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Middle East conflict

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon nears 3,470 — health ministry

10,577 people have been injured since the outbreak of the armed escalation on March 2

BEIRUT, June 2. /TASS/. At least 35 people died and 182 more were injured after Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon during the past day, despite the ceasefire that has been in force since April 17, the country’s health ministry said.

"The overall death toll since the outbreak of the ongoing armed escalation on March 2 has climbed to 3,468, with 10,577 people being injured," it said in a statement posted on its X page.

Journalist says Macron blackmailed Trump over Ukraine due to reports about his wife

Candice Owens revealed that the US leader called her from Mar-a-Lago and told her about the French president's demands

Ukraine to be held accountable for Black Sea attack on Turkish ship — Russian MFA

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow believes that such provocations can be called none other than acts of terrorism

Erdogan ally once again calls to create ‘Jerusalem Agreement’ against Israel

Turkish Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli urged Syria, Iraq, and Egypt to join the agreement in 2024

Serbia will not drop plans to join EU, president says

Aleksandar Vucic noted that Belgrade will do its job to meet the criteria for accession

PM describes EAEU leaders’ resolution on referendum in Armenia as balanced one

Nikol Pashinyan noted that until Armenia officially applied for full EU membership, there was no real ground for a referendum

Russia’s hand-launched Sokol-I UAV interceptor destroys Leleka, Hornet drones

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the Sokol-I drone can be hand-launched in a matter of seconds, without the use of additional equipment

Fire breaks out at Ilsky oil refinery in Kuban after drone attack

According to preliminary reports, there are no casualties

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian attacks aftermath, fire at Ilsky oil refinery, 148 downed UAVs

Drone debris also fell on the grounds of a facility in Alekseyevka in the Belgorod Region, causing a building and the equipment inside it to catch fire

Britain confirms it helped France seize alleged Russian tanker in Atlantic Ocean

According to the report, the UK provided support to the French Navy in "monitoring and tracking" the vessel

Objective probe into Romania incident requires drone debris handover to Russia — envoy

"All the circumstances of the incident should have been established through a thorough, objective, and depoliticized investigation, primarily involving the Russian side," Vasily Nebenzya said

Full ban on Russian oil will not be included in new EU sanctions package — Politico

Sources indicate that proposals for a full ban on Russian oil and maritime services restrictions do not yet have sufficient support among EU member states

Russian lower house speaker comments on Pashinyan’s EU undertaking and Armenia’s future

In Vyacheslav Volodin’s opinion, Nikol Pashinyan hopes that accession to the European Union will help him hold on to power

UN, IAEA trying to play both sides on Zaporozhye NPP issue — Russian Envoy

Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that vague wording and unsubstantiated calls for peace are incapable of defusing the current intensity of escalation

IN BRIEF: What to know of FSB exposed wiretapping scheme against Russian officials

According to the report, the spyware enabled hackers to wiretap calls and provided audio-and video-control near affected devices

Romania incident after Zelensky's appeal to Trump no coincidence — Russian Envoy

Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya noted that the drone incident occurred the day after Vladimir Zelensky's appeal to Donald Trump requesting missiles for the American Patriot air defense systems

Putin says those responsible for attack on Starobelsk won't escape punishment

The Russian leader asked the prosecutor general and the Investigative Committee chairman to report about the work to identify the criminals

Lebanese parliament speaker tells US that Hezbollah is ready for ceasefire — media

US officials said they don’t think that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would agree on a total ceasefire

Ukraine claims its attacks on ships in Black Sea caused by Russia — diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Kiev regime’s increased terrorist activity in the Black Sea creates risks to civilian navigation

UAC starts supplies of Tu-214 passenger jet

The Tu-214 is the Russian twin-engine medium-haul passenger airplane, designed to make flights to a distance up to 4,500 km.

