News Digest: Global Developments in Politics, Defense, and International Relations

New Russia sanctions bill faces opposition in US — Politico

According to the newspaper, its future prospects are unclear

Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing develops in all areas — Putin

The Russian president specified that Moscow and Beijing are implementing major projects in the energy sector, industry, space, transport and logistics

At least five US military aircraft flying over Persian Gulf

Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers and Boeing KC-46A Pegasuses "are flying at an altitude of about eight kilometers, including along corridors designated for civil aircraft," a source in the Middle Eastern air traffic control services says

Elections in Russia and readiness to receive Zelensky in Moscow: Kremlin's statements

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow is still ready to receive Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky for negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict while Russia’s position on this issue has not changed

US seriously considers use of nuclear weapons in Europe — Russian MFA

According to Andrey Belousov, Washington’s efforts to initiate discussions on Russia’s non-strategic nuclear weapons serve to divert international attention from what he described as the threat posed by US nuclear weapons stationed in Europe

Iran seeks peaceful settlement of conflict with US, not continuation of war — president

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, there are forces in the US seeking to escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington to gain an advantage

Mutual benefit shapes Russia-Kyrgyzstan cooperation — Peskov

Dmitry Peskov noted that it is beneficial for Kyrgyzstan to be a member of the Eurasian Economic Union

Plan for further regulation of digital platforms approved in Russia

The government’s subcommittee on the development of digital platforms has approved the roadmap for legislative initiatives for 2026-2027

Russia welcomes any country’s efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that so far the Kiev regime has been unwilling to be influenced by any mediators

Putin to take part in SCO summit, hold bilateral meetings

The SCO summit will officially begin on the morning of September 1

Kremlin urges people to ignore ‘fake news’ in Western media, to focus on front realities

The fact is that nowadays, both less reputable publications and more reputable publications, as well as publications that were once reputable, do not shy away from any kind of fake news, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Over 200 prominent Israelis urge PM to end West Bank violence — newspaper

The New York Times reported that the letter was signed by two former prime ministers, more than three dozen retired Army and Air Force generals, the former heads of the nation’s foreign and domestic intelligence services, as well as rabbis, a Nobel laureate and one of Israel’s most revered novelists

Ukraine unable to intercept new models of Russia’s Geran drones — newspaper

According to an article in The Guardian, the new-model drones have a cruising speed of about 400 kilometers per hour, roughly twice that of the piston-engine version

US ‘big enough’ to handle threats globally, vice president says

JD Vance commented on reports of weapons shortages affecting the US ability to respond to threats

SCO has become independent center of emerging multipolar world — Putin

The Russian president emphasized that today, the SCO is effectively the largest regional association not only on the Eurasian continent but globally

Russia adds over 100 mln carats to diamond reserves since start of year

Head of Rosnedra Oleg Kazanov noted that reserve additions are driven not only by new deposits but by additional geological exploration and the reassessment of existing deposits

SCO continues to expand as countries share same ideas — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov specified that the participants adhere to an approach "based on mutual respect rather than rules imposed by a boss on vassals"

Trump claims about 30 ships pass through Strait of Hormuz every night with US assistance

The US president noted that "a lot of oil is coming out," and the price has not increased as some forecasts had predicted

Iran relocates missile production facilities to safer places — IRGC

According to adviser to the IRGC commander-in-chief Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the production sites are now operating with the use of the most advanced technologies and increased production capacity

Cooperation between Russia and India constantly reaches new frontiers — Modi

The Indian prime minister stressed that moving forward together had been the shared vision

US Treasury chief rules out agreements with Russia until Ukraine conflict ends — agency

According to a source cited by Reuters, Scott Bessent told Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov that no economic relief for Russia or agreements on other issues were possible until the conflict was over

IRGC say they downed MQ-9 drone over Strait of Hormuz

The drone was taken down in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz

IN BRIEF: Change in effective date of new key rate and economic development scenarios

The regulator will change the effective date of the new key rate from Monday to Wednesday

Putin urges students to believe in themselves in Knowledge Day message

The Russian president noted that today’s school and university students "are the ones who will continue our great Motherland’s track record of victories and achievements"

IN BRIEF: What is known about detention of two Russians working for Ukraine in Crimea

According to the FSB, two Crimean residents were recruited by officers of the Ukrainian army’s special operations force via a popular messenger

US considers limited strikes against Iran in Strait of Hormuz region — Axios

According to sources cited by the portal, the US goal is to prevent Iran from reconstituting its radar and missile capabilities to attack ships

Trump says may continue strikes against Iran

The US president added that his awareness of serious troubles in Iran "doesn't mean we won't smack them"

Putin’s talk with Pashinyan to be pragmatic, respectful — Kremlin

The Armenian prime minister now has different views on the possible future configurations for his country, but cooperation with Moscow brings great benefits to the Armenians, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Global sports won't 'bend' to 'whims' of individual nations — Russian Olympic chief

Mikhail Degtyarev underscored that the major competitions on the IOC calendar would be organized where there were no obstacles for individual participants

EU preparations for State Duma election provocations, plans to null results — SVR

According to the intelligence service, the West has mobilized "all the ‘weapons’ from the arsenal of anti-Russian aggression" to destabilize the country ahead of the elections

US uses fewer weapons against Iran than provided to Ukraine under Biden — Trump

According to the US president, Washington gave Ukraine over $300 billion worth of ammunition during this period

Russia to respond to hostile actions of its opponents, including asymmetrically — Lavrov

The foreign minister said that Russia favors constructive dialogue but, if necessary, will defend "national interests by all available means"

Talking about mediation in Iran war still difficult — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said the situation unfolding in the Persian Gulf around Iran will be discussed on Tuesday by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian

Trump says wants to get on with everyone when talking about inviting Russia to G20 events

The US president added that "getting along with everybody" is "one of the reasons that I'm so successful"

Mass rollout of digital ruble begins in Russia

At the first stage, the country's largest banks will offer their clients the ability to conduct transactions using the digital national currency, while all credit institutions will join the system by September 2028

Six members of banned organization Jehovah's Witnesses convicted of extremism In Moscow

To date, more than 30 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization have been involved in criminal cases in Moscow and the Moscow Region for their participation and involvement in the activities of an extremist organization