Addressing the audience, Putin also acknowledged the challenges faced by those on the front line and behind the scenes, noting that fear is a natural response in difficult circumstances. However, he emphasised that resilience and unity remain key factors in overcoming adversity, highlighting the mobilisation of millions of people in support of the country’s goals.

The symbolic ceremony took place on Thursday at the Pushkin Library in Moscow, where blogger Robert and ballerina Matilda exchanged vows and fastened bracelets instead of traditional wedding rings.

The bride also performed a wedding dance as part of the celebration.

According to organisers, the event was designed to highlight how humanoid robots and automation could become part of everyday life.

"We can make our society better and more automated, and shape a post-industrial society where people can live in harmony, leaving more time for art, creativity, and harmony. Robots, in fact, help with automation and free people from routine labor," said IT Imperial Deputy CEO Anna Bagdasaryan.

She added that IT Imperial develops robots with open systems, allowing users to create and programme their own behavioural algorithms.

The company's press office said the ceremony was organised to mark Family, Love and Fidelity Day.

As part of the event, IT Imperial donated books on robotics, artificial intelligence and automation to the Pushkin Library, saying the goal was to help readers better understand modern technologies.

Youssouf also highlighted Russia’s backing for reforms to the UN Security Council, including support for Africa’s long-standing demand for greater representation. The African Union is calling for two permanent seats with full rights, as well as five non-permanent seats, as part of efforts to strengthen the continent’s voice in global decision-making.

"They will fear that Ukraine will put a heavy burden on the EU budget," Fico said. "Yes, that is the other side of Ukraine's entry into the European Union . Therefore, everything has its time, and Ukraine must be patient. It must be very, very patient," he added.

Fico also questioned the European Union's proposed €90 billion ($103 billion) support package for Ukraine, claiming the bloc was funding Ukrainian weapons production that could later be sold back to EU member states.

"We are already in a mess. If we give someone 90 billion for the production of weapons, for support, for all sorts of things, they will manufacture weapons from it and then sell them back to the European Union," he said.

The Slovak prime minister said Slovakia's presidency of the Visegrad Group (V4) would focus on competitiveness, EU enlargement, people-to-people relations and practical cooperation, while making peace a fifth priority.

The European Union formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine in June 2024. On Friday, EU member states reached a technical agreement to begin opening another accession negotiating cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, with formal approval expected on July 14.

"There is a shortage of anti-ballistic defence systems. There is a shortage of Patriot systems," Zelensky said. "Our partners - above all the United States and our European partners - must be more active in providing them," he added.

Zelensky said protecting Ukrainian cities would require not only additional Patriot deliveries but also the expansion of Europe's own anti-ballistic missile production capacity.

"A NATO summit will take place in the coming days. Air defence must become one of its key outcomes," he said, adding that Europe should develop sufficient capabilities to defend itself against all threats, including Russian ballistic missiles.

The Ukrainian president also revealed that Kyiv has held long-running discussions with the United States on licensing the production of Patriot systems, while also seeking to expand European missile manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry said its latest large-scale strikes targeted military-industrial enterprises, fuel and energy infrastructure, radio-electronic and aviation manufacturing facilities, a missile assembly and testing plant, a transport and logistics hub, gas distribution stations in Kyiv and the surrounding region, as well as facilities in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkasy and Chernigov regions.

The operation was carried out jointly by officers from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Russian Investigative Committee.

According to Russian authorities, the first suspect was arrested near a law enforcement building in the city of Pyatigorsk.

"A Russian citizen born in 2006 was detained as she approached a building belonging to a law enforcement agency in Pyatigorsk. The backpack she was carrying was found to contain an improvised explosive device with a yield of approximately two kilograms in TNT equivalent," the FSB statement read.

Investigators said a second woman was detained shortly afterwards during the same operation.

The agency added that soon after the first suspect was apprehended, its officers identified and detained another Russian woman who "on the instructions from Ukrainian handlers, had intended to deliver a similar device to the site" while the investigative and operational team was working there.

Russian authorities described the case as an alleged Ukraine-backed attack targeting law enforcement personnel.

Footage released by officials showed the suspects being detained and explosive devices being destroyed in controlled detonations.

According to investigators, both women acted independently and claimed they did not know the bags they were transporting contained explosive devices.

The detainees now face several criminal charges, including terrorism, illegal transportation of ammunition and illegal manufacture of explosive devices.

"Ukraine has repeatedly signalled that dragging Belarus into this war could lead to extremely dangerous consequences. In particular, we have recorded that special equipment has been installed along our border on the territory of Belarus, helping the Russians launch drone strikes against us, against our territory. Against our energy infrastructure , our railways, ordinary cities, and our villages. Belarus has time to dismantle this equipment," he said.

According to Zelensky, the equipment includes four repeaters located in Belarus's Gomel and Brest regions that allegedly assist in guiding drone attacks on Ukrainian targets.

The Ukrainian president also accused Belarusian industry of contributing to Russia's war effort through the supply of military-related components and fuel.

