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Military operation in Ukraine

Merz expects 'serious talks' on Ukraine after weekend

According to Mertz, his conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday made him expect the US to increase "pressure on Russia" and believe that "following this weekend there will be a phase during which serious negotiations could take place"

BRUSSELS, May 9. /TASS/. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he expects that "serious talks" to end the Ukraine conflict will start following this weekend.

He made the statement at a joint news conference with European Council President Antonio Costa.

According to Mertz, his conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday made him expect the US to increase "pressure on Russia" and believe that "following this weekend there will be a phase during which serious negotiations could take place."

On Thursday, Vladimir Zelensky said he also spoke with Trump to discuss "concrete steps" that can be taken to achieve peace. Zelensky reiterated Kiev's condition that talks could start only after a ceasefire.

Russia has repeatedly stated its readiness for direct negotiations with Ukraine without preliminary conditions. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a ceasefire for the time of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, but the Russian Defense Ministry reported almost 500 Ukrainian violations of the truce in its first hours.

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Military operation in Ukraine

No quick end to Ukraine conflict, talks may drag on for months — Merz

The German Chancellor denied the view that the US government is losing interest in attempts to find a solution through negotiations

Kremlin unaware of what Trump told Europeans after his conversation with Putin — spokesman

"We know President Trump's official statements," Dmitry Peskov noted

Two Israeli embassy employees shot and killed in Washington — TV

Several other embassy employees were wounded

Russian UAV teams positively assess Supercam S350M drone suppression system

"The system is undergoing operational evaluation in the special military operation area and we receive positive feedback from UAV teams," Yekaterina Zgirovskaya said

European Union’s 17th sanctions package signals opposition to Ukraine settlement — senator

Grigory Karasin noted that Germany, Britain and France are threatening Russia and anyone "who allows themselves to doubt the usefulness of the course of deepening confrontation"

Ukrainian drone attacks bridge in Kursk Region — governor

Alexander Khinshtein emphasized that the bridge has no military significance, being a civilian infrastructure facility

Russia considers Donbass, Novorossiya issue settled — Medvedev

The politician reiterated that globally, there are normally two models of recognizing the new subject entities of international law. In the first case, a declaration of independence of a certain territory is sufficient, while in the second case, the recognition of an independent state by other countries is also needed

TOS-1A Solntsepyok-1A ammunition creates long-lived shock wave — Rostec

The state corporation specified that the Solntsepyok munition creates a very high temperature, burning everything that can burn

Most mercenaries in Ukrainian army come from Georgia, UK, US

Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin said that after hearing the cases, courts found 97 mercenaries from 26 countries guilty

Russia confirms readiness to help normalize Baku-Yerevan relations

The parties agreed to step up efforts to advance the work of the 3+3 regional cooperation platform, designed to ensure that the problems of the South Caucasus are solved by the regional states themselves and their immediate neighbors

In response to Zelensky’s call for sanctions, Trump says it’s for him to decide

US president also spoke highly of his latest phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and European leaders

Russian forces seize Ukrainian positions in DPR — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that in general, east of Seversk in the DPR, "there are serious clashes with the passing initiative," while the enemy does not reduce the number of attacks

Facing inevitability of Russia's win, Trump shifts US course on Ukraine — expert

"The United States is gradually withdrawing from its role as an active participant in the Ukrainian crisis," Andrey Sushentsov said

US to be complicit in potential Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities — MFA

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that Teheran's nuclear program is under comprehensive IAEA monitoring and none of the agency's reports have indicated any deviation from its peaceful nature

Russian troops strike Ukrainian military airfield, army training camp over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Chisinau Court of Appeal leaves head of Gagauzia under house arrest

According to the ruling, this decision cannot be challenged

Russian diplomat explains who can sign memorandum with Russia for Ukraine

Maxim Musikhin stressed that there should be secure guarantees that the settlement agreement is signed on the Ukrainian part by "a person who is mandated by the people to do that"

Ambassador slams The Irish Times report on Russian foundation as 'slander'

The Irish Times newspaper earlier published an article saying that while the foundation is used exclusively to provide legal support to Russian citizens in Ireland, it is allegedly connected with Russian intelligence agencies in other countries

Brussels beginning to regret naming Kallas EU foreign policy chief — SVR

"Kaja Kallas is a visible manifestation of the European Union’s crisis," the statement reads

Ukrainian neo-Nazi militants 'would come second even in contest of idiots' — Putin

