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Iranian President Raisi's helicopter crash

Iran’s acting president not to take part in presidential race — agency

No further details were given

DUBAI, June 3. /TASS/. Iran’s acting President Mohammad Mokhber will not run for president at the upcoming presidential election, the Tasnim news agency reported.

According to the agency’s source, Mokhber has opted not to take part in the presidential race, despite the calls by his supporters. No further details were given.

On May 19, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in Iran’s Eastern Azerbaijan Province. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati, Tabriz's Friday Prayer Imam Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem and the chief of the presidential guard were also onboard the helicopter. All five passengers and three crew were killed in the crash.

A commission has been created to investigate the causes of the disaster. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber became the acting President of Iran. A snap presidential election is called for June 28. Candidates for president can be registered from May 30 through June 3 and from June 4, the Guardian Council will have a week to consider these candidacies. The final list of candidates is expected to be made public on June 11.

Military operation in Ukraine

US diplomat says Russia ramped up its defense industry after starting special operation

Nicholas Burns stressed that it is "far stronger now than it was even in the beginning" of the conflict

Russia bans entry to 36 citizens of New Zealand as tit-for-tat measure — MFA

In response to the politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities imposed by New Zealand’s government as part of the collective West’s Russophobic campaign, entry to our country is closed indefinitely to another 36 New Zealanders

US replies with old cliches to charges of involvement in Sevastopol terror attack — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that similar rhetoric "has been heard from all platforms in the West for a long time, but in essence it does not change anything about what is happening," while "the puppets in Kiev feel their own impunity and continue to be condoned by the United States and other NATO countries"

Is Gaddafi's gloom prophecy in regard to Europe bound to be fulfilled?

As Europe’s migrant crisis grows far and wide, many Russian media are recalling the late Libyan leader Muamar Gaddafi’s gloom prophecy made several months before his violent death

China brings back panda diplomacy with US, to send two giant pandas to San Diego Zoo

Zoo officials will restrict visitor access to the animals for several weeks after their arrival

IN BRIEF: US ambitions to 'rule the world' doomed to failure, Lavrov tells forum

It is reported that Russia is open to dialogue with Europe based on the recognition of new territorial realities enshrined in the country’s constitution

US intention to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Russia 'doomed to failure' — Lavrov

"There is an impression that the US ruling elites have not learned any lessons from their recent numerous foreign policy and military failures," the foreign minister noted

Russia expands geography of talks with military cooperation partners — senior diplomat

Russia sees how actively the Americans are beginning to introduce new weapons systems in remote "theaters of military operations," "including intermediate-range systems that were previously banned by the corresponding treaty," Sergey Ryabkov said

Kremlin spokesman unaware of report North Korea could send engineers to Donbass

The report was earlier released by the Institute for the Study of War, an American research group that monitors the Ukrainian conflict

Russian diplomat warns Ukraine could suffer huge losses if it attempts another offensive

Maria Zakharova said the Ukrainian government has little concern that, if they go ahead with the plan, losses could be "even more terrible than the catastrophic losses that the Ukrainian armed forces suffered during the previous such reckless move in the summer of 2023"

North Korea launches 180 trash balloons to South Korea — agency

This time, 70 out of 180 balloons landed in Seoul and northern areas of the most densely populated Gyeonggi-do province, Yonhap said

Agreement between Gazprom, NIGC to turn Iran into gas hub — Iran’s acting president

Cooperation between the two countries will lead to signing of larger agreements and contracts, Mohammad Mokhber said

IAEA experts notified of destruction of ZNPP radiation control post by Ukraine

According to ZNPP Director Yury Chernichuk, the experts have been provided with photos of the current condition of the remains of this equipment

Russian troops wipe out three US-made HIMARS rocket launchers in Ukraine operation

Russia’s Battlegroup South improved its tactical position and inflicted roughly 510 casualties on the Ukrainian army in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Press review: US, Russian defense chiefs touch base and new sheriff in town at NATO

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 27th

Russia vows comprehensive defense measures in nuclear conflict — senior diplomat

Russia has never favored the US idea of limited nuclear war, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Body of US diplomat found in Kiev hotel — report

Medical data provided by the US Embassy show he had a high level of cholesterol

Moscow - St. Petersburg high speed rail to cost $20.6 bln — Finance Ministry

The railroad with the length of 679 km will cover six regions: Moscow and St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Novgorod, Tver, and Moscow Regions

US’ involvement in strikes on Sevastopol makes arms control dialogue impossible — Ministry

Sergey Ryabkov noted that United States is waging a proxy war against Russia, that's why sides can't "sit down at the same table to speak about further reduction or at least any restrictions in the area of strategic offensive weapons."