"We also know about every factory in Belarus that works for Russia and works for this war. Every single enterprise that supplies components for Russian weapons, armoured vehicles, missile systems, as well as the enterprises that supply Russia with fuel for the war. This is all dragging Belarus into the war. Ukraine does not want this, and we have actually warned the leadership of Belarus, which influences the relevant events," Zelensky said.

The warning follows a separate dispute earlier this week, when Russia and Belarus accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone strike on a bus transporting Belarusian schoolchildren in Russia's Bryansk region.

According to the committee, a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle struck a bus belonging to Rechitsa Youth Sports School No. 2 while it was travelling from Belarus on the Gomel–Gelendzhik route.

The bus was carrying 44 passengers, including 28 young athletes heading to a holiday destination.

“Early reports suggest that one woman was killed. Six people were injured. They have been taken to hospital,” Petrenko said, adding that the number of casualties was still being verified.

The Investigative Committee said experienced investigators, forensic experts and other specialists had been assigned to the case.

“The investigation will establish the type of unmanned aerial vehicle and explosives used, as well as the individuals from the Ukrainian Armed Forces responsible for another inhumane crime against civilian children ,” Petrenko stated.

The committee described the incident as a terrorist act and said it would seek to identify those responsible.

After landing, Boytsov spoke about the significance of Russia Day and the values he believes define the country.

“Russia has always been known for its heroes not only in words but in actions, brave people , united teams, faith, hard work, and discipline,” he said.

“These qualities allow us to be one team, to believe in each other, to help and achieve goals. Today we once again showed that the country supports athletes, that athletes perform world -class stunts, world-class jumps, and set world records."

The jump was also held in support of the International Youth Festival, which is scheduled to take place in Yekaterinburg later this year.

According to Russia’s Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, the design of Mercury Tower presented significant challenges for the stunt.

“Due to the stepped shape of the building, there are only two vertical sections suitable for free fall from 338.8 to 200 metres, and the dense development of Moscow City left only one safe flight corridor. Success depended on precise weather analysis, study of wind flow directions at different altitudes, and flawless piloting,” the agency said.

Boytsov performed the jump at 4:30 a.m. local time to minimise weather-related risks and avoid disrupting pedestrians. Officials said the stunt became the first officially recorded building jump in Russia involving a smoke flare.

Russia Day is observed annually on June 12. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) by the First Congress of People's Deputies in 1990, a milestone in the formation of the Russian Federation.

He also claimed that some of these weapons had surfaced in conflict zones across Africa and the Middle East . The meeting focused on rising extremist threats and international co-operation, according to the CIS Anti-Terrorism Centre.

Xi's visit to North Korea comes as Beijing seeks to strengthen ties with its long-time ally amid Pyongyang's growing relationship with Moscow and rising tensions across East Asia . The two leaders pledged deeper cooperation and reaffirmed the importance of their decades-old partnership.

The Pyongyang trip followed a busy diplomatic schedule in Beijing.

In mid-May, Xi hosted US President Donald Trump for a closely watched summit aimed at stabilising relations after years of trade disputes and strategic competition between the world's two largest economies.

Less than a week later, Xi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Chinese capital. The two leaders reaffirmed their strategic partnership and issued a joint statement criticising aspects of US foreign policy , underscoring the growing importance of Sino-Russian ties.

Taken individually, each meeting reflected a different set of interests and priorities. Together, however, they highlight China's unique position in an increasingly fragmented world .

“Why did Marco Rubio and the US Congress propose to tighten sanctions the day before yesterday?” Kobyakov said. “It became clear to them that the outcome was not in their favour, but in our favour. And now what do they need to do? They need to make our lives as difficult as possible.”

He also criticised Washington's role in peace efforts, alleging that the United States was attempting to distance itself from negotiations after supporting Ukraine throughout the conflict.

“The United States is trying to get out of the negotiations,” Kobyakov said. “The United States ignited the conflict , dragged everyone into it, and now they pretend that they can become mediators.”

His remarks came days after U.S. lawmakers announced plans to develop additional sanctions targeting Russia.

Despite political tensions, Kobyakov said American businesses appeared interested in rebuilding ties with Moscow, citing the presence of a U.S. delegation at this year's forum after years of limited participation.

“Every day we woke up wanting to come back, and all the other guys there thought the same,” he said. “We prayed constantly. We all have crosses and icons. Without faith, we wouldn’t have returned or survived.”

Earlier, Russia’s Defence Ministry announced that Moscow and Kyiv had carried out a “185-for-185” prisoner exchange with mediation from the United Arab Emirates.

“On 5 June, 185 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In exchange, 185 prisoners of war from the Ukrainian Armed Forces were handed over,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that the released Russian servicemen were initially transferred to Belarus, where they received medical and psychological assistance before returning home.

According to Russian authorities, the soldiers will now undergo further treatment and rehabilitation at specialised medical facilities in Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the exchange, saying 185 Ukrainian servicemen and one civilian had been returned from Russian captivity. He thanked those involved in facilitating the swap, including international mediators.

