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Strait of Hormuz developments

US forces 28 ships to turn tail since its blockade of Iranian ports

The US military enforced a naval blockade of Iran on April 13

NEW YORK, April 21. /TASS/. The US military has ordered 28 vessels bound for Iranian ports or attempting to anchor off the Iranian coast to turn around or return to port, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported.

"Since the start of the US blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, US forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port," CENTCOM said in a post on X.

On April 13, the US military enforced a naval blockade of Iran, preventing any vessels from entering or leaving the Islamic Republic’s ports.

Zelensky complains that EU constantly changes conditions for Ukraine’s accession

Vladimir Zelensky added that Kiev is asking the EU to name the date of accession to the community and a precise list of conditions

Eleven-year-old Russia's Shogdzhiev wins under-18 world blitz chess tourney

In total, Russian chess players won seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals at the World Youth Blitz Championship

No one consulted Kremlin on nominating Tokayev UN secretary-general

Public hearings of candidates for the position of the UN secretary-general, where they will present their programs, will begin on April 21

Brussels war party blocks even discussion of normalizing ties with Russia — ambassador

According to Denis Gonchar, the influential military wing of the political establishment continues to push the relations into a stalemate through their statements and actions

Netanyahu says Israel eliminated Iranian threat of nuclear Holocaust

The Israeli prime minister made the remarks at a state memorial ceremony in Jerusalem marking Memorial Day for the Fallen in War and Victims of Terrorism

LPR fully liberated, Kiev tries to conceal failure — statements by Russia’s military chief

In March-April, Russian troops liberated 34 settlements and about 700 square kilometers of territory in the special military operation area

IN BRIEF: What is known about thwarted terrorist attack in Pyatigorsk

The attack was timed for the morning hours, aiming to inflict significant casualties among law enforcement personnel

Trump’s inconsistent rhetoric damages negotiations with Iran — TV

The Washington administration officials pointed to "the Iranians’ deep mistrust of the US"

US won’t 'stand up' for Europe in case of hypothetical conflict with Russia — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman questioned the effectiveness of NATO Article 5

Trump says time is not his adversary in situation with Iran

The US president dismissed the statements that he is under "pressure" as fake news

Russia to deliver 27 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon

The Emergencies Ministry will send mobile power plants, food, tents, blankets, mattresses, and pillows

Russian foreign minister to meet with Libyan counterpart in Moscow

The officials will likely focus on discussing the future development of bilateral cooperation

IN BRIEF: What we know about oil spill in Russia’s Tuapse after drone attack

The area of contamination of the Black Sea with oil products amounts to 10,000 square meters

Blame for possible Artic escalation will lie with those rejecting talks — Russian envoy

Russia views the Arctic as a region of peace, stability, and sustainable development, Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov emphasized

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored personnel carrier in its areas of responsibility, the Defense Ministry reported

FACTBOX: Candidates for UN Secretary-General for 2027-2031

The election of a new Secretary-General is scheduled for July 2026

IAEA chief says nuclear arms race is his ‘worst fear’

"A world with 20 nuclear weapon states or more would be extremely dangerous," Rafael Grossi said

Radev's victory in Bulgarian polls speaks to society's fatigue from Russophobia — MP

Head of the State Duma’s committee on international affairs Leonid Slutsky also said that the fragmentation of "sovereigntists" was a response to the "aggressively militaristic appetites of the EU leadership, which is deliberately pushing the Europeans into a military confrontation with Russia"

Russia's warning about assisting Kiev with drones also applies to Lisbon — Russian embassy

According to the statement, private initiatives to assemble UAVs for the Ukrainian armed forces are also being implemented on Portuguese territory

Kiev steps up number of troops along border with Belarus, builds defenses — expert

Ukrainian servicemen are present in the Chernigov and Zhitomir Regions

Russian ambassador rejects Czech protest against Russian Defense Ministry’s publication

The Russian Defense Ministry's statement, the embassy noted, is a serious warning signal, as "the public in Western countries must be aware of the risks associated with supporting the aggressive Kiev regime"

Oil flows via Druzhba to resume on April 21 — Hungarian minister

Janos Boka says that after the announcement of supply restart, the Druzhba operator will contact MOL Group, which receives Russian oil for its refineries

Iran’s military deliver drone strikes on US warships in response to its vessel’s seizure

According to the news agency, Iran's military intended to continue responding to "piracy" policy and attacks on behalf of the US side

Moskva cruiser sank while being towed in a storm — Russian Defense Ministry

"During the towing of the Moskva cruiser to the designation port, the ship lost stability due to hull damage, sustained during the detonation of ammunition because of a fire. Amid the heavy storm, the ship sank," the Ministry said.

