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Belarus, Russia to use all available means to defend themselves — Security Council chief

Alexander Volfovich noted that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and Oreshnik missile systems in Belarus had contributed to strengthening strategic deterrence measures within the Union State

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Belarus and Russia pose no threat to anyone, but will defend the territory of the Union State with all available resources, Secretary of the State Security Council of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Volfovich stated.

"We pose no threat to anyone; both [Russian President] Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and [Belarusian President] Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko have stated this. But we will defend our territory with all available means within the Union State," Volfovich said during a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s (CSTO) Committee of Security Council Secretaries.

He noted that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and Oreshnik missile systems in Belarus has contributed to strengthening strategic deterrence measures within the Union State. "If any of our Western colleagues had previously doubted that this was a bluff, it’s not so. The nuclear force training exercise conducted under the leadership of the two presidents of our countries has proven and confirmed to everyone that it exists, and that it will be used in the event of aggression against the Union State to protect our national interests," the Belarusian State Security Council Secretary emphasized.

Armenia, US sign framework agreement for cooperation on Trump Route project

The document was signed by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Israel attacks over 70 Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon during day

The Israel Defense Forces struck approximately 10 command centers, weapons storage facilities, and additional infrastructure sites used by Hezbollah to advance attacks against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians

Russia views Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention in Czechia as frame-job — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Russia demands Metropolitan Hilarion’s immediate unconditional release

Gas injection rates in Germany, France minimal since 2013 — Gazprom

the Russian gas holding said that Rehden, the largest UGS in Germany, is just 4.2% filled, which is one of the lowest levels for May 22 throughout the history of observations

Russian snipers, mobile air defense teams successfully targeting long-range Ukrainian UAVs

The Russian serviceman stressed that sniper teams, consisting of several people, were fully mobile and could carry out drone-hunting missions for up to seven days

Russia’s Oreshnik system can destroy Kiev’s underground industrial infrastructure — expert

"This is truly what is capable of penetrating these numerous Soviet-era engineering legacy sites, which now house the main assembly shops and storage facilities for components for the Ukrainian attack and reconnaissance drones, as well as Flamingo-type missiles," Alexander Stepanov said

Over 30 ships pass through Strait of Hormuz in past day — IRGC Navy

There were five supertankers among them, the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Ukraine reports serious deficit of surface-to-air missiles amid latest air defense failure

Ukrainian media wrote earlier that the country’s air defense systems were unable to repel Russia’s strike on military facilities in Kiev

Russia ratifies treaty on closer cooperation with South Ossetia

The two countries will take measures to harmonize the labor, social protection, and retirement benefits law, including on the issue of mutual recognition of work record

Deployment of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus strengthens deterrent effect — Shoigu

The Russian Security Council secretary noted that this effect should be regularly reinforced

CIS secretary general speaks on Ukraine’s membership, positions of Armenia, Moldova

The CIS has no choice but to take note of "the European Union’s summit on Ukraine that took place in Armenia recently," Sergey Lebedev said

Bulgaria sends lots of weapons to Ukraine, MP tells TASS

A member of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Angel Georgiev emphasized that it was a huge mistake

IRGC says US drones, fighter jet violated Iranian airspace

Iranian forces destroyed one MQ-9 drone

IN BRIEF: Kremlin spokesman on warning of strikes at Kiev, Putin’s visit to Kazakhstan

Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin is yet unaware of Washington's reaction to Moscow’s warning that the Russian Armed Forces are beginning systematic strikes on defense industry sites in Kiev

Oreshnik strike, statements by Armenian PM: new briefing from Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan this week

Ukraine loses 7,830 soldiers, mercenaries in special military op over week — expert

Andrey Marochko added that during the aforementioned period, Russian forces also destroyed more than 4,000 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, which is almost double the amount from the previous week

NATO practicing scenarios for launching strikes against Union State — Shoigu

Western countries are making no secret of their aggressive plans against Russia and Belarus, Russia’s Security Council Secretary noted

Russian forces launching strikes on military-industrial complex sites in Kiev — MFA

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that "strikes will also be directed at decision-making centers and command posts"

Russia-EU contacts depend on whether Brussels can reconsider its anti-Russian course — MFA

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov noted that Moscow has not rejected dialogue with Europe

