided effective assistance in the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people against the French and US invaders and later contributed to the postwar reconstruction of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Critical infrastructure facility damaged in Ukraine’s Vinnitsa Region

An air raid alert was issued in most Ukrainian regions overnight to June 20

Russian Navy Commander kicks off 'Fleet 2024' MVMS expo in Kronstadt

Alexander Moiseyev is confident that "this unique platform has gathered the best designs of the best ship builders, designers and arms, military vehicle makers"

Putin invites Vietnamese president to Victory Day anniversary in Moscow next year

"I expect that we will be able to discuss all key issues in the development of our bilateral relations," the Russian leader said

Russia aspires to unite Global South to counterbalance NATO — Turkish expert

According to Huseyin Bagci, Moscow "will not enter the arms race with NATO alone, proceeding from its own economic considerations"

Russia’s Battlegroup East thwart Ukraine’s attempts to rotate its troops

According to Gordeyev, Ukraine’s daily losses amounted up to 120 troops, two infantry carriers, two Krab self-propelled artillery systems, one FH-70 tugged howitzer, three cars, as well as six fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and two field munitions depots

Russia ready to help Vietnam in forming nuclear power sector — Putin

"An initiative is being considered to create a Center of Nuclear Science and Technology in Vietnam with Rosatom's assistance," the President wrote

Putin, Kim Jong Un exchange gifts

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said that the North Korean leader received a new Aurus luxury vehicle and a tea set, while the Russian president was gifted several pieces of art depicting his likeness

MMA fighter Jeff Monson converts to Islam

He recited the shahada, a statement of faith in Islam, in Moscow on Wednesday.

Western companies still working in Russia, despite promises to leave — Bloomberg

It was noted that most of these companies rebranded instead of leaving the country

Three settlements in borderline Belgorod Region shelled by Ukrainian forces

The regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov added that a backyard structure of a private house was destroyed by a shock wave in Murom

Ukraine's inability to defeat Russia means no NATO membership — diplomat

As regards the chances of Ukraine joining the European Union, Maria Zakharova continued, the bloc takes the same approach as the North Atlantic Alliance

Official welcome ceremony preceding Putin-Kim Jong Un meeting held in Pyongyang

In the square, which is among the thirty largest in the world and can accommodate more than one hundred thousand people, a guard of honor was lined up

RFK Jr. calls for immediate US-Russia talks on Ukraine

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward his latest peace proposal for the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, which envisages the recognition of the status of Crimea, the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions as Russian constituencies

Press review: Russia, DPRK sign strategic pact and Israel authorizes offensive in Lebanon

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, 20th

EU plans to restrict LNG supplies from Russia — EUobserver

According to the draft document, the package comprises sanctions against the oil tanker fleet and restrictions on the access to dual-use technologies

Vietnam remembers Russia’s help in struggle for independence — president

To Lam noted that he was going to discuss the main areas and topics in the development of comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia in the interests of the two countries and the development of cooperation in the region and the world

BRICS giving voice to global South, opposing Western hegemony — media

According to the article, developing countries "have long been unheard," their position largely ignored on the world stage and at the United Nations

Russia concerned over Japan’s potential departure from non-nuclear stance — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the US is using Japan as a tool to counteract not only Russia, but also China

Germany to refrain from reckless ventures around conflict in Ukraine — Scholz

According to the German Chancellor, the key tasks for Berlin are to ensure Europe’s security and to see to it that "Ukraine is able to defend its independence"

West has to come to terms with BRICS power, adjust its course — expert

Zhang Weiwei explained that the anti-Russian policy of US President Joe Biden's administration is now destroying the economic chains that used to exist in the world

New EU sanctions package will target Russia's energy exports — von der Leyen

With these sanctions, the European Commission will try to "will further deny Russia access to key technologies" and to "strip Russia of further energy revenues," the President of the European Commission said

US destroys two Houthi unmanned surface vessels in Red Sea

US Central Command shared data in the past 24 hours

IN BRIEF: Russia, Vietnam agree to deepen strategic partnership following Putin’s visit

The Russian leader thanked his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam for the warm welcome and invited him to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in Moscow next year

Ukrainian drone attack causes fire to oil depot in Republic of Adygea

According to Murat Kumpilov, no one was hurt

Vietnam, Russia have similar assessments of situation in Asia-Pacific region — Putin

"We see Vietnam as a like-minded partner in shaping a new architecture of equal and indivisible Eurasian security on an inclusive and non-discriminatory basis," the Russian president said

FACTBOX: Vladimir Putin and his pets

The list of the Russian leader's pets also includes a white goat, a white female reindeer and a falabella pony, one of the smallest horse breeds in the world

Argentina won’t send military aid to Ukraine — presidential spokesman

According to Manuel Adorni, Argentina's actions cannot be considered hostile to Russia

Press review: Putin's Far East tour ruffles feathers and Russian Defense Ministry shake-up

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 18th

North Korea satisfied with results of Putin's visit, to expand cooperation — embassy

Charge d'Affaires to Russia Lee Yong Zin expressed hope that the Russian delegation led by the president had a "pleasant and fruitful time" in North Korea and felt the sincere warmth of the North Korean people

