Russia has no plans to attack civilian ships in the Black Sea, Moscow's ambassador to Washington assures

Russia is not preparing attacks on civilian cargo ships in the Black Sea, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said on Thursday, after the White House raised the possibility of such attacks and the Russian Defense Ministry itself conveyed that it will consider ships heading for Ukraine as potential military cargo shipments, following Russia's withdrawal from the agreement that provided a safe navigable corridor for Ukrainian grain exports, Reuters reports.

United States announces new sanctions against Russia

The administration in Washington announced on Thursday additional sanctions against individuals and companies accused of involvement in supplying equipment for Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, reports mediafax.ro.

Chinese consulate in Odessa damaged in Russian airstrike

A Chinese consulate building in the Ukrainian port of Odessa was partially damaged during Russian air strikes last night, according to Oleg Kiper, head of the Odessa regional military administration.

Maia Sandu explains why she didn't attend the ceremony of swearing in of the Bashkan of Gagauzia

One day after the inauguration of the new Bashkan of Gagauzia, President Maia Sandu explained why she did not attend the event in Comrat. She told the press that the authorities in Chisinau do not go to the swearing-in of a person who is supported by a criminal group.

Chisinau replies to Moscow: Moldova's relations, including with NATO, is the sovereign decision of our country

Moldova's relations with various international organizations, including NATO, is the sovereign and independent decision of our country. This is the reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration to "false and slanderous statements of the Russian MFA representative about our country's cooperation with the North Atlantic Alliance". Regarding the Republic of Moldova-NATO partnership, the MFAEI reiterates that it has a 30-year history and is aimed at developing capabilities to counter new complex challenges and ensure the security of our citizens and our state.

Wizz Air will reduce the number of flights from Romania. The airline's explanation

Wizz Air will reduce the number of flights from Romania and other countries in August, officials say. According to them, the measure is mainly aimed at destinations where the company has more flights and is necessary to optimise the aviation market. On the other hand, Romeo Vatră, general director of Iasi Airport, says that he has not yet received any official information on this subject and stressed that the partnership with Wizz Air in Iasi has the potential to develop.

MPs have decided: Natalia Gavrilița and Vitalie Lemne become members of the NBM Supervisory Board

Natalia Gavrilița and Vitalie Lemne have been appointed as members of the Supervisory Board of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) for a seven-year term. Their nominations were proposed to the plenary of Parliament following the competition for the selection of candidates for this position.

A new 41-strong National Army contingent to go to Kosovo

The 19th National Army contingent of 41 soldiers will leave for Kosovo this week. The soldiers will carry out security and guard missions for military objectives in Kosovo. The deployment ceremony was attended by NATO representatives in Chisinau, diplomats from the United States of America, Italy and the wives of the soldiers.

Kiev responds to Moscow: Ships sailing in the Black Sea to Russian seaports will be considered targets of attack

All ships that will be sent to Russian ports or ports in occupied territories will be considered as carrying military cargo. This is the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's response to the Russian Federation's threats on Black Sea shipping.**

A team of German experts visited the ammunition depots of the National Army. With what purpose

A team of German experts in the field of transport of dangerous goods and stockpile management of armaments and ammunition paid a working visit to units of the National Army. The purpose of the visit was to assess the regulations on the transport of dangerous goods, implement best practices on the management of stocks of weapons and ammunition, advise those responsible for transport and exchange experience in the field of legislation on dangerous goods, said Colonel Ilie Lungu.

Budgetary and fiscal policy for 2024 approved

Parliament approved in second reading the amendment of several legislative acts that are part of the budgetary and fiscal policy for 2024. The draft contains fiscal instruments for attracting and retaining skilled labour; revision of the mechanisms for calculating and paying taxes and duties with a view to simplifying and clarifying the legislative framework, prerequisites for discouraging the "envelope wage" phenomenon, measures to improve tax administration, etc.

Igor Grosu, on relations with Comrat authorities: we will cooperate only institutionally, within legal limits

Cooperation with the authorities in ATU Gagauzia will be pragmatic and in accordance with the law, said Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu. He noted that he will only cooperate with those who have dissociated themselves from criminal groups and will not have any cooperation with the representative of a party declared unconstitutional. At the same time, opposition MPs believe that the dialogue between Chisinau and Comrat is not effective, and the absence of representatives of the central authorities from the Bashkan's inauguration is a sign that there is no desire to cooperate with the Gagauz administration.