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Zelensky’s position threatened most since 2022 by Fyodorov’s comment — WSJ

According to the publication, Mikhail Fyodorov’s words are interpreted in Kiev "as the opening gambit in a potential run for the presidency"

NEW YORK, August 19. /TASS/. The comment by ousted Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov that Ukraine should hold elections despite the martial law poses the biggest challenge to Vladimir Zelensky since February 2022, The Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the publication, Fyodorov’s words are interpreted in Kiev "as the opening gambit in a potential run for the presidency." His statement means "to harness public frustration over perceived government corruption" and Zelensky’s desire to continue the conflict.

According to the newspaper, Fyodorov’s video message "signals an attempt to position himself as a central challenger for the presidency."

Earlier, Fyodorov published a video on YouTube to say there is a systemic governance crisis in the country and that elections need to be held.

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US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Trump leaves open possibility of US-Iran talks resuming

The US president repeated that "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons" and reiterated that Washington has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz

NATO aircraft spotted near Russia’s Kaliningrad Region on Aug 18 — Die Welt

A NATO spokesman, commenting on this information at the newspaper’s request, stated that "NATO is a defense alliance, and the alliance partners are continuously improving their defense capabilities"

Ukraine loses 674 aircraft during special military operation — top brass

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

Putin stresses need to strengthen Russia’s sovereignty

The president highlighted that Russia was already implementing a plan for structural changes in the economy

Roscosmos says distribution of ISS deorbiting responsibilities being discussed with NASA

Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov says the sides have about a year and a half in reserve for negotiations

Employees of Urenco that enriches uranium for Ukraine have voted to strike

The workers disagreed with a potential 4.1% salary rise despite record orders of 27.3 bln euros

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

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

Rada appoints Khmara as defense minister

The decision was backed by 312 votes, with a minimum of 226 required

Russia, Myanmar sign memorandum on energy cooperation — ministry

The memorandum aims to develop cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and create conditions for further expansion of practical cooperation

Russia does not back calls for overthrowing constitutional order in Azerbaijan — diplomat

Russian-Azerbaijani ties should develop on the basis of the existing bilateral legal framework, primarily on the Declaration of allied relations signed at the supreme level in Moscow on February 22, 2022, Maria Zakharova said

Ukraine conducts active intelligence work in Poland — former intelligence officer

According to the intercepted SBU document, Poland infiltrated four officers from special forces unit Agat into the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry in 2025

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

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

Battlegroup North drones destroy 4 Ukrainian armored vehicles, 83 R-18-type octocopters

The FPV drone crews destroyed two Humvee armored fighting vehicles, a Kozak armored fighting vehicle and a Tisa armored combat vehicle

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

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

IN BRIEF: Remains of Holy Right-Believing Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy discovered

A combined study has proven their authenticity

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

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

Trump would like to meet with Kim Jong Un this autumn — WSJ

According to sources cited by the newspaper, the US president has discussed with his advisors the possibility of holding face-to-face talks with the North Korean leader during his next trip to Asia, but no official planning for the meeting is underway

Ukrainian forces lose 65 fixed-wing UAVs in Russia’s Battlegroup South responsibility area

The battlegroup’s fighters destroyed 39 ground robotic systems in the Kramatorsk, Konstantinovka, and Slavyansk sectors

No contacts currently exist between Russian, US senators — Federation Council official

First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Andrey Denisov noted that the Russian lawmakers’ trip to the US in the spring could "only be welcomed"

Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies expose ring involving Zelensky’s office officials

Details are expected to be released later

US eyeing reducing its military presence in Middle East — media

The Washington Post cited sources as saying that the Defense Department "has already signaled that it might not rebuild its bases as they were before the conflict"

Russian troops clear 400 buildings of Ukrainian forces in liberating Vodyanskoye

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the settlement was liberated on August 19

Israel could cease to exist after the Middle East conflict — senior Russian officer

Apty Alaudinov says Israel’s objective is to drag both the US and the entire NATO bloc into the struggle

Russia’s ombudswoman sends 60 letters to UN over Kiev's war crimes against civilians

Most of them remain unanswered

Seoul, Washington to conclude drills ahead of schedule on Aug. 21 — Joint Chiefs of Staff

According to the statement, the decision was made at the proposal of the US side

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

New batch of Pantsir-S, Pantsir-SMD systems delivered to troops — Rostec

The system has shown itself as one of the most effective means of countering air targets

Grossi urges to stop attacks on nuclear facilities after deadly strike on Energodar

The IAEA was also informed about attacks on the ZNPP industrial area

Grossi’s ZNPP visit can hinder Kiev’s efforts to blame Russia for attacks — senator

Kiev derailed Grossi’s visit to the ZNPP scheduled for August 20-21

Liberation of Kudiyevka creates logistical difficulties for Ukrainian troops — official

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Kudiyevka settlement was liberated on August 16

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

Russia’s stance against acts of Western piracy to resonate with China — senator

First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Andrey Denisov says China is interested in freedom of navigation and the absence of incidents

Russia, Myanmar have promising naval projects — Russia’s federal service

According to the statement, there are numerous joint projects involving both aircraft and the maintenance of the airworthiness of previously supplied fighter jets

Russian government to help restore logistics, warehouses after Ukrainian attacks — Putin

According to the Russian president, another area of focus is the construction of power grids

Putin helps lawmakers draft challenging laws, including budget bill — envoy

A discussion takes place to find certain compromises and room for maneuver, plenipotentiary representative of the Russian president in the State Duma Garry Minkh revealed

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

UKMTO reports shelling attack on cargo ship off Yemeni coast

There were no crew aboard the ship at the moment of the attack

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

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

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

Disruption of Grossi's visit to Zaporozhye NPP act of terrorism — governor

Yevgeny Balitsky said the visit was meant to be a routine event as part of the rotation of the Secretariat's experts at the plant

Three NATO reconnaissance planes spotted near Kaliningrad Region

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

Putin calls Russia’s economic growth modest but positive

The head of state noted that economic growth is being impacted by a number of factors, including external pressure and terrorist attacks on industrial and infrastructure facilities

Zelensky’s office unhappy with US appointment of its people to key positions in Ukraine

Deputy head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office Irina Mudraya expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of control over head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office Alexander Klimenko

Damage reported at Ufa oil refinery as Russia intercepts 453 Ukrainian drones overnight

A medical university student from India was injured in the attack

Turkey blasts Netanyahu’s regional policy again

Spokesman for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party Omer Celik said the activities of Israel "will bring nothing but greater chaos and mass killings to the region"

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

Russian diamond exports to India drop by almost 50% year-on-year in January-June

In monetary terms, January-June deliveries declined by nearly 38% to $106.5 million

Russia’s trade infrastructure resilient despite terrorist attacks — Putin

The Russian president admitted that operations are running under intense pressure

Russia’s Matvey Safonov ranked 10th among world’s best goalkeepers — ESPN

The ranking of the world’s best goalkeepers is topped by Spain’s David Raya from England’s Arsenal FC

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

FACTBOX: Putin’s statements on positive economic growth, impact of Ukrainian attacks

Boosting investment activity is the primary condition for economic growth in Russia, the head of state said

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

Tehran warns Gulf states against complicity in US aggression against Iran

Chief of the General Staff of the Islamic Republic Ali Abdollahi specified that he meant any assistance or support provided to the US army

UAE halts trade, financial transactions with Iran — Foreign Ministry

The decision was made after the country’s air defense systems identified the launch of two ballistic missiles from Iran

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

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

Russia views US threats against Oman as efforts to apply pressure — diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko, Moscow hopes for a swift resolution of the situation and the restoration of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region

Strike on Abu-Duhur could provoke military clash between Israel, Turkey, Syria — US envoy

According to Tom Barrack, the lack of clear channels of communication between the states could have made the situation "much more serious"

Weakening US 'nuclear umbrella' increases risk of nuclear proliferation — TV

Researchers note that many US allies perceive Washington as increasingly distant and unreliable in providing nuclear deterrence

US believes Oman made too many concessions in talks with Iran — AP

According to the agency, the United States disagrees with a number of agreements reached by Iran and Oman

Embassy asks German prosecutors to assess FAZ journalist's remarks about Russians

The embassy noted that Michael Martens had made no "public apology or attempt to retract his remarks"

US claim for Strait of Hormuz far from its real capabilities — Iranian official

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei invited all interested parties to create a new cooperation framework in the region "that will succeed the US hegemony in the Persian Gulf zone"

Presidential envoy says format of president’s addresses may be revised

Garry Minkh drew a parallel between the possible revision of the rules and the 2020 constitutional amendments

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

Netanyahu weighs confrontation with Trump — media

According to the sources, Donald Trump has shifted to issuing ultimatums in his talks with Benjamin Netanyahu that give little consideration to Israel’s interests

