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Top US diplomat says Washington still set to facilitate end of Ukraine conflict — AFP

Marco Rubio emphasized that the United States is ready and willing to do everything in its power to facilitate the end of this war

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio AP Photo/Alex Brandon

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

© AP Photo/Alex Brandon

NEW DELHI, May 26. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is willing to continue to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict.

"The United States is ready and willing to do everything in its power to facilitate the end of this war, and we hope that the opportunity will present itself at some point," AFP quoted the top US diplomat as saying.

Rubio, currently on a visit to India, said that Ukraine peace consultations were not taking place and that there were currently no plans to hold any, Reuters reported.

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Ukraine crisis United States

Rubio to sign memo of understanding in Armenia on Tuesday — Department of State

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan and participate in the memo signing ceremony

Bulgarian parliament discussing lifting sanctions on Russia — legislator

Angel Georgiev noted that Bulgarian parliament has proposed lifting sanctions on Russian fuel, energy sanctions, and sanctions targeting the maintenance of MiG-29 aircraft

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make deal or open strait

Time is running out: 48 hours remain before all hell rains down on them, US President said

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Trump calls on several countries to normalize relations with Israel — Axios

The US leader expressed hope that after the end of the Iran conflict, countries that are not party to the Abraham Accords or do not have a peace treaty with Israel would normalize their relations with Tel Aviv

Russia-EU contacts depend on whether Brussels can reconsider its anti-Russian course — MFA

Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department of European affairs Vladislav Maslennikov noted that Moscow has not rejected dialogue with Europe

Captain confirms two mines planted near stern of Arrhenius vessel calling at Ust-Luga

According to Igor Loy, his ship operates between the ports of Ust-Luga and Antwerp

US president says new deal with Iran to be 'exact opposite' of JCPOA

The deal with Iran will either be a great and meaningful one, or there will be no deal, Donald Trump stated

Russia views Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention in Czechia as frame-job — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Russia demands Metropolitan Hilarion’s immediate unconditional release

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage"

Russia ratifies treaty on closer cooperation with South Ossetia

The two countries will take measures to harmonize the labor, social protection, and retirement benefits law, including on the issue of mutual recognition of work record

Russia sees water diplomacy as instrument to consolidate Eurasia — diplomat

Nikolay Lomakin recalled that forests, water and soil are interconnected resources, urging to protect and maintain them

Tanker with Iranian oil change course, heading to China — PTI

The change in the destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler, noted

Media outlets that refused to go to Starobelsk cannot be called unbiased — Kremlin

This decision does not add credibility to the information they provide, Dmitry Peskov said

Israel, US attack amusement park in central Iran

No information on casualties or damage has been reported yet

US-Israeli strike on humanitarian aid aircraft in western Iran reported

The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic called on all international bodies to take appropriate measures in response to this incident

Russian forces launching strikes on military-industrial complex sites in Kiev — MFA

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that "strikes will also be directed at decision-making centers and command posts"

Russia welcomes African countries’ plans to open embassies in Moscow — top diplomat

Sergey Lavrov stressed that broader Russian diplomatic presence on the continent helped to strengthen strategic cooperation with Africa

Putin signs laws admitting four new regions to Russia

One can obtain Russian citizenship after having taken the oath of allegiance, provided a relevant request has been filed beforehand

Russia to build 600 MW of energy storage units in 2026 — official

The pilot project on construction of 250 MW energy storage units is already being implemented in South Russia

What is known about Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention in Czech Republic

According to Metropolitan Hilarion’s attorney Michal Pacovsky, his client is suspected of drug possession

Roscosmos invites NASA chief to Russia

The US Senate unanimously voted to appoint Nelson to the post of NASA chief in late April

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

Russia meets almost third of needs of Brazil’s fertilizer market — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov said the Russian companies are implementing comprehensive investment projects

