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Ukrainian armed forces using banned chemical weapons — US publication

Small Wars Journal said that instances of the use of these special weapons have been repeatedly documented during the conflict

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The Ukrainian armed forces are using Teren-6 gas grenades in the Russian special military operation area, according to a study by Patrick Senft published in the Small Wars Journal (US).

According to the analyst, instances of the use of these special weapons have been repeatedly documented during the conflict. "The author found <...> incidents where Ukrainian forces had used chemical munitions," the article reads.

According to the publication, "Ukrainian units <...> employ chemical grenades." "Ukrainian forces have been documented to use chemical Teren-6 grenades," the author points out. Furthermore, according to his information, the Ukrainian side uses K-51 gas grenades.

The article specifies that all of these munitions contain substances based on chloroacetophenone or chlorobenzalmalononitrile. Their use on the battlefield constitutes a direct violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Ukraine is a signatory.

Ukraine needs 5% of US Patriot missile stockpiles to survive winter — Zelensky

According to Vladimir Zelensky, this year Ukraine received 2.5 times fewer interceptor missiles for Patriot systems than in 2025

Zaporozhstal steel plant closure devastating for Ukraine, deputy believes

The area's economy depended on the enterprise, said Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Zaporozhye Region Viktor Yemelyanenko

Leavitt to leave White House press secretary post before September — Trump

Donald Trump noted that Karoline Leavitt will now be one of his top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party

Russia remains top oil supplier to India, China in June — OPEC

Russia supplied around 2.2 mbd of oil to India in June

Russia calls on Caspian littoral states to address Caspian Sea’s receding water levels

Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Turkmenistan Pyotr Shchukin emphasized that there is currently no single scientific explanation for the causes of the present-day drop in water levels

Kiev’s Black Sea strikes further Western interests — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev regime seeks to provoke chaos on the global food market

Houthis lose over 80 fighters in Yemen in six days — TV

Yemeni government forces launched artillery and drone strikes against the rebels in northern Dhale Governorate on Tuesday evening

American mercenary Conor Kennedy arrested in absentia in Russia, placed on wanted list

He participated in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian forces incognito

Putin thanks Varyag crew for hospitality

The Russian President shook hands the commanders and ordered "At ease!" to the sailors

Russia continues to strike Ukrainian naval forces facilities — Defense Ministry

During the night, unmanned aerial vehicles struck a command post of the Ukrainian naval forces in the port of Reni, the ministry reported

NATO says begins to reduce contingent in Kosovo

The alliance's spokesperson Allison Hart did not provide any numerical data on the scale and timing of the reductions

Aircraft possibly carrying Gilman makes stopover in Ireland

A source in EU air traffic control services said that Shannon Airport is often used to refuel aircraft before flying over the Atlantic

Russia slams Yerevan over plans to interrogate WWII veteran

It is hard to find clearer evidence of the moral and spiritual decay that leads to rapprochement with the modern faceless, morally impoverished Europe and fraternization with the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, Maria Zakharova stated

US NGO calls on Congress to block Turkey’s transfer of cluster munitions to Kiev

Dumping obsolete cluster munitions into a conflict creates a humanitarian liability for civilians, Deputy Washington director at Human Rights Watch Nicole Widdersheim noted

Drop in investment levels in early 2026 cannot be described as dramatic — Bank of Russia

The overall level of investment activity remaining high, said Adviser to Central Bank Governor Kirill Tremasov

Easing of monetary policy key factor in recovery of economic activity in Russia — ministry

The economic activity was supported by existing government measures

Nearly 40 shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past day

Twelve civilians, including a teenager, were reportedly wounded

Special military operation to end or be suspended only on Russia's terms — Medvedev

The United Russia party’s Chairman noted that relations with the West will change little after that

Minister announces recovery in Russia's economic growth rates

According to Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, the recovery in growth rates was first observed in March and is continuing despite persistent external pressure

Over 1,000 pigs killed by fire at pig-breeding farm in Trans-Baikal Region

According to preliminary data, the fire was caused by a short circuit

Libyan parliament speaker, top Turkish diplomat discuss ways of settling Libyan crisis

The talks between Aguila Saleh and Hakan Fidan were held in Benghazi after the top Turkish diplomat’s meeting with Libyan National Army commander Saddam Haftar

