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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Political firestorm around Pentagon reshuffle aimed at hurting Trump agenda — Hegseth

The US defense secretary reiterated that the fired officials were deemed to be responsible for several high-profile information leaks

NEW YORK, April 22. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump’s political opponents, including ones inside the Republican party, are stirring the pot around the recent Pentagon reshuffle to hurt the president, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.

He said that several high-ranking Pentagon employees who went public about their removal were "trying to create a problem for the president. This is what’s it’s all about – trying to get at President Trump and his agenda," Hegseth told Fox News.

He reiterated that the fired officials were deemed to be responsible for several high-profile information leaks. "We did a serious leak investigation. And through that leak investigation, unfortunately, we found some folks that we believe were not holding to the protocols we hold dear for the Defense Department. Through that investigation, they have been moved on and that investigation continues," he said.

From his point of view, those dismissed "are now attempting to leak and sabotage the president’s agenda."

However, Hegseth did not rule out that the investigation could ultimately clear some of them of wrongdoing: "If those people are exonerated – fantastic!"

However, he added, the Pentagon does not view this as likely, given the current evidence. Also, Hegseth said that Joe Kasper, his former chief of staff, will not be fired. "He is staying with us. Gonna be in a slightly different role. But he is not going anywhere, certainly not fired," he said.

Hegseth recently fired Kasper, while earlier, his deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick and aid Dan Caldwell were sent on administrative leave. Former Pentagon Spokesperson John Ullyot wrote an op-ed for Politico on April 20 where he stated that over the past month, the Pentagon has been immersed in total chaos caused by data leak scandals and dismissals. Ullyot, who also, in fact, did not leave of his own accord, suggested that Hegseth’s days in the White House were numbered. However, US President Donald Trump gave Hegseth a vote of confidence on April 21. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called reports that a replacement for Hegseth was being sought "fake news.".

Tags

White House bans U.S. agencies from all work on G20 in South Africa — WP

The G20 Summit will be held in November in Johannesburg

US envoy to NATO says focus is on ending Ukraine conflict, not more sanctions on Russia

US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker was all positive about the upcoming May 15 talks on Ukraine in Istanbul, proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Only foreign brands that bring value to Russia will be allowed to return — Putin

Putin stressed that he wasn’t exaggerating, that this is how things work

Ten Ukrainian soldiers surrender in southern DPR

They laid down their arms during assault operations on a number of strongholds

No sense in pause to hostilities at all for Russia, Medvedchuk argues

The politician recalled that Russia had alreadey withdrawn troops from Kiev in the spring of 2022, but no peace ensued

Press review: Russia, Ukraine mull peace as US, China slash tariffs amid tensions

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 13th

EU set to impose much higher tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural products — newspaper

The decision would affect maize, sugar, honey, and poultry

Format of Istanbul negotiations on Ukraine yet to be determined — Turkish foreign minister

"The American delegation is coming to Istanbul, and the Russian delegation will also be here," Hakan Fidan said

Zelensky says ban on talks with Russia does not apply to him

Vladimir Zelensky claimed his decree was meant to prevent potential contacts between fugitive Ukrainian opposition activists and Russia’s authorities

Russia to send delegation to Istanbul talks on May 15 regardless of Kiev’s stance — MP

Leonid Slutsky called on Kiev to listen to the only viable position, formulated by the Russian president, that can bring peace

Russian troops breaching Ukrainian defenses near Krasnoarmeysk in Donetsk region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are moving at quite a fast pace towards Dobropolye

Ukrainian troops prepare for battles for Sumy, try to hold Yunakovka — security forces

They are building up several defense lines

US Department of State describes Istanbul talks as ‘critical opportunity’

"This is a critical opportunity to again have those direct talks to try to achieve that ceasefire and then that long and enduring peace," the US diplomat added

Putin says major foreign companies ask him directly if they can come back to Russia

Putin stressed that foreign countries "foolishly banned their companies" from operating in Russia, and now they will face a lot of hurdles if they want to come back

New anti-Iranian sanctions by US unacceptable, Iranian Foreign Ministry says

The sanctions "will impact our approach" to the negotiation process, the ministry noted

Putin states attractiveness of Donbass, Novorossiya for business

The President noted that it is necessary to develop common criteria for the use of land in these territories

Russian diplomat slams NATO’s denial of accreditation to TASS journalist

On Telegram, she described those who made the decision as "destroyers of free speech"

EU to blacklist 30 entities over alleged circumvention of anti-Russia sanctions — Politico

"75 individuals and companies have been listed" for their alleged involvement in Russia’s military industrial sector