Germany’s calls for Russian-Ukrainian talks signal shift towards realism — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, if the AfD initiative translates into concrete political action, "it will be possible to talk about a return to common sense"

Two bodies found at site of train derailment in Komi — Russian Railways

Russian Railways said that it had opened an investigation to establish all the details of the incident

Putin highlights good relations between Russia, Republic of Congo

"I am talking about the political level, where relations have been growing noticeably, as well as trade and economic ties," the Russian leader noted

Bolivia’s former Navy commander detained after attempted coup — TV

Juan Arnes Salvador was the second to be detained after the attempted military coup, Bolivia TV said

Two killed, one wounded in Israel’s airstrike on Damascus — defense ministry

The planes fired missiles from the Golan Heights

Russia bans entry to 27 Australian citizens — Russian MFA

According to the statement, the list includes "former politicians, executives of Australian companies, university teachers, journalists and public figures who are shaping the anti-Russian agenda in that country"

Russia’s wheat export to China up nine-fold in January-May — Agroexport

Australia, France and Canada are among top three largest wheat exporters to China in natural terms

Russian troops wipe out Ukrainian army positions near Belogorovka in LPR

"The precision strikes destroyed enemy dugouts, fire emplacements and manpower," the ministry said

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Ceasefire in Ukraine along current frontline realistic scenario — Sahra Wagenknecht

Instead, German authorities support "maximum demands of Zelensky, who wants to hold peace talks only after the Russians withdraw their forces from Crimea and Donbass," the head of Germany’s Bundnis Sahra Wagenknecht political party said

Russia taking measures in response to US involvement in strikes on Sevastopol — diplomat

Commenting on the likelihood of the Russian side using tactical nuclear weapons in response to the shelling of Sevastopol, Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "the Russian president, as the supreme commander-in-chief, makes such fateful decisions"

West getting closer to point of no return by taking anti-Russian measures — diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that foreign policy all-permissiveness and overindulgence in the feeling of impunity in the long run will lead to an escalation

Lebanon, Iran favor avoiding direct conflict with Israel — Russian ambassador

It was earlier reported that the Israeli army approved an operational plan for an offensive in Lebanon in mid-June

Analyst sees Ukrainian strikes on radiation monitoring posts as psychological operations

Yury Braslavsky also said the purpose of destroying the radiation monitoring post could be political

Former Chinese Defense Minister expelled from Communist party over serious violations

Li Shangfu’s case was forwarded to the military prosecutor’s office for initiation of a criminal case

Bolivia’s president urges citizens to defend democracy

It is vital that people of Bolivia get consolidated, Luis Arce said

Bolivian army units storming Government Palace in La Paz — TV channel

It is also reported that they have already entered the palace

Putin hands Order of Honor to Congolese president

Talks between the two leaders are taking place at the Kremlin

Direct Russia-US clash to entail massive use of nuclear weapons — expert

Yevgeny Buzhinsky pointed out that despite all the modeling that had been carried out over decades, it is impossible to accurately predict what effect a massive use of nuclear weapons would have on the globe

Russia welcomes initiative of Georgian politicians to restore ties — diplomat

It is reported that Georgian politicians asked to ease employment rules for citizens of the republic in the Russian Federation

West trying to make another anti-Russia out of Finland — Security Council

Washington, 'under NATO’s umbrella,' has turned Finland into a dependent semi-vassal,"Rashid Nurgaliyev pointed out

No way right to veto will disappear, says UN secretary-general

"Whenever there is a veto, there is an explanation given to the General Assembly," Antonio Guterres said

Chinese defense official warns of hellish consequences for US’ Taiwan drone plans

"Those who are clamoring about turning other people's homes into hell should first prepare to be sent to a hell of their own," Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesman Wu Qian said

Press review: Indian PM to visit Moscow and EU-Ukraine accession talks officially begin

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, June 26th

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian troops trying to entrench near Belogorovka, says LPR

After suffering casualties, the Ukrainian troops "had to retreat to their previous positions," Andrey Marochko said

US permits oil supplies from Sakhalin-2 to Japan until June 28, 2025

The general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by restrictions against Russia imposed earlier

Georgia should change its line to move towards EU integration — EU

On June 24, EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell said that the EU’s doors will be closed to Georgia if its government pursues its current course

West plays nuclear roulette by prolonging conflict in Ukraine — experts

According to the scholars, the dynamics of the conflict indicates that the search for its political resolution is more relevant than ever before

Top UK diplomat signals NATO’s rejection of Ukraine in prank call — spokeswoman

"Both Cameron and this tubby man from the UK Defense Ministry (former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace - TASS) likely wanted to get some publicity through Vovan and Lexus, and, perhaps, float the idea that Ukraine will never be a part of NATO," the diplomat wrote on her Telegram channel

Ex-British envoy to Russia points to West’s role in provoking conflict in Ukraine

According to Anthony Brenton, "when NATO enlargement first loomed, both former Director of the US Department of State Policy Planning Staff George Kennan and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger warned of the likely disastrous effects for Russia-West relations"

Finland planned genocide of Soviet people in 1940-1941 — Russian Security council

Rashid Nurgaliyev pointed out that, on July 8, 1941, one day before the beginning of the Finnish offensive north of Lake Ladoga, Carl Gustaf Mannerheim issued the order number 132, its fourth clause reading: "capture the Russian population and send it to concentration camps"

Russia’s values Mexico’s balanced position — ambassador

Nikolay Sofinsky noted that president "will promote further development of constructive cooperation" between Moscow and Mexico

Putin hopes construction of warships will be cheaper

Russian President said it at a meeting on shipbuilding

Russian analyst says US helped engineer coup in Bolivia

Among other reasons for the attempted coup, Alexander Stepanov named a deal with Russia to build a $600 million industrial complex in Bolivia to mine and produce lithium carbonate

Nuclear doctrine may be amended based on experience of operation in Ukraine — Russian MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed that Russia's President Vladimir Putin order an exercise to practice the skills of using non-strategic nuclear weapons was a signal that drove the message home not only for military professionals and not only for diplomats, but also for the general public in Western countries

ICC’s claim of intent to cooperate with Russia absurd, Kremlin spokesman tells TASS

Russian agency finds that 3,000 mercenaries fight on Ukrainian side

Alexander Fyodorov also said that since 2014, about 5,000 criminal investigations have been started against more than 1,000 individuals

Moscow warns Seoul not to supply weapons to Kiev — diplomat

"Russia will not stand by and watch as South Korean weapons and military equipment are handed over to Ukrainian neo-Nazis for attacks on Russian territory and the murder of peaceful civilians," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Fight against terrorism must be unrelenting, says Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov clarified that Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov "was talking about those who condone terrorism and are involved in terrorist activities in some capacity"

EU countries will not seize Russian assets in the near future — expert

"Legal registration of any mechanisms associated with seizure or deprivation of property rights would be a serious blow to their reputation," Ekaterina Arapova said

Russia, US keep communication channels open — senior diplomat

"There are contacts at other levels and along other lines, along the lines of presidential administrations, in particular along the lines of intelligence services, diplomatic agencies are in contact with each other on their own issues," Sergey Ryabkov said

Lavrov says West will allow killing Russians in Ukraine if conflict becomes frozen

According to the top Russian diplomat, American experts proposed to end hostilities and suggested "looking at the Korean scenario"

New sanctions hinder work with external partners, in Russia everything works fine

Russian Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov emphasized that by the moment the restrictions had been introduced Russia had prepared a plan of action and it worked, with no catastrophe happening

Arresting foreign officials may trigger declaration of war — Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev made this statement at a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum

Putin to ta have talks with visiting president of Republic of the Congo

Sassou Nguesso arrived in Russia on June 25 and will complete his visit on June 29

French politician calls to end 'anti-Russian hysteria' after Russia bans EU media

Florian Philippot pointed out that Russia was retaliating 27 months after the EU had banned several Russian media in March 2022, which is "very nice"

Conflict in Ukraine must be resolved via diplomacy — foreign minister of Turkey

"We advocate that negotiations are given priority in all conflicts and wars," Hakan Fidan stressed

BRICS to suspend admitting new members for a while — Lavrov

"By the overwhelming majority, the ten nations decided to ‘take a pause’ with new members to ‘take in’ the new members who have doubled the association," he said at a meeting with speaker of Belarus

Vucic sees no way of ending Ukrainian conflict under current conditions

"Only when a ceasefire has been achieved and when no more people lose their lives the negotiations should begin," the Serbian president stressed

Russia strikes Ukrainian military airfields by precision weapons — top brass

Russian troops struck massed Ukrainian manpower and military hardware in 117 areas over the past day, the ministry reported

If Austin talks about risk of NATO-Russia conflict, it means US has a plan for it — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, Europe is currently the main victim of the US policy of "dragging Ukraine into NATO"

Disrespect for immunity of countries could be step toward war — Medvedev

"Russia, like most countries of the world, including, incidentally, the United States of America and the largest countries - China, India - is not a party to this theatrical institution called the ICC," the official stressed

New security architecture in Eurasia to exclude external military presence — Russia’s MFA

