{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Iran estimates environmental damage from Hormuz oil spill at trillions of dollars

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that everyone involved in commercial shipping operations must bear legal and moral responsibility for clearing the aftermath in the region

© Ali Saeedi/Getty Images

TEHRAN, August 16. /TASS/. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said oil pollution might have caused trillions of dollars of damage to the region’s marine ecosystem.

The Iranian diplomat added footage of a major oil slick off Qeshm to his post on X as he blamed the incident on a foreign vessel.

"This incident is just one example of major pollution - both visible and invisible - that has degraded the waters in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman as well as the region’s marine ecosystem over past decades, inflicting trillions of dollars of damage to Iranian coastal areas," he wrote.

Everyone involved in commercial shipping operations must bear legal and moral responsibility for clearing the aftermath in the region, he added.

According to Associated Press, the 247-meter tanker Caroline Bezengi departed from a Black Sea port in May, and on June 8, the crew reported an explosion on board. The tanker subsequently ran aground near the Al Hallaniyat Islands in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate, resulting in an oil spill. Oil that spilled from the tanker Caroline Bezengi has fouled 12 km of Omani coastline.

Tags

Iran Environment

US military aircraft, drone once again spotted over Persian Gulf

A source in Middle Eastern air traffic control services also said that as for military transport aircraft, their flights were also tracked over the Gulf of Oman during the day

Epstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov

"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister added

Thailand requests Russia’s support for free trade zone talks with EAEU — ministry

According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, participants of the 9th joint Russian-Thai commission on bilateral cooperation placed emphasis on promoting economic cooperation, particularly expanding trade and investment

Response to Ukrainian strikes on Wildberries warehouses to be harsh — Russian senator

Grigory Karasin condemned the ongoing escalation, noting that the latest assault marks a disturbing new phase

Russia ready for renewed relations with US, but ball is in Washington's court — deputy PM

Alexander Novak emphasized that Moscow remains open to improving relations with Washington

Only previously manufactured US weapons can be supplied to Ukraine from Turkey — expert

Turkey does not plan to supply domestically produced weapons to Ukraine

Russian Armed Forces struck depots containing military equipment at Odessa port

During the day combat unmanned aerial vehicles hit warehouses containing military supplies intended for the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the port of Odessa

France might have lost hundreds of soldiers in Ukraine — law enforcement

The source recalled that France was one of the few NATO countries that did not shy to send its career servicemen to take part in combat operations

Ukrainian drones attack Sevastopol, five downed

Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev says that the drones were downed in the area of the North Side and districts of Balaklava and Gagarinsky

Russian Armed Forces liberate Rybalskyoe in Zaporozhye Region

It allowed the Battlegroup East to expand its zone of control northwest of Novoye Pole, the Defense Ministry reported

Major fire in Donetsk People's Republic shopping mall extinguished after nearly five days

Earlier, an Emergencies Ministry official said that the fire had engulfed about 23,000 square meters of the building

US military aircraft, drone once again spotted over Persian Gulf

A source in Middle Eastern air traffic control services also said that as for military transport aircraft, their flights were also tracked over the Gulf of Oman during the day

Nearly 1,750 drones targeted Moscow region over past week, city mayor says

Most of them were neutralized by air defense forces on distant approaches

Power supplies to some 1,000 households disrupted by drone attack on south Russia

No casualties have been reported, Governor Yury Slyusar says

Russia launches investigation against FAZ journalist Martens for his remarks on Russians

An informed source said that questions of putting the journalist on an international wanted list and choosing his pretrial detention measure in absentia are being decided

Water level in Belgorod Reservoir drops by one meter after Ukrainian attacks

A state of emergency has been declared at the facility based on the federal operator’s order and an action plan has been approved to carry out restoration work

Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes near Granada, Spain

The epicenter was located near the town of Alendin

Death toll from Indonesia earthquake rises to 38

According to the Jakarta Globe newspaper, the earthquake damaged government buildings, homes, schools, as well as medical and religious institutions on the island

Apple warns users in 110 countries about spyware attacks — TechCrunch

According to the publication, the notification appears directly on the iPhone’s lock screen

Four civilians injured as Ukrainian troops launch more than 40 attacks on DPR in past day

