{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Putin, Lukashenko speaking one-on-one for over four hours — media

No photo or video allowed

MINSK, June 26. /TASS/. The Russian and Belarusian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, have been holding a closed-door meeting for over four hours, the Pul Pervogo Telegram channel close to the Belarusian leader’s press service said.

"The presidents continue their meeting," it wrote at 10:26 p.m. Moscow time (7:26 p.m. GMT).

The meeting is being held in the one-on-one format, with no photo or video allowed.

Tags

Vladimir Putin Belarus Alexander Lukashenko

Lebanese president hails framework agreement with Israel

Joseph Aoun thanked the US administration led by President Donald Trump for arranging and hosting the talks with Israel and "support for Lebanon’s stance"

Russia insists on prompt return of its property seized in US — MFA

The State Department has not responded to the issue so far, Maria Zakharova said

Press review: NATO drills rehearse Ukraine logistics and quake strengthens Venezuela power

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 26th

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia calls Brussels' complaints ridiculous

Europe does not allow its media to relay Moscow's position, and then it blames Russia for everything, Maria Zakharova said

IDF helicopter carrying Israeli president makes emergency landing after bird strike

The affected helicopter was transferred to Israeli Air Force technical personnel for maintenance in order to return it to operational service as soon as possible

Meeting with Zelensky's representatives, call to talk: Lukashenko's statements

Ukraine needs to negotiate, not just "posture," the Belarusian president said

Europe 'getting a taste' for producing UAVs for Ukrainian strikes against Russia — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin highlighted that Ukraine itself no longer hosts significant large-scale UAV manufacturing facilities

Russia to expand energy technologies export to BRICS countries

Russia views the BRICS energy platform as a priority mechanism of cooperation and supports toe hydrogen value chain research initiated by India, Sergey Tsivilyov noted

Russia advises West to apply term 'annexation' to Romania trying to absorb Moldova

Maria Zakharova said that Bucharest has long been hatching plans related to the absorption of Moldova, even as there is no unanimity on this issue in the Romanian government

Russians’ trust in Putin approaches 77% — poll

The activities of the Russian government are approved by 45.9% of respondents

IN BRIEF: What we know about 160-for-160 prisoner exchange between Russia, Ukraine

After receiving psychological assistance, the released Russian soldiers will be taken to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation

Russia calls for strengthening collective security amid new threats — top brass

Amid the complicating military-political situation in the world and NATO’s openly hostile stance, Russia stands for continuing active military and military-technical cooperation with its allies and partners, Army General Viktor Goremykin stated

Belarus to stand by Russia in any situation — president

As Alexander Lukashenko emphasized, there is no other way

IN BRIEF: 'Discrimination against Russians', 'apple of shame' in VK removal from App Store

All VK apps previously installed on Apple smartphones and other devices will continue to function, according to the company

London seeks dubious political points by giving uranium to Kiev — Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow is not aware of Ukraine's industrial capacity for independent production of nuclear fuel

Russian troops liberate Ivolzhanskoye community in Sumy Region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,575 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian aircraft surpass foreign peers — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the new airplanes, MC-21, SSJ-100 and Il-114 "have a very good level"

Russian marathon runner Klimov sets new world record in Backyard Ultra men’s event

Dmitry Klimov managed to run 124 laps covering a total distance of 831.5 kilometers kilometers in more than five days

Russia’s modernized Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft makes debut flight at 600 km/h speed

Rostec reported that flight plan was implemented in full and there are no issues with the aircraft

IN BRIEF: SVR on difference between unfriendly and hostile, West underestimating Russia

Western countries have assessed the sanctions they imposed on Russia as "unable to achieve their intended goals"

Parameters of potential agreement with Ukraine outlined by Moscow — Ukraine’s ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov added that now the ball is in the West’s court

US builds naval presence in Asia-Pacific region to deter China — State Department

According to Assistant Secretary of the United States for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre, two US Coast Guard patrol ships were sent to the Subic Bay military base in the Philippines

FIFA World Cup goalscoring record set

A total of 177 goals have been scored at the current World Cup

Medvedev outlines options for regime change in Kiev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman emphasized that legitimate government institutions were crucial

