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EU needs Moldova as gateway for weapons supplies to Ukraine — ex-leader

The leader of Moldova’s largest opposition Party of Socialists, former Moldavian president Igor Dodon, said that "a boatload of supplies for the war in Ukraine has been moved through Moldova"

CHISINAU, May 28. /TASS/. The European Union needs a loyal Moldovan government so that it can use the country as a gateway to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, the leader of Moldova’s largest opposition Party of Socialists, former Moldavian president Igor Dodon, said in an interview with ONT television.

"I think the priority task set to the current authorities [in Chisinau] by Westerners amid the Ukraine war was to provide a strategic support base to Ukrainian troops. And Moldova coped with this task under Maia Sandu," Dodon said. "A boatload of supplies for the war in Ukraine has been moved through Moldova. <…> Military trains carrying unidentified supplies simply transit from Romania to Ukraine without any inspection," he explained.

The Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) founded by Sandu holds control of the Moldovan parliament and government.

Hungarian premier reiterates that his country will not supply weapons to Ukraine

Peter Magyar reaffirmed that he will pursue the policy of his predecessor Viktor Orban and his government

EW systems successfully used against Vampire drones in special military op — developer

According to the statement, four such systems with directional antennas can almost completely block the Ukrainian heavy hexacopters’ routes to the troops’ positions

Russian troops liberate Novovasilevka community in Kharkov Region over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,245 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

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"

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

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

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

Iran carries out strike on US airbase — IRGC

According to the report, after a facility near the airport of the Iranian city of Bandar Abbas came under fire, Iran targeted the US airbase from which the attack had been launched

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

Europe rapidly moving towards war with Russia — diplomat

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky noted that many European countries had become a rear area base for the Ukrainian armed forces

EAEU already using common digital standards — Putin

E-commerce rules are unified, electronic navigation seals are used and the integrated information system of the labor market is functioning, the Russian leader said

Russia has no reasons to be positive over regrouping of US forces in Europe — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the redeployment of US troops to "more loyal" Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland, is even more unacceptable

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

FACTBOX: What is known about Russian gas supplies to Armenia

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

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"

EU commissioner describes Kiev’s demand for accession in 2027 as impossible

However, Marta Kos believes that the "artificial" binding together of Ukraine and Moldova’s accession processes could end this summer with the opening of formal negotiations for both countries

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

No message to Trump, discussions in Kazakhstan: statements by Kremlin aide

Russia has conveyed its recommendations to the US "through the appropriate channels" regarding the Russian military’s shift to systematic strikes on defense industry facilities in Kiev, Yury Ushakov said

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

Europe wants seat at Ukraine table, not to be mediator between parties — French MFA

According to French Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pascal Confavreux, Europe can only be a negotiating party, because it is its interests that are at stake

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 sends recommendations to US regarding strikes on Kiev — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said there had been no response so far

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

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, court building hit

Preliminary reports indicate there were no casualties

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

Putin sees nuclear proliferation risks, cybercrime as serious threat

The Russian president noted that extremism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime also pose a serious threat to all countries without exception

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

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"

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

Kremlin spokesman comments on EU’s lack of initiative, Russia’s warning of strikes on Kiev

"Not everyone" is taking Moscow’s warning of plans to carry out strikes on defense industry facilities in Kiev "seriously," Dmitry Peskov said

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 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

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’s nuclear arms remain reliable under any circumstances — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russian strategic nuclear forces were always ready to carry out their combat missions immediately upon receiving the appropriate order

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

Russian expert questions CNN's objectivity, reporting on Starobelsk

CNN is a direct media actor in this regional stage of a serious global confrontation, Alexander Stepanov said

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"

Disciplinary Board overturns IIHF decision on ban against Russians

The board concluded that the arguments and risk assessment reports provided by the IIHF did not contain sufficient grounds for extending the suspension for security reasons

Russia, Afghanistan sign military-technical cooperation agreement

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

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

Russia, Kazakhstan show example of constructive interaction — Putin

The Russian leader thanked Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the invitation to the republic

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

Top stories in the Russian press on Monday

NATO’s capability to blockade or capture Kaliningrad equal to zero — senior diplomat

Alexander Grushko said it will lead to the most severe consequences for those who hatch these plans

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

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 foreign ministry releases report on situation with human rights in Ukraine

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

Top EU diplomats made no decisions regarding possibility of talks with Moscow — source

According to the European diplomatic source, it is too early to speak about any practical decisions

Russian retaliatory strikes cause panic in Kiev, ex-Ukrainian PM says

According to Nikolay Azarov, Western countries have now found themselves in an awkward position

Russia waits for arrival of US envoys Witkoff, Kushner when they are ready — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would be glad to welcome them

Unrivaled Sibiryachok recon drone unveiled in Moscow

The main differentiator of the domestically produced UAV is its ability to carry an additional battery or a laser rangefinder for target acquisition