One civilian was reported killed in Donetsk’s Leninsky District on August 14

More US weapons supplies to Kiev via Turkey to make peace more distant prospect — expert

Ivan Timofeyev, director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, said that the US is not seeking a military defeat for Ukraine

Chisinau bolsters cooperation with Kiev — senior Russian diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that any armed aggression against Transnistria would be fraught with catastrophic consequences for the aggressors

Trump confirms return of aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from Middle East

The US leader rejected claims that the mission of the USS Abraham Lincoln was too long

Special op is most serious test Russia facing over past 30 years — Kalashnikov CEO

According to Alan Lushnikov, it is still too early to assess the results of the company’s work during the special military operation

Press Review: EU seeks to prolong Ukraine conflict and NATO prepares Arctic ops

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 8th

FAZ journalist Martens could be banned from entering Republika Srpska — Dodik

The chairman of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats in Republika Srpska said that Banja Luka's position regarding Michael Martens needs to be determined

Army 2023 forum outside Moscow visited by nearly 1.1 million people

Russian and foreign companies displayed more than 28,000 defense and dual-use products

Rhine water level hits new record low, shipping on brink of collapse — TV

Water levels near the town of Kaub are too low for even lightly loaded vessels to pass, according to the report

Up to 25,000 mercenaries from 107 countries fight for Ukraine since 2014

97.5% of them have been recruited since 2022

Russia records 27 aviation accidents, 73 fatalities in 2025

The Interstate Aviation Committee noted an improvement in aviation safety indicators in 2025 compared with 2024, when 46 aviation accidents were recorded

Russian forces on the offensive on a 10 km-wide front near Olkhovatka — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the sector near Olkhovatka is being cleared of Ukrainian troops

Passenger flight service between Moscow, Damascus back after 18-month pause

Flights will be performed on Sundays, a spokesman for Syrian Airlines said

Suspension of navigation in Black Sea to become Ukraine’s slow death — expert

According to Alexander Pataman, head of the secretariat of the Zaporozhye Region office of the World Russian People’s Council, Russia has sufficient resources and logistical alternatives to minimize the consequences of this scenario

Toxic blue-green algae have spread along Baltic Sea coast — magazine

According to the report in Der Spiegel, an abnormal heatwave has caused their proliferation

INven unfriendly countries showing interest in Eastern Economic Forum — official

Specific figures and facts regarding individual businessmen or countries are a relative matter, Kobyakov noted

Kiev forces lost 1,375 servicemen over past day in all zones of special military operation

In the area of responsibility of the Battlegroup North the Kiev forces lost up to 245 servicemen

Russian air defense shot down record 1,328 Ukrainian drones in 24 hours

Previously, the highest number of drones shot down in a single day was recorded on August 2

Attempts by US, Turkey to arm Ukraine inevitably undermine mutual trust — Russian MFA

The attempts to employ peacekeeping rhetoric while simultaneously supplying weapons to Ukrainian Nazis inevitably undermine mutual trust, especially against the backdrop of repeated assurances from Turkish officials that Turkey avoids supplying lethal aid to Kiev, she said

Drone debris, third in one day, found in Turkey — Nefes

According to the Turkish newspaper, locals spotted a suspicious object on a beach in Sakarya

All of Russia supports the participants of special military operation — Putin

Russia has been and will remain an unyielding barrier to the proponents of Nazism, Russophobia, and antisemitism, Putin said

Gymnast Melnikova becomes European champion in vault

Earlier in the tournament, Melnikova won gold in the individual all-around event

Russian marketplace app Ozon deleted from Google Play

The app is still available on the App Store

Putin informs Security Council about Pacific Fleet drills — Kremlin

The Russian president attended the final stage of the Pacific Fleet drills on August 12

Russian MFA calls on US, Turkey to "soberly assess" plans to supply weapons to Ukraine

It is not yet too late to soberly assess the situation, she said

US, Turkish arms supplies to Kiev to prolong agony of Banderite regime — Russian MFA

Judging by documents recently released by the US Congress, the matter concerns a formidable arsenal that includes offensive weaponry, the diplomat noted

China calls on Japan to respect international order regarding Kuril issue

According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, Beijing is committed to the stance that "the results of the victory in the world anti-Nazi war must be respected and defended"

