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Poll finds 45% of voters in eastern Germany support AfD, while only 12% back Merz's party

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens each receive 9% support

BERLIN, September 9. /TASS/. Support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is surging in Germany’s eastern states, reaching 45% and putting it 30 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, The Left, at 15%, according to a survey by polling institute Forsa commissioned by RTL and NTV.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, is backed by just 12% of respondents in eastern Germany. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens each receive 9% support, while the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) stands at 5%.

Merz’s approval ratings are also particularly low in the east: only 7% of respondents say they are satisfied with his performance, while 91% express dissatisfaction.

The survey was conducted from September 1 to 7 among 2,502 respondents.

White House may reduce role of Witkoff, Kushner in Ukraine’s peace process — FT

According to the newspaper, the White House has long been examining the possibility of reforming its negotiating team after the peace process stalled

West wanted to dismember Russia to plunder its wealth, Lavrov says

The Russian foreign minister noted that the West miscalculated

Putin, Aliyev agree by telephone to intensify Moscow-Baku contacts

The Kremlin press service reported that the heads of state "discussed a number of pressing issues"

Russia observed three-day moratorium on using force over US envoys’ visit to Kiev

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow on September 5 and Kiev on September 6

Russia’s grain harvest totals 113.5 mln tons year-to-date

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev’s office reported that this volume significantly exceeds last year’s results

US envoys Witkoff, Kushner search for results in Ukrainian conflict settlement — Lavrov

They visited Moscow on September 5 and Kiev on September 6

Russia, North Korea to continue strengthening strategic partnership, Putin tells Kim

"Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have always been based on the principles of friendship, good-neighborliness, and mutual assistance," the Russian president noted

Ukrainian checkpoint on border with Moldova suspends operations — State Border Service

Military cargo for the Ukrainian armed forces is being delivered from Romania via international checkpoints in the Odessa region, transiting through Moldova

Iran strikes two US destroyers with ballistic missiles — IRGC

According to the statement, the strikes inflicted significant damage on the ships

Top US diplomat says steps toward Ukraine settlement could emerge in coming weeks

Marco Rubio added that the US "has always been willing to play the role of a mediator"

Copper price hits all-time high on Comex

The price was up by 2.85% at $6.873 per pound

Abu Dhabi as venue for talks, Ukraine peace roadmap: Kremlin aide’s statements

Yury Ushakov said that Moscow and Washington discussed the possibility of resuming contacts with Ukraine on a peaceful settlement, including trilateral talks

European economy threatened by decline of region’s carmakers — FT

The newspaper quoted Francisco Riberas, chair and founder of Gestamp, who said that the automotive industry is the anchor for many other industries

Putin gave Trump objective analysis of special military operation — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov added that Vladimir Putin presented Russia's view of the prospects for progress on the battlefield

Russian stocks close mixed on Tuesday

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble lost 13 kopecks to 12.75 rubles

Defense industry facilities, logistics centers in Kiev region: targets of Russian strikes

Russian forces struck the Kiev-based Reinforced Concrete Structure Plant No. 1 in Kiev

EU clears Ukraine loan derogation for Patriot interceptors, NATO chief announces

Mark Rutte welcomed the agreement by the EU member states

Kremlin expects Russia-US-Ukraine meeting in foreseeable future — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov also rejected the possibility of an imminent road map for settlement

Air defenses intercept 107 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions

They were destroyed over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Krasnodar and Moscow Regions, the Republic of Crimea and over the Black Sea

Russia, China to expand AI cooperation — Russian diplomat

"China has established a compelling international platform for interaction, framing it as an 'organization,' and Russia has supported this initiative," Maria Zakharova said

Russia to achieve its goals on battlefield if West rejects compromise — Lavrov

"If Western diplomacy boils down to holding back countries that put forward reasonable, balanced, compromise initiatives, then so be it," the Russian foreign minister said

Replication of talks on Ukraine’s possible NATO membership out of question — Lavrov

The foreign minister said that Russia had already responded to this scenario, stating that any people in military uniform and deployment of any military facilities would be a legitimate target

Saudi Arabia carries out over 30 airstrikes on Yemen — Houthis

According to the report, the strikes targeted the governorates of Al-Jawf, Marib, Al-Hodeidah, and Taiz

IN BRIEF: Kremlin comments on accusations from Merz, Ukraine peace, Japanese militarism

Dmitry Peskov criticized attempts to blame Russia for everything as an expression of Russophobia that could turn into "a persecution mania"

IN BRIEF: Situation around Hungary's expulsion of ten Russian diplomats

Russia’s "response to the Russophobic lobby in Budapest will be harsh and painful," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Zelensky's 'aerial blackmail' tantamount to attempt to sow chaos — Russian MFA

Zelensky's statements exposed the terrorist nature of the Kiev regime, Maria Zakharova said

US strikes targets near Iran’s Kharg Island, Jask — reporter

According to Jennifer Griffin, the targets included Iranian oil tankers

Lavrov defends Putin’s warning to potential aggressors

The Russian president previously said that if someone tries to "devour" Russia, they can expect to "get hit in the teeth"

Top German diplomat says Kiev must pay greater attention to Berlin's economic interests

Johann Wadephul explained that Germany should benefit from providing Ukraine with the largest share of financial and military support

US imposes sanctions against 35 companies for supporting Iran’s aviation sector

The companies are based in Iran, the UAE, the UK, Malaysia, Turkey, and Kazakhstan

US-Russia dialogue critically important for peace in Ukraine — US congresswoman

Anna Paulina Luna stressed that such a dialogue should be open

Innoprom. India International Industrial Exhibition begins in New Delhi

The plenary session, titled "Enhancing Russian-Indian Trade and Industrial Partnership: Towards Greater Self-Reliance," will be the central event of the exhibition’s business program

Logistics centers, cargo terminal, warehouses hit: group strikes by Russian Armed Forces

Ukrainian media reported explosions overnight and on Wednesday morning in Kiev, Nikolayev, Romny in the Sumy Region, and in Kharkov

General Assembly session kicks off at UN headquarters

During the meeting, which lasted just under an hour, UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman addressed delegations on the session’s priorities

AfD co-leader speaks out against supplying Ukraine with drones used to strike Russia

Responding to a question about the lifting of sanctions against Russia, Tino Chrupalla emphasized that "sanctions in any form are pointless"

Iran seizes US Dive-LD underwater drone in Strait of Hormuz — IRGC

The drone has been in service with the US Navy since 2025

Hysteria following Leipzig drone incident is planned escalation — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the widespread dissemination of baseless, false, and even absurd accusations has become a mandatory element of the information war against Russia

NATO preparing for protracted confrontation with Russia — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova specified that NATO’s plans to build up military potential indicate a transition from limited deterrence to preparation for a potential protracted military actions

Europe spends budget money on defense, despite domestic problems — Lavrov

The jingoist circles are simply working in their own interests, the Russian foreign minister said

Russia open to resolution-oriented talks, no ultimatums — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the American negotiators - Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner - are addressing the problem rather than demanding something that is unfair and impossible

Russia's Safonov nominated for 2026 Lev Yashin Trophy

The awarding event will take place on October 26 in London

Vucic says will dissolve parliament on September 9, elections will be held on October 25

Both decisions will be announced on Wednesday at noon, the Serbian president says

Lavrov says EU has turned into NATO-like military bloc

The Russian foreign minister commentied on Ukraine’s European integration plans

Iran carries out missile strikes on Jordan airbases hosting US forces — TV

According to sources cited by SNN, At least 20 missiles were launched at two airbases

Lavrov finds allegations that Russia going to attack Europe 'absurd'

The foreign minister also believes that Europe will not attack Russia in the meantime

New US sanctions against Russia sit awkwardly with sentiments at negotiations — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that Washington still continue extending all sanctions imposed by then-President of the US Joe Biden and the Biden Congress

Knyaz Vandal drones have no counterparts worldwide — special op participant

Timur Syrtlanov emphasized that the special military operation had given a powerful impetus to the development of the domestic military-industrial complex

US envoys leave Kiev in shock over Zelensky entourage’s behavior — lawmaker

Anna Skorokhod recalled that David Arakhamia, the head of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Servant of the People party, was wearing a "Kiev regime" T-shirt while speaking with the US envoys

Import pressure on Russian steel market persists — Severstal

According to Director of Severstal Distribution Viktor Romanovsky, the situation is more challenging in the finished products segment

