80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany

15 Apr, 17:04

Slovak premier says he will be in Moscow on May 9 despite threats from EU diplomatic chief

According to Robert Fico, Kaja Kallas' statement underscores the need for a debate on the essence of democracy within the European Union

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico AP Photo/ Petr Josek

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico

© AP Photo/ Petr Josek

BRATISLAVA, April 15. /TASS/. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced on his Facebook page that he will travel to Moscow on May 9 to participate in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, despite threats from EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas.

"Mrs. Kallas' warning and threats are disrespectful, and I protest against them," Fico stated. "I am going to Moscow on May 9. Is Kallas' warning blackmail or a declaration that I will face repercussions upon my return? I do not know, but I do know that it is 2025, not 1939."

According to Fico, Kallas' statement underscores the need for a debate on the essence of democracy within the European Union. The he criticized the EU's approach to presidential elections in Romania and France, as well as the Maidan-type unrest the West is orchestrating in Georgia and Serbia.

"Mrs. Kallas, I would like to remind you that I am the legitimate Prime Minister of Slovakia - a sovereign state. No one can dictate where I can or cannot go. I will travel to Moscow to express my respect and honor the memory of the thousands of Red Army soldiers who died for the liberation of Slovakia," Fico concluded.

Russian experts see signs that March 15 events in Belgrade were orchestrated

"A study revealed the following: sonic devices were not used to disperse the rally," Serbia’s Security Information Agency report says

Yesterday, 08:38

Russian army expands buffer zone around liberated villages in Sumy Region

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its troops had liberated Veselovka, Zhuravka, and Basovka in the Sumy Region

Yesterday, 22:39

Zelensky hopes Europe purchases Patriot SAMs for Ukraine — MP

The Ukrainian state budget is currently deficient and will not be able to bear the burden of buying weapons, noted Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Anna Skorokhod

Putin likens Elon Musk to Russia’s rocket engineer Korolev, says such people are rare

A mission to Mars would be very hard, the Russian leader noted

Russia’s Finance Ministry considers creating domestic stablecoin

The ministry explores the possibility to develop internal instruments akin to USDT

Number of foreign tourists visiting Russia up 40% in January-November 2024

The Center for International Tourism Development conducted a survey among foreign tourists from friendly countries on their interest in Russia as a tourist destination

Putin says many countries eager to cooperate with Russia in space industry

The President emphasized that Russia and China have "major plans - interesting, ambitious, and grandiose"

28 Nov 2017, 15:16

Russia reacts to ex-Yukos shareholders’ attempt to reinstate Hague Tribunal’s $50bn ruling

The arbitration tribunal had no competence to examine claims filed by Yukos, Head of the International Legal Protection Center Andrei Kondakov said

Russian defense chief sets task to outline process of development of robots for army

The defense ministry ordered the relevant officials and the organizations to determine the order of developing ground-based systems and address their flaws based on the current needs of the army

Yesterday, 14:27

Sappers destroy more than 185,000 mines, explosive items in Kursk Region

More than 675 kilometers of roads and 26,000 hectares of land have been cleared of mines

Three major hurdles to clear to make mission to Mars a reality, Putin tells students

The Russian leader stressed that it looked like a very distant goal at the moment

Russia hopes for Iran's swift ratification of comprehensive partnership deal — diplomat

"We also very much hope that through our inter-parliamentary ties, taking into account the close relations between the parliaments of the two countries, distinguished senators and deputies will also motivate their Iranian colleagues during their contacts not to delay this process artificially," Andrey Rudenko said

Yesterday, 18:58

EU threats to Serbia over potential Victory Day visit to Russia ‘Euronazism’ — Zakharova

"80 years ago, this is how the fascists forced those who were considered ‘second-class citizens’ to abandon their homeland, ethnicity, and faith," the diplomat stated

Yesterday, 19:21

Russian Pacific Fleet ships call at Bangladeshi port of Chittagong

The ships will take part in the PASSEX 2025 joint naval drills, the Russian embassy in that country said

