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Strait of Hormuz developments

Saudi Aramco suspends operations at Jizan refinery following attack — Reuters

The refinery is expected to resume operations by August 15

LONDON, July 28. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia’s national oil company Saudi Aramco has suspended operations at its refinery in the western city of Jizan following an attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels from the Ansar Allah movement, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the consulting firm IIR.

Operations were suspended on July 27 at the refinery, which processes 400,000 barrels of oil per day, according to the report. The strike damaged the integrated gasification combined-cycle unit and the oil storage area. The refinery is expected to resume operations by August 15.

On July 25, the rebels announced an attack on Saudi Aramco’s oil and gas facilities in the port cities of Jizan and Yanbu using missiles and drones.

South Korea unveils KSAM-II surface-to-air missile to replace US-made SM-2s — portal

The newest SAMs are planned to be deployed primarily on the next-generation KDDX destroyers

Putin increases Russian troop strength by 25,000 service members

The decree comes into force on August 1

Trump says he does not believe in Russia providing Iran with intel, but will ask Putin

However, the US leader opined that contacts of this kind between Moscow and Tehran are potentially possible

US strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats fail to cut cocaine flow into US — newspaper

According to the publication, DEA analysts found the strikes had led traffickers to diversify beyond go-fast boats and to avoid international waters, opting instead for larger boats and hemming close to coastlines

What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on bus in Russia’s Belgorod Region

The acting region's governor reported that 15 people sustained shrapnel wounds, with three more suffering blast-induced injuries

Russian stock market closes up on major indices

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index increased by 2.18%, the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 2.2%

Russia’s MFA slams EU's actions on oil price cap as ‘farce’

According to Maria Zakharova, Moscow has long been accustomed to the EU arbitrarily changing any rules of the game regarding the Russian fuel and energy complex and other sectors

Russia, Indonesia explore opportunities for cooperation on rare-earth metals — ambassador

Ambassador to Jakarta Sergey Tolchenov noted that Russian companies are showcasing their expertise in the field of rare earth elements to the Indonesian side

Sanctions against Russia starting to hit European economy, social sphere hard — Kremlin

Speaking about the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the EU's options for imposing restrictions are increasingly limited

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

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 360 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Trump optimistic about possibility of peace deal on Ukraine — newspaper

According to the US official, Donald Trump and his team are ready to play a constructive role in ending the conflict and engage with both Russia and Ukraine

Idea of air truce with Ukraine raises questions about control mechanisms — source

According to the source, it is also unclear who will guarantee that "the Ukrainians will comply with the agreements and stop attacking Russian territory"

Sirius becomes 422nd territory in Russia where foreigners prohibited from owning land

The requirement to maintain such a list is established by the Land Code in the interest of protecting Russia’s state border

US general warns Trump American munitions stockpile for Iran war running low — AP

The US president earlier refuted reports that Washington had paused the full-scale war against Iran due to a shortage of munitions, including missile interceptors

Houthis to decide for themselves whether to strike US bases alongside Iran — ambassador

The movement will make the necessary decisions at the appropriate time, Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali said

Russia defeats Ukraine near Krasny Liman to liberate Donbass

According to the Russian officer, the UAV operators are firing at the enemy beyond the settlement to disrupt their logistics and continue Russian offensive towards Slavyansk and Raigorodok

Western Globalists need Ukraine to control Europe, resist Russia — senator

Alexey Pushkov pointed out that the globalist empire in the West needs to complete the process of consolidating the neo-Liberal rule in Europe amid new challenges, coming from China, from Russia, from the Global South

US senators to meet with Zelensky in Washington on July 28 — news agency

All US senators have been invited to the meeting

IN BRIEF: Peskov speaks to media about Putin's upcoming phone call, Kiev’s provocations

The Russian presidential spokesman added that Russian special services will ensure that this fall's single voting day is safe and secure

Ukrainian strikes on Novorossiysk trigger diesel shortage in Moldova, PM says

According to Vasile Tofan, Moldova imports significant volumes of diesel via the Danube

US congressman announces launch of investigation into Infantino over ties to Trump

Jamie Raskin asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to testify in person to assist with the investigation

US Senate backs Clayton's nomination as top spy in procedural vote

Fifty-one senators voted to end debate and proceed to a vote on Jay Clayton’s confirmation, while 43 voted against it

