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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Updated at:

Arab League Summit condemns Israeli attacks on Syria

According to Iraq’s INA news agency, the organization urged the international community to unify "our efforts to achieve the interests of the peoples of our region" "condemning the Zionist aggression on Syria"

CAIRO, May 17. /TASS/. The leaders of the countries of the League of Arab States (LAS) in their statement following the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad urged to halt combat in the Gaza Strip and resume the supplies of humanitarian aid to the enclave.

"We reiterate our absolute rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people and the necessity of allowing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip," Iraq’s INA news agency quoted the document as saying.

"We urge the international community to stop the bloodbath in Gaza," the statement reads.

On March 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the halt of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the closure of all checkpoints. According to the Israeli authorities, this was done after the Gaza-based Palestinian movement Hamas rejected the US proposals put forward by mediators and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff concerning the extension of the ceasefire in the enclave.

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed operations in the Gaza Strip, launching massive strikes and breaking the ceasefire established in January this year.

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

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

Center-right coalition winning Portugal’s snap parliamentary elections

According to the ministry, the coalition is garnering 37.61% of votes

Starmer discusses Ukraine with Trump, Macron, Merz, Meloni

According to the news agency, ahead of Trump's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, Western leaders "discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire"

Putin, Trump expected to talk over phone

According to Trump, the conversation will cover the Ukrainian settlement and trade

Russian air defenses down 75 Ukrainian UAVs, seven JDAM smart bombs over day

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 662 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 57,591 unmanned aerial vehicles, 605 surface-to-air missile systems and 35,641 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported

Nicusor Dan winning second round of presidential election in Romania — exit polls

Dan’s rival, the leader of the opposition nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, George Simion, is scoring 45.9% of votes

Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of cancer — media

"The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," The New York Times reported

Russia repaid lend-lease debts to US only under Putin — Kremlin spokesman

"A total of $11 billion was spent on lend-lease aid," Dmitry Peskov specified

Russia receives first sovereign rating from foreign agency since onset of special op

The agency explained that the Russian economy has been steadily adjusting to sanctions and showing resilience to shocks, while geopolitical risks have been stabilizing

Poland to hold runoff presidential election

Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki are heading into Poland’s runoff presidential election which would be held on June 1

Vance, Rubio discuss with Zelensky progress of Ukraine talks — White House

During a meeting in Rome, Vance, Rubio, and Zelensky "discussed their shared goal" of concluding the conflict and "provided updates on the current state of negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace"

Investigative Committee completes probes into 430 cases of Ukrainian soldiers, mercenaries

IC Chief Alexander Bastrykin disclosed that more than 3,300 mercenaries from over 70 countries have participated in the armed conflict on Ukraine’s side

Renowned Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich dies at age of 98

He was a choreographer at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater from 2008

At least hundred Ukrainian troops wiped out in battles for DPR's Bogatyr — commander

He added that the Ukrainian grouping in the settlement was quite large, but a significant part of the troops, who lacked combat experience, fled when Russian servicemen approached the village

Russia to feature battle-tested military hardware at Malaysia arms show

According to the report, most weapons systems had undergone severe tests in real combat conditions and their upgrade taking this experience into account

Australia delivers promised decommissioned Abrams tanks to Ukraine — PM

Anthony Albanese pointed out that the promised M1A1 Abrams tanks are being delivered to Ukraine and pledged to "continue to provide military support" to the country

Ukrainian troops shell residential areas in DPR eight times in 24 hours

There have been no reports on civilian injuries or fatalities

Warsaw Mayor Trzaskowski leads in Poland's presidential election — exit polls

According to these results, Trzaskowski received 31.1% of the votes, while Nawrocki got 29.1%

Foreign mercenaries fight on Ukrainian side in Volnoye Pole

The uniforms of the dead enemy soldiers had foreign stripes and chevrons

African countries understand root causes of Ukrainian crisis, West’s role in it — diplomat

"Non-alignment with sanctions against Russia is a clear demonstration of the firm and confident position of our African partners," director of the ministry’s department of partnership with Africa Tatiana Dovgalenko said

Russia to prepare document on Ukraine with demands for ceasefire — Rubio

The Secretary of State noted that, during their conversation, he had also wanted to know Lavrov's opinion on the negotiations that took place in Istanbul on May 16

Top Hungarian diplomat warns against admitting Ukraine into EU

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also warned that Ukraine’s hasty accession to the EU, Brussels insists on, will lead to a direct military confrontation with Russia

