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Middle East conflict

Israeli military eliminates, detains 14,000 radicals in Gaza in nine months

According to the IDF, over this period the Israeli military has eliminated half of the Hamas armed wing’s command

TEL AVIV, July 16. /TASS/. Around 14,000 Palestinian radicals have been either eliminated or detained over the nine moths of Israel’s operation in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

"IDF ground, air and naval forces have been operating in the Gaza Strip for 263 days in order to achieve the objectives of the war. The forces have eliminated and apprehended approximately 14,000 terrorists. Among the eliminated terrorists are six brigade commanders, over 20 battalion commanders, and approximately 150 company commanders," it said.

"So far, the IDF has struck approximately 37,000 targets from the air within the Gaza Strip, and more than 25,000 terrorist infrastructure and launch sites," it said, adding that over this period the Israeli military has eliminated half of the Hamas armed wing’s command.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory, killing many Israeli kibbutz residents living near the Gaza border and abducting more than 240 Israelis, including women, children and the elderly. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria, as well as a ground operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.

US supplies equipment for energy grid repair to Ukraine — Biden

According to him, United States provided Ukraine with the equipment for five additional strategic air defense systems

Putin requests financing territorial defense units in border regions from budget

The list of requests has been published on the Kremlin’s website

Russian Armed Forces liberate one more settlement — official

National projects and wage growth — Vladimir Putin holds meeting on economic issues

Wages in Russia in real terms for January-May 2024 increased by 10.1%

Russia’s flour exports up 38% in 7M 2024 to over 740,000 tons — Agroexport

China has been the second-biggest purchaser of Russian flour in 2024

Putin made decision on response to Kiev’s incursion – ambassador to US

The retaliation will be tough, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said

Russian units use Lancet to wipe out Ukrainian combat vehicles in Kursk Region

The ministry provided footage of the attack

Durov’s detention is ‘hallmark of dictatorship,’ Tucker Carlson says

According to the journalist, US President Joe Biden encouraged leader of France Emmanuel Macron to arrest the owner of Telegram

Fire at Omsk Oil Refinery extinguished

The Omsk Oil Refinery’s technological equipment caught fire at 2:45 p.m. local time (8:45 a.m. GMT)

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Two pairs of the coalition’s F-15 and a pair of Typhoon fighter jets, as well as a pairs of A-10 Thunderbolt attack bombers violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area

Musk creates 'supercluster' to train artificial intelligence

The businessman revealed that the center was named Cortex

Chinese Foreign Ministry confirms visit by US security advisor

Jake Sullivan is also expected to meet with other senior officials

F-16s may have been hit in Russian strike on hangar in Ivano-Frankovsk — resistance

According to the report, fuel tanks were also hit in the strike

US supplies equipment for energy grid repair to Ukraine — Biden

According to him, United States provided Ukraine with the equipment for five additional strategic air defense systems

Russia delivers massive strike at key energy sites of Ukrainian military-industrial sector

"All the designated targets were destroyed," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Durov detained on orders from US to make Telegram cover up Kiev’s war crimes — expert

Ruhollah Modabber pointed out that the messenger also "did not censor news about Israel's crimes against the defenseless people of the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli leadership was extremely dissatisfied with Telegram's policy and may have decided to put pressure on its founder"

Elon Musk believes Europeans to be executed for social media likes soon

This is what businessman said, commenting on Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov’s detention in France

Russian forces destroy eight armored vehicles in Kursk Region over past day — commander

Apty Alaudinov noted that the enemy has been stopped and is being destroyed every day in the Kursk area

Several thousand South Ossetian fighters take part in special op — president

Alan Gagloyev underscored that Ossetian fighters fulfill their allied duties with honor, bringing the joint Victory closer

Wildfire prevented from spreading onto four settlements in Crimea

The operation will continue in nighttime

Palestine to apply for joining BRICS after Kazan summit — ambassador to Russia

Abdel Hafiz Nofal stated that the invitation of Palestine to the Kazan summit was a "positive message" and a token of support for the Palestinian people