New Batch of Su-35S fighters delivered to Russian Aerospace Forces — Rostec

The 4++ generation aircraft have completed a full cycle of factory trials

Russia sees prospects for constructing nuclear power units in Brazil

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted that Rosatom fully meets the needs of Brazilian nuclear power plants

West seeks to manipulate people, turns Ukraine into testing range — FSB chief

Western countries seek to disrupt integration processes and undermine stability in CIS countries from within, Alexander Bortnikov said

Russian security official sees strike on Starobelsk college as pre-planned targeted attack

Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu stressed that such coincidences cannot happen in modern warfare

FSB chief announces formation of drug production belt for transit to Russia, West

According to Alexander Bortnikov, Ukrainian organized crime groups have recently become involved in the production and transit of synthetic drugs, remotely controlling drug labs in CIS countries, with part of the profits being used to recruit perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Russia

Russian ratified free trade agreement between EAEU, Indonesia

The agreement should create conditions for further development of trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU member-states and Indonesia

US Justice Department slams May 23 shooting near White House as assassination attempt

According to media reports, the man, who opened fire approximately 150 meters from the White House, had mental health issues

Russia meets almost third of needs of Brazil’s fertilizer market — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov said the Russian companies are implementing comprehensive investment projects

Sales of new premium cars in Russia up 13% in April — statistics

According to the Avtostat analytical agency experts, premium cars account for a tenth of the Russian auto market

FACTBOX: Russia’s Oreshnik missile strike, breached Ukrainian air defenses

Ukrainian air defenses failed to counter Russian missile strikes on military installations in Kiev and the Kiev Region

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

Slovak PM says Kiev must 'move toward peace' to receive EU associate member status

Slovakia, in Robert Fico’s words, reacted with restraint to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to grant Kiev special status as an "associate member" of the community

ISIS branch in Afghanistan recruiting people from CIS into terrorist networks — FSB chief

Director of Russia’s Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov emphasized the importance of developing counterterrorism contacts with the Afghan colleagues

No safe place will remain for US forces in Middle East — Iranian Supreme Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei stressed that countries of the region will no longer serve as shields for US bases

Russia uses Oreshnik weapon to strike Ukrainian military command posts

That was response to terrorist attacks by the Ukrainian military against civilian facilities located on the territory of the Russian Federation, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin unaware of US reaction to Russia's warning of strikes on military targets in Kiev

Dmitry Peskov declined to interpret the Russian Foreign Ministry’s wording as to whether "systematic strikes" meant attacks would take place every day or at certain intervals

Russia welcomes African countries’ plans to open embassies in Moscow — top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov stressed that broader Russian diplomatic presence on the continent helped to strengthen strategic cooperation with Africa

Bulgarian parliament discussing lifting sanctions on Russia — legislator

Angel Georgiev noted that Bulgarian parliament has proposed lifting sanctions on Russian fuel, energy sanctions, and sanctions targeting the maintenance of MiG-29 aircraft

Serbian president may step down as Balkan nation faces protests

A major anti-government rally took place in Belgrade’s Slavija Square on the afternoon of May 23

Iranian president orders to restore internet access — agency

According to the international internet monitoring service NetBlocks, internet has been practically inaccessible in Iran for more than 86 days

Creation of digital labs in CIS to allow West to manipulate public opinion — FSB head

Alexander Bortnikov especially highlighted "the activity of Britons and EU countries in assisting the promotion of digitalization projects in the financial sphere, trade and transport of some CIS states"

Four-day international security forum opens in Russia

Hundreds of participants from 120 countries will spend four days discussing various aspects of security, the protection of traditional values, and countering neo-colonialism and neo-Nazism

Senior Russian diplomat, Azerbaijani ambassador discuss high-level contacts — MFA

The meeting included a detailed discussion of "the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, including the importance of fully restoring cultural and humanitarian ties"

IN BRIEF: Foreign Ministry statement on retaliatory strikes, bans by Western media

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced the ministry will soon issue a special statement on Russian retaliatory strikes against Kiev

Rubio to sign memo of understanding in Armenia on Tuesday — Department of State

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan and participate in the memo signing ceremony

Bangladesh ink fertilizer supply contract with Russian company

The Russian Embassy in Dhaka said this is the largest contract throughout the history of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fertilizer sphere

