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Trump plans first meeting with Delcy Rodriguez on UNGA sidelines — Axios

No final decision on the meeting has been made, the news portal said

WASHINGTON, September 18. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump plans to hold his first meeting with Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Axios reported.

According to the outlet, Trump wants to carve out time to meet with Rodriguez on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week. However, a US administration source stressed that no final decision on the meeting has been made and that it depends on the president.

Axios noted that some members of the US president’s inner circle believe that a potential meeting with Rodriguez could undermine her position in Venezuela, as she could appear to be an American puppet. Trump, according to the outlet, does not share these concerns.

The UN General Assembly’s high-level general debate, attended by heads of state and government and foreign ministers, will be held at the UN headquarters in New York on September 22-26 and September 28. The Russian delegation to the session will be headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

On January 3, the United States attacked civilian and military facilities in Venezuela, captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and took them out of the country. On January 5, they appeared before the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. They face charges related to drug trafficking. Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty. Rodriguez, who served as Venezuela’s executive vice president under Maduro, is currently serving as interim president.

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United States Venezuela Donald Trump

Europeans increasingly voice support for Russia distrusting Western media — de Gaulle

Head of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship Among Peoples Pierre de Gaulle noted that people no longer believe the mainstream media and understand perfectly well that they are being lied to

Bank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate to 84.5 rubles for September 18

The official euro exchange rate has been raised by 37.09 kopecks to 97.4984 rubles

Three civilians killed, 10 injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR in past day

A residential property, three civilian infrastructure facilities, special equipment and diesel locomotives were also damaged

US starts dismantling air defense systems in northern Iraq ahead of troop withdrawal — TV

US forces have begun withdrawing heavy military equipment from the autonomous region in northern Iraq, the TV channel said

Central Bank, government efforts to curb inflation yielding results — Putin

Speaking at a meeting on economic issues, the head of state noted that Russia's annual inflation slowed to 6.2% as of September 14, marking a significant drop compared to the same period last year

Oil refinery fire in Yaroslavl Region, 641 drones: aftermath of attack on Russian regions

An electrical substation was damaged by falling debris, causing power outages in four districts of Rostov-on-Don

Three Russians to compete at 2026 ISU Denis Ten Memorial event in Kazakhstan

The 2026 ISU Denis Ten Memorial Challenge will run from October 7-10

Over 116,000 public observers prepared to monitor Russian elections — Civic Chamber

A total of 2,634 in-person events were held across Russian regions to prepare and train public observers, Alexey Peskov said

Canada formally applies to join northern Europe’s military initiative

The prime ministers of Canada and the UK also agreed during their meeting to deepen cooperation on frontier technologies, including development and use of AI

Trump says to discuss Iran with regional allies at UN

The US president intends to meet with representatives of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman

Kiev authorities lost control over Ukrainian security forces — underground resistance

According to the source, citizens "can only watch as the agencies figure out who’s in charge"

Trump reports 'major progress' on establishing US Army base in Poland

"This will be a historic step," the US president said

India to take necessary measures following US adoption of Russia-Iran sanctions act — MFA

According to the statement, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security

Russia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesman

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

Trump hopes war with Iran about to end

The US president says that the Iranian side had expressed a desire to strike a peace deal

US may stop trade with EU if Canada becomes associated member — Trump

The US president said the response will depend on whether he thinks "it’s a hostile act"

Kremlin comments on US 'sanctions from hell,' their impact on Ukrainian settlement

The Kremlin is monitoring how the situation around the bill passed by the House of Representatives on US "sanctions from hell" on Russian oil and gas exports last night will unfold

Europeans increasingly voice support for Russia distrusting Western media — de Gaulle

Head of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship Among Peoples Pierre de Gaulle noted that people no longer believe the mainstream media and understand perfectly well that they are being lied to

White House develops strategy for post-war containment of Iran — Axios

The plan, still in the early stages of drafting, is intended to guide the US approach to the Middle East after the Iran war ends and in the final two years of Trump's term

Russia to present report on provocation in Bucha during UN General Assembly

The Russian delegation will be headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

FACTBOX: Single Voting Day in Russia

Introduced in 2005, Single Voting Day is the designated voting date in Russia for elections at various levels

Slovak PM worried about 'pretext' in the making leading to major NATO-Russia conflict

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly stated that Moscow has no intention of attacking Western countries and no reason to do so

Ukraine loses about 1,260 troops in special military op zone in past day — top brass

The Russian army struck three dry cargo ships and a ferry used to deliver military cargo to Ukrainian troops in the port of Chernomorsk in the Odessa Region, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian special forces commander calls demographic situation in Ukraine critical

The Ukrainian people will probably hardly be able to recover from such losses, Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov said

Bears kill ten people in Russia since start of year

A bear attacked a man in the village of Khurtaga in the Shukhalan locality of the Buryatia Region on September 7

Provocations targeting Russian polling stations already underway — Zakharova

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman pointed out that the enormous flow of disinformation has been launched

Russia's annual inflation slows to 6.2% as of September 14 — Putin

Speaking at a meeting on economic issues, the head of state noted that consumer price growth has been on a downward trend since the second quarter of last year

Trump threatens to cut trade ties with Europe after interest rate hike

The US president said that Washington is carrying European nations with a $200 billion trade deficit

North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible — politician

Kim Yo Jong said that denuclearization demands will have no effect on Pyongyang’s plans to defend its national interests

Russian Emergencies Ministry Il-76 crew honored in Serbia for fighting wildfires

It has made 65 sorties and dropped 130 loads of water totaling 2,730 metric tons

West stands to gain from breaking Russia, Belarus apart — Lukashenko

He said that it is not Belarus, but the resource·rich lands further to the east that are the main target of the Western elites

Cosmonauts aboard ISS address Russians on first day of elections

Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov noted that people are electing for the next several years a key element of the system of representative government, those who will largely determine the development of Russia

US seeks to sell Saudi Arabia 48 fighter jets for $24.3 bln

For each fighter jet, the United States will provide a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine, as well as one additional spare engine, along with secure communications, navigation, and encryption equipment

First polling stations for State Duma elections open in Kamchatka and Chukotka

The elections will be monitored by 385 public observers on the peninsula

Tribunal says has evidence Ukraine deliberately killed own citizens

Chairman Maxim Grigoryev added that in this respect Ukraine had "surpassed" Hitler and Goebbels

Russia to raise issue of Bucha falsification on OSCE platform — permanent representative

"The report will definitely be presented in Hofburg," Dmitry Polyansky said

Iran never to capitulate, already controls military situation in region — journalist

Brazilian international journalist and Eurasian geopolitical analyst Pepe Escobar said that the war is impossible to settle

Ukraine’s NABU, SAPO have 1,000 hours of recordings on Zelensky, associates — Azarov

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov stressed that active work on Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle has begun

White House considers deals with Russia before Ukraine conflict ends — NYT

According to the newspaper, such agreements could show the seriousness of Washington’s intention to reset relations with Moscow

Russia presents report proving Kiev staged Bucha incident

The report includes documents, unveiling the truth behind the event, as well as eyewitness testimony

German chancellor says unconditional transatlantic friendship may be over

Friedrich Merz stressed that Germany should seize the opportunity now emerging

Iran proposes suspending IAEA Board membership for US — statement

Jointly with Israel, the US "conducted 18 waves of attacks against Iran’s peaceful safeguarded nuclear facilities," the Iranian diplomats added

New US sanctions bill puts Russia's trade partners in crosshairs — RSPP deputy head

Despite the threat, Alexander Murychev noted that Russian businesses have already adapted to ongoing restrictions

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements at a cabinet meeting on economic issues

As of September 14, inflation stood at 6.2%, which is noticeably lower than last year's level, the Russian leader said

Russia says report on Bucha falsification to be submitted to international courts

A report on the falsification of events in Bucha will be submitted to the Russian law enforcement agencies, international courts, and organizations, Maria Zakharova said

Russian forces strike metallurgical, energy facilities in Kiev, Zaporozhye, Odessa Region

The Russian military also struck vessels supporting the Ukrainian army

West actively prepares for war against Russia, spreads myth of Russian threat — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minster added that Western countries accuse Moscow of undermining European values

Russia calls on the West at UN to halt dangerous actions regarding Iran

Vasily Nebenzya noted that the only way to resolve disputes is through "political and diplomatic efforts based on taking into account the interests of all parties and the legitimate rights of Tehran"

Russia now has every right to end Ukrainian conflict on its terms — Brazilian expert

According to Pepe Escobar, "NATO has unleashed a terrorist war" against Russia, as due to Western action "Russian civilian infrastructure and civilians are being attacked"

Slovak PM announces plans to visit Ukraine on Friday

Robert Fico shared that his visit will last several hours after which he will return home on Friday night, without elaborating

Putin extends 2014 food embargo until 2029

The food embargo, introduced in response to the unfriendly actions of the West, applies to products from the US, the EU, Australia, Norway, and Canada

