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Middle East conflict

Over 50% probability of IDF ground operation in Gaza Strip, Israeli envoy to Russia says

"A state of war has been declared. During the period of a state of war, different types of operations are possible: air, sea, ground operations," Alexander Ben Zvi said

© Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images

MOSCOW, October 20, /TASS/. The probability that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will launch a ground operation against radical Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip is over 50%, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi said.

"A state of war has been declared. During the period of a state of war, different types of operations are possible: air, sea, ground operations. Here is one of them, a ground operation; it is not being ruled out, <...> I am sure that [the probability of a ground operation] in the end is more than 50%," he said during a Rossiya-24 TV broadcast.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 when militants from the Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas staged a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and began delivering air strikes on the enclave and certain parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are underway in the West Bank of the Jordan River as well.

Police say Russian-made drone without explosives fell down in Moldovan territory

On the same day, the Moldovan foreign ministry accused Russia of violating its air boundaries, slamming this incident as an "unfriendly step"

What we know about massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

More than 1 800 cases of mpox confirmed in Africa on October 20 — November 3 — WHO

According to the WHO, 11,140 confirmed cases of mpox infection and 53 deaths were recorded in Africa from January 1 to November 3, an increase of 1,828 and 19, respectively, from October 20

Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

Russian presidential aide warns of possible new sabotage attempts by US, UK

On September 27, 2022, Nord Stream AG reported "unprecedented damage" on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines of the Nord Stream system

Ukraine’s troops south of Kurakhovo caught in pincers — military sources

Small groups of Ukrainian soldiers have been trying to leave the communities, but all roads are under the Russian army’s fire

Six die, 15 injured after Israel’s strike on Damascus’ neighborhood — radio

According to the radio station, the strike targeted a multi-apartment house

Over 3,800 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

As many as 3,849 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon

Breakthrough near Krasnoarmeysk could enable Russian push toward the Dnieper — expert

Markus Reisner noted that many of the Ukrainian units on this section of the frontline are understaffed by 50%

Russian forces steadily advance on Boguslav direction — Belousov

The Russian Defense Minister congratulated the command and the personnel of the 153rd Armored Regiment with the liberation of the settlement of Kolesnikovka

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

Press review: UK and French leaders discuss Ukraine as the dollar continues to climb

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 12th

Trump vows to sit down with Russia, Ukraine at negotiating table on first day in office

Donald Trump defeated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the November 5 election

Kremlin aide insists only NATO forces capable of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines

According to Nikolay Patrushev, it is known for a fact that US and UK intelligence services have combat swimmers and relevant equipment

Lavrov arrives in Brazil as part of Latin America tour

The top diplomat will also visit Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba

Two US military bases in Syria come under missiles attacks — TV

According to tAl Mayadeen, at least two attacks targeted a military facility near the Conico gas field in the Deir ez-Zor governorate in a span of one hour

More countries understand reasons for conflict in Ukraine didn’t arise overnight — Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat pointed to many years of efforts in Ukraine to eradicate the Russian language in education, news media and culture, and to the recent law that bans the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Duma passes ban on adoption of children to countries that allow gender reassignment

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said earlier the initiative was to protect children from "potential dangers"

Extension of conflict not in Ukraine’s interest — analyst

According to Sean Bell, the West provided a "huge amount" of weapons to Ukraine, but that didn’t help the government in Kiev

Trump to end NATO’s obsession to get on Russian territory — White House ex-strategist

Steve Bannon noted that Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement seeks to completely cut funding to Ukraine. According to Bannon, Europe, including Italy, will follow Trump’s lead, and, if "they [Europe and Italy] truly believe what they have been saying in recent years, they should be ready to pay"

Climate policy should be based on common sense, not ideology — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister noted that the problem of climate preservation held a prominent place in the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness

Ukraine issue gets more attention at UN after Trump’s election win — Russian diplomat

"People started actively commenting behind the scenes, making forecasts about where things could go now," Dmitry Polyansky noted

Newly minted Russian citizen Santos could suit up for national football team — coach

The Brazilian-born defender has scored seven goals and served up 33 assists in his 198 match appearances with Zenit St. Petersburg FC

Russian air defenses shoot down 100 Bayraktar drones during special operation

Andrey Demin said the incident with the US MQ-9 over the Black Sea, when as a result of sharp maneuvering it went out of control, lost altitude and collided with the water surface "makes it clear to the Western world community that for Russia’s air defenses such aerial targets are no problem"

Houthis say they attacked US aircraft carrier in Arabian Sea

According to the movement’s military spokesperson, the Houthis place responsibility for "turning the Red Sea into a zone of military tension" and the impact on navigation in the area on Washington and London

Russia to equip 290 landing sites for drone operations by 2030 — regulator

The agency also plans to place landing sites in 16 constituent entities of Russia in 2025

Moldova expresses displeasure about Georgian prime minister’s comments

Earlier, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters "gross violations" were committed during the presidential election in Moldova, but the country’s authorities were not investigating them

Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli airbases near Haifa, Tel Aviv

According to the statement, Hezbollah units also delivered a missile strike on Israel’s Tel Nof airbase located 27 kilometers south of Tel Aviv

UN Climate Change Conference in Baku goes off without a hitch — top diplomat

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference is being held in Baku on November 11 and 12

Medvedev characterizes Great Britain as eternal adversary of Russia

"At least until such time as their arrogant, despicably dank island sinks into the abyss of the sea from a wave triggered by a cutting-edge Russian weapons system," the politician said

Ukraine admits to mismanagement of military personnel

Maria Berlinskaya recounted how Ukraine’s army received tens of thousands of people, including "the smartest managers, the smartest economists, and very good businessmen, for free"

UAC delivers Su-57, Su-35S fighter jets

"Other batches of Su-57 fifth-generation and Su-35S multirole fighter jets of generation 4++ will be delivered by the end of the year," CEO Vadim Badekha added

Kiev lost over 30,000 troops in Russia’s Kursk Region — Putin

At the same time, Ukraine lost fewer tanks - around 200, compared to 240 lost last year

German president approves date for snap parliamentary election

"Based on a current assessment," Steinmeier "considered February 23 as a realistic date for new elections," a presidential spokeswoman told journalists

Russia’s Rubikon unmanned technology center team destroys Ukrainian armor in Kursk area

"The video shows a team of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Testing Center of Advanced Unmanned Technologies destroying Ukrainian armor by an FPV drone in the Kursk area," the ministry said

Russia says Su-35S fighter jets provide cover to bombers, attack aircraft in Kursk Region

Also, one aircraft used onboard weapons systems to detect enemy air defense sites, according to the ministry

Russia for the first time displays Su-57 jet at China show

Su-57 multirole fifth-generation fighter jet was designed to destroy all air, ground, and water surface targets, monitor the airspace at major distances from deployment bases, make adversary headquarters, command posts and control systems inoperative

Press review: Trump’s foreign policy reshapes alliances while Germany’s coalition crumbles

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

Medvedev warns that EU behavior in struggle with Russia fraught with 'bad scenario'

According to the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, European leaders are experiencing "autumn blues" after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election

Russian engine maker unveils cutting-edge aircraft engine

"The state-of-the-art 177S engine for tactical aircraft boasts improved characteristics and is of the fifth generation class," the press service said

Tatyana Bakalchuk: I dared to take risks and it paid off

The CEO of Wildberries, Russia’s largest Internet retailer, in a TASS special project on Top Business Officials

Russia initiates creation of Eurasian multipolarity charter — top Russian diplomat

"This is a strategic document that will encompass all the proposals put forward during the discussions at the Minsk Conference and other forums," Sergey Lavrov stressed

US intelligence agencies must prevent new attempts on Trump’s life — Kremlin aide

Trump survived two assassination attempts this year, one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, when a sniper shot at him, grazing his ear, and a second in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-o-Lago residence in Florida

Africa goes through second ‘awakening,’ now from neocolonial oppression — Lavrov

"Africa no longer agrees to remain a source of raw materials that are bought and exported mainly to the West," he said

Trump’s election win inspires with hope of Ukrainian conflict settlement – US expert

This could involve a cease-fire in place, an Armistice agreement along the lines of the Korean War Armistice of 1953,a professor of international law at the University of Illinois College of Law said

Russian troops advance to Ukrainian army’s supply route near Selidovo in Donbass area

The road is also the basic route to Krasnoarmeisk with a distance of no more 6 km in that road section, the source noted

Top Russian security official hails strategic cooperation with China

Sergey Shoigu noted that Russia-China ties were based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, trust, non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs and support for each other on the issues that the parties found important

