INSIDE RUSSIA
UAV debris causes fire at energy facilities in Volgograd Region
Debris from a UAV also damaged a boiler room building
VOLGOGRAD, October 9. /TASS/. Air defense forces are repelling a large-scale drone attack in the Volgograd Region, with falling UAV debris damaging a boiler room and sparking fires at fuel and energy facilities, regional governor Andrey Bocharov reported.
“In the Kotovsky district, debris from a UAV partially damaged a boiler room building. Fires also broke out on the territory of fuel and energy facilities,” Bocharov said in a statement posted on the regional administration’s Telegram channel.
Casualties from Ukrainian missile attack on Belgorod Region’s village up to 11
The injured are receiving medical care
BELGOROD, October 8. /TASS/. The number of casualties from the Ukrainian missile attack on the village of Maslova Pristan in the Shebekino District of the Belgorod Region has risen to 11, the Regional Health Minister Andrey Ikonnikov has told the media.
“The bombardment of Maslova Pristan left 11 people injured,” he said.
The injured are receiving medical care. If necessary, the regional Ministry of Health will conduct a telemedicine consultation with federal centers and adjust the care being provided.
Russian, Palestinian diplomats discuss preparations for Russian-Arab summit
Special attention was paid to the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone, with emphasis placed on the situation in the Gaza Strip
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and Palestinian Ambassador to Russian Hafiz Nofal discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and preparations for the upcoming first Russian-Arab summit, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
“In the course of the conversation, special attention was paid to the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone, with emphasis placed on the situation in the Gaza Strip. The Russian side confirmed its unwavering principled stance in support of the independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and with the capital in East Jerusalem, which peacefully co-exists with Israel,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Separate pressing issues related to preparations of the first Russian-Arab summit were also discussed,” the ministry added.
The first Russian-Arab summit will take place in Moscow on October 15. Ths international event will be held under the slogan “Cooperation for peace, stability and security.” Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters that the leaders of 22 Arab states had been invited to participate, but the final list of participants will be announced on October 13 or 14.
IN BRIEF: Kiev’s terrorism, Australia’s Russophobia: what Russian Foreign Ministry said
The countries of the collective West, covering up the terrorist acts of the Kiev regime and the regular attacks of the Ukrainian army on the Zaporozhye nuclear power station, are becoming “direct accomplices” of the Ukrainian crimes, Maria Zakharova said
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. The countries of the collective West, by covering up the terrorist acts of the Kiev regime and the regular attacks of the Ukrainian army on the Zaporozhye nuclear station, are becoming complicit in Ukraine’s crimes, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
She also called the actions of Australia, which refused to issue visas to the members of the Russian delegation to participate in the International Space Congress, Russophobic.
TASS has compiled the key statements by the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On Europe’s assistance to Ukraine
Since 2022, the EU has disbursed 178 billion euros of financial assistance to Kiev, used “towards killing the citizens of Ukraine. But this money was also used to kill citizens from other countries.”
It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Europeans to find new funds for Ukraine: “There’s just nowhere to get them from anymore, [in Europe] they have tightened their belts all the way up to their necks.”
About the possibility of transferring Tomahawks to Ukraine
If the United States transfers Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, it “will cause irreparable damage to the Russian-American relations, which have just begun to show elements of resuming a bilateral dialogue.”
Russia hopes that the United States will hear its signals on the possible transfer of Tomahawks to Ukraine: “We are closely monitoring the development of the situation around this issue, and we call for extreme restraint in dealing with this highly sensitive topic, which may significantly complicate the search for solutions on the Ukrainian track. And we hope that our signals will be heard in Washington.”
On Russian assets
Moscow will take “very tough” retaliatory measures if the EU transfers Russian assets to Kiev: “European officials are trying to unceremoniously pocket Russian funds – the more, they believe, the better it will be for them, that’s their thinking. However, the fraudulent lending scheme they promoted was met with apprehension in many European capitals. Their craving for fraud still gives way to fear of legal consequences, as well as retaliatory measures.”
