Press review: Russia ready for US-Ukraine talks and oil prices may rise by 25% in 2026

Press review: Russia ready for US-Ukraine talks and oil prices may rise by 25% in 2026 Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 13thUS Sppecial Presidential Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff© Ekaterina Chesnokova/POOL/TASSMOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Russia vowed to retaliate against the seizure of its merchant vessels in international waters; Moscow is ready to host US special presidential envoys for a new round of talks on Ukraine; and the average price of Brent crude oil in 2026 will rise by a quarter compared to the previous year. These stories topped Thursday’s newspaper headlines across Russia. Vedomosti: Russia, Western countries face risk of escalation in world’s oceans On August 12, while observing the final day of the Russian Pacific Fleet exercises, President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will respond to the seizure of its merchant vessels in international waters by unfriendly countries. According to the head of state, this will take place not only in the waters where attacks are planned - similar actions have already been carried out in the Baltic, North, and Mediterranean Seas - but also in areas where Moscow deems it appropriate, including within the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility. Read alsoIN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on Western 'piracy, robbery', groundless Japan’s claims Russia, on the basis of reciprocity, may detain, inspect, and confiscate cargo from vessels of unfriendly states, and this will lead to the establishment of a new legal precedent, lawyer and partner at BGP Litigation Sergey Glandin told Vedomosti. Currently, relations on the use of maritime space between countries are governed by both international conventions and common law. The expert noted that Russia has had a foreign policy concept in effect since the end of March 2023, under which Moscow, while not establishing international rules, reserves the right to take symmetrical and asymmetrical actions against unfriendly states. Russia will take retaliatory measures following new attempts by Western navies to intercept its vessels and confiscate their cargo, Maxim Shepovalenko, deputy director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, noted. According to him, the Russian Pacific Fleet can intercept ships from unfriendly states near the Greater Kuril Ridge or in the Sea of Japan. However, the expert emphasized that there must be a clear plan for what to do after taking such a vessel into custody and how to respond to a potential further escalation, the expert emphasized. In turn, Valdai Club expert Andrey Kortunov stressed that going after Russian ships in the world’s oceans could lead to serious escalation. According to the political scientist, this could force coastal states to use military convoys to escort merchant ships, further increasing the risk of military escalation. "But such a practice is unlikely to become widespread today, since global maritime cargo traffic is extremely high, and you can’t assign a cruiser to every civilian ship. Nevertheless, such a situation could drastically change the nature of global trade and lead to significant consequences. On the other hand, Russia’s ability to intercept European ships in the Pacific Ocean is limited. The main cargo flow in the region is between China and Europe, so it would be unusual for Moscow to stop ships carrying Chinese goods," the expert pointed out. Izvestia: Russia ready to discuss US envoys’ proposals on Ukraine Russia and the US may resume active talks on Ukraine in the near future. Moscow is ready to host US special presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for a new round of talks. The main topic of the potential meeting could be the new proposals that Kiev has presented to Washington. However, the exact dates of the US negotiators’ trip to Russia have not yet been finalized. Russia is open to any discussions even without this, Grigory Karasin, the head of the Russian Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, told Izvestia. "Russia is always ready to discuss matters if the other side has a practical interest in achieving real results. We are always ready for meetings and negotiations. Therefore, this applies to both Kushner and Witkoff. I see no obstacles to holding such a meeting, regardless of what Zelensky proposed or did not propose," the senator emphasized. At the same time, the dialogue between Moscow and Washington is not limited solely to the Ukrainian settlement, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik told Izvestia. According to him, there remains a wide range of issues of mutual interest between the countries, and reciprocal steps by both sides can improve the chances of reaching agreements. However, the US