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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Hamas against refugees returning to northern Gaza on Israeli terms — TV channel

The sources conclude that serious differences of opinion on prisoner swaps still remain between Hamas and Israel and talks will resume next week

CAIRO, March 7. /TASS/. Radical Palestinian movement Hamas has disagreed with the return of temporarily displaced individuals to the northern Gaza Strip on the terms proposed by Israel, Al Arabiya said, citing sources.

According to the TV channel, the Israeli side is hesitant as to whether to permit the embattled enclave’s residents to return, especially those under 45. Additionally, Israel demanded the release of all hostages during a six-week truce without any preconditions or restrictions, while all POWs must be released before a full ceasefire is established.

The sources conclude that serious differences of opinion on prisoner swaps still remain between Hamas and Israel and talks will resume next week. Mediators, such as Egypt, Qatar and the US, still hope to achieve a truce before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on March 11.

Earlier, Al-Qahera al-Ekhbariya reported that the Cairo talks would resume soon. The multilateral talks on Gaza have been underway in the Egyptian capital since March 3. According to Al Jazeera, they concluded without any agreements between Hamas and the Israeli side. According to its sources, Israel "was rejecting Hamas’s demands to end its offensive in the enclave, withdraw its forces, and ensure freedom of entry for aid and the return of displaced people."

On March 5, Al Arabiya said that the participants of the Cairo talks were working on introducing a ceasefire in the first week of Ramadan. According to its sources, Israel was supposed to provide a response to Hamas’ demands on a clear timeframe to conclude the talks. Earlier, Egypt, Qatar and the US proposed to introduce a ceasefire regime for a week in return for the release of several elderly hostages held in the enclave. It was noted that the Hamas militants disagreed with the proposal to introduce a short pause in combat and insisted on extending it as much as possible.

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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israeli losses surpass 620 troops since Gaza conflict escalated

It is reported that since the onset of the ground operation in Gaza the Israeli army has lost 273 troops

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Mikhail Bogdanov and Nazih el-Nagari pointed to the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and stable humanitarian aide to the enclave’s population

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Dmitry Kochnev stressed that the Federal Guard Service "is building up its combat capabilities and increasing its efficiency by equipping its units in charge of protecting the government with advanced weapons, accouterment, special military equipment"

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"Earth is the cradle of humanity, our common home, and we are all equal as its inhabitants," he noted

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White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to preview any actions that the US could take

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"Apparently, overseas and in Brussels they naively think that Central Asian countries will not resist this Western expansion," Mikhail Galuzin stated

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Among other priorities, Yury Ushakov cited cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

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According to Sergey Naryshkin, "this could happen if the so-called Western bloc considers it, firstly, profitable for itself and, secondly, sufficiently safe"

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The Russian President pointed out that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS group "have well established themselves as key pillars of the emerging multipolar world order"

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The head of the military administration cited the delay in Western arms deliveries as the reason for the Ukrainian forces' failures

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Alexander Bortnikov also noted that Russian border guards will protect Armenia's border with Turkey and Iran

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This direction has been strengthened, Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky said

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Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia was ready to negotiate peace not only in words, but also in deeds

Putin’s informal meeting with Xi Jinping seen as most important part of his trip to China

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Egypt threatens to end its mediation between Israel, Hamas — WSJ

The officials said Egypt is also blocking any humanitarian aid trucks from entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing

Law banning import of Russian uranium to US wreaks havoc on system — expert

Speaking about numerous statements on allocation of financing for the creation of additional capacities on uranium enrichment, it is unclear what is behind those statements, editor-in-chief of the Geoenergetika.ru online magazine Boris Martsinkevich noted

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Five UAVs were wiped out over the Kursk Region and three drones were intercepted over the Bryansk Region

Ukrainian commanders trading blame with each other over defeats near Kharkov — NYT

Many in Ukraine reportedly believe that their country’s situation in the conflict with Russia has significantly worsened

Head of Main Personnel Directorate of Russia’s Defense Ministry Yuri Kuznetsov detained

A search was conducted at both Kuznetsov's job and his home, other specifics about the criminal case have not been revealed, law enforcement agencies told TASS

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Russia’s UN mission expects Georgia to be wise enough not to sell out to US like Ukraine

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Press review: Russia installs new defense minister and Ukrainian terror in Belgorod

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 13th

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On May 11, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported liberating several populated localities in the Kharkov Region

Georgian government members could face sanctions over ‘erosion of democracy’ — US official

The Georgian parliament passed a bill on foreign agents in the final reading on May, 14

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Yury Ushakov noted that according to the plan, "interregional agreements should also be signed at this time"

