{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Developments in eastern Ukraine

Agency for prisoner swap between government forces and DPR militias set up in Ukraine

More than 1,200 people have been released since the Contact Group on Ukraine reached agreements in Minsk on September 5, however the latest prisoner exchange took place on September 28

© ITAR-TASS/Konstantin Sazonchik

Read also

Ukraine prisoner swaps on hold in spat over seized identity papers

KIEV, October 7. /TASS/. An agency for prisoner swap between the Ukrainian government and militia in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic has been set up in Ukraine, Andrei Lysenko from the Ukrainian Council for National Security and Defense said on Tuesday.

“A special coordinating agency has been set up to deal with these issues. Work does not stop, with both secret services, non-governmental organisations and serving officers taking part,” Lysenko said.

According to him, more than 1,200 people have been released since the Contact Group on Ukraine reached agreements in the Belarussian capital Minsk on September 5, with prisoner exchange among the key items.

However, the latest prisoner exchange took place on September 28 at the rate of 30 Ukrainian law enforcers for 60 militia personnel.

Lysenko tried to lay the blame for delays in the prisoner exchange process upon eastern Ukrainian militia, saying they were allegedly “advancing new demands”.

Prisoner swaps between Ukrainian government forces and Donetsk People’s Republic militias have been halted for several days as officials of the self-proclaimed territory say authorities in Kiev have failed to meet militia demands.

Kiev officials were refusing to release personal identification documents for captives being handed over after detention by government forces in the northeast city of Kharkov, Darya Morozova, head of the republic’s committee for refugees and prisoners-of-war told TASS on Tuesday.

Without documents accompanying the captives, they would be destined for a wanted list, lacking identities on their return and barred legitimacy in any territory beyond east Ukraine, Morozova said.

This violates a number of agreements, including that on amnesty, Morozova said.

Prisoner exchange is one of the key points in agreements reached at a Minsk, Belarus, meeting of the international Contact Group on settling the Ukraine conflict.

Five exchanges have taken place so far, swapping prisoners at the rate of 37 for 37, 70 for 70, 38 for 38, 28 for 28 and 30 Ukrainian law enforcers for 60 militia personnel.

Tags

Donetsk Eastern Ukraine

President asks French leader, European Council chief to discuss Georgia issue

Сouncil meeting is scheduled for April 17

Turkey resumes visa regime for citizens of Tajikistan

The decision comes into force from the moment of publication

French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

According to Christelle Neant, French specialists are engaged to operate these howitzers in Ukraine as Ukrainian mobilized soldiers lack relevant skills and time to learn how to use them

Iranian president warns of 'terrible response' to any action against country

Ebrahim Raisi opined that the UN Security Council and the organization as a whole "failed to fulfill their minimum legal obligations to condemn the [Israeli] attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus"

No official invitation to attend celebration of 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion yet

It was earlier reported that France plans to invite Russia to attend the commemorative events in Normandy on June 6

'Iron Dome' can't fully protect from UAV swarms — Chinese expert

According to Wei Dongxu, Tehran's firepower can cover most of the Middle East region, representing a fierce and precise long-range retaliatory means

Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

CEC chairperson hands over presidential credentials to Putin

The presidential certificate is a 100x70mm maroon leather-bound booklet inscribed with the Russian emblem and the words "President of the Russian Federation" in gold on its cover

Russian forces find coordinates of DPR churches at former Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka

It was possible to establish that the Ukrainian servicemen were tasked with hitting Orthodox sites in the region aide to the head of the Donetsk People's Republic Igor Kimakovsky said

Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

Stanislav Beryozkin was taken to a hospital to undergo thorough examination, with all the required tests made

Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

Energy cooperation between Iran and Russia is a response to sanctions — Iranian official

Seyed Musi Mousavi said that in the current conditions, "increasing oil exports, expanding cooperation with neighboring countries and reviving energy and economic diplomacy have good prospects for the Iranian economy"

Russian security official vows 'well-deserved' punishment for those behind Crocus attack

On the evening of March 22, a terrorist attack targeted the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region

Zelensky irked by US’ request to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure — media

