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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Iran wants war over, ceasefire not good enough — top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran rejects a ceasefire and conveyed this message to mediators in talks with the US

RABAT, August 18. /TASS/. Iran wants a permanent end to fighting in the Persian Gulf region, not just a temporary ceasefire, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

"Iran has conveyed to the mediators [in the indirect talks with the United States] that Tehran rejects a ceasefire. We must put an end to this war so that it never ignites again," the Tasnim agency quoted him as saying.

According to the top Iranian diplomat, the armed confrontation in the Gulf area has demonstrated that the United States "cannot protect even its own bases." "A new approach to ensuring stability in the region should be based on collective security and the mutual resolution of economic conflicts," he stressed.

He also lauded Qatar and Pakistan’s "effective mediatory role" in the negotiating process between Tehran and Washington and stated that Tehran’s relations with Doha are currently "at a very positive phase."

Chancellor Merz still least liked national politician for Germans — poll

According to Forsa, as many as 85% of respondents said they are dissatisfied with Merz’s work

Ukraine seeks $101 bln in Western financial support for 2026-2027

Ukraine plans to attract a total of about $49 billion in support in 2026 and $52 bln in 2027

Russia, Myanmar enjoy strong, time-tested friendship — Putin

The Russian president said the states share a wealth of experience in multifaceted cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, respect

Russia ready to help African countries fight against terrorism — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that despite the Sahel nations’ withdrawal from ECOWAS, they remain neighbors and Russia "is interested in normalizing relations between them"

Iran highlights low efficiency of expensive UAVs, downing 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the fact that such a large number of these drones were destroyed is primarily of strategic significance, as it calls into question the feasibility of producing expensive strike and reconnaissance drones

Russia’s Battlegroup West downs 113 Ukrainian heavy hexacopters over past day

The battlegroup’s fighters also destroyed 59 UAV control posts

South Korea ranks as the world's fifth-strongest military power — president

Lee Jae Myung stated that the capabilities of the country's defense industry were considered the fourth-best in the world

Moscow rejects Tokyo’s attempts to dispute Russian sovereignty over southern Kurils

The corresponding message was conveyed to Japanese Ambassador to Moscow Akira Muto, who had earlier been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry

Police find van used by thieves who stole Antonello da Messina works in Sicily

According to the newspaper, the vehicle was abandoned in a deserted area on the outskirts of the city, away from surveillance cameras

Number of people injured in DPR over past week highest in three years

The republic's Human Rights Commissioner Darya Morozova also noted that four civilians were killed by Ukrainian forces during this period

Europe beginning to recognize need to engage in dialogue with Russia — source

The source noted that the Europeans realized that if they "want to become a significant player again" in world politics, they could no longer depend on American goodwill

Armenia to feel impact of Russian export restrictions in 2H 2026 — expert

According to Anna Fedyunina, the restrictions will affect a significant share of seasonal shipments of berries, vegetables and fruit

EC acknowledges crisis in Ceuta persists, with thousands of migrants remaining in exclave

Spokesman Markus Lammert noted that over the past weekend, Morocco and Spain managed to prevent another massive attempt by migrants to cross into the exclave

Zelensky proposes to name Yevgeny Khmara as Ukraine’s defense minister

Andrey Sibiga is proposed to become foreign minister

Press review: US, Iran opt for war of attrition as Kiev diverts focus with Russia attacks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 17th

India, South Korea, UAE show growing interest in Northern Sea Route

Russian Far East and Arctic Development Minister Alexey Chekunkov also added that the number of companies considering the Northern Sea Route as a route for regular shipping is increasing

Foreign investors entering free economic zones in Donbass and Novorossiya, senator says

Dmitry Vorona said the region currently offers the best possible conditions for investors

Central Election Commission, prosecutor back Supreme Court ruling to squash Yabloko appeal

TASS has compiled the main points surrounding the appeal

Russia designs new engine for small aircraft — Rostec

The state corporation said the use of a modern FADEC-type electronic control system will ensure stable engine operation at altitudes ranging from 300 to 4,500 meters

What we know about one of this year’s largest drone attacks on Moscow, Russian regions

In total, 791 Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted and destroyed over 16 Russian regions

