Russian forces liberate 91 communities in special operation zone over summer

Military operation in UkraineRussian forces liberate 91 communities in special operation zone over summer The data shows that Battlegroup North liberated the largest number of communitiesMOSCOW, September 1. /TASS/. Russian forces liberated 91 communities in the special operation zone from June through August, according to TASS calculations based on Russian Defense Ministry data. The data shows that Battlegroup North liberated the largest number of communities during the 2026 summer campaign, taking control of 29 populated areas in the Kharkov and Sumy regions. Battlegroups Center and East liberated 22 and 21 settlements respectively, followed by Battlegroup South with 14 and West with five. The Donetsk People’s Republic accounted for the largest share, with 37 communities liberated. The liberation of the city of Konstantinovka in July was particularly important. Another 23 settlements were liberated in the Kharkov Region, while Russian forces took control of 14 settlements in the Zaporozhye Region, 11 in the Sumy Region and six in the Dnepropetrovsk Region. The Russian army’s advance accelerated over the summer, as 20 settlements were liberated in June, 32 in July and 39 in August. TagsMilitary operation in UkraineMilitary operation in UkraineRussia struck energy, transport infrastructure used in Ukrainian army’s interestsRussian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 766 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and seven smart bombs over the past 24 hours, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreLionel Messi says he's retiring from Argentina's national teamLionel Messi said it was a decision that hurt deep insideRead moreGlobal sports won't 'bend' to 'whims' of individual nations — Russian Olympic chiefMikhail Degtyarev underscored that the major competitions on the IOC calendar would be organized where there were no obstacles for individual participantsRead moreTrump claims about 30 ships pass through Strait of Hormuz every night with US assistanceThe US president noted that "a lot of oil is coming out," and the price has not increased as some forecasts had predictedRead moreElections in Russia and readiness to receive Zelensky in Moscow: Kremlin's statementsDmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow is still ready to receive Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky for negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict while Russia’s position on this issue has not changedRead moreRussia, Kazakhstan never had major problems in relations — TokayevAccording to Kazakh President, if any minor conflicts arose, they were due to "purely economic disputes"Read morePutin’s talk with Pashinyan to be pragmatic, respectful — KremlinThe Armenian prime minister now has different views on the possible future configurations for his country, but cooperation with Moscow brings great benefits to the Armenians, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreEU fails to create jungle vs garden opposition in world — senior Russian senatorKonstantin Kosachev commented on Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez's remarks that Russia is allegedly involved in the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of CeutaRead moreMoscow State University ranked 84th best in the worldTwenty-five Russian universities made the QS University Rankings 2020Read moreRussia struck energy, transport infrastructure used in Ukrainian army’s interestsRussian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 766 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and seven smart bombs over the past 24 hours, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreHungary backs creation of ‘security corridor’ on NATO’s eastern flank — agencyHungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban emphasized that Hungary would not become a "weak link" in NATO, as it is "firmly committed to the principles of unity and solidarity within the alliance"Read moreThe Hague deprived Mladic medication after his family refused euthanasia — ambassadorGeneral Ratko Mladic died in a UN prison in The Hague on August 27Read moreRussia advancing along entire frontline in special op’s zone — Kremlin spokesmanThe dynamic is absolutely positive for Russia, Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreKalashnikov to unveil model of its latest AK-12+ assault rifle at Eastern Economic ForumThe weapon will be on display in the Voin Center pavilion at the Far East Street exhibitionRead morePutin lauds SCO becoming truly international organizationVladimir Putin recalled that the organization had been established at Russia and China’s initiativeRead moreTrump rules out use of nuclear weapons against IranThe US president explained that "there's no reason for it"Read moreRussia, Uzbek presidents discuss bilateral relations, joint projectsThe leaders also hailed the 12% growth in bilateral trade this year Read moreMaduro posts photo of him in prisonVenezuelan President addressed it to his grandchildren and childrenRead morePutin describes relations with Kazakhstan as ‘two-way street’The Russian president noted that trade between the two countries had grown in 2026Read moreArkhangelsk to host Russian North's culture festivalThe program features musical, theater performances, master classes, traditional practices, and other eventsRead morePutin informs Indian PM Modi about Russia’s special military op progress — KremlinThe Russian leader had a meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in BishkekRead moreTrump says China ‘relatively inactive’ on Strait of HormuzThe US president added that he has "a very good relationship" with Chinese President Xi JinpingRead moreIRGC say they downed MQ-9 drone over Strait of HormuzThe drone was taken down in the eastern part of the Strait of HormuzRead moreSix members of banned organization Jehovah's Witnesses convicted of extremism In MoscowTo date, more than 30 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization have been involved in criminal cases in Moscow and the Moscow Region for their participation and involvement in the activities of an extremist organizationRead moreFACTBOX: 239 drones downed, Ukrainian strikes on homes, logistics center in YekaterinburgAir defenses destroyed 12 Ukrainian drones over the Voronezh Region during the night, Governor Alexander Gusev saidRead moreRussian Aerospace Forces destroy up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Kherson RegionThe Russian Aerospace Forces struck the enemy with FAB-1500 and FAB-500 bombsRead moreIran’s IRGC reports destroying US fighter jet deployment sites in Jordan — TasnimEarlier, it was reported that a series of explosions was heard on Jordan’s territoryRead moreRussia welcomes any country’s efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine — KremlinDmitry Peskov added that so far the Kiev regime has been unwilling to be influenced by any mediatorsRead morePutin hails Modi’s role in strengthening Russian-Indian relationsThe Russian president stated that he was pleased to meet with the Indian prime minister againRead morePlan for further regulation of digital platforms approved in RussiaThe government’s subcommittee on the development of digital platforms has approved the roadmap for legislative initiatives for 2026-2027Read moreRussians top overall medals standings at IFBB World Fitness Sport Games in TurkeyThe Russian national bodybuilding team was represented at the competitions by 16 athletesRead moreCooperation between Russia and India constantly reaches new frontiers — ModiThe Indian prime minister stressed that moving forward together had been the shared visionRead moreIran relocates missile production facilities to safer places — IRGCAccording to adviser to the IRGC commander-in-chief Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the production sites are now operating with the use of the most advanced technologies and increased production capacityRead moreUS requests public comments on Russia's WTO complianceInterested parties are requested to submit written comments or applications to participate in a public hearing scheduled for October 14, with a deadline of October 1Read moreUS Army Secretary Driscoll submits resignation — newspaperAccording to the report by The Wall Street Journal, the official is expected to leave the Pentagon in the coming daysRead moreCooperation between Moscow and Beijing develops in all areas — PutinThe Russian president specified that Moscow and Beijing are implementing major projects in the energy sector, industry, space, transport and logisticsRead moreOver 6,000 Ebola cases recorded in Democratic Republic of CongoThe death toll from Ebola during the current outbreak stands at 2,911Read moreRussia moving toward Ukrainian conflict settlement — PutinThe Russian leader also thanked Narendra Modi for sharing his expectations for Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to the BRICS summit in New Delhi in SeptemberRead moreIraq rejects proposal to keep coalition forces beyond September 30 deadlineGovernment spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said did not specify which country put forward the proposalRead moreAt least five US military aircraft flying over Persian GulfBoeing KC-135R Stratotankers and Boeing KC-46A Pegasuses "are flying at an altitude of about eight kilometers, including along corridors designated for civil aircraft," a source in the Middle Eastern air traffic control services saysRead moreBank of Russia projects key rate at 14.5-14.6% in 2026 under baseline scenarioThe key rate is projected at 10.5-12.5% in 2027Read moreRussian, US finance chiefs discuss bilateral cooperation — Russian Finance MinistryThe G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting is taking place on August 31 and September 1 in Asheville, USARead moreHundreds of Ukrainian military warehouses located in residential buildings — diplomatRussian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik stated that Kiev uses Ukrainians as human shieldsRead moreTanker struck by three projectiles in Hormuz Strait — British maritime security authorityAccording to the statement, no casualties or environmental impact has been reportedRead moreRussia’s stance unchanged on Moscow’s readiness to receive Zelensky — KremlinPresident Vladimir Putin said that if Vladimir Zelensky wants negotiations, he can come to Moscow, Dmitry Peskov recalledRead moreBank of Russia projects key rate at 19-21% in 2027 under risk scenarioThe key rate is projected at 14-16% in 2028Read moreKiev loses 9,600 soldiers, mercenaries in special op zone last week — expertAndrey Marochko added that over the past week, the Russian military also destroyed nearly 6,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, three uncrewed boats, three tanks, 47 field artillery gunsRead moreSpain sees record 5,232 heat-related deaths this summerThe overwhelming majority of those who died from the effects of heat this summer were people over the age of 65Read moreRuble