ISU grants neutral status to four more Russian figure skaters — statement The four Russian athletes at the issue are Kira Domozhirova, Viktor Potapov, Milana Kuzmina and Dmitry Studenikin GENEVA, August 19. /TASS/. The International Skating Union (ISU) has ruled to grant a neutral status to four more figure skaters representing Russia, the ISU’s official website reported on Wednesday. The four Russian athletes at the issue are Kira Domozhirova, Viktor Potapov, Milana Kuzmina and Dmitry Studenikin. ISU’s recently updated information on Russian athletes’ participation under a neutral status at international tournaments now stands at 75. TASS reported earlier that the ISU had cleared Russian athletes to participate internationally in the organization’s supervised tournaments under a neutral status starting with the 2026/27 season. Neutral statuses were previously granted by the ISU to Russian figure skaters Kamila Valieva, Alexandra Ignatova (Trusova before marriage), Petr Gumennik, Vladislav Dikidzhi, Maria, Zakharova, Dina Khusnutdinova, Alexaxandra Boikova and Dmitry Kozlovsky, Varvara Slutskaya and Gleb Goncharov, Anna Shcherbakova and Yegor Goncharov, Yelizaveta Pasechnik and Dario Chirizano, Irina Khavronina and David Naryzhny, Anastasia Mukhortova and Dmitry Yevgenyev, Anna Kolomenskaya and Artyom Frolov, Yekaterina Chikmareva and Matvey Yanchenkov. In March 2022, the ISU suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes from all international tournaments supervised by the organization due to the developments in Ukraine. At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the ISU allowed six Russian athletes to participate under a neutral status - figure skaters Adelia Petrosyan and Petr Gumennik, speed skaters Ksenia Korzhova and Anastasia Semyonova, short track speed skaters Alyona Krylova and Ivan Posashkov. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a decision in July to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and also recommended lifting restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes in all international tournaments, including both in individual and team competitions. IOC previously-imposed sanctions against Russia, Belarus On February 28, 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations to international sports federations to prohibit athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in international tournaments, citing Moscow’s special military operation in Ukraine as the reason. Following the IOC’s recommendations in late February 2022, the majority of global sports federations decided to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from all international sports tournaments. In late March, 2023, the IOC recommended allowing individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in international sports tournaments, but only under specific conditions. Specifically, athletes from the two countries should not be "actively supporting" Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and must compete under a neutral status. Russia and Belarus were also banned from participating in international team events. On October 12, 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) until further notice after the Russian organization included the Olympic councils of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR), the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions as its members. Russian athletes’ problems with entry visas to last for no more than one year — ministerMikhail Degtyarev believes the sports federations will start withdrawing from the countries that assume the most anti-Russian positionRead moreExplosion rocks Finnish plant near Russian borderThe plant's fire chief Toni Jaako suggested the blast might have been caused by a technical malfunctionRead moreOver 4,000 candidates registered for State Duma polls in federal, single-member districtsAccording to Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova, 1,723 candidates submitted documents for nomination to the district election commissionsRead moreRussia, Myanmar have promising naval projects — Russia’s federal serviceAccording to the statement, there are numerous joint projects involving both aircraft and the maintenance of the airworthiness of previously supplied fighter jetsRead moreRussia’s Provod strike FPV drone operational range to be increased — manufacturerThe drones can currently be 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moreIran wants war over, ceasefire not good enough — top diplomatAbbas Araghchi stated that Tehran rejects a ceasefire and conveyed this message to mediators in talks with the USRead moreNo contacts currently exist between Russian, US senators — Federation Council officialFirst Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Andrey Denisov noted that the Russian lawmakers’ trip to the US in the spring could "only be welcomed"Read moreRussia awaits interesting proposals from Vatican envoy — Federation CouncilFederation Council Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Grigory Karasin noted that Russia welcomes visits by foreign officials and politicians who come to reach agreementsRead moreUkraine conducts active intelligence work in Poland — former intelligence officerAccording to the intercepted SBU document, Poland infiltrated four officers from special forces unit Agat into the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry in 2025Read moreDPRK warns of retaliatory measures in response to US-South Korea military drillThe Korean Central News Agency stated that the drill posed "the most immediate and open threat to the DPRK and the regional security"Read