US and Israel agree to establish conflict resolution mechanism in Gaza — Axios

Egypt will take part in the formation of the mechanism, the news portal said

Missing climbers evacuated from Mount Elbrus, all found alive

They declined medical assistance

Trump dispatches his representative to SPIEF with secret diplomatic mission — FT

According to the newspaper, the trip to Russia "carried heavy symbolism for the prospect of reviving diplomacy"

Even before special operation Ukraine used allies’ satellite imagery against Russia — NYT

According to the newspaper, until recently, access to such data remained limited and was provided primarily to the highest military command for strategic planning

Ghana’s foreign minister says 62 citizens died in Ukraine war, 15 missing

According to Okudzeto Ablakwa, he discussed with the Russian foreign minister stopping illegal recruitment of Ghanaians for the special military operation

Teenage girl returns to Russia from Ukraine, reunited with mother — ombudswoman

According to Maria Lvova-Belova, the mother and the daughter were permanently in touch

Geran UAV has yet to realize full combat potential — expert

The Geran Seeker series represents the continued development of technologies based on the platform, with the Geran serving as a universal carrier

Takaichi has no right to criticize Putin for his visit to Iturup — news outlet

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has the cheek to lecture Russia about 'hurting Japanese feelings,' while Tokyo has the blood of Russian civilians on its hands by supporting the Kiev regime, the news outlet said

No explanation from Japan why its ambassador ignored summons to Russian MFA

The Russian foreign minister revaled that the Japanese embassy's response was quite vague

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

Russia entitled to view UK as party to Ukrainian conflict — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said he feels sorry for the UK if it stays with Ukraine until the very end

Serbia not supplying weapons to Kiev, arms may leak through gray markets — ambassador

Belgrade has no intention of supporting Ukraine militarily, Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko stressed

Whole world always awaits Putin's speech at SPIEF — Kobyakov

Adviser to the Russian President and executive secretary of the forum's Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov that the plenary session attended by Vladimir Putin is another important factor behind the forum's success

Ukraine has no missiles for Patriot systems — TV

According to the television channel, the Patriot system in Ukraine has not made a single launch in about six weeks

Polish deputy defense minister says country preparing for potential war

Cezary Tomczyk also mentioned that Poland is currently working to create a comprehensive SAN drone defense system as part of the Eastern Shield project, which envisages the construction of defensive lines along the borders with Russia and Belarus

While EU in conflict with Russia, too early to talk about its role in Eurasian security

Dmitry Trenin, President of the Russian International Affairs Council, said the conflict between Russia and the West has its main epicenters in Europe today

Ukraine's calls for ceasefire prove it's losing to Russia — Italian expert

Professor Alessandro Orsini noted that drones sent toward Moscow would not tilt the balance of power in the conflict

Ukrainian forces tried to flee Rybalskoye through tunnels dug under houses — serviceman

The battlegroup East’s assault troops were located a few dozen meters from the Ukrainian fighters attempting to flee and were covertly monitoring their movements

IN BRIEF: Russian forces deliver strikes on Izmail, Odessa ports, logistics targets

The Russian Armed Forces destroyed a Nova Poshta logistics center on the outskirts of Odessa and hit a Tarantul-class patrol boat at the port of Odessa

Serbian president bemoans Hague for refusing to release dying ex-army chief for treatment

Aleksandar Vucic said that he does not understand the approach of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

One civilian killed, ten more wounded in Ukraine’s drone attacks on DPR during day

Five residential houses, five infrastructure facilities, three trucks, and three passenger cars were damaged

Several Middle Eastern countries secretly shipping oil through Hormuz — news agency

According to the news agency, the movement of such vessels carries the risk of attacks

Summoned Japanese ambassador to come to Russian foreign ministry on Tuesday

According to the statement, Akira Muto "suddenly felt much better"

Ukraine has over hundred nationalist battalions — French expert

Laurent Brayard said that he counted the equivalent of 106 battalions across 85 units

Senior OANA official calls for fighting 'floods of lies' about Russia-China ties

Marat Abulkhatin recalled that TASS, in cooperation with ANO Dialogue Regions and the New Media Workshop, had co-founded the Global Fact-Checking Network