Russia sees water diplomacy as instrument to consolidate Eurasia — diplomat

Nikolay Lomakin recalled that forests, water and soil are interconnected resources, urging to protect and maintain them

IN BRIEF: Bank of Russia says Visa, Mastercard should leave Russia

According to experts, the final withdrawal of Visa and Mastercard cards from Russia will be smooth and gradual, while users will calmly and progressively switch to Mir cards

ADNOC uses 'shadow transit' to ship oil through Strait of Hormuz — Bloomberg

Vessels pass through the strait with their transponders switched off

Russia ratified economic partnership agreement between EAEU, Indonesia

Conditions were determined for further development and deepening of trade and economic cooperation in spheres of mutual interest, including customs cooperation, e-commerce, technical barriers in trade

Lavrov informs Rubio that Russia begins strikes on military sites in Kiev

The measure is taken in response to the Kiev regime’s continued attacks against civilian population and infrastructure in Russia

Ukraine's morbid glee, foreign journalists in Starobelsk: statements from Russian MFA

The Ukrainian terrorist attack and the West’s irresponsible reaction to this crime have sparked outrage not only in Russia but around the world, Maria Zakharova said

Seven civilians killed, 15 wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during day

Four houses, four infrastructure facilities, and several transport vehicles were damaged

US strikes missile launch sites, boats in southern Iran — Fox News, citing CENTCOM

According to the US Central Command, two boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were destroyed in the attack near Bandar Abbas and one missile launch site

Top Russian diplomat reminds his US counterpart about Anchorage agreements on Ukraine

Sergey Lavrov expressed regret that the high-handed efforts of the European elites and the Kiev regime are undermining these agreements

Russian troops liberate Dobropasovo community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,135 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Zelensky bemoans undersupply of US air defenses following warning from Russia’s MFA

Vladimir Zelensky pointed out that there has been no progress with America for a long time regarding the expansion of anti-ballistic production

US leader says Iran’s enriched uranium will be destroyed

Donald Trump also called on the Atomic Energy Commission to be witness to this process

Ukrainian forces increasingly target civilians with no link to Russia’s military op — MP

Stepan Kuvachev stressed that these kinds of attacks have no justification, and only cause pain and suffering

Russia’s top security official speaks of Sarmat missile test and Armenia’s choice

According to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, the main threat to the CSTO comes from NATO and the bloc’s members "in the so-called civilized Europe, gripped by a revanchist and militarist frenzy"

North Korea fires several short-range ballistic missiles

The missiles were launched from the area of the city of Chongju in the North Pyongan Province

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

Russia, Brazil in talks on long-term LNG contracts — minister

According to Maxim Reshetnikov, the negotiations enter the substantive stage

What is known about Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention in Czech Republic

According to Metropolitan Hilarion’s attorney Michal Pacovsky, his client is suspected of drug possession

Military, political situation across world becomes significantly more difficult — Putin

New pockets of instability have emerged along the borders of Commonwealth of Independent States countries, the Russian president said

Russia built 26 hydrofoil ships in six years

Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev emphasized that Russia made high-speed hydrofoil ships the mass kind of passenger transport

Progress in talks on US-Iran deal slows down — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the US side is seeking clear nuclear guarantees from Tehran in advance, while Iran insists that Washingon be more precise regarding the sanctions relief process

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 help Africa consolidate its role in new multipolar world — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the continent’s economic and demographic trends, as well is its commitment to contribute to the resolution of the present-day pressing problems "determine Africa’s role as one of the pillars of the emerging polycentric world order"

Pakistani army chief says Iran, US close to striking deal — Chinese foreign ministry

Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir pledged that Islamabad is sparing no effort to get a deal done between Tehran and Washington

Russia ready to increase supplies of coffee, tropical fruits from Brazil — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov said that Russia is also open to cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Russian troops liberate two communities in Sumy Region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 195 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Iranian military spokesman warns oil could hit $200 amid conflict

The US government had repeatedly shown it understood only the language of force, Ebrahim Zolfaghari said

Press review: Attacks on Russian energy define Western strategy as Armenia deepens US ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 26th

Senior Russian diplomat warns of growing risk of war between nuclear powers

Sergey Ryabkov stressed that a deep and highly charged rift emerged among five permanent members of the UN Security Council