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"

Private plane with defunct hydraulic system makes safe landing at Sheremetievo

There were three crew and four passengers on board

Russian woman killed, another citizen injured in Vietnam tour bus crash

The remaining passengers escaped with minor injuries

White House calls Biden's transfer of large number of weapons to Ukraine deplorable

Karoline Leavitt added that President Donald Trump "has been far more judicious than the last" when it comes to giving away US munitions

Russian forces target over 130 ships serving Ukrainian army since July

The destroyed targets included bulk carriers and patrol boats

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

Zelensky ‘reaps fruits’ of miscalculated choices, veteran says about Russian strikes

The Russian Armed Forces are conducting targeted strikes against infrastructure and vessels used by the Ukrainian military in the Black Sea

Russia’s Sevmash Shipyard lays down Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered submarine Murmansk

The Russian shipbuilders launched the construction of the ninth multipurpose nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine of the upgraded Yasen-M Project

Kiev deliberately attacks DPR power grid, damaging multiple power lines, substations

Chairman of the DPR Government Andrey Chertkov says the government is working on redistributing power supply

Danube water level at lowest point in 100-150 years — Serbian Interior Ministry

As of today, 32 fire outbreaks have been contained across the country, the official noted

Kremlin aide advises West to follow Putin’s speech at upcoming Eastern Economic Forum

Special attention is always focused on the Russian president's speech at the plenary session, Advisor to the Russian President and Executive Secretary of the forum's Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov said

What is known about fire that raged for 19 hours at DPR home goods shopping center

The flames engulfed the entire 8,000 square meters of the Galaktika shopping center

Moroccan police use force against hundreds of migrants at Ceuta border, newspaper reports

Earlier, reports surfaced on social media regarding preparations for a new mass illegal border crossing into Ceuta

Agricultural exports from Ukraine fall 60% in early August — statistics

Export revenue fell by 38.4% from $326.9 mln to $201.5 mln

Drone debris falls into garden in Turkish Black Sea province — authorities

In turn, the IHA agency reported the discovery of drone wreckage of unknown origin on the coast in Istanbul’s Arnavutkoy district

Russian athletes win World Gymnastics championship in team all-around event

The Russian team scored 278.300 points

Massive missile strike hits Samara Region, causing casualties — city mayor

Ivan Noskov added that a crisis management center has been set up at the scene

NATO, EU declared war on Russia through Ukraine, directly participate in it — Lavrov

The top diplomat noted that the refusal to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter was "a manifestation of neocolonial ambitions, which leads to increased global instability and breeds regional conflicts"

Press review: Putin’s Iturup visit sends message to Japan as EU falls short of gas targets

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 14th

Putin to hold talks with Myanmar President on August 18 — Kremlin

The two leaders will discuss avenues for deepening Russia-Myanmar cooperation in various areas, as well as topical issues on the international and regional agendas

All tickets for upcoming direct flights between Russia and Tanzania sold out — minister

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said that flights would be operated three times a week by Air Tanzania

Ambassador says coronavirus imported to China, points to genetic sequence as proof

On Wednesday, Fox News reported, citing its sources, that the virus had allegedly spread from a Wuhan laboratory

Russian MFA has requested clarifications from US, Turkey regarding arms supplies to Kiev

The Russian Foreign Ministry has requested clarifications from Washington and Ankara regarding information released by the US Congress, according to Zakharova’s commentary

Serbia should have expelled FAZ journalist for comments about Russians — ex-PM

Aleksandar Vulin said that such insulting words must not have been uttered in Belgrade, "and now that this took place, they should be punished"

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.