Moscow ready to exchange over 220 convicted Ukrainians for Russians — rights commissioner

Yana Lantratova added that the Russians in question included residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and Crimea

Russia’s security must be ensured along all of its borders — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the situation in the Pacific Fleet’s operational area "is not easy"

Magnitude 5.5 earthquake hits off El Salvador’s coast

The epicenter was located 69 kilometers southeast of the city of Chirilagua

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

Russian troops hammer Ukrainian fuel tanks, ship with military cargo in new strikes

Russian troops hit a Ukrainian patrol boat at the Ochakov port in the Nikolayev Region

Western pirate games to prompt Russian response anywhere, senator says

Konstantin Basyuk emphasized that there was no point in using diplomatic notes with those who speak the language of force

JD Vance personally asks Kiev to stop strikes on CPC infrastructure — newspaper

According to the Financial Times, the US vice president conveyed Washington’s request in a phone call with Vladimir Zelensky on July 31

US could face 'bloodbath' if it launches ground operation against Iran — expert

Mikhail Margelov said there can be a lot of scenarios

CIS observers start monitoring elections of State Duma deputies — Executive Committee

This is the 11th CIS observer mission in Russia, it will include more than 100 people

Girl injured due to falling drone in Rostov Region

A girl was injured after a drone fell on the Istok recreational center near Donetsk

Drapaty, killing civilians in Novorossiya, Donbass, pledges allegiance to West — expert

Vitaly Kiselyov noted that Mikhail Drapaty personally issued orders to Ukrainian forces to strike civilian vehicles on the Novorossiya federal highway

Press review: NATO boosts Northern Europe presence as Israel blocks Gaza peace efforts

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 11th

Russian troops consolidating positions in Olkhovatka in Kharkov Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, this was preceded by the liberation of the neighboring settlement of Vodyanoye on August 12

EU endangers itself by acting against civilian shipping — Russian Foreign Ministry

Today, Operation Irini is actually being used by the European Union to intimidate commercial carriers and obstruct the freedom of navigation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Zelensky's government 'nepotism' paves way for massive corruption — expert

In Ukraine, nepotism in corruption schemes has become a tradition, military expert Vitaly Kiselyov said

Strait of Hormuz traffic falls five times since start of war — WSJ

The publication also noted that on August 11, 14 vessels managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz with 11 of them using the so-called Iranian corridor

Russia to resort to measures in response to growing NATO presence in Finland — embassy

According to a source in the embassy, Russia has repeatedly drawn attention to the detrimental consequences of this policy, and the diplomats are sure that Helsinki are aware of these signals

Ukrainian attack leaves Sevastopol without electricity

According to the city’s Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, specialists are assessing the damage and emergency services are in a state of high alert.

FACTBOX: Putin personally visits Kuril Islands for first time

The head of state, during his working trip to Iturup, also visited the secondary school named after Hero of Russia Eduard Norpolov

Closing Strait of Hormuz to virtually wipe out growth in British economy in 2027 — TV

According to the analysis, the British economy could face a recession, if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed until spring

Washington seeks to cut embassy staff in Middle East — CNN

According to the TV channel, the US State Department does not expect to return to normal staffing in the region soon amid the looming threat of a full-scale return to war

IN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on Western 'piracy, robbery', groundless Japan’s claims

The Russian president said the Pacific Fleet’s marines carry out missions in the Pacific Operational Area "boldly, professionally, and heroically"

West always wanted to 'cancel' Russia, but now it's doing it brazenly — Medvedev

The politician noted that as soon as the special military operation had begun, it had come out in an absolutely cynical, undisguised, monstrous and even perverted form

Baltic not NATO’s internal sea, Polish president warns

Although this follows from cartography and map analysis, in fact this is not entirely the case, Karol Nawrocki pointed out

EU wary of 'Trojan horse' as it considers faster enlargement — media

According to the sources, the European Commission was drawing up revised rules for new members, which will be presented to EU leaders at a European Council meeting on October 15

US considering all possibilities regarding Cuba, military action included — Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth noted that the United States has "a lot of options" for further actions regarding Cuba

All US bases will be seized if Washington uses nuclear weapons against Iran — IRGC

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi did not clarify whether the Iranian military would occupy the US bases on its own or with the help of other forces

Russian forces advance 1 km north of Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expert

