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Middle East and North Africa

Head of Palestine Investment Fund may become new PM — TV channel

According to Sky News Arabia, Chairman of the Board of the Palestine Investment Fund Mohammad Mustafa is the most likely candidate to the prime minister’s post

BEIRUT, February 26. /TASS/. A new Palestinian government, consisting of technocrats, may be formed in Ramallah by the end of this week, Sky News Arabia said citing an official source in the administration of West Bank-based Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

According to it, Chairman of the Board of the Palestine Investment Fund Mohammad Mustafa is the most likely candidate to the prime minister’s post.

As reported earlier, the government headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh will resign on Monday, February 26. A source close to the Palestinian leader told Al Mayadeen that the cabinet will continue to function as a caretaker until a new government is formed.

According to the source, Abbas is taking this step under pressure "from regional countries, the international community, and the United States." According to the source, the decision aims "to stop the war on the Gaza Strip, secure international guarantees for the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, halt Israeli incursions into the occupied West Bank, and lift the financial siege imposed on the Palestinian Authority." He stressed that the next step is "achieving a national consensus for all Palestinian factions, including Hamas."

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mustafa said that the costs of restoring destroyed housing in the Gaza Strip will amount to $15 bln. According to him, the shelling attacks of residential areas in the enclave resulted in 350,000 housing units being completely or partially destroyed.

On Sunday, consultations in Doha on the settlement in the Gaza Strip resumed between delegations from Egypt, Israel, Qatar and the US. The sides are discussing the terms of a potential ceasefire, swaps of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and a roadmap for the enclave following the end of hostilities.

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Middle East and North Africa

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

More children killed in Gaza over 6 months than in all world conflicts in 4 years — UNRWA

Philippe Lazzarini pointed out that it is very difficult to get precise figures under war situation

Russia provides UNRWA with platform to explain Gaza situation to BRICS — agency chief

Philippe Lazzarini explained that against the backdrop of the terrible crisis in Gaza, he wanted to warn the BRICS members of the consequences of banning UNRWA's activities in the conflict zone

Russia should maximize cooperation with friendly countries — PM

Mikhail Mishustin pointed out that another critical task is to establish modern infrastructure to strengthen connectivity of the Russian economy with CIS and Global South countries

Russia to hold next international security meeting in 2025 — top security official

The date and location will be announced later

Ukraine struggles to use GLSDB efficiently due to Russian jamming capabilities — report

When the GPS signal is suppressed by Russian electronic warfare equipment, the munitions can only rely on their inertial navigation system to calculate their impact location, and this causes them to miss the target

Serbia thrusts door open to Russian ruble

The financiers have taken into account the growing foreign trade transactions between the two countries

UN bound to stay as unique world organization — Russian ambassador

"If the UN did not exist, it should have been created," Vasily Nebenzya said

Kremlin vows legal action against US bill on seizing Russian assets

Dmitry Peskov noted that the trial will be "very complex," but will cause severe damage to US economic interests if the US authorities finally approve the bill regarding Russian assets

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

Russia delivers 35 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week — top brass

Russian troops liberated the communities of Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and advanced deep into the enemy defense

Russian cutting-edge missile frigate holds artillery firings in Arctic drills

"The combat exercises were conducted in the Barents Sea waters closed for shipping," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Belgium’s rejection of exchange of assets in Russia to impede process — Kremlin

It was reported earlier that the Belgian side did not recognize the exchange of blocked assets

Ukrainian troops fleeing Ocheretino in small groups, says DPR

"There is one more or less suitable road but it is also being shelled," adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky said

Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

Russian troops improved their tactical position and repelled eight Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Avdeyevka area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

People in Armenia block road in protest to border deal with Azerbaijan

On April 19, Yerevan and Baku issued a joint statement saying that a tentative agreement had been reached for several sections of the border between both countries

US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

"It’s not about any mythical aspirations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but about banal opportunistic and predatory ambitions," Anatoly Antonov said

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

25-century-old Ukok Princess to find final resting place in Altai

First sketches of a would-be burial mound for the ancient mummy of a mysterious young woman have been presented

Russian investment in India’s strategic sectors of economy reaches $1.26 bln

India plans to step up cooperation with Russia in the area of oil and gas, metals, strategic natural resources and industrial equipment related to railways, ports and shipping industry