Iran reduces to nothing most expensive tool of US military presence — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that the prolonged at-sea deployment and the inherent vulnerabilities of the ships had taken a toll on the crews

Two more Greek vessels attacked in Black Sea, with one of them burning down

It is yet unknown whether the ship is sinking or is still on the surface

Japanese ambassador leaves Russia’s MFA after 25 minutes inside building

The diplomat was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry over Tokyo’s protest after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Island of Iturup

Israel’s strikes on Syria 'unnecessary escalation', US special envoy says

According to Tom Barrack, the United States "will continue in the future, to host discussions to encourage diplomatic cadence over kinetic frustration for both nations"

Trump says he and Kim Jong Un understand each other

The US president answered in the affirmative when asked whether the North Korean leader had responded to his proposal to hold talks

Houthis report drone strike on Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan

The rebels stated that the attack was in response to an airspace violation in the Yemeni governorates of Saada and Hajjah

Russian diplomat slams Kiev for derailing IAEA chief’s visit to Zaporozhye NPP

According to Maria Zakharova, all details of Rafael Grossi’s visit were agreed upon with the IAEA

Trump's approval rating falls to 33%, lowest since inauguration — poll

The poll was conducted from August 14 to 17 among 1,166 U S adults

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 troops gain foothold on southern outskirts of Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka in DPR

Denis Pushilin stated that the Russian forces had the opportunity to move forward after the liberation of Konstantinovka

Ghana-born man fighting for Russia in Ukraine speaks on special op purpose

Nabillari Isan is a volunteer serving in the ranks of one of the units of the Russian Defense Ministry

Diplomatic principles, possible Witkoff-Kushner visit: new statements from Kremlin

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov pointed out that diplomacy is always conducted quietly

At least 18 logistics centers linked to Ukrainian military destroyed since early August

Warehouse complexes in the Kiev suburb of Brovary, which were also used to supply the Ukrainian armed forces, have been completely destroyed

Ukraine loses 674 aircraft during special military operation — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy also lost 284 helicopters

Russian embassy points out violations of international maritime law by Rome

According to the diplomatic mission, the European Union has continued to take unlawful action against foreign vessels as it boards and seizes them

IN BRIEF: Russian Foreign Intelligence Service on new Western provocation against Moscow

According to the SVR, a Western country plans to accuse Russia of supplying arms to drug cartels and other organized crime groups in Latin American countries

Ukraine to only have electricity for few hours a day this winter - businessman

Press review: Iran war strains US global reach as Washington revives Gaza settlement talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 18th

UK moves toward nuclear war by allowing Ukraine to launch British-made UAVs against Russia

According to the media reports, British drones are now used for deep strikes inside Russian territory

Trump, Vance 'not on same page' on Iran — WP

The daily says that keeping fuel prices low is a priority for JD Vance, which means restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz

Number of Ukrainian drones flying at Energodar declines significantly, says mayor

According to Maxim Pukhov, measures by the military have yielded results

Strong protest expressed to Japanese ambassador over Tokyo's anti-Russian statements

The Russian side informed the Japanese diplomat that Russia's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the southern Kuril Islands are inviolable

Russian tour operators booked solid through September, no 'last-minute' option — ATOR

According to the regulator, the entire market is currently pressured by the appreciation of the US dollar and euro against the ruble, alongside restricted airlift capacity to certain destinations

Visiting Myanmar’s leader to discuss deepening strategic cooperation with Russia — daily

Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Moscow on Monday

Relations between Russia and Myanmar grow trusting — Putin

The Russian leader thanked his counterpart for his assistance in developing Russia’s relations with ASEAN and emphasized that the countries are actively cooperating on the international stage

Iran to correct Trump’s illusion about Strait of Hormuz’s sovereignty — diplomat

The US president earlier published a map that depicted the Strait of Hormuz as the territory of the United States

Summoning Japanese ambassador and West’s terror against Africa: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister stated that Moscow was concerned over the involvement of the Ukrainian military in state-sponsored terrorism against Sahel countries

Trump says likes idea of declaring Strait of Hormuz US territory

The strait is open, the American leader added

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

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 390 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Three people, including child, injured in drone attack on Moscow Region

