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Middle East conflict

At least 60% of Hamas militants eliminated, wounded — Israeli defense minister

On May 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had eliminated 20 out of 24 enemy battalions

TEL AVIV, July 10. /TASS/. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told the Knesset that Israeli forces have eliminated or wounded at least 60% of militants from the radical Palestinian movement Hamas.

"We have eliminated or wounded 60% of Hamas terrorists. We have broken up all 24 Hamas battalions or the overwhelming majority of [formations]. We have returned half of the hostages and we are determined to return the rest. Security services are determined to achieve the goals of the war," Yedioth Ahronoth quoted him as saying.

On May 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had eliminated 20 out of 24 enemy battalions. Another four were supposed to be targeted during a military operation in Rafah. On July 2, Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said that during the operation in Rafah, Israeli troops eliminated over 900 Palestinian radicals.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas staged a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. 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 has declared a state of war readiness; announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians; and began delivering air strikes on the enclave and certain parts of Lebanon and Syria, followed by a ground operation in the enclave. Clashes are underway in the West Bank as well.

Middle East conflict

US, UK hit Houthi targets in Yemeni Hodeida — TV

According to the television channel, the coalition forces delivered at least two strikes on a territory near the Hodeida airport, which has not been operating since 2015 but can be used by the Houthis as a military facility

Istanbul Agreements is only way leading to dialogue on Ukrainian settlement, says Putin

"The document exists, we have it. This is a draft treaty," the President noted

China receives first batch of Russian S-400 missile systems — source

Russia’s S-400 Triumf is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range missiles, and surface targets

BRICS states deeply concerned by negative influence of unilateral sanctions

According to the statement, "such measures undermine the UN Charter, the multilateral trading system, the sustainable development and environmental agreements"

Foreign mercenaries engaged in torturing civilians in Kursk Region — Russian soldier

"There is no nation, they come from all over the world," the serviceman said

Range of Russian EMP weapons increased to 10 km — sources

Фn electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately, travelling with the speed of light

US, UK hit Houthi targets in Yemeni Hodeida — TV

According to the television channel, the coalition forces delivered at least two strikes on a territory near the Hodeida airport, which has not been operating since 2015 but can be used by the Houthis as a military facility

Russia is Belarus' ally, Minsk to support Russia as long as necessary — Lukashenko

I have supported Russia and will support it as much as it needs, Lukashenko said

Ethiopia ready to ramp up security cooperation with Russia — PM

Abiy Ahmed also thanked Putin for the excellent organization of the summit

Russian, Venezuelan presidents hold bilateral meeting at 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan

Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Maduro are expected to discuss bilateral issues and cooperation within the BRICS framework

Russian Pacific Fleet ships wrap up friendly visit to Myanmar

Military Attache Sergey Kurchenko from the Russian embassy in Myanmar told TASS on October 21 that the Pacific Fleet’s ships had moored at the port of Yangon

Hamas head Sinwar eliminated during operation in Gaza’s south on October 16 — IDF

The identification process is complete

Hungary opposes Ukraine, EU leaders' seeking to drag Europe into war with Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister noted that "European leaders and Brussels bureaucrats dragged Europe" into the Ukrainian conflict

Ukrainian crisis not central issue for BRICS, Kremlin Spokesman says

"This is an important issue of the Russian agenda, but it is far from being the central issue for the BRICS,"Dmitry Peskov

Russian Guardsmen wipe out US-made Stryker armored vehicle in borderline Kursk area

The Stryker armored personnel carrier is a light armored wheeled fighting vehicle designed to delivery infantry to the battlefield, support troops by fire and accomplish combat and special support objectives

Minsk, Moscow support each other through weapons supplies — Belarusian defense chief

Viktor Khrenin pointed out that Belarus and Russia had made significant achievements in defense cooperation in 2024

Russian citizen charged with cyber fraud in US — court files

The citizens of the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan are charged with conspiracy for trafficking in unauthorized access devices and possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices

China’s drills off Taiwan could be reaction to passage of US, Canadian warships — report

In April 2023, China’s People’s Liberation Army staged similar live-fire exercises near the Pingtan Island following a meeting between Tsai Ing-wen, who then headed Taiwan’s administration, and then-US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California, Su Tzu-yun said

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Ukrainian forces out of chances to break through to Kursk NPP — Russian fighter

According to a Russian commander, more than 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers died in an attempt to implement the so-called blitzkrieg plan in Kursk region to give Russia a nuclear ultimatum

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

BRICS countries against policies of sanctions aimed at limiting development — declaration

The Kazan Declaration is titled "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security" and the document is 43 pages long containing 134 provisions

Repelling enemy counterattacks, Ukrainian losses, Red Cross aid: situation in Kursk Region

Over the past day, Russian troops have repelled two Ukrainian counterattacks towards the settlements of Plekhovo and Pokrovsky

Four unmanned motorboats heading to Crimea eliminated in Black Sea

Enemy boats eliminated the crews of the naval aviation of the Black Sea Fleet

Alternative peaceful America exists — Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also declared his readiness to build a “new world”

Press review: Zelensky sees nukes as only alternative to NATO and Hamas loses its leader

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 18th

BRICS Games showcase Russia’s capability to host world-class tournaments — Putin

"The practice of organizing large-scale BRICS Games has proven to be very effective," the Russian leader said

BRICS member states strongly oppose all forms of discrimination in sports — declaration

For the first time, athletes from countries beyond the BRICS member states participated in this year’s event in Kazan

Russia may use its most dangerous weapons if NATO troops enter Ukraine — Lukashenko

Then Russian servicemen will be able to take the most dangerous weapons out of their warehouses, Lukashenko said

Strikes on reserves, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Aviation, artillery and missile forces continued to hit Ukrainian accumulations of manpower and equipment in the Kursk Region, the Defense Ministry reported

Blowing up of roads means severance of ties with South Korea — North Korean leader

Kim Jong Un said that it is a foreign country and a hostile state

Belarusian, Russian Defense Ministries enact bilateral cooperation plan

Viktor Khrenin emphasized that the positions of the defense ministries of Belarus and Russia align in every area

BRICS supporting growth of NBD membership

BRICS countries also agree to jointly transform the New Development Bank into a multilateral development bank of a new type

Presence of two hundred mercenaries in Chasov Yar confirmed — military intelligence

It is noted that intercepted radio messages "indicate their frequent refusal to obey combat orders"

India ready to provide any assistance for settlement in Ukraine — Modi

Narendra Modi added that "problems should be resolved by peaceful means," and India fully supports "establishing peace and stability as soon as possible"

Russia considers vulnerabilities of NATO weapons in building new arms — defense chief

According to Andrey Belousov, today’s joint Russian-Belarusian defense ministry board meeting in Minsk affirmed the continuity of efforts to establish a common defense space and ensure the military security of the Union State

Seoul says it may change its mind, start sending lethal weapons to Kiev

South Korea will be taking take step-by-step measures while monitoring the situation with military cooperation between Russia and the North, including monitoring Russian assistance in military technology and the sending of North Korean soldiers to Russia, the agency's source said

Russian troops seize Dutch-made combat vehicle in Krasnoarmeisk area in DPR

As the assault group commander reported, the enemy's combat vehicle hit a mine and its personnel was destroyed

Russia, China foster economic ties despite complex international situation — Xi Jinping

He stressed that Beijing and Moscow must protect the UN-centric international system and maintain global strategic stability

NATO membership no obstacle to joining BRICS — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that BRICS basically does not set conditions for its participants and partners

Putin re-establishes Moscow and Leningrad Military Districts — decree

The newly established Military Districts have embraced the regions previously assigned to the Western Military District and the Northern Fleet

Crew Dragon with cosmonaut Grebenkin on board undocks from ISS

The spaceship undocked at 5:02 p.m. EDT and is expected to land off the Florida coast on October 25

Threat of new crisis and BRICS stability — Vladimir Putin’s statements at Kazan summit

It is reported that the BRICS countries show sustainability thanks to "responsible macroeconomic, credit and financial policies"

Musk warns of looming World War Three if US approves strikes on Russian soil

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Washington’s intention to let Kiev use its long-range projectiles for strikes deep into Russia’s interior is another step in escalating the conflict

FACTBOX: What is known about terrorist attack at Tusas facility in Ankara

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has confirmed the very instance of a terrorist attack at the facility of the Turkish aerospace corporation Tusas and said there were casualties

Russia’s Ufa submarine heads from Baltic Sea to Pacific — Russian Defense Ministry

The main attack system is the Kalibr-PL armed with high-precision missiles

Zelensky has no chance of implementing his settlement plan — news outlet

On October 16, Zelensky presented his plan for ending the conflict, in which he ruled out territorial concessions

Brazilian president urges to settle conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a meeting with the Brazilian president's special envoy, Celso Amorim, in New York that China, Brazil, and other countries in the Global South would establish a "Friends of Peace" platform to promote a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis

Zelensky's military plan to lead to his defeat, Hungary not involved in this — Orban

It is reported that the defeated now want to move on to a victory plan

Natural hydrogen production promising, Gazprom says

First samples at certain Gazprom’s wells saw the hydrogen content just up to 3%

BRICS states to study possibility of establishing BRICS Clear infrastructure — declaration

"We reiterate our commitment to enhancing financial cooperation within BRICS," according to the declaration

BRICS leaders adopt Kazan summit declaration — Putin

The declaration will cover international issues, too

Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS an important step — Putin

Russian leader noted that the two countries celebrated the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year

Nearly 40 countries to take part in BRICS Plus/Outreach format in Kazan — Kremlin

The BRICS leaders will exchange views on topical issues on the global and regional agenda, discuss the three main areas of cooperation outlined by the Russian chairmanship

Rostec to start mass production of MC-21 Aircraft in 2025, Superjet New - in 2026

In January 2024, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin reported that the government had approved a program to expand the production of aircraft, engines, and instruments

Russia-Lao ‘Laros-2024’ drills kick off in Primorsky Region

During the exercise, servicemen of the Lao People's Army will work out all stages of practical operations in unified combat formation with units of the Eastern Military District

Second China International Consumer Products Expo will be held in Haikou on July 26-30

The total exposition area this year will be 100 thousand square meters, 80 thousand of which will be occupied by foreign exhibitors

Putin meets NDB President during BRICS Summit

The meeting takes place in the Governor’s Palace of the Kazan Kremlin

Russia committed to joint efforts in environmental protection — Lavrov

"We support mutually respectful cooperation to achieve a reasonable balance between environmental protection efforts and the socio-economic development of the nation," the Russian foreign minister added

NATO holds largest exercises since cold war in 2024 — top defense official

According to Andrey Belousov, Moscow and Minsk are strengthening military cooperation amid increased pressure from Western countries and NATO’s hostile activities near the borders of the Union State

Russia testing drone swarm technology in special military operation, officer says

The technology is currently going through combat tests, demonstrating great potential for its use, the Russian serviceman said

Hoaxes on DPRK troops in Russia could be used to send NATO troops to Ukraine — Lukashenko

Lukashenko underscored that mercenaries from NATO countries, financed by governments of NATO member states, have long been fighting in Ukraine

UN secretary-general arrives in Russia’s Kazan for BRICS Summit

Antonio Guterres was greeted at the Kazan International Airport by Farid Mukhametshin, chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan

BRICS member states now discuss partner status of 13 countries — Kremlin aide

According to Yury Ushakov, the issue of obtaining the status of a partner country is "a subject of consultations between delegations"

VEB.RF signs deals with China, South Africa on credit lines in national currencies

The 16th BRICS Summit, which is the key event of Russia’s chairmanship in the association, is being held in Kazan on October 22-24

Lavrov rejects British PM’s remark about Istanbul talks between Russia, Ukraine as lie

In his latest memoir, Boris Johnson attempted to deny responsibility for derailing the Istanbul talks, Russian foreign minister said

Putin calculates all options of possible Ukraine conflict’s escalation, says Lukashenko

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the appearance of armed forces of another country, even Belarus, on the line of contact will be a step towards escalation of the conflict

FSB thwarts terror attack at Yessentuki bus station, detains suspect

After the terror attack, the suspect planned to leave for Syria to join the ranks of the terrorist organization, it said

Russian commandos redeploy to Uzbekistan for drills on Afghan border

In the course of joint practical measures, the troops will accomplish the combat training tasks of ensuring the state’s territorial integrity

Russian forces strike Ukrainian energy sites, military airfields over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel, two motor vehicles and a 122mm D-30 howitzer

UnionPay restricting cards issued by foreign banks in Russia

It is noted that the servicing of the system’s cards issued by foreign lenders at payment terminals of sanctioned Russian banks was prohibited due to the possibility of secondary sanctions

Putin thanks Modi for coming to Kazan, praises frequent contacts

"I remember with warmth your visit to Moscow in July and the fruitful negotiations with you," the Russian leader recalled

UN reform, conflicts, sanctions: key provisions of BRICS Kazan Summit Declaration

The document contains 134 points covering 43 pages, and the key topics include further development of the association, position on various global issues

Russian ambassador to South Africa presents UAE counterpart with symbolic BRICS banknote

