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Middle East conflict

Hamas leaders could flee Gaza to Egypt through underground tunnels, IDF says

It is noted that there exists an extensive network of tunnels between Rafah in Gaza and the Egyptian side

TEL AVIV, December 5. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admits that leaders of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas may have left the Gaza Strip through underground tunnels and fled to Egypt, reserve IDF spokesman Jonathan Conricus said at a briefing.

"This concern exists. It's something that intelligence is really monitoring," he told reporters. "We know that before the war, before October 7, Hamas had an extensive network of tunnels under Gaza, they had attempts to tunnel into Israel as well, and there exists an extensive network of tunnels between Rafah in Gaza and the Egyptian side," Conricus added.

"I don't have up-to-date information on the status of those tunnels, but the working assumption is that at least some of them are still active. So the risk is there," he pointed out.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 200 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. 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 declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and has been delivering air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also underway in the West Bank.

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

It will take place in Tokyo between December 16 and 19

Biden to try to persuade Trump to sustain assistance to Ukraine — advisor

Jake Sullivan also pointed out that Biden had promised Ukraine that the US administration "will have sent the full amount of resources and aid to Ukraine the Congress has authorized" by January 20

Italian producer announces two collaborative projects with Russia

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

Israeli foreign minister says preparations underway for annexing some West Bank areas

"2025 should be the year of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria," Bezalel Smotrich said

Russian troops advancing in all frontline areas in Donbass region, says DPR head

Russian troops are making a major advance in the Kurakhovo area, Denis Pushilin said

Russian delegation discusses biosecurity cooperation with African countries

The sides exchanged views on threats to biosecurity at the regional and international levels

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

Participants in Russia-Africa conference content with strategic partnership ties — MFA

The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was held from November 9-10 in the Sirius Federal Territory

Russia to start trials of most advanced Katran combat drone this year

Several options of arming the Katran drone are being considered, the rotorcraft developer said

Trump, Putin speak over phone — newspaper

Neither Washington not Moscow have officially confirmed this information

Syrian military to be trained to use Russian S-300 systems within three months

The defense minister said that Russia has supplied Syria with 49 equipment pieces as part of the S-300 delivery

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"

Indian minister notes urge to redress trade balance with Russia

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pointed out that "the two economies are complementary," which he said is a key consideration

Europe on the verge of sweeping changes — Hungary’s Foreign Minister

"It is obvious that the European strategy [in respect of Ukraine], which has clearly failed, cannot be continued," Peter Szijjarto said

Russia and China set to explore new opportunities in trade — Russian senator

Russian Federation Council Deputy Chairman Nikolay Zhuravlyov noted that trade and economic relations between China and Russia "are developing at a rapid pace"

American Abrams tanks vulnerable even to Soviet-era weapons, says expert

US President Joe Biden announced on January 25 that Washington would hand over 31 M1 Abrams tanks to the Kiev regime

Russian aircraft destroy Ukraine’s Buk missile system - Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, the targets were destroyed by air-to-surface missiles

Belarus officially becomes BRICS partner state — Foreign Ministry

According to the ministry, the status of a partner country entitles Belarus, among other things, to participate in special sessions of BRICS summits and meetings of BRICS foreign ministers on a permanent basis

Relations with Russia to improve for mutual benefit, says Finnish President Stubb

The Ilta-Sanomat daily pointed out that Alexander Stubb had been in the presidential office for eight months already, but never managed to hold any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Africa records over 50,000 cases of mpox since beginning of year

In the past week alone, there were 2,532 recorded mpox cases in Africa, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi accounting for 86.7% of them

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

Trump unlikely to change US policy targeting Russia, Serbia, expert says

Yelena Ponomaryova pointed out that the documentary dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Nis incident was important for understanding the current global agenda

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

Arab, Islamic states to seek restriction of arms exports to Israel — report

The participants of the summit also underscore the need to ensure the protection of maritime transport corridors

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

SUV rams crowd in China, injuring 20 — report

The perpetrator attempted to flee the scene, but was caught by the police

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

Japan's government resigns ahead of regular prime ministerial election

Divisions within the opposition are still expected to secure Shigeru Ishiba’s election as prime minister and allow him to form a minority governmen

Trump, Putin could agree on limits of nuclear warheads — US expert

Nevertheless, in his words, "maintaining caps on strategic nuclear arsenals, even by way of an informal agreement between Trump and President Putin, would serve U.S. and global interests."

