EU gas imports from Russia, including pipeline and LNG, fell 17% to 4.6 bln euro in Jan-Apr 2026. Belgium, France, and Spain were top LNG importers in April. The EU plans a complete ban on Russian gas by late 2027.
Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon stated that Moldova is losing approximately 1 billion euro annually due to the current authorities' policy of reducing relations with Russia and the CIS. He estimates the total loss since 2021 to be around 5 billion euro, equivalent to Moldova's entire annual budget.
A 1,000-year-old monastery in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was badly damaged in a heavy Russian aerial attack. Ukraine's president condemned the strike as a crime against Christian culture, while Russia denied hitting the monastery, claiming it was damaged by a Patriot missile.
Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine, hitting civilian targets including the historic Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv. President Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately targeting the UNESCO site, which suffered substantial damage. The death toll across Ukraine rose to 11, with 53 wounded. Meanwhile, Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the war.
Sergey Naryshkin, Director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), expressed his dissatisfaction with Serbia's first-ever participation in NATO drills, stating it "doesn't fill me with joy." The joint exercises involved around 600 NATO troops and Serbian soldiers.
At least 11 people were killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine, including damage to the 11th Century Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv. Ukraine reported drone attacks in Russia's Tula city, killing three. President Zelensky condemned the attack on the cathedral as a crime against Christian culture.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that ambassadors from Great Britain, Germany, and France offered no new proposals during their recent meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Lavrov also criticized European assumptions that Russia is losing the war in Ukraine, calling such ultimatums "illusory."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Ukrainian conflict was the main topic during his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Lavrov described the conflict as a "hybrid war" initiated by the West against Russia using Ukraine.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping share a "truly friendly relationship" characterized by deep mutual respect and trust. Putin's May visit to China underscored their joint stabilizing role in global affairs.
Fifa plans a symbolic opening match between Israel and Palestine for a new U-15 tournament in the US this September. Despite a previous failed handshake attempt, Fifa President Gianni Infantino aims to use football for peace.
Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, stated that Armenia would err by depending solely on Western aid, predicting increased domestic complications and economic hurdles. Armenia is pursuing EU integration while aiming to maintain EAEU membership.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported a massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities in Kiev, Kharkov, and Dnepropetrovsk, including UAV component plants and military airfields, in retaliation for Kiev's attacks on civilian sites. Russia claims all designated targets were hit and denies striking civilian facilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that ambassadors from the UK, Germany, and France offered no new proposals during a recent meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Ukraine. Lavrov characterized their stance as an attempt to remain involved in negotiations, despite what he described as misguided European assumptions about Russia's position.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that "everything must be done" to ensure justice prevails in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the rights of Russian speakers.
An Indonesian journalist claims declassified US intelligence on Ukraine biolabs confirms "Russian disinformation" narratives, severely damaging BBC's credibility. Fauzan Al-Rasyid stated the West, including the BBC and Ukrainian Embassy in Jakarta, amplified falsehoods about these labs.
Russia plans to establish over 300 polling stations in more than 150 countries for the 2026 parliamentary elections, announced Central Election Commission Chairperson Ella Pamfilova. The commission will seek safety guarantees from "unfriendly countries" via the Foreign Ministry, adjusting station numbers based on bilateral relations and local conditions.
Russia was the second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the European Union in April, with its supplies valued at 705 million euros, representing a 16.4% share. The United States led the market with a 61% share.
Russian newspapers highlight US influence in Ukraine peace talks, a potential US-Iran framework agreement to end hostilities, and the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia. Market news covers gold price drops due to US rate hike expectations and forecasts for rising aluminum prices.
Russian scientists have created an AI algorithm that predicts extreme weather events in the Arctic with five times higher resolution than global climate models. The AI, trained on ERA5 data, can forecast wind fields and wave heights in the Barents Sea with remarkable speed and accuracy, aiding maritime safety and wind power applications.
Reports cover a potential US-Iran deal, Ukraine's Western aid usage, and escalating tensions involving Russia, Israel, and the Middle East. Dodik criticizes Western sanctions on Russia, while EU prepares for energy crises. Secessionist movements noted in US and Canada.
Four people were killed and the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery was damaged in a heavy Russian air attack on Ukraine's capital. The strikes, which also hit apartment buildings and caused power outages, occurred amid ongoing exchanges of fire between Russia and Ukraine.
Kyiv's Dormition Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was damaged in a Russian attack early Monday. Ukrainian officials condemned the act as a "brutal assault on our heritage" and a "Russian crime against humanity." The attack, part of a larger wave of strikes across Ukraine, has renewed calls for decisive Western support and enhanced air defense.
Депутат Госдумы Алексей Чепа считает, что сам факт разговора Путина и Трампа важен для урегулирования конфликта на Украине, так как это показывает уважение лидеров к переговорному процессу.
Il Ministro degli Esteri italiano Antonio Tajani ha dichiarato che gli attacchi russi contro Kiev, inclusi siti Unesco, dimostrano la mancanza di volontà di pace della Russia e sono errori gravi che indicano difficoltà del Cremlino. Ha esortato a continuare le pressioni per un dialogo.