Ukraine losing along entire line of engagement — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin called on the parliamentarians to display strategic restraint and unity under the current circumstances in order to achieve the goals of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine

Moscow to answer Romania's expulsion of Russian diplomat — spokeswoman

According to Maria Zakharova, Bucharest's accusations are baseless

Russia must win IT race through uniqueness, not investment — Kremlin

As global practice shows, sometimes the cheapest startups can achieve global reach due to talent, efficiency, and relevance, Dmitry Peskov noted

Iran's missile forces remain effective after five months of US strikes — FT

Former Iran-focused military analyst with the CIA Jim Lamson stressed that the recent strikes on US bases in Jordan had demonstrated Iran's ability to penetrate US and Arab missile defenses

Russian air defenses take down 182 Ukrainian drones since morning

The Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted over 11 Russian regions

Spain's firefighting capabilities shrink without Russian helicopters — newspaper

The newspaper highlights inadequate funding for renting top-tier aircraft, poor planning, the conflict in Ukraine, and anti-Russian sanctions that have grounded the Kamov fleet

Putin says Russia going through defining moment in its history

According to the head of state, every Russian citizen understands that

Ukrainian forces intensify counterattacks in three special op areas last week — expert

Andrey Marochko highlighted that Ukrainian forces were using mobile firepower more

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, one injured in Ryazan Region

In the Moscow Region, a drone struck an apartment building in the town of Chekhov

Calls to act 'more boldly' in special military operation fraught with more losses — Putin

The president added that Russia will act cautiously, but persistently and consistently

Fires break out again in Chernobyl exclusion zone

Firefighters are extinguishing burning grass, forest litter, and brushwood

Iran, Oman to decide on fee for passage through Strait of Hormuz — ambassador

Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali stressed that Iran and Oman are holding negotiations on this issue

Ship traffic in Bab el-Mandeb Strait down by 56% following Houthi embargo — newspaper

According to the newspaper, on July 26, only 15 bulk cargo ships passed through the strait compared to 34 on July 20

Ukrainian forces strike bus in Russia's Belgorod Region, injuring 19 civilians

Acting Governor Alexander Shuvaev said that six people are in serious condition

Russia has no doubts that West aids Kiev’s terror attacks — mission to UN

Acting Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneyeva reminded the Security Council about the July 13 meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 380 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US believes it is time to end Ukrainian conflict — TV channel

US President Donald Trump plans to discuss "the ongoing peace process between Russia and Ukraine" with Vladimir Zelensky

South African delegation arrives in Moscow to discuss military cooperation

The meeting began with the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden

Europe’s approaching dangerous point, sanctions, new ideas of Ukraine: Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Russia will soon announce its response to the 21st package of the European Union’s sanctions

Press review: Ukraine conflict freeze impossible, while US, Iran see lull in strikes

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 27th

FACTBOX: What to know about detention of Russian man passing intel to New Zealand

Russia’s Federal Security Service reported that New Zealand sought to obtain from the detainee the data on Russia's military-technical cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries

Russian Pacific Fleet detachment arrives in Vietnamese port Cam Rahn for joint drills

The fleet’s press service said that after the exercise planning phase, the two countries’ rescue ships and submarines will practice at sea rescue operations

IN BRIEF: Russian Foreign Intelligence Service’s takes on Armenia's European integration

As the SVR noted, many European countries have already signaled to the EU leadership that they are unwilling to open their markets to Armenian goods

Russian ambassador rejects Romania’s accusations related to drone incidents

Vladimir Lipaev noted that "Russia has never targeted combat drones at facilities in Romania and is not doing this, and that any speculations on this topic are absolutely groundless, whoever they come from"

NATO fuel networks near Russian borders vulnerable to precision strikes, expert says

According to Rozhin, the foundation of the system is the Central Europe Pipeline System network which spans approximately 5,300 kilometers, with pipeline diameters ranging from 6 to 12 inches

IN BRIEF: Peskov reflects on Russia’s difference from US, ‘might makes right’ rule

Dmitry Peskov noted that Western countries had destroyed independent and dissenting media as soon as the conflict with Russia had begun

In its standoff with Russia, West switches to influencing minds — TASS director general

