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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US requests public comments on Russia's WTO compliance

Interested parties are requested to submit written comments or applications to participate in a public hearing scheduled for October 14, with a deadline of October 1

WASHINGTON, August 31. /TASS/. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has requested public comments regarding Russia's compliance with its commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to a notice published in the Federal Register, the official journal of the US government.

According to the document, USTR "is seeking public comments in the preparation of its annual report to Congress on Russia's implementation of its obligations as a Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)."

Interested parties are requested to submit written comments or applications to participate in a public hearing scheduled for October 14, with a deadline of October 1.

The USTR expects to receive feedback on Russia's performance in areas including trade, import and export controls, tariffs, investment, intellectual property rights protection, and government procurement, the notice states.

Earlier, the Russian President's Plenipotentiary Envoy to the State Duma stated to TASS that relevant Russian ministries oppose the denunciation of Russia's agreements and treaties with NATO, the European Union, the WTO, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), noting that these frameworks can still serve as tools for dialogue. Russia negotiated its WTO accession for 18 years, becoming a full member in August 2012. In 2014, the country faced unilateral sanctions imposed by Western nations.

Tags

Trump says may continue strikes against Iran

The US president added that his awareness of serious troubles in Iran "doesn't mean we won't smack them"

Russia’s Ivan Papanin patrol ship can break through solid ice up to 1.7 m thick — captain

Kirill Tkachenko emphasized that the ship is capable of handling even thicker ice

Iran’s Fars news agency reports about explosions in Jordan

No other details are known at this point

Kiev increasingly losing on battlefield — US journalist

Russian forces continue to liberate territories, Christopher Helali said

US strikes two missile launchers on Iran’s Larak island — media

According to a US official cited by Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were seen preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz

Northern Fleet task force departs on long Arctic mission

The fleet will practice measures to ensure safety of Russian navigation via the Northern Sea Route, Captain 2nd Rank Alexander Zinovyev said

Poland scrambles fighter jets to escort Russia’s Il-20 aircraft over Baltic Sea

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that Polish airspace was not violated

Putin informs Indian PM Modi about Russia’s special military op progress — Kremlin

The Russian leader had a meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in Bishkek

Number of wounded in Belgorod missile attack rises to 16

Acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev reported that three more people wounded in the missile attack sought medical aid

Kiev’s mobilization plans show Ukraine lies about battlefield losses — media

The head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office earlier said that Ukraine needed to recruit at least 30,000 people a month to maintain troop strength

Woman dies in hospital after minibus runs over group of people in southern Siberia

Three children were seriously injured

Kiev reluctant to engage in true settlement — Kremlin spokesman

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov commented a proposal to organize a trilateral meeting between Putin, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Zelensky

Iceland deals blow to EU’s dreams of expanding northward — news outlet

Before the referendum, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos engaged in a flurry of media activity

FACTBOX: 239 drones downed, Ukrainian strikes on homes, logistics center in Yekaterinburg

Air defenses destroyed 12 Ukrainian drones over the Voronezh Region during the night, Governor Alexander Gusev said

Impact of Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian army’s infrastructure visible — Kremlin spokesman

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia is targeting only military facilities

At least two killed, 12 injured in Ukraine’s attack on Belgorod

A man and a 16-year old teenager were killed in the territory of an enterprise, acting governor of the Belgorod Region Alexander Shuvayev said

Russia readies to strike Ukraine’s energy sites to retaliate attacks on its infrastructure

At the same time, Russian servicemen continued to launch coordinated strikes against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities that support the Ukrainian military overnight, the ministry emphasized

NATO military activities in Arctic may lead to catastrophic consequences — Lavrov

The foreign minister said NATO's Operation Arctic Sentry involves intensive military preparations in close proximity to Russia's northern borders

Putin-Trump-Zelensky summit possible only at end of talks — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said there have been calls for organizing a Putin-Trump-Zelensky summit for quite some time now

Kiev loses 9,600 soldiers, mercenaries in special op zone last week — expert

Andrey Marochko added that over the past week, the Russian military also destroyed nearly 6,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, three uncrewed boats, three tanks, 47 field artillery guns

