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NATO has no plans to attack anyone, secretary general says

NATO is a defensive alliance, Mark Rutte said

BERLIN, July 17. /TASS/. NATO has no plans to attack anyone, the bloc’s Secretary General Mark Rutte said.

"We are a defensive alliance, which means that we will never attack anyone," he told Germany’s DPA news agency, commenting on Berlin's plans to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US. The NATO chief claimed that their deployment in Germany was "part of joint deterrence efforts."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said earlier, addressing the Bundestag, that the country’s authorities had made an agreement with the US to purchase Tomahawks. Washington is expected to grant formal export approval for the missiles and Typhon land-based missile systems in August.

Strait of Hormuz developments

Russia urges Iran conflict parties for ceasefire — top diplomat

Commenting on US calls to restore free navigation, Sergey Lavrov stressed that the Strait of Hormuz had been free and functioning without any problems or disputes "before the US and Israeli aggression broke out"

Donbass Dome system neutralizes over 40 drones over DPR over past day

On July 16, it was reported that a total of 23 enemy drones were neutralized in the region

US’ 'Russian meddling' allegations, Putin's plans — topics of Kremlin's briefing

Russia has never meddled in the internal affairs of other states and expects that no one will meddle in its, Dmitry Peskov said

Cabinet reshuffle in Ukraine, economic challenges: key topics of new Kremlin briefing

The Kremlin is following what’s going on in and around Ukrainian politics amid the ongoing special military operation, Dmitry Peskov said

Kiev sees second consecutive day of protests over defense minister's dismissal

On Thursday, more than 1,000 people took part in protest rallies against Fyodorov's dismissal in at least 18 Ukrainian cities

Long-range Ukrainian strikes possible only with Western help — Russian Security Council

Deputy Secretary Yury Kokov says that in particular, Kiev receives technical support in reconnaissance, targeting, and logistics

Russian Federation Council approves framework law supporting AI development

If signed by the Russian president, the law will take effect on September 1, 2026

VK, Max apps disappear from Google Play

Installed services and apps continue to work normally, VK said

Fedorov vs. Syrsky, Gnatov: conflict between heads of Ukraine's military agencies

The Strana news outlet said Fedorov had effectively staged an open mutiny against Zelensky's government during the briefing

Strike on Rapid UAV assembly plant to deplete Ukrainian forces in special op zone — expert

Andrey Marochko believes that the Russian military needs to continue to target such Ukrainian defense industry facilities for a "more tangible and significant" impact

Consulate general investigates detention of Russians in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque

Sources inside the Istanbul police confirmed the incident but declined further comment

US delivers missile strike on Iran’s Bandar Lengeh — Mehr

Attack on another city, Veysian, was reported as well, details of both strikes are unknown at this point

Tucker Carlson says US faces threat of popular revolution

The journalist stressed that he rejects political violence

Kiev puts Europe at risk after killing of Zaporozhye NPP's chief engineer — LPR official

Alexander Kriyerenko stressed that the death of the chief engineer of the Zaporozhye NPP was an act of violence carried out by the Kiev regime with Western backing

Two people were killed, 11 wounded in DPR over day due to actions of Ukrainian military

According to his information, the outskirts of Volnovakha, Yasinovataya and Gorlovka came under attack

SpaceX aborts Starship launch at the last moment

US entrepreneur Elon Musk attributed the cancellation to an engine failure

Russian diplomat describes terror attacks on Russia as joint crime by Kiev and West

Western powers have become inseparable from the Kiev regime because of political and economic reasons and "understanding their total vulnerability in the current global geopolitical situation," the Russian foreign ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Millions sign online petition demanding Argentina be booted from World Cup

The petition claims that FIFA and the referees are biased toward Lionel Messi and the Argentininan national team

IN BRIEF: What we know about death of Zaporozhye nuke chief engineer from Ukrainian strike

On July 15, Ukraine struck a service vehicle of the nuclear power plant with a drone, killing Alexander Yakovlev and his driver

Russia appeals to WTO to resolve dispute over EU carbon regulations

The panel established in response to the request must assess the consistency of CBAM with WTO agreement rules

Safety of millions depended on Zaporozhye nuclear plant chief engineer killed by Kiev

