Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for direct negotiations and a personal meeting aimed at ending the ongoing war. Zelensky Calls for End to War and Direct Talks With Putin In the opening of the letter, Zelensky reflects on the early period of Putin’s leadership, saying that many in Ukraine initially viewed him positively 26 years ago. He contrasts this with the current situation, where, according to him, Ukrainians now associate the relationship between the two countries with drone strikes and military losses rather than economic cooperation. Zelensky argues that the root cause of the conflict lies not in NATO or broader geopolitical tensions, but in decisions made by the Russian leadership.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia possesses a key advantage in achieving the objectives of its military operation in Ukraine: the patriotism and determination of its people. Putin Highlights Patriotism as Russia's Greatest Strength Speaking during a meeting with executives of international news agencies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said Russia not only has advanced military capabilities but also enjoys strong public support. He noted that Russia possesses modern strike systems, including hypersonic missiles that have no equivalent in Ukraine's arsenal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has published an open letter addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing the launch of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and calling for a personal meeting to discuss an end to the conflict. Zelensky Proposes Direct Talks and Full Ceasefire The letter, published on the website of the Ukrainian president, urges Putin to choose diplomacy over continued military confrontation. "The choice is now yours. Enough of this war. Ukraine proposes to end this war,” Zelensky wrote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed why Russia selected specific targets for strikes using the Oreshnik ballistic missile system, saying the locations allowed military planners to assess the effectiveness of the weapon. Putin Explains Oreshnik Missile Strike Strategy Speaking during a meeting with executives of international news agencies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said Russia chose targets where it could easily evaluate the results of the strikes. "I will reveal a very, very big military secret. We simply struck where it was convenient to observe the results. This applies both to Bila Tserkva and to the area in the Donetsk People's Republic,” Putin said, according to RIA Novosti.

American actor Steven Seagal has criticized Hollywood for what he sees as a significant decline in film quality caused by growing political influence within the entertainment industry. Speaking to KP.RU, Seagal said he believes both music and cinema possess the power to unite people. At the same time, he argued that Hollywood has become increasingly influenced by political and social agendas, which, in his opinion, has damaged the quality of films produced by major studios. According to Seagal, the overall standard of Hollywood productions has dropped noticeably over the past five or six years.

Tensions in the Gulf escalated dramatically after Iran claimed responsibility for a missile strike against a US Navy destroyer, describing the attack as a direct response to earlier American military action against an Iranian tanker. Iran Claims Precision Strike on US Destroyer According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iranian forces targeted what they described as the command-and-control center of a US destroyer operating near Iranian waters. Iranian officials said the strike formed part of a defensive response after US forces allegedly attacked an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military officials stated that the operation focused on disabling the vessel's command capabilities rather than inflicting broader damage. Tehran characterized the strike as an act of self-defense and accused Washington of provoking the confrontation through its earlier actions against Iranian maritime assets.

A Lufthansa Boeing 787 parked at a boarding gate at Frankfurt Airport struck the ground after its nose landing gear collapsed, according to footage circulating on social media. The aircraft had been preparing for departure to Los Angeles when the incident occurred. Lufthansa said the front landing gear folded unexpectedly, causing the aircraft's nose section to drop onto the tarmac. Several ground employees sustained injuries during the incident. No passengers were on board at the time, as boarding had not yet begun, Reuters reported, citing a statement from Lufthansa.

Interest in unidentified objects in the sky often emerges during periods of uncertainty, when people seek explanations for phenomena that appear mysterious or difficult to understand. The human mind tends to interpret unusual sights as warnings, threats, or messages from beyond the familiar world, especially during times of social tension. Efforts to understand such phenomena have often evolved into large-scale government programs where scientific investigation served purposes that extended beyond pure research. How the Flying Saucer Phenomenon Began The story gained momentum when experienced pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing a group of unusual objects flying over mountain peaks. Instruments estimated their speed at approximately 1,900 kilometers per hour — an extraordinary figure for the technology of that era.

Millet porridge with cottage cheese combines rich flavor, a firm texture, and valuable nutrients, making it a versatile dish that can be served both hot and cold. Millet porridge with cottage cheese requires strict adherence to grain preparation techniques and proper temperature control. When prepared correctly, the dish develops a dense texture and works equally well served warm or chilled. Its gluten-free composition and high concentration of B vitamins make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Preparing Millet the Right Way Work with millet begins by removing its characteristic bitterness. Millet contains natural oils that oxidize quickly. To clean the grain properly, rinse it thoroughly in cold water until the water runs completely clear.

Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva defeated Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals of Roland Garros 2026. The match took place on Thursday, June 4, and lasted two sets. Andreeva dominated the opening set, winning it 6:1. Kostyuk attempted to mount a challenge in the second set, but a decisive break by the Russian in the eighth game proved crucial. Andreeva then confidently served out the match to secure a 6:3 victory. The players spent 1 hour and 16 minutes on court. During the match, Andreeva hit two aces, committed two double faults, and converted five of her 13 break-point opportunities. Kostyuk recorded one ace, four double faults, and converted one of five break points.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, American commentator and political influencer Candace Owens revisited controversial claims about Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. The allegations have circulated online for several years, attracting widespread media attention, legal challenges, and intense public debate. Owens told attendees that she had completed her investigation into the French first lady and remained confident in her conclusions. Her remarks have once again placed the long-running controversy under the international spotlight. Owens Reaffirms Her Position on the Macron Controversy During her appearance at the forum, Owens stated that her research led her to conclusions that she believes are supported by available evidence. She argued that questions surrounding Brigitte Macron's personal history deserve greater public scrutiny.

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in education is transforming how students learn, complete assignments, and access information. While AI offers powerful educational opportunities, some experts warn that excessive dependence on these tools could negatively affect children's ability to think independently and remain motivated to learn. The debate has gained momentum after Russian Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev stated that up to 80 percent of schoolchildren in Russia regularly use artificial intelligence technologies. AI Convenience May Come at a Cognitive Cost Family psychologist and fairy-tale therapist Natalia Morozova believes the primary risk lies in replacing independent thinking with automated answers generated by algorithms.

Moscow will significantly expand its metro network over the next seven years, adding more than 30 new stations and over 80 kilometers of rail lines. The ambitious program forms part of the city's long-term strategy to improve transport accessibility and accommodate the growing needs of one of Europe's largest metropolitan areas. Deputy Mayor Vladimir Yefimov announced the plans during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, noting that tunnel construction is already underway, with 12 tunnel-boring machines operating simultaneously across multiple sections of the network. Moscow Metro Expansion Timeline Through 2030 According to city authorities, several major projects will come online over the coming years.

Russia has transitioned its financial system into what officials describe as a fully autonomous model, eliminating dependence on foreign creditors and Western payment infrastructure. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov presented the assessment during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, arguing that the country has secured a sovereign position in global finance despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. The shift reflects broader changes in the global economic landscape and Russia's efforts to build independent financial institutions capable of operating under external restrictions. From Foreign Borrowing to Domestic Financing According to Siluanov, Russia no longer relies on approval from international financial organizations to secure funding. While many countries continue to depend on institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Russia has significantly reduced its exposure to external borrowing.

The construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant has reached another major milestone after Rosatom delivered four steam generators for Unit 4 of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. The construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant has reached another milestone as Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom delivered four steam generators for Unit 4 of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. These massive components were manufactured in southern Russia before being transported by sea over a distance of approximately 3,000 kilometers to the construction site on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.

Russian and American hockey teams are scheduled to play a friendly match in Moscow on July 1, with organizers expressing hope that the event will help improve relations between the two countries. Robert Agee, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, announced the plans during a public appearance, TASS reports. "I am very pleased to announce that we will hold our first hockey match to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The hockey game will take place in Moscow on July 1. We hope that in this way we will help melt the ice that has formed between us,” Agee said.

The Russian messaging platform Max has disappeared from Apple's App Store, prompting its developers to seek clarification from Apple while assuring users that the service continues to operate normally. According to VK's press service, the application will continue to function as usual on devices where it has already been installed. "The Max team has submitted a request for clarification to Apple and is working on a prompt solution to the issue,” the company said.

Moscow authorities have deployed unusual "fluff-sucking” robots to clear poplar fluff from city streets as the annual summer nuisance reaches its peak. The machines, nicknamed "pukhosos” — literally "fluff sucker” — recently appeared on roads across the Russian capital, according to the Telegram channel Moscow News. Special Machines Sent to Fight Poplar Fluff A wave of poplar fluff has blanketed the city, prompting municipal services to introduce specialized equipment to help remove it.

A leading psychologist says the long-running debate over who should pay on a date has a simple answer: the person who extends the invitation should cover the costs. In a conversation with RIAМО, Doctor of Psychological Sciences Dmitry Yagudin said a straightforward rule remains the best guide in modern dating etiquette: whoever initiates the meeting should pay. The Inviter Should Cover the Bill "If a man invites a woman, then the financial responsibility is his,” Yagudin said.

A rare solar phenomenon known as a "black explosion” occurred on the Sun after a powerful flare tore apart and scattered a cloud of neutral hydrogen, according to the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "If you wanted to know what a wow effect looks like, this is it,” the laboratory's press service said. Rare Solar Event Creates Black Blanket Effect The laboratory explained that hydrogen in this state is almost opaque to the radiation emitted by the Sun's hot atmosphere.