Over 2,600 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

"Over the past day, as many as 2,614 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar, and Jdaidet Yabous," Oleg Ignasyuk said

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

Israel's new foreign minister against recognizing Palestinian state

"The creation of a Palestinian state today is the creation of a Hamas state," Gideon Saar said at his first press conference since taking office

Ukraine may become 'first victim' of Trump’s second term, British expert predicts

According to Timothy Garton Ash, many in Europe realize that it should shoulder more responsibility for its own defense

Russia destroys virtually all Ukrainian military equipment near Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov added that Russian airborne regiments near Chasov Yar are successfully carrying out combat operations with the support of volunteer units

Canadian auto parts producer divests plants in Russia

Magna assets in Russia comprised worksites in automobile clusters in St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaluga and Naberezhnye Chelny

Ukraine’s military suffers over 1,200 casualties in failed offensive — Russian top brass

"In the past 24 hours, in their effective operations the Russian forces eliminated 48 tanks, 46 infantry fighting vehicles, 37 other combat armored vehicles, 8 pickup vehicles with large-caliber machine-guns and over 1,200 Ukrainian servicemen," Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov reported

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

Russia’s upgraded Su-57 fifth-generation fighter performs debut flight

It is noted that the aircraft also offers a possibility to install a second-stage engine

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

Defense Ministry reports destruction of 96 UAVs over Russian regions

The department emphasized that most of the drones were eliminated over the Moscow Region

What we know about massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

Russia taking additional security measures in Baltics — official

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the US and its allies in Europe have decided to militarize the Baltic Sea

Scholz 'honored' by Musk's 'Olaf buffoon' statement

German Chancellor added, that he 'don't comment on tech billionaires'

Arab League, OIC countries insist on suspending Israel’s participation in UNGA

As follows from the document, countries of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation agreed "to consolidate efforts to mobilize international support while drafting a General Assembly joint resolution to freeze Israel’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly"

Russia accounts for a quarter of France’s Leroy Merlin profits in 2023

According to the news agency, net profits from operations in Russia stood at 287.4 mln euro, which a quarter of total profits of the Adeo Group in 2023

Russia expands production of VK-2500 helicopter engines

According to United Engine Corporation CEO Yury Shmotin, the company needs to significanlly boost further serial machinery production and is currently at 50% of its planned production goal

Trade balance between Russia, India to improve through national currency settlements — MFA

As Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar noted, the signing of a bilateral agreement between the customs authorities of the two countries in May 2024 on Authorized Economic Operators has had a big impact on smoothening the ease of doing trade

Bitcoin sets fourth record over day

The cryptocurrency therefore set the fourth price record over the day

US plans to remove 'arrogant' Zelensky and stage 2025 elections in Ukraine — SVR

"At the initial stage, it is planned to encourage entities within the Ukrainian civil society under their control, through US 'democratization' foundations and think tanks, to come up with a corresponding initiative," the statement reads

Russian traitor Kuzminov dead, buried in Spain — CBS

On February 19, the media confirmed, citing sources close to the investigation, that Maxim Kuzminov had died in Villajoyosa, a Spanish seaside town with a large contingent of Russians and Ukrainians living there

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

It will take place in Tokyo between December 16 and 19

Senior TASS executive says Global South should have access to credible news

According to Mikhail Gusman, news media across the Global South should develop common mechanisms to combat disinformation

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

FSB stops Ukrainian attempt to hijack Russian military helicopter

Ukrainian military intelligence agents attempted to recruit a Russian military pilot to hijack the aircraft to Ukraine, the security service reported

Accession to BRICS to help Indonesia reinforce its national identity — news agency

BRICS should serve as a "an impetus to strengthen the spirit of economic nationalism" for Jakarta, the article says

Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

Gas withdrawal from European UGS facilities almost ten times higher than pumping

Total LNG supplies from terminals to Europe’s gas transport system in August hit the lowest level since October 2021, though they returned to growth in the fall, reaching 8.8 bln cubic meters in October, 11% higher than in September

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Serbia Trump's strongest supporter in Europe during presidential race — president

Aleksandar Vucic expressed desire to further develop relations across all areas of public life

Kursk Region needs over 7 billion dollars to rebuild after Ukrainian invasion — governor

Alexey Smirnov emphasized that the damage of enterprises, agricultural and industrial complex, social institutions, and other facilities is taken into account

Trump to reverse Biden’s executive orders in first week in office — press secretary

According to Karoline Leavitt, the 94 executive orders that Joe Biden signed in his first week in office led "to a border crisis and the economic crisis"

Kremlin spokesman denies media reports of phone call between Putin, Trump

Dmitry Peskov described the Washington Post and Reuters reports about the alleged telephone conversation as "the most remarkable example of the quality of the information that is published nowadays, sometimes even by quite respected outlets"

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

Zakharova blasts self-proclaimed liar Seppelt for fabricating Usmanov story

Commenting on Seppelt's confession, Maria Zakharova recalled that the German journalist has been "clinging to the lone issue" of doping abuse in sports since 1997

Ukrainian lawmaker Bezuglaya calls out ‘catastrophic situation’ in country’s army

Maryana Bezuglaya accused Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky for his alleged failure of the military operation in Russia’s borderline Kursk area and the complicated situation in the southern directions of the frontline

Ukrainian military intelligence chief acknowledges large-scale losses among Kiev’s troops

Kirill Budanov pointed out that it would be untruthful to say that it was easy to handle troop losses