Russian neutral buoyancy pool for space training to resume work in May-June

The facility was closed for reconstruction in 2014

Trump confident Iran to continue participating in talks

The US leader also says "problems like they've never seen before" will arise if Iran does not participate in the dialogue

Oil slick near Tuapse covers 10,000 sq m after drone attack

A total of 750 meters of containment booms and five specialized oil recovery devices have been deployed at the spill site, and an oil trap has been installed

No denial from Germany its facilities make weapons for Ukraine — Russian ambassador

German colleagues are concerned that the publication of this list constitutes a hidden threat to these facilities, Sergey Nechayev said

US, Cuba discuss island’s economic reforms — NewsNation journalist

US representatives also proposed allowing the Starlink satellite communications system to operate on the island

Ukrainian ‘Martian’ UAV stealth capability makes detection tough — security source

Despite these challenges, Russian military personnel on the front lines are destroying AI-powered drones using mobile air defense teams and FPV air defense ambushes, the sourse said

Europe pursues militarization, Kremlin says, commenting on potential drills

According to Dmitry Peskov, this is not something that contributes to stability and predictability on the European continent

Iran calls on US to release seized Iranian vessel, its crew — Foreign Ministry

Iran warns of the serious consequences of this illegal and criminal act by the US

World’s biggest iceberg completely disintegrates

According to the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, the frozen giant has split into small fragments, losing 99% of its original area over the entire period of its existence

Iran refuses to hold talks amid ongoing threats — parliament speaker

Bagher Ghalibaf says that Tehran "is ready to demonstrate a new balance of power on the battlefield"

Russia expects resumption of diplomatic efforts on Iran — foreign minister

The top Russian diplomat confirmed that Moscow is ready to facilitate the normalization of relations between the Arab monarchies of the Gulf and Iran

Japan approves easing of arms export rules — government

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara says the amendments include lethal weapons

Europe has long been on 'war path' with Russia — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik noted that today Europe is "the most zealous, the most bloodthirsty opponent" of Russia

US forces commander lodges protest with Seoul over North Korea-related leak

South Korean Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young insists his statement was based on open sources from US think tanks

Pakistan receives confirmation from US, Iran talks to take place — agency

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance will arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday morning

Trump says US to ensure Iran has no nuclear weapons soon

The US leader says this is going to happen "very quickly"

Trump says US fully controls Strait of Hormuz

The US president said that Washington will continue with the naval blockade of the Islamic Republic, until the countries sign a final peace deal

Press review: US risks Iran ceasefire and Kiev uses Druzhba issue to blackmail Hungary

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 21st

US intelligence warns Trump of threat from Pakistani military chief — TV

The intelligence agencies said that Field Marshal Asim Munir is "playing a double game" in efforts to resolve the situation in the Middle East

Brazil, Germany call for diplomacy solution to Ukraine problem

The parties welcomed efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting negotiated peace settlement

Russian troops strike Ukrainian military-industrial sites over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 315 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Iran to respond to any ceasefire violations by US — commander

The Iranian Armed Forces will give an appropriate response, Ali Abdollahi said

US faces crisis over need to deter Russia, China simultaneously — Pentagon

Robert Kadlec also said that "a new and more dangerous era" had begun

Trump says ready to resume military action against Iran

The US president admitted that he cannot say for sure whether Iran will send a delegation to the Pakistani capital

Africa Corps freed Russian, Ukrainian 'in an hour' — former captive says

The man, who was working in geology for a Russian company in Africa, expressed gratitude for the timely rescue and revealed his intention to return to his work after undergoing rehabilitation

Kalashnikov Group dispatches batch of RDG-U smoke grenades to state customer

The grenade provides short-term concealment from high-precision weapons’ infrared detection through the formation of higher-temperature zones from high-windage flat pyroelements that settle down slowly

Number of injured in shooting at Mexican ancient pyramids rises to 13

According to official information, the injured include tourists from Colombia, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and the United States