has not yet confirmed plans for a specific trip. The US Embassy in Russia told Izvestia that so far there is no information about the visit that could be shared. The main problem remains the disagreement between Moscow and Kiev over the terms for ending hostilities. Russia insists that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbass region before a peace settlement can be reached. Ukraine, on the other hand, proposes first establishing a ceasefire along the current line of engagement and then moving on to further negotiations on the terms of a peace agreement. If Washington can secure tangible concessions from Kiev, then negotiations with Witkoff and Kushner will yield tangible results. For example, Russia and Ukraine could resume direct talks in the territory of a third country. Otherwise, the conflict will continue with no prospects for a diplomatic settlement. Vedomosti: Analysts expect average oil price to rise by 25% in 2026 The average price of Brent crude oil in 2026 will increase by 25% compared to the previous year, reaching $86.1 per barrel, the Kept consulting firm (formerly KPMG’s Russian division), said in a report. The estimate is based on data from the consensus forecast of more than 40 analytical firms, agencies, and investment banks. Experts attribute the updated forecast to the ongoing oil shortage in the global market resulting from the armed conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, leading to lower crude production in Middle Eastern countries. Kept recalled that the average price of Brent crude decreased by 14% last year, reaching $69.1 per barrel. The average price was $80.5 per barrel in 2024 and $82.5 per barrel in 2023. The situation in the Middle East will continue to push oil prices higher in the coming months as the parties to the conflict have not yet reached a consensus, Finam analyst Nikolay Dudchenko told Vedomosti. Until the conflict in the Middle East is resolved, the price of Brent crude will remain in the range of $80-90 per barrel, Sergey Suverov, investment strategist at Aricapital Asset Management, said. On August 12, the price of October Brent crude futures was $88.8 per barrel, according to ICE exchange data. Sales of oil from US strategic reserves are keeping prices from rising further, Kirill Bakhtin, head of the Russian stock analytics center BCS World of Investments, explained. Suverev also noted that the price of raw materials in the coming months will be influenced by the policies of OPEC+ countries and the shipping situation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. According to him, a balance between supply and demand in the global oil market could be achieved by the end of 2026. In turn, Dudchenko stressed that the market will remain in deficit this year, and a supply surplus will appear in the first and second quarters of 2027. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Asia taking close look at Russia's Northern Sea Route Russia is ready to cooperate with other countries on the Northern Sea Route project within the framework of existing international maritime law, President Vladimir Putin stated. China and South Korea have already expressed strong interest in this alternative supply route. However, underdeveloped port infrastructure along the route and the need to find a reliable insurance company to cover the risks remain key challenges. The list of countries interested in the Northern Sea Route is expanding. This week, China’s Sea Legend Shipping will launch a regular container service from China to Europe via the Northern Sea Route, the Global Times noted. South Korea also plans to launch cargo routes along the route. The country will reportedly send its first vessel through it next week. The country views this trip as a strategic move to secure alternative export routes amid instability in the Middle East and the risks of the Suez Canal being closed, Irina Strelnikova, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies at the National Higher School of Economics, told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. In May, South Korea passed a special law that regulates the country’s participation in the development of the Northern Sea Route. According to the expert, the adoption of this law marks South Korea’s transition from private initiatives by individual companies to a systematic state policy aimed at establishing the country as a "leading maritime power of the Northern Sea Route era." Russia is also actively developing this sector, Ingo Bank Analytics Director Vasily Kutyn pointed out. "The nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet is growing. New, powerful vessels are under construction. Ports are being modernized. Logistics hubs are being established. Integration with rail and road corridors is underway. The long-term goal is to transform the Northern Sea Route into a sustainable international artery. The ‘Greater Northern Sea Route’ concept extends the route’s geography to include ports in the Baltic Sea and the Far East," he emphasized. However, the issue of cargo insurance remains. "Russia needs to develop its own marine insurance system, including national insurance mechanisms. This is particularly relevant in the context of developing national shipping under the Russian flag. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation with insurers from friendly countries. China, India, Southeast Asian countries, and other states interested in using the Northern Sea Route have their own major insurance companies. Cooperation with them will help reduce risks and create more predictable conditions for international carriers," Alexander Vorotnikov, coordinator of the Expert Council at the Arctic Development Project Office, stressed. RBC: Potential impact of US’ 'hellish' sanctions on ruble, Russian companies Late last week, the US Senate approved a bill to tighten American sanctions against Russia and Iran. Introduced on August 10, the bill is currently in the hands of the House of Representatives, which is in recess until August 31. The new version of the bill, titled the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," proposes imposing tariffs of up to 100% on third countries and codifying sanctions against Russian officials and legal entities into law. If adopted, experts believe the sanctions against Russia could affect the oil and gas sector the hardest. They expect the ruble to weaken further toward the end of the year. According to Oleg Abelev, head of the analytical department at the Rikom-Trust investment company, if adopted, this package of sanctions will have a long-term impact and affect three key areas: the oil and gas sector, the banking sector, and the shadow fleet. In turn, Alexander Potekhin, a leading analyst at T-Investments, told RBC that the oil and gas sector will suffer the brunt of the negative impact from these sanctions. According to him, restrictions targeting buyers of Russian energy resources and the shadow fleet could lead to an even wider expansion of export discounts and an increase in logistics costs. Meanwhile, Alexander Golovtsov, head of the analytical department at PSB Asset Management, believes the new sanctions will not significantly impact Russian markets because key restrictions targeting Russia’s largest companies and industries were already introduced in previous years. Some experts are generally skeptical that these sanctions will be backed, passed, and implemented in practice. According to Solid Investments equity market analyst Denis Maslennikov, the US could use this bill as a "trump card" in its talks with Russia. Alor Broker analyst Kirill Vasilyev agreed that the new sanctions package is part of US President Donald Trump’s negotiating strategy to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. He pointed out that the US leader retains broad authority to decide independently when and against whom to impose tariffs, as well as to postpone their implementation. Nevertheless, Finam Financial Group analyst Alexander Potavin stressed that new US sanctions would put pressure on the ruble. "The main risk for the ruble is possible secondary restrictions against the largest buyers of Russian oil, primarily China and India. If they cut back on purchases or demand a larger discount, export revenue in foreign currency will decline, which will put pressure on the ruble," the expert said. TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews Press review: EU braces for winter fuel shortage as gold prices set to recoverTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 12thRead moreRussia remains top oil supplier to India, China in June — OPECRussia supplied around 2.2 mbd of oil to India in JuneRead moreRussia’s security must be ensured along all of its borders — PutinThe Russian leader noted that the situation in the Pacific Fleet’s operational area "is not easy" Read moreJapan expresses protest to Russia over Putin’s visit to Kuril IslandsJapanese foreign ministry claims that all the "northern territories," as Tokyo refers to the southern part of the Kuril Islands, including Iturup, are an "ancestral Japanese territory"Read moreGeorgia hurts itself by saying no to diplomatic relations with Russia — Abkhazian officialSergey Shamba stressed that Abkhazia would only be happy if relations between Russia and Georgia improvedRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about foiled terrorist attack against Defense Ministry officerThe suspect planned to blow up a car of the employee of the military commissariat of the Krasnodar RegionRead moreRussian forces tightening trap for Ukrainian troops in Volchansk after liberating VodyanoeThe Volchansk pocket continues to shrink, military expert Andrey Marochko saidRead moreUkrainian MiG-29 fighter jet shot down by friendly fire — defense