{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US-Ukraine minerals deal doesn’t stipulate for military guarantees — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized that there was no military solution to the Ukrainian conflict

WASHINGTON, May 21. /TASS/. The US did not provide Ukraine with security guarantees as part of the mineral deal, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a hearing at the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

"All of our aid is going to be analyzed," he said about assistance to Ukraine. "If we ever identify the misappropriation or movements around then we will certainly address it."

"The broader point, and is the one you make, is that we provided extraordinary amounts of assistance to Ukraine, but this war now has to come to an end. There is no military solution to this war. It only ends in a negotiated settlement," Rubio went on to say.

Asked whether the minerals deal signed between the US and Ukraine provides for security guarantees, he replied, "There are no military guarantees, correct."

In the deal signed on April 30, the sides agreed to set up an investment fund, which should become a key conduit for investments in the development of the Ukrainian economy. It is also meant to shore up a strategic partnership between the countries. Vladimir Zelensky later signed off on the ratification of the agreement after it gained the parliament's blessing.

Tags

Romania’s electoral authority insist presidential election was honest, transparent

The runoff presidential election was held in Romania on May 18

Russia complied with its commitments as Armenia’s CSTO ally, Lavrov says

The minister said the a CSTO fact-finding mission lead by the organization's secretary-general immediately went to the scene, promptly submitted a report with concrete practical proposals about sending a CSTO observer mission to stabilize the situation

Economic pressure influences whole world through trade — Russian minister

Maksim Reshetnikov recalled that Russia faced a serious breach of international trade rules by certain countries over the past years

In response to Zelensky’s call for sanctions, Trump says it’s for him to decide

US president also spoke highly of his latest phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and European leaders

Zelensky's office ignores heavy manpower losses — MP

Dmitry Razumkov noted that the situation is similar across the entire front, in many units

Chisinau Court of Appeal leaves head of Gagauzia under house arrest

According to the ruling, this decision cannot be challenged

Trump Jr. points to Gulf states having more investment possibilities than Europe

Donald Trump Jr. confident that 'this is a place where there's smart investment'

Rubio refuses to put 'war criminal' label on Putin at congressional hearings

The Secretary of State emphasized the Washington was trying to end the conflict and it could not be ended without talking to the Russian president

Ukraine’s military makes attempts to move towards Russia’s state border — Putin

One of the participants in the meeting told about his work in the Kursk area and gave data that the Ukrainian military had been recently spotted near the settlement of Shostka in the Sumy Region

Zaporozhye NPP says Ukrainian drones attacked its training center

According to the statement, the training center, which sits not far from the plant, is regularly used to upgrade skills and rehearse certain actions

Some 20,000 naturalized Russian citizens who dodged draft sent to special op — official

According to Alexander Bastrykin, the Russian Investigative Committee tracked down 80,000 Russian citizens who wouldn’t show up at military enlistment offices

China insists US abandon Golden Dome missile defense program — Foreign Ministry

Mao Ning said that the Golden Dome project possessed a "marked offensive character" and destabilized the international security framework

IN BRIEF: What is known about murder of Ukrainian ex-presidential aide

The politician was listed on the Ukrainian Mirotvorets extremist website database

Colonel General Mordvichev appointed commander-in-chief of Russia’s Ground Forces

Andrey Mordvichev, who was commander of the Battlegroup Center, succeeded Oleg Salyuov

Most mercenaries in Ukrainian army come from Georgia, UK, US

Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin said that after hearing the cases, courts found 97 mercenaries from 26 countries guilty

Ukrainian militants’ idiocy and role of clergy: What Putin said in Kursk Region

The Russian president approved the idea of allocating funds for the reconstruction of homes that became uninhabitable during evacuation

Aidar militants abandoning positions on border with Dnepropetrovsk Region

The security source added that survivors who did not manage to escape refuse to take part in further combat

Moscow ready to work with Kiev on memorandum on potential peace treaty — Putin

"Russia is ready and will continue to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a potential future peace treaty outlining a number of positions, such as settlement principles, the timeframe for signing a potential peace agreement, and so on, including a potential ceasefire for a certain period in case relevant agreements are reached," the Russian leader said

Iranian lawmaker hopes Russia to provide fighter jets, other advanced weapons

"The Iran-Russia partnership is crucial geopolitically, security-wise, economically, and diplomatically," Hamid Rasai emphasized

Brussels beginning to regret naming Kallas EU foreign policy chief — SVR

"Kaja Kallas is a visible manifestation of the European Union’s crisis," the statement reads