Kremlin announces creation of blockchain-based payment system in BRICS

Work will continue to develop the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, primarily regarding the use of currencies different from the US dollar," the Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov pointed out

US blockade of Strait of Hormuz not to last long as it carries risks — expert

Maxim Shepovalenko emphasized that, technically, organizing a blockade was a feasible matter for the Americans

Kiev already thinking about how to 'formalize' Russia's victory — Putin

According to the president, "no one doubts Russia's victory anymore, including the enemy"

Trump says extracting enriched uranium in Iran to be lengthy process

The US leader says the strikes carried out in June 2025 ensured "a complete and total obliteration" of Iranian nuclear sites

Iran crisis to dominate world politics for months, if not years to come — Politico

Governments across Europe, Asia, and Africa are preparing for a sustained energy shock, likely jet fuel shortages, food scarcity, and spiralling inflation, the newspaper reported

Magyar calls on Zelensky to stop blackmail, resume Druzhba oil flows to Hungary

The Tisza Party leader also expressed hope that Russia would continue supplying crude oil through this pipeline

Malaysian pilots praise Russia’s Su-30MKM fighter jets — Russian ambassador

Nail Latypov noted that military-technical cooperation was one of the important areas of interaction between Russian and Malaysia

Russia's artillery production twice that of all EU countries combined — EC

European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius described the numbers as "a big challenge"

Thailand reduces visa-free travel to 30 days to combat crime

As data collected by the government's visa policy committee shows, approximately 90% of visitors to Thailand stay in the kingdom for up to 30 days

War with Iran accelerates US rift with other countries around world — newspaper

According to the report, world leaders are forced to address issues such as fuel shortages and restrictions on the use of transport, thus dealing with the aftermath of a war they did not want

Plane from St. Petersburg arrives in Istanbul after landing in Bucharest — dispatchers

The aircraft stayed in the Romanian capital for about three hours

Seven EU nations call for European sanctions against Israel

The EU Council has been returning to the topic of EU economic sanctions against Israel regularly over the past two years

Conductor Stadler dies on board plane that urgently landed in Romania

Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov expressed his condolences over the death of the artist

Batty EU leaders keep hyping up narrative about possible war with Russia — Medvedev

France and Poland have even begun preparations for joint nuclear exercises, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council noted

Secret to Russia's success and enemies seek to split country apart: Putin’s statements

The head of state said that Russia’s unity will help it attain the goals of its special military operation

Russian special envoy calls Starmer’s resignation best scenario for UK

Kirill Dmitriev was referring to leaked drafts of the British prime minister's speeches, which included different apology options over a scandal involving former UK Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson

NATO intends to always remain nuclear bloc committed to NPT Treaty — statement

NATO "underlines its strong commitment to the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," which it calls "an essential cornerstone of the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture"

Transfer of uranium within AUKUS partnership violates NPT — Chinese Foreign Ministry

The ministry strongly protested against the AUKUS actions, as well as against similar cooperation between Washington and Seoul, calling them a direct threat to regional stability

Roscosmos reveals cause for Soyuz launch failure

Roscosmos says the collision of elements during the separation of the carrier rocket’s first and second stages is the key cause of the Soyuz-FG booster’s abortive launch

Western-Ukrainian military bloc already exists de facto — Kherson Region lawmaker

According to Yury Barbashov, the support of Kiev with money, weapons, and equipment from Europe, as well as the full transformation "into the military rear of the Ukrainian front," testify to the bloc's long-standing existence

Split in Islamic world and revival of Nazism in Europe: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister said that the Nazi ideology and practices are being revived in Germany and other countries that joined "Hitler’s hordes"

More than 40 ships cross Strait of Hormuz over past weekend — TASS calculations

The previous record was 16 crossings on April 14

Foreign Ministry summons Mexican envoy over incident involving Russian citizen

Eduardo Villegas Mejias provided information regarding the investigative questioning of the minor Russian citizen

Russia’s Battlegroup North evacuate civilians in Kharkov Region — Defense Ministry

Russian assault unit members noted that the Ukrainian military attempted to change into civilian clothes and flee their positions

Three ligers, tiger injured in Ukrainian strike on predator rehabilitation center