On Kiev’s terrorism
The countries of the collective West, covering up the terrorist acts of the Kiev regime and the regular attacks of the Ukrainian army on the Zaporozhye nuclear power station, are becoming “direct accomplices” of the Ukrainian crimes.
There is “more and more evidence” of Ukraine’s support for terrorist groups in the Sahara-Sahel region: “The Kiev regime’s terrorism, in principle, has no borders, they master all spaces, different regions of the world, they practice terrorist activities in different countries.”
On Australia’s Russophobic move
Russia is outraged by the actions of Australia, which refused to issue visas to the members of a Russian delegation to participate in the International Astronautical Congress: “We are outraged by this latest manifestation of outright Russophobia.”
“We are seeing another unfriendly action that reflects Canberra’s blind adherence to the short-sighted adventurist campaign of the collective West, unsuccessfully trying to make a pariah out of our country .”
On the situation in Moldova
Russophobic rhetoric is cynically used by Chisinau “to suppress political opponents, against whom real terror is deployed.”
Moldovan political pundits point out that the current situation in the country is a political farce: “On the one hand, the authorities spend maximum resources on combating dissent, on the other, they do practically nothing to improve the extremely unfavorable socio-economic situation.”
Moldovan President Maia Sandu will get her comeuppance for what she’s doing to the people of the country: “I think everyone will get what they deserve, everyone. And for what Sandu does in Moldova and what she does to the people she deceives, she will get what’s coming to her.”
On Merkel’s comments
The revelations of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel regarding the course of Poland and the Baltic states on the eve of the special operation only confirmed which “demolition moles” set the tone inside the EU: “In fact, Merkel confirmed that there was a situation where the tail wagged the dog in the policy of the EU and NATO on the eve of a special military operation.”
OUTSIDE RUSSIA
Medvedev notes ‘enemies are tense’ as he visits North Korea
A United Russia delegation led by the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council came to Pyongyang at the invitation of WPK’s Central Committee
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev signalled solidarity with North Korea in a post on MAX upon his arrival in Pyongyang.
“I arrived for the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). The clock is ticking. Friends stand together. Enemies are tense,” he said.
A United Russia delegation led by Medvedev came to Pyongyang at the invitation of WPK’s Central Committee.
The ruling party was founded in 1945. It is currently headed by Kim Jong Un. The anniversary of its founding is celebrated on October 10.
Putin to hold talks with Tajik leader, attend Russia-Central Asia summit
According to Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, the Russian delegation includes nearly half of the government
DUSHANBE, October 9. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue his official program in Dushanbe on October 9. The Russian leader arrived in the Tajik capital yesterday evening, beginning his state visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Ismoil Somoni, the founder of the first Tajik state. Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon then met in an informal setting.
Today, the Russian leader will take part in a series of official events as part of his state visit. Following the welcoming ceremony and official photo session, Putin and Rahmon will first hold a one-on-one meeting, after which members of the delegations from both sides will join the talks.
According to Putin’s foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, the Russian delegation includes nearly half of the government – about 20 heads of ministries and federal agencies – as well as two deputy prime ministers, Alexey Overchuk and Marat Khusnullin.
The two sides are expected to exchange 15 signed documents, and the presidents will deliver statements to the media. The Kremlin has announced that the day’s events will conclude with a state reception attended by delegations from both countries.
Lavrov describes Trump’s Gaza plan as best option currently on table
The Russian foreign minister went on to say that Russia views Trump’s plan as a positive step, because the main goal in the Palestinian peace process at this point is “to stop the bloodshed as quickly as possible, to save people’s lives, to rebuild the Gaza Strip, Gaza City, or what is left of them”
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump’s plan to resolve the conflict in the Gaza Strip remains the best option currently on the table, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview for the “Bridges to the East” project.
“US President Donald Trump came up with his ’20 points,’ and in it we see the word ‘statehood.’ But the wording is quite vague. In this context, it mentions only what will remain of the Gaza Strip,” he said. “The West Bank is not mentioned in this context. But we are realistic; we understand that it is the best option currently on the table.”
