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Trump attacks Germany’s Merz for being ineffective in ending Ukraine war

According to the US leader, Friedrich Merz should also spend more time on "fixing his broken country, especially immigration and energy"

WASHINGTON, April 30. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for what he described as ineffectiveness in resolving the Ukraine crisis.

"The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken country, especially immigration and energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran nuclear threat, thereby making the world, including Germany, a safer place," the US leader wrote in a post on his Truth Social media platform.

Earlier, Trump signaled that his administration is considering reducing US troop presence in Germany. While the US leader did not explain why he could take this step, his warning came after Merz voiced criticism of Washington’s operation against Iran saying that the United States "clearly" has "no strategy." On Tuesday, Trump lashed out at Merz for thinking "it’s ok for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.".

EU threatens sanctions on third countries for importing grain from Donbass, Novorossiya

The European Commission’s Spokesperson Anouar El Anouni reiterated the position of the EU’s executive arm that he had said remained steadfast in "pressuring Russia"

Critics label Elon Musk US 'shadow president' — media

The report says that "Musk’s rapid-fire messages - which included numerous false claims about the contents of the spending bill - ricocheted" across Washington

Trump says Ukraine is defeated, but illustrates his words with references to Iran

When asked which conflict - in Ukraine or in Iran - will be settled first, Trump said they might be resolved at the same time

Trump believes conflicts around Ukraine, Iran may end simultaneously

The US leader said he does not know, which war would end first

US may use hypersonic weapons against Iran — agency

According to Bloomberg, if the plan comes to fruition, this will be the first time that the US has deployed hypersonic missiles

Further phases of BRICS expansion will follow, says South African president

It is noted that the membership will take effect from January 1, 2024

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

Battlegroup North and Battlegroup South units gained control of settlements of the same name - Novodmitrovka, in the Sumy Region and in the DPR

Starmer's wrong decisions led to empty UK store shelves — RDIF chief

Kirill Dmitriev said the next blow is expected in two weeks

Putin: Russia stands for demilitarization of Ukraine

Russian President said he wished the Donbass problem could be settled through talks and the implementation of the Minsk agreements, but "regrettably, this is no longer relevant"

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage"

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation

Kremlin closely following developments after US airstrikes in Syria

Earlier on February 26, the US carried out airstrikes near the Syrian-Iraqi border

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

US policy was geared to undermine Russia’s security — diplomat on New START suspension

Russian Ambassador at Large Andrey Belousov said that this was the reason why Moscow suspended its participation in the treaty

US prepares plan for ‘short, powerful’ wave of strikes against Iran — news outlet

According to the report, Washington has effectively rejected Tehran’s proposed three-stage plan, under which Iran is ready to negotiate with the US

Eleven shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past day

One person was hurt

Putin tells Trump he is ready to declare Victory Day ceasefire — aide

Yury Ushakov said the US president "spoke positively of the Easter ceasefire, recently announced by Russia"

Zelensky provoking nuclear conflict, not seeking peace — Zakharova

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman pointed to Vladimir Zelensky’s earlier remarks that Ukraine should be given both NATO membership and nuclear weapons as security guarantees

Finland to be legitimate target for Russian missile forces if it imports nuke arms

Sergey Lipovoy, chairman of the Officers of Russia organization, said that the "NATO leadership is currently trying to drag Finland into an arms race it does not need"

Putin-Trump conversation, Victory Day ceasefire, economy: key topics of Peskov’s briefing

Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian president will announce the dates of the Victory Day ceasefire later

Grossi says IAEA, Russia discuss removal of enriched uranium from Iran — news agency

According to the report, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that this is a complex operation requiring political approval, but he did not reveal any further details

Zelensky to make every effort to prolong Ukraine conflict — Donetsk leader

Denis Pushilin said earlier that Vladimir Zelensky would face reprisals after the conflict is over

US leader says prospect of new strikes on Iran hinges on progress in talks

The deal will not be reached "unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons," Donald Trump says

US interested in calling on Arab nations to help pay for cost of Iran operation — official

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

US leader says Russia offers help in resolving Iranian uranium issue

Donald Trump says he would prefer Russian leader's involvement "with ending the war with Ukraine"

Lavrov speaks on revival of Nazism in Europe, attacks in Caspian Sea area, Ukraine issue

The Russian foreign minister also mentioned the attempts by Europe to turn its people against Russia

Russia to view F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as threat in nuclear sphere — Lavrov

"During combat operations, our military will not be clearing out whether or not each particular jet of this class is equipped to carry nuclear weapons," the minister added

Medvedev questions effectiveness of US mediation in conflicts

The senior Russian official still said it would be wrong to deny that "at the very least, the current US administration, led by Donald Trump, is trying to do something in this respect"