It is noted that US officials believe the military benefits of Ukraine’s air raids on Russian oil refineries are "of questionable value," since "the strikes do little to diminish Russia’s war-fighting abilities"

Employment outlook positive for this year’s university grads — Russian Education Ministry

In total, about 824,000 graduates getting bachelor's, specialist and master's degrees will enter the labor market this year, 10,000 more than last year

Japan concerned over Russia-China military cooperation — Foreign Ministry

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly emphasized previously that similar drills and patrols are held in strict compliance with international law

Russia supports priorities of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in SCO — Foreign Ministry

Andrey Rudenko emphasized that Russia is providing all necessary assistance in the meaningful preparation of the summit in Astana

New sanctions against Moscow to push supplies of Russian metal to China up — Bloomberg

The London Metal Exchange’s ban on Russian aluminum, copper and nickel produced after April 13, 2024 leaves the Shanghai Futures Exchange as the only major commodities bourse in the world to accept Russian shipments of the three metals

Putin expresses hope for restraint in Middle East in conversation with Raisi

According to the the Russian presidential press service, "Vladimir Putin said all parties would hopefully show a reasonable degree of constraint to avoid a new bout of tensions"

Riot police dispersing protesters near Georgian parliament building

Riot police used tear gas to push protesters back from the building entrance

Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 470 military personnel in Donetsk direction over day

The Russian forces destroyed up to 55 military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kherson direction and defeated the enemy in the Rabotino area in the Zaporozhye region

New IMF estimate for Russian GDP in 2025 appears pessimistic — Economy Ministry

The IMF revised upward its forecast for Russian GDP growth to 3.2% in its next report on global economic prospects

Region’s airspace open for Israeli Air Force to attack any enemy — defense chief

Yoav Gallant pointed out that "the Iranians attacked [Israel] aggressively, using over 500 weapons"

Russian intelligence chief, Egyptian president stress readiness for security cooperation

"The readiness to further deepen cooperation in the field of national security between Russia and Egypt was stressed," the statement reads

Press TV reports all of Iran's hypersonic missiles hit intended targets in Israel

The report did not specify which facilities in Israel had been attacked with hypersonic missiles

Envoy reports dozens of Russians killed in Ukrainian attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik, over that period, Ukrainian troops fired "at least 1,362 munitions" at civilian facilities

West wants all NATO members to assist Kiev as long as it keeps fighting Russia — Lavrov

Since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, foreign countries and international organizations have provided Kiev with assistance totaling more than $150.8 bln

Iran has no need to buy Russia’s S-400 missile systems — defense minister

Iran’s Bavar-373 long-range mobile air defense system, believed to be an equivalent of Russia's S-300 systems, will become operational by the year-end

Saudi Arabia, UAE did not open airspace to Israel, US to repel Iranian attack — newspaper

According to the report, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi tried to remain neutral in the escalating conflict in the Middle East

European far-right conference with Orban as participant banned in Brussels

The ban came a day before the summit of EU heads of state and government, where they are expected to discuss the strategic outlook for the European Union. Viktor Orban will attend the meeting

Russian watchdog blocks websites of hosting providers

FastComet provider limited the access to its resources on its own, a source in the industry told TASS

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Putin may be invited to France in 2024, says Macron

The French president noted that this is possible in the case of peace talks on Ukraine

Italy manages to fully substitute Russian gas supplies, says Energy Security Minister

"In Europe this issue is even more complex," Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said noting that gas prices have fluctuated greatly over the past two years

South Korea pledges $2.3 bln in aid to Ukraine

According to the report, Seoul does not supply Kiev with arms and ammunition, but has provided it with humanitarian and financial assistance

US continues to foment new conflicts to save itself from default — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin cited data from the US Treasury Department, according to which the country's budget deficit in March amounted to $236 bln

China's approach to Ukraine balanced, constructive, Russia welcomes it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that China "maintains quite high diplomatic activity" on the Ukrainian track

Putin signs decree on spring draft to armed forces

The document also dismisses soldiers, sailors, sergeants and petty officers, whose conscription time span has expired

US not going to be in armed conflict with Russia — official

The President of the United States has made that very clear

Negotiations on safety of navigation in Black Sea continue — source

The talks are being held within the framework of a letter sent earlier by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the presidents of Turkey, Russia and Ukraine

Ukraine struggles to garner support for Swiss conference — Russian Foreign Ministry

"There are increasingly fewer people willing to discuss this subject with Kiev’s envoys, let alone going there," Rodion Miroshnik stressed

Israel may strike Iranian territory to demonstrate its capabilities — TV

"We are continuing our efforts to prevent further escalation," the US official said

Russian stock indices plunging on Tuesday — market data

The dollar surged by 0.67% to 94.42 rubles, the euro edged up by 0.41% to 100.24 rubles

Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

The hearing took place amid a heated debate between representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and the opposition

China’s Jetour plans to sell up to 50,000 cars in Russia this year

Sales volumes depend on the demand for it, Liang Bin stated, noting that this refers not merely to sales of the Jetour Dashing crossover but also to other brand models, including X70 and X90 crossovers and the T2 SUV

Russian forces take Azovstal plant administration building in Mariupol — Kadyrov

All adjacent territory has been cleared, Kadyrov said

Ukrainian troops hunker down in abandoned apartments in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that troops use at their discretion the possessions of the people who used to live in these apartments

Frenchman fighting for Donbass warns homeland against sending soldiers to Ukraine

Serge Mounier noted that the French army has not fought a high-intensity war against a superior enemy and the consequences could be catastrophic for French troops

Increased partnerships within SCO reflect organization's appeal — secretary-general

Zhang Ming noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a regional to transregional multifaceted association at this point

Meeting in Switzerland to not solve Ukrainian issue, intensive work necessary — Kneissl

"There has to be painstaking work from behind the scenes that is not seen or known, then it makes sense," the former Austrian foreign minister

Israel plans to send 'painful message' to Iran in response to attack — newspaper

According to the report, Israel’s war cabinet will meet on April 16 for a third straight day

France to invite Russia to events marking 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet received an official invitation

Su-57 fighter jet went into downward spiral before crash in Russia’s Far East - source

The source said that it was after the control system had failed

Russian Su-34 jets destroy Ukrainian command post with high-explosive aerial bombs

"The strike was carried out with ODAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

IDF says chief of Hezbollah’s Radwan forces in central, western Lebanon killed

According to Israel Defense Forces, the commander "planned and promoted rocket and missile launches toward Israeli territory from the areas of Lebanon's central and western regions"

Ukraine offers to use neighbors' air defense systems to protect its gas storage facilities

According to German Galushchenko, the issue has been discussed, and "everyone is quite positive about it"

John F. Kennedy International Airport operating normally after earthquake

No flights were canceled and airplanes continue landing and taking off, the spokesperson noted

Putin reflects on Donbass, Novorossiya's difficult journey to reunite with Russia

The Russian president stressed that "this is another great event in our country’s history"

Russian troops destroy fake Ukrainian ambulance with UAV operators in Kherson area

Russian reconnaissance teams have repeatedly observed the Ukrainian military using ambulances and other civilian vehicles for transporting troops and armaments to combat areas, Vladimir Saldo said

FSB makes arrest in Ukrainian Security Service officer’s car bombing

According to the FSB, the detainee had departed for Ukraine after the launch of the special military operation where he was recruited by an SBU officer in October 2023

Austrian chancellor claims Russia may interfere in election in his republic

According to Karl Nehammer, Russia is allegedly trying to set up a network of various groups in the European Union and develop its channels of information

Russia’s top brass reports destroying first Khmara jammer in Ukraine operation

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian troops took better positions in the Donetsk area over the past day

Russia in contact with Iran after Israeli strike on Iranian consulate — senior diplomat

Moscow believes that "connivance with Israeli actions in the Middle East, which are at the core of Washington's policy, is in many ways becoming the root cause of new tragedies," Sergey Ryabkov said

Georgian parliament’s vote on foreign agent bill postponed to April 17

Protests against the foreign agent bill have been going on in Tbilisi since Monday, when they escalated into clashes with police

Slovakia to oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership bid — PM