Ukraine offers up to 750,000 dollars to Russian pilot for hijacking helicopter — TV

The correspondent also reported that the Ukrainian intelligence officer obtained the phone number of the pilot's wife and persuaded her to leave Russia before the helicopter was hijacked

Combat experience distinguishes Su-57 among fifth-generation fighters

The Russian Defense Ministry said it excellently performed in combat

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, energy sites over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 765 personnel, an armored personnel carrier, a motor vehicle and two 122mm D-30 howitzers

Ukrainian attacks kill 14 Russian civilians, injure 51 in past week — ambassador

Over the past week, the Ukrainian army fired more than 1,400 munitions at Russia's frontline settlements, Rodion Miroshnik said

Russian troops destroy fourth US-made Abrams tank in Ukraine operation

The reconnaissance teams managed to get to the damaged vehicle, inspect it and retrieve all the necessary equipment

Japan prohibits Russian bodybuilders to compete in world championship under national flag

It will take place in Tokyo between December 16 and 19

US officer Gordon Black transferred to Russian prison in Far East

The regional Ministry of Internal Affairs previously reported that US sergeant Black had served in South Korea

Ukraine aims to call up 1 mln people in eastern areas by end of 2024 — official

According to the plan, 360,000 people are to be mobilized in October; 325,000 and 300,000 in November and December, respectively

Ukrainians play 'radio games' with Russian recon to spread disinfo on attacks — LPR expert

It is reported that Ukrainian fighters have recently been sending false signals about an impending offensive or strikes allegedly being planned on unconfirmed targets

Police say Russian-made drone without explosives fell down in Moldovan territory

On the same day, the Moldovan foreign ministry accused Russia of violating its air boundaries, slamming this incident as an "unfriendly step"

Russia keeps building defense capacity despite conflict in Ukraine — Polish general

According to Wieslaw Kukula, if the conflict in Ukraine ends soon, Russia will be able to build up its defense capacity to the point that it could take on all of NATO

Russian Government Bond Index exceeds 99 points for the first time since October 25

By 10:20 a.m. Moscow time, the RGBI Index slowed its growth and amounted to 99.4 points (+0.78%)

Japan remains ready to sign peace treaty with Russia — top diplomat

After Tokyo imposed anti-Russian sanctions over the situation in Ukraine, Russia halted consultations with Japan on a peace treaty

Mi-171A3 helicopter draws interest from partners in China — Russian Helicopters

The helicopter can fly in harsh conditions, particularly those inside the Arctic Circle, where satellite communication coverage is poor

Ukrainian losses, Sudzhansky district head retirement: situation in Kursk Region

Units of the battlegroup continued offensive operations, defeating Ukrainian formations in the areas of the settlements of Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

Russia, Iran, Turkey condemn all Israeli military attacks on Syria — joint statement

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, a military operation by Turkey would only exacerbate an already tricky situation

Poll reveals Russian attitudes toward childfree propaganda

According to the poll, the majority of Russian residents (68%) know about the existence of the childfree movement

Medvedev suggests that Elon Musk launch campaign to amend US Constitution

Article II of the US Constitution stipulates that: "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President"

Russia demonstrates Il-76MD-90A(E) airlifter to 11 foreign customers this year

The latest modification is distinguished by new equipment, including a glass cockpit, modern PS-90A-76 engines, a modified wing and reinforced chassis

Embassies of 12 countries closed in North Korea amid shortage of goods

All foreign personnel of international humanitarian organizations have also left, the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang said

Russian lower house passes third reading of bill banning child-free propaganda

The legislation stipulates preventing the distribution of information promoting voluntary childlessness online, through the media, movies and advertisements

Putin says new world order reflecting diversity is emerging

The Russian leader pointed out that new powerful centers of economic growth, financial and political influence are now emerging, primarily in the Global East and South

Italian producer announces two collaborative projects with Russia

An attempt at cultural isolation of Russia has not borne fruit, Paolo Maria Spina said

PREVIEW: Lavrov visits Cuba, starts his tour of Latin America

During this tour Russian Foreign Minister will also visit Venezuela and Brazil

Security official stresses need to counter US policy of dual containment of Russia, China

Sergey Shoigu arrived in China on a working visit on Monday

Some 300 Germans eager to move to Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region — authorities

Among those who are ready to move are technical professionals in the metalworking industry

