Russia

Rada may change location for safety reasons — agency

TASS English · 2026-08-19

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The Verkhovna Rada is considering relocating to a safer location in Kiev due to ongoing air-raid warnings that disrupt parliamentary sessions. • Why it matters: The current security situation in Kiev is deemed unsustainable for the functioning of the parliament, with multiple air-raid alerts occurring during sessions, indicating a deteriorating environment. • What to watch next: Observers should monitor the Rada's decision on relocation and any potential impacts on legislative activities and security measures in Ukraine.

Ukraine crisisRada may change location for safety reasons — agency The Rada building is located in the center of KievMOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The Verkhovna Rada is considering moving to one of several safer locations in Kiev, deputy Nikita Poturayev said as quoted by UNIAN agency. "The Verkhovna Rada cannot work in this mode. I think that, in fact, the situation will only get worse. One of the options is to move the parliament’s work to a safer location; such a location exists in Kiev," he said. Deputy Alexander Dubinsky, who is in pre-trial detention, suggested that the Rada should not be fussy and move to Monaco, where anti-corruption bodies won’t be able to reach the deputies. "Some prominent deputies and leaders of parliamentary factions will even be able to walk to work," he said on Telegram. The Rada building is located in the center of Kiev. When an air-raid warning is issued, the deputies suspend the session. On Tuesday, there were 10 air-raid warnings and the Rada session was interrupted twice. TagsUkraine crisisUS-Israeli strikes on IranTrump leaves open possibility of US-Iran talks resumingThe US president repeated that "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons" and reiterated that Washington has complete control over the Strait of HormuzRead 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 moreRussian Baltic Fleet ships conduct naval drills with gun practiceAccording to the exercise scenario, the naval crews detected approaching enemy UAVs, put the ships’ air defense systems on combat alert, and analyzed the obtained air situation dataRead 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 moreDiplomat points to unfriendly narratives toward Russia in Azerbaijan’s media spaceMaria Zakharova said that Moscow "has repeatedly invited its Azerbaijani colleagues to hold relevant consultations to discuss ways of improving information background without politicization or media hype"Read moreOpenAI pauses training of new AI models due to cyber risks — companyThe measure was introduced for two weeksRead 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 moreExplosion rocks Finnish plant near Russian borderThe plant's fire chief Toni Jaako suggested the blast might have been caused by a technical malfunctionRead 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 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 moreDisruption of Grossi's visit to Zaporozhye NPP act of terrorism — governorYevgeny Balitsky said the visit was meant to be a routine event as part of the rotation of the Secretariat's experts at the plantRead moreMore pressure on Iran unlikely to produce concessions outside deal with US — speakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf added that US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are "way out of their league" Read moreRussian ombudswoman holds talks with her Ukrainian counterpartThe two ombudspersons met on the border between Belarus and UkraineRead 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 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 moreGrossi’s ZNPP visit can hinder Kiev’s efforts to blame Russia for attacks — senatorKiev derailed Grossi’s visit to the ZNPP scheduled for August 20-21Read moreUS oil companies to sign agreement with Venezuela’s PDVSA — PoliticoVenezuelan Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao plans to attend the signing ceremonyRead 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 moreWhat to know about new '103 for 103' POW exchange between Russia, UkraineThe Russian servicemen are currently in BelarusRead 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 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 moreLiberation of Kudiyevka creates logistical difficulties for Ukrainian troops — officialThe Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Kudiyevka settlement was liberated on August 16Read 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 moreRada appoints Khmara as defense ministerThe decision was backed by 312 votes, with a minimum of 226 requiredRead moreSeoul, Washington to conclude drills ahead of schedule on Aug. 21 — Joint Chiefs of StaffAccording to the statement, the decision was made at the proposal of the US sideRead 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 moreIN BRIEF: Remains of Holy Right-Believing Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy discoveredA combined study has proven their authenticityRead 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 moreWhat we know about one of this year’s largest drone attacks on Moscow, Russian regionsIn total, 791 Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted and destroyed over 16 Russian regionsRead 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 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 moreFrench politician calls Fyodorov's speech disaster for ZelenskyFlorian Philippot advised that the former Ukrainian defense minister watch his safetyRead morePresidential envoy explains pause in annual addresses to parliament by number of reasonsGarry Minkh says the current situation demands a prompt response rather than long-term strategic planningRead 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 moreUK moves toward nuclear war by allowing Ukraine to launch British-made UAVs against RussiaAccording to the media reports, British drones are now used for deep strikes inside Russian territoryRead moreUKMTO reports shelling attack on cargo ship off Yemeni coastThere were no crew aboard the ship at the moment of the attackRead 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 moreThree NATO reconnaissance planes spotted near Kaliningrad RegionOne of them is a US Gulfstream EA-37B Compass Call II electronic warfare aircraftRead moreRussia entitled to view UK as party to Ukrainian conflict — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister said he feels sorry for the UK if it stays with Ukraine until the very endRead 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 moreDiplomatic principles, possible Witkoff-Kushner visit: new statements from KremlinRussian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov pointed out that diplomacy is always conducted quietlyRead 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 morePress review: Ukraine conflict fuels EU ultra-right as Trump seeks Iran pressure via OmanTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 19thRead moreUkrainian forces lose 65 fixed-wing UAVs in Russia’s Battlegroup South responsibility areaThe battlegroup’s fighters destroyed 39 ground robotic systems in the Kramatorsk, Konstantinovka, and Slavyansk sectorsRead 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 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 morePress review: Iran war strains US global reach as Washington revives Gaza settlement talksTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 18thRead 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 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 moreNovak, Siluanov comment on Russia’s GDP growth, additional support for regionsTASS has compiled the key statements on the economic situation in RussiaRead 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 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 moreRussian troops clear 400 buildings of Ukrainian forces in liberating VodyanskoyeAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, the settlement was liberated on August 19Read 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 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 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 morePutin stresses need to strengthen Russia’s sovereigntyThe president highlighted that Russia was already implementing a plan for structural changes in the economyRead moreUkraine’s anti-corruption agencies expose ring involving Zelensky’s office officialsDetails are expected to be released laterRead moreGrossi urges to stop attacks on nuclear facilities after deadly strike on EnergodarThe IAEA was also informed about attacks on the ZNPP industrial areaRead 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 moreVerkhovna Rada approves new Ukrainian foreign, defense ministersProtests against Mikhail Fyodorov’s dismissal as defense minister have continued for 34 daysRead 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 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 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 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 moreVogue chooses most stylish dog of 2026This year’s winner was an Italian greyhound named Sir SpudRead 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 moreIN BRIEF: What we know about summoning of Japan’s ambassador to Russian Foreign MinistryDeputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin expressed a strong protest to Akira Muto regarding the anti-Russian statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu MotegiRead moreTrump threatens Oman over planned deal with Iran on Strait of Hormuz — APAccording to the agency, the US president is under growing pressure regarding the situation in Iran because of his promises to promptly win the conflict, weaken Tehran, and conclude a more favorable nuclear dealRead 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 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 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 moreRussia’s ombudswoman sends 60 letters to UN over Kiev's war crimes against civiliansMost of them remain unansweredRead moreBattlegroup North drones destroy 4 Ukrainian armored vehicles, 83 R-18-type octocoptersThe FPV drone crews destroyed two Humvee armored fighting vehicles, a Kozak armored fighting vehicle and a Tisa armored combat vehicleRead 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 moreRussia’s Provod strike FPV drone operational range to be increased — manufacturerThe drones can currently be deployed at the range of 40 kmRead moreDamage reported at Ufa oil refinery as Russia intercepts 453 Ukrainian drones overnightA medical university student from India was injured in the attackRead 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 moreRussia’s trade infrastructure resilient despite terrorist attacks — PutinThe Russian president admitted that operations are running under intense pressureRead 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 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 moreUkraine loses 674 aircraft during special military operation — top brassAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy also lost 284 helicoptersRead 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 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 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 more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Cyprus taking precautions against potential threats — news agency

• What happened: Cyprus has increased its security measures in response to potential threats, particularly following reports that Iran may consider Cyprus a tar...

Russia

NABU charges former deputy head of Zelensky’s office — lawyer

• What happened: The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has charged Irina Mudraya, the former deputy head of President Zelensky's office, am...

Russia

Kusturica slams blocking of his YouTube channel as 'war on truth'

• What happened: Serbian director Emir Kusturica's YouTube channel "My Life" was suspended, which he described as a "war on truth" by a...

Russia

Khmara appointed defense minister by decision of Zelensky’s Western patrons — expert

• What happened: Yevgeny Khmara was appointed as Ukraine's defense minister, a decision reportedly influenced by Western patrons of President Zelensky, rat...

Russia

Dialogue with US to be fruitless, unless Iran combat ready — Majlis speaker

• What happened: Iranian Majlis Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that dialogue with the United States will be ineffective unless Iran is prepared for con...

Russia

The Economist reports panic in Ukraine over shortage of Patriot missiles

• What happened: Ukraine is experiencing panic over a shortage of interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, with a request for at least 300 miss...