The United Arab Emirates has played a recurring role in brokering prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 185 military personnel and one civilian had been returned in the exchange. “Another 185 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity today. One civilian is also returning alongside the defenders,” Zelensky said in a statement.

He noted that some of the released prisoners had been held by Russia since 2022. “I thank everyone who makes this possible: the team working on prisoner exchanges and our partners,” he added.

Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed the swap, saying the returned Russian servicemen were in Belarus, where they were receiving medical and psychological support.

“After receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance, the Russian servicemen will be transported to the Russian Federation for further treatment and rehabilitation,” the ministry said.

The United Arab Emirates helped facilitate the exchange through humanitarian mediation efforts, according to Russian authorities.

Prisoner swaps have remained one of the few areas of cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.

Among the critics was Republican Representative Randy Fine, who said the measure appeared to have been "copied and pasted" from previous sanctions legislation targeting Iran and would do little to help Ukraine.

"This bill is not about helping Ukraine. This is not about standing up to Vladimir Putin. This is about engaging in Trump derangement syndrome," Fine said during debate on the House floor.

“BRICS represents a significant proportion of the Global South countries, and the Global South accounts for around 45 per cent of the world’s population,” da Silva Cunha said.

He argued that the economic weight of BRICS now exceeds that of the Group of Seven ( G7 ) industrialised nations.

“As a member of BRICS, Russia will be able to play a key role in Africa’s economic development,” he added.

The remarks came during the 29th edition of SPIEF, which is being held from June 3 to 6 in St Petersburg.

Organisers expect more than 20,000 participants from around 76 countries to attend the forum, including political leaders, business executives and policymakers.

For the first time in several years, representatives from the United States have also accepted an invitation to attend the event.

Established in 1997, SPIEF has become one of Russia’s flagship international economic gatherings and a platform for discussions on global trade , investment and development. Russian President Vladimir Putin has participated regularly since 2005.

“There are some issues we have always taken a clear position on. Positions not all UN member states share. There’s our rock-solid support for Ukraine. It is no secret that Russia does not want such a voice at the table in the Security Council that campaigned against us,” he said.

Germany lost out to Austria and Portugal, which won the two available seats for the Western European and Others Group. Wadephul described the result as a setback and pointed to several factors behind the outcome.

“Obviously, the result is a real disappointment. It’s a bitter defeat... Germany entered late, meaning we were at a disadvantage from the start,” he said.

He also linked the result to Germany’s “historical responsibility” toward Israel amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East .

Germany received 104 votes, while Portugal secured 134 and Austria 131. Kyrgyzstan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe were also elected to the council.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Portugal and Austria following the vote, saying Germany “remains a reliable pillar of multilateralism” despite the loss.

The UN Security Council consists of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

“Early on June 3, Ukrainian armed groups used an unmanned aerial vehicle to attack a passenger bus travelling from Moscow to Simferopol. Initial reports indicate that seven people were killed and 11 injured,” said Russian Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko.

Footage released by Russian authorities showed investigators examining the scene of the incident.

Petrenko said investigators would work to determine the type of unmanned aerial vehicle and explosives used in the attack and identify those responsible.

She added that experts would seek to identify “individuals from the Ukrainian Armed Forces responsible for this crime against civilians”.

The incident follows a series of Russian strikes on military targets across Ukraine this week. Russian authorities said the operations came after a reported drone attack on a college in the Lugansk People’s Republic last month.

“Once again, I want to express the most sincere condolences to the families, who suffered such an unfulfillable loss. They lost the most precious thing that every family has, every person has. They lost their children and grandchildren,” Putin said.

“I repeat, we need to do everything to support people .”

Putin said he had requested updates from Russia’s top law enforcement officials regarding the investigation into the attack.

“I have invited both the Prosecutor General and the Chairman of the Investigation Committee. I would like to ask you to give your assessment of what has happened and report on how the investigation of these criminals is going. All of them must receive the deserved punishment, and it will be inevitable,” he added.

According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, a drone struck a student dormitory and educational buildings at Starobelsk College of Luhansk State Pedagogical University on May 22. Russian authorities reported that 21 people were killed and 42 others were injured. Most of those killed were reportedly minors aged between 14 and 18.

Starobelsk is located in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s Luhansk region.

Following the incident, Russia launched retaliatory strikes on Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities reported that two people were killed and 56 others were injured in the attacks, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Ukraine’s Air Force said it intercepted 549 Russian drones and 55 missiles launched during the operation.

Russia has firmly rejected these warnings, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing claims of future aggression against Europe as “a blatant, brazen lie”. The exchange highlights growing tensions between NATO and Moscow, as defence leaders gather at one of Asia’s top security summits to address rising global security risks.

According to Moscow, units from the Northern Group of Forces are continuing offensive operations aimed at creating what it described as a “ security buffer zone” in the Sumy and Kharkov regions.

“The enemy attempted to redeploy reserves from elite assault units in order to hold their positions, but these efforts were unsuccessful,” the ministry said in a statement. “The militants suffered losses and were forced to withdraw.”

Ukraine had not commented on the Russian claims at the time of publication.

However, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that air strikes had been recorded in several areas of the Sumy region, including near Tolstodubovo, over the previous 24 hours.

Russia launched its full-scale military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022 following its recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’s Republics.

Kyiv condemned the move as an invasion, while Western countries imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow and increased military support for Ukraine.

“During the operational search, it was established that the individual proactively established and maintained contact with a representative of Ukrainian intelligence via Telegram,” the agency stated.

The FSB alleged that from 2025, the suspect collected and shared information about facilities linked to the Russian Ministry of Defence, transport infrastructure , military-industrial and fuel-energy sites in the region.

“From 2025 onwards, he collected and transmitted information to the enemy regarding facilities of the Russian Ministry of Defence, transport infrastructure, military -industrial and fuel-energy complexes in the region, as well as military personnel involved in a special military operation (Ukraine conflict),” the agency added.

Russian authorities said the suspect is expected to face charges of high treason.

Spain has emerged as Europe’s highest-ranking country for LGBT rights protections in 2025, according to Rainbow Map and Index published by advocacy group ILGA-Europe, highlighting widening differences in equality laws and protections across the continent.

The ranking, visualised by World Visualized using ILGA-Europe’s 2025 data, measures legal and policy standards affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Europe.

Spain led the index with a score of 88.7%, narrowly ahead of Malta at 87.7%, while Iceland, Belgium and Denmark also ranked among Europe’s strongest performers on LGBT equality protections.

At the opposite end of the scale, Russia recorded the lowest score at just 2% , followed by Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Belarus, reflecting ongoing restrictions on LGBT rights and public expression.

Countries at the top of the ranking generally combine anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage recognition, legal gender recognition frameworks and protections against hate crimes.

Spain has expanded LGBT protections significantly over the past two decades and remains one of Europe’s most progressive countries on gender identity and marriage equality laws.

Malta, frequently ranked highly by ILGA-Europe in recent years, has been recognised for broad legal protections covering family rights, gender recognition and anti-discrimination measures.

Nordic countries, including Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, also maintained strong scores, reflecting long-standing support for civil liberties and equality legislation.

Several Eastern European and Caucasus countries continued ranking near the bottom of the index amid growing political and cultural tensions surrounding LGBT rights.

Russia’s low ranking follows years of increasingly restrictive legislation, including laws banning what authorities describe as “LGBT propaganda” and broader crackdowns on LGBT activism.

Türkiye and Belarus also recorded low scores as rights groups raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of assembly, censorship and discrimination protections.

In Georgia, Armenia and parts of Eastern Europe, activists say conservative political movements and religious influence continue slowing progress on LGBT equality reforms.

ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map evaluates countries using criteria including equality laws, family rights, hate crime protections, legal gender recognition and civil society freedoms.

"Today, everyone in the world who does not stay silent, who helps Ukraine, is a defender of life," Zelensky continued. “Decisions are needed from the United States of America, from Europe, and from others. So that this 'old oreshnik' in Moscow utters the word 'peace’."

Two people lost their lives, and 56 sustained wounds in Kyiv due to the strike, according to the mayor, Vitali Klitschko.

549 of the launched Russian drones and 55 missiles were reportedly intercepted by the Ukrainian air force.

The attack follows the Starobelsk tragedy in the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR), where 21 people were killed, and 42 others were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on a college. Most of the killed were minors between 14 and 18 years old.

The Russian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on 'terrorism' under Part 3, Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Ukraine's General Staff claimed that the strikes targeted several military facilities, including 'the headquarters of the 'Rubicon', the Centre for Advanced Unmanned Technologies in Starobelsk'.

At the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Friday, Russia's permanent representative Vassily Nebenzia expressed outrage at what he described as a 'blatant mockery of child victims'.

He also criticised Western responses, which denied the attack despite evidence from Moscow and confirmation from Kyiv. The Russian Foreign Ministry has invited foreign journalists to inspect the scene of the tragedy.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said more than 50 journalists from 19 countries joined the trip to inspect the site of the attack.  

According to Zakharova, the visiting media representatives came from Austria, Brazil, Britain, Hungary, Venezuela, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Qatar, China, Cuba, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, the United States , Turkey, Finland and France.

She also claimed that the BBC declined the invitation, CNN cited staff holidays, and Japanese journalists were reportedly prevented from covering the incident.

Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry said at least 21 people were killed and 42 were injured in the strike, while rescue operations at the site have now concluded.  

Leonid Pasechnik, the Russian-installed head of the LPR, said Ukrainian forces targeted a college building and student dormitory in Starobelsk on Friday. Russian officials said dozens of students were inside the building when the attack occurred.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the strike as a “terrorist act” and said the attack appeared deliberate. 

Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under terrorism charges following the incident.

Ukraine’s General Staff said the strikes targeted military-related infrastructure , including what it described as the headquarters of the “Rubicon” Centre for Advanced Unmanned Technologies in Starobelsk.

The operation was overseen by Robert Brovdi, known by the call sign “Madyar,” commander of Ukraine’s drone forces.

“The priority remains the constant development of the use of long-range strike capabilities against a wide range of military targets dispersed over the vast territory of the aggressor country,” Brovdi told AFP.