Rubio, Witkoff heading to France for talks on Ukraine, Iran, tariffs — newspaper

The sides will also discuss the situation in Gaza, where Israel is conducting a military operation

13 Nov 2019, 09:31

Russia’s 1st two Avangard hypersonic missile systems to assume combat duty — source

Work is underway to prepare and place the missiles into silos, according to the source

Gold price hits all-time high, exceeding $3,150 per troy ounce

By 09:11 Moscow time, the price of the precious metal rose by 1.23% and amounted to $3,152.7 per troy ounce

Slovak PM slams top EU diplomat over warning on May 9 visit to Russia

Robert Fico noted that during his visit to Russia he intended to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and take part in the Immortal Regiment march

Yesterday, 17:14

US sanctions slow development of China-Russia ties, but they will be overcome — ambassador

According to Zhang Hanhui, Russia and China need to settle the issue of mutual payments and are considering such options as an alternative to SWIFT

Putin backs incorporating student projects into Russia's space program

The Russian leader emphasized that all Russian projects should be of the highest standard

Russian envoy says it's time to talk about reforming WTO

During the meeting, the chairman expressed concern over the state of affairs in global trade amid a rise in the application of unilateral restrictions, Platonov noted

Minister of state: Qatar committed to stronger ties with Russia despite differing views

Over recent years, Russia and Qatar have intensified their engagement, which has continued to grow amid heightened global and regional tensions, particularly in the Middle East. As Doha maintains its role as an effective intermediary in conflict resolution, it has emerged as a nexus for both global and regional interests. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alone has traveled to the Qatari capital on two occasions in the past six months

Putin says will not make any political comments on events in Palestine

During a meeting with former Gaza hostage Alexander Trufanov, Russian president added that everything that has happened to Trufanov "is a tragedy"

Yesterday, 15:23

Mercenaries from Colombia, other countries trapped in Gornal monastery — State Duma member

The encircled gunmen are unwilling to surrender because they came to Kursk "to hunt humans"

Moscow court rules to arrest former Kursk Region governor in fraud case

"The court granted the petition of the investigation and ruled to take into custody former Kursk Region Governor Alexey Smirnov until June 15 while pending trial," the statement says

Press review: Moscow mulls energy ceasefire extension as Trump eyes State Department cuts

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 16th

Two days ago, 08:51

Uncontrolled AI growth in US could doom humanity — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui stressed that China regards security as a fundamental principle of AI development, "emphasizing the priority of ethical norms and the need to keep AI under control"

Two days ago, 10:55

Russia ready to supply grain, fish, meat, seafood to Indonesia

Veronika Nikishina also called the mining and oil and gas sectors promising for cooperation between the two countries, adding that Russia, in turn, could offer technologies for greenfield exploration and efficiency improvement at brownfields

15 Jul 2023, 21:12

Ukrainian UAV control center, Starlink station hit in airstrike on Dnieper right bank

A spokesman for the region’s emergency services said that thanks to cohesion of Battlegroup Dnepr units, three M777 155 mm howitzers were destroyed in the past day

Russia must live up to its pioneering legacy in space — Putin

The Russian president highlighted the need to give a boost to Russia’s space program "so that it becomes a driving force" behind national progress, technological advancement and improved quality of life

Russia invites 19 countries to Victory Day parade on Red Square — minister

According to Andrey Belousov, solemn events involving military personnel will be held in 370 settlements

13 Apr 2020, 09:51

Russian Defense Ministry working on new generation of g-force pilot protection gear

The gear will involve modern materials and technologies

Former Kursk Region governor detained on suspicion of fraud

Alexey Smirnov's former first deputy Alexey Dedov have also been detained

Yesterday, 12:19

Energy strikes, dialogue with US, new intel: SVR chief Naryshkin talks to reporters

Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director lauded the renewed dialogue between Russia and the United States