Georgia plans meeting with Russia’s representative this week

The meeting will take place in a European country

Russian troops liberate Tikhonovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,335 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia develops drone detectors for intercepting Ukraine’s Hornet UAVs — expert

There are already two detectors operating in the Hornet’s operating zone, Igor Potapov said

French seizure of Russian tanker vessel illegal move that borders on piracy — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov called Paris's actions illegal

Su-75 Checkmate fighter developed for Russian Defense Ministry, foreign customers — UAC

According to CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation, Vadim Badekha, the main advantage of the single-engine fighter is the lower cost of the aircraft itself and the costs of its operation

European companies acknowledge difficulties in developing hypersonic weapons

Looking further into the future, it becomes clear that the virtual flight simulations of prototype hypersonic vehicles must be followed by real-world testing, while the infrastructure for conducting these tests does not exist in Europe

Zelensky torpedoes Trump’s peace efforts while asking for more money — ex-spokesperson

According to Yulia Mendel, it’s typical of Zelensky to insult his "biggest donor," while asking for more financial assistance

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"

Conflict may conclude by day's end if Ukrainian forces leave Russian regions — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said Vladimir Zelensky must order his armed forces to withdraw from Russia to achieve this

Press review: Iran, US struggle on deal as Russia warns of potential strike on Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 1st

Power of fireball explosion over the US reaches 300 tons of TNT — NASA

An official at the authority says that the fireball broke up at a speed above 120,000 km per hour

Russia launches massive attack on Ukrainian defense plants — top brass

The attack was launched in response to the Kiev regime’s terrorist acts

Merz considers support for Kiev, sanctions to be 'right way' to end conflict

Germany will not weaken its efforts to support Ukraine, the German chancellor said

Kiev loses over 31,000 troops, mercenaries on all fronts in May — military expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian army lost over 107,000 soldiers and mercenaries in battles on all the fronts in spring

Iran, US exchange no messages for several days — agency

According to Fars, the last message from Tehran signaled the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon

Trump to continue blockade of Iran if talks terminated — TV

According to the US leader, this does not mean a resumption of hostilities

Seven Kiev neighborhoods damaged after series of explosions — mayor

In some places, fires ensued

US strikes Iranian radar, command posts — CENTCOM

According to CENTCOM, the strikes came in response to Iran’s downing of a US MQ-1 drone

Western special services can access smartphones, expert warns

Alexander Perelygin warned that after a smartphone has been tapped, a special technology can be used for processing huge volumes of data using artificial intelligence

Putin to deliver grand speech at SPIEF 2026 — Kremlin aide

As for the SPIEF’s central event, it will be a plenary session as always and it is scheduled for Friday, Yury Ushakov said

Russian Embassy in Paris doing everything to protect Russians on Tagor tanker — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the vessel was "allegedly flying a 'false' flag"

Group of mercenaries from Germany, UK destroyed in Zaporozhye Region — security forces

Among the dead are Jason Largan Jaycee, born in 2003, and Laterman Philippe Maximilian, born in 2000

Russia’s victory to ensure full protection for Zaporozhye nuke plant — facility’s chief

According to Yury Chernichuk, all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the plant’s safety

Orban’s party calls on Hungarian government to remain neutral in Russia-Ukraine conflict

The appeal follows Ukrainian strikes on a college in Starobelsk and Russia's response to the attack

Putin’s remarks on new nature of conflict, Russian strikes: new briefing from Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved by the end of the day if Vladimir Zelensky ordered his troops to withdraw from Russian regions

Drone debris damages home in Sevastopol as air defenses down seven UAVs

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said the Russian military repelled two Ukrainian attacks on Sevastopol last night

Israel-Lebanon ceasefire became cover for further aggression — Russian envoy to UN

According to Vasily Nebenzya, while the international community awaited the next round of talks scheduled, "the Israelis continued to methodically expand their occupation zone"

Russian diplomat draws UNSC attention to Romanian statements’ inconsistency

Vasily Nebenzya noted that initially Romanian officials spoke about an allegedly deliberate Russian strike on a civilian facility, but just a few hours later Romanian President Nicusor Dan adjusted his position

Trump says agrees with Israel, Hezbollah on ceasefire terms in Lebanon

The US leader had a very productive call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and highly placed representatives of Hezbollah

