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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israeli envoy to Russia categorically rejects possibility of direct talks with Hamas

Alexander Ben Zvi emphasized that all hostages had to be released without conditions

Israeli Ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi Sergey Bobylev/TASS

Israeli Ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi

© Sergey Bobylev/TASS

MOSCOW, October 30. /TASS/. Direct talks between Israel and Hamas are impossible, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

"There are not and cannot be any direct talks between Israel and Hamas because our position is very simple: All hostages must be released without conditions. They are civilians. <...> Unfortunately, we don’t have any information on what is happening to them," he said.

Tensions in the Middle East flared up again on October 7 after militants from the radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, killing residents of border communities and taking people, including women, children and the elderly, hostage. 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. Israel announced a total blockade of Gaza and launched ground operations in the enclave, also carrying out air strikes on targets in the Strip, as well as on certain areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.

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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Conflict in Syria

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace ten times in past day — deputy chief

Apart from that, in his words, two violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported in Syria in the past 24 hours

Putin, Xi firmly said NO to Western diktat — expert

Alexey Maslov described as an important outcome China’s statement that it was meaningless to participate in the peace conference in Switzerland without Russia

Liberation of LPR’s Belogorovka to expand Russian offensive — expert

"This is an important tactical success, which allows us to approach one of the special military operation goals: the complete liberation of Russia’s new regions," Igor Korotchenko underlined

Indian Army receives 27,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles — newspaper

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of a joint Indian-Russian venture to produce Kalashnikov assault rifles in the country in March 2019

Russia says Pletenevka before liberation was used for shelling Belgorod Region

Ukrainian forces are now trying to destroy the settlement by occasionally shelling houses there with artillery, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Kiev deems dead fighters missing to avoid removing bodies from battlefield — Ukrainian POW

According to Andrey Lazarkevich, in the current situation Ukrainian servicemen prefer to surrender as prisoners of war

US confirms its intention to militarize space — Russian envoy to UN

"The United States and its allies with their typical cynicism were loudly proclaiming their adherence to peaceful space," Vasily Nebenzya said

Envoy to Russia preaches patience in Raisi helicopter crash investigation

"Only at the conclusion of the investigation can we determine whether what happened was because of poor weather, whether it was just an accident or something else entirely. Right now we must be patient," Kazem Jalali stressed

West’s attempts to wall off Russia not 'sign of great intelligence' — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, this way, the West is attempting "to control as much space as possible, using blackmail, threats, sanctions and ultimatums"

Szijjarto calls 'crazy' statements by European politicians about sending troops to Ukraine

The Hungarian foreign minister believes that "everything must be done in order to avoid any kind of direct confrontation between NATO and Russia"

Russia creates sanitary zone to protect its cities from Ukrainian shelling — Kremlin

On May 17, Putin explained the Russian military's offensive in the direction of Kharkov by the Ukrainian military’s continued shelling of residential areas in the border regions, including Belgorod

Kremlin finds US reaction to ICC’s demand for Netanyahu arrest warrant 'curious'

"On the one hand, we [Russia] do not support it, but on the other hand, of course, we are monitoring the situation," Dmitry Peskov highlighted

Russia’s UN envoy calls on world community to put pressure on US, Israel

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the chances of moving the conflict into a diplomatic domain "look elusive"

EU intends to launch membership negotiations with Moldova, Ukraine on June 25 — media

The association's member states were ready to do this back in December, but the decision was postponed amid Hungary's disagreement and fears that the issue of EU enlargement could muddy the waters in the European Parliament elections to be held on June 6-9

Medvedev sees no chance of Kiev winning even it fights until 'last Ukrainian'

Dmitry Medvedev believes that "the population of a broken Ukraine realizes this only too well," noting that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky canceled the country’s presidential election knowing that he would likely "lose spectacularly"

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian combat group in eastern Chasov Yar, says DPR

Despite intensive strikes by the Russian Aerospace Forces and artillery, the Ukrainian military is still attempting to redeploy reserves to the town’s eastern part, according to the report

Kiev insists on unattainable demands for settlement — expert

According to Peter Kuznick, Professor of History and Director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, Zelensky’s approval rating has dropped to approximately 60%, because "the Ukrainians are tired of war"

Moscow expects implementation of agreements with Tehran — senior Russian diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia and Iran would continue to develop their relationship gradually, including in terms of the tasks of "strengthening security"

Lavrov to attend meeting of SCO foreign ministers

The ministers will also consider candidates for new SCO secretary general and director of the executive committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Organization

Kiev recognizes regular arms supplies won’t tip balance on frontline — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the situation the Ukrainian soldiers find themselves in is "rather difficult"

Polish PM says nine people arrested over alleged sabotage attacks at Russia’s request

