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Middle East conflict

Iraq opposes Israeli aggression in Lebanon — envoy

Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa stated that Iraq was always against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, of Lebanese territories and the Israeli aggression on Lebanon

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Iraq opposes Israeli aggression in Lebanon, Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa told TASS.

"The position of Iraq is always clear that we are against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, of Lebanese territories, against the Israeli aggression on Lebanon," the diplomat said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, together with the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to Washington, announced a framework agreement on June 26 following five rounds of negotiations. Under the agreement, Israeli forces will initially transfer control of two areas south and north of the Litani River to the Lebanese army.

Tags

Iraq Israel Lebanon

Lukashenko to make working visit to Myanmar — ministry

The Belarusian leader will pay a working visit to the Asian republic at the invitation of President Min Aung Hlaing

Reconstruction of Pogranichny crossing to boost Russia-China freight traffic, tourism

The border crossing’s throughput capacity has increased from 144 to 1,300 vehicles per day, while the number of traffic lanes has risen from 8 to 22

No war between Europe and Russia, descendant of Otto von Bismarck says

Alexander von Bismarck also warned that it was dangerous to direct threats toward Moscow

Ukraine shells Novaya Kakhovka district of Kherson Region more than 460 times over week

Three civilians were injured

War with Iran increases risk of US, Israel using nuclear weapons — Taylor Greene

The former US House of Representatives member emphasized that the situation in the Middle East could spiral out of control

What to know about FSB thwarting arson attack on synagogue in Yaroslavl

According to Russia's Federal Security Service, the perpetrator purchased components and chemicals to manufacture incendiary devices on instructions from a handler in Syria

Russian troops liberate settlement of Novoskelevatoye in Dnepropetrovsk region — top brass

Troops from Battlegroup West in Krasny Liman seized five strongpoints and captured 57 buildings over the past 24 hours, according to the reported

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

UK, France, Germany chose unacceptable approaches to Ukraine — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that he had articulated Russia’s stance to ambassadors to the European trio during a recent meeting in the Foreign Ministry

Witkoff, Kushner to travel to Doha for talks with Iran this week — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added that technical talks will also be held in Doha

Serbian president announces plans to resign by fall, hold elections in 3-4 months

On June 27, Aleksandar Vucic announced that he would step down as president "in a few weeks" and pledged to help the ruling Serbian Progressive Party secure victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections

Press review: Ceasefire strain amid US-Iran tensions and Finnish nuclear plans near Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 29th

Temperature record broken in Hungary — weather service

Temperature in Budapest rose to 40 degrees Celsius on June 28

Russia informs UN of identified suspects in strike on bus carrying Belarusian children

Russia’s Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneyeva emphasized that numerous pieces of evidence found at the attack site confirm the drone’s Ukrainian origin

Growth in trade between Russia, India creates new business opportunities — trade mission

The volume of trade between the countries exceeds $70 bln, Russia’s Deputy Trade Representative in India Evgeny Griva said

Yerevan may delay referendum on EAEU in current circumstances — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin noted that Moscow does not understand why the Armenian leadership is in no hurry to ask the residents about their views on this important issue

Russian troops liberate Bogodarovka community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 485 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian, Chinese warplanes conducted joint six-hour patrol

Fighter air cover was provided along the entire joint patrol route by Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Jian-16 aircraft of the Chinese Air Force

Most US citizens want to restore relations with Russia — Marjorie Taylor Greene

When asked why Washington is taking virtually no meaningful action to improve relations with Moscow, even though US President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared his willingness to do so, the former House of Representatives member replied that people constantly call him and demand meetings

Russia destroys up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Novoskelevatoye

Assault units of the 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th army of Battlegroup East have liberated Novoskelevatoye

US biolabs triggered disease outbreaks in Ukraine — Medvedchuk

The leader of the Other Ukraine movement noted that after the ruling power in the country was changed following the 2014 state coup the issue of biolabs was taken off the agenda, but a new multi-year contract was signed in 2015

Russia reports downing 72 Ukrainian drones over its regions, Sea of Azov during 12 hours

Alert air defense capabilities intercepted and destroyed drones over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Krasnodar, Kursk, Moscow, Oryol, Smolensk, and Tver Regions as well as the Republic of Crimea

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake recorded off coast of Tonga

