CIA chief's visit to Russia, Kiev regime’s collapse, Armenia situation: Kremlin’s briefing

CIA chief's visit to Russia, Kiev regime’s collapse, Armenia situation: Kremlin’s briefing According to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, there were no direct contacts between the Russian President and John RatcliffeRussian Presidental Spokesman Dmitry Peskov© Gavriil Grigorov/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASSMOSCOW, August 26. /TASS/. Contacts between Moscow and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, events in Armenia, and the situation in Ukraine were the main topics of Wednesday’s briefing by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. TASS has compiled the Russian presidential press secretary’s key statements. CIA director’s visit - The president has been briefed on the results of the meetings between Russian intelligence agencies and CIA Director John Ratcliffe: "Of course, President Putin is immediately briefed on all of this." - There were no direct contacts between Putin and Ratcliffe: "I can tell you that there were no meetings with the Russian president. That is all I can tell you on this matter." - Contacts with the CIA director took place through the intelligence services: "I can only tell you that contacts took place through the intelligence services." - The Kremlin did not specify whether Ratcliffe’s contacts with Russian intelligence services concerned Ukraine, Iran, or any other issues: "I have nothing to add on this subject beyond what I have already said." - It is premature to speak of any impact that the CIA director’s contacts with Russian intelligence services might have on resolving the crisis in relations between Moscow and Washington: "It is still too early to say to what extent this will affect the overall process of bringing our bilateral relations out of the deepest crisis they are currently in." - Contacts between intelligence agencies are, in and of themselves, "a positive development, a positive process": "These contacts often continue even during the most difficult moments in bilateral relations. Our president, by the way, has also spoken about this." - Currently, no contacts are planned between Moscow and Washington at the presidential administrative level: "At this point, I cannot tell you about any further agreements on such contacts. No contacts are currently planned through the Kremlin." Situation in Armenia - The Kremlin declined to comment on Armenia's domestic political developments, noting that complex processes are currently underway there: "I would prefer not to comment on domestic political developments in Armenia at this time. Very complex processes are taking place there." - Russia hopes that Armenia's domestic political processes will proceed in strict accordance with the law and that the rights of all participants will be respected: "We can only express the hope that everything that is happening will be carried out in strict accordance with the law and that the rights of all participants in the country’s political process will be respected." Destruction of Ukraine - Developments on the front lines clearly show that Ukraine is losing the conflict: "It is unequivocal that Ukraine is losing the conflict. Developments on the front lines clearly demonstrate this." - The Kiev regime is crumbling from within and losing its stability: "Quasi-political turmoil is taking place within the Kiev regime, and it is intensifying. The Kiev regime is crumbling from within and losing the stability that has always been lacking.". TagsForeign policyDmitry PeskovNo contacts between Kremlin, US representatives planned — spokesmanRussia’s contacts with Ratcliffe were conducted through special services, Dmitry Peskov addedRead moreRussian Soyuz-2.1b rocket with spacecraft lifts off from Plesetsk spaceport — ministryThe rocket carries a spacecraft in the Russian Defense Ministry’s interestsRead moreUkrainian settlement, AI, POWs rights: Lavrov’s talks with Vatican envoyMoscow expects the Vatican will pay attention to Kiev's illegal actions, the Russian foreign minister stressedRead moreRussian Foreign Ministry summons Romania's charge d’affaires for ThursdayEarlier, the Romanian Foreign Ministry issued a statement announcing the expulsion of a Russian diplomatRead moreBelarus to hold Air Force and Air Defense drills with 2nd phase at Russian practice rangeFrom August 25 to September 10, 2026, an operational exercise with the branches of the Air Force and Air Defense Troops will take place under the direction of Air Force and Air Defense Troops Deputy Commander Major General Mikhail MatrosovRead moreFederal Treasury transfers $8.9 bln to Russia’s federal, regional budgetsAccording to head of the Treasury Roman Artyukhin, budget execution reached 54.1% in the first half of the yearRead moreRescuers