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Fico expects significant interest in his meeting with Putin from Slovakia’s EU partners

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with him

BRATISLAVA, May 10. /TASS/. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expects significant interest from EU leaders in his Saturday's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

"Now they will start calling [me] and asking what he said, what [President of Russia] said," he told reporters.

Fico, along with other foreign leaders, arrived in Moscow on Saturday to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with him.

Strait of Hormuz developments

US allows 15 humanitarian ships to sail in first month of Iran’s naval blockade — CENTCOM

The US military did not explain what kind of cargo the vessels were carrying

Trump rejects idea of changing Pakistan as mediator in talks with Iran

The US leader noted that "the Pakistanis have been great"

Russia develops neural network algorithms for low-level air defense anti-drone system

The Arkodim company specified that the neural network analysis and tracking algorithms calculate ballistics and ensure reliable target tracking even during brief loss of visual contact

Russia’s Western 'friends' become closer to it following Sarmat launch — Medvedev

The Security Council deputy chairman also posted a video of the Russian Defense Ministry’s test results

Israeli attacks undermine efforts to strengthen ceasefire — Lebanese president

Joseph Aoun said he will cooperate with the international community to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and ensure complete Israeli troop withdrawal

Putin briefed on successful Sarmat ICBM test: what is known

The head of state congratulated the Russian military on the successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile

Attack on Iran aimed to prevent normalization of its relations with Arab states — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that everything is being done to paint Iran as a pariah

Russia to fully supply India with energy resources despite unfair competition — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed the importance of "keeping the broader picture" of the global energy market in mind

IN BRIEF: Drone attacks leave two injured in southern Russia, damage factory in Yaroslavl

An attack using as many as 20 drones was repelled in southern Russia’s Rostov Region

Slovakia supplies tons of munitions to Ukraine on commercial basis — president

According to Peter Pellegrini, Slovakia has become one of the largest producers of ammunition of various calibers within NATO

Russia calls on West to stop interfering in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s affairs — UN envoy

"Any attempts to misinterpret the Dayton provisions will have catastrophic consequences for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire Western Balkans region," Vasily Nebenzya emphasized

Soyuz-5 is completely new rocket, not version of Zenit — expert

Vyacheslav Smolenko noted that fundamentally different technological approaches and components were used in the creation of the Soyuz-5 rocket

Tbilisi admits West demanded opening second front against Russia — MFA

According to Director of the Fourth Department for the CIS Countries Mikhail Kalugin, Russia continues "painstaking work on the post-conflict restoration of Georgia’s relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia"

West uses propaganda to justify atrocities against Iran — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that Moscow's position consists of designating the root cause by saying that it was an unprovoked aggression against Iran

Soviet developments in rocket engineering and challenges: Putin's statements

The Russian president said that Russia will continue to modernize and develop its strategic nuclear forces

US seeks to push Russian companies out of global markets, Africa, Balkans — Lavrov

The United States has adopted a series of doctrinal documents, one of which proclaims that the United States must dominate global energy markets, the Russian foreign minister said

IN BRIEF: Key statements by Russian Economic Development Minister at meeting with Putin

Russia is the fourth-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity and expects to maintain this position

Enemy country can be destroyed in one fell swoop of Sarmat missile — military analyst

Igor Korotchenko said that the Sarmat ICBM is capable of carrying 10 or more high-yield nuclear warheads and has a sophisticated suite of missile defense penetration capabilities

End of ceasefire, chance of Putin-Zelensky meeting: Kremlin delivers new press briefing

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia remains open to dialogue and fully welcomes US mediation efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Wine consumption in world slumps to lowest level since 1957 — OIV

International consumption in 2025 amounted to 208 million hectoliters with the highest demand in the US, France and Italy

Press review: Iran, US edge closer to renewed war and Russia flexes missile muscles

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

Zelensky attempted to purchase $400 million worth of weapons from Bosnian Muslims — Dodik

Milorad Dodik also denied weapons from Republika Srpska are in Ukraine

Trump says may come to Russia this year

The US president said that he would do whatever is necessary for a settlement in Ukraine

