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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

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

Rafael Grossi says the situation is still of grave concern

VIENNA, May 20. /TASS/. External power supply to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates has been restored following a drone strike on a generator outside its inner perimeter on May 17, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said.

"While radiation levels remain normal and offsite power has been restored, the situation is of grave concern," he wrote on X.

Tags

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

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

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"

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"

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

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

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

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 expects top North Korean diplomat’s visit this year — senior diplomat

Andrey Rudenko said the date is being agreed upon through diplomatic channels

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

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

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

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

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

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

Pakistan conveys Iran's revised proposal to US — media

According to the source, both sides "keep changing their goalposts"

Volkswagen to recall over 44,000 Touareg SUVs in Russia

Russian army uses air defense experience gained in Syria — defense minister

Russia’s new S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile defense system was used in the operation in Syria

New Georgian leadership must launch dialogue with Russia

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

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

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

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

Roscosmos invites NASA chief to Russia

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

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

Slovakian PM Fico says Russian President Putin is ‘very pragmatic’

"It is always very interesting to exchange opinions with him," Robert Fico said

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

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

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

Kremlin closely following developments after US airstrikes in Syria

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

Russia helping China to create early missile warning system, says Putin

He believes that that will drastically "enhance the defensive capacity of the People’s Republic of China"

Aluminum price on LME up over 6.3% following Iran’s strikes on UAE plants

As of 3:01 a.m. Moscow time, at the beginning of the trading week, the price of aluminum futures was up by 6.32% at $3,492 per ton

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

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

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

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

Suez was just a cover: three major misconceptions about World War II in Africa and Iran

It was precisely in the sands of Egypt and the mountains of Iran where the fate of crucial fuel resources was decided, and where the expansion of the Holocaust into the Middle East was planned

FACTBOX: Oreshnik ballistic missile

According to the Russian president, the combat testing of the Oreshnik missile system was conducted in response to an attack by US-made and British-made long-range missiles on Russian territory

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

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

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

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

Neural network for onboard satellite data processing developed in Russia

The solution is currently presented in the form of a prototype

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

Russia looking forward to cooperating with China in shipbuilding, robotics — official

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also confirmed that Moscow and Beijing are in dialogue on the topic of artificial intelligence

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"

Russian firm unveils laser system for protecting civilian infrastructure from UAVs

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

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

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

Russia-led security bloc opposes reviving star-wars policy — Russian diplomat

According to Russia’s Permanent Representative to CSTO Viktor Vasilyev, the organization is currently working on a draft foreign ministers’ statement on preventing an arms race in outer space

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

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

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

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

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

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

The US president said that he is not sure

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

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

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

IMF cuts economic growth forecast for Russia from 3 % to 2 % of GDP

Under normal circumstances there are no scenarios in which the Russian economy could start to contract - IMF representative

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

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

The White House declined to comment on the report

Russia is eternal, Putin says as he urges more legislative flexibility

The country is facing unprecedented challenges and risks, and it should overcome them with dignity, the Russian head of state said

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

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

Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov gets 13 years in prison for embezzlement

After the verdict was announced, Timur Ivanov's defense told TASS that it would appeal the court's decision

Trade between Russia and Latin America grows by 25% over 5 years — Putin

As the Russian leader noted, the further development of reciprocal trade exchanges will be facilitated thanks to a more vigorous transition to national currencies in financial settlements

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.

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

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

There were no casualties or injured

Georgian wine industry to dry up and collapse if Russia bans imports, warns MP

Earlier, State Duma’s Vice-Speaker Sergey Neverov said there were plans to discuss a ban on supplies of Georgian wines and mineral water at the State Duma Council

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 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

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

Putin arrives in Tianjin, first stop on his four-day visit to China

A guard of honor greeted the Russian leader at Tianjin Binhai International Airport

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

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

Russia increases glide bomb output

The gliding and correction module increases the bomb range to dozens of kilometers and allow dropping them from outside the hostile air defense zone

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

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

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

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

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

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"

Durov explains blocking of Russian media’s Telegram channels by EU laws

He also noted that "all Western media Telegram channels remain freely accessible in Russia

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

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

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

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"

Trade turnover between Georgia, Russia up 12% in January-April

Georgian exports to Russia amounted to around $200 mln, while imports were worth over $766 mln

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

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%

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 developing precision sniper round for ‘soldier of the future’ combat outfit

The R&D work on the third-generation Ratnik-3 combat outfit has been completed

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

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

Rafael Grossi says the situation is still of grave concern

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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