New EU sanctions against Russia won't affect Paks 2 project — Hungarian foreign minister

On June 24, the EU adopted the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, which envisages restrictions on 116 Russian individuals and legal entities

Durov detained in France over his refusal to 'censor truth,' Tucker Carlson believes

"Darkness is descending fast on the formerly free world," the journalist said

Over 5,000 civilians killed in Ukraine’s shelling attacks on DPR since February 2022

According to the directorate, as many as 164 civilians, including ten children, have been hurt by VFM-1 Lepestok anti-personnel land mines

Pave Durov being questioned in connection to suspected multiple cybercrimes — statement

The statement only mentions that Durov was question, but it does not say that he was charged with any of the mentioned offences

Durov’s bodyguard, assistant released after interrogation — AFP

No other details are given

Russian forces eliminate over 11,000 Ukrainian troops, mercenaries at LPR borders in week

"Twenty-nine Ukrainian servicemen surrendered at the engagement line," expert Andrey Marochko said

Russia’s upgraded Armata tank may get 152mm gun

The materials suggest that a potential enemy may create new-generation tanks at the turn of the 2030s, which will require an upgrade of T-14 Armata tanks

Russian troops approach key Ukrainian hub in Krasnoarmeysk area — security forces

The source added that the Ukrainian military is trying to transfer reserves to this section of the front

One of those hurt in Omsk refinery fire dies — governor

"Six survivors have been given all necessary medical care," Vitaly Khotsenko said

Situation in Ukraine 'complicated' following explosions — Energy minister

"The operator of the transmission system has urgently introduced a regime of emergency power cuts," German Galushchenko said

Press review: NATO complicit in Kursk attack and Russian military officials get new roles

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 21st

Russian strike at Ukrainian energy revealed absence of complex air defense — expert

Oleg Soskin noted that the Ukrainian air force commander, who is also responsible to air defenses, was "completely unprepared" for this strike

Nearly 200,000 rounds fired by Ukrainian troops at DPR since February 2022

Ukrainian troops have used 43 Tochka-U missiles, 659 HIMARS projectiles, a ground-launched small-diameter bomb

IN BRIEF: What we know about charges faced by Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov

Pavel Durov remains in custody and is being investigated by the French national cybercrime unit and the national fraud office, according to the report

Hackers attack French government websites after Telegram founder detained — media

The newspaper claims that the cyberattacks were carried out by "groups of hackers supporting Durov"

Finland fines three Frenchmen for crossing into Russia

All three pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 30-40 day fines each (one day's income of the offender)

Russian troops successfully test Chistyulya counter-drone system in Ukraine operation

The Chistyulya counter-drone system fully suppresses control and navigation channels of enemy UAVs within a range of up to 1 km and also denies the transmission of photo and video images from a drone

Hamas leader disguises himself in women's clothing to avoid capture by Israel — media

The Israeli army believes that Yahya Sinwar’s arrest or killing would mean the collapse of Hamas’ leadership hierarchy and its subsequent dissolution

Russia’s Aerospace Force gets Peresvet laser complexes

The military are now taking drills that involve the novel combat technologies, according to the Russian Defense Ministry

Russian budget revenues grew by 36% in 7 months — Putin

It is also noted that the Russian economy continues to grow at a high rate this year, with GDP growing by 4.6% in the first half of the year

Ukraine’s Zelensky admits heavy damage to energy infrastructure

It is noted that repair crews will be working around the clock

US may attempt to weaponize Telegram against Russia following Durov detention — senator

Vladimir Dzhabarov believes the Americans are "clearly" behind the decision by French special services to detain Durov

Export of education is Russia's soft power, says Synergy Corporation President Vadim Lobov

Poland hands over 1,000 tanks, APCs, planes, artillery pieces to Ukraine — Duda

The Polish leader estimated the total aid to Ukraine at about $25.9 billion, of which about $3.1 billion was spent on supplies of military equipment

Ukrainian servicemen sent to Kursk Region without training, consent — POW

Asked whether there were many mobilized soldiers who were brought to the Kursk Region without any training, the prisoner nodded: "Of course there were many of them"