Russia uses Oreshnik weapon to strike Ukrainian military command posts

That was response to terrorist attacks by the Ukrainian military against civilian facilities located on the territory of the Russian Federation, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Pakistani army chief says Iran, US close to striking deal — Chinese foreign ministry

Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir pledged that Islamabad is sparing no effort to get a deal done between Tehran and Washington

Detailing thwarted terrorist attack on gas tanker arriving from Belgium at Ust-Luga port

During an underwater inspection of part of the gas carrier’s hull, divers discovered foreign objects attached to magnets near the engine room that resembled explosive devices

NATO to begin its 'Strike Back 26' military exercise in Bulgaria on May 26

The country’s Defense Ministry said the tactical exercise will be held with live firing at the Koren training area near the city of Haskovo

Serbian president may step down as Balkan nation faces protests

A major anti-government rally took place in Belgrade’s Slavija Square on the afternoon of May 23

Slovak PM says Kiev must 'move toward peace' to receive EU associate member status

Slovakia, in Robert Fico’s words, reacted with restraint to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to grant Kiev special status as an "associate member" of the community

Progress in talks on US-Iran deal slows down — WSJ

According to the newspaper, the US side is seeking clear nuclear guarantees from Tehran in advance, while Iran insists that Washingon be more precise regarding the sanctions relief process

Russia to help Africa consolidate its role in new multipolar world — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the continent’s economic and demographic trends, as well is its commitment to contribute to the resolution of the present-day pressing problems "determine Africa’s role as one of the pillars of the emerging polycentric world order"

Senior Russian diplomat, Azerbaijani ambassador discuss high-level contacts — MFA

The meeting included a detailed discussion of "the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, including the importance of fully restoring cultural and humanitarian ties"

Trade turnover between Russia, Brazil reaches $10.5 bln

The basis of trade is the supply of all types of Russian fertilizers and diesel fuel, Russian Ambassador to Brazil Alexey Labetsky said

Magnetic mines planted on vessel that arrived at Russia’s Ust-Luga port from Belgium — FSB

According to Russia’s Federal Security Service, the explosive devices were attached in the area of the engine room

Seven civilians killed, 15 wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during day

Four houses, four infrastructure facilities, and several transport vehicles were damaged

IN BRIEF: MFA's statements on systematic striking Kiev's MIC and warnings to foreigners

The Russian Foreign Ministry advised foreigners to leave Kiev as soon as possible and its residents not to approach military and administrative infrastructure sites

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe

Russia, Brazil in talks on long-term LNG contracts — minister

According to Maxim Reshetnikov, the negotiations enter the substantive stage

Kalashnikov to unveil newest Skat-220 drone at forum in Moscow Region

The new UAV is based on the Skat-350M drone, but has a smaller wingspan of 2.20 m and a lighter weight of 12 kg

Zelensky bemoans undersupply of US air defenses following warning from Russia’s MFA

Vladimir Zelensky pointed out that there has been no progress with America for a long time regarding the expansion of anti-ballistic production

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war

IN BRIEF: Bank of Russia says Visa, Mastercard should leave Russia

According to experts, the final withdrawal of Visa and Mastercard cards from Russia will be smooth and gradual, while users will calmly and progressively switch to Mir cards

US Justice Department slams May 23 shooting near White House as assassination attempt

According to media reports, the man, who opened fire approximately 150 meters from the White House, had mental health issues

Russia ready to increase supplies of coffee, tropical fruits from Brazil — minister

Maxim Reshetnikov said that Russia is also open to cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Rubio to sign memo of understanding in Armenia on Tuesday — Department of State

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan and participate in the memo signing ceremony

US interested in calling on Arab nations to help pay for cost of Iran operation — official

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Import-substituted Ka-226T helicopter completed maiden flight — Rostec

Further to the new engine, the helicopter has the upgraded avionics and control system installed on its board

NATO forces intercept missile presumably launched from Iran — Turkish Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, "all necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at Turkey's territory and airspace"