Russian specialists already working in Iran on Rasht-Astara railway project — Deputy PM

Russia and Iran signed an agreement to jointly build a 160-kilometer section of the Rasht-Astara railroad on May 17, 2023

Yesterday, 19:48

US holds productive talks with Russia, Moscow wants to end Ukraine conflict — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff that took place in St. Petersburg on April 11

Russian ruble becomes world’s top-performing currency amid dollar weakness — media

Iskander Lutsko, the Dubai-based head of research and portfolio management at Istar Capital, noted a visible thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington, which, in his view, also played a role in making the Russian currency more attractive to investors

7 Sep 2023, 21:35

West blocked sovereign Russian assets worth $280 bln — US Treasury Department

According to the document, the task force has completed its “initial effort to map and account for Russian sovereign assets that are immobilized and held in REPO member jurisdictions”

Roscosmos chief, NASA deputy head discuss further cooperation on ISS

The meeting took place prior to the launch of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky on board

11 Oct 2024, 09:36

Russia’s Rubicon UAV technology teams operating in special military op area — top brass

"The Center’s teams have destroyed more than 400 items of armament and equipment of the Ukrainian army and wiped out about 800 site targets," the Defense Ministry said in a statement

International Trade Center forecasts global trade dip due to mutual duties

"Global trade could shrink by 3%, with significant long-term shifts in trade patterns and economic integration," Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton noted

Mongolian MFA says Russia applied no pressure on EAEU accession

The Mongolian side has endorsed preferences on nearly all significant EAEU goods, including confectionery and dairy products, petroleum products and petrochemicals, and vehicles, under the Russia-Mongolia economic corridor initiative

US tariffs to reach 245% on certain goods from China, not on all its imports — White House

Media reports saying that the US may impose tariffs of up to 245% on all imports from China are "misleading," according to the statement

Time names Trump, Starmer, Milei, Merz among 100 most influential people of 2025

The politicians are part of the Leaders category

Ukrainian forces launch 67 drones on Belgorod Region over day — governor

One munition and seven drones were launched at the Volokonovsky district, damaging a private house, an outbuilding, and destroying a car

Russia needs to support national shipbuilding industry — Putin

The Russian leader asked the government to consider the issue of construction of new shipyards in the country

Russian envoy urges new German government to avoid past mistakes in Ukraine policy

"It is obvious to everyone that the proclaimed ‘tipping point’ with regard to Russia has not just failed, but has led Germany into a dead end," Sergey Nechayev said

Yesterday, 17:03

Situation with inflation in Russia changing to the better — Putin

The Bank of Russia and the economic bloc of the government want to achieve reduction of mortgage lending to improve the macroeconomic situation, including as regards inflation, the Russian leader stressed

IN BRIEF: What we know about Ukrainian UAV attack on Russia’s central Ivanovo Region

An UAV attack alert has been issued in Shuya in the Ivanovo Region

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

Gas price in Europe up 1.6 times in Q1 2025

Gas prices grew during the heating season from November 2024 to March 2025 by 36% in annual terms to $501 per 1,000 cubic meters

12 Aug 2017, 14:07

Russia to start training female military pilots

Russian Defense Ministry received hundreds of letters, Sergey Shoigu told reporters

Russia’s oceanographic vessel Admiral Vladimirsky pays visit to Venezuela

The Admiral Vladimirsky left Kronshtadt on March 13

Serbian president cites FSB report as proof of attempted color revolution

A group of Federal Security Service experts said in a report published by Serbia’s Security Information Agency on Wednesday that the government of Serbia did not use sonic devices to disperse the March 15 rally in Belgrade

Gold price hits fresh all-time high surpassing $3,350 per troy ounce

By 9:37 p.m. Moscow time the gold price continued growing to 1.72% and reached $3,354.4 per troy ounce

Russian Customs Service reports $5.6 mln of illegally transported foreign currency in Q1

