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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Strait of Hormuz developments

US-Iran talks on settling conflict reach impasse — Egyptian Foreign Ministry

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt "continues to maintain contact" with Tehran and advocated for a swift end to the conflict

DOHA, August 26. /TASS/. Negotiations to end the conflict between Iran and the US have reached an impasse, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated.

"There is a problem, and as you know, there is currently neither peace nor war," he told the Emirati newspaper The National. The top diplomat added that the situation appears to be at an impasse.

Abdelatty also emphasized that Egypt "continues to maintain contact" with Tehran and advocates for a swift end to the conflict based on an agreement that would include provisions on the nuclear program, the lifting of US sanctions, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a ceasefire.

The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran, with Islamabad acting as mediator, signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, in the early morning hours of July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing it of violating the terms of the agreements reached on the Strait of Hormuz.

Western countries hosting largest number of Ukrainian refugees significantly cut their aid

Germany currently hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU at 29.2%, amounting to 1.29 million people

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, 426 neutralized UAVs

Two people were killed after a private home caught fire following a drone crash in the Lipetsk Region

Russia’s Il-76 aircraft prevents fire from spreading to populated areas in Serbia

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic emphasized Russia's rapid response to the request for firefighting assistance

Russian company Sector develops EW-resistant video receiver for UAVs

The device is already being used in Russia’s special military operation zone un Ukraine

Research directions for North Pole·43 expedition outlined

Director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Alexander Makarov noted that the scientific program will primarily include oceanology, geophysics, and atmospheric research

Kazakhstan to cut 2026 oil output target due to CPC attacks

Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said the revised target now stands at 96 mln metric tons

Dodon does not rule out provocations at Russia-protected ammunition depots in Transnistria

According to the former president of Moldova, the Moldovan intelligence service is downplaying the potential consequences of ammo warehouses

Iran to hold talks on managing Hormuz with Oman within a timeframe of 60 days — diplomat

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabad confirmed that the waterway will remain closed and that Iran has full control of the area

Reality sets in for Ukraine’s former defense chief, Russian envoy says

Kirill Dmitriev also noted that "the blame game for failures" begins in Ukraine

One civilian killed, eight others injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR during past day

Six civilian infrastructure facilities, three residential buildings, a shuttle bus, and trucks were damaged in the attacks

FACTBOX: Two deaths, fire at oil refinery in southern Russia, aftermath of Kiev’s strike

During the past night, alert air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 148 Ukrainian aerial targets, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Large gas field discovered in Iran

The field also contains gas condensate

Economic war against Iran could end in defeat for US allies — expert

Iran still has considerable capacity to disrupt everybody else’s exports, Jorge Leon said

IN BRIEF: Kremlin Spokesman Peskov on US aircraft in Moscow, Ukrainian settlement terms

TASS has compiled the key statements by the Kremlin spokesman

Security at critical facilities to be tightened — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is facing an obvious threat of drone attacks against both critical infrastructure and facilities that are critical to the economy and social sphere

Zelensky says Ukraine getting more Patriot missiles, but needs more

The head of Kiev regime did not disclose the exact number, but emphasized that the batch had been small

Russia wants Vatican to denounce Kiev’s actions against Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Mikhail Melekh said that Vatican is generally aware of the lawlessness going on in our neighboring country

Tehran's condition for resuming dialogue is US compliance with Islamabad agreement

According to the source, the Pakistani side is actively working to communicate this stance to the United States

Israel expels Netherlands officials from Gaza support center — Foreign Ministry

The Dutch representatives have been instructed to leave Israel within one week

Ukraine’s population goes from 52 mil in 1991 to 25 mil today — Zelensky’s ex-spokesperson

Yulia Mendel said that Ukraine has lost more than 50% of its population

Russia’s Pomoshnikov wins gold at 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships

The judges awarded Matvey Pomoshnikov 333,90 points for his performance

Growing interest in Russia in Asia reflects credit on Eastern Economic Forum — official

Anton Kobyakov noted that Asian economists advocate for the restoration of full-fledged relations with Moscow

US Secret Service aware of Iranian video threatening Barron Trump’s life

According to a number of US media outlets, the Iranian media broadcast a video suggesting option for killing Barron Trump for a reward of $10 million

Putin signs decree on measures to protect critical infrastructure

According to the decree, the Russian government may assume temporary control over critical infrastructure sites, when owners neglect security protocols or delay necessary repairs

European leaders cut off their own path to participation in negotiations — legislator

European countries are openly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, granting Kiev permission to produce long-range missiles for attacks on civilians, Leonid Slutsky said

US authority allocates almost $40 million for drone purchases to combat crime in Ukraine

The authority works with foreign governments, law enforcement agencies and the private sector

What to know about Amur Gas Chemical Complex fire that left one dead

According to reports, 19 people were hospitalized

Rosnedra expects replenishment of hydrocarbon reserves this year

Commercial reserves’ growth resulting from exploration activities conducted by subsoil users reached 39 mln tons for liquid hydrocarbons in the first half of 2025

Iran has legitimate right to wield control over Strait of Hormuz — Vice President Aref

Reza Aref emphasized that "the double standards of the West in terms of human rights and the justification of crimes such as the killing of 168 teenagers require Iran to rely on internal reserves so that its position in the international arena is stable"

Ukrainian settlement, AI, POWs rights: Lavrov’s talks with Vatican envoy

Moscow expects the Vatican will pay attention to Kiev's illegal actions, the Russian foreign minister stressed

IN BRIEF: Russian forces strike fuel tanker, ports used in Ukrainian army’s supplies

The Russian Armed Forces delivered strikes by air-launched precision-guided weapons and attack UAVs

Russia wins silver in girls 3-m synchro at 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships

The 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships is hosted by Rijeka, Croatia, on August 21-28

Syrian Kurd leader says armed groups to be dissolved — agency

Commander of the Kurd’s Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi also said that the Kurdish autonomous administration in northeastern Syria will become part of the government

Russia, Vatican maintain trustworthy relations — Foreign Minister Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said the sides welcomed the upcoming meeting between the Secretary of the Holy See and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations

West no longer willing to allow Ukraine to strike civilians in Russia — senator

This is evident both in the harsher language used by international organizations and in the changing tone of foreign media, Alexander Voloshin said

US not planning new strikes on Iran, may focus on other means of pressure instead — Axios

According to the news portal, Washington will focus on putting more economic pressure on Iran through the sanctions and naval blockade

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian connection in drone incident in Germany

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service questioned whether the German authorities have the political will "to draw impartial conclusions and officially announce them"

Ukraine’s metals industry on verge of systemic shutdown — agency

For Ukraine, a systemic crisis entails a loss of export revenues, rising construction costs, and issues with the hryvnia exchange rate, the RBC-Ukraine noted

Press Review: EU boosts arms aid to Ukraine as India bolsters Russia ties amid US pressure

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 25th

One civilian killed, seven wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during day

Three dwelling houses, six civilian infrastructure facilities, a bus, and eight trucks were damaged

CIA chief arrived in Russia for contacts between special services, Kremlin tells WP

Dmitry Peskov declined to provide any further details

Russia, Ukraine working toward new large POW exchange — ombudswoman

Lists are being agreed, Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratov said

West seeks to create flashpoints along Russia’s borders, Medvedev says

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that it had been going on for centuries

Turkey has no hidden agenda in Middle East, Erdogan says

According to the Turkish president, the republic's goal is to ensure an atmosphere of peace

Employee injured in fire at Wildberries logistics center outside Tambov after drone attack

All employees were evacuated promptly after the emergency was reported

Brussels’ energy policy could exacerbate EU’s chronic gas crisis — expert

Norway has remained the largest gas supplier to the European Union since 2022, though its resource base is gradually depleting, Igor Yushkov said

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

US suspends immigrant visa application processing worldwide — FT

The State Department did not say when immigrant visa appointments would resume

Energy ministry assesses diesel fuel situation on Russian market as stable

The ministry reported that additional volumes following export restrictions were redirected to the domestic market

Russian authorities will decide on extending ban on diesel exports soon

Fully meeting domestic fuel needs, including those of agricultural producers during seasonal field operations, remains a prior task, the Russian Energy Ministry noted