Russian air defenses down 12 smart bombs, 713 Ukrainian drones over past day

Ukraine has lost approximately 1,285 troops in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Battlegroup South infantry begins assault on Druzhkovka — Russian Defense Ministry

According to the report, the units are operating according to a standard plan

Russia’s defense chief reaffirms strategic status of partnership with Tajikistan

Andrey Belousov said it at a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of the republic’s independence

Top US diplomat describes Ukraine talks in Moscow, Kiev as substantive

Marco Rubio commented on a trip to Russia and Ukraine by US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner

Russia to propose business forum with Germany, US and AfD in 2027 — envoy

Kirill Dmitriev said the main goal of the event is to "revive business dialogue and bring common sense back"

Iran to use proceeds from Hormuz Strait to improve living standards — lawmaker

Hassan Ghashghavi said that the revenues will be channeled to provide food vouchers, strengthen the country’s defense and infrastructure capabilities, as well as to improve the standard of living of military personnel

Europe to purchase more Patriot missiles for Ukraine by winter — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, the countries are currently finalizing their plan to use NATO’s program known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List

Shootouts in Kiev due to SBU, GUR fighting over influence in illegal business — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, the special services, which were supposed to safeguard Ukraine's integrity and constitutional order, have violated all existing international practices

Putin, Trump hold telephone conversation

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov informed of the conversation between the Russian leader and his US counterpart

Ukrainian settlement requires communicating with Russia — US Treasury Secretary

Scott Bessent stated this while commenting on his meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov

US attacks another Iranian oil tanker — TV

According to Iran’s public broadcaster, the crew are currently rowing lifeboats to Jask

Expired missiles supplied to Ukraine could detonate at European bases — war correspondent

Alexander Kharchenko explained that expired missiles can explode on their own, without a command, as the munitions deteriorate with age

Russia will not stop execution of military tasks during negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

Moscow is open to negotiations, the Russian foreign minister said

Russian diplomat blasts IAEA chief for refusing to admit it's Kiev that attacks ZNPP

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Rafael Grossi had continued to shy away from the killings of this plant’s employees, the psychological pressure being put on their families and friends

Ukrainian drone attack on Krasnodar Region city kills four, injures 29 — governor

Veniamin Kondratyev said that Novorossiysk was the most targeted

Confidence in imminent victory, Putin’s visit to India: statements by Kremlin spokesman

Russia has to achieve its goals regarding Ukraine through a special military operation, although it would prefer to do so by peaceful means, Dmitry Peskov noted

Four people killed, 29 others injured in Novorossiysk, 596 UAVs: attack aftermath

As many as four people, including a child, were killed in a massive Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar Region

Russia’s Dan-T munition is export version of Banderole missile — expert

"One of the munition’s main competitive advantages is its significantly lower cost compared to Western counterparts," Alexander Stepanov said

Russia to emerge from Ukraine conflict even stronger militarily — RUSI report

Russia has shifted from relying on mass firepower to mass precision strikes

Putin may agree to participate in Russia-China-US Summit if such offer is made — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that such format of the summit cannot be considered as exclusive wish by the US, Chinese or Russian sides

Pentagon says NATO must be prepared for ‘protracted conflict’ in Ukraine

Elbridge Colby added that the authority "cannot predict" the duration of the conflict

Ukraine has lost all signs of independent subject of international relations — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said that "Ukraine, which we recognized as a legitimate entity in global politics, no longer exists"

Lavrov compares the West to 'a wounded beast that is becoming far more dangerous'

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that there can be no artificial preservation of Western dominance, which has lasted for over 500 years

Lebanese army intensifies operations in Nabatieh following Israeli airstrikes

According to its statement, the troops had earlier been deployed across all areas of southern Lebanon not occupied by Israel "to reassure residents"

Panic spreading in Ukraine over lack of winter preparedness, says Verkhovna Rada member

A day earlier, Anna Skorokhod said notices containing instructions for residents in the event of a potential collapse of essential services this winter had begun appearing in Kiev

Russian retaliatory strikes for Ukraine’s attacks carry graver consequences, Lavrov says

According to the Russian foreign minister, the end of Ukraine is not a happy one, so he feels sorry for Britain