According to Andrey Kondrashov, instead of cyberattacks, cognitive influence on staffers of media outlets and large state-run corporations is becoming more prevalent

Press review: Logic behind Kiev attacks outside Russia and EU fights for sanctions life

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 28th

EU leadership taking wrong path, its policies destroy Europe — Romanian politician

George Simion has repeatedly criticized the entire EU leadership, especially the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

Russia remains among global leaders in AI development race — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that several companies are working on artificial intelligence in Russia, each utilizing its own approach

Putin has stripped foreigners of right to own land in Sirius

The document adds the Sirius federal territory to the list of border territories where "foreign citizens, stateless persons, and foreign legal entities are prohibited from owning land plots"

Asia-Pacific militarization by West threatens regional security — MFA

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, this militaristic approach "directly contradicts the traditional model of pragmatic, constructive engagement"

Poll reveals only third of respondents support US strikes against Iran

The poll also found that 69% of respondents believe that President Donald Trump has not clearly explained the objectives of Washington’s military action against Tehran

Russian army steadily expanding zone under its control in Ukraine — Russian UN mission

Anna Yevstigneyeva recalled that an attempt to challenge the Russian army’s seizure of Konstantinovka had ended with the capture of soldiers who had been sent there with the Ukrainian flag and Zelensky and Syrsky’s portraits

By attacking civilians, Kiev expects to reverse situation on battlefield — diplomat

According to Anna Yevstigneyeva, by delivering strikes on civilian targets, the head of Kiev regime is trying to create an illusion of winning for Western and Ukrainian media in order to obtain more weapons and money from his sponsors

Kiev loses 10,100 soldiers, mercenaries in special op zone over week — Russian analyst

According to Andrey Marochko, soldiers of Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted the greatest damage on the enemy

Gasoline shortage begins in Ukraine — expert

Sergey Kuyun said that zero displays are lighting up at one gas station chain after another

Ukrainian military not happy about Drapaty replacing Syrsky — source

The pro-Russian clandestine network noted that "the reality on the front line is fundamentally different from the image presented by Kiev's propaganda"

EU may abandon current sanctions mechanism against Russia due to Greece’s position — FT

Officials are considering the possibility of approving sanctions individually or in small thematic batches, the newspaper reported

Ukraine’s airspace truce, protection of Russian merchant vessels: Kremlin’s statements

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the Russian Navy could take measures to protect merchant ships

Russian military specialists create tracked robotic platform for mine clearance

The RTK-300 Ruka ground robotic vehicle has been created to safely defuse various objects and unexploded ordnance in remote control mode

Enemies unable to defeat Russia on battlefield, resort to terrorist methods — Putin

The head of state emphasized that no one has ever succeeded in breaking the Russian people

Kiev’s attacks on ZNPP create risk of major man-made disaster — Russian diplomat

Anna Yevstigneyeva stressed that the murder of specialists responsible for nuclear and radiation safety and security demonstrates Kiev's intention to disrupt the management of the ZNPP

West has no Ukrainian conflict resolution plan, only ultimatums — diplomat

According to him, Ukraine’s terrorist attacks against Russian civilians will end only after the conflict is over, with Russia victorious

Ukraine to lose its Western territories sooner or later — Putin

It may not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, It may take one year, two years, 10 years or 15 years, Russian President said

Banderol missile strike indicates emergence of new precision missile carrier — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the missile's speed of about 650 km/h puts its capabilities on par with the turbojet version of the Geran-4 Seeker drone

Ukraine's winter energy problems will lead to mass exodus from country — State Duma deputy

Power supply problems began in Ukraine at the end of 2025 amid severe cold weather and large-scale damage to the energy infrastructure

Kiev, West using 'confidentiality' as cover to mask lies about Russia — diplomat

Russia receives "vague answers" that create a situation of "strategic uncertainty," Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik said

Dialogue of Russian, US lawmakers continues — State Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin said that it is too early to speak of any practical decisions

Kremlin refutes Kiev’s allegations on North Korea’s involvement in special military-op

Dmitry Peskov noted that he considers it unnecessary to comment on Vladimir Zelensky's remarks on this topic

Last night drone attack on Moscow becomes one of the largest in two years — TASS estimates

Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that 81 enemy drones were destroyed on the approach to Moscow

