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Source: https://www.rt.com/rss/

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<channel>
<title>RT - Daily news</title>
<link>https://www.rt.com</link>
<description>RT : Today</description>
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<copyright>RT</copyright>
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<title>RT - Daily news</title>
<link>https://www.rt.com</link>
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<title>US-born Ukrainian military trans spokesperson sentenced in Russia</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618502-ukrainian-trans-spokesperson-sentenced/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618502-ukrainian-trans-spokesperson-sentenced/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d94ff20302719566233c3.jpg" /> A Russian court has sentenced US trans citizen Sarah Ashton-Cirillo to 20 years for fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618502-ukrainian-trans-spokesperson-sentenced/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Sarah Ashton-Cirillo is known for issuing death threats to journalists and mocking J.D. Vance
An American transgender woman who was dismissed from the Ukrainian military after issuing death threats to journalists has been sentenced in absentia in Russia for acting as a mercenary.
The Prosecutor General’s Office in Moscow announced on Monday that Sarah Ashton-Cirillo was convicted by a court in the Donetsk People’s Republic. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison for taking part in combat roles with the Ukrainian military and for making defamatory statements against the Russian military on behalf of Kiev in 2023.
Ashton-Cirillo, who transitioned in 2019, gained public attention in 2021 after claiming to have infiltrated the far-right Proud Boys group by posing as a sympathizer.
In 2023, she was appointed as an English-language spokesperson for Ukraine’s territorial defense forces, producing anti-Russian videos in her new role. She was <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/584098-transgender-ukraine-liberals-war/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">suspended</a> in September of that year after declaring that “Kremlin propagandists” would soon be “hunted down.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2024.02/thumbnail/65c0f48c20302759af415f8a.jpg" alt="Former Ukrainian territorial defense forces spokesperson Sarah Ashton-Cirillo." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/591903-russia-ex-ukrainian-trans-spokesperson-terror-list/">Russia lists transgender ex-Ukrainian army spokesperson as ‘terrorist’</a></figcaption>
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Her comments sparked backlash in the US, prompting then-Senator J.D. Vance to contact the Department of State, the Pentagon, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and question whether Ashton-Cirillo was acting on behalf of the US government.
”I’ve seen claims this individual is an American, a former intelligence operative in the United States, and an employee of the Ukrainian government,” Vance, now the vice president under US President Donald Trump, wrote. “Others have argued Ashton-Cirillo is pulling an elaborate prank. If so, kudos for the delivery of high quality humor.”
Ashton-Cirillo referenced the controversy during the 2024 US presidential race, when she mentioned viral online rumors disparaging Vance and mockingly offered her sympathies.
”I support you during this time of confusion and during this time of really weird behavior,” she said. “I have served a lot more at the line of contact here in Ukraine than you ever did in Iraq. And that’s fine. Some of us are infantry. Some of us are press officers.”
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618450-us-women-only-spa/">
READ MORE: US women’s-only spa barred from excluding transwomen with penises
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Trump’s reelection campaign centered on criticism of the administration of former President Joe Biden. He blasted its policy of sending aid to Kiev and promoting transgender rights, including allowing trans women to compete in women’s sports and mandating diversity-based hiring in government. Since returning to office, Trump has moved to reverse many of these policies.]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d94ff20302719566233c3.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:12:13 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Fortunes of Russia’s richest grow – Bloomberg</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/business/618506-russias-richest-fortunes-grow/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/business/618506-russias-richest-fortunes-grow/</guid>
<description>
<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d8e6320302766b923dce0.jpg" /> The country’s tycoons have added over $28 billion to their wealth over the past year <a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618506-russias-richest-fortunes-grow/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[
The country’s tycoons have added over $28 billion to their wealth over the past year
The combined net worth of Russia’s wealthiest individuals has surged by $28 billion over the past 12 months, according to the updated Bloomberg Billionaires Index. A total of 22 Russian billionaires, collectively worth $317.7 billion, were listed among the world’s richest people as of June 2.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which ranks the world’s 500 richest individuals, is calculated based on the share prices of the companies in which those listed hold equity.
The largest jump in wealth was posted by Vladimir Potanin, the owner of mining giant Norilsk Nickel, who remained Russia’s richest person on the list, occupying 58th spot globally. The nickel magnate is estimated to have increased his wealth by $3.82 billion in the first five months of the year, to $31.7 billion.
Second place is held by Vagit Alekperov, the former boss of Russian energy giant Lukoil, in which he still owns a large chunk of shares. The businessman added $561 million to his wealth this year and is worth an estimated $25.9 billion.
Vladimir Lisin, the chairman of NLMK, Russia’s largest steelmaker, is ranked third. His net worth declined by $1.62 to $24.2 billion, which saw him slip down one place from Bloomberg’s October 2024 listing.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/591655-russian-tycoon-lawsuit-sothebys/">Russian tycoon loses $230 million art trial in US</a></figcaption>
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The biggest decline in wealth among the richest Russians was registered by the former chairman of fertilizer giant Uralkali, Dmitry Rybolovlev. The net worth of the majority owner and president of Monaco football club declined by $1.77 billion to $9.21 billion. Last year, Rybolovlev, who reportedly has a $2 billion art collection, failed in his attempt to sue top auction house Sotheby’s for fraud allegations.
Bloomberg’s list also included Telegram founder and owner Pavel Durov, as well as Russia’s richest woman, Tatyana Kim, the founder and chief executive of the country’s largest e-commerce platform, Wildberries.
Also listed in the Billionaire Index were the co-owner of gas producer Novatek, Leonid Mikhelson, the chairman of steel giant Severstal, Aleksey Mordashov, and the founder of Eurochem and SUEK, Andrey Melnichenko.]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d8e6320302766b923dce0.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:50:52 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>North Korea slams ‘hostile’ Western report on ties with Russia</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618480-north-korea-slams-western-report-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618480-north-korea-slams-western-report-russia/</guid>
<description>
<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d7e6420302712f976ddf9.png" /> Pyongyang has called a Western paper claiming its ties with Moscow violate UN Security Council resolutions a “political provocation” <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618480-north-korea-slams-western-report-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Pyongyang says the paper demonizes legitimate relations between sovereign states
North Korea has slammed a report by a Western sanctions monitoring group’s on its ties with Russia, calling it a “political provocation.” Cooperation with Moscow is a “legitimate exercise of the DPRK’s sovereign rights,” Pyongyang has insisted.
The report was released last week by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Group (MSMT), created by the US and South Korea to monitor enforcement of UN sanctions against North Korea.
It alleges “illegal” military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, including purported arms transfers from North Korea to Russia, troop deployments and training, excess petroleum shipments, and financial coordination.
Citing data from its 11 members and open-source intelligence, the report claims these actions violate UN Security Council resolutions aimed at curbing North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
Pyongyang considers the MSMT report a “hostile act” and the organization a “ghost group without any legitimacy” and a “political tool” operating “according to the geopolitical interests of the West.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/681f4d3585f54035726a3d28.jpg" alt="RT" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617309-kim-vows-defend-russia/">Kim Jong-un vows to defend Russia against West</a></figcaption>
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“The hostile acts of the MSMT… are a flagrant violation of the international legal principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs and a mockery of the fair and just international community,” the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in its statement on Sunday, as cited by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The ministry called the report a fabrication and denounced it as politically biased and “provocative.”
Military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is “aimed at protecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests” of the countries and “ensuring peace and stability in the Eurasian region,” the ministry claimed. It stressed that it is a “legitimate exercise of sovereign rights” of both countries in accordance with the UN Charter.
Moscow has not yet commented on the MSMT report.
In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which includes a clause providing for military and other assistance in the event of armed invasion of either side. Several weeks later, South Korean and US media reported the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk Region, which at the time was under Ukrainian attack. Moscow and Pyongyang confirmed the military presence in late April after Russian forces declared the region fully liberated.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/616356-north-korean-troops-kursk/">
READ MORE: Russia praises North Korean ‘heroism’ in Kursk Region
</a>

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<![CDATA[
The MSMT group was created last October after the disbandment of the UN Panel of Experts on DPRK, which had monitored the implementation of UN sanctions on North Korea until a Russian veto ended its mandate. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova at the time called MSMT “illegal,” saying it was created by “uninvited enthusiasts bypassing the UN Security Council” who “demonstrate blatant disregard for international law.”]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d7e6420302712f976ddf9.png" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:45:44 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Russian civilians who tried to down Ukrainian drones to be rewarded – governor (VIDEO)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618499-irkutsk-drone-stone-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618499-irkutsk-drone-stone-ukraine/</guid>
<description>
<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d79a820302766b923dcce.jpg" /> A clip showing people risking their lives while approaching the UAVs in Russia’s Irkutsk Region has gone viral on social media <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618499-irkutsk-drone-stone-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[
A clip showing people risking their lives while approaching the UAVs in Russia’s Irkutsk Region has gone viral
A group of men who were filmed throwing stones at incoming Ukrainian drones in Irkutsk Region in Siberia will be rewarded for their actions, local governor Igor Kobzev has said.
On Sunday, military airfields in five Russian regions, including Irkutsk, came under coordinated drone attacks orchestrated by Ukraine, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said. Most of the incoming UAVs were destroyed, but some made it through and caused damage, the ministry said, adding that several aircraft caught fire in Murmansk and Irkutsk Region. According to both Ukrainian and Russian media, the explosive-laden drones were launched from trucks parked near the bases.
Following the attack, a video went viral on social media showing civilians in the Usolsky District of Irkutsk Region risking their lives in an attempt to stop the UAVs from taking off.
The footage captured several men, who have been described in the media as truck drivers, climbing atop the tractor-trailer that had been releasing the drones and throwing stones at them.
<script async src="https://telegram.org/js/telegram-widget.js?22" data-telegram-post="shot_shot/81819" data-width="100%"></script>
Kobzev wrote in a post on Telegram on Monday that the regional authorities had also taken notice of “the footage of concerned citizens, who tried to prevent the drones from operating.”  
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683ccd9f20302727384a65bc.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618466-ukrainian-strike-russian-airfields/">Ukrainian strike on Russian airfields: What we know so far</a></figcaption>
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“The operational headquarters will assess their actions and make a decision on how to reward them,” he said.
The situation in Usolsky District is currently under the control of the authorities, with no threat to the population, the governor added.
The Ukrainian drone attack came a day ahead of the second round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, Türkiye on Monday, during which the sides are expected to discuss each other’s proposals on ways to settle the conflict.
Russian officials suggested earlier that the intensification of Ukrainian UAV incursions into Russia in recent weeks are an attempt to derail the US-brokered peace process between Moscow and Kiev.]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d79a820302766b923dcce.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:36:49 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Over 150 killed in catastrophic flooding in African state (VIDEO)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/africa/618495-153-deaths-catastrophic-flooding-nigeria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/africa/618495-153-deaths-catastrophic-flooding-nigeria/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d740885f5404d0418a37b.png" /> Nigerian officials have confirmed 153 fatalities and mass displacement following catastrophic flooding in Mokwa <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618495-153-deaths-catastrophic-flooding-nigeria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for expanded rescue efforts and increased preparedness across the country
The death toll from flooding in central Nigeria has reached 153, local authorities confirmed on Saturday, as search-and-rescue efforts continue.
The updated figures were provided by Ibrahim Hussaini, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), who said the disaster in the town of Mokwa followed heavy rains that began late Wednesday and lasted into Thursday.
Hussaini reported that at least 3,018 people had been displaced, with 503 households and 265 homes impacted. Three communities were completely washed away, he added.
In response to the disaster, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) convened a stakeholder meeting in Niger State on Friday.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.01/thumbnail/678f6e3420302746a73cfbef.jpg" alt="RT" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/611390-nigeria-modern-political-life/">Ancient power: Where age-old tradition defines real politics, and will for decades to come</a></figcaption>
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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed NEMA and national security forces to step up search-and-rescue operations in the affected zones. Alongside emergency response efforts, Tinubu has ordered the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness campaigns in flood-prone areas to improve preparedness and response for future disasters.
In April, the minister of water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, identified 32 Nigerian states and the FCT as high flood-risk zones, warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of flooding. He highlighted coastal and riverine areas, including the states of Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers, as particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and tidal surges, which could affect fishing, wildlife, and navigation.
Mokwa, located in Niger State, serves as a vital trade corridor connecting agricultural producers in the north with traders in the south.
Nigeria is prone to flooding during its rainy season, which typically begins in April. 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618347-heavy-rains-kill-21-in-nigeria/">
READ MORE: Heavy rains trigger fatal flooding in African country (VIDEO)
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Last September, dozens of people were killed and others trapped after devastating floods swept through Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State. Sirajo Garba, the northeast zonal coordinator for NEMA, said over 1,000 people had been rescued, and that more than 70,000 displaced persons were staying in seven camps.
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Magnus Carlsen punches table after stunning defeat to Gukesh (VIDEO)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/india/618478-magnus-carlsen-defeat-gukesh/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/india/618478-magnus-carlsen-defeat-gukesh/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d67db85f5405cd93a924b.jpg" /> World champion Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has achieved his first-ever classical victory over top-ranked Magnus Carlsen <a href="https://www.rt.com/india/618478-magnus-carlsen-defeat-gukesh/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Indian prodigy and world champion has bested the top-ranked grandmaster at Norway Chess 2025
In a dramatic twist at the Norway Chess tournament on Sunday, 19-year-old world champion Gukesh Dommaraju stunned top-ranked Magnus Carlsen in his first-ever classical victory over the former world champion.
Just as Carlsen seemed poised to widen his lead with a second win against the Indian prodigy, a rare endgame blunder turned the tide, and Gukesh seized the moment.
Carlsen had the upper hand over Gukesh for most of the game, but he lost control and Gukesh turned the tide. Playing with white, Gukesh made a bold queen sacrifice; later on, Carlsen blundered his knight on move 52. Gukesh took advantage, forcing Carlsen to resign on move 62. 
Carlsen punched the table in frustration after resigning. He then apologized and patted Gukesh on the back before storming out of the venue.
“Well, there wasn’t much I could do. It was just clearly lost. So I was just trying to make moves which were kind of tricky for him. I mean, 99 out of 100 times I would have lost. Yeah, just a lucky day,” Gukesh was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">OH MY GOD 😳🤯😲 <a href="https://t.co/QSbbrvQFkE">pic.twitter.com/QSbbrvQFkE</a>— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwayChess/status/1929257237190443042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 😱🫣 <a href="https://t.co/RwBqhfU0gv">pic.twitter.com/RwBqhfU0gv</a>— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwayChess/status/1929261380131004845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Earlier in the tournament, after his first-round victory over Gukesh, Carlsen posted on X: “When you come at the king, you best not miss.” Gukesh became the second Indian player to beat Carlsen in the history of the competition, after Rameshbabu <a href="https://www.rt.com/india/581976-indian-chess-prodigy-shocked-the-world/">Praggnanandhaa</a> did so in May 2024. 
This was Gukesh’s first classical victory over the Norwegian grandmaster. With the win, Gukesh moved into third place in the tournament with 8.5 points, one point behind Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. It was their first encounter at classical time controls since Gukesh won the world title, and it marked the 34-year-old Carlsen’s return to individual classical chess in nearly a year. 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/india/609547-india-gukesh-world-champion/">
READ MORE: Chess King Gukesh: How an 18-year-old dreamer checkmated the world
</a>

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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Ukraine ‘a terrorist state’ – top Russian MP</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618489-ukraine-terrorist-state-russian-mp/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618489-ukraine-terrorist-state-russian-mp/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d702d2030276c0912a414.jpg" /> Kiev seeks to “intimidate civilians” and “provoke aggression” before the negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, Andrey Kartapolov has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618489-ukraine-terrorist-state-russian-mp/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Kiev is seeking to “intimidate civilians” and “provoke aggression” before talks with Moscow in Istanbul, Andrey Kartapolov has said

A senior Russian lawmaker has accused Ukrainian intelligence services of orchestrating an explosion that damaged a bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region, describing the incident as an act of terrorism aimed at intimidating civilians and provoking Moscow ahead of potential talks.
On Saturday evening, as a result of an explosion, a bridge fell in front of a moving passenger train moving at high speed, derailing it. The crash killed seven people and injured 97 others. Several hours later, a railway bridge collapsed under a moving freight train in Kursk Region, wounding the driver and two of his assistants.
“This is clearly the work of Ukrainian special services. Everything points to Ukraine being a terrorist state,” Andrey Kartapolov, head of the Russian State Duma’s defense committee, told Russian news outlet SHOT, on Sunday.
Kartapolov said the blasts had no military significance but were designed to “harden” Russia’s stance and spread fear among the population. He added that Russian security services would investigate the incident and determine the circumstances.
“All of this is aimed at escalating Russia’s position and provoking aggression before negotiations, as well as to intimidate people. But it won’t work,” he said.
The Investigative Committee said in a statement on Sunday that the bridges had been “blown up” in both incidents.
Later that same day, drones targeted military airfields in Murmansk Region in the country’s north, in Ivanovo and Ryazan regions in western Russia, and in Irkutsk Region in Siberia and Amur Region in the Far East.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683cc31685f54033311d7860.jpg" alt="Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, May 29, 2025." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618464-rubio-lavrov-spoke-strikes/">Lavrov and Rubio discuss Ukrainian attacks on Russia</a></figcaption>
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Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky touted the “absolutely brilliant result” saying that the strikes had been prepared for more a year and a half and targeted Russia’s strategic aviation fleet.
“In total, 117 drones were used in the operation,” he said in a video message posted on X. Drones were reportedly smuggled into Russia and launched remotely off the back of trucks.
In response to Kiev’s raids, Russia has launched several retaliatory strikes targeting Ukraine’s defense industry facilities, as well as military assembly points and warehouses.
While Kiev has not officially claimed responsibility for the collapses of two bridges that caused train derailments in Russia, Ukrainian opposition MP Artyom Dmitruk said the incidents were “another step toward peace according to Zelensky’s formula,” referring to his proposed peace plan.
“Let me remind you, negotiations are scheduled for June 2,” the lawmaker added.
The second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks begins in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Monday. The two countries held their first direct negotiations in three years in May, where they agreed to submit detailed ceasefire proposals.]]>
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<title>China accuses US of violating trade truce</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/business/618493-china-us-violating-trade-deal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/business/618493-china-us-violating-trade-deal/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d6ee485f540510a3994d0.jpg" /> The accusations came after the US claimed that China violated the deal recently reached in Geneva <a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618493-china-us-violating-trade-deal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Washington earlier claimed that Beijing breached the deal recently reached in Geneva
The US has “seriously” violated the latest trade deal between Washington and Beijing, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Monday, vowing to take measures to defend China’s interests. The accusation followed similar claims made by US President Donald Trump against Beijing.
Under the deal announced on May 12 following breakthrough negotiations in Geneva, the world’s two largest economies agreed to suspend most new tariffs imposed since early April, pending further talks.
“If the US insists on its own way and continues to damage China’s interests, China will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a statement. It went on to claim that the White House violated the consensus reached between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their most recent conversation earlier this year.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a0c2020302776810b5086.jpg" alt="US President Donald Trump" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618375-trump-china-tariffs-deal/">China ‘violated’ deal – Trump</a></figcaption>
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Among the US actions listed by the ministry were global warnings against the use of Huawei chips, the suspension of chip design software sales to Chinese companies, and the cancelation of visas for Chinese students.
On Friday, Trump lashed out at the Chinese government, claiming that the agreement had been “totally violated” by Beijing, without providing details. He added that China had been in “grave economic danger” as a result of the tariffs before Washington stepped in with the “fast” deal.
Under the terms of the deal reached in Switzerland, the 34% tariff hikes introduced on April 2 were paused for 90 days, with Beijing taking reciprocal measures. Both sides also committed to rolling back tariff increases introduced since April 8, while maintaining a baseline of 10% on mutual imports. China additionally agreed to ease certain non-tariff measures, such as export controls on US goods.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c2cc285f540342a05810c.jpg" alt="US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, May 26, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618442-china-hits-back-us-vilification/">China hits back at US over vilification</a></figcaption>
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Last week, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer claimed that China had not removed specific non-tariff barriers as agreed under the deal. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment, stating that the talks were “a bit stalled” and might require direct involvement from Trump and Xi.
Beijing responded by calling on Washington to immediately correct “its erroneous actions,” cease discriminatory restrictions against China, and jointly uphold the consensus reached at the high-level talks in Geneva.
Tensions between the two economic powers escalated on April 2, when Trump introduced broad new tariffs targeting over 90 countries, including China, citing concerns over the trade deficit. China retaliated, launching a tit-for-tat trade standoff in which tariffs increased to 145% and 125%, respectively, on mutual imports by Washington and Beijing.]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>UK backs controversial autonomy offer for African region</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/africa/618483-uk-backs-controversial-moroccan-western-sahara-autonomy-plan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/africa/618483-uk-backs-controversial-moroccan-western-sahara-autonomy-plan/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d69d985f5405a43500d7f.png" /> The UK foreign secretary has endorsed Morocco’s sovereignty plan as the most viable path to ending the conflict over Western Sahara <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618483-uk-backs-controversial-moroccan-western-sahara-autonomy-plan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The shift comes a year after British lawmakers pushed for recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara
The UK has endorsed Morocco’s plan to grant limited autonomy to Western Sahara, ending decades of official neutrality in one of the most protracted territorial disputes in the North African region.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the shift during a visit to Morocco’s capital, Rabat, on Sunday, where he met with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, and signed a series of cooperation agreements, including in infrastructure, healthcare, and water management. 
“The UK… considers Morocco’s autonomy proposal, submitted in 2007 as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute,” Lammy said, according to a joint statement published on the British government’s website following the talks.
The Western Sahara conflict has persisted since Morocco annexed the territory in 1975 following Spain’s withdrawal. A UN-brokered ceasefire was established in 1991, but efforts to hold a referendum on the region’s status have stalled.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/africa/598295-british-mps-demand-uk-support-morocco-western-sahara-sovereignty/">
READ MORE: UK should support Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara – British MPs
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In April 2007, Morocco submitted its Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara to the UN Security Council. According to the proposal, Rabat intends to delegate administrative, legislative, and judicial powers to local residents while retaining the Moroccan flag and currency. Morocco would also be in charge of the phosphate-rich region’s foreign policy, security, and defense. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has pushed for full independence and seeks a UN-backed referendum – an idea Morocco has rejected.
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A year ago, a group of British lawmakers wrote to then-Foreign Secretary David Cameron, urging the government to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the sparsely populated region. They described Rabat’s proposal as the “only realistic and pragmatic” option, noting its consistency with British trade policy and regional stability goals.
On Sunday, the UK foreign secretary said a resolution to the Western Sahara dispute is long overdue, adding that it “would strengthen the stability of North Africa and the relaunch of the bilateral dynamic and regional integration.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/682f11f885f54050d11e4b36.jpg" alt="The Chagos Islands" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/617999-uk-not-return-chagos-archipelago-mauritius/">Military base in paradise: Why decolonization by the UK turns out to be fake again</a></figcaption>
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The move makes the UK the third permanent member of the UN Security Council, after the US and France, to support Rabat’s position.
Algeria, which supports an independent Sahrawi state, said on Sunday it “regrets the choice made by the United Kingdom to support the Moroccan autonomy plan.” It accused Morocco of attempting to use the proposal to delay a political settlement and legitimize “the illegal occupation of Western Sahara.”
The former French colony previously <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/617579-france-expels-more-algerian-diplomats/">responded</a> strongly to similar endorsements, withdrawing its ambassador from Paris after France backed Morocco’s autonomy plan in 2024.]]>
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<title>Ukrainian draft officers ordered to ‘capture’ 12 men a day – MP</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618479-ukraine-conscription-quotas-mp/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618479-ukraine-conscription-quotas-mp/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d5d5585f540342a058186.jpg" /> Ukrainian lawmaker Yury Kamelchuk says conscription officers have a daily target of 12 men per official <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618479-ukraine-conscription-quotas-mp/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Kiev is struggling with widespread draft evasion amid a mobilization campaign
Ukrainian conscription officers have been ordered to bring in 12 new recruits each day and are using aggressive tactics to meet their quotas, lawmaker Yury Kamelchuk has said.
Kiev relies on mandatory conscription of men aged 25 and older to replenish its armed forces, but widespread draft evasion has become a significant issue. In an interview on Friday, Ukrainian MP Kamelchuk claimed the government’s approach reflects a fundamental lack of respect for its citizens.
”If they were treated respectfully from the start, the result would have been different,” he said. “I was told that today they catch pretty much everyone, regardless of health.”
“One method they use all the time is ordering food delivery and capturing the courier,” the lawmaker added.
Kamelchuk said the quota system results in unfit recruits who “cannot be put on the line with military service members because they would simply kick the bucket there.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6823892b2030270c3c053bd5.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO. Members of the Regional Recruitment Office (TCC) scouting for military-aged men in Kharkov, Ukraine." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/617481-ukraine-forced-mobilization-putin/">Ukraine catching men ‘like dogs on the street’ – Putin</a></figcaption>
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Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky said last week that the pace of mobilization “has not changed significantly in six months” as the military continues to carry out its draft plan.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry launched a campaign in February to encourage voluntary enlistment among younger adults, using advertisements that compared the value of a year’s service pay to everyday consumer goods such as burgers.
Although the military claims to see strong interest, fewer than 500 contracts have been signed, according to the presidential office. The deputy chief of the presidential office, Pavel Palisa, said many applicants change their mind, often due to pressure from their parents.
Zelensky stated in February that 45,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed and another 390,000 injured in the conflict with Russia. In April, he cited “up to 100,000 losses,” a term that includes deaths, serious injuries, and soldiers taken prisoner.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618462-last-drone-parade-ukraine/">
READ MORE: The last drone parade: Ukraine tries to reset a war it already lost
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The Russian military estimated total Ukrainian losses by the end of 2024 at well over 1 million, including over 595,000 suffered that year.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said last week it had received 400,000 requests from Ukrainian families searching for missing relatives as of April. The Ukrainian military, which has been accused of labeling killed soldiers as missing in action to mask battlefield deaths, criticized the international relief organization, claiming it was engaging in “absolutely invalid or deliberately manipulative reporting.”]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Details of Ukraine’s proposals for talks with Russia revealed – Reuters</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618477-ukraine-memorandum-talks-istanbul/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618477-ukraine-memorandum-talks-istanbul/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d520f85f540343a4d5ab6.jpg" /> Kiev’s demands “diverge considerably” from the terms earlier voiced by Moscow, the agency noted <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618477-ukraine-memorandum-talks-istanbul/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Kiev’s demands “diverge considerably” from the terms earlier voiced by Moscow, the agency noted
The memorandum prepared by Ukraine for the Istanbul talks with Russia rejects Moscow’s key demands for recognition of new Russian regions, neutrality for Kiev, and limitations on the size of Ukraine’s armed forces, Reuters has reported.
The second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine, which resumed after a three-year break in mid-May, is expected to take place in Türkiye on Monday. The two sides earlier agreed that they will each present memorandums detailing their vision of how to settle the conflict.
Reuters reported on Sunday that Kiev’s document does not include recognition of Crimea, the People’s Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, and Kherson and Zaporozhye regions as part of Russia. According to Ukraine, the current shape of the front line should be the starting point for negotiations on territory, it added.
Kiev also insists that it cannot be forced to accept neutrality, claiming that its potential NATO membership should only depend on a consensus within the US-led military bloc, the agency said.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618466-ukrainian-strike-russian-airfields/">Ukrainian strike on Russian airfields: What we know so far</a></figcaption>
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Restrictions on the size of the Ukrainian military armed forces have also reportedly been ruled out in Kiev’s memorandum. However, it calls for Russia to pay reparations and for the use of Moscow’s assets frozen by the West to rebuild Ukraine, Reuters said.
According to the agency, Kiev’s roadmap begins with a demand for a full ceasefire of at least 30 days, an exchange of prisoners in an “all-for-all” format, followed by a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky.
Reuters noted that the demands in the Ukrainian memorandum “diverge considerably” from the terms previously voiced by Russia.
Moscow has declined to make the details of its memorandum public or present it to the Ukrainians before the talks in Istanbul. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said last week that the document includes the “principles of [a] settlement, a timeframe for a potential peace agreement, [and] a potential ceasefire for a certain period of time.”
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618423-us-ukraine-russia-role/">
READ MORE: Russia-Ukraine peace ‘up to them’ – State Department
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Russian officials have stressed that any peace deal with Ukraine should address the root causes of the conflict and include guarantees of Kiev’s neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and recognition of the new territorial reality on the ground.]]>
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<title>Russia-Ukraine talks wrap up: Live Updates</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618456-second-round-russia-ukraine-talks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618456-second-round-russia-ukraine-talks/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c801985f54033311d7840.jpg" /> The next stage of talks has started in Istanbul following Kiev’s drone strikes on Russian civilian and military facilities <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618456-second-round-russia-ukraine-talks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The next stage of negotiations has started following Kiev’s drone strikes on Russian civilian and military facilities
The second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks have begun in Istanbul, Türkiye. 
Ahead of the talks, Kiev intensified drone attacks on Russian territory, targeting civilian infrastructure, trains, and military airfields, which Moscow claims are attempts to sabotage negotiations.
Just a day before scheduled talks, two bridges collapsed in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk border regions, leading to at least seven deaths and dozens of injured. The incidents were caused by sabotage, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.
Later that same day, drones targeted military airfields in Murmansk Region in the country’s north, in Ivanovo and Ryazan regions in western Russia, and in Irkutsk Region in Siberia and Amur Region in the Far East. In response to Kiev’s raids, Russia has launched several retaliatory strikes targeting Ukraine’s defense industry facilities, as well as military assembly points and warehouses.
Some military bloggers and analysts suggest that Kiev may have undertaken such actions to demonstrate to its Western supporters that it still has the means to continue fighting Russia, as well as to intimidate the Russian population.
On Sunday afternoon, Russia’s delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, arrived in Istanbul. Ukraine’s team for the meeting is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. According to Reuters, the delegation from Kiev will propose a 30-day ceasefire, prisoner exchanges (the “all for all”principle), and the return of Ukrainian children from Russian-held areas, aiming for an eventual meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky.
The previous round of Istanbul talks on May 16, the first since 2022, saw 1,000 prisoners exchanged per side. Both parties agreed to draft ceasefire proposals for today’s discussion. Last week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin is open to holding high-level direct talks with Kiev. However, he said this should be preceded by tangible progress in the current negotiations.]]>
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<title>Trump promotes claim Biden was replaced by ‘robotic clone’</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618469-trump-promotes-claim-biden-replaced/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618469-trump-promotes-claim-biden-replaced/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d18d585f540342a05816b.jpg" /> US President Donald Trump shared a post claiming Joe Biden was killed and replaced by clones years ago <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618469-trump-promotes-claim-biden-replaced/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The US president shared a social media post suggesting his predecessor was “executed” in 2020
US President Donald Trump has shared a claim on social media that his predecessor, Joe Biden, was secretly executed and replaced by a “robotic entity.”
The original post, published by an anonymous user on Saturday afternoon, included a link to an article alleging that Biden’s family feared they were “running out of time to exploit” the former president following his cancer diagnosis.
“There is no #JoeBiden – executed in 2020. #Biden clones doubles & robotic engineered soulless mindless entities are what you see. #Democrats don’t know the difference,” the message read. Trump reposted it on his Truth Social platform hours later without comment.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618454-biden-years-america-gerontocracy/">The Biden years: When America started to resemble the late-stage USSR</a></figcaption>
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Biden, who has shown signs of cognitive decline for years, abruptly withdrew his candidacy from the 2024 presidential race after a disastrous debate performance that alarmed the Democratic Party. He named then-Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, who subsequently lost to Trump.
Republicans have long accused the Democratic leadership of covering up Biden’s mental and health issues during his presidency and reelection campaign. Last month, Biden revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, which spread to his bones.
In their recently released book ‘Original Sin’, journalists Jake Tapper of CNN and Alex Thompson of Axios detail how Biden’s staff worked to conceal his decline from the public. The authors claim that a “Politburo” of Biden’s family members and close aides were the real decision-makers during his term in office.]]>
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<title>US terms for nuclear deal ‘out of touch with reality’ – Iranian source to RT</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618470-us-letter-iran-terms-nuclear/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618470-us-letter-iran-terms-nuclear/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d15fa85f54031c62c0d44.jpg" /> An Iranian source has told RT that Washington’s terms for a nuclear deal are neither fair nor realistic <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618470-us-letter-iran-terms-nuclear/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The White House’s letter to Tehran was far from a compromise, a person familiar with the matter has said
The US proposal for a new nuclear agreement with Iran is unacceptable, an Iranian source familiar with the matter told RT. Washington recently outlined its terms in a letter to Iran after five rounds of talks mediated by Oman.
“Iran views the US written elements as extremely far from what could possibly be regarded as a fair and realistic basis for a likely compromise,” the source said.
“Iranians were dismayed to see such a fanciful, one-sided text that is so out of touch with reality,” the source added.
The White House said on Sunday that President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, sent “a detailed and acceptable proposal” to Tehran. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reiterated Washington’s position that “Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb.”
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617830-trump-israel-us-relations/">Are US-Israel ‘special relations’ about to end?</a></figcaption>
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Islamic Republic would provide a response “in line with the principles, national interests, and rights of the people of Iran.”
Trump earlier insisted on a “total dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear program, suggesting the country should not be allowed to enrich uranium even for civilian purposes. Araghchi rejected these terms, saying the US must lift all sanctions and “uphold Iran’s nuclear rights, including enrichment.”
During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 UN-backed Iran nuclear deal, accusing the country of secretly violating it, and reimposed sanctions as part of his ‘maximum pressure’ campaign. Tehran denied that it violated the 2015 agreement, but has since increased uranium enrichment.]]>
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<title>Right-wing Nawrocki wins Polish presidential election</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d2aee2030275f59115dca.jpg" /> Conservative Karol Nawrocki has been elected president of Poland <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618468-right-wing-nawrocki-narrow-lead/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The candidate backed by the Law and Justice party has defeated Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski
Conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki was elected president of Poland in a runoff vote on Sunday, narrowly defeating centrist pro-EU Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.
According to the National Electoral Commission, Nawrocki secured 50.89% of the vote, while Trzaskowski garnered 49.11%.
Turnout was 71.63%, among the highest in recent Polish elections. Trzaskowski performed strongly in major cities, while Nawrocki led in rural areas and among older voters.
Nawrocki, backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, ran on a platform of Catholic values, greater national sovereignty, and rebalancing Poland’s relationship with the EU. He leads the Institute of National Remembrance, a state-sponsored research center responsible for promoting Polish history and investigating crimes committed in Poland during both the Nazi occupation and the socialist era.
Nawrocki met with US President Donald Trump at the White House last month.
“President Trump said, ‘You will win,’” he later told Polish media, according to Reuters.
Trzaskowski is a senior figure in Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition. He campaigned on strengthening ties with the EU, advancing judicial reforms, easing abortion restrictions, and introducing civil partnerships for LGBTQ couples.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618249-us-poland-election-violations/">US lawmakers want Soros-linked Polish election ‘violations’ addressed</a></figcaption>
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Both candidates pledged to increase defense spending, responding to calls from Trump for Europe to contribute more to NATO. They also support continued aid to Ukraine. However, Trzaskowski backs NATO membership for Ukraine, calling it vital to Poland’s security. Nawrocki has said he would not ratify it, warning it could drag the bloc into a war with Russia.
“Poland needs a president who will defend the constitution and our values,” Nawrocki said during his final campaign appearance on Friday. Trzaskowski told supporters he envisions “a modern European Poland that protects freedoms and the rule of law.”]]>
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<title>Man throws Molotov cocktails at pro-Israel activists in Colorado (VIDEOS)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618467-molotov-cocktail-attack-boulder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618467-molotov-cocktail-attack-boulder/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683d073a2030275f047939a5.jpg" /> An assailant injured several people at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618467-molotov-cocktail-attack-boulder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The FBI is treating the incident in Boulder as a terrorist attack
A man was detained in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday after throwing Molotov cocktails at attendees of a demonstration in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Videos from the scene show a shirtless man carrying what appear to be bottles of flammable liquid while shouting pro-Palestinian slogans. He is later seen lying on the ground as police move in to detain him.
“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on X.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said officers responded to a report of a suspect “setting people on fire.” He confirmed that several people had been hospitalized, with injuries ranging “from very serious to more minor.”
FBI Special Agent Mark Michalek later confirmed that the man yelling “Free Palestine” injured six people. He identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman. “Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country,” Michalek said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A pro-Hamas domestic terrorist threw molotov cocktails at some pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado. From the violence on campuses across the country, to violence on our streets, it's past time these thugs were labeled as domestic terrorists.<a href="https://t.co/QwcT8gQLMc">pic.twitter.com/QwcT8gQLMc</a>— Leftism (@LeftismForU) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeftismForU/status/1929293849811193859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: SUSPECT IDENTIFIED as Mohamad Soliman in the Boulder terror attack shows He was shouting pro-Palestine propaganda with a thick accent. THIS IS WHY WE NEED MASS DEPORTATIONS. These people SHOULD NOT BE HERE. Multiple victims have been life-flighted from the area, and… <a href="https://t.co/XaxiAGH2XI">pic.twitter.com/XaxiAGH2XI</a>— Alma Gentil (@Chinoy200096633) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chinoy200096633/status/1929309281809211808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Heated demonstrations in support of both Palestine and Israel have taken place in many countries since the war between Hamas and Israel broke out in October 2023. The US has seen a wave of anti-Semitic incidents, with pro-Palestinian activists targeting Jewish institutions and individuals demonstrating in support of Israel.
Last month, a man shouting pro-Palestinian slogans fatally shot two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington.]]>
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<title>Ukrainian strike on Russian airfields: What we know so far</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618466-ukrainian-strike-russian-airfields/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618466-ukrainian-strike-russian-airfields/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683ccd9f20302727384a65bc.jpg" /> Military airfields in various parts of Russia have been targeted in coordinated Ukrainian drone strikes <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618466-ukrainian-strike-russian-airfields/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Military airfields in five Russian regions have come under coordinated drone attacks
Military airfields in five Russian regions, including in Siberia and the Far East, have been targeted in coordinated drone attacks orchestrated by Kiev, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. Ukrainian media has called it a major operation targeting Russian strategic aviation. According to Moscow, most of the strikes were repelled, with some resulting in material damage but no casualties.
<h2>Targets</h2>
The airfields are located in Murmansk Region in the north, Ivanovo and Ryazan regions in central Russia, Irkutsk Region in Siberia, and Amur Region in the Far East, the Russian Defense Ministry stated.
According to Ukrainian media, the airfields housed Russian Tu-95 and Tu-22M strategic bombers, as well as an A-50 early warning and control plane, among other aircraft. The Russian Defense Ministry has not confirmed this, and has not revealed the aircraft types stationed at the airfields.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618455-kiev-attacked-military-airfields-russia/">Kiev attacked military airfields in five Russian regions – MOD</a></figcaption>
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It was the first time in over three years since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict that Kiev has targeted Russian facilities located in Siberia and the Far East.
<h2>Strikes</h2>
All the attacks employed first-person view (PFV) kamikaze drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said, adding that at least some of them were launched from areas located in close proximity to the airfields. It also accused the “Kiev regime” of conducting “terrorist attacks.” 
According to Ukrainian and Russian media, the drones took off from trucks parked near the airfields and loaded with containers. Shot Telegram channel published a video purporting to show several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying out of one of the containers in Irkutsk Region. Plumes of smoke are seen at a distance behind the truck in the video.
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Gunfire is also heard in the video, with a witness claiming that police attempted to shoot down a drone.
Another video posted by Shot shows a crowd of people trying to hit the drones with stones. The video was also recorded in Irkutsk Region, according to the channel.
<script async src="https://telegram.org/js/telegram-widget.js?22" data-telegram-post="shot_shot/81819" data-width="100%"></script>