According to the Governor Andrey Vorobyov, air defense and electronic warfare systems repelled an attack by more than 150 drones in the Moscow Region

Explosion rocks Finnish plant near Russian border

The plant's fire chief Toni Jaako suggested the blast might have been caused by a technical malfunction

Kanye West to perform in St. Petersburg on October 10-11

West has visited Russia several times but has never performed a solo concert in the country

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

Attacks on Zaporozhye NPP expose true nature of Kiev regime — senator

The Kiev regime deliberately targets facilities, in the vicinity of which no combat operations can be conducted under any circumstances, Dmitry Vorona said

Russian holdings of US Treasuries fall to $27 mln in June

Long-term US government bonds accounted for $23 mln of Russian holdings in June, while short-term securities accounted for $4 mln, the US Department of the Treasury said

Russia reminds Japanese ambassador that it paid huge price for Kurils — MFA

Russia summoned the Japanese ambassador following Tokyo’s protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Island of Iturup

Support for Ukraine, anti-Russia sanctions taking toll on Latvia’s economy — politician

Riga can no longer turn a blind eye to the economic costs associated with supporting Kiev and anti-Russian sanctions, Ainars Slesers said

Three NATO reconnaissance planes spotted near Kaliningrad Region

One of them is a US Gulfstream EA-37B Compass Call II electronic warfare aircraft

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

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 260 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed nine enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Israeli army to hold its positions in Gaza — PM’s adviser

According to the statement, Israel will not change its approach to targeted killings of militants either

Attempted UAV attack on Moscow largest in two years — TASS calculations

According to Sergey Sobyanin, 620 UAVs flew toward Moscow and the Moscow Region

Ukrainian strikes kill around 70 Russian residents in past week, including 3 children

406 people were injured

Number of drones downed while approaching Moscow since start of day reaches 23

Emergency services specialists are working at the sites where debris fell

West testing all its new weapons in Ukraine — Russian defense official

Akhmat Special Forces Commander Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov opined that the West is preparing for a future conflict with Russia

Trump’s indecisiveness about Kiev envoy reflects cautious approach to Ukraine — expert

Andrey Bystritsky said the US president is clearly trying to be careful where Ukraine is concerned

Serbian Socialist Party announces plans to take part in parliamentary elections on its own

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on August 14 that early parliamentary elections will be held in the country in October or November

Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until US fulfills memorandum terms — parliament speaker

In particular, Tehran demands that the blockade against Iran is lifted, frozen Iranian assets are unfrozen, the oil embargo is removed and threats and military operations on all fronts cease

Kiev seeks sponsors to upgrade Polish MiG-29 fighter jets — ambassador

Vasily Bodnar explained that the fighters that Kiev had requested from Poland "cannot be used" in their current state

Lawmaker sees Ukraine balancing on verge of financial precipice

Daniil Getmantsev blamed the situation on an economic slowdown in Ukraine and "ill-balanced decisions" in the defense sphere

Stubb says Russia's neighbors will play key role in Moscow-Europe dialogue

Finnish President stressed that Moscow and Helsinki are already engaged at several levels, including through their border services

IN BRIEF: What we know about summoning of Japan’s ambassador to Russian Foreign Ministry

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin expressed a strong protest to Akira Muto regarding the anti-Russian statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi

US Navy signs $22.9 billion contract with Raytheon to boost Tomahawk missile production

According to Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey, the Department called upon industry to expand munitions production, and RTX has answered that call

Russian frigate Pallada sails off from DPRK — captain

The sailing ship’s departure from the pier drew several hundred townspeople – despite pouring rain and thunderstorms, people came to see the Russian sailors off

NATO has official game plan for war with Russia, Bild reports

The NATO Land Warfighting Concept was developed under the leadership of US Major Andrew Pingray

Greek tanker attacked by Ukrainian drone in Black Sea near port of Novorossiysk

The TV channel released a video of the attack featuring a drone carrying out a reconnaissance flight over the sea, and then striking the deck bridge of a Greek tanker

Russian Central Election Commission excludes Yabloko party from federal ballot

The changes have been approved at the commission’s meeting and introduced after the Supreme Court’s decision had entered into legal force