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy lost over 76,500 troops in fighting in the Kursk area

Colonel General Mordvichev appointed commander-in-chief of Russia’s Ground Forces

Andrey Mordvichev, who was commander of the Battlegroup Center, succeeded Oleg Salyukov

Israeli president slams killing of diplomats in D.C. as 'act of hatred, antisemitism'

Isaac Herzog added that America and Israel would stand united in defense of their people and their shared values

EU not discussing use of frozen Russian assets as part of sanctions package

Official spokesperson of the European Commission Paula Pinho said the President of the European Commission has already mentioned the elements of the new sanctions package

Trade turnover between Japan, Russia up 2.48% to over $600 bln in April

Supplies of cars to Russia fell by 19.4% in the reporting period, while deliveries of components lost 4.1%

Putin visits construction site of Kursk-2 Nuclear Power Plant in Kursk Region

The head of state also held a meeting with Alexander Khinshtein, acting Kursk Region governor, the Kremlin said

Family in Donetsk hid injured Russian soldier from Ukrainian troops for several months

The fighter came from the neighboring settlement of Razdolnoye

China insists US abandon Golden Dome missile defense program — Foreign Ministry

Mao Ning said that the Golden Dome project possessed a "marked offensive character" and destabilized the international security framework

US-Ukraine minerals deal doesn’t stipulate for military guarantees — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized that there was no military solution to the Ukrainian conflict

Houthis attack Israel's Ben Gurion Airport with ballistic missile — spokesman

According to Yahya Saria, the operation "successfully achieved its goal", the airport's operations "were halted for about an hour" due to the strike

Vatican may host new round of Russia-Ukraine talks in mid-June — media

According to The Wall Street Journal, a US delegation will also be present at these talks

Hellfire missiles fired for first time on Finnish soil during exercise

Exercise Northern Strike 125 and Exercise Northern Star 25 are taking place from May 12 to May 31

North Korean warship sustains minimal damage during launch — Seoul official

The South Korean Defense Ministry noted that the vessel was currently in the water

Police detain suspect in D.C. shooting — news agency

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said that she had already visited the scene, the news report pointed out

Trump Jr. points to Gulf states having more investment possibilities than Europe

Donald Trump Jr. confident that 'this is a place where there's smart investment'

Expert says Russia sanctions here to stay, regardless of Ukraine peace

According to Russian International Affairs Council Director General Ivan Timofeyev, excessive optimism about the lifting or easing of Western sanctions is counterproductive

Israeli embassies to lower flags to mourn diplomats killed in US — Foreign Ministry

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that the deceased embassy staff members were Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim

Russia to prepare separate list of conditions for ceasefire — Kremlin spokesman

"An agreement on that was reached in Istanbul," Dmitry Peskov added

Russia not to accept 'truce-and-see' approach on Ukraine, says Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that in Istanbul in 2022 Russia and Ukraine "initialed the settlement principles proposed by the Ukrainian delegation"

West incites Kiev to continue terrorist attacks — Russian diplomat

As Maria Zakharova also emphasized, the West understands that Ukraine's terrorist attacks will not affect Russia's position

Erdogan says no intention of running for president again

The president stressed that Turkey can no longer move forward with the current constitution

North Korea’s Kim witnesses serious accident during new warship launch — agency

According to KCNA, the incident was caused by the loss of balance when the warship was being launched

Press review: Russia sees Arctic development as vital and West to bolster Syria stability

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 22nd

Some 20,000 naturalized Russian citizens who dodged draft sent to special op — official

According to Alexander Bastrykin, the Russian Investigative Committee tracked down 80,000 Russian citizens who wouldn’t show up at military enlistment offices

Environmental problems cannot be put off, says Russian upper house speaker

Humankind has no right to postpone the resolution of environmental problems, speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, said

US to decide on next Ukraine, Russia moves after seeing Moscow’s memorandum — Rubio

The conversation between Putin and Trump lasted more than two hours on Monday

Project Rassvet by Bureau 1440 to be Russia’s response to Starlink — Roscosmos

The Russia’s space corporation will create low orbiting broadband communications

First foreign customer to start operation of Su-57E fifth-generation fighter in 2025

The Su-57 is the world’s sole fifth-generation fighter that has proven its ability in a real combat environment to efficiently counter Western-made air defense systems

Iran to deliver devastating blow on Israel if nuclear facilities attacked — IRGC

According to CNN's sources in US ruling circles, the probability of such an attack has increased significantly in recent months