DPRK warns of retaliatory measures in response to US-South Korea military drill

The Korean Central News Agency stated that the drill posed "the most immediate and open threat to the DPRK and the regional security"

Russian ombudswoman holds talks with her Ukrainian counterpart

The two ombudspersons met on the border between Belarus and Ukraine

French politician calls Fyodorov's speech disaster for Zelensky

Florian Philippot advised that the former Ukrainian defense minister watch his safety

Russia’s key task is transition to sustainable economic development model — Novak

According to the Russian deputy prime minister, this is precisely what the structural transformation plan is aimed at

US has changed tactics regarding Iran, halted negotiations — CNN

According to sources cited by the TV channel, before resuming negotiations, Donald Trump wants to wait until the leaders of the Islamic Republic demonstrate their willingness to conclude the deal he is seeking

Vogue chooses most stylish dog of 2026

This year’s winner was an Italian greyhound named Sir Spud

EU readies infrastructure for large-scale military conflict — diplomat

Attention is being paid, among other things, to adapting the civilian transport and logistics infrastructure to the tasks of military planning and operational mobility, Yulia Zhdanova said

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

Verkhovna Rada approves new Ukrainian foreign, defense ministers

Protests against Mikhail Fyodorov’s dismissal as defense minister have continued for 34 days

More pressure on Iran unlikely to produce concessions outside deal with US — speaker

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf added that US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are "way out of their league"

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroys over 56 Ukrainian UAV control posts in Kharkov Region

FPV drones and Molniya-2 fixed-wing drones, equipped with high-explosive fragmentation and thermobaric munitions, were used to destroy the targets

FACTBOX: Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies’ new probe, pressure on Verkhovna Rada

Media reports identify Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Vadim Stolar and former Ukrainian parliament member Maxim Mykytas as suspects in the investigation

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

Press review: Ukraine conflict fuels EU ultra-right as Trump seeks Iran pressure via Oman

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 19th

With Khmara as defense minister Ukraine to continue sabotage against Russia — MP

Alexander Boroday noted that Khmara essentially remains an "SBU special forces operative", which is why he will use the same methods in his new position that he used previously

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

Zelensky appoints Khmara defense minister to step up terror attacks on Russia — expert

Vladimir Karasev suggested that Vladimir Zelensky, facing setbacks in the war, may see this as his only strategic option

A Just Russia leader says London's provision of drones to Kiev spells participation in war

Sergey Mironov said that Ukraine uses these means to attack oil refineries in Russia

Netanyahu’s office says Syria allowed Turkish troops onto airbase near Aleppo

Israel "will not tolerate threats to its security and would welcome a return to the status quo," the statement says

What to know about new '103 for 103' POW exchange between Russia, Ukraine

The Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus

Over 4,000 candidates registered for State Duma polls in federal, single-member districts

According to Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova, 1,723 candidates submitted documents for nomination to the district election commissions

Presidential envoy explains pause in annual addresses to parliament by number of reasons

Garry Minkh says the current situation demands a prompt response rather than long-term strategic planning

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

US oil companies to sign agreement with Venezuela’s PDVSA — Politico

Venezuelan Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao plans to attend the signing ceremony

Russia’s Provod strike FPV drone operational range to be increased — manufacturer

The drones can currently be deployed at the range of 40 km

NATO vows to defend US bases in Europe — Reuters

Earlier, the anonymous sources claimed that Iran is allegedly prepared to launch strikes against US bases not only in the Middle East

Ukrainian detained in Croatia in Nord Stream case — German Prosecutor General's Office

The suspect is expected to be extradited to Germany to face charges and will appear before an investigating judge

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

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

OpenAI pauses training of new AI models due to cyber risks — company

The measure was introduced for two weeks

Diplomat points to unfriendly narratives toward Russia in Azerbaijan’s media space

Maria Zakharova said that Moscow "has repeatedly invited its Azerbaijani colleagues to hold relevant consultations to discuss ways of improving information background without politicization or media hype"

Defense ministry’s air defense forces shot down ten more UAVs flying toward Moscow

This brings the number of UAVs destroyed since the beginning of the day to 21

US does not notify South Korea in advance about scaling back exercises — MFA

According to Cho Hyun, the South Korean government and US officials were not aware of the plan announced in a statement made by US President Donald Trump

Trump threatens Oman over planned deal with Iran on Strait of Hormuz — AP

According to the agency, the US president is under growing pressure regarding the situation in Iran because of his promises to promptly win the conflict, weaken Tehran, and conclude a more favorable nuclear deal