<h2>Operation Spiderweb</h2>
The strikes were part of a major Ukrainian operation targeting “strategic aviation” and codenamed Spiderweb, several Ukrainian media outlets, including Channel 24 and RBK Ukraine, reported, citing sources in the nation’s domestic security service (SBU).
The SBU confirmed that it was behind the operation as it published a photo of its head, Vasily Malyuk, looking at maps of what appear to be five Russian airfields. The security service also claimed that around a third of Russian cruise missile carriers were hit in the attacks.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618461-strike-ukrainian-drone-launch-site/">Russian military strikes Ukrainian drone launch site (VIDEO)</a></figcaption>
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According to Ukrainian media, the nation’s security service prepared the operation for more than a year and a half as it gradually transported the drones and moveable containers to Russia. The operation was also said to have been personally overseen by Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, who reportedly claimed that a total of 117 UAVs were used in the strikes, according to reports.
<h2>Aftermath</h2>
In Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions, the attacks were repelled and resulted in no damage or casualties, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. In Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, the strikes led to some aircraft catching fire, it added.
The fires were promptly extinguished, according to the Russian military. No casualties were reported in any of the incidents, and the Defense Ministry did not report the loss of any aircraft as a result of the attacks.
Ukrainian media claimed that around 40 aircraft were damaged in the operation, including several strategic bombers. The Russian authorities have not commented on the claims.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c4f7b85f5403433184f0b.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: A Ukrainian kamikaze drone in the air." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618446-drones-murmansk-arctic-chibis/">Russian Arctic region under drone attack – governor</a></figcaption>
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<h2>Investigation</h2>
Some suspects behind the attacks have been detained, the Russian Defense Ministry said, without revealing the number of those arrested or their identities.
According to Shot, the Russian investigative authorities identified the trucks involved in the attacks and are now working with the drivers. Several Telegram channels, including Shot and Baza, also reported that Russian OSINT investigators traced the drones back to a warehouse located in Chelyabinsk Region, Russia in the southern Urals.
Russian security service officers have reportedly raided the warehouse in question and are now investigating the owner. Some trucks involved in the attacks were also said to have been registered in Chelyabinsk Region, according to the Telegram channels.
<h2>Botched attack</h2>
One truck loaded with drones reportedly failed to reach its destination, the Russian Telegram channels reported. The vehicle caught fire while on the road in Amur Region and eventually exploded, the channels reported as they published a video purporting to show the moment of the explosion.
<script async src="https://telegram.org/js/telegram-widget.js?22" data-telegram-post="shot_shot/81820" data-width="100%"></script>
The incident took place a day before the attack, according to Baza. A container caught fire, triggering the explosion, the channel said. The driver of the truck died in the incident, Baza said. He stopped the vehicle when he realized it was on fire and went to check for the source, when it exploded, the channel reported, identifying him as Vasily P., 62.
<h2>Timing</h2>
The attacks came just a day before scheduled talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul. The two nations were scheduled to hold the second round of the recently resumed direct negotiations, which were stalled for three years after Kiev unilaterally walked away from the talks in spring 2022.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683cc31685f54033311d7860.jpg" alt="Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, May 29, 2025." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618464-rubio-lavrov-spoke-strikes/">Lavrov and Rubio discuss Ukrainian attacks on Russia</a></figcaption>
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The two sides agreed to hold a major prisoner swap involving 1,000 POWs from each side during the first round of talks last month. On Monday, they are expected to exchange peace proposals as part of an agreement reached in May.
Ukraine has significantly escalated drone strikes into Russia in recent weeks, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier described the attacks as an attempt to derail the peace process.
The strikes occurred less than a day after two bridges in Russia were destroyed in what the authorities described as sabotage. In Bryansk Region, an overpass fell onto a rail line, killing seven and injuring at least 69, according to the governor. Hours later, on Sunday, a railway bridge in Kursk Region gave way under a moving freight train, injuring the driver and two assistants.
The Russian Investigative Committee said both bridges were blown up, but did not name any suspects behind the attacks. Russian Senator Andrey Klishas blamed Kiev for both incidents.]]>
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<title>UK must prepare for direct conflict with Russia – defense secretary</title>
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<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618465-uk-preparing-for-direct-conflict/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683cc85385f5403433184f3a.jpg" /> The UK will invest $8 billion in missile production to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia, Defense Secretary John Healey has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618465-uk-preparing-for-direct-conflict/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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London will invest $8 billion in long-range missile production, John Healey has said
The UK plans to mobilize billions of pounds to bolster its military-industrial base in preparation for a potential conflict with Russia, Defense Secretary John Healey has said.
The statement comes ahead of the publication of the government’s Strategic Defense Review on Monday. According to the BBC, the report is expected to portray Russia and China as major threats to the UK.
The review is expected to allocate £1.5 billion ($2 billion) toward building six new munitions factories. Over the next five years, London will dedicate around £6 billion to manufacturing long-range weapons, including Storm Shadow missiles, Healey told the BBC on Sunday. The missile, developed jointly with France, has reportedly been used by Ukraine to strike civilian targets in Russian territory, according to Moscow.
“This is a message to Moscow as well. This is Britain standing firm – not only strengthening our Armed Forces, but also reinforcing our industrial base. It’s part of our readiness to fight, if required,” Healey said.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c834285f540342a05813a.jpg" alt="US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg at the White House, Washington, DC. September 22, 2020." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618457-ukraine-conflict-nato-proxy-war/">Ukraine conflict a NATO ‘proxy war’ – Trump envoy</a></figcaption>
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Western support for Ukraine has exposed serious weaknesses in arms production, with British military leaders warning that weapons stockpiles are dangerously low, the BBC reported.
As one of Kiev’s strongest backers in Europe, London has provided Ukraine with around €15.16 billion ($17.2 billion) in aid, more than two-thirds of which is military support, according to data from Germany’s Kiel Institute.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have both advocated for placing Western troops in Ukraine. They have lobbied for a peacekeeping force to be deployed in the event of a full ceasefire.
Russia has warned that any NATO troops deployed to Ukraine – even under the designation of peacekeepers – would be treated as legitimate targets. It has also stated that foreign involvement would only escalate the conflict and ultimately fail to prevent Russia from achieving its military objectives.]]>
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<title>The last drone parade: Ukraine tries to reset a war it already lost</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618462-last-drone-parade-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618462-last-drone-parade-ukraine/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683cbef485f5403433184f36.jpeg" /> With dwindling weapons, collapsing morale, and no strategic gains, Ukraine turns to spectacle as a last resort <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618462-last-drone-parade-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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With dwindling weapons, collapsing morale, and no strategic gains, Ukraine turns to spectacle as a last resort
On Monday, a fresh round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine kicks off in Istanbul. Both sides are expected to present ceasefire terms, though few anticipate surprises. Russia is bringing a detailed proposal rooted in its long-standing demands – essentially a “Istanbul-22 plus territory” formula. That means Ukraine must abandon its military ties with the West, reject what Moscow calls an “anti-Russian ideology,” and recognize the current frontlines as de facto borders.
Skeptics will argue: as long as the war grinds on, talks are meaningless. But this is the first time in three years that Russia’s position is being codified on paper – a shift that makes it harder to dismiss. Putin has been repeating these demands for years, mostly to little effect. Now, even an unsigned document gives the Kremlin a firmer diplomatic foothold.
Ukraine, for its part, is arriving with a proposal of its own. According to Reuters, it closely mirrors the draft Kiev took to London in April – a proposal that met firm resistance from Washington and ultimately derailed that summit. Central to Ukraine’s demands is a call for binding international security guarantees. In plain terms, Kiev is asking the West to commit to defending Ukraine – not just in theory, but militarily. It’s a request Western capitals have been reluctant to honor since 2022, when then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson walked away from the table. That hesitation is unlikely to change now.
<h2 data-start="1743" data-end="1794">Drones, disruption, and the battle for leverage</h2>
Perhaps aware of the limited traction its peace terms are likely to get, Ukraine appears to be trying to bolster its negotiating posture through force. On Sunday, just a day before the talks, drones struck five long-range Russian airbases across Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. Russia’s Defense Ministry says three attacks were fully repelled, while two partially succeeded.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618461-strike-ukrainian-drone-launch-site/">Russian military strikes Ukrainian drone launch site (VIDEO)</a></figcaption>
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The drones, reportedly launched from cargo trucks and remotely guided via mobile networks, bear echoes of earlier operations – like the 2022 strike on the Crimean Bridge. In that case, truck drivers were allegedly used as unwitting participants. Whether that’s true this time remains unclear.
What does this mean? For the last three years, Ukraine has launched a bold, high-risk move to break the stalemate and force a strategic shift. In 2022, it was the Kharkov and Kherson offensives – their only successful campaigns to date – followed by Russia’s incorporation of four additional regions. In 2023, it was the ill-fated counteroffensive, which failed to gain ground and marked a turning point in the conflict. In 2024, Ukraine tried to establish a foothold in Russia’s Kursk region, only to be pushed back into its own Sumy oblast.
Whether Sunday’s airbase attacks mark another such pivot remains to be seen. But the pattern is familiar: a dramatic gesture aimed at reshuffling a strategic deck that’s increasingly stacked against Ukraine.
<h2 data-start="3258" data-end="3294">Media blitz vs. military reality</h2>
The challenge for Russian leadership is that, while Russia fights for concrete territorial and strategic goals, it does so with little public fanfare. Battlefield updates have faded into background noise. But in a country as vast and largely peaceful as Russia, Ukraine is betting that symbolic strikes – even rare ones – can pierce the political surface. The hope is that such provocations either force Moscow into risky overreach or draw the US deeper into the war.
Over time, Ukraine’s objectives have shifted – from military breakthroughs to media impact. Like last year’s failed push into Kursk, these efforts aren’t meant to win the war outright, but to disrupt Russia’s slow, methodical advance. That advance, however, is accelerating. According to data from Lostarmour, Russian forces gained nearly 580 square kilometers in May alone – the second-highest monthly figure since 2022.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian defenses are crumbling. Drone strikes on Moscow have disrupted civilian air traffic but have done little to halt Russia’s daily barrage – attacks Ukraine’s depleted air defenses increasingly struggle to repel. In October 2024, Russia launched around 2,000 ‘Geran’-type drones in one month. Today, it’s sending hundreds per day.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618464-rubio-lavrov-spoke-strikes/">Lavrov and Rubio discuss Ukrainian attacks on Russia</a></figcaption>
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<h2 data-start="4540" data-end="4589">Manpower, morale, and the limits of spectacle</h2>
The Ukrainian army is in steep decline. Troops are retreating slowly, but desertions are surging. In 2024 alone, nearly 90,000 criminal cases were opened for desertion or unauthorized leave. In the first three months of 2025, that number is already over 45,000 – around 15,000 a month.
Weapons are also in short supply. US aid is winding down, and Europe lacks the capacity to make up the gap. But the bigger crisis is manpower: many Ukrainian units are operating at just 40–50% strength – some even less.
These structural issues, more than any drone strike or headline-grabbing attack, are what shape the real context for the Istanbul talks. Tactical stunts may buy media attention, but they don’t reverse battlefield trends. Sunday’s attack was likely a one-off – not just because Russia will tighten base security and jam mobile signals, but because such operations require years to plan and a deep human network that’s unlikely to survive exposure.
<h2 data-start="5550" data-end="5566">A final note</h2>
Near the end of World War II, Germany pinned its hopes on the V-2 rocket – a weapon launched by the hundreds, against which no defense was possible. It was powerful, terrifying, and militarily useless. The term “wonder weapon” it inspired now carries only irony.
Something similar may be said of Ukraine’s recent raids. Their leadership has become adept at orchestrating dramatic military theater. But bold visuals aside, these attacks are unlikely to change the war’s trajectory – or Kiev’s negotiating hand.]]>
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<title>Lavrov and Rubio discuss Ukrainian attacks on Russia</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683cc31685f54033311d7860.jpg" /> Russian FM Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have discussed Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian and military facilities <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618464-rubio-lavrov-spoke-strikes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The Russian foreign minister and US secretary of state have discussed Kiev’s strikes on civilian and military facilities
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the phone on Sunday. The two sides discussed the upcoming Moscow-Kiev talks in Istanbul and recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
Just a day before the talks scheduled in Türkiye, two bridges collapsed after bomb attacks in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk border regions, leading to at least seven deaths and dozens of injuries. The incidents were caused by sabotage, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.
Later that same day, drones targeted military airfields in Murmansk Region in the country’s north, Ivanovo and Ryazan regions in western Russia, Irkutsk Region in Siberia, and Amur Region in the Far East.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rubio “expressed sincere condolences on the civilian casualties resulting from the bombings of railway infrastructure in the Bryansk and Kursk regions on June 1.”
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618409-russia-train-derailment-updates/">Trains derailed by saboteurs in two Russian border regions: As it happened</a></figcaption>
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Lavrov said the attacks would be thoroughly investigated and “the results will be published in the very near future.”
“The guilty parties will be identified and will inevitably face deserved punishment.” 
Lavrov and Rubio also “exchanged views on various initiatives concerning the political resolution of the Ukrainian crisis,” including the upcoming Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul scheduled for June 2.
US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that Rubio “reiterated President Trump’s call for continued direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace.”
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In response to the Ukrainian raids, Russia launched several retaliatory strikes targeting Ukraine’s defense industry facilities, as well as military assembly points and warehouses. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, most of the strikes were successfully repelled, with some resulting in material damage. 
Ukrainian media claims that the strikes were part of what they called a “historic” operation codenamed Spiderweb. According to the reports, the strikes were prepared for more a year and a half and targeted Russia’s “strategic aviation.”]]>
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<title>Ukrainian land forces commander steps down</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618463-ukrainian-land-forces-commander-resigns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618463-ukrainian-land-forces-commander-resigns/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683cbbcb2030272dfe4dc66a.png" /> Mikhail Drapaty has taken responsibility for the deaths of Ukrainian troops in a strike on their camp <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618463-ukrainian-land-forces-commander-resigns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Mikhail Drapaty has taken responsibility for the deaths of soldiers in a strike on a training facility
The commander of Ukraine’s Land Forces, Mikhail Drapaty, has resigned from his post, taking responsibility for the deaths of Ukrainian troops in consecutive strikes on a military training center.
At least 12 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 60 more injured on Sunday in a Russian strike, Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne wrote. Kiev did not reveal the exact location, but according to Suspilne sources, it could be located near the Novomoskovsky military training site in Dnepropetrovsk Region.
The Russian Defense Ministry has <a href="https://t.me/mod_russia/53370" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">confirmed</a> that it struck a tent camp at the Novomoskovsky training ground on Sunday, targeting the 158th Separate Mechanized Brigade (SMB) and the 33rd SMB of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
“I have decided to submit a report on my resignation from the post of Commander of the Land Forces of the AFU,” Drapaty wrote in a social media statement on Saturday.
“This is a conscious step dictated by my personal sense of responsibility for the tragedy at the 239th training ground, as a result of which our soldiers died,” he said.
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“We have no right to live in a system that does not learn. If we do not draw conclusions, do not change our attitude to service, do not admit our mistakes, we are doomed,” Drapaty wrote, adding that he has opened an investigation into the circumstances at the training ground.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/617687-ukraine-770-million-bogus-arms-deals/">Ukraine wasted $770 million on bogus arms deals – FT</a></figcaption>
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In March, the Russian Defense Ministry reported it had struck the facility with an Iskander-M missile, killing up to 150 Ukrainian service members and 30 foreign military instructors. In the wake of the attack, Drapaty railed against “outdated procedures” and negligence within AFU ranks.
Corruption has been a rampant and long-running issue for Ukraine’s defense sector, affecting everything from munitions and food supply lines to embezzlement of funds meant for defensive fortifications.
Last month, the Security Service of Ukraine reported it had arrested several military officials involved with a corruption scheme that supplied Kiev’s armed forces with some 120,000 defective mortar shells.]]>
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<title>Russian military strikes Ukrainian drone launch site (VIDEO)</title>
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Over 30 long-range kamikaze UAVs were destroyed in the attack, the Russian Defense Ministry has said
Moscow has successfully hit a Ukrainian long-range drone launch site in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkov Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. It also published a video of the strike.
The strike destroyed all of the launch pads, along with more than 30 long-range kamikaze drones and eight military vehicles, it added.
A short video shows a powerful blast rocking an area near the airfield where some installations were located. According to the ministry, a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile system was used in the strike.
The news came amid reports of drone strikes across Russia. Several military airfields located in five Russian regions were targeted in attacks on Sunday, according to the Defense Ministry. Ukrainian media claimed that the strikes were part of a major operation called Spiderweb, which had been prepared for more than a year and a half.
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According to the Russian military, three out of five attacks were successfully repelled and resulted in no damage, while two resulted in aircraft being set on fire – although the fires were promptly extinguished. No one was injured in the attacks.
Earlier in the day, the first drone attack was reported in Irkutsk Region in Siberia, where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeted a military base. The strike resulted in no casualties or major material damage, according to the authorities.
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This comes less than a day after two bridges collapsed in Russian regions bordering Ukraine in what the authorities described as deliberate acts of sabotage. One of the collapses derailed a passenger train, killing seven and injuring 71 others. The Investigative Committee said in a statement on Sunday that the bridges were blown up in both cases. Russian Senator Andrey Klishas blamed Kiev for both incidents.]]>
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<title>‘Brussels hijacked our future’ – Orban</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618458-brussels-hijack-future-orban/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618458-brussels-hijack-future-orban/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c8da32030272da32f18ec.jpg" /> The bloc does not need militarization, but rather peace talks between Moscow and Kiev to succeed, the Hungarian prime minister has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618458-brussels-hijack-future-orban/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The bloc does not need militarization, but rather peace talks between Moscow and Kiev to succeed, the Hungarian prime minister has said
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has unveiled a proposal to increase the power of EU members and limit the authority of its bureaucracy. Calling it a “patriotic plan” for the bloc, he said in a series of weekend social media posts that it will revive the “European dream.”
The EU elites in Brussels have exploited every crisis to amass more power, Orban claimed in a post on X. This course has so far only translated into less sovereignty for member states and “failed policies,” according to the prime minister. “Brussels hijacked our future” by disrupting public safety through migration and eroding prosperity with “green dogmas,” he stated in another post. 
“Europe can’t afford this any longer, it’s time to take back control,” he said.
The prime minister’s plan is based on what he calls four pillars: A path toward peace on the continent and defusing tensions with Russia, removing Brussels’ “centralized control” over finances, “bringing back free speech” and strengthening Europe’s Christian identity, and tightening control over immigration.
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“We want peace, we don’t need a new Eastern front,” Orban said, commenting on his plan and stating that the bloc should not accept Ukraine as a member. “We don’t want our money poured into someone else’s war,” he added.
A military buildup and defense increase actively promoted by some EU nations could easily lock the bloc in an “arms race” with Russia, Orban warned. Such a development would “devour… taxpayers’ money,” he said. Instead of pouring more resources into the military, the bloc needs to contribute to the peace process between Moscow and Kiev, the prime minister maintained, praising US President Donald Trump’s efforts in this regard.
The EU needs to start “arms limitation talks with the Russians as soon as possible. Otherwise, all our money will be swallowed by the arms industry instead of being spent on peaceful… goals,” Orban argued.
European nations once united to create the “safest and the most advanced continent” in the world, but this dream was “stolen,” the prime minister said, calling on EU nations not to allow Brussels to use the Ukraine conflict “as an excuse to take more of our money.”]]>
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<title>Ukraine conflict a NATO ‘proxy war’ – Trump envoy</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618457-ukraine-conflict-nato-proxy-war/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618457-ukraine-conflict-nato-proxy-war/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c834285f540342a05813a.jpg" /> US special envoy Keith Kellogg has echoed Moscow’s characterization of the hostilities <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618457-ukraine-conflict-nato-proxy-war/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Keith Kellogg has echoed Moscow’s characterization of the hostilities
Russian President Vladimir Putin is right in considering the Ukraine conflict a proxy war against Russia, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg told Fox News in an interview on Sunday.
He said that while he believes the peace process will ultimately succeed, “escalatory issues” remain. Kellogg referred to comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who last month indicated that Berlin would be open to supplying Kiev with Taurus cruise missiles.
Kellogg addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin's perspective, saying “he considers this a proxy war by NATO. And frankly… in a way it is.”
“The escalatory issues are still there,” Kellogg said. “Chancellor Merz has said: well, I’m going to give the Ukrainians the Taurus missile system.”
The German cruise missiles have a range of roughly 300 miles (482 km), which can allow Ukrainian strikes to reach deep into Russian territory, Kellog said. He added that Putin has made it clear: if such weapons are supplied to Ukraine, Russia will regard the suppliers as a party to the conflict.
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“He considers this a proxy war by NATO. And frankly… in a way it is.”
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Russia can clearly see the other Western military support Ukraine is receiving, Kellogg added.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618343-kellogg-nato-expansion-ukraine/">Russia has ‘fair concern’ about NATO expansion – Trump envoy</a></figcaption>
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“Everybody has got to be willing to step back a bit,” and compromise, to get the peace process “to an end state,” the envoy said.
Last week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Merz’s “provocative” statements “hinder peaceful efforts.” Moscow has stressed that any Ukrainian use of German Taurus missiles against Russian territory will be viewed as Berlin’s direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict, as the armaments’ use is impossible without the participation of Bundeswehr service members.
Last year, after Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden allowed the use of US ATACMS ballistic missiles in long-range strikes on Russian territory, Moscow retaliated by revamping its strategic doctrine and lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. Russia now considers any strike by a non-nuclear state backed up by a nuclear one as a joint attack.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618178-israel-proxy-war-uk/">Israel and Ukraine fighting ‘proxy wars’ for the West – UK Tory leader</a></figcaption>
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Both Kellogg and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have previously characterized the conflict as a proxy war.
“Frankly, it’s a proxy war between nuclear powers – the United States, helping Ukraine, and Russia,” Rubio said in March, noting that the current White House administration is eager to see it end.
Moscow has long designated the Ukraine conflict as a Western proxy war against Russia and repeatedly condemned arms supplies to Kiev as counterproductive to the peace process.]]>
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<title>The Biden years: When America started to resemble the late-stage USSR</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618454-biden-years-america-gerontocracy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c70d62030272dfe4dc659.jpg" /> How Washington became a gerontocracy <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618454-biden-years-america-gerontocracy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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How Washington became a gerontocracy
It’s been a while since we’ve heard much about Joe Biden, hasn’t it? Yet here he is, back in the headlines – not because of some triumphant return to form, but for all the wrong reasons. The former US president has once again found himself at the center of national attention, thanks to a sequence of revealing and deeply troubling events.
It began with Axios publishing the full audio of Biden’s now-infamous interview with special prosecutor Robert Hur. The same interview in which Hur concluded that the then president suffered from serious memory issues. As the recording confirmed, he wasn’t wrong. Biden struggled to recall basic facts – even the date his son died.
Days later, another bombshell dropped: Biden had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The news barely had time to circulate before the release of Original Sin, a book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, tore down what little remained of the White House facade.
The authors didn’t just suggest that Biden had declined mentally during his presidency. They asserted that he had not been governing at all. Instead, they described a ‘Politburo’ of family members and close aides who effectively ran the United States in his name. It’s a term that will sound all too familiar to the Russian ear, and one that cuts deeper than many Americans might realize.
For years, critics of the US establishment – especially abroad – have joked about the ‘Washington Obkom’, a reference to the old Communist Party regional committees of the Soviet Union. Today that comparison doesn’t seem like satire. It feels like a diagnosis.
It’s especially ironic that these revelations are coming not from conservative firebrands or Russian media, but from the very liberal American outlets – CNN, Axios – that worked so hard in 2024 to prop up the Biden administration and conceal the cracks forming behind the curtain. 
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617874-biden-cancer-cover-up/">Biden’s cancer cover-up: A medical screw-up or a calculated sob story?</a></figcaption>
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But I’m less interested in their delayed honesty than in the questions Americans are now starting to ask. How did the United States, with all its checks and balances, end up with a gerontocratic shadow government? Why did Washington begin to resemble Moscow circa 1982?
Let’s start there.
A gerontocracy emerges when the ruling elite can no longer tolerate change. In the USSR, it was the ageing leadership of the Communist Party that clung to power. In the US, it’s the political generation that peaked in the 1990s and 2000s, the last so-called ‘consensus’ generation in American politics. Their grip on power outlasted their ideas. Though Democrats and Republicans had their differences, they broadly agreed on the same post-Cold War worldview. They ran the show for decades – until Donald Trump shattered that illusion in 2016.
Trump’s rise forced a reckoning. On the right, younger Republicans moved toward a more nationalist, populist agenda. On the left, Democrats tacked hard toward identity politics and expanded welfare, partly driven by their reliance on minority voting blocs and partly by the legacy of Barack Obama’s progressive rhetoric.
By the time Trump’s first term ended, the American political elite faced a nightmare: if they handed power to the next generation, they risked total collapse. The establishment Republicans had already been steamrolled by Trump’s base. Democrats feared the same fate if they embraced their more radical progressives.
Their solution was to cling to the past. Enter Joe Biden, a relic of the consensus era, sold to voters as a unifying moderate. In reality, he was a placeholder. A human firewall designed to stop the rising tide on both sides. The hope was that a return to ‘normal’ would restore calm. Instead, it prolonged the crisis. Biden, like Brezhnev before him, became the living embodiment of a system unable to face reality.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618363-trump-syria-sanctions-game/">What is Trump’s game in Syria?</a></figcaption>
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And now, as Americans look back on the Biden years, they are forced to reckon with the consequences of their denial. Power didn’t disappear, it simply drifted into backrooms and family circles. Decision-making was outsourced to unaccountable figures behind the scenes. And the public was kept in the dark. Even Biden himself, we now know, was shielded from bad polling numbers.
But the deeper lesson is more uncomfortable. Change comes whether you want it to or not. The US establishment tried to shut out the new generation. It only worked temporarily. Trump is back in power. Yes, he is old. But unlike Biden, he has surrounded himself with younger, dynamic figures who are already shaping the Republican Party’s future.
The Democrats, by contrast, have learned nothing. Despite their crushing defeat in 2024, the old leadership continues to resist renewal. And now it’s costing them. Just recently, the Republicans passed Trump’s major tax bill in the House of Representatives by a single vote. That vote was lost because Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly, aged 75, had passed away just before the session.
He was the third Democrat to die in office this year.
This morbid pattern hasn’t gone unnoticed. Americans have begun to joke grimly that the Democratic Party is literally dying. And the punchlines, as dark as they may be, contain more truth than fiction.
Washington is starting to resemble Brezhnev’s Moscow – not just in age, but in inertia. In the end, the lesson isn’t about personalities. It’s about systems that refuse to adapt. Systems that cling to the past until the present falls apart.
The ‘Washington Obkom’ may have seemed like a Russian jest once. It’s not a joke anymore.
 
This article was first published by the online newspaper<a href="https://www.gazeta.ru/comments/column/articles/21123656.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Gazeta.ru</a> and was translated and edited by the RT team ]]>
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<title>Kiev attacked military airfields in five Russian regions – MOD</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618455-kiev-attacked-military-airfields-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c7ad920302726e64c40e3.jpg" /> Kiev has orchestrated drone strikes targeting facilities across the country, which resulted in no casualties, Moscow has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618455-kiev-attacked-military-airfields-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Several aircraft were damaged and some of the perpetrators behind the attacks are in custody, the military has said
Military airfields across Russia have been attacked in a series of kamikaze drone strikes, the country's Defense Ministry reported on Sunday, blaming the incidents on Kiev. Most of the strikes were successfully repelled, with some resulting in material damage, it added.
Airfields were targeted in the Murmansk Region in the country’s north, in Ivanovo and Ryazan regions in central Russia as well as in Irkutsk Region in Siberia and Amur Region in the Far East, the ministry said. All the attacks employed first-person view (PFV) kamikaze drones, with some of them being launched from territories in close proximity to the airfields, it stated.
Some of the culprits behind the attacks have been detained, the ministry said, without revealing the number of those arrested or their identities. The Russian military also said that the “Kiev regime” was ultimately responsible for the strikes, which they described as “terrorist attacks.”
In Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions, the attacks were repelled and resulted in no damage or casualties, according to the ministry. In Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, the strikes led to some aircraft catching fire, the military said. No casualties have been reported in any of the incidents, according to the ministry’s data.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618435-two-regions-bridges-blown/">Collapses of two bridges in Russia were sabotage – investigators</a></figcaption>
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The Ukrainian media have claimed that the strikes were part of what they called a “historic” operation codenamed ‘Spiderweb.” According to the reports, the strikes had been prepared for more a year and a half and targeted Russia’s “strategic aviation.”
Channel 24 in Ukraine published a photo of the head of the country’s domestic security service (SBU), Vasily Malyuk, looking at what they said were maps of five Russian military airfields. The photo was released by the SBU itself, the media stated.
Earlier on Sunday, the first drone attack was reported in Siberia, targeting a military installation in Irkutsk Region. According to Governor Igor Kobzev, the launch site was promptly “blocked” and there was “no threat to the lives and health of civilians,” the official added.
Ukraine has significantly escalated drone strikes into Russia in recent weeks, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has earlier described them as attempts to derail the peace process.]]>
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<title>Ukraine plugs its Western-made weapons into ‘NATO Wi-Fi’</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618453-ukraine-western-weapons-nato-network/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618453-ukraine-western-weapons-nato-network/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c682d85f54034091b240e.jpg" /> The country has joined a system that links its F-16s, Mirage 2000s, and Patriot missile launchers to NATO’s military infrastructure <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618453-ukraine-western-weapons-nato-network/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The country has joined a system that links its F-16s, Mirage 2000s, and Patriot missile launchers to the bloc’s military infrastructure
Kiev has been allowed to join a NATO-standard coordination network which connects together Western-made military hardware, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Katerina Chernohorenko has announced. The system, in particular, is compatible with F-16s and Mirage 2000 fighter jets.
On Saturday, Chernohorenko revealed that Ukraine had signed a license agreement to begin using the Command and Control Center System Interface (CSI), a non-commercial digital platform employed by most NATO member states for air and missile coordination and improved interoperability.
The official pointed out that the system operates through NATO’s Link-16 data protocol – which she referred to as “military Wi-Fi.” She added that the protocol facilitates coordination between fighter jets such as US-made F-16s and French-made Mirage 2000s, as well as air defense systems like the Patriot, all of which have been supplied to Ukraine as military aid.
Ukraine received its first F-16s from its European backers last summer, although the process had been slower than expected due to logistics and pilot training issues. While some officials in Kiev initially hoped it would become a “game changer” on the battlefield, the military later acknowledged it could not rival the most advanced Russian jets.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618428-uk-dramatically-increase-weapons-production/">UK to dramatically increase weapons production</a></figcaption>
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In total, Kiev was promised more than 80 F-16s, many of which are expected to arrive in the years to come. Since the start of deliveries, at least three Ukrainian-operated F-16s have been confirmed destroyed.
As for the French-made Mirage 2000s, which are capable of carrying long-range Scalp/Storm Shadow missiles, Ukraine only received the first batch this winter, with the number of planes to be delivered estimated at six. Kiev has confirmed their deployment in combat, but reported no losses.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Ukrainian-operated F-16s will “burn” just like other Western-supplied equipment. Moscow has also consistently denounced Western military aid to Kiev, arguing it will only prolong the conflict without changing its outcome.]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>US women’s-only spa barred from excluding transwomen with penises</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618450-us-women-only-spa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618450-us-women-only-spa/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c5d152030272da32f18d9.jpg" /> Such an approach would violate Washington state’s anti-discrimination law, a court has ruled <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618450-us-women-only-spa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Such an approach would violate Washington state’s anti-discrimination law, a court has ruled
A federal appeals court has obliged a Korean spa in Lynnwood, Washington to provide services to transgender females. The beauty parlor had attempted to bar transwomen who have not undergone gender-affirming surgery from entering its ladies-only facilities.
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled Thursday, in a 2–1 vote, that Olympus Spa must change its admissions policy to comply with the anti-discrimination law. The court found that the spa’s owners were not being deprived of their First Amendment rights, such as the right to free exercise of religion, freedom of speech and right of association, by the State of Washington’s requirement.
Olympus Spa, which operates two locations in the state, is a traditional Korean bathhouse offering massages, body scrubs, and hot tubs that require full nudity. In 2020, the Washington State Human Rights Commission filed a complaint after a transgender woman—who had not undergone genital surgery—was denied entry.
The Commission argued that the spa’s ladies-only policy violated the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on gender identity and gender expression.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.04/thumbnail/68013a2620302737ac66ff85.jpg" alt="US Attorney General Pam Bondi" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/615905-us-lawsuit-maine-transgender-athletes/">US takes state to court over transgender athletes</a></figcaption>
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In response, Olympus Spa filed a lawsuit claiming the state was violating the owners’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion, speech, and association. The spa, run by a Christian Korean-American family, cited religious and cultural beliefs in opposing the inclusion of individuals with male genitalia in female-only spaces where nudity is required.
“The family-run business is owned by Korean Christians who hold sincere faith-based convictions against allowing persons whose genitals are external (males) to be present with persons whose genitals are internal (females) while in a state of partial or full undress if such persons are not married to one another,” the complaint stated.
However, the Ninth Circuit ruled that enforcement of the state law does not violate the First Amendment. Writing for the majority, Judge Margaret McKeown said that providing a Korean body scrub or massage does not constitute protected expressive conduct. She added that accepting the spa’s argument would essentially make every gym or massage parlor exempt from nondiscrimination laws.
The ruling comes amid broader national debates on transgender rights. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump reversed several protections for trans individuals, ending federal support for child sexual mutilation procedures and issuing executive orders banning transwomen from women’s sports and removing “radical gender ideology” from the military.]]>
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<title>First drone attack reported in Siberia</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618447-siberia-first-drone-attack/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618447-siberia-first-drone-attack/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c415185f5405cd93a91f1.jpg" /> The raid targeted a military base not far from Lake Baikal, Governor Igor Kobzev has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618447-siberia-first-drone-attack/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The raid targeted a military base not far from Lake Baikal, Governor Igor Kobzev has said
Several drones targeted a military installation in Irkutsk Region on Sunday in what authorities say is the first such attack in Siberia. Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed the strike and said the incident occurred near the settlement of Sredny, about 150 km from Lake Baikal and 70 km from the eponymous regional capital. 
One drone also reportedly hit an abandoned building in the nearby village of Novomaltinsk, according to Kobzev.
The governor said the drones were launched from a small truck, though the exact number of UAVs involved remains unclear. Unverified footage on social media suggests at least three drones took part in the raid.
Kobzev added that the launch site had been “blocked” and that there was “no threat to the lives and health of civilians.” Emergency services and law enforcement were dispatched to the scene.
While Kobzev did not attribute blame, both Russian and Ukrainian media outlets have suggested that the attack was orchestrated by Kiev.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618435-two-regions-bridges-blown/">
READ MORE: Collapses of two bridges in Russia were sabotage – investigators
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Ukraine has ramped up drone strikes inside Russian territory in recent weeks, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Kiev of attempting to derail negotiations.
In response, Moscow has launched retaliatory strikes on Ukraine’s defense industry sites, as well as military assembly points and warehouses.
The Irkutsk attack coincided with reports of a similar drone strike in Russia’s northern Murmansk Region, though details remain scarce.
Ukraine has significantly escalated drone strikes into Russia in recent weeks, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has suggested that Kiev is trying to derail the process.
In response to the raids, Russia has launched several retaliatory strikes targeting Ukraine’s defense industry facilities, as well as military assembly points and warehouses.
The Irkutsk attack also came as authorities in Russia’s northern Murmansk Region reported a similar drone raid, without providing further detail so far.]]>
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<title>Russian Arctic region under drone attack – governor</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618446-drones-murmansk-arctic-chibis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618446-drones-murmansk-arctic-chibis/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c4f7b85f5403433184f0b.jpg" /> Air defenses have been activated in Murmansk Region, Andrey Chibis has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618446-drones-murmansk-arctic-chibis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Air defenses have been activated in Murmansk Region, Andrey Chibis has said
Russia’s Murmansk Region, located mostly north of the Arctic Circle, is being targeted by drones, local governor Andrey Chibis has said.
Air defenses have been intercepting incoming UAVs in the region, Chibis wrote on Telegram on Sunday.
"Enemy drones have attacked the territory of Murmansk Region,” he wrote.
The governor urged the population to remain calm and report all incidents to the authorities.
Also on Sunday, several drones targeted a military installation in Irkutsk Region, central Russia. Local Governor Igor Kobzev said it is the first UAV raid in Siberia.
The attack occurred in the settlement of Sredny, some 150km from Lake Baikal, Kobzev wrote on Telegram. He added that the drones were launched from a tractor-trailer. “The source from where the UAVs came had been blocked,” he said.
Kiev has significantly intensified drone raids into Russia in recent weeks, targeting Moscow and other regions. Russia has responded by launching a series of large-scale missile and UAV strikes against Ukrainian military-related infrastructure.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618447-siberia-first-drone-attack/">
READ MORE: First drone attack reported in Siberia
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Russian officials suggest that the drone incursions are an attempt by Ukraine to derail a US-brokered peace process between Moscow and Kiev. The attacks in Murmansk and Irkutsk regions come a day ahead of a scheduled meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul, during which the sides are expected to discuss each other’s proposals on ways to settle the conflict.
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<title>China hits back at US over vilification</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618442-china-hits-back-us-vilification/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618442-china-hits-back-us-vilification/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c2cc285f540342a05810c.jpg" /> The accusation comes after the Pentagon chief warned of a “real and imminent” threat allegedly posed by Beijing <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618442-china-hits-back-us-vilification/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The accusation comes after the Pentagon chief alleged that Beijing posed a “real and imminent” threat

Washington is “vilifying” Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Sunday. The accusation follows remarks made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is deliberately ignoring calls for peace from nations in the region, according to the ministry.
Earlier, Hegseth claimed that China poses a real and potentially imminent threat, and urged Washington’s allies in the Indo-Pacific region to increase defense and security spending.
“Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region and instead touted a Cold War mentality of bloc confrontation, vilified China with defamatory allegations, and falsely labeled China a ‘threat’,” the ministry said in a statement.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, the defense secretary accused Chinese authorities of seeking to fundamentally alter the region’s status quo and aiming to “become a hegemonic power.” Hegseth also raised the issue of Taiwan, which relies on the US for its defense - accusing Beijing of preparing to invade the territory.
The Chinese foreign ministry described the comments as “deplorable” and “intended to sow division” in the Asia-Pacific. It emphasized that the only country that “deserves to be called a hegemonic power” is the US, which it accused of undermining peace and stability in the region.
Responding to Hegseth’s remarks on the self-governing island, the ministry reiterated that the issue is entirely China’s internal affair. It stressed that no foreign nation has the right to interfere and warned the US against using the Taiwan issue as leverage against Beijing.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617994-china-existential-threat-cia/">China ‘existential threat’ to US – CIA deputy director</a></figcaption>
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Taiwan has long been a source of discord between Beijing and Washington. While China advocates peaceful reunification, it has warned that any move toward formal independence could trigger armed conflict. Beijing contends that certain elements within the US government are pushing Taiwan toward that outcome.
China has also repeatedly criticized US-led joint military drills in the Indo-Pacific, arguing that they destabilize the region and provoke tensions over Taiwan.
In addition to geopolitical disputes, the two nations are at odds over trade. US President Donald Trump has blamed Beijing for America’s significant trade deficit with China.
In May, both countries agreed to pause the tariff hikes introduced the previous month for 90 days, while maintaining a baseline 10% duty on mutual imports. Earlier this week, Trump accused China of violating that agreement.]]>
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<title>India’s top general responds to Pakistan’s claim that it downed six jets</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/india/618436-indias-top-general-responds-pakistan-claim/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/india/618436-indias-top-general-responds-pakistan-claim/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c1b992030276135152c78.jpg" /> New Delhi’s military was able to establish an advantage over Pakistan after initial “mistakes,” the chief of defense staff told media <a href="https://www.rt.com/india/618436-indias-top-general-responds-pakistan-claim/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The chief of defense staff acknowledged some “mistakes” in the standoff but emphasized that New Delhi’s tactics were “rectified”
In his first interview with international media since the four-day military standoff with Islamabad last month, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said on Saturday that India had changed its tactics after an initial "mistake" and established an advantage over Pakistan.
“What is important is not a jet being downed but why they were being downed. The good part is that we were able to understand the tactical mistakes that we’ve made, remediate, and rectify them, and implement them again — we flew all our jets, again targeting [sites in Pakistan] at long range,” General Chauhan told Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, without providing any details regarding military losses.
When asked to respond to the Pakistani military’s claim that it had downed six Indian jets, he said it was “absolutely incorrect.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India’s military confirmed for the first time that it lost an unspecified number of fighter jets in clashes with Pakistan in May. Anil Chauhan, chief of defense staff of the Indian Armed Forces, spoke to Bloomberg TV on Saturday, while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in… <a href="https://t.co/9y3GW6WJfn">pic.twitter.com/9y3GW6WJfn</a>— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloombergTV/status/1928710859389391158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In another interview with Reuters, General Chauhan reiterated that India had switched tactics after suffering losses on the first day of the conflict, when it launched strikes against what it called “terrorist infrastructure” sites in Pakistan on May 7.
“What was important is, why did these losses occur, and what will we do after that?” he told Reuters. “So we rectified tactics and then went back on the 7th, 8th, and 10th in large numbers to hit air bases deep inside Pakistan, penetrated all their air defenses with impunity, and carried out precision strikes,” he added.

New Delhi has previously rejected Islamabad’s claims while refraining from commenting on alleged losses on its side. 
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/india/617955-brahmos--s-400-india-pakistan/">How Moscow’s legendary S-400 missiles helped India outgun Pakistan</a></figcaption>
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“We are in a combat scenario; losses are a part of combat. The question you must ask us is... have we achieved our objective of decimating the terrorist camps? And the answer is a thumping yes. The results are for the whole world to see,” the Indian Air Force’s Director General of Air Operations (DGAO) Air Marshal Bharti said, commenting on allegations that warplanes were lost during the media briefing on May 11, a day after New Delhi and Islamabad announced a ceasefire.
India launched military action against targets in Pakistan on May 7 in response to the April 22 massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam, in India’s Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on an Islamabad-sponsored terrorist organization. 
Islamabad denied any involvement in the attack, with top Pakistani officials claiming the country was itself a “victim of terrorism.”]]>
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<title>Musk dismisses NYT drugs claim</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618440-musk-dismisses-nyt-drugs-claim/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618440-musk-dismisses-nyt-drugs-claim/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c1f032030271fb5715bec.jpg" /> The paper has alleged that the billionaire was hooked on ketamine and took ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618440-musk-dismisses-nyt-drugs-claim/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The newspaper has alleged that the billionaire was hooked on ketamine and took ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms
Elon Musk has denied allegations of drug abuse following a New York Times report detailing his purported heavy use of controlled substances during Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
On Friday, the NYT released an article alleging that the mogul was using the substances “far more intensely than previously known.”
In a post on X on Saturday, Musk brushed off the allegations, writing: “Also, to be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.” 
He added that he had “tried prescription ketamine a few years ago” and had publicly disclosed this fact. “This [is] not even news. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but haven’t taken it since then,” Musk stressed.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c1d1385f5405a43500d08.jpg" alt="Elon Musk speaking during a press-conference with US President Donald at the Oval Office." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618401-musk-black-eye-trump/">Musk explains his black eye</a></figcaption>
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The Times had alleged that Musk was taking so much ketamine that it was affecting his bladder, a known effect of chronic use. The article also claimed, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Musk took ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms and traveled with a daily medication box containing about 20 pills including the stimulant Adderall.
The NYT stated that it is unclear whether Musk was taking drugs when he joined the Trump administration as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was tasked with slashing the federal bureaucracy. However, it mentioned that during his tenure as a public servant, the businessman “exhibited erratic behavior,” insulted cabinet members, and at one point made a controversial gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi-style salute.
On Thursday, Musk announced that he would no longer serve as a government employee. He thanked Trump “for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending” while stating that DOGE would continue its operations.
While Trump noted that Musk “is really not leaving” and was “going to be back and forth,” the announcement came amid multiple reports of a rift between the mogul and administration officials.
In March, the NYT reported that Musk had clashed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over firings in his department and with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over air traffic control regulations.
Musk also recently voiced disappointment over Trump’s spending bill, which he said would increase the deficit and undermine DOGE’s mission.]]>
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<title>Collapses of two bridges in Russia were sabotage – investigators</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618435-two-regions-bridges-blown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618435-two-regions-bridges-blown/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c1c7085f540510a39946e.jpg" /> Both a passenger and a freight train have derailed in Bryansk and Kursk Regions, resulting in multiple fatalities <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618435-two-regions-bridges-blown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Both a passenger and a freight train have derailed in Bryansk and Kursk Regions, resulting in multiple fatalities
The collapses of two bridges that caused train derailments in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk Regions were due to sabotage, the national Investigative Committee has said.
On Saturday evening, a bridge fell in front of a moving train in Bryansk Region, killing seven people and injuring 71 others. Several hours later, early on Sunday, a railway bridge collapsed under a moving freight train in Kursk Region, leaving the driver and two of his assistants wounded.
The Investigative Committee said in a statement on Sunday that the bridges had been “blown up” in both incidents.
Criminal cases have been launched over the bridge collapses and will be investigated by experts from the agency’s Main Investigations Directorate, it said.
Representatives of the Investigative Committee are currently working at the sites of the two derailments in order to establish all of the circumstances, the agency added.
Earlier in the day, the acting governor of Kursk, Aleksandr Khinshteyn, said that a railway bridge in the region had gone down as a freight train was crossing it.
Some of the train cars fell onto a highway passing under the bridge, while most of the train remained on the tracks, he said.
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The locomotive also caught fire, but the blaze was swiftly extinguished, the acting governor added.
According to Khinshteyn, one of the train drivers suffered leg injuries, and he and other crew members were hospitalized.
Speaking about the derailment in Bryansk Region, Russian Senator Andrey Klishas blamed Kiev and branded Ukraine “a terrorist enclave, without borders, legitimate authorities or laws.”]]>
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<title>Russian senator brands Ukraine ‘terrorist enclave’ after train sabotage</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618432-ukraine-terrorist-enclave-train-sabotage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618432-ukraine-terrorist-enclave-train-sabotage/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683bfaf420302761186d1a2e.jpg" /> The train derailment in Bryansk Region is a testament to the “terrorist” nature of the government in Kiev, Andrey Klishas says <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618432-ukraine-terrorist-enclave-train-sabotage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Moscow should create a “buffer zone” to offset more attacks, Andrey Klishas has said
The destruction of a bridge in Russia’s Bryansk Region which derailed a passenger train, killing seven people, was the result of a Ukrainian “terrorist” sabotage attack, Russian Senator Andrey Klishas has said.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening, affecting a train traveling from Klimov to Moscow with 388 passengers on board. At least 66 more were reportedly injured. Russian Railways said a bridge pillar collapsed due to “illegal interference with transport operations.” However, Bryansk Region Governor Alexandr Bogomaz later stated that the bridge had been damaged in an explosion.
On Sunday morning, Andrey Klishas, a member of the Russian Federation Council, accused Ukraine of being behind the sabotage. In a post on Telegram, he said the bridge attack and train derailment demonstrated that “Ukraine is being controlled by a terrorist group.”  
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“Ukraine has long lost the characteristics of a state and has turned into a terrorist enclave, without borders, legitimate authorities or laws,” he added. Klishas also called for the creation of a buffer zone on the Ukrainian border which would be “extensive enough to prevent terrorists from entering our territory in the future.” He stressed that Ukraine should undergo “total denazification, demilitarization, and state reconstitution.”
In late May, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow intended to create a “security buffer zone” along the border, after troops successfully routed an Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region. He first floated the idea last year, which he said at the time was aimed at protecting civilians from Kiev’s long-range strikes.
Russia has on numerous occasions accused Ukraine of orchestrating various types of attacks targeting civilians, setting up sabotage incidents, and orchestrating plots to assassinate senior officials, media figures, and opinion leaders.]]>
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<title>Collapsed bridge in Russia’s Bryansk Region was blown up – governor</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618431-governor-bridge-train-blown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618431-governor-bridge-train-blown/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683bfa0a85f5404d0418a317.jpg" /> At least seven people have been killed and 69 wounded, Aleksandr Bogomaz has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618431-governor-bridge-train-blown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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At least seven people have been killed and 69 wounded, Aleksandr Bogomaz has said
A bridge that collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Russia’s Bryansk Region was deliberately blown up, local governor Aleksandr Bogomaz has said.
At least seven people were killed and 69 others wounded in the incident late on Saturday, according to Bogomaz.
“A bridge on a highway was blown up as a train with 388 passengers was moving under it,” the governor told the television channel Russia 24 on Sunday morning.
According to Bogomaz, all of the wounded were swiftly hospitalized following the incident. Two of the patients, including one child, remain in critical condition and will be flown to Moscow for further treatment.
A bridge overpass collapsed onto train tracks in Russia’s Bryansk region, derailing a Moscow-bound passenger train on Saturday evening. At least seven people were killed and 69 others injured, according to officials, who are already treating the incident as a deliberate act of sabotage.
A source in Russia’s law enforcement agencies told RT that, according to preliminary data, a section of the bridge collapsed on the tracks in front of the train, with the driver having no time to avoid the crash.
The driver and his assistant likely died immediately as a result of the collision, the source said.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618408-train-derailment-collapse-russia/">
READ MORE: Seven dead after saboteurs bring down Russian bridge in front of train
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According to RT’s interlocutor, a probe is now being carried out to determine if the incident was a terrorist attack.
Russian Federation Council member Andrey Klishas has blamed Kiev for the derailment, writing on Telegram that the incident confirmed that “Ukraine is being controlled by a terrorist group.”
“Ukraine has long lost the attributes of a state, turning into a terrorist enclave without borders, without legitimate authorities and laws,” he said.
The senator urged the creation of a vast buffer zone inside Ukrainian territory to make sure that “terrorists” are unable to reach Russia in the future.]]>
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<title>UK to dramatically increase weapons production</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618428-uk-dramatically-increase-weapons-production/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618428-uk-dramatically-increase-weapons-production/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683bdca885f54031c62c0d00.jpg" /> UK unveils plan to procure over 7,000 long-range weapons and expand its domestic arms industry <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618428-uk-dramatically-increase-weapons-production/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The British defense ministry plans at least six new munitions factories
The UK will invest $2 billion in new weapons factories as part of a sweeping rearmament strategy, Defense Secretary John Healey has announced.
The move comes ahead of the publication of the government’s Strategic Defense Review on Monday. The plan includes the construction of at least six new munitions and explosives factories and the procurement of more than 7,000 domestically produced long-range weapons, including drones and missiles. Healey has also pledged to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2034.
“The hard-fought lessons from [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine show a military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind it,” Healey said in a statement on Saturday.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618126-british-diplomacy-only-ultimatums/">British diplomacy speaks only in ultimatums – Moscow</a></figcaption>
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“We are strengthening the UK’s industrial base to better deter our adversaries and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad.”
The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted significant shortfalls in Western arms production. Senior British officers have warned for months about depleted stockpiles, according to the BBC.
Opposition politicians have questioned the timing of the announcement, pointing out that procurement had stalled over the past year.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618404-defeat-russia-impossible-german-minister/">Defeating Russia impossible – German foreign minister</a></figcaption>
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“We welcome investment in new munitions factories, but we don’t know when they will be ready – only that these orders should have been placed months ago,” said Conservative shadow defense secretary James Cartlidge.
The UK has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest backers in its conflict with Russia, as NATO members in Europe seek to boost military support amid concerns that the US under President Donald Trump may scale back aid to Kiev.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that foreign military assistance would only escalate the conflict without altering its eventual outcome. Russian officials have also accused former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson of encouraging Ukraine to abandon peace negotiations in the spring of 2022 – a claim Johnson has denied. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed his denial as a “blatant lie.”]]>
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<title>China rejects comparisons between Ukraine conflict and Taiwan</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618407-china-condemn-compare-ukraine-taiwan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618407-china-condemn-compare-ukraine-taiwan/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b73b120302761b30f02b4.jpg" /> The Ukraine conflict and the issue of Taiwan are “not comparable at all,” Beijing says <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618407-china-condemn-compare-ukraine-taiwan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Beijing warns against drawing “unacceptable” parallels between the crisis in Europe and Southeast Asia
Drawing parallels between Taiwan and the Ukraine conflict is “unacceptible,” the Chinese Embassy in Singapore said in response to remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron had <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGXS4uvtzSs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">delivered a speech</a> at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday in which he rejected those who would frame the conflict as a purely European concern. “If we consider that Russia could be allowed to take a part of the territory of Ukraine without any restriction… What could happen in Taiwan?” he said.
“Comparing the Taiwan question with the Ukraine issue is unacceptable. The two are different in nature, and not comparable at all,” the embassy said on Facebook on Saturday, reiterating that the issue of Taiwan is “entirely China’s internal affair.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b171a2030272cd020ea34.jpg" alt="French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a keynote address at the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore, May 30, 2025." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618402-macron-nato-asia-warning/">Macron threatens China with NATO expansion</a></figcaption>
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Crimea voted to join Russia shortly after the 2014 US-backed coup in Kiev, and four other former Ukrainian regions did the same following referendums in 2022. Moscow has demanded that, for a viable peace deal, Ukraine must recognize Russia’s new borders and withdraw its troops from Russian territory.
Taiwan has had a separate government since 1949, when nationalists retreated to the island after losing a war with the Communists in mainland China. Beijing maintains that it will achieve “national reunification” and has warned the authorities in Taipei against formally declaring independence.
Only a handful of countries recognize Taiwan as an independent country, while most states, including the US and Russia, adhere to the ‘One-China’ principle. Nevertheless, multiple Western countries maintain informal ties with Taiwan.]]>
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<title>Israel confirms killing new Hamas chief</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618424-israel-confirms-killing-of-hamas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618424-israel-confirms-killing-of-hamas/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683b98e485f54031c62c0cf2.jpg" /> The Israeli military has said that the new head of Hamas was killed during an airstrike on the European Hospital in the Gaza Strip <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618424-israel-confirms-killing-of-hamas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Muhammad Sinwar was eliminated in an airstrike in the southern part of the Gaza Strip last month, according to the IDF
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has officially confirmed the killing of Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar during an airstrike conducted earlier this month in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis.


According to an IDF statement released on Saturday, the strike was carried out on May 13 in coordination with security service Shin Bet. The army said the target was an underground command center operated by Hamas beneath the European Hospital.

“We eliminated the Head of Hamas, again. He happens to be a Sinwar too,” the IDF wrote on X.

Sinwar took over Hamas after the IDF killed his brother Yahya Sinwar and senior commander Muhammad Deif in October.

“The terrorists were eliminated while operating in an underground command and control center, under the European Hospital in Khan Younis, deliberately endangering the civilian population in and around the hospital,” the IDF said.

The IDF said Sinwar had played a “significant role in planning and executing the brutal October 7 massacre.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683886a485f5404ca70e5ca5.jpg" alt="Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618331-netanyahu-accepts-witkoff-gaza-ceasefire-proposal/">Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire proposal – media</a></figcaption>
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The announcement comes as both sides reportedly signalled their willingness to accept a US-brokered ceasefire proposal.

Also killed in the operation were Muhammad Shabana, commander of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, and Mehdi Kuwara, head of the organization’s Khan Younis battalion. The IDF identified both as key operatives in the October 7 attack and taking of Israeli hostages.

Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied Sinwar’s death. The militant group had previously denied accusations that it was using civilian infrastructure as cover. Gazan health officials said at the time that 28 people were killed in the May 13 strike.

The strike was reported as Israel stepped up its operations in Gaza, following the collapse of the internationally brokered ceasefire in March.

