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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Labour leader Keir Starmer takes office as UK prime minister

He is the third UK prime minister during the reign of Charles III who took the throne less than two years ago

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III Yui Mok/ PA Images via Getty Images

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III

© Yui Mok/ PA Images via Getty Images

LONDON, July 5. /TASS/. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer formally took office as UK prime minister and received a mandate from King Charles III to form a cabinet, according to a video of the king’s audience released by Buckingham Palace.

Starmer, 61, will now go to his Downing Street residence and address the nation as prime minister. He is the third UK prime minister during the reign of Charles III who took the throne less than two years ago. Starmer's predecessor as prime minister, Rishi Sunak, led the cabinet from October 25, 2022 until this Friday.

Starmer took over as head of cabinet following the parliamentary elections held on July 4. According to preliminary data, the Labor Party under his leadership secured itself at least 412 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, gaining the majority required to form a new cabinet. The Conservative Party, which had ruled since 2010, currently has just 121 seats. Counting of ballots continues in two more constituencies.

Starmer is the 58th prime minister in UK history. During the day he will announce the new makeup of the UK cabinet.

Tags

Military operation in Ukraine

Ukraine sees EU, China, US as mediators in peace talks with Russia — Zelensky

At the same time, the Ukrainian leader once again declared that his so-called peace formula had no alternatives, dismissing other proposals to end the conflict

Russia highly appreciates Hungarian PM’s efforts to resolve Ukraine conflict — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that there currently was "an entire set of serious disagreements between the interested parties"

Press review: Orban's Ukraine peace mission gains steam and Modi, Putin eye trade deficit

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

US-made Patriot systems failed even to protect themselves — Russian general

In the course of the special military operation, Russian air defense systems confirmed their potential to repel strikes by all types of enemy air attack capabilities, Andrey Semyonov said

Macron opts not to address nation on July 7 after parliament elections — media

According the newspaper, the president "would like to wait for more exact data on the distribution of mandates in the new parliament to make necessary decisions."

Hungarian PM dismisses claims that Russia could attack NATO

According to Viktor Orban, "no country can do this because the North Atlantic Alliance is the world’s strongest military power"

Smoke reported in engine of plane landed in St. Petersburg, no injuries caused

Passangers were disembarked

World sport degrading in absence of Russian athletes — Russian diplomat

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be hosted by the French capital of Paris between July 26 and August 11

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

Ukrainian army used chloropicrin near Donetsk — Russian Defense Ministry

"The use of toxic chemicals, including prussic acid, by the Kiev regime is confirmed by numerous witness statements," Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov stressed

Ukraine’s barbaric acts against Russia don’t remain without response, says diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "the rabid clique in Kiev is apparently driven by a totally different logic of warfare, but they will get what they deserve"

Russia to respond to attacks on its regions with use of Western weapons — Lavrov

The United States and NATO keep on saying that they are not at war with Russia, Lavrov said

Ukrainian S-300 missile launcher wiped out with Russia’s Iskander missile system

Motor vehicles and artillery personnel were also wiped out

Some 400 US citizens killed in hostilities in Ukraine — former Pentagon official

"We know that at least 400 Americans have died whether they are contractors or in uniform. Our administration won't say this," he said

New Popular Front wins parliamentary election in France with 182 mandates

The presidential Ensemble coalition comes second, with 168 mandates

Russian forces using drones to destroy Ukrainian army’s logistics — Ukrainian soldier

Russian troops destroy dozens of Ukrainian transport vehicles every day

Battlegroup North repels five enemy attacks in Kharkov region — Defense Ministry

The enemy lost up to 175 military personnel, a Kozak and a US-made HUMVEE armored fighting vehicles, as well as three cars

Russian forces eliminate about 9,000 Ukrainian troops in LPR over week

Andrey Marochko noted that during this period, Russian units have eliminated nine tanks, four Grad multiple launch rocket system combat vehicles, 111 field artillery guns, 11 radio-electronic warfare stations, 55 field munitions depots and over 150 Ukrainian combat vehicles of various kinds

National Rally leading parliamentary election in France, unlikely to win absolute majority

According to the television channel’s forecast, Marine Le pen and Jordan Bardells’s party may count on from 210 to 228 seats in the 577-seat legislature

Russia cautions Latin American nations against supplying weapons to Ukraine — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov also pointed out that Moscow sees the pressure Latin America is facing in terms of their non-adherence to sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian lab for toxic agent production found near Avdeyevka — Russia’s top brass

The Russian mobile group found gas masks, including US-made respirators and a Polish-manufactured protective suit in the lab

Nigeria’s President Tinubu reelected ECOWAS chairman

Bola Tinubu reelected for one more year amid the current situation within the community

Orban says Europe simply copies US policy about Ukraine

The Hungarian prime minister called for "a somewhat bigger and more thorough conversation about what Europe's strategic interests are, especially for the period after the US elections"

Orban says Putin more than 100% rational person

According to Orban, Russian president is a coolheaded, "very cautious" and punctual politician

Leftist New Popular Front leading at France’s parliamentary elections

The television channel notes that neither of the political blocs has managed to win an absolute majority of 289 seats in the lower house of parliament, which is needed to form a government of its own

Russia can see French voter preferences shifting — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said Russia was interested in French developments as he described France as a very important country

Moscow rejects Kiev’s allegations of Russian missile strike on civilian targets

According to report, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a high-precision strike on Ukrainian defense industry sites and air bases in response to Kiev’s attempts to attack energy facilities inside Russia

US Democrats view Kamala Harris as only possible replacement for Biden — WSJ

There will be some discontent, because Kamala Harris also lags behind Donald Trump in polls

Medvedev urges to turn life in West into 'permanent nightmare' in response to sanctions

"We should try every day to do as much damage as possible to those countries that have imposed these restrictions on our country and all our citizens," the senior Russian official stressed

Only Russia, Ukraine capable of settling ongoing conflict — Hungarian PM

"The question of when this war will end also depends on the United States, China and the European Union," Viktor Orban added

Eight civilians killed in Ukrainian army’s shelling of DPR over week

The Ukrainian military has intensified bombardments of the Donetsk People’s Republic amid the supplies of Western armaments to the Kiev regime and ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, Denis Pushilin said

Russia supports Turkey’s idea to create platform to resolve Ukraine conflict — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov underlined that the Russian president "is a strong supporter of diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Ukrainian conflict"

Russia losing to Ukraine unthinkable — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban emphasized that the Russian leader "has a clear vision of what will happen and how Russia will win"

Russia, Iran finalize integration of national payment systems — Iran’s Central Bank head

Bank cards of Iran’s Shetab system can be used as Amber smart cards in all ATMs across Russia

Russian Armed Forces start using new Irbis radar — defense ministry

It is carrying reconnaissance up to 150-odd kilometer depth

US uses sanctions and dollar as weapon for political goals — Russian Ambassador to China

Igor Morgulov stressed that Western countries neglect the basic principles of the market economy, free trade and the inviolability of private property

Ukraine makes drones to drop chemicals on civilians — Russian Defense Ministry

"The presence of chemical laboratories in Ukraine similar to the one detected in Avdeyevka is confirmed by the testimony of Ukrainian armed forces personnel," Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov said

Lavrov calls election campaign in United States ‘a pitiful sight’

"And if the system of so-called American democracy produces such results or such a course of the election campaign, everyone could draw their own conclusions about how it’s all orchestrated, how it’s arranged," Russian Foreign Minister said

Hungary expects world powers to encourage Russia, Ukraine to launch talks — official

"Officials from major European countries, China and the United States should make the parties to the conflict come to the negotiating table in order to ensure a ceasefire," Gergely Gulyas stressed

France’s ex-President Hollande elected to lower house of parliament

Hollande, 69, scored 43% of votes in the second round of voting in the Tulle commune in the central French department of Correze

Russia becomes largest economy in Europe, 'being right in hot pursuit of Japan' — aide

Maxim Oreshkin stressed that the gradual loss of all these elements leads to long-term stagnation of the European economy

Russian diplomat slams US intelligence for spinning stories about Moscow’s nukes

"This never-ending wave of empty accusations, together with threats and calls for doing something in this sector, makes it clear that there is simply nothing but contradictions in our dialogue and relations with the US in the nuclear field at this point," Sergey Ryabkov said

Orban says Putin rules ‘real empire’

Orban said that talking with the Russian president was "special"

What is known about Ukrainian intelligence’s attempt to steal Russian bomber

Evidence has been discovered showing that intelligence agencies from NATO countries were involved in preparing and carrying out the operation, the FSB noted

Putin to meet with Indian Prime Minister Modi in Moscow

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke about the anticipation of this "important, full-format visit"