sourceUkraine’s State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal probe after the fighter’s crashRead moreTrade turnover between Russia, Malaysia gains 13% in 2025 — ministerValery Falkov indicated growing interest in expanding trade ties among both countries' businessesRead moreBattlegroup Center snipers using special rounds to penetrate enemy UAV armorSnipers work in close coordination with drone operators, which allows them to act proactively and know in advance where the Baba-Yaga is coming fromRead moreYabloko receives Supreme Court’s reasoned decision for removal from electionsThe court session lasted more than nine hoursRead moreUS considering all possibilities regarding Cuba, military action included — Pentagon chiefPete Hegseth noted that the United States has "a lot of options" for further actions regarding CubaRead moreBaba-Yaga drone number one target for snipers, Kalashnikov rifles — Kalashnikov CEOAlan Lushnikov noted that the role and place of snipers in armed conflict were constantly evolvingRead moreSu-35S pilot destroys two Ukrainian Su-27s in single air battle — commanderSergey Kobylash added that, "after skillfully executing a maneuver and taking up an advantageous tactical position," the Russian pilot fired three air-to-air missilesRead moreNATO says begins to reduce contingent in KosovoThe alliance's spokesperson Allison Hart did not provide any numerical data on the scale and timing of the reductionsRead moreUS NGO calls on Congress to block Turkey’s transfer of cluster munitions to KievDumping obsolete cluster munitions into a conflict creates a humanitarian liability for civilians, Deputy Washington director at Human Rights Watch Nicole Widdersheim notedRead moreMoscow to respond in kind if West seizes Russian commercial vessels — PutinThe Russian president emphasized that it wasn’t just about the areas where Russian vessels could be seized but wherever Moscow founds it necessary and reasonableRead moreUS forces in complete control over Strait of Hormuz — President TrumpAccording to the US leader, Iran has "no Navy and no Air Force" Read moreNovorossiysk declares state of emergency after Ukrainian drone attackAccording to the latest reports, a secondary school, a sports school and a college had been damaged in the attackRead moreRussia calls on Caspian littoral states to address Caspian Sea’s receding water levelsRussia’s Charge d’Affaires in Turkmenistan Pyotr Shchukin emphasized that there is currently no single scientific explanation for the causes of the present-day drop in water levelsRead moreIN BRIEF: Casualties after UAV attacks, fire in Bashkortostan Region, Sevastopol blackoutA young woman was injured when a drone crashed in the Rostov RegionRead moreMagnitude 5.5 earthquake hits off El Salvador’s coastThe epicenter was located 69 kilometers southeast of the city of ChirilaguaRead moreMagnitude 5.4 earthquake hits KashmirNo casualties or damage were immediately reportedRead moreInflation in Iran to peak at 300% — US President TrumpThe International Monetary Fund expects inflation rate in Iran to reach 69% this yearRead moreClosing Strait of Hormuz to virtually wipe out growth in British economy in 2027 — TVAccording to the analysis, the British economy could face a recession, if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed until springRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on Western 'piracy, robbery', groundless Japan’s claimsThe Russian president said the Pacific Fleet’s marines carry out missions in the Pacific Operational Area "boldly, professionally, and heroically"Read moreGirl injured due to falling drone in Rostov RegionA girl was injured after a drone fell on the Istok recreational center near DonetskRead moreRussia’s defenses in Zaporozhye make Ukraine’s military 'hit brick wall' — military expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army manages to hold back the enemy and advance on this directionRead moreAmerican mercenary Conor Kennedy arrested in absentia in Russia, placed on wanted listHe participated in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian forces incognitoRead moreRussian troops hammer Ukrainian fuel tanks, ship with military cargo in new strikesRussian troops hit a Ukrainian patrol boat at the Ochakov port in the Nikolayev RegionRead moreAll US bases will be seized if Washington uses nuclear weapons against Iran — IRGCBrigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi did not clarify whether the Iranian military would occupy the US bases on its own or with the help of other forcesRead moreRussia to promptly arrange reception for Witkoff, Kushner — senior diplomatSergey Ryabkov said this issue remains on the radarRead moreLibyan parliament speaker, top Turkish diplomat discuss ways of settling Libyan crisisThe talks between Aguila Saleh and Hakan Fidan were held in Benghazi after the top Turkish diplomat’s meeting with Libyan