INSIDE RUSSIA
Kiev launched an “unprecedented” UAV attack on Kursk Region during the president’s visit, a Russian officer has said
The helicopter carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin was caught in the “epicenter” of a massive Ukrainian drone attack while the president was visiting Kursk Region earlier this week, Yury Dashkin, a commander of an air defense division, has revealed.
Putin traveled to Russia’s Kursk Region on Tuesday for the first time since it was fully liberated from Ukrainian forces in April. During his trip, the president met with Governor Aleksandr Khinshtein, as well as the heads of local municipalities and volunteers who have been helping those affected by the now-repulsed Ukrainian incursion, according to the Kremlin.
In an interview with the channel Russia 1 aired on Sunday, Dashkin revealed that Putin’s helicopter had found itself “in the epicenter of an operation to repel a massive drone attack by the enemy” in Kursk Region.
Kiev launched an “unprecedented” UAV assault on the region when the president was there, with Russian air defenses destroying 46 incoming fixed-wing UAVs, according to Dashkin.
“I would like to stress the fact that the intensity of the attacks during the flight of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s aircraft over the territory of Kursk Region increased significantly,” he said.
The air defense units in the area had to “simultaneously conduct anti-aircraft combat and ensure the safety of the president’s helicopter in the air. The task was accomplished. The attack of the enemy drones was repelled, with all aerial targets being hit,” Dashkin stated.
Ukraine significantly intensified its drone strikes inside Russia this past week. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow reported that 764 drones had been intercepted over Russian territory between Tuesday and Friday. According to the Defense Ministry, the scale of the assault has not abated, with hundreds more UAVs being destroyed on Saturday and Sunday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Saturday that “some European nations led by the UK, France, Germany, and the EU leadership,” who are supporting Kiev and want the conflict to continue, bear some responsibility for the drone raids.
On the same day, the Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that the spike in the UAV incursions was an attempt to derail the US-brokered peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. The ministry stressed that Russia’s “fundamental commitment to a constructive search for a peaceful settlement through dialogue remains unchanged.”
Putin: Russia-Africa Partnership Key to Building Just Multipolar World
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday in his congratulatory message to African leaders that joint efforts will ensure the development of Russian-African ties in the interests of a multipolar world order.
“Dear Ladies and Gentlemen! Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Africa Day… I am sure that by joint efforts we will further enhance multifaceted Russian-African ties for the benefit of our nations and in the interests of a just and democratic multipolar world order,” Putin said.
This year is marked by anniversaries, such as the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the establishment of the UN, as well as the 65 years since the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was adopted. The defeat of Nazism and the collapse of the system of colonialism were the most important events of the 20th century, providing an opportunity for free, peaceful development for all mankind, Putin added.
Over the past decades, the independent States of Africa have become respected members of the international community and achieved recognized success in the economic and social spheres. Additionally, the multilateral cooperation established within the framework of the African Union and a number of subregional structures contributes to the consolidation of security and stability on the continent, the Russian president said.
“Our country has always been in favor of expanding traditionally friendly relations with African partners. This could be fully demonstrated by the Russia-Africa summits held in 2019 and 2023, which allowed us to determine new areas of cooperation and facilitated the coordination of efforts in international affairs,” Putin also said.
Putin said in his congratulatory message to African leaders that the next Russia-Africa Partnership Forum conference is planned to be held before the end of 2025 in one of the African countries.
“The new dialogue format, the ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, provides great results. The next meeting is scheduled to be held before the end of the year in one of the African countries,” Putin said.
Buffer zone to cover nearly all of Ukraine
It could happen if “If military aid to the Banderite regime continues,” deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council said
MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. A buffer zone will encompass nearly entire Ukraine if military aid to the Kiev regime continues, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has warned.
“If military aid to the Banderite regime continues, the buffer zone could look like this,” he wrote on his Telegram channel and posted a video where the buffer zone covers almost the entire Ukrainian territory but for a small part in the west.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during a meeting with government officials that a decision has been made to establish a security buffer zone along the Russia-Ukraine border.
While visiting China a year ago, Putin pointed to shelling attacks on Russian border areas in the Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk Regions from the Ukrainian territory. He emphasized the need for what he called a “sanitary zone” to secure Russian regions against the Ukrainian aggression.
