{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russia maintains strategic advantages in Ukraine — US authorities

According to a report compiled by inspectors general of the Pentagon, the Department of State, and the US Agency for International Development, now effectively terminated, the collective West’s assistance to Kiev has amounted to more than $325 billion since February 2022

WASHINGTON, May 18. /TASS/. Russia maintains strategic and operational advantages in Ukraine despite the collective West’s assistance to Kiev amounting to more than $325 billion since February 2022, according to a new report to Congress issued by inspectors general of the Pentagon, the Department of State, and the US Agency for International Development, now effectively terminated.

"Russian forces maintained their strategic and operational advantages," the document says, adding that the Russian army continues expanding the territory under its control. "The DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency - TASS) reported that as of March, the Russian military maintained an overall advantage over the UAF (Ukrainian armed forces - TASS) across most warfighting functions," the report says.

"Ukraine continued to face critical munitions gaps and shortages in unmanned aircraft and components according to SAG-U (Security Assistance Group - Ukraine - TASS)," the report covering a period from January 1 to March 31, 2026, says.

"U.S. allies and partners have committed approximately $130 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since February 2022," it states. In parallel, "Congress has appropriated or otherwise made available for obligation $195.03 billion for OAR (Operation Atlantic Resolve - TASS) and the broader Ukraine response."

Tags

Ukraine United States

US continues to train Ukrainian pilots to use F-16 fighter jets — report

According to the report issued by inspectors general of the US Department of War, the Department of State, and the Agency for International Development, the training commitments are coordinated by the Air Force Capability Coalition that the US co-leads with Denmark and the Netherlands

Expectations from Putin’s visit to China and Zelensky’s remarks: Kremlin's briefing

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that any contacts between President Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping help create new momentum for the further development and expansion of relations between Moscow and Beijing

Russian troops deliver massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,075 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Putin says restoration of Russian-Slovak trade turnover possible

Putin recalled that Russia is one of Slovakia's largest foreign trade partners

13 slightly injured in Gorky Park bridge collapse — authorities

The victims were diagnosed with moderate and light wounds

State Duma ratifies trade regime agreements with Abkhazia, South Ossetia

Russia's pipeline gas exports may recover to 240 bln cubic meters per year

According to Pavel Zavalny, in 2024, supplies via the Power of Siberia increased from 23 bln cubic meters to 31 bln cubic meters

Kiev actively pushing toward escalation of terrorist war — Russian Foreign Ministry

Ambassador-at-Large for the Kiev regime's crimes Rodion Miroshnik pointed to Ukraine's deliberate attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure

Russia’s Battlegroup North artillery destroys over 500 Ukrainian troops in week

The platoon commander said that artillery crews of the Battlegroup North thwarted several attempts by the Ukrainian army to rotate personnel in the Sumy and Kharkov Regions, accomplishing over 350 firing missions

Bank of Russia’s assets to remain frozen — Euroclear

The decision is based on the fact that the Russian Central Bank's claim against Euroclear Bank is not recognized under EU law, and Euroclear "does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction"

Erdogan says Iran conflict 'devastating' global economy

The extent of the damage caused by the shockwave that has swept across the world like a tsunami cannot yet be accurately assessed, the Turkish president said

German carmakers face chip shortages due to EU anti-Russian sanctions — Handelsblatt

The situation was triggered by Brussels' decision in April to include Chinese company Yangjie in the 20th package of sanctions against Russia

Next Yars ICBM placed into silo in strategic missile formation in central Russia

The Kozelsk missile formation was the first unit in the Russian Strategic Missile Force to be rearmed with silo-based Yars ICBMs

Iran, US still far apart on key issues — agency

The American side "is still seeking to link talks on ending the war to the nuclear issue"

US extends sanctions waiver until June 17 on Russian oil loaded by April 17

The document emphasizes that the license does not authorize transactions related to a number of Russian regions, including Crimea, the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as Iran, Cuba, and North Korea

Russian forces hit some 350 Ukrainian targets in Avdeyevka direction

According to Battlegroup Center Spokesman Alexander Savchuk, attack aircraft as well as the bomber and army aviation delivered more than 60 airstrikes near the settlements of Ocheretino, Berdychi and Novokalinovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Zaporozhye NPP, Energodar under repeated attack over past day — Rosatom CEO