“At the very least, it is the best from the point of view that it is acceptable for the Arabs and was not rejected by Israel,” he added. “But, most importantly, it should be acceptable for the Palestinians.”
Lavrov went on to say that Russia views Trump’s plan as a positive step, because the main goal in the Palestinian peace process at this point is “to stop the bloodshed as quickly as possible, to save people’s lives, to rebuild the Gaza Strip, Gaza City, or what is left of them.”.
Russia ready to assist Palestinian settlement process — Lavrov
The Russian foreign minister also said that Western colleagues should bear their share of responsibility for stonewalling decisions related to the creation of independent Palestine in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Russia is ready to support the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview for the ‘Bridges to the East’ project posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
“If we can be of help – we are ready. At the session of the Valdai International Discussion Club [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin clearly said that we would like to assist in the creation of the Palestinian state, and we have to start somewhere,” he said.
“Statehood should be [discussed] later. This goal should remain on the agenda. Our Western colleagues should bear their share of responsibility for stonewalling decisions related to the creation of independent Palestine in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,” the minister added.
SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE
Ukrainian shelling attack kills three civilians in Kherson Region
“Two buildings housing temporary accommodation centers in the settlement of Zhelezny Port of the Golopristansky Municipal District caught fire in a shelling attack,” Vladimir Saldo said
GENICHESK, October 8. /TASS/. Three civilians have been killed in a Ukrainian shelling attack on the settlement of Zhelezny Port in the Kherson Region, Governor Vladimir Saldo said.
“Three civilians were killed in the Kiev regime’s aggression in the past 24 hours. Two buildings housing temporary accommodation centers in the settlement of Zhelezny Port of the Golopristansky Municipal District caught fire in a shelling attack; three people were killed,” he wrote on Telegram.
Three killed in shelling attack on Russia’s Belgorod Region — preliminary reports
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that emergency workers were removing the rubble to make sure there was no one trapped underneath
BELGOROD, October 8. /TASS/. Three people were killed and another one injured in a Ukrainian shelling attack on the settlement of Maslova Pristan in Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said, citing preliminary reports.
“The settlement of Maslova Pristan in the Shebekinsky District came under shelling. According to preliminary reports, three people were killed and another one suffered injuries,” he wrote on Telegram, adding that a social facility had been partially destroyed.
Gladkov also said that emergency workers were removing the rubble to make sure there was no one trapped underneath. The governor added that he would provide details about the consequences of the attack after visiting the site.
West’s goal in Ukraine to seize Russia, CIS’ natural resources — delegation head
“Kiev and its Western sponsors lack any political will for a peaceful settlement of the conflict,” Russia’s chief delegate to the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control Yulia Zhdanova stated
VIENNA, October 8. /TASS/. The goal of the Kiev regime’s Western backers is not repulsing the mythical “Russian threat” but rather capturing the natural resources of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Yulia Zhdanova, Russia’s chief delegate to the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control, stated at the plenary session of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation and the OSCE Permanent Council.
“Kiev and its Western sponsors lack any political will for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. No matter which ‘peace-loving’ statements they make, their track toward continuing and deliberately escalating the armed standoff persists. And their true goal is not deflecting the mythical ‘Russian threat,’ but seizing Russia and other CIS countries’ natural resources in order to postpone for several more decades the degradation of European economies, the related dropping quality of life of the population and the imminent social explosion,” she said.
INSIGHTS
How Russia forced the West to face its own decline
No single power rules the world anymore – and that may be a good thing
With the deterrent of guaranteed mutual destruction between Russia and the United States still intact, global politics is entering a new phase of “normality.” For the first time in decades, there is no single center setting rules for all. Something older, more pluralistic, and less predictable is emerging – a return to the natural state of international affairs.
