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BSW to seek lifting of anti-Russian sanctions if it enters parliament in northern Germany

BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht also said that the BSW party will launch an initiative to resume gas supplies via Nord Stream

BERLIN, September 18. /TASS/. The BSW party (formerly known as the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance - Reason and Justice Party) will launch an initiative to resume gas supplies via Nord Stream and lift sanctions against Russia if it enters the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht has stated.

"If BSW enters the state parliament in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, we will launch an initiative aimed at resuming the supply of competitively priced gas via Nord Stream and ending the senseless sanctions against Russia," she stressed in a post on her X social media account.

The elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will be held on September 20.

Trump believes Iran wants to make deal with US

The US president stated that if the deal is not a correct deal, he will not consider it

Putin votes remotely in State Duma elections

Over the past few years, the Russian president has preferred to cast his vote remotely

FSB thwarts sabotage attack on gas pipeline in North Caucasus

According to Russia’s Federal Security Service, the man, a native of Ukraine’s Chernigov Region, established contact with a Ukrainian Security Service officer in 2024

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 presents report proving Kiev staged Bucha incident

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

Soyuz-2.1b rocket successfully places satellite into orbit — Defense Ministry

The spacecraft was put into its target orbit at the scheduled time and was placed under control of ground-based assets of the Aerospace Forces’ Space Troops, the ministry reported

Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket successfully launched from Plesetsk spaceport — Defense Ministry

A combat crew of Space Troops of the Russian Aerospace Forces launched Soyuz-2.1b

Homes damaged in southern Russia as air defenses down 629 drones overnight

Over five private houses and eight apartment buildings were damaged in the southern Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar said

Russians’ level of trust in Putin exceeds 74% — pollster

The Russian government’s work is approved by 48.3% of respondents

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

Georgia says EU hybrid attack reason of Namakhvani HPP project failure

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili noted that after the project failed, Turkish company ENKA turned to international arbitration, creating the risk that the Georgian authorities may have to pay the company $400 million in compensation

Provocations targeting Russian polling stations already underway — Zakharova

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

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"

FACTBOX: Single Voting Day in Russia

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

French journalist who launched inquest into Brigitte Macron’s sex reported dead

According to journalist Xavier Poussard, Natacha Rey died of cancer

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

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

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

The Iranian delegation is smaller than last year

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

The Russian military also struck vessels supporting the Ukrainian army

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

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

Geran drones destroy Ukrainian radar stations, electronic warfare system

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that a P-19MA radar station and a dome electronic warfare system had been destroyed

German chancellor says unconditional transatlantic friendship may be over

Friedrich Merz stressed that Germany should seize the opportunity now emerging

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

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

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

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

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

Kremlin makes announcement on Russia's Nestle assets, aircraft deal in briefing

For now, the decision concerns only the introduction of external management of the Russian assets of Auchan, Lemana Pro and Nestle, Dmitry Peskov said

Russian forces conduct two massive, five group strikes on targets in Ukraine in past week

Russian forces struck a Nova Post logistics hub near Odessa used to store military supplies from Europe overnight, the Defense Ministry said

Kremlin says transfer of Nestle assets took into account unfriendly states involved

Dmitry Peskov said these are unfriendly countries that are actively involved in military operations against Russia

Kremlin spokesman denies rumors of plans to mobilize 300,000 by year-end

Dmitry Peskov said that there are no such plans

EC to disburse 3.3 bln euros in defense funding to Ukraine — von der Leyen

The EC president claimed that Europe will continue to deliver the support Ukraine needs to defend its people and its territory

Tribunal says has evidence Ukraine deliberately killed own citizens

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

Russia expands entry blacklist of EU officials in response to 21st sanctions package

Reacting to the EU’s unlawful decision, Russia has significantly expanded its list of officials from European institutions, EU member states and European countries supporting Brussels’ anti-Russian policy who are banned from entering Russia

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

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"

FACTBOX: Russian Foreign Ministry summons UK charge d'affaires

The British side was presented with "a list of international obligations it is violating by supporting Kiev"

Putin comments on modernizing Russia's airports, supply of new passenger jets to Aeroflot

The signing of the contract on supply of MS-21-310 aircraft to Aeroflot marks a significant step in the development of Russia’s aviation industry, the Russian leader said

Air defenses down another 15 drones flying toward Moscow

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

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

French politicians’ claims about Russia’s weakness absurd, false — de Gaulle

Pierre de Gaulle noted that Russia’s economy grew by 10% between 2023 and 2025 and that the Russian Armed Forces control more than 20% of the territory of the former Ukraine

F·16 fighter jet crashes in Michigan — TV

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

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

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

Poland joins anti-ballistic missile coalition for Ukraine — Tusk

Back in July, the Polish prime minister said that Warsaw needed time to assess whether its defense capabilities would allow it to join the initiative