West left Russia no option but special military operation — Italian expert

Sandro Teti expressed regret that the security proposals that Russia put forward in 2021 were disregarded by the West

Massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Tula Region leaves woman injured — governor

Damage to a power transmission line and an industrial plant in Novomoskovsk was registered

FIFA World Cup 2026: 19 teams secure spots in knockout stage

Four knockout matches have been already officially slated

No use talking to ‘vassal’ Ukraine, racism, Western piracy: Medvedev comments

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Western elites retain the ideas of racial and national superiority

EU leaders destroyed European security system with their own hands — diplomat

Dmitry Polyansky urged to move towards creating a common continental security architecture, open for all Eurasian countries and reflecting the current multipolarity

Russian authorities to contact Apple before responding to removal of apps — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that clarifications will be required from the corporation

Frenzy in Russia’s fuel market has artificially driven up demand by 20-30% — Novak

The official described the situation in the Russian fuel market as challenging but under control

Kremlin briefing covers removal of Russian apps from App Store, US mediation on Ukraine

Russia highly appreciates and is grateful for US mediation efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov said

Zelensky's ultimatums for Minsk highlight his terrorist nature — Russian Foreign Ministry

On June 19, Vladimir Zelensky said he was ready to give the order to attack "the retransmission stations on towers"

Kremlin slams as 'outrageous' Polish move to ban Russian symbols at sports tourney

Dmitry Peskov said that this is an absolutely arbitrary decision made by the municipal authorities of this city

New Western leaders obsessed with Russia’s strategic defeat — Defense Ministry

Viktor Goremykin said that racist ideas and a model of thinking that proclaimed Europeans to be the pinnacle of human civilization, and other peoples to be an "inferior race," had been formed over the centuries

Russian authorities considering ban on diesel exports by producers for several months

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that a few months are sufficient to supply the domestic market in greater volume and replenish stocks

VK removal from App Store, aid to Venezuela, EU speculation: MFA statements

The Europeans are trying to get into or "stick their face" into the negotiation process on Ukraine and dictate their terms

Russia’s Battlegroup South thwarts Ukraine’s attempt to rotate troops in Konstantinovka

FPV drone operators destroyed enemy vehicles along with the personnel

Iran does not guarantee safety to ships in Strait of Hormuz outside established routes

Tehran added that the ship’s owners, captains and operators will bear responsibility for possible consequences

Russian military to raise US drone from seabed if required for security reasons — Kremlin

It is noted that the drone went into an uncontrolled flight as a result of an abrupt maneuver, lost its altitude and crashed into the water

Kaliningrad can defend itself amid NATO military buildup near its borders — lawmaker

Russian lawmaker Andrey Kolesnik emphasized that several squadrons of fighter aircraft and strategic bombers have already been deployed near Russia’s borders

Rosatom to hold international forum for nuclear youth in Obninsk

The forum will bring together more than 500 male and female youths from 70 countries as well as high-ranking delegations from 10 countries

US may relocate military bases from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia — newspaper

The US military command is also working to develop options for broader deployment of military facilities across the Middle East

Netherlands, Japan, Sweden make it to knockout rounds at World Cup

The Dutch team defeated Tunisia 3-1 in the final Group F match

Investigation launched into von der Leyen over secret chat with Zelensky — newspaper

European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho is examining whether the EC violated transparency rules by refusing to grant the Dutch organization Follow the Money access to the correspondence

Russia’s Medvedev warns Europe could face 'catastrophic damage' from Oreshnik missile

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman also commented on Vladimir Zelensky’s "resilience plan"

Russia to participate in G20 Sherpa meeting in US — Russian Foreign Ministry

The meeting will be held in Washington on June 29-30

Streams and Telegram channels replace radio in ideological war — Justice Ministry

Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko noted that a large-scale information campaign is being waged against Russian society

Russia warns US of risks posed by arms transfers to Ukraine — MFA

Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that supplying military equipment to the Kiev regime could have unforeseen consequences for stability both regionally and globally, Maria Zakharova stated

Russian specialists develop Duplet double net launcher against drones

The new net launcher has been created based on requirements from combat personnel