Next-Gen Warfare: Russia Equips Su-57 With ‘Second Pilot’ AI
An artificial intelligence (AI) system has been implemented in the Sukhoi Su-57 multirole, single-seat stealth fighter aircraft, a spokesperson of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport told Sputnik.
“Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) system to support pilots of the Sukhoi Su-57 multirole single-seat stealth fighter. The system will also be offered for export,” the spokesperson said.
The AI system has been designed to support pilots by giving them tips in certain situations, the spokesperson explained, adding that the system also assists the pilot by taking over some of the tasks, such as waypoint navigation.
“This will allow the pilot to focus on more important tasks in combat scenarios, such as the use of weapons. The decision to use weapons will be up to the pilot,” the Rosoboronexport spokesperson told Sputnik.
A UAC source told RIA Novosti that the corporation had been planning to introduce a “second pilot” AI system for the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighters from the very start of the program.
Putin to meet with representatives from Russia’s business circles
According to the Kremlin press service, the event will be attended by the leaders of enterprises and companies ensuring Russia’s technological sovereignty, successfully substituting the brands that left the country
MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with representatives from the country’s business circles on Monday, marking Russia’s Entrepreneurship Day.
According to the Kremlin press service, the event will be attended by the leaders of enterprises and companies ensuring Russia’s technological sovereignty, successfully substituting the brands that left the country, creating new jobs in regions and actively tapping foreign markets.
Entrepreneurship Day in Russia has been marked annually on May 26 since 2008.
Top Turkish diplomat to visit Moscow for meeting with Russian foreign minister
Hakan Fidan and Sergey Lavrov will hold talks on a wide range of issues on the bilateral and international agenda
MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit the Russian capital on May 26-27 at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
The two top diplomats will hold talks on a wide range of issues on the bilateral and international agenda.
Earlier, sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS that during the visit, Fidan hopes to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Potential meetings with Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky and Defense Minister Andrey Belousov were also mentioned.
OUTSIDE RUSSIA
British diplomacy speaks only in ultimatums
The UK has taken an unwavering anti-Russian stance in recent years, Russia’s ambassador to London, Andrey Kelin, has said
British diplomats have resorted to only using ultimatums with their international counterparts, Russia’s ambassador to London, Andrey Kelin, said in an interview to RIA Novosti published on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Downing Street announced it would impose its second major package of sanctions on Russia this month, while once again demanding that Moscow agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. The UK, along with France and Germany, had issued similar demands and threatened further sanctions in the lead-up to the direct peace talks between Kiev and Moscow last week in Istanbul.
“I must say that over the past three years, I have heard many ultimatums here, especially in the Foreign Office. It seems that London has forgotten how to speak differently,” Kelin told RIA. He added that ambassadors from some other nations in London have also expressed concerns about “the tone that British diplomacy has adopted.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is no less “warlike” than his predecessors, according to the Russian diplomat. Starmer and former UK leaders Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak have all demonstrated the “same belligerence and irresponsibility in assessing the international situation and the consequences of their actions,” Kelin said. Despite changes in leadership, the UK has maintained a consistent “anti-Russian course and senseless, reckless support for Ukraine,” he added.
Both “our bilateral relations” and “the security situation in Europe” would benefit if London relearned how “to speak respectfully and listen,” the ambassador said.
Commenting on the latest round of sanctions announced by Downing Street, the Russian embassy in the UK emphasized that neither “unlawful restrictive measures” nor “ultimatums and threats” can influence Moscow’s chosen path.
Russia will not allow itself to be spoken to in such a way, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on last week’s sanctions threats. “The language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia,” he stressed.
Russia knows how to adapt to further Western restrictive measures and how to minimize their effect, Russian officials say. Despite nearly 29,000 sanctions having been imposed by the West on Russia in recent years, the Russian economy has only grown more resilient, President Vladimir Putin said in March.
Russia Boasts World’s Third-Largest Trade Surplus in 2024
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia became the third-ranked country in the world in terms of trade surplus last year, while China still receives the largest net income from trade, according to Sputnik’s analysis of national statistical services.
