Russia

Zelensky pledge to step up mobilization in exchange for EU loan genocidal — MFA

TASS English · 2026-07-15

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's reported plan to increase military mobilization in exchange for a 90-billion-euro EU loan, labeling it as genocidal. • Why it matters: The statement highlights escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with accusations of severe consequences for Ukrainian citizens amid ongoing conflict and military mobilization efforts. • What to watch next: Monitor developments regarding Ukraine's military policies, potential changes in mobilization age, and the implications of EU financial support on the conflict.

Zelensky pledge to step up mobilization in exchange for EU loan genocidal — MFA According to Maria Zakharova, proposals to "address the situation" in Ukraine increasingly include lowering the mobilization age to 22, with "some voices around Bankova even calling for an immediate reduction to 18"MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky's reported commitment to step up mobilization in exchange for a 90-billion-euro European Union loan is akin to genocide against his own people, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing. According to the diplomat, proposals to "address the situation" in Ukraine increasingly include lowering the mobilization age to 22, with "some voices around Bankova even calling for an immediate reduction to 18." "But even that is not enough for the Zelensky regime," she said. "As Ukrainian media report, rumors are spreading among the population that, in exchange for a 90-billion-euro loan from the European Union, the Kiev regime pledged to significantly increase the number of people mobilized and agreed with Brussels to develop a mechanism for returning Ukrainian citizens who have settled in Europe, where they would be met at the border by military enlistment officers." "It is genocide against the Ukrainian people carried out by Zelensky," Zakharova said. "Nothing else better describes this terrible tragedy, when Ukrainian citizens believed the words of a man who spoke so much about democracy and the rule of law and so eloquently promised peace and coexistence among people speaking different languages in one united Ukraine," she said. "They believed him, and now he is throwing them into his favorite childhood toy - the meat grinder.". TagsForeign policyUkraineMaria ZakharovaThose plotting 'new campaign' against Russia should remember lessons of history — MFAMaria Zakharova advised them to stop deluding themselves into believing they can inflict a strategic defeat on RussiaRead moreEuropean Commission strips Venice Biennale of grant over reopening Russian pavilionThe European Commission has withdrawn a 2-million-euro grant from the Venice BiennaleRead moreIN BRIEF: What is known about Russian strikes on Ukrainian portsRussian forces hit Odessa and Chernomorsk port infrastructure facilities used to unload fuel and lubricants and fuel storage tanks for the Ukrainian militaryRead moreUkrainian military strikes passenger bus with drone in Gorlovka, DPRThe Ukrainian military also shelled a residential area of the Kalininsky district of the city, damaging private housesRead moreSenator Lindsey Graham dies at 71Republican Senator passed away from a brief and sudden illnessRead moreEU to revoke asylum eligibility for Ukrainian military-age men from March 2027The EU does not plan to deport Ukrainian military-age men already residing in EuropeRead moreTrump says Strait of Hormuz open to all ships except Iran’sThe United States will have a full Blockade, but only on Ships coming to and from Iranian ports, or carrying anything have to do with Iranian cargo, the US president saidRead moreRussian permanent mission accuses EU of making unfounded public accusations against MoscowThe Russian position was brought to the attention of the EU side during a meeting at the European External Action Service on July 14, 2026Read moreZelensky confirms two civilians brutally murdered by Ukrainian soldiersTen servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces’ 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade have been detained, including the now former brigade commander Stanislav LuchanovRead moreUkrainian army carries out 18 attacks on DPR in past day, kills civilianSix civilians were injuredRead moreWhat we know about detention of man who planned sabotage at oil company in Russia’s YugraThe detainee has confessed to plotting a terrorist attack on an oil company in NyaganRead moreTrump points to ‘greater alternatives’ to Strait of Hormuz for oil deliveriesThe US president also said that the strait is closed only for IranRead moreRussia rejects Western accusations of cyberattacks — embassy in The HagueVladimir Tarabrin warned Dutch authorities that any further expansion of EU