
Russia says shot down 162 Ukrainian drones overnight - War in Ukraine
Russia intercepted 162 Ukrainian drones overnight, the Russian defence ministry said on Monday, hours before Kyiv and Moscow were to start a second round of direct talks in Turkey.
"Air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 162 Ukrainian drones" between 1710 GMT and 2300 GMT on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement.
The majority of the drones were shot down over regions bordering Ukraine, with 57 intercepted over the Kursk region and 31 over the Belgorod region, it said.
The barrage came hours before Ukrainian and Russian delegations were to sit down for talks in Istanbul, the second round of direct talks between the two sides since the weeks after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
It also came a day after Kyiv said it carried out one of its most brazen and successful attacks on Russian soil, hitting dozens of strategic bombers parked at airbases deep inside Russia, thousands of kilometres behind the frontline.
Follow us on:
Facebook
Instagram
Whatsapp
Short link:

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Egypt Independent
7 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Russia and Ukraine may meet again for peace talks. But neither side gives reason for optimism
CNN — Since last sitting down with Ukraine to talk peace, Russia has launched four of its five largest drone attacks against the country, killed more than 340 of its civilians and continued to peddle its false narrative about the unprovoked war it has been waging for more than a decade. Now, Moscow wants to talk. Again. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the next round of talks between Russia and Ukraine would take place in Turkey on Monday. On Sunday, Kyiv confirmed that it would be sending a delegation to the meeting, as Russian state media reported that a Russian delegation was flying to Istanbul for the talks. Ukraine also announced on the same day the most ambitious simultaneous strikes on Russian air bases carried out by its forces since the war began, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the already fragile talks in Turkey. Kyiv says that Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire during their previous meeting in Istanbul last month. But while Kyiv said it presented its plan last week, Russia has not. The Kremlin has so far ignored the call by Ukraine to present the plan. In a post on Telegram on Wednesday, Lavrov said the Russian delegation would present its memorandum to Ukraine at the meeting on June 2. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Kremlin's failure to hand over its plan was 'another Russian deception' and accused Moscow of not wanting to end the war. 'For a meeting to be meaningful, its agenda must be clear, and the negotiations must be properly prepared,' Zelensky wrote on X on Friday, after hosting Turkey's foreign minister for talks in Kyiv. Zelensky said he'd also discussed the potential second round of peace talks with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday, writing on Telegram: 'We discussed a possible next meeting in Istanbul and under what conditions Ukraine is ready to take part in it. We share the view that this meeting cannot and should not be empty.' In a post on X on Sunday, the Ukrainian leader said that he had requested 'preparation of the (Istanbul) meeting at the highest level' in order to 'establish a reliable and lasting peace and ensure security.' Zelensky added that Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would lead the delegation again. Emergency workers extinguish flames in the debris of a private house that was destroyed in a Russian rocket strike in Markhalivka, Kyiv region, Ukraine, on May 25. Thomas Peter/Reuters But even though Russian and Ukrainian officials have agreed to meet on Monday, their summit is unlikely to yield any immediate results. Statements made by Russian officials in recent days make it clear that Moscow is sticking to its maximalist demands. Speaking after a phone call with US President Donald Trump on May 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his demand that the 'root causes' of the conflict must be eliminated. The 'root causes' include long-held Russian grievances that include the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state, and NATO's eastward expansion since the end of the Cold War. Kyiv has dismissed these demands, as accepting them would effectively amount to capitulation. A resident stands near buildings damaged by Russian military strikes in the front line town of Myrnohrad, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Thursday. Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters Show for Trump The talks on Monday may be designed mostly to appease Trump, who has repeatedly told both Ukraine and Russia that there will be consequences if they don't engage in his peace process. Trump has been pressuring Kyiv to talk to Moscow, threatening to walk away from the talks and cut US aid if he concludes that Ukraine isn't cooperating. And while he has threatened 'massive sanctions' against Russia if it doesn't agree with his 30-day ceasefire proposal, he has also voiced concern that potential new sanctions on Russia could jeopardize a deal. On Friday, a bipartisan pair of US senators met with Zelensky in Kyiv. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut are co-sponsoring a bill to impose more sanctions on Russia – including a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products. It must pass both chambers of Congress and be approved by Trump to become law. Asked by reporters on Friday if he would support the bill, Trump responded: 'I don't know, I'll have to see it. I'll take a look at it.' Putin has not explicitly rejected the ceasefire proposals, choosing instead to delay and distract. Russia's insistence on having the talks and presenting its ceasefire proposal only once the two sides meet is just the latest example of this tactic. Putin initially proposed the first round of the talks in response to the ceasefire-or-sanctions ultimatum given to Moscow by Ukraine's European allies. The Russian president ignored the ultimatum, proposing instead 'direct talks' between Moscow and Kyiv. This prompted Trump, who initially backed the ultimatum, to change his tune and call on Zelensky to 'take the meeting.' Moscow's conduct since the talks last month suggests no desire to end the war with a ceasefire. Rescuers work at a site of a trolleybus depot, hit by a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Friday. Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters Russian forces have intensified airborne attacks against Ukraine in recent weeks, are stepping up ground attacks in many areas along the front line, and Moscow is building up its forces elsewhere. At the same time, Putin ordered one of the largest expansions of the Russian military in recent years. Meanwhile, over the weekend, Ukraine carried out its most ambitious simultaneous strikes on Russian airbases since the war began, using drones to destroy multiple Russian combat planes on Sunday, according to a source in the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU). The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed Ukraine had targeted Russian airfields across five regions, calling the drone strikes 'terrorist attacks.' The day before, two bridges in western regions of Russia collapsed, killing at least seven people and injuring dozens. It was not clear on Sunday morning whether the two incidents — which both involved trains — in neighboring Bryansk and Kursk were related, or what exactly caused the separate collapses. Investigators from Russia's Investigative Committee were working at the scenes to establish the circumstances of what happened. Expectations were running high ahead of the talks last month, the first direct meeting between Ukraine and Russia since the early days of the full-scale war. This was mostly because of speculation that Putin himself might show up, after being challenged to travel to Turkey by Zelensky. When the Russian leader sent a low-level delegation in his place, it became clear no breakthrough was in sight. Although the two sides agreed to hold the largest ever prisoner exchange during the meeting, there was no sign of a ceasefire agreement being any closer. As for the latest meeting, while it's obvious that neither Moscow nor Kyiv are particularly keen on talking to each other, and have little expectation of actual progress, they are likely to play along just to keep Trump interested.


Al-Ahram Weekly
8 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Iran's FM prays at Al-Hussein Mosque, dines at traditional restaurant in Cairo - Foreign Affairs
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited key landmarks in Cairo and met with prominent Egyptian figures during a trip to Egypt on Monday. In a post on the X platform Tuesday morning, Minister Araghchi said he performing Maghrib and Isha prayers at Cairo's historic Al-Hussein Mosque. He later dined with prominent Egyptian figures at the iconic Naguib Mahfouz restaurant in Khan El Khalili– a venue that hosted President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter's visit in April. Among the prominent figures Araghchi dined with were former Egyptian foreign ministers Amr Moussa, Nabil Fahmy, and Mohamed El-Orabi. The top Iranian diplomat described the dinner conversation as 'very productive.' Earlier on Monday, Araghchi also met with President El-Sisi, where they discussed bilateral and regional issues, including the current regional conflict. He also held talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, where both ministers expressed a shared interest in strengthening ties. They agreed to enhance cooperation in key areas, including trade, tourism, and continued political dialogue. While formal diplomatic ties have yet to be fully restored, with ambassadors still not reappointed, Araghchi noted that close coordination between the two sides continues. He added that Iran is not pressing for a specific timeline, and will proceed at Egypt's pace, stating, 'When our brothers in Egypt are ready, we will be ready.' The Iranian foreign minister stated that 'After many years, Iranian and Egyptian diplomacy has entered a new phase.' إنني سعيد بتواجدي في القاهرة مرةً أخرى. لقد كانت لدي لقاءات مهمة للغاية مع فخامة الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي، ومعالي وزير الخارجية بدر عبد العاطي. بعد سنواتٍ طويلة، دخلت الدبلوماسية بين إيران ومصر مرحلةً جديدة. مستوى التفاعل والتعاون السياسي، والأهم من ذلك مستوى الثقة والاطمئنان في… — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 3, 2025 This marked Araghchi's second visit to Egypt since becoming foreign minister in August 2024. His first trip, in October, was the first by a high-ranking Iranian official to Cairo in over a decade. In recent years, ties between Egypt and Iran have notably improved following decades of tension rooted in Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and Egypt's peace agreement with Israel the same year. Renewed diplomatic engagement in 2023—especially in the wake of the war in Gaza—led to a wave of senior-level talks, reflecting a mutual interest in restoring normalised relations. 'As two influential regional powers with ancient cultures and civilisations, Iran and Egypt share a joint responsibility for maintaining peace, stability, and calm in the region,' Araghchi added in his X post. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


See - Sada Elbalad
9 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Why the Visit to Moscow Is a Step in the Right Direction
