Organization · 2846 published stories · 182 outlets
Foreign tourist arrivals in Russia rose 23% year-on-year to 2 million in January-May 2026, driven by simplified visa rules and expanded air links, according to Russian officials. Domestic tourism also grew, with 34.2 million trips recorded, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov credited Global South visitors for offsetting EU restrictions.
China's Foreign Ministry has voiced opposition to what it calls the 'Chinese threat' myth and to rising tensions in the Arctic, responding to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's remarks on preventing Russia and China from strengthening their positions in the region. The ministry also urged NATO to abandon its 'Cold War mentality.'
Moldova's Constitutional Court has ruled parts of a 1994 law on Gagauzia's special status unconstitutional. Former Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev criticized the decision as undermining state unity and sending a negative signal to Transnistria.
Russian oil and petroleum product exports rose to 7.71 million barrels per day in June 2026, but revenues dropped by nearly 24% to $15.84 billion due to lower prices. Crude exports hit their highest level since February 2022, while petroleum product shipments declined. Separately, Transneft reported a 1.1% increase in 2025 oil export shipments via its network.
At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the US would lift sanctions imposed over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 systems, and raised the possibility of Turkey rejoining the F-35 programme. Analysts see a potential 'strategic reset' in US-Turkey relations, though congressional hurdles remain. Trump also criticized NATO allies for not supporting US military action in the Middle East and hinted at a possible troop withdrawal from Europe.
Over multiple trading sessions, the Russian stock market has shown both gains and losses at the opening, with the MOEX and RTS indices moving in tandem. The yuan-ruble exchange rate has also fluctuated, crossing the 11.5 rubles threshold in both directions.
Russian Central Election Commission Chairperson Ella Pamfilova said up to 11 political parties will appear on the federal ballot in the upcoming State Duma elections, with 11 parties having submitted documents. Pamfilova also outlined security preparations, including a focus on potential provocations and international observer invitations.
Israel has shared new intelligence with the US about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNN. The claims come amid renewed US-Iranian tensions, with Iranian officials dismissing the reports as baseless and US sources questioning their credibility.
China has successfully tested a sea-based recovery system for the Long March 10B rocket booster, marking a step toward reusable rocket technology. The booster landed vertically on an offshore platform, with state media reporting the achievement as a first for the country.
Authorities in the southern Russian city of Taganrog are evacuating residents from an emergency zone following a drone attack that caused a fire at the seaport. No casualties have been reported, and a temporary accommodation center has been set up for evacuees.
Japanese officials have reaffirmed Tokyo's support for the G7's sanctions policy against Russia while emphasizing the importance of maintaining bilateral relations with its neighbor. The statements come amid strained ties, with Russia's ambassador to Japan describing the relationship as at an unprecedented low.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Moscow and Beijing are discussing all aspects of a Ukraine settlement and praised China's balanced position, while the Chinese Embassy in Washington urged Kiev to view Beijing's role objectively, reiterating that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable path.
Technical talks between US and Iranian negotiators continue despite the US resuming large-scale strikes on Iran on July 8, according to TASS reporting. Israel has expressed readiness to join future US attacks if requested, and US forces are preparing for potential strikes, even as Washington pursues diplomatic solutions.
An explosion in Monaco injured businessman Vadim Yermolayev, a former Ukrainian citizen under Kyiv's sanctions. Several politicians and experts cited by TASS allege Ukrainian government involvement, citing his alleged plans to expose corruption or testify against officials.
A Russian diplomat says Germany, Japan, and Italy's votes against a UN resolution condemning the glorification of Nazism show that the UN charter's 'enemy states' provisions remain relevant. He also accuses Western countries of rewriting history to challenge Russia's UN Security Council seat.
Russia's permanent representative to the OPCW, Vladimir Tarabrin, says Moscow is in active consultations with the technical secretariat over a potential expert visit to investigate the use of chemical weapons in the Ukrainian conflict zone. He also accused Kiev of preparing chemical provocations and using chloropicrin in attacks.
Russian news agency TASS reported that at least one million people arrived in Mashhad for the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with armed forces deploying MiG-29 jets over the city. The farewell ceremonies, which began in Tehran on July 3, also drew tens of millions in Iran and Iraq, according to Press TV.
According to The Wall Street Journal, several Iranian missiles struck targets at US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, including a Patriot air defense system, early warning radar, and fuel tanks. The strikes were part of Iran's retaliation against US presence in the region, though officials report minor damage and no casualties.
Germany has agreed to purchase US Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon launchers, with a formal agreement expected in August. The deal, announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is framed as a stopgap measure while Europe seeks to develop its own systems. Reports highlight ongoing tensions between immediate defence needs and long-term European strategic autonomy.
Russia's acting UN envoy Anna Yevstigneyeva accused Western Security Council members of being accomplices in crimes in Ukraine and of disregarding civilian casualties, while reiterating that Russia will not accept ultimatums. Her remarks were made at UN Security Council meetings addressing a strike on a bus in Russia's Bryansk Region and broader Western involvement in the conflict.