One of the least discussed effects of the decline of the liberal economic order that dominated the late 20th century is the erosion of Western capacity to manage global politics effectively. The European Union offers the starkest example of this change, though even the United States – despite its power – is less confident than it was twenty years ago.
At the same time, other nations have grown relatively more independent. China has led the way, proving that economic success need not depend on direct control of other states. Its global political initiatives may still be taking shape, but they already offer a model based not on coercion, but coexistence.
Russia plays its own distinct role in this transformation. With immense military capabilities and a more modest economic footprint, Moscow contributes to the democratization of world politics simply by existing as an independent pole of power. Its defiance of Western dominance has forced a rethink of US strategy itself – particularly after the failure of Washington’s attempt to “isolate and strategically defeat” Russia.
India, the third pillar of the non-Western world, has also chosen its own path. It uses cooperation with the West to advance national development but remains fiercely independent when it comes to its core interests, especially the promise of steady growth for its population.
The fading order
As a result, international politics is becoming less bound by the “rules-based order” created by centuries of Western infighting. From the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 to the creation of the United Nations, the Western world shaped global norms through its own conflicts. But those internal rivalries have disappeared. Western Europe’s states are now consolidated around Washington in a way that appears irreversible.
This alignment accelerated after the 2008–2011 financial crisis and the EU’s subsequent shocks – from the migration crisis and pandemic to its technological stagnation. Unable to compete with the US or China in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence, Europe gradually surrendered its strategic autonomy. By the time of the 2022 confrontation over Ukraine, the continent was psychologically ready to outsource decision-making entirely to Washington.
Under the Biden administration, that control was exercised with diplomatic finesse. But since the return of the Republicans in 2025, the subordination has become more explicit. European leaders are now expected to comply with the White House’s every directive – even its most extravagant ones. Sovereignty, in the Western European context, no longer means strategy. It means finding a place within America’s.
No competition, no renewal
This loss of internal competition has deprived the West of its traditional mechanism for renewal. For centuries, rivalries among its own powers drove the creation of global rules and norms. The “civil wars” of the West once produced the framework that others – willingly or otherwise – adopted. Now, with no serious internal contest left, the West has lost its ability to generate ideas for the world.
Unable to adapt to its diminished power, it increasingly turns to destabilization. The West’s proxies – Israel, Turkey, and the Kiev regime – each manufacture crises within their regions as if to prove continued relevance. What cannot be achieved by attraction is now pursued through disruption.
Elsewhere, states are responding with varying degrees of confidence. Iran’s deterrent capacity is formidable; Russia’s resilience is grounded in strategic balance; China’s power is tempered by its vast internal and external constraints. Most other countries pursue cautious pragmatism – trying to shield their interests while avoiding confrontation. India stands out again for asserting its independence within this environment of uncertainty.
This new order – or rather, the lack of one – has created an unusual condition: there is no longer an “organizing center.” The United States remains powerful, but it cannot dictate universally. Western Europe lacks will and imagination. China and Russia, meanwhile, embody an alternative: a multipolar world of self-determining nations rather than ideological blocs.
The new normal
The mutual nuclear deterrence between Russia and the United States gives humanity a paradoxical advantage: time. It prevents large-scale war and allows for the emergence of a new global equilibrium – one without a hegemon. The next phase of international politics may resemble earlier centuries, when multiple powers coexisted without a single “world policeman.”
How long this window will last is uncertain. Neither Russia nor the United States can halt the technological race that constantly redefines military balance. Yet, if this fragile moment endures long enough, it may allow the world to adapt – to learn how to function without the illusions of Western “leadership.”
For over five hundred years, the West imagined itself the author of civilization’s script. That story is now ending. The power to define “normality” in world politics is shifting to a broader cast – one that includes not only Russia, China, and India, but also dozens of smaller states finding their voices. What replaces Western dominance will not be chaos but pluralism – a more honest reflection of the world as it is, not as one power wished it to be.
We may not yet see the contours of the new order, but its foundation is already visible: a global balance sustained not by faith in universal rules, but by the enduring reality of mutual restraint.