Riyadh taking part in BRICS, still undecided on full membership — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov drew attention to the fact that Saudi representatives sometimes "do not participate in the entire range of events, but are involved in those cases and in those formats that are most comfortable for them"

Erdogan plans to hold talks with Putin during SCO summit in Astana — TV

According to the TV channel, the agenda of these talks is likely to include the conflict in Ukraine the construction of the Akkuyu NPP, prospects for the establishment of a gas trade hub

US government set to halt open orders for Patriots until Kiev gets enough — FT

In January, NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency placed an order to procure 1,000 Patriot missiles to strengthen their air defenses amid the Ukraine conflict for a coalition of its allies, namely Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain, the newspaper recounted

Russia pummels Ukrainian military-industrial sector’s energy sites in precision strike

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted casualties on three Ukrainian army brigades and repulsed two enemy counterattacks over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Moscow attaches great importance to strengthening friendly ties with Pyongyang — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that the two states are linked by common history

New EU sanctions will close EU ports for Russian oil tankers — Dutch Foreign Minister

On Thursday, the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council announced that the EU ambassadors agreed on the 14th package of sanctions against Russia

Development of Russia-DPRK security cooperation may pose challenge to US — experts

"It remains to be seen if Moscow will bear the risks and costs associated with pursuing a deeper form of Russia-North Korea security cooperation," the researches believe

Over 1,000 pilgrims die during Hajj in Saudi Arabia — news agency

According to the source, the number of Russian citizens who have died in Saudi Arabia has risen to five

G7 to carry through use of Russian assets for Ukraine — Russian diplomat

The global majority will draw relevant conclusions from this situation, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Kim Jong Un awards Putin with Kim Il Sung Order

Kim said that the order was awarded as a "token of boundless respect and confidence of our government and people to him, who has made a special contribution to the development of relations between the two countries"

New NATO secretary general to make no difference in alliance's policy towards Russia — MFA

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed at a press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington that the alliance is close to appointing a new secretary general

West to discard Zelensky once Russia consolidates successes on battlefield — SVR

The SVR dismissed Zelensky’s latest claims about "bringing Russia to its knees," calling them laughable

KCNA releases text of comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia

TASS collected the key provisions of the open-ended treaty

Russian-North Korean treaty to be barrier for US’ aggressive policy — expert

The equal and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and North Korea "encourage other countries to move closer to Russia," Adnan Sayyed Hussein told

Russian troops strike command posts of three Ukrainian brigades over past day

The Ukrainian army’s losses in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours amounted to 560 personnel, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, a US-manufactured Humvee armored combat vehicle and five pickup trucks

Russian troops gain much ground in Kharkov area, await enemy’s next step — senior officer

Major General Apty Alaudinov said he believes this will be a decisive battle for Russia, in which it will destroy the remaining enemy assets

Russia and Vietnam switch to national currencies for payments — Putin

The Russian president noted that at today's negotiations considerable attention was paid to trade and investment interaction

Russia-Vietnam defense partnership not directed against third countries — statement

The goal of this partnership, the statement says, is to help "ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific Region and in the world as a whole"

Washington allows Kiev to hit Russian troops near Sumy region with US weapons — advisor

Jake Sullivan said that Ukraine can use air defense systems "to take Russian planes out of the sky, even if those Russian planes are in Russian airspace, if they're about to fire into Ukrainian airspace"

Russia discussing deployment of long-range weapons with partners, senior diplomat says

Sergey Ryabkov pointed to Russia’s "closest partners" in Asia and Latin America with which he said Moscow has been discussing "security in detail, not as an exchange of opinions only"

‘Georgian national legion’ added to Russia’s list of terrorist and extremist organizations

Previously, a court ruling deemed the militia a terrorist organization

Oil depot ablaze in central Russia’s Tambov Region, presumably after drone attack

Also, debris from a drone was discovered in the region’s Pervomaisky District, Maxim Yegorov said

New document, historic ties: Putin’s statements in Pyongyang

A new document was drafted which will act as a framework for ties between the two countries going forward

Document of Ukraine’s surrender to be Russia’s next proposal to Kiev — diplomat

Konstantin Gavrilov said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposals were realistic

IN BRIEF: Severe weather hits Moscow

The Moscow Transport Department has called on residents to stay off the streets, and urged drivers to be careful

Hypersonic weapon ships to make up backbone of Russia’s blue-water navy, says naval chief

Currently, the Northern Fleet’s Project 22350 frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov, the first carrier of Tsirkon hypersonic missiles, is leading a Russian naval group operating in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean

Russia dispatches plane to US to pick up diplomats whose assignment is ending — MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that this is "not about expulsion, but about the restrictions that Washington has created for Russian foreign institutions in their work"

Kiev better accept Russia's peace proposal or face worse outcomes — official

"Now they have the opportunity to consider Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin's peace proposal and at least try to make peace and end this part of the conflict," Dmitry Medvedev noted

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

Kim Jong Un gifts Putin two Pungsan hunting dogs

According to the expert, the North Korean people see this dog as "a companion," and not just a pet

South Korea imposes more sanctions against Russia — media

A total of 243 new items will be added to South Korea's export control list, increasing it to 1,402 items

Putin travels on trusted Russian aircraft — Kremlin

"All machinery in our country that transports citizens is also maintained at the proper level," Dmitry Peskov stressed