One of the tigers suffered no visible injuries

Dmitriev comments sarcastically about Zelensky's 'rejection' of US

According to historian Phillips O'Brien, who contributed to The Atlantic, Zelensky lost faith in the United States

US threats to Iran and re-opening of Russian consulate in Benghazi: Lavrov’s statements

Russian hopes for the resumption of diplomatic efforts on the Middle Eastern track, Sergey Lavrov emphasized

Apple says Tim Cook to step down as CEO in September 2026

The executive will be succeeded by John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering

Russia, China ties key driver of Eurasian development — ambassador

Igor Morgulov noted the countries’ aspiration to strengthen cooperation in the interests of common security, development and prosperity

Planned space station to have military tilt if anti-Russian sentiment persists - Roscosmos

That means, Rogozin explained, that only Russian cosmonauts will be stationed at the space outpost to serve the equipment

Over 80 energy sites damaged during Middle East conflict — IEA chief

Fatih Birol added that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to global energy security

FACTBOX: Nearly 100 drones target Russia at night

A massive drone attack was repelled in Taganrog and 11 districts of the Rostov Region, with more than 40 drones shot down

Uragan MLRS eliminates Ukrainian personnel, UAV control center in Kharkov Region

According to the report, Russian troops spotted the enemy’s temporary deployment site and launch pad for hexacopters on the outskirts of a village in the Kupyansk district

Cuban foreign ministry confirms recent meeting between Cuban, US delegations

The top priority of the Cuban delegation was lifting the energy embargo against the country, Alejandro Garcia del Toro, deputy director general in charge of U.S. affairs at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said

Greenland crisis becomes watershed moment for relations deterioration in NATO — ambassador

Denis Gonchar noted that the situation had worsened following the beginning of the US and Israel’s war against Iran

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements at meeting with representatives of municipalities

Russia already knows how the conflict around Ukraine will end, but will keep mum on the matter, the Russian leader noted

IN BRIEF: Train malfunction disrupts traffic on Moscow Metro line

According to official reports, there were no threats to passenger safety

Hungary to review contracts for Paks II NPP construction project by Rosatom — Magyar

The Tisza Party leader considers the project important, but would like to understand "the terms and conditions for its financing, whether the loan can be restructured, and whether it can be refinanced on more favorable terms"

Both Iranian, US delegations to arrive in Pakistan for talks on Tuesday — TV

According to the broadcaster, the meeting will take place within a predetermined timeframe

US leader may personally attend signing of agreement with Iran — news agency

According to the report, Donald Trump may be present at the conclusion of the agreement, either in person or virtually

Iran’s engagement in talks with US to depend on whether its conditions are met — agency

According to Tasnim, Tehran sees no point in negotiations until fundamental obstacles toward an acceptable agreement are removed

Druzhba pipeline supplies, UN chief candidates: new briefing from Kremlin

The resumption of oil supplies via Druzhba depends on whether Ukraine is ready to reopen the pipeline and stop the blackmail, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia tells Geneva convention to save 'fruitless talk' for Brussels

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organizations Kirill Logvinov said all delegations at the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development have the right to use their three-minute speech time as they see fit

Situation in Transnistria can be rectified, but Chisinau takes negative stance — Shoigu

The Russian Security Council secretary also believes that it would be incorrect to say that the blockade is being implemented solely by Chisinau, as both the Kiev regime and, indirectly, EU countries are participating

Iranian delegation yet to depart for Pakistan for talks with US — TV

According to Iran’s state broadcaster, media reports of the Iranian delegation's departure and arrival in Pakistan are untrue

French politician outraged as France faces losses yet plans €17 bln for Ukraine

French citizens are facing significant losses, Florian Philippot, leader of the French political party Les Patriotes, noted

Russia records over 6,500 violations of Easter ceasefire by Ukraine — diplomat

Vasily Nebenzya says the Ukrainian army shelled civilian facilities as well, causing casualties

Trump denies Israel pushed him into war with Iran

The US president said that "Iran can have a great and prosperous future"

Russia’s newest Su-57E fighter jet unveiled in Malaysia exhibition

The fighter jet is on display as part of the joint Russian exhibit of the arms exporting company Rosoboronexport

NATO no longer hides its doubts about US security guarantees — Russian envoy

Denis Gonchar highlighted that the situation in the Middle East had clearly not added to European optimism