The diplomat said the banknote was made in Russia

Ukrainian shelling damages eighteen cultural heritage sites in Kursk Region

There are 1,041 cultural heritage sites across nine municipalities in the Kursk Region, where the civilian population has been fully or partially evacuated

Poland decides to close Russian consulate general in Poznan — top diplomat

"The stay of its employees on the territory of the Poland will be recognized as undesirable," Radoslaw Sikorski said

BRICS to create banking, financial system independent of West — Iranian envoy

"We should not make ourselves act in accordance with Western standards, which inflict damage on Global South countries as they are aimed solely at satisfying the demands of Western countries," Kazem Jalali said

Only Orban, Fico, and Vucic are not afraid to discuss peace in Ukraine — Serbian President

Aleksandar Vucic is currently visiting Komarno in southern Slovakia, where he is engaged in discussions with Fico and Orban about combating illegal immigration

NATO not ready to invite Ukraine to alliance — US envoy

Julianne Smith commented on the possibility of the US abandoning the defense of European countries within NATO

Russia ready to discuss building new world order with friends — Putin

The Russian leader reiterated the invitation to Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and other participants of the forum to come to Kazan

Israeli jets demolish some buildings in Beirut’s al-Laylaki neighborhood — source

"Beirut residents were deafened by a series of powerful explosions," the person said

Press review: Mutiny trips West’s nuclear alarms and Kiev’s terror talk hides attack plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 27th

Outreach/BRICS Plus meeting to address fighting terrorism, poverty — Putin

According to the Russian leader, participants will convene to consider issues of concern to the world community

Budapest does not want Ukrainian soldiers to ensure Hungary’s security — PM

Earlier, Viktor Orban described Zelensky’s plan as scary

US played key role in ousting Ukrainian president in 2014, researcher says

Jeffrey Sachs noted that the course of NATO expansion to Ukraine and Georgia was adopted by US President George Bush Jr. back in 2008

Washington secretly rejects Zelensky's victory plan — newspaper

The publication notes that Ukraine is in a difficult situation, losing both Kiev-held territories in Donbass and financial support from Western countries

Ukraine abandons positions in eastern Kurakhovo — security services

Accordin to the report, the Ukrainian armed forces suffered losses on this frontline section

Russia increases gas output by 10.3% in 9 months to 420 bln cubic meters

Liquefied natural gas production in January-September 2024 was 25.3 mln tons, up 7.1% from the same period in 2023

European Parliament approves allocating 35 bln euro Russian-asset backed loan to Kiev

The 35 billion euro loan from the EU is intended to become part of the G7 credit tranche, which should total $50 billion, or 45 billion euros

Russian troops liberate Novosadovoye community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East improved its frontline positions and inflicted roughly 110 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Experts expect Bank of Russia to raise key rate to 20%

Experts do not expect the indicator to remain at 19%, since the regulator allowed for an additional increase back in September, and since then many new negative signals have been received

Russian troops liberate Serebryanka, Nikolayevka communities in Donetsk area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South repulsed two Ukrainian army counterattacks and inflicted more than 800 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day

First BRICS Think Tanks Summit opens in Moscow

The organizers say that in a multipolar world think tanks are growing in importance as "a major driver of intellectual development and policy making"

Brazilian President calls for creating single BRICS financial system

According to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, there is no plans to replace national currencies

Putin briefs BRICS leaders on Ukraine, highlights Russian military successes

According to Dmitry Peskov, most countries have expressed their willingness to act as mediators

Britain uses grain corridor agenda to cover up arms supplies to Ukraine — Russian embassy

"This is indirectly recognized by the British themselves, who are well acquainted with the relevant video footage of the Russian Defense Ministry," the statement said

Press review: BRICS unites India and China while Seoul weighs military aid to Ukraine

Top stories from Russian press on Wednesday, October 23rd

Supplies of UAVs for special op to be tripled by end of 2024 — official

"In just five months, we have launched mass production of Supercam drones, which have proven their effectiveness, so the military is eagerly awaiting them," Sergey Chemezov said

Putin talks Ukrainian issue with leaders at BRICS Summit — Kremlin aide

Meanwhile, Yury Ushakov noted that the text of the final declaration regarding the Ukrainian issue had been agreed upon

BRICS investment program suggested by Putin will not be SWIFT alternative — Kremlin

"It will promote the investing activity in countries with the growing economy, with the use of electronic instruments," Dmitry Peskov noted

Erdogan cuts short Russia visit over deadly attack in Turkey — report

The media said the Turkish president skipped a gala reception in the summit’s host city of Kazan