Zelensky says Kiev in contact with US negotiators As the situation in the Middle East somewhat stabilized, the possibility of Whitkoff and Kushner returning to mediation in the Ukrainian settlement has been reported several times recently, but no dates have been announced yetMOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky said that Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov is in contact with US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. "Umerov and Kushner had a conversation yesterday and the day before yesterday, and so on," he told reporters, adding that Ukraine hopes for a visit by the US negotiators. As the situation in the Middle East somewhat stabilized, the possibility of Whitkoff and Kushner returning to mediation in the Ukrainian settlement has been reported several times recently, but no dates have been announced yet. TagsUkraineSomali pirates demand $10 mln for release of tanker — portalAccording to the news outlet, the vessel, which sails under the Togolese flag, was seized on May 2 in the Gulf of Aden while transporting diesel fuel from the UAERead moreICAO chooses to simply rubber-stamp MH17 crash investigation — Russian diplomat"The Council misused its mandate, particularly demanding that Russia hold talks with Australia and the Netherlands on paying the so-called reparations for the crash," Maria Zakharova saidRead moreGermany accuses suspect in Nord Streams bombings of war crime — TVAccording to the German investigation, the Ukrainian was the leader of a sabotage groupRead moreNext round of Iran-US talks to begin on July 18 — TVThe location of the talks between the Iranian and US delegations has not yet been disclosedRead moreAfD leader calls for ending military aid to Kiev after German findings on Nord StreamsTino Chrupalla pointed out that the terrorist attack against a vital artery of German industry must be thoroughly investigated,Read moreBrent falls below $71 per barrel, first time since February 27As of 3:04 a.m. Moscow time, Brent crude reached $70.90 per barrelRead moreRussian military chief reports to Putin results of massive strike on Ukraine — KremlinDmitry Peskov highlighted that the strikes had targeted only military or military-related facilitiesRead moreIran warns US, Israel against strikes during supreme leader farewell ceremoniesFarewell ceremonies for Ali Khamenei will begin in Tehran on July 3Read moreClosure of railway border crossings with EU not affecting national economy — lawmakerLeonid Liminchuk, Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Industrial Policy, Energy, Housing and Utilities of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia, called this a technical issueRead moreBelgium edges out Senegal with 3-2 comeback win at 2026 FIFA World CupBelgium is set to play its Round of 16 match against either the US or Bosnia and HerzegovinaRead moreUkrainian drone attack on Nizhny Novgorod Region kills one as Russia downs 327 UAVsMore than 25 drones were destroyed over six districts in southern Russia’s Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar reportedRead moreIN BRIEF: What is known about Russian massive retaliatory strike against UkraineMilitary-industrial enterprises and facilities of the fuel and energy complex in the city of Kiev and the Kiev region were struck, as well as the infrastructure of military airfields in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkassy, Chernigov, and Kiev regionsRead moreEU Court of Justice allows criminal prosecution for reposting RT videos — judgementThe court ruled that the EU sanctions ban on RT broadcasts "applies also to a website accessible to the public free of charge"Read moreRussian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for UkraineThe commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basementsRead moreUS stance regarding Ukraine limited by shifts in rhetoric so far — Russian senatorKonstantin Kosachev noted that the current US presidential administration does not support Kiev to the extent that former American leader Joe Biden didRead moreKiev engulfed in acrid cloud from Chernobyl, fresh air is gone — journalistLevels of harmful particles are exceeding safe limitsRead moreRussian troops liberate Piskunovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 155 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreProtection against UAV attacks, AI use: statements by Russia’s defense chiefAndrey Belousov said that Russia is actively introducing artificial intelligence systems in its air defenses and the results will be seen by NovemberRead moreRussia’s reliable security, its interests to be guaranteed — Kremlin spokesmanDmitry Peskov noted that the European Union's escalation towards Russia is forcing Moscow to plan additional measures to ensure its own securityRead moreRussian embassy in Sweden comes under drone attack againThe embassy condemned the attack as a blatant attempt to intimidate the Russian missionRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on Minsk-Anapa bus in Bryansk RegionTwo bus drivers from Belarus' Gomel Region and one passenger were injured as a result of the drone attackRead moreUkrainian drone with explosives crashes in Turkey’s Trabzon Province — newspaperNo injuries were reported in the incidentRead moreLavrov believes Japan still has supporters of cooperation with RussiaThe top diplomat's message was read out at the exhibition’s opening ceremony at the Russian Embassy in TokyoRead moreMost Europeans say EU cannot defend itself in event of attack — pollRespondents identified the Baltic states, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark, Portugal, Italy, and