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Strait of Hormuz developments

Vance admits he constantly wonders whether US war with Iran is justified

The US Vice President expressed hope that Iran would agree not to develop nuclear weapons as part of a potential agreement with the United States

NEW YORK, May 27. /TASS/. US Vice President JD Vance stated that he constantly asks himself whether the US did the right thing going to war with Iran.

In an interview with NBC News, he acknowledged that his faith has played a big role in shaping his viewpoint on the conflict. He spoke about how the Christian concept of just war obliges leaders to "ask very difficult questions about whether a war is justified." The answers are not always simple, said Vance, who had previously consistently opposed US military operations abroad but supported the decision to go to war with Iran. "But at its best, it's (the faith - TASS) forcing you to ask the right questions. So I find myself constantly asking myself: 'Is this justified? Is this moral? Is this the right thing to do?' And that does provide a limitation on political leaders, as it should," Vance shared.

The vice president added that he is "extremely hopeful" that Iran will agree not to develop nuclear weapons as part of a potential agreement with the United States.

"I think the more difficult question is whether they (Tehran - TASS) agree to the kind of enforcement mechanism, the kind of monitoring mechanism, that gives us confidence that they won't violate the deal in the future," Vance concluded.

UK, Poland sign defense agreement — broadcast

The document covers border security, the fight against organized crime, strengthening collective defense, and deepening cooperation with the European Union

Missile attack on south Russia’s Taganrog leaves two injured — officials

They have been taken to hospital

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

IN BRIEF: Kremlin spokesman comments on Armenia’s EAEU-EU dilemma, gas deals

Dmitry Peskov added that Armenia’s gas supply agreements with Russian gas giant Gazprom were a commercial matter

Guterres to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan — ministry

According to the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, the UN secretary-general "was pleased to accept the invitation" of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

Republic of Srpska’s parliament votes to close High Representative’s office

According to the Republic of Srpska’s TV and radio broadcaster, the resolution was supported by 57 out of 60 lawmakers present at the session

Tigers that Russia gifted to Kazakhstan to be released into wild soon — Putin

According to the Russian president, Russian and Kazakhstani scientists are working together at the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve to adapt and acclimate the animals

Venezuelan leader announces government reorganization

Delcy Rodriguez says the new structure will correspond to Venezuela’s new realities

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

Many EU countries ready to join complaint against EC over Russian gas import ban — Fico

The Slovak prime minister said that Bratislava feels very strong overall, as many point to its strong argument to succeed in court

Russia treats prosperous Kazakhstan with great respect — Putin

The Russian president recalled that the republic recently adopted a new forward-looking constitution, which is in keeping with the spirit of the times

West fails to convey condolences in regard to Russia’s Starobelsk tragedy — diplomat

The tragedy of such scale has undoubtedly resonated in the hearts of everyone who have not lost their humanity, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized

White House views Abraham accords as ‘complement’ to Iran deal

Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly says the accords "have provided massive economic benefits to all countries involved and enabled historic cooperation"

EC officially informed about Ukraine’s attack on Starobelsk, Foreign Ministry’s warning

The European Commission and the EEAS has made no statement about the terror attack on Starobelsk so far

Aviation authorities received guidance on special flight regime in Moscow zone

According to the statement, this regime does not affect passenger and some other flights

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

State Duma adopts draft appeal to UN, global lawmakers over Kiev’s attack on Starobelsk

Russian MPs urged global lawmakers and the United Nations to demand that all military, financial and material assistance be stopped to the regime of Vladimir Zelensky who they said "turns educational establishments, residential buildings and hospitals into terror targets"

Russia's UN envoy calls West’s reaction to Starobelsk tragedy 'complete disgrace'

Vasily Nebenzya noted that when children die as a result of the deliberate actions of the Kiev regime, the tragedy is shrouded in excuses and doubts in Western capitals

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

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

NASA unveils plans of creating lunar base by 2032

During phase one, NASA will launch three Moon Base uncrewed missions

Ukraine attacks Sevastopol with drones, missiles

One of the missiles hit the building of the Southern Main Branch of the Central Bank in Sevastopol

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Kremlin praises Kazakhstan as one of Russia's closest allies

Dmitry Peskov noted that relations between Moscow and Astana are truly comprehensive

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Most Russian troops report torture upon return from Ukrainian captivity — official

According to Alexander Belan, Russian servicemen also answer questions about the use of banned means and methods of warfare by those involved in the conflict on the side of Ukraine

US draws up new Iran targets list in case of escalation — NBC

However, the Pentagon’s move does not indicate imminent strikes, the broadcaster highlighted

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

Bank of Russia views court decision on immediate recovery from Euroclear as fair

According to the regulator, the court did not merely address the fact of continued violation but also the real risk that the enforcement delay will result in further protraction in reinstatement of violated rights

Russian envoy shares photos from Starobelsk tragedy site during meeting at German MFA

According to the Russian diplomatic mission, Sergey Nechaev expressed disappointment that the German federal government failed to offer words of sympathy to the victims of the horrific tragedy

Poland has no plans of evacuating its embassy from Kiev — foreign minister

Radoslaw Sikorski added that he did not rule out such a development

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 3,213 — Health Ministry

Since the beginning of the military escalation, 9,737 people have been wounded

Draft address to UN over Ukraine’s deadly attack on Starobelsk goes to Russian parliament

State Duma committee’s head Leonid Slutsky called the attack a "barbaric act of terror and a military crime," adding that it had no statute of limitations

Court grants Bank of Russia’s motion to enforce court decision in lawsuit vs Euroclear

The hearing on the motion was scheduled at extremely short notice

Ukraine’s military attacks Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region over 40 times in past day

Strikes were reported in seven municipalities of the region

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

Republicans warn Trump against hasty deal with Iran — Politico

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the officials fear that the deal terms would be unfavorable for Washington

FISU clears all Russian athletes to compete in its events

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev says FISU will apply the principle of neutral status instead of not allowing Russian athletes to compete

Ukraine becomes logistics hub for weapons supplies to terrorists in Africa — Russia’s MFA

Kiev even flaunts its ties with radicals, Tatyana Dovgalenko said

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

US informs NATO partners of plans to reduce military contribution to alliance — media

Washington reportedly intends to cut the number of fighter jets allocated to NATO by about one-third, while also reducing the number of strategic bombers and destroyers assigned to alliance operations

US nuke arms in Australia, Asia-Pacific, Japan’s flirting with NATO: Shoigu’s statements

Russian Security Council secretary said the rejection by the United States of the Russian initiative to preserve the legacy of the Russian-American New START Treaty in the form of voluntary self-restraint is a cause for "serious concern"

Russia-North Korea allied relations are very strong, senior Russian diplomat emphasizes

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the sides are maximally committed to deepening their relations

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

India won’t stop importing weapons from Russia — lawmaker

India plans to localize the production of French Rafale fighters and Russian Su fighters, as well as drones, member of the upper house of the Indian parliament Mithilesh Kumar stated

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

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

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

Vessels pass through the strait with their transponders switched off

Kiev intensifies attacks on ZNPP after Victory Day ceasefire

Director of the plant Yury Chernichuk noted the mounting pressure on the civilian population and on the power plant’s staff members

Pentagon uses Starlink to interfere in domestic affairs of third countries — diplomat

Alexander Alimov noted that SpaceX is a Pentagon contractor and makes no secret of this fact

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

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

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

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 brings charges against over 1,000 foreign mercenaries — Investigative Committee

A total of 221 foreign mercenaries have been convicted in criminal cases that have already been investigated

Armenian Foreign Ministry notified by Russia on potential termination of gas deal — MFA

Under the 2013 agreement signed between Armenia and Russia, Moscow supplies Yerevan with gas, petroleum products, and rough diamonds duty-free and on preferential terms for domestic consumption

Russia strongly condemns US actions in Venezuela, Maduro’s seizure — top security official

Sergey Shoigu called the US actions an act of aggression

Rosoboronexport showcases Garmon-ME radar at forum in Moscow Region

The Garmon-ME radar is capable of detecting air targets at ranges of up to 60 km and can operate in counter-battery mode

Representative of Japan Business Federation departs to Russia

The delegation also includes officials from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Foreign Ministry, a Keidanren spokesperson says

US did not join Ukraine’s anti-Russian statement

Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN Andrey Melnik said that 47 countries had sided with Kiev

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"

Russia’s Impulse drone trucks capable of towing three-ton D-30 howitzer

The systems can be controlled via both radio and fiber optics and perform missions in fully autonomous mode

No Western condolences on Starobelsk, tensions with US: remarks by Russian MFA

The tragedy in Starobelsk "resonated in the hearts of those who have not lost their humanity," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed

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"

Kiev troops fire 15 munitions towards DPR in past day, one wounded

A total of 11 residential buildings, a car and four civilian infrastructure sites were damaged

Russian diplomat slams UN Secretariat’s reaction to Starobelsk tragedy

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya stressed that Moscow regularly provides the UN Secretariat with documents recording the Kiev regime’s crimes against the civilian population

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

Putin congratulates Russian Muslims on Eid al-Adha

The head of state wished all Muslims good health, success, and all the best

Guterres should be concerned about Kiev killing innocent children — Russian MFA

The Ukrainian military launched drones at the academic building and dormitory of the Lugansk Pedagogical University’s Vocational College in the city of Starobelsk in the early hours of May 22

Russian, Kazakh presidents to discuss military-technical cooperation — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov specified that the negotiations will be held in two formats

Thirty-three Emergencies Ministry employees killed by Ukrainian drone attacks

More than 300 were wounded

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

Over 30 killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s south, east — ministry

40 more people were wounded

Putin publishes article in Kazakh newspaper ahead of his state visit to Astana

In his article, the Russian leader shares his assessment of the current state and prospects of the Russian-Kazakh relations

Russian envoy tells German MFA Moscow runs out of patience over Ukrainian crimes

Sergey Nechaev "drew attention to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement of May 25, 2026, which contains recommendations to ensure the evacuation of foreign citizens and diplomatic personnel from the Ukrainian capital"

Kiev threatens Belarus by saying that it designated 500 targets on its territory

Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi, call sign ‘Magyar,’ added that Minsk should avoid attracting Kiev's attention

Drone debris cause fire at Tuapse sea terminal, missile hits bank building in Sevastopol

Drone debris had damaged windows in a residential building and five private homes in the Tuapse Municipality

Battlefield feedback helps sharpen Russian weapons — sniper Beric

Serbian sniper Dejan Beric said that he knows a guy who runs a drone manufacturing operation in Russia who is fighting in the special military operation zone

Putin to arrive in Kazakhstan on state visit

Russian president's visit to Astana will last for three days from May 27 to 29

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 285 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia's proposal to remove Iran's highly enriched uranium ‘on table’ — senior diplomat

The material can be used to produce fuel for Iranian reactors

Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of new missile systems — agency

According to the agency, particular attention was paid to the new tactical cruise missile, which will be adopted by long-range artillery brigades in the southern border region

Russia to continue developing cooperation with Kazakhstan — Putin

The Russian president expressed confidence that the negotiations during the upcoming visit will give a powerful impetus to the further strengthening of Russia-Kazakhstan partnership

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

Kalashnikov puts on display FPV carrier drone at Moscow Region forum

The Fortis UAV boasts stable communications at a range of up to 100 km and can deliver payloads of up to 18 kg

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

Su-57D fighter to see great demand abroad — Sukhoi chief pilot

According to Sergey Bogdan, an important feature of the Su-57D is its similarity to the single-seat version

Russia’s investments in Kazakh economy nearing $30 bln — Putin

The Russian president says that for several years running, the export and import operations between the states have remained at a high level

EU’s preparing 21st package of sanctions against Russia — von der Leyen

According to the European Commission president, the new package will be aimed at lowering the Russia's population's standard of living

Russia’s ISS crew to perform this year’s first spacewalk

Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev will install a radiotelescope on the surface of the Zvezda module as part of the Solntse-Teraherz experiment

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

Russian diplomat expresses concern with deployment of international terrorists to Africa

According to Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Russian Foreign Ministry Tatyana Dovgalenko, countries that are friendly to Russia and Sahel Confederation states lie in the epicenter of the terrorist threat

Press review: Russia boosts Baltic port security as Putin plans Kazakhstan visit for talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 27th

Russia’s T-90M shows excellent performance, to remain in service another decade — UVZ

Andrey Terlikov added that the T-90M is undergoing continuous modernization to improve its performance characteristics, especially its protection

Putin lauds launch of Russian-Kazakhstani Soyuz 5/Sunkar spacecraft

The event occurred on the 65th anniversary of the first human flight into low-Earth orbit, the Russian president said

IN BRIEF: Kremlin aide lays out agenda of Putin's upcoming state visit to Kazakhstan

Yury Ushakov said that Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will arrive at Astana airport on May 27 to personally greet Vladimir Putin

Impulse ground robots prove effective in special military operation — Rostec

The state corporation specified that "the Impulse BM-A fire support robots with AGS-30 or AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers mounted in special modules, as well as the Impulse-M logistics robots, are used on the front line"

UK expands anti-Russian sanction list by eighteen positions

The list also includes the restrictions against companies from Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, El Salvador, the UAE

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

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