Two US nuclear submarines ‘closer to Russia,’ Trump says

"We always want to be ready", US president added

US fighter jet downed over Iran likely conducted strikes on ground targets — media

According to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean, the pilots of the downed fighter had sidearms

Russian troops liberate Dobropasovo community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

According to the latest figures, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,135 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Top Russian diplomat reminds his US counterpart about Anchorage agreements on Ukraine

Sergey Lavrov expressed regret that the high-handed efforts of the European elites and the Kiev regime are undermining these agreements

Ukraine reports serious deficit of surface-to-air missiles amid latest air defense failure

Ukrainian media wrote earlier that the country’s air defense systems were unable to repel Russia’s strike on military facilities in Kiev

Ukrainian forces increasingly target civilians with no link to Russia’s military op — MP

Stepan Kuvachev stressed that these kinds of attacks have no justification, and only cause pain and suffering

Russia sees prospects for constructing nuclear power units in Brazil

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted that Rosatom fully meets the needs of Brazilian nuclear power plants

Ukraine loses 7,830 soldiers, mercenaries in special military op over week — expert

Andrey Marochko added that during the aforementioned period, Russian forces also destroyed more than 4,000 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, which is almost double the amount from the previous week

Russian footballer Dzyuba to trade cleats for MMA gloves

The Russian football player previously sparred a few times with UFC heavyweight fighter Alexander Volkov

Over 30 ships pass through Strait of Hormuz in past day — IRGC Navy

There were five supertankers among them, the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said

EU aid to Ukraine frozen — Borrell

The ex-chief of EU diplomacy said the situation is similar with the approval of new sanctions against Russia

Russian Orthodox Church slams Metropolitan Hilarion’s detention as provocation

Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s External Church Relations Department Igor Vyzhanov emphasized that the use of such underhanded tactics by Russia’s opponents reveals their weakness

Ukraine adds employees of attacked Starobelsk college to its Mirotvorets database

In total, seven women and three men were added to the database, including the college’s deputy directors and teachers

Russia remains integral part of global economic system — Putin

The President noted that Russia remained open to constructive interaction with all partners who shared the principles of mutual respect and were ready to build honest long-term relations

Israel to intensify strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon — Netanyahu

According to the Israeli prime minister, more than 600 Shiite radicals have been eliminated in recent weeks

Russian envoy criticizes OSCE’s reaction to Starobelsk attack as provocative, hypocritical

Dmitry Polyansky stressed that "the comment in English was phrased very carefully but it did not contain even a hint of condemnation"

Russia ratified economic partnership agreement between EAEU, Indonesia

Conditions were determined for further development and deepening of trade and economic cooperation in spheres of mutual interest, including customs cooperation, e-commerce, technical barriers in trade

FACTBOX: Russia’s Oreshnik missile strike, breached Ukrainian air defenses

Ukrainian air defenses failed to counter Russian missile strikes on military installations in Kiev and the Kiev Region

Gas injection rates in Germany, France minimal since 2013 — Gazprom

the Russian gas holding said that Rehden, the largest UGS in Germany, is just 4.2% filled, which is one of the lowest levels for May 22 throughout the history of observations

IN BRIEF: Foreign Ministry statement on retaliatory strikes, bans by Western media

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced the ministry will soon issue a special statement on Russian retaliatory strikes against Kiev

Lavrov informs Rubio that Russia begins strikes on military sites in Kiev

The measure is taken in response to the Kiev regime’s continued attacks against civilian population and infrastructure in Russia

Further phases of BRICS expansion will follow, says South African president

It is noted that the membership will take effect from January 1, 2024

Iran not yielding to US president’s pressure on deal terms — newspaper

On May 23, the US president stated that the draft of the future agreement with Iran has been largely agreed upon

Trump says signing Abraham Accords should be part of peace deal with Iran

The US president said it should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Critics label Elon Musk US 'shadow president' — media