Alexander Yakovlev devoted his entire professional life to nuclear energy

Russian tech firm Gagaring offers jobs to Volkswagen employees on chopping block

For those who accept the offer, the laboratory guarantees permanent employment contracts, a competitive salary, and comprehensive relocation support for specialists and their families

Venezuelan earthquake death toll reaches 4,930

According to President of the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic Jorge Rodríguez, 16,740 people were injured

Israeli parliament rules to dissolve itself ahead of October 27 elections — Ynet

The Party Financing Law, which contained this provision, was adopted overnight in its second and third readings, It was supported by 62 out of 120 lawmakers, with no abstentions

Qatari air defenses repel missile attack

"The Defense Ministry of Qatar announces that the armed forces have repelled a missile attack on the State of Qatar," the Arab country’s defense ministry said

EU arms manufacturers team up to develop system to intercept Oreshnik

The communiqué highlighted the contribution of Ukraine’s experience in resisting large-scale air and missile assaults, which will inform the development, testing, and operational evaluation of Bliksem EXO

Zaporozhye NPP engineer was killed with help of NATO intelligence — expert

America also provides intelligence and personal data on those to be eliminated, Vitaly Kiselev said

Polish president blocks bill allowing same-sex marriages

Karol Nawrocki stressed that he could not approve decisions that would lead to the loss of the special status of marriage, as described in Article 18 of the Poland's constitution as a union of a man and a woman

IN BRIEF: Russian Armed Forces carry out further strikes on Ukrainian ports

Air-launched precision-guided weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles struck port infrastructure facilities at the ports of Odessa and Chernomorsk in the Odessa Region

IAEA chief failed to condemn Kiev’s killing of ZNPP chief engineer — diplomat

Once again, Rafael Grossi "comes up with abstract statements ‘for everything good and against everything bad,’" Maria Zakharova said

Russian forces approach several Ukrainian positions near Slavyansk — DPR head

Denis Pushilin added that Slavyansk is located in a lowland relative to these positions

Civil unrest in Ukraine may escalate to armed protest against Zelensky, Russian MP warns

Leonid Ivlev cited the recent government reshuffle, the forced mobilization to the Ukrainian army, mass losses of untrained soldiers on the front line, and the concealment of corrupt officials by Zelensky as reasons behind potential unrest in Ukraine

Russian forces systematically push Ukrainian troops from Omelnik — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that Russian troops are particularly successful in advancing in the areas of Novoselovka and Verkhnyaya Tersa

Poland plans to introduce 'pre-war state' regime

As the news portal notes, the "pre-war state" regime will allow Poland to begin troop deployments, receive allied forces, and prepare infrastructure for possible military operations

Putin discusses Russian Foreign Ministry's Asia-Pacific focus with Security Council

Russia's foreign policy priorities were also discussed at President Vladimir Putin's regular operational meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council

EEF remains open to all countries despite geopolitical tensions — Trutnev

According to the Russian Deputy PM, representatives from 75 countries are expected to attend this year's forum

Explosions heard in city of Bushehr in Iran — agency

No further details were provided

Russian forces hit vessel carrying cargo for Ukrainian army by Geran-2 drones in Black Sea

The ministry uploaded video footage of the strike

Transfer of extra funds to Kiev fueling escalation with Russia — Finnish politician

No limits have been imposed on Ukraine, which can use these drones with no regard to international law, Armando Mema said

Russia, OPCW hold consultations on prospects for expert visit — envoy

Moscow's Permanent Representative to the organization Vladimir Tarabrin expressed hope that the parties would be able "to reach common ground and resolve all issues"

US to face harsh retribution if attacks on Iran’s civilian facilities continue — IRGC

The IRGC warned that Iran would carry out even more devastating retaliatory strikes

Russia convenes UN Security Council meeting on Kiev crimes on Friday — permanent mission

"On July 17, at 10.00 a.m. New York time (2:00 p.m. GMT), an informal meeting of the members of the UN Security Council on the Arria formula, convened by Russia, will be held under the theme 'The Power of Terror: Crimes of the Kiev Regime in Ukraine and Beyond,'" the permanent mission said on Telegram

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys four Ukrainian ground robotic systems in Sumy area

The targets were quickly engaged as a result of a joint operation with airborne reconnaissance

Situation in Mali remains relatively stable — Russian Foreign Ministry

Thanks to the actions of the Malian Armed Forces and the Russian Africa Corps, the situation remains under control, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko stated