sanctions would provoke retaliatory measures from MoscowRead moreIranian military says attacks on US bases to continue until ‘ultimate victory’The IRGC has launched six drone attacks on US bases in the Middle EastRead moreTrump promises to review updated bill on sanctions against RussiaThe US president also said that the lawmakers may also extend the document to Iran and the Shiite movement HezbollahRead moreConsulate general investigates detention of Russians in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosqueSources inside the Istanbul police confirmed the incident but declined further commentRead moreTrump says US has achieved main objectives of its military operation against IranThe US leader revealed that if US forces ended military operations now, Iran would need 20 years to recover from the damage inflictedRead moreArgentina suspends cooperation with Russia on peaceful nuclear energy — Russian envoyAt the same time, mutual interest is being registered between Russian and Argentinian companies in cooperation in the electric power industry, renewable energy sources and the oil and gas industry, Dmitry Feoktistov saidRead moreMoldova's involvement in Ukraine conflict escalates it further — expertThe actions of the President of Moldova and the government, aimed at supporting Ukraine, can be perceived as part of a broader strategy developed by EU intelligence services and MI6, Dmitry Sorokin saidRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup South destroys over 90 Ukrainian robotic vehicles in half-monthBattlegroup's artillery units destroyed over 20 artillery guns of the Ukrainian armyRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreAmbassador to Austria rejects accusations of Russia’s involvement in cyberattacksAndrey Gromov expressed regret that official Vienna shares EU’s confrontational stance toward MoscowRead moreGerman drone factory for Ukraine legitimate target for Russian military — expertChairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov added that with a new wave of military aid to Kiev, Germany is trying to escalate the conflictRead moreMillions sign online petition demanding Argentina be booted from World CupThe petition claims that FIFA and the referees are biased toward Lionel Messi and the Argentininan national teamRead moreTrump urges Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from Syria, Lebanon — mediaA US official told Axios that the US president warned the Israeli prime minister that the presence of Israeli forces on Syrian territory "creates tensions and could lead to an escalation"Read moreUpgraded AK-12 assault rifle successfully completes scheduled testsThe assault rifle will reliably protect the life of a service member, Kalashnikov CEO Alan Lushnikov notedRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup West eliminates 107 Ukrainian heavy quadcopters over past dayThe air defense crews and mobile armed units also shot down 188 fixed-wing UAVsRead moreGermany fueling world war by providing military aid to Ukraine — lawmakerRetired Major General Leonid Ivlev recalled that Germany was the largest donor to UkraineRead moreFACTBOX: Ukrainian parliament dismisses prime minister, governmentUkraine's Verkhovna Rada voted by a majority to dismiss Prime Minister Yulia SviridenkoRead moreIran seeks lawful sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz — vice presidentMohammad Reza Aref said that it is natural for Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, just as it is natural for other countries to have the right to use itRead moreRostec develops critically needed materials despite sanctions — PM MishustinThe Russian Prime Minister stressed that achievements in high-tech industries have a direct impact not only on industry and digitalization, but also on the country's overall economy and on people's quality of lifeRead more‘Coalition of the Willing’ turns out unable to ensure ceasefire — mediaAccording to a report in Der Spiegel, the coalition remains powerless to achieve its goalsRead moreModernized Shturmovik ground robot deployed to Russia’s special op zone in UkraineThe Shturmovik can carry up to 70 kg on the road and up to 50 kg on rough terrainRead moreFACTBOX: Logistics, food supplies, fleet protection measures in Sea of AzovPort captains are seeking to improve traffic management and reduce vessel handling timesRead moreVon der Leyen, Vucic, Sandu, other leaders arrive in KievThey are expected to meet with Zelensky and participate in the Southeast European summitRead moreRussia, United States continue cooperation in space — DmitrievThe RDIF head earlier participated in the crew’s readiness report for Soyuz MS-29Read moreEleven parties submit documents to participate in Russian parliamentary electionsAccording to Central Election Commission Chairperson Ella Pamfilova, the parties have