Meanwhile, Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union

President asks French leader, European Council chief to discuss Georgia issue

Сouncil meeting is scheduled for April 17

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

According to the sources, Israel is now focused on how to respond to the Iranian attack

Moldovan Constitutional Court approves initiation of referendum on EU accession

It is also proposed to add a paragraph to the basic law, which introduces "the priority of EU regulations over the contrary provisions of domestic laws"

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia declines by 15.8% yoy in 1Q 2024

As the State Customs Committee notes, according to the results of the first quarter, Russia ranked third among Azerbaijan’s trading partners after Italy and Turkey

Maduro says Venezuela wants to join BRICS

According to Maduro, BRICS may help consolidate South American nations

Press review: Israel mulls response to Iran's strike and Ukraine plays shot-caller with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 16th

Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts

The Silver Galosh award became a political anti-prize

The Silver Galosh prizes were awarded to Patriarch Kirill, Kristina Potupchik, Vladimir Zhirinovsky and other public and political figures

Olympic flame lit in Ancient Olympia, kicking off 2024 Paris Summer Games journey

The traditional event of lighting the Olympic flame was attended by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, President of the Greek National Olympic Committee Spyros Capralos and other officials

IAEA temporarily recalls inspectors from Iranian sites — Russian envoy

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said earlier that the escalation in the Middle East did not affect the mission of inspectors at Iranian nuclear facilities

Remote sensing satellite Aist-2D’s orbital mission complete — Roscosmos

Aist-29, launched in 2016, has scanned more than 93 million square kilometers

Russian forces pummel Ukrainian army, equipment in 133 areas over past day

Russian troops took better frontline positions in the Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

Istanbul treaty can serve as basis for dialogue with Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that any political and diplomatic search of the solution "can only be based on negotiations"

EU leaders hypocritical about conflict in Ukraine — top Hungarian diplomat

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations, Peter Szijjarto said his country does not supply weapons to Ukraine and does not support the European Union’s failed policy of sanctions

US reaffirms commitment to defending Japan, including with nuclear weapons

Joe Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan under Article V of the Treaty, using its full range of capabilities

Date of Putin’s visit to Turkey not yet been agreed — Erdogan

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that the date of Putin’s visit to Turkey would be agreed via diplomatic channels

Ukrainian president signs law tightening mobilization rules

According to Rada Deputy Speaker Alexander Korniyenko, some of the law’s provisions will take effect after its publication, while most of them will enter into force in a month

Kiev recognizes Russia's tenfold superiority in artillery shells

Vladimir Zelensky admitted that Ukraine had no chance of winning victory without support from the West

Ukrainian paratroopers surrender in Avdeyevka area — Russian Defense Ministry

Nine Ukrainian paratroopers of the airborne platoon of the elite brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces seized the opportunity to surrender near Vodyanoye, turned to Russian soldiers and laid down their arms, the ministry said

Xi Jinping proposes four principles for resolving Ukrainian crisis

The Chinese leader had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian crisis with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to Beijing

Even Kiev admits that conflict in Ukraine could have been resolved in Istanbul — Putin

President recalled remarks by David Arakhamia, head of the pro-presidential Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada, who claimed that it was former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who prohibited Kiev from signing peace agreements with Russia

Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Russian diplomat blames US for current Middle East crisis

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the US had long been promoting "exceptional allegations" about some non-mandatory UN Security Council resolutions

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Kiev regime's terrorist activity requires tighter security measures — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov warned that "the enemy continues its aggressive terrorist policy"

US support for Israel’s aggression in Gaza seen as factor of conflict escalation — Hamas

Izzat al-Risheq said on its Telegram channel

Erdogan accuses Israel of seeking to spread conflict throughout entire region

The Turkish leader slammed Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and said that the only way to ease tension in the region is to stop it

Lavrov states West’s growing concern about BRICS plans to develop own financial tools

According to the minister, Russia is interested in increasing the role of the BRICS states in the international monetary, financial and trading systems, developing interbank cooperation, expanding the use of national currencies and creating its own exchange

No plans to ‘get involved in combat role’ in Ukraine, White House official says

Asked if it was because of Russia’s nuclear weapons, Kirby repeated that the circumstances were different