While reports suggest that both Israel and Hamas have agreed in principle to a new ceasefire framework, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that military operations will continue until Hamas is fully eliminated. Following the hospital strike, he vowed to “go in with full force to complete the operation and free the remaining hostages.”]]>
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<title>Russia-Ukraine peace ‘up to them’ – State Department</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618423-us-ukraine-russia-role/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618423-us-ukraine-russia-role/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b922a2030275b880d7f2c.jpg" /> The US doesn’t want Russian-Ukrainian negotiations to stall, the State Department says <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618423-us-ukraine-russia-role/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The US won’t broker the talks indefinitely, spokeswoman Tammy Bruce has said
Washington has done what it can to bring Moscow and Kiev to the negotiating table but won’t wait indefinitely for results, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told Fox News in an interview on Saturday.
Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in three years on May 16 in Istanbul, where they agreed to submit detailed ceasefire proposals. Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed holding a second round of negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, though Kiev has yet to confirm its participation.
“This is not a long-term thing. This is not simply standard operating procedure. It’s not going to go on for months or years,” Bruce said, when asked whether the US had set a concrete timetable for the peace process.
“We have gotten people to the table, and they know what we are requiring. But it’s really up to them,” she added.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a41482030277da15e20fd.png" alt="Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dmitry Polyansky speaks to RT." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618380-polyansky-ukraine-zelensky-talks/">Zelensky ‘playing games’ instead of negotiating – Russian diplomat</a></figcaption>
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US President Donald Trump has previously warned that he would walk away from the process if no progress is made. He also threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow should it fail to reach an agreement with Kiev. “Now, if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say: ‘You’re foolish. You’re fools. You’re horrible people’ – and we’re going to just take a pass,” Trump told reporters in April.
Moscow has rejected accusations of stalling the talks, saying it intends to present a document outlining its terms at the next meeting. Russian diplomats have also accused Kiev of deceiving Washington and “playing games” instead of negotiating in good faith.]]>
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<title>Football fans riot after PSG victory (VIDEOS)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/sport/618415-psg-wins-champions-league/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/sport/618415-psg-wins-champions-league/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b8c1a85f540468363886b.jpg" /> Paris Saint-Germain wins Champions League with a record 5-0 as Paris descends into chaos <a href="https://www.rt.com/sport/618415-psg-wins-champions-league/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Paris Saint-Germain football club has won the Champions League for the first time
Fans rioted after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) stormed to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, obliterating Inter Milan with a historic 5-0 rout in the final held in Munich.
The French powerhouse made history as the first club to win a Champions League final by a five-goal margin, cementing their dominance on Europe’s grandest stage. PSG’s Desire Doue became the sixth player in UEFA Champions League history to both score and assist in a final.
In Paris, euphoria erupted as fans flooded the streets, waving PSG scarves from car windows and setting off fireworks to celebrate the team’s maiden Champions League triumph. But the festivities turned chaotic on the Champs-Elysees, where police deployed tear gas and pepper spray to quell unrest.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PSG fans rioting in Paris causing chaos on the streets. They’re currently 4-0 up, if this is how they celebrate, imagine what would’ve happened if they’d lost? 😨😨 <a href="https://t.co/2FEPifzZpx">pic.twitter.com/2FEPifzZpx</a>— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecasualultra/status/1928913529039470633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A police spokesperson said a car was set ablaze near Parc des Princes and said dozens of arrests had been made by the end of the night.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Caos total en París: turbas de aficionados del PSG cortan el tráfico y disparan fuegos artificiales contra la policía. <a href="https://t.co/KphUM2NH6r">pic.twitter.com/KphUM2NH6r</a>— Sr.Liberal (@SrLiberal) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrLiberal/status/1928909322777501768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In Munich, footage captured PSG and Inter fans clashing violently on public transport, with bottles flying and fists swinging. According to media outlets, at least one PSG supporter was injured in an ambush at the Universitat subway station, with reports alleging that Inter hooligans wielded bladed weapons.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 Torcidas de Inter e PSG entram em conflito antes da final da UEFA Champions League! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CasaDaChampions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CasaDaChampions</a> Vídeo: X/ParisByMatch <a href="https://t.co/NVeYVxS34N">pic.twitter.com/NVeYVxS34N</a>— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TNTSportsBR/status/1928842912537665729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The violence underscores the intense rivalries that often erupt during high-stakes European matches.
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<title>Trains derailed by saboteurs in two Russian border regions: As it happened</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618409-russia-train-derailment-updates/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618409-russia-train-derailment-updates/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b837685f5403433184ed5.png" /> Trains have derailed in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk Regions <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618409-russia-train-derailment-updates/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Trains have derailed in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk Regions
Bridge collapses have derailed trains in two Russian regions, leaving at least seven people dead and multiple others wounded.
On Saturday evening, a bridge fell in front of a moving train in Bryansk Region, killing seven people and injuring 71 others. Several hours later, early on Sunday, a railway bridge collapsed under a moving freight train in Kursk Region, leaving the driver and two of his assistants wounded.
The Russian Investigative Committee said that both incidents were deliberate acts of sabotage.
This live feed has ended. 
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<title>Seven dead after saboteurs bring down Russian bridge in front of train</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618408-train-derailment-collapse-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618408-train-derailment-collapse-russia/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b79ae2030276135152c67.jpg" /> A collapsing bridge has caused the derailment of a passenger train in Russia <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618408-train-derailment-collapse-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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An overpass collapsed onto a rail line in Bryansk Region leading to a deadly derailment
A bridge collapsed in front of an oncoming passenger train in Russia’s Bryansk Region on Sunday, killing seven people and injuring at least 69 others, the region's governor Alexander Bogomaz has said.
While the exact cause of the incident remains unknown, Russian Railways said the bridge pillar collapsed due to “illegal interference with transport operations.”
The newspaper Izvestia cited a source who said the bridge may have been brought down by an explosion. However, emergency services and prosecutors have not confirmed that a blast occurred.
Multiple Telegram news channels have suggested that the collapse was likely caused by sabotage.
Bogomaz has not yet disclosed the number of victims, saying that "everything necessary is being done to provide assistance" to them.  
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Videos circulating in Telegram show a crushed train carriage with passengers being evacuated through shattered windows, and emergency services responding at the scene. The collapse also reportedly affected vehicles on the bridge, which fell onto the railway below.
Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) reported that fire and rescue units are actively working at the site of the bridge collapse. “All necessary assistance is being provided to the victims. Additional MChS forces, emergency rescue equipment, and lighting towers for nighttime operations have been deployed to the area,” the ministry noted in an official statement. 
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Just days earlier, a freight train in Russia’s Belgorod Region ran over an explosive device planted under the tracks, causing a powerful blast. According to the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, the explosion damaged the railway’s contact network but caused no casualties.
Both Bryansk Region and Belgorod Region border Ukraine and have seen numerous attacks.]]>
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<title>Syrian leader threatened by militants who put him in power – WaPo</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618406-syrian-leader-threatened-by-militants/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618406-syrian-leader-threatened-by-militants/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b6bbd203027342c666566.jpg" /> Ahmed al-Sharaa led a coalition of Islamist forces that toppled the previous government last November <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618406-syrian-leader-threatened-by-militants/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Ahmed al-Sharaa led a coalition of Islamist forces that toppled the previous government last November
The insurgents who toppled previous Syrian leader Bashar Assad’s government and brought new interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to power could now threaten his political survival, the Washington Post wrote on Saturday.
Multiple militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took power in Damascus late last year. They included thousands of foreign fighters who remain in Syria, some of whom have ties to extremist groups like Islamic State and other radical factions, the newspaper wrote.
While al-Sharaa “seems intent on keeping” some of them around as he courts Western support, the “hard-line Sunni Muslim militants” are already giving him trouble, WaPo wrote. Some of the militants were involved in massacres of Alawites along the Syrian coast in March, the outlet added. At least 1,300 people, including 973 civilians, were killed in the span of a few days, according to local media. Christian and Druze communities in Syria have also reportedly faced bloody sectarian violence since the change in power.
The most radical of the foreign Islamists are “turning their ire” on al-Sharaa, because the new president has not implemented Sharia law and allegedly cooperated with the US and Türkiye to target extremist factions in Syria, WaPo wrote.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618363-trump-syria-sanctions-game/">
READ MORE: What is Trump’s game in Syria?
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Earlier in May, US President Donald Trump met with al-Sharaa and announced the lifting of sanctions, most of which had been imposed during the rule of Assad. Al-Sharaa has called Trump’s move “a historic and courageous decision, which alleviates the suffering of the people, contributes to their rebirth, and lays the foundations for stability in the region.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/682dc5082030275236553843.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: Tartus, Syria, on May 14, 2025, after the US announced its intention to lift sanctions against the country." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617953-rubio-syria-collapse-weeks/">Syria facing collapse – Rubio</a></figcaption>
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Shortly after the Trump-Sharaa meeting, a top ideologue of Salafi jihadism, Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, issued a fatwa branding the new Syrian leader an “infidel.”
Syria remains a hotbed of extremist activity and could destabilize at any time, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The country has become “a playground for jihadist groups, including ISIS and others,” the top diplomat warned last week, adding that it could be “weeks – not many months – away from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war.”]]>
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<title>World Boxing to mandate sex chromosome testing</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618405-world-boxing-sex-chromosome-testing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618405-world-boxing-sex-chromosome-testing/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b5b8885f5403433184ebb.jpg" /> The international Olympic-style boxing federation will require chromosome tests, banning a 2024 gold medalist whose gender was questioned <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618405-world-boxing-sex-chromosome-testing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The body has also banned a 2024 Olympics gold medal winner from future events until she is tested
Amateur boxers aiming for the Olympics will now face sex chromosome testing, under a new rule introduced by World Boxing, the sport’s international governing body.
The federation, which will oversee boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has specifically stated that Algeria’s Imane Khelif – an athlete whose eligibility to compete as a woman at the 2024 Paris Olympics was questioned – will not be able to participate until her genetic sex is verified.
The new measure will “determine the eligibility of male and female athletes that want to take part,” World Boxing announced on its website on Friday, explaining that the test is aimed at ensuring the “safety of all participants and… a competitive level playing field for men and women.”
The tests are in the final stages of development, the body said, adding the new rules will come into force on July 1.
Those with “Y chromosome genetic material… or with a difference of sexual development (DSD) where male androgenization occurs, will be eligible to compete in the male category,” World Boxing said. The procedure will involve an appeals process and additional tests in case of any disagreements.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2024.10/thumbnail/66fffce82030275e0a2775b5.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: The women’s 200m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/sport/605259-un-males-females-sport/">Men shouldn’t be in women’s sports competitions – UN official</a></figcaption>
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The decision to introduce the new rules was taken by the body’s executive board in May, the organization said, citing what it called “emergency circumstances” and “physical risks associated with Olympic-style boxing.” National federations will be responsible for testing and can be subjected to sanctions if they fail to test or provide fake certifications.
The 25-year-old Khelif found herself at the center of controversy at the Paris Olympics when she defeated Italian boxer Angela Carini in just 46 seconds in a preliminary bout, sparking outrage online. She went on to win the gold medal in women’s boxing.
According to Algeria, Khelif is not transgender but is affected by a medical condition characterized by a high level of testosterone and the presence of XY chromosomes. She failed a gender test and had been disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) – the federation that previously oversaw Olympic boxing. However, she was still cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics later.
Khelif herself denied all the allegations and even filed a lawsuit over alleged “acts of aggravated cyber harassment” by several prominent figures, including Elon Musk and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.]]>
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<title>Defeating Russia impossible – German foreign minister</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618404-defeat-russia-impossible-german-minister/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618404-defeat-russia-impossible-german-minister/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b323985f54044e4745160.jpg" /> The Ukraine conflict has to be ended through negotiations, Johann Wadephul has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618404-defeat-russia-impossible-german-minister/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The Ukraine conflict can only end at the negotiating table, Johann Wadephul has said
It has been clear from the very beginning of the Ukraine conflict that Russia cannot be defeated, particularly due to its nuclear status, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has told the SZ newspaper.
Kiev’s Western backers, including top officials in Germany, France, and the UK, as well as the US under former President Joe Biden’s administration, repeatedly stated the intent to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Moscow in the Ukraine conflict, or at least to ensure that it does not emerge victorious. That justification has been used to support continued military assistance to Kiev.
Wadephul admitted on Friday that it was obvious the conflict between Moscow and Kiev can only be resolved in a diplomatic way.
“It was clear from the beginning that this war would most likely end through a negotiated settlement,” Germany’s top diplomat told SZ in a lengthy interview.
“One thing is true: a complete defeat in the sense of a capitulation by nuclear-armed Russia could not have been expected,” the minister stated, adding that “we have now become a little more honest” in this regard. He still maintained that Kiev’s troops have been “successfully defending” against Moscow’s forces, although the Ukrainian military has been losing ground along the entire front over the past several months.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838431685f5404cac0ada38.jpg" alt="German and Ukrainin defense minsiters signing deal on joint production of long-range weapons." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618310-ukraine-germany-military-aid/">Berlin offers Kiev another €5 billion</a></figcaption>
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The foreign minister maintained it was important to help Kiev get a “strong negotiating position” at peace talks and claimed that Russia was “threatening” Germany as he justified a planned military buildup and increase in defense expenditures. He also said that relations between Moscow and Berlin could no longer be described as a “clear peace situation.”
Berlin has taken an even more hardline position on Russia under new Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In the weeks since taking office, Merz has lifted range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes with German-supplied missiles and hinted at the possibility of providing Kiev with Taurus missiles, which have a range of 500km and could reach Moscow.
Germany has also announced a new military aid package for Kiev worth €5.2 billion ($5.6 billion), which Berlin says would be allocated mostly to long-range weaponry production inside Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reacted to Merz’s statements by saying that Berlin’s “direct involvement in the war is now obvious.” Germany already followed a similar “slippery slope” a couple of times in the last century “down toward its own collapse,” he added.]]>
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<title>Zelensky and Kiev mayor ‘at war’ – The Times</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618403-zelensky-kiev-mayor-war/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618403-zelensky-kiev-mayor-war/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b2d2f20302734a361201e.jpg" /> Former world champion boxer Vitaly Klitschko has accused the Ukrainian leader of a crackdown on democracy <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618403-zelensky-kiev-mayor-war/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Former world champion boxer Vitaly Klitschko has accused the Ukrainian leader of a crackdown on democracy
Vladimir Zelensky’s longstanding feud with Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko has escalated into “war,” The Times has reported.
The Ukrainian leader has “forced” the former world champion heavyweight boxer – who is said to harbor presidential ambitions – into a “political clinch,” the British daily wrote on Friday. Zelensky is reportedly seizing power from the capital’s civilian government, having taken control of its military administration away from Klitschko in the early months of the conflict.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau has made seven arrests among Klitschko’s subordinates, with a further three under investigation, The Times wrote.
In turn, the Kiev mayor has accused the Zelensky administration of paralyzing the city council with “raids, interrogations, and threats of fabricated criminal cases” that prevent his team from meeting the legal quorum required for decision-making. “This is a purge of democratic principles and institutions under the guise of war,” The Times cited Klitschko as saying. “I said once that it smells of authoritarianism in our country. Now it stinks.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.01/thumbnail/679b478485f540625542b9da.jpg" alt="Kiev mayor Vitaly Klitschko delivers a video-address." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/611898-ukraine-kiev-zelensky-klitschko/">Kiev mayor accuses Zelensky’s team of attempting to ‘usurp power’</a></figcaption>
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The dispute is as much personal as it is political, according to the newspaper.
Zelensky made personal attacks against Klitschko after the mayor criticized his approach to peace negotiations.
The Kiev mayor has accused Zelensky of overreach, playing into fears that his use of wartime powers has come at the expense of democracy, The Times said. Despite his presidential term expiring last May, the Ukrainian leader has repeatedly postponed elections, citing martial law. Klitschko said that Zelensky is also usurping power from other mayors in the country, but that his celebrity status grants him some protection.
While boxing champion has brushed off allegations against him as mudslinging, arrests in the Kiev administration are real manifestations of corruption in the capital, the Times wrote, citing analysts. Kiev’s flourishing corruption would be “impossible without the city government,” Zelensky-appointed city military administration head Timur Tkachenko told The Times.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/616502-ukraine-world-most-corrupt-waltz/">
READ MORE: Ukraine one of the world’s most corrupt countries – Trump adviser
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Corruption has been a serious and long-standing issue in Ukraine. Top officials in Washington, which has been Kiev’s biggest military sponsor, have expressed concern that US aid has been systematically misappropriated during the Ukraine conflict.]]>
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<title>Musk explains his black eye</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618401-musk-black-eye-trump/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618401-musk-black-eye-trump/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/thumbnail/683c1d1385f5405a43500d08.jpg" /> The tech billionaire joked that he “was not anywhere near France” <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618401-musk-black-eye-trump/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The tech billionaire joked that he “was not anywhere near France”
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk raised a lot of eyebrows when he appeared at a press conference with US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office on Friday with what appeared to be a black eye.
The event was dedicated to the tech billionaire’s departure from his leadership role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a task force aimed at cutting wasteful US federal spending.
When asked about what had happened to his eye by journalists, Musk replied that he had been “horsing around” with his son, “Lil X.”
“I said go ahead and punch me in the face and he did,” the entrepreneur recalled. “I did not really feel much at the time, and then I guess it bruises up.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a687b2030277da15e2102.jpg" alt="Elon Musk at the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618382-nyt-musk-drug-use/">New York Times claims Elon Musk is addicted to drugs</a></figcaption>
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Trump said that he did not notice Musk’s black eye until it was mentioned by the journalists. “X could do it. If you knew X, he could do it,” the president added.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also joked that he “was not anywhere near France” when his injury happened, in a nod to an incident earlier this week in which France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, slapped President Emmanuel Macron in the face in front of cameras as the pair was about to exit a plane during a visit to Vietnam.
On Thursday, the New York Times published a report, citing unnamed sources, who claimed that Musk has been consuming an alarming amount of drugs, including taking ketamine “often, sometimes daily” and mixing it with other drugs, as well as using ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms.
When asked about the article, the tech billionaire dismissed the NYT, pointing out that it is “the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on Russiagate.”
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618291-musk-leavinmg-trump-admin/">
READ MORE: Musk stepping down as special government employee
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Trump thanked Musk for his work in charge of DOGE, while the Tesla and SpaceX CEO assured that his departure is “not the end” of the agency. “I will continue to be visiting here and be a friend and adviser to the president,” Musk said.]]>
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<title>Macron threatens China with NATO expansion</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618402-macron-nato-asia-warning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618402-macron-nato-asia-warning/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b171a2030272cd020ea34.jpg" /> NATO could deepen its involvement in Asia if Beijing fails to curb North Korea’s role in the Ukraine conflict, Macron has warned <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618402-macron-nato-asia-warning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The bloc could deepen its involvement in Asia if Beijing fails to curb North Korea’s role in the Ukraine conflict, the French president has warned
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, urged China to prevent its ally, North Korea, from deploying troops on “European soil” if it hopes to prevent an expanded NATO presence in Asia.
In April, Pyongyang admitted that its troops were assisting Moscow in liberating Kursk Region, which was invaded by Ukrainian forces last August but has since been reclaimed by Russia.
That month, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov told President Vladimir Putin that North Korean troops had demonstrated “high professionalism, courage, and heroism” in the operation. During Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations, Putin publicly thanked them for their defense of Kursk Region.
“But what’s happening with North Korea being present alongside Russia on European soil is a big question for all of us,” Macron said. “If China doesn’t want NATO being involved in Southeast Asia, they should clearly prevent the DPRK from being engaged on European soil,” he added.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839c3f885f5404c8518d2f0.jpg" alt="Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/india/618367-lavrov-india-china-format/">Moscow wants to rekindle Russia-India-China format as NATO fuels discord – Lavrov</a></figcaption>
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Macron also reflected on his past stance, stating, “l had objected to NATO having any role in Asia because, for me, ‘N’ is for North Atlantic, and I don’t believe in being enrolled in someone else’s strategic rivalry.”
France’s resistance to the bloc’s Asian expansion was evident when it led efforts to reject a proposed NATO office in Tokyo in 2023, with media reports citing Macron’s vocal opposition.
At the time, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hinted at opening the office in response to growing military ties between China and Russia, underscored by their joint patrols over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, which had prompted South Korea and Japan to scramble fighter jets.
Last year, US President Joe Biden and other Western leaders urged Beijing to rein in Pyongyang’s deepening military ties with Moscow, highlighting concerns regarding North Korea’s growing involvement.
The US and South Korea condemned North Korea’s admission of its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “With their public admission of the deployment, while claiming they are fully in accordance with international law, they are once again mocking the international community,” Seoul’s foreign ministry said, according to Yonhap News Agency.
A US State Department spokesperson, citing Reuters, noted that Moscow’s training of North Korean soldiers violates UN Security Council resolutions, and urged both nations to cease their unlawful cooperation.]]>
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<title>Kremlin speaks out on Macron slap</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618400-peskov-macron-brigitte-slap/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618400-peskov-macron-brigitte-slap/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683b0a392030272d43512c5a.jpg" /> “Not our business,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said commenting on a video showing France’s first lady shoving her husband on a plane <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618400-peskov-macron-brigitte-slap/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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“Not our business,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on a video showing France’s first lady shoving her husband on a plane
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was reluctant to comment on French President Emmanuel Macron being pushed in the face by his spouse Brigitte, saying it was unacceptable to talk about such family issues. However, he went on to point out that a wife always has a reason to slap her husband.
The footage of the incident was captured as the French first couple arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 25. The video shows the aircraft door opening to reveal Macron speaking to someone off-camera. Moments later, two arms in red sleeves reach out and push his face, covering his mouth and jaw. Macron steps back, smiles, and waves after noticing the cameras. Brigitte soon appears beside him, wearing a red jacket.
The video later went viral, prompting the president to downplay the incident, describing it as the two of them just “bickering and joking.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839e4682030273fa84ee194.jpg" alt="Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618360-zakharova-macron-france-ukraine/">Moscow questions Macron’s commitment to Ukraine peace</a></figcaption>
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“You know, I am convinced that it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the Macron family’s private matters,” Peskov said. “On the other hand, if a wife slaps her husband, she never does it without a reason, but still, it’s not our business.”
Shifting away from celebrity gossip, the spokesman emphasized that Paris isn’t working towards peace, and opting to increase pressure on Moscow instead.
“France still believes that something can be achieved with Russia through pressure — this reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of our country,” Peskov said, adding that the fact that the French leader “does not understand the reality of the situation” is regrettable.
France has provided over €3.8 billion ($4.2 billion) in military aid to Kiev since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, according to the Kiel Institute.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618378-trump-macron-wife-slap/">
READ MORE: Trump comments on Macron wife slap
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Authorities in Paris have advocated deploying French troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal between Kiev and Moscow, arguing that it could help deter Russia. In March, Macron announced a French-British plan to prepare such a “reassurance force” in the event of a ceasefire. The announcement sparked protests in Paris against what demonstrators called NATO’s militaristic stance.
Russia has repeatedly warned it won’t accept the presence of any NATO country’s troops in Ukraine, and pointed out that the military bloc’s expansion in Europe had been a primary reason for the conflict.]]>
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<title>Microsoft subsidiary files for bankruptcy in Russia</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618386-microsoft-subsidiary-russia-bankruptcy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618386-microsoft-subsidiary-russia-bankruptcy/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683af34a85f54034414f1300.jpg" /> The US tech firm scaled down operations in the country in 2022 and was hit by lawsuits <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618386-microsoft-subsidiary-russia-bankruptcy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The US tech firm scaled down operations in the country in 2022 but has recently registered its trademark 
One of Microsoft’s Russian subsidiaries has announced plans to file for bankruptcy, according to a note published on the official Fedresurs registry on Friday. The US-based tech giant opted to exit the country shortly after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
In March 2022, the corporation stopped selling its products and services in Russia, pausing other aspects of its business in the country to comply with sanctions introduced by the West against Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict.
Since then, a wide range of Russian corporate giants - including Severstal, Uralkali, VTB, MegaFon, Gazprombank, and others - have filed lawsuits against the company’s local subsidiary, Microsoft Rus. The total value of the suits related to breach of contractual obligations after the exit amounts to 341 million rubles (nearly $3.6 million), according to the Russian business daily RBK.
Shortly after pulling the plug on operations in Russia, the company stopped renewing Microsoft 365 subscriptions—including Outlook, Teams, Office, OneDrive, and SharePoint services—for its corporate clients, disconnected a number of Russian organizations from cloud services such as Visio Online, Project Online, and Power BI, and introduced other restrictions.
According to data tracked by RBK, the revenue of Microsoft’s Russian subsidiary last year amounted to 161.6 million rubles (nearly $2 million), with net profit totaling 174.1 million rubles ($2.13 million). The data shows the company reported revenue of 6.9 billion rubles ($84.5 million) and a profit of 638.1 million rubles ($7.8 million) in 2021, which marked its last full year of operations in Russia before deciding to quit.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/681cd17985f5400c0a0d1940.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: Kirill Dmitriev." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/617042-western-firms-quietly-returning-russia/">Western firms quietly returning to Russia – Putin aide</a></figcaption>
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Earlier this year, the multinational registered the trademark ‘Microsoft Places’ with the Russian patent office, Rospatent. According to the filing card, the company plans to provide or grant temporary access to “downloadable computer software for managing hybrid planning, workplace management, office space management,” and other types of software until 2023.
In recent months, foreign corporations—including McDonald’s, Hyundai, Intel, LG, IKEA, Chanel, Rolex, and Louis Vuitton—that had previously exited Russia have begun registering new trademarks in the country, signaling their potential return.
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the creation of a program for foreign corporations willing to return to the Russian market, “but only insofar as it aligns with the protection of our own business interests.” Speaking with business leaders in the Kremlin, the president emphasized that Moscow won’t be “rolling out a red carpet” for McDonald’s and other companies.]]>
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<title>EU state raises alarm about growing illiteracy</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618387-vienna-austria-eu-illiteracy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618387-vienna-austria-eu-illiteracy/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683aeab92030272d564f17c1.jpg" /> The number of Austrians who can barely read has increased by almost 12% in just over a decade, according to government data <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618387-vienna-austria-eu-illiteracy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The number of Austrians who can barely read has increased by almost 12% in just over a decade, according to government data
Almost a third of the population in Austria has poor reading skills, signaling an alarming trend, the EU country’s government statistics office has said.
The decline is particularly noticeable among those with jobs that require medium or low qualifications, Statistics Austria said in a statement earlier this week.
In Austria, which has a population of nine million, a total of 29.0% or around 2.6 million people have a low level of literacy, according to data on the agency’s website.
The number of those who have problems with reading increased by 11.9% between 2012 and 2023, the figures show.
The average literacy level among Austrians aged 16 to 65 stands at 254 points, which is significantly below the average of 260 points set by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development).
People from 16 to 24 performed above the OECD average, while older people appear to have significantly lower reading skills than the expected level, the agency said.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618355-teacher-sentenced-prague/">EU state sentences teacher for ‘pro-Russian’ views</a></figcaption>
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“The differences in reading skills among adults are large, and this gap has continued to widen,” Tobias Thomas, Director General of Statistics Austria, was cited as saying.
There has been “a particularly strong decline” in the consumption of complex reading materials such as newspapers and magazines, with the Austrians mainly reading emails and other shorter texts, the agency noted.
According to Statistics Austria, the number of those with low day-to-day math skills also grew by 6.7% between 2012 and 2023, amounting to 22.6% of the population.
Russia’s state-owned pollster VTSIOM said last year that “reading remains a popular means of obtaining knowledge and information among the Russians” despite what it called “serious competition” from visual media.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618362-veto-ban-end-eu-fico/">
READ MORE: Veto ban would mean the end of EU – Fico
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In the poll carried out in November 2024, some 87% of respondents said that they had read something over the previous week. Fiction topped the chart of the most popular reading materials (40%) in Russia, leaving news and social media posts in second place (37%), according to VTSIOM’s figures.]]>
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<title>Kiev dodges $665 million payment as default fears grow</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618384-ukraine-default-payment-gdp-securities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618384-ukraine-default-payment-gdp-securities/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683ac03585f54031c62c0cc6.jpg" /> Kiev will skip the payment of over $600 million it owes to holders of $2.6 billion in debt, its Finance Ministry has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618384-ukraine-default-payment-gdp-securities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Ukraine has failed to agree on restructuring its debt with a group of international creditors led by hedge funds
Ukraine will not pay $665 million it owes to international creditors, the country’s Finance Ministry said in a statement on Friday. Kiev earlier failed to agree on restructuring terms with a group of debt holders led by hedge funds.
The payment concerns GDP-linked securities — debt tied to economic growth — totaling $2.6 billion, with $665 million due on June 2.
Ukraine was originally scheduled to make the payment a year ago, but a moratorium on bond settlements, approved by authorities in Kiev, allowed the cash-strapped country to avoid default. That moratorium will remain in place until the debt is restructured, the ministry said.
The Finance Ministry noted that under a 2024 agreement with international creditors, the so-called cross-default clause was removed.
That clause had stipulated that failure to pay on GDP warrants could trigger a default on other debt, including international bonds. With the clause removed, Ukraine is not required to declare a default on its international bonds, the ministry emphasized.
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READ MORE: Ukraine’s debt doubles in three years – finance minister
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In April, Ukrainian authorities said they had failed to reach a deal to restructure part of the country’s debt, with a nominal value of $3.2 billion.
According to Bloomberg, Ukraine offered investors two options during the unsuccessful talks, including a full exchange for sovereign bonds by reopening existing notes. However, creditors reportedly agreed only to restructure the May payment and demanded over $400 million in cash, as well as the conversion of more than $200 million into new bonds – a condition Kiev rejected.]]>
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<title>Ex-Ukrainian PM lands top Moscow academic post</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618385-ukraine-azarov-academician-science/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618385-ukraine-azarov-academician-science/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683aafe385f5403cbe0e051d.jpg" /> Nikolay Azarov led the country’s government before the Western-backed Euromaidan coup in 2014 <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618385-ukraine-azarov-academician-science/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Nikolay Azarov led his country’s government until the Western-backed 2014 Euromaidan coup
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov has been elected an academician by the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), the country’s leading scientific organization has announced.
Azarov, who is a Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences and a professor at Donetsk National Technical University, was Ukraine’s head of government between 2010 and 2014. He resigned during the Western-backed Euromaidan protests in Kiev and fled to Russia after the overthrow of democratically-elected President Viktor Yanukovich in February 2014.
The former prime minister became an academician alongside 84 other scientists, including 39 from foreign countries, the Russian Academy of Sciences said in a statement on Friday. During the vote the previous day, his candidacy was supported by 521 members of RAS, it added.
Azarov became an academician in the Department of Earth Sciences; his specialty is the mining sciences, the statement read.
According to RAS, Azarov, who has written more than a hundred scientific papers, made a significant contribution to the theory of the rational industry-related transformation of Earth’s depth during the development of solid mineral deposits.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618383-ukraine-author-elena-zelenska/">
READ MORE: Ukrainian publisher pulps books by ‘pro-Russian’ US author
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Through his scientific work, the 77-year-old also facilitated the development of efficient and safe technologies for the extraction of ore, diamonds, coal and gas deposits, it added.
Azarov, who is a critic of Vladimir Zelensky and the current Ukrainian authorities, has been accused of treason by Kiev. A warrant was issued for his arrest in 2021; he stands accused of working in the interests of Moscow during the 2010 negotiations of a deal to prolong the stay of the Russian fleet in Crimea by another 25 years in exchange for discounts on gas supplies. The former prime minister has denied any wrongdoing, saying that the case against him was fabricated.]]>
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<title>South Africa appoints judges to probe Apartheid-era injustice</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/africa/618356-south-africa-appoints-judges-probe-apartheid-era-crimes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/africa/618356-south-africa-appoints-judges-probe-apartheid-era-crimes/</guid>
<description>
<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839ac3c2030273f5b47d98b.jpg" /> South Africa has formed a commission to investigate long-standing delays in prosecuting crimes committed during white minority rule <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618356-south-africa-appoints-judges-probe-apartheid-era-crimes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The country’s leader has said delays in historical prosecutions have caused anguish for the families of victims
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Inquiry into prosecutorial and investigation delays into apartheid era crimes.
Khampepe will be assisted by retired Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC.
The commission will cover the period from 2003 to the present.
Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
In a statement by the presidency, the establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.
Ramaphosa said: “For many years, there have been allegations of interference in these cases. This alleged interference is seen as the cause of an unacceptable delay in the investigation and prosecution of brutal crimes committed under apartheid. This has caused the families of victims great anguish and frustration. 
“All affected families – and indeed all South Africans – deserve closure and justice. A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive terms of reference is an opportunity to establish the truth and provide guidance on any further action that needs to be taken.”
Ramaphosa said the commission will inquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations on: Were there any efforts to stop SAPS or the NPA from investigating TRC cases? Who made these efforts, and why? Did any SAPS or NPA members improperly cooperate with those trying to influence or pressure them? Should the state take action—like more investigations or prosecutions—against anyone who broke the law? Should any person receive constitutional damages, and if so, how much?
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618316-south-african-woman-accused-selling-daughter-jailed-life/">
READ MORE: South African woman gets life in prison for selling six-year-old daughter
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Victims and their families with a vested interest in TRC cases, including those involved in the current legal proceedings, are among the key stakeholders.
The Commission of Inquiry, established by agreement between the families and the government, has six months to complete its work and must submit its report within 60 days thereafter.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6836dd702030275d265d33ad.jpg" alt="US President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a press availability in the Oval Office at the White House, Washington, DC, May 21, 2025." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618247-ramaphosa-answers-trump-success/">Trump vs. South Africa: Who is winning the clash over ‘white genocide’?</a></figcaption>
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While both sides agreed to the commission’s formation, unresolved issues remain—the government sees them as commission matters, while families seek court adjudication.
As the commission began its work, the government welcomed the NPA and SAPS’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting unresolved TRC cases, with dedicated resources already in place for priority matters.
Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of holding those who committed apartheid-era crimes without amnesty accountable and expressed hope that the inquiry would help uncover the truth and bring closure to a painful chapter in the nation’s history.

First published by <a href="https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-05-29-ramaphosa-appoints-judge-sisi-khampepe-to-probe-decades-of-apartheid-era-justice-delays/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IOL</a>]]>
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<title>Elephant seal returns to sea after unexpected appearance in town (VIDEOS, PHOTO)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/africa/618352-elephant-seal-returns-sea-south-africa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/africa/618352-elephant-seal-returns-sea-south-africa/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839a49485f5404ca03cccb4.jpeg" /> The young male southern elephant seal has been found roaming through the streets of a coastal town near Cape Town <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618352-elephant-seal-returns-sea-south-africa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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A rare visitor has surprised residents in the streets of Gordon’s Bay in South Africa
A southern elephant seal has been safely returned to the ocean after wandering through the streets of Gordon’s Bay, a coastal town near Cape Town, South Africa. The seal’s appearance had prompted a large-scale rescue operation.
The young male, estimated to weigh around two tons (4,400 pounds), was first spotted early Tuesday navigating the suburb’s streets. Startled residents emerged from their homes to witness the unexpected visitor, capturing videos of the marine mammal lumbering along sidewalks.
In one widely shared clip, police officers can be seen surrounding the visitor with their vehicles, attempting to prevent the animal from moving further. However, the seal showed no fear of the cars and calmly rested its head on the hood of a vehicle. After a while, it resumed its journey, making its way onto the sidewalk.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Wow, I didn't have a huge seal in Gordons Bay, Cape Town in South Africa on my list of things to post today....🦭<a href="https://t.co/etkUKcVnk9">pic.twitter.com/etkUKcVnk9</a>— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1927288980451549640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed that the animal was eventually secured near a shopping center, at which point experts concluded it was unlikely to find its own way back to sea. A team of wildlife and emergency personnel was quickly dispatched to the scene.
The organization also released a video showing the seal’s return to the sea.
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The SPCA later confirmed in a Facebook post that the seal had hauled out once again, this time at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town. “He’s currently safe and secure in a location where he cannot access any roads, and there’s no immediate risk to his well-being,” the organization said. 
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Southern elephant seals are the largest seal species in the world and are typically found in sub-Antarctic waters. While sightings in South Africa are rare, experts note that young males occasionally stray from their usual habitats and appear along the country’s coastline.
“Wild animals don’t always follow the script, and this seal’s unexpected journey into a residential area created real cause for concern,” Belinda Abraham, a spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, stated.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618003-south-africa-moves-dozens-elephants/">
READ MORE: South Africa moves dozens of elephants in conservation milestone
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The organization also urged residents to avoid approaching, feeding, or attempting to assist wildlife spotted in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance.]]>
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<title>Ukrainian publisher pulps books by ‘pro-Russian’ US author</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618383-ukraine-author-elena-zelenska/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618383-ukraine-author-elena-zelenska/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a7fbe2030277dcc0ed7c5.jpg" /> Ukrainian bloggers have accused US romance author Sophie Lark of promoting pro-Russian narratives <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618383-ukraine-author-elena-zelenska/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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A Kharkov-based imprint has destroyed 30,000 copies of a book by romance writer Sophie Lark following a social media outcry
A Ukrainian publishing house has scrapped an entire print run of books by American romance author Sophie Lark after she was accused of praising Russia and disparaging Ukrainians online.
The Kharkov-based publisher KSD canceled the release of the Ukrainian translation of Lark’s novel ‘Brutal Prince’ following an outcry on social media.
Ukrainian bloggers took issue with her 2024 “romantic thriller” Monarch, whose main character is named Elena Zelenska – which strongly resembles the real-life wife of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, Elena Zelenskaya.
In the novel, Zelenska is described as “the world’s most unlikely mail-order bride,” according to the book’s description on Amazon.
Other users claimed the author was “romanticizing the Russian mafia” in her other books and depicting Crimea as Russian territory. Some labeled Lark “a fan of Russia,” accused her of promoting “pro-Russian” narratives, and claimed she called for “the murder of Cossacks” in her novel Anastasia, which centers on the Romanov dynasty.
In a statement issued on Friday, KSD admitted that the decision to publish Lark’s book “was a mistake.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2024.12/thumbnail/67740eec85f540184014351f.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: A monument to a Soviet poet, singer and actor, Vladimir Vysotsky, is seen in the Ukrainian city of Odessa, on September 28, 2012." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/610240-ukrainian-dismantle-monument-soviet-poet/">Ukrainian city dismantles monument to iconic Soviet poet & singer</a></figcaption>
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“After thoroughly examining the situation and not receiving a response from the author, we have decided to destroy all 30,000 copies of the book and cancel the contract for the entire six-book series,” the publisher said on Facebook. “It is important for us to remain responsible not only in our publishing decisions, but also in our moral principles.”
Ukraine has banned multiple books, films, and songs under its laws prohibiting “the propaganda of Russian imperial policies.” It has also removed monuments and renamed streets as part of its “de-Communization” and “decolonization” campaigns.
The government recently announced plans to remove Russian writers, poets, and composers from the school curriculum.
In March, US publisher Bloom Books pulled Lark’s novel Sparrow and Vine after some readers described parts of the dialogue as racist and criticized lines in which characters praised tech billionaire Elon Musk. Lark apologized at the time, saying she had intended to write “flawed” characters.]]>
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<title>New York Times claims Elon Musk is addicted to drugs</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618382-nyt-musk-drug-use/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618382-nyt-musk-drug-use/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a687b2030277da15e2102.jpg" /> Elon Musk’s drug consumption has escalated “well beyond occasional use,” the New York Times reports <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618382-nyt-musk-drug-use/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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US President Donald Trump’s adviser has reportedly been consuming copious amounts of ketamine and other substances
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a major ally of US President Donald Trump, has been consuming an alarming amount of drugs, the New York Times alleged on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The report came out shortly after Musk announced that he would step down from his leadership role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a task force aimed at cutting wasteful US federal spending.
Although the CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and X had admitted in the past to taking ketamine prescribed for depression about every two weeks, the NYT wrote that he has “developed a far more serious habit,” as his drug consumption “went well beyond occasional use.”
The Times cited its sources as saying that Musk had been using ketamine “often, sometimes daily,” and mixing it with other drugs, as well as taking ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6837bf9920302719eb237664.jpg" alt="Tech businessman Elon Musk arrives for a town hall wearing a cheesehead hat at the KI Convention Center on March 30, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618291-musk-leavinmg-trump-admin/">Musk stepping down as special government employee</a></figcaption>
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The businessman reportedly travels with a daily medication box that contains about 20 pills, including ones marked as Adderall, a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He has also been warned in advance about random drug tests of SpaceX employees, the Times said.
In 2018, the Times reported that some board members at Tesla were worried about his use of the sleep drug Ambien. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that senior executives at SpaceX and Tesla were also concerned about Musk’s consumption of drugs, including LSD and cocaine.
Musk dodged a reporter’s question about his alleged drug use at a press conference with Trump at the Oval Office on Friday, dismissing the Times as “the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on Russiagate.”
He said in 2024 that “not even trace quantities were found of any drugs or alcohol” in his system over the three years of tests at SpaceX.
Musk said that his departure is “not the end of DOGE,” whose team will grow over time. “I will continue to be visiting here and be a friend and adviser to the president,” Musk said at the White House.]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Ukrainian drones strike apartment blocks in western Russia (VIDEO)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618381-ukraine-strikes-houses-rylsk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618381-ukraine-strikes-houses-rylsk/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a541885f5404683638838.png" /> Ukraine has targeted apartment blocks in its latest drone attack on western Russia <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618381-ukraine-strikes-houses-rylsk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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At least 14 civilians have been injured in the attacks, according to a top regional official
Ukrainian kamikaze drones struck residential areas in Kursk Region overnight and during the day on Saturday, injuring 14 people, including four children, according to Acting Governor Aleksandr Khinshteyn.
In the town of Rylsk, UAVs hit two five-story apartment blocks, injuring seven people. The victims include a family with two children, Khinshteyn said, adding that some residents were hospitalized with shrapnel wounds.
In the village of Artakovo, drones damaged two buildings and a garage. A family of three, who were at home during the attack, were also hospitalized, according to the governor.
In a later statement, the governor said that two more kids were wounded in a UAV strike in the region’s Lgov District. They have been hospitalized in moderate condition and are currently being treated.
A drone also hit an agricultural enterprise in Rylsk District, lightly injuring two people and causing a major blaze, according to Khinshteyn.
In the afternoon, the village of Begoscha came under attack, with a UAV setting a private home on fire. The resident, a 97-year-old woman, avoided injuries and was evacuated, he wrote.
“Dear residents, the enemy continues its vile attacks on our territory. I ask you to remain vigilant. Take care of yourselves,” the governor urged.
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Ukraine has stepped up attacks deep inside Russia since the two sides held their first direct talks in three years on May 16 in Istanbul. Moscow has proposed holding a second round of negotiations on June 2, but Kiev has yet to formally commit.
During a meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday, Russia’s envoy Vassily Nebenzia accused Ukraine of engaging in “manipulations” aimed at deceiving the US, which is attempting to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68381c7385f5404cac0ada20.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin's helicopter lands at an airport." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618302-putin-helicopter-ukraine-ritter/">Ukraine needed Western help to target Putin’s helicopter – Scott Ritter</a></figcaption>
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Nebenzia rejected claims that Russian troops are deliberately targeting civilians in Ukraine, stating that Moscow is only carrying out strikes on military targets.]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Zelensky ‘playing games’ instead of negotiating – Russian diplomat</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618380-polyansky-ukraine-zelensky-talks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618380-polyansky-ukraine-zelensky-talks/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a41482030277da15e20fd.png" /> A senior Russian diplomat has told RT that Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky only wants to prolong the conflict with Moscow <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618380-polyansky-ukraine-zelensky-talks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Dmitry Polyansky told RT that Kiev isn’t interested in resolving the conflict with Moscow
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky doesn’t want meaningful negotiations and only seeks to prolong the conflict, Russian first deputy envoy to the UN Dmitry Polyansky has told RT.
Russia proposed holding a second round of direct talks in Istanbul on June 2, but Ukraine has yet to formally commit to attending the event.
“They are making every effort to convince [US President Donald Trump] that Russia isn’t interested in peace,” Polyansky said in an interview on Friday. “It is absolutely clear that Ukraine isn’t interested in negotiations. They’re simply playing games. For them, it’s not a serious or meaningful negotiation.”
“Everything Kiev now does and says should be analyzed through [the lens] of Ukraine wanting to prolong the war,” the diplomat added. He suggested that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky is motivated by a desire to stay in power and avoid accountability. Zelensky’s five-year presidential term formally expired in May 2024, but he has refused to call new elections, citing martial law.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839e4682030273fa84ee194.jpg" alt="Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618360-zakharova-macron-france-ukraine/">Moscow questions Macron’s commitment to Ukraine peace</a></figcaption>
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“It is not in the interest of the Ukrainian president to engage in any meaningful peaceful efforts because they would lead to elections – something he fears the most,” Polyansky said. “He would also be held accountable for the embezzlement of the state budget and Western aid… That’s why he wants to avert this scenario any way he can.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he no longer considers Zelensky a legitimate leader and argued that his status could potentially undermine the peace process. Trump previously branded Zelensky “a dictator without elections,” but has since toned down his criticism.
Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in three years in Istanbul on May 16, agreeing to carry out a large prisoner exchange and each present ceasefire terms. The Kremlin has denied accusations of stalling negotiations and said on Wednesday that it was finalizing a memorandum outlining its vision of peace.]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a41482030277da15e20fd.png" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 23:39:41 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Trump comments on Macron wife slap</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618378-trump-macron-wife-slap/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618378-trump-macron-wife-slap/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a189285f540343a4d5a0b.jpg" /> US President Donald Trump has said his French counterpart is “fine” following a recent incident with wife Brigitte <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618378-trump-macron-wife-slap/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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“Make sure the door remains closed,” the US president has quipped over a video showing France’s First Lady shoving her husband on a plane
US President Donald Trump has said Emmanuel Macron is “fine” following an incident in which his wife Brigitte appeared to slap her husband aboard their plane.
The footage, which quickly went viral, was filmed as the French first couple arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 25 to begin a Southeast Asia tour. As the aircraft door opened, Macron was seen speaking to someone off-camera. Two arms in red sleeves then reached out and pushed his face, covering his mouth and jaw. He stepped back, smiled, and waved after noticing the cameras. Brigitte, wearing a red jacket, soon appeared beside him. Macron offered his arm, which she declined, and the two walked down the stairs together.
Asked on Friday if he had any marital advice for Macron, Trump quipped, “Make sure the door remains closed.” 
He added, “That was not good,” and said he had spoken to Macron after the incident. “He’s fine, they’re fine,” Trump said. 
“They’re two really good people I know very well,” he added. “I don’t know what that was all about.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6834b15e2030272a7b2a76a1.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618167-macron-denies-wife-slap/">Macron explains slap from wife</a></figcaption>
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Macron has downplayed the incident, telling reporters the moment was simply the two of them “having fun.”
He also addressed two other recent viral clips. “A lot of lunatics are spending their days interpreting all these videos,” he said.
One clip, filmed on a train to Ukraine, showed Macron with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The French president briefly hid a small object, prompting online rumors of drug use, which the Elysee palace called baseless.
Another, from the European Political Community summit in Albania two weeks ago, showed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gripping Macron’s finger while seated, a gesture some interpreted as a power play.
Macron confirmed all three videos were genuine but dismissed the narratives around them.
He and Brigitte have been married since 2007. The couple met when he was a student and she was a teacher at his high school in Amiens. She is 24 years older than her husband.]]>
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<title>Medvedev suggests reason Zelensky wants three-way Trump-Putin meeting</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618379-medvedev-zelensky-trump-putin-meeting-legitimacy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618379-medvedev-zelensky-trump-putin-meeting-legitimacy/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a0fd2203027767e7a1eab.jpg" /> The Ukrainian leader, whose presidential term expired last year, is trying to legitimize himself, the ex-Russian president has claimed <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618379-medvedev-zelensky-trump-putin-meeting-legitimacy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The Ukrainian leader, whose presidential term expired last year, is trying to legitimize himself, the ex-Russian president has claimed
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky suggested holding a three-way meeting with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to gain some legitimacy as a leader, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has claimed.
Zelensky, whose presidential term expired more than a year ago, has repeatedly cited martial law as a pretext for refusing to hold a new election. The Kremlin argues that he is now “illegitimate” as a leader.
In a post on his Telegram channel on Friday, Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, wrote that the reason why Zelensky wants a meeting with both Trump and Putin at the same time is “obvious enough.”
“A three-way conversation means [he] can get a massive legitimacy boost by latching onto the clout of those at the table,” the Russian official claimed. Medvedev also surmised that Zelensky could capitalize on such a meeting domestically, using it as a pretext to put off elections further and to convince Ukrainian elites that “now is not the time to change horses in midstream.”
On Tuesday, Zelensky stated that “we are ready for the ‘Trump, Putin, and me’ format, and we are ready for the Trump-Putin, Trump-Zelensky format, and then the three of us.”
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618364-putin-open-to-talks/">Putin open to talks with Ukraine – Kremlin</a></figcaption>
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According to Zelensky, while several venues for the potential summit were being considered, Türkiye was the “most realistic option.”
The following day, Trump said he was prepared for a trilateral meeting with Zelensky and Putin “if it’s necessary.”
Speaking during his visit to Kiev on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that he believes “it is possible to cap the first and second direct Istanbul talks with a meeting between Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin, and Mr. Zelensky, under the direction of [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan.”
Also on Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin is open to holding high-level direct talks with Kiev. However, he said these should be preceded by concrete progress being made in the negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
The representatives of Moscow and Kiev last met in Istanbul on May 16, marking their first formal negotiations since 2022.
On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed holding the next round of direct discussions on June 2, also in Istanbul.]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>China ‘violated’ deal – Trump</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/business/618375-trump-china-tariffs-deal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/business/618375-trump-china-tariffs-deal/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683a0c2020302776810b5086.jpg" /> US President Donald Trump has accused Beijing of breaching a tariff agreement reached earlier this month <a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618375-trump-china-tariffs-deal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Washington and Beijing agreed earlier this month to roll back triple-digit tariffs
US President Donald Trump has accused China of breaching a tariff agreement reached earlier this month, reigniting tensions in a fragile trade truce between the world’s two largest economies.
Under the deal announced on May 12 after breakthrough negotiations in Geneva, the US and China agreed to suspend most new duties imposed since early April, pending further talks.
On Friday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, writing: “China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US.” He gave no specifics but said China had been in “grave economic danger” as a result of the tariffs, before Washington stepped in with what he called a “FAST DEAL.” 
“I saw what was happening and didn’t like it, for them, not for us,” Trump wrote, adding “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”
Multiple outlets reported this week that the Trump administration has ordered US companies to halt shipments of high-end goods to China, including chip design software and specialty chemicals. Experts warned the decision would be likely to further escalate tensions with Beijing.
<iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114596705340367716/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>
The May 12 agreement had paused the 34% tariff hikes introduced on April 2 for 90 days, with Beijing taking reciprocal action. Both sides also committed to rolling back tariff increases introduced since April 8, while keeping a baseline 10% duty on mutual imports.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC on Friday that China had not removed certain non-tariff barriers as agreed under the deal. “They removed the tariff like we did but some of the countermeasures they’ve slowed on,” he said.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6821a90020302757420c847e.jpg" alt="RT" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/617404-china-us-trade-deal-tariffs/">US and China reach tariff deal</a></figcaption>
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed that concern, telling Fox News the negotiations were “a bit stalled” and may now require direct involvement from Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said he expected talks to resume in the coming weeks.
China on Friday urged Washington to “immediately correct its erroneous actions, cease discriminatory restrictions against China and jointly uphold the consensus reached at the high-level talks in Geneva.”
As part of that consensus, Beijing had also agreed to ease non-tariff measures such as export controls on US goods. The changes were due to take effect on May 14, alongside the creation of a bilateral consultation mechanism for future trade steps.
Tensions spiked on April 2, when Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on more than 90 countries, including China, citing trade imbalances. Beijing retaliated, triggering a tit-for-tat standoff that saw final US duties climb to 145% and Chinese tariffs to 125%. The dispute rattled global markets, driving volatility across equities and commodities.]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>NHL legend Ovechkin to return to Russia in 2026 – wife</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/618372-ovechkin-return-to-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/618372-ovechkin-return-to-russia/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839daf485f54031c62c0ca4.jpg" /> The hockey icon plans to move to Moscow after his contract with the Washington Capitals ends, according to his spouse <a href="https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/618372-ovechkin-return-to-russia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The hockey icon plans to move to Moscow after his contract with the Washington Capitals ends, according to his spouse
NHL star Alexander Ovechkin is reportedly planning to return to Russia in 2026 after completing the final season of his contract with the Washington Capitals. His wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, has told Russian media that the family will move back to Moscow following the 2025–26 NHL season.
”Ovechkin still has a year left on his contract. So, we will play next season and then fly back to Moscow, to our homeland,” Shubskaya said in an interview with Argumenty i Fakty. “We will stay in Russia,” she added.
It follows reports that the upcoming season would be Ovechkin’s last in North America. Earlier in May, some Capitals season ticket holders received an email suggesting 2025–26 would mark the end of the Russian forward’s career with the franchise. However, the team later stated that the message was sent in error by a corporate sales employee, and no official retirement decision had been made.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.04/thumbnail/67f66ab185f5400b826a8398.jpg" alt="Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after teammate Jakob Chychrun scored a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Capital One Arena on February 23, 2025 in Washington, DC." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/615439-trump-ovechkin-great/">Trump praises ‘great’ Ovechkin</a></figcaption>
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Despite that, several statements from Ovechkin’s wife have indicated the couple intends to settle in Russia permanently after his NHL career ends.
Ovechkin, 39, recently became the all-time leading goal scorer in NHL history. On April 6, 2025, he scored his 895th regular-season goal in a game against the New York Islanders, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894. Ovechkin has since added two more goals, bringing his tally to 897. He is now aiming for a personal milestone of 900 regular-season goals – an achievement reportedly encouraged by Gretzky himself.
Following his historic achievement, Ovechkin received congratulations from both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. Putin called it “a true celebration for fans in Russia and beyond,” while Trump hailed the Russian star as “great.”
Ovechkin has yet to publicly confirm his retirement or post-NHL plans. However, in an interview in March 2024 with Russian media, he acknowledged he was considering leaving Washington and even mentioned a possible return to Moscow’s Dynamo, where his professional career began.
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839daf485f54031c62c0ca4.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 19:20:18 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Moscow questions Macron’s commitment to Ukraine peace</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618360-zakharova-macron-france-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618360-zakharova-macron-france-ukraine/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839e4682030273fa84ee194.jpg" /> French “neo-fascists” are fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618360-zakharova-macron-france-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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French “neo-fascists” are fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman
French President Emmanuel Macron’s statements in support of the Ukraine peace process are not credible, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. 
In a Telegram post on Friday, Zakharova cited a recent France Info article about a Ukrainian intelligence unit known as the ‘International Revenge’ tactical group, where foreign fighters, including French nationals, are training for frontline operations.
French citizens “were taken aback by a blunt publication” that the country’s soldiers are already “serving the Kiev regime,” Zakharova wrote.
According to the report, the unit includes both civilians and military personnel from France. Some told the outlet they had already been deployed to the front.
Zakharova pointed to what she described as the unit’s neo-Nazi ideology, saying that its name was no coincidence. 
“The group’s symbols bear all the hallmarks of neo-Nazi revanchism,” she wrote, citing skull insignias, dark imagery, and the Latin slogan ‘Memento Audere Semper’ (‘Remember to dare always’). The motto is known to have been used by Italian fascist and Mussolini ally Gabriele D’Annunzio in reference to the MAS, or ‘Motoscafo Armato Silurante’ – a class of fast torpedo boats used by the Italian Royal Navy in both World Wars.
“These French revanchist neo-fascists are not even hiding,” Zakharova added. “They openly talk about coming from France to fight Russians “without sparing bullets” and say they hope to one day face Russia in battle.”
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6818ce45203027784b78c204.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO. Kremlin" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/616811-peskov-neonazism-manifestations-europe/">Neo-Nazism on the rise in Europe – Kremlin</a></figcaption>
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Zakharova said the revelations cast doubt on Macron’s talk of commitment to the peace process.
France has provided more than €3.7 billion ($4.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, according to the Kiel Institute.
Macron has advocated deploying French troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal between Kiev and Moscow, arguing that it could help deter Russia. In March, he announced a French-British plan to prepare such a “reassurance force” in the event of a ceasefire. The announcement sparked protests in Paris against what demonstrators called NATO’s militaristic stance.
Moscow has repeatedly warned it will not accept any NATO presence in Ukraine, citing the military bloc’s expansion in Europe as a core reason for the conflict.
Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Istanbul on May 16 for their first formal talks since 2022. The meeting led to the largest prisoner exchange to date and an agreement to draft written proposals ahead of the next round of talks, which Russia proposed for June 2.]]>
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<title>Ukrainian terrorist plot foiled in Moscow</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839e52b85f54034091b23a5.jpg" /> The suspect was allegedly ordered by his handler to set off a bomb in a public place, the authorities have said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618374-terrorist-plot-foiled-moscow-investigative-committee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The suspect was allegedly ordered by his handler to set off a bomb in a public place, the Russian authorities have said
A Ukrainian terrorist plot has been thwarted in Moscow, Russia’s investigative committee has claimed.
In a statement on Friday, officials announced that they had discovered plans for a terrorist attack while searching the home of a man already under investigation for “publicly justifying terrorism.” According to the investigative committee, the authorities seized the suspect’s mobile phone during a search, which contained a conversation with “a handler from the Ukrainian special services.” The latter had allegedly instructed the suspect to retrieve an explosive device from a cache in a wooded area in the west of Moscow.
”Investigators from the [Moscow] investigative committee, together with law enforcement operatives, immediately inspected the specified location in the park, where an improvised explosive device was uncovered and retrieved,” the statement claims.
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According to officials, the suspect, who has been charged with preparing a terrorist attack and been remanded in custody, intended to detonate the bomb in a busy public place.
During a phone conversation with his US counterpart last Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin informed Donald Trump of several foiled terrorist attacks in Moscow ahead of Victory Day celebrations earlier this month. The Russian leader pointed the finger at Ukraine, accusing Kiev of attempting to intimidate foreign dignitaries ahead of the event, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
In early May, Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky publicly stated that his country could not guarantee the safety of foreign attendees visiting the Russian capital on May 9.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry described the remark as tantamount to a terrorist threat. Its spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, accused Ukrainian authorities of displaying “classic terrorist behavior.”
Since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, Kiev has on multiple occasions targeted Russian cities, including Moscow, with explosive-laden drones and used concealed bombs in several assassinations in the Russian capital and elsewhere across the country.]]>
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<title>What is Trump’s game in Syria?</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618363-trump-syria-sanctions-game/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839b5b285f5404cac0ada94.jpg" /> Why has the US president decided to lift all sanctions on Damascus, and how will it shape the future of the region? <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618363-trump-syria-sanctions-game/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Why has the US president decided to lift all sanctions on Damascus, and how will it shape the future of the region?
US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement that he intends to lift all sanctions on Syria stands as one of the most unexpected and controversial foreign policy moves Washington has made in the past decade.
Declared during Trump’s Middle East tour at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, the decision marks a dramatic shift in America’s approach to the region – one that could reshape the strategic landscape for both allies and adversaries.
The sanctions on Syria, first imposed in 1979, were progressively tightened over decades in response to accusations of sponsoring terrorism, human rights abuses, and close ties with Iran. Their full repeal is an unprecedented gesture, especially considering that Syria’s current president, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, was until recently regarded by the US as a senior figure in Al-Qaeda – with a $10 million bounty once placed on his capture.
In return, Damascus has made a series of strategic commitments. According to Trump, al-Sharaa has pledged to prevent the resurgence of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS), bring all jihadist detention camps under state control, and expel all foreign terrorist formations from Syrian soil. This latter promise is particularly significant, as these militant units – many of them composed of fighters from Central Asia – played a pivotal role in the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime and the rise of the current leadership.
Many of these same groups are also responsible for large-scale ethnic purges, including the massacres of Alawites and other religious minorities earlier this year. Thus, Trump’s proposal does more than legitimize al-Sharaa’s regime – it places on it the mantle of a regional stabilizer, albeit one whose legitimacy remains heavily disputed.
The decision to lift sanctions cannot be divorced from Washington’s broader economic and strategic interests. That the announcement came in Saudi Arabia is no coincidence – it signals a broader understanding with Riyadh, which is eager to deepen its footprint in post-conflict Syria. From the US perspective, the Syria deal is a building block in a new Middle Eastern architecture – one dominated by pro-Western governments and designed to neutralize Iranian influence.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618076-trump-syria-sanctions-ease/">US moves to implement Trump’s ‘vision’ for Syria</a></figcaption>
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Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have long viewed Syria’s reconstruction as an opportunity to entrench themselves politically and economically. US sanctions had previously prevented them from acting overtly, and the lifting of restrictions may now be part of a grander bargain: Riyadh receives a green light to invest in Syria, while Washington secures massive financial commitments. On May 14 – the day of Trump’s announcement – Saudi Arabia signed a $142 billion arms deal with the US and pledged an additional $600 billion in American investments.
At first glance, Trump’s move might appear as a betrayal of Israeli interests – an accusation made in several media commentaries. Yet in practice, Israel gains a neighbor that, while unpredictable, is now positioned to suppress Islamist radicals within its borders. This allows it to refocus on countering Iran and Hezbollah without the added distraction of threats emanating from Syria.
The lifting of sanctions also aligns with Türkiye’s strategic goals. President Erdogan, just prior to the Trump-al-Sharaa meeting, personally urged the US president to dismantle the sanctions. Türkiye is a key partner of Syria’s new leadership but has been constrained by its own economic crisis. Moreover, the sanctions hindered Ankara’s allies – particularly Qatar – from taking part in Syria’s postwar reconstruction.
In sum, Trump’s Syrian deal represents more than just a diplomatic maneuver; it is a bold attempt to reengineer the regional balance of power. Whether it brings long-term stability or fuels new fault lines remains to be seen – but its impact on the Middle East is already unmistakable.
<h2>What lies behind this move?</h2>
The developments unfolding in Syria following the rise to power of Ahmed al-Sharaa increasingly evoke the atmosphere of 2011 – the era of the Arab Spring, when the Middle East fractured into two ideological and geopolitical camps. At the time, Türkiye and Qatar actively championed the cause of ‘political Islam’, seeking to expand their influence through the emergence of Islamist-oriented governments. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates perceived Islamist forces as a direct threat to regional stability and the survival of their monarchical order.
Today, under al-Sharaa’s leadership, Syria once again reflects that same fault line. A sense of déjà vu looms: The region’s main players find themselves navigating renewed tensions, caught between the desire to preserve influence and the necessity of adapting to a rapidly evolving reality.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617953-rubio-syria-collapse-weeks/">Syria facing collapse – Rubio</a></figcaption>
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Ankara and Doha, both instrumental in al-Sharaa’s ascent, view his leadership as an opportunity to reclaim their diminished standing in the Levant. Despite its internal economic turmoil, Türkiye continues to position itself as a regional arbiter, relying on a network of loyal political and military actors within Syria. Qatar, for its part, is providing financial and diplomatic support, effectively replicating the strategy it previously deployed in Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Yet the current landscape differs markedly from that of 2011. Al-Sharaa, though buoyed by Turkish support, has signaled a desire for greater autonomy from the outset. His first official foreign visit was not to Ankara, but to Riyadh – a symbolic gesture toward Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose economic power is now essential for Syria’s reconstruction. It was also a clear signal that Damascus is open to dialogue, even with those who once backed the opposing side in the civil war.
For Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the resurgence of politically motivated Islamist forces is a source of deep concern, though their response has remained deliberately muted. Rather than overt confrontation, these Gulf monarchies have opted for economic engagement, believing that financial leverage will grant them influence while curbing radicalization.
They also see the new Syrian leadership as a potential partner in shaping a new Middle Eastern order – provided that Damascus does not become an instrument of Turkish expansionism. This explains al-Sharaa’s active display of ‘independent maneuvering’, as he skillfully balances between centers of power – from the Gulf to Ankara, from Washington to Moscow.
Amid this geopolitical mosaic, the US has crafted a new strategic vision. Under Trump’s leadership, US policy increasingly focuses on economic leverage and security cooperation while moving away from direct military engagement in the Middle East. Trump proposes a new model: ‘Regional self-sufficiency’ under an American umbrella.
The essence of this model is to arm and equip regional actors, enabling them to maintain stability independently, with the US acting as a supplier of advanced technology and a guarantor of balance. In return, Washington demands loyalty, political restraint, and – crucially – substantial financial contributions. This underpins the strategic alignment with Gulf monarchies, who possess the means and motivation to counterbalance Iran.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to bridge the divide between Türkiye and Israel, laying the groundwork for an economic partnership despite ideological differences. The goal is to prevent friction among US allies and to forge a unified front against Iran and other hostile forces.
Syria, in this context, becomes a testing ground for America’s new security architecture – a controlled regional equilibrium maintained without the Pentagon’s direct footprint. If successful, this model could be replicated in other crisis zones.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617778-us-easing-sanctions-on-turkish/">US easing sanctions on Turkish defense sector – Erdogan</a></figcaption>
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A potential next step is the normalization of relations between Syria and Israel – a previously unimaginable prospect, now discussed as part of a broader settlement. In parallel, Trump plans to introduce a new Middle East peace framework that includes recognition of Palestine in exchange for diplomatic and economic incentives from Arab states. This scenario may also presage political change in Israel: If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resists the plan, centrist alternatives like Yair Lapid or Benny Gantz – more amenable to compromise – could come to the fore.
All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a fundamental reordering of US global priorities. Washington is increasingly pivoting toward the containment of China, its primary strategic rival in the 21st century. The Middle East is no longer seen as a vital sphere; the new approach favors balance over expansion, mediation over presence, partnership over intervention.
Thus, US regional strategy is evolving from rigid control to a more adaptive configuration – one in which local actors are granted greater autonomy, though still within an overarching framework engineered in Washington. Syria may well serve as the first case study of this new era – an era in which the return to the logic of 2011 unexpectedly becomes the launchpad for a very different Middle East.
<h2>Will things get better in Syria?</h2>
The US decision to lift sanctions on Syria following the rise of al-Sharaa to power marks a pivotal moment for a country that has endured over a decade of devastating war, international isolation, and socioeconomic collapse.
This move not only removes one of the most significant external constraints on the Syrian leadership, but also opens a window of opportunity to construct a new model of governance – one grounded in pragmatism, economic rationality, and cautious multilateralism.
Al-Sharaa now faces a critical choice: To use this opportunity to consolidate centralized authority and restore effective governance – or, through missteps or weakness, to allow Syria to fragment further into a collection of ethno-regional entities devoid of a unifying national project.
The World Bank has cleared over $15 million of Syrian debt, once again making the country eligible for participation in international financing programs. This development was made possible through targeted financial contributions from the Gulf states – particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar – signaling their intention to take the lead in Syria’s reconstruction. Following this, the IMF expressed its readiness to provide technical assistance, while the Syrian authorities issued a series of statements inviting investment in agriculture, energy, transportation infrastructure, and tourism.
These actions indicate the new regime’s ambition to craft an economic model that not only addresses the war’s legacy but also generates employment, stabilizes the currency, boosts public revenues, and – most importantly – restores public trust in the institution of the state.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618064-russia-arab-league-partnership/">Russia and the Arab League can reshape the world together</a></figcaption>
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However, economic recovery is only feasible if accompanied by the genuine restoration of governance.
Syria remains deeply fragmented. Kurdish regions in the northeast are governed by a de facto autonomous administration with its own armed forces and international channels. In the south, the Druze community in Suwayda exhibits growing political and organizational independence, alongside protest movements and local defense initiatives. Along the coastal regions – home to significant Alawite and Christian minorities – distrust toward centralized power continues to grow, especially amid persistent ethno-sectarian tensions. These communities, should the center weaken, may gravitate toward political separatism or at least self-organization into autonomous administrative structures.
If the al-Sharaa government fails to propose a coherent model of political integration – one that includes power-sharing, resource distribution, and the participation of regional elites in governance – Syria could enter a new phase of ‘soft disintegration’: A de facto federalization where unity is maintained in name only.
In this context, foreign policy becomes critically important. Fully aware of the dangers of unilateral alignment, Ahmed al-Sharaa is pursuing a balanced external strategy. Unlike the previous era, which was defined by dependence on a narrow circle of allies, Syria’s new president is embracing a diversified diplomatic approach. He seeks to build relations with the West and the US – especially in the context of economic recovery and Syria’s international rehabilitation – without abandoning existing strategic ties. It is within this framework that Russia remains a key partner to Syria across several strategic domains.
Russia continues to play a central role in Syria’s security architecture and diplomatic positioning, including defending Syrian interests at the UN Security Council and engaging in technical, military, and energy cooperation.
Its presence in Tartus and Khmeimim, involvement in humanitarian initiatives, and potential contributions to infrastructure reconstruction ensure its continued relevance in any long-term settlement scenario.
At the same time, Damascus under al-Sharaa is also looking to build stronger ties with other non-Western power centers – including China, India, and Brazil – while deepening economic engagement with the Arab world. This will help Syria avoid overdependence on any single actor and enhance its strategic flexibility amid global uncertainty.
This approach reflects a clear-eyed understanding of Syria’s geopolitical reality: The country can no longer afford to be part of rigid geopolitical axes. Its survival now depends on its ability to navigate between competing powers – leveraging their rivalry for national benefit without becoming anyone’s pawn. Maintaining cooperative relations with Russia and expanding dialogue with non-Western powers is not just a matter of foreign policy – it is a means of preserving autonomy in a context of limited sovereignty.
The lifting of sanctions and al-Sharaa’s ascent have opened a potential path toward stabilization. But the durability of this trajectory depends on the regime’s ability not only to harness economic resources but also to execute a complex, multi-layered political and diplomatic agenda. Domestically, this means launching mechanisms of integration and decentralization; externally, it requires deft maneuvering between Western and non-Western actors. In this evolving environment, Russia remains an important partner for Syria – not as an exclusive ally, but as a key component in the multifaceted diplomacy that al-Sharaa will seek to construct in order to reinforce not just his own authority, but the very foundations of the Syrian state.]]>
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<title>NYT reports details of Kiev’s memorandum</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839c3f185f5404cbb2ea494.jpg" /> Ukraine has sent its proposal to Russia ahead of peace talks <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618366-nyt-ukrainian-memorandum-ceasefire-monitoring/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Ukraine has sent its proposal to Russia ahead of peace talks
Ukraine’s memorandum ahead of the next round of direct negotiations with Russia calls for an internationally observed ceasefire, the New York Times has reported, citing an anonymous senior official. Moscow has consistently maintained that any ceasefire should not be used by Kiev to rearm its forces.
The two sides last met for direct talks in Istanbul on May 16, marking the first formal negotiations since 2022. The meeting resulted in the largest prisoner exchange to date, with 1,000 POWs released by each side. The parties also agreed to prepare memorandums outlining their positions on a potential ceasefire ahead of the next meeting.
On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed holding follow-up talks on Monday, June 2, again in Istanbul.
In an article on Friday, the NYT quoted an unnamed source as saying that the Ukrainian document includes “provisions for a cease-fire on land, at sea and in the air, with monitoring to be carried out by international partners.”
The Ukrainian leadership had previously insisted on a 30-day pause in hostilities as a precondition for negotiations. Russia rejected that scenario, arguing that Kiev would use it to regroup its military. The NYT did not mention the timeframe in Kiev’s latest proposal.
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Speaking on Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga accused Moscow of stalling the negotiations by refusing to share its memorandum ahead of the meeting on Monday.
That same day, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the document “will not be made public.”
Responding to a similar demand made by Ukrainian defense minister and top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, on Wednesday, Peskov dismissed it as “unconstructive.”
Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova revealed that Moscow’s memorandum includes the “principles of settlement, a timeframe for a potential peace agreement [and] a potential ceasefire for a certain period of time.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that for a full ceasefire to be achieved, Ukraine must halt mobilization, stop receiving foreign weapons, and withdraw its forces from the territories that became part of Russia following referendums in 2022.
Meanwhile, in an interview with ABC News on Thursday, Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, urged Kiev to attend the next round of negotiations with Moscow, irrespective of whether or not Russia agrees to share its memorandum beforehand.
Speaking of the Ukrainian document, Kellogg said that he had seen it, revealing that the memorandum includes 22 terms which he characterized as “pretty good” and “reasonable.”]]>
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<title>Trump hesitant to confront Putin over Ukraine – Politico source</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839bf51203027401c39a166.jpg" /> An EU official has claimed that Trump wants a reset with Russia more than peace in Ukraine, according to Politico. <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618365-trump-ukraine-eu-peace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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An EU official has reportedly claimed that Trump wants a reset with Russia more than peace in Ukraine
EU officials are reportedly concerned that US President Donald Trump is reluctant to pressure his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, over the Ukraine conflict, according to Politico.
Earlier this week, Trump said Putin is “playing with fire” after Russia launched large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military-related facilities. The attacks came in response to a sharp increase in Kiev’s drone raids targeting civilian areas in Russia. Despite his tough rhetoric, Trump has so far held back from approving what Senator Lindsey Graham called “bone-crushing” sanctions against Moscow.
In an article on Thursday, the outlet cited an unnamed EU official who said it is “very clear there is something holding him [Trump] back from actually putting more pressure on Putin.”
“He may want the reset with Russia most of all, more than peace. If he just wants to get the war ended so he can do these deals [with Putin], then he may be weighing the cost of poisoning their potential relationship,” the source suggested.
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Asked on Thursday if he still believes that Putin is interested in finding a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict, Trump said: “I will let you know in about two weeks. We are going to find out whether or not he is tapping us along or not. And if he is, we will respond a little bit differently.”
According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, Trump is waiting for the outcome of potential talks between delegations from Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul on Monday.
On Thursday, Moscow’s envoy to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, reiterated Russia’s readiness to continue “serious direct negotiations” with Kiev in order to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict that addresses the root causes.
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He warned, however, that if Ukraine “tries to prolong the war… neither new anti-Russian sanctions, nor arms supplies to Ukraine, nor other hostile steps vis-a-vis Russia will be able to prevent the inevitable military defeat of the [Vladimir] Zelensky regime.”]]>
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<title>Moscow wants to rekindle Russia-India-China format as NATO fuels discord – Lavrov</title>
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<guid>https://www.rt.com/india/618367-lavrov-india-china-format/</guid>
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The foreign minister has suggested reviving cooperation amid an easing of tensions between New Delhi and Beijing
Moscow is interested in restarting cooperation within the Russia, India, and China (RIC) format as NATO countries try to sow discord between New Delhi and Beijing, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.
Speaking at a Eurasian security conference on Thursday, Lavrov emphasized Russia’s “genuine interest” in reviving the RIC trilateral dialogue, citing recent de-escalation along the India-China border as a timely opportunity. 
“Now that, as I understand it, an understanding is being reached between India and China on how to calm the border situation, I believe the time has come to revive the RIC trio,” he stated.
China and India have been locked in a military standoff along their disputed Himalayan border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), since a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. They have since held multiple rounds of talks to reduce tensions and, while some areas of friction remain, officials from the two countries have recently reported signs of de-escalation and continued military and diplomatic engagement.
In his speech, Lavrov also expressed concern about NATO’s alleged attempts to involve India in anti-China strategies. “I have no doubt that our Indian friends – and I say this based on confidential conversations with them – clearly see this provocation,” he said.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/india/616764-we-look-for-partners-jaishankar/">‘We look for partners not preachers’ – Indian foreign minister</a></figcaption>
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Lavrov previously stated that Western powers were expecting to “make our great friends and neighbors India and China clash.” He claimed that this approach was part of a broader agenda to provoke confrontation in the Indo-Pacific and diminish the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the region.
His comments come as India has continued to develop its strategic cooperation with Western countries, including by taking part in joint military exercises and signing defense agreements with the US. New Delhi, however, has refrained from joining any formal alliances.
India has also maintained strong relations with Russia despite Western pressure related to the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has opted not to join Western sanctions against Moscow and has expanded economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, becoming one of Russia’s largest oil buyers. The countries have set a target of boosting trade to over $100 billion by 2030.]]>
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<title>Makeover plan for Asia’s biggest slum faces ire of residents – media</title>
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<guid>https://www.rt.com/india/618361-makeover-plan-for-asias-biggest/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839bb8d85f5403cbe0e04e3.jpg" /> An $11bln project aims to redevelop Mumbai’s famous Dharavi slum into a modern residential and commercial area <a href="https://www.rt.com/india/618361-makeover-plan-for-asias-biggest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Local fear that an $11bn redevelopment project in Mumbai could leave out thousands of people
A plan to transform Dharavi, known globally as one of the largest slums in South Asia, is facing opposition from local residents, the Indian Express reported on Friday. Located in the heart of India’s financial capital, Mumbai, Dharavi spans over 250 hectares and has attracted attention from tourists, economists, urban planners, and Hollywood. 
The redevelopment plan, approved by the government of Maharashtra on Wednesday, aims to build nearly 60,000 residential houses and over 13,000 commercial units for eligible tenants in the area. The total cost of the project is estimated at $11 billion. 
The proposal also includes improving infrastructure in the area, and could take up to seven years to complete.
However, according to the Indian Express, this plan has drawn criticism from Dharavi residents, who are protesting that only those occupying ground-floor structures will be eligible for rehousing.
There are over 100,000 ground-floor structures in Dharavi, with at least 150,000 to 200,000 tenants residing on the second and third floors, Rajendra Korde, president of the Dharavi Redevelopment Samiti, told the outlet. He questioned the survey conducted by the agency working on the project. According <a href="https://x.com/mieknathshinde/status/1927737643879759996" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">to government officials,</a> Dharavi houses over 600,000 people.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/india/595064-infrastructure-growth-real-estate-tycoon/">India will be a ‘centerpiece of the world’s economy’ – real estate tycoon to RT</a></figcaption>
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The Dharavi Redevelopment Plan (DRP) is a joint venture between the Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates led by Gautam Adani, and the Maharashtra state government. Since securing the project, the DRP has been conducting a survey to identify the total number of residents in Dharavi who are eligible.
It estimates that 72,000 housing and commercial units built on 47.20 hectares will be required, according to the master plan presented to the authorities, the report noted. While Dharavi is known as a densely populated slum, it is also a thriving hub for small businesses. Over the decades, it has emerged as a vital industrial zone for leather, textiles, and other small-scale exports.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office has stated that the project is designed to preserve Dharavi’s unique commercial identity. The master plan for Dharavi includes creating five industry clusters: garment, pottery, leather, food, and recycling, as well as improving connectivity in the redeveloped areas.]]>
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<title>EU state sentences teacher for ‘pro-Russian’ views</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618355-teacher-sentenced-prague/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618355-teacher-sentenced-prague/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839b70c85f54044e4745124.jpg" /> Martina Bednarova has been sentenced in Prague for calling the Russian military action a “justified” way to resolve the Ukraine crisis <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618355-teacher-sentenced-prague/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Martina Bednarova has been given a suspended jail term in the Czech Republic for calling Moscow’s military action “justified”
A Czech court has handed a former teacher a seven-month suspended sentence for expressing pro-Russian views during a school lesson, local media reported on Thursday.
Martina Bednarova was also banned from teaching for three years and ordered to complete a media literacy course, according to the Ceska Justice news portal. The court reportedly said Bednarova misused her role by presenting “misleading information” to students.
The incident occurred in April 2022, shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, during a Czech language lesson at an elementary school in Prague. According to media reports, Bednarova described Russia’s military action of Ukraine as a “justified way of resolving the situation” and cast doubt on Czech television’s coverage.
She also said “Nazi Ukrainian groups” had been killing Russians since 2014, apparently referring to Ukrainian nationalist battalions such as Azov, which Moscow has accused of committing atrocities against ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine, and which the Kiev authorities dispute. Students recorded the class and alerted school officials, leading to Bednarova’s dismissal.
Judge Eliska Matyasova claimed Bednarova was not simply expressing personal views but delivering false information in a classroom where students could not question it. Bednarova said her remarks were part of a media literacy lesson and called the case politically driven. The verdict is not final, as she has the right to appeal.
The District Court initially acquitted Bednarova twice, with an appeals chamber backing the second ruling on free speech grounds. In January, however, the Supreme Court overturned the decisions and ordered a new review to assess whether her actions met the criteria for a criminal offense.
Prague has taken a strongly anti-Russian stance in recent years, especially in response to the Ukraine conflict, becoming one of Kiev’s staunchest supporters.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/681499e52030276df9431c6c.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: Tara Reade." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/616660-tara-reade-rt-journalist-romania/">‘Russophobia’ behind Romania’s expulsion of RT reporter – Tara Reade (VIDEO)</a></figcaption>
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In its 2023 human rights report, the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the Czech government’s actions as “Russophobic” and expressed concern over freedom of speech in the country.
It also raised concerns over the functioning of media in the Czech Republic and noted what it called a steady drift toward anti-Russian sentiment.
Russian will also be phased out as a second language by 2034 under new Czech education reforms, with students limited to German, French or Spanish. As of late 2023, over 40,000 Russian nationals lived in the country, making them the fourth-largest foreign community.
The Czech Republic, once part of communist Czechoslovakia and a Soviet-aligned Eastern Bloc member, became independent in 1993 after the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the Soviet Union’s collapse. Since then, the country has removed or altered hundreds of Soviet-era monuments, with another wave of removals following the 2014 Western-backed coup in Kiev and the escalation of the Ukraine conflict.]]>
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<title>Putin open to talks with Ukraine – Kremlin</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618364-putin-open-to-talks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618364-putin-open-to-talks/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839b70885f5404a476f8d3d.jpg" /> The Russian president however first expects to see results from direct negotiations between delegations, spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618364-putin-open-to-talks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The Russian president however first expects results from direct negotiations between delegations, spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said
Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to holding high-level direct talks with Kiev on resolving the Ukraine conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Friday.
However, the Russian leader insists that first, results must be achieved in the negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, Peskov explained.
He also announced that Russia’s team of negotiators is already heading to Istanbul to prepare for the next round of direct talks with Kiev, which is expected to be held on Monday, June 2.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has also confirmed that the Russian team will be in the Turkish city to present the Ukrainian side with Moscow’s draft memorandum outlining a path towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict, as well as other ceasefire proposals.
She noted that the talks are expected to be bilateral and stressed that there are no discussions about Türkiye or any other countries mediating the negotiations.
Zakharova also acknowledged that Moscow has heard US presidential envoy Keith Kellogg’s statements to the effect that representatives from Washington, London, Paris, and Berlin would be present in Istanbul on June 2. However, she stated that Moscow “does not see any connection” between their arrival and the Russia-Ukraine talks.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68389f672030270bb12bbc32.jpg" alt="Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russia’s negotiating delegation in Istanbul." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618334-zakharova-ukraine-talks-delegation-makeup/">Russia reveals team for next round of Ukraine peace talks</a></figcaption>
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Delegations from Moscow and Kiev last met in Istanbul on May 16, marking the first formal negotiations since 2022. That round resulted in the largest prisoner exchange to date, with 1,000 people released by each side. The parties also agreed to prepare written proposals – a pair of memorandums – outlining their positions on a potential ceasefire ahead of the next meeting.
On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Moscow’s memorandum had been completed and proposed holding the next round of negotiations on June 2. 
That statement was met with backlash from Kiev, which said it had already submitted its memorandum to Moscow and criticized the Russian side for not sharing its own document ahead of the talks.
On Thursday, Peskov dismissed Kiev’s demand to see the Russian memorandum in advance, calling it “unconstructive.” He went on to add that, “They should either confirm they are prepared for talks or say otherwise.”]]>
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<title>Kiev accused of systematic torture of Russian prisoners</title>
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<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618358-ukraine-torture-prisoners-report/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839b2752030274cd449a4f5.jpg" /> Returned soldiers have alleged sadistic abuse while in Ukrainian custody <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618358-ukraine-torture-prisoners-report/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Returned soldiers have alleged sadistic abuse while in Ukrainian custody
Ukraine has established a dehumanizing system of torture targeting captured Russian military personnel, a human rights advocate has claimed.
Maksim Grigoriev, who chairs an international commission investigating <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/607474-ugledar-war-crimes-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">alleged</a> Ukrainian government crimes, said his findings were based on extensive testimonies from Russian soldiers released in prisoner exchanges. He presented a report quoting statements from 30 individuals on Friday.
Grigoriev said the widespread nature of the alleged abuse indicates “a deliberate systematic practice of constant torture,” amounting to a crime against humanity. He claimed the purpose was not intelligence-gathering but rather the dehumanization of Russian captives, adding that violence was often inflicted out of malice.
Former detainees described beatings and various forms of abuse they say occurred while in Ukrainian custody. The report cites waterboarding, electrocution, and the use of attack dogs against prisoners as common methods.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.04/thumbnail/680e669185f540258c2bd4b6.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO. Destroyed houses pictured in the village of Sverdlikovo, Kursk Region, Russia." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/616398-kursk-ukrainian-war-crimes/">Moscow accuses Ukrainian troops of killing civilians seeking food</a></figcaption>
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Some testimonies included accounts of sexualized violence. One soldier alleged that his captors contemplated castrating him and pumping construction foam into his rectum. Another said inmates were forced to urinate on each other.
Several witnesses claimed Ukrainian personnel seemed to take pleasure in the abuse. One soldier, Vladimir Palitsin, said a man beat him with a metal rod: “He was hitting me and smiling. He was happy.” Others said Ukrainian medical staff treated injuries without anesthesia as a method of torture.
Grigoriev compared the alleged brutality to that of “Western-managed” dictatorships in Latin America and elsewhere. He noted that a torture room at one Ukrainian facility was nicknamed ‘Baghdad’, a possible reference to the US military presence in Iraq. The administration of former US President George W. Bush authorized the so-called ‘enhanced interrogation’ of prisoners during its ‘war on terror’ in the Middle East.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618116-russia-ukraine-pow-swap-complete/">
READ MORE: Russia and Ukraine complete largest ever POW swap
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Russia and Ukraine each released 1,000 prisoners earlier this month in a coordinated exchange. During the report’s presentation, Russian lawmaker Andrey Kartapolov addressed Ukrainian criticism that members of the controversial neo-Nazi Azov unit were excluded from the swap, stating: “They are criminals, to the last man.”
“They are not hiding this fact. And we have no intention to forgive them,” Kartapolov added.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova joined the press conference remotely, describing Grigoriev’s report as “yet another step towards justice.”]]>
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<title>Veto ban would mean the end of EU – Fico</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618362-veto-ban-end-eu-fico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618362-veto-ban-end-eu-fico/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839b1d3203027481b51f388.jpg" /> The Slovak PM has warned Brussels against a push to limit national vetoes, citing a threat to democracy <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618362-veto-ban-end-eu-fico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Brussels’ attempt to circumvent bloc members who vote against its wishes is a threat to democracy, the Slovak PM has warned
A reported EU plan to scrap member states’ veto power on matters of foreign policy would spell the end of the bloc and could become “the precursor of a huge military conflict,” Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned.
Slovakia and its Central European neighbour Hungary have long opposed the EU’s approach to the Ukraine conflict, criticizing military aid to Kiev and sanctions on Russia. Both governments have repeatedly threatened to use their veto powers to block EU actions they view as harmful to national interests.
To bypass dissent, Brussels is reportedly weighing a shift from unanimous voting, a founding principle of EU foreign policy, to qualified majority voting (QMV), arguing that it would streamline decision-making and prevent individual states from paralyzing joint actions.
Fico, however, condemned the proposal on Thursday during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Hungary.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618218-slovakia-hungary-eu-funding/">Germany threatens EU states with loss of funding</a></figcaption>
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“The imposition of a mandatory political opinion, the abolition of the veto, the punishment of the sovereign and the brave, the new Iron Curtain, the preference for war over peace. This is the end of the common European project. This is a departure from democracy. This is the precursor of a huge military conflict,” he said.
EU sanctions on Russia currently require unanimous renewal every six months, with the current term set to expire at the end of July. Brussels is also preparing an 18th package of sanctions aimed at tightening restrictions on Russia’s energy sector and financial institutions.
Earlier this month, during a visit to Moscow for Victory Day commemorations, Fico assured Russian President Vladimir Putin that Slovakia would veto any EU-wide attempt to ban imports of Russian oil or gas.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has taken a similar stance. While Hungary has not formally blocked a sanctions package, it has delayed several rounds to extract concessions.
Orban has also warned that removing the veto would strip smaller nations of their sovereignty.
“We want Brussels to show us, as all other member countries, the same respect, not only symbolically, but also by taking our interests into account,” he said last month.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/617449-brussels-sanctions-hungary-veto/">
READ MORE: Brussels seeks to sideline Hungary on Russia sanctions renewal – FT
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Both Slovakia and Hungary have resisted increased military support to Kiev, with Budapest blocking several key decisions citing concerns over national interests and the potential for escalation. Fico has emphasized the need for peace negotiations over continued military engagement.]]>
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<title>Elite Western universities form a corrupt and parasitic empire</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618349-elite-universities-corrupt-empire/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618349-elite-universities-corrupt-empire/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683996a185f5404cbb2ea46c.jpg" /> Instead of high-quality education, these institutions are fostering a global neo-feudal system reminiscent of the British Raj <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618349-elite-universities-corrupt-empire/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Instead of high-quality education, these institutions are fostering a global neo-feudal system reminiscent of the British Raj
US President Donald Trump has banned international students from attending Harvard University, citing national security concerns.
The move has sparked widespread condemnation from academics and foreign governments, who warn it could damage America’s global influence and reputation for academic openness. At stake is not just Harvard’s global appeal, but the very premise of open academic exchange that has long defined elite higher education in the US.
But exactly how ‘open’ is Harvard’s admissions process? Every year, <a href="https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-131/the-harvard-plan-that-failed-asian-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">highly qualified students</a> – many with top-tier SAT or GMAT test scores – are rejected, often with little explanation. Critics argue that behind the prestigious Ivy League brand lies an opaque system shaped by legacy preferences, DEI imperatives, geopolitical interests, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/oct/21/what-will-help-you-get-into-harvard-super-rich-parents" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">outright bribes</a>. George Soros, for instance, once pledged <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddawkins/2020/01/24/billionaire-george-soros-pledges-1-billion-university-fund-to-fight-would-be-dictators/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">$1 billion</a> to open up elite university admissions to drones who would read from his Open Society script.
China’s swift condemnation of Trump’s policy added a layer of geopolitical irony to the debate. Why would Beijing feign concern for “<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-harvard-trump-international-students-dc443b16ebbd4cd099dec1f974c57691" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">America’s international standing</a>” amid a bitter trade war? The international standing of US universities has long been tarnished by a woke psychosis which <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8-Yslv4PME" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spread like cancer</a> to all branches of the government.
So, what was behind China’s latest gripe? The answer may lie in the unspoken rules of soft power: Ivy League campuses are battlegrounds for influence. The US deep state has long recruited foreign students to promote its interests abroad – subsidized by American taxpayers no less. China is apparently playing the same game, leveraging elite US universities to co-opt future leaders on its side of the geostrategic fence.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/682fe09d2030270fd84e1b13.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: Students protesting against the war in Gaza at an encampment at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, April 25, 2024" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618026-harvard-foreign-students-ban/">Trump bans Harvard from admitting foreign students</a></figcaption>
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For the time being, a judge has granted Harvard’s request for a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-foreign-students-enrollment-trump-lawsuit-94b65866c563e67a7a7a3c79e90144d6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">temporary restraining order</a> against Trump’s proposed ban. Come what may, there is one commonsense solution that all parties to this saga would like to avoid: Forcing Ivy League institutions to open their admissions process to public scrutiny. The same institutions that champion open borders, open societies, and open everything will, however, not tolerate any suggestion of greater openness to its admissions process. That would open up a Pandora’s Box of global corruption that is systemically ruining nations today.
Speaking of corruption – how is this for irony? A <a href="https://www.zerohedge.com/political/harvard-fires-professor-who-fabricated-data-dishonesty-studies" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">star Harvard professor</a> who built her career researching decision-making and dishonesty was just fired and stripped of tenure for fabricating her own data!
<h2>Concentration of wealth and alumni networks</h2>
The Ivy League has a vested interest in perpetuating rising wealth and educational inequalities. It is the only way they can remain atop the global rankings list at the expense of less-endowed peers.
Elite universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT <a href="https://altrata.com/reports/university-alumni-rankings-of-the-wealthy-and-influential-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dominate</a> lists of institutions with the most ultra-wealthy alumni (net worth over $30mn). For example, Harvard alone has 18,000 ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) alumni, representing 4% of the global UHNW population.
These alumni networks provide major donations, corporate partnerships, and exclusive opportunities, reinforcing institutional wealth. If the alma mater’s admissions process was rigged in their favor, they have no choice but to cough it up, at least for the sake of their offspring who will perpetuate this exclusivist cycle.
The total endowment of <a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/g64503521/best-roi-colleges-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Princeton University</a> – $34.1 billion in 2024 – translated to $3.71 million per student, enabling generous financial aid and state-of-the-art facilities. Less prestigious institutions just cannot compete on this scale.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617459-harvard-trump-funding-letter/">Harvard defends ‘core principles’ against Trump threats</a></figcaption>
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<h2>Rankings, graft, and ominous trends</h2>
Global university rankings (QS, THE, etc.) heavily favor institutions with large endowments, high spending per student, and wealthy student bodies. For example, 70% of the top 50 US News & World Report Best Colleges overlap with universities boasting the largest endowments and the highest percentage of students from the top <a href="https://www.socialmobilityindex.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">1% of wealthy families</a>.
According to the <a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-universities-reducing-inequalities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Social Mobility Index</a> (SMI), climbing rankings requires tens of millions in annual spending, driving tuition hikes and exacerbating inequality. Lower-ranked schools which prioritize affordability and access are often <a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-universities-reducing-inequalities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">overshadowed in traditional rankings</a>, which reward wealth over social impact. Besides, social mobility these days is predetermined at birth, as the global wealth divide becomes unbridgeable.
Worse, the global ranking system itself thrives on graft, with institutions gaming audits, inflating data, and even bribing reviewers. Take the case of a Southeast Asian diploma mill where some of its initial batch of female students had been arrested for prostitution. Despite its flagrant lack of academic integrity, it grew rapidly to secure an unusually high QS global ranking – ahead of venerable institutions like the University of Pavia, where Leonardo da Vinci studied, and which boasts three Nobel Laureates among its ranks.
Does this grotesque inversion of merit make any sense?
Government policies increasingly favor elite institutions. Recent White House tax cuts and deregulation may further widen gaps by benefiting corporate-aligned universities while <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2025-wealth-disparity-gets-much-203016820.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reducing public funding</a> for others. This move was generally welcomed by the Ivy League until Trump took on Harvard.
With such ominous trends on the horizon, brace yourselves for an implosion of the global education sector by 2030 – a reckoning mirroring the 2008 financial crisis, but with far graver consequences. And touching on the 2008 crisis, didn’t someone remark that “behind every financial disaster, there’s a Harvard economist?”
Nobody seems to be learning from previous contretemps. In fact, I dare say that ‘learning’ is merely a coincidental output of the Ivy League brand
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<h2>The credentialism trap</h2>
When Lehman Brothers and its lesser peers collapsed in 2008, many Singapore-based corporations eagerly scooped up their <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/ex-lehman-brothers-trader-to-head-stanchart-energy-team-idUSLNE492048/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">laid-off executives</a>. The logic? Fail upward.
If these whizz kids were truly talented, why did they miss the glaring warning signs during the lead up to the greatest economic meltdown since the Great Depression? The answer lies in the cult of credentialism and an entrenched patronage system. Ivy League MBAs and Rolodexes of central banker contacts are all that matters. The consequences are simply disastrous: A runaway global talent shortage will hit <a href="https://www.superstaff.com/blog/talent-shortage-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">$8.452 trillion</a> in unrealized annual revenues by 2030, more than the projected <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/special-reports/india-forward/indias-growing-role-in-the-global-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GDP of India</a> for the same year.
Ivy League MBAs often justify their relevance by overcomplicating simple objectives into tedious bureaucratic grinds – all in the name of efficiency, smart systems, and ever-evolving ‘best practices’. The result? Doctors now spend more time on paperwork than treating patients, while teachers are buried under layers of administrative work.
Ultimately, Ivy League technocrats often function as a vast bureaucratic parasite, siphoning public and private wealth into elite hands. What kind of universal socioeconomic model are these institutions bequeathing to the world? I can only think of one historical analogue as a future cue: Colonial India, aka the British Raj. This may be a stretch, but bear with me.
Lessons from the Raj
As <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe:_A_History" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Norman Davies</a> pointed out, the Austro-Hungarians had more bureaucrats managing Prague than the British needed to run all of colonial India – a subcontinent that included modern-day Pakistan and Bangladesh. In fact, it took only 1,500-odd white Indian Civil Service (ICS) officials to govern colonial India until WWI.
That is quite staggering to comprehend, unless one grasps how the British and Indian societies are organized along rigid class (and caste) lines. When two corrupt feudal systems mate, their offspring becomes a blueprint for dystopia.
India never recovered from this neo-feudal arrangement. If the reader thinks I am exaggerating, let’s compare the conditions in the British Raj and China from 1850 to 1976 (when the Cultural Revolution officially ended). During this period, China endured numerous societal setbacks – including rebellions, famines, epidemics, lawlessness, and a world war – which collectively resulted in the deaths of nearly 150 million Chinese. The Taiping Rebellion alone – the most destructive civil war in history – resulted in 20 to 30 million dead, representing 5-10% of China’s population at the time.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618100-ai-hallucination-global-embarrassment/">AI hallucinations: a budding sentience or a global embarrassment?</a></figcaption>
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A broad comparison with India during the same period reveals a death toll of 50-70 million, mainly from epidemics and famines. Furthermore, unlike colonial India, many parts of China also lacked central governance.
Indian nationalists are quick to blame a variety of bogeymen for their society’s lingering failings. Nevertheless, they should ask themselves why US Big Tech-owned news platforms, led by upper-caste Hindu CEOs, no less, showed a decidedly pro-Islamabad bias during the recent Indo-Pakistani <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_India%E2%80%93Pakistan_crisis#:~:text=On%207%20May%202025%2C%20India,and%20hundreds%20of%20homes%20destroyed." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">military standoff</a>. Maybe, these CEOs are supine apparatchiks, much like their predecessors during the British Raj? Have they been good stewards of the public domain (i.e. internet)? Have they promoted meritocracy in foreign lands? (You can read some stark examples <a href="https://www.duanemorris.com/alerts/it_firm_found_liable_intentional_discrimination_against_class_terminated_non_indian_1024.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>, <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/white-executive-excluded-meetings-indian-075610740.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="https://www.business-humanrights.org/my/%E1%80%9E%E1%80%90%E1%80%84/3-us-workers-file-lawsuit-against-indias-largest-it-outsourcing-co-alleging-discrimination-based-on-race-national-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>).
These Indian Big Tech bros, however, showed a lot of vigor and initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing their employees to take the vaccine or face the pink slip. They led the charge behind the Global Task Force on Pandemic Response, which included an “unprecedented corporate sector initiative to help India successfully fight COVID-19.” Just check out the <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210505005914/en/Global-Task-Force-on-Pandemic-Response-Launched-by-Leading-Companies-and-Business-Associations-to-Address-Urgent-COVID-19-Surges" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">credentials</a> of the ‘experts’ involved here. Shouldn’t this task be left to accomplished Indian virologists and medical experts?
A tiny few, in the service of a hegemon, can control the fate of billions. <a href="https://time.com/6961171/india-british-rule-income-inequality/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">India’s income inequality</a> is now worse than it was under British rule.
<h2>A way out?</h2>
As global university inequalities widen further, it is perhaps time to rethink novel approaches to level the education field as many brick and mortar institutions may simply fold during the <a href="https://drmathewmaavak.substack.com/p/ai-meets-vuca-the-perfect-storm-threatening" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">volatile 2025-30 period</a>.
I am optimistic that the use of <a href="https://drmathewmaavak.substack.com/p/ai-and-the-quantum-leap-in-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AI in education</a> will be a great equalizer, but I also fear that Big Tech will force governments into using its proprietary EdTech solutions that are already showing signs of runaway <a href="https://drmathewmaavak.substack.com/p/when-ai-hallucinates-into-a-global" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AI hallucinations</a> – simply because the bold new world is all about control and power, not empowerment. Much like the British Raj, I would say.]]>
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<title>Russian security chief reacts to German missile claims</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839acf3203027481b51f382.jpg" /> Germany’s approval of Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia could result in Moscow removing its own constraints, Sergey Shoigu has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618357-shoigu-merz-germany-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Berlin’s approval of Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia could result in Moscow removing its own constraints, Sergey Shoigu has said
Moscow has the means to respond to Berlin’s decision to lift the range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes with missiles provided by Germany, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has said.
Earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed that “there are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, neither from the British nor the French, nor from us, nor from the Americans.”
In a separate interview on Wednesday, Merz said deliveries of German Taurus missiles – which have a range of 500km and could potentially reach Moscow – to Kiev is “in the realm of possible.”
Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Shoigu highlighted the inconsistency of Ukraine’s Western backers regarding the use of long-range weapons.
The administration of former US President Joe Biden lifted the restrictions on long-range attacks last November, with the UK and France following suit shortly afterwards. Since then, the Russian military has repelled a number of strikes against its territory, which included US-supplied ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618324-germany-ukraine-taurus-kartapolov/">Russia prepared to strike Germany if Taurus missiles are used – senior MP</a></figcaption>
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Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was reluctant to approve deep strikes into Russia or to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles over fears of escalation.
“There are many statements. They are all different. First, they say that they had lifted it, then they say that they did not. Then they say that they did it long ago… So, did you lift it or not?” Shoigu said, adding: “we can also lift limitations on some things. I will not expand on this, but we have our own restrictions that we can remove in response.”
The chancellor, who welcomed Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky in Berlin on Wednesday, also said Germany will help Kiev with the production of long-range weaponry inside Ukraine. According to the German Defense Ministry, a large part of the country’s newly announced €5.2 billion ($5.6 billion) military aid for Ukraine will be allocated for the project.
High-ranking Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik stressed on Friday that any weapons production facilities in Ukraine are legitimate targets for the Russian military, and are subject to “unequivocal destruction.”
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Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large tasked with documenting Kiev’s alleged war crimes, also said Berlin’s recent moves show that they “are not looking for peace, [but are] trying in every possible way to continue the Ukraine conflict, to continue the bloodshed” in order to distract the people from the problems in their own country.]]>
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<title>Trump aide caught in impersonation scam – WSJ</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839ab0a85f5404cbb2ea480.jpg" /> The FBI is probing impersonation attempts involving Trump aide Susie Wiles, according to The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618353-white-house-impersonator-wsj/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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A caller posing as White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has reportedly asked for money from US elites
US authorities are investigating an individual who has allegedly been impersonating White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
The impersonator has been attempting to deceive prominent Republican senators, governors and business leaders over the past several weeks, by pretending to be Wiles, sources familiar with the investigation have told the newspaper. The individual has reportedly used text messages and phone calls using a voice likely generated by AI.
Some of the targets interacted with the imposter, but others found the messages immediately suspicious as they contained grammatical errors and used an overly formal tone that did not align with Wiles’ style.
Some recipients were asked questions Wiles would be expected to know, and in at least one case, the caller solicited a money transfer.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618050-russia-anti-cyberfraud-app/">Russia to launch nationwide anti-fraud app – minister</a></figcaption>
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Sources told the WSJ that Wiles suspects her personal phone may have been hacked and her contact list compromised, but investigators have yet to confirm that theory.
The FBI does not believe a foreign government is behind the scheme, according to the report.
While Wiles’ contacts have been notified, fraudulent messages were sent as recently as this week, including while she was accompanying Trump on a trip to the Middle East, sources told the outlet.
In May, then-national security adviser Mike Waltz became embroiled in a separate communications mishap after mistakenly adding a senior editor with The Atlantic to a private Signal group chat.
Trump later stated that Waltz had “learned a lesson,” though media reports claimed that internal pressure mounted for his removal. His resignation was <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/616643-trump-confirms-waltzs-departure/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced</a> earlier this month.]]>
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<title>Canadian gold miner seeks mediation in African dispute</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/africa/618351-mali-mine-dispute-barrick-gold-seeks-world-bank-court-help/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
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Barrick has said its employees remain in detention in Mali, and exports from its mine have been blocked for months
Canadian company Barrick Mining has appealed to the World Bank’s arbitration tribunal to settle a legal dispute with Mali. The miner currently risks losing control of its gold operations in the West African country, Reuters reported on Friday.
The request to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) comes ahead of a Malian court ruling scheduled for June 2 on the government’s application to place the mine under provisional administration.
Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which produced nearly 700,000 ounces of gold in 2023, has been closed since January after Mali seized three tons of gold from the mine over alleged unpaid taxes – a claim Barrick denies.
According to a filing on the ICSID’s website, the mining giant is seeking “provisional measures” to prevent further actions by the Sahel state’s military leadership that could exacerbate the dispute.
The former French colony is one of Africa’s top gold producers, with large-scale operations such as the Loulo-Gounkoto mines, which are 80% owned by Barrick and 20% by the Malian government. Since taking power in a coup in 2020, the new leadership in Bamako has sought more revenue from the sector to boost state income amid rising gold prices. In 2023, a new mining code was introduced allowing the military government to claim a stake of up to 30% in any new projects.
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Barrick, one of the world’s largest gold producers, has been operating in Mali for nearly three decades and insists it has complied with Malian law and its binding mining conventions.
Tensions escalated in late 2024 when four Barrick executives were detained and a warrant was issued for CEO Mark Bristow, all on charges of money laundering and financing of terrorism – allegations the company says are untrue. Negotiations between the two sides recently collapsed after Mali demanded a lump-sum payment of 125 billion CFA francs ($197 million) in unpaid revenues, while Barrick proposed a structured payment plan.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/616539-mali-strengthening-sovereignty-gold-mining/">Westerners came for gold. Now this nation is sending them packing</a></figcaption>
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Earlier this week, the mining firm issued a statement claiming that the Malian government’s attempt to “interfere with Loulo-Gounkoto’s operations is without precedent or lawful justification.” 
“This latest escalation by the Malian government follows the continued unlawful detention of several Barrick employees — now held for over five months — and the ongoing blockage of gold exports from the complex,” the company said.
Barrick is not the only Western company under pressure in the Sahel region. In neighboring <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/616948-niger-seizes-french-miner-orano-equipment/">Niger</a>, French nuclear fuel firm Orano lost its license to the Imouraren uranium mine in 2024. The military government also seized its subsidiary Somair later that year. Orano has taken legal action against Niger’s government, citing illegal detention and property confiscation.
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<title>‘Terrorism and dialogue cannot go together’ – India on talks with Pakistan</title>
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<guid>https://www.rt.com/india/618350-terrorism-and-dialogue-cannot-go/</guid>
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New Delhi has urged Islamabad to “hand over” terrorists and vacate the “occupied” part of Kashmir
India has reiterated that “terrorism and dialogue cannot go together” in response to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remark that Islamabad is ready for dialogue with its neighbor. 
Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the country’s unchanged position on engagement with Islamabad. 
“And as far as the issue of terrorism is concerned, any discussion with Pakistan will focus on the list of terrorists we had provided to them some years ago – they should hand them over to us.” 
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday echoed that stance, insisting that Pakistan must hand over <a href="https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-10/Listof57terrorists_07032024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">designated terrorists</a>, including Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, the respective leaders of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) and Lashkar-e Tayyiba (LeT), “if it is serious about talks.” Both men are designated as terrorists in India but are also on the United Nations (UN) <a href="https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/hafiz-muhammad-saeed" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions List</a>.
“It would be in Pakistan's interest to uproot the nurseries of terrorism operating on its soil with its own hands,” Singh said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pakistan Should 'Uproot' Its 'Nurseries Of Terrorism' - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/OhhHA4AOvQ">pic.twitter.com/OhhHA4AOvQ</a>— RT_India (@RT_India_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_India_news/status/1928361309399138766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Speaking earlier this week at a Pakistan-Türkiye-Azerbaijan trilateral summit in Azerbaijan alongside presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ilham Aliyev, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif said his country wants “peace in the region,” which requires “talks on the table” on Kashmir, a region that has been claimed by both countries ever since their independence from Britain in 1947. 
“I have said in all earnest that if India wants to talk on countering terrorism in sincerity of purpose, Pakistan would be willing to talk to India on this issue as well,” Sharif was quoted by The Dawn newspaper as saying. Commenting on Kashmir, the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated that the issue would be resolved bilaterally when Pakistan vacates the part of the region which it holds “illegally and unlawfully.”
The statements come after New Delhi launched military action against targets in Pakistan, which it labeled as “terrorist camps.” The operation was a response to the April 22 massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam, in India’s union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist organization.
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READ MORE: How Moscow’s legendary S-400 missiles helped India outgun Pakistan
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Islamabad denied any involvement in the attack, with Pakistani top officials claiming the country was itself a “victim of terrorism.” India insisted that it only targeted locations linked with terrorist organizations, and not Pakistani military or civilian targets.
Islamabad, however, accused Delhi of targeting civilians. It later retaliated by attacking Indian military sites, leading to further escalation by both countries. After a brief but intense conflict, a ceasefire was announced on May 10. ]]>
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<title>Trump’s trade war has cost firms $34 billion – Reuters</title>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839969b2030273f5b47d984.jpg" /> Companies across the US, Europe and Japan have reported lost sales and higher costs due to “erratic” nature of the tariffs <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618348-trump-tariffs-firms-losses/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Companies in the US, Europe and Japan have reported lost sales and higher costs due to the “erratic” nature of the tariffs
Multi-national companies have suffered $34 billion in losses due to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, according to a Reuters analysis. The measures have disrupted businesses and heightened tensions with Washington's key allies, notably the EU.
The report, based on disclosures from 56 firms across the US, Europe, and Japan, attributes the losses to higher input costs, revenue losses, and supply chain uncertainty. Economists have warned the real cost could be far higher, owing to ripple effects including weaker investment, reduced consumer spending, and rising inflation risks.
Trump has rolled out sweeping duties since returning to office in January, in the name of protecting US manufacturing which culminated in his “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2 that included a universal 10% levy on all imports and a threatened 50% rate on EU goods.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838ca1585f5403b7f2efca0.jpg" alt="US President Donald Trump" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618336-trump-global-tariffs-reinstated/">Trump’s tariffs reinstated</a></figcaption>
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“The Administration has consistently maintained that the United States, as the world’s largest economy, has the leverage to make our trading partners ultimately bear the cost of tariffs,” said White House spokesperson Kush Desai. However, data suggests American businesses are footing the bill, while relations with Washington’s allies have grown increasingly strained.
The EU prepared countermeasures targeting €100 billion worth of American goods, including cars, medical devices, and plastics. After a call between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the 50% duties were delayed until July 9 to allow room for negotiation.
Apple, Ford, Kimberly-Clark, Walmart, and others have warned of rising costs and lowered their own forecasts, blaming Trump’s “erratic” trade approach, Reuters reported. One of the few to endorse the measures is General Motors, which has backed the auto tariffs, arguing they allow US automakers to compete more fairly.
Trump has defended his tariff strategy as a way of reshoring jobs and reducing the trade deficit. “We’re going to raise hundreds of billions in tariffs; we’re going to become so rich we’re not going to know where to spend that money,” he said in March.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/business/618173-ecb-dollar-euro-alternative/">
READ MORE: Euro could dethrone US dollar – ECB
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According to the Tax Foundation, tariffs imposed and scheduled for 2025 are projected to raise $152.7 billion in federal revenue, equivalent to 0.49% of GDP, the largest tax increase since 1993.]]>
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<title>Russian MP lays out terms for YouTube’s return</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618354-russia-youtube-return-terms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618354-russia-youtube-return-terms/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839a563203027481b51f376.jpg" /> YouTube must reinstate blocked Russian media, pay fines and set up a legal entity in the country, Anton Nemkin has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618354-russia-youtube-return-terms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The platform must reinstate blocked Russian media, pay fines and set up a legal entity in the country, Anton Nemkin has said
YouTube can only resume full operations in Russia if it fulfills a series of legal and technical conditions, State Duma member Anton Nemkin has told RIA Novosti.
Although not officially blocked, YouTube has been largely inaccessible in Russia since last year, when its loading speed began slow dramatically. Authorities blamed a lack of server maintenance following Google’s exit from the country in 2022. Later, officials partially confirmed the slowdown was also linked to YouTube’s failure to comply with Russian law.
Nemkin said on Friday that YouTube needed to deal with abandoned equipment, settle outstanding fines, and establish a legal entity in Russia before the platform’s functionality in the country can be fully restored.
The MP also called on YouTube to restore access to blocked Russian accounts. The platform has removed some media outlets, including RT and Sputnik, and has repeatedly taken down channels run by Russian bloggers, journalists, and artists. Moscow says the removals target content that reflects views diverging from those prevalent in the West.
“Without these steps, it’s impossible to speak of any ‘easing’ – this is not about politics, but legal compliance,” Nemkin said.
In March, it was reported that Russian-registered Google LLC owed national broadcasters $1.16 quintillion in fines for failing to restore their YouTube channels. In January, RBK said the international Google corporation owed more than $22 undecillion. The Kremlin described the figures as symbolic, intended to pressure the company into complying with Russian law.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.01/thumbnail/6788e16685f54003812a8275.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: The application of the Russian video hosting 'VK Video' on the smartphone screen." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/611000-russian-platform-vk-overtakes-youtube/">Russian platform overtakes YouTube – media</a></figcaption>
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Nemkin said dialogue with global platforms such as YouTube could only happen on Russia’s terms. “This is not about bans for the sake of bans, but about equal rights,” he said, adding that companies must comply with local laws, pay taxes, and store user data in Russia.
The lawmaker called for an end to the era of unchecked power for major IT companies. If foreign platforms are restored, “there is no going back to the old dependence.”
“We’ve learned a harsh but valuable lesson: we cannot build our digital future on platforms that can flip the switch at any moment,” he said, adding that YouTube should no longer serve as the foundation of Russia’s internet landscape.
Nemkin pointed out that Russia is now developing its own infrastructure – search engines, cloud storage, video hosting, and ad systems – in support of its “digital sovereignty.”]]>
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<title>Importing crime: Angela Merkel started the EU’s migrant crisis, and she wants it to continue</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618207-germany-merkel-migrant-crisis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618207-germany-merkel-migrant-crisis/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6835b65c203027225110e637.jpg" /> The former chancellor says closed borders could “destroy Europe” – meanwhile, it’s the locals’ way of life that’s getting destroyed <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618207-germany-merkel-migrant-crisis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The former chancellor says closed borders could “destroy Europe” – meanwhile, it’s the locals’ way of life that’s getting destroyed
The former chancellor is back in the news, lecturing her fellow citizens to allow more asylum seekers into their country even as Germany is plagued by rampant crime and dismal economic factors.
If it is true that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results, then we can say with some degree of certainty that Angela Merkel is suffering severely on the mental front. The four-term leader of the Christian Democratic Union (2005-2021) has gone down in the history books as the person most responsible for the greatest upheaval of German society in modern times, and she shows no sign of letting up.
Without ever asking the German electorate what they wanted, Merkel in 2015 opened her country’s borders to over one million illegal immigrants, while holding out cash incentives and other handsome benefits for those who made the difficult journey. Merkel was of the opinion that Germany had the economic strength to handle the influx of migrants and reiterated that there was no legal maximum limit on the number of migrants the country could take. Unfortunately, she was seriously mistaken. And her views on the matter – despite serious cultural, societal and political repercussions – have not changed.
During this week’s presentation of her memoir, ‘Freedom,’ Merkel, 70, <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618137-europe-destroyed-merkel-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spoke out</a> on migration, warning that without it “we could see Europe destroyed.”
“I do not believe we can decisively combat illegal migration at the German-Austrian or German-Polish border… I have always advocated European solutions,” Merkel said when asked about the latest measures adopted by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who faces an uphill battle in the Bundestag, the federal parliament, to incorporate more anti-immigration policies.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68339034203027337e2c22d6.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618137-europe-destroyed-merkel-migration/">EU could be ‘destroyed’ – Merkel</a></figcaption>
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As for Merkel the diehard globalist, who once <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/17/angela-merkel-germany-multiculturalism-failures" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lamented</a> the failure of multiculturalism, she fails to understand that the German people are desperately holding out hope for a real change of political course. The fact is Germany is no longer a safe place to do simple everyday things, like take a casual stroll down the street or to raise a family, without an unhealthy degree of fear and apprehension.
That is because an entirely new phenomenon of knife attacks is now plaguing the streets of every German city as the migration crisis has spiraled into a crime crisis. Statistics <a href="https://rmx.news/article/we-have-imported-knife-violence-wave-of-knife-attacks-shakes-germany-once-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">show</a> that such heinous criminal acts, overwhelmingly committed by individuals of foreign origin, are getting worse, with a shocking 79 knife attacks per day on average now recorded, according to some German media. Last year, there were 29,014 cases involving a crime where a knife was used, of which, 15,741 were knife attacks. Physical harm involving a knife surged by 10.8 percent in 2024 compared to 2023.
Here is just a glimpse of the recent violence that has plagued Germany. In January, a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man were killed in a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70k6x1x67ro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stabbing in a park</a> in Aschaffenburg, with several others wounded. One month later, a Spanish tourist was <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr72nrzjj5no" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stabbed</a> at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial. This month, a 35-year-old Syrian asylum seeker <a href="https://rmx.news/article/manhunt-continues-after-syrian-asylum-seeker-stabs-5-outside-student-bar-in-bielefeld/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stabbed</a> five youths in an unprovoked knife attack outside a popular student bar in Bielefeld, Germany. Not all of the migrant violence was the result of a knife attack. Last December, six people were killed and hundreds were injured after a car <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cql5nlrp374o" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market</a> in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Such indiscriminate attacks must be taking a heavy toll on the German psyche.
Meanwhile, other <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618058-germans-leave-country-poll/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">statistics</a> reveal the state of mind of the average German voter and the real consequences of Merkel’s reckless policies. Die Welt has reported, citing a new survey by YouGov, that 31% of those surveyed said they would “definitely” move abroad if they were entirely free to choose. Another 27% of respondents said they would “probably” leave. Within this group, 61% identified the country’s immigrant situation as a major factor influencing their decision, while 41% cited Germany’s ongoing economic recession.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6832c176203027772255ff4f.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618058-germans-leave-country-poll/">Most Germans would like to leave country – poll</a></figcaption>
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Speaking of the economy, Merkel’s continual promotion of open borders is coming at a time when Germany has been enduring its longest phase of economic stagnation in post-war history. The country’s struggling economy shrank for a second year in a row in 2024, as gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 0.2% compared to the previous year. Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, has lowered its forecast for the economy and only expects very modest growth of 0.2% for 2025. In other words, it may be simply asking too much of the German people to continue supporting asylum seekers at a time when so many are feeling the sting of economic uncertainty.
For many Germans, their only hope is for a major change in the political landscape. Thus, many citizens have thrown their support behind the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), the biggest opposition party, which came in second in the February general election with just over 20% of the vote. That was the best national result for a hard-right party in Germany since the Second World War, and despite being designated as an “extremist” organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence service.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, described the ruling as “tyranny in disguise”. Posting on social media, Rubio said: “What is truly extremist is not the popular AfD – which took second in the recent election – but rather the establishment’s deadly open border immigration policies.”
Angela Merkel would do well to heed the opinion of the average German voter, who seems to be running out of patience, and support a pause in the influx of asylum seekers at this dangerous juncture.]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6835b65c203027225110e637.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 11:24:07 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Heavy rains trigger fatal flooding in African country (VIDEO)</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/africa/618347-heavy-rains-kill-21-in-nigeria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/africa/618347-heavy-rains-kill-21-in-nigeria/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68397bec85f5404c8518d2c6.jpg" /> Torrential rains in Nigeria’s Niger State have caused flooding that destroyed homes <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618347-heavy-rains-kill-21-in-nigeria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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At least 21 people have died and more than ten are missing after floods hit two communities in Nigeria
Twenty-one people have died after heavy rains caused flooding in Niger State, Nigeria. The severe weather occurred on Thursday, submerging around 50 houses in two communities, according to local emergency officials.
Ibrahim Hussaini, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, stated that three people were rescued and are receiving medical assistance at the central hotel in the city of Mokwa. He added that 21 fatalities have been confirmed, and another ten people are still missing.
The severe flooding hit the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa, Niger State.
According to the outlet ‘Punch’, Abullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said “the agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa authorities, diverse and very brave volunteers conducted a search and rescue operation to rescue survivors and recover corpses.” 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">😭 At least 21 dead and at least 12 missing after overnight flooding in Mokwa, Nigeria, according to emergency services....🌊🌊 <a href="https://t.co/jdZfj9pjy5">pic.twitter.com/jdZfj9pjy5</a>— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1928172239871955214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Preliminary reports indicate that the torrential rainfall in Mokwa swept away hundreds of structures and left several people, including children, unaccounted for.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.01/thumbnail/678f6e3420302746a73cfbef.jpg" alt="RT" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/611390-nigeria-modern-political-life/">Ancient power: Where age-old tradition defines real politics, and will for decades to come</a></figcaption>
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Nigeria is prone to flooding during its rainy season, which typically begins in April. 
Last September, dozens of people were killed and others trapped after devastating floods swept through Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State. Sirajo Garba, the northeast zonal coordinator for the country’s Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said that over 1,000 people had been rescued, and that more than 70,000 displaced persons were staying in seven camps.
In 2022, Nigeria experienced one of its worst flooding disasters, leaving over 600 people killed and more than 1.4 million displaced, while 82,035 houses were damaged.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/africa/603951-nigeria-dam-burst-deadly-flood/">
READ MORE: Africa’s most populous state devastated by deadly floods (VIDEOS)
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<title>Pentagon employee arrested for trying to leak secrets over Trump grievances</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618346-pentagon-employee-data-leak/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618346-pentagon-employee-data-leak/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683977672030273fa84ee14d.jpg" /> Nathan Laatsch allegedly tried to pass top-secret files to a foreign government, citing disagreement with Trump’s policies <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618346-pentagon-employee-data-leak/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Nathan Laatsch allegedly tried to pass classified data to a foreign government, citing disagreement with the US president’s policies
An IT specialist at the US Defense Intelligence Agency has been arrested for allegedly attempting to provide classified information to a foreign government, citing his opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, according to the Department of Justice.
Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia, was charged on Thursday with trying to share classified information with someone he believed represented a foreign government. He was detained following an FBI sting operation.
Laatsch, who has worked as an IT specialist in the DIA’s Insider Threat Division since 2019, allegedly expressed intent to share classified materials due to ideological differences with the Trump administration.
“The recent actions of the current administration are extremely disturbing to me,” he said in an email reportedly intercepted by the FBI. “I do not agree or align with the values of this administration and intend to act to support the values that the United States at one time stood for.”
The DOJ said the FBI had initiated an investigation in March after receiving a tip about Laatsch’s intentions. Undercover agents, posing as representatives of a foreign government, communicated with Laatsch, who began transcribing classified information onto a notepad at his desk over a three-day period. He then allegedly concealed the notes in his socks and lunchbox to remove them from the facility.
On May 1, Laatsch reportedly left a thumb drive containing documents marked ‘Secret’ and ‘Top Secret’ at a prearranged drop-off location in a public park in northern Virginia. He later expressed interest in obtaining citizenship from the foreign country, stating he did not expect “things here to improve in the long term,” the prosecutors said.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838353c85f5403b7f2efc58.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: The seal of the US Central Intelligence Agency." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618306-cia-recruitment-problems-wapo/">CIA running out of international informants and spies – WaPo</a></figcaption>
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Laatsch was arrested at a subsequent drop-off location on Thursday. He is scheduled to appear in court in Alexandria.
The identity of the foreign government involved has not been disclosed, but the DOJ described it as a US ally.
“This case underscores the persistent risk of insider threats,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X on Friday. “The FBI remains steadfast in protecting our national security and thanks our law enforcement partners for their critical support.”
The arrest of Laatsch adds to a series of high-profile cases involving US intelligence personnel leaking classified information.
In August last year, Pentagon employee Gokhan Gun was arrested while trying to travel to Mexico with ‘Top Secret’ documents. Gun, 50, was charged with unauthorized retention of classified materials.
In 2023, Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to leaking hundreds of classified Pentagon documents on Discord. The files included intelligence on the Ukraine conflict and other sensitive matters.]]>
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<title>Ukraine trying to trick Trump – Moscow</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618342-ukraine-trump-un-nebenzia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618342-ukraine-trump-un-nebenzia/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68395c112030273f5b47d979.jpg" /> Kiev is unable to conceal its desire to pursue the ongoing conflict, Moscow’s UN envoy has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618342-ukraine-trump-un-nebenzia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Promoting lies about Russia is becoming more difficult due to Kiev’s clear choice in favor of war, Russia’s UN envoy has said
Ukraine is trying to trick US President Donald Trump, who wants to achieve peace in the ongoing conflict, into returning Washington to an anti-Russian stance, Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s envoy to the UN, has said.
During his speech at a UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine on Thursday, Ambassador Nebenzia reminded of the intensification of Ukrainian drone incursions into Russia over the past week. A total of 1,465 drones had been shot down by air defenses, but nonetheless led to civilian casualties and deaths, including among children, he said.
Kiev and its NATO backers “are trying to make us believe that Russia is deliberately shelling residential areas of Ukrainian cities” during its retaliatory strikes, the envoy stressed.
Moscow’s attacks “target exclusively objects related to Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, and we are successfully destroying them or rendering them inoperable,” Nebenzia said, reiterating the stance consistency voiced by the Russian Defense Ministry throughout the conflict.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68389f672030270bb12bbc32.jpg" alt="Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russia’s negotiating delegation in Istanbul." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618334-zakharova-ukraine-talks-delegation-makeup/">Russia reveals team for next round of Ukraine peace talks</a></figcaption>
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“The plans concocted by [Vladimir] Zelensky and his posse are way too plain and clear. Their task is to trick and mislead American President Donald Trump, who is taking decisive steps toward peace; they are ready to go to any lengths only to return the US – which has already wasted hundreds of billions of dollars helping Ukraine – to an anti-Russian and Russophobic course,” he insisted.
However, the envoy stressed that “promoting Ukrainian and Western lies about Russia is becoming increasingly difficult, since the actual steps of the Kiev regime, its deliberate choice in favor of war and the further suffering of its citizens speak volumes.”
Moscow is eager to continue “serious direct negotiations” with Kiev in order to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict that would address its root causes, he said.
He reminded that Russia has invited the Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul on Monday to discuss the memorandums on approaches to negotiating peace prepared by the sides. 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618308-kremlin-ukraine-memorandum-demand/">
READ MORE: Kremlin responds to Ukraine’s criticism of peace proposal
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“The ball is in Ukraine’s court: either talks followed by peace or imminent defeat on the battlefield with different conditions for ending the conflict,” the envoy insisted.]]>
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<title>Russia boosts wheat exports to Africa as France loses ground</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/africa/618345-russia-boosts-africa-wheat-exports/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/africa/618345-russia-boosts-africa-wheat-exports/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68396de785f5404c8518d2bc.jpg" /> French food supplies to sub-Saharan Africa have dropped, while Russian deliveries have increased, according to official data <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/618345-russia-boosts-africa-wheat-exports/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Official figures highlight declining French agricultural shipments to the continent amid rising competition
Russian grain shipments to Africa have surged in the current agricultural season, with exports to North Africa up 10%, a top Russian trade official said on Thursday. The increase comes as Moscow gains ground in a wheat market previously dominated by European suppliers.
Since July 2024, grain deliveries to North Africa have reached nearly 15 million tons, while supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa surged by 43% to 6 million tons, Ilya Ilyushin, head of Russia’s Federal Center Agroexport, said at the All-Russian Grain Forum, TASS reported. 
“We reached 80% of Egypt’s wheat imports, 40% of Morocco’s, and 35% of Algeria’s,” Ilyushin said. He noted that European grain deliveries dropped by 30% during the same period due to harvest issues.
The boost follows Algeria’s <a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/605559-algeria-excludes-france-wheat-import-tender/">reported</a> move last October to block French companies from bidding in a major wheat import tender. The state-run Algerian Inter-professional Office of Cereals reportedly instructed bidders not to offer grain of French origin, awarding the over 500,000-ton contract primarily to Russian suppliers.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/africa/615585-russia-boosts-africa-wheat-exports/">
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The move came amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France over several issues, including the French government’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty claim over the disputed Western Sahara. In mid-January, Reuters cited French officials as saying that Algeria is adopting a policy that aims to wipe its former colonial power’s economic presence from the country. According to the news agency, trade between them has fallen by up to 30% since the summer.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/africa/611769-russia-africa-push-new-global-order/">Why Russia keeps winning friends in Africa</a></figcaption>
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Data released by FranceAgriMer last week show France’s agricultural exports to Africa fell by about €100 million ($114 million) in 2024, dropping from €5.2 billion ($5.9 billion) the previous year to €5.1 billion ($5.7 billion). Wheat shipments to Sub-Saharan Africa slumped by 16%, contributing to a 3.4% decline in regional exports, the French agency for agricultural and seafood product statistics and trade policy reported. Imports of French dairy products dropped by 33% in both value and volume, with Polish and Belgian suppliers reportedly filling the gap.
Despite Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) increasing its purchases from France by 3%, countries including Senegal, South Africa, and Cameroon recorded slight year-on-year declines, according to the May 23 report.]]>
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<title>Russia has ‘fair concern’ about NATO expansion – Trump envoy</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618343-kellogg-nato-expansion-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618343-kellogg-nato-expansion-ukraine/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68395fcc85f5404cbb2ea449.jpg" /> Keith Kellogg insists Ukraine’s bid to join NATO remains off the table <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618343-kellogg-nato-expansion-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Keith Kellogg insists Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc is off the table
Russia’s long-standing security concerns regarding NATO expansion are reasonable, US presidential envoy Keith Kellogg said Thursday in an interview with ABC News
He was responding to a question about reports that Moscow wants NATO leaders to issue a written commitment halting further enlargement – particularly the inclusion of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia into the US-led military bloc.
“It’s a fair concern and we’ve said that repeatedly … that to us Ukraine coming into NATO is not on the table,” he said.
“We’re saying: okay, comprehensively we can stop the expansion of NATO coming close to your border,” Kellogg added, noting that such a move would ultimately require a presidential-level decision.
Towards the end of the Cold War, senior US officials gave assurances to the Soviet Union that NATO would not expand eastward, in exchange for support for German reunification. Since the 1990s, Moscow has cited the alliance’s expansion to Russia’s borders as evidence of Western duplicity.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838421720302759da0cfad6.jpg" alt="RT" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618308-kremlin-ukraine-memorandum-demand/">Kremlin responds to Ukraine’s criticism of peace proposal</a></figcaption>
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NATO’s insistence on admitting Ukraine to the bloc is a key factor which led to the current conflict with Russia. In 2021, Moscow offered a diplomatic proposal to ease tensions, but the US and other bloc members insisted its open-door policy was non-negotiable, describing Ukraine’s path to membership as “irreversible.”
Moscow hopes to hold a new round of negotiations with Kiev on Monday in Istanbul, where both parties would exchange draft memorandums on the next steps in the peace process, including a conditional cease-fire. Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration at not receiving the Russian draft in advance and said they might boycott the meeting.
“I always caution [Kiev’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov]: don’t say things like that,” Kellogg said. “Part of life is showing up, and you need to show you’re serious.”
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618310-ukraine-germany-military-aid/">
READ MORE: Berlin offers Kiev another €5 billion
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Russia and Ukraine reached a preliminary peace agreement in Istanbul in 2022, but Kiev later withdrew from talks, aiming for a military breakthrough with support from Western nations. Moscow sees the renewed talks launched earlier this month as a chance to revisit the proposal, which involves Ukraine adopting a stance of neutrality and limiting its military.
The interviewer pressed Kellogg on whether those terms were “pretty extreme,” suggesting they were proof that Russia does not seek peace. Kellogg responded that ending the conflict was in Moscow’s interest.]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Lenin’s tomb to get $250k makeover</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618344-lenin-mausoleum-moscow-renovation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618344-lenin-mausoleum-moscow-renovation/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683962902030273f9b513826.jpg" /> Russia will renovate Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, citing structural damage and age-related decay <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618344-lenin-mausoleum-moscow-renovation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The Russian Culture Ministry has signed a contract to restore the mausoleum due to structural issues and aging materials
Russia’s Ministry of Culture has signed a contract to restore Lenin’s Mausoleum on Red Square for nearly 20 million rubles (about $250,000), according to official tender records.
The restoration will address structural damage and update the site for modern use, project documents show. Work is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
The mausoleum, which houses the embalmed body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Russia. It has undergone regular maintenance and has been closed on several occasions in recent years, including for public events.
An inspection found several parts of the building to be in poor condition, with some areas requiring urgent repairs. The report also cited crumbling surfaces and mold caused by inadequate ventilation.
Lenin remains a divisive figure in Russian history. While some view him as a visionary who led the 1917 October Revolution to establish a fairer society, others regard him as a tyrant responsible for mass repression and death.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/616100-russian-greatness-american-grief/">Russian greatness, American grief, endless love: Honoring the legacy of Russia’s most famous sculptor (PHOTOS)</a></figcaption>
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The revolution sparked a civil war, after which the Bolsheviks consolidated control over much of the former Russian Empire. These territories were united in 1922 to form the Soviet Union. Lenin died two years later, in 1924.
The mausoleum’s red granite and black labradorite structure was constructed between 1929 and 1930. Lenin’s body has remained on public display since shortly after his death.
According to a 2024 poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), one-third of respondents support keeping Lenin in the mausoleum. Thirty percent favor immediate burial, while 27% believe reburial should occur only if it would not cause controversy.
Debate over Lenin’s interment resurfaces periodically. While some public figures have called for burial and alternative uses of the site, officials have consistently stated there are no current plans to rebury him.
In 2021, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had no intention of relocating Lenin’s remains, citing other national priorities.]]>
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<title>Eurasian Economic Union will never bully its members – Moscow</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618339-eurasian-union-mutual-respect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618339-eurasian-union-mutual-respect/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68392b3685f5404ca70e5cc0.jpg" /> The Eurasian Economic Union will always treat its members fairly, a senior Russian diplomat has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618339-eurasian-union-mutual-respect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The trade bloc of five post-Soviet states is built on mutual respect, a Russian deputy foreign minister has said
Fair and equitable treatment of all members is the cornerstone of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Pankin has said.
The bloc, which comprises Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, was founded in 2014. Speaking to the Eurasian Dialogue podcast on Thursday, Pankin said the EAEU remains focused on raising living standards and fostering business ties.
“Conflicts are being resolved through genuinely equal dialogue. The EAEU operates on the principle of consensus, meaning that members reach compromises which reflect and serve the interests of all parties. No one benefits at the expense of another,” the diplomat stated.
“Nobody is being forced to stay. Everyone understands that within the EAEU, the interests of nations with smaller economies are taken into account more than they would be in any other framework,” he added.
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<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618322-ruble-hits-two-year-high/">US dollar hits two-year low against ruble</a></figcaption>
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“The EAEU is neither a burden nor a shackle – this is evident from the fact that all members are fully free to trade with other regions. No one is required to limit themselves to autarkic trade within the bloc or to invest only inside it. We do not operate a planned economy with quotas and regional specializations like in the Soviet era. Instead, all members compete with one another in a shared common market,” Pankin explained.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the combined GDP of all EAEU members has reached $2.6 trillion over the past decade. The organization has trade agreements with Serbia, Vietnam, and Iran, and is currently negotiating with Mongolia and the UAE.
In an interview published by Rossiyskaya Gazeta on Wednesday, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk said more countries are likely to see the EAEU as “a safe haven” amid trade wars and rising international tensions.]]>
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<title>US-China trade talks ‘stalled’ – Treasury Secretary</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/business/618338-us-china-trade-talks-stalled/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/business/618338-us-china-trade-talks-stalled/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6839154785f5404b8d76122d.jpg" /> Presidents Trump and Xi may need to get personally involved to accelerate US-Chinese trade talks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618338-us-china-trade-talks-stalled/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Negotiations over tariffs are progressing more slowly than expected, Scott Bessent says
The trade negotiations between the US and China have “stalled” and may necessitate the intervention of the countries’ leaders, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.
In April, US President Donald Trump raised duties on Chinese goods to as high as 145%, citing what he described as an unfair trade imbalance. Beijing responded by hiking its own tariffs to 125%. Earlier this month, the two countries agreed to roll back or suspend most of the new duties for 90 days, pending further negotiations.
Asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier on Thursday to describe the current state of the talks, Bessent said, “I would say that they are a bit stalled.”
The treasury secretary added that more negotiations were scheduled for the coming weeks and that Trump could possibly speak by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future.
“Given the magnitude and complexity of the talks, this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other. They have a very good relationship. I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table,” Bessent said.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68342df920302765df225f9c.jpg" alt="FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618149-trump-delay-eu-tariffs/">Trump agrees to delay EU tariffs</a></figcaption>
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On Thursday, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overruled the suspension of tariffs ordered a day earlier by the Court of International Trade. The tariffs will remain in place until at least June 9.
Bessent argued that it was “highly inappropriate” for the courts to interfere with the tariffs, given that the US Senate had declined to block Trump’s trade policies. “The president absolutely has the right to set the trade agenda for the US,” Bessent said. “Anything that the courts do to get in the way harms the American people – both in terms of trade and lost tariff revenue.”
China has condemned Trump’s tariffs as a tool to “advance US hegemonic ambitions at the cost of the legitimate interests of all countries.”
“Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners. Protectionism harms the interests of all parties and is ultimately unpopular,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday.]]>
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<title>Serbian firms secretly delivering ammunition to Ukraine – Russian spy agency</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618337-russia-serbia-weapons-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618337-russia-serbia-weapons-ukraine/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838e95a203027107c0a96c2.jpg" /> Serbian weapons companies are supplying Ukraine with ammunition, the Russian spy agency has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618337-russia-serbia-weapons-ukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The weapons manufacturers are undermining Belgrade’s neutrality stance, the SVR said
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused Serbian defense companies of using false documentation and third parties to covertly ship artillery shells, rockets, and small arms ammunition to Ukraine.
The agency made the allegation in a statement published on its website on Wednesday, titled “The Serbian Defense Industry Is Trying to Shoot Russia in the Back.”
“According to information received by the SVR, Serbian defense firms continue to supply ammunition to Kiev, in violation of the ‘neutrality’ declared by Belgrade,” the statement read.
The SVR claimed that Serbian companies have used “fake end-user certificates” to route weapons through Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and other NATO countries, as well as unspecified African states. These arms, the agency said, later surfaced in Ukraine. According to the SVR, 100,000 rockets and howitzer shells, along with one million small arms rounds, have been transferred in this manner. Major Serbian weapons manufacturers, including the state-owned Yugoimport-SDPR, were allegedly complicit in the scheme.
“It seems that the desire of Serbian defense firms and their backers to profit from the bloodshed between brotherly Slavic nations has made them forget who their true friends are – and who their enemies are,” the SVR stated.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/681f57e42030277d415445f0.jpg" alt="President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic during their meeting, Moscow, May 9, 2025." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/617312-serbia-russia-energy-vucic-putin/">Serbia reaffirms commitment to energy cooperation with Russia</a></figcaption>
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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday that he had discussed ammunition exports during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in May. “We have formed a working group with our Russian partners to establish the facts,” he told the broadcaster RTS.
Commenting on the SVR’s claims, Vucic maintained that “some of the statements that have been made are not true.”
“For example, they claim there is a contract with the Czech Republic. However, no permit has been issued, and no missiles have been delivered,” he said. “I will certainly issue an order and a warning that if there is any suspicion of abuse of the so-called end-user policies – namely, the sending of ammunition to warzones – we should be informed immediately.” Vucic emphasized that Serbia maintains “good relations” with both Russia and Ukraine.
Russia and Serbia have enjoyed close historical and cultural ties since the 19th century.  Vucic has said he has resisted Western efforts to compel Belgrade to impose sanctions on Moscow and draw his country into the confrontation.]]>
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<title>Trump’s tariffs reinstated</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/business/618336-trump-global-tariffs-reinstated/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/business/618336-trump-global-tariffs-reinstated/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838ca1585f5403b7f2efca0.jpg" /> A US appeals court has temporarily revived Trump’s global import duties, overriding an earlier trade court ruling <a href="https://www.rt.com/business/618336-trump-global-tariffs-reinstated/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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A federal appeals court has suspended an earlier ruling by the US Court of International Trade
A US federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated President Donald Trump's global tariffs, halting an earlier ruling that had blocked the import duties and found that the White House had exceeded its authority.
On Thursday, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted an immediate administrative stay, suspending the permanent injunctions issued a day earlier by the US Court of International Trade. The tariffs will remain in place at least until June 9.
”The plaintiffs-appellees are directed to respond to the United States's motions for a stay no later than June 5, 2025,” the appellate court said. “The United States may file a single, consolidated reply in support no later than June 9, 2025.”
The trade court ruled on Wednesday that Trump had overreached in its interpretation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), saying the administration had sidestepped Congress by invoking such powers to impose the tariffs.
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READ MORE: US court blocks Trump’s tariffs
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In April, Trump imposed a baseline 10% tariff on all imported goods, with higher rates for China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU member states, citing trade imbalances. Some of those duties have since been paused amid ongoing negotiations.
The White House swiftly appealed Wednesday’s ruling. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was confident of a legal victory and determined to “tackle rogue judges.”
Peter Navarro, one of Trump's top advisers, told reporters on Thursday that the White House was prepared to escalate the fight to the Supreme Court if needed.
”You can assume that even if we lose, we will do it another way,” he said. “And I can assure the American people that the Trump tariff agenda is alive, well, and healthy and will be implemented to protect you.”
Wednesday’s ruling does not affect tariffs that Trump has imposed under other laws, including Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which underpins his 25% duties on foreign autos, steel, and aluminum.
The president also retains the authority under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days on nations with which the US runs a large trade deficit.]]>
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<title>From psychiatric ward to Nobel prize: How a Jewish outcast became a great Russian poet</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/618333-joseph-brodsky-nobel-exile/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/618333-joseph-brodsky-nobel-exile/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68388c3f85f5404b8d761208.jpg" /> On the 85th anniversary of Joseph Brodsky’s birth, we revisit the exiled Nobel laureate who never stopped writing in Russian <a href="https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/618333-joseph-brodsky-nobel-exile/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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On the 85th anniversary of Joseph Brodsky’s birth, we revisit the exiled Nobel laureate who never stopped writing in Russian
A Russian Jew who found spiritual kinship in Christianity and made it a tradition to write a Christmas poem each year. A man with an imperial imagination, shaped by the worldview of ancient Rome. Someone who defended the conquistadors and denounced Ukrainian independence. All of this – and more – describes Joseph Brodsky.
Few writers achieve the status of a classic while still alive. Brodsky, deeply grounded in literary tradition and animated by a consciousness forged in antiquity, didn’t just challenge conventions – he shattered them. Decades later, some of his choices still provoke. 
In the month he would have turned 85, RT revisits the life and legacy of Joseph Brodsky.
<h3 data-start="150" data-end="176">The poet’s early years</h3>
They say childhood shapes who we are – and in Joseph Brodsky’s case, that couldn’t be more true. Within his first two years of life, he witnessed events that would leave an indelible mark on his future.
Brodsky was born into a Jewish family in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) on May 24, 1940. His father, a naval officer, was sent to the front when Nazi Germany launched Operation Barbarosa. During the brutal winter of 1941–1942, young Joseph endured the siege of Leningrad and was later evacuated with his mother to the city of Cherepovets. It was there that a Russian nanny quietly baptized him.
After the war, the family was reunited in Leningrad. Brodsky would later recall those early years:
<blockquote>
“My father wore his naval uniform for about two more years. He was an officer in charge of the photo lab at the Naval Museum, located in the most beautiful building in the entire city. And thus, in the whole empire. It was the former stock exchange – a structure far more Greek than any Parthenon.”
</blockquote>
This sense of imperial grandeur – part reverence, part irony – would stay with Brodsky for life.
His youthful ambitions didn’t yield immediate success. He failed to get into naval school, and after finishing eighth grade, took a job at a factory. Over the next few years, he worked as a stoker, a photographer, and even joined geological expeditions to the Russian Far East. Throughout it all, he pursued a rigorous self-education.
Despite never receiving a formal literary degree, Brodsky emerged as a strikingly erudite voice. By the early 1960s, in his early twenties, he was reading poetry publicly in Leningrad. It was there that he met some of the era’s most important poets – including Anna Akhmatova.
A famous story survives from their first meeting. The aging Akhmatova asked the young Brodsky what a poet should do once they’ve mastered all the rhymes and rhythms of the language. Without hesitation, he answered, “But there remains the grandeur of vision.”
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Joseph Brodsky and Anna Akhmatova


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<h3 data-start="148" data-end="165">A thorny path</h3>
Brodsky was just 23 when Soviet reality collided with his rising career and brought it to an abrupt halt. In 1963, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev launched a public campaign to root out “layabouts, moral degenerates, and whiners” who, in his words, wrote in “the bird language of idlers and dropouts.” In the eyes of the government, poets fit squarely into that category.
That November, the newspaper Vecherniy Leningrad published a hit piece titled “The Near-Literary Drone,” targeting Brodsky by name. The poems cited were falsely attributed to him, and the article was riddled with fabrications – but none of that stopped the authorities. A few months later, Brodsky was arrested and charged with “social parasitism.”
By then, he had already earned recognition in literary circles. His poems had appeared in respected magazines, and he was receiving commissions to translate poetry. But none of this mattered to the court, which refused to acknowledge him as a legitimate writer. During the trial, a now-legendary exchange unfolded between Brodsky and the judge:
<blockquote>
Judge: And what is your profession, in general? Brodsky: Poet. Poet and translator. Judge: And who said you’re a poet? Who enrolled you in the ranks of poets? Brodsky: No one. Who enrolled me in the ranks of the human race? Judge: Did you study for this? Brodsky: Study for what? Judge: To become a poet. Did you attend a university where people are trained – where they’re taught...? Brodsky: I didn’t think it was a matter of education. Judge: Then what is it a matter of? Brodsky: I believe it comes from God.
</blockquote>
He was first sent for compulsory psychiatric evaluation, then sentenced to five years of hard labor – the maximum term – for doing what the state deemed “nothing.” In practice, this meant exile to the Arkhangelsk region, deep in Russia’s far north.
Brodsky worked on a collective farm, spending his free time reading, translating, and teaching himself English. His sentence was eventually cut short, thanks to the intervention of prominent cultural figures, including composer Dmitri Shostakovich, poet Korney Chukovsky, writer Konstantin Paustovsky, and even French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.
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Joseph Brodsky in exile in a settlement in the Arkhangelsk region, 1965


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After returning from exile in 1965, Brodsky was granted formal membership in a “professional group” within the Writers’ Union – a bureaucratic maneuver that shielded him from future charges of parasitism. He worked prolifically; his poetry was widely published abroad, and he built relationships with scholars, editors, and journalists. Still, in the Soviet Union, only his children’s verses saw print. He remained fundamentally out of step with the system.
In May 1972, he was summoned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and given a choice: emigrate immediately or face “difficult days” ahead. Recalling his interrogations and forced hospitalization, Brodsky chose exile.
Obtaining an exit visa from the USSR usually took months. Brodsky’s was ready in just 12 days. In June 1972, he left the country – this time, for good.
<h3 data-start="166" data-end="191">From exile to triumph</h3>
When Joseph Brodsky left the Soviet Union, he left behind nearly everything – his parents, his friends, the woman he loved, and his son. “It is very painful for me to leave Russia,” he wrote in a candid letter to Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev. “I was born, grew up, and lived my life here, and everything I have, I owe to this country.” The Soviet authorities never allowed him to return. He would never see his parents again, nor attend their funerals.
Upon arriving in Vienna, Brodsky was met by Karl Proffer, an American publisher and Slavist who offered him a post as a “visiting poet” at the University of Michigan. It was a surreal twist of fate: Brodsky had only completed eight years of formal schooling, yet he would go on to teach Russian literature, poetry, and comparative literature at some of the most prestigious universities in the United States and the United Kingdom for the next 24 years.
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Joseph Brodsky taught at several universities in the United States and, later, in Great Britain


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In truth, Brodsky didn’t really know how to teach – at least not in any conventional academic sense. But he spoke to students about what mattered most to him: poetry. After winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1987, a student once asked why he still taught when he clearly no longer needed to. His answer was simple:
<blockquote data-start="1435" data-end="1475">
“I just want you to love what I love.”
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Still, to imagine Brodsky as a remote, ivory-tower intellectual would be misleading. He was not just a man of letters – he was also a man of appetite and mischief. His friend, the poet and writer Glyn Maxwell, recalled Brodsky and his circle as loud, unfiltered, and often crude:
<blockquote data-start="1757" data-end="1948">
“They behaved like alpha males. Sometimes it was even annoying, but that was the male culture of the time.”
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They drank heavily, told off-color jokes, and filled rooms with their presence.
But when it came to poetry, Brodsky was exacting and unwavering. After becoming an American citizen, he turned his focus toward essay writing, translating Russian poetry into English, and even composing poems in English himself. He revered the English language and deeply loved its poetic tradition, though he recognized that as a non-native speaker, he would always be writing from the outside in.
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Joseph Brodsky with his cat


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His biographer, Valentina Polukhina, observed that for all his success abroad, Brodsky remained, at heart, a Russian poet. Poetry, for him, was the highest form of linguistic expression, and Russian was the language in which his soul most fluently spoke.
“Sometimes I feel that for Brodsky, the choice of the Russian language was conscious,” she reflected.
Poet Bella Akhmadulina echoed this sentiment. She described how Brodsky didn’t merely use the Russian language – he nourished it from within:
<blockquote data-start="2854" data-end="3006">
“He didn’t need to hear how people around him spoke... Cut off from everyday conversation, he himself became fertile ground for the Russian language.”
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<h3 data-start="187" data-end="212">A keeper of tradition</h3>
Brodsky’s complexity often revealed itself in quiet, personal rituals. “I had this idea, back when I was 24 or 25, to write a poem every Christmas,” he once said. And he kept that promise – for the rest of his life.
In fact, he began even earlier. At 22, he wrote A Christmas Romance, and from then on, continued to write Christmas poems every year until his forced emigration in 1972. After a long break, he returned to the tradition in 1987 and maintained it annually until his death in 1996.
Though not affiliated with any particular denomination, Brodsky was deeply drawn to Christianity. He read the Bible attentively and spoke of Jesus Christ with profound reverence.
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“After all, what is Christmas? The birthday of God who became Man. It’s as natural for a person to celebrate it as their own birthday... It’s the oldest birthday celebrated in our world.”
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His spiritual reflections extended beyond religious ritual. In a 1972 letter to The New York Times, Brodsky challenged the utopian promises often made in Soviet political discourse: “In my opinion, there is something offensive to the human soul about preaching Paradise on Earth,” he wrote.
“Life the way it really is – is a battle not between Bad and Good, but between Bad and Worse. And today humanity’s choice lies not between Good and Evil, but rather between Evil and Worse. Today humanity’s task comes down to remaining good in the Kingdom of Evil, and not becoming an agent of Evil.”
Such sentiments may seem stark, but they were consistent with his moral seriousness and existential clarity.
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Despite being born into a Jewish family, Brodsky repeatedly described himself as a Russian poet, and always saw Russia as inseparable from the Christian cultural world. Even in exile, he refused to speak ill of his homeland.
“I did not leave Russia of my own free will... No matter under what circumstances you leave it, home does not cease to be home. No matter how you lived there – well or poorly. And I simply cannot understand why some people expect, and others even demand, that I smear its gates with tar. 
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Russia is my home; I lived there all my life, and for everything I have in my soul I am indebted to Russia and its people. 
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And – this is the main thing – indebted to its language.”
Politically speaking, Brodsky was more of a “Westerner” than a “Slavophile,” at least in the traditional Russian sense. But he was unmistakably a Russian Westerner. Living in the West after his exile, he often encountered anti-Russian sentiment and cultural disdain. And yet, again and again, he chose to defend the Russian people—not out of nationalism, but from a sense of fairness.
As the poet and scholar Lev Losev put it: “Just like the ‘Slavophile’ Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, ‘Westerner’ Joseph Brodsky stood ready to defend Russia – its people and its culture – against unfounded accusations of inherent aggressiveness, servile psychology, and national masochism.”
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A woman takes a picture of a mural of Nobel-Prize-winning poet Joseph Brodsky in Moscow, Russia

© Sputnik / Sputnik 
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<h3 data-start="250" data-end="276">The Bard of the Empire</h3>
Joseph Brodsky was, unmistakably, a poet of the Empire. Born in Leningrad – once imperial St. Petersburg – he could never imagine himself, or the world around him, outside the gravitational pull of imperial culture, history, and aesthetics. Raised among the colonnades and neoclassical façades of Russia’s most imperial city, Brodsky found in ancient Rome the ultimate model of grandeur.
In his poem Letters to a Roman Friend, he writes:
<blockquote data-start="716" data-end="1007">
“If you were destined to be born in the Empire, it’s best to find some province by the ocean. Away from Caesar and the blizzard, in your nook. No flattery, no rushing, constant fearing. You’re telling me the governors are crooks? But murderers are even less endearing.”
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The lines recall Ovid’s Letters from Pontus, written during exile by the Black Sea. For Brodsky, his own symbolic “imperial space” was Crimea – a peninsula he always considered Russian and which inspired some of his most evocative poetry. There he found his cherished trinity: antiquity, the sea, and empire.
Brodsky’s imperial sensibility revealed itself in more than just geography. His biographer, Vladimir Bondarenko, remarked that the poet could easily be mistaken for a staunch conservative – a man with a worldview shaped by colonial assumptions. A striking example can be found in his 1975 poem To Yevgeny, written after a visit to Mexico. Contemplating the ruins of Aztec civilization, Brodsky reflects:
<blockquote data-start="1724" data-end="1961">
“What would they tell us, if they could speak? Nothing. At best, of victories over neighboring tribes, of shattered skulls. Of human blood that, spilled into a bowl for the Sun god, strengthens the latter’s muscle.”
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And further:
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“Even syphilis or the jaws of Cortés’ unicorns are preferable to such sacrifice; If crows must feast on your brows, Let the killer be a killer, not an astronomer. Moreover, without the Spaniards, they’d hardly have learned what really happened.”
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Brodsky never shied away from uncomfortable truths—or from voicing them bluntly. His worldview was neither romantic nor utopian. He rejected simplistic dichotomies of good versus evil. For him, paradise on earth was a dangerous illusion; reality was a constant struggle between “bad” and “worse.”
Among his most controversial works is On Ukraine’s Independence, a poem brimming with fury and sarcasm. In Brodsky’s eyes, the move to break historical ties with Russia was a rejection not just of political union, but of shared culture, language, and literary heritage. In a caustic farewell, he wrote:
<blockquote data-start="2850" data-end="3069">
“Go away in your zhupans, your uniforms, To all four points of the compass, to destinations composed of four-letter words And let the Krauts and Pollacks in your huts Put you on all fours, you scoundrels.”
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He closed the poem with a grim vision of cultural amnesia:
<blockquote data-start="3131" data-end="3357">
“God rest ye, eagles and Cossacks, hetmans and guards, Just know this – when it’s time to be dragged into the graveyards, You’ll wheeze, clawing the edge of your mattress, Alexander’s lines, not the lies of Taras.”
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For Brodsky, Ukraine’s departure from the Russian cultural orbit was not simply political; it was a loss of literary and civilizational continuity. He believed that when the time came to confront death, it would not be the folk verse of Shevchenko people would recall, but the classical cadence of Pushkin.
As the post-Soviet world fractured, and vast parts of the “Russian world” renounced their imperial inheritance, Brodsky watched with a mixture of dismay and resignation.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, many within Russia’s liberal intelligentsia held up Brodsky as a dissident icon – the embodiment of intellectual resistance to authority. And indeed, traces of dissent run through his work in subtle and powerful ways.
But as his legacy has come under closer scrutiny, a more complex portrait emerges: that of a Russian poet with a profoundly imperial imagination and a strong, unapologetic view of Russia’s role in history. He was, above all, a defender of Russian language and culture – often in defiance of popular sentiment in the West or among émigrés.
After the start of the war in Ukraine, some opposition figures who fled Russia called for Brodsky to be “canceled,” citing his imperially inflected worldview and what they described as the cultural colonialism embedded in his poetry.
But Brodsky cannot be canceled. He remains what he always was: a witness to his time, a singer of antiquity, a thinker of vast moral scale, and – despite exile – a quintessentially Russian poet.
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<title>France approves right-to-die law</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618332-france-assisted-dying-law/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618332-france-assisted-dying-law/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838b64685f5404b8d761213.jpg" /> France’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill to legalize assisted dying for adults with terminal illnesses <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618332-france-assisted-dying-law/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Critics warn that vulnerable people may feel pressured to end their lives
France’s lower house of parliament has approved a controversial bill to legalize assisted dying for adults with terminal illnesses, amid deep divisions in a country with strong Catholic traditions.
The National Assembly voted 305 to 199 in favor of the measure, which is backed by President Emmanuel Macron. The bill now moves to the Senate and will return to the lower house for a second reading. Supporters hope it will become law by 2027.
France currently allows what is called passive euthanasia – such as withdrawing life support – and deep sedation before death.
Under the bill, patients could request lethal medication, which they would take themselves, or if physically unable, have administered by a doctor or nurse. They must be over 18, hold French citizenship or residency, and be suffering from an irreversible, advanced, or terminal illness causing constant, untreatable pain. People with severe psychiatric conditions or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s would not qualify.
A medical team would assess each case. After a period of reflection, the patient could receive the drug at home, in a care home, or medical facility.
The government described the bill as “an ethical response to the need to support the sick and the suffering,” calling it “neither a new right nor a freedom… but a balance between respect and personal autonomy.” Macron hailed the vote as “an important step” toward a more humane approach to end-of-life care.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6834539185f54046d957741c.png" alt="RT" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/shows/documentary/618160-euthanasia-choice-life-death/">Euthanasia. Catch 22</a></figcaption>
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A separate bill establishing a right to palliative care passed unopposed.
France’s proposal would be more restrictive than laws in countries such as Belgium or the Netherlands, where euthanasia – in which doctors give a lethal injection at the patient’s request – has been legal since 2002 and extended to minors. Similar laws exist in Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Canada, Australia, and Colombia. Medically assisted suicide, where patients take prescribed lethal medication themselves, is legal in Switzerland and several US states.
Right-to-die campaigners have welcomed the law, though describing it as relatively modest in scope. “We’ve been waiting for this for decades,” said Stephane Gemmani of the ADMD association.
Critics warn the definitions are too broad, potentially allowing assisted dying for patients who could live for years. Some fear the bill could undermine medical ethics, erode care standards, and expose vulnerable people to subtle pressure to die. 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/609331-canada-euthanasia-surges/">
READ MORE: More Canadians choosing medically assisted death
</a>

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“It would be like a loaded pistol left on my bedside table,” a 44-year-old woman with Parkinson’s disease told a protest outside parliament, according to the BBC.
This month, France’s religious leaders issued a joint statement denouncing the “dangers” of an “anthropological rupture.” Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on X this week that it is “not a bill of fraternity but a bill of abandonment.”

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<title>UK to step up cyberattacks on Russia and China – minister</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618330-uk-cyberattacks-russia-china/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618330-uk-cyberattacks-russia-china/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683882c785f5404c8518d284.jpg" /> Defense Secretary John Healey has said London will increase hacking operations as part of a new military command <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618330-uk-cyberattacks-russia-china/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Defense Secretary John Healey has said London will increase hacking operations as part of a new military command
London will significantly step up offensive cyber operations against Russia and China, UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced on Thursday following the inauguration of the country’s new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command.
In a statement quoted by The Times, Healey claimed that “the keyboard is now a weapon of war” and said the UK’s new cyber command would coordinate both defensive and offensive operations, including hacking into enemy systems to disrupt attacks and spread of propaganda.
Asked whether this would include Russia and China, Healey responded: “Yes.”
Healey’s statement marks the first time a British minister has explicitly confirmed cyberattacks on other states. While UK ministers had previously confirmed cyber operations against non-state actors like Islamic State, they have not until now acknowledged attacks against other countries.
The defense secretary added that more than £1 billion ($1.35 billion) has been allocated by the UK government for a “digital targeting web” to enable real-time battlefield intelligence-sharing between troops, spy planes and satellites.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.03/thumbnail/67dac8b4203027028018abde.jpg" alt="RT" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/614495-us-scraps-monitoring-russia-sabotage/">US scraps monitoring of alleged ‘Russian sabotage’ – Reuters</a></figcaption>
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Healey’s comments come ahead of the publication of a strategic defense review on Monday. According to The Times, the review will stress that cyberattacks on Britain, allegedly being carried out by Russia and China, are “threatening the foundations of the economy and daily life.”
Both Moscow and Beijing have consistently denied accusations of carrying out cyberattacks against Western nations, characterizing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
Additionally, Russian officials have in recent months repeatedly raised concerns over what they describe as Western Europe’s continued militarization and aggressive anti-Russian rhetoric, said to be in response to the alleged threat posed by Moscow.
The Kremlin has vehemently denied having any hostile intent towards any western country, and has accused European politicians of “irresponsibly stoking fears” to justify increased military expenditures, which Moscow had labeled an “incitement of war on the European continent.”]]>
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<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Russia reveals team for next round of Ukraine peace talks</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/russia/618334-zakharova-ukraine-talks-delegation-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/russia/618334-zakharova-ukraine-talks-delegation-makeup/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/68389f672030270bb12bbc32.jpg" /> The delegation will not change and will again be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, FM spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/618334-zakharova-ukraine-talks-delegation-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, will be the same as during the opening session, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said
Russia’s negotiating team for the next round of direct peace talks with Ukraine will remain unchanged, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday. Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will once again lead the delegation.
Moscow and Kiev last met for direct talks in Istanbul on May 16, marking the first formal negotiations since 2022. That round resulted in the largest prisoner exchange to date, with 1,000 individuals released by each side. The parties also agreed to prepare written proposals – a pair of memorandums – outlining their positions on a potential ceasefire ahead of the next meeting.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed holding the follow-up talks on Monday, June 2, again in Istanbul. Zakharova later confirmed that the same Russian delegation will attend.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6837de682030274c5172b0c4.jpg" alt="US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618293-lavrov-rubio-phone-call/">Lavrov briefs Rubio on Ukraine negotiations</a></figcaption>
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Her comments came after Medinsky, denied Ukrainian claims that Moscow is stalling the peace process. In a post on Telegram on Wednesday, he said he had called Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who leads Kiev’s negotiation team, and proposed “a date and location for the exchange of memorandums.”
“We are ready to begin substantive discussions on a framework agreement for a potential ceasefire,” the Russian official stated.
On Wednesday evening, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov confirmed that Moscow’s memorandum is ready, triggering a demand from Kiev that the document be released.
In a post on X, Umerov stated that he had “handed over our document to the head of the Russian delegation, which reflects the Ukrainian position.” 
“We are not opposed to further meetings with the Russians and are awaiting their ‘memorandum,’ so that the next meeting won’t be empty and can truly move us closer to ending the war,” Kiev’s top negotiator added.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday dismissed Umerov’s demands to see the Russian memorandum prior to any forthcoming talks as “unconstructive.”
“They should either confirm they are prepared for talks or say otherwise,” Peskov said.
The Ukrainian leadership had previously insisted on a 30-day pause in hostilities as a precondition for negotiations. Russia rejected the proposal, arguing that Kiev would use it to regroup its military. Ukraine later revised its position under pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that for a full ceasefire to be achieved, Ukraine must halt its mobilization, stop receiving foreign weapons, and withdraw its forces from the territory Moscow claims.
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<title>Russia prepared to strike Germany if Taurus missiles are used – senior MP</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618324-germany-ukraine-taurus-kartapolov/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618324-germany-ukraine-taurus-kartapolov/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683871b685f5404ca03ccc56.jpg" /> If provided to Kiev, the long-range missiles cannot be operated without German assistance, Andrey Kartapolov has said <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618324-germany-ukraine-taurus-kartapolov/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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Ukraine cannot operate the long-range missile without German assistance, Andrey Kartapolov has said
Russia could authorize strikes on German territory if Ukraine uses German-supplied Taurus cruise missiles to attack Russian targets, a senior Russian lawmaker has warned.
Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee and a former deputy defense minister, said the long-range missiles require direct German military involvement to operate—making Berlin a potential participant in any such attack.
Speculation about a potential transfer of Taurus missiles to Kiev resurfaced this week after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine would be allowed to use Western-supplied weapons without range limitations. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Merz confirmed that delivering the Taurus system was “possible,” though he added that Ukrainian forces would require “several months of training” to use them effectively.
In an interview with Life.ru on Wednesday, Kartapolov said Moscow is “ready for everything” if Germany proceeds with such a transfer.
”We are prepared to intercept the Taurus missiles, strike the launch sites, the operators, and, if necessary, the locations from which they are delivered,” he warned.
The Taurus KEPD 350 missile has a range of over 500 kilometers and is capable of reaching targets deep within Russian territory, including Moscow.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6838431685f5404cac0ada38.jpg" alt="German and Ukrainin defense minsiters signing deal on joint production of long-range weapons." />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618310-ukraine-germany-military-aid/">Berlin offers Kiev another €5 billion</a></figcaption>
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Kartapolov emphasized that Ukraine lacks the technical expertise to operate such weapons independently. He claimed that earlier deliveries of long-range systems—including the U.S.-made ATACMS, Britain’s Storm Shadow, and France’s SCALP—have only been deployed with the assistance of Western military specialists.
”Ukrainian troops can press the launch button—that’s not the problem,” he said. “But they cannot program the targets. That data comes from American and European satellites. If Germany supplies these missiles, German personnel will inevitably be involved on the ground.”
The German Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that it would provide Kiev with an additional €5.2 billion ($5.6 billion) in military aid. Much of the funding, according to the ministry, will support the production of long-range weaponry inside Ukraine.
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/618307-germany-russia-taurus-war/">
READ MORE: How to start a war with Russia in these easy steps: Just ask Merz’s Germany
</a>

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Responding to the development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Berlin of crossing a dangerous line. “Germany’s direct involvement in the war is now obvious,” he said, adding that the country “is sliding down the same slippery slope it already followed a couple of times in the last century—toward its own collapse.”]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683871b685f5404ca03ccc56.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 17:08:38 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>RT</dc:creator>
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<title>Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire proposal – media</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618331-netanyahu-accepts-witkoff-gaza-ceasefire-proposal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618331-netanyahu-accepts-witkoff-gaza-ceasefire-proposal/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683886a485f5404ca70e5ca5.jpg" /> A 60-day truce for the release of hostages has been proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618331-netanyahu-accepts-witkoff-gaza-ceasefire-proposal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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A 60-day truce for the release of hostages has been proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff
Israel and Hamas have agreed to accept the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by the US, several media outlets reported on Thursday
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled his readiness to accept a roadmap presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting with the relatives of hostages still in Hamas captivity in Gaza.
Arab media later reported that Hamas had also accepted the deal to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in the enclave in exchange for a temporary truce.
Haaretz newspaper quoted an anonymous Israeli official as saying that Washington’s proposal envisages the release of the remaining 10 living hostages and the return of 18 bodies held in Gaza by Hamas over the course of a week. In exchange, Netanyahu’s government would reportedly agree to a 60-day cease-fire.
The Jerusalem Post cited an unnamed source as saying that Hamas has reservations regarding Washington’s plan, and sees it as favoring Israel. The Islamist militant group is reportedly wary of the fact that the US would not provide a guarantee that the temporary 60-day ceasefire would be extended to become permanent.
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<img src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/682b46b120302725f05b019f.jpg" alt="Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617834-israel-gaza-offensive-control/">Israel to ‘take over all of Gaza’ – Netanyahu</a></figcaption>
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The latest developments have come amid an intensified Israeli assault on Gaza in recent days, including a fresh wave of airstrikes and a major ground offensive codenamed ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots.’
Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that the military action will not cease until Hamas has been totally vanquished.
Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, negotiations between the two belligerents have been going on for some time in Doha, albeit producing little progress so far.
The current escalation began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 250 more. According to Palestinian authorities, the ensuing IDF military campaign has claimed the lives of more than 50,000 residents of the densely populated enclave.
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<title>Immigrant arrested after threatening to kill Trump</title>
<link><![CDATA[https://www.rt.com/news/618317-mexican-immigrant-trump-assassination-threat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]]></link>
<guid>https://www.rt.com/news/618317-mexican-immigrant-trump-assassination-threat/</guid>
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<![CDATA[<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683883e985f5404b8d761205.jpg" /> The undocumented Mexican man has vowed to shoot US President Donald Trump at a rally, according to the DHS <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/618317-mexican-immigrant-trump-assassination-threat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>]]>
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The undocumented Mexican man threatened to shoot the US president, according to the US Department of Homeland Security
US immigration authorities have arrested a Mexican man who allegedly threatened to shoot President Donald Trump, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In a press release <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/05/28/secretary-noem-releases-statement-after-ice-arrests-illegal-alien-who-threatened" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">issued</a> on Wednesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem thanked US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, saying the “illegal alien … is behind bars.”
Earlier this month, ICE received a handwritten letter from 54-year-old Ramon Morales Reyes in which he vowed to “shoot your precious president in (his) head” at one of Trump’s rallies. The DHS published an image of the letter, in which Morales blamed ICE for deporting his family and, after threatening to kill Trump, promised to self-deport. 
“We are tired of this president messing with us Mexicans – we have done more for this country than you, white people,” the letter read.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars. This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the… <a href="https://t.co/Sr2pI08NuQ">pic.twitter.com/Sr2pI08NuQ</a>— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1927803898611290540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Morales, who, according to DHS, entered the US illegally at least nine times between 1998 and 2005 and has a criminal record that includes a felony hit-and-run, was arrested the next day and is now awaiting deportation.
Trump survived an assassination attempt when a gunman took shots at him during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The would-be assassin grazed Trump’s ear with a bullet, killed a spectator in the crowd behind him, and injured several others. 
“This threat comes not even a year after Butler and less than two weeks after former FBI Director (James) Comey called for the President’s assassination,” Noem said, urging politicians and the media to “tone down their rhetoric.”

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rt.com/news/617741-trump-assassination-comey-fbi/">
READ MORE: Trump says ex-FBI director called for his ‘assassination’
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Earlier this month, Trump accused Comey – a longtime critic – of calling for his assassination in a now-deleted Instagram post. The image showed seashells spelling out “86 47,” captioned “cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
White House officials and Republicans said the numbers were a coded threat to the 47th US president, with “86” interpreted as slang for “get rid of” or “kill.” An investigation is underway. Comey has denied endorsing violence.]]>
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<enclosure url="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/683883e985f5404b8d761205.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="123"/> <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 16:19:59 +0000</pubDate>
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