Ireland as the countries least prepared to wage a war on their ownRead moreUkrainian parliament approves creation of 'national pantheon'287 lawmakers voted in favor of the billRead moreQatari diplomat notes progress at US-Iranian indirect talks in DohaMajed bin Mohammed al-Ansari added that the parties would try to schedule the next meeting as soon as possible following the funeral procession for the former Iranian supreme leaderRead moreRussian diplomat reveals what EU can do to bring relations back on good trackBrussels and other European capitals must end all unfriendly actions against Russia, Maria Zakharova saidRead moreGerman defense minister says Ukraine conflict enters 'decisive phase'Boris Pistorius stressed that Ukraine "needs funding"Read moreAnnual inflation in Russia reach 6% from June 23 to 29Consumer price growth rates slowed down to 0.22% over the week from June 23 to 29, the Ministry of Economic Development notedRead moreSouth Ossetia, Abkhazia, Russia voice concern over Georgia's accelerating NATO integrationThe 67th round of the Geneva International Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus concluded on July 1 at the UN Palace of Nations in GenevaRead moreNewly formed Russian mobile units assume combat duty to protect energy sites from dronesDuring several weeks of training, the mobile fire groups honed the skills of protecting strategic facilities from aerial threatsRead moreThere can be no compromise on addressing root causes of conflict in Ukraine — senatorKonstantin Kosachev recalled that Russia had demonstrated a willingness to compromise in the pastRead moreDrone attack on Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod kills one, injures four others — governorAccording to Gleb Nikitin, several houses and an industrial facility were damaged from falling drone debrisRead moreRussia to take response measures over deployment of US missile systems in Japan — MFARussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow is coordinating with its partners on maintaining peace in the Asia-Pacific regionRead moreRussian forces deliver retaliatory massive strike on Ukraine — top brassMilitary-industrial sites, energy infrastructure, and military airfields’ infrastructure were damaged in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkassy, Chernigov, and Kiev regionsRead moreUS Navy helicopter makes emergency landing in Arabian Sea, one person missingThere is no indication that the emergency was caused by hostile action, the military saidRead moreNATO to announce long-term commitments to support Ukraine at Ankara summit — US envoyMatthew Whitaker also stressed that the United States would continue working toward a peaceful settlement in UkraineRead moreRussia begins testing new Svarog pro AI-assisted interceptor drone in combatThe drone that is designed to engage fixed-wing UAVs is hand-launched and is used jointly with a ground-based control station, enabling an operator to strike targets at a distance of up to 17 kmRead moreRussia to have decent representation at upcoming G20 summit in US — sherpaDenis Agafonov confirmed that Moscow is aware of public statements from US officials regarding plans to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 meetingRead moreTurkey boosts NATO role as Europe’s reliance on US weakens — agencyAccording to Bloomberg, Ankara is becoming an increasingly important member of the alliance as it strengthens its defense industry and arms exportsRead moreUS advances to Round of 16 at 2026 World Cup after 2-0 win over Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe US is set to face BelgiumRead moreRussian Cabinet closes border crossings with Baltic States, FinlandThe Russian Foreign Ministry was instructed to notify Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki about the decision made by Moscow and effective from July 1Read moreFrance’s National Assembly approves hike in military budgetTotal defense spending under the 2024-2030 program will now increase from 400 to 436 billion eurosRead moreKiev not seeking peace, Zelensky tasked with escalating conflict — MFARussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Kiev regime is not independentRead moreGerman prosecutors confirm charges against Nord Stream saboteurAccording to Federal Public Prosecutor General, a Ukrainian national and his accomplices developed a sabotage plan on behalf of Ukrainian government agenciesRead moreKiev tries to draw Minsk into conflict through strikes on Belarusian buses — Russian MFAAmbassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukraine attempts to further destabilize the situationRead moreFour drones destroyed on approach to Moscow — mayorSergey Sobyanin also reported that emergency responders are working at the crash sitesRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about drone attack on Russia's diplomatic mission in SwedenOne drone dropped a container filled with red paint onto the embassy grounds, while the second drone carrying a mock improvised explosive device crashedRead moreExplosion hits Damascus, causing casualties — TVAccording to the report, the incident occurred on Al-Nasr Street near the Palace of Justice, leaving several people injuredRead moreIran's Security Council vows punishment for those responsible for Ali Khamenei's deathSecretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said "the file of revenge for the pure blood of Khamenei and the innocent martyrs of Iran remains open"Read morePress review: US-Iran truce strains and EU struggles on new Russia sanctionsTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 1stRead