An Iranian central bank official says Russians can now use their Mir cards for payments inside Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for resuming direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, “without preconditions,” seeking a comprehensive, long-lasting peace agreement in place of an armistice that allows Ukraine to rebuild and rearm.

Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations said it regreted that Reuters persists in its habit of circulating baseless allegations against the Islamic Republic.

The leaders of Germany, France, Britain and Poland have told Vladimir Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face possible “massive” sanctions.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has slammed Brussels for its continued support of Kiev, asserting that Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia are “doomed” to fail.

Russia holds military parades on Victory Day, which marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

The United Kingdom has announced its largest-ever sanctions package against Russia in order to deal a blow to Russia’s oil transportation network and reduce Moscow’s energy revenues.