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China's oil imports in March increased by 4% compared to February and amounted to 11.6 million barrels per day, according to OPEC estimates

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Dmitry Peskov added that Kiev's information about the Nord Stream explosions, if it is of any value at all, "is something that the Dutch, the Swedes and others should scrutinize"

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Russian-Chinese partnership shows resilience to any external pressure — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov emphasized that 2024 is an anniversary year from the standpoint of establishment of the Sino-Russian diplomatic relations

State Duma approves Mikhail Mishustin as Chairman of Russian Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin thanked State Duma lawmakers for approving his candidacy for the prime minister’s office

Putin calls on new cabinet to do their job earnestly

"We have a lot to do," Russian President added

Israel hits Hamas headquarters in UNRWA school in Gaza — IDF

According to the Israel Defense Forces, fifteen militants were eliminated as a result of the strike, with more than ten being Hamas members

Ukrainian commanders flee Kupyansk, leaving covering force — Russian lawmaker

The Kharkov direction is the most important and challenging frontline area for Russian troops, Viktor Vodolatsky pointed out

Russian official lauds defense industry as world’s most powerful in basic arms output

Denis Manturov noted that the geopolitical situation was prompting the need constantly to improve operational characteristics of armaments and military hardware

Serbian president thanks Russian authorities for supporting Belgrade’s sovereignty

Aleksandar Vucic met with Moscow’s Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko

Air defenses destroy ten ATACMS missiles over Crimean Peninsula — Russian Defense Ministry

"The attacks involved US-made ATACMS missiles, French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, US-made HARM, large-caliber projectiles and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the statement says

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"Such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including Russia's," the Russian President pointed out

Europeans go for broke seeing risk of collapse for Kiev in special op situation — Kremlin

According to Peskov, currently, "the moment is crucial."

Cost of BREST fast reactor construction estimated at $1.3 bln, says Rosatom

The high cost of the project is particularly due to the growth of prices for materials

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Vyacheslav Gladkov said that in the village of Krasny Oktyabr in the Belgorodsky district windows were smashed and roofs and facades damaged in three private households

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Viktor Zolotov also said the National Guard had started to take delivery of heavy equipment

Conflict between Russia, Ukraine may last about 10 years — Polish foreign minister

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Kremlin clarifies Patrushev’s new appointment

Since 2008, Patrushev has been the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, serving the longest in this capacity

Russian troops liberate Bugrovatka community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on ten Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area where the enemy lost more than 520 troops over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian diplomat puts blame for Kiev’s crimes on West

"The Zelensky regime’s sponsors are openly and publicly allowing it to hit civilian targets with the weapons they supply," Vasily Nebenzya said

Switzerland conference on Ukraine aims to issue ultimatum to Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that "the conference has long been the talk of all those who are trying to defeat Russia on the battlefield"

Capital flow from Russia to Central Asia to intensify 'anti-sanctions immunity' — expert

Central Asian countries expect an increase in Russia’s economic presence in the region, Rustam Khaydarov said

FSB maintains partnership with over 260 foreign intelligence agencies — director candidate

Alexander Bortnikov underscored that these states include BRICS representatives, adding that efficient working contacts have been established with them in various areas

Specialized anti-drone units set up within Russian Federal Guard Service

According to Russia’s Federal Guard Service Director Dmitry Kochnev, the service has been working in the area of drone suppression since 2012

Putin, Xi to discuss strategic partnership, sign documents — Kremlin

The Kremlin noted that "it is planned to sign a joint statement of the heads of state following talks and a number of bilateral documents"

Russian troops destroy over 16,000 armored vehicles in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian troops improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on the Ukrainian army in the Kharkov area over the past day, the ministry reported

PM Mishustin to chair first meeting of Russia’s new cabinet

The meeting’s agenda includes a lot of financial issues

Blinken says current special military operation stage critical for Kiev

According to the US secretary of state, Russia is "ramping up another offensive against Ukraine, at Kharkov and across the east"

Formidable Sarmat: Satan’s successor that can pierce any defense

TASS’ military analyst fills us in on one of the greatest secrets of Russia’s defense industry

Georgian parliament approves foreign agents bill in third reading

According to the procedure, the bill will be submitted to President Salome Zourabichvili, who has already vowed to veto it

Federal Protective Service begins testing newest anti-drone systems

FSO Director Dmitry Kochnev pointed out that the agency seeks to study the newest technical solutions, "which the enemy attempts to use," taking the seriousness and credibility of threats into consideration

Putin, Xi to sign document on closer bilateral partnership — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, the 30-page document will "note the special nature of our bilateral relations, outline ways for the further development of the entire spectrum of bilateral ties"

Press review: New Russian government taking shape and Georgia's path to EU gets cloudy

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 14th

Candidate for foreign intelligence chief advocates keeping ties with unfriendly countries

Sergey Naryshkin stressed that these contacts "should be preserved even in such a difficult international situation so that we can resolve very pressing problems"

Nominee for Russian defense chief urges need to outpace Ukrainian army in technology

"It is necessary to generalize the experience of applying new technologies and, correspondingly, test new forms and methods of warfare," Andrey Belousov added

West must accept responsibility for Ukraine crisis, engage in peace talks — Maduro

Nicolas Maduro stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is enjoying his greatest political power over the last 20 years" while Russia "beat sanctions in the economic war" and bolstered its economy

Western strikes on Yemen have no excuse — Russia’s ambassador to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also noted the failure of attempts "to justify this aggression by Security Council Resolution 2722 or by references to the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter"

Putin appoints Russian new government

This is the first Russian government formed under the new procedure envisaged by the 2020 constitutional amendment

Palestine Red Crescent Society warns of looming famine in Gaza Strip

The PRCS called on the international community to urgently intervene and pressure the Israeli authorities

Nord Stream saboteurs prepped in Ukraine, Romania — Ukrainian politician

According to Andrey Derkach, they trained on the South Stream, rented a large yacht, and then they were taken to Poland

Russia-China relations reach highest-ever level, getting increasingly stronger — Putin

Trade relations between Moscow and Beijing are developing at a fast pace, the Russian President noted

Sea-launched Bulava ICBM accepted for service in Russian Armed Forces

Currently, Russia’s Northern and Pacific Fleets operate seven strategic subs of this type built by the Sevmash Shipyard in Russia’s northwest

Death toll in Sunday’s apartment building collapse in Belgorod climbs to 16

Belgorod and its surroundings were subjected to massive Ukrainian shelling on May 12

Putin to visit China May 16-17 — Kremlin

The visit to China will be Putin’s first foreign visit after his re-election as the Russian president, and, as Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier, will be a "reciprocal step to the first official visit of President Xi Jinping which took place last year also following his re-election"

Economic interaction will be priority at meeting of Russian and Chinese leaders — aide

Presidential aide for international affairs Yury Ushakov recalled that Russia last year moved up to fourth place among China's counterparties

Heads of economic agencies, Roscosmos to join Russia’s delegation in China

Yury Ushakov noted that he would also join the delegation, and apart from him the presidential administration will be represented by deputy heads of the presidential administration Maksim Oreshkin and Dmitry Peskov

Dyumin, Patrushev, Yampolskaya et al. — who joined Russia’s renewed presidential staff

Alexey Dyumin, who quit the post of the Tula Region’s governor, and Nikolay Patrushev, who left the post of secretary of the Security Council, have become new aides to the Russian leader

Picking China for Putin’s first visit reflects 'personal chemistry' with Xi Jinping — aide

"This tradition is a clear evidence of the high level of bilateral relations and priority attention, paid to the Russian-Chinese partnership by both sides," Yury Ushakov noted

Putin highlights successful trade between Russia, China

"Over the past five years, we have doubled the Russia-China turnover: it reached $227.8 billion last year, against $111 billion in 2019," the Russian leader said

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

NATO unable to prevent GPS jamming in Baltic region — retired Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak said he believes Russia is involved in the suppression of the GPS signal over the Baltic Sea to "test the alliance's reaction"

Belarus says Ukraine keeping up to 120,000 troops near border between countries

Konstantin Molostov said Belarus is taking "appropriate measures" in response to the actions of Ukraine

Upgraded tank anti-FPV drone systems arrive for Russian troops in Ukraine operation

New Triton drone suppression systems can be mounted on both armor and quad bikes, sea boats and any objects that require protection against FPV drones, Denis Oslomenko elaborated

Foreign Intelligence Service tasked to provide leadership with intelligence data — chief

"In the current difficult international conditions, we must improve our work in three areas," Sergey Naryshkin added

Russia to invite numerous global South leaders to BRICS summit — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the participants in last year's BRICS summit in Johannesburg (South Africa) decided to form a new category of partner countries, which "will largely replace the BRICS+ format that has existed so far"

Valery Pikalev appointed head of Russia’s Federal Customs Service

He is St. Petersburg’s former deputy governor

Russian, Ukrainian people to restore relations sooner or later, senior diplomat says

"The Anglo-Saxons have always feared our unity and they have long been trying to pit us against each other and drown us in a bloody fratricide," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said