moreKiev deliberately targeted bus carrying Belarusians in Bryansk Region — Russian envoyBoris Gryzlov noted that it was the second consecutive deliberate strike by Kiev against Belarusian citizens on Russian territoryRead moreIN BRIEF: Novak’s key statements on Russia’s gasoline supply and fuel pricesThe Russian deputy PM stressed that the fuel situation is monitored and adjusted on a daily basisRead moreTransfer of Kiev’s military firms to West turns inhabitants into 'human shield' — diplomatYulia Zhdanova added that the international program Build with Ukraine, which forms a shared Ukrainian-NATO production network, is one of the most cynical and dangerous adventures related to the participation of NATO countries in the conflictRead moreEurope should bear financial burden of Ukraine war — US envoy to NATOThe United States will continue to do what it does, Matthew Whitaker notedRead moreEurope at hard times finding suitable negotiator for talks with Russia — senatorAccording to Konstantin Kosachev, this person should possess sufficient authority in Europe, and he or she must have sufficient credibility in RussiaRead moreDemand for Rosatom charging station services surge by 40% — CEOAlexey Likhachev noted that owners of hybrid cars, seeking to reduce dependence on gasoline, began to use the stations more activelyRead moreRussia, Ukraine negotiate another round of POWs exchange — ombudswomanYana Lantratova added that she could not disclose dates and details in advanceRead moreKiev escalates conflict with Poland with decision on pantheon of heroes — Nawrocki officeOn July 1, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on the creation of a "national pantheon," where Nazi accomplices from the UPA can be reburiedRead moreMoscow cannot ignore EU’s commitment to confrontation with Russia — KremlinDmitry Peskov believes it is clear that Europe is escalating tensions with RussiaRead moreRussian forces hit Kiev facility that manufactures Flamingo missile control systemsThe Russian forces delivered the strike in retaliation to the Kiev regime’s attacks on civilian infrastructure on Russian territoryRead moreUkraine must withdraw troops from Donbass for conflict to end — Russian MFAForeign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Ukrainian authorities should "stop making unrealistic demands"Read moreSenior Russian senator calls Israel 'only clear loser in war with Iran'According to Konstantin Kosachev, this situation is evident, in particular, in the fact that Israel should not continue its military operations against Lebanon, but it does so because "anything else would look like a defeat"Read moreAmid Russian advance Ukraine is trying to draw Belarus into conflict — senior diplomatMikhail Galuzin emphasized that Moscow and Minsk remain prepared to utilize the full scope of their bilateral security agreement to safeguard their shared interests should Kiev's provocations escalate furtherRead moreFACTBOX: German federal prosecutors file charges, Kiev’s involvement in Nord Streams blastProsecutors support media reports that the sabotage team used a sailing yacht rented with forged documents to transport explosives to the pipelinesRead moreChina to accelerate development of world-class armed forces — Xi JinpingThe Chinese leader emphasized that "a strong country must have a strong military" and that national security is impossible without powerful armed forcesRead moreUkraine loses over 38,000 servicemen, mercenaries in June — military expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, this is 7,180 more than in MayRead moreBulgaria, Romania, Turkey agree to protect underwater infrastructure in Black SeaThe Bulgarian government has approved amendments to a memorandum on the establishment of a joint naval mine countermeasure groupRead moreRussia to comply with international humanitarian law no matter what — top diplomatRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with International Red Cross Committee President Mirjana Spoljaric in MoscowRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian army positions by FAB bombs in Zaporozhye, Sumy areasThe ministry uploaded video footage of Su-34 bombers destroying the designated targetsRead moreLavrov, Red Cross head sum up work on verifying data on crimes in Kiev — MFABoth sides emphasized the importance of "strictly observing international humanitarian law and depoliticized cooperation in this area," the Russian Foreign Ministry saidRead moreKiev announces mechanism of controlled weapons export"As many as 20% of revenues from the export of finished goods and technologies, and 30% of revenues from component exports will be transferred to a special state budget fund for the development of the Ukrainian defense industry," Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko saidRead moreRussia calls for practical steps to ensure non-use of force between Transcaucasia nationsSuch an approach would make a significant contribution to strengthening stability in the region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statementRead moreRussia says Kiev, at West’s behest, tries to draw its closest allies into conflictMaria Zakharova noted that Ukraine does not seek peace, and the West has set Vladimir Zelensky the task of continuing the escalationRead moreNATO chief admits to sleepless nights over RussiaAccording to Mark Rutte, Russia is the main threat for the alliance at present and in the longer termRead moreRussia calls for international attention to Kiev’s crimes — KremlinDmitry Peskov stressed that such crimes are conducted against civilian populationRead moreForeign national detained