US administration considers option of declaring end to Iran war — Reuters

According to sources cited by the news agency, US intelligence services are analyzing "how Iran would respond" if the US president declares a unilateral victory

RDIF chief says Trump’s words on reducing troops in Germany are 'black mark' for Merz

Kirill Dmitriev wrote this commenting on US President Donald Trump’s pledge to decide on the reduction of the US contingent in Germany soon

Capitulation one of best ways to resolve conflict — Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev stressed that manipulation and the use of "deals" in geopolitics often led to conflicts resurfacing again

IN BRIEF: Deputy PM Novak’s statements on oil market crisis, Russia in OPEC+

According to Alexander Novak, the oil industry is still in a profound crisis caused by a supply shortage due to the conflict in the Middle East

Trump says threatened Thailand and Cambodia with new duties

US President said he was sure that the duties is an important tool in the foreign policy for his administration

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

Putin shown model of section of pipeline used in Operation Stream

During the operation, 800 Russian soldiers advanced through the pipeline over six days, covering nearly 15 kilometers to emerge on the surface behind enemy lines

Iran to strike at Americans in Arab monarchs’ palaces if war resumes — lawmaker

Manouchehr Mottaki stressed that the consequences for the entire region would be disastrous if the war resumed

Medvedev assesses risk of nuclear apocalypse, slams 'idiots' leading Europe

The politician emphasized that Russia’s conflict with the West was an existential one

Lavrov to meet with Kazakh president, hold talks with top diplomat

The visit is expected to yield a plan of contacts between the two countries’ foreign ministries in the coming years

Press review: Russia, US find common ground on Ukraine as gold demand hits 13-year high

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 30th

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility, the Defense Ministry reported

NATO forces intercept missile presumably launched from Iran — Turkish Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, "all necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at Turkey's territory and airspace"

Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe — Medvedev

According to the Russian Security Council deputy chairman, the task of today's politicians is to "cool down" and try to get onto the path of constructive negotiations

US ready to use military force in Western hemisphere — Pentagon chief

According to Pete Hegseth, "after years of neglect, the United States will restore US military dominance in the Western hemisphere"

Canada’s support not to help Kiev regime — Russian ambassador

Oleg Stepanov noted that these actions would "squeeze yet another sum of money" out of taxpayers’ pockets

Russia open to discussion on how to build disarmament-promoting atmosphere

According to Ambassador-at-Large Andrey Belousov, both nuclear and non-nuclear states should take part in this process

Aggression against Iran negatively affecting Caspian Sea — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said the Caspian region should remain a zone of peace and cooperation

Europe understands that Zelensky’s territorial claims are unrealistic — governor

Vladimir Saldo said that a statement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Ukraine will probably have to make territorial concessions is "an unpleasant signal for Zelensky"

Ukraine’s army tried to bolster defense of Korchakovka with anti-retreat squads — source

Control of Korchakovka pushes the enemy away from the borders of the Sudzha district of Russia’s borderline Kursk Region and expands the security zone in the Sumy Region

Russian diplomat slams Kiev’s drone export project as corruption money laundering scheme

The Drone Deals initiative "creates the illusion that Ukraine is not entirely dependent on others," Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik said

Ukraine mum on Russia’s initiative to declare Victory Day ceasefire — Kremlin

During a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump the day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his readiness to declare a ceasefire for the duration of Victory Day celebrations

Upper house speaker slams US-Israeli operation against Iran as geopolitical mistake

Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that this intervention has destabilized the Middle East, triggering an energy crisis, yet it ultimately changes nothing

US says redirected over 40 vessels since beginning of naval blockade of Iran

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper says Tehran cannot sell around 69 million barrels of oil already loaded onboard its tankers due to the blockade

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According to Andrey Marochko, Russian troops examining the fragments of a downed Ukrainian drone found a different navigation and communication system

Ukraine’s economics ministry expects 2014 inflation at 19%

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

EU aid to Ukraine frozen — Borrell

The ex-chief of EU diplomacy said the situation is similar with the approval of new sanctions against Russia

First LNG tanker since start of Iran conflict passes through Strait of Hormuz — agency

According to Bloomberg, the Liberian-flagged tanker Mubaraz loaded a cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.’s Das Island facility in the UAE

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

Ukrainian forces started counteroffensive, have a lot of personnel, weapons — Prigozhin

Yevgeny Prigozhin said that in the past 24 hours, Wagner PMC forces advanced 230 meters in Artyomovsk

Putin, Trump discuss May 9 ceasefire, situation around Iran

The presidents agreed to stay in touch, including personal conversations and talks at the level of aides and envoys

Roscosmos invites NASA chief to Russia

The US Senate unanimously voted to appoint Nelson to the post of NASA chief in late April

Magyar demands wider rights for Hungarians in Ukraine before EU accession talks — agency

These demands concerned, in particular, access for the Hungarian minority to education in their native language

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

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Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

Russia rejects very possibility of using nuclear arms in Ukraine — diplomat

Ambassador al Large Andrey Belousov stressed that it is in Russia's "best interest that nuclear weapons are never used"

Russia formed precisely as union of peoples — Putin

According to the Russian president, it is a historical fact

US president threatens strikes on Iran’s energy, civilian infrastructure

Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that otherwise the country "will be living in hell

Israeli army storms Palestinian town of Tubas in West Bank

Earlier, the IDF press service reported the completion of a 60-hour raid in the city of Jenin

Denmark uses Bornholm to threaten Russia’s security, including Kaliningrad — ambassador

Vladimir Barbin stressed that Denmark's activity in Russia does not go unnoticed

Russian troops tighten encirclement around Konstantinovka in Donetsk region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the seizure of Novodmitrovka creates a threat of encirclement of the entire Kiev’s group of forces stationed in Konstantinovka

US lost war with Iran, trying to make up for it through talks — Iranian diplomat

Ambassador to Egypt Mojtaba Ferdowsi-Pour says that after the attacks, Iran has the right "not to engage in negotiations"

Hegseth names deterrence of China as Pentagon’s second most important task

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in his address to the US House Armed Services Committee that his department’s main task is to protect the homeland

Kinzhal missiles strike terror into Ukrainian troops — Russian security source

The source said the missile’s speed is Mach 10, and air defense systems, including the American Patriot systems, cannot react in time

Putting the Western hemisphere on notice, nuclear deterrence: Pentagon chief’s remarks

The United States is ready to conduct military operations in the Western Hemisphere if they are necessary to promote US interests, Pete Hegseth said

Middle East conflict won’t end in foreseeable future — Medvedev

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Iran decides to end US aggression once and for all — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh emphasized that the United States has consistently failed to acknowledge the shifts within Iran and the realities on the ground

US leader says he offered Putin 'a little bit of a ceasefire' in Ukraine

Earlier, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said that Putin had informed his US counterpart during a phone call of his willingness to declare a ceasefire for the period of Victory Day celebrations

Russia takes note of US rejection of post-New START proposals — MFA

Ambassador-at-Large Andrey Belousov stressed that Moscow seeks to act as responsibly and carefully as possible

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

Putin yet to determine Victory Day truce dates — Kremlin

"So far, there is no specific decision," Dmitry Peskov said

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

US seeks to create new coalition for Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

The Wall Street Journal reported that the new US-led coalition will be tasked with helping participants share information, coordinate diplomatic efforts, and ensure compliance with sanctions

Ukrainian army terrorizing civilians as instrument of pressure on Western sponsors

Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo slammed such practices as cynical and criminal

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Russia’s victory in special military operation to ensure long-term stability — Medvedev

This includes income growth, resolution of housing issues, and demographic problem solutions for every family, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said

West goes beyond all bounds considering nukes for Kiev — Russian MFA

Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service said that London and Paris were actively working to provide Kiev with a nuclear bomb and delivery means

Concrete details of Victory Day ceasefire to be announced — Kremlin spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier announced his readiness to declare a ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

US works to prevent Iran from buying arms from China, says Pentagon chief

The Pentagon chief also stated that the United States has enjoyed "an astounding military success" on the battlefield with Iran

US leader believes UAE's exit from OPEC, OPEC+ may help lower fuel prices

The Emirati state news agency WAM reported on April 28 that the country had decided to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1 of this year

Trump tells Putin deal to resolve Ukraine conflict is nearing

Yury Ushakov noted that, with regard to the Ukrainian settlement, "the US president stressed the importance of bringing hostilities to an end as soon as possible, as well as his willingness to do everything in his power to facilitate this"

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Ceasefire, step toward Russia-US normalization: reaction to Putin-Trump conversation

The phone call between the leaders is a step toward normalizing relations between the countries, Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma's International Affairs Committee, emphasized

Drone striking industrial site, 189 UAVs: aftermath of overnight Ukrainian attack

No casualties or significant damage have been reported

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

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Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Uragan MLRS crews hit Ukrainian troops’ positions in Zaporozhye Region

The mission was completed by Russia’s Battlegroup East

Trump again calls on Iran to surrender

The US leader says that the Islamic republic has already been defeated

US, Europe still disagree on Ukraine — Trump

We have some disagreements on Ukraine and not having to do with NATO so much as European countries, he told reporters at the White House