According to the report, individuals primarily attempted to smuggle US dollars and euros

Putin says new national project on space to be approved shortly

The new national project "aims to cover all areas most important for Russia, ranging from the creation of its own multi-satellite groups of various applications and national orbital station to farther space exploration programs"

Russian experts see signs that March 15 events in Belgrade were orchestrated

"A study revealed the following: sonic devices were not used to disperse the rally," Serbia’s Security Information Agency report says

Bank of Russia ‘concerned’ inflation has been above target for four years

Governor of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina reiterated the importance of maintaining low inflation for the overall economy

Zakharova brands Ukraine’s bid to host EU leaders on May 9 'theatre of absurd'

"For more than a decade now, these two words have characterized most of the events, steps, and statements that we hear and see from the so-called collective West and all those who pledge loyalty to it," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed

Yesterday, 14:04

Russia lists BMD-4M advantages for foreign customers

BMD-4M can be airlifted and dropped on a parachute from Il-76MD-90A(E) aircraft

Kiev attacks Russia's energy infrastructure six times over past 24 hours — top brass

Over 17,400 people were left without electricity as a result of the Ukrainian attacks in the Belgorod Region

UNCTAD forecasts recession in global economy in 2025

According to the report, the pressure on the global economy mounts due to demand slowdown, trade shocks and system uncertainty

Hamas may respond to proposal on Gaza in coming hours — TV

The radicals were still "examining the proposal, handed over by the mediators", according to Al Qahera Al Ekhbariya

Kazakhstan invites GCC states to jointly develop its $46 trillion rare metals reserves

Kazakh Foreign Minister also proposed that the GCC initiated the creation of a unified tourist route through Central Asia for travelers from the Gulf states

Demobilization would strip Ukraine of one-third of its army, senior commander says

According to Alexander Syrsk, Ukraine cannot rotate troops due to problems with recruiting new servicemen

Yesterday, 12:10

Ukrainian army sustains colossal losses in Chasov Yar area — DPR head’s adviser

The Ukrainian troops are reluctant to surrender this location, which overlooks the entire agglomeration north of Konstantinovka, Igor Kimakovsky noted

Air traffic between Russia, US should resume if sanctions on Aeroflot lifted — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister assured that Moscow would continue to work with Washington on the matter of restoring air connections

Pace of dedollarization will accelerate in near future — expert

Andrey Kostin emphasized that an increasing number of countries are becoming convinced of the risks associated with dependence on the US currency

Yesterday, 07:22

Russia, US, China to divide spheres of influence under new world order — Argentine leader

According to Javier Milei, Europe is currently incapable of claiming global leadership

US actions are transforming global trade system into regional one — expert

According to Gao Jian, the current US administration is attempting to reshape the global trade structure to suit its own interests

Gasoline prices in Russia up 8 kopecks in a week, diesel rises 5 kopecks — Rosstat

Between April 8 and 14, the price of automobile gasoline increased in 56 Russian regions

Russian troops liberate Kalinovo community in Donetsk region over past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 223 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 11 JDAM smart bombs over the past day, the ministry reported

Vucic says he faces tremendous pressure for his plans to visit Moscow on May 9

"Serbia made a significant contribution to the fight against fascism, something we take pride in, unlike many countries that are attempting to rewrite history on global, continental, regional, and even local levels," the Serbian leader stated

Taurus supplies to Kiev would usher in ‘new quality’ of Russia-Germany ties — ambassador

Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev emphsized that the Ukrainian soldiers could not operate these long-range weapons

FSB foils terror attack plot in Russian resort city of Pyatigorsk

Law enforcement discovered Molotov cocktails upon searching his place of residence

UK wages unannounced hostilities against Russia, ambassador says

Andrey Kelin also pointed to London's desire to prevent a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

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

Russian ambassador in London says 'coalition of willing' prepares intervention in Ukraine