Russia, China to launch joint ventures in construction, housing, utilities — official

These areas may be explored as part of the ‘Infrastructure for Life’ national project, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said

US designs new missile shield with space-based interceptors — Trump

In his words, the United States will employ "technology that's even far advanced" than Israel’s Iron Dome

Israel ready for temporary ceasefire in Gaza to release hostages — Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister added that Israel is ready to end combat in the embattled enclave if radicals release all hostages, the enclave is completely de-militarized

Russian diplomat explains who can sign memorandum with Russia for Ukraine

Maxim Musikhin stressed that there should be secure guarantees that the settlement agreement is signed on the Ukrainian part by "a person who is mandated by the people to do that"

Iran remains serious threat to Israel — Netanyahu

The Israeli premier has also expressed the hope that Washington will be able "to reach an agreement that will prevent a nuclear weapon from Iran"

Russia interested in Armenia’s active participation in Moscow-led bloc’s work — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said this during a press conference following talks with top Armenian diplomat Ararat Mirzoyan

Project Rassvet by Bureau 1440 to be Russia’s response to Starlink — Roscosmos

The Russia’s space corporation will create low orbiting broadband communications

Push to isolate nations could lead to new world war — Medvedev

The politician said that the international legal order was most stable at the stages "when it was built with active participation of all states," including Russia

Spanish police looking for several people in Ukrainian ex-politician murder — agency

According to its information, the suspects may have fled through a wooded area near the school where Portnov was killed

Russia-Belarus defense ties strong as ever — military official

Furthermore, a new program, which includes a wide range of projects, is planned to be launched soon

Russian stocks close mixed on Wednesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index fell by 0.49%, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.2%

US maintains option of imposing sanctions on Russia, but would prefer a deal — Rubio

Earlier, Trump said in response to Vladimir Zelensky's calls for more sanctions against Russia that he would make such decisions himself

AEB head says no conditions for return of foreign companies to Russia now

Foreign businesses understand that when fielding requests from Western companies to return to Russia, Moscow will prioritize its national interests and security, Tadzio Schilling said

Ambassador slams The Irish Times report on Russian foundation as 'slander'

The Irish Times newspaper earlier published an article saying that while the foundation is used exclusively to provide legal support to Russian citizens in Ireland, it is allegedly connected with Russian intelligence agencies in other countries

US-Ukraine minerals deal doesn’t stipulate for military guarantees — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized that there was no military solution to the Ukrainian conflict

Top Russian diplomat, Armenian PM meet in Yerevan

According to the report, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was received by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan

Astana expects reaction from Kiev regarding attacks on Caspian Pipeline Consortium

Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin said there has been no response so far

Zelensky opposes peace as talks could mean verdict to him — Russian lawmaker

"War until the last Ukrainian standing is a harsh phrase but this is what reflects Zelensky’s current approach," Leonid Slutsky pointed out

Intensity of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Kursk Region remains high — acting governor

Alexander Khinshtein said that the most tragic thing is that Ukrainian strikes kill Russian people

Armenian PM hails positive trend in bilateral ties at meeting with top Russian diplomat

Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the countries' deputy prime ministers were working closely within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and on the issues of bilateral relations

Russia does not assess threat to parity with US from Golden Dome project — Kremlin

"For now, the details of this project are not available," Dmitry Peskov noted

IN BRIEF: What is known about household gas explosion in Russia’s Stavropol

According to reports, all of the city’s emergency services are working at the scene

Israel preparing to strike Iran if its talks with Iran collapse — portal

According to the sources, the Israeli military thinks that they will not have much time to attack Iran if the talks on Iran’s nuclear program fail

Bitcoin price hits fresh all-time high exceeding $110,000 — Binance platform data

Earlier, experts told TASS that Bitcon may easily hit the $110,000 mark and continue growing to as much as $300,000

BRICS should act jointly for protecting global trade stability — Russian minister

There is an evident risk that certain WTO members would like to respond to current challenges unilaterally, Maksim Reshetnikov said

Russia takes note of US move to cancel sanctions against Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

"Over many years, Russia has consistently pointed out that these unilateral illegal economic measures seriously hindered the country's reconstruction and aggravate the humanitarian situation of civilians," Vasily Nebenzya stated

US oil inventories up 1.3 mln barrels over week — Department of Energy

The current stock level is 6% below the five-year average typical for this time of the year, the department added

Russian air defenses take down 127 Ukrainian drones over various regions overnight

Air defenses intercepted and destroyed 41 fixed-wing Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Bryansk Region