share in settlements hits record 60% in Q2 2026 — MPChairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market Anatoly Aksakov noted that Russia continues to build a multi-layered protection of the financial sector against the shocks of sanctionsRead moreSerbia thankful to Russia for helping fight wildfiresAccording to the Emergencies Ministry, its Il-76 aircraft was operating in Serbia’s Kolubara District on MondayRead more180 Ukrainian drones taken down over Russian regions during dayThe Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted over 10 Russian regionsRead moreIN BRIEF: What is known about detention of two Russians working for Ukraine in CrimeaAccording to the FSB, two Crimean residents were recruited by officers of the Ukrainian army’s special operations force via a popular messengerRead moreFire at plant extinguished, eight deadEight workers were found dead when the fire was foughtRead moreKiev using ‘human shield’ to protect military-industrial complex — expertThe local population serves as the bargaining tool in this system, Dmitry Barov notedRead moreFACTBOX: Russian strikes on Ukrainian logistics centers, seaports: What is knownTASS has compiled the key facts about the strikes on facilities in Ukraine.Read moreRussia begins mass production of Volna Kupol Garant EW system — defense sourceAccording to the source, the Volna has become a factor affecting not only the special military operation zone, but also having global influenceRead moreZelensky boosts peronal security — expert"The paranoid mood of the illegitimate Ukrainian president has intensified ahead of the so-called Ukrainian Independence Day and continues to this day," Andrey MarochkoRead moreIN BRIEF: Change in effective date of new key rate and economic development scenariosThe regulator will change the effective date of the new key rate from Monday to WednesdayRead moreSber expects 2026 profit significantly higher than last year’sAccording to Taras Skvortsov, the growth rate could be slightly below 20%Read moreGoing visa-free with China, Ukraine peace: Putin meets with China, India leadersThe Russian leader stressed that Moscow was making efforts to end the Ukrainian conflictRead moreEU preparations for State Duma election provocations, plans to null results — SVRAccording to the intelligence service, the West has mobilized "all the ‘weapons’ from the arsenal of anti-Russian aggression" to destabilize the country ahead of the electionsRead moreAmbassador to Belgrade doubts The Hague court to release details of Mladic’s deathAleksandar Vranes noted that there were no justice for Serbs in The HagueRead moreJordan intercepts eight Iranian missiles — Petra news agencyThe type of the missiles is unknownRead moreHigh-level delegations from Syria, Israel hold talks in Jordan — agencyAccording to a source cited by SANA, the sides discussed the need to halt Israeli aggression against Syria and return to the negotiating tableRead moreUS considers limited strikes against Iran in Strait of Hormuz region — AxiosAccording to sources cited by the portal, the US goal is to prevent Iran from reconstituting its radar and missile capabilities to attack shipsRead moreKiev finds it increasingly difficult to protect its energy, military facilities — governorKherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo sees Mikhail Fyodorov’s proposal to the Americans as a piece of creative bargaining to get new weapons deliveries and investmentsRead moreNorth Korea launches several unidentified projectiles to Sea of Japan — mediaThe type of the projectiles and their range is yet unknownRead moreUkraine hiding truth about its casualties from public, arms suppliers — Crimea sourcesGeneral mobilization has been in effect in Ukraine since February 2022 and has been extended repeatedlyRead moreG20 shows world reluctance to back West on Ukraine — Russian Foreign MinistryAccording to diplomat Dmitry Birichevsky, Western countries continued their aggressive rhetoric against Russia at the G20 summit, but there was no situation in which they would have been agreed with or endorsedRead moreRussia readies to strike Ukraine’s energy sites to retaliate attacks on its infrastructureAt the same time, Russian servicemen continued to launch coordinated strikes against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities that support the Ukrainian military overnight, the ministry emphasizedRead morePress review: EU mulls Russia-linked tanker seizures as US deal opens Venezuela oil accessTop stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 31stRead moreMilitary from local special forces units took part in mutiny in Niger — Russian diplomatThe uprising was suppressed by the authorities with the assistance from the Russian defense ministry’s Africa CorpsRead moreRussia-India tourist exchanges grew 16% in 2025, Putin saysSpeaking about humanitarian cooperation, the Russian president noted that India is among the leading nations in terms of the number of students studying in RussiaRead moreLavrov points to West’s failed attempts ‘to Ukrainize’ G20 agendaThe Russian foreign minister pointed out that "the West is blatantly distorting the current situation in the global economy by the methods it is using to punish those who don’t follow its rules, which are clearly neocolonial in nature"Read moreLPR, DPR heads call on Putin to help repel Kiev’s aggression — KremlinTheir appeals emphasize that amid the deteriorating situation and threats from Kiev, the republics’ citizens are currently forced to flee their homesRead