4 Mar, 14:27

US to retain influence in Indo-Pacific amid White House spat — Taiwanese defense minister

Maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is in the US core national interest, Wellington Koo noted

HONG KONG, March 4. /TASS/. The administration of US President Donald Trump cannot afford to lose influence in the Indo-Pacific region despite the recent public spat with Kiev’s leader Vladimir Zelensky, Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo told reporters.

"I think it is impossible for the United States to retreat from the Indo-Pacific," the Central News Agency quoted Koo as saying. Maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is in the US core national interest, he noted, adding that Taipei is aware of Beijing’s increasing military pressure and is preparing for defense.

Taiwan has been governed by its local administration since 1949, when the remaining Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled to the island after suffering a defeat in China’s civil war. Beijing considers Taiwan one of the PRC's provinces.

Washington severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 and established ties with China. The US officially recognizes the one-China principle, but continues provoking China by sending delegations to Taiwan and supplying the island with weapons. The Chinese Foreign Ministry estimates that the total value of US military supplies to the island has exceeded $70 billion over several years.

Trump believes Ukrainian conflict to be settled soon

The US leader expressed confidence that all sides were showing enthusiasm to reach the agreement

Ukraine prepares Easter provocation in Kharkov Region to discredit Russia — authorities

According to Vitaly Ganchev, similar provocations are also being prepared in the Dnepropetrovsk and Poltava Regions

Yesterday, 22:35

Lavrov to hold talks with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow on Friday

On Thursday, Abbas Araghchi was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Yesterday, 10:02

Ukraine deliberately struck ZNPP before expiration of moratorium on energy attacks — plant

The ceasefire on energy infrastructure, in place since March 18, followed a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump

Zelensky aide's remarks on ceasefire ring cynical as Ukraine attacks ZNPP — diplomat

On April 17, a Ukrainian delegation led by Yermak met with US and European representatives in Paris to discuss a possible settlement to the conflict in Ukraine

Yesterday, 17:20

Germany grants Kiev new aid package with 66 MRAP armored vehicles, UAVs

The new package also includes shells for Leopard 2 tanks

Yesterday, 10:14

Moon and Mars cannot be explored without nuclear energy — expert

The scientist further noted that Russia is entirely self-sufficient in space-related activities, but that the country had lost "its launch capabilities and many other assets," because the rest of the world had begun actively developing commercial space industries

Yesterday, 18:45

Three Ukrainian drones attack ZNPP satellite city of Energodar — mayor

No casualties were reported

Yesterday, 18:29

Russia says requests closed UN Security Council session on energy strikes moratorium

First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky reiterated that the moratorium had been faithfully observed by the Russian side

Yesterday, 19:16

Rosatom says other countries coming to Russia for help with quantum tech development

That said, having become one of top three developers of quantum tech, Russia has spent roughly 20 times less money on its quantum program than the leaders in the "quantum race," Solntseva noted

US should stop supporting Kiev to achieve peace — Russian politician

Sergey Mironov also remarked that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent statement reflects Washington’s "helplessness and unpreparedness for a genuine resolution of the Ukraine conflict"

Moscow breaks temperature record for April 18 — lead meteorologist

According to Roman Vilfand, the previous record was set in 1921

Trump, Lula admire Putin, disdain Zelensky — media

The Brazilian news outlet notes that relations between the American and Brazilian administrations remain strained, as the two leaders have virtually nothing in common

FSB detains Australian mercenary in Lugansk region fighting on Ukraine’s side

"The FSB regional branch for the Lugansk People’s Republic jointly with the FSB branch for the Moscow Military District has foiled the unlawful activity of a mercenary," the FSB press office said in a statement

Liberation of Kalinovo in DPR to accelerate Russian army’s advance to Konstantinovka

The Russian Defense Ministry reported about the liberation of the settlement of Kalinovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic on April 16

Yesterday, 19:01

Hungarian officials not to come to Victory Day parade in Moscow — Orban’s office

According to Gergely Gulyas, "even if the countries of Western Europe were on good terms with Russia, it would still not make sense for Hungary to take part in the celebrations, as the end of World War II marked a bitter defeat for the country"

Raiffeisen Group suspends sale of its Russian division — FT

One of the people close to the talks told FT that global uncertainty as well as the changing relationship between the US and Russia were behind the halt

Yesterday, 11:27

Putin lauds Qatar’s efforts to help resolve Israel-Palestine conflict

According to the Russian leader, Russia and Qatar share a similar vision of how a lasting peace could be achieved

Yesterday, 13:17

Russian troops liberate Preobrazhenka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

EU to take part in Ukraine talks to ensure lifting of Russia sanctions — top US diplomat

Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out earlier that Russian businesses had learned to work under sanctions and been able to launch alternative mechanisms for cooperation with foreign partners seeking to work with Russia

