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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

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

NEW YORK, May 19. /TASS/. The United States has seized an oil tanker allegedly affiliated to Iran in the Indian Ocean, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, the seized vessel, Skywave, was put on the US sanctions list back in March. On Tuesday, it was west of Malaysia.

This is the third oil tanker captured by the United States since the start of the war with Iran. The Majestic X and Tiffani were seized in April.

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United States Iran

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

Ukraine once again apologizes for its drones flying in Baltic skies

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Georgy Tikhy called these developments "unintentional incidents"

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

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

Russia’s air defenses destroy six Ukrainian UAVs over Kaluga Region

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

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

US wants to force China into nuclear talks against Beijing’s will — senior diplomat

As Sergey Ryabkov stressed, the very idea of multilateral arms control talks among nuclear powers is being thwarted by Washington's desire to make China's participation mandatory

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"

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

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"

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

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

There were no casualties or injured

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

Yury Ushakov emphasized the significance of this encounter

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

World Gymnastics clears Russians to compete under country’s flag: what to know

European Gymnastics will make its own decision on lifting restrictions on Russian athletes by the end of the week

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

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

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

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

UK premier intends to lead Labour Party into next parliamentary election

Keir Starmer said he had no intention of resigning

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

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

Asia, Europe showing interest in Russia’s anti-drone nets — developer

The nets feature an innovative "spider knot" weave

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

The White House declined to comment on the report

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

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

Putin arrives in Beijing for two-day visit

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

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

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 probe confirms presence of military-biological facilities near Russian border — expert

According to Boris Rozhin, the probe will transfer the issue of American military-biological activity abroad from the level of charges to the status of legal recognition

Energodar to take extra protective measures due to latest Ukrainian UAV attacks — mayor

Maxim Pukhov urged all residents to remain calm, follow safety protocols, and rely solely on verified official information

US to waive sanctions on Russian oil shipments for 30 days — Treasury Secretary

This will ensure the most vulnerable countries have access to energy, Scott Bessent said

Three NATO reconnaissance aircraft spotted over Kaliningrad Region

One of them is an American Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II intelligence and reconnaissance jet, which took off from Romania’s Constanta

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

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

Zelensky’s office dreams of drafting women to patch gaps in army — Ukrainian lawmaker

Maxim Buzhansky urged the members of the Office to focus on their own responsibilities instead of broader issues

China looking forward to Putin’s visit — MFA

At a scheduled summit, the two leaders will discuss China-Russia cooperation and global and regional issues of mutual interest, the Chinese diplomat said

Russia’s envoy highlights importance of Russia-China investment cooperation

According to Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian Direct Investment Fund has invested in more than 50 projects with Chinese partners

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

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

Ukrainian troops attack localities in Russia’s Kursk Region with artillery 171 times

A private home completely burned down in the village of Novaya Krivtsovka in the Oboyan District as a result of the attack

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

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

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

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

Nearly 70% of Ukrainians use Russian language on daily basis — former PM

Nikolay Azarov pointed out that Ukraine tried to eliminate the Russian language and ban a significant part of its culture

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

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

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’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

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

The US president said that he is not sure

Superiority of Russian services and proactive work: statements by Mishustin

Advances in import substitution and development have reduced the urgent need for domestic software by a factor of four in recent years, the Russian prime minister noted

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

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

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 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

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

Tasnim did not elaborate on the incident

Ukrainian forces subject Zaporozhye NPP to massive shelling — plant’s management

Communications Director Yevgenia Yashina said the exact number of drones that attacked Energodar is being established

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

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

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

The required conditions were not specified in the media report

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

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

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

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"

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

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

Ukrainian forces attack DPR territory 11 times over past day, one person killed

Two people were injured

Chinese diplomat dismisses report of Xi Jinping’s remark about Ukraine as 'pure fiction'

Guo Jiakun said the Financial Times information contradicts the facts

US increasingly leaning toward use of military force against Cuba — Politico

According to one of the newspaper’s sources, US President Donald Trump and his aides have grown frustrated that the US pressure campaign has not led Cuba’s leaders to agree to significant economic and political reforms

Putin to travel to China on two-day visit

The Russian leader will meet with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, hold Russian-Chinese talks in both narrow and expanded formats

Naval exercises involving six NATO countries begin in Black Sea

The exercises involve Bulgaria, Canada, Portugal, Romania, the United States, and Turkey

Spokesman says Kremlin has no reaction to award of Nobel Peace Prize to Iranian activist

Narges Mohammadi was awarded "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all"

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

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 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

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

Russian firm unveils laser system for protecting civilian infrastructure from UAVs

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

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

Moscow, Beijing manage to return to positive trade dynamics — Russian first deputy PM

Denis Manturov noted that investment activity is having a positive impact on the development of bilateral trade

Russian anti-drone technology market may reach $2.76 bln in 2026

Bulat Khabriev, managing investment director at VEB.RF, says that cyberattacks and UAV attacks have ceased to be abstract risks

Nobel Prize in medicine awarded to two scientists for COVID-19 vaccine research

"The discoveries by the two Nobel Laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020," the statement reads

Biden spared no expense on deadly biological research in Ukraine — Miroshnik

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large says that the results of the research could have included the development of biological weapons

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

Europe ready to come to negotiating table to resolve conflict in Ukraine — Merz

The German chancellor underscored that "the fighting must cease first"

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

United States to conduct test launch of nuclear-capable Minuteman III ICBM on May 20

The statement emphasized that the test launch is routine, was planned several years ago, and is not in response to current world events

Israel occupies nearly 1,000 sq. km of Middle East territory since Oct 2023 — newspaper

According to the newspaper, Israeli forces control over half of the Gaza Strip

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

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

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

Chances for agreement with Iran appear very good right now — Trump

The US president added that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and several other countries asked the US to delay strikes on Iran by two to three days, believing that a deal is close

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"

US has already spent more than $85 bln on military operation in Iran

As calculated by Iran War Cost Tracker, basing on a Pentagon briefing for the US Congress on March 10, Washington planned to spend $1 bln for each day of the conflict

Leaders of Russia, China to adopt declaration on emergence of multipolar world — Kremlin

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will sign a Joint Statement on further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction

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

Russia’s air defenses destroy 17 Ukrainian UAVs over Voronezh Region overnight

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

Iran to stand firm on its demands to US — president

Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran is conducting negotiations with honor

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

Preliminary data shows Luna-25 lunar probe collided with Moon’s surface – Roscosmos

Automatic station "Luna-25" ceased to exist, noted in the state corporation

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

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

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

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