Russia, Belarus to practice scenario of employing entire military potential — top brass

According to Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, the upcoming drills on the territory of Belarus "will involve some command centers and units of Russia’s Eastern Military District that are engaged in a surprise inspection underway in the Russian Armed Forces"

Eight violations by US-led international coalition’s aircraft recorded in Syria

The Russian military police had conducted patrols in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah provinces, Major General Yury Popov, the deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said

Russia closely watches all NATO maneuvers — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the lion’s share of the alliance’s wargames is designed precisely as the unfolding scenarios of confrontation with Russia

Bill submitted to Russian legislature seeks more control over immigration

One of the bill's provisions would limit the stay of a foreigner to 90 days within one calendar year

US may risk military escapade in Far East — Russian ambassador to North Korea

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is a major concern, Russian Ambassador to Pyongyang Alexander Matsegora told

Istanbul accords could have stopped hostilities in Ukraine — German newspaper

The deal still looks advantageous even after two years of war, Welt am Sonntag said

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Network of international conspirators plotted Crocus terrorist attack — watchdog

Yury Chikhanchin pointed out that the perpetrators of the attack were provided with money, weapons, transportation and ammunition

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 16% per annum again

"The return of inflation to target and its further stabilization close to 4% assume that tight monetary conditions will be maintained in the economy for a longer period than previously forecast," the regulator said

Uniper notified Russia about Unipro dispute, company says

"Uniper had already decided to sell the stake in Unipro in the summer of 2021 and informed the Russian government of its decision in the autumn of 2021," the company noted

South Sudan asks for Russia's help to build oil pipeline to country — Undersecretary

South Sudan is also interested in construction of a high-capacity refinery in the country and in training fuel and energy sector specialists in Russia, Mayen Wol Jong said

Polish general expects Russia to continue wiping out Abrams tanks in Ukraine

Waldemar Skrzypczak underlined that "no tank is invincible"

Russia’s top racket Medvedev through to next round of 2024 Madrid Open

3rd-seed Daniil Medvedev outplayed his unseeded rival Matteo Arnaldi from Italy 2-6; 6-4; 6-4 and is now set to play in the next round against 25th-seed Sebastian Korda of the United States

VTB supervisory board recommends not to pay 2023 dividends

VTB Group received record net profit under International Financial Reporting Standards in the amount of $4.6 bln for 2023

Refinery in southern Russia partially suspends operations after Ukrainian drone attack

Ten unmanned aerial vehicles flew directly into the plant, causing a big fire

Russia to incorporate US nuke scenario in Poland in its military planning — diplomat

"Poland’s authorities make no secret of their striving to lean closer on the US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe and are actively using these ambitions in their hostile Russian policy," Maria Zakharova stressed

Court places Forbes reporter under house arrest for discrediting Russian armed forces

The press service specified that investigative and procedural actions are underway in coordination with Russia’s Federal Security Service

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

SCO should unite against foreign attempts to trigger revolutions — Shoigu

"The main emphasis should be placed on the development of military contacts between the SCO and the CSTO,"the Russian defense minister said

Germany lukewarm to China’s idea of international investigation into Nord Stream blasts

"The investigation is already being conducted by the German Public Prosecutor General’s Office," the German foreign ministry spokesman said

Ukrainian troops in Kharkov Region lift antennas with kites to get better signal

Military expert Andrey Marochko speculated that the Ukrainian army had to resort to this tactic because the TV tower in Kharkov was damaged

Russian T-14 Armata tanks tested in Syria

Serial supplies of Russia’s new T-14 tanks on the Armata platform to Russian troops will begin in 2021

Gazprom Export files lawsuits against European energy companies

In February 2023, Czech energy company CEZ initiated an arbitration worth $45 mln against Gazprom Export due to a gas shortfall in 2022

Blinken’s visit to China meant to shatter Russian-Chinese ties — senior Russian diplomat

"I think that Beijing understands this perfectly well and will not even pretend being ready to reach any agreements with the Americans to the detriment of Russia’s interests," Sergey Ryabkov said