No information on casualties or damage has been reported

Ombudswoman’s office documents every account of torture in Ukrainian captivity

Yana Lantratova stressed that every report of torture, abuse, threats, unlawful detention, and other violations is taken up for action

Russia’s Rublev falls in five sets to compatriot Safiullin in Wimbledon opener

The unseeded Safiullin, who is playing under a neutral status at the tournament just like all other Russian players, took down the tournament’s 12th-seed Rublev 6-4; 6-7 (6-8); 3-6; 6-3; 7-6 (14-12)

Hungarian government analyzing financial aspects of Paks-2 NPP project — Magyar

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that the previous government led by Viktor Orban left the state budget "in a terrible state" and with a deficit that could approach 7% of GDP by the end of the year

Russian stocks close in the green on Monday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 2.84% to 2,350.43 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 1.92% to 952.28 points

Zelensky moves to real terror against Belarus — deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin said the Kiev regime intentionally attacked an absolutely peaceful object

Nearly 1.8 million people in Venezuela need humanitarian aid after earthquake — UN

According to the organization's representative in the Bolivarian Republic, Manuel Rodriguez Pumarol, hospitals in the country are "working at capacity, thousands of children do not have reliable access to clean water"

Protection against UAV attacks, AI use: statements by Russia’s defense chief

Andrey Belousov said that Russia is actively introducing artificial intelligence systems in its air defenses and the results will be seen by November

Ukraine as transit hub, Kiev’s cooperation with drug cartels: statements by SVR

Ukraine’s security agencies "deliberately show indulgence towards the increasing drug transit from Latin America to Europe"

Number of ships crossing Strait of Hormuz on decline for third consecutive day

In all, a total of 108 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz between June 26 and 28

Alexei Kudrin: You’ve got to know how to say ‘no’

Russia’s Accounts Chamber chief in a TASS special project Top Officials

Drones that attacked Moscow assembled through cooperation of NATO countries — expert

The origins of the components and systems powering the examined drones have been identified, the unmanned aircraft expert and general designer at Russia’s Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions Dmitry Kuzyakin said

State Duma lauds Vatican's criticism of EU's policy of double standards

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Development of Civil Society, Public and Religious Associations Nikolay Novichkov noted that neither the European Union nor the United States are waging "fair or humane wars"

Putin convenes meeting of government officials, Russian oil majors on fuel situation

The Russian president authorized efforts to minimize the impact of Ukrainian terrorist attacks on Russian civilian facilities

Explosion rocks Monaco, at least three wounded

Two of the victims are in critical condition

Price of aluminum futures down below $3,100 per ton on LME first since February 24

By 6:27 p.m. Moscow time, the price of aluminum futures was down to 3.47% reaching $3,087 per ton

Kremlin delivers remarks on Putin-Lukashenko talks, Ukraine dialogue channels

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia's position on Ukraine, outlined by Vladimir Putin during his address at the Russian Foreign Ministry two years ago, remains unchanged

Russia says does not accept ultimatums, not to allow decisions to be imposed on itself

Russia’s acting permanent representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneyeva also noted that the Western members of the UN Security Council, whose governments supply weapons to the Kiev authorities, are direct accomplices in the crimes

Venezuela's earthquake death toll exceeds 1,700

5,034 people were injured

Frontline developments reinforce confidence that Russia’s goals to be achieved — Kremlin

Russia's position on the settlement is well known and remains consistent, Dmitry Peskov said

Lebanese army to be deployed along entire border with Israel — president

"Israel must not obstruct this," Joseph Aoun said

Iran proves it can control Hormuz Strait, former US lawmaker says

Marjorie Taylor Greene believes that it affected America's standing in the world

Tunnel between Russia and US may become a most expensive project — expert

The reason is that the region is distanced from major economic centers and that the Far North is known for challenging conditions, director of the Center for Arctic and Northern Urban Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics said

Russian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near Konstantinovka

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clock

Ukraine’s 124 UAVs shot down over Russian regions, Black Sea in one day — Defense Ministry

During the day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Moscow time

Russia succeeds in creating strike UAV industry comparable to nuclear industry — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin underscored that the integration of drones into modern warfare marks a fundamental shift from previous conflicts