submitted 8,796 documents totaling 135,922 pagesRead moreRussian troops destroying over 80% of Ukrainian drones in LPR — expertAndrey Marochko emphasized that Russian soldiers at this point "are handling the challenges from the Ukrainian militants quite effectively"Read moreSecurity guarantees for Kiev, sanctions against Max — Kremlin briefing highlightsDmitry Peskov expressed confidence that Max would keep evolving fast despite the European sanctionsRead moreSpain defeats France 2-0, moves into 2026 FIFA World Cup FinalSpain has become the first team to reach the finalRead moreIran conflict could devalue Donald Trump’s second presidential term — FTDefense strategy expert at the Center for a New American Security think-tank in Washington Becca Wasser noted that escalation to de-escalate had not proven to be very successful in the pastRead moreRussia creating wheeled heavy-duty robot named after esteemed WWII generalThe platform is designed for logistics missions such as the delivery of provisions, water, combat ammunition loads and medicinesRead moreTrump avoids direct answer on possible seizure of Kharg IslandThe US president noted that sometimes a ground campaign is neededRead moreModernizing Russia’s armed forces, fuel situation — Putin’s remarksThe Russophobic factions within the so-called collective West are fighting Russia, but the country is forging ahead with remarkable progress, the Russian leader saidRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup North destroys Ukrainian UAV control antenna in Sumy RegionThe antenna was located in a forest beltRead moreFSB soldiers eliminate Ukrainian saboteurs, UAV control center in DPRIn total, FSB Gorynych unit operators eliminated four enemy sabotage-terrorist groupsRead moreRoscosmos, NASA to coordinate satellite operations to prevent collisionsRoscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov says Russia's satellite constellation includes hundreds of spacecraft, while partner constellations include thousandsRead moreHungarian defense minister promises to 'slam the door on Russia'Romulus Ruszin-Szendi stated that Hungary must restore the trust of its alliesRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian UAV assembly, storage sites in past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,380 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreKuwait activates air defenses to repel Iranian drone attackAccording to earlier reports, Iran carried out strikes on US storage facilities in Bahrain and KuwaitRead moreTaiwan maneuvers mere saber-rattling — China's Taiwan Affairs OfficeThe DPP "is futilely seeking to achieve independence with the use of military force," Zhu Fenglian saidRead moreUkrainian sabotage operation zone to be extended to Mediterranean — expertAccording to Alexander Stepanov, any future actions against Russia’s merchant fleet in the Mediterranean Sea will depend on NATO states’ shore infrastructureRead moreNATO intelligence community behind foiled terrorist attack in Moscow Region — expertAlexander Stepanov highlighted the critical role of specialized software, primarily developed in Canada, which was to be used alongside drone components of the same originRead moreWhat we know about FSB-prevented large-scale drone attack on facility in Moscow RegionAccording to the FSB, the Ukrainian side recruited a former member of an ethnic organized crime group through a terrorist organization banned in Russia to carry out the attackRead moreTrump says Iran is fighting US like 'great boxer'The US leader stressed that Tehran continued to resist despite repeated US strikesRead moreFACTBOX: Key details of revised US sanctions bill targeting RussiaThe bill targets the five largest buyers of Russian energy, including China and IndiaRead morePress review: US, Iran vie for Hormuz leverage as Russia, US conclude ISS program by 2030Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 15thRead moreTrump speaks contradictorily about chances of passing bill on sanctions against RussiaThe US president said that key provisions of the document had not been discussed with him and that he needs to review themRead moreSlovakia, Azerbaijan negotiating long-term gas supply contracts — TASRThe agency said that Slovakia must stop importing Russian gas from October 2027Read moreThree civilians injured in Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod RegionThe wounded were taken to hospitalsRead moreUS violates memorandum of understanding over 40 times — Iranian envoy to UNAmir-Saeid Iravani said that the US failed to fulfil its commitments almost immediately after the signing of the memorandumRead moreKiev’s attack on Kursk NPP is nuclear terrorism — envoy"The Ukrainian militants have committed another nuclear terrorism attempt, launching at least 12 unmanned aerial vehicles towards the Kursk NPP-2," Rodion Miroshnik