Top US and Russian diplomats, Marco Rubio and Sergey Lavrov, discussed the Ukraine war on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Manila, Philippines. Lavrov reiterated Russia's readiness for a political settlement and condemned Western arms supplies, while Rubio affirmed the US's willingness to play a constructive role in ending the conflict.
A senior Russian diplomat stated that returning seized diplomatic property and resuming direct flights between Russia and the US are crucial for bilateral progress. Alexander Gusarov expressed hope that Washington will recognize these issues as key to breaking deadlocks in other dialogue areas.
Austria declared three Russian diplomats personae non gratae over an “antenna forest” on the roofs of diplomatic buildings that could be used for spying, the government said on Monday. Numerous satellite dishes placed on buildings used by the Russian state in Vienna, particularly a residential complex for diplomatic staff, have long attracted the attention of Austria’s main domestic intelligence service, which has warned for years they could be used to intercept other states’ satellite...
Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats suspected of espionage, citing the use of unauthorized satellite equipment. The move follows a refusal by Moscow to waive the officials' diplomatic immunity.
Maria Zakharova says Russia will demand from Washington "confirmation in each specific case that the newborn is not subject to US jurisdiction"