moreRussian embassy points out violations of international maritime law by RomeAccording to the diplomatic mission, the European Union has continued to take unlawful action against foreign vessels as it boards and seizes themRead moreLiberation of Kudiyevka creates logistical difficulties for Ukrainian troops — officialThe Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Kudiyevka settlement was liberated on August 16Read moreRussia, Myanmar sign memorandum on energy cooperation — ministryThe memorandum aims to develop cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and create conditions for further expansion of practical cooperationRead morePress review: US, Iran opt for war of attrition as Kiev diverts focus with Russia attacksTop stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 17thRead moreStrike on Abu-Duhur could provoke military clash between Israel, Turkey, Syria — US envoyAccording to Tom Barrack, the lack of clear channels of communication between the states could have made the situation "much more serious"Read moreWeakening US 'nuclear umbrella' increases risk of nuclear proliferation — TVResearchers note that many US allies perceive Washington as increasingly distant and unreliable in providing nuclear deterrenceRead moreRelations between Russia and Myanmar grow trusting — PutinThe Russian leader thanked his counterpart for his assistance in developing Russia’s relations with ASEAN and emphasized that the countries are actively cooperating on the international stageRead moreUS believes Oman made too many concessions in talks with Iran — APAccording to the agency, the United States disagrees with a number of agreements reached by Iran and OmanRead moreZelensky appoints Khmara defense minister to step up terror attacks on Russia — expertVladimir Karasev suggested that Vladimir Zelensky, facing setbacks in the war, may see this as his only strategic optionRead moreUS does not notify South Korea in advance about scaling back exercises — MFAAccording to Cho Hyun, the South Korean government and US officials were not aware of the plan announced in a statement made by US President Donald TrumpRead moreRussia’s key task is transition to sustainable economic development model — NovakAccording to the Russian deputy prime minister, this is precisely what the structural transformation plan is aimed atRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup North destroys over 56 Ukrainian UAV control posts in Kharkov RegionFPV drones and Molniya-2 fixed-wing drones, equipped with high-explosive fragmentation and thermobaric munitions, were used to destroy the targetsRead moreChina may reduce reliance on Straits of Hormuz and Malacca via NSR — FortuneAccording to the publication, interest in the Arctic route has surged following the effective suspension of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz due to the war involving the US, Israel, and IranRead moreUkraine's calls for ceasefire prove it's losing to Russia — Italian expertProfessor Alessandro Orsini noted that drones sent toward Moscow would not tilt the balance of power in the conflictRead moreTwo more Greek vessels attacked in Black Sea, with one of them burning downIt is yet unknown whether the ship is sinking or is still on the surfaceRead moreRussia’s Matvey Safonov ranked 10th among world’s best goalkeepers — ESPNThe ranking of the world’s best goalkeepers is topped by Spain’s David Raya from England’s Arsenal FCRead moreDefense ministry’s air defense forces shot down ten more UAVs flying toward MoscowThis brings the number of UAVs destroyed since the beginning of the day to 21Read moreTrump’s indecisiveness about Kiev envoy reflects cautious approach to Ukraine — expertAndrey Bystritsky said the US president is clearly trying to be careful where Ukraine is concernedRead moreRussian troops liberate Vodyanskoye community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 380 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreUkraine loses 674 aircraft during special military operation — top brassAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy also lost 284 helicoptersRead moreNATO aircraft spotted near Russia’s Kaliningrad Region on Aug 18 — Die WeltA NATO spokesman, commenting on this information at the newspaper’s request, stated that "NATO is a defense alliance, and the alliance partners are continuously improving their defense capabilities"Read moreUkraine’s anti-corruption agencies expose ring involving Zelensky’s office officialsDetails are expected to be released laterRead moreUS has changed tactics regarding Iran, halted negotiations — CNNAccording to sources cited by the TV channel, before resuming negotiations, Donald Trump wants to wait until the leaders of the Islamic Republic demonstrate their willingness to conclude the deal he is seekingRead morePutin stresses need to strengthen Russia’s sovereigntyThe president highlighted that Russia was already implementing a plan for structural changes in the economyRead morePutin calls Russia’s economic growth modest but positiveThe head of state noted that economic growth is being impacted by a number of factors, including external pressure and terrorist attacks on industrial and infrastructure facilitiesRead moreUkrainian detained in Croatia in Nord Stream case — German Prosecutor General's OfficeThe suspect is expected to be extradited to Germany to face charges and will appear before an investigating judgeRead moreSouth Korea ranks as the world's fifth-strongest military power — presidentLee Jae Myung stated that the capabilities of the country's defense industry were considered the fourth-best in the worldRead moreDamage reported