Seven US biolabs set up in Ukraine starting in 2005 under Yushchenko — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, the agreement signed between the Pentagon and the Ukrainian Health Ministry provided for the collection and storage of dangerous pathogens in laboratories on Ukrainian territory, funded by the US

European Gymnastics postpones decision on use of Russian flag at tournaments

The General Assembly was originally scheduled for June 29

Kiev loses 10,000 troops, mercenaries over week — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the trend towards the growth of losses among the Ukrainian military personnel has been observed for the sixth consecutive week

IRGC delivers retaliatory strike on key US infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain

The IRGC also warned that Tehran’s future response to potential US aggression will be even more decisive

Russian forces strike drone storage facility in Kharkov

Secondary detonations were detected at the facility, which confirmed that the premises of Megasklad were used for military purposes in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces

Iran, China unlikely to be thrilled about creation of Trump Route in Armenia — Russian MFA

According to Mikhail Galuzin, recent events demonstrate that the prospects for implementing the Trump Route project are mixed

Paraguay’s national team defeats Germany, advances to World Cup Round of 16

Paraguay’s players proved more accurate in the penalty shootout, winning 4-3

Russian farmers have harvested over 1 mln tons of grain from new crop

The average yield is one and a half times higher than at the same time last year

Russia ready to continue discussing Anchorage modalities with US — Putin

The president added that Moscow is ready to continue the talks

France, Oman to jointly participate in mine clearance operations in Hormuz — Macron

According to the French president, the two leaders also agreed to continue efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East

Finland lifting its ban on nukes requires Russian response, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova lambasted the move as unfounded, given repeated statements from leading Finnish politicians and relevant agencies in the Nordic country that Russia does not pose a direct military threat to Finns

Minibus overturns in Russia’s Altai region, five injured

Police are establishing the cause and circumstances of the accident

Air pollution from fires in Chernobyl in Kiev Region registered

The fires started on June 25, 2026

Russian exports of fish, seafood to Japan down 8% to 43,000 tons in January-May

In particular, surimi shipments rose by 5% in volume and 15% in value to 10,000 tons worth $24 mln, while pollock fillet shipments increased by 5% in volume and 15% in value, reaching 2,300 tons worth $8.5 mln

Netherlands intends to provide military aid to Kiev until at least late 2029

The Dutch Defense Ministry also plans to "draw on the experience" of the conflict in Ukraine in developing its own armed forces

Number of ships crossing Strait of Hormuz falls by 80% amid escalation — Bloomberg

This is due to carriers' concerns over the latest escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran

Mexican drug cartels help finance sabotage operations against Russia — expert

At the same time, Ukraine's effectively uncontrolled port infrastructure, currently under the supervision of the Kiev regime and operating with virtually no customs or border procedures, is being widely used, Alexander Stepanov said

Meeting with E3 ambassadors, Gyumri base, referendum on EAEU: senior diplomat’s statements

Contacts through the human rights commissioners of Russia and Ukraine have turned out to be the only channel through which humanitarian issues can be discussed, Mikhail Galuzin noted

Over 100 streets, ten villages in Sevastopol without power — governor

Mikhail Razvozhayev asked the townspeople to meet the temporary difficulties with understanding

Ukraine forms 'cult of betrayal,' erects monument to Mazepa — MP

"Zelensky's actions to erect a monument to the traitor Mazepa in Kiev fully fit into his collaborationist logic," Mikhail Sheremet said

IN BRIEF: No injuries reported as Russia downs total of 209 Ukrainian drones overnight

As many as 29 UAVs were downed in Sevastopol over the past day, Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said

Moscow to raise issue of release of 11 Russian citizens during Bayramov’s visit — MFA

This matter is being discussed through the relevant agencies of Russia and Azerbaijan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

Twenty-eight US-affiliated biolabs set up in Ukraine under Yanukovich — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that the Ukrainian government at that time attempted to examine the issue of a cholera outbreak and studied it for three years

German police identify Stade shooting suspect as 45-year-old man of Turkish descent

According to head of the Luneburg Police Directorate Kathrin Schuol, "all the victims were employees of the social welfare facility or of child protective services"

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on proposal to limit combat zone, special op progress

The Russian president said that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s infrastructure do not affect the situation at the front or the position along the line of engagement

Almost all terms of contract for 90 MC-21 aircraft agreed upon — Aeroflot chief

The lease rate will align with the company’s financial model, Sergey Aleksandrovsky said

