Venezuela being run by US Secretary of Energy — Trump Donald Trump asserted that the US has a great relationship with VenezuelaWASHINGTON, July 23. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has stated that the actual governance of Venezuela is currently being carried out by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "He's running Venezuela," the US leader stated at an event in Washington while introducing the head of the US Department of Energy to those present. "We have a great relationship with Venezuela, and the people are happy in Venezuela right now," Trump asserted. "We have the biggest companies, the biggest oil companies in the world, going in and doing business like nobody ever thought possible, and we're taking some [Venezuelan oil]. We should, and they're taking some [oil]. They're making more money, Venezuela now, than they've ever made before, and we're making a lot [on Venezuelan oil] too, and I think we're entitled to that," Trump added. On January 3, US President Donald Trump announced a military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by American forces. On January 5, the couple appeared before the US Federal Court for the Southern District of New York, where they face charges of alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Both have pleaded not guilty. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president on January 6. TagsUnited StatesVenezuelaDonald TrumpUS-Israeli strikes on IranIDF to deal 'crushing blow' to Iran, if it attacks Israel — YnetDefense Minister Israel Katz stressed that Israel is ready for any development of eventsRead moreUS to use another ceasefire with Iran to plan ground operation — expertRuhollah Modabber believes that the ten-day ceasefire period will enable the US to arrange logistical routes and redeploy troops without worrying about a potential Iranian attack against its targetsRead moreLavrov-Rubio conversation confirmed hope for common sense, says senior Russian legislatorGrigory Karasin emphasized that objective information regarding the situation along the engagement line, as well as the destructive role played by Europe, should prove beneficial for WashingtonRead moreUS masking unsavory actions with myth of Russian threat in Mexico — Russian embassyThey are blatantly speculative in nature and serve narrow political endsRead moreEU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions — sourceAccording to earlier reports by Politico and Bloomberg, the proposed LNG transportation ban is being blocked by Greece, which fears that its shipping companies may suffer serious losses as a resultRead moreUAVs attack energy facility in Ulyanovsk Region — governorAlexey Russkikh says that emergency services are working at the sceneRead moreUkraine's security services try to trick Russia into striking civilian sites-intel officerA military intelligence officer cited as an example the received coordinates of a target in Zaporozhye transmitted by the Ukrainian security services several days agoRead moreSyrsky knew about shady procurement schemes, Germany unhappy with his dismissal — sourcesThe Russian military sources say that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul explicitly stated that he would review Vladimir Zelensky's personnel decisionsRead moreRussian ambassador explains special military op rationale, aims to Czech foreign ministerAccording to Anna Ponomaryova, appeals for the "end of the war" are baffling, coming from a high-ranking official of a country that is actively producing weapons and supplying them to the conflict zone for UkraineRead moreRussian diplomat warns of rising risks to shipping in Strait of Hormuz, Red SeaMaria Zakharova says tensions in the Persian Gulf area are escalatingRead morePress review: Houthis add new wrinkle to Mideast tailspin as UN stuck in bystander roleTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 22ndRead moreMost Moldovans oppose unification with Romania, NATO accession — pollThe poll surveyed 1,015 respondents between July 10 and 20Read moreUS rejects Iran’s claim of control over Strait of HormuzCommercial vessels continue to use the strait with US military support, CENTCOM saidRead moreEC acknowledges EU failed to ban entry for participants in Russia's military operationThe European Commission president made no mention of the ban on transporting Russian liquefied natural gas to third countriesRead moreUkraine faces its toughest winter in five years due to vulnerable power gridWork to protect Kiev’s critical infrastructure only began in May 2026 and is 49% completeRead moreTop US diplomat calls ICC 'stupid organization'According to Marco Rubio, the US will not tolerate it if the ICC attempts to take action against American citizens now or in the futureRead moreGlobal trade up 12.5% amid Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions — UNCTADThe organization said that "a significant share of the increase reflects higher prices rather than stronger trade volumes"Read moreFormer Ukrainian soldier recounts story of his desertion, coming to RussiaAccording to Vladimir Lipka, while he was serving in the Sumy area, he saw Americans in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forcesRead moreRussian forces strike over two dozen vessels carrying cargoes for Ukraine since July 11Four dry-cargo ships and two sea bulkers carrying military cargoes for the Ukrainian armed forces to the ports of Odessa and Chernomorsk were struck overnight to July 22, and also during the dayRead moreNobody in region to be allowed to sell oil if Iran denied this opportunity — speakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf added that security in the strait is possible only if no American forces are present thereRead moreFACTBOX: Key takeaways from the Lavrov-Rubio meetingThe Russian foreign minister reaffirmed Russia's readiness to settle the conflict in Ukraine and its commitment to the agreements reached in AnchorageRead moreLavrov to ask Rubio for clarification about Trump's comments on UkraineThe Russian foreign minister recalled that Marco Rubio also commented on the Anchorage outcome in a rather ambiguous wayRead moreKremlin spokesman addresses US contact, nuclear non-proliferation, peaceful nuclear energyDmitry Peskov said that Russia and the United States maintain contact on Ukraine but it would be premature to say that efforts to resolve the conflict are being stepped upRead moreIranian military sees possibility of allowing some ships to cross Strait of HormuzVessels are allowed to pass "in accordance with the established route and in line with the previously announced rules," the statement readRead moreRussia’s Lavrov arrives in Kyrgyzstan to take part in meeting of SCO foreign ministersThe ministers are expected to discuss current issues of the international and regional agenda, including the situation in the SCO space, ensuring security and stabilityRead moreJapan's foreign minister recounts first contact with Russian counterpart in six yearsToshimitsu Motegi emphasized the importance of managing Japan-Russia relations thoughtfullyRead moreUkraine tries to prevent Russia evacuating citizens from Konstantinovka — officerThe deputy commander said the enemy fires back at the civilian population while the evacuation is underwayRead moreUS may expand Iran operation within days — mediaAccording to the report, Donald Trump is still considering returning to major combat operations against IranRead moreDamage from Ukrainian forces actions exceeds $12.7 bln — Investigative Committee chiefAlexander Bastrykin added that efforts to assess the full scale of damage caused by Ukrainian forces are ongoingRead moreUS administration refuses to transfer military aid worth $400 million to Kiev — senatorDick Durbin says the funds are unavailable until the next president is in officeRead moreUS air campaign against Iran running out of steam — PoliticoAccording to the report, the conflict is unlikely to shift decisively without a major escalation, including the deployment of ground forcesRead moreUkrainian agriculture to suffer most from country's port closure — expertAlexander Dudchak said that recently grain terminals in Ukrainian ports reduced their operations by about a third, and cargo transshipment volumes began to decline sharplyRead moreLavrov reaffirms Russia’s commitment to Alaska agreements at meeting with RubioIn addition, the top Russian diplomat emphasized that further weapons supplies to Kiev were unacceptable, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreUS may hit terrorist group in Mali — Washington PostSenior US officials, however, disagree over whether to proceed with attacking the militant groupRead morePentagon blacklists 32 Russian research institutes, universities to 'protect US tech'The decision means that the Pentagon will not engage in research cooperation with those organizations it has placed on this listRead moreZelensky admits Ukraine not yet prepared for winterVladimir Zelensky said that it is crucial to step up the workRead moreFACTBOX: Putin outlines state of economy, fuel market, regional supportThe key sectors of the Russian economy remain resilient, the Russian president saidRead moreOne killed, three injured as Turkish cargo ship en route from Russia hit in Black SeaAccording to Oksijen newspaper, the attack occurred in international waters off the coast of Turkey's Samsun provinceRead moreUS initiates meeting between Rubio, Lavrov — diplomatic sourceJournalists were allowed into the room briefly to film the opening of the meetingRead moreRussian forces pound Ukrainian ports, vessels, logistics centers used for military goalsRussian ground-based and air-launched precision-guided weapons and attack UAVs hit a dry cargo ship at the Chernomorsk port as it was unloading supplies intended for the Ukrainian armed forcesRead moreRussia not to concede to West in confrontation in Ukraine — expertHanna Notte added that since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, Moscow has gained support from non-Western countries that have refused to make "a binary choice between Russia and the West"Read moreZelensky effectively launches Fedorov’s presidential campaign himself — Rada memberMaryana Bezuglaya recalled that Vladimir Zelensky and Mikhail Fedorov had worked together for yearsRead moreEU waging proxy war against Russia but unable to change course of conflict — politicianArmando Mema, a member of Finland’s Freedom Alliance, specified that the EU finances Ukraine "to fight a war it cannot win"Read moreTalks between Lavrov, Rubio have concluded, lasting more than half hourDuring the conversation, the parties planned to focus particular attention on the settlement of the conflict in UkraineRead moreIN BRIEF: Ukrainian military reshuffle with new commander-in-chief, General Staff headUnder Ukraine’s national security law, Zelensky may appoint a new commander-in-chief only upon the recommendation of a serving defense minister, a position that is currently vacantRead moreIt could take US weeks to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities — FTAccording to the report, much will depend on whether US forces can destroy mobile launchersRead moreLavrov refutes Kiev’s lies about situation at front to Rubio — MPThe Russian foreign minister also confirmed