The agency analyzed trade data from 91 major countries that have already published trade data for last year. Among them, only 33 countries received a trade surplus of $2.3 trillion, while 58 economies went into the red by $2.8 trillion.
China enjoyed the largest net earnings from trade last year, receiving a trade surplus of $991 billion. Next, as in the previous year, is Germany with net trade income of $258 billion.
Russia rounds out the top three with a trade surplus of $151 billion, moving up four positions from 2023. The top five also includes Ireland, which fell from third to fifth place with a surplus of $98 billion, and the Netherlands, which posted a surplus of $89 billion and moved up three positions.
The top ten countries that earned the most from trade also included Switzerland ($77 billion), Saudi Arabia ($73 billion), Norway ($69 billion), Brazil ($59.5 billion), and Italy ($55 billion).
At the same time, the United States traditionally had the largest trade deficit last year, which grew to $1.3 trillion. The closest “competitor” was the United Kingdom, with its trade deficit more than four times smaller, at “only” $303 billion. India, which took second place last year, dropped one position this year, becoming third with $263 billion. The top five, as last year, also includes France ($111 billion) and Turkey ($82 billion).
Russia transfers 1,300 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan — TV
These cargoes are critical for the country’s population amid the reduced international assistance to Afghanistan, Afghan Ariana News agency reported
DUBAI, May 25. /TASS/. Russia has transferred a batch of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, the Afghan Ariana News agency reported.
According to the agency, Russia handed over 1,280 tons of flour to the World Food Program (WFP) office in Afghanistan’s Balkh province. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Russian consulate general in Mazar-i-Sharif, who underscored Russia’s commitment to supporting the Afghan people as part of cooperation with the World Food Program. Russia will continue its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, they pledged.
These cargoes are critical for the country’s population amid the reduced international assistance to Afghanistan, the agency added.
SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE
Russia and Ukraine complete largest ever POW swap
Moscow and Kiev exchanged 303 more servicemen on Sunday, bringing the total to 1,000 for 1,000, the Russian Defense Ministry has said
Russia and Ukraine have completed a record prisoner exchange, agreed to during direct talks in Türkiye earlier this month, the Russian Defense Ministry has announced. On Sunday, 303 Russian soldiers were returned from territory controlled by Kiev, according to the ministry. In exchange, 303 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over.
“All Russian military personnel and civilians will be transported to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defense,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Thus, in accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on May 16 in Istanbul, for the period from May 23 to May 25, the Russian and Ukrainian sides exchanged 1,000 per 1,000 people,” it added.
The Russian servicemen are now in Belarus, where they are receiving medical and psychological assistance.
Last week, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in three years in Istanbul. While no major breakthrough was made, both delegations agreed to stay in contact and exchange preliminary terms for a potential ceasefire.
The sides also agreed to a record 1,000 for 1,000 prisoner swap. The exchange started on Friday, with 120 Russian civilians and 270 military personnel, and an equal number of Ukrainian civilians and troops released. Another 307 people from both sides were exchanged on Saturday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated earlier that the sides will exchange draft ceasefire proposals once the swap process is complete.
Drone Barrage Repelled: Russian Air Defenses Intercept 51 Ukrainian UAVs
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian air defenses shot down 51 Ukrainian drones over five Russian regions from 1 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to 8 p.m., the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.
“From 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 25, the on-duty air defense units destroyed 51 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles: 21 over Kursk Region, 12 over Oryol Region, 11 over Tula Region, six over Moscow Region and one over Kaluga Region,” the statement read.
Two drones were downed as they approached Moscow, the city’s mayor said on Telegram.
“The Defense Ministry’s air defense units repelled an attack by an enemy drone flying toward Moscow. Emergency services are working at the fragment crash site,” Sergei Sobyanin said.
The second drone was shot down minutes later.
Russian Iskander Missiles Hit Ukrainian Ship Carrying Military Cargo to Odessa
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Russian military has launched an Iskander missile strike on a container ship that was delivering over 100 containers with unmanned boats, drones and ammunition to Odessa, which caused secondary detonation and a strong fire at the pier, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
“On May 23, Iskander ballistic missile system crews launched a massive missile strike on a container ship that was transporting military equipment to the port of Odessa, as well as on a container warehouse in the port,” the statement read.