Europe dreams of dividing Russia into parts using Ukraine — Republika Srpska leader

Europe also wants to seize the country’s energy and mineral resources, Milorad Dodik emphasized

Russia gives targeted response to Poland shutting down Consulate General in Krakow — MFA

Russia's response will be appropriate and guided by its national interests, Maria Zakharova stated

Russia hopes to deal directly with Ukraine in Istanbul — senior Russian diplomat

The senior Russian diplomat told reporters earlier in the day that the upcoming Istanbul talks will focus on reaching a sustainable peace agreement based on realities on the ground, particularly new Russian territories

Ukraine is being used as springboard for cyberattacks on Russia — Foreign Ministry

Highlighting the resilience of Russian cybersecurity measures, Artur Lyukmanov emphasized the effectiveness of strategies developed during the special military operation

Moscow's rivals scheme to replace power in Russia — foreign intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin added that Russia’s geopolitical rivals are hatching plans, with financial support from the West, to split Russia into multiple parts

Zelensky’s entourage wants to trade abducted Kursk civilians for captured Azov terrorists

According to SVR intel, Kiev intends to hold on to the remaining Kursk civilians forcibly held in Ukraine for as long as possible

Kiev agrees to talks without ceasefire to secure US backing — MP

Mikhail Tsymbalyuk said that it was important for Ukraine to stick to the US position

IN BRIEF: Putin's key statements at a meeting with the Business Russia association

Private business is writing the "success story of the Russian economy," the President noted

Nothing strange about US authorities’ desire to build relations with Syria — Kremlin

"It is definitely necessary to build relations so that the Syrian people can finally attain long-awaited peace," Dmitry Peskov said

Poland to ban Dodik from entering its territory — foreign ministry

Earlier, Dodik was banned from entering Australia and Germany

Malaysian PM says hopes his visit to Russia will help strengthen bilateral ties

Apart from that, according to the Malaysian prime minister, he plans to "meet with Russian industry players to bring in high-impact investments back home, before heading to Kazan for the meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia-Islamic World and KazanForum"

Putin invites Malaysia’s king to visit Russia

Russian president asked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to convey his best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim

Skilled negotiators to represent Russia in Istanbul talks — lawmaker

According to Leonid Slutsky, it will be a highly professional delegation, capable of dealing with the toughest team of Ukrainian negotiators in the most challenging circumstances and demonstrating the will to achieve fundamental agreements that would pave the way for peace

Press review: Russia prepares for Ukraine talks and Trump pursues Middle East megadeals

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 14th

France ready to discuss deployment of strategic bombers in EU countries — Macron

At the same time, he said that the deployment will be conditioned on three requirements: "France will not pay for the security of others," the deployment will not undermine France’s own security, and the president of France, who is also the supreme commander-in-chief

Russian troops to receive large batch of shortened AK-12 assault rifles

"The shortened AK-12 is primarily designed for arming assault units," Kalashnikov Group Chief Designer for Small Arms Sergey Urzhumtsev said

Indian premier notes Russian-made S-400 air defense system’s role during escalation

Narendra Modi also praised domestically made Akash missile systems

France already given everything it could to Ukraine — Macron

"We have done everything we could," French leader said

Serbian leader rejects European Council president's call to condemn Russia

Aleksandar Vucic emphasized that his duty was to serve the people of Serbia and he was not obliged to obey anyone

EU nuclear proliferation won’t contribute to Europe's security — Kremlin

The entire system of strategic stability and security is in a deplorable state for understandable reasons, Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Yemen’s Houthis launch new strike on Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv — spokesman

According to Yahya Saria, the missile "hit its target" and the airport operations were suspended for about an hour

Kremlin aide Ushakov has no comments on Trump, Zelensky’s possible visit to Istanbul

"There are simply too many statements, we need to see how the situation unfolds," the official noted

EU court blames von der Leyen for hiding information on COVID-19 vaccines

While the court decision does not define the scope of von der Leyen’s responsibility or impose any disciplinary or penal measures against her, it may trigger new cases against the Commission chief with more serious accusations

Foreign companies' exit tactics won't be forgotten — Putin

The Russian leader highlighted that product quality requirements in Russia have always been higher than in the EU

Press review: Turkey to host Russia-Ukraine talks as NATO starts drills by Russian border

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 12th

Outcome of Istanbul talks to depend on Kiev’s Western sponsors — Russian diplomat

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin on May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the Kiev authorities to resume the direct talks they broke off in 2022 without any preliminary conditions

Trump issues ultimatum, saying Russia, Ukraine should hold direct talks — Witkoff

