TASS: Europe sets new record for LNG imports in September
European countries set a new record for liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases in September since records began. According to TASS, approximately 11.4 billion cubic meters were delivered to the region’s gas transportation system, which is an 18% increase from August and a 44% increase from last September. According to the news agency, since April, i.e. during the summer season, the EU has imported more than 70 billion cubic meters of LNG, which is also a record. In the first nine months of 2025, more than 104 billion cubic meters of LNG arrived at EU terminals, which is 26% more than a year earlier. LNG accounted for 44.7% of gas imports, with supplies from the North Sea accounting for 29.6%, North Africa for 10.3%, and the East for only 6.7%, TASS emphasizes (TASS).
Intended effect: The article highlights the record growth in LNG imports to Europe, demonstrating the EU’s reduced dependence on Russian supplies and presenting it as evidence that Europe is consciously rejecting pipeline gas from the East.
TASS: Moldova’s elections were geopolitical operation by Sandu’s government under the guise of democracy
TASS correspondent in Chișinău Valery Demidetsky notes that the parliamentary elections in Moldova were not an expression of democracy, but rather a geopolitical maneuver to solidify the authority of the pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) led by Maia Sandu. Demidetsky believes that PAS managed to maintain control despite the deep crisis and discontent among the population by framing the election as a choice between “Russia and Europe” and ruthlessly eliminating political opponents. Demidetsky reports that PAS won 50.2% of the vote and 55 seats in parliament, thus avoiding a “lame duck” scenario for the president. Meanwhile, the campaign itself was accompanied by media bans, criminal cases against the opposition, the creation of structures such as the STRATCOM center, and pressure from the police and special services. Amid inflation and the impoverishment of the population, the authorities resorted to manipulation and the use of administrative resources, while Western partners chose to ignore the violations, calling what was happening “democracy,” the author claims (TASS).
Intended effect: The article emphasizes that Moldova’s elections have become an imitation of the democratic process and an example of “Europe’s double standards,” where pro-Western forces cling to power through repression and manipulation. This narrative aims to discredit Sandu’s pro-European agenda in the eyes of the audience.
Russia-Iran strategic partnership agreement enters into force
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the entry into force of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran. According to the Foreign Ministry, the agreement reflects the strategic choice of the two countries and aims to strengthen friendship and cooperation. The agreement provides for expanded economic and trade cooperation, joint military exercises, a commitment not to support separatist movements against the other party, and a pledge not to participate in sanctions imposed by third countries. The agreement also calls for cooperation in the fields of technology, media, and sustainable payment infrastructure. Signed in January, the document is valid for 20 years with automatic renewal every five years (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The material illustrates the strengthening of the strategic alliance between Russia and Iran. It portrays the partnership as capable of withstanding Western pressure and sanctions, and emphasizes its long-term nature.
Vzglyad: Pashinyan declares Armenia’s independence from CSTO
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia gained independence after the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) failed to fulfill its obligations to Yerevan. He said that it became clear as early as 2022 that the organization had not only failed to fulfill its allied obligations to Armenia, but had no intention of doing so. Armenia realized that it could only rely on itself, which led to its independence from the CSTO (Vzglyad).
Intended effect: The material indicates that the Armenian leadership is distancing itself from its obligations as a CSTO ally. This gives the impression that the authorities in Yerevan are unstable and unreliable. Russian propaganda uses this perception to criticize the country’s pro-Western stance.