"This concerns beatings, arson and attempted arson," Donald Tusk said

West alarmed over plummeting support for Zelensky — Russian intelligence

The press bureau drew attention to the fact that history has shown time and again that attempts to retain power using lies and intimidation do not work

Raisi's helicopter equipped with full navigation, foreign minister boarded last minute

The helicopter was piloted by Army pilots, not the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Zelensky claims his presidential terms not over yet

Under the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelensky’s five-year term ended on May 21

Thousands of Ukrainian prisoners apply to join military

The bill allowing inmates to be mobilized was signed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on May 17

No battlefield solution to conflict in Ukraine, says top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto highlighted the need to search for a solution through a ceasefire and talks

Russian troops destroy 9,700 artillery guns in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian Battlegroup North units kept advancing deep into the Ukrainian army’s defenses in the Kharkov area over the past day

Over 20 decisions adopted at SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting — secretary-general

"The report of the SCO secretary-general on the work of the secretariat for the period from May 2023 to May this year was approved," Zhang Ming pointed out

State Duma speaker to represent Russia at farewell ceremony for late Iranian president

Ebrahim Raisi will be buried in his birthplace, Mashhad, northeastern Iran, on May 23

Russian forces not to let Ukraine hold on to Nikolayev, Odessa, Kharkov — commander

It is stressed that these are "originally Russian territories and it is unlikely that Ukraine manages to retain them"

Zelensky may be target of assassination a la Hitler in 1944 — Medvedev

"However, it will change nothing either for the Ukrainians or for us," Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council stressed

Russian MP calls for responding to Ukraine’s drone attack by offensive on battlefield

Konstantin Zatulin did not rule that companies sustaining losses from Ukrainian drone attacks may file a collective damage claim against Ukraine

Russia’s envoy to UN exposes Western lies in UNSC after Blinken’s visit to Kiev

Vasily Nebenzya said that this was not the only example of lies or understatements by Western representatives

World misses new opportunity to prevent arms race in space due to US, says diplomat

The United States once again demonstrated "real priorities in space aimed not at keeping it free of any weapons but at placing weapons in outer space and turning it into an arena of a military confrontation," Maria Zakharova stressed

Military exercise on preparation, use of tactical nuclear weapons kicks off in Russia

"Under the order of the commander-in-chief, a military exercise involving practice of preparation and use of tactical nuclear weapons started in the Southern military district under the supervision of the General Staff," the ministry said

Zelensky hysterically demanded that Western countries "bring Russia to its knees" — Lavrov

The minister also called ridiculous the West's attempts to lure countries to the Swiss meeting on Ukraine and then address Russia with an ultimatum

European, US strategy on Ukraine fails completely — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto added that the sanctions have had a major impact on the European economy, and that Western European countries, which are "super proud that they got rid of Russian energy resources," are actually buying them indirectly

DPR collects evidence of Kiev's war crimes in Donbass — regional head

Denis Pushilin emphasized that the regional authorities have tried to appeal to international human rights organizations, but to no avail

Ukraine’s Zelensky should be tried for war crimes, DPR head says

Denis Pushilin pointed out that it was Zelensky who gave criminal orders and took a position that seriously endangered both the residents of Donbass and the population of the rest of Ukraine

EU aid for Ukraine loses legitimacy together with Zelensky — French politician

According to the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelensky’s term as president expired on the night of May 21

Sending NATO instructors to Ukraine without Russia’s consent dangerous — expert

As Mark Episkopos notes, sending NATO instructors to Ukraine "without a larger strategy for ending" the fighting would be "a recipe for disaster" and would "bring NATO and Russia within a hair’s breadth of open conflict"

Top brass proposes specifying state borderline in Russia’s westernmost region

"This will alter the Russian state maritime border due to a change in the territorial sea’s external bounds," it says

ICC making mockery of international law by seeking Netanyahu’s arrest — expert

Herman Zakharyayev stressed that both Russia and Israel are pursuing an independent foreign policy and are resolving their geopolitical problems

End of Zelensky’s presidential term renders him illegitimate — ex-Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov pointed out that the Ukrainian constitution was crystal clear about the five-year presidential term

Russia says its paratroopers seized Ukrainian strongpoint near Andreyevka

"Having demoralized the enemy with accurate strikes from grenade launchers and, having suppressed its firepower, the paratroopers under the cover of night entered the enemy stronghold," the Russian Defense Ministry said

Risk of nuclear conflict at its highest in decades — statement of 23 countries

The statement emphasized that nuclear weapons make up 90% of the global stockpile of highly enriched uranium

US rejects ICC’s legitimacy but uses it against enemies — Russian ambassador

"This is yet another example of double standards and a parade of American hypocrisy," Anatoly Antonov said