Russia initiates 10,000 cases against 2,500 Ukrainian leaders, mercenaries

The investigation of war crimes, genocide and the rehabilitation of Nazism is of particular historical and moral importance, adviser to the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Fyodorov said

Lebanon, Israel may sign memorandum of intent in security — TV

According to the TV channel, as a gesture of good will, Israel will withdraw its troops from an area in southern Lebanon that has been under occupation

Medvedev calls for lawfully curbing Western military bases in other countries

The Russian politician noted that these deployments had become a significant factor undermining the collective security system and eroding the sovereignty of states

Russia now in state of legal war with West — Foreign Ministry

According to Gennady Kuzmin, this also concerns legal initiatives within international organizations "aimed at isolating countries of the multipolar world, including Russia"

Ukrainian army loses first BRAWLR anti-aircraft missile system in special op zone

Russian servicemen of the Battlegroup North destroyed the system

European NATO members prolong armed conflict in Ukraine — Russian Defense Ministry

The West is no longer hiding the preparations for a new big European war, Army General Viktor Goremykin stressed

Authorities seize Dagestan teen’s correspondence with accomplices from Russia, US, Europe

During interrogation, the minor confirmed his involvement in promoting the "Columbine" movement and preparing an attack on a Domodedovo school

At least 18 drones flying toward Moscow destroyed on Thursday night — mayor

First responders are working at the site where the debris fell

No one knows how many billions of aid end up in Zelensky’s luxurious lifestyle — German MP

The German government is pursuing a policy that has done nothing to bring peace in Ukraine closer, Stefan Keuter said

Moscow to hear case against UK's Wallace over public promotion of terrorism

The court did not specify the date of the preliminary hearings

US Southern Command directs transport aircraft, warships to Venezuela relief effort

These forces will provide mobility services and "support to US government personnel, search and rescue teams, the US Southern Command said

Putin extends ban on Russian oil exports under price cap through end-2027

The presidential decree prohibits supplies of Russian oil and petroleum products to foreign legal entities and individuals if contracts for such supplies directly or indirectly provide for the use of a price cap mechanism

At least 69% of surveyed Russians trust Putin — poll

The survey was carried out from June 19 to 21

Western child recruitment, lowering age of criminal responsibility: Bastrykin's statements

The number of teenagers who committed crimes of a terrorist nature increased almost 3 times in 2025, Chairman of the Russian Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin noted

Russian forces expand zone of control near Lyubitskoye in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the troops have secured positions in its eastern part

Former Russian defense minister Sergey Ivanov dies at age 73

Sergey Ivanov served as honorary president of the VTB United League

Australia reach World Cup knockout stage, as US close out group play with loss to Turkey

The US goals were scored by Auston Trusty in the 3rd minute and Sebastian Berhalter in the 49th minute

FACTBOX: What we know about arrest of terrorist network administrator in Dagestan

The FSB noted that the detainee’s involvement in organizing at least 15 terrorist crimes across ten Russian regions has been confirmed

Private screening of documentary about Starobelsk college attack held in Moroccan capital

The documentary made by Olga Kiryi, Alexey Balakirev, and Ilya Andilevko, tells about the deadly attack on the night into May 22, when the college building was attacked

US neutrality, mediation in Ukrainian settlement: statements by Kremlin Spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia remains open to providing mediation services for the settlement of the Ukraine conflict, including to the United States

Press review: Rutte visits Washington to ease NATO tensions and Trump blocked on Iran war

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 25th

Lavrov would like to see Russia out of 'half-dead' OSCE, but it's up to Putin to decide

The Russian foreign minister explained that Moscow would not feel "any discomfort" leaving the organization on its own

IAEA hopes to begin inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities soon — Grossi

Speaking about the territorial location of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the IAEA chief noted that, most likely, "it is where it was back in June 2025"

France captures alleged Russian shadow tanker off Sicily as UK plans to sell seized oil

The French Navy is now escorting the tanker to an anchorage for additional inspections

Fuel stocks in Russia, potential ban on diesel exports: Novak’s statements

The frenzy in the Russian fuel market has led to an artificial surge in demand of around 20-30%, the official noted