Maria Zakharova recalled that the initiative to create a new continent-wide security architecture in the Eurasian space had been put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia looking at lowering level of diplomatic relations with West — senior diplomat

Such decisions in Russia are made at the top level, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

Police detain general who led attempted coup in Bolivia — TV

The television channel showed the general leaving the building of the General Staff escorted by police

Russian interior minister, senior UN official discuss police activities in UN missions

What is known about coup attempt in Bolivia

Russia cracks down on NPOs due to gross interference in its affairs — Justice Ministry

According to Russian Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko, the creation of NPOs with foreign assistance to work in the fields of education, culture, environmental protection and other areas "to a certain extent was a cover for the West"

Discussions on South Caucasus need to be moved out of Switzerland — Russian delegation

"This is related to the fact that the Geneva venue is no longer comfortable for Russia and its allies," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin added

What is known about failed coup attempt in Bolivia

On June 26, a group of Bolivian military officers led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, who was dismissed as army commander on June 25, occupied the square in front of the government building in La Paz

Russia to continue creating conditions for unfreezing of assets despite sanctions

"We will be creating conditions on our side though we cannot control the other side, this being the policy of the third side," Ivan Chebeskov said

Russia mulls downgrading diplomatic relations with West, no decision made yet — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov explained that "at a time when the Western countries openly declare that their main aim is to achieve Russia's strategic defeat on the battlefield, of course, this cannot but cause a response from Moscow"

Lavrov horrified by Israel's statement there are no civilians in Gaza

Moscow hopes that Israel will hear the voice of the world's overwhelming majority on the situation in Gaza, the top Russian diplomat said

Russian, US defense chiefs exchange views on situation around Ukraine in first phone call

Andrey Belousov highlighted the danger of further escalation due to continued US weapons supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces

Bolivian president addresses supporters after military leave square at government building

Luis Arce thanked his supporters

Bolivia’s army commander orders all military to return to their barracks

Shortly after, the television channel showed the military leaving the square in front of the government building

Russia vows to continue diplomatic outreach to US — senior diplomat

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Russia acts in a transparent manner and doesn’t hide anything

No French troops to go to Ukraine if Bardella becomes PM, says politician

Marine Le Pen reiterated her statements that the 28-year-old Jordan Bardella should take over as head of the country's Cabinet

NATO won’t be part of Ukraine conflict, it won’t cross this line, says Scholz

According to the German chancellor, the NATO summit will discuss the strengthening of its role in coordinating support for Ukraine and training the Ukrainian armed forces

Change of SecGen to have no impact on 'NATO’s unbridled expansion,' says Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that endorsing Mark Rutte is "a scene change in NATO" and pointed out that he expects nothing from the new appointment "for two objective reasons"

Zelensky admits Ukraine unwilling to prolong conflict due to high casualties

Previously, Ukraine announced that it will prepare a settlement plan after the first conference in Switzerland, which will be presented to Russia at the second similar meeting

EU, Ukraine sign agreement on security guarantees for Kiev

The signing took place on the sidelines of a two-day EU summit, whose agenda includes discussions of the conflict in Ukraine and related issues, among other things

Russia’s Navy to receive over 40 new ships in 2024 — Putin

In 2023 the number was 33

Syria highly appreciates Putin’s peace proposal for Ukraine — Assad

"The peace initiative that was put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin represents a real basis for a peaceful settlement between the two countries," the Syrian leader stressed

Russian proposals about Ukraine time-sensitive — Medvedev

The politician said this proposal is based on two positions

Ukraine’s military admits tense situation near Toretsk in DPR

It was reported earlier that the Ukrainian authorities were carrying out forced evacuation from Toretsk and at least 500 people out of 6,000 local residents had left the area

Seven Ukrainian drones destroyed over Russian regions during night

Kiev’s attempt to stage an attack on facilities in Russia with the use of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles was thwarted

Bolivia’s government say it fully controls army — defense minister

Officials are taking all necessary security measures, Edmundo Novillo Aguilar said

Rebel general tried to lure Bolivian police to his side — Interior Minister

Carlos del Castillo said that General Juan Jose Zuniga has already had his first interrogation since his arrest

Politician blames former British PM for Ukrainian battle casualties

The Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not rule out that Ukraine would have to give up some of its territories in order to put an end to fighting

Russian forces destroy 12 Ukrainian drone control centers — defense ministry

Apart from that, seven fixed-wing reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by air defense systems and electronic warfare tools, spokesman for the Battlegroup West Ivan Birma said

Russia-Bulgaria relations 'non-existent', says Moscow’s envoy

Eleonora Mitrofanova believes that the early parliamentary election Bulgaria held on June 9 has not changed the country’s political landscape much