Kremlin questions status of Reuters employee killed in Kramatorsk

According to information released today by Reuters, Evans, 38, is a former UK military officer who has worked for the agency since 2022, advising on the safety of journalists around the world, including in Ukraine, Israel and the recent Paris Olympics

Press review: Moscow-Beijing ties look for shot in arm and US backdoors new nuke strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 22nd

Toncoin down more than 19% after Pavel Durov’s detention

As of 11:20 p.m. Moscow time (8:20 p.m. GMT) on August 24, before Durov’s detention, the TON exchange rate was $6.797

US mercenary tells about chaos in Ukrainian army in Kursk Region

The American spoke on condition of unanimity but ABC said it had identified him

De Gaulle condemns France's refusal to invite Russia to Paris liberation anniversary

Pierre de Gaulle pointed out that Russia paid a very heavy price to defeat the Nazis

Pentagon mum on pieces of advice given to Kiev on Kursk Region

Press secretary of the Pentagon Patrick Ryder said, that "it's really up to Ukraine in terms of talking about their operations"

Russia’s Su-57 outshines US fifth-generation fighters, says expert

Russia’s Aerospace Forces will receive 22 Su-57 fighters by late 2024 and their number will increase to 76 by 2028

Russian Armed Forces liberate two settlements in Kursk Region

Two infantry combat vehicles, two armored combat vehicles, and three motor vehicles were also destroyed today in total, Deputy Head of the Main Military Political Department of the Russian Armed Forces aApty Alaudinov said

Durov’s detention raises question if Western NGOs demand his release — diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Russian embassy "has immediately started working" on his detention, "as it supposed to in a case, when information comes that the receiving side has detained a Russian citizen"

Russian consulate in Istanbul confirms deaths of Russian seamen onboard Russian ship

Russian diplomats are "in contact with the relevant authorities, the agent company and the captain of the ship to coordinate steps to prepare the necessary documents and repatriate the bodies of the victims to the Russian Federation"

Russian Navy accepts latest Project 22800 missile corvette Amur for service

The ceremony of accepting the latest warship for service took place during a working trip by the Russian Navy’s chief to the Caspian Flotilla, it specified

WHO’s plan for mpox response requires $135 mln funding

Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last from two to four weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes

Russian air defenses down eight HIMARS rockets, 41 Ukrainian drones in past day

Ukraine loses up to 510 troops in area of responsibility of Russia’s Battlegroup West

Su-25 attack aircraft eliminate Ukrainian troops, equipment in Kursk Region

After using aircraft weapons, the planes performed an anti-missile maneuver, released decoy flares and returned to the departure airfield

Beating back the enemy: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian military has repelled attacks by Ukrainian assault groups near Kremyanoye, Malaya Loknya and Nechaev

Germany dismisses Polish, Czech claims about Nord Streams being 'legitimate target'

"The chancellor stated this explicitly during his talks with the Polish and Czech sides, as well as with many other international partners," Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit went on to say

No need for more massive strikes against facilities in Ukraine — Putin

Currently, other tasks are on the agenda, the president emphasized

Putin prioritizes direct battlefield reports from frontline commanders — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader receives such first-hand information on a regular basis

Upgraded T-72B3 main battle tanks arrive for Russian troops

The upgrade includes a new fire control system with an automatic target tracker, according to the defense manufacturer

Export of auto parts from Iran to Russia up 450% since 2022

Representatives of Iran Khodro and Saipa expressed hope that an increase in export of Iranian spare parts to Russia would allow boosting the volume of trade turnover between the two countries

Durov’s arrest in France expires on August 28 — prosecutor’s office

"The custody period was extended until the 25th August 2024 by an investigative magistrate and can last up to 96 hours," the statement reads

Russian defense ministry calls on Pentagon, British navy command to be guided by reason

On Wednesday, the Black Sea Fleet and the FSB border guard service thwarted a violation of the Russian border by HMS Defender off Crimea’s Cape Fiolent

Kiev Hