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US Embassy in Ukraine dismisses reports of evacuation from Kiev

According to the statement, there are no changes to the embassy's operations

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. The US Embassy in Kiev continues to operate normally, the diplomatic mission said in a statement on X, commenting on reports of its evacuation from the Ukrainian capital.

"The US Embassy is open. There are no changes to our operations and reports otherwise are false," the statement reads.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said earlier that US diplomats had left Kiev.

Top EU diplomat rejects idea of choosing negotiator for talks with Russia

According to Kaja Kallas, the EU needs to discuss its "core interests," which include "a sustainable and long-lasting peace" and Russia’s "accountability"

US president threatens strikes on Iran’s energy, civilian infrastructure

Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that otherwise the country "will be living in hell

Middle East conflict shows West not reliable — senior security official

Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu noted the existence of a "proven risk that the West will not only fail to fulfill its security commitments, but will also expose its partners and allies to danger in order to advance its own ambitions"

Putin to arrive in Kazakhstan on state visit

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

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

Mayor of Zaporozhye nuke plant’s host city dismisses reports of enemy counteroffensive

Maxim Pukhov said the service members insist they are in control of the situation and under no circumstances will allow the enemy to cross the Dnieper River

Press review: Russia, EU back Moldova reshuffle and reporter’s arrest in Moscow stirs fuss

Top stories in the Russian press on Monday

Two intergovernmental agreements to be signed in Astana on nuclear plant — Rosatom

The agreement on nuclear plant construction and the document on financial interaction were prepared for signing

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

Netherlands aims to leverage chip industry for geopolitical influence, PM says

Rob Jetten noted that the Netherlands had recently announced a strategic partnership with India in the semiconductor sector

Ukrainian special services interfere into work of mass media in Ukraine — Russian MFA

The ministry noted that criminal prosecution is used by the Kiev regime as a tool to exert pressure on dissenting journalists

Putin to continue state visit to Kazakhstan, take part in EAEU events

All key protocol events are planned for Thursday

Thirty-three Emergencies Ministry employees killed by Ukrainian drone attacks

More than 300 were wounded

US hits another drug boat in Eastern Pacific, killing two — Pentagon

According to SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan, the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes

BBC’s refusal to visit Starobelsk exposes hypocrisy of Western media — ambassador

According to Andrey Kelin, British media outlets are carrying out a political agenda

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

Russia not considering exiting OSCE — Russian diplomat

Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky says this format is one of the few where Moscow is still taken seriously

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

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

Russian military to hold training course for Lao special forces — Defense Ministry

Following the official ceremony, the event participants were shown Russian small arms, reconnaissance and FPV drones, electronic warfare systems, ground robotic systems, as well as motorcycles, ATVs, and buggies

Retail funds with Russian banks surge to $959.8 bln — Central Bank

Corporate funds slightly increased by $2.8 bln

Russia acts as safe haven for over 2.5 mln Ukrainian refugees — ministry

109,000 of them have been granted temporary asylum, 79,000 have received temporary and permanent residence permits and more than 4,000 have been granted Russian citizenship

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

Fighting against Russian language becomes sort of national sport in Ukraine — Russian MFA

According to the ministry, Ukrainian authorities openly support Russophobic propaganda

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"

Putin arrives in Kazakhstan for state visit

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who invited the Russian President to the country, welcomed him on the tarmac

US hits military facility in Iran — agency

According to a source cited by Reuters, the target was assessed as posing a threat to US forces and commercial maritime traffic

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

Trump signals possibility of renewed US strikes on Iran

The US leader still assumed that Tehran wants to just make a deal

US redirects 109 ships since start of Iran blockade — CENTCOM

The US Central Command stated earlier that it intends to block the movement of all vessels heading for ports in the Islamic Republic

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

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 70.9 rubles for May 28

The official euro rate was lowered by 57.51 kopecks to 82.7224 rubles

Sweden to supply several Jas 39 C/D Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine — media

According to Aftonbladet, Ukraine will pay for the fighter jets from the EU loan

Zelensky complains about critical air defense shortages in letter to Trump

According to the media outlet, Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanishina also sent the letter to US House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers

US Congresswoman Luna slams Zelensky for holding out on peace deal

The member of the US House of Representatives says the US negotiated deal would greatly benefit Ukraine

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

Direct flights to Tanzania will provisionally start on July 2

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin said the issue was promptly considered and the authorization for flights was already sent to the airline

Putin, Tokayev to decide whether to make statement on Armenia — Kremlin

This topic will be on the agenda, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia’s priority to maintain good-neighborly relations with Central Asia — Shoigu

Russia is more interested than anyone else in peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development of all Central Asian countries, Secretary of the Russian Security Council said

Hollywood star Mickey Rourke may hold boxing bout in Russia next year

In November of 2014, Rourke defeated 29-year-old American Elliot Seymour in an exhibition boxing match in Moscow

IRGC calls for US Air Force chief to resign after aircraft downed in Iran

The IRGC Navy also congratulated the air defense forces of the Islamic republic’s army on intercepting an US F-15E fighter jet and an A-10 attack aircraft in the skies over Iran

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

Lebanon’s death toll from Israeli strikes reaches 3,269 — Health Ministry

Another 9,840 people have been injured

Slovak MEP calls for bringing Zelensky before tribunal over Starobelsk attack

Slovakia refuses to participate in tribunals against Russia, Lubos Blaha said

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

EU promises Kiev €28.3 billion, integration into its drone projects

The money can be allocated this year from the community’s €90 billion funding package for Kiev

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

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

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

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

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

Putin congratulates Russian border guards on their professional holiday

The president lauded "the courage and fortitude of the border guards who, 85 years ago, in June 1941, engaged in combat with the Nazis" and "in those very first hours, days, and weeks of fighting made a vital contribution to thwarting the plans of the German command"

Impossible to discuss Europe's future architecture without Europeans — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that President Vladimir Putin is open to these negotiations

West should release frozen assets of Afghanistan — top security official

Sergey Shoigu pointed out that the West should recognize to the full measure the responsibility for its presence in Afghanistan during twenty years and shoulder the entire burden of the post-conflict restoration of the country

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

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

Ukraine’s former MP doesn’t rule out Ukraine’s potential attack on Belarus

According to Nikolay Azarov, Kiev may do this if its Western sponsors issue such an order

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

Ukraine’s former PM says West was behind attack on Starobelsk college

According to Nikolay Azarov, the drones were guided through Russian air defense systems "solely thanks to the intervention of Western intelligence agencies"

Russia’s Rublev ousts Argentina’s Carabelli to reach third round of French Open

Andrey Rublev will play against Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the next round

Situation on Russia's northwestern borders worsens significantly — Border Guard

According to the report, the number and scale of military exercises conducted under NATO auspices have increased, during which various scenarios involving confrontation with Russia are being practiced

Japanese officials confirm importance of communications with Russia

The Japanese officials held meetings with representatives of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade

Israel strikes 550 targets in Lebanon since beginning of week, army says

The IDF struck military structures, command centers, and launch sites used by the Hezbollah Shia organization on Wednesday

Russia knows firsthand that West uses hackers to wage hybrid wars — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov clarified that major digital technology developers "act as contractors for military departments and intelligence agencies, helping conduct reconnaissance, plan operations, and designate targets"

Russian foreign ministry releases report on situation with human rights in Ukraine

The situation with human rights in Ukraine has significantly degraded, the ministry says

Russia, Afghanistan sign military-technical cooperation agreement

The agreement was signed at the inaugural International Security Forum hosted by the Russian Security Council

West openly identifies Russia, Belarus as targets of military drills — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova highlighted that the West did not hide its desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia

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

Russian forces begin establishing buffer zone in Kharkov Region — expert

The Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that the Russian army had taken control of the settlement of Granov in the region

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

Botswana, Seychelles to open embassies in Moscow soon — Russian diplomat

The plans were announced by Anatoly Bashkin, director of the Foreign Ministry’s department of African countries (south of the Sahara)

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

Weekly inflation in Russia reach 0.07% — statistics

Consumer prices ticked up by 0.11% from the start of May and by 3.22% year to date

FACTBOX: What is known about Russian gas supplies to Armenia

Gas is delivered to Armenia via Georgia via the North Caucasus-Transcaucasia gas pipeline

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"

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

Mayor of Zaporozhye nuke plant’s host city points to month-long Ukrainian attacks

Maxim Pukhov noted that the number of strikes had increased sharply compared to April, March, February, and January

Republic of Srpska may hold referendum on EU integration due to EU’s steps — Dodik

The Bosnian Serb leader says this would be a response to Brussels’ violation of the association agreement

IN BRIEF: Russian Deputy PM Overchuk on Armenia’s pivot away from EAEU

Armenia recognizes all the benefits that membership in the EAEU entails, so it is in no hurry to leave the union, even though its political course contradicts this, noted Russian Deputy Prime Minister

Press review: Sandu readies for Transnistria talks and Sputnik V boosts Russian exports

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 12th

IN BRIEF: Russia notifies Armenia of EU bid's putting gas perks at risk

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenian authorities are not concerned about rising commodity prices if ties with Russia deteriorate, because they expect to become rich by turning the country into a "crossroads of the world"

European countries’ approach to talks with Russia changing — media

Berliner Zeitung columnist Nicolas Butylin says European countries are more actively seeking contacts with Moscow

EU pretends to want to engage in Ukraine talks with Russia — Kremlin spokesman

Accoridng to Dmitry Peskov, what the EU does in reality, is pressure Ukraine to go on fighting instead of making agreements

Twenty-two shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past day

One civilian was reportedly killed, two civilians and nine emergencies ministry’s employees were wounded

Armenia remains brotherly country for Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized, at the same time, that the current Armenian leadership has adopted a pro-EU course

Transporter loader armored vehicle for MLRS patented in Russia

The vehicle is also designed for evacuating damaged or stuck MLRS combat vehicles and other tracked military vehicles of the same weight category

Trump says supports Pashinyan at parliamentary elections in Armenia

The US president also said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Armenia to advance "several important deals for both our countries"

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

Russian Baltic Fleet anti-saboteur boats live-fire machine guns in Gulf of Finland drills

The anti-saboteur boat crews delivered fire from 14.5mm MTPU naval machine gun mounts

US military shots down 4 Iranian drones, hits drone launching site — media

According to a source cited by Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, Iran earlier fired 4 one-way drones at a US commercial ship

CNN's report on Starobelsk may be filmed from strike launch site — MFA

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, "the entire professional media community, journalists, and those concerned with freedom of speech should ask the US broadcaster where the report was conducted from"

Russian top security official urges to minimize external meddling in bilateral trade

Sergey Shoigu said that Russia is ready to act as the stable transit and logistical partner

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

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

EU structures ignore violations of Russian speakers’ rights in Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

Russian-speaking activists "are subjected to intimidation and pressure from law enforcement agencies, intelligence services and nationalist groups," the ministry also noted

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

Trump says no plans to ease sanctions if Iran gives up enriched uranium

The US president said that Tehran will give up the enriched uranium not for sanctions relief

Russia to always possess modern submarines of all types — Navy commander

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev emphasized that Russia was one of the few countries that carried its strategic nuclear forces’ naval component on strategic missile submarines

Ukraine’s information space totally monopolized by Kiev regime — Russian Foreign Ministry

The ministry noted the presence of strict censorship, the promotion of a single narrative aligned with the Kiev authorities, and the spread of anti-Russian sentiment

Russia among three countries having full digital sovereignty — Security Council secretary

Russia was disconnected from SWIFT after 2022 although "this is allegedly a commercial private organization," Sergey Shoigu noted

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