According to the US President special envoy, if direct talks between Russia and Ukraine bring any result, there will be "a strong chance to getting an end to this conflict"

Russian diplomat says talks with Ukraine should be held behind closed doors

"No one should hear what is going on in the talks, but this happens only when both sides are serious about reaching an agreement," Rodion Miroshnik said

Kremlin spokesman declines to name starting points of Ukraine talks

"No one will say in advance what the starting points will be," Dmitry Peskov said

Brazilian president to relay Kiev’s Istanbul talks request to Putin during Moscow visit

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also mentioned that, during his visit to Russia on May 8-10, he received a request from Vladimir Zelensky to inquire about the Russian authorities' plans to announce a ceasefire

Putin says Western brand apologies insufficient for return to Russian market

The president noted that Russia would focus on its own national interests in deciding on Western brands’ return to the country

Russians can now pay with Mir cards in Iran — Islamic republic’s Central Bank

The main tourist centers of Iran popular with Russians were equipped with the technology in the first place

Russian delegation to discuss political, technical issues at Istanbul talks — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov did not answer whether he himself is part of the Russian delegation

Ukrainian intelligence launches covert operation against Hungary, uses opposition — Orban

Its leader, European Parliament member Peter Magyar, claimed earlier that while the Hungarian government is preaching peace, the Hungarian armed forces are preparing for war

Russia-US bilateral talks in pipeline, date yet to be agreed on — Russian diplomat

The Russian side will decide on the optimal timing for the new round of talks depending on how the existing agreements with the Americans are implemented, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

Mirolyubovka seizure paves way for liberating Dimitrov, Krasnoarmeysk in DPR — expert

"The seizure of the settlement of Mirolyubovka by the Russian Armed Forces opens operational space, in particular, in the direction of the settlement of Dimitrov located close to Krasnoarmeysk," Andrey Marochko said

NATO summit in The Hague to focus on strengthening alliance, not Ukraine — news agency

The summit will be shorter than previous meetings, and the outcome will be a brief declaration, Bloomberg reported

Russian troops liberate Mikhailovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 525 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day

Rubio, Witkoff to travel to Istanbul on May 16 for Ukraine talks

A White House spokesperson confirmed earlier that the Secretary of State, US Presidential Special Representative and US Special Envoy for Ukraine are scheduled to travel to Istanbul for talks

West allocated roughly $550 billion to support Ukraine — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik also drew attention to the fact that the United States views the Ukrainian conflict today as a redundant burden

Russia, US, EU countries to work for strategic security — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov responded to questions regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks about the possibility of deploying French nuclear-armed aircraft in other European nations

Russia rejects ICAO Council’s accusations on MH17 case as illegitimate — foreign ministry

Russia will not recognize the Council’s ruling, it is illegitimate and violates the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and its own rule of procedure, the ministry said

Berlin's silence over video showing Merz, Macron is telling — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the Elysee Palace had immediately labeled the news as fake, but had not asked the Kiev regime to stop spreading false information

Zelensky confirms his visit to Turkey on May 15

Vladimir Zelensky hopes to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ankara or Istanbul

Russian investigators report 24 civilian deaths in Kursk Region’s village

According to Russia's Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko, representatives of Ukrainian armed formations involved in these crimes are being identified

NATO using Ukraine as testing ground for military tactics — Russian lawmaker

Dmitry Belik stressed that for years, Ukraine was being prepared to become "a battering ram against Russia"

EU envoys approve 17th package of anti-Russia sanctions — source

A source in EU institutions said that the approval of restrictions by EU foreign ministers is expected on May 20

EU fueling conflict between Russia, Ukraine instead of pushing for peace — EP deputy

"It’s time to put an end to the spiral of sanctions, threats and military rhetoric," Harald Wilimsky noted

EU to sanction select banks, curb Russian uranium imports — Bild

Acording to the repor, Europe may fully reject gas supplies from Russia and tighten restrictions on prices for its oil

Pentagon does not rule out direct US-Russia conflict if Ukraine crisis escalates

Even though China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran "seek to avoid armed conflict with the United States," their conviction in "Western decline fosters a growing willingness to challenge the United States, General Gregory Guillot, commander of the United States Northern Command, said

Russian troops advance in Verkhnekamenskoye community in Donetsk region — expert

The situation in the community remains tense, Andrey Marochko added

Putin declares creation of unstoppable nuclear-powered missile

Putin showed a video modelling the flight of a nuclear power plant-equipped cruise missile circumventing missile defenses

Istanbul 2022 draft may serve as basis for settlement — Russian envoy

"Let's go back, make adjustments to it that have emerged over the past three years and after that we will move to signing this document," Rodion Miroshnik said

