Explosion kills one person at port of Rotterdam — newspaper

The incident reportedly occurred during repair works

THE HAGUE, August 13. /TASS/. An explosion at the port of Rotterdam has killed one person and injured several others, according to De Telegraaf.

The incident reportedly occurred at a site where energy company Gunvor was doing repair work on pipelines.

Mecca Agreement signals Gulf not convinced that America can protect it — expert

Professor at Shanghai International Studies University's Middle East Studies Institute Ding Long noted that that the agreement did not signal a move toward "de-Americanization" but rather reflected efforts to reduce reliance on the US as the sole security provider

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 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

Magnitude 5.5 earthquake hits off El Salvador’s coast

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

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"

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

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

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

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 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

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

Press review: Russia ready for US-Ukraine talks and oil prices may rise by 25% in 2026

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 13th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia unaware of Zelensky’s proposals to end Ukraine conflict — Ryabkov

The Russian deputy foreign minister said the US did not hand over these proposals to Russia via diplomatic channels

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

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

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

Putin thanks Varyag crew for hospitality

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

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

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

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

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

Russia supplied around 2.2 mbd of oil to India in June

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

Battlegroup Center snipers using special rounds to penetrate enemy UAV armor

Snipers work in close coordination with drone operators, which allows them to act proactively and know in advance where the Baba-Yaga is coming from

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

Those who question Kuril Islands’s belonging to face dire consequences — Medvedev

The Russian politician underscored that the Kuril Islands "are, and will remain Russian land"

Four pyrotechnicians, one security guard die during munition disposal in Sevastopol

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said the Ministry of Emergencies employees have thousands of neutralized shells and minefields to their name

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

Ukraine has been experiencing a shortage of interceptors

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

Russia receives no formal proposals for Black Sea moratorium — MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko pointed out that Russia's position on "temporary methods of easing the military situation" is well known

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

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

Girl injured due to falling drone in Rostov Region

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

US demands info on missile launches from other countries to distract attention — expert

According to Zhang Junshe, the US seeks to "inject geopolitical rivalry into a multilateral arms control platform"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia to promptly arrange reception for Witkoff, Kushner — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said this issue remains on the radar

Trade turnover between Russia, Malaysia gains 13% in 2025 — minister

Valery Falkov indicated growing interest in expanding trade ties among both countries' businesses

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

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

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

The court session lasted more than nine hours

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

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

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

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

Kiev agent detained in Crimea for gathering intel, plotting terror act on railway

The detainee confessed to gathering information on the deployment of air defense systems and other military facilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia to ensure security in Arctic through expansion of military capabilities — MFA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Russia possesses all the necessary means for that

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Magnitude 5.4 earthquake hits Kashmir

No casualties or damage were immediately reported

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

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

Mikhail Margelov said there can be a lot of scenarios

Russian stocks close in the red on Wednesday

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

Next secretary-general must heed Russia, if he does not want UN to decline — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that specific actions, not mere words and assurances, are important for the Russian side

Expert says fuel shortage being observed in Ukraine

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

NATO pursuing Arctic region’s active militarization — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to European Affairs Department Director Vladislav Maslennikov, Western countries' approaches toward the Arctic region have increasingly been dominated by a confrontational mindset

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

Twelve civilians, including a teenager, were reportedly wounded

Putin arrives aboard Varyag missile cruiser

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

Russia hands over 261 bodies of fallen soldiers to Ukraine — war correspondent Kots

The war correspondent said that 24 fallen soldiers returned to Russia

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

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

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"

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

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"

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

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

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

Dates of US envoys’ visit, Zelensky’s proposals, UN crisis: senior diplomat's statements

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Moscow was unaware of any proposals from Vladimir Zelensky on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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