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Middle East conflict

Updated at:

Netanyahu denies claims he was warned about Hamas attack

In a statement posted on the Israeli Prime Minister's page on the social network X, it is said that all security officials assessed that the movement was "restrained and turned to a settlement"

TEL AVIV, October 29. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly rejected claims that he received warnings of an impending attack by supporters of the Palestinian radical group Hamas on his country.

"Contrary to false claims: under no circumstances and at no stage was Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of Hamas' military intentions. On the contrary, all security officials, including the head of the [Israeli] National Security Council and the head of the General Security Service, assessed that Hamas has been contained and has reached a settlement," a statement posted on Netanyahu's social network X (formerly Twitter) says.

"This is the assessment that the entire security forces and intelligence repeatedly presented to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers, including before the outbreak of war," the statement stresses.

Tensions flared up in the Middle East after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip attacked Israeli territory on October 7, when many Israelis living in the settlements near the border were killed and more than 200 people, including children, women and the elderly, were taken hostage. Hamas views its attack as a response to Israeli authorities’ steps against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.

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Palestine Israel Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Air Force attack 220 Hezbollah targets in past hours

The airstrike targets included "terrorist facilities," "rocket launchers used for shelling of Israeli territory," rocket and weapon depots, as well as Hezbollah personnel

Cosmonaut Vagner snaps photos of once-in-a-lifetime comet

The comet is expected to reach the peak of its brightness in the Northern Hemisphere on October 12

Naiba port construction in Yakutia's north to create more than 2,000 jobs

The Naiba deep-water port in Yakutia's Bulunsky District will make the Northern Sea Route's navigation safe and year-round

Iraq interested in Russia’s advanced technologies to treat cancer — health minister

"We hear that there is some vaccination and some new advanced technology in Russia," he noted on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly

Turkey ready to take part in Kiev-initiated peace conference, president says

The Turkish president stressed that "at this point, the parties aren’t close" to a peaceful solution

Russian armed forces liberate DPR’s Ukrainsk — top brass

Russia’s battlegroup Center wiped out up to 670 Ukrainian servicemen

UN chief urges Russia, US to resume nuclear disarmament

Guterres emphasized "the utmost transparency of all matters related to nuclear weapons" and called on all countries to reject their use in all situations

Belgrade, Moscow to soon start negotiations on gas contract — Serbian deputy PM

The official emphasized that he "cannot imagine" a situation in which Serbia would survive the current winter without Russian gas

Infrastructure possibilities, demand for Russian coal estimated at 360 mln tons per year

In particular, demand for Russian coal will exceed 200 mln tons in the eastern direction by 2030, according to the ministry’s estimates

Russia says battlegroup West struck 4 Ukrainian brigades

Enemy lost up to 420 troops

Communication with Robinson 44 helicopter lost in Russia’s Arkhangelsk Region

According to the preliminary information, no flight plan was sent to the air traffic control center

Participants in CSTO exercise redeploying to Kazakhstan

Troops from the CSTO Collective Forces are heading from the Republic of Belarus, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan to a location where the exercise will be held as scheduled

MOEX Index exceeds 2,700 points for the first time since August 30, 2024

The RTS Index added 2.33% and reached 941.52 points

Putin announces transition to national currencies in export payments

The President noted that Russia's partners were interested in it to the highest degree

Drones for export: Russian display at ADEX 2024 show in Baku

ADEX 2024 international defense industry show opened in Baku on September 24. The Russian display for the first time features Lancet-E kamikaze drone. TASS reports about the exhibits

Putin states widening gap between US and Chinese economies

"Russia is already fourth in the world in terms of purchasing power parity," the Russian leader said

IAEA mandate doesn’t allow it to name forces shelling Zaporozhye, Kursk plants — official

According to IAEA Deputy Director-General Mikhail Chudakov, the second reason is that Rafael Grossi is a diplomat, a UN diplomat, a Western diplomat, and he will never name the culprits unless there is 100% proof

Grain harvest in Russia expected to reach 132 mln tons — Deputy PM

Oil-bearing crops, vegetables, potatoes, fruits and berries also continue to be harvested

Russia, Laos wrap up joint military drills by defeating hypothetical terrorists — ministry

According to the ministry, the main phase of the exercise involved special forces units, tank crews, artillery crews, IFV crews, flamethrower units and operators of the Igla man-portable air defense systems of the Russian Armed Forces and the Lao People's Army, as well some of the forces of the assault and army aviation of the Russian Aerospace Force

