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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Conflict in Syria

One killed, 18 injured in Damascus explosion

According to the Defense Ministry, a car packed with explosives detonated in the Bab Sharqi neighborhood in eastern Old Damascus

TUNIS, May 19. /TASS/. At least one person was killed and 18 others were injured in an explosion in the Syrian capital, the SANA news agency reported, citing medical workers.

According to the doctors, all the injured have been hospitalized. Citing the Defense Ministry, the agency also reported that one soldier was killed in the explosion. According to the ministry, a car packed with explosives detonated in the Bab Sharqi neighborhood in eastern Old Damascus. Security forces have cordoned off the area.

Earlier, the Al Watan newspaper reported that the explosion occurred as a result of the detonation of an explosive device that bomb engineers were attempting to defuse. According to the Defense Ministry, the planted device was discovered and defused near one of the ministry’s buildings, and the explosion was not related to that incident.

Tags

Syrian conflict

US State Department backs Bolivian government amid protests

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said he had spoken with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz

US investigates 56 cases of corruption and theft of American weapons in Ukraine

According to a report prepared by the inspectors general of the Pentagon, the State Department, and the now effectively dismantled US Agency for International Development, 13 other investigations have been closed

External power supply restored at UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi says the situation is still of grave concern

Donbass will do without Ukraine, hardly vice versa - experts

After the independence referendums in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions quite a few Ukrainian analysts said Ukraine should let them go

A number of US investors eye participation in Russian-Chinese projects — Dmitriev

As Kirill Dmitriev noted, Russia and China maintain a partnership approach based on mutual cooperation and the understanding that sanctions are illegitimate

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

US appears to sincerely want Ukrainian conflict to end — Russian diplomat

"But Washington has a lot of other priorities as well," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia to respond to aggression as Kiev plans to launch drones from Latvia — intel agency

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence reported that service members from the Ukrainian army’s Unmanned Systems Forces had been deployed to Latvia to prepare attacks on Russia from the Baltic country’s territory

Ukrainian military attacks pose threat to Zaporozhye NPP’s rotation of personnel

Facility’s Director Yury Chernichuk says the executive management will resort to every possible effort to ensure the safety of personnel

Iran accuses US of abusing UN Security Council platform

Washington is spreading false information about Iran and its peaceful nuclear program, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN says

Russia holding nuclear forces drills — top brass

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the drills are set to practice readying some of nuclear forces’ units and formations for accomplishing assigned objectives

Over 16 aircraft manufacturing facilities to be modernized in Russia — ministry

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Mikhail Yurin said the measure will help to significantly increase both productivity and product quality

Trump says resolution of conflict with Iran close

According to the US president, Iranian authorities "want to make a deal so badly"

Industrial site affected in Yaroslavl as Russia downs 315 Ukrainian drones overnight

There were no casualties or injured

Senior Russian diplomat warns NATO ‘hot heads’ against posing threats to Russia

Russia will use military and technical means to repel any threats to it, Sergey Ryabkov said

Russia, China create peaceful nuclear development roadmap for decades to come — Rosatom

According to CEO Alexey Likhachev, the entire range of fast reactors in China is the result of the joint efforts

Estonia downs drone allegedly en route from Ukrainian territory — top defense official

According to Hanno Pevkur, the drone entered Estonia’s airspace and was downed over Lake Vortsjarv

US ready to let diplomacy try its luck in Iran situation until early next week — Trump

On Monday, the US leader announced his decision to postpone the resumption of operations against Iran at the request of Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, as a deal with Tehran remains possible

Chinese man who met Putin in 2000 eager to build Russia-China friendship bridge

Peng Pai also revealed that it was a memorable encounter with Putin years ago that inspired him to pursue higher education in Russia

Some Gulf countries had no idea US planned to attack Iran on May 19 — media

As Donald Trump said earlier, he was asked to hold off by the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who convinced him to give diplomacy another chance

During Beijing trip, Trump suggests US, China, Russia join forces to oppose ICC — media

The White House declined to comment on the report

Kalashnikov Group delivers large batch of Saiga carbines to foreign customer

Contractual obligations to the foreign buyer were fulfilled ahead of schedule

US seizes oil tanker allegedly affiliated with Iran — media

According to The Wall Street Journal , the seized vessel, Skywave, was put on the US sanctions list back in March

Kiev forces expand attack area on Zaporozhye NPP over two weeks — official

Facility's Director Yury Chernichuk called the recent events "a massive psychological attack on the city, on the plant"

UK bans imports of Russian uranium

The new measures include a ban on the provision of technical assistance, financial services and funds, and brokering services related to these goods.

Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz announces withdrawal from Wimbledon due to injury

This year’s third Grand Slam tournament is scheduled to be played between June 29 and July 12

Russian troops liberate Volokhovka community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,175 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

UN chief’s spokesperson confirms receiving Lavrov’s letter on Bucha

Stephane Dujarric added that the response has not "been mailed yet"

Russia becomes asylum for compatriots from unfriendly countries — senator

Russia also plays this role for many foreigners who find themselves in their own countries as people who are not respected, whose views on normal human relations and traditional family values are not accepted, Yelena Afanasyeva said

Russia to respond proportionately if any country conducts nuclear tests — senior diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov says the current situation requires the readiness of the national infrastructure

Russia wipes out part of Ukraine’s Alpha special forces in Dnepropetrovsk Region — sources

The Ukrainian troops have been eliminated with aerial bombs and guided munitions

Air defenses destroy 56 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within another six-hour period

The ministry reported earlier in the day that it destroyed 70 Ukrainian UAVs over various Russian regions between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Moscow time

Smartphones not to blame for global decline in birth rates — expert

According to Natalia Galkina, the real decline in birth rates stems from a complex set of factors

Volkswagen to recall over 44,000 Touareg SUVs in Russia

Fifth-generation Su-57 two-seater fighter jet prototype makes maiden flight

This jet will also be used as a trainer aircraft and a tactical control aircraft, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said

Lavrov sends another letter to UN chief in search of answers about Bucha — diplomat

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Moscow views the incident as a "deliberate fake" used to derail the peace talks in 2022

Three plants for Volkswagen, Foton, and JAC brands to open in Uzbekistan by year-end

The announcement followed a meeting where President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to develop the automotive industry, expand production capacity, and enhance the sector's competitiveness

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

The required conditions were not specified in the media report

Qatar calls for respecting freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz

According to Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, contacts are currently being held at various levels to restore stability and ensure safe navigation in the Persian Gulf

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

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

Ukrainian counterintelligence officer supplies dozens of coordinates for Russian strikes

Sergey Mikhailov surrendered in the Zaporozhye direction. He said he does not want to return to Ukraine

Russia-China ties gain special value amid global turbulence — diplomats

Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov and Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said in a joint article that relations between Russia and China are stable and predictable

Nine fast-neutron reactors to be built in Russia by 2042 — Rosatom

According to the statement, fast reactors with a closed fuel cycle are not just a means of increasing the efficiency of nuclear energy, but a prerequisite for its long-term existence

Putin, Xi Jinping set to discuss key global issues during talks in Beijing

The meeting will be their second contact this year

One killed, 18 injured in Damascus explosion

According to the Defense Ministry, a car packed with explosives detonated in the Bab Sharqi neighborhood in eastern Old Damascus

IN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on unprecedented level of ties with China and mutual support

The Russian president says that the two countries are ready to support each other on key issues, including the protection of sovereignty

Exports of Russian perfumery, cosmetics products gain 20% in 2025

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Mikhail Yurin said the industry’s domestic production increased by 5.6%

New Georgian leadership must launch dialogue with Russia

The 66-year-old politician with a big experience of scientific and diplomatic work said

G7 united in their policy of continuing sanctions pressure on Russia — French minister

Roland Lescure noted that the G7 countries had reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation in the face of dangers to the world economy

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

Cyberattacks on video platforms surged 35% in 2025 due to AI development — expert

The primary driver behind this accelerated growth is the active use of artificial intelligence by threat actors, Alexey Zhukov, Director of Information Security for Digital Assets at Gazprom-Media Holding, said

No military-political foundation exists for Russia-West security dialogue — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said it is impossible to build this foundation unless the Western countries are willing to genuinely take Russia’s fundamental interests into account

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

EU might lengthen Russia sanctions renewal period from six months to one year — media

The EU leaders are set to discuss the timeframe extension in Brussels next month

Resignations of Latvian politicians over Kiev may be just beginning — Kremlin

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says one should not allow drones flying toward Russia to pass through their territory

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

Russian nuclear drills come in response to Western preparations for invasion — expert

The Russian nuclear triad is currently in optimal condition, Colonel Levon Arzanov said

Boosting Russian oil transit to China via Kazakhstan being finalized — Novak

The Russian deputy prime minister said that this agreement was reached long ago

FACTBOX: Review of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces drills since 2020

President Vladimir Putin reported in June 2025 that 95% of Russia's nuclear forces were equipped with modern weapons

Trump briefed on military options against Iran on May 18 — Axios

According to information obtained by the news portal, the meeting was originally scheduled for May 19, with some officials expecting the US president to make a decision on potential strikes against the Islamic Republic during the consultations

NATO countries importing 'HIMARS clones' from South Korea to use against Russia — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, contracts are currently known to be in place for the supply of at least 290 systems of this type to Poland, 9 to Estonia, and 16 to Norway

Zelensky becomes ‘inconvenience’, setting stage for his removal — expert

Viktor Medvedchuk recalled that Vladimir Zelensky's name had repeatedly popped up in corruption investigations