find cabins carrying tourists swept away from thermal springs on SakhalinRescuers landed at the thermal springs and have now set off on foot toward the location where the containers were foundRead moreRussia, Serbia agree to continue consultations on security challenges — foreign ministryThe sides spoke in favor of continuing the practice of holding regular consultations and maintaining close contacts in the area of combating international terrorism Read moreBrent crude oil falls below $87 per barrel on ICE exchange for first time since August 14The WTI crude oil futures with September delivery was down by 4.95% to $80.8 per barrelRead moreJapan can assemble nuclear weapons within one year — Kremlin aideRussian Presidential Aide and Executive Secretary of the Eastern Economic Forum Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov drew attention to Japan’s revanchist militarizationRead moreDeployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — KremlinDmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia has consistently conveyed its position at multiple levelsRead moreFrance wants to restrict Ukraine’s arms purchases from non EU countries — TVThe European 2026-2027 program for the Kiev regime amounts to 90 billion euros to be disbursed for various needs, including militaryRead moreEpstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister addedRead moreEmployee injured in fire at Wildberries logistics center outside Tambov after drone attackAll employees were evacuated promptly after the emergency was reportedRead moreUkraine’s population goes from 52 mil in 1991 to 25 mil today — Zelensky’s ex-spokespersonYulia Mendel said that Ukraine has lost more than 50% of its populationRead moreRussia, Ukraine working toward new large POW exchange — ombudswomanLists are being agreed, Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratov saidRead moreCIA chief arrived in Russia for contacts between special services, Kremlin tells WPDmitry Peskov declined to provide any further detailsRead moreWestern countries hosting largest number of Ukrainian refugees significantly cut their aidGermany currently hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU at 29.2%, amounting to 1.29 million peopleRead moreIn case of catastrophe on Earth the Moon could be humanity's salvation — Roscosmos CEODmitry Bakanov emphasized the utmost importance of developing all life support technologies on the MoonRead moreRussian stocks close in the green on TuesdayThe ruble-denominated MOEX Index gained 2.21% to 2,117.15 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.79% to 789.63 pointsRead moreTrump warns Iran against placing mines in Strait of HormuzAccording to the US leader, all mines within the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz have been destroyed or removedRead moreMoscow court orders in-absentia arrest of FAZ journalist MartensRussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Martens’ calls for the murder of Russians were unacceptable and criminalRead moreMaximum rate on ruble deposits up to 12.9% in second ten-day period of August — regulatorThe rate was 12.89% per annum in the first ten days of this monthRead moreNovatek to pay dividends for 1H amounting to 35.5 rubles per shareThe payment amount could total 107.79 bln rublesRead moreTrade turnover between Russia, Belarus gains 12.5% in 1H 2026Last year trade turnover between the two countries grew by around 3%Read moreShnaider/Ruud reach quarter finals vs. Andreeva/Rublev at US OpenThe 2026 US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the year, with the main draw of the singles running from August 30 through September 13Read moreRussian company Sector develops EW-resistant video receiver for UAVsThe device is already being used in Russia’s special military operation zone un UkraineRead moreUkraine’s metals industry on verge of systemic shutdown — agencyFor Ukraine, a systemic crisis entails a loss of export revenues, rising construction costs, and issues with the hryvnia exchange rate, the RBC-Ukraine notedRead moreFACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, 426 neutralized UAVsTwo people were killed after a private home caught fire following a drone crash in the Lipetsk RegionRead moreIsrael expels Netherlands officials from Gaza support center — Foreign MinistryThe Dutch representatives have been instructed to leave Israel within one weekRead moreRussia’s Andreeva/Rublev reach US Open mixed doubles semifinalsThey will face the Czech duo of Karolina Muchova and Jakub MensikRead moreKremlin calls rumors about mobilization in Russia fake news spread by KievDmitry Peskov stressed that the Kiev regime attempted to ideologically destabilize the situation in RussiaRead moreEnergy ministry assesses diesel fuel situation on Russian market as stableThe ministry reported that