NATO remains hostile bloc for Russia, continues to expand — Medvedev

The politician stressed that Moscow needed guarantees from NATO that no other states would attack Russia and that all hostile actions against the country would cease

Kremlin calls rumors about mobilization in Russia fake news spread by Kiev

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the Kiev regime attempted to ideologically destabilize the situation in Russia

First power unit of El Dabaa NPP to be connected to grid in 2028 — Rosatom chief executive

Four power units are being constructed simultaneously

Belarus to hold Air Force and Air Defense drills with 2nd phase at Russian practice range

From August 25 to September 10, 2026, an operational exercise with the branches of the Air Force and Air Defense Troops will take place under the direction of Air Force and Air Defense Troops Deputy Commander Major General Mikhail Matrosov

FACTBOX: What we know about detention of Armenia's former president, his son

Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee accuses Robert Kocharyan of removing a number of valuable real estate properties from state ownership and acquiring them at below-market prices

Western countries hosting largest number of Ukrainian refugees significantly cut their aid

Germany currently hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU at 29.2%, amounting to 1.29 million people

Top Iranian diplomat hails agreement with Oman of Hormuz as example of regional solutions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "Iran’s commitment to peace and stability goes hand in hand with ongoing diplomatic work with neighboring states"

Nearly 20 seafarers killed while crossing Hormuz since Iran war started in February

As of August 21, as many as 68 incidents had been confirmed

Kiev ignores UN reports on Ukrainian Orthodox Church persecution — Russia’s MFA

The topic of persecution against the UOC is "increasingly being raised, which is encouraging, in the media, including abroad, and the legal community is addressing it," Mikhail Melekh said

Russian Soyuz-2.1b rocket with spacecraft lifts off from Plesetsk spaceport — ministry

The rocket carries a spacecraft in the Russian Defense Ministry’s interests

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

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

In case of catastrophe on Earth the Moon could be humanity's salvation — Roscosmos CEO

Dmitry Bakanov emphasized the utmost importance of developing all life support technologies on the Moon

Russia’s Andreeva/Rublev reach US Open mixed doubles semifinals

They will face the Czech duo of Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik

Ukrainian tactics in Zaporozhye Region resemble medieval siege methods — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said that Kiev attempts to isolate settlements in violation of international humanitarian law

France wants to restrict Ukraine’s arms purchases from non EU countries — TV

The European 2026-2027 program for the Kiev regime amounts to 90 billion euros to be disbursed for various needs, including military

Iranian attacks cause billions in damage to US surveillance hardware in Middle East — TV

The Iranian attacks raise doubts about whether the Department of State, the Pentagon and the US intelligence community are sufficiently prepared to guarantee due protection to US sites in the region, the TV channel said

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 4,350 — health ministry

The amount of being injured has climbed to 12,310

Death toll from fire at gas plant in Siberia rises to three, 146 people injured

Twenty four people were hospitalized in the city of Svobodny with injuries of varying severity

Ukraine’s ex-Defense Minister Fyodorov says Kiev losing in conflict with Russia

According to Mikhail Fyodorov, now is the pivotal point

Slovak police foils attempted arson at drone production facility

Charges have been brought against three foreigners

Battlegroup North drones destroy Ukrainian Bomber, Vampire hexacopters near Sumy

The UAVs have been destroyed by a single UAV crew

Shnaider/Ruud reach quarter finals vs. Andreeva/Rublev at US Open

The 2026 US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the year, with the main draw of the singles running from August 30 through September 13

Japan can assemble nuclear weapons within one year — Kremlin aide

Russian Presidential Aide and Executive Secretary of the Eastern Economic Forum Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov drew attention to Japan’s revanchist militarization

Firefighters extinguish blaze at Amur Gas Chemical Complex construction site

Search and rescue teams found four Chinese nationals working for a contractor dead, bringing the confirmed death toll to seven

Rescuers find cabins carrying tourists swept away from thermal springs on Sakhalin

Rescuers landed at the thermal springs and have now set off on foot toward the location where the containers were found

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

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,275 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