EU will not be ready to fight for Ukraine even by 2040 — former EC official

Pierre Mirel criticized the idea to integrate Ukraine into the European Defense Union without waiting for the country's full-fledged accession to the EU

Few countries have weapons like Tsirkon — Putin

Russia is upgrading them and will continue doing this, Russian President said

Russian Navy already has Poseidon carrier — Commander-in-Chief

And, of course, such a carrier is already part of the Navy

Air defenses down another 28 drones heading toward Moscow — mayor

Emergency response specialists are working at the crash sites

Putin’s key statements at meeting with outgoing State Duma deputies

The Russian leader noted that, despite external constraints, the country is holding steady in the global tech race, and that the Russian financial system is currently stable

Moscow, Tehran in contact over Ukrainian attack on Iranian vessel — ambassador

Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali emphasized that the scope of cooperation between Iran and Russia is very broad

Romania expels Russian diplomat over alleged drone incidents in its airspace

The Romanian side handed a "firm protest" to the head of the Russian diplomatic mission

Pentagon starts review aimed at improving effectiveness of US force deployment in Europe

This will be a real review, designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe taking primary responsibility for its conventional defense, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby said

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, The Ukraine process is currently on hold

Helsinki restricts flights over eastern Gulf of Finland

A spokesman for the EU’s air traffic control authority did not explain the reasons behind the move

NATO recon aircraft performs unusually long flight over Black Sea

The aircraft has been operating over neutral waters in the southern part of the Black Sea for more than six hours

Russian Uragan MLRS salvo destroys over 30 Ukrainian troops in Zaporozhye Region

Russian UAV operators also destroyed enemy targets in counterbattery struggle in the Zaporozhye Region, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian troops use children as human shields — Russian ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova said that she saw with her own eyes children hiding in basements, the gunfire taking place, and the heroic efforts of teachers in those circumstances

US costs of war with Iran to be repaid ‘many times over’ — Trump

According to Donald Trump, the United States receives "billions of dollars" from Venezuela

Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits Japan, more than 50 people reported injured

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the earthquake caused fires and power outages, damaged roads and bridges, destroyed buildings

Kiev's omnipresent terrorism means special military operation must succeed — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Kiev had already carried out attacks on Germany, blowing up Nord Stream, and on Kazakhstan and its infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, as well as on an Iranian ship

Russian MFA slams EU sanctions against Medinsky as ‘vile, cowardly’

Maria Zakharova noted that the EU's decision had been driven by Vladimir Medinsky's efforts to restore the memory of the Great Patriotic War

Air defenses down dozens of drones over Moscow Region cities — governor

Information on casualties is being verified

Russian forces disrupt Ukrainian defenses by liberating Kommunarovka — Defense Ministry

The capture of the area creates conditions for Battlegroup East to continue advancing in the Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye regions, the ministry said

Press review: US moves to tweak Ukraine strategy as EU rolls out new Russia sanctions

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 24th

Trump considering 3 options for development of war with Iran — NYT

The newspaper noted that over the five months of the conflict, the United States has still failed to achieve its goals

Sanctions targeting Russia's energy partnerships threaten global markets — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that after all the sanctions measures adopted, Western countries should not "appear with long faces at global forums and talk about how they pity poor people who are undernourished, sleep-deprived, overworked, and suffering"

Russian diplomat slams Romania’s protest over drone incident as propaganda show

According to Vladimir Lipaev, Bucharest refused to disclose any technical flight parameters that would make it possible to identify the drones and failed to provide any substantial evidence of their origin

Ukraine continues war of terror with strike on recreational infrastructure — diplomat

The attack left 12 civilians dead, including four minors

Eight civilians injured in Ukrainian drone attack on enterprise in Belgorod Region

Seven men suffered shrapnel wounds, while a woman sustained blast-related trauma

Kremlin comments on Kiev’s terrorism, situation around Wildberries, contacts with US

TASS has compiled the key takeaways from Dmitry Peskov's statements

World Gymnastics comes up with exceptions for Russia’s int’l participation

The organization reaffirmed its firm belief that sport and politics should remain separate

Mercedes-Benz posts first quarterly profit growth in three years — DPA

Passenger car sales during the reporting period fell nearly 8% to 417,000 vehicles