additional volumes following export restrictions were redirected to the domestic marketRead moreRussia to retain fourth place globally in terms of purchasing power parity — expertEven amid persistent and mounting external pressure, Russian economy is maintaining its relative standing, Executive Director of the Stolypin Institute of Growth Economics Anton Sviridenko saidRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about detention of Armenia's former president, his sonArmenia's Anti-Corruption Committee accuses Robert Kocharyan of removing a number of valuable real estate properties from state ownership and acquiring them at below-market pricesRead moreSweden wants to expropriate plot belonging to Russian, allegedly over "security threat"Real estate is located near a military base on the island of MuskoRead moreNearly 20 seafarers killed while crossing Hormuz since Iran war started in FebruaryAs of August 21, as many as 68 incidents had been confirmedRead moreRussian troops liberate Annovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,275 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreIn calls with foreign leaders, Trump demands that they cut ties with Iran — BessentUS Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent refused to name those who received calls from the USRead moreKazakhstan to cut 2026 oil output target due to CPC attacksKazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said the revised target now stands at 96 mln metric tonsRead morePress Review: EU boosts arms aid to Ukraine as India bolsters Russia ties amid US pressureTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 25thRead moreFirst engine for Voronezh ultralight space rockets unveiled at TechnopromUEC representative Pavel Chupin noted that the development of Russia’s liquid-fueled engine would broaden launch capabilities for small spacecraft and reduce launch costsRead moreRussian authorities will decide on extending ban on diesel exports soonFully meeting domestic fuel needs, including those of agricultural producers during seasonal field operations, remains a prior task, the Russian Energy Ministry notedRead moreRussia not to forget Ukraine’s terror attack on Starobelsk, to seek justice — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister said the Kiev regime continues demonstrating its utter brutality by targeting childrenRead moreRussian stocks down as main trading session opensAs of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS declined by 1.2%Read moreEuropean leaders cut off their own path to participation in negotiations — legislatorEuropean countries are openly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, granting Kiev permission to produce long-range missiles for attacks on civilians, Leonid Slutsky saidRead moreWith attacks on homes Kiev admits it is unable to reclaim Donbass, Novorossiya — activistAccording to Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev, recent assaults on a residential building and the United Russia party headquarters in Melitopol, Zaporozhye, underscore this strategyRead moreBrussels’ energy policy could exacerbate EU’s chronic gas crisis — expertNorway has remained the largest gas supplier to the European Union since 2022, though its resource base is gradually depleting, Igor Yushkov said Read moreOne civilian killed, seven wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during dayThree dwelling houses, six civilian infrastructure facilities, a bus, and eight trucks were damagedRead moreSyrian Kurd leader says armed groups to be dissolved — agencyCommander of the Kurd’s Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi also said that the Kurdish autonomous administration in northeastern Syria will become part of the governmentRead moreState Duma promises Russia will strip Armenia of all 'gifts' if it pivots to WestAlexey Chepa said it will be impossible for Yerevan to "sit on two stools" simultaneouslyRead moreOne civilian killed, eight others injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR during past daySix civilian infrastructure facilities, three residential buildings, a shuttle bus, and trucks were damaged in the attacksRead moreKiev ignores UN reports on Ukrainian Orthodox Church persecution — Russia’s MFAThe topic of persecution against the UOC is "increasingly being raised, which is encouraging, in the media, including abroad, and the legal community is addressing it," Mikhail Melekh saidRead moreZelensky says Ukraine getting more Patriot missiles, but needs moreThe head of Kiev regime did not disclose the exact number, but emphasized that the batch had been smallRead moreRussia calls on international bodies to compel Kiev to disclose data on missing clergyMikhail Melekh noted that the Kiev regime systematically and en masse sends clergy to the front, many of whom disappearRead