Kremlin aide accuses US of escalating situation in Middle East

The American Navy’s presence in the Gulf and its so-called actions to ensure safe navigation, including strikes on the Houthis, are only a smoke screen to hide plans to whip up tensions in the region, Nikolay Patrushev said

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

Drives on ice, water. How unique Burlak snow-swamp vehicles are made

Certain factors point to an increase in interest in the vehicle, the company's commercial director said

Putin orders to simplify foreign tourists’ entry to Far Eastern regions

The relevant authorities are ordered "to consider the possibility of simplifying the procedure of electronic visas issuance for entry of foreign citizens to the territory of the Far Eastern Federal Districts for tourist purposes" by April 15, 2025

Russian project to build moon orbiter estimated at over $33.5 million

The orbiter is to be manufactured until February 29, 2020

Russian ambassador summoned to Moldovan Foreign Ministry over fall of two drones

President Maia Sandu and the Moldovan Foreign Ministry said earlier that Chisinau thought the downed drones were Russian

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

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

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

Brent prices fall below $72 per barrel first time from October 31

WTI futures with the settlement in December tumbled 2.04% to $68.54 per barrel

Putin orders verification of data on overpricing of Russian power equipment by February

The Russian government was also instructed to analyze the sufficiency of the production volume of basic energy equipment to cover domestic demand and, if necessary, take measures aimed at boosting it

Putin says once invited ex-German Chancellor Schroeder to banya and it burnt to ground

Because of this, the Russian President reminds, he never invites his foreign colleagues to Russian traditional steam house any more

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace 12 times in past day

Three pairs of the coalition’s F-15 fighter jets (two times each) violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area

Russia's Black Sea Fleet combat-ready to counter threats — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev noted that despite Kiev's aggressive actions in the region, coordinated by NATO specialists, there is nothing that might look like "defeat" of Russia's fleet in the Black Sea

Russian servicemen raise flag in Makarovka — official

It is located in the Vremya direction, slightly north of Staromayorskoye and Urozhaynoye

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"

Erdogan wants Israel to 'pay' for aggression, calls for economic blockade against it

The Turkish leader recalled that his country’s initiative on banning weapons supplies to Israel had been supported by 52 United Nations members and two international organizations

Russia signs documents on military cooperation with 33 African countries — advisor

Anton Kobyakov also noted that delegations from 54 countries and 45 African ministers are taking part in the first Russia-Africa ministerial conference

Rheinmetall announces provision of satellite images to Kiev in cooperation with ICEYE

The agreement expands the options for provision of data, obtained from SAR micro-satellites, as well as other services, provided by ICEYE

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

Activity of terror groups, radicals intensifies in Syria — Russian envoy

"All this raises alarm because there are forces seeking to destabilize the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic," Alexander Lavrentyev stressed

Thirteen displaced Russians from Kursk Region found in Ukraine, ombudsperson says

"We are negotiating with the Ukrainian side their possible return to Russia," Tatyana Moskalkova said

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

About 10,000 Ukrainian troops are blocked on the bank of a water reservoir. In another area near Kupyansk, about 5,000 troops are blocked, Russian President said

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

Russian troops liberate Kolesnikovka community in Kharkov area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 530 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Chancellor Scholz ready to hold talks with Putin soon, but only if partners agree

It involves many contacts and negotiations with many people, he said

No ceasefire in Lebanon until Israel achieves its goals, new defense minister says

There will be no ceasefire and no respite, the Israeli Defense Ministry’s press office said

Russia insists on inadmissibility of justifying Nazi ideology by freedom of speech

"We call on states to strictly obey Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which envisages a legislative ban on such manifestations," Grigory Lukyantsev said

German journalist admits his charges against FIE president were false

In August 2024, the nationwide German TV channel ARD published two articles and a video report on fencing competitions at the Paris Olympics in which Hans-Joachim Seppelt accused Alisher Usmanov, of setting up a system of bribing judges in this sport

No indications from Scholz on readiness to talk with Putin, says Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov also recalled Putin's remark that Scholz, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, had gone out of touch and shown their unwillingness to communicate

Netanyahu says has spoken with Trump three times in recent days

During his previous presidential term, Trump recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and relocated his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Russian, Indian companies launch joint sparkling wine venture — special envoy

"Cocktails with two flavors, Lambrusco and Muscat, will be part of the full-fledged contracted batch," Boris Titov said

Ukrainian army to retreat near Krasnoarmeysk in coming weeks — expert

Colonel Vitaly Kiselev explained that on the flat terrain in this area the Ukrainian army would be unable to hold on for long and will be forced to retreat

EU chief outlines his visit to Ukraine's first line of defense

Josep Borrell did not specify which of Ukraine’s borders he had actually seen

Stupinets fast attack craft to be handed over to Russian Navy in 2025 — source

The main strike weapon of the Project 12418 fast attack missile boat is the Uran anti-ship missile system fitted with Kh-35 missiles