IN BRIEF: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on EU membership bid, CSTO withdrawal

Armenia may leave the CSTO if Yerevan no longer needs its membership, Dmitry Peskov said

Russia still open to international cooperation in science — deputy PM

Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted that Russia's scientific community had enormous potential and all the necessary foundations for developing domestic high-tech products

Russia, Serbia agree to continue consultations on security challenges — foreign ministry

The sides spoke in favor of continuing the practice of holding regular consultations and maintaining close contacts in the area of combating international terrorism

Battlegroup South destroys Ukraine’s Bucephalus APC, 71 fixed-wing UAVs over past day

The battlegroup's strike UAV crews have also eliminated two foreign-made Senator armored combat vehicles, two field artillery weapons and 43 ground robotic systems

Brent crude oil falls below $87 per barrel on ICE exchange for first time since August 14

The WTI crude oil futures with September delivery was down by 4.95% to $80.8 per barrel

Kiev uses Orthodox relics to pay for arms supplies — Russian Foreign Ministry

The current Ukrainian authorities regard these artifacts merely as commodities, Russian Foreign Ministry’s special envoy for international cooperation in ensuring freedom of religion Mikhail Melekh stated

With attacks on homes Kiev admits it is unable to reclaim Donbass, Novorossiya — activist

According to Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev, recent assaults on a residential building and the United Russia party headquarters in Melitopol, Zaporozhye, underscore this strategy

Russia calls on international bodies to compel Kiev to disclose data on missing clergy

Mikhail Melekh noted that the Kiev regime systematically and en masse sends clergy to the front, many of whom disappear

Iconic US cultural center calls demolition warning a hypothetical scenario

"This language describes a hypothetical scenario of what could happen if the Center’s desperately needed renovation is blocked by partisan interests," a spokesman for the cultural institution said

Russian stocks down as main trading session opens

As of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS declined by 1.2%

US military transport plane lands in Moscow

The aircraft departed from Andrews Air Force Base near Washington

Russian stocks close in the green on Tuesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index gained 2.21% to 2,117.15 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.79% to 789.63 points

Sweden wants to expropriate plot belonging to Russian, allegedly over "security threat"

Real estate is located near a military base on the island of Musko

State Duma promises Russia will strip Armenia of all 'gifts' if it pivots to West

Alexey Chepa said it will be impossible for Yerevan to "sit on two stools" simultaneously

Russia to retain fourth place globally in terms of purchasing power parity — expert

Even amid persistent and mounting external pressure, Russian economy is maintaining its relative standing, Executive Director of the Stolypin Institute of Growth Economics Anton Sviridenko said

EEF can't be called SPIEF's 'little brother' anymore — official

The EEF has long stepped out of the shadow of its 'older brother' to stand on its own in the calendar of international events and among Russia’s national priorities, Anton Kobyakov said

Trade turnover between Russia, Belarus gains 12.5% in 1H 2026

Last year trade turnover between the two countries grew by around 3%

More than 60% of Russians ready to take part in September elections — survey

Nearly 70% of respondents are aware of the single voting day, Mikhail Mamonov, director of political research at the VTsIOM analytical center, said

Maximum rate on ruble deposits up to 12.9% in second ten-day period of August — regulator

The rate was 12.89% per annum in the first ten days of this month

Deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia has consistently conveyed its position at multiple levels

Battlegroup North captures Ukrainian soldier, destroys 133 fixed-wing UAVs over past day

The battlegroup's units have eliminated a T-64 tank, an Israeli-made RADA counter-battery radar station and up to 215 Ukrainian personnel

US lawmaker Luna lauds reports about CIA chief’s trip to Russia

John Ratcliffe is doing some great things on behalf of the US, Anna Paulina Luna said

In calls with foreign leaders, Trump demands that they cut ties with Iran — Bessent

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent refused to name those who received calls from the US

Trump warns Iran against placing mines in Strait of Hormuz

According to the US leader, all mines within the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz have been destroyed or removed

Russia not to forget Ukraine’s terror attack on Starobelsk, to seek justice — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said the Kiev regime continues demonstrating its utter brutality by targeting children