National Army commander Saddam HaftarRead moreAK-12 rifle more reliable, easier to use than foreign competitors — Kalashnikov CEOThe AK-12 is represented in export markets by the 7.62mm and 5.56mm caliber AK-15 and AK-19 modelsRead moreUkrainian armed forces using banned chemical weapons — US publicationSmall Wars Journal said that instances of the use of these special weapons have been repeatedly documented during the conflictRead moreOver 1,000 pigs killed by fire at pig-breeding farm in Trans-Baikal RegionAccording to preliminary data, the fire was caused by a short circuitRead moreStrait of Hormuz traffic falls five times since start of war — WSJThe publication also noted that on August 11, 14 vessels managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz with 11 of them using the so-called Iranian corridor Read moreNorth Korea can deliver ‘death' blow in case of external threat — Foreign MinistryFirst Deputy Foreign Minister Jang Kum-chol called South Korean nuclear submarine program "a serious challenge" to the security and maritime sovereignty of North KoreaRead moreIran may drag conflict with US out until end of Trump’s presidential term — IRGCAccording to Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, Iran has to attain deterrence so that the enemy never dares to attack itRead moreRussia continues to strike Ukrainian naval forces facilities — Defense MinistryDuring the night, unmanned aerial vehicles struck a command post of the Ukrainian naval forces in the port of Reni, the ministry reportedRead moreMoscow ready to exchange over 220 convicted Ukrainians for Russians — rights commissionerYana Lantratova added that the Russians in question included residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and CrimeaRead moreLeavitt to leave White House press secretary post before September — TrumpDonald Trump noted that Karoline Leavitt will now be one of his top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican PartyRead moreFACTBOX: Putin personally visits Kuril Islands for first timeThe head of state, during his working trip to Iturup, also visited the secondary school named after Hero of Russia Eduard NorpolovRead moreExpert says fuel shortage being observed in UkraineFreight and insurance costs have skyrocketed, said Sergey Kuyun, head of the consulting firm A-95 Read moreUS demands info on missile launches from other countries to distract attention — expertAccording to Zhang Junshe, the US seeks to "inject geopolitical rivalry into a multilateral arms control platform"Read moreDrapaty, killing civilians in Novorossiya, Donbass, pledges allegiance to West — expertVitaly Kiselyov noted that Mikhail Drapaty personally issued orders to Ukrainian forces to strike civilian vehicles on the Novorossiya federal highwayRead moreRussian stocks close in the red on WednesdayThe yuan exchange rate against the ruble added 5 kopecks to 12.3 rublesRead moreHouthis lose over 80 fighters in Yemen in six days — TVYemeni government forces launched artillery and drone strikes against the rebels in northern Dhale Governorate on Tuesday eveningRead moreUS spends $533 mln on shell plant that produces nothingMoscow has repeatedly stressed that Western arms supplies to Kiev and assistance in training Ukrainian servicemen only prolong the conflict and do not change the situation on the battlefieldRead moreRussia unaware of Zelensky’s proposals to end Ukraine conflict — RyabkovThe Russian deputy foreign minister said the US did not hand over these proposals to Russia via diplomatic channelsRead moreUkrainian Navy command post, port infrastructure hit in new strikes by Russian ForcesThe Russian Armed Forces continue to target Ukrainian Navy facilities and port infrastructure used by the Ukrainian armed forces, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreKiev’s Black Sea strikes further Western interests — MFAAccording to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev regime seeks to provoke chaos on the global food marketRead moreEU endangers itself by acting against civilian shipping — Russian Foreign MinistryToday, Operation Irini is actually being used by the European Union to intimidate commercial carriers and obstruct the freedom of navigation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Read moreAttempts to escalate situation in Caspian must be thwarted by littoral statesPyotr Shchukin stressed that any attempts by extra-regional forces to bring geopolitical confrontation and military tension into these historically peaceful waters are aimed at undermining the atmosphere of friendship and mutual trustRead moreAttempts to resolve problems in Arctic without Russia to remain futile — MFAAccording to the statement, Russia will continue to use all its foreign policy tools to maintain peace and stability in the regionRead moreNearly 40 shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past dayTwelve