Andrey Kelin also saw a desire to respond to the dialogue established between Moscow and Washington in the European initiative

Russia says its air defenses shot down Ukrainian F-16

Russian army also shot down more than 200 drones over the past day

Two days ago, 09:19

Russian delegation arrives in Jakarta to attend forum, joint commission meeting

In 2025, Russia and Indonesia are marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations

Two days ago, 12:26

What we know about Russia’s Iskander strike on Ukrainian military command in Sumy

The strike on the target eliminated more than 60 Ukrainian army personnel, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Russia is one of key guarantors of food security — Lavrov

"It can be stated that the active work of the regions really contributes to the progressive consolidation of our country's position in foreign agricultural markets, and the deepening of our cooperation with the countries of the world majority as a whole," the top Russian diplomat said

People worldwide increasingly see Russia as keeper of traditional values, says Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that "Russia has consistently upheld the belief that reliance on enduring values common to all major world religions and cultures along with respect for the unique identities of all nations and their right to sovereign development is key to building a fairer multipolar world order"

Yesterday, 21:19

Hamas says sees no actual guarantees in Israel’s new Gaza ceasefire proposal

Hamas did not give an unequivocal answer whether it rejects the proposal

Serbia's accession to EU loses significance — Serbian minister

Milica Durdevic-Stamenkovski recalled that Serbia began the process of European integration at a time when the idea of EU membership was much more attractive to the public in Serbia and in other potential candidate countries

Iran ready to discuss potential agreement with US on acceptable terms — top diplomat

According to Abbas Araghchi, the US side continues to make controversial statements regarding its demands on Iran, "but all positions are clarified at the negotiating table"

Two days ago, 12:28

Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region deflated, actively surrendering — Russian officer

Army General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and first deputy defense minister, said on March 12 that around 430 Ukrainian soldiers had been captured in the Kursk Region

Press review: Russia, US move past Biden’s legacy as Kiev assures NATO of fight readiness

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 11th

Yesterday, 21:34

Russian envoy to Sweden responds to country’s position on Sumy strike

"The Ukrainian army regularly used civilians as human shields for military facilities in violation of international humanitarian law," the Russian embassy in the kingdom said

US may introduce tariffs up to 245% on imports from China — White House

The White House did not give details regarding the timeframe and the configuration for toughening these measures

Russian intel agency says foreign pundits hope Russia, US will team up to prevent conflict

The agency also stated that analysts are not surprised by London's leading destructive role in the Ukrainian conflict

24 Jun 2019, 13:27

Russian hi-tech firm to feature Soviet experimental assault rifle at Army-2019 arms show

The rifle developed in 1965 will be the central exhibit among Soviet experimental firearms

US State Department closes center on information counteraction to Russia, other countries

The top US diplomat specified that "under the previous administration, this office spent millions of dollars to actively silence and censor the voices of Americans they were supposed to be serving"

Putin to hold talks with Qatar’s emir in Moscow on April 17

According to the Kremlin, the plan is to discuss pressing issues of Russia-Qatar cooperation in various areas with a focus on trade, economic and humanitarian areas

14 Dec 2023, 11:55

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

IAEA chief says Iran is close to going nuclear

On April 14, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Grossi is scheduled to arrive in Tehran on the evening of April 16 for meetings with Araghchi and Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran

Two days ago, 09:31

Ukrainian army leaving positions in Gornal community in Kursk Region — officer

The artillery of Russia’s 30th Motor Rifle Regiment has cut off all the supply routes for the Ukrainian combat group in the village of Gornal, he said

Yesterday, 18:37

Russia, US public figures to send letter to Putin, Trump to commemorate meeting on Elbe

Citing historical parallels, they stressed that good relations between Russia and the United States are achievable today, and noted the importance of the activity of social movements in the two countries for the preservation of a common history

ISS end won't mean end to space cooperation, Putin assures

The People’s Republic of China has huge plans, interesting and promising ones, the Russian leader noted

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"