US, Gulf countries reject possibility of tariffs in Strait of Hormuz

The Ministers also emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Global crisis caused not by UN Charter, but by its violation — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that China, as one of the first signatories of the UN Charter, has always upheld the document and promoted its implementation

Arab countries seek compensation for Iran strikes — Rubio

Washington is going to discuss it with Tehran during further negotiations, US Secretary of State told

Dagestan teenager arrested with regard to case of preparing murders of schoolchildren

The minor's involvement in organizing at least 15 terrorist crimes in 10 Russian regions has been confirmed

Ukrainian POW demands 'just punishment' for Ukraine army commanders, Zelensky

According to Sergey Rykov, the policy course being pursued by the Ukrainian leadership is pushing the country’s population to the brink of extinction

Slovak PM Fico sees 'no interest' in ending Ukraine war at Gdansk conference

It’s a shame that quite a large number of prime ministers and countries in the European Union support the war, Robert Fico said

Russian forces notice Polish mercenaries, females in Ukrainian assault squads — officer

While the deputy commander of the 1st Battalion of the 1194th Regiment of the Southern Group of Forces, known by the call sign Yusa, has not personally engaged with the female assault troops, he remarked that their level of professionalism is evident

EU Commission suggests restricting temporary protection for combat-fit Ukrainians

Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said the proposal provides that temporary protection should not be granted to newly arriving persons who are not allowed to leave Ukraine

Key US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain damaged by Iran in spring — WSJ

According to the report, the US Navy has not officially confirmed reports of extensive damage at the base

Russian MFA summons Moldovan envoy after diplomatic couriers detained in Chisinau

A strong protest was lodged with the envoy and a verbal note was handed over

Ukrainians resent assault regiments over torture, heavy losses — captive soldier

According to the POW, only a small number of troops return from combat missions

Ecuador advances to knockout rounds at World Cup, beating Germany 2-1

Team Ecuador will now stay in the top eight of third-place teams at the FIFA World Cup

ICC could probe Kiev junta’s crimes, but shows no interest — Kremlin adviser

Anton Kobyakov called the International Criminal Court a "shady institution"

Overnight drone attacks on Russia cause casualties in Crimea, spark fire at oil depot

Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea killed two people, including a child

Russian forces penetrate 15 km into Ukraine’s defenses in Sumy Region — expert

Andrey Marochko explained that this became possible after taking control of the settlement of Ivolzhanskoye

Russia, Ukraine conduct prisoner exchange on '160 for 160' basis

According to Russia's Defense Ministry, the returned Russian servicemen are currently on the territory of the Republic of Belarus

Criminal Code amendments, over 10,000 criminal cases against Ukraine, mercenaries

As a result of Ukrainian punitive operations, almost 5,000 people were killed

Rubio’s 'disingenuous' statements, seeking clarity from US: Lavrov’s statements

According to the Russian top diplomat, it is necessary to "clarify" the situation regarding the US role in settling the Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian forces attack civilians in Konstantinovka with drones on evacuation route

The assault unit’s commander reported that the Russian forces continue to clear Konstantinovka in small groups, using FPV drones and fiber-optic UAVs to engage targets in hard-to-reach areas

Rubio believes no final agreements reached in Anchorage

According to the US state secretary, there was "a proposal" in Alaska

Russia currently has sufficient fuel reserves — Novak

The authorities are currently restructuring logistics within the fuel market to meet demand, the Russian deputy prime minister said

SBU agent Makarenko called for terrorist attack in US on Independence Day — FSB

According to the FSB, Makarenko resides in Kiev, maintains contacts with Ukrainian intelligence agencies and coordinates the planting of caches of explosives and weapons in Russia

Lukashenko heads to Russia to meet with Putin

A meeting with Vladimir Putin will take place today

Ten Ukrainian attacks on localities in DPR registered over past day

Two house buildings and two civilian infrastructure facilities were damaged

IN BRIEF: Civilian injured, damage reported as air defenses down 660 drones over Russia

The overnight drone attack was the largest since the beginning of the year, according to TASS estimates based on data from the Defense Ministry