Rubio, other US officials to travel to Istanbul for Ukraine talks — Trump

Trump was optimistic when talking about the meetings in Turkey

US discusses deployment of European deterrence force west of Dnieper River — Kellogg

Kellogg noted that starting positions in negotiations on the territorial issue should begin with freezing the conflict along the lines of contact

Trump says ready to make deal with Iran if Tehran refuses to develop nuclear weapons

The US president called on Iran to stop supporting terror and not have a nuclear weapon

West still considering sending troops to Ukraine — US diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly stated that the presence of NATO troops under any flag and in any capacity on Ukrainian soil is a threat to Russia, and that Moscow will not accept it under any conditions

Brazilian embassy confirms president's plane to make stopover in Moscow

Earlier, Lula da Silva said that he intends to return to Moscow after his visit to China to talk with Vladimir Putin about the upcoming Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul

Houthis say they attacked Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport

According to the Houthi spokesman, Ben Gurion Airport suspended operation for an hour and millions of the Israelis were forces to be hiding in bomb shelters

Russia to receive many foreign guests soon — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov announced that in the nearest future Russia would host many guests, including at the St. Petersburg forum

US doesn't want Zelensky at NATO's June summit — ANSA

According to the agency, only Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand have received invitations among non-alliance members

Russian Navy to set up unmanned systems regiments — paper

According to the report, the new regiments will comprise robotized systems operating in various environments

Russian delegation to be waiting for Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul on May 15 — Kremlin

The Kremlin spokesman added that members of the Russian delegation would be named once the president handed down the relevant instructions

Israeli military structures recognize threat of starvation in Gaza Strip — NYT

According to the newspaper, "Palestinians in Gaza face widespread starvation unless aid deliveries are restored within weeks"

Russia must brace for Western moves that hurt both sides — Putin

The president said that Russia must at least minimize the negative consequences

Trump does not rule new sanctions against Russia, Iran

According to the US president, the secondary sanctions against Iran "drove them into bankruptcy"

Russia proceeds with groundwork for Istanbul negotiations — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin currently has no plans to provide additional comment on the projected Russia-Ukraine meeting in Istanbul

Russian troops liberate Mirolyubovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 470 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Istanbul 2.0 signals a losing game for Zelensky, even if he skips talks — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Zelensky erred by overestimating his geopolitical role, as he has been a pawn, not a queen as he was told, since the very beginning

Russia-Malaysia relations advancing, room for more growth — Putin

"Both sides are sincerely interested in making such interaction even more meaningful and productive," Russian President said

Russian government receives official proposals on conditions for return of Western firms

According to RSPP, the requirements will not apply to all foreign companies that would like to return to Russia

India’s Operation Sindoor tests New Delhi’s ties with QUAD — magazine

India’s Operation Sindoor has become a litmus test for New Delhi’s relations with the other QUAD members, who did not support it

US to stop Iranian oil exports if no nuclear deal is reached — Trump

The United States and Iran have already held four rounds of negotiations to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program

Bolivian president not to run for re-election

"I am telling the people of Bolivia with absolute resolve about my decision not to participate in the August election because I have no intention to split the popular vote or facilitate the implementation of a Fascist right-wing project," Luis Arce said

Putin to hold talks with Malaysian premier

At this time, Russia and Malaysia have concluded 20 cooperation agreements

Russia won’t renounce ties with Islamic world — top diplomat

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia and the Islamic world states share common goals

Russia’s Kornet anti-tank missile system can pierce any Ukrainian tank — Rostec

The Kornet "is not simply an anti-tank missile system but a multipurpose high-precision guided weapon," the tech corporation stressed

EC chief says 17th sanctions package on Russia targets 189 tankers

The blacklisted tankers will be prohibited from entering EU ports, and any transactions with those vessels will be banned for European business

Kalashnikov presents newest uniform from Novator uniform kit

The presentation took place at a shooting complex within Patriot Park near Moscow

TASS denied accreditation to informal NATO ministerial talks in Antalya

The accreditation request was sent via NATO’s official website

Hungary's top diplomat urges EU to avoid interfering with Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul

"This week could be a great one for the whole world if the Russian-Ukrainian talks in Turkey yield success," Peter Szijjarto said

Lavrov says release of МН17 verdict sought to overshadow Malaysian PM’s trip to Russia

There are "plenty of facts" that show the investigation was dubious, the Russian foreign minister stressed

Trump family earned $2 bln in one month of his presidency

The New York Times noted that the primary inflows stemmed from foreign investments in cryptocurrency ventures, real estate, and exclusive club initiatives