Turkey's F-16 fighter downs Armenia's Su-25 from Azerbaijani territory — Yerevan

According to official Yerevan, the pilot of the shot down aircraft died

Lavrov to lead Russia’s delegation to G20 summit in Brazil

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with heads of BRICS media outlets that he will not be attending the G20 summit in Brazil, scheduled for November 18 and 19

Over 1,000 dead seals found on Caspian coast in Kazakhstan

Director of the Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology Mirgaliy Baimukanov noted that traces of injuries were found on some of the dead seals, but, according to the specialist, this is not enough to determine a cause of death

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanon nears 3,300 — health ministry

As many as 88 civilians received wounds during the past day, bringing the overall number of those wounded up to 14,222, including 1,280 children

Russian advances, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Units of Russia’s Battlegroup North have continued their offensive, defeating Ukrainian formations near several settlements in the Kursk Region

Libya interested in joining BRICS, reviews possibilities

We are interested in joining, but joining is a guarantee of the value, the benefit that Libya can receive from joining the association, Acting Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Libyan Government of National Unity Taher al-Bawr said

Press review: Russia, Belarus finalize security deal as China readies for Trump’s new term

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 11th

Talks between Putin, Trump before inauguration possible — Kremlin

The United States Presidential Inauguration will be held on January 20, 2025

Russian Security Council chief to visit China on November 11-14

Apart from that, he will hold talks with Chinese Communist Party secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission overseeing national security and intelligence Cheng Wenqing

Russian troops push forward in Kharkov Region post-liberation of Kolesnikovka — official

Russian army continues to advance towards Oskol, smoothing out the front line along the river and towards the settlements of Glushkovka and Borovaya

Putin’s instructions after EEF to boost Russia’s cooperation with friendly states — envoy

"Special attention is paid to transport infrastructure and the creation of competitive international territories of advanced development - the basis for attracting investment and increasing the export potential of the region," the statement reads

Kiev should sign peace treaty, but this will spell end of grift for many, billionaire says

"The longer the war goes on, the more territory Ukraine will lose," David Sacks added

France to hand over six Mirage 2000-5 jets to Ukraine — lawmaker

Frank Giletti asked to speed up the commissioning of previously ordered Rafale planes to the armed forces

Russian troops secure supply route to Plekhovo in Kursk Region — commander

It is reported that fighting in the settlement itself is taking place at the moment

BRICS and G7 countries in global economy

Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter debuts at Airshow China

Earlier, Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Russia’s state tech corporation Rostec, stated that the Su-57 is the only fifth-generation aircraft globally that has demonstrated its exceptional performance characteristics in all combat scenarios

Russian drone production expected to increase nine-fold by 2030

The construction of UAS research and production centers supporting development, testing, certification, manufacturing, and market entry of drone systems is planned in 48 regions

US hegemony ambitions led to global problems starting with Belgrade bombings — lawmaker

According to Vyacheslav Volodin, "it is very important to objectively assess the events that took place 25 years ago"

Trump appoints Florida Rep. Mike Waltz National Security Advisor

Now, Jake Sullivan serves as the US National Security Advisor

Putin meets with visiting North Korean foreign minister — Kremlin spokesman

On November 1, Choe Son Hui held talks with her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Press review: Trump’s victory stuns investors while Russia’s economy holds strong

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 7th

Detentions, blocking of roads: what is known about situation in Abkhazia

The prosecutor general stated that following the incident, four Abkhazian residents were detained: Garry Kokaya, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Omar Smur, and Ramaz Dzhopya

Russian forces advancing in seven directions in Avdeyevka area, expert says

According to Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov, the advance in the Avdeyevka area makes it possible for Russian forces to move towards the city of Zaporozhye

Countries will line up for Russian gas when US stops exporting LNG — Serbian president

According to Aleksandar Vucic, Washington will use LNG "for the growing consumption of artificial intelligence, electric charging stations and everything else"

Dagestani deminer holds stronghold on his own for several weeks

According to the statement the enemy shelled Zakaria Aliyev almost daily but the Dagestani man’s spirit "turned out to be stronger than any weapon"

Freezing conflict will only allow Ukraine to rearm itself, fight Russia anew, says expert

Ruslan Kalinchuk noted that Russia "will not negotiate on Donbass and Novorossia," while Vladimir Zelensky will not do any deals unless Russia makes concessions because "he would immediately be ousted in such an event"