IEA worsens global oil demand forecast, expects decline of 418,000 bpd in 2026

The agency thus worsened its demand forecast by 334,000 bpd compared with its April expectations, when the IEA projected a decline of 84,000 bpd

Yermak corruption charges could accelerate Ukraine conflict end — lawmaker

Alexander Boroday said that pressure is being exerted on Kiev, in particular, by bringing charges against Andrey Yermak because his ties naturally lead directly to Vladimir Zelensky

Beijing calls not to slow down pace of talks on Iran, Strait of Hormuz — envoy to Russia

According to Zhang Hanhui, all parties need to show restraint, adhere to a political settlement

Special forces exercise with US, UK, Spanish troops begins in Georgia

The exercise was organized by the US Special Operations Command Europe and the Georgian Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces

Lavrov arrives in New Delhi to attend BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting

The Russian foreign minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on May 14

US seeks to lay claim to rare earth deposits in Central Asia — Russian Foreign Ministry

Director of the Third CIS Department Alexander Sternik said that Washington aims at gaining control over the deposits of these strategic resources and the transport corridors

Republika Srpska politician sees Putin as 'beacon of hope' for all mankind

The Russian ledaer demonstrates that there are different ways to fight for freedom, Milorad Dodik said

Russia develops Svarog 1.0 drone carrier boat with operational range of up to 500 km

The boat is multifunctional and can be used both for supply and logistics and as a kamikaze vessel

West’s hybrid war accelerates closer ties between Moscow, Muslim countries — Russian MFA

Kirill Sapozhenkov noted that Russia aimed to become not just an attractive partner for those nations but also a reliable political ally

Russia’s Battlegroup North UAV units destroy over 55 Ukrainian Starlink stations in May

The head of the 11th Army Corps’ UAV planning and countermeasures department, call sign "Karta" noted that the antennas were discovered during airborne reconnaissance both along the line of contact and behind enemy lines

Former General Assembly Chairman Espinosa nominated for post of UN Secretary General

The election of a new UN secretary general is scheduled for July 2026

Russia gradually develops nuclear forces — Putin

The Russian leader recalled that "since 2025, the Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile system is on combat duty and it can be armed with nuclear warheads"

UK to ramp up defense spending, maintain commitments to NATO — Charles III

The UK King said the ministers will seek to improve relations with European partners as a vital step in strengthening European security

Donbass Dome system neutralizes four drones in Donetsk People’s Republic

The UAVs were destroyed within 24 hours

Iran sets forth five conditions to resuming negotiations with US — agency

According to Fars, the five conditions are to stop hostilities on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, to lift the anti-Iranian sanctions, to unblock Iran’s immobilized assets, to compensate for the war-related damage, and to recognize Iran’s right to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz

Lavrov accuses West of putting pressure on countries not to buy Russian oil

The Russian foreign minister said the idea behind the "unscrupulous methods" is to make everybody buy expensive oil and liquified natural gas from the United States

US president flies to Beijing with Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO — Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously said Moscow benefits from constructive cooperation between Beijing and Washington

Russia, China prevent new round of escalation in Middle East at UN — ambassador

According to Zhang Hanhui, Chinese and Russian positions during the vote were based on the principles of objectivity and fairness

Real opportunities for achieving peace in Middle East exist now — Chinese envoy to Russia

Zhang Hanhui emphasized that China supports maintaining the ceasefire and continuing negotiations

Settlement is only possible if US accepts Iran's demands — Iranian MP

Alaeddin Boroujerdi emphasized that following the strikes Iran had endured, it was in no position to capitulate to American demands

Kremlin spokesman comments on Sarmat launch, prospects for Ukraine talks in daily briefing

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia hasn’t heard any official reaction from Washington to Tuesday’s launch of the Sarmat missile

Moscow has trump card that can break deadlock in US-Iran talks — expert

Oleg Akulinichev emphasized that unlike the United States, Russia maintained a trusting dialogue with Tehran

US wants to restore Nord Streams, buy them from Europeans for next to nothing — Lavrov

Washington intends to do this in order to subsequently dictate its own gas prices, the Russian foreign minister indicated