Russia gets permanent observer status in Central American Parliament

The majority of members present in the hall voted to grant Russia the status

Russia calls for halt to escalating violence in Middle East — senior diplomat

Sergey Vershinin also cautioned against "reckless rhetoric" as he referred to a recent remark by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant who warned that the Israelis are capable of sending Lebanon back to the Stone Age

Arctic institute to expand master planning training to Far East, Arctic

The program is aimed at improving skills of specialists in strategic planning and management of settlements in extreme climate conditions

Russian forces destroy APC with Lancet munition in border area of Kursk Region

The ministry said that objective monitoring of the strike was carried out by air reconnaissance means in real time

EAEU, SCO, BRICS can become backbone of global economic regulatory system

According to him, it is necessary to remove existing legislative barriers, primarily in the area of taxation and currency control

Equatorial Guinea offers to host new Russia-Africa summit — president

"Equatorial Guinea has huge expertise and enormous organizational experience," Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said

IN BRIEF: Putin previews Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine

Israel, Lebanon may agree on ceasefire 'in coming hours' — newspaper

One official said that diplomats had held talks with both countries and expressed hope that representatives of their governments would accept the proposal "in the coming hours"

DPR head says fighting for liberation of Ugledar goes inside city limits

According to Denis Pushilin, the enemy already started to downplay the military importance of Ugledar in the public domain amid the accomplishments of the Russian military

Rosseti Group’s investment to grow by 20% in 2024

CEO Andrey Ryumin said in February that the approved volume of financing of the group’s investment program in 2024 totaled $6.5 bln

Replenishment of oil reserves in 2024 to total 110% of production

According to the Russian Economic Development Ministry’s forecast, oil production in the country may reach 523 mln tons in 2024

Press review: Putin sends nuke smoke signal to West and China shows off military might

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 26th

Russia remains one of leading energy market players — Putin

National companies managed to shift deliveries of oil, petroleum products and coal over the last two years, the president stressed

Press review: EP extends hand to Russia and Tehran ready to talk nuke deal with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 24th

Import phase-out not cover up to 40% of foreign software banned for use since 2025

Newly built and commissioned critical infrastructural facilities are based on the Russian software, equipment and information security aids

Five children injured in Mariupol after carelessly handling explosives — official

Denis Pushilin said three of the injured children are in serious condition

Countries of Global South account for more than half of global GDP — Putin

"Together with our BRICS partners we use national currencies, this is already about 65%," the Russian leader added

Baikal-Amur Mainline should become fully electrified — Putin

The modernization of BAM is an even larger-scale project than its construction in the USSR, the president noted

Russia to assess in entirety each hypothetical case of nuclear weapons use — Medvedev

President Vladimir Putin outlined the basic parameters

Western arms deliveries to Ukraine failed to change situation on battlefield — Szijjarto

These deliveries turned out to be useless, Hungarian foreign Minister said

Russia plans to create 90 nm lithography machine — minister

The first commercial specimen of the lithographic printer operating on the 350 nm topology already appeared this year

Putin praises Russian grain harvest figures, happy with export potential of 60 mln tons

The Russian president recalled that the harvest is expected at 132 million tons against 148 million a year ago, and domestic consumption - up to 90 million tons

Pact for the Future not adopted by consensus due to Western "experiments" — Lavrov

"The future of our peoples cannot be invented in a test tube with the participation of the UN Secretariat and Western lobbyists," the Russian foreign minister stressed

Almost all donors resume funding of Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA — UN chief

According to the UN chief, there currently is no alternative to UNRWA

Russia intends to assert its frontrunner status in nuclear power — Putin

The Russian leader drew attention to the importance of ensuring the country's technological sovereignty and in all areas of the fuel and energy complex

Two Russian strategic submarines arrive in Pacific fleet base

They were welcomed by Navy Commander-in-Chief Alexander Moiseyev and Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Fradkov

Russian diplomat informs UN head’s emissary about Kiev’s crimes against children

"The Russian side reaffirmed its commitment to full compliance with norms of the international humanitarian law in the course of the special operation, including with the goal of preventing casualties among children," Sergey Vershinin said

Russia still ready to resume gas supplies via Nord Stream to Europe — Novak

"It seems to me that there should be an international investigation that would be more objective, including Russia’s participation," the official said

Israeli Air Force attack 220 Hezbollah targets in past hours

The airstrike targets included "terrorist facilities," "rocket launchers used for shelling of Israeli territory," rocket and weapon depots, as well as Hezbollah personnel

World needs to know the truth about the history of WWII, Putin emphasizes

Crimes of Nazi collaborators cannot be justified, and there is no statute of limitations for them, the Russian president said

Silver prices above $33 per ounce first time since 2012 — Comex

Gold futures with delivery in December 2024 reached record high $2,700.2 per Troy ounce on Comex earlier on Thursday

Russian diplomat points Italian counterparts to reporter that violated Russian border

The Russian diplomat pointed to a number of media publications with the trip of the Italian reporter, who illegally crossed the Russian border with the Ukrainian troops in the Kursk Region

Ukrainian forces carry out rotation in Kursk area — Russian commander

Russian Su-34 uses Kinzhal hypersonic missile in special op — official

"The first crew who successfully accomplished such a task will receive state awards," the official said

Russia does not refuse gas transit through Ukraine, but cannot force it — Putin

The head of state noted that the main consumers of Russian gas in Europe apparently do not want to force Ukraine to maintain transit

Loud explosions heard near military airfield in western Ukraine

Basts were heard in the city of Starokonstantinov

Russian watchdog chief says nuclear safety of Kursk, Zaporozhye NPP ensured

"The situation at the Kursk nuclear power plant is also stable. I can say that in terms of nuclear safety, everything is within the norm," he added

West bolsters development of alternative platforms by its restrictions — Putin

"Closing the access to its platform, the West just gives a boost to development of alternative solutions: alternative logistics, insurance, systems of international payments and technological innovations," the Russian president said

Transnistrian military concerned over provocation at peacekeeper post

According to Belayakov, the post between the settlements of Cosnitsa and Vadul lui Voda was repeatedly crossed by a local, who shouted insults towards the peacekeepers and was filming on camera, which is prohibited at this location

Bitcoin surpasses $65,000, first time since August 2

As of 17:40 Moscow time, Bitcoin slowed its growth and reached $64,878

US watchdog approves billionaire Soros’ purchase of over 200 radio stations — media

According to the newspaper, the commission’s three democrats voted for the move, while the two republicans voted against it

Nord Stream terrorists must be found, made to answer for crimes — speaker

Investigations by Germany, Denmark and Sweden have as yet been fruitless, while Russia has been blocked from participating, Vyacheslav Volodin stressed

Russia may upgrade advanced Su-57 aircraft to 6th-generation fighter jet

Russia’s cutting-edge Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft has the upgrade potential to become a sixth-generation fighter jet

Lavrov blasts France’s idea to limit veto power in UNSC as shameless move

"Britain and France themselves generally play along with those who want to force the process," the Russian foreign minister pointed out

Biden expands training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots — White House

According to the report, a small number of Ukrainian pilots continue their training in the US, Romania and Denmark

Gazprom resumes gas supplies to China over Power of Siberia pipeline

"Scheduled preventive maintenance on the Power of Siberia gas pipeline was successfully completed in the period from September 19 to 26," the company said

INTERVIEW: Russia to address issue of efficient use of ports for energy export

Currently, in Russia, only 50-60% of the port capacity for energy exports is used

Press review: Israel unleashes fury on Hezbollah and UN bigwigs meet in New York

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 25th

Coal supplies from Russia to China to return to 100 mln tons starting 2025 — minister

The export dynamics is affected by duties on Russian coal imposed by China, a drop in global prices, as well as coal producers’ supply and production costs that have risen in recent several years, Sergey Tsivilyov noted

Bank of Russia not ruling out further key rate growth — governor

The regulator made the decision at its meeting on September 13 to lift the key rate by 100 basis points to 19% per annum

Comex Gold futures price reaches all-time high, exceeds $2,700 per ounce

On September 20, the price of gold futures exceeded $2,650 per troy ounce for the first time

Medvedev describes Russia’s nuclear doctrine review as ‘anticipated event’

In his opinion, the nuclear doctrine review may help to cool down heads of some of adversaries

Updating Russia's nuclear doctrine does not require changes to legislation — senator

Viktor Bondarev emphasized that these changes were long overdue and constituted a response "to the constant growth of tension in the rhetoric and direct actions in support of Ukraine on the part of the Western countries"

Putin slams Germany's refusal to turn on Nord Stream 2 as lunacy, nonsense

If Nord Stream 2 is brought back online, 27.5 bln cubic meters of gas would immediately go to Europe, the Russian leader stressed