Kiev delays to name peace delegation amid uncertainty over Western backing — experts

According to Vladimir Zharikhin, the delay shows its "provincial desire to be seen as an equal partner"

Technical talks between Russia, Ukraine may be held in Vatican next week — Stubb

The new Pope, Leo XIV, said earlier that the Holy See is ready to promote the peace process in Ukraine, including to host talks

Russia to prepare separate list of conditions for ceasefire — Kremlin spokesman

"An agreement on that was reached in Istanbul," Dmitry Peskov added

Supercam S350 UAV helps Russian troops destroy array of Western-made armament

Yekaterina Zgirovskaya said that the Supercam S350 project develops continuously and gets new capabilities

Bank of Russia lowers dollar exchange rate to 79.75 rubles for May 22

The official euro exchange rate has been raised by 1 ruble 33 kopecks to 91.299 rubles

Annual inflation in Russia slows down to 9.9% on May 13-19 from 10.09% in previous week

Food inflation fell to 0.03%

Russia appreciates Armenian PM’s attendance of Victory Parade in Moscow

During a meeting with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, the foreign minister conveyed greetings from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

IN BRIEF: What is known about new British sanctions against Russia

The restrictions affect 82 individuals and legal entities

Putin to present top state awards in Kremlin on May 22

The last such ceremony took place on December 12

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 100 munitions in past day

The Ukrainian army’s attacks on the Shebekinsky district in the past 24 hours damaged a car, a trade outlet, an outbuilding and three private households, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said

Family in Donetsk hid injured Russian soldier from Ukrainian troops for several months

The fighter came from the neighboring settlement of Razdolnoye

Gazprom Neft posts 42% drop in Q1 profit under IFRS to $1.15 bln

Revenue fell by 8.8% in the reporting period to $11.16 bln

Procedure of USSR dissolution in 1991 was violated — presidential adviser

Anton Kobyakov emphasized that a proper legal assessment of the USSR's dissolution is essential to fully understand current geopolitical developments

Putin visits construction site of Kursk-2 Nuclear Power Plant in Kursk Region

The head of state also held a meeting with Alexander Khinshtein, acting Kursk Region governor, the Kremlin said

Israel intercepts missile launched from Yemen

No casualties or damage were reported

Russia considers Donbass, Novorossiya issue settled — Medvedev

The politician reiterated that globally, there are normally two models of recognizing the new subject entities of international law. In the first case, a declaration of independence of a certain territory is sufficient, while in the second case, the recognition of an independent state by other countries is also needed

Gazprom Neft posts 5.3% rise in hydrocarbons production for Q1, 1.8% increase in refining

Refining increased to 10.6 mln tons

Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Region was sheer waste of elite units — expert

Andrey Marochko emphasized that the fallen soldiers and foreign mercenaries, most of whom were provided with "the best" training and equipment, had been trained in Western countries under NATO instruction

Israel to control entire Gaza Strip following military operation — Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister reiterated that the main goals of the Israeli military operation in the embattled enclave are the release of hostages and the elimination of the Gaza-based Palestinian movement Hamas

Lula da Silva plans to run for re-election in 2026 — newspaper

The media outlet considers 49-year-old Tarcisio Gomez de Freitas, Governor of the state of Sao Paulo, to be Lula da Silva's main competition

Russia confirms readiness to help normalize Baku-Yerevan relations

The parties agreed to step up efforts to advance the work of the 3+3 regional cooperation platform, designed to ensure that the problems of the South Caucasus are solved by the regional states themselves and their immediate neighbors

Hellfire missiles fired for first time on Finnish soil during exercise

Exercise Northern Strike 125 and Exercise Northern Star 25 are taking place from May 12 to May 31

Sending troops to Ukraine would not be appropriate, Romanian president-elect says

Nicusor Dan also criticized US President Donald Trump’s approach to resolving the Ukraine conflict and his willingness to make compromises with Russian leader Vladimir Putin

Russia’s Belgorod, Kursk Regions under Russian army’s control — officer

The enemy has been trying to win a foothold there for a long time, deploying a lot of manpower and combat vehicles, Akhmat Special Forces Commander Major General Apty Alaudinov said

Russia’s Pacific Fleet regularly gets new warships, submarines — Navy commander

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev said that this year, the fleet’s military units have demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and combat readiness during various training events

Russia, Armenia move past stage of mistrust, Lavrov convinced

The Russian top diplomat agreed that earlier there was some unspoken tension between the two countries

Expert says Russia sanctions here to stay, regardless of Ukraine peace

According to Russian International Affairs Council Director General Ivan Timofeyev, excessive optimism about the lifting or easing of Western sanctions is counterproductive

Armenia not negotiating EU membership — top diplomat

"The Republic of Armenia has not submitted an application to join the European Union, the talks on this track are not being held and, accordingly, the issue which might have emerged in this regard, is not pertinent," Ararat Mirzoyan stated

Russia not to accept 'truce-and-see' approach on Ukraine, says Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that in Istanbul in 2022 Russia and Ukraine "initialed the settlement principles proposed by the Ukrainian delegation"

Russia welcomes Vatican’s desire to help with Ukrainian conflict settlement — Kremlin

Pope Leo XIV stated earlier that the Holy See was ready to facilitate efforts to resolve the crisis and urged the parties to engage in direct dialogue

Trade turnover between Japan, Russia up 2.48% to over $600 bln in April

Supplies of cars to Russia fell by 19.4% in the reporting period, while deliveries of components lost 4.1%

Trump believes Russia winning in conflict with Ukraine — news agency

According to the report, the US leader "repeated a number of the Kremlin’s talking points," thus letting the European leaders know that he was inclined to acknowledge Russia’s military superiority in the conflict with Ukraine

US can’t solve ‘every single’ problem on planet, should pursue national interest — Rubio

According to Rubio, the US will still remain the largest contributor of foreign aid, giving away more than the entire Organization for Economic Cooperation and development

TOS-1A Solntsepyok-1A ammunition creates long-lived shock wave — Rostec

The state corporation specified that the Solntsepyok munition creates a very high temperature, burning everything that can burn

Kalashnikov ships first batch of MultiCam colored AK-12K rifles to customer

The concern highlighted that the compact AK-12K was specifically designed to meet the needs of the Airborne Troops

Thirty Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions in three hours

In particular, four drones were intercepted over the Moscow Region

Ex-Yanukovich adviser might have been killed ahead of presidential election — activist

According to ex-member of the Ukrainian parliament Vladimir Oleinik, Andrey Portnov was among the top 10 lawyers in Ukraine

Israeli servicemen shell foreign delegation in Palestine’s Jenin — TV

The delegation included representatives of several European and Arab diplomatic missions

Russian troops strike Ukrainian military airfield, army training camp over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Israel allows 100 trucks with aid to enter Gaza Strip

According to COGAT, this was done at "the recommendation of IDF"

Ukrainian neo-Nazi militants 'would come second even in contest of idiots' — Putin

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy lost over 76,500 troops in fighting in the Kursk area

Press review: US shuns EU sanctions on Russia as Zelensky suggests three talks venues

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 21st

Novak, Bahrein’s oil minister discuss joint oil and gas production

Moreover, the sides discussed OPEC+ cooperation as a guarantee for ensuring stability and predictability of the global oil market

US to decide on next Ukraine, Russia moves after seeing Moscow’s memorandum — Rubio

The conversation between Putin and Trump lasted more than two hours on Monday

Iran confirms 5th round of talks with US to take place on May 23

The US and Iran have held four rounds of talks, mediated by Oman, to settle differences around the Iranian nuclear program

Russia’s Rosoboronexport to promote AI-based fighter jet system for foreign buyers

"The system has been developed to provide recommendations to the pilot in specific situations and at tactical moments," a Rosoboronexport official said

Russian air defenses repel attack by three drones heading towards Moscow — mayor

Emergency services are working at the site where the drone debris fell, Sergey Sobyanin said

US tries to justify attempts to recreate Reagan's Star Wars — Duma defense committee chief

Andrey Kartapolov advised the US to speculate on its own about what weapons Russia might possess

Russian minister urges to adjust global trade rules to climate challenges

This is another confirmation of the priority of the WTO principles and rules, Maksim Reshetnikov said

US needs to engage in talks with Russia to prevent ‘miscalculation,’ conflicts — Rubio

"It's irresponsible to not have the two biggest nuclear powers on the planet communicating, which was the case for three years during the Joe Biden presidency," the US Secretary of State emphasized

Israel prepares to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities — CNN

It was unclear to the sources whether the Israeli authorities have already made the final decision to attack

IN BRIEF: What is known about 17th package of EU sanctions on Russia

The European Union blacklisted six companies from China, two firms from the UAE, as well as the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant

Doctors unable to save moose struck on highway outside Moscow over weekend

The animal died from the administration of anesthesia while undergoing a surgical procedure