Hidden details of the dialogue between the leaders of two major powers over the fate of the Island of Freedom may help avoid a forceful scenario and preserve Russia's position in Cuba. Putin Created Intrigue With Remarks About Talks With Trump on Cuba Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed during a meeting with foreign media executives on June 4 that he had discussed Cuba with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, he declined to reveal any details, mentioning only the dispatch of a Russian tanker to the island. Putin most likely discussed the conditions for humanitarian energy supplies. In March, Trump stated that he did "not object” to certain shipments of Russian oil to Cuba, while the U.S. Treasury temporarily issued short-term permits for tankers. The scope of those exemptions may have been the subject of the conversation. At the same time, it is known that a second tanker never reached Havana.

Doctors in Naro-Fominsk, near Moscow, saved a woman who accidentally inhaled a sewing pin. The woman was holding a pin in her mouth while sewing when she accidentally inhaled it. Emergency medical services rushed her to a local hospital. Doctors performed an X-ray examination, which revealed that the pin had fallen deep into her respiratory tract and become lodged in the right bronchus.

Brussels has authorized EU member states to inspect tankers carrying Russian oil subject to sanctions in the Mediterranean Sea, a step that, according to critics, could increase the risk of a direct military confrontation in international waters. EU Expands IRINI Mission Naval vessels from EU member states have received permission to board ships transporting sanctioned Russian oil in the Mediterranean, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said during an informal meeting of defense ministers in Cyprus on June 8. According to Kallas, EU naval forces have already begun carrying out inspections of vessels.

Middle Eastern cuisine offers countless culinary treasures, but few dishes rival the comforting appeal of shakshuka. Eggs gently baked in a fragrant tomato sauce, enriched with onions, garlic, spices, fresh herbs and feta cheese create a meal that works equally well as a hearty breakfast, a leisurely brunch or even a satisfying hangover cure. Shakshuka also welcomes creativity, making it a perfect way to use leftover vegetables, cooked meat or ingredients already sitting in your refrigerator. Ingredients for a Classic Shakshuka 1 red onion, diced 30 ml olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 red bell pepper, diced 400 g canned chopped tomatoes 20 g tomato paste 4 eggs 60 g feta cheese 15 g fresh cilantro 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp dried oregano Salt, to taste Chili flakes, to taste Pita bread or rustic bread, for serving How to Prepare the Tomato Base Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Red onion works particularly well thanks to its natural sweetness, but white onion or shallots make excellent alternatives. Add the cumin, smoked paprika and oregano to the pan. Stir continuously for about a minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma into the oil.

The technology behind this strawberry puff pastry tart is based on a two-stage baking process for yeast-free puff pastry and the stabilization of a butter-and-egg cream filling. The acidity of the berries balances the richness of the base, while lemon zest and almonds create a complex flavor profile. The dessert requires complete cooling before serving. Preparing the Base and Managing the Baking Temperature Working with puff pastry requires careful temperature control. Frozen pastry should thaw until pliable but must not become too warm, otherwise the fat layers will blend with the flour and the pastry will lose its flaky structure. Roll the pastry to a thickness of 3 mm, which provides the optimal support for the relatively heavy berry filling. Pre-baking the crust at 180°C creates a firm framework that prevents the pastry from becoming soggy from the strawberry juices.

Nikol Pashinyan's party failed to secure an absolute majority in the parliamentary elections, leaving the Armenian prime minister without the ability to freely pursue his most ambitious reform agenda. Opposition in Armenia Refuses to Recognize Election Results Voter turnout in Armenia's June 7 parliamentary elections reached 58.97%, with 1,476,597 citizens casting ballots out of 2,503,976 eligible voters. According to results compiled by the Central Election Commission and calculated using the relevant electoral formulas, including the distribution of seats allocated to national minorities and first-place vote adjustments, the composition of the National Assembly is expected to be as follows:

Beef ribs reward patience. Unlike tender cuts that cook quickly, ribs contain a significant amount of connective tissue that requires time and careful temperature control to break down. With the right marinade and a slow-roasting method, the meat becomes incredibly tender while retaining its natural juices. The result is rich, flavorful beef that falls off the bone and develops a beautifully caramelized crust. The Secret to Tender Beef Ribs Cooking beef ribs successfully starts with understanding collagen. High heat alone will leave the meat tough and chewy. Instead, a combination of marinating and slow cooking gradually transforms the dense connective tissue into gelatin, creating a succulent texture. The vinegar in the marinade begins to soften the protein structure before cooking even starts. This process helps the meat absorb flavor while making the fibers more tender.

For decades, hemp-based construction materials remained on the fringes of the building industry due to regulatory restrictions and misconceptions surrounding the plant. Today, that picture has changed dramatically. Hempcrete, a composite made from hemp hurd and lime binder, has entered international building codes and is increasingly finding its place in modern sustainable architecture. Supporters say it offers significantly better thermal performance than conventional concrete while creating healthier indoor environments. Why Architects Are Turning to Hempcrete The core ingredient in hempcrete is hemp hurd, the woody inner part of the hemp stalk. Builders mix this plant-based material with a lime binder to create a lightweight composite commonly used as infill within timber or metal frame structures. The material's biggest advantage lies in its thermal insulation. Hempcrete walls retain heat far more effectively than traditional concrete, helping buildings stay warm during winter and cool throughout the summer. This improved energy efficiency can reduce heating and cooling demands while enhancing indoor comfort.

Middle Eastern cuisine offers countless culinary treasures, but few dishes rival the comforting appeal of shakshuka. Eggs gently baked in a fragrant tomato sauce, enriched with onions, garlic, spices, fresh herbs and feta cheese create a meal that works equally well as a hearty breakfast, a leisurely brunch or even a satisfying hangover cure. Shakshuka also welcomes creativity, making it a perfect way to use leftover vegetables, cooked meat or ingredients already sitting in your refrigerator. Ingredients for a Classic Shakshuka 1 red onion, diced 30 ml olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 red bell pepper, diced 400 g canned chopped tomatoes 20 g tomato paste 4 eggs 60 g feta cheese 15 g fresh cilantro 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp dried oregano Salt, to taste Chili flakes, to taste Pita bread or rustic bread, for serving How to Prepare the Tomato Base Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Red onion works particularly well thanks to its natural sweetness, but white onion or shallots make excellent alternatives. Add the cumin, smoked paprika and oregano to the pan. Stir continuously for about a minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma into the oil.

Russia has sharply criticized the conduct of Armenia’s parliamentary elections, arguing that the campaign and voting process unfolded amid political repression directed at opposition forces and institutions advocating stronger relations with Moscow and continued participation in Eurasian integration projects. Russia Alleges Democratic Violations During Armenian Elections The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Armenian authorities committed serious violations of democratic principles and procedures governing free elections. According to the ministry, preliminary results released by Armenia’s Central Election Commission indicate that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party, despite claiming victory, failed to secure an uncontested monopoly on power. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that support for the ruling party declined noticeably compared with the previous electoral cycle. She argued that the election campaign took place in an atmosphere of intense pressure against opposition parties, political movements, activists, and their supporters.

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines, triggering a tsunami warning and causing significant damage across affected areas. Despite the disaster, Russian tourism officials say the country's most popular resort destinations remain unaffected and continue to operate normally. According to reports, the death toll has risen to 32, while more than 200 people have been injured. Emergency services continue search-and-rescue operations in the hardest-hit regions. Click here to see more photos and videos of the earthquake

Tensions in the Middle East intensified after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward Israel on June 7, marking the first direct attack since a ceasefire arrangement took effect in April. Iranian military officials said the strike targeted Ramat David Airbase, which Tehran accused of supporting Israeli military operations in Lebanon. According to the statement, the attack came in response to what Iran described as large-scale Israeli actions in southern Lebanon and other parts of the country. Israel's military reported that all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted and that no significant damage or casualties were recorded.

While international headlines have remained focused on escalating tensions in the Middle East, developments in Cuba have attracted increasing attention among military observers and regional analysts. Recent reports indicate that senior Cuban military officials met with representatives from the United States Department of Defense at the Guantánamo Bay naval base on May 29. The American delegation was reportedly led by General Francis Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Official statements from both sides described the discussions as constructive and focused on operational security matters. Neither government disclosed specific details regarding the agenda or outcomes of the meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich visited Kyiv as part of efforts to explore the prospects for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Speaking in an interview with Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim, Zelensky said Abramovich sought to understand Kyiv's position on possible peace talks, including discussions surrounding the Donbas region. According to the Ukrainian president, the businessman planned to travel to Moscow after the visit and relay information directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The revelation sheds further light on the informal diplomatic contacts that have occasionally taken place alongside official channels since the start of the conflict.

NATO fighter aircraft operating under the Baltic Air Policing mission intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone in eastern Latvia after authorities declared an airspace security alert in the region. Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) confirmed that the incident occurred in Latgale, near the country's eastern border. Military officials described the aircraft only as a "foreign drone" and did not disclose its type, origin, or technical characteristics. The operation marked one of the latest airspace security incidents in the Baltic region, where authorities have reported a growing number of drone-related events in recent months.

Speculation is growing over the possible appearance of a new American-made cruise missile in Ukraine after reports emerged about the discovery of specialized navigation equipment linked to a U.S. defense contractor. According to military-focused sources, Russian forces reportedly recovered a Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA), a sophisticated satellite-navigation component commonly used in drones, precision-guided munitions, and cruise missiles operating in environments affected by electronic warfare. The antenna reportedly carried a unique Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code associated with Zone 5 Technologies, a U.S.-based defense company involved in advanced aerospace and missile development programs.

A fire broke out at a key oil transportation facility in Russia's Volgograd region after debris from intercepted Ukrainian drones crashed onto the site during a large-scale overnight attack, regional authorities said. According to Governor Andrei Bocharov, drone fragments landed on the territory of the Zhirnovsk Line Production and Dispatch Service (LPDS), a critical component of Russia's oil transportation infrastructure. Emergency crews quickly responded to the incident and extinguished the fire. Officials reported no casualties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Americans as pragmatic people during a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, arguing that countries often continue cooperating where it serves their national interests despite political disagreements. Speaking during the forum's plenary session, Putin pointed to ongoing international projects involving Russia as evidence that practical economic considerations frequently outweigh political rhetoric. "Americans are pragmatic people, and there is something to learn from that approach,” Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had briefly reviewed an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently proposed direct negotiations and a personal meeting aimed at discussing an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, Putin revealed that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had attempted to show him the letter on two separate occasions before he finally had an opportunity to read it. According to Putin, Peskov first presented the document on June 4 and then again on the morning of June 5.

Kvass has been a staple of Slavic culture for centuries, valued for its refreshing taste and long-standing place in Russian culinary traditions. Often consumed during the summer months, the fermented beverage continues to enjoy widespread popularity both in Russia and abroad. However, medical experts warn that despite its reputation as a natural and traditional drink, kvass may not be suitable for everyone. According to endocrinologist and dietitian Svetlana Filatova, regular consumption can create health risks for people with certain conditions and may contribute to metabolic problems when consumed excessively. Who Should Avoid Drinking Kvass? Filatova advises people suffering from gout to limit or avoid kvass because it contains purines, compounds that can increase uric acid levels and potentially worsen symptoms of the disease.