https://english.pravda.ru/ PravdaReport: Russian news and analysis https://english.pravda.ru/pix/logo180.png https://english.pravda.ru en Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:51:15 +0300 https://english.pravda.ru/news/sports/167446-argentina-fifa-sanctions/ ccd858d37c0fb18eb0e3a8fdd539ed7e Argentina's national team risks facing severe international sanctions after its conduct during and after the World Cup final. Instead of accepting defeat to Spain, several Argentine players became involved in a series of confrontations and were accused of disrespecting the official medal ceremony and the host nation's protocol. FIFA has already opened disciplinary proceedings that could result in lengthy suspensions for several key members of the squad. Physical Confrontations Erupt After the Final Whistle Immediately after the final whistle confirmed Spain's victory, several Argentine players became involved in physical altercations. Defender Leandro Paredes allegedly sparked the confrontation by knocking down Eric García before applying a chokehold. The incident reportedly escalated further when Paredes struck Gavi twice in the face. At the same time, Nahuel Molina was accused of elbowing Rodri as the Spanish midfielder celebrated his team's victory. Tensions also spread to the bench, where assistant coach Roberto Ayala allegedly attempted to strike Dani Olmo. "Such behavior often results from an extreme cortisol surge, when the mind struggles to cope with defeat. However, in professional sport, the ability to control aggression is just as important as strengthening the core for physical stability," functional training instructor Maksim Yegorov told Pravda.Ru. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:25:00 +0300 Sport https://english.pravda.ru/world/167445-ukraine-defense-rivalry/ 6330ed301d84d5aabd4b36346770672e The dismissal of former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is explained not by internal political disagreements but by external competition over the distribution of billions of dollars allocated to Ukraine. Fedorov: Let's Replace Soldiers With Drones According to official figures released by the European Commission, the European Union and its member states have collectively mobilized €77 billion in direct military assistance for Ukraine. Although Europe is providing the funding, under the PURL program most of the weapons are expected to be purchased from the United States. At first, the conflict surrounding the dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appeared to stem from personal differences between him and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov later publicly accused Syrskyi of obstructing reforms. He criticized the manual allocation of resources and accused the commander of repeatedly replacing military leaders, fostering bureaucracy, and failing to accept personal responsibility for setbacks on the battlefield. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:46:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/world/167444-cpc-tanker-attacks/ 81fb5693b1284f62bdd3360349f6cc12 The Armed Forces of Ukraine struck four tankers carrying Kazakh oil in Novorossiysk over the course of three days, ignoring a statement issued by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In Kazakhstan, many welcomed the statement issued by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the latest incidents in the Black Sea—Ukrainian drone attacks on tankers operated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The statement was published on the ministry's website following the first two attacks, on July 17 and July 19, targeting the tankers Nordic Zenith (July 17) and ASIA and NISSOS IOS (July 19), which were awaiting the loading of Kazakh crude at the offshore berthing facilities (OBF-1 and OBF-3) in the port of Novorossiysk. The statement calls for "an end to aggression against Kazakhstan's economic interests." However, it does not identify the party responsible for the aggression, does not call on any specific state to halt its actions, contains no warning that bilateral relations could be reconsidered, and makes no reference to an appeal to the United Nations or international courts over the incidents. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:31:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/opinion/167442-beneath_the_rubble/ 97b7fb3fe747d1b3cc45edbad7e729ac Nancy O'Brien Simpson OMG. OMG. OMG. This is incredible.My son-in-law Steven told me that the martyrdom of the Palestinians in Gaza would be the genesis of change. He was prescient in his prediction. The suffering of the Palestinian people, the images of dead children, the destruction of an entire society, and the obscene complicity of the United States have finally begun to break through the political wall that has protected Israel from accountability for decades. On Wednesday, 104 members of the House of Representatives—including 103 Democrats and Republican Thomas Massie—voted to cut off the $3.3 billion in annual U.S. military financing to Israel. The amendment failed, with 314 members voting against it, but something happened that would have been almost unthinkable not long ago: nearly half of House Democrats voted to stop sending American tax dollars and weapons to the Israeli military.  Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:43:00 +0300 Opinion https://english.pravda.ru/news/science/167441-dagestan-whale-fossils/ 464c1c132fa2f3160ca2c3a68469fe44 Paleontologists have discovered the fossilized remains of a whale estimated to be at least several million years old during an expedition in Russia's Republic of Dagestan, shedding new light on the region's prehistoric marine life. Konstantin Tarasenko, Chief Curator of the Yuri Orlov Paleontological Museum, said the 15-day expedition focused on studying geological formations near Derbent, Dagestanskiye Ogni and Izberbash before researchers identified the most promising excavation site. Scientists Recover Whale Fossils From Solid Rock According to Tarasenko, the excavation proved especially challenging because the bones were embedded in dense shell limestone composed of fossilized shells and the remains of other marine animals. Over millions of years, the material hardened into rock, forcing researchers to carefully cut and extract each fossil. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:38:00 +0300 Science https://english.pravda.ru/news/russia/167440-russia-gold-reserves/ 005b721d1162e0f962b3210ce3a47922 Russia's gold reserves continued to decline in June, reaching their lowest level since early 2020 as the Bank of Russia extended its selling campaign while many other central banks continued to accumulate bullion. According to data released by the Bank of Russia, the country's gold reserves stood at 73.4 million troy ounces as of July 1, 2026. That compares with 73.7 million ounces a month earlier and 73.9 million ounces on May 1, marking the smallest reserve volume since February 2020. Russia Continues to Reduce Gold Holdings Figures from the World Gold Council show that global central banks collectively increased their gold reserves by 41 tonnes in May 2026. Russia, however, moved in the opposite direction, reducing its holdings by another six tonnes. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:09:00 +0300 Russia https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/167439-ukraine-syrskyi-dismissal/ f68ac8f73df3611bb5491382508e9b6a Conflicting reports emerged on July 20 regarding the future of Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, with some media outlets claiming he was about to be dismissed while the Ukrainian military denied any change in leadership. Journalist Vitaliy Glagola, citing sources in President Volodymyr Zelensky's office and Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, reported that Syrskyi's dismissal would be officially announced later in the day. However, Ukraine's General Staff rejected the claim, stating that the commander-in-chief continues to perform his duties. Reports of Leadership Changes Come Amid Political Tensions The speculation comes as Ukraine faces growing political unrest following the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Protests have taken place in several cities, while separate reports have suggested that Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov could also be removed from his position. Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed those reports. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:44:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/167438-lockheed-martin-pac-3/ 287c35d01b890b97d43a427bc24dc5e6 Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new, lower-cost interceptor for the Patriot air defense system, aiming to significantly reduce production costs while increasing the number of missiles available for modern air defense operations. The new missile, known as the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), was officially introduced by the U.S. defense contractor on July 20 and later showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow. PAC-3 ACE Designed to Cut Costs and Expand Production According to Lockheed Martin, the PAC-3 ACE interceptor will cost less than half the price of the current PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), which carries an estimated price tag of about $4 million per missile. That would place the cost of the new interceptor below $2 million. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:22:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/news/sports/167437-russian-words-world-cup-final-halftime-show/ c5c39198a26042d512f777e9e8c28be3 Russian words appeared as part of a multilingual visual display during the halftime show at the FIFA World Cup final, drawing attention as organizers showcased messages in numerous languages from around the world. During the performance, the pitch was covered with a large fabric installation featuring words written in multiple languages. Among the Russian words visible were "peace," "love" and "explore." Russian Language Featured in Multilingual Halftime Display The artwork also included an illustration of a football jersey bearing the word "Russia," alongside messages presented in other languages. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:53:00 +0300 Sport https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/167436-houthis-maritime-blockade-saudi-arabia/ 716d09d5149ffb0c6ef506be1450094a Yemen's Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, has announced the immediate introduction of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, marking another significant escalation in the long-running regional conflict. The announcement was made by the group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, in a statement carried by Al Masirah. Houthis Announce Immediate Maritime Blockade According to Saree, the movement is banning maritime navigation for what it described as the "Saudi enemy" under what he called the principle of "a blockade in response to a blockade." Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:39:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/167435-trump-spain-world-cup-photo/ 486b987b74855e21f5ee51d05922c56b U.S. President Donald Trump became an unexpected part of Spain's World Cup celebrations after remaining on stage during the team's trophy presentation, a moment that quickly attracted widespread attention on social media and in sports media. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, securing the country's first world title since 2010. Trump Remains on Stage During Spain's Trophy Celebration Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the trophy to the Spanish players. After congratulating members of the squad and shaking hands with several players, the U. S. president remained beside the team as they prepared to lift the trophy. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:20:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/167434-italy-beretta-surplus-sale/ 3a7b8d48fb9cf5453b4df672370d652a Italy has launched the sale of more than 16,000 decommissioned Beretta Moschetto Automatico Beretta (MAB) submachine guns that remained in military storage for decades. The surplus includes primarily variants of the iconic Model 1938, a firearm that earned a strong reputation during World War II and later served with Italian security forces for many years. A Historic Firearm With Decades of Military Service Legendary Beretta chief engineer Tullio Marengoni designed the MAB series, which entered military service in 1938. The weapon gained recognition during World War II for its reliability, accuracy and controllability, making it a preferred choice among elite Italian paratroopers and security units. One of its distinctive features was a dual-trigger system that allowed operators to select either semi-automatic or fully automatic fire. After the war, several versions remained in service with Italy's police, military police and armed forces until more modern firearms gradually replaced them toward the end of the 20th century. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:12:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/news/society/167433-russia-nonalcoholic-beer-growth/ 99626258d67c4a37d5b1ae60af2a089d Sales of non-alcoholic beer continue to gain momentum in Russia as consumers increasingly choose alcohol-free alternatives. Industry representatives attribute the trend to healthier lifestyles, advances in brewing technology and higher taxes on alcoholic beverages. Improved Taste Drives Consumer Demand Daniil Briman, Chairman of the Council of the Union of Russian Brewers, said modern production methods now allow manufacturers to create non-alcoholic beer that closely matches the taste of traditional beer. As a result, consumers can enjoy the familiar flavor without consuming alcohol. Briman also noted that growing public interest in healthy living has encouraged many people to reduce their alcohol consumption. According to him, these changing habits have fueled demand for beverages that replicate the taste of alcoholic drinks, including alcohol-free wine, beer and even whisky. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:06:00 +0300 Society https://english.pravda.ru/news/science/167432-china-global-ai-coalition/ 57df104b629b9e994a2e95520852fb51 China has announced the formation of a new international coalition on artificial intelligence that brings together 29 countries, including Russia, Belarus, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Indonesia. Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled the initiative during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where he addressed the event in person for the first time. Xi Jinping Calls for Global Cooperation on AI During his keynote speech, Xi Jinping emphasized that international cooperation should play a central role in the future development of artificial intelligence. He said technological progress requires countries to work together rather than compete in isolation, comparing AI development to a symphony that depends on many participants rather than a single contributor. The Chinese leader also called for more open collaboration in AI research while urging governments to establish legal frameworks, technology monitoring systems and rapid-response mechanisms. He stressed the importance of preventing abuse and malicious use of artificial intelligence and ensuring that AI systems remain under human control. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:56:00 +0300 Science https://english.pravda.ru/news/science/167431-nokia-300-4g-powerbank/ 19e49d393ee1c3db9a6031d18230ecb5 A newly leaked Nokia feature phone could appeal to users looking for exceptional battery life and practical everyday features. According to information shared online, the unannounced Nokia 300 4G Power Bank combines the simplicity of a classic mobile phone with the ability to recharge other devices. Long Battery Life and Reverse Charging The specifications were published on X by industry insider Hmd_Meme's, who claimed the handset will feature a 2.4-inch QVGA display, a 0.3-megapixel camera and a 3,700mAh battery. If the leaked specifications prove accurate, Nokia will rate the device for up to 44 days of standby time on a single charge. The phone will also support reverse wired charging at up to 5W, allowing users to recharge compatible devices much like a portable power bank. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:49:00 +0300 Science https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/167430-germany-russia-talks-shift/ ef1bf85085b39619359ca13732ced854 Germany's approach toward dialogue with Russia has reportedly become more pragmatic, according to a report by The Times, which cited an unnamed source familiar with ongoing diplomatic discussions. The report said officials have been exploring initiatives aimed at restoring communication channels between Berlin and Moscow. Berlin Reportedly Reassesses Diplomatic Strategy According to The Times, German policymakers have shown what the newspaper described as a shift in sentiment regarding negotiations with Russia. The report said several initiatives designed to reopen channels of communication have been under consideration, although coordination has reportedly remained limited. Earlier, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Europe should play an active role alongside the United States in efforts to advance negotiations over Ukraine. He argued that the primary objective should remain finding a path toward dialogue and added that Germany does not follow rigid foreign policy doctrines, instead taking into account the views of its partners and broader European interests. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:20:00 +0300 World https://english.pravda.ru/news/society/167429-russia-vodka-sales-decline/ 77ac0ca23ea2b82e43623127f739be8e Retail sales of vodka and several other categories of strong alcoholic beverages declined in Russia during June, according to market data cited by RIA Novosti. Industry representatives say the figures may reflect changing consumer drinking habits and a broader shift toward lower-alcohol beverages. Strong Spirits Record Broad Sales Decline Vodka sales dropped 5.8% year-on-year to 5.9 million decaliters in June. Other spirits posted even steeper declines. Brandy recorded the largest fall, with sales decreasing 8.9% to 1.05 million decaliters, while bitters and herbal liqueurs declined 7.1% to 559,300 decaliters. Whisky proved more resilient than other categories, with sales slipping only 1.8% to 829,300 decaliters. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:05:00 +0300 Society https://english.pravda.ru/news/hotspots/167428-moscow-region-drone-attack/ 96b6524b806e131b07d240fe944b7eb9 Russian authorities said the Moscow region came under a large-scale overnight drone attack that damaged residential buildings and infrastructure while leaving several people injured. Officials reported that air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming unmanned aerial vehicles before they reached the capital. Authorities Report Hundreds of Drones and Multiple Injuries According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, more than 400 drones headed toward the Moscow region during the attack. He said air defense units destroyed 85 drones as they approached the capital. Russia's Ministry of Defense reported that air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 381 Ukrainian drones over 16 Russian regions during the operation. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:01:00 +0300 Incidents https://english.pravda.ru/news/hotspots/167427-elbrus-climbing-tragedy-boy/ d1c3548a3707bb6c9eac8b8211603d8b An 11-year-old boy lost his life and his father suffered serious injuries during a climbing expedition on Mount Elbrus, Russia's highest peak. Rescue teams located the injured man and the child's body on the mountain's eastern slope after the pair encountered difficulties during their descent. Rescue Operation Launched on Eastern Slope According to the Elbrus High-Mountain Search and Rescue Unit of Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, the incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 4,200 to 4,600 meters. Twelve rescuers took part in the search operation. Preliminary reports indicate that the boy had climbed the mountain with his 40-year-old father, identified only as Roman M. The family originally came from Donetsk and later settled in the village of Ryzdviany in Russia's Stavropol Territory. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:46:00 +0300 Incidents https://english.pravda.ru/news/society/167425-georgia-hotel-tourist-assault/ 3875831492bbc712caa463a7910cf73d Authorities in Georgia (a former Soviet state) have launched an investigation after a female tourist was assaulted at the Agarani Estate hotel in the Kakheti region. The incident reportedly occurred during a birthday trip and resulted in the woman being taken to a hospital for medical treatment. Click here or here to see the video of the assault Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over the Incident The victim's friend, Polina Kurta, shared several posts on Instagram, including a video that appears to show the moment of the assault. She alleged that the attacker became aggressive after hearing members of the group speaking Russian on their hotel balcony. Kurta also claimed that hotel staff disclosed the group's room number to the man involved. Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:48:00 +0300 Society