Representatives from over 150 countries to attend World Public Assembly

The two-day discussion will focus on "values that can serve as a foundation for trust and cooperation in the emerging multipolar world while preserving the cultural and civilizational diversity of peoples"

Russian Foreign Ministry calls EU detention of vessels maritime piracy

According to Russia’s senior official at the Arctic Council, Vladislav Maslennikov, it is absolutely clear that Brussels is not ready for the dialogue

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

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

Kiev needs to end conflict to preserve Ukraine — former spokeswoman

Yulia Mendel also pointed to the difficult situation facing Ukrainian soldiers in the Dobropolye area in the Donetsk People’s Republic

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"

IN BRIEF: What is known about transfer of Auchan, Lemana Pro, Nestle assets in Russia

TASS has compiled the key facts known so far

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

West launches campaign to disrupt Russians’ voting — Zakharova

Maria Zakharova assured that the Russian Foreign Ministry "is in constant contact with all its missions abroad on this issue"

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

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

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

Washington could be putting itself at peril by helping allies develop missiles — expert

Dmitry Stefanovich pointed out that a number of US allies in Asia and Europe are moving to develop or acquire their own missile systems with comparable capabilities

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

First State Duma polling stations in Southern Federal District open in Astrakhan Region

The Astrakhan Region election commission said that voters in the region are electing not only State Duma deputies but also deputies to the Astrakhan Region Duma

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

Russian Geran-4 Seeker UAVs hit two dry cargo ships at Odessa port on September 17

The strikes were launched to limit the enemy’s ability to transport weapons and military equipment, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

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"

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

UK’s Ukraine policy weakens prospects for peaceful settlement — Russian MFA

"It was pointed out that through large-scale supplies of long-range offensive weapons, London was putting itself in the position of an accomplice to the Kiev regime’s brutal atrocities," the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed

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

Putin on Russia’s defense industry leadership, uninterrupted arms supplies to forces

Russia produces unique weapons that are rightly considered among the most reliable and effective in the world, the Russian leader said

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

Ukrainian forces suffer record losses — Polish prime minister

Donald Tusk added that if this trend continues, the winter in Ukraine "could indeed prove catastrophic"

Russia, China working out contingencies should US deploy 'Golden Dome' -—expert

According to Dmitry Stefanovich, the final configuration of the US system and its potential effectiveness remain unclear for now

Voting conditions in Germany far from normal in Russia’s State Duma elections — ambassador

Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev pointed out that the situation is complicated not only by the reduction in the number of polling stations, but also by the unfavorable anti-Russian rhetoric being artificially fueled in Germany

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

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

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

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

Press review: US sanctions bill may hamper Ukraine talks as Russian parliament vote opens

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 18th

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

F-16 fighter jet that crashed in US struck bird beforehand — NYP

Following the incident, local authorities ordered an evacuation within a one-mile radius of the fighter jet’s wreckage

West's toying with nuclear weapons causes particular concern — Russian Foreign Ministry

A recent development adding to this picture was Finland joining the French nuclear deterrence initiative, the statement reads

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

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

Russian MFA lodges protest to British charge d'affaires over weapons supplies to Kiev

During the demarche, Russia emphasized that "the highly confrontational Ukraine policy the United Kingdom pursues is clearly aimed at prolonging and escalating the conflict to the greatest extent possible"

Hungary intends to phase out Russian gas by October 2027 — minister

Hungarian Minister of Economy and Energy Istvan Kapitany noted that Hungary’s gas needs can and will be met from other sources

State Duma elections begin in Russia’s Siberian regions

Voting will take place at 1,852 polling stations

Ukraine has passed point of no return regarding demographics — expert

Demographic disintegration began even before the conflict, Alexey Kushch said

Europe's population is being persuaded war with Russia inevitable — Pepe Escobar

Pepe Escobar said the situation is "complex" and "depends on European political elites, who are full of warmongers"

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

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

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

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

Elections on single voting day kicks off in Russia’s Central Federal District

The single voting day to elect lawmakers to the 9th Russian State Duma is taking place on September 18-20

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

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

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

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

Three civilians were killed and 15 wounded, including four children

Russian MFA urges Japan to heed call to remove US Typhon systems — spokeswoman

Maria Zakharova stressed that Russia deemed Japan’s forward deployment of the above-mentioned systems on its territory unacceptable under any pretext

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

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

FACTBOX: Attacks on remote e-voting system, rise in fake news amid elections in Russia

Over 1.6 million people have cast their ballots remotely in the elections in Moscow in six out of 60 voting hours, according to data from the Public Election Monitoring Center in Moscow

Two European refineries to get no oil from Saudi Aramco in October — agency

Deliveries will not take place due to strikes by the Yemeni rebel movement on the Saudi East-West pipeline

Aeroflot, Rostec sign contract for delivery of 90 MC-21 aircraft

The contract became the largest in the history of Russian civil aviation

External forces seek to use Georgia, Ukraine for their own interests — official

Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze emphasized that the opposition is engaged in hostile activities against the country

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