saidRead moreRussia extremely concerned about new round of hostilities involving Iran — MFADmitry Lyubinsky reaffirmed its call for the resumption of dialogue to foster a lasting peace and stability in the regionRead moreFrance to transfer ready-made SCALP missiles to Ukraine — Russian military analystThis is a de facto outright legalization of deliveries, Alexander Stepanov saidRead moreRussia, US ready to discuss cooperation between their national space stationsDuring the meeting, the sides elaborated a joint program to complete the station’s flight in late 2030Read moreUS completes another series of strikes on Iran — CENTCOMAccording to the US military, the attack lasted 7 hoursRead moreVon der Leyen promises Kiev ‘safe and secure production sites’ for drones to attack RussiaThe European Commission President also promised "huge technological and industrial capacity" in EuropeRead moreChina opposes US bill imposing sanctions on buyers of Russian fossil fuelsChinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect legal rights and interests of Chinese companiesRead moreFidan to emphasize strikes on ships in Black Sea unacceptable during Kiev visit — sourceAccording to the source, the Turkish top diplomat will also "draw attention to the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine" and "state Turkey’s readiness to bring the sides together at the negotiating table"Read moreIRGC reports another strike on US base in JordanAccording to a report by Fars, the attack targeted the deployment site of F-18 fighter jets and hangars housing US military equipmentRead moreOver 50,000 US troops currently deployed across Middle East — Central CommandThe US CENTCOM published the corresponding report on XRead moreMan injured in Voronezh suburb, blackout in Kerch: aftermath of attacks on regionsThe drones were reportedly shot down over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Rostov, Moscow and Krasnodar regions, as well as Crimea, the Sea of Azov, and the Black SeaRead moreRussian troops advance northeast of Svyatogorsk in DPR — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the combat conditions are the most intense in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk areaRead moreRussian holdings of US Treasuries rise to $29 mln in MayJapan remained the largest holder of US government securities in May, with holdings totaling approximately $1.14 trillionRead moreTrump, US administration officials discuss expanding Iran strikes — mediaThe meeting reportedly involved US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officialsRead moreRussian Tango light aircraft completes maiden flight — S7 GroupVladimir Barsuk, a first-class test pilot and director of the Chaplygin Siberian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation, was at the controlsRead moreVenezuela's acting president thanks Russia for humanitarian assistanceLast week, two Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft delivered over 35 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Venezuela, including food, tents, basic necessities, motor pumps, and medicinesRead moreBrazil doesn’t want war, but should be ready to defend itself — President Lula da SilvaThe Brazilian president stressed that the defense of national security is not reduced to the protection of bordersRead moreTurkish court issues int’l arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 'Sumud' flotilla case — TVBenjamin Netanyahu is accused of crimes against humanity, genocide, deprivation of liberty, cruel treatment, intentional bodily harm, robbery, and seizure of vehiclesRead moreTrump says US to continue attacks unless Iran returns to talksThe US president promised to carry out strikes "tonight," "tomorrow night," "the night after," and next weekRead moreTurkish experts call Ukraine's Black Sea commercial ship attacks energy security threatTurkish maritime expert Kozan Erkan said that Ukrainian attacks between July 9 and 11 damaged or disabled around 50 vessels near Zmeiny IslandRead moreEU allows Kiev to use loan funds to buy Chinese-made drone components — FTAccording to the newspaper, the measure concerns the first tranche of 5.9 bln euro under the EU's 60 bln euro defense loanRead morePress review: EU struggles on Russia sanctions while Moscow trade surplus growsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 14thRead moreNevsky Shipyard floats out Project 23130 medium sea tanker for Russian NavyThe ceremony was attended by representatives of the Navy Main Command, the Nevsky Shipyard of the United Shipbuilding Corporation and honorary guestsRead moreAir defenses down 340 drones heading for Moscow Region in 24 hours — authoritiesMayor Sergey Sobyanin says most of them were shot down at distant approachesRead moreSoyuz MS-29 carrying new international crew docks with ISSA Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur spaceport at 2:48 p.m. GMT carrying the primary crew of the ISS' 75th long-duration expeditionRead moreEU openly preparing for conflict with Moscow — Russian embassyThe embassy stressed that Russia calls on the Netherlands to recognize that pressure on Moscow and the use of unlawful unilateral "coercive measures" will not change Russia's position but will only further increase the already extremely high level of instability in EuropeRead moreUS, Iran continue to maintain contact, Trump saysThe US president separately said that he would "save the energy targets for last" but would ultimately attack them. He stated the unwillingness to negotiate himself at the momentRead moreIRGC reports destruction of US military logistics center in Kuwait — agencyAccording to the report, the target was located in Mina AbdullahRead moreISS operations extended through 2030 — Roscosmos chiefDmitry Bakanov says that this was agreed upon between Roscosmos and NASARead moreExplosion takes place on Iran’s Hengam Island in Strait of Hormuz — agencyNo further details were providedRead moreKremlin briefing covers US sanctions plans against Russia, Baltic ‘fearmongering’Dmitry Peskov revealed that Moscow had received signals through existing channels that the US was ready to resume work on the Ukraine settlement after the Iran situation was resolvedRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian military-industrial sites, port infrastructureRussian forces hit the Kiev-79 industrial enterprise - a key enterprise in Ukraine for the assembly of combat payloads for unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles of various typesRead moreRostec unveils Pautina system for protection of industry facilities from dronesThe state corporation said that the Pautina is capable of protecting facilities over 25 meters high and of any sizeRead moreQatar blocks Israel’s deal with Volkswagen to produce missiles for Iron Dome — mediaThe deal was blocked despite the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties in AprilRead moreKiev suffering unjustified losses counterattacking near Konstantinovka in DPR — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, all previous attempts by the Ukrainian command in this area have been futile and unsuccessfulRead moreKiev’s attempts to scare Energodar people have reverse effect — Russian senatorIgor Kastyukevich expressed gratitude to the security forces, military personnel, and all involved in enhancing security measures for Zaporozhye NPP employees, residents, and the city as a wholeRead moreInterference in Ukrainian settlement, Kiev's terrorism: Lavrov's statementsThe Russian top diplomat noted that Europe was still trying to get in the way of a Ukraine peace deal, seeking to undermine agreements reached between Moscow and WashingtonRead moreFSB prevents large-scale drone attack on strategic facility in Moscow RegionFollowing the instructions from his handlers, the detainee assembled and activated drones, established a communication channel with foreign operators, and then left the sceneRead moreThree projectiles damage mineral water factory in Iran’s DehloranNo casualties have been reported so farRead moreUS could target oil facilities on Iran's Kharg Island ‘at some point,’ Trump saysThe US president added that he had ordered to "hit everything but the oil"Read more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Units of Russia’s 201st base in Tajikistan practice suppressing enemy command system

• What happened: Personnel from Russia's 201st military base in Tajikistan conducted tactical exercises focused on suppressing a mock enemy's command ...

Russia

Trump suggests findings of investigation into strike on school in Iran may never see light

• What happened: US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the findings of a military investigation into a strike on a girls' school in Minab, I...

Russia

Ruble’s share in payments by countries in Americas at historic high in May

• What happened: The ruble's share in payments for imports from Russia by countries in the Americas reached a record high of 71.6% in May, up from 47% the ...

Russia

Cuba’s power grid restored after another blackout

• What happened: Cuba's national electricity system was restored on July 15 after experiencing its third complete blackout in eight days, but power outages...

Russia

Russia says NATO's steps in Arctic boost risk of incidents for region

• What happened: Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that NATO's actions in the Arctic are increasing the risk of serious incidents...

Russia

Arms supplies to Kiev prevent conflict resolution — Russian Foreign Ministry

• What happened: Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Western arms supplies to Ukraine are hindering conflict resolution and called ...