Wissam Basindowah In a significant diplomatic move, the President of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council made an official visit to the Russian capital, Moscow—carrying with him the aspirations of the Yemeni people for peace, development, and reconstruction, at a time when both Yemen and the wider region are navigating a highly delicate phase. The visit came in response to an official invitation from the Russian leadership. While in Moscow, President Rashad Al-Alimi held high-level meetings with senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, most notably the evolving situation in Yemen and the prospects for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace, as well as opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. The visit comes at a time when the international community's attention has shifted elsewhere, and thus serves to bring the Yemeni issue back into focus amidst shifting global agendas. It is also a clear invitation for Russia—and the broader international community—to play a constructive role in supporting peace efforts and curbing destabilizing interventions in Yemen. What gives this visit its exceptional importance is that it reflects Yemen's desire to diversify its international partnerships and open up to influential global powers such as Russia, which plays a pivotal role in numerous regional and international files. - Unlocking Opportunities The visit is expected to open new horizons for cooperation in fields such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, transport, and education—sectors that could help drive development and improve living conditions for Yemenis. Notably, agreements were reached to reactivate joint committees, encourage Russian investment in reconstruction and infrastructure projects, and provide scholarships for Yemeni students at Russian universities. For its part, the Russian leadership expressed support for Yemen's peace efforts, underscoring the importance of respecting Yemen's sovereignty and unity and rejecting foreign interventions that undermine its stability. - Core Objectives of the Visit - Reaffirming Political and Diplomatic Support: The talks affirmed Russia's backing of Yemen's legitimate government and the Presidential Leadership Council's efforts to restore state institutions and achieve national stability. - Balancing Foreign Relations: The visit solidifies Yemen's commitment to diversifying its alliances, promoting an independent foreign policy that enhances its regional standing. - Expanding Technical and Military Cooperation: Potential cooperation in training and logistical support could strengthen the legitimate government's capacity to combat terrorism and secure maritime routes. In statements following the meetings, President Al-Alimi emphasized the Council's commitment to forging balanced relations with various international powers—relations that serve Yemen's national interests and support efforts to end the war, rebuild the state, and achieve sustainable development. Expected Positive Outcomes - Reviving Yemen's Presence on the Global Stage: Raising awareness about the Yemeni crisis at the highest levels. - Encouraging Broader Global Engagement: Motivating other global powers to contribute constructively to Yemen's reconstruction and economic recovery. - Strengthening the Government's Position: Bolstering the legitimate government's stance in confronting the Houthi coup through expanded international support and possible political breakthroughs. ###laA Pragmatic Choice in an Exceptional Moment It is important to stress that this visit was not a mere ceremonial stop. It came at a critical juncture in a complex regional and international context—giving it deep strategic significance beyond the political symbolism. - Breaking the Stalemate In a country mired in war and humanitarian suffering, opening balanced channels with global powers is no longer optional—it is necessary. Yemen's outreach to Russia is not about shifting allegiances but about strategic repositioning to bring justice to its cause and break the isolation it has endured for years. Russia's influence in the Middle East cannot be ignored. It holds significant leverage and maintains communication with a range of actors, even adversaries. Yemen's decision to engage directly with the Kremlin signals a strategic attempt to break the diplomatic deadlock and reinforce its presence on the international stage. - Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions Some have questioned the timing and merit of the visit, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the potential sensitivities it may provoke among Western allies, especially within the European Union. Here, it is crucial to differentiate between ethical posturing and the demands of realpolitik. International relations are not governed by emotion or ideological purity, but by mutual interests and strategic positioning. The visit to Moscow is a reflection of this reality—driven by the needs of a country struggling for survival. One must also consider regional precedents. Leading countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt have maintained strong ties with Moscow, despite holding clear positions on the Ukraine conflict. These relationships have not diminished their credibility with the West; on the contrary, they have enabled these countries to act as mediators in key international crises. Why, then, should Yemen be criticized for following a similar path? Why should more be expected of a nation that is fighting for its very existence—seeking peace, the restoration of its institutions, and relief from a catastrophic humanitarian and economic crisis? - Diplomatic Signals That Matter The visit carried more than symbolic weight: First, the high-level reception extended to President Al-Alimi signals clear recognition of the Presidential Leadership Council as Yemen's legitimate authority—a political gain not to be underestimated. Second, the warm and dignified welcome reflects respect for Yemeni legitimacy amid a challenging period, underscoring Yemen's continued relevance among major global powers despite attempts to marginalize its cause or divide its representation. Third, engagement with Russia is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity in a divided world where power centers are multiplying. Yemen has a national interest in keeping communication channels open with all influential players, East and West. - Diplomacy Does Not Mean Alignment Visiting Moscow does not imply endorsement of war or a rejection of human values. It simply reflects Yemen's pragmatic engagement with international reality. Successful diplomacy is about openness, not isolation; balance, not blind alignment. Ultimately, Yemen's leadership should not be expected to please everyone—it must pursue political and economic gains that serve the Yemeni people and restore the country's rightful place in the world. From this perspective, the visit to Moscow represents a bold and well-calculated step in the right direction. It reflects a sophisticated understanding of balanced diplomacy and a proactive drive to form strategic partnerships that could help Yemen emerge from its long and painful crisis. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan