Russia — Page 95

Zelenskyy warns prolonged Iran conflict could further reduce US support for Ukraine

AI summaryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concern that a prolonged US-Israeli war on Iran could further erode American support for Ukraine, especially as Kyiv faces acute shortages of Patriot air defense missiles. Speaking to The Associated Press and German television, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is not the priority for Washington today and that a long war would likely mean fewer weapons for Ukraine.

Hungary's incoming PM expects Orban to lift veto on EU loan to Ukraine after pipeline restart

AI summaryPeter Magyar, leader of Hungary's Tisza Party and prime minister-elect, expects outgoing PM Viktor Orban to lift his procedural veto on the EU's 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine once Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline is restored. Kyiv has promised to repair the pipeline by late April, while Orban could remain in office until May 12. Meanwhile, EU officials anticipate progress on Ukraine-related decisions following Orban's departure.

Xi Jinping says China-Russia ties 'precious' amid global turmoil

AI summaryChinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing on Wednesday, describing the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations as 'precious' in a world marked by change and chaos. The talks, held at the Great Hall of the People, came as part of Lavrov's visit to China, during which he also held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

India's fast breeder reactor reaches criticality, advancing nuclear ambitions

AI summaryIndia's domestically designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has achieved criticality, a key step toward full operation. The milestone advances India's three-stage nuclear programme and its goal of harnessing thorium reserves. Multiple outlets report the reactor will make India the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.

Leaked US Overflight Plan Sparks Sovereignty Debate in Indonesia

AI summaryA leaked proposal to grant US military aircraft broad overflight access to Indonesian airspace has ignited domestic concerns over Jakarta's strategic independence. Indonesia's defence ministry acknowledges the plan as a draft, while the foreign ministry warns of entanglement in foreign conflicts.

China's Xi meets Russia's Lavrov, calls bilateral ties 'precious'

AI summaryChinese President Xi Jinping met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, urging stronger strategic coordination and deeper cooperation. Lavrov offered to help offset China's energy shortages amid the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as regional leaders flock to Beijing for talks.

South Korea Secures 273 Million Barrels of Crude Oil and 2.1 Million Tons of Naphtha by Year-End

AI summarySouth Korea's presidential chief of staff announced that the country has secured 273 million barrels of crude oil and 2.1 million tons of naphtha from Middle Eastern nations, enough to sustain the economy for over three months. The supplies will be shipped via alternative routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Additional measures include covering extra shipping costs for alternative crude imports.

Lavrov in Beijing: Russia-China ties a stabilizing factor in global affairs

AI summaryRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Beijing for talks with Chinese leaders, underscoring the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing. Lavrov and Chinese officials framed the relationship as a stabilizing force in global affairs, discussed economic cooperation, and signaled an upcoming visit by President Putin. The visit highlighted shared positions on multilateralism and resistance to Western influence.

Lavrov: Russia Open to Restoring Investment Ties with US After Ukraine Settlement

AI summaryRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia is willing to resume investment cooperation with the United States once the Ukraine conflict is resolved, but insisted that Russia's interests must be respected. He also warned that delays could erode promising opportunities.

Russia Signals Readiness to Continue Ukraine Negotiations, Lavrov Says

AI summaryRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow's commitment to talks on Ukraine, citing agreements from the Alaska summit, while noting that European leaders are blocking their implementation. He also criticized ongoing US sanctions and expressed openness to dialogue with other nations, including Hungary.

EU to Resume Ukraine Loan and Sanctions Talks After Magyar Takes Office

AI summaryThe European Commission expects Hungary's incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, to approve a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia, according to officials. Talks could resume at EU meetings in May, with Magyar's Tisza party having won a parliamentary majority.

Cannes Film Festival announces arthouse-heavy lineup as Hollywood scales back

Rublev Advances Through 2026 Barcelona Open, Rankings Climb Reported

AI summaryRussian tennis star Andrey Rublev progressed through the 2026 ATP Barcelona Open, clearing the opening round and later reaching the semifinals, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Reports also indicate he moved up three spots in the ATP rankings to 12th after a runner-up finish in the previous tournament.

Russian and Chinese top diplomats meet in Beijing, addressing regional tensions and security

AI summaryRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing on April 14, discussing issues including the Iran war, Ukraine, Taiwan, and broader Eurasian security threats. The Russian side highlighted "dangerous games" in East Asia, while the Chinese readout criticized "unilateral hegemony," and both sides reportedly discussed a potential Xi-Putin meeting later this year, according to South China Morning Post.

Zaporozhye NPP loses external power, backup generators activated; supply later restored

AI summaryThe Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant experienced a complete loss of external power on Tuesday morning, prompting the automatic activation of backup diesel generators. Plant officials reported no panic among staff and said external power was restored later the same day. The IAEA is monitoring the situation and consulting with Russia and Ukraine on a local ceasefire to repair a disconnected power line.

Alrosa expects diamond market rebalancing to stabilize prices this year

AI summaryRussian diamond miner Alrosa forecasts that declining global production and sustained jewelry demand will support prices for large diamonds in 2026, while predicting market rebalancing will stabilize smaller stones. The company also reported a 57 million carat increase in diamond reserves in 2025 and plans to record 3.5 tons of gold in 2026.

Rosseti to Boost Investment Program to ~$11.76 Bln in 2026

AI summaryRussia's largest grid operator Rosseti plans to raise its 2026 investment program to around 900 billion rubles ($11.76 billion), up from 725 billion rubles in 2025, according to CEO Andrey Ryumin. The company also reported a record adjusted profit of over 297 billion rubles, which will help finance the expansion.

Armenia and Russia: A Relationship in Flux

AI summaryArmenian and Russian officials have exchanged statements amid growing economic and geopolitical tensions. Moscow warns of changing terms in economic partnership, while Yerevan insists on resolving all issues and maintaining cooperation, including military-technical ties.

‘We Were Never Friends With Orbán’: Hungary’s New Era Leaves Russia on the Back Foot

AI summaryAfter Péter Magyar’s landslide victory, Hungary’s relations with Moscow enter uncharted territory. The Kremlin, while professing respect for the vote, has acknowledged the loss of its closest EU partner. As Ukraine welcomes the change, Magyar’s stance on Russian energy and the war will be closely watched.

Russian diplomat warns UN 'pseudo-reforms' risk deepening institutional crisis

AI summaryA senior Russian diplomat has warned that reforms championed by individual UN member states threaten to push the organization deeper into a systemic crisis. Kirill Logvinov also discussed UN reforms and the selection of a new secretary general in consultations with a Libyan official, as reported by Russian state media.