Russia’s special military-op in Ukraine aimed at long-lasting peace — Putin

The president stressed that Russia has ample forces to complete the special military operation and reach the designated objectives

NATO countries are holding Brave Boar exercise in Poland near Russian border

The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance NATO units' operational interoperability under combat conditions

Ex-Moldovan leader says foreign actors meddled in Romania’s presidential rerun

Igor Dodon said that Nicusor Dan secured victory because globalists banned his main rival Calin Georgescu from running

Poland’s Electoral Commission tallies 99.7% of votes, runoff ahead

According to the calculations, Rafal Trzaskowski has garnered 31.2%, with Karol Nawrocki trailing with 29.7%

Kremlin refuses to comment on alleged Istanbul negotiation terms

"Negotiations are taking place behind closed doors, just as they should - to ensure they are productive," Dmitry Peskov noted

Putin says his conversation with Trump lasted more than 2 hours

"It was very substantive and very frank, and on the whole, in my opinion, in this regard, very useful," the Russian leader noted

US determined not to allow Iran continue uranium enrichment — special envoy

The United States and Iran have held four rounds of Oman-brokered talks on settling differences around Tehran’s nuclear program

Ukraine redeploys Aidar militants to border with Dnepropetrovsk Region

Тhe security source added that the Ukrainian army is rushing to relocate forces to the border between the two regions attempting to bolster defenses on that section of the frontline

Trzaskowski, Nawrocki to vie for Polish presidential office in second round of voting

The final voting results are expected to be announce either late on May 19 or early on May 20

Trump, Putin start phone talks — White House official

According to the official, Trump will speak by phone with Vladimir Zelensky afterward

Trump committed to making Greenland part of US — the White House

The US leader has repeatedly said that Greenland, an autonomous region within Denmark, should be made a part of the United States

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

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

Russia to prefer to achieve special operation’s goals by diplomatic methods — Kremlin

"When there is no room for maneuvers left on the political and diplomatic track, then a special military operation has to be launched," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Putin-Trump meeting depends on deadlines they decide on — Kremlin spokesman

At the same time, Dmitry Peskov emphasized that "the meeting of the presidents should be productive"

Analyst sees loss of Ukraine’s another F-16 as blow to reputation of its Air Force

According to the Mikhail Khodaryonok, Kiev deliberately confined the announcement to general phrases, as it didn’t want to suggest the possibility that the jet could have been shot down by a Russian anti-aircraft missile or a long-range air-to-air missile

West seeks to use UN reform to curb Russia’s global role — senior diplomat

Kirill Logvinov suggested that a renaissance was in store for the United Nations

Trump still considering secondary sanctions against Russia — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that "everything is on the table"

Iranian parliament to approve strategic partnership treaty with Russia soon

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized that the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia was "very important"

Dialogue between Russia, US evokes cautious optimism — CSTO secretary general

As Imangali Tasmagambetov, the very fact that Russian and US officials remain in contact is important for "normalizing the military and political situation in the world"

US to pull out of peace process on Ukraine, if parties fail to agree — DJ Vance

The US Vice President noted that "there's a bit of an impasse" at the talks on settling the Ukrainian conflict but the United States is ready to be "a partner for peace"

Russian paratroopers repel Ukrainian army’s attempts to land on left bank of Dnieper River

Expert Vitaly Kiselyov said that the Ukrainian military is aware that its forces are running out

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

The settlement of Maryino in the Sumy Region and the settlement of Novoolenovka in the DPR were liberated through decisive operations

DPR thwarts over 240 Ukrainian air attacks in past week

The regional Federal Security Service added that Ukrainian troops attempted to attack Gorlovka with two "flying wing" drones and two quadcopters armed with explosive payloads

Istanbul meeting draws noose around Zelensky's neck even tighter — politician

Zelensky hoped the Western media would amplify his outcry, declare him a hero, and allow him to return to Kiev in triumph. However, this scenario was doomed from the outset," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Russian agency investigates over 3,000 Ukrainian shelling attacks of Russian territory

According to Alexander Bastrykin, investigators have recorded the deaths of more than 620 civilians from shelling of Russian territory

Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip kill over 150 Palestinians on May 18 — TV channel

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip, launching massive attacks on the Palestinian enclave and violating a ceasefire reached in January

Zelensky orders to set up permanent team of negotiators for talks with Russia

While Zelensky did not disclose the names on the expanded team, he said Kiev was ready for direct contacts with Moscow

Aviation agency says many countries ready to resume air traffic with Russia

According to Dmitry Yadrov, Russian airlines are ready to fly to certain countries, but they need guarantees that their aircraft will receive necessary maintenance and will not be subject to sanctions-related restrictions

Normalization of relations with Russia has become Trump's priority — expert

"This involves re-establishing economic ties in an effort to bring Russia closer to the United States," Carlo Masala specified

Trump wants peaceful resolution, ceasefire in Ukraine — White House

"Donald Trump is working very hard to fix it," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Nicusor Dan wins Romania's presidential election, losing diaspora vote

Bucharest Mayor received 53.93% of the votes after 99.4% of the ballots were counted

Israeli army begins demolition of Gaza hospital, locking 55 people inside building — TV

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Indonesian Hospital was the last functioning medical facility in northern Gaza and served approximately 400,000 people living in Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun

Effectiveness of Iran's air defenses increases 3 times — chief of General Staff

Mohammad Bagheri noted that any violation of Iran's airspace would result in significant losses for the enemy

French foreign ministry denies alleged interference in election in Romania

Earlier in the day, Telegram messenger’s co-founder Pavel Durov wrote on his channel that Telegram had refused to silence channels of Romanian conservatives ahead of the presidential election in that country as was requested by a European country

Romania’s presidential election was 'odd to say the least' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov’s comments come in the wake of remarks by Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov about European countries’ interference in the elections in Romania

Ukrainian army fired about 100 munitions on Belgorod Region in one day

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that authorities successfully jammed and shot down twelve drones during these attacks

Musk supports Telegram founder’s refusal to block channels of Romanian conservatives

Pavel Durov specified that French intelligence chief Nicolas Lerner had asked him to block the channels of Romanian conservatives on the eve of the presidential election but was rebuffed

Ukraine loses up to 1,345 troops in special op zone over past day

In the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North, Ukrainian forces lost an armored combat vehicle, six automobiles, and five field artillery guns

Romanian foreign ministry sees signs of Russia’s interference in presidential election

Romania is holding the runoff presidential election on May 18

Lavrov, Rubio discuss results of Istanbul talks in phone conversation — Foreign Ministry

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rubio "welcomed agreements to swap the prisoners of war and to prepare each side’s concept of conditions leading to a ceasefire and emphasized Washington’s readiness to continue assistance in seeking ways to settle the situation"

German-made Leopard tanks inferior to Russian armor — Rostec

The state tech corporation said that Russian-made T-72B3M, T-80BVM and T-90M vehicles are the serial-produced tanks best adapted to modern warfare

Russia discovers hundreds of civilians buried in mass graves in Lugansk People’s Republic

Head of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin said that investigators continue to search for missing people and are working to identify the bodies of the civilians buried in unmarked graves in Donbass

Phone call with Trump to be held at 5 p.m. Moscow time — Kremlin

The most recent phone conversation between Putin and Trump was held on March 18

Russia readies lawsuits for UN court against Ukraine, some Western countries — MFA

According to official at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s legal department Konstantin Kosorukov, the West unleashed a full-on legal war against Russia in recent years

Lavrov calls Zelensky "nothing man" for demanding Putin come to Istanbul

The Russian foreign minister recalled that Zelensky made some statements demanding that Putin attend in person

Israel engages five divisions in Gaza Strip operation — army

According to the spokesman, as part of the ground maneuvers launched, the Israeli army will "increase operational control in the Gaza Strip, including dividing the territory and distancing the population for its safety"

Iran to continue enrichment activity, despite US statements — top diplomat

Witkoff said earlier in the day that the United States cannot allow Iran to continue enriching uranium as this may lead to weaponization, and this is his country’s principled position

West will have to stop abusing UN Charter — Russian Foreign Ministry

Kirill Logvinov, Director of the Department of International Organizations at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stressed that Russia is committed to fostering international cooperation

Kiev lost 4,200 soldiers, mercenaries in one week near LPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the most significant damage to enemy manpower occurred within the zone of the West group’s responsibility

US nukes in Poland to become target for Russia should confrontation with NATO occur — MFA

"The impression is that Warsaw is maniacally seeking to attract even more attention from military planners in the Russian General Staff," Maria Zakharova added

Ukrainian POWs may not want to leave good treatment in Russia to come back home — lawmaker

During the first talks between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine in three years in Istanbul, the sides reached an agreement on exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war from each side

Conversation with Trump to be based on results of Istanbul talks — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin would give the maximum information possible based on the results of the conversation

Russia in Ukraine talks follows principles set forth by Putin in 2024 — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow has been acting based on these guidelines "in a systematic, principled and logical manner"

Durov says rejected French intelligence chief’s request to ban Romanian conservatives

Earlier in the day, he said that a Western European government asked Telegram "to silence conservative voices in Romania" but he refused to do this

Su-30 jets play key role in strengthening Myanmar's combat aviation capabilities — PM

"I am confident that the Russian side can train qualified specialists in the field of education, which will benefit Myanmar's army and be beneficial for our state," Min Aung Hlaing concluded

Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer with metastasis to bone tissue — statement

The White House has not yet responded to TASS' request for comment on the detection of cancer in the former US leader

Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential election — preliminary results

Romanian media outlets have declared Dan the winner, as 850,000 votes remain to be counted, and the current margin between the candidates is 898,000 votes

West to rig upcoming Moldovan elections just like it did in Romania — opposition leader

Ilan Shor said that the opposition would do everything it could to ensure a fair vote in Moldova

Russia highly values US mediation efforts on Ukraine settlement — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also confirmed to TASS that preparations were underway for a telephone call between the Russian and US leaders later on Monday

Russia to prepare list of ceasefire terms, hand it over to Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the specific content of the document would not be disclosed, as the negotiation process remains confidential

Expert describes liberation of Maryino in Sumy Region as Russian army’s strategic success

Maryino is more than 10 kilometers away from the Russian border, and this is a serious bid by the Russian army to create a buffer zone

Preconditions for stabilization on Korean Peninsula in sight — CSTO secretary general

The Russian Foreign Ministry has reiterated Moscow’s stance, emphasizing that the resolution of issues on the Korean Peninsula must be pursued through political and diplomatic means

US envoy says hopes Putin-Trump phone call will be successful

Among the topics he cited the Ukrainian settlement and trade. Apart from that, in his words, he would call Zelensky and leaders of NATO countries after his phone talks with Putin

Russian forces hit Ukrainian military’s soft underbelly near Konstantinovka — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are corrently advancing from three directions toward this community

Press review: Russia, Ukraine may hold new talks in Istanbul as EU eyes Baltic oil flows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 19th

Russia hopes Iran, US reach agreement on nuclear program — deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko underlined that it is important for Moscow that these discussions yield a positive outcome

US, Russia to decide on time, location of Trump-Putin meeting — Rubio

In an interview with CBS News, the top US diplomat noted that currently, the US and Russian sides must determine when and where such a meeting will take place and its main topics

Zelensky fears Putin, Trump to make him face 'fait accompli' — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the Ukrainian side is experiencing "heightened anxieties" about the upcoming conversation between the leaders of the US and Russia

Prosecutor General's Office declares Amnesty International undesirable in Russia

The PGO explained that since the beginning of the special military operation Amnesty International activists have been doing everything possible to fuel the military confrontation in the region

Russian forces encircle Ukraine troops in Donetsk area’s Konstantinovka

Russian Forces are making serious advances to the southwest of Konstantinovka

Slovak PM says Russia is Europe’s second largest LNG supplier to Europe

Robert Fico also slammed the European Union’s policy of curtailing Russian energy imports to the EU countries and stressed that his country is interested in supplies of cheap energy sources from Russia

Russia’s West battlegroup destroys Starlink station, 34 UAV control points

Over the past 24 hours the enemy lost 15 mortar crews and 3 robotic platforms

Expansion of exchanges between Russian, Chinese regions helps find new projects — Lavrov

"The Khabarovsk Region, with its rich experience of successful work with Chinese friends, holds leading positions in regional interaction," the Russian Foreign Minister noted

Aidar militants abandoning positions on border with Dnepropetrovsk Region

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

Liberation of Alexandropol to increase pressure on Ukrainian army in DPR

Additionally, the presence of Russian forces in that residential area will speed up an offensive on Konstantinovka

Argentinian president accuses journalist of deliberately hitting him with microphone

The anchor noted that the reporter had hit Milei with the soft part of the microphone

Inaugural mass for Pope Leo XIV underway at St. Peter’s Square

The largest delegations that arrived for the ceremony are from Italy, Peru, and the United States

Trump wishes Biden ‘fast and successful recovery’

Earlier, Biden's office released a statement saying that the 46th US president had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer

First batch of 2,000 Gepard kamikaze drones arrives for Russian troops

The Gepard features a ‘blind’ takeoff capability to counter enemy electronic reconnaissance and make the crew safe at the launch site

	
		OSZAR »