US has other things to focus on following three years of support to Ukraine — Rubio

According to the US Secretary of State, the administration of US President Donald Trump has done more in 80 days than former US President Joe Biden ever did

US hopes to reach ceasefire in Ukraine in matter of weeks — media

On April 17, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Presidential Special Envoy Steven Witkoff in Paris

UNSC could pass resolution on potential Ukraine truce depending on terms — Russia’s envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, 'it all depends on the terms of a possible ceasefire and the language of the document'

Yesterday, 08:41

Rheinmetall to complete construction of ammo factory in Ukraine next year

Rheinmetall is Germany’s largest defense company

Yesterday, 18:47

Deliveries of import-substituted SJ-100 aircraft expected to start in 2026 — Rostec

According to the state corporation press service, the information about the postponement of the Superjet certification deadlines is not true

Signing of US-Ukraine minerals agreement on April 26 may not take place — official

Taras Kachka highlighted that some issues require political decisions, which could be addressed during Prime Minister Denis Shmygal’s upcoming visit to the United States next week

US not ready to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine yet, Rubio says

The negotiators will go back to their capitals, "mulling over, and return to us early next week," the US Secretary of State said

Yesterday, 18:34

At least three killed in cable car crash near Italian city of Naples

According to the report, four people were inside the cable car at the time of the accident

Memo of intent points to US aid for Kiev, does not recognize Ukraine’s debt

The memo also notes that the parties intend to avoid conflicts with Ukraine’s obligations under European Union accession and agreements with other creditors

Press review: UN ready to join Black Sea deal while Russia lifts Taliban ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 18th

Yesterday, 11:08

Responsibility for what happened in Sumy certainly lies with Zelensky — Russian diplomat

As Maria Zakharova stressed, "the junta leader tried to shift the responsibility for this next terrible war crime against his own citizens to the head of the Sumy military administration"

Positions of Tehran, Moscow on global issues closer than ever — Iran’s foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi also confirmed that the Comprehensive Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran is a "solid foundation for forging a new level" of bilateral relations

Yesterday, 13:33

Attack on Russia using Taurus missiles would imply Germany’s involvement in conflict — MFA

Meanwhile, the Kiev regime has been "a tool of this Western manipulation," Maria Zakharova argued

Ukraine's Defense Ministry acknowledges issue of forced mobilization, shortage of recruits

Ukraine introduced martial law and general military mobilization on February 24, 2022, extending them several times since then

Paris meeting helps West agree upon positions on peace in Ukraine — French MFA

The minister delegate noted that the Paris meeting was the first to bring the allies to the same negotiating table following a series of separate encounters

Yesterday, 20:54

Trump aims at soonest end to conflict in Ukraine, Rubio tells Lavrov

According to the statement, 'United States want this war to end'

Yesterday, 11:26

Russia-US contacts now main driving force of work on Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, such work is under way

Russian troops liberate about 80% of DPR territory, says military expert

Russian troops will still have to take such large communities in the Donetsk People’s Republic as Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, Slavyansk and Druzhkovka, he specified

Yesterday, 15:38

Dogs gifted by Kim Jong Un reside with Putin, appear well — spokesman

The dogs were presented to the Russian president during his visit to North Korea on June 18-19, 2024

Trump is pressuring Europe to launch ceasefire in Ukraine by April 30 — expert

Mikhail Pavliv noted that under such tight timelines, Washington is compelled to apply pressure on European allies while simultaneously offering incentives to encourage cooperation

Yesterday, 14:02

Kiev's regime loses more than 165 troops in Kursk area over past day — Russia’s top brass

Over the period of fighting in the Kursk area, the enemy has lost up to 74,780 troops, 410 tanks, 334 infantry fighting vehicles, 305 armored personnel carriers

Memo signed between Ukraine, US envisages no security guarantees — Ukrainian MP

The document was signed on April 17

Top US diplomat highlights importance of dialogue with Russia

Putin and Witkoff met in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on April 11

Yesterday, 17:01

Diplomats deny reports of missile strike on Indian pharma company’s Kiev warehouse

"The most likely explanation of the incident is that one of Ukrainian air defense missiles fell on Kusum Healthcare’s warehouse setting it on fire," the Russian embassy in New Delhi said

Yesterday, 20:48

Hamas leader in Gaza opposes disarmament

According to Khalil al-Hayya, 'the existence of Hamas and its possession of weapons are directly linked to the occupation'

Talks on Ukrainian conflict resolution complicated — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov answered to a question about US President Donald Trump’s recent remark that he expected Russia’s response on a proposed Ukrainian ceasefire this week

Yesterday, 20:00

Taliban expects to develop full-scale diplomatic, economic ties with Russia

In the spokesman’s opinion, "Russian President [Vladimir Putin] has a correct policy with regard to Afghanistan"

Russia says some Ukrainian soldiers surrendered in Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, guided by humanitarian considerations, servicemen of the battlegroup North guarantee that Ukrainian soldiers, if they lay down their arms and surrendered, will live and receive decent treatment

Yesterday, 14:52

Kabul grateful to Moscow for decision on Taliban — Afghan embassy in Russia

The diplomatic mission emphasized that it would strengthen cooperation between the countries

Russia ready to help facilitate Iran-US nuclear deal agreements — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow welcomes the willingness to achieve objective and mutually acceptable agreements

EU, US who use energy as weapon, not Russia — German lawmaker

Steffen Kotre also pointed out that it would be sound to consider reserves, i.e. to develop the production of domestic gas

No instructions from Putin as energy ceasefire ends, Kremlin says

On March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump had a telephone conversation in which they discussed the situation in Ukraine

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 80 UAVs in past day — governor

During the last 24-hour period, the Ukrainian military fired five munitions in one bombardment and carried out attacks by five UAVs on the village of Tishanka and the farmstead Shakhovka in the Volokonovsky district

US envoy says territorial issue could be partially resolved in Russia’s favor

According to Steve Witkoff, the territorial issue was the focus of his talks with the Russian leader

US-Iran to hold second round talks in Rome on April 19 — Oman’s Foreign Ministry

'The talks will aim to achieve further progress towards a fair, binding and sustainable agreement,' the ministry said in a statement

US offers easing of anti-Russia sanctions as part of Ukrainian settlement — Bloomberg

The proposals presented by the US to its allies in Paris also imply that all territories liberated by Russia remain under Moscow’s control, while "Kyiv’s aspirations of joining NATO would be off the table"

Yesterday, 22:32

Trump says he is not in a rush to attack Iran over its nuclear program

US president said that 'Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death'

Yesterday, 14:16

'Coalition of willing’ gone mad, strike on Sumy: Russian MFA spokewoman holds briefing

Vladimir Zelensky is "certainly" responsible for the unintended consequences of the Russian Armed Forces' attack on the venue where a Ukrainian command staff meeting was being held in Sumy, the Russian diplomat stated

Russia-Afghanistan business forum to be held in Kazan

The Russian delegation will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk

JD Vance reports progress in Ukrainian settlement over past 24 hours

Less than 24 hours after the talks at the White House, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni receives JD Vance, who has traveled with his family to Rome, where he will celebrate Easter

Trump expects to get Russia’s response on Ukraine truce this week

US president said that sides are getting close to the agreement

Yesterday, 15:40

All parameters of possible agreements on Ukraine should be fulfilled by parties — MFA

On March 18, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a 30-day mutual pause on strikes against energy infrastructure

Yesterday, 22:13

US national shot dead during plane hijacking attempt in Belize

The pilots managed to land the aircraft at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Houthis attack US aircraft carriers Harry Truman, Carl Vinson — spokesman

Yahya Saria also said that "the US military buildup and continued aggression against Yemen will only lead to more attacks"

Yesterday, 23:08

Ukraine, US sign memorandum expressing willingness to reach deal on minerals — official

The sides are preparing to set up an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine

Expert says Romania may normalize relations with Russia if nationalist candidate wins

According to Marius Ghincea, the majority of Romanians believe that Budapest has not been independent in its foreign policy as it lacks individuality and has played a passive role in relations with its Western partners

Russia, Iran build strategic partnership in response to Western sanctions — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat also emphasized that Moscow and Tehran "have a lot of supporters within the United Nations, including the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter that develops position documents, particularly demanding an end to illegal practices and a return to the norms of international law"

US announces destruction of Houthi-controlled Ras Isa port in Yemen

According to CENTCOM, it will cut off the group’s fuel supply and profits from "illegal" fuel sales

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

Technology to jam Starlink signal begins to be used in Kherson Region — governor

This technology has already started to be deployed, and the effects are already being felt, Vladimir Saldo stressed

Yesterday, 10:36

Russia’s Medvedev says European troops to return in coffins if deployed to Ukraine

Earlier, Andrey Yermak, the head of the office of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, said he along with the Ukrainian defense and foreign ministers, Rustem Umerov and Andrey Sibiga, respectively, had arrived in Paris for talks with senior US officials

Ukraine fails to meet any of EU’s membership criteria — German lawmaker

According to Steffen Kotre, even sanctions and tariffs are introduced with an eye to the United States’ domestic policy, with the goal being to win the sympathy of the Democrats

Japan protests what it thinks is Russia’s growing presence in Kurils

"A protest has been submitted via diplomatic channels," Takeshi Iwai stressed

Ukrainian military attacked energy facilities in 18 Russian regions — TASS calculations

The most frequent targets include the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions

Two days ago, 10:09

Sending Danish troops to Ukraine to draw Denmark into conflict — Russian ambassador

According to the reports, the Danish Armed Forces are planning to send soldiers to a training camp in Ukraine

Yesterday, 12:49

Russia suspends Taliban ban following court ruling

The court session was held behind closed doors

US ready to broker Ukraine deal if both sides are serious about peace — Rubio

According to the US Secretary of State, the understanding of whether it would be possible to put an end to the Ukraine conflict may come "in a matter of days"

Belarusian detained in Novorossiysk intended to blow up military assembly point — FSB

An expert shown in the video holding the seized device said it was designed to be triggered by a radio signal

IN BRIEF: What is known about overnight drone attack on Russian regions

According to the Defense Ministry, 27 drones were downed over the Voronezh Region, 12 over the Belgorod Region, another 12 over the Sea of Azov, three over Crimea, one over the Rostov Region and one more over the Krasnodar Region

Zelensky signs laws to extend martial law, mobilization in Ukraine

Zelensky, whose presidential powers officially expire on May 20, 2024, submitted the relevant bills to the Ukrainian parliament on April 15

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,900 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy tanks and 39 armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 05:29

Russian troops establish new footholds near Figolevka in Kharkov region, expert says

Andrey Marochko said that during active battles in the Kupyansk direction, our troops managed to improve tactical positions

Yesterday, 19:02

Trump wants to use duties to force creditors to restructure US national debt — economist

According to Professor Hans-Werner Sinn, this can be achieved by swapping bonds that mature soon for 100-year bonds with a significantly lower yield

Yesterday, 20:01

Lavrov confirms to Rubio Moscow’s readiness to work with US on Ukrainian crisis — ministry

Also, Rubio informed Lavrov about his contacts with Ukrainian delegates in France

Two days ago, 18:34

Despite suspending space ties with Moscow, Europe still uses its equipment — Putin

The head of Russian state reiterated that given how complicated space technologies can be, cooperation becomes all the more important

Rada to ratify mineral deal with US if satisfied with terms — lawmaker

Daniil Getmantsev noted that Ukraine needs such a deal to draw in capital for the revival of its economy

Chinese vice premier highlights importance of energy cooperation with Russia

Ding Xuexiang noted that work was underway on major projects as the two countries kept expanding areas of cooperation

Russian troops stay put in Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya said that there are talks with the current Syrian government

German politician sees deployment of troops to Ukraine as unimaginable

Lars Klingbeil still stressed that "Germany should remain Ukraine’s biggest military supporter in Europe"

Yesterday, 19:46

Washington, Kiev to sign minerals deal on April 24 — Trump

"I assume they're going to live up to the deal, so we'll see," Trump added

Yesterday, 01:28

Hollywood star Van Damme ready to visit Russia as ambassador of peace

Van Damme added that he would like to talk with the Russian leadership "only about peace, sport and happiness"

France, UK, Germany can help achieve peace in Ukraine, top US diplomat says

Marco Rubio pointed out that the White House was in constant contact with London and Paris on settling the Ukraine issue

Yesterday, 19:18

Iranian foreign minister hands Putin letter from ayatollah — Iran’s Foreign Ministry

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, "mainly nuclear issues" were discussed at the meeting, as well as the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East

Yesterday, 12:01

Russian MFA spokeswoman calls insane Franco-British plan to send contingent to Ukraine

Maria Zakharova noted that, alongside the French and the British, "only similarly frenzied Russophobes in the Baltic states" are willing to join this venture

Moratorium on energy sites strikes can be seen as progress in settlement — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov commented on the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the US does not plan to deal with the Ukrainian settlement for weeks and months

Yesterday, 12:35

Moscow to respond in kind if Tallinn attacks Russian ships — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia strongly condemns such "pirate-like behavior," arguing that the powers now granted to the Estonian Navy exceed the bounds of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Ceasefire in Ukraine unrealistic at this point, Russia’s UN envoy says

Vasily Nebenzya noted that attempt at a limited ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure was not observed by the Ukrainian side

Yesterday, 18:13

EU may introduce restrictions on exports to US — Bloomberg

According to the sources, this move is being considered as a deterrent if trade negotiations with Washington fail to produce a satisfactory outcome

Russia, Iran certain that effect of illegal sanctions can be reduced to zero — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat underscored that coercive restrictions tend to generate more issues for the states that implement them than for the countries they target

Russia seeks to resolve Ukraine conflict, ensure national interests — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian side remains open to dialogue and is actively engaged in it

Yesterday, 12:35

US increasingly distances itself from Europe's plans to help Kiev — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that "Germany announced the formation of a new, ninth coalition under its command, this time focused on electronic warfare, which will include 11 countries"