Captain confirms two mines planted near stern of Arrhenius vessel calling at Ust-Luga

According to Igor Loy, his ship operates between the ports of Ust-Luga and Antwerp

Russian Security Council official speaks of biolabs, Western support for terrorists

Deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council Alexander Venediktov noted that a number of Western countries actively used terrorists to serve their own purposes, providing them with advanced weapons and intelligence

CSTO, African Union’s counter-terrorism body sign cooperation deal

Taalatbek Masadykov, CSTO Director General, and Deputy Secretary General Valery Semerikov earlier met with AUCTC Acting Director Idriss Mounir Lallali

NATO to begin its 'Strike Back 26' military exercise in Bulgaria on May 26

The country’s Defense Ministry said the tactical exercise will be held with live firing at the Koren training area near the city of Haskovo

Booby-trapped ship arriving in Ust-Luga from Belgium was rigged in haste — expert

Alexey Malyshev assessed that the explosives were probably planted when the ship was sitting higher in the water

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Detailing thwarted terrorist attack on gas tanker arriving from Belgium at Ust-Luga port

During an underwater inspection of part of the gas carrier’s hull, divers discovered foreign objects attached to magnets near the engine room that resembled explosive devices

Ukrainian troops preparing Odessa for full-scale defense

Around the city, the construction of multi-kilometer anti-tank ditches and bunkers is being completed, barbed wire and 'dragon’s teeth' are being installed

Magnetic mines planted on vessel that arrived at Russia’s Ust-Luga port from Belgium — FSB

According to Russia’s Federal Security Service, the explosive devices were attached in the area of the engine room

Plane makes hard landing in Krasnoyarsk Region: what we know

The aircraft commander and the co-pilot were on board, they were injured

Putin signs laws admitting four new regions to Russia

One can obtain Russian citizenship after having taken the oath of allegiance, provided a relevant request has been filed beforehand

Russia lodges protest with Czech charge d’affaires over detention of Metropolitan Hilarion

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the drug production and trafficking charges brought against the Orthodox Church hierarch were completely unfounded and absurd

Fire in Russia’s Omsk Region kills six, including four children — investigators

A criminal case has been opened

Trade turnover between Russia, Brazil reaches $10.5 bln

The basis of trade is the supply of all types of Russian fertilizers and diesel fuel, Russian Ambassador to Brazil Alexey Labetsky said

IN BRIEF: What is known about phone call between Russia, US top diplomats

Sergey Lavrov officially informed the American side that in response to the Kiev regime’s continued attacks against civilian population and infrastructure in Russia, the Russian armed forces were beginning systematic and consistent strikes against military sites and corresponding decision-making centers in Kiev

Iran not yielding to US president’s pressure on deal terms — newspaper

On May 23, the US president stated that the draft of the future agreement with Iran has been largely agreed upon

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Russian envoy criticizes OSCE’s reaction to Starobelsk attack as provocative, hypocritical

Dmitry Polyansky stressed that "the comment in English was phrased very carefully but it did not contain even a hint of condemnation"

IN BRIEF: MFA's statements on systematic striking Kiev's MIC and warnings to foreigners

The Russian Foreign Ministry advised foreigners to leave Kiev as soon as possible and its residents not to approach military and administrative infrastructure sites

Russian Orthodox Church slams Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention as provocation

Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s External Church Relations Department Igor Vyzhanov emphasized that the use of such underhanded tactics by Russia’s opponents reveals their weakness

Top US diplomat says Washington still set to facilitate end of Ukraine conflict — AFP

Marco Rubio emphasized that the United States is ready and willing to do everything in its power to facilitate the end of this war

Ukraine adds employees of attacked Starobelsk college to its Mirotvorets database

In total, seven women and three men were added to the database, including the college’s deputy directors and teachers

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Ukrainian strikes kill over 50 civilians in past week, says Russian diplomat

The majority of casualties were reported in the Lugansk and Donetsk people’s republics, as well as in the Belgorod and Zaporozhye regions, Rodion Miroshnik said

Media outlets that refused to go to Starobelsk cannot be called unbiased — Kremlin

This decision does not add credibility to the information they provide, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia’s experience in special military operation in demand worldwide — Shoigu

According to Russia’s Security Council Secretary, technologies have emerged, serving as core of combat operations