According to Alexey Likhachev, the Ukrainian troops attack civilian buses used by the plant’s employees, and residential houses

US military intelligence believes Ukraine is delivering chaotic strikes on Russia

Ukrainian strikes lack the coordination, tempo, and concentration on critical Russian military infrastructure, according to a report compiled by inspectors general of the US Department of War, the Department of State and the Agency for International Development

Russian minister suggests labeling wines produced domestically from imported ingredients

There will be no direct ban on the use of imported ingredients by Russian wine makers

Hungary slashes reverse gas to Ukraine sevenfold as compared to late March

Reverse supplies declined from 5 mln cubic meters exported daily in late March to 690,000 cubic meters a day from April 3

Sarmat needs no advertising, no one else has analogues — Russian deputy foreign minister

This system allows guaranteed penetration of both existing and any missile defense systems still in the development phase, Sergey Ryabkov said

Russia seeks to create direct land routes with Uzbekistan — Deputy Prime Minister

Marat Khusnullin added that, despite external challenges, relations between Russia and Uzbekistan have historically been characterized by friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation

Drone attacks on Moscow leave 12 people injured — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin added that three residential buildings had been damaged

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

US continues to train Ukrainian pilots to use F-16 fighter jets — report

According to the report issued by inspectors general of the US Department of War, the Department of State, and the Agency for International Development, the training commitments are coordinated by the Air Force Capability Coalition that the US co-leads with Denmark and the Netherlands

Tea talk with Chinese leader to conclude Putin’s visit to China — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are set to discuss all the most important issues in a friendly and sincere manner

China ready to fully cover Russia’s demand for fruits, vegetables — reports

The Russian-Chinese trade turnover in the agricultural sector is currently estimated at around $20 billion

Liquid portion of NWF standing at $72 bln — Russian Finance Minister

According to Anton Siluanov, inflation in Russia started going down

Putin's test for Europe, Nazi revival, US-China relations: Lavrov's statements

Russia will not be drawn into any triangulation attempts by the US to pit Moscow and Beijing against one another, the Russian foreign minister said

Crimea marks second anniversary of referendum to reunite with Russia

Marches, a flash mob, a car rally, exhibitions and other events will take place across Crimea

Kiev will spare no one if left unrestrained — Kremlin

Actions by the Kiev regime may lead to more resignations in Europe, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told

Putin congratulates To Lam on election as Vietnam's president — agency

In addition, the Russian leader expressed hope that, in his capacity as president, Lam would continue to promote constructive bilateral cooperation in all fields, benefiting both nations and strengthening security and stability in the Asia-Pacific, the agency reported

Kremlin vows to protect Russian media under US sanctions

Moscow will work out measures on the protection of Russian media

Kremlin derides US bid to create 'Navalny list' as absurd

The Kremlin spokesman called for a sober attitude to the situation

Eurasian Economic Union replaces Eurasian Economic Community

Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will discuss further integration at a summit in Minsk

Russian embassy urges US to think about risks of Ukrainian chemical terrorism

According to the diplomatic mission, intelligence data indicates that "Ukraine plans to stage a series of anti-Russia provocations"

Drone attack being repelled by air defenses on Iranian island of Qeshm — agency

Tasnim did not elaborate on the incident

Sanya's economic growth rate reached 7.5% in January-March

Gross regional product reached $3.64 billion during the period

Chinese top diplomat, Russian security chief stress need to defend peace in Asia-Pacific

The sides also agreed to continue enhancing multilateral cooperation and to pay more efforts to improve global governance

Russian Economic Development Minister sees no signs of banking crisis in Russia

On Tuesday Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s top lender Sberbank said Russia is facing a massive crisis, adding that next year will not be simple for Russia’s banking either

Ruble support measures start working, time of sharp fluctuation nearing end — IMF

In November and January, the ruble fell against the dollar by 51% to 65 rubles, while the euro fell by 40% to 75.5 rubles

BRICS companies to invest up to $500 mln in gold mine in Russia's Siberia

Among those involved in the international consortium are China National Gold Corporation, Indian SUN Gold Ltd., TransAfrica Capital Limited and a Brazilian investment fund

Cabinet permits foreign investors’ entry to Russia amid restrictions

Despite the coronavirus-related restrictions, the Economic Development Ministry reported that foreign investors would be welcome to enter Russia