Earlier, Andrey Marochko said that Russian forces have established control over Ustinovka and drove Ukrainian troops eight kilometers from the border with the Belgorod Region

Kiev confirms limitation of data on Russian missile launches against targets in Ukraine

Ukraine has been experiencing a shortage of interceptors

Japan expresses protest to Russia over Putin’s visit to Kuril Islands

Japanese foreign ministry claims that all the "northern territories," as Tokyo refers to the southern part of the Kuril Islands, including Iturup, are an "ancestral Japanese territory"

Expert says fuel shortage being observed in Ukraine

Freight and insurance costs have skyrocketed, said Sergey Kuyun, head of the consulting firm A-95

Death toll from earthquake in Colombia up to 265

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near the city of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department on August 10

Magnitude 5.4 earthquake hits Kashmir

No casualties or damage were immediately reported

NGO sues Trump challenging paid access to his publications on Truth Social

According to the plaintiffs, last year alone, from 9,000 to 11,000 posts and reposts were published on the US leader's page

Over one million square meters of warehouses damaged in Ukraine — agency

The Kiev Region accounts for about 750,000 square meters of that number

Russia’s Battlegroup South eliminates over 100 Ukrainian heavy copters

According to the battlegroup’s spokesman Vadim Astafyev, 48 drone communication antennas, 37 ground-based robotic systems, 14 drone control centers, and three launch sites were also wiped out

Ensuring Russia’s security on all fronts: what is known about meeting held by Putin

The Russian leader stated that the main tasks are being addressed today as part of the special military operation, but it is necessary to "ensure the security of the Russian state along all its borders"

Russian forces advancing along 10-km front near Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expert

Andrey Marochko said earlier that Russian troops have advanced one kilometer north of Ustinovka

Putin arrives aboard Varyag missile cruiser

Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina reported to the president on the fleet’s ongoing drills

Russian forces tightening trap for Ukrainian troops in Volchansk after liberating Vodyanoe

The Volchansk pocket continues to shrink, military expert Andrey Marochko said

Inflation in Iran to peak at 300% — US President Trump

The International Monetary Fund expects inflation rate in Iran to reach 69% this year

Attempts to escalate situation in Caspian must be thwarted by littoral states

Pyotr Shchukin stressed that any attempts by extra-regional forces to bring geopolitical confrontation and military tension into these historically peaceful waters are aimed at undermining the atmosphere of friendship and mutual trust

IN BRIEF: What we know about foiled terrorist attack against Defense Ministry officer

The suspect planned to blow up a car of the employee of the military commissariat of the Krasnodar Region

Battlegroup Center recon teams spend month deep behind Ukrainian lines undetected

According to a reconnaissance rifleman, Russian units moved into areas where Ukrainian soldiers were without armor and were moving freely in the open

Iran may drag conflict with US out until end of Trump’s presidential term — IRGC

According to Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, Iran has to attain deterrence so that the enemy never dares to attack it

US forces in complete control over Strait of Hormuz — President Trump

According to the US leader, Iran has "no Navy and no Air Force"

Ukrainian Navy command post, port infrastructure hit in new strikes by Russian Forces

The Russian Armed Forces continue to target Ukrainian Navy facilities and port infrastructure used by the Ukrainian armed forces, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian army is global military powerhouse — expert

According to Hero of Russia Yevgeny Poddubny, Russia currently has the most combat-ready and powerful army in the world

Putin visits Kuril Island of Iturup

As follows from a video released by the Kremlin press service, Vladimir Putin visited the Yasny fish-packing factory on Iturup

Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet shot down by friendly fire — defense source

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal probe after the fighter’s crash

Baba-Yaga drone number one target for snipers, Kalashnikov rifles — Kalashnikov CEO

Alan Lushnikov noted that the role and place of snipers in armed conflict were constantly evolving

Rosatom chief proposes projects to develop science, production, exports

Alexey Likhachev highlighted three topics that, in his view, are of fundamental importance, yet the mechanisms for addressing them have not yet been fully established

Press review: EU braces for winter fuel shortage as gold prices set to recover

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 12th

IN BRIEF: What we know about release of American Robert Gilman, convicted in Russia

Robert Gilman was detained in 2022 at the Voronezh railway station after being involved in a drunken brawl on the Sukhum-Moscow train

NATO Council says Russia 'bears responsibility' for drone incidents in Romania, Poland