moreUkraine's agricultural exports nearly halve month-on-month in AugustAugust exports dropped to 1.726 million tons from 3.287 million tons in JulyRead moreNATO attempts to use Arctic to contain Russia — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister noted that Russia favors constructive dialogue in all regions of the world but, when necessary, will defend its national interests "by all available means"Read moreRosatom plans to expand construction of small-scale, large NPPs in Iran, CEO saysAccording to Alexey Likhachev, a second group of specialists is preparing to return to the Bushehr NPPRead moreMusk not letting Kiev use Starlink against Russia without White House’s consent — FTAccording to the newspaper, the businessman explicitly stated his position in a conversation with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail FyodorovRead moreZelensky speaks with US envoys over phoneAccording to the head of the Kiev regime, the parties discussed "setting a date for a visit to Ukraine"Read morePutin congratulates Kazakh leader on results of parliamentary electionsThe Russian leader noted the high voter turnout which had demonstrated people's support of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's course toward Kazakhstan’s further developmentRead moreIran seeks peaceful settlement of conflict with US, not continuation of war — presidentAccording to Masoud Pezeshkian, there are forces in the US seeking to escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington to gain an advantageRead moreRussia to respond to hostile actions of its opponents, including asymmetrically — LavrovThe foreign minister said that Russia favors constructive dialogue but, if necessary, will defend "national interests by all available means"Read morePutin calls Russia’s 201st military base in Tajikistan key guarantor of securityVladimir Putin noted that Russia had traditionally made a major contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the Central Asian regionRead moreRussian delegation arrives in Washington for G20 sherpa meeting — envoyThe first meetings will take place on December 15-16, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev saidRead moreRosatom building 16 out of 28 reactors abroad in SCO countries, CEO saysAccording to Alexey Likhachev, units in China, India and other countries are currently in the commissioning phaseRead moreZaporozhye NPP unable to replenish emergency generator fuel due to Ukrainian attacks"The plant has sufficient fuel for its diesel generators," Yevgenia Yashina addedRead moreTrump's 'Greenland plan' aims to bring Arctic under US control — presidential adviserAnton Kobyakov opined that this project was an alternative to the NSR from the Pacific Ocean to the North AtlanticRead moreTrump says wants to get on with everyone when talking about inviting Russia to G20 eventsThe US president added that "getting along with everybody" is "one of the reasons that I'm so successful"Read moreTrump says may continue strikes against IranThe US president added that his awareness of serious troubles in Iran "doesn't mean we won't smack them" Read moreKiev’s mobilization plans show Ukraine lies about battlefield losses — mediaThe head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office earlier said that Ukraine needed to recruit at least 30,000 people a month to maintain troop strengthRead moreKremlin urges people to ignore ‘fake news’ in Western media, to focus on front realitiesThe fact is that nowadays, both less reputable publications and more reputable publications, as well as publications that were once reputable, do not shy away from any kind of fake news, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Read moreUS seriously considers use of nuclear weapons in Europe — Russian MFAAccording to Andrey Belousov, Washington’s efforts to initiate discussions on Russia’s non-strategic nuclear weapons serve to divert international attention from what he described as the threat posed by US nuclear weapons stationed in EuropeRead morePutin, Pashinyan to discuss bilateral agenda on SCO summit’s sidelines — KremlinDmitry Peskov said it is a good opportunity to have such a discussionRead moreUS uses fewer weapons against Iran than provided to Ukraine under Biden — TrumpAccording to the US president, Washington gave Ukraine over $300 billion worth of ammunition during this periodRead moreTalking about mediation in Iran war still difficult — KremlinDmitry Peskov said the situation unfolding in the Persian Gulf around Iran will be discussed on Tuesday by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud PezeshkianRead moreFACTBOX: What to know about Eastern Economic ForumThe program of the 11th EEF includes over 70 business events, featuring panel sessions, roundtables, and business dialoguesRead morePutin’s 2025 visit to India helped take economic ties to new level — ModiThe Indian prime minister said that the Russian president's visit left a lasting impressionRead morePolyus' adjusted net profit under IFRS falls 59% to $829 mln in 1H 2026The company's revenue for the reporting period grew by 27% year-on-year to $4.7 billionRead moreWorld thirsts for peace, growth — XiThe Chinese leader noted that the world was undergoing unprecedented rapid changes, not seen in a centuryRead morePutin urges students to believe in themselves in Knowledge Day messageThe Russian president noted that today’s school and university students "are the ones who will continue our great Motherland’s track record of victories and achievements"Read more