Iranian lawmaker warns US of retaliation over Middle East escalation

Ebrahim Azizi noted that the United States will pay "a heavier price"

Russia begins mass production of Volna Kupol Garant EW system — defense source

According to the source, the Volna has become a factor affecting not only the special military operation zone, but also having global influence

Hundreds of Ukrainian military warehouses located in residential buildings — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik stated that Kiev uses Ukrainians as human shields

Kiev finds it increasingly difficult to protect its energy, military facilities — governor

Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo sees Mikhail Fyodorov’s proposal to the Americans as a piece of creative bargaining to get new weapons deliveries and investments

Russia welcomes any country’s efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that so far the Kiev regime has been unwilling to be influenced by any mediators

Iraq rejects proposal to keep coalition forces beyond September 30 deadline

Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said did not specify which country put forward the proposal

Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing develops in all areas — Putin

The Russian president specified that Moscow and Beijing are implementing major projects in the energy sector, industry, space, transport and logistics

US to impose sanctions on Iran every week — Treasury secretary

Scott Bessent added that banks cooperating with Iran will be the first target

All options on table to sanction China for ties with Iran — US Treasury secretary

Scott Bessent also said he would hold talks with his Chinese counterparts during the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs

IRGC says supertanker hits mines in Strait of Hormuz — agency

The vessel attempted to use an "illegal route" in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz

Special op, security in Europe more important for Russia than ties with overseas countries

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told this Vesti host Pavel Zarubin

Bank of Russia projects key rate at 14.5-14.6% in 2026 under baseline scenario

The key rate is projected at 10.5-12.5% in 2027

Russia has good prospects for cooperating with BRICS partners in Far North — Lavrov

The foreign minister added that Russia is also ready to develop cooperation in the Arctic with Belarus and other partners and allies in the CIS

Without additional $6.75 billion, Ukraine unable to pay its military

Maintaining combat operations at the current level will require around $20 billion

US seriously considers use of nuclear weapons in Europe — Russian MFA

According to Andrey Belousov, Washington’s efforts to initiate discussions on Russia’s non-strategic nuclear weapons serve to divert international attention from what he described as the threat posed by US nuclear weapons stationed in Europe

Putin says Russia holds world's second-largest coal reserves

The Russian leader noted that coke, iron ore, and other minerals remain one of the foundations of the national economy today

Moscow, Bishkek cooperate fruitfully in various areas — Russian president

"Relations between our countries are developing dynamically in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance," Vladimir Putin said

Kiev troops shell DPR 25 times in past day, civilian wounded

Six residential buildings, four civil infrastructure sites, as well as cars and trucks were damaged

Warehouse fires, damage to energy facility: situation in Ukraine

An energy facility was damaged in the Chernigov Region in northern Ukraine, regional administration head Vyacheslav Chaus said

NATO attempts to use Arctic to contain Russia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Russia favors constructive dialogue in all regions of the world but, when necessary, will defend its national interests "by all available means"

Trump's 'Greenland plan' aims to bring Arctic under US control — presidential adviser

Anton Kobyakov opined that this project was an alternative to the NSR from the Pacific Ocean to the North Atlantic

Ukraine hiding truth about its casualties from public, arms suppliers — Crimea sources

General mobilization has been in effect in Ukraine since February 2022 and has been extended repeatedly

Tanker struck by projectile off Oman — UKMTO

No casualties or environmental impact are reported at this time

Omsky-107 vessel runs ashore near Istanbul after being attacked by Ukraine — agency

According to the agency, the crew evacuated from the ship in lifeboats following the attack

Georgia’s Kulevi oil refinery stops processing Russian oil

The refinery has switched to processing oil from Kazakhstan and Libya, the media outlet bm.ge reported

EU fails to create jungle vs garden opposition in world — senior Russian senator

Konstantin Kosachev commented on Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez's remarks that Russia is allegedly involved in the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta

EU sees no real threat of alleged Russian attack on bloc — Politico

Back in 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to "formalize an agreement on mutual non-aggression with Western countries in order to alleviate the concerns that exist in this regard"