in Monaco over investigation into attack on businessmanThe individual was later released, and no charges have been announcedRead moreLiberation of Ukrainskoye in Kharkov Region creates conditions for Russian advanceAssault units from the 82nd and 83rd mechanized infantry regiments of the Battlegroup North overcame persistent Ukrainian resistance, repelling the last remnants of a separate motorized infantry brigadeRead moreRussia to open diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo, Union of Comoros — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister added that a new department for partnership with Africa was establishedRead moreAir defenses down 327 Ukrainian drones over Russia overnight — top brassUAVs were intercepted over the Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Kaluga, Nizhny Novgorod, Veliky Novgorod, Oryol, Pskov, Rostov, Saratov, Tambov, Tula, Moscow and Krasnodar RegionsRead moreMoscow says Chisinau prevents withdrawal of Russian troops from TransnistriaThe Moldovan authorities are trying to shift the blame from their sick head to the healthy one, Maria Zakharova said Read moreUS Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers leave Royal Air Force base in UK — TWZThe event marked the end of the deployment to support the war against IranRead moreVon der Leyen "excellent liar" saying Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe — ZakharovaThe Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added that any EU citizen can sue the European Commission president for this statement and win the caseRead moreKiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic eight times over past dayThree civilians were woundedRead moreKremlin briefing covers Russia's massive strike on Ukraine, EU's confrontation with MoscowThe European Union's escalation toward Russia further intensifies already heightened tensions across Europe, Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup Center deploys latest BM-70 drones with 100 km strike rangeThe BM-70 drone is outfitted with a powerful payload capable of penetrating reinforced concrete shelters and taking facilities out of serviceRead moreRussian army increases advance pace in DPR in June — military expertAndrey Marochko specified that in June Russian forces had liberated 20 settlements, including ten in the DPRRead moreMoscow conveys to US Russian businesses’ interest in participating in G20 events — sherpaThere is a well-established ‘Business 20’ (B20) format, Denis Agafonov recalledRead moreZelensky becoming 'lame duck' even for Kiev hardliners — governorKherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo noted that Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term has ended and that the head of the Kiev regime is clinging to power through a ban on normal political competitionRead moreOil shipments through Strait of Hormuz rise to 10 mln barrels per day — mediaAccording to the report, another 5 million barrels of oil per day are being transported via alternative routesRead moreIN BRIEF: US’ stance on Ukraine, Kiev's plans to fan conflict: Foreign Ministry commentRussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted that Kiev does not seek peaceRead moreKremlin has no information whether ‘Power of Siberia 2’ deal will be finalized at EEFDmitry Peskov recalled that the topic was raised during President Putin's recent visit to ChinaRead moreWest effectively at war with Russia now — Slovak PMRobert Fico called for peace, which, in his view, can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiationsRead moreRussian specialists create micro helicopter to overcome minefields and water obstaclesThe new technologies made it possible to combine the maneuverability of an ATV and a helicopterRead moreVance says US may resume military action against IranIf the Iranians try to rebuild their nuclear program, if they try to start shooting at commercial vessels again, that's going to change our calculus, US Vice President saidRead moreKiev’s atrocities surpass terror violence in various world regions — Russian MFAForeign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova drew attention to the atrocities against civilians who fell into the hands of Ukrainian soldiersRead morePutin supported request for extra fuel supplies to Kaliningrad Region — KremlinThe head of state also backed a request "to allocate funds for subsidized air tickets for residents of the Kaliningrad Region," Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreRussian forces strike facilities used by Kiev for killing civilians — MFAMaria Zakharova noted that, according to Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, it was a terrible night for the cityRead moreRussian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 460 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreAsset grab, Kiev trail: who tried to kill Ukrainian oligarch YermolayevThe Kiev regime could have organized an attempt on Yermolayev because of the "redistribution of financial flows," Yevgeny Brykov, head of the information policy department of the Kherson Region, believesRead moreEstonian presidential adviser admits Tallin assists Kiev forces’ attacks on St. PetersburgMadis Roll clarified Estonia's stance regarding drone incidents that have fallen on Estonian territory, emphasizing that Tallinn does not blame UkraineRead more
Minnesota governor pardons migrant child sex offender
• What happened: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz pardoned Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national convicted of sexually assaulting a ten-year-old girl, prompting criticism...