Bank of Russia sells yuan worth $2 mln with settlements on September 9

The Bank of Russia carries out purchase and sale operations on the domestic market in the currency section of the Moscow Exchange in the yuan-ruble instrument

Two Russian nationals face money laundering charges in US

The US authorities believe that Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov were involved in operating money laundering services that catered to cybercriminals

Russia's international reserves fall by $1 bln over week to $613.5 bln

Russia’s international reserves are highly liquid foreign assets available with the Bank of Russia and the Russian government

Russia creates multi-tier defense in Kursk Region — top brass

Apty Alaudinov stressed that even those units which the Armed Forces of Ukraine were trying to bring to this area were sustaining heavy losses

Putin sends message to West with nuclear doctrine statements — Kremlin

"This is a message that warns these countries of the consequences should they participate in an attack on our country by various means, not necessarily nuclear," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian troops cut all supply routes for Ukrainian troops in DPR's Ugledar — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, Russian forces now control more than a third of the settlement

Global oil demand to grow by 1.5 mln barrels daily this year — Novak

The situation in the domestic fuel market will remain stable until the end of the year, the official stressed

UN General Assembly's high-level week kicks off in New York City

In the coming week, representatives of 193 UN member states, the Vatican and Palestine, which have observer status in the world body, as well as the European Union will take turns at the General Assembly podium

Israel intends to thwart all Hezbollah military shipments from Iran

According to Israeli Air Force Commaner Tomer Bar, "this goal becomes the first in the list of priorities"

International military-technical forum Army-2025 to be held on August 11-14

The forum will take place on the territory of the Patriot congress and exhibition center, located in the Moscow Region

Former Barcelona, Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic signs with CSKA Moscow FC

The contract is for one season with an option for a second year

Global South countries take leading roles in the world — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the contribution of BRICS countries to global economy had exceeded the share of G7 states

Serbian sniper says Russia fights against 50 countries led by UK, US, France

According to Dejan Beric, fighters from these countries and their equipment are directly involved in the conflict

Ukrainsk liberated from Kiev troops is home to up to 3,000 civilians — DPR leader

Denis Pushilin specified that the servicemen are providing all the necessary assistance to the population

Anglo-Saxons always sought not only cold but also hot war with Moscow — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, in contrast to the Western approach, Moscow was very committed to ensuring that "the principles laid down in the UN Charter are really respected and put into practice"

BRICS nations’ contribution to global economy surpasses G7 share, keeps growing — Putin

BRICS nations’ GDP growth is expected to reach 33.8% in 2028, the Russian President noted

Nuclear triad guarantees Russia's security, sovereignty — Rosatom CEO

Alexey Likhachev recalled that this project was being implemented as part of the state defense order, which "Rosatom traditionally copes with 100%"

Russia’s 6th-generation warplane to serve as transition to unmanned aircraft — commander

Military aircraft developers are currently preparing scientific and technical groundwork for developing the sixth-generation fighter jet

Independent configuration for foreign trade payments to be created in BRICS — Putin

This will create conditions for efficient and independent servicing of the entire foreign trade, the president said

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian army aviation and artillery struck the accumulations of Ukrainian brigades' manpower and equipment in the Kursk Region

Kremlin to announce in due time which countries are on nuclear deterrence list

The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the changes to be made to the nuclear doctrine and, according to the Russian leader, "the range of countries and military alliances to which nuclear deterrence will apply has been expanded"

US defense secretary says Israel, Lebanon face risk of all-out war

Lloyd Austin said there is still a chance to settle the conflict through diplomacy

Defense minister takes the floor at Security Council’s nuclear meeting chaired by Putin

Prior to that, in his opening remarks, the President focused on details of the draft of the country’s updated nuclear doctrine

Russian ministry to remove around 200 items from list of parallel import goods

Earlier reports said that the mechanism of parallel import would be extended until 2025

BRICS foreign ministers discuss peace and security issues, upcoming summit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov represented his country at the meeting

Russian warplanes deliver strikes on eight militant hideouts in Syria

One Syrian serviceman was wounded by mortar fire

Biden announces $5.5 bln in military aid to Kiev — White House

As of September 13, the Pentagon had $5.9 bln left in the Ukraine Presidential Drawdown Authority

Investigation of Ukrainian crimes: situation in Kursk Region

Over 8,000 residents have been declared victims of Ukrainian attacks on the Kursk Region, the press service of Russia's Investigative Committee said