at Ufa oil refinery as Russia intercepts 453 Ukrainian drones overnightA medical university student from India was injured in the attackRead moreTrump, Vance 'not on same page' on Iran — WPThe daily says that keeping fuel prices low is a priority for JD Vance, which means restoring normal shipping through the Strait of HormuzRead moreNetanyahu’s office says Syria allowed Turkish troops onto airbase near AleppoIsrael "will not tolerate threats to its security and would welcome a return to the status quo," the statement saysRead moreTrump says North Korea has 57 'very powerful' nuclear weaponsDonald Trump added that he would not have allowed it, had he been president earlierRead moreNorth Korea’s Kim Yo Jong warns Japan of strike in response to possible threatKim Yo Jong stated that the DPRK is closely monitoring Japan’s attempts to build up its military capabilitiesRead morePresidential envoy says format of president’s addresses may be revisedGarry Minkh drew a parallel between the possible revision of the rules and the 2020 constitutional amendmentsRead moreRussian diamond exports to India drop by almost 50% year-on-year in January-JuneIn monetary terms, January-June deliveries declined by nearly 38% to $106.5 millionRead moreVogue chooses most stylish dog of 2026This year’s winner was an Italian greyhound named Sir SpudRead moreRussian government to help restore logistics, warehouses after Ukrainian attacks — PutinAccording to the Russian president, another area of focus is the construction of power gridsRead moreZelensky’s office unhappy with US appointment of its people to key positions in UkraineDeputy head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office Irina Mudraya expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of control over head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office Alexander KlimenkoRead moreEU readies infrastructure for large-scale military conflict — diplomatAttention is being paid, among other things, to adapting the civilian transport and logistics infrastructure to the tasks of military planning and operational mobility, Yulia Zhdanova saidRead moreRoscosmos says distribution of ISS deorbiting responsibilities being discussed with NASARoscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov says the sides have about a year and a half in reserve for negotiationsRead moreNovak, Siluanov comment on Russia’s GDP growth, additional support for regionsTASS has compiled the key statements on the economic situation in RussiaRead moreRada may change location for safety reasons — agencyThe Rada building is located in the center of KievRead moreFrench politician calls Fyodorov's speech disaster for ZelenskyFlorian Philippot advised that the former Ukrainian defense minister watch his safetyRead moreWith Khmara as defense minister Ukraine to continue sabotage against Russia — MPAlexander Boroday noted that Khmara essentially remains an "SBU special forces operative", which is why he will use the same methods in his new position that he used previouslyRead moreNew batch of Pantsir-S, Pantsir-SMD systems delivered to troops — RostecThe system has shown itself as one of the most effective means of countering air targetsRead moreIsrael could cease to exist after the Middle East conflict — senior Russian officerApty Alaudinov says Israel’s objective is to drag both the US and the entire NATO bloc into the struggleRead moreFACTBOX: Putin’s statements on positive economic growth, impact of Ukrainian attacksBoosting investment activity is the primary condition for economic growth in Russia, the head of state saidRead moreUS oil companies to sign agreement with Venezuela’s PDVSA — PoliticoVenezuelan Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao plans to attend the signing ceremonyRead moreKhmara appointed defense minister by decision of Zelensky’s Western patrons — expertSergey Yurchenko added that the situation at the front and on the international stage will not change after this appointment, since it is too late for Ukraine to make any changesRead moreEmployees of Urenco that enriches uranium for Ukraine have voted to strikeThe workers disagreed with a potential 4.1% salary rise despite record orders of 27.3 bln eurosRead moreChancellor Merz still least liked national politician for Germans — pollAccording to Forsa, as many as 85% of respondents said they are dissatisfied with Merz’s workRead moreRussia reminds Japanese ambassador that it paid huge price for Kurils — MFARussia summoned the Japanese ambassador following Tokyo’s protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Island of IturupRead moreRada appoints Khmara as defense ministerThe decision was backed by 312 votes, with a minimum of 226 requiredRead moreLarge-scale NATO air force activity recorded near Kaliningrad — Russian war correspondentYevgeny Poddubny reported that multiple reconnaissance aircraft operated simultaneously close to the Russian borderRead moreGrossi urges to stop attacks on nuclear facilities after deadly strike on EnergodarThe IAEA was also informed about attacks on the ZNPP industrial areaRead moreUS eyeing reducing its military presence in Middle East — mediaThe Washington Post cited sources as saying that the Defense Department "has already signaled that it might not rebuild its bases as they were before the conflict"Read moreTehran warns Gulf states against complicity in US aggression against IranChief of the General Staff of the Islamic Republic Ali Abdollahi specified that he meant any assistance or support provided to the US armyRead morePutin helps lawmakers draft challenging laws, including budget bill — envoyA discussion takes place