Russia to respond to hostile actions of its opponents, including asymmetrically — Lavrov

The foreign minister said that Russia favors constructive dialogue but, if necessary, will defend "national interests by all available means"

Putin hails Modi’s role in strengthening Russian-Indian relations

The Russian president stated that he was pleased to meet with the Indian prime minister again

Press review: EU mulls Russia-linked tanker seizures as US deal opens Venezuela oil access

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 31st

Russia moving toward Ukrainian conflict settlement — Putin

The Russian leader also thanked Narendra Modi for sharing his expectations for Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September

US is unlikely to achieve quick military victory in Iran — newspaper

According to The New York Times, airstrikes have not helped Washington accomplish its goals

Finnish citizens outraged by their president’s policy toward Russia — politician

Armando Mema emphasized that the direction in which Stubb is leading Finland "remains uncertain and very dangerous"

Iran’s IRGC reports destroying US fighter jet deployment sites in Jordan — Tasnim

Earlier, it was reported that a series of explosions was heard on Jordan’s territory

Ukraine’s defeat drawing nearer every day; Kiev understands this — Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the Kiev regime is receiving and will continue to receive"an even more than adequate response" to its attacks on civilian sectors of the Russian economy

Putin proposes making Russia-China visa-free regime permanent

The Russian president noted that visa-free travel had helped increase tourist flows between the countries

Russian, US finance chiefs discuss bilateral cooperation — Russian Finance Ministry

The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting is taking place on August 31 and September 1 in Asheville, USA

Death toll from northern Nepal flooding exceeds 900

Nearly 4,200 people, including 592 foreign nationals, remain missing

Zaporozhye NPP unable to replenish emergency generator fuel due to Ukrainian attacks

"The plant has sufficient fuel for its diesel generators," Yevgenia Yashina added

Kalashnikov to unveil model of its latest AK-12+ assault rifle at Eastern Economic Forum

The weapon will be on display in the Voin Center pavilion at the Far East Street exhibition

Zelensky boosts peronal security — expert

"The paranoid mood of the illegitimate Ukrainian president has intensified ahead of the so-called Ukrainian Independence Day and continues to this day," Andrey Marochko

Kiev using ‘human shield’ to protect military-industrial complex — expert

The local population serves as the bargaining tool in this system, Dmitry Barov noted

Russia-US dialogue continues despite attempts to derail it — envoy

According to RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev, as it becomes clear that escalating the conflict is not helping Kiev, more and more partners are continuing their dialogue with Russia

No restrictions on air traffic in Gulf countries imposed — air traffic controllers

Earlier in the day, Iran’s missile attack on US ships in the Strait of Hormuz was reported

Kallas says tanker flying flag of Cameroon intercepted, allegedly carrying oil from Russia

The European diplomacy chief added that in this way the EU is allegedly trying to block the financing of the Russian economy through the sale of oil

Lionel Messi says he's retiring from Argentina's national team

Lionel Messi said it was a decision that hurt deep inside

Elections in Russia and readiness to receive Zelensky in Moscow: Kremlin's statements

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow is still ready to receive Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky for negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict while Russia’s position on this issue has not changed

World thirsts for peace, growth — Xi

The Chinese leader noted that the world was undergoing unprecedented rapid changes, not seen in a century

FACTBOX: What to know about Eastern Economic Forum

The program of the 11th EEF includes over 70 business events, featuring panel sessions, roundtables, and business dialogues

Ozon sorting center comes under attack in Belgorod, several people injured

Employees were evacuated

Russia still open to talks on Ukraine, but there are no conditions for them — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov commented on whether President Vladimir Putin could discuss the possibility to continue the work of negotiating groups on Ukraine in Istanbul at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan

US to use Venezuelan oil to replenish its strategic reserves — Trump

The ‘topping out’ process will begin very shortly, and is a gift from Venezuela to the people of the United States, US President wrote on his Truth Social platform

Putin briefed on CIA director visit’s results — Kremlin spokesman

John Ratcliffe arrived in Russia on August 25

Russia ready to resume Arctic Council’s work, but if partners work in good faith — Lavrov

The foreign minister said Russia is also "prepared for the scenario currently being pursued by NATO countries within the organization," implying attempts to discuss issues without its participation

Man hijacks plane in Hungary, directs it toward Paks NPP — media

After being intercepted, the plane crashed onto a sunflower field

US convinced that Iceland referendum results to have no effect on NATO membership

Department of State spokesman Tommy Pigott said that the US is looking forward "to strengthening our partnership with Iceland on all fronts"

Energy cooperation always on agenda of Russian-Chinese contacts — Kremlin

This is mutually beneficial cooperation, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Blocking extradition of Ukrainian to prove Kiev’s fault in Nord Stream sabotage — lawmaker

According to Steffen Kotre, the Ukrainian military "does not have carte blanche to sabotage German or European energy infrastructure"

Russia advancing along entire frontline in special op’s zone — Kremlin spokesman

The dynamic is absolutely positive for Russia, Dmitry Peskov said

Zelensky speaks with US envoys over phone

According to the head of the Kiev regime, the parties discussed "setting a date for a visit to Ukraine"

Putin to travel to Bishkek to attend SCO summit

The Russian leader’s schedule includes attending the SCO Council of Heads of States, a meeting in the SCO+ format, and bilateral talks with his counterparts

IN BRIEF: What is known about detention of two Russians working for Ukraine in Crimea

According to the FSB, two Crimean residents were recruited by officers of the Ukrainian army’s special operations force via a popular messenger

US redirected 83 ships since resuming maritime blockade of Iran

The US military also disabled three and boarded two vessels

Jordan intercepts eight Iranian missiles — Petra news agency

The type of the missiles is unknown

Musk not letting Kiev use Starlink against Russia without White House’s consent — FT

According to the newspaper, the businessman explicitly stated his position in a conversation with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov

Going visa-free with China, Ukraine peace: Putin meets with China, India leaders

The Russian leader stressed that Moscow was making efforts to end the Ukrainian conflict

Pentagon chief Hegseth considers running for president — NBC

But Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s assistant for public affairs, denied this, the TV channel said

Iran seeks peaceful settlement of conflict with US, not continuation of war — president

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, there are forces in the US seeking to escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington to gain an advantage

Iceland’s current government not to initiate EU accession talks — PM

Kristrun Frostadottir said a referendum on resuming the negotiations cannot be held "every one or two years"

Putin to lay out Russia’s position on referendum on EU to Armenian PM — Kremlin

Each top-level contact is important, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Six drones taken down while approaching Moscow — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin says first responders are working on the crash site

CIA chief proposes Putin-Trump-Zelensky meeting during visit to Moscow — Axios

According to the news outlet, John Ratcliffe also sought to determine whether talks with Ukraine could be resumed with US mediation

Press review: CIA chief's Moscow visit raises questions as Russia warns UK of retaliation

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 28th

Ukrainian interceptor drones powerless against new Russian jet-powered UAVs — newspaper

Welt TV correspondent Christoph Wanner stated that Ukraine "has not yet kept pace with the development of these technologies for its own interceptor drones," and "the problems are now evident"

EU preparations for State Duma election provocations, plans to null results — SVR

According to the intelligence service, the West has mobilized "all the ‘weapons’ from the arsenal of anti-Russian aggression" to destabilize the country ahead of the elections

Ukrainians blame authorities for storing ammunition in residential areas — media

International human rights organizations earlier reported that Ukrainian authorities use kindergartens and residential buildings to deploy military equipment

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Kherson Region

The Russian Aerospace Forces struck the enemy with FAB-1500 and FAB-500 bombs

Maduro posts photo of him in prison

Venezuelan President addressed it to his grandchildren and children

241 people saved from sunken vessel off northern Cyprus — authorities

The search for 18 more continues

Two, killed, two wounded in US strike on Iran’s Larak island — agency

According to the report by Tasnim, no official comments are available at the moment

Russia struck energy, transport infrastructure used in Ukrainian army’s interests

Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 766 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and seven smart bombs over the past 24 hours, the Defense Ministry reported