Death by the sword, unsafe world, NATO threat: SVR chief’s statements

Sergey Naryshkin said that Europe is attempting to undermine Russia’s attempts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, while NATO is consistently building up its military potential on its eastern flank

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"

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

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"

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

Press review: Gulf states seek US ops limits post Iran as Trump Board of Peace faces doubt

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 28th

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

According to the ministry, Ukrainian authorities openly support Russophobic propaganda

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

Russian troops take control of over 60 sq. km of territory in Kharkov Region this year

A key result has been the liberation of 20 communities, Deputy Head of the Kharkov Region Military-Civilian Administration for Defense and Security Yevgeny Lisnyak said

Deployment of Typhon systems to Japan threatens Moscow’s interests — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow keeps warning Tokyo against making such decisions

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

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

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

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

US, Iranian negotiators agree on draft memorandum — Axios

According to the sources, US President Donald Trump has yet to give his final approval

US needs years to replenish munitions expended in Iran conflict — experts

According to the research, over a thousand Tomahawk missiles were used in the strikes against Iran

Russian defense chief orders Battlegroup West to increase pace of advance

Andrey Belousov thanked the command staff of the battlegroup's units and presented combat awards to distinguished service members who demonstrated courage

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

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"

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

Retaliatory strike on Kiev which Russia warned about could occur at any moment — Shoigu

According to the Security Council secretary, Russia warned how hard it can strike

Trump signals possibility of renewed US strikes on Iran

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

FACTBOX: Talks between Russian, Kazakh leaders, strategic partnership, no disputes

Vladimir Putin said that Russia and Kazakhstan are jointly implementing seven investment projects and identifying new promising areas for cooperation

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

Energy, trade, and tigers: key statements by Putin and Tokayev

Vladimir Putin noted that today's talks between Russia and Kazakhstan "were conducted in a businesslike and constructive manner and were very productive"

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

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

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

Nuke weapons as 'safe harbor', Western tech in Ukraine: SC secretary’s remarks

According to Sergey Shoigu, the West’s desire for external expansion is driven by the desire to gain control over other countries’ resources

Kiev hires roughly 400 Latin American mercenaries to fight in Kharkov Region — official

Even as they were hired to compensate for the shortage of Ukrainian assault troops, their combat efficiency has been lower than expected," Yevgeny Lisnyak said

Readiness to strike Kiev 'any moment,' Russian military base in Armenia: Shoigu’s remarks

The Russian Security Council Secretary noted that there were no preconditions for the Russian base in Armenia to be dismantled

Russia open to diplomacy for Ukraine, but military option remains on the table — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the main focus of Russia's efforts has been and remains the achievement of the goals and objectives of the special military operation

Putin, Tokayev continue talks with participation of delegations

The two leaders earlier held talks in a narrow format attended by a limited number of advisers and ministers

Slovak MEP calls for bringing Zelensky before tribunal over Starobelsk attack

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

NATO prepares for large-scale conflict in the East — Russian intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin said this at a meeting of high-level officials responsible for security issues, which is taking place on the sidelines of the First International Security Forum hosted by the Russian Security Council

Everyone interested in special op experience, no army can rival Russia’s military — Shoigu

Security Council secretary said the experience of the Russian armed forces is priceless

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

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

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

North Korea to never give up nuclear weapons — MFA

According to a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson, attempts by the US and its QUAD partners to put pressure on Pyongyang only strengthen its determination to "consistently defend the country’s sovereign rights and security interests"

European countries’ approach to talks with Russia changing — media

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

Politicians like Kallas cannot claim role in Ukraine peace talks — senior Russian MP

Attempts by European politicians to "force their way" into the negotiation process through ultimatums "are doomed to fail," Leonid Slutsky emphasized

Russian defense minister inspects Battlegroup West, is briefed on frontline situation

The battlegroup’s Commander Colonel General Sergey Kuzovlev briefed Andrey Belousov on the actions of troops on the line of engagement and the nature of enemy actions

Tokayev thanks Putin for his support of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant project

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the strategic significance of the agreement on the construction of the NPP

Russia fighting 56 countries in Ukraine — top security official

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu explained that long-range drones, produced by the Germany and Ukraine, required technologies from many other countries

US Embassy in Ukraine dismisses reports of evacuation from Kiev

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

IN BRIEF: Shoigu’s remarks on stalled peace initiative, Russian language in Ukraine

Russia's Security Council secretary noted that the Ukrainian population is increasingly returning to the Russian language

MFA comments on 'shocking' reaction from UNESCO, ties with Armenia, drone attacks via NATO

Maria Zakharova stressed that all Russian diplomatic missions would work systemically to bring the truth about the terrorist attack on Starobelsk

Thirty-three Emergencies Ministry employees killed by Ukrainian drone attacks

More than 300 were wounded

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

All key protocol events are planned for Thursday

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

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