Anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Russia

Dmitry Medvedev, former president of Russia and deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, stated today that the Ukrainian leadership will face retaliation for the assassination of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the RIA news agency reported.

Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council held talks today with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which they discussed the crises in Ukraine and Syria, state news agency TASS reported.

Medvedev said Russia is ready for peacemaking with Ukraine, but only if Kiev understands the realities on the ground, TASS reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has emphasized that his country is prepared to use any necessary measures to prevent the West from achieving a "strategic defeat" against Russia. Speaking in an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, Lavrov highlighted the recent use of Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic missile in a strike on Ukraine, calling it a warning to the West.

Russian ultranationalist ideologue Aleksandr Dugin, often referred to as "Putin's ideologue," caused controversy with a statement on the social media platform "X" claiming that "soon Romania will be part of Russia." The post, which was later deleted, suggested a scenario in which Moldova becomes part of Romania, and Romania, in turn, is absorbed into Russia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that preparations are underway for a visit to Russia by Iranian President Masoud Pezeskyan, though the exact timing remains unclear.

Peskov noted that it is uncertain whether the visit will occur this year, but if necessary, a date could be set quickly.

Russia today accused the West of seeking a ceasefire in Ukraine to buy time to rearm Kyiv, whose forces are facing serious difficulties on the front lines against the Russian army.

A top military official with NATO called on businesses Monday to prepare for a "wartime scenario" by bringing their production lines back home instead of relying on China and Russia, which could shut off access after starting a war.

FILE - This photo taken from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Feb. 19, 2022, shows a Russian Mobile launchers of Iskander short-range nuclear-capable missiles during a military exercise at a training ground in Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

BELGRADE - Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Serbian President Alaksandar Vucic to visit Moscow on May 9, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the victory in WWII, Tanjug learns.