According to Brovdi, fuel and energy facilities across southern Russia, the Urals and Siberia remain key targets, including oil terminals, refineries and gas processing complexes.

He said the facilities help finance Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attacks as a “fully justified” response to ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure .

Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drone attacks to strike deep inside Russian territory, targeting sites Kyiv says are linked to Moscow’s military-industrial complex. Russia stated on Sunday that Kyiv bombed its territory with 600 drones, in attacks that caused four deaths.

“Russia will always support Mali so that we can stay on our feet and so that we can expel all these terrorists and their foreign sponsors from Mali,” Sanou said.

He added that the visit reflected the commitment of Mali’s interim president, General Assimi Goïta, to strengthen ties with Moscow.

Footage by Viory from the meeting showed Sanou and Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev signing cooperation documents and shaking hands.

According to Sanou, Mali has opened discussions with Russia on railway construction projects as well as the purchase of trains, ships, fertilisers and oil products. Tsivilev described Mali as one of Russia’s key African partners and said both countries were committed to expanding cooperation.

“It is very important not only for our peoples, but also for all the states of the Sahel and other Central African states,” Tsivilev said.

Russia’s Energy Ministry said the talks covered agriculture, energy and transport cooperation.

The two sides also signed a final protocol for the meeting and a memorandum of understanding on standardisation between Russia’s Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology and Mali’s Standardisation and Quality Improvement Agency.

“We started working on it in 2011,” Putin said. “It is the most powerful missile system in the world .”

He claimed the Sarmat’s warhead power is more than four times that of any existing Western counterpart, adding that the missile’s flight path gives it greater range and accuracy.

Putin said the system would be placed on combat duty by the end of the year.

Russia also released footage of what it said was the latest successful test launch of the missile.

The Russian leader also said two other nuclear-powered systems, the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle and the Burevestnik global-range cruise missile, are in the final stages of development.

He added that the medium-range Oreshnik missile system is already on combat duty and can also be fitted with nuclear warheads.

The Sarmat, developed by the Makeyev Design Bureau with industry partners, is a fifth-generation intercontinental ballistic missile. Moscow says it can deliver multiple warheads and carry Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles.

The missile’s first successful launch took place on April 20, 2022, at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia’s Arkhangelsk region.

“Our official stance is: let’s diversify the supply options for all fuels, but also keep open the possibility when it comes to Russian oil and gas,” Fico said.

He also criticised what he described as growing U.S. interest in European energy transit infrastructure .

“The Russians will supply the Americans with gas and oil at standard prices, and the Americans will sell it to us with an American high-margin surcharge,” he said. “Are we such idiots already?”

The remarks come as the EU continues to pursue its REPowerEU strategy, aimed at ending reliance on Russian fossil fuels following the escalation of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

Under the plan, Russian liquefied natural gas imports would be phased out by the end of 2026, while pipeline gas imports would end by September 30, 2027, with a possible short extension.

EU member states are also required to outline how they will replace Russian energy supplies.

Fico has repeatedly argued that a rapid break from Russian energy could increase costs for Central European countries that remain heavily dependent on imports.

This year marks the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Russia and several other former Soviet states mark Victory Day on May 9, while many Western countries observe Victory in Europe Day on May 8 because of the time difference when Germany’s surrender took effect.

The parade was held under tight security and was significantly scaled down, with heavy military hardware absent for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian officials cited security concerns linked to possible Ukrainian attacks.

The event came as Russia and Ukraine began a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to 11, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump . The deal also includes a planned prisoner exchange of 1,000 people from each side.

“We were losing to Russia and to China in space and we had it as part of the Air Force but it wasn't really thought of,” he said, arguing that the field had previously lacked focus when managed under the Air Force.

He added that the establishment of the United States Space Force had changed the situation significantly, placing strong leadership in charge and improving performance.

“We put a great general in charge and the Space Force is now leading the other countries, China, Russia, and there is no fourth, really,” Trump said.

“The situation in Mali is under control,” he said, adding that active combat operations were ongoing in several regions.

He said the Malian Armed Forces had adopted a more “proactive and assertive” approach against armed groups, insisting that militants do not control the country.

The soldier accused “enemy” groups of using Western media outlets to spread false information, saying their claims had “no relation to the actual situation.”

He added that Malian security services were continuing investigations into the reported coup attempt.

According to the soldier, militant groups had hoped to make gains before the rainy season, when movement during military operations becomes more difficult. He claimed the groups had lost around 3,000 fighters in recent battles.

On April 27, Russia’s Defence Ministry said its Africa Corps had helped foil a coup attempt in Mali by armed groups linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front.

The attacks reportedly killed Mali’s defence minister, Sadio Camara, in a suicide bombing and injured 16 others.

Malian authorities condemned the incidents as “cowardly terrorist attacks” and pledged to bring those responsible to justice . They also urged citizens to remain vigilant and rely on official sources of information.

The footage also included scenes of officers searching flats and leading suspects away in handcuffs.

One detainee appeared in the video admitting to online activity linked to pro-Ukrainian groups.