to find certain compromises and room for maneuver, plenipotentiary representative of the Russian president in the State Duma Garry Minkh revealedRead moreUAE halts trade, financial transactions with Iran — Foreign MinistryThe decision was made after the country’s air defense systems identified the launch of two ballistic missiles from IranRead moreUS claim for Strait of Hormuz far from its real capabilities — Iranian officialSecretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei invited all interested parties to create a new cooperation framework in the region "that will succeed the US hegemony in the Persian Gulf zone"Read moreVerkhovna Rada approves new Ukrainian foreign, defense ministersProtests against Mikhail Fyodorov’s dismissal as defense minister have continued for 34 daysRead moreRussian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 260 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed nine enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead morePress review: Ukraine conflict fuels EU ultra-right as Trump seeks Iran pressure via OmanTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 19thRead moreNew defense official’s appointment could lead to coup in Ukraine — expertAlexander Pataman pointed out that it was no coincidence that the Western-controlled NABU emerged precisely at the time of controversial appointments to key posts in the countryRead moreThree NATO reconnaissance planes spotted near Kaliningrad RegionOne of them is a US Gulfstream EA-37B Compass Call II electronic warfare aircraftRead moreIN BRIEF: Remains of Holy Right-Believing Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy discoveredA combined study has proven their authenticityRead moreNATO vows to defend US bases in Europe — ReutersEarlier, the anonymous sources claimed that Iran is allegedly prepared to launch strikes against US bases not only in the Middle EastRead moreRussia’s stance against acts of Western piracy to resonate with China — senatorFirst Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Andrey Denisov says China is interested in freedom of navigation and the absence of incidentsRead moreRussia, Myanmar enjoy strong, time-tested friendship — PutinThe Russian president said the states share a wealth of experience in multifaceted cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, respectRead moreTrump would like to meet with Kim Jong Un this autumn — WSJAccording to sources cited by the newspaper, the US president has discussed with his advisors the possibility of holding face-to-face talks with the North Korean leader during his next trip to Asia, but no official planning for the meeting is underwayRead moreRussia does not back calls for overthrowing constitutional order in Azerbaijan — diplomat Russian-Azerbaijani ties should develop on the basis of the existing bilateral legal framework, primarily on the Declaration of allied relations signed at the supreme level in Moscow on February 22, 2022, Maria Zakharova said Read moreZelensky’s position threatened most since 2022 by Fyodorov’s comment — WSJAccording to the publication, Mikhail Fyodorov’s words are interpreted in Kiev "as the opening gambit in a potential run for the presidency"Read moreOpenAI pauses training of new AI models due to cyber risks — companyThe measure was introduced for two weeksRead moreRussian ombudswoman holds talks with her Ukrainian counterpartThe two ombudspersons met on the border between Belarus and UkraineRead moreNetanyahu weighs confrontation with Trump — mediaAccording to the sources, Donald Trump has shifted to issuing ultimatums in his talks with Benjamin Netanyahu that give little consideration to Israel’s interestsRead moreRussia’s ombudswoman sends 60 letters to UN over Kiev's war crimes against civiliansMost of them remain unansweredRead moreEx-deputy head of Zelensky’s office Mudraya detained — lawmakerIrina Mudraya is currently under an investigative procedure at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of UkraineRead moreWhat to know about new '103 for 103' POW exchange between Russia, UkraineThe Russian servicemen are currently in BelarusRead moreIran to correct Trump’s illusion about Strait of Hormuz’s sovereignty — diplomatThe US president earlier published a map that depicted the Strait of Hormuz as the territory of the United StatesRead moreRussia views US threats against Oman as efforts to apply pressure — diplomatAccording to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko, Moscow hopes for a swift resolution of the situation and the restoration of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf regionRead moreRussia’s trade infrastructure resilient despite terrorist attacks — PutinThe Russian president admitted that operations are running under intense pressureRead moreDiplomatic principles, possible Witkoff-Kushner visit: new statements from KremlinRussian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov pointed out that diplomacy is always conducted quietlyRead moreFACTBOX: Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies’ new probe, pressure on Verkhovna RadaMedia reports identify Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Vadim Stolar and former Ukrainian parliament member Maxim Mykytas as suspects in the investigationRead moreWhat we know about one of this year’s 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response rather than long-term strategic planningRead more
Has Serbia withdrawn its support for Russia?
• What happened: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has engaged in diplomatic gestures towards Ukraine, including hosting President Zelensky and discussing a Se...