Kiev may face accusations of producing biological weapons — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky commented on remarks by US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who said that more than 120 biological laboratories in over 30 countries funded by US taxpayers over several decades were under investigation

Sarmat tests demonstrate Russia’s nuclear shield is improving — State Duma chairman

"This missile has no equal," Vyacheslav Volodin stated

Ukraine’s top diplomat discloses daily cost of hostilities for Kiev

According to Andrey Sibiga, this year may be "crucial for peace" in Ukraine

Putin plans to hold meeting on economic issues soon

The President reviewed the country's macroeconomic indicators in detail

Slovak, Austrian, Czech presidents speak up for dialogue between EU, Russia on Ukraine

According to President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia, it will not be easy to establish a negotiating process but it is necessary to do this

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

US to face more defeats if it does not concede to Iranian demands — Iranian military

Any new threat, attack, or act of aggression will be met with an immediate, decisive, and final response, Iranian Defense Ministry Spokesman General Reza Talaei-Nik said

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

Russia to place Sarmat ICBM on combat alert by year end — Putin

The President congratulated the Ministry of Defense, all employees, researchers, engineers, defense industry production organizers, prime contractors, and the thousands of workers engaged in the teamwork on "this major event and unconditional success"

West seeks to ban Russian gas and oil in order to 'punish' Moscow — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister expressed confidence that India understands what is really happening

FACTBOX: Key points from forecast for Russia's socioeconomic development in 2027-2029

Russia's GDP growth rate by 2029 could reach 2.4% annualized, according to the forecast

Russia places ex-British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace on wanted list

The criminal charges against Wallace were not specified

Lavrov sees US trying to push Russian oil majors from global markets

The Russian foreign minister mentioned Lukoil and Rosneft in this regard

China calls on UNSC to constructively facilitate peace in Middle East — envoy to Russia

"The situation in the Middle East is currently at a turning point between war and peace," Zhang Hanhui said

Beirut accuses Iran of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty in complaint to UNSC

In accordance with international law, Lebanon demands that Iran be held accountable for its actions, Ahmed Arafa said

US may resume operations in Strait of Hormuz or take more serious action — Trump

The US president reiterated that Iran’s response to new US proposals to end hostilities was "totally unacceptable"

Magnitude 4.5 earthquake hits northern Iran

The epicenter was located 35 kilometers east of Tehran

Russia notified US, other countries of Sarmat tests — Kremlin

In accordance with international agreements, when ICBMs are launched, a notification is sent to other countries through the National Center for Nuclear Risk Reduction in order to avoid undue tension

West may be plotting new staged massacre in Ukraine, Russian diplomat in Vienna says

Russia has noticed reports saying that NATO officials yesterday held three meetings with film directors, script writers and producers active in the film industry in Brussels, Los Angeles and Paris, Yulia Zhdanova said

Duma authorizes use of armed forces to protect Russians arrested abroad

The proposed legislation aims to clarify and expand the authority, allowing the president to direct the Russian Armed Forces to protect citizens from prosecution by foreign and international courts operating outside Russia’s jurisdiction

Russian troops pound Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,060 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Sarmat tests confirm Russia capable of deterring any enemy — analyst

Igor Korotchenko emphasized that the test had confirmed all the specified characteristics of the Sarmat ICBM and the correctness of the applied circuit design solutions

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

IN BRIEF: Sarmat launch sends signal to Western 'friends' in proving Russia’s superiority

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin noted that Sarmat test-launch showed that Russia’s nuclear shield had improved

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Kiev’s attempts to distribute drugs in Donbass and illegal trafficking: Security Council

More than 6.5 tons of narcotics, psychotropic substances and their analogues were seized in the first quarter of this year

Ukrainian troops lose around 875 personnel in special op over past 24 hours — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy lost up to 145 troops in the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North

Germany’s drone deal with Ukraine to make it complicit in Russia strikes — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that Western European countries can be considered Kiev’s high-tech military-industrial echelon

Conflict with Iran could ultimately cost US $1 trln — CNN

The cost of a single expended Tomahawk missile is currently estimated at $2 mln, expert Linda Bilmes noted

IN BRIEF: Lavrov speaks of US plans to control energy flows, Western neocolonialism

The West uses unscrupulous methods to prevent countries from purchasing Russian oil, the Russian foreign minister said

Russia fulfils obligations to supply energy to India, other partners — top diplomat

The Russian foreign minister added that cooperation on the construction of new power units for this nuclear plant is continuing

Iran expands area of control in Strait of Hormuz

According to the senior officer, the strait’s width, which used to be estimated at 32 to 48 km, has increased to between 321 and 482 km

Kiev loses 8,400 troops, mercenaries in special military op zone in past week — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian armed forces suffered the greatest manpower losses in the area of operation of Russia’s Battlegroup East in the Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye regions

Hormuz crisis may impact Europe more than anyone else — Russia’s Lavrov

The foreign minister said Russia "traditionally honors its commitments under any deal", adding that Western traditions are different

ICRC says search underway for over 240,000 people missing due to Ukraine conflict

The organization has been able to provide 17,000 families with information on their missing relatives

Soviet people, having defeated fascism, shaped world — Dodik

Milorad Dodik pointed out that the Serbs lost "more than the British, Americans, and French combined" in WWII

Battlegroup West destroys 17 Ukrainian ground robots, 77 heavy drones over past day

Group press center head Leonid Sharov added that the battlegroup also destroyed 48 drone control points and 2 Starlink terminals

Zelensky acknowledges extensive damage in almost all regions of Ukraine

The damage primarily affected the western regions of the country

Sarmat, Oreshnik missiles can take out Europe’s entire military infrastructure — expert

"The maximum range of the Sarmat system can exceed 35,000 km on a suborbital trajectory," Alexander Stepanov said

Trump says no understanding with Russia on Donbass so far

The withdrawal of troops from Donbas is one of Moscow's most important conditions for an active peaceful settlement with Kiev

Lavrov heads to India to discuss Middle East crisis, future of BRICS

Russian Foreign Minister will also likely discuss the Ukraine situation and settlement prospects

Either Iran agrees to deal or US can 'finish the job' — Trump

The US leader did not provide a clear answer when asked whether he was prepared to abandon the ceasefire with Iran

Trump and his delegation arrive in Beijing — TV

The US leader will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the settlement of bilateral trade and economic contradictions

Possible future Iran-US deal to be radically different from JCPOA — expert

Oleg Akulinichev believes that the US could agree to unfreeze Iran's foreign assets in exchange for a temporary halt to Tehran's uranium enrichment

Putin’s China visit creates window of opportunity for Russia-China-US dialogue — expert

Shanghai International Studies University professor Yang Cheng emphasized that although this is not a direct dialogue between these three countries, some indirect dialogue will still take place

Press review: Putin V-Day speech gives life to Ukraine peace and Iran's new superweapon

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

US uses UAV lessons of Ukraine real time — Pentagon

According to Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon is doing everything to "learn the lessons of Ukraine and other battlefields"

China believes there are no winners in Iran conflict — envoy to Russia

Zhang Hanhui also recalled that Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently formulated four principles for Middle East peace

US leader to visit China for first time in 9 years to discuss trade, Iran, Taiwan

Donald Trump’s previous Beijing trip occurred in 2017

India firmly resists Western pressure, its demands to stop buying Russian oil — Lavrov

India has repeatedly stated it will independently decide from whom to buy energy resources, the Russian foreign minister said

Ukraine faces military collapse this year — retired US Army officer

David T. Pyne believes the EU cannot be trusted to negotiate a peace agreement ending NATO’s proxy war with Russia

Europe constantly lies, does everything it can to eliminate political rivals — Dodik

According to the Bosnian Serb leader, the current European liberals "cannot live in peace unless they seize new colonies in a modern form"

US unlikely to start ground operation in Iran, rather to step up bombing — senator

According to Jack Reed, if Washington wanted to deploy ground troops, there would be very discreet special operations

Russia's Sarmat ICBM has a range of 35,000 km — Putin

The missile can move not only on a ballistic but also on a suborbital trajectory, the Russian president said

Trump must ‘give China something in return’ to conclude deal — expert

According to Wu Xinbo, the US president "has realized that only by stabilizing China-US relations can the US benefit from this relationship"