Iran summons German ambassador over alleged interference in domestic affairs

During the meeting, the Iranian Foreign Ministry official rejected what he called unfounded statements by German chancellor Friedrich Merz concerning Tehran and strongly protested Berlin’s "unfounded and destructive approach" to regional developments

Iran’s UN mission objects to US designation for IAEA Board membership

According to the Iranian delegation, having the United States on the global nuclear body’s Board "would create a structural conflict of interest," undermine its neutrality, and further erode confidence in the IAEA itself

Europe gives little thought to Ukraine's fate in attempt to hurt Russia — diplomat

Dmitry Polyansky said that European politicians are doing everything they can to undermine any efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict

Trump says to make 'big decision' on Iran as war at pivotal point

The US president said the United States "is approaching a critical juncture in the Iran war over whether to restart massive attacks in an effort to bring the conflict to a close"

Russian forces strike metallurgical enterprises, Ukraine’s energy facilities

The Russian army also hit Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, the Defense Ministry reported

NATO member states plot aggression against Russia by 2029/2030 — diplomat

"Europe makes no secret of the fact that it is modernizing the airport network, logistics, railway crossings and bridges as well as their integration into the so-called military Schengen system that is subordinated to a long-term military confrontation with Russia," Yulia Zhdanova said

US issues visas to Iran’s president, foreign minister to participate in UN session — AP

The Iranian delegation is smaller than last year

F·16 fighter jet crashes in Michigan — TV

The aircraft’s pilot was hospitalized and is in stable condition

US not to levy tariffs on China before Trump meets Xi — Bloomberg

Donald Trump assumes that the Chinese leader will arrive in Washington on September 24

Kiev sponsors' role, no UN response: Russian diplomat on Bucha

Maria Zakharova noted that the UN secretary-general became part of the Bucha provocation by playing along with the anti-Russian campaign

Russia projects 2% budget deficit even under conservative oil price estimate — Putin

Opening a meeting on the economy, the head of state noted that this fiscal gap remains manageable under the current macroeconomic assumptions

Russian stock market closes lower as major indices drop within 2%

The MOEX Index slid 1.57% to close at 2,248.87 points, while the RTS Index fell 1.97% to 838.3 points

Air defenses down another 15 drones flying toward Moscow

A total of 35 UAVs have been destroyed on approach to the Russian capital

Ukraine's economy loses $22-$44 mln per hour during air raid downtime — minister

Alexander Kravchenko noted that there are days when alerts last for over 20 hours, adding that during the final week of August, the country racked up more than 58 hours of air raid warnings

Azov militants passed off as civilians allegedly killed in Bucha — Ukraine tribunal

Maxim Grigoriyev noted that the memorial plaques in Bucha list the names of the people who were not residents of the city and were members of the Azov unit

Ebola outbreak shows encouraging signs of improvement — WHO

A total of 903 patients showing symptoms of the disease are currently in hospitals and medical isolation facilities

US ready to approve delivery of ten missiles for Patriot from Germany to Ukraine

"Ukraine seeks to acquire these systems to bolster its air defense capability against ongoing Russian attacks," and "Ukraine already possesses munitions of the same type," the State Department added

IN BRIEF: Top Russian diplomat on West preparing for war, Moscow’s response to challenges

Europe’s support for the Nazi regime in Kiev is a disgrace, Sergey Lavrov said

Trump needs to decide what to do with US troops in Middle East — Axios

According to the report, the US president previously ordered the army to maintain the current troop levels in the Middle East until the end of the year to remain prepared for a possible resumption of full·scale combat operations against Iran

Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying Progress MS-35 cargo spacecraft lifts off from Baikonur

According to Roscosmos, the spacecraft is scheduled to approach and dock with the Poisk module of the International Space Station’s Russian segment on September 19

Press review: EU eyes Russian assets as Ukraine corruption scandal erodes Western trust

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 15th

NATO recon aircraft flying over Poland parallel to Kaliningrad Region border

The source noted that while the aircraft typically operates in the Baltic region and can circle the Russian territory, its Thursday’s flight path is quite rare

Western professionals flee Kiev army, untrained mercenaries fill this niche — Russian MFA

Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large, said that professionals decided to flee because they realized it was "by no means a safari-like adventure"

Russian forces tightening Ukrainian troops’ encirclement in Volchansk — defense source

According to the source, many Ukrainian soldiers have already begun to surrender

State Department admits US troops face Arctic gear problems

Julia Nesheiwat, nominee for US Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic, said Washington still lacks the necessary capabilities in the region

Russia viewed positively by 95% of participants in International Festival of Youth

According to Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration and chairman of the festival’s organizing committee, almost 70% speak about their attitude in excellent terms

NATO rehearsing scenarios for blockading Kaliningrad, isolating St. Petersburg — MFA

According to Yulia Zhdanova, NATO’s drive to escalate tensions around the Kaliningrad Region was confirmed the previous day by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who called on the alliance to step up exercises near the Russian region’s border

Top Russian security official comments on Western plans in South Caucasus, Armenia crisis

Sergey Shoigu noted that Western countries are only out to tap the resources of the South Caucasus

UK chief of Defense Staff says Russia noticeably boosted its military might

Richard Knighton added that the global security situation is "getting more dangerous"

Three-day voting in Russia’s State Duma elections begins in Phuket

Russian Consul General in Phuket Egor Ivanov said that "around 40,000 tourists from Russia currently arrive on the island each month during the low season"

Ukrainian forces attack DPR settlements 31 times over past day, casualties reported

Three civilians were killed and 15 wounded, including four children

AUKUS should be directed against Russia as well — UK envoy

According to Stephen Lovegrove, London is calling on Washington and Canberra to consider the Euro-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific regions together in this regard

Russia immediately declared in 2022 that events in Bucha were provocation — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recalled that after the falsification, Bucha became a "place of pilgrimage" for Western leaders, heads of international organizations and Western journalists

Putin outlines Russia's 2027 federal budget priorities

"An absolute priority for the federal budget must be the fulfillment of the state's social obligations, ensuring the safety of citizens, and strengthening Russia's defense capabilities," the Russia leader noted

Russian tanks outperform Western counterparts in all conditions — Russian soldier

The senior armored group instructor from the Russian Battlegroup South said that Russian tanks perform more effectively in freezing temperatures and demonstrate high off-road mobility

Situation in Kiev looks like regime’s end is near — French colonel

People in Ukraine are being snatched off the streets to be sent to the front with virtually no training, Herve Carresse said

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen almost 40 times over day, Houthis claim

Iran thanks Russia, China for vetoing US anti-Iran sanctions resolution at UN

Iranian diplomats also thanked Somalia and Pakistan, which abstained from voting on the US-drafted resolution

Russia won’t go for truce without tackling root causes of Ukraine crisis — envoy to OSCE

Dmitry Polyansky pointed out that Moscow's conditions for halting the hostilities are well known and remain unchanged

Kiev’s attempts to disrupt election campaign in Russia fail — OSCE envoy

Dmitry Polyansky said that Kiev sought to turn the Russian people against the government and disrupt the upcoming parliamentary vote by targeting facilities inside Russia with drones and missiles

First voters arrive at polling stations as elections begin in Russia

Video surveillance footage shows voters approaching election commission members’ desks within the first minutes after polling stations opened

EU, NATO risk turning hybrid war against Russia into traditional one — envoy to OSCE

Dmitry Polyansky noted that the combat potential is also increasing in the European Union itself

EU to transfer 3.3 bln euros to Ukraine for missiles, drones on September 18

European Commission President Von der Leyen also recalled that the EU approved funding for Patriot systems for Ukraine

Expert says Moldova seeks to bring Gagauzia, Transnistria under control with Kiev’s help

"In fact Gagauzia has found itself in a situation similar to that of Transnistria, as the conflict in Ukraine has cut the regions off from external partners that have traditionally maintained the balance of power," Igor Ivanenko said

Russia hopes Europe has taken notice of warning about 'other, very short war' — Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat pointed to the fact that it was Europe that was regularly voicing claims about its preparations for a possible war

NATO already concerned by Von der Leyen’s security initiatives — Politico

NATO diplomats told the newspaper that "the allies were not formally briefed by the EU" on the proposal

State Duma elections begin in Russia’s Siberian regions

Voting will take place at 1,852 polling stations

Russian diplomatic missions do everything to ensure security at polling stations abroad

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, staff are in contact "literally in real time" with "the center and, first and foremost, the Central Election Commission"

Situation in Reznikovka encirclement is at stalemate for Ukrainian forces — expert

Andrey Marochko said the Ukrainian military command is giving its personnel false information

Russia’s Su-57E fighter demonstrates exceptional flight range with internal tanks — Rostec

The state corporation noted that the flight was completed with a single stopover, after which the aircraft still had enough fuel for another 1,000 km