Russian economy proves resilience amid large-scale sanctions — IMF

The IMF states that the restrictions led to the need to rebuild the economy

Russia's Mir payment cards to give Visa and MasterCard a run for their money

The need to develop Mir payment cards was prompted by US sanctions imposed on Russia in the spring of 2014

Over 14,700 residential houses remain flooded in Russia

The source also said that 38,302 Russians have been evacuated from flooded areas and settlements potentially falling into these zones since the beginning of the spring floods

Ukraine’s frontlines may collapse, if Russia decides to focus its offensive — paper

Ukraine is at a great risk of its frontline collapsing wherever Russian generals decide to focus their offensive

Top Russian security official, Cambodian military official discuss situation in APAC

Leaders of delegations from ASEAN member states also participated in the conversation

Russian, Belarusian troops to train in Belarus in 2025

The decision to hold an exercise once in two years in one of the countries was made in 2009

Settlement proposal on Gaza to Hamas provides for release of 20-40 hostages — TV

A source told the news outlet that the agreement will be most likely reached in the next couple of days

Repaired strategic bomber Tu-22M3 re-enters service with Russia’s Aerospace Force

The bombers will get advanced precision weapons while their radio-electronic devices and engines will be similar to the equipment aboard the latest Tu-160M2 aircraft

Russian GDP gain 5.4% in Q1 2024 — Economy Ministry

In March 2024, the Russian economy grow by 4.2% annually

Russia grateful to DPRK for unconditional support of special operation in Ukraine — MFA

Ivan Zhelokhovtsev said that the agreements that were reached during the DPRK leader's visit to Russia represent "evidence of the mutual desire of the sides to consistently implement and expand the rich heritage" that was passed down from previous generations

West prepares puppet structures in case of coup in Belarus — KGB

Ivan Tertel said various methods were being considered, up to "instigating a forceful seizure by illegal armed groups" being trained in the West and Ukraine

Russia fighting puppet regime in Kiev, people to win from its defeat, security chief says

As Nikolay Patrushev said, ordinary Ukrainians have long understood that they were simply used as a bargaining chip, a tool to contain Russia

Russia strikes major thermal power plant in western Ukraine — underground resistance

Five missiles hit Dnepropetrovsk while a strong blow with the subsequent detonation was registered in Krivoi Rog, the spokesman specified

Russia-Europe relations require fresh approach — Kremlin

Russia and Europe are geographically close anyway, Dmitry Peskov noted

US continues hunt for Russian citizens in third countries — Russian envoy

Anatoly Antonov says the Americans seek deportation of Russians to the United States

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin "is well-known"

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

‘Pointless’ to talk Easter ceasefire with irreverent Ukraine — Russian Orthodox Church

Since the onset of Kiev’s military operation in Donbass in 2014, ceasefires have been repeatedly declared on major holidays, including religious ones and most of them were broken by Ukrainian forces within hours

Hamas’s win may lead to 9/11-like attacks, Israeli minister warns

Nir Barkat also described Qatar as "one of the biggest challenges" for Israel, claiming that Doha supported various radical groups active in the region

Kiev recognizes difficulties, losses on battlefield over six months of waiting for US aid

The office of the Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky notes that the Ukrainian army needs to stabilize the frontline

Economic figures turn out above projections in early 2024 — Putin

Russia’s GDP grew by 6% in January-February in annual terms, the Russian president stressed

Scholz reiterates German soldiers, Taurus long-range missiles not to be sent to Ukraine

"There will be neither German soldiers nor NATO troops in this war," the German Chancellor emphasized

Over 3,100 foreign mercenaries fight for Ukraine, most of them from US

The Russian Investigative Committee added that measures are underway to locate their whereabouts and bring them to criminal liability

US using human rights topics to shake political situation in Russia — embassy

"Attacks against Russia mainly focused on challenging the legality of the special military operation in Ukraine", the Russian embassy said

Moscow to overcome possible EU sanctions against Russian LNG — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "the attempts to squeeze Russia out of energy markets continue"

Russia welcomes Syria’s interest in joining BRICS, senior diplomat says

"This is yet another important signal that the grouping’s international weight has increased," Sergey Ryabkov added