The alliance intends to strengthen defenses on its eastern flank "from the Baltic to the Black Sea" and continue providing support to Ukraine

US spends $533 mln on shell plant that produces nothing

Moscow has repeatedly stressed that Western arms supplies to Kiev and assistance in training Ukrainian servicemen only prolong the conflict and do not change the situation on the battlefield

Russia’s defenses in Zaporozhye make Ukraine’s military 'hit brick wall' — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army manages to hold back the enemy and advance on this direction

Several sailors of US aircraft carrier tried to commit suicide — Military Times

The aircraft carrier has been in service for more than eight months instead of the expected six, and the staff does not know when they will be able to return home

Damaged schools, dead, injured in southern Russia: consequences of drone attacks

Air defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 502 Ukrainian UAVs over eight Russian regions

Russia has right to attack any ships carrying cargo for enemy — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that Russian armed forces were capable of significantly extending their operations beyond the borders of the Black Sea basin

Yabloko receives Supreme Court’s reasoned decision for removal from elections

The court session lasted more than nine hours

Ukrainian drone attacks wound 12 DPR residents in one day — republic's head

A teenager born in 2011 was injured when a drone attacked a residential building, DPR head Denis Pushilin said

Supreme Court finds Yabloko received about $36,000 from abroad

The party recieved donations from counterparties, who received funding from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and a number of other countries from July 9 to August 2

Su-57 constitutes key element for achieving air superiority — Russia’s Air Force Commander

Sergey Kobylash stated that during the special military operation, Russian aviation and aviation munitions "reached a qualitatively new level"

Politico says Zelensky 'fumbled' Belgrade trip as Kosovo remarks cause stir

The publication noted that Albania had reacted sharply to the statement as well

Su-35S pilot destroys two Ukrainian Su-27s in single air battle — commander

Sergey Kobylash added that, "after skillfully executing a maneuver and taking up an advantageous tactical position," the Russian pilot fired three air-to-air missiles

North Korea can deliver ‘death' blow in case of external threat — Foreign Ministry

First Deputy Foreign Minister Jang Kum-chol called South Korean nuclear submarine program "a serious challenge" to the security and maritime sovereignty of North Korea

Annual inflation in Russia totals 5.98% in July — Rosstat

Food prices rose by 0.29% in July month-on-month

Russia cut oil production by 6,000 bpd in July — OPEC

Russia’s oil production is currently constrained by the OPEC+ agreement

West Nile Fever cases imported to Russia from Thailand, Mali, CAR in 2026

No fatalities linked to West Nile Fever have been reported this year

Russian stocks close in the red on Wednesday

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble added 5 kopecks to 12.3 rubles

AK-12 rifle more reliable, easier to use than foreign competitors — Kalashnikov CEO

The AK-12 is represented in export markets by the 7.62mm and 5.56mm caliber AK-15 and AK-19 models

Ukraine needs 5% of US Patriot missile stockpiles to survive winter — Zelensky

According to Vladimir Zelensky, this year Ukraine received 2.5 times fewer interceptor missiles for Patriot systems than in 2025

Moscow to respond in kind if West seizes Russian commercial vessels — Putin

The Russian president emphasized that it wasn’t just about the areas where Russian vessels could be seized but wherever Moscow founds it necessary and reasonable

Russian Battlegroup West destroys 83 Ukrainian heavy six-rotor drones in past day

Apart from that, Ukraine’s daily losses included 61 drone control centers, a Starlink satellite communications station, and 39 ground-based robotic systems

Petition calling for preserving Russia House submitted to parliament — BSW party

BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht said earlier that her party had prepared a petition against the demands by some political forces to close the Russia House

Novorossiysk declares state of emergency after Ukrainian drone attack

According to the latest reports, a secondary school, a sports school and a college had been damaged in the attack

IN BRIEF: Casualties after UAV attacks, fire in Bashkortostan Region, Sevastopol blackout

A young woman was injured when a drone crashed in the Rostov Region

Russian troops liberate Vodyanoye community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brass

Russia's Battlegroup North units took control of the settlement, destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle and inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops over the past day

Georgia hurts itself by saying no to diplomatic relations with Russia — Abkhazian official

Sergey Shamba stressed that Abkhazia would only be happy if relations between Russia and Georgia improved