Russia maintains working ties with major airplane parts makers around world

More than 20 cooperation agreements have been concluded with aircraft equipment producers and foreign countries’ bodies similar to the IAC, Oleg Storchevoy noted

South Korean president doomed his country, Kim Jong Un’s sister says

Kim Yo Jong stated that the intra-Korean relations are currently at the worst point ever

US is plotting another pandemic — Russian Defense Ministry

"We do not rule out the United States may use so-called defensive technologies for offensive purposes, as well as for global governance by creating crisis situations of biological nature," lieutenant general Igor Kirillov stressed

US defense weapons plant rocked by explosion, casualties reported — AP

According to the news agency, the plant manufactures 105mm to 155mm artillery shells

Iskander crew strike destroys two launchers of Patriot air defense system near Odessa

A Giraffe radar was also destroyed as the result of the strike

Russia rules out even tentative talks with US on arms control — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty expires soon

Iran proposes to connect BRICS payment systems — Foreign Ministry

"The Russian side views this proposal positively," Nasser Kanani said

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Russia on official visit

He is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the trip, which will last from July 8 to 9

Two Ukrainian drones shot down over Voronezh Region — defense ministry

The Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed over the Voronezh Region

Macron rejects French PM’s resignation request

After meeting with Attal, Macron received Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who had also expressed his intention to resign after the election

Russian diplomat says US quit INF Treaty to build systems to intimidate China

Sergey Ryabkov said Russia and China, which are in the crosshairs of such systems, view installations with intermediate-and shorter-range missiles as strategic in nature because they can hit targets deep inside their territories

Putin-Modi talks likely to focus on energy, Ukraine — expert

According to Shyam Saran, Putin and Modi may also touch upon the situation in the Middle East and Asia: "we would like to certainly have a sense of how President Putin sees the relationship with China developing"

Akkuyu NPP construction continues in Turkey despite US sanctions — Rosatom CEO

The system of mutual settlements is at risk

Xi Jinping calls on international community to create conditions for peace in Ukraine

The Chinese president noted that "China, on its part, is actively working for peace and facilitating negotiations by encouraging and supporting all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the crisis"

Eyewitnesses in Kiev report strikes in vicinity of Artyom military plant

Another source reported major fires in the area of Kiev’s Zhuliany airport where several blasts had been reported by eyewitnesses earlier

No possibility of major agreements with US at this point, says senior Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov described compromises proposed by the West as ultimatums

Xi Jinping meets with Viktor Orban in Beijing — CCTV

Chinese President met with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing

US, EU, China must unite to put end Ukraine conflict — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban has repeatedly noted that a settlement of the Ukrainian crisis can be achieved only with the participation of the US and the EU, as the ongoing conflict there affects the entire European security system

Ex-French President Hollande opposes public announcement of support measures for Ukraine

"Talk less and act better," Francois Hollande said

Russia to take into account only concrete actions by Ukrainian leaders — Lavrov

We will look at concrete actions and judge by them, Lavrov said

NATO keeps intensifying military activity in Arctic, says senior Russian diplomat

"The situation is tense and is characterized by mounting risks and threats to military-political and economic security of the Russian Federation in high latitudes," Nikolay Korchunov stressed

China’s Xi says Ukraine ceasefire in everybody’s interests

The Chinese leader also highlighted the need "to contribute to de-escalation as soon as possible"

Erdogan says Putin is considering a meeting on Syria in Turkey

Turkish President expressed hope that thanks to this Turkish-Syrian relations will be on the same level as in the past

Tankman who hijacked Ukrainian tank gets Russian citizenship

Maxim Likhachev described it as a "long-awaited document"

SCO member countries see risks linked with use of US dollars — Russian deputy PM

Nearly all of the speakers noted the necessity of increasing the share of national currencies in mutual settlements, Alexey Overchuk said

Hungary’s Orban announces his arrival in China to continue his ‘peace mission’

Prime Minister posted a photo from the airport

Putin unlikely to congratulate Starmer on election win — Kremlin

Keir Starmer took over as head of cabinet following the parliamentary elections held on July 4

Paris to continue arming Ukraine, parliamentary elections to change nothing — politician

According to the French politician, the French authorities’ rhetoric concerning Russia is unlikely to change

Hungarian PM supports China’s peace plan for Ukraine

"As for the conflict near Hungary, we highly appreciate your peace initiative," Viktor Orban told Xi

Russian combat aircraft destroying military targets over Black Sea — governor

Mikhail Razvozhayev urged city residents and guests to remain calm, observe security measures and stay in temporary shelters or safe places