Alrosa may leave Catoca project in Angola — Finance Ministry

Alrosa is working in Angola since 1992

Drone crashes in industrial zone in Russian city of Lipetsk

There were no casualties, egional Governor Igor Artamonov said

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

Russia’s Battlegroup West repels three attacks in past day, moving to better positions

Units of Battlegroup Center have improved their tactical positions

Azov units suffer heavy losses in fighting near Avdeyevka, DPR official says

Igor Kimakovsky specified that the number of Azov members killed in action was in the hundreds

Russian cabinet extends obligatory sale of foreign currency revenue for one year

The move is to facilitate maintenance of stability of the foreign currency exchange rate and sustainability of the Russian financial market, the government noted

Russian gas production to gain 4.6% in 2024 — Economy Ministry

Pipeline gas exports are forecast to edge up by 7% to 108 bln cubic meters

US intel finds no proof of Russian leadership’s involvement in Navalny’s death — newspaper

"Some European intelligence agencies have been told of the US view," The Wall Street Journal added

Armenians protesting against border delimitation with Azerbaijan disrupt concert

A similar protest took place at the Paronyan Musical Comedy Theater

Russian stock indices rising on Saturday

The dollar edged up to 93.4 rubles, the euro - to 98.9 rubles

China to send two pandas to American zoo in ten-year loan program

It is a part of international cooperation on conservation of bamboo bears

Ukrainian forces trapped on outskirts of Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky reported that the enemy "experiences problems with logistics and the supply of ammunition and essentials"

Development of Sino-Russian cooperation to be main topic of AmurExpo forum

AmurExpo is the off-site venue of the Eastern Economic Forum

Kiev may use ATACMS missiles to hit Crimean Bridge — Russian defense ministry official

Russian military will do its utmost to repel such attacks, Apty Alaudinov said

Palestinian factions thank Russia for support at meeting in Moscow — Hamas statement

In their statement, the Palestinians also noted a "positive and constructive" atmosphere at the Moscow meeting and expressed their readiness to continue dialogue in order to "achieve comprehensive national unity"

South Sudan invites Russia to cooperate in oil industry, says ambassador

South Sudanese Ambassador to Moscow Chol Tong Mayai Jang noted that the republic can become a good market for Russian entrepreneurs

Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

The US businessman commented on remarks by Gad Saad, a Canadian professor of Lebanese origin, who insisted that "the path that the West is taking will result in civil war"

Russia's eyes open to nature of US sanctions — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the Russian authorities will try to minimize the effect of new EU sanctions against the country

Russia’s second meteorological satellite Arktika-M launched from Baikonur put into orbit

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying the Arktika-M No. 2 satellite blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 12:18 p.m. Moscow time

Abrams tanks easy targets for drones — Russian expert

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, "as long as there is a lack of direct communication between those who make the tanks and who use them, the Abrams will not evolve to meet modern warfare requirements"

Death toll in Armenian bus accident rises to five

Nine people were injured, the country’s Interior Ministry said

Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

West’s unwillingness to give up hegemony escalates tensions in world — security official

According to Nikolay Patrushev, this creates conditions for the devaluation of international law and its institutions and the erosion of the UN's central role in resolving global and regional conflicts

Top security official advises West to keep door open for joint research work with Russia

Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Erdogan moves back from May 9 his trip to US — report

The report hasn’t been officially confirmed

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

Russia proposes new rules for foreigners buying sim cards, requires biometric data

People covered under the new rules will only be allowed to buy a sim card at physical telecom locations, and not via the Internet

Regulators close US’ Republic First Bank — FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation signed an agreement with Fulton Bank to assume all of the closed bank’s deposits and on purchase of all its assets.

Russia to open diplomatic missions in more African countries, diplomat says

According to Vsevolod Tkachenko, Moscow is in talks with African countries to launch flights to new destinations

Russia says its battlegroup West seized better positions

The Russian forces also foiled a counterattack of an assault group of the Ukrainian 80th mechanized brigade in the vicinity of the Krasnoye settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic

NATO makes Russia its neighbor by expanding eastward, Russian envoy says

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg claimed that increased payments to the bloc’s budget were the cost of having Russia as a neighbor

US first caused, now purposefully drags out Ukraine conflict — Shoigu

The Russian top defense official added that in order to achieve its goals, Washington is exerting unprecedented pressure, including on its partners