No room for mistakes in planning Putin-Trump summit — senior Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov specified that it is even more premature to speak of any specific dates for the summit

Bitcoin price hits fresh all-time high exceeding $110,000 — Binance platform data

Earlier, experts told TASS that Bitcon may easily hit the $110,000 mark and continue growing to as much as $300,000

Russia interested in Armenia’s active participation in Moscow-led bloc’s work — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said this during a press conference following talks with top Armenian diplomat Ararat Mirzoyan

US homeland security secretary confirms killing of two Israeli diplomats

According to Associated Press, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Danny Danon has condemned the shooting as a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism"

Russia hits Patriot position in Dnepropetrovsk Region with Iskander-M missile — top brass

"As a result of the missile strike, the AN/MPQ-65 counter-battery radar station, the combat control cabin and two launchers of the Patriot missile system were destroyed," the Defense Ministry said

Trump's rumored claim Russia is not ready for peace contradicts official stance — Kremlin

"We know what Trump stated to Putin," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Israel allows 100 trucks with aid to enter Gaza Strip

According to COGAT, this was done at "the recommendation of IDF"

No reason to panic over US’ Golden Dome plans — senior Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov also noted that with the Golden Dome defensive shield, the air defense system receives space-located interceptors, which is "extremely destabilizing"

Press review: US shuns EU sanctions on Russia as Zelensky suggests three talks venues

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 21st

Trump believes Russia winning in conflict with Ukraine — news agency

According to the report, the US leader "repeated a number of the Kremlin’s talking points," thus letting the European leaders know that he was inclined to acknowledge Russia’s military superiority in the conflict with Ukraine

Romania’s electoral authority insist presidential election was honest, transparent

The runoff presidential election was held in Romania on May 18

Supercam S350 UAV helps Russian troops destroy array of Western-made armament

Yekaterina Zgirovskaya said that the Supercam S350 project develops continuously and gets new capabilities

Kiev delays to name peace delegation amid uncertainty over Western backing — experts

According to Vladimir Zharikhin, the delay shows its "provincial desire to be seen as an equal partner"

Iran remains serious threat to Israel — Netanyahu

The Israeli premier has also expressed the hope that Washington will be able "to reach an agreement that will prevent a nuclear weapon from Iran"

Russia’s Belgorod, Kursk Regions under Russian army’s control — officer

The enemy has been trying to win a foothold there for a long time, deploying a lot of manpower and combat vehicles, Akhmat Special Forces Commander Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov said

West must see Kiev's neo-fascist manifestations in Kursk Region — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, after the liberation of the Kursk Region, processes to restore what was destroyed and collect data on Kiev's crimes will begin

Russia does not assess threat to parity with US from Golden Dome project — Kremlin

"For now, the details of this project are not available," Dmitry Peskov noted

Houthis report second missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport today

According to the movement's military spokesman Yahya Saree, the hypersonic ballistic missile has successfully reached its target

US tries to justify attempts to recreate Reagan's Star Wars — Duma defense committee chief

Andrey Kartapolov advised the US to speculate on its own about what weapons Russia might possess

Algeria finalizes its accession to BRICS bank, becomes full member — bank head

As Dilma Rousseff stressed, "Algeria plays an important role not only in the economy of Northern Africa, but also on a global scale, and will definitely contribute to enhancing the NDB’s position in the global financial arena"

BRICS should act jointly for protecting global trade stability — Russian minister

There is an evident risk that certain WTO members would like to respond to current challenges unilaterally, Maksim Reshetnikov said

Russian troops to receive new thermal imagers for military equipment control — Rostec

The thermal imager is made of domestic components

US can’t solve ‘every single’ problem on planet, should pursue national interest — Rubio

According to Rubio, the US will still remain the largest contributor of foreign aid, giving away more than the entire Organization for Economic Cooperation and development

Putin presents Russia's highest award to diplomatic stalwart Lavrov at Kremlin ceremony

The Russian foreign minister received the order "for his outstanding merits to the homeland, his great contribution to the development and implementation of Russia's foreign policy line, as well as many years of fruitful state service"

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

Two people were injured in Tula as a result of the drone attack, regional head Dmitry Milyaev said

Rubio refuses to put 'war criminal' label on Putin at congressional hearings

The Secretary of State emphasized the Washington was trying to end the conflict and it could not be ended without talking to the Russian president

Kalashnikov ships first batch of MultiCam colored AK-12K rifles to customer

The concern highlighted that the compact AK-12K was specifically designed to meet the needs of the Airborne Troops

Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Region was sheer waste of elite units — expert

Andrey Marochko emphasized that the fallen soldiers and foreign mercenaries, most of whom were provided with "the best" training and equipment, had been trained in Western countries under NATO instruction

US needs to engage in talks with Russia to prevent ‘miscalculation,’ conflicts — Rubio

"It's irresponsible to not have the two biggest nuclear powers on the planet communicating, which was the case for three years during the Joe Biden presidency," the US Secretary of State emphasized

Russia appreciates Armenian PM’s attendance of Victory Parade in Moscow

During a meeting with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, the foreign minister conveyed greetings from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Baltics may become scene of permanent Russia-West confrontation — Tusk

The Polish prime minister emphasized that suspicious incidents near critical infrastructure in the region are likely to increase in frequency

Technical talks between Russia, Ukraine may be held in Vatican next week — Stubb

The new Pope, Leo XIV, said earlier that the Holy See is ready to promote the peace process in Ukraine, including to host talks

Magnitude 6.2 earthquake rocks Crete

No casualties or damage were reported

Procedure of USSR dissolution in 1991 was violated — presidential adviser

Anton Kobyakov emphasized that a proper legal assessment of the USSR's dissolution is essential to fully understand current geopolitical developments

IN BRIEF: What is known about murder of Ukrainian ex-presidential aide

The politician was listed on the Ukrainian Mirotvorets extremist website database

Ukraine launches over 90 drones at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that two civilians were injured

Spanish police looking for several people in Ukrainian ex-politician murder — agency

According to its information, the suspects may have fled through a wooded area near the school where Portnov was killed

Pentagon wants to squeeze money for space militarization by demonizing Moscow — analyst

Earlier, the US Defense Ministry claimed that Russia is allegedly working on an orbital satellite designed to carry nuclear armaments

Sending troops to Ukraine would not be appropriate, Romanian president-elect says

Nicusor Dan also criticized US President Donald Trump’s approach to resolving the Ukraine conflict and his willingness to make compromises with Russian leader Vladimir Putin

Russian minister urges to adjust global trade rules to climate challenges

This is another confirmation of the priority of the WTO principles and rules, Maksim Reshetnikov said

Iranian lawmaker hopes Russia to provide fighter jets, other advanced weapons

"The Iran-Russia partnership is crucial geopolitically, security-wise, economically, and diplomatically," Hamid Rasai emphasized

Increasing number of extraregional players trying to interfere in Caspian affairs — Lavrov

Russia consistently assumes that five Caspian countries have the sole competence to resolve the Caspian issues, the Russian top diplomat stressed

Thirty Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions in three hours

In particular, four drones were intercepted over the Moscow Region

Israel preparing to strike Iran if its talks with Iran collapse — portal

According to the sources, the Israeli military thinks that they will not have much time to attack Iran if the talks on Iran’s nuclear program fail

AEB head says no conditions for return of foreign companies to Russia now

Foreign businesses understand that when fielding requests from Western companies to return to Russia, Moscow will prioritize its national interests and security, Tadzio Schilling said

Ex-Yanukovich adviser might have been killed ahead of presidential election — activist

According to ex-member of the Ukrainian parliament Vladimir Oleinik, Andrey Portnov was among the top 10 lawyers in Ukraine

EU 'shooting itself in the foot' by imposing high duties on Russian fertilizers — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov believes that "the markets in other directions will compensate for the European duties"

Russia guided by its security interests in Ukrainian settlement — senior diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said that Russian position was based on the need to eliminate the underlying causes of the conflict

Ukraine hits behind Russian lines with drones to disrupt military supply routes — MP

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, air defenses downed 485 Ukrainian drones over Russia's constituencies between 5 p.m. GMT on May 20 and 5 a.m. GMT on May 22

Zelensky's office ignores heavy manpower losses — MP

Dmitry Razumkov noted that the situation is similar across the entire front, in many units

Berlin worried US may jettison Ukraine in favor of partnership with Russia — media

In Berlin's view, this would constitute a "worst-case scenario"

Air defenses repel UAV attack on Moscow — mayor

Emergency response services are working at the site of the fallen debris

Ukrainian militants’ idiocy and role of clergy: What Putin said in Kursk Region

The Russian president approved the idea of allocating funds for the reconstruction of homes that became uninhabitable during evacuation