Xi Jinping emphasizes need for healthy ties between China, EU

The Chinese president emphasized that Beijing and the EU should work together "to maintain stable and healthy development, as well as jointly respond to global challenges"

Israel hits Hamas weapons manufacturing facility in school territory in Gaza

Simultaneously, the IDF struck a Hamas weapons manufacturing facility embedded by the terrorist organization in the area of the school

Biden says is able to counter Putin, contain China

US President also said that he is the only persone, who can hold the North Atlantic Alliance together

Russian aviation delivered 50 strikes against Ukrainian army

The enemy lost up to 415 servicemen, spokesman of the Russian Battlegroup Center Alexander Savchuk said

FSB foils attempt to hijack Tu-22M3 strategic bomber to Ukraine

According to the FSB, "Ukrainian intelligence planned to recruit a Russian military pilot by offering him money and Italian citizenship in order to make him hijack the aircraft to Ukraine"

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Hungarian PM presumably on his way to China — news portal

According to the news portal, now the Hungarian prime minister is heading to Beijing, where he is expected to arrive "at dawn on Monday."

Ceasefire in Ukraine in Europe's interests — Orban's adviser

The EU, Balazs Orban said, needs to maintain communication with Russia, because if a future peace agreement between Moscow and Kiev is concluded without taking into account the interests of the EU, Europe will suffer

Vice Admiral Lipilin appointed Russia’s Baltic Fleet commander — source

Before his new appointment, Sergey Lipilin held the post of the Baltic Fleet first deputy commander

20 Russian children returned to Russia from Syria

Upon their arrival the children underwent a medical checkup at one of the Moscow centers

Indian PM looking forward to meeting with his 'friend' Vladimir Putin — statement

Narendra Modi pointed out that he was embarking on an official visit to Russia for the 22nd annual bilateral summit

French PM Attal says will tender his resignation on Monday morning

At the same time, he said that he would be ready to continue as prime minister as long as necessary

Orban says will head to Washington after his Chinese visit

On July 9-11, Washington will host a NATO summit marking the 75th anniversary of the alliance

Liberation of Chigari near Gorlovka in DPR to help reduce intensity of Ukraine’s attacks

The Russian defense ministry said earlier that Russian forces had liberated Chigari in the DPR

Four Ukrainian soldiers cross Dnieper on makeshift raft to surrender to Russia

According to Saldo, it was the right choice, since this is a bad idea "to die for the puppet regime and its overseas patrons."

Parliamentary elections in France ‘do not very much resemble democracy’ — Lavrov

"When some candidates can withdraw their candidacies - they are talked into it to clear the way for the victory of, as they say, conservatives or populists. This is not very reminiscent of democracy," the minister stressed

US mass media pretended not knowing about Kiev’s abuse in Donbass

Official spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that "all the facts were furnished by the Russian side"

Serial car production launched at ex-Volkswagen plant in Kaluga — minister

Governor of the Kaluga Region Vladislav Shapsha told TASS in an interview earlier about plans to restart car production on the site of the ex-Volkswagen plant in 2024

West is not wrong paying great attention to Modi’s upcoming visit to Russia — Kremlin

"They are jealous - that means they are closely monitoring it," Dmitry Peskov said

Multipolar world becomes reality, Putin says

The Russian president noted that "an increasing number of countries are calling for a fairer world order and express determination to defend their legitimate rights and traditional values; new centers of power and economic development are emerging and growing stronger"

French police use tear gas during left rally in downtown Paris

The radicals started throwing stones and bottles at the police

UK government shift to have no bearing on dialogue with Moscow — senior official

Lord Richard Balfe also emphasized that the West will have to "come to terms with the reality," admitting that Crimea and Donbass are now Russian constituencies

Former Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski thanks US for damaging Nord Stream

According to Radoslav Sikorsky, it limits Russia's room for maneuver

Railway Troops commission 19 objects on Baikal-Amur Mainline to Russian Railways

They will soon commence the next stage of works

Hungary expects peace plan on Ukraine to be developed together with opposing parties

"Hungary is well aware of its capacities; we don’t have a specific peace plan and we are confident that it can only be developed together with the parties to the conflict," Gergely Gulyas emphasized

Unaware of decline of its military industry US gets trapped in Ukraine — French historian

Emmanuel Todd believes that "one of Washington's goals is to prevent a rapprochement between Russia and Germany"