moreNATO remains hostile bloc for Russia, continues to expand — MedvedevThe politician stressed that Moscow needed guarantees from NATO that no other states would attack Russia and that all hostile actions against the country would ceaseRead moreBattlegroup South destroys Ukraine’s Bucephalus APC, 71 fixed-wing UAVs over past dayThe battlegroup's strike UAV crews have also eliminated two foreign-made Senator armored combat vehicles, two field artillery weapons and 43 ground robotic systemsRead moreUS authority allocates almost $40 million for drone purchases to combat crime in UkraineThe authority works with foreign governments, law enforcement agencies and the private sectorRead moreIranian attacks cause billions in damage to US surveillance hardware in Middle East — TVThe Iranian attacks raise doubts about whether the Department of State, the Pentagon and the US intelligence community are sufficiently prepared to guarantee due protection to US sites in the region, the TV channel saidRead moreTop Iranian diplomat hails agreement with Oman of Hormuz as example of regional solutionsIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "Iran’s commitment to peace and stability goes hand in hand with ongoing diplomatic work with neighboring states"Read moreUS Secret Service aware of Iranian video threatening Barron Trump’s lifeAccording to a number of US media outlets, the Iranian media broadcast a video suggesting option for killing Barron Trump for a reward of $10 millionRead moreTurkey has no hidden agenda in Middle East, Erdogan saysAccording to the Turkish president, the republic's goal is to ensure an atmosphere of peaceRead moreIN BRIEF: Ukrainian connection in drone incident in GermanyThe Russian Foreign Intelligence Service questioned whether the German authorities have the political will "to draw impartial conclusions and officially announce them"Read morePutin signs decree on measures to protect critical infrastructureAccording to the decree, the Russian government may assume temporary control over critical infrastructure sites, when owners neglect security protocols or delay necessary repairsRead moreIconic US cultural center calls demolition warning a hypothetical scenario"This language describes a hypothetical scenario of what could happen if the Center’s desperately needed renovation is blocked by partisan interests," a spokesman for the cultural institution saidRead moreFirefighters extinguish blaze at Amur Gas Chemical Complex construction siteSearch and rescue teams found four Chinese nationals working for a contractor dead, bringing the confirmed death toll to sevenRead moreEconomic war against Iran could end in defeat for US allies — expertIran still has considerable capacity to disrupt everybody else’s exports, Jorge Leon saidRead moreDodon does not rule out provocations at Russia-protected ammunition depots in TransnistriaAccording to the former president of Moldova, the Moldovan intelligence service is downplaying the potential consequences of ammo warehousesRead moreDeath toll from fire at gas plant in Siberia rises to three, 146 people injuredTwenty four people were hospitalized in the city of Svobodny with injuries of varying severityRead moreUkrainian armed forces drop explosives disguised as children’s toys from dronesThe Ukrainian military often uses eye-catching objects to disguise improvised explosive devicesRead moreRussia’s Il-76 aircraft prevents fire from spreading to populated areas in SerbiaSerbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic emphasized Russia's rapid response to the request for firefighting assistanceRead moreGrowing interest in Russia in Asia reflects credit on Eastern Economic Forum — officialAnton Kobyakov noted that Asian economists advocate for the restoration of full-fledged relations with MoscowRead moreUS suspends immigrant visa application processing worldwide — FTThe State Department did not say when immigrant visa appointments would resumeRead moreUS not planning new strikes on Iran, may focus on other means of pressure instead — AxiosAccording to the news portal, Washington will focus on putting more economic pressure on Iran through the sanctions and naval blockadeRead moreUS military transport plane lands in MoscowThe aircraft departed from Andrews Air Force Base near WashingtonRead moreSecurity at critical facilities to be tightened — Kremlin spokesmanDmitry Peskov said that Russia is facing an obvious threat of drone attacks against both critical infrastructure and facilities that are critical to the economy and social sphereRead moreWhat to know about Amur Gas Chemical Complex fire that left one deadAccording to reports, 19 people were hospitalizedRead moreSlovak police foils attempted arson at drone production facilityCharges have been brought against three foreignersRead moreTehran's condition