Iran strikes US base in Qatar, destroying radar system, aerial refueling tankers — IRGC

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force launched a powerful surprise strike on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during the 15th wave of Operation Nasr-2, continuing the retaliatory military operation carried out last night

Ukrainian mercenaries, terrorists may intensify activities in Mali, Russian diplomat warns

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko pointed out that African countries "reject the diktat of their former colonial powers and any neocolonial ambitions pursued by the West"

Fyodorov's resignation could be catastrophic for Ukraine — Rada member

Nikita Poturayev believes that such a move could lead to the defeat of Ukrainian forces

Russia accepted Trump's proposals on Ukraine at Alaska summit — Lavrov

Trump's European allies and Vladimir Zelensky are trying to get him to move away from these proposals, the Russian foreign minister said

North battlegroup liberates 50 settlements since start of year

During the first half of July, the group established control over five settlements: Ukrainskoye, Losevka, Zemlyaniy Yar, Petro-Ivanovka, Bachevsk

Sergey Koretsky appointed Ukraine’s new prime minister

A total of 289 lawmakers supported the decision

IN BRIEF: What we know about Trump’s election meddling allegations, US intelligence report

According to the US leader, China gained unauthorized access to 220 million US voter files in 2020

Kuwaiti air defenses repel attack of Iranian drones, missiles

The news came shortly after reports of Iranian drone strikes on a US military base with helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft in Bahrain

Russia tests Perun laser system against all types of drones

According to Svarog, the system has proven highly efficient in countering UAVs during field tests

Five bridges targeted by US strikes in Iran’s Bandar-e Imam Khomeyni — Fars

Earlier reports said seven people were killed and nine wounded by US strikes on the city

Andy Burnham declared new Labour Party leader, set to become next British PM

The transition is due to take place on July 20

Russian forces target logistical chains supplying Ukraine with weapons — MP

Russia is thereby responding to the Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks on Russian regions, Leonid Ivlev said

Russian stocks close in the red on Thursday

The MOEX Index lost 4.24% to 2,022.27 points, while the RTS Index fell by 4.68% to 813.43 points

Russia’s Lis interceptor unit destroys 37 Ukrainian UAVs overnight

According to the unit commander, the enemy launched two waves of attacks overnight, and the operation continued without interruption

Europe should first focus on security guarantees to Greenland, not Ukraine - diplomat

"And we’ll see what comes out of it," Maria Zakharova added

Russian stock market rises at start of trading

As of 10:00 Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices rose by 0.09%

Russia concerned by South Korea’s expanding military cooperation with NATO — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko met with South Korean Ambassador to Moscow Lee Seok Bae

US attacks rail hub in Iran — YJC

Two people were wounded, news agency reported

There can no longer be any rules against Kiev attacking cities in Russia — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council emphasized that "back then, it was not customary to steal or kill the leaders of even hostile countries"

Protests over defense minister’s dismissal spread to four Ukrainian cities

Dozens of people have taken to the streets

Four explosions heard in Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah — Rudaw

The channel gave no details of the attack

Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup Center

The head of the formation’s department of unmanned systems forces reported to Andrey Belousov that the battlegroup had fully formed new units of unmanned systems forces and provided them with the necessary resources

Multiple explosions heard in Iranian port of Chabahar

Other details are unknown

Russia denies accusations of meddling in US elections — Kremlin

Russia has never interfered in the internal affairs of others, Dmitry Peskov stressed

FACTBOX: What we know about removal of Max and VK apps from Google Play

Previously installed services and applications continue to function normally without restrictions

US strikes on Iran's Hormozgan Province kill 8 civilians — media

According to the news agency, US fighter jets carried out multiple strikes on several facilities in Hormozgan Province and fired three missiles at an observation tower at the port of Chabahar

Russian forces advance west, east of Ivolzhanskoye in Sumy Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Russian forces have begun a mopping-up operation in the forest east of the settlement

China ready to take countermeasures in case of US visa restrictions for journalists

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian highlighted that these US actions could severely disrupt the normal operations of Chinese media outlets in the United States

Naftogaz facilities sustain significant damage from explosions — Zelensky

Earlier, Naftogaz reported damage to a gas production facility in the Kharkov Region

Ukraine-Southeastern Europe summit used to exert pressure — Russian MFA

"The leadership of the European Union is openly using such 'summits' as a lever of coercion to force Balkan and other states to demonstrate loyalty to the militaristic aspirations of Euro-Atlantic circles," the diplomat noted

PM, 16 ministers, defense minister post still vacant: reshuffles in Ukraine's cabinet

The Verkhovna Rada has appointed Sergey Koretsky as the country's prime minister

Mobile groups of Strategic Missile Forces receive new vehicles — Russian Defense Ministry

These UAZ vehicles are equipped with 12.7-millimeter machine gun mounts

Press review: Trump stuck over Iran war and Zaporozhye chief’s killing may affect peace

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 16th

Russian forces hammer Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,450 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Seven killed in US attack on Iran’s Bandar-e Imam Khomeyni — Fars

The wounded are now receiving medical assistance

Iranian drones attack US air base in Bahrain — Tasnim

The report said the attack came as part of Iran’s military operation against US bases in the Middle East in response to continued US attacks on Iran

Hybrid war launched against Russia, targeting mainly children — ombudsman

Yana Lantratova stressed that service to the Fatherland and responsibility for the fate of the country are among Russia’s traditional spiritual and moral values

Professor Jeffrey Sachs is right: Ukraine risks losing Odessa, says Duma member

According to Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Ukraine is losing ground every day

EU distributes military orders to Ukraine to attack Russia — Russian Foreign Ministry

Zakharova said that the EU leadership openly uses such "summits" as a lever to force the Balkan and other states "to demonstrate loyalty to the militaristic aspirations of Euro-Atlantic circles

President says Brazil will not succumb to US pressure

"Brazil will fight for its sovereignty without hesitation," Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stressed

Iran strikes US forces in Kuwait — Fars

The attack came in retaliation for US strikes on the territory of Iran, news agency said

Press review: Trump weighs Iran op expansion and EU rules out fast-track Ukraine accession

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 16th

Zaporozhye nuclear power plant pained by death of chief engineer — director

According to Yury Chernichuk, the death of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant employee responsible for nuclear safety is an irreparable tragedy

Russian troops approach second line of Ukrainian defense on way to Orekhov — official

According to Igor Kimakovsky, the Russian fighters have closely approached the Ukrainian defense line near the Verkhyaya Tersa settlement

Another series of explosions heard in Qatar’s capital Doha

The second series of blasts presumably were caused by air defenses engaging targets

US strikes Bandar Khomeini, destroying a bridge — Fars

According to its information, road services are working on organizing a detour route

No deadline for US Senate consideration of bill on sanctions against Russia — Axios

According to the portal, there are at least 61 co-sponsors, enough for its passage

Russia says more and more European countries recognize they cannot keep helping Kiev

"There is also no doubt that the public of the states of Southeastern Europe perfectly sees the essence of Western plans that are fraught with unleashing a full-scale conflict in Europe.", Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Further strikes unlikely to change Iran’s stance — former US intelligence officer

According to Jonathan Panikoff, the US attacks are more likely to harden Iran's position

Defense minister’s dismissal exposes split in Ukraine’s military leadership — FT

As an example, the newspaper cited the decision of Deputy Air Force Commander Pavel Yelizarov to resign in protest of Mikhail Fyodorov’s sacking

Lavrov to discuss Moscow-Baku relations with Azerbaijani counterpart

The Russian foreign ministry described Azerbaijan as Moscow’s important partner in the South Caucasus and the Caspian region

Fire breaks out at Iranian airport after US attack — IRIB

One person was wounded, the broadcaster said

Rostec supplies troops with batch of Kornet antitank weapons system

The Kornet ATGM is extensively used by the Russian military

Iran strikes US base in Syria in response to death of soldiers in Iranshahr

According to the statement, during the operation, "a significant number of US service members were killed"

Biden's corruption one of foundations of conflict in Ukraine — Russian envoy

Dmitriev thus commented on the intention of United States Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna to organize hearings that, in her words, would demonstrate money laundering by Ukraine and Kiev's support for Joe Biden's campaign in the 2024 American elections

Dense smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets New York

Visibility has dropped to a few hundred meters

Russian troops trying to eliminate pocket of resistance in DPR — official

Igor Kimakovsky added that Russian forces are expanding their zone of control near Konstantinovka from the west and east, particularly near the Dolgaya Balka settlement