Turkey not in contact with Russia on moratorium on military operations in Black Sea — MFA

According to the statement, "unrestrained acts of terrorism carried out by Ukrainian military drones in the Black Sea against civilian vessels of coastal countries" are currently observed on a regular basis, occurring several times a month

If Iran strikes, US response will be ‘100 times harder’ — Trump

The US president added that Washington is not seeking to destroy Iran

Ukrainian army attacks premises of unified dispatch service in Energodar

Mayor Maxim Pukhov says that the strikes caused a fire

Flooding Ukrainian army with weapons cannot influence course of special military operation

Pumping more weaponry into Zelensky’s junta is incapable of having any significant impact on the course of the special military operation as it unfolds according to Russia’s just scenario, she said

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

Russian air defense intercepts 17 Flamingo missiles, 1,328 fixed-wing UAVs of Kiev forces

The Russian military have damaged logistics centers, fuel and energy facilities, and transport infrastructure in Ukraine used by the Kiev forces

Many countries including China, India, Japan, UAE have confirmed participation in EEF

The Eastern Economic Forum will be held September 1-4 in Vladivostok on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University

Kremlin appreciates Kissinger’s ‘character out of Dostoyevsky’ remark about Putin

The Kremlin spokesman said that Putin and Kissinger "have quite long, warm relations"

Some 180 Ukrainian UAVs shot down over Russian regions, Black Sea in one day

Air defense systems intercepted 180 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over the territories of the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Leningrad, Novgorod, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, and Tula Regions, the Republic of Crimea, and the Black Sea

Trump’s envoys never visited Kiev before — Ukraine’s ex-premier

Nikolay Azarov says the visit is being delayed by the lack of "new approaches that could be discussed" at the meeting

Russian citizen sentenced to 23 years in jail for spying for Polish intel

Georgy Pirogov's task was to collect and share classified data about advanced weapons used by the Russian army in the course of the special military operation

New arms supplies to Kiev to deal serious blow to Russia’s relations with US, Turkey — MFA

Multifaceted damage resulting from such supplies is inevitable, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Kiev’s loss of control over shipping to weaken Ukrainian forces on battlefield — expert

Head of the secretariat of the Zaporozhye Region office of the World Russian People’s Council Alexander Pataman noted that it was no coincidence that Turkey was offering to mediate in the "resolution of the conflict"

Terms of new US arms supplies to Ukraine via Turkey controversial — Russian MFA

Judging by documents recently released by the US Congress, the matter concerns a formidable arsenal that includes offensive weaponry, she said

Russian defense chief presents St. George's Banner Ribbon to Battlegroup East unit

The ministry added that the defense chief also presented state awards to servicemen of the group who distinguished themselves during combat missions in the special military operation zone

Analytical center for drone use established within Battlegroup East, ministry says

The ministry noted that the creation of this center, combined with the continuous combat training of crews, has improved the effectiveness of the operational deployment of unmanned systems

Geran drone strikes destroy Ukrainian military refueling point, ministry says

Objective monitoring confirmed the destruction of the target

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

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

Ship of UAE company ADNOC attacked while crossing Strait of Hormuz

According to a report by WAM, no one was injured in the attack

Oil companies increasing fuel supplies to most vulnerable regions — cabinet

Instructions have been issued to monitor fuel prices for agricultural producers as well as retail prices at gas stations

Missile strikes industrial site in Volga area

First responders are working at the scene, Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said

Houthis say they attacked Saudi forces’ positions in Yemen

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said that tens of enemy soldiers were killed, and their boats and weapons were wiped out

Eight drones shot down over Moscow region overnight — region’s governor

A 55-year-old woman and a 9-year-old boy were injured in the attack

Putin congratulates Indian president, PM on Independence Day

Relations between Russia and India are successfully developing in the spirit of a specially privileged strategic partnership, Russian President said

Two-seater Sukhoi Su-57 fighter can be used as UAV command post — UAC

Director of the Sukhoi Design Bureau Mikhail Strelets emphasized that that feature was particularly important for controlling artificial intelligence-enabled systems such as the Okhotnik, as well as swarm or group systems

Kiev cannot ensure on its own that potential agreements are fulfilled — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik added that it "hardly makes any sense" to negotiate with Kiev without external participation

Russian top diplomat’s takes on why Ukraine conflict cannot be halted along contact line

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow will not stoop to Kiev’s methods but will take much tougher measures to destroy everything that fuels the Ukrainian military machine from the West

Russian agricultural facility catches fire after drone attack

No casualties were reported, Penza Region Governor Oleg Melnichenko said

Russian forces hit drone storage site, power substation in Chernigov Region, ministry says

Russian military personnel also used a Geran-4 Seeker UAV to destroy a 110 kV power substation in Gorodnya, Chernigov Region

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

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