Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 30th

Europe keeps LNG imports at record highs for April

By the end of January - April, LNG pumping from the terminals to the European gas transportation system remained at a record level of over 50.8 billion cubic meters, an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2025.

Press review: Russia, US find common ground on Ukraine as gold demand hits 13-year high

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 30th.

US mulling military options in Cuba, with emphasis remaining on diplomacy — Politico

According to sources in the Donald Trump administration, cited by the media, the US has signaled to Cuba that the regime change "may have to wait," but some top officials would have to resign.

Cuban president notes increase of US military threat to unprecedented level

Miguel Diaz-Canel emphasized that any agressor will "face the nation full of determination to defend sovereignty and independence on every centimeter of its national territory."

More and more Europeans flee EU over disagreement with Western policies — Duma speaker

He added that as of the end of October 2025, Europeans submitted 2,275 applications for temporary residence permits in Russia, and today this figure stands at about 3,400.

North Macedonia provides military, technical aid to Ukraine — Russian envoy

According to Dmitry Zykov, Skopje's position on the Ukrainian crisis is dictated by the Euro-Atlantic vector of its foreign policy, which is solemnly declared at various levels in the country.

US analyst calls Trump’s letter on end of war with Iran 'farcical'

Andrew Napolitano noted that this notification to Congress is frivolous in legal terms and "based on a misreading of the statute."

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism.

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage."

US to reduce troops stationed abroad by more than 5,000 — Trump

The US president made the statement, commenting on the pullout of 5,000 troops from Germany announced recently by the Pentagon.

Persian Gulf countries running out of interceptor missiles - Bloomberg

Iran has fired almost 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones at the Gulf states since the start of the war.

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe.

Expert names most promising areas of Russian weapons development

The most promising sectors of Russian weapons development currently include hypersonic missiles and drones, as well as laser and electromagnetic weaponry, Alexander Stepanov said.

Fire extinguished at marine terminal in Tuapse

About 130 people participated in extinguishing the fire.

Trump says threatened Thailand and Cambodia with new duties

US President said he was sure that the duties is an important tool in the foreign policy for his administration.

INTERVIEW: Almaz-Antey launches 48 units of flight support equipment in 2025

He said an interview with TASS that the automation systems of Russian manufacturers comply with the highest levels of international automation processes.

DPR head doubts change of power in Ukraine possible after political crackdown by Kiev

Denis Pushilin added that the Kiev regime has proved effective at eliminating political opponents.

Russia needs no reaction from Kiev to Putin’s proposed V-Day ceasefire — Kremlin

"It was a decision made by the Russian president and it will be observed," Dmitry Peskov stressed.

US signals intention to punish rather than cooperate with Europe — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the differences between the Trump administration and European allies are starting to look irreconcilable.

LG files eleven applications for trademark registration in Russia

Earlier, Rospatent head Yury Zubov said in an interview with TASS that well-known foreign brands are trying to ensure both registration and extension of their trademarks in Russia.

Expert sees link between US move to pull troops from Germany and Russia’s list of targets

According to Russia’s top brass, the European branches of Ukrainian drone-production companies are located across eight European countries.

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days.

Pentagon orders withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany

The withdrawal is to be completed over the next six to twelve months, Assistant to the US Secretary of War for Public Affairs Sean Parnell said.

Word ‘justice’ becomes oxymoron in Ukraine — Russian Foreign Ministry

The current regime, despite earlier promises to complete the investigation of the Odessa tragedy and punish the perpetrators, is clearly not up to justice today, she said.

Kiev loses 1,195 troops during day in special military operation zone — Defense Ministry

The ministry said that the North battlegroup defeated formations of the Ukrainian mechanized brigade and the air defense brigade in the areas of the settlements of Druzhba, Velikaya Berezka and Kondratovka in the Sumy Region.

US stopped financing Ukrainian army, but to continue to make money in Ukraine — expert

According to him, this approach indicates US intention to "withdraw itself" and avoid direct involvement in the conflict.

Putin: Russia stands for demilitarization of Ukraine

Russian President said he wished the Donbass problem could be settled through talks and the implementation of the Minsk agreements, but "regrettably, this is no longer relevant."

North Korea’s Kim vows to respond unhesitatingly with nuclear strike if Pyongyang provoked

On December 18, North Korea held successful trials of the Hwasong-18 ICBM in response to hostile actions by the US and South Korea.

Pentagon says withdrawal of troops from Germany punishment for its position on Iran — NYT

According to the newspaper, Germany's reluctance to help the United States in military operations against Iran has caused discontent in Washington.

Parliament speaker calls for justice over Israeli attacks on mosques in southern Lebanon

Nabih Berri called on Muslims and Christians to join forces "to expose those seeking to stir up religious hatred in Lebanon."

Putting the Western hemisphere on notice, nuclear deterrence: Pentagon chief’s remarks

The United States is ready to conduct military operations in the Western Hemisphere if they are necessary to promote US interests, Pete Hegseth said.

Iran offers US to reach agreement on Hormuz opening during 30 days — Axios

According to sources cited by the media, Tehran allocated one more month for talks on its nuclear program.

Putin shown model of section of pipeline used in Operation Stream

During the operation, 800 Russian soldiers advanced through the pipeline over six days, covering nearly 15 kilometers to emerge on the surface behind enemy lines.

Bundestag calls US troops withdrawal from Germany ‘wake-up call,’ but no reason for panic

The possible withdrawal of American troops from Germany on the announced scale is not a reason for panic, but another wake-up call, said chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee Thomas Rowekamp.

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly."

Vladimir Putin recalls how WWII affected life of his parents

In his article for the Russian Pioneer magazine Putin recalls how the war affected his family, how his father fought, who was injured and after the war met a comrade-in-arms who saved his life.

Russia to view F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as threat in nuclear sphere — Lavrov

"During combat operations, our military will not be clearing out whether or not each particular jet of this class is equipped to carry nuclear weapons," the minister added.

Iran handed over roadmap to reach agreement to the US — news agency

According to a report by Fars, the document contains Tehran’s requirements and a "clear-cut roadmap" for reaching the agreement.

Mertz to be blamed until he corrects mistakes or quits — Dmitriev

Earlier, the Pentagon said it will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany within the next 6-12 months.

Finland to be legitimate target for Russian missile forces if it imports nuke arms

Sergey Lipovoy, chairman of the Officers of Russia organization, said that the "NATO leadership is currently trying to drag Finland into an arms race it does not need."

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28.

NATO disintegration continues — Tusk on US decision to withdraw some troops from Germany

According to the Polish Prime Minister, the greatest threat to the transatlantic community is not posed by its external enemies.