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Strait of Hormuz developments

IMO chief slams Hormuz Strait toll

No country has the right to obstruct the traffic on a straight for international navigation, Arsenio Dominguez noted

LONDON, April 27. /TASS/. Collecting fees from vessels for traversing the Strait of Hormuz contradicts international law, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez told reporters.

"Yes, I've been very clear on that," Dominguez said. "The freedom of navigation is not negotiable for IMO. And no country has the right to obstruct the traffic on a straight for international navigation," he noted.

This is enshrined not only in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention but it is international customary law, the IMO chief said. "There is no legal basis for the introduction of any tax, any customs or any fees, on straights for international navigation," he added.

"I engage with all the countries of the region, and that includes Iran," Dominguez noted, answering the question whether he is in touch with Iranian officials on this topic. "I maintain communications with them. Sometimes I get responses to some of the questions. Sometimes it takes a little bit more," he added.

Europe closer to 'nuclear winter' amid nuclear ban lift in Finland — human rights activist

According to Florian Eblenkamp, more and more nuclear weapons in Europe "don't make the region safer"

FSB foils drone attack on oil enterprise in Komi

Two perpetrators resisted arrest with arms and were eliminated by return fire during the shootout

Iran presents mediators with three-stage plan laying out conditions for talks with US — TV

According to the broadcaster, the Iranian side is demanding that the first phase of negotiations "focus on ending the war and obtaining guarantees" that military operations against Iran and Lebanon will not resume

West launches large-scale campaign to prevent Rosatom from entering neighboring countries

Alexey Shevtsov, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, said that Rosatom currently holds approximately 90% of all global export contracts

Ukraine to repay EU’s 90 billion euros in aid by implementing reforms — newspaper

According to the report, specifically, the reforms will concern the rule of law and fighting corruption

Attempts to discredit Rosatom, food crisis risk: statements by Russian Security Council

TASS has compiled the key statements made by the Russian Security Council deputy secretary

Russia’s Battlegroup North eliminates 550 Ukrainian militants in Kharkov since early April

The Russian serviceman noted that the elimination of Ukrainian soldiers allowed the Russian Armed Forces to deprive Ukrainian troops of their rotational potential and frustrate their plans to prevent the expansion of the security buffer zone

New snowfall record set in Moscow — meteorologist

Mikhail Leus noted that a record for atmospheric pressure in the capital had also been set in the morning

West's wish to control Balkans, key to Ukraine peace: Foreign Ministry statements

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized that the position taken by the European Union "simply excludes a peaceful settlement"

Russia’s Battlegroup North FPV drones eliminate Ukrainian strongholds in Sumy Region

According to the Russian UAV crew commander, Ukrainian armed forces attempted to counter the drones with electronic jamming, but without success

Top Iranian diplomat to visit Russia on Monday, meet with Putin

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi planned "to hold consultations with the Russian authorities on the current situation in the talks, the ceasefire and developments around the conflict" in the Middle East"

Shooter at Trump’s event criticized authorities for refusing Ukraine aid

According to New York Post, Cole Tomas Allen previously organized fundraisers for the Ukrainian army

FACTBOX: What is known about shooting at reception attended by US President

No members of the US administration, including the President, First Lady Melania Trump, or Vice President J.D. Vance, were injured

Russian president appoints new head of international cooperation agency

By another decree, Vladimir Putin relieved Evgeny Primakov of his post as head of Rossotrudnichestvo

Tehran, Moscow hold close consultations on wide range of issues — top Iranian diplomat

Abbas Araghchi also pointed to constant bilateral talks between Iran and Russia

Iran able to meet trade needs, despite pressure

According to head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce Yahya Al-e-Eshaq, Iran has developed "a detailed plan to overcome economic restrictions and international sanctions"

FACTBOX: Russian response to 20th package of EU sanctions

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, new European sanctions are incapable of influencing the foreign policy of Russia

Ukrainian drone attack on Zaporozhye nuke plant leaves driver killed

The ZNPP called the incident an irreparable loss and a great shock

Trump says disappointed in NATO

The Alliance did not help Washington in its operation against Iran, US President said

Russia’s fiber-optic drones 'driving Ukrainian soldiers crazy' in special op zone — expert

"Often, the drone begins moving toward its target from a distance of about 15 meters, when the enemy doesn’t even have time to take their machine gun off safety mode," the source said

Putin thanks North Korean soldiers for their participation in Kursk Region combat

The memorial, which opens today, is intended to perpetuate the memory of the heroism of the Korean People's Army servicemen and the sacrifices made for the sake of a common victory, the head of state noted

Trump claims Iran’s oil pipelines may explode in three days due to US blockade

According to the US leader, as a result, Iran may lose half of its oil production capacity

Spirit of Elbe symbolizes what US, Russia can accomplish when they work together — MFA

Alexander Gusarov, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North Atlantic Department, emphasized that the Russian side "sacredly honors the fearlessness and valor" of Soviet and US soldiers

Russian Defense Minister holds talks with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang

According to Andrey Belousov, Russian-Korean interstate relations are at an unprecedentedly high level

Resumption of hostilities against Iran may lead to new world war — Jeffrey Sachs

The director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University says that if the attacks resume, Tehran will "strike back, and strike back very hard and very rapidly"

Communal clash in eastern Chad kill at least 42 — agency

Fighting broke out following a dispute between two families over a water point

Ukrainian attacks leave civilian injured in DPR in past day

Two attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces were recorde

Iran may have tens of thousands of drones, missiles — senior Russian MP

According to Alexey Pushkov, this conflict is a matter od survival for Iran and it will "hold out to the last"

Europe security architecture unthinkable without Russia's interests — Kremlin

One can only hope that this constellation of politicians will eventually give way to more pragmatically-minded ones, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted

Top US diplomat avoids participating in Iran talks — newspaper

The Financial Times emphasized that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was absent during both of the US delegation's trips to Islamabad

Trump says US continues working on Ukrainian settlement

The American leader stated that the United States continues to work to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Russia expects number of foreign leaders to attend Victory Day parade — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that a number of leaders had expressed a desire to join Russians in celebrating Victory Day

Russia is integral part of Europe, cannot be its main threat — Kremlin

Russia cannot be the main threat to Europe, because Russia, no matter what anyone says, is still an integral part of Europe while being a Eurasian country, he said

Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes Japan

There have been no reports of casualties or damage

Top Iranian diplomat arrives in Russian city of St. Petersburg — agency

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian President was scheduled to meet with the Iranian minister

Russian senator sees no sign of rift in Iranian society

Alexey Pushkov emphasized that Iran has "a powerful urban culture and strong ideas in the form of the Shiite religion, which cements Iranian society"

Middle East peace, strategic partnership: Putin meets with Iranian foreign minister

The Russian leader noted that the Iranian people are fighting "courageously and heroically" for their sovereignty

West provoking new military conflicts globally, including around Russia — official

Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov noted that the consequences of these conflicts and economic crises have not yet been fully felt

Russian Baltic Fleet ships destroy mock enemy submarine

The ships’ mine and torpedo warfare specialists practiced laying bottom and floating mines

Russia blacklisted EU representatives — Foreign Ministry

Designations include representatives of European institutions, EU member-states and other European countries carrying the activity aimed at undermining Russian territorial integrity, responsible for anti-Russian sanctions, inflicting damage to Russian relations with third countries

US-Iran standoff threatens EU with political crisis — newspaper

According to Politico's source, energy costs are cascading into food, transport and housing, hitting lower-and middle-income households hardest

Kiev deploying hidden ground platforms on engagement line — expert

Andrey Marochko added that Kiev has used so-called "meat assaults" in several areas over the past week and suffered heavy losses

Not all is lost in Russian-German relations — Russian ambassador

Sergey Nechayev expressed gratitude to the German public, who came in such large numbers to the monument in Torgau today.

US leader says Washington discussing with Tehran removal of nuclear material

The US imposed a naval blockade on Iran on April 13

China to respond to inclusion of its companies in EU's 20th package anti-Russian sanctions

The Chinese side called on Brussels to immediately remove the companies from the sanctions lists and resolve any concerns that arise through dialogue

Rosatom unconcerned about Hungary’s attempts to revisit economics of Paks-2 project

Alexey Likhachev stressed that the cost of constructing a nuclear power plant is not a political slogan but the result of professional calculations, engineering solutions, safety requirements, localization, logistics, and a whole range of mandatory procedures

Top Russian defense official arrives in North Korea on working visit

Andrey Belousov will meet with North Korea's top leaders

Iran cannot be stopped from reviving nuclear program — Russian MP

Alexey Pushkov noted that, despite years of sanctions pressure, Iran had not only developed missile technology and accumulated significant stockpiles of enriched uranium, but also "created a resilience potential that the American ‘hyperpower’ cannot surpass