US Congress considers sanctions against ICC — House Speaker Johnson

"The ICC has no authority over Israel or the United States, and today's baseless and illegitimate decision should face global condemnation," the speaker said

Anything that comes out of Swiss conference on Ukraine trifling without Russia — Medvedev

"Clearly, the outcome of this get-together will be null and void: peace talks are never held with just one party to the conflict," the politician stressed

Macron must know that Kiev uses French weapons to commit war crimes — diplomat

According to Miroshnik, the Russian foreign ministry calls for bringing Ukraine’s leadership to responsibility "for violating the norms and principles of humanitarian law"

20 Russians killed, 115 injured over week due to Ukrainian shelling of border regions

Rodion Miroshnik said that in total, the Ukrainian armed forces fired at least 2,109 rounds of ammunition at civilian targets in Russia’s frontline areas last week

Swiss conference on Ukraine aimed at discussing Zelensky’s ultimatum 'formula' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat pointed to the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping "clearly articulated that the Chinese side will support the convention of an international conference, which will reflect the interests of both Russia and Ukraine equally and will be based on a large number of ideas and initiatives"

End of Zelensky’s term to have no effect on Russia’s operation — Kremlin

The powers of the current Ukrainian president under the current Constitution expire on May 21

Russian army engineers remotely destroy over 70 Ukrainian boats in Kherson area

It is reported that the Ukrainian military uses the Ptakhi Madyara group of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators who try to remove discovered mines from rivers

Ukrainian troops leave positions in eastern Paraskoviyevka near Ugledar, says DPR

According to adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky, the Ukrainian military abandoned most of the bodies of dead soldiers in the combat area

Russian troops leveling out frontline in Kharkov area — local administration

Volchansk is strategically important and that it why the Ukrainian army is bringing in "very serious forces" and "trying to counterattack," Vitaly Ganchev said

Russia hopes Kakhovka HPP strike probe concerns HIMARS suppliers — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that not only the Zelensky regime was responsible for the strike on the Kakhovka HPP, but also the "Western sponsors who continue to supply long-range weapons to the ruling clique in Kiev"

DPR’s head calls for eliminating Western combat vehicles supplied to Ukraine

Denis Pushilin noted that the exhibition presents only a small part of what has been destroyed by Russian troops

Slovak PM conscious, capable of communicating — hospital administration

An armed attack on Robert Fico took place in the western Slovak town of Handlova on May 15

Russian troops leveling out frontline in Kharkov area — local administration

The Ukrainian military is deploying reserves from "all areas it can draw" them, including the Kupyansk direction, Vitaly Ganchev said

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian Baba Yaga drones more effectively with thermal imagers

According to CEO of Laboratory PPSh Denis Oslomenko, the Baba Yaga drone flies through Starlink and cannot be supressed

SCO countries see Western attempts to take control of Eurasia — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, NATO and EU officials are seeking to introduce their institutions in Eurasia and make the countries of the region obey their rules

Russia to rely not on 'Western guarantees' but on its army — Medvedev

"Any newly-minted Fuhrer' of the Ukrainian Reich is capable of tearing it up at any moment for opportunistic reasons," the politician noted

Venezuela on its way to joining BRICS — Maduro

The Venezuelan leader added that "BRICS is a new world, without hegemony, a new bloc of power"

German defense minister speaks up against any no-fly zones over Ukraine — agency

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit came out with similar statements

Press review: Political fallout from Raisi's death and Zelensky's term officially over

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 21st

Ukraine cannot provide heavy vehicles to new recruits — Forbes

The universal mobilization has been repeatedly prolonged in Ukraine since February, 2022

Zelensky to extend election moratorium, his elimination by West likely — DPR lawmaker

Yelena Shishkina noted that Ukraine had seen usurpation of power - but not by Zelensky, who is not an independent political figure, but by the West

Rasisi’s helicopter passenger twice called to say he was feeling bad — senior diplomat

"Shortly after the accident, we managed to speak with Tabriz’s Friday Prayer Imam," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari said

Medvedev warns 'neutral' countries against participating in Swiss summit on Ukraine

"We will remember that," the politician warned

ICC decision rescues Netanyahu’s political career — Politico

It is reported that Benny Gantz is considered to be the politician who can end Netanyahu’s political career

Ukrainians have long lived in unlawful state — Medvedev

"They have not lived in a state of law before and now everything will stay as it is," the politician said

China lodges protests with South Korea, Japan over Taiwan visit

The Chinese embassy in Seoul said the South Korean delegation’s visit to Taiwan "grossly violates the 'one China' principle and the spirit of the communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea"