“I used Telegram to post comments in pro-Ukrainian communities that justified terrorist organisations and their activities,” the suspect said.

“Very good ideas were put forward, and there are now very good grounds for cooperation,” he said, adding that Putin praised the resilience of the Iranian people .

According to Araghchi, the Russian leader said that “not only Russia, but the whole world is studying the Iranian people for their steadfastness in the face of America and, in essence, for their victory in this unequal and unfair war.”

The United States has imposed sanctions on relatives of Daniel Ortega, targeting members of his inner circle over alleged involvement in opaque business dealings. Measures focus on restricting financial access and international operations linked to key economic sectors. Washington argues the measure is aimed at increasing pressure on the government without directly harming the wider population . Analysts say the sanctions reflect a broader strategy to weaken entrenched power structures surrounding the ruling family. The move comes amid continued international concern over governance and transparency in Nicaragua. It also signals ongoing tensions between Managua and Western governments.

Rights body demands end to violations and democratic restoration

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has called on Nicaragua’s government to cease human rights violations and restore democratic institutions. In a recent statement, the body warned that serious abuses persist amid a prolonged political crisis. It highlighted ongoing concerns over arbitrary detentions and restrictions on civil liberties . The commission urged authorities to guarantee fundamental rights and reopen democratic space. Observers say the statement adds to mounting international pressure on Managua. The government has yet to signal any policy shift in response.

Nicaragua and Russia to test dengue vaccine

Nicaragua is preparing to collaborate with Russia on trials for a dengue vaccine, as part of efforts to tackle a growing public health challenge. Officials confirmed that preliminary steps are underway, although details about trial locations and timelines remain unclear. The initiative reflects closer bilateral ties between Managua and Moscow in recent years. Health experts note that dengue remains a major concern across tropical regions, increasing the importance of vaccine development. Authorities say the project could strengthen national healthcare capacity. However, further information is still pending as preparations continue.

Opposition calls for democratic transition

Opposition groups have issued a declaration calling for a democratic transition in Nicaragua, urging greater international involvement. The coalition argues that sustained pressure is needed to address what it describes as systemic repression. Leaders highlighted the need for free elections, institutional reform and the restoration of political freedoms. The announcement reflects continued mobilisation among opposition movements, many operating from exile. Analysts say unity among opposition factions remains a key challenge. The statement underscores ongoing political tensions within the country.

US sanctions interior ministry official

The United States has also sanctioned a senior official within Nicaragua’s interior ministry, intensifying pressure on the government. The measures target individuals accused of involvement in repression and abuses against political opponents. Washington has increasingly focused on specific figures linked to security and judicial structures. Officials said the sanctions aim to hold those responsible accountable while signalling support for democratic principles. The move forms part of a wider pattern of targeted measures against the Nicaraguan leadership. The government has rejected such actions as external interference.

With 98.89% of the vote counted, TISZA won 138 seats, Fidesz-KDNP secured 55 seats, and Mi Hazánk obtained 6 seats.

The outcome marks a major political shift in Hungary, where Orbán had been one of Europe’s most controversial leaders. He was widely seen as the European Union’s most autocratic leader and maintained close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His removal is expected to ease tensions within the EU, where officials have long accused him of undermining democratic systems and taking advantage of institutional weaknesses.

Orbán also faced criticism over his stance on Ukraine. He was accused of supporting actions that helped block €90 billion in European support to Ukraine, raising concerns among European leaders about Hungary’s role in the bloc.

Despite endorsements from Trump and campaign support that included visits from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, the vote appeared to be driven mainly by domestic issues.

Voters were reported to be concerned about Hungary’s economic challenges, as well as allegations of corruption and cronyism linked to Orbán’s administration. The scale of the defeat indicated widespread dissatisfaction, as TISZA was projected to dominate both the national party-list vote and many individual constituencies.

In his speech to supporters, Magyar promised to return Hungary to the main fold of European politics , pledging a pro-European Union and pro-NATO direction for the country.

“My fellow citizens, Hungary will once again be a strong ally in the European Union and NATO. Hungary will once again be a strong ally representing Hungarian interests, because our country's place for a thousand years in Europe was, is, and will be. We will rebuild and strengthen, we will place it on new foundations and expand the cooperation of the Visegrad Four wherever possible,” he said.

The result sparked celebrations in Budapest, where tens of thousands of people took to the streets.

With a projected majority above the threshold required to govern alone, Magyar is expected to form the next government , ending Orbán’s long hold on power and signalling a shift in Hungary’s position within Europe.

That figure places Java ahead of major countries, including Russia, Japan, Mexico and Ethiopia, according to demographic comparisons circulating widely online and reflected in global population data.

With more than half of Indonesia’s roughly 282 million people living on Java, the island accounts for about 55% of the country’s population despite covering only a small fraction of its landmass.

Globally, this concentration is striking as roughly 1 in every 50 people on Earth lives on Java alone.

The island’s population exceeds that of Russia (around 143–146 million), Mexico (around 130 million), Japan (about 122–123 million), Ethiopia (about 132–135 million), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (over 100 million), based on recent international estimates.

Java’s outsized population is closely tied to its economic dominance. The island hosts Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, along with major industrial hubs and infrastructure networks that draw migration from across the archipelago.

This concentration has created one of the most densely populated regions globally, with more than 1,100 people per square kilometre in some areas.

While this density fuels economic productivity, it also places strain on housing, transport systems and environmental resources. Policymakers have long attempted to ease pressure through “ transmigration ” programmes aimed at redistributing people to less populated islands, with mixed success.

The comparison between Java and sovereign nations highlights a broader demographic reality that population is increasingly concentrated in specific urban and regional clusters rather than evenly distributed across countries.

What this really means is that geographic size no longer correlates with population weight. Russia, the world ’s largest country by land area, has fewer people than a single Indonesian island.

That challenger is Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who now leads the Tisza (Respect and Freedom) Party. What looks like a domestic political contest is also being watched closely far beyond Hungary, with implications for the EU, the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Orbán’s campaign has focused heavily on the idea of “war or peace.” He has positioned himself as Hungary’s protector, warning that “progressive forces” in the West and Ukraine are trying to pull the country into conflict.

Across Budapest, that message is hard to miss. Posters show Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen as threatening figures, often described as part of a “pro-war lobby.” Orbán has also claimed—without evidence—that Ukraine could attack Hungary. His allies have gone further, branding Magyar as an “agent of Brussels.”

Magyar, 45, is not a typical opposition figure . He comes from Orbán’s inner circle and broke away after a corruption and pardon scandal. Since then, his Tisza Party has gained momentum.

His focus is different. He talks about the economy, corruption, and the rule of law, what he calls everyday issues. He has also promised to unlock between €18 billion and €22.5 billion in frozen EU funds by restoring Hungary’s alignment with European standards.

Unlike past challengers, Magyar connects with voters in rural areas through retail politics, and his right-leaning background makes him harder to dismiss.

The outcome matters on several levels. At home, Hungary is ranked as the most corrupt country in the EU, with most of its media and judiciary under state control. A Magyar win would aim to reverse that and dismantle what critics call a “soft autocracy.”

In Europe, Orbán has built a reputation as the EU’s “disruptor-in-chief,” often blocking aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Some EU leaders are now even considering suspending Hungary’s voting rights.

There are also wider geopolitical stakes. Hungary has been accused of acting as Moscow’s “mole” inside the EU, with leaked calls suggesting coordination with Russian diplomats. If Orbán loses, Russia could lose a key ally, and Ukraine could find stronger support.

In the US, Orbán has backing from Donald Trump and has hosted Vice President JD Vance, but some US Senators are pushing sanctions over Hungary’s ties to Russian energy.

Even with polls putting Tisza ahead by 10 to 12 points, victory is not certain. Orbán has reshaped the system, rewriting the constitution and gerrymandering districts to favour Fidesz.

Experts say Magyar may need at least a six-point lead just to win a majority. The campaign has also been hit by claims of Russian-backed disinformation, known as “Gamechanger,” aimed at damaging the opposition and even suggesting staged assassination plots.

“Ukrainians have clear objectives. The goal of the Ukrainians is to oust Russian gas from Europe and exclude Russian oil entirely. To this end, they have taken political steps, and even legal actions have been initiated, as we must not forget that the first such violent event related to energy supply was the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline,” he said.

He further alleged a pattern of actions targeting energy infrastructure.

“Ukrainians blew up the Nord Stream pipeline, and then they closed the major natural gas pipeline through their territory,” Szijjarto continued. “In recent weeks, they attacked several times with dozens of drones the TurkStream pipeline on Russian territory. And now, it aligns with this that yesterday the Serbian authorities prevented a terrorist attack in which they intended to blow up the Serbian section of the TurkStream pipeline.”

The Nord Stream pipeline explosions in 2022 were blamed on Ukraine, with German investigators identifying Ukrainian divers involved. The United States was also implicated in some media reports, while both Washington and Kyiv denied involvement.

Szijjarto stated that TurkStream plays a key role in Hungary’s energy supply, accounting for about 56% of its daily gas needs. He announced plans to deploy military protection along the 250-kilometre pipeline.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman. It is one of the most important global energy transit routes, with about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. The strait has been effectively closed by Iran since the United States and Israel launched attacks on 28 February. This has disrupted one of the world’s busiest oil shipping channels.

"Russia can offer the world such solutions and play an important role in shaping the new architecture of global logistics and international trade as a whole. For our partners, Russian logistic routes can be economically beneficial due to reduced transportation times as well as in terms of diversifying global transport flows," he added.

According to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait per day in 2025. This represents nearly $600 billion (£447 billion) in annual energy trade .

While the three juntas share similar rhetoric and have formed new regional groupings, they have struggled to translate alignment into seamless military cooperation or shared strategy against insurgent violence that moves easily across borders.

The lack of joint planning, intelligence-sharing and operational trust has left each government fighting largely on its own, undermining the idea that a Russia-backed Sahel front can deliver region-wide security gains.