Russia maintains strategic advantages in Ukraine — US authorities

According to a report compiled by inspectors general of the Pentagon, the Department of State, and the US Agency for International Development, now effectively terminated, the collective West’s assistance to Kiev has amounted to more than $325 billion since February 2022

Air defenses down 84 Ukrainian drones in Kursk Region over past 24 hours — governor

There were no fatalities or injuries

Death toll from Ukraine's shelling of Lugansk rises to 4 with 43 injured

Ukraine's armed forces shelled civilian objects in Lugansk, firing five missiles, four of which were shot down

Dollar exchange rate surpasses 105 rubles, euro – 110 rubles on Forex

By 16:42 Moscow time, the dollar accelerated its growth and reached 105.259 rubles

'Cancellation' or isolation of Russia in World Bank failed — director

"Calm, non-politicized and balanced opinion of Russia in the World Bank Group enjoys particular respect, and not only from the side of our traditional allies," Roman Marshavin noted

Press review: US, Israel preparing new strikes against Iran as Ukraine mum on Russia talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 18th

Iranian diplomat calls on Middle East countries to learn from recent events

Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran strongly protests Middle Eastern states making their territory "available to aggressors"

Vladimir Region creating BARS-Vladimir anti-drone unit

Under the guidance of instructors with real combat experience, the BARS-Vladimir unit members will master firearms, tactical, engineering, and medical training, as well as the basics of electronic warfare and communications

Finland to practice forcefully crossing Russian border during naval drills — expert

Alexander Stepanov warned that industrial facilities in northwestern Russia as well as taking control of Karelia may be priority objectives in the course of potential aggression against Russia

US ammunition stocks running low due to conflict with Iran — experts

Retired Major General John Ferrari did not specify which types of ammunition were running low, but he called the current situation in US arsenals "a strategic red flag"

Navalny to sue Russia’s state-owned TV operator at European Court of Human Rights

The Moscow City Court on Wednesday upheld a decision to reject a lawsuit on protection of honor and dignity filed by Russian opposition figurehead Alexey Navaln

Share of ruble payments in foreign trade reaches record 60% in February — Bank of Russia

The share of currencies of unfriendly countries in Russia’s foreign trade payments fell to 13.1%

Iranian president says dialogue with US doesn’t mean surrender

Tehran will not "retreat from the legal rights of the people and the country," Masoud Pezeshkian says

Iran continues dialogue with Oman on security in Hormuz Strait — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that Tehran was in constant contact other stakeholders to develop a mechanism to ensure safe passage for all nations

Two children injured in plane crash near Kazakhstan’s Aktau

An Embraer 190 passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, which was en route from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to Grozny, crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau earlier on Wednesday

Naval blockade unlikely to undermine Iran’s economy, envoy says

Alireza Sanei noted that Iran shares borders with 15 countries, including Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Armenia

Vladimir Urin to head the artistic council of the Bolshoi Theatre’s ballet troupe

The initiative came from the ballet troupe’s artistic director Sergei Filin

Kiev loses over 6,500 soldiers, mercenaries in special op zone over week — military expert

Ukrainian armed formations suffered the heaviest losses in the area of responsibility of Russia's Battlegroup Center

Number of domestic trips in Russia could reach 100 mln this year

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that further growth will become increasingly challenging

Finland's plans to review property deals aimed against Russians — Russian Foreign Ministry

Earlier, the media reported citing Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen that the government was considering a review of real estate transactions signed by foreigners over the past 20 years

Putin was right to compare EU leaders with collaborationists — French politician

During his question-and-answer session and press conference on Thursday, the Russian president said that "many European politicians outwardly behave like General Charles de Gaulle, who fought for the interests of France by force of arms"

Partnership with BRICS to help Malaysia boost tourist flow — envoy to Russia

According to Cheong Loon Lai, countries are aiming to strengthen economic ties by joining BRICS as partners

Russia expects new projects with China in LNG, petrochemicals — Novak

Russia and China have agreed recently to cooperate in the hydrogen production sphere, the Russian deputy prime minister said

Prices of precious metals futures growing

As of 6:12 p.m. Moscow time, the price of palladium futures for June 2026 delivery on NYMEX was up by 2.43% at $1,526.5 per troy ounce, while the price of platinum futures for July 2026 delivery was up by 3.33% at $2,189.6 per troy ounce

EC intends to hold trilateral meeting on gas after presidential elections in Ukraine

The contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, signed in 2009, expires in late 2019

Russian soldiers shatter illusion of invincible Western military tech — Putin

According to the Russian leader, those being honored "successfully and skillfully used modern technologies, unmanned aerial vehicles, risked their lives to rescue and evacuate wounded comrades" to fulfill their combat missions

Iran ready to hand over enriched uranium to Russia instead of US — Al Hadath

The required conditions were not specified in the media report

Most Americans believe Trump made a mistake launching Iran war — poll

Americans cited the war's strong impact on the US economy as the main reason that it should not have been launched

Russia's Rostelecom to establish 7 video data processing centers for presidential election

According to the press service, Rostelecom will become the only operator that will organize video monitoring at the Russian presidential election in March 2018

Press review: US, Russia hold first talks in Riyadh as Kiev and Paris stress security

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 19th

Ukraine lists owner of AliExpress as 'international sponsor of war' — NACP

The agency claimed that the platform allegedly censored various Ukrainian content on its sites

Iran without Internet for 80 days — NetBlocks

The blackout has become the longest nationwide internet disruption ever recorded worldwide

Putin signs law ratifying agreement with Syria on deployment of Russian air group

The law was passed by Russia’s State Duma on October 7, 2016, and approved by the Federation Council

Russian presidential envoy urges EU to find constructive voice in support of peace

Kirill Dmitriev’s statement came in response to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said that the European Union has failed to use its diplomatic potential in the situation around Ukraine

Russia calls for introducing personal responsibility for detention of journalists - Dolgov

US says Iran’s new proposal 'insufficient for a deal' — media

According to the report, Iran rejects many of Donald Trump's demands and refuses to make any meaningful concessions on its nuclear program

Putin to arrive in China on evening of May 19 to be met by Wang Yi — Kremlin aide

As Yury Ushakov specified, the Chinese side will organize a formal welcome ceremony at the airport

Telegram can now disclose user data by court decision

Telegram has never passed user data before

Putin, Xi to discuss most sensitive issues of bilateral relations — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said the Russian president will begin his meeting with Xi Jinping after the welcome ceremony in the Great Hall of the People

US oil sanctions relief aimed at stabilizing market — Treasury Secretary

"It will also help reroute existing supply to countries most in need by reducing China’s ability to stockpile discounted oil," Scott Bessent believes

Ukrainian drone damages kindergarten building in Energodar — mayor

No one was hurt, Maxim Pukhov said

Russian forces moving in western part of Konstantinovka — DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin, fighting continues in the industrial zone and near the railway terminal

Kiev forces lost over 1,100 troops in 24 hours across all special military operation zone

In the Battlegroup North zone, the enemy lost up to 155 soldiers

Russia, China stand for independent foreign policy and supreme rule of law — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to China on May 19-20

Over 20% of assets blocked outside of Russia held by retail investors, says regulator

The blocked assets were worth 5.7 trillion rubles

About 15 more people may be evacuated to Moscow from Volgograd after explosions

The authority will send over two-three patients at a time

Tajikistan-Russia trade turnover rises by 14.1% in 1H 2024

Zavqi Zavqizoda noted that last year the trade turnover between the two countries exceeded $1.7 bln

Earthquake in southern China leaves two people killed

One person remained missing

Iranian issue, Eurovision criteria and Anchorage’s six-month anniversary: Lavrov’s remarks

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow is not trying to intrude into the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran, wishing this process every success

Putin to meet in China with grown-up participant in 2000 joint photo — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov emphasized the significance of this encounter

Saudi Arabia to pursue oil price restraint policy till autumn 2015 — experts

Saudi Arabia apparently pursues a long-term strategy to edge out unconventional oil sources from the market, experts said

Putin signs law on legalizing cryptocurrency mining in Russia

Only Russian legal entities and individual entrepreneurs included in a register will have the right to mine

Lavrov Confirms Putin’s Visit to India in December

"We have full respect for India’s national interests and fully respect the foreign policy pursued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advance his country’s national priorities," the Russian foreign minister said

Bilateral relations, energy and Russian delegation members: aide on Putin’s visit to China

There is no link between the visits to China by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yury Ushakov noted

Unidentified gunman opens fire at Islamic Center in San Diego

No information about deaths or injuries is available at this point

Iran to stand firm on its demands to US — president

Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran is conducting negotiations with honor