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

ZNPP informs IAEA inspectors about Ukraine’s overnight attacks on Energodar

According to the facility’s director Yury Chernichuk, access to the sites impacted by Ukrainian attacks for IAEA inspectors is restricted due to security considerations

Georgians living abroad may be barred from voting overseas

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili noted that similar regulations exist in Armenia, Ireland, Israel and Malta

US laboratories in Ukraine violate legal norms, threaten millions of people — Miroshnik

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large added that the activities of the laboratories constitute "a deception of US taxpayers"

Russian stock market closes mixed

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index fell 0.2% to 2,663.37 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index rose 1.28% to 1,176.87 points

Hungary’s purchases of Russian pipeline gas down 27% in Q1

The European Union imported 414 mln euros worth of Russian pipeline gas in March

UK authorizes import of diesel and jet fuel produced from Russian oil from third countries

The exceptions to the sanctions rules come into force on May 20 and are of an indefinite duration

Baltic states to be punished for assisting Ukraine in attacking Russia — MP

Speaking about Lithuanian threats against Kaliningrad, Leonid Slutsky noted that by making such statements the "hotheads" in the Baltics "are drawing fire not only upon themselves, but also on Europe as a whole"

Kiev’s attacks on Zaporozhye NPP impossible without West’s support — Russian diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says Western curators "instill a false sense of impunity in the current Ukrainian authorities and provoke them to new ventures"

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Germany’s rearmament more dangerous for world than ‘Russian threat’ — French politician

"When Germany rearms, it always turns out badly for France and the rest of the world," Florian Philippot emphasized

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

Russia, China to discuss energy projects during Russian delegation's visit — Novak

Moscow is satisfied with the ongoing cooperation with China on oil and gas supplies, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

Russian firm unveils laser system for protecting civilian infrastructure from UAVs

The system detects targets at a distance of up to three km

Armenia not looking to stoke tensions with Russia — top diplomat

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia realized that it had to choose between the European Union and the EAEU

US may withdraw several hundred more troops from Europe — NATO commander

Alexus Grynkewich assured that it would not affect NATO’s defense plans

Dozens of Ukrainian men die crossing Carpathians to avoid draft

According to the media outlet, around 32,000 Ukrainian men have illegally entered Romania since 2022

Over 50 flights delayed, cancelled at Pulkovo airport amid drone threats

The operator company added that 14 flight were directed to alternative airports

US State Department backs Bolivian government amid protests

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said he had spoken with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz

US Senate advances resolution to end war with Iran

Alongside most Democrats, Republicans Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Bill Cassidy also voted in favor

Russia’s military planning to take into account NATO’s growing nuclear capabilities

This "cannot go unaddressed," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

Senior diplomat sees growing risks of head-on clash between NATO, Russia

Sergey Ryabkov highlighted "the escalatory narrative" from European capitals about "the looming threat of a high-intensity war" with Russia

Roscosmos invites NASA chief to Russia

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

Nuclear sites must be exempt from combat actions — Rosatom CEO

Alexey Likhachev pointed out that radiation knows no boundaries, so the only way to keep the situation from reaching a critical point is to make sure no weapons are used on nuclear facilities

Russian troops gain control of road linking communities near Volokhovka in Kharkov Region

Russia’s Battlegroup North units continue creating the security zone on the territory of the Sumy and Kharkov Regions

Latvia sets precedent by enabling strikes on Russia — expert

Ruslan Pankratov said that a new legal reality is emerging in which the territory of a NATO member state is being used as a bridgehead for strikes against Russia

Russia to cooperate with Chinese universities, companies in high-tech sector — ASI

Svetlana Chupsheva noted that international cooperation is expanding in high-tech medicine and creative industries

US may need to deliver another 'big hit' on Iran — Trump

The US president said that he is not sure

Euroclear refuses to unfreeze Russian Central Bank’s assets: what is known

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

Press review: Putin China visit puts energy sector in focus as Trump signals bluff on Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 19th

Iran’s new leadership agrees on no nuclear weapons — senior Russian diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that the NPT provides Iran with the right to peaceful nuclear energy under IAEA supervision without any restrictions

Neural network for onboard satellite data processing developed in Russia

The solution is currently presented in the form of a prototype

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

Russia-US dialogue could continue at APEC forum in China — Russian MFA

Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev says the platform is relevant for building a dialogue between major economies

Russia develops Odyssey repeater to increase UAV strike range

The Aviatechnolab Design Bureau said the Odyssey system extended the range of attack unmanned aerial vehicles to 70 kilometers

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

EU pays highest amount for Russian LNG in over one year in March

The European Union purchased around 933 mln euros worth of LNG from Russia

Ruble tops ranking of world’s best currencies — Bloomberg

The ruble’s exchange rate against the dollar has fallen to its lowest since February 2023

Putin arrives in Beijing for two-day visit

The Russian president's working schedule in China is quite extensive