for resuming dialogue is US compliance with Islamabad agreementAccording to the source, the Pakistani side is actively working to communicate this stance to the United StatesRead moreUkraine’s ex-Defense Minister Fyodorov says Kiev losing in conflict with RussiaAccording to Mikhail Fyodorov, now is the pivotal point Read moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin Spokesman Peskov on US aircraft in Moscow, Ukrainian settlement termsTASS has compiled the key statements by the Kremlin spokesmanRead moreBattlegroup North captures Ukrainian soldier, destroys 133 fixed-wing UAVs over past dayThe battlegroup's units have eliminated a T-64 tank, an Israeli-made RADA counter-battery radar station and up to 215 Ukrainian personnelRead moreReality sets in for Ukraine’s former defense chief, Russian envoy saysKirill Dmitriev also noted that "the blame game for failures" begins in UkraineRead moreUS-Iran talks on settling conflict reach impasse — Egyptian Foreign MinistryEgyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt "continues to maintain contact" with Tehran and advocated for a swift end to the conflictRead moreWest seeks to create flashpoints along Russia’s borders, Medvedev saysThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that it had been going on for centuriesRead moreMore than 60% of Russians ready to take part in September elections — surveyNearly 70% of respondents are aware of the single voting day, Mikhail Mamonov, director of political research at the VTsIOM analytical center, saidRead moreFACTBOX: Two deaths, fire at oil refinery in southern Russia, aftermath of Kiev’s strikeDuring the past night, alert air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 148 Ukrainian aerial targets, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead moreWest no longer willing to allow Ukraine to strike civilians in Russia — senatorThis is evident both in the harsher language used by international organizations and in the changing tone of foreign media, Alexander Voloshin saidRead moreBattlegroup North drones destroy Ukrainian Bomber, Vampire hexacopters near SumyThe UAVs have been destroyed by a single UAV crewRead moreIran to hold talks on managing Hormuz with Oman within a timeframe of 60 days — diplomatIran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabad confirmed that the waterway will remain closed and that Iran has full control of the areaRead morePress review: Vatican eyes Ukraine peace role as Slovakia keeps Russian energy contractsTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 26thRead moreRosnedra expects replenishment of hydrocarbon reserves this yearCommercial reserves’ growth resulting from exploration activities conducted by subsoil users reached 39 mln tons for liquid hydrocarbons in the first half of 2025Read moreResearch directions for North Pole·43 expedition outlinedDirector of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Alexander Makarov noted that the scientific program will primarily include oceanology, geophysics, and atmospheric researchRead moreUS lawmaker Luna lauds reports about CIA chief’s trip to RussiaJohn Ratcliffe is doing some great things on behalf of the US, Anna Paulina Luna saidRead moreUkrainian tactics in Zaporozhye Region resemble medieval siege methods — Russian diplomatRodion Miroshnik said that Kiev attempts to isolate settlements in violation of international humanitarian lawRead moreEEF can't be called SPIEF's 'little brother' anymore — officialThe EEF has long stepped out of the shadow of its 'older brother' to stand on its own in the calendar of international events and among Russia’s national priorities, Anton Kobyakov saidRead moreRussia wants Vatican to denounce Kiev’s actions against Ukrainian Orthodox ChurchMikhail Melekh said that Vatican is generally aware of the lawlessness going on in our neighboring countryRead moreIran has legitimate right to wield control over Strait of Hormuz — Vice President ArefReza Aref emphasized that "the double standards of the West in terms of human rights and the justification of crimes such as the killing of 168 teenagers require Iran to rely on internal reserves so that its position in the international arena is stable"Read moreDeath toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 4,350 — health ministryThe amount of being injured has climbed to 12,310Read moreRussia still open to international cooperation in science — deputy PMDmitry Chernyshenko highlighted that Russia's scientific community had enormous potential and all the necessary foundations for developing domestic high-tech productsRead moreZelensky regime, Western countries are exterminating Ukrainian people — Duma speakerVyacheslav Volodin stressed that the Zelensky regime understood perfectly well that no one would need it, should it end the war with RussiaRead more