Ryabkov denies reports about postponed Lavrov-Rubio meeting as fake
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that the news about postponing the meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio is fake. According to the Russian diplomat, “You cannot postpone something that has not been agreed upon.” Ryabkov stressed that Russia will continue to face similar disinformation campaigns organized by Western media outlets to create false pretexts and speculation. His comment was prompted by a CNN report, claiming that the meeting has been put on hold for the time being (TASS).
Intended effect: The material aims to discredit the Western media and demonstrate that reports from the U.S. about Russia’s foreign policy are not credible. Ryabkov’s statement aligns with the Russian Foreign Ministry’s position that any information from the West should be viewed as part of an information war against Russia.
Russia’s foreign intelligence chief says NATO is preparing for war with Russia
Russia’s foreign intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin said that NATO member states are actively preparing for war with Russia. He claimed that the alliance is shifting its economy to a military footing, ramping up propaganda about the “Russian threat,” and carrying out mobilization activities. Naryshkin also noted growing doubts in Europe about the U.S.’s willingness to fulfill its obligations under Article 5 of the NATO Charter in the event of a conflict. Naryshkin accused Western governments of basing their policies on Russophobia and militarization, and emphasized the EU’s lack of a long-term security strategy (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The material reinforces the antagonistic perception of NATO by portraying the alliance as the initiator of confrontation and a threat to Russia. Naryshkin’s statement supports the narrative of a “hostile West,” justifying the course of internal mobilization, strengthened defense policies, and the consolidation of allies around Moscow.
Mayor of Gyumri advocating for alliance with Russia arrested in Armenia
Vardan Ghukasyan, the mayor of Gyumri, Armenia’s second most important city, has been arrested for two months on charges of receiving a $10,000 bribe, according to the Russian propaganda outlet Lenta.ru. Ghukasyan is known for his statements in support of an alliance with Russia. From the detention center, the politician called on the city’s residents to take to the streets and fight for their rights, emphasizing that the situation concerns the independence of the entire city, not just one individual. Ghukasyan’s defense lawyer claims the case is fabricated and that Ghukasyan is facing inhumane treatment, including restrictions on visits and a lack of food, despite his diabetes. Elected mayor in April 2025, Ghukasyan had previously announced his intention to create a union state with Russia and his plans to run for prime minister of Armenia in 2026 (Lenta.ru).
Intended effect: The article portrays the mayor’s arrest as the politically motivated persecution of a pro-Russian figure. It creates the impression that the Armenian authorities are suppressing supporters of an alliance with Russia, reinforcing the narrative of conflict between pro-Western authorities and pro-Russian politicians.
Moldovan communists announce plans to create united opposition coalition
The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) has announced its intention to create a united opposition coalition, which will be open to all political forces advocating for the protection of the country’s national interests, RIA Novosti reports. The party noted in a statement that, after the elections, there is no longer a need for the existing Patriotic Bloc, and that the PCRM plans to form a separate parliamentary faction. This initiative aims to consolidate opposition forces, strengthen their influence on legislative processes, and prepare for future political challenges related to Moldova’s domestic and foreign policy. The party emphasizes the need for unity to protect the state’s sovereign interests (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The material portrays the PCRM’s initiative as a step toward uniting the opposition against Moldova’s pro-Western policies. It portrays the party as a defender of national interests and shapes the image of opposition consolidation to counter Western influence on Moldovan politics.
