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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

NEW YORK, May 18. /TASS/. Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, The New York Times reported, citing a spokesman.

"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," the spokesman said in a statement as quoted by the newspaper. "The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.".

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"

Hamas ready to release up to 9 hostages in exchange for 60-day ceasefire — TV

According to the television channel, a Hamas spokesman said that the movement would agree to release from seven to nine hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and release of 300 Palestinian prisoners

Phone conversation between Putin, Trump in the works, Kremlin confirms to TASS

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

Foreign mercenaries fight on Ukrainian side in Volnoye Pole

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

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

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 wants to make progress on Ukraine in coming days — Rubio

"We're trying to achieve peace and end a very bloody, costly and destructive war," US Secretary of State said

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

Polish presidential election’s turnout stands at over 20% by Sunday noon

More than 29 million Polish citizens have the right to cast their votes for one of 13 candidates running in the presidential election at 32,000 polling stations across the country

Kiev did not want to send delegation to Istanbul, West convinced it — WP

"Zelensky didn’t see the point in going at all," Washington Post quoted a diplomat

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"

RPL-20, RPL-7 belt-fed hand-held machine guns demonstrated for first time in Russia

"Our goal is to expand our line of products to meet the specific needs of our customers," stated Kalashnikov Concern CEO Alan Lushnikov

Russia’s East battlegroup eliminates 11 Ukrainian UAV control points in one day

Alexander Gordeyev emphasized that the battlegroup continues to carry out combat missions in the area of the special military operation

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

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

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

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

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

Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip kill 17 people on Monday

According to the report, the Israeli army launched a massive air raid on Khan Yunis and the surrounding area in southern Gaza

Co-founder of crypto game Blum arrested in Moscow on large-scale fraud charges

Meanwhile, the official website of the Zamoskvoretsky Court confirmed that materials related to Smerkis’s arrest were indeed submitted to the court for consideration, although it does not specify the final decision rendered

One protester killed, several injured in central Tripoli

According to Libya Press, seven ministers and four deputies in Dbeibeh’s cabinet has already resigned amid growing protests

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

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"

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

Actor Richard Chamberlain died at age of 90

According to him, the actor died on March 29 in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications following a stroke

Kiev can run out of munitions in four months if Washington cuts off supplies — Bloomberg

"The European Union is incapable of filling the gap," Bloomberg opinion columnist Max Hastings said

European Parliament nominates Jeffrey Sachs for Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize

Nominations for the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize continue to flow in

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"

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

Belarus, Russia ready for joint exercises, these are defensive in nature — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president said that the countries were not going to attack anyone, contrary to what some people think

US Congress may tighten sanctions against Moscow — Rubio

Reuters reported on Friday that a number of US lawmakers have stepped up calls for tougher sanctions against Moscow amid what they say is "little progress in ceasefire talks" in Istanbul

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

Ukrainian troops practically dislodged from Bogatyr in south Donetsk region — expert

The Ukrainian army lost a large number of personnel dead and wounded in that frontline area

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

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

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

One airline company interested in operating direct flights between Russia, Malaysia

Aeroflot - Russia's major airline - has no plans to resume flights to Malaysia, Russian Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin noted

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

Russia scales up domestic production in response to reduced trade with Europe — IMF

The Russian economy is expected to see "a quite sharp slowdown this year from last year's growth," Director of the European Department at the International Monetary Fund Alfred Kammer said

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

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"

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 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

Car explosion in California was caused by bomb — mayor

It has been confirmed that it was a bomb, either placed inside or near the vehicle, he said according to Reuters

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

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

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

Putin, Trump expected to talk over phone

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

Ukrainian army’s rout in Kursk Region brings defeat of neo-Nazi regime closer — Putin

The Kiev regime’s venture has failed completely and the enemy has suffered huge losses, the Russian President said

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

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

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

Press review: Russia, Ukraine prepared for negotiations as US aims to deepen OPEC+ ties

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 16th

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

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

Israel announces beginning of ground operation in northern, southern Gaza

According to the IDF, the targets included weapons depots, underground structures, missile launchers and other Hamas infrastructure

Battlegroup West destroys 40 UAV control points, eight Starlink stations of Ukraine

The battlegroup also destroyed three Ukrainian field ammunition depots

At least three killed in blast near police station in eastern Syria — agency

According to the agency, presumably the bomb was planted in a car

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

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

Russia, Ukraine held talks, agreeing to swap captives and meet again. Here’s what we know

The head of the Russian delegation, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, said he was satisfied with the outcome of the talks and Moscow is ready to continue communication

Robinson helicopter makes hard landing in Moscow Region, pilot unhurt

According to the Investigative Committee, the helicopter made a hard landing near the village of Islavskoye in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region

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%

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

Love for North is among key factors to have young people stay in Arctic — survey results

A group of researchers from the Petrozavodsk State University has conducted a large-scale social research to study which images and thoughts form up the territorial identity of young people living in the Russian Federation's Arctic

Trump expresses confidence his meeting with Putin will be organized, held

US President added that his meetings with Vladimir Zelensky were not easy

Ukraine fails to turn Istanbul talks into show — Russian diplomat

The Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, was ready for dialogue as early as Thursday morning

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

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

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

Russian prisoners need medical care after torture in Ukraine — lawmaker

According to Viktor Vodolatsky, the Russian servicemen that are currently in captivity in Ukraine will be provided with highly skilled medical care and rehabilitation in hospitals of the South Military District and Moscow

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

Romania is holding the runoff presidential election on May 18

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

Russia says Ukraine lost many armored vehicles, heavy drones in fighting for Kotlyarovka

The statement followed the Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement on May 12 that units of the battlegroup had liberated the village

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

FBI classifies California car explosion as terrorist attack

According Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, the incident was a deliberate act of terrorism and the service will will determine whether it constitutes international or domestic terrorism

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

At least two dead after Mexican Navy vessel collides with Brooklyn Bridge

According to the New York Post, 17 were injured

US wants Iran to abandon nuclear ambitions — Rubio

The Secretary of State added that US President Donald Trump would prefer to resolve disagreements with Tehran through negotiations rather than military action

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 aggressive form of cancer — media

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

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

Hamas denies reports about readiness to release up to nine hostages in Gaza

Spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri Abu Zuhri reiterated Hamas’s position, stating the group is ready to "release all hostages at once" if Israel "commits to a ceasefire with international guarantees"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia regains export leadership to Kazakhstan in Q1 2025

The total trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Russia for Q1 is estimated at approximately $5.36 bln

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

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%

Telegram refused to silence Romanian conservatives ahead of election — Durov

In this context, he changed the name of his channel from the French-style Du Rove's Channel to the Latin transcription of his name, Pavel Durov

History shows wars are fought as peace talks continue — chief Russian negotiator

Vladimir Medinsky cited several historical examples of when negotiations took place while the war was not over

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

There have been no reports on civilian injuries or fatalities

UN mission, Libyan Presidential Council form committee for Tripoli truce

The mission also expressed concern "over the reports of civilian casualties during this week's violence" and called for "an immediate unconditional, permanent ceasefire"

Center-right coalition winning Portugal’s snap parliamentary elections

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

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

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

West uses Ukrainians as cannon fodder in pursuing geopolitical goals — foreign intel chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the crisis of the Western-centered world has primarily affected the system of values

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

	
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