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Iranian president expects to meet with Putin at SCO summit

The summit will be held in Bishkek on August 31 and September 1

CAIRO, August 26. /TASS/. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expecting a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, according to Iranian TV channel Press TV.

According to it, Pezeshkian will take part in the summit, which will be held in the capital of Kyrgyzstan on August 31 and September 1.

The office of the head of the Iranian government has not yet officially commented on this information.

Strait of Hormuz developments

US-Iran war to end 'fairly soon' — Trump

According to the US leader, the Strait of Hormuz "is functioning"

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

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

Press review: Vatican eyes Ukraine peace role as Slovakia keeps Russian energy contracts

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 26th

US military transport plane lands in Moscow

The aircraft departed from Andrews Air Force Base near Washington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West won’t allow Kiev to produce Patriot systems, fearing backfire — expert

According to Alexander Pataman, the Kiev regime is capable of turning this ‘handout’ against his master

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

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

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"

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

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

CIA chief's visit to Russia, Kiev regime’s collapse, Armenia situation: Kremlin’s briefing

According to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, there were no direct contacts between the Russian President and John Ratcliffe

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

Ukraine is definitely losing in conflict — Kremlin

The dynamics in all frontline areas clearly demonstrate this, Dmitry Peskov underscored

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kiev regime is collapsing from within — Kremlin

There is a quasi-political fuss underway deep inside the Kiev regime and it is becoming increasingly intense, Dmitry Peskov said

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

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

According to reports, 19 people were hospitalized

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

Zelensky regime, Western countries are exterminating Ukrainian people — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin stressed that the Zelensky regime understood perfectly well that no one would need it, should it end the war with Russia

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

According to Mikhail Fyodorov, now is the pivotal point

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

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

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

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

Another ten troops returning to Russia today from captivity — human rights commissioner

Yana Lantratova clarified that the swap process in Belarus is currently being finalized using a ten-for-ten formula

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

First engine for Voronezh ultralight space rockets unveiled at Technoprom

UEC representative Pavel Chupin noted that the development of Russia’s liquid-fueled engine would broaden launch capabilities for small spacecraft and reduce launch costs

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

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"

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

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

Dmitry Peskov declined to provide any further details

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

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

Ukrainian armed forces drop explosives disguised as children’s toys from drones

The Ukrainian military often uses eye-catching objects to disguise improvised explosive devices

Italy, France agree to supply four Samp-T air defense systems to Ukraine — newspaper

According to the publication, the upcoming 13th Italian military aid package for Ukraine, scheduled for approval in October, will also include Aster 30 missiles from Italian arsenals

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

No contacts between Kremlin, US representatives planned — spokesman

Russia’s contacts with Ratcliffe were conducted through special services, Dmitry Peskov added

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

Russia, Ukraine working toward new large POW exchange — ombudswoman

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

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

The amount of being injured has climbed to 12,310

US suspends immigrant visa application processing worldwide — FT

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

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

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

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and 14 motor vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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

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

All employees were evacuated promptly after the emergency was reported

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israel expels Netherlands officials from Gaza support center — Foreign Ministry

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

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

Russian stocks down as main trading session opens

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

Ukraine to be forced to repay aid received from the West — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin called Western aid to Ukraine a bondage for the Ukrainian people

Moscow court orders in-absentia arrest of FAZ journalist Martens

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Martens’ calls for the murder of Russians were unacceptable and criminal

What is known about detention of eleven terrorist suspects in Russia’s North Caucasus

The arrests took place at the detainees' places of residence

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

Russian Foreign Ministry summons Romania's charge d’affaires for Thursday

Earlier, the Romanian Foreign Ministry issued a statement announcing the expulsion of a Russian diplomat

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

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

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

FACTBOX: What we know about FAZ journalist Martens’ international wanted status

Authorities charged Michael Martens in absentia with inciting hatred or hostility over the statements, the source said

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

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

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

Slovak police foils attempted arson at drone production facility

Charges have been brought against three foreigners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malva howitzer shells strike targets simultaneously along different trajectories — Rostec

The state corporation specified that the howitzer is designed to engage command posts, defensive fortifications, artillery and missile batteries, air defense positions, and armored vehicle convoys

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

Federal Treasury transfers $8.9 bln to Russia’s federal, regional budgets

According to head of the Treasury Roman Artyukhin, budget execution reached 54.1% in the first half of the year

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

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"

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

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

Russia could approach India in terms of purchasing power parity — expert

Anton Sviridenko said it is necessary for Russia to expand access to credit resources for business, ensure the conversion of citizens’ savings into investment, and enhance the stock market’s role

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

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

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