Russia’s readiness for talks on Ukraine and EU’s attempts to derail them: Lavrov’s remarks

Russia is always ready for talks on Ukraine based on an understanding of the root causes of the crisis and aimed at reaching agreements to address them, the Russian foreign minister said

Ukrainian army carries out 53 attacks on DPR in past day, kills civilian

Thirteen people were injured

Russian military base in Tajikistan on standby to fight external threats — defense chief

Close cooperation to use it has been maintained, Andrey Belousov said

Millions of KVN fiber-optic drones delivered to Russia’s special op zone — developer

"To this day, the KVN’s effectiveness as a frontline strike drone has not diminished," Alexey Chadayev said

Kiev says Zelensky, Trump to hold in-person meeting in September

Vladimir Zelensky earlier told journalists that he wanted to meet with Donald Trump to discuss receiving ballistic missiles

Kalashnikov Group delivers another batch of precision air defense missiles to customer

The 9M333 anti-air missile is designed to engage aerial targets at any time of day in conditions involving the use of dropped, parachuted and modulated organized optical countermeasures

Lavrov says West's decision to militarize Arctic raises concern

The United States, the Norwegians and someone else over there have conducted exercises using a script overtly simulating a war with Russia, the Russian foreign minister said

Germany’s AfD leader calls for resumption of Russian gas supplies amid low storage

Alice Weidel stressed that gas injection must be the top priority

Lavrov recalls Putin’s words that if Europe attacks Russia, the war will be 'short'

The Russian foreign minister noted that the head of state repeated several times that Moscow is not going to attack several times

Some 1,700 Ukrainian troops encircled in Kharkov Region — Russia’s top brass

Over the past 24 hours, the enemy lost up to 40 troops, an armored combat vehicle, two pickup trucks and three quads

Press review: Canada hits back at US tariffs and Spain faces scrutiny over Russian claims

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 9th

Results of US envoys’ visits and EU speculations: Putin-Trump phone call

The phone call lasted for exactly one hour and was constructive and candid, Vladimir Putin’s aide Yury Ushakov said

Russia’s response to Ukrainian attacks, West’s strategic error: Lavrov’s statements

"The world is multipolar regardless, because America is weakening in terms of its weight in the global economy and, consequently, its influence in global politics," the Russian foreign minister said

US strikes Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island — agency

According to a report by Tasnim, no one was hurt

Russia interested in strengthening strategic partnership with Vietnam — PM

Mikhail Mishustin said the Russian government prioritizes the expansion of trade and economic cooperation with Vietnam and the promotion of joint projects in various spheres

West called for Ukraine ceasefire to quell massive Russian attacks — Lavrov

The foreign minister explained that Moscow had been responding fiercely to Kiev's attacks on Russian territory for some time

Putin to hold talks with Vietnamese President To Lam

The officials will discuss trade and economic relations, scientific and educational ties, humanitarian exchanges, and security and defense cooperation

Ukraine to use EU loan to purchase about 1,000 Patriot missiles — defense chief

According to the Ukrinform media outlet, Yevgeny Khmara specified that missile deliveries would largely begin in the coming years

INNOPROM India international industrial expo kicks off in New Delhi

The exposition features over 130 Russian and Indian participants

UAE warned Israeli PM of looming Hamas attack before October 7 — newspaper

Haaretz cites sources from a new book on the incident as saying that about ten days before the attack, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Benjamin Netanyahu to warn him that Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major attack on Israel

Kiev’s Azov battalion has no motivated soldiers left — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Azov fighters had lost steam, and Russian forces are now crushing what used to be elite units

Trump to address Republican convention in Dallas on September 9-10

The US president said that the event is attracting a lot of interest, but he would like "to save the ‘stage’" for candidates that are in tight races in the midterm elections

US Central Command claims to have destroyed five Iranian oil tankers

According to the US military, this was a response to IRGC attacks on US Navy warships twice over the past two days

Global oil market may face oversupply in foreseeable future — US Treasury chief

Scott Bessent did not rule out OPEC "falling apart"

Diplomat rejects US allegations of Chinese companies copying US AI technology

Liu Chang, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, urged the US to "discard bias" and "stop its containment on China’s sci-tech development"

Press review: Iran expands its naval war with US and EU blocks US ambitions in Greenland

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 8th