What happened during the week from May 18 to May 24. The main thing

One of the main topics of the week was the attack of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) on the LNR college, after which foreign journalists arrived in Starobilsk. Russian President Vladimir Putin also visited China this week, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Other main events of the week are in the Izvestia digest.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked a college in the LPR

On May 22, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the academic building and the dormitory of the Starobilsk College. A criminal case was opened into the attack under Part 3 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Terrorist act"). 21 people were killed in the attack, and 65 others were injured. The names of all the victims of the terrorist attack have been established. May 24 and 25 have been declared days of mourning in the Luhansk People's Republic.

Representatives of foreign media arrived at the college dormitory in Starobilsk on May 24. More than 50 representatives of foreign media from 19 countries are participating in the press tour. Later it became known that they had left the territory of the destroyed dormitory. For more objective reports, journalists were given the opportunity to move freely at the scene of the tragedy.

Irish journalist Chay Bose told Izvestia about the shock of what he saw. He is convinced that the attack by Ukrainian militants on the college and dormitory was targeted. According to him, the incident is an act of terrorism and premeditated murder.

The Russian Armed Forces attacked military targets in Ukraine

In response to Kiev's terrorist attacks against civilian infrastructure, the Russian Armed Forces have launched a massive retaliatory strike against Ukrainian military command facilities. In particular, the strike was a response to the terrorist attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the dormitory of the Starobilsk College of the Lugansk People's Republic (LNR).

The Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile system was used for the attack. The Iskander operational and tactical missile system (OTRK), Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles, Zircon cruise missiles, attack drones (UAVs) and other air, sea and land-based projectiles were also used.

Putin and Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on May 19 for an official two-day visit. During the talks between Putin and Xi Jinping on May 20, the parties signed 21 agreements. The documents included, among other things, a Statement on strengthening comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. The Russian leader stated that the agreements between Moscow and Beijing are aimed at the economy. Xi Jinping added that the trade exchange between Russia and China has exceeded the $200 billion mark for the third year in a row.

Later, Putin announced successful and fruitful work during his official visit to China. The Head of State also thanked the representatives of the Russian Federation and China for their hard work in organizing the talks in Beijing.

Russian gymnasts allowed to compete with a flag and anthem

The Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has allowed Russian gymnasts to participate in international competitions under the national flag and with the national anthem. Prior to that, starting in 2024, Russians had the opportunity to perform on the world stage only in a neutral status. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev congratulated the Russian athletes on this decision.

Joint training of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko held a joint training session of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and Belarus. Putin and Lukashenko contacted by video conference during a joint training session of the Armed Forces of the two countries. The Russian leader called the use of nuclear weapons an exceptional measure to ensure the country's security. The Head of State noted that practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles will be worked out during the joint exercises. Lukashenko, in turn, said that Belarus and Russia do not threaten anyone, but they are ready to defend their common Homeland from Brest to Vladivostok in every possible way.

During the second stage of the exercises of the nuclear forces of the Russian Armed Forces, practical launches of intercontinental ballistic, hypersonic and air-launched cruise missiles were carried out, the Russian Defense Ministry reported. At the same time, Putin stressed that Russia has no plans to get involved in a new arms race and continues to strengthen its defense capability as planned.

Trump assessed the chances of a deal or war with Iran

Trump assessed the likelihood of reaching an agreement with Iran or a resumption of the conflict as 50-50. The American leader also said that he would hold a meeting with senior advisers to discuss the details of Iran's updated proposal and could make a decision in the near future.