the readiness of the Russian side for negotiationsRead moreEU expands sanctions against Russian financial and banking sectorsThe Council is imposing asset freezes and a prohibition to make funds available to 94 banks and major financial institutions, as well as to an important figure in Russia’s banking establishmentRead moreFACTBOX: Oil price cap freeze, bank restrictions in EU’s 21st sanctions packageThe EU has banned its banks from conducting cross-border transactions with 32 Russian banks, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saidRead moreUkraine's losses from port shutdown estimated at $2 bln per monthAn alternative export route runs through Romanian ports, but its capacity is limitedRead moreEU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions — sourceThe European commission earlier proposed to ambassadors a draft version of its sanctions package with softer restrictions on Russian LNG transportation to third countries by European tankersRead moreUkrainian army retreating from Pisarevka in Sumy Region to Khoten as Russia advancesAccording to Andrey Marochko, Russian troops regularly strike Khoten with fireRead morePutin highlightes external attempts to destabilize Russia's energy sectorThe Russian leader said that the condition of key sectors of the domestic economy remains stableRead moreTrump believes Iran will soon be ready to strike deal with USThe US president says that at this point, every time Iran makes a deal "they want to change it"Read moreRussian troops liberate Belitskoye community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,420 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreUS forces launching another series of strikes against Iran — Central CommandThe authority asserts that it is attacking military targetsRead moreUkraine’s attack on Voronezh Region causes casualties, serious consequencesGovernor Alexander Gusev says air defense forces spent the night repelling the attack on civilian targets, it is too early to provide full detailsRead moreWest makes no secret that it needs Ukraine for resources — Russia’s UN missionDeputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov separately said that during the military interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Syria "the battle for political clout was accompanied by a struggle for natural resources"Read moreRussian embassy calls on Berlin to tone down anti-Russian rhetoricAccording to the statement, loud propaganda accusations containing baseless speculations and false claims are regularly circulated against RussiaRead moreTanker damaged by projectile off Saudi Arabian coast — UK Maritime Trade OperationsThere have been no reports of casualtiesRead moreMaersk suspends operations at one of Ukraine's largest portsThe company indicated that the vessel MEDKON MIRA V.629S with import cargo scheduled for discharge at Chernomorsk has been diverted to the Romanian port of ConstantaRead moreRussian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,270 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreUS to retaliate against Iran for Houthi attacks — TrumpEarlier on Thursday, the Houthis fired ballistic missiles and drones at two oil tankers of the kingdom, which violated their naval blockade of Saudi ArabiaRead morePress review: Zelensky gives army chief the heave-ho and US, Saudi Arabia tie nuclear knotTop stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 23rdRead moreEU may allow Greece to continue transporting Russian LNG — FTAccording to sources cited by the newspaper, the agreement will allow companies to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months with the possibility of extension, while volumes will be capped at 2025 levelsRead moreMeeting with Rubio, nuclear arms, US involvement in Kiev's attacks: Lavrov's statementsRussia is prepared for any development in the context of the EU militarization, the Russian foreign minister notedRead moreCombat trainer aircraft crashes in Moscow Region — Russian Defense MinistryThe flight was carried out without ammunitionRead moreMeeting between Rubio, Lavrov on sidelines of ASEAN events scheduled for 06:50 Moscow timeThe schedule is subject to change, the US State Department warned without elaboratingRead moreRussia, Iran reaffirm commitment to Strategic Partnership Treaty — Russian MFAAn assistant to the Iranian Foreign Minister and Director General for Eurasian Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Manouchehr Moradi, was received by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail GaluzinRead moreZelensky sacks military chief under pressure from Europe — mediaVladimir Zelensky reportedly had no plans to replace the military chief despite nationwide protestsRead moreFACTBOX: What is known about flight altitude restrictions in Moscow air hub areaTransit flights through the Moscow aviation hub are prohibitedRead moreFailure of information war against Russia forces US to revise approaches — expertSergey Grinyaev noted that the US and its allies had been unable to break the will of the Russian people or weaken the Russian leadershipRead moreUkrainian troops shell DPR settlements 28 times in 24 hours firing 30 rounds of ammunitionTwo civilians were killed and ten injuredRead moreUS deploying forces to Middle East preparing to expand operations against Iran — WSJSources cited by the newspaper say that special operations forces have been deployed to the Middle East from bases in the US over the past weekRead moreIN BRIEF: What is known about Wildberries operations after drone attacksWildberries warehouse operations in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk have been suspended, according to the WB Partners Telegram channelRead moreKiev has no military commanders who can defeat Russia — Zaporozhye officialOleg Murachev said that one of Mikhail Drapaty’s possible options to prove his mettle after the appointment is to rely on drones and strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructureRead moreUkrainian forces under Syrsky lost control of 11,500 square kilometersDespite mounting evidence, the Ukrainian military leadership stubbornly denied the deteriorating situationRead moreConflict to go beyond regional borders if Trump delivers on his threats — Iranian militaryThe Iranian armed forces emphasized that Washington’s continuous threats will only make the conflict to expand in the region and even to go beyond its bordersRead moreUS completes strikes on Iran — Central CommandAccording to the statement, US forces struck maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assetsRead moreRomania faces fuel crisis due to Ukrainian attacks on CPC tankers in Black Sea — expertAdrian Negrescu said that crude oil supplies via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium system to the Novorossiysk terminal were cut off Read moreLavrov, Rubio have begun talks in ManilaThe negotiations are taking place on the sidelines of ASEAN-related eventsRead moreTrump doing everything he can to secure peace in Ukraine — US envoy to UNMike Waltz acknowledged that the US president had underestimated the complexity of the task when he previously suggested that he could resolve the Ukrainian conflict in as little as a dayRead moreRussian troops control greater part of Pisarevka in Sumy Region — expertAndrey Marochko says a portion of the settlement remains in the so-called gray zoneRead moreThree tankers attempt to traverse Strait of Hormuz, explosion occurs on one of them — IRGCAccording to the statement, the other two turned around at full speed and retreatedRead moreZelensky confirms that ships cannot enter Ukrainian portsEarlier, Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Taras Vysotsky said that carriers had suspended operations with Ukrainian sea ports starting on July 22Read moreRussian drones strike five ships transporting cargo for Ukrainian militaryThe ministry published what it described "objective control footage of the July 22 strikes involving Geran-4 Seeker drones on four vessels of the dry cargo carrier type and one bulk-carrier-type ship in the waters of the Black Sea and in the port of ChernomorskRead moreZelensky reports holding 'important' conversation with US envoys Witkoff, KushnerVladimir Zelensky said the teams remain in close contactRead moreRussian forces carry out more strikes on Ukrainian ports, infrastructure facilitiesStrikes on the port of Odessa hit infrastructure facilities used to unload and store military cargoRead moreMoscow refuses to recognize G20 decisions made without it — Russian diplomatMarat Berdyev commented on the Group of Twenty’s move to bar Russian officials from G20 eventsRead moreRussian Armed Forces liberate Belitskoye in DPR: what's knownThe Russian Armed Forces are conducting measures to search for and eliminate Ukrainian soldiers still hiding in the basementsRead morePutin discusses weapons materials production with Russia’s Security CouncilThe head of state noted that Russia is one of the few countries manufacturing materials needed for the production of advanced weapons and the modernization of existing onesRead moreRussia cuts supply route serving Ukrainian troops near Pisarevka in Sumy Region — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Krovnoye-Khoten road has come under the near-total control of the Russian militaryRead moreYemeni Houthis attack two Saudi Arabian oil tankers — statementThe Houthis emphasized that they also succeeded in forcing about ten vessels to turn backRead moreAftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, boy killed in Voronezh RegionOne person was killed and four others, including two children, were injured in a Ukrainian attack on CrimeaRead moreNearly 1,500 killed in Ukrainian attacks across Russia since 2022 — top investigatorAlexander Bastrykin said the cases document artillery and missile strikes, drone attacks, and cross-border incursions carried out by Ukrainian nationalistsRead moreUS Department of Energy announces signing of nuclear program deal with Saudi ArabiaThe authority reports that the agreement is designed for several decades and is intended to provide "great access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program"Read moreRussia observing positive momentum in special military operation — KremlinDmitry Peskov said that Moscow is open to negotiationsRead moreIran continues to produce missiles at facilities unknown to US — IRNAThe production of drones and missiles in Iran did not stop during the war or during the ceasefireRead morePutin to hold meeting with lawmakers on July 27 — KremlinAccording to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the discussion is expected to focus on results of the work of the current convocationRead moreTwo people killed, 11 wounded following strike on checkpoint at Iran-Iraq border — TVLocal authorities say that the border crossing continues to operateRead moreUkraine’s attack being repelled in Sevastopol, four drones shot downGovernor Mikhail Razvozhayev says air defense systems and mobile fire groups are in actionRead more
Germany paying five times more for gas after ditching Russian imports – media
• What happened: Germany is now paying five times more for imported gas after ending long-term contracts with Russia due to EU sanctions, with prices rising fro...