The ship was carrying about 100 containers, loaded mostly with unmanned boats, drones and ammunition, according to the statement.
“The strike caused secondary detonation of the ammunition and containers unloaded on the pier, as well as a large fire,” the ministry said.
INSIGHTS
The idea of ‘Eurasia’ is much more viable than ‘Europe’
The West won’t go away – Eurasia must learn to manage it
For a Eurasian state, total isolation from Western Europe is not only undesirable, it is likely impossible. For those genuinely committed to the project of a cooperative and developmental Eurasian space, the key political challenge is finding a way to manage external influences – chiefly from the NATO bloc in Europe and North America – that cannot be eliminated, even in theory. The task ahead is to mitigate the risks posed by these actors, while extracting whatever limited benefits can be found in their inevitable presence, all without allowing external pressure to provoke internal splits within Eurasia.
Even as Russia strengthens its cooperation with partners to the south and east, the enduring economic and technological capacities of the EU and the US cannot be ignored. History demonstrates that relatively closed zones of cooperation emerge only under two conditions: either through total external opposition, or under the hegemony of a dominant power willing to bear the costs of leadership. Neither of these applies to Greater Eurasia.
First, the states of Eurasia have no interest in detaching themselves from the global economy. Second, there is no Eurasian hegemon prepared to sacrifice its own development to dominate the continent. Third, no one is suggesting Eurasia should become an isolated bloc. The US, EU, and key Middle Eastern states will continue to play important roles in the global economy. Regardless of political hostilities, they still provide market access, technology, and trade.
Some see the EU as a model of regional self-containment – a “garden,” to quote one of its more misguided recent metaphors. But even Western Europe’s famed unity has relied heavily on continued openness to the US and, to a lesser degree, China. Only with respect to Russia and the Global South has the EU pursued genuine exclusion. Even then, the strategy remains incomplete and largely rhetorical.
The West’s attempt to encircle itself with legal and institutional “fences” has created a fragile enclosure, but one constantly tested by global realities. Meanwhile, Russia and its partners have been left outside this structure, prompting renewed thinking about the viability of an open Eurasia as an alternative.
Could Eurasia construct a self-sufficient development community? Theoretically, yes. But unlike Europe after World War II, Eurasia lacks a single leader prepared to organise such an effort. The United States attempted something similar with its global leadership in the second half of the 20th century, but even Washington now appears exhausted by the effort. American voters have repeatedly signaled their preference for reducing overseas commitments.
China, while economically formidable, is unlikely to assume a leadership role in Eurasia. Its political culture does not favour hegemonic ambitions abroad, and the risks of taking responsibility for a region this vast would likely outweigh any conceivable gains. Moreover, Russia, China, and India are roughly comparable in power and have no appetite for a zero-sum struggle to dominate the continent. The success of BRICS and the SCO underscores this reality: mutual respect, not dominance, is the basis of Eurasian cooperation.
Instead of trying to copy the Western European model or isolate themselves from the West entirely, Eurasian states should seek to engage the global economy pragmatically. Sanctions against Russia, even those of unprecedented scale, have not dismantled international trade. The global economy has proved remarkably resilient. Middle-sized and smaller countries require open markets to grow; major powers like Russia, China, and India need them to deploy their immense logistical and industrial capacities.
It would be unrealistic – and counterproductive – for Eurasian powers to sever links with the world economy. The real goal should be to neutralise the political toxicity of Western Europe and the United States, while ensuring that their presence does not fracture Eurasian unity. This requires careful coordination, strategic patience, and shared vision among like-minded partners.
If the objective is to prevent the leading Western European countries from hindering the development of Russia and its partners, then the strategy must be subtle. Direct confrontation or blanket isolationism won’t work. The EU cannot be eliminated from the equation, and the US will remain a global factor for the foreseeable future. The question is not how to remove them entirely, but how to reduce their negative influence and prevent external powers from sowing discord within Eurasia.
The path forward lies in building a resilient, open Eurasian platform that can absorb external shocks without disintegrating. It should engage globally, but on its own terms. This is not a utopian vision – it is a practical necessity.