civilians, including a teenager, were reportedly woundedRead moreKiev confirms limitation of data on Russian missile launches against targets in UkraineUkraine has been experiencing a shortage of interceptorsRead moreUkraine to lose its Western territories sooner or later — PutinIt may not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, It may take one year, two years, 10 years or 15 years, Russian President saidRead moreJD Vance personally asks Kiev to stop strikes on CPC infrastructure — newspaperAccording to the Financial Times, the US vice president conveyed Washington’s request in a phone call with Vladimir Zelensky on July 31Read moreRussia has right to attack any ships carrying cargo for enemy — MedvedevThe Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that Russian armed forces were capable of significantly extending their operations beyond the borders of the Black Sea basinRead moreRussian forces advancing along 10-km front near Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expertAndrey Marochko said earlier that Russian troops have advanced one kilometer north of UstinovkaRead moreZaporozhstal steel plant closure devastating for Ukraine, deputy believesThe area's economy depended on the enterprise, said Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Zaporozhye Region Viktor Yemelyanenko Read moreUS could face 'bloodbath' if it launches ground operation against Iran — expertMikhail Margelov said there can be a lot of scenariosRead moreBattlegroup Center recon teams spend month deep behind Ukrainian lines undetectedAccording to a reconnaissance rifleman, Russian units moved into areas where Ukrainian soldiers were without armor and were moving freely in the openRead moreWashington seeks to cut embassy staff in Middle East — CNNAccording to the TV channel, the US State Department does not expect to return to normal staffing in the region soon amid the looming threat of a full-scale return to war Read moreNGO sues Trump challenging paid access to his publications on Truth SocialAccording to the plaintiffs, last year alone, from 9,000 to 11,000 posts and reposts were published on the US leader's pageRead moreRussian Battlegroup West destroys 83 Ukrainian heavy six-rotor drones in past dayApart from that, Ukraine’s daily losses included 61 drone control centers, a Starlink satellite communications station, and 39 ground-based robotic systemsRead moreRussia to resort to measures in response to growing NATO presence in Finland — embassyAccording to a source in the embassy, Russia has repeatedly drawn attention to the detrimental consequences of this policy, and the diplomats are sure that Helsinki are aware of these signalsRead morePress review: NATO boosts Northern Europe presence as Israel blocks Gaza peace effortsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 11thRead moreUkraine needs 5% of US Patriot missile stockpiles to survive winter — ZelenskyAccording to Vladimir Zelensky, this year Ukraine received 2.5 times fewer interceptor missiles for Patriot systems than in 2025Read moreOver one million square meters of warehouses damaged in Ukraine — agencyThe Kiev Region accounts for about 750,000 square meters of that numberRead moreEnsuring Russia’s security on all fronts: what is known about meeting held by PutinThe Russian leader stated that the main tasks are being addressed today as part of the special military operation, but it is necessary to "ensure the security of the Russian state along all its borders"Read moreBaltic not NATO’s internal sea, Polish president warnsAlthough this follows from cartography and map analysis, in fact this is not entirely the case, Karol Nawrocki pointed outRead morePutin visits Kuril Island of IturupAs follows from a video released by the Kremlin press service, Vladimir Putin visited the Yasny fish-packing factory on IturupRead moreWestern pirate games to prompt Russian response anywhere, senator saysKonstantin Basyuk emphasized that there was no point in using diplomatic notes with those who speak the language of forceRead moreMinister announces recovery in Russia's economic growth ratesAccording to Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, the recovery in growth rates was first observed in March and is continuing despite persistent external pressureRead morePetition calling for preserving Russia House submitted to parliament — BSW partyBSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht said earlier that her party had prepared a petition against the demands by some political forces to close the Russia HouseRead morePutin arrives aboard Varyag missile cruiserPacific Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina reported to the president on the fleet’s ongoing drillsRead morePolitico says Zelensky 'fumbled' Belgrade trip as Kosovo remarks cause stirThe publication noted that Albania had reacted sharply to the statement as wellRead moreWest always wanted to 'cancel' Russia, but now it's doing it brazenly — MedvedevThe politician noted that as soon as the special military operation had begun, it had come out in an absolutely cynical, undisguised, monstrous and even perverted formRead moreRussian forces advance 1 km north of Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expertEarlier, Andrey Marochko said that Russian forces have established control over Ustinovka and drove Ukrainian troops eight kilometers from the border with the Belgorod RegionRead moreRussia slams Yerevan over plans to interrogate WWII veteranIt is hard to find clearer evidence of the moral and spiritual decay that leads to rapprochement with the modern faceless, morally impoverished Europe and fraternization with the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, Maria Zakharova statedRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about release of American Robert Gilman, convicted in RussiaRobert Gilman was detained in 2022 at the Voronezh railway station after being involved in a drunken brawl on the Sukhum-Moscow trainRead moreNATO Council says Russia 'bears responsibility' for drone incidents in Romania, PolandThe alliance intends to strengthen defenses on its eastern flank "from the Baltic to the Black Sea" and continue providing support to UkraineRead moreUkrainian drone attacks wound 12 DPR residents in one day — republic's headA teenager born in 2011 was injured when a drone attacked a residential building, DPR head Denis Pushilin said Read moreSupreme Court finds Yabloko received about $36,000 from abroadThe party recieved donations from counterparties, who received funding from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and a number of other countries from July 9 to August 2Read moreSeveral sailors of US aircraft carrier tried to commit suicide — Military TimesThe aircraft carrier has been in service for more than eight months instead of the expected six, and the staff does not know when they will be able to return homeRead moreZelensky's government 'nepotism' paves way for massive corruption — expertIn Ukraine, nepotism in corruption schemes has become a tradition, military expert Vitaly Kiselyov saidRead moreRosatom chief proposes projects to develop science, production, exportsAlexey Likhachev highlighted three topics that, in his view, are of fundamental importance, yet the mechanisms for addressing them have not yet been fully establishedRead moreUkrainian attack leaves Sevastopol without electricityAccording to the city’s Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, specialists are assessing the damage and emergency services are in a state of high alert.Read moreWest Nile Fever cases imported to Russia from Thailand, Mali, CAR in 2026No fatalities linked to West Nile Fever have been reported this yearRead moreEU wary of 'Trojan horse' as it considers faster enlargement — mediaAccording to the sources, the European Commission was drawing up revised rules for new members, which will be presented to EU leaders at a European Council meeting on October 15Read moreDrop in investment levels in early 2026 cannot be described as dramatic — Bank of RussiaThe overall level of investment activity remaining high, said Adviser to Central Bank Governor Kirill Tremasov Read morePutin thanks Varyag crew for hospitalityThe Russian President shook hands the commanders and ordered "At ease!" to the sailorsRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup South eliminates over 100 Ukrainian heavy coptersAccording to the battlegroup’s spokesman Vadim Astafyev, 48 drone communication antennas, 37 ground-based robotic systems, 14 drone control centers, and three launch sites were also wiped outRead moreRussian troops consolidating positions in Olkhovatka in Kharkov Region — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, this was preceded by the liberation of the neighboring settlement of Vodyanoye on August 12Read moreSpecial military operation to end or be suspended only on Russia's terms — MedvedevThe United Russia party’s Chairman noted that relations with the West will change little after thatRead moreDeath toll from earthquake in Colombia up to 265A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near the city of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department on August 10Read moreSu-57 constitutes key element for achieving air superiority — Russia’s Air Force CommanderSergey Kobylash stated that during the special military operation, Russian aviation and aviation munitions "reached a qualitatively new level"Read morePress review: EU braces for winter fuel shortage as gold prices set to recoverTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 12thRead moreDamaged schools, dead, injured in southern Russia: consequences of drone attacksAir defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 502 Ukrainian UAVs over eight Russian regionsRead more