Lavrov welcomes Xi Jinping's proposal for Ukraine conference

The ministers discussed the results of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China

NATO's attempts to create anti-Russian bridgehead in Central Asia worrisome — MFA

According to Sergey Overchenko, the US and NATO are trying to "entice" the Central Asian countries into so-called partnership programs and continuing unflagging attempts to bring their military infrastructure to the region

Over half of Russian companies will use domestic software by year end — Prime Minister

Mikhail Mishustin stressed that over four years, sales of Russian software have more than doubled, and ready-made package solutions have increased fivefold

China appreciates Putin's position on Taiwan — Foreign Ministry

As Wang Yi clarified, Putin reaffirmed his commitment to the "One China" principle in a speech after his election victory

Helicopter carrying Iranian president crashes due to technical failure — news agency

On May 19, a helicopter carrying the Iranian president crashed in Iran's Eastern Azerbaijan Province

Ukraine peace brokers should take note Zelensky’s legitimacy expired — Russia’s UN envoy

"It runs counter to common sense to discuss any issues, let alone sign any documents with leaders who have lost their legitimacy," Vasily Nebenzya said

Zelensky usurps power in Ukraine, Medvedev says

The constitutional powers of the current Ukrainian president expire on the night of May 21

UNSC fails to adopt Russia’s draft resolution on preventing arms race in outer space

Seven out of 15 UN Security Council members, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the resolution, while seven voted against and Switzerland abstained

Iranian President’s funeral will be held in Mashhad on May 23 — Vice President

The Mausoleum of Imam Reza is located in Mashhad, the hometown of Raisi, a center of pilgrimage and one of the main shrines of the Shiites

Putin discusses expansion of cooperation with Tashkent over phone with Mirziyoyev

The Russian leader also discussed his upcoming state visit to Uzbekistan with Mirziyoyev, the press service noted

Kremlin spokesman echoes Putin’s stance on Zelensky’s legitimacy

The Russian leader voiced his position at a news conference in China

Ukraine’s real losses should be counted in millions — ex-Polish army general staff chief

"The Ukrainians are losing this war," Rajmund Andrzejczak said, describing the situation as "very, very dramatic"

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Russia’s strikes hammer Ukrainian troops, equipment in 95 areas over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 425 troops, a tank and two armored personnel carriers in battles with Russian forces in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Borrell reacts to call to arrest Israeli PM

"All states that have ratified the ICC statutes are bound to execute the Court’s decisions," the top EU diplomat said

Any regulatory acts in Ukraine are illegal, as those in Hitler's Germany — Medvedev

"In this case regulatory acts adopted by a criminal state cannot be considered law in its true sense," the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council explained

Putin spent 2 hours in meeting to help look for Raisi’s helicopter, Iranian envoy says

The Russian president said Moscow stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Tehran, Kazem Jalali said

T-80 tanks help Russian troops advance in Avdeyevka area

"Tanks delivered fire from a distance of 800 meters under constant enemy shelling," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Russia ready to help Iran investigate Raisi’s helicopter crash, Shoigu assures

On May 19, a helicopter carrying the Iranian president crashed in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province

West to push for Ukraine deal on their terms, Russia won't bend — Medvedev

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia, unlike the Ukrainian side, had never rejected any negotiations

Int’l presence at funeral ceremony for late Iranian President Raisi not envisioned

It is reported that several thousand people are taking part in the procession

Press review: Kiev eyes expanded strikes on Russia and takeaways from Putin's China visit

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 20th

Putin holds telephone conversation with Iran's First Vice President after Raisi's death

The Russain leader "stressed that he knew Ebrahim Raisi well and thought highly of him as a reliable partner who made an invaluable personal contribution to expansion of friendly relations between Russia and Iran"

Turkish drone discovers potential fragments of Raisi’s helicopter — Anadolu

The IRGC Commander Lieutenant General Hossein Salami confirmed it

Russia’s military superiority over Ukraine to grow, European intelligence thinks

The intelligence sources insist that Russia is purportedly planning to create a 1.5 mln-strong regular army by 2026 because it expects a standoff with NATO

FACTBOX: Iran confirms death of President Raisi in helicopter crash

All passengers and crew of the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi were killed in the crash, according to Iranian Red Crescent Society head Pir Hossein Kolivand

Ukraine uses weapons of almost all NATO states against Russian civilians — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya called the information about the conflict in Ukraine, contained in UN Secretary General’s report on protection of civilians in armed conflict a "regrettable example of double standards"

Russia urges US to abandon destructive policy course on CTBT — Zakharova

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, "the experiment does not contradict Russia’s understanding of a ‘subcritical’ test and therefore does not violate the provisions of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty or the US moratorium on nuclear tests"