The report says that "Musk’s rapid-fire messages - which included numerous false claims about the contents of the spending bill - ricocheted" across Washington

Bulgaria sends lots of weapons to Ukraine, MP tells TASS

A member of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Angel Georgiev emphasized that it was a huge mistake

US leader says Iran’s enriched uranium will be destroyed

Donald Trump also called on the Atomic Energy Commission to be witness to this process

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Booby-trapped ship arriving in Ust-Luga from Belgium was rigged in haste — expert

Alexey Malyshev assessed that the explosives were probably planted when the ship was sitting higher in the water

Upper house speaker slams US-Israeli operation against Iran as geopolitical mistake

Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that this intervention has destabilized the Middle East, triggering an energy crisis, yet it ultimately changes nothing

Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to ‘eject’ US troops from region

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation

Iranian president orders to restore internet access — agency

According to the international internet monitoring service NetBlocks, internet has been practically inaccessible in Iran for more than 86 days

Sales of new premium cars in Russia up 13% in April — statistics

According to the Avtostat analytical agency experts, premium cars account for a tenth of the Russian auto market

Iran to hit more targets if US attacks Kharg Island — ambassador

Tehran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Amir Hossein Hosseini also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved diplomatically

Israeli army says it simultaneously struck over 200 targets in Iran and Lebanon

In Lebanon, the strikes targeted military facilities of the Shiite organization Hezbollah

Plane makes hard landing in Krasnoyarsk Region: what we know

The aircraft commander and the co-pilot were on board, they were injured

Russian snipers, mobile air defense teams successfully targeting long-range Ukrainian UAVs

The Russian serviceman stressed that sniper teams, consisting of several people, were fully mobile and could carry out drone-hunting missions for up to seven days

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

Russian ratified free trade agreement between EAEU, Indonesia

The agreement should create conditions for further development of trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU member-states and Indonesia

Top US diplomat says Washington still set to facilitate end of Ukraine conflict — AFP

Marco Rubio emphasized that the United States is ready and willing to do everything in its power to facilitate the end of this war

US president threatens strikes on Iran’s energy, civilian infrastructure

Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that otherwise the country "will be living in hell

Another strike hits area near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran

One of the facility’s security guards was killed, Iran’s AEOI said

US strikes missile launch sites, boats in southern Iran — Fox News, citing CENTCOM

According to the US Central Command, two boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were destroyed in the attack near Bandar Abbas and one missile launch site

Rosoboronexport signs $20 billion in deals with African countries since 2023

The company’s CEO Alexander Mikheyev noted that Rosoboronexport offered its African partners the most relevant products for equipping the Armed Forces and other security agencies

Israel attacks over 70 Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon during day

The Israel Defense Forces struck approximately 10 command centers, weapons storage facilities, and additional infrastructure sites used by Hezbollah to advance attacks against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians

Bangladesh ink fertilizer supply contract with Russian company

The Russian Embassy in Dhaka said this is the largest contract throughout the history of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fertilizer sphere

Oreshnik strike, statements by Armenian PM: new briefing from Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan this week

ADNOC uses 'shadow transit' to ship oil through Strait of Hormuz — Bloomberg

Vessels pass through the strait with their transponders switched off

Russia built 26 hydrofoil ships in six years

Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev emphasized that Russia made high-speed hydrofoil ships the mass kind of passenger transport

Defense minister inspects Battlegroup East: what is known so far

Andrey Belousov presented orders to three units of the Battlegroup East for mass heroism displayed during the special military operation in Ukraine

Ukrainian media report air defense system failure in Kiev

The Russian Defense Ministry earlier reported that during a massive strike with Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Tsirkon missiles in Kiev and the Kiev region, the Russian Armed Forces hit Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities

US military aircraft struck by Iran makes it to Kuwait — TV

Iran also fired at two US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search and rescue operation