Russia’s own approach is also drawing blowback. Reports of heavy-handed tactics and abuses linked to Moscow-aligned forces have fuelled resentment in some areas and, in some cases, strengthened armed groups’ recruitment narratives.

That reputational cost, combined with limited improvements on the ground, is making Russia’s offer less attractive than it looked when anti-Western sentiment was at its peak.

At the same time, Moscow no longer has the Sahel to itself. China, Türkiye and the UAE are expanding business, military and diplomatic footprints in the region, giving junta leaders more options and reducing Russia’s leverage.

Moscow described the mission as routine, saying the aircraft carried out scheduled patrols and training exercises, including aerial refuelling, in full compliance with international airspace rules. 

The flights took place outside Japanese territorial airspace, and no official response has yet been issued by Tokyo on whether assets were scrambled to monitor the activity.

What happened

According to the Russian defence ministry , MiG-31I aircraft equipped with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles conducted patrol flights over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan. Crews practised in-flight refuelling as part of the exercise. The ministry characterised the mission as a standard operation by the Aerospace Forces.

Why it matters

The patrols were disclosed publicly by Moscow — an unusual step — and occurred just ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to the United States. Analysts say the timing suggests the flights may have been intended to signal Russia’s military capabilities and presence in the region.

The capability

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is an air-launched hypersonic missile, reportedly derived from the Iskander short-range ballistic missile. Russia says it can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 and strike targets at distances of around 2,000 kilometres, with the ability to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. However, some Western experts have questioned the extent of its hypersonic performance, noting interceptions during the war in Ukraine.

Relationship under strain

Russian and Chinese military activity near Japan’s airspace regularly triggers monitoring operations by Japanese forces. Recent surveillance missions have included Japanese aircraft tracking foreign naval movements near the archipelago. Relations between Tokyo and Moscow remain strained, particularly over a long-running territorial dispute and Japan’s support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

The bigger picture

Some analysts view the flights as a demonstration that Russia can sustain a military presence in key maritime corridors linking Northeast Asia to the Pacific. The move also comes amid shifting global deployments, with the United States engaged in other conflicts, potentially altering regional security dynamics.

Nevertheless, reports in the US suggest that Russia is using its satellite and intelligence capabilities to keep its ally up to date on US and Israeli movements.

Donald Trump has brushed off questions about the cooperation, saying he is dealing with bigger problems. Amid a surge in global energy prices caused by the conflict, the US has also temporarily suspended its demands that India should refrain from buying Russian oil.

This gives Russia an interest in ensuring Iran can continue to disrupt neighbouring supply routes, according to security consultancy Eigenrac .

“We assess it as likely that Russia may continue providing Iran with intelligence or targeting support on US and allied assets in the region. Beyond strategic alignment against the United States , Moscow also has an economic incentive to sustain pressure on Gulf energy routes. Prolonged disruption or effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz would tighten global supply and could extend preferential arrangements such as India’s current 30-day window to purchase discounted Russian oil,” Eigenrac said in a briefing.

However, the analysts noted that with large investments and an expatriate community in the UAE, Russia may choose to discourage Iran from targeting cities there.

Given the desperation of the Iranian government in its fight for survival, “the impact of such dissuasion may be comparatively low, however,” Eigenrac noted.

Now recognised internationally as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and solidarity, the slogan appears in many linguistic forms across the continent, including “Glory to Ukraine” in English, “Gloire à l’Ukraine” in French, “Gloria all’Ucraina” in Italian, and “Sláva Ukrajině” in Czech.

“Slava Ukraini” is a Ukrainian national salute meaning “Glory to Ukraine.” It is typically answered with the response “Heroyam Slava,” meaning “Glory to the heroes.”

According to the Britannica, the phrase has been used in Ukrainian nationalist movements since the early 20th century and gained wider popularity during Ukraine’s struggle for independence in the early 1900s.

In modern times, it became a widely recognised national slogan following Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution of Dignity, when protesters used it during demonstrations supporting democratic reforms and closer ties with Europe.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the phrase has spread globally as a symbol of solidarity with Ukrainians.

The above map illustrates how countries across Europe have adapted the phrase into their own languages.

Examples include:

In Nordic countries, the phrase appears as “Ære til Ukraina” in Norwegian and “Kunnia Ukrainalle” in Finnish.

The widespread translations reflect the strong political and cultural support many European countries have expressed for Ukraine since the war began.

The phrase has appeared at protests, political speeches, sporting events and social media campaigns across Europe.

Several international leaders have publicly used the slogan when expressing support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has ended speeches with “Slava Ukraini,” including remarks at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin in 2024 , where she concluded by saying: “Slava Ukraini. And long live Europe.”

Other political figures who have used the phrase include former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who have referenced the slogan in speeches or public statements supporting Ukraine during the war.

The phrase has also become widely used by public figures beyond politics. Ukrainian athletes such as Oleksandr Usyk, Andriy Shevchenko, and Elina Svitolina frequently repeat the slogan in interviews and public appearances, while demonstrations around the world have adopted it as a chant of solidarity with Ukraine.