Russia needs to create buffer zone to liberate Zaporozhye Region — Donetsk leader

Denis Pushilin said that Russian forces moved fast at some stages but the process had slowed down and the enemy tried to counterattack

Russia, Egypt interested in expanding freight turnover — Maritime Board chairman

Nikolay Patrushev arrived in Cairo for consultations on issues of cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sphere

Senior diplomat sees West waging hybrid war against Russia

According to Alexander Grushko, the West believes it will be easier for it to take 100% control of the Balkans if the region is torn apart

General Staff of Mali's Armed Forces announces continuation of operation against militants

The army has been put on high alert across the country

Iranian ambassador to Russia outlines conditions for talks with US

According to Kazem Jalali, if there are talks, they must be fair and aimed at achieving lasting peace

Middle East, Ukrainian settlement, V-Day parade: Kremlin’s statements

Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence that over time diplomatic efforts on the Ukrainian direction would intensify

Global military expenditure gains 2.9% in 2025 to $2.887 trillion — SIPRI

Military spending declined in the US but rose by 14% in Europe, and by 8.1% in Asia and Oceania, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

Lithuania turning into springboard for NATO military activity — Russian MP

The formation of the 1st Lithuanian Division is not a defensive measure, but a demonstrative buildup of offensive potential, Alexander Shenderyuk-Zhidkov noted

Ukrainian counterintelligence officer rejects repatriation

Sergey Mikhailov emphasized that he would prefer to stay in Russia

FACTBOX: Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster

Since 2004, the CIS member states have observed April 26 as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Radiation Accidents and Disasters

US war against Iran poorly prepared in military terms — Russian senator

According to Alexey Pushkov, the US approach may have been influenced by its experience in Venezuela, which Washington may have perceived as an example of the effectiveness of "precise and surgical" operations.

UAV attacks on Russian regions, Putin-Trump contacts: remarks by Kremlin spokesman

As for reports that UAVs may have been launched from Kazakhstan, determining the source and geography of potential drone attacks on Russia is the responsibility of the special services, primarily the military, Dmitry Peskov said

Ukraine’s army suffers heavy losses near Taratutino in Sumy Region — defense source

Ukrainian forces were eliminated in their botched counterattack attempt, the defense source added

Press review: Forty nations back Gulf vessel evacuation plan and Germany seeks to lead EU

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 24th

About 20,000-25,000 mercenaries fighting for Ukrainian army — expert

Militants arrive in Ukraine from 107 countries

Trump says he is unaware if shooter planned to target him at Washington dinner event

According to the US leader, the attacker "was radicalized"

Moldova assembles EW systems, UAVs for Ukraine, risking becoming conflict party — expert

According to Dmitry Sorokin, the transfer of production facilities from Ukraine to Moldova was prompted by the systematic destruction by Russian troops of Ukrainian weapons depots

Kiev forces lost over 1,200 personnel in special military operation zone in past 24 hours

In particular, Kiev forces lost over 195 servicemen in the area of responsibility of Russia’s Battlegroup North

Polish prime minister announces creation of 'drone armada' with Ukraine’s support

Donald Tusk said that Warsaw aims to gain advantage over Moscow in drone technologies

About 100 Ukrainian UAVs targeted Sevastopol overnight — Governor

Mikhail Razvozhayev noted that the attack was repelled and large-scale consequences were avoided

North Korea to support Russia’s policy aimed at protecting sovereignty — Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude to the Russian leadership for efforts to develop allied relations between the two countries

Oil purchases from Russia by India confidential — agency

Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell under the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas refused to publish information on oil imports from Russia from June 2022 to June 2025

Ukraine loses over 1,100 troops in special military op zone over past day

Russian troops have also gained control of the settlement of Bochkovo in the Kharkov Region

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

Battlegroup North units gained control of the settlement of Taratutino in the Sumy Region and Battlegroup West units liberated the settlement of Ilyichovka in the DPR

Halted supplies of Kazakh oil to affect Germany, Ukraine — Politico

Supplies will be terminated amid the global energy crisis that particularly affected the German economy

Kenya’s Sawe sets world marathon record, becoming first to break two-hour barrier

He completed the 42.195 km distance in 1 hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds

Iran gives US new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — media

The new proposal was given to the US via Pakistani mediators

Russia is eternal, Putin says as he urges more legislative flexibility

The country is facing unprecedented challenges and risks, and it should overcome them with dignity, the Russian head of state said

Russia’s Battlegroup Center UAV operators destroy Ukrainian ground robotic systems

The high efficiency of drone crews in destroying equipment, manpower, and strongholds ensures the continuous advance of Russian assault units in the Dobropolye direction

US relations with Brussels, London increasingly unpredictable — Russian Foreign Ministry

Director of the First CIS Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry Mikael Agasandyan said that both the US and European countries are facing significant socio-economic challenges themselves

Mali's intel head, chief of staff wounded in terrorist attack — media

According to the AFP, the attacks targeted the town of Kati, located near the capital, Bamako

Cargo ship hijacked off Somalia’s coast — British maritime security authority

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center, unauthorized persons have taken control of a cargo vessel which has been redirected to within territorial waters

Russia’s Battlegroup South destroys 62 Ukrainian dugouts, shelters over past 24 hours

Unmanned systems troops destroyed six Starlink terminals and four ground robotic systems

Russia’s Foreign Ministry expects IAEA to stand firm against Ukraine's lawlessness

Russia is convinced that the international community is obliged to impose a well-deserved and harsh sentence on the Kiev regime, forcing it to stop attacks on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant and other peaceful nuclear facilities, Maria Zakharova said

DPR head says UAVs lend new meaning to ‘gray zone’ phenomenon

Denis Pushilin emphasized that the "gray zone" is continuously shifting due to the widespread use of drones

At least 20 people killed in terror attack on Pan-American Highway in Colombia

Thirty-six people were injured

Putin to meet with top Iranian diplomat on Monday - spokesman

The Russian Foreign Ministry previously confirmed Abbas Araghchi's visit to Russia for talks

White House fails to ensure proper security at event where shooting occurred — media

According to the newspaper, the Trump administration provided a lower level of security for the White House correspondents’ dinner than it has for other gatherings of high-ranking officials

US mistakenly considers itself world’s most powerful country — Jeffrey Sachs

The director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University says that Washington should start looking for ways to cooperate with other strong international players

IN BRIEF: Staff member killed in Ukrainian drone strike on Zaporozhye nuke plant

The ZNPP pledged full support and assistance to the driver’s bereaved family

Europe turns into fortress besieged from all sides — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that the IMF had already cut its economic growth forecast for 21 eurozone countries in 2026, and had sharply lowered its growth projection for the United Kingdom

Trump strongly denies allegations made by White House event shooter

On April 25, shooting took place at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner with Donald Trump in attendance

Zelensky's attempts to become Europe's ‘defender’ will not end well — Lavrov

Vladimir Zelensky has already established an openly Nazi regime in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister said

Finland’s refusal to build Hanhikivi NPP contradicts legal norms, common sense

According to Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, practice shows that in such a sensitive and capital-intensive field as energy, decisions made under the influence of political conjuncture quickly collide with reality

Control of Taratutino to enable Russian troops to destroy Ukrainian forces on vital route

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier on April 27 that its Battlegroup North had liberated the settlement of Taratutino

Russian Foreign Ministry delivers note of protest to German Ambassador Lambsdorff

The ministry stressed that the German side had been warned in advance about "the detrimental nature" of a German parliament’s member meeting the head of a terrorist organization banned in Russia

Energy facility sustains damage in northern Ukraine

Mayor Ratan Akhmetov said that some industrial facilities had also sustained damage

Attempts to divide Russian society and unprecedented challenges: Putin’s statements

According to the Russian leader, those who sought to divide and destabilize Russian society failed because they do not understand the country

Press review: US-Iran talks stall as Trump may seek gain after assassination attempt

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 27th

US, still claiming domination, displays most hostile behavior — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, Washington acts without regard for international law and multilateral institutions, "in the spirit of colonial empires, relying on forceful methods, control over resources and trade routes"

US carries out strike on alleged drug vessel, kills three

The US Southern Command added that intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations

Many countries to be interested in buying Russia’s Su-75 fighter — Malaysian journalist

According to Jonathan Edward, Western fighter jets have recently demonstrated a lack of readiness for the realities of modern combat

Source of drone threat identified by special services — Kremlin

The discussion arose in the context of drone attacks on the Urals