Commissioner informs Putin on Kursk Region residents return, foreign media in Starobelsk

The Russian president noted that Yana Lantratova has actively started working as the commissioner for human rights

Trump demands lower gasoline prices in US, warns retailers of major consequences

The US leader stated that companies engaged in retail gasoline sales in the United States should immediately reduce prices

Russia passed 30 laws to support special military operation veterans in 2025 — PM

Mikhail Mishustin thanked Deputy Speaker Inna Svyatenko, who actively worked on the creation of a working group on legislative support for the rights of defenders of the Fatherland

Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister tells Ukraine not to cross border 'red line'

Igor Sekreta emphasized that in case of a border violation, Belarus would respond with full force

Russian troops liberate two settlements in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye regions

Units of Battlegroup East moved deeper into enemy defenses, liberating the settlement of Pisantsy and the settlement of Novosyolovka

Brazil advances to FIFA World Cup’s Round of 16 after defeating Japan

Brazil will take on either Norway, or Cote-d’Ivoire

Kiev resorts to terrorism as Ukrainian troops retreat on battlefield — Putin

"The Kiev regime is retreating along the entire line of engagement, and therefore it has resorted to openly terrorist activities," the Russian leader said, referring to deliberate attacks on civilians

All districts in Kherson Region suffer power outage

Energy workers and emergency services are working on sites, Governor Vladimir Saldo says

IN BRIEF: Putin comments on Russia’s strategic goals, security, Duma election

Russia is living through a crucial time, the head of state said, as he pledged that the security of the nation will be ensured

Upcoming US-Iranian consultations may be important — Trump

The US leader made it clear that the consultations will, among other things, touch upon the question of the Iranian nuclear program

US law enforcement intercepts over 400 drones near sports venues during World Cup — FBI

FBI Director Kash Patel added that special ground-based drone interception teams have been deployed in all 11 US cities hosting the World Cup

Refineries operating at maximum capacity, Russian market becoming saturated with fuel

All major suppliers are carrying out seaborne shipments of diesel and gasoline to the Kaliningrad Region

Indonesia receives official status of partner country for this year’s Innoprom exhibition

The event will take place from July 6 to 9, 2026

Iraq would like to join BRICS — envoy

Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa pointed out that Iraq's potential accession to BRICS depends on a lot of things, on how the organization is organized and what is the condition to be part of BRICS

Russian artillery crew destroys Ukraine’s heavy drone command post in Krasny Liman

Reconnaissance units reports that a Baba Yaga drone has landed, and operators rushed to fetch it

Iraq ready to host US-Iran talks — envoy

Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Dr. Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa noted that it depends on the will and the wish of the US and Iran

Turkey busy trying to revive negotiations on Ukraine — president

Istanbul hosted three rounds of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks last year

Qatari, Russian Defense Ministries agree to establish direct communication channel

Vice Admiral Viktor Kalganov, deputy head of the National Defense Control Center, signed the document on behalf of the Russian Defense Ministry

Italian publishing house launches series dedicated to Russian literature

The authors include Fyodor Sologub, Alexander Kuprin, Ivan Bunin, Andrey Bely

Guterres says terrorists learn to new technologies

"Terrorists have grown adept at exploiting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and unmanned weapons," the UN secretary general said

Ukrainian authorities once again report difficult situation in Druzhkovka

The city has absolutely no gas, water and power supply, Vadim Filashkin said

US will support efforts to restore unity in Libya — top diplomat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he had discussed with Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army Saddam Haftar "unifying Libya's military and building the conditions for lasting peace"

US receives more than $6 billion from NATO arms procurement for Ukraine — envoy

Matthew Whitaker said that the US intends to continue the PURL program

Armenia to have to take into account Russia’s view on Trump Route — MFA

The Trump Route will pass through an area guarded by Russian border troops, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said

West's coercive policies undermine global stability — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister called adherence to the UN Charter a guarantee of peaceful development for all humanity

Aeroflot maintains traffic forecast for 2026 at 2024-2025 level — chief executive

Sergey Aleksandrovsky added that these are quite high figures given current conditions

Top of EU filled with 'losers' — Otto von Bismarck's descendant

What is needed today is real, effective policy that acknowledges what’s happening right now, Alexander von Bismarck said