Over 160 Kursk residents back home, meeting Ukrainian ombudsman: statements by Lantratova

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner in Russia is clarifying the number of residents of the Kursk region who are being held on the territory of Ukraine

What we know about Russia's delivering retaliatory strike on Ukrainian military sites

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the goals of the strike were achieved

Moscow vows response to Romania's closure of Russian consulate in Constanta

"The unfriendly actions of the Romanian authorities will not go unanswered," Maria Zakharova stated

Russia strikes Ukrainian military sites in retaliation to Kiev’s attack on Starobelsk

The Russian Armed Forces delivered a massive strike by airborne, ground-based and seaborne long-range precision weapons, including air-launched hypersonic ballistic missiles and attack unmanned aerial vehicles

Analyst expects next phase of US-Iran conflict to be most tense

According to Marat Zembatov, the parties to the conflict "have obtained greater room for maneuver" following a pause

Kremlin explains Putin’s words on Ukraine conflict acquiring new dimension

The Russian leader earlier stated that with their gravest crimes against children, "the Kiev leadership has opened a new page in their crimes, giving the Ukrainian conflict a new dimension"

Iran not to tolerate further naval blockade, escalation in Lebanon — adviser to Khamenei

Mohsen Rezaee warned that the patience of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran was not unlimited

Vucic says Serbia will not abolish visa-free travel with Russia

According to the Serbian President, even if someone makes such a decision, it will be immediately overturned

EU deliberately turning blind eye to crimes of Zelensky regime — Russian envoy to UN

Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces have been launching strikes on the nuclear power plant and its satellite town of Energodar for a long time

FACTBOX: St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is Russia’s leading annual economic conference, held since 1997

Kremlin comments on whitelists, tanker detention by France, visa issue with Serbia

Russia considers the detention of its tanker vessel by France as an illegal move akin to piracy, Dmitry Peskov stated

Romania convened UN Security Council to fuel another anti-Russian wave — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya stressed that Romania made unsubstantiated and biased accusations against Russia

Senior NATO admiral dismisses Romanian drone situation as accident

According to Admiral Guiseppe Cavo Dragone, the incident was not an attack on the alliance

Two Russian military-transport aviation regiments re-equipped with Il-76-MD-90A aircraft

Military-Transport Aviation Commander Lieutenant General Vladimir Benediktov added that previously commissioned equipment is also being modernized

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 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

US military confirms identity of wreck site of WWII submarine found by Russia off Kurils

The vessel is resting at a depth of 91 meters off the coast of Matsuwa Island in the central Kurils

Journalist assures she found evidence that Brigitte Macron is male

Candace Owens revealed that Macron's wife was suing her not for saying Brigitte was a man but for saying she had stolen her sister's or her brother's ID

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

Europe talking about war against Russia because it has forgotten WWII horrors — Vulin

"The strategic problem of the present-day world is the lack of fear and sense of shame," the chairman of the Supervisory Board of state gas company Srbijagas said

Russia strongly condemns Israel's aggression against Lebanon — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that Moscow demands the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese lands

NATO seeks to change government in Serbia — former deputy PM

According to Aleksandar Vulin, NATO countries "would be very pleased and glad to see Serbia in ruins as a result of instability and shocks"

Lukoil, Rosneft may be included in new EU sanctions package — Politico

The publication notes that the European Commission may present proposals for the 21st sanctions package as early as next week

Serbian president says he has no plans to run for another term in office

Aleksandar Vucic said that he might return as the country's prime minister

Russia to introduce restrictions on fruit imports from Armenia since June 2

Rosselkhoznadzor records more frequent instances of violations during supplies of Armenian fruits to Russia

Trump faces mounting political crisis — CNN

According to the TV channel, one of the most serious problems remains finding a way out of the conflict with Iran

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

Hungarian PM doubles down on refusal to supply weapons to Ukraine

Peter Magyar made a similar statement at a meeting in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and at other venues earlier

Iran-US agreement could be finalized next week — Trump

The American leader pointed out that he had not agreed to the previous version of the document because he still has to get a few more points" to be included in the memorandum

Finland confiscates around 4 mln euro in Russian funds

According to the broadcaster, the funds in question amount to 3.7 mln euro that Russia transferred to Finland before 2022 under the EU cross-border cooperation program

Putin’s instructions to the military following Staroblesk attack already there — Kremlin

The Russian president earlier said that "the Kiev leadership has decided to turn a new page in the series of its crimes"

West revises WWII history, says German studies expert

Alexander Rar noted that Germany and the EU would like to equate Communism with Fascism

FSB exposes scheme of wiretapping high-ranking Russian officials

The installation of spyware onto the phones of high-ranking Russian officials became one of the largest operations by foreign special services, an FSB operative said

Air defenses destroy 33 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within 12-hour period

In particular, drones were intercepted over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk Regions and the Republic of Crimea

Over 20 children killed in Ukraine’s attacks on Belgorod Region since 2022

"Since 2022, as many as 243 children have been wounded in the Belgorod Region," Alexander Shuvayev said

US discussing additional deployments of nukes in Europe — FT

According to sources, the talks may not lead to any changes in nuclear-sharing agreements, as the administration of US President Donald Trump intends to show commitment to providing a nuclear umbrella to its NATO allies

Press review: Israel attack in Lebanon sparks war as Hormuz crisis may hit global finance

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 2nd

Over one million people participate in United Russia primaries in Moscow agglomeration

10 million people took part in the preliminary voting overall

Trump says talks with Iran proceeding ‘at rapid pace’

The Iranian news agency reported earlier that Tehran had suspended indirect talks and exchanges of messages with US representatives

Battlegroup Center downs approximately 600 Baba Yaga heavy drones

The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that the battlegroup's unmanned systems personnel support the offensive operations of its assault teams on a daily basis

Iran issues permits for passage through Strait of Hormuz round-the-clock — TV

The press service of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said earlier that twenty-four ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz with the permission of the Iranian authorities during the past day

Ex-Polish Ambassador refuses Ukrainian Order due to glorification of Banderites

Bartosz Cichocki surrendered the Order of Merit, 2nd Class, which Vladimir Zelensky had presented to him in June 2022

Kiev troops shell DPR nine times over past day

Reports were received on the killing of two civilians and the wounding of four others

Ukraine may use Swedish Gripen fighter jets for strikes against Russia — expert

As early as 2027, Ukraine will receive 16 Jas Gripen C/D fighter jets, which carry long-range Taurus cruise missiles

AfD representatives to attend SPIEF to promote Germany’s economic interests

The party representative stressed that the lawmakers’ trip had been approved by the faction

France's statements on Tagor tanker are example of Europe's legal nihilism — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that international treaties do not provide for the possibility of forcibly rerouting a vessel and escorting it from the high seas to a port of the warship's country

Kremlin says receives no reaction from Romania to Putin's comment about downed drone

Earlier, the Russian leader stated that Moscow would conduct an objective investigation if it got access to the wreckage in the incident

IN BRIEF: What to know of attacks on Novorossiya highway, Donbass Dome, protection

Head of the Zaporozhye Region Yevgeny Balitsky said that the authorities had set up detours to bypass the Novorossiya highway

Lithuanian charge d'affaires summoned to Russian foreign ministry, issued resolute protest

A protest was issued in connection with the latest barbaric plans of the Lithuanian authorities to dismantle a burial site holding Soviet soldiers and officers in the city of Vievis

US police find remains of one of 11 missing nuclear scientists

The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined

IN BRIEF: What is known about France’s seizure of Tagor tanker in Atlantic Ocean

According to preliminary information, the captain of the Tagor tanker seized by the French Navy is a Russian citizen, the embassy in Paris said

Ukraine jeopardizes international navigation in Black Sea — experts

The threat to merchant vessels in exclusive economic zones of Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Georgia "is assessed as elevated and likely to persist through the summer operating season," the company said

Putin’s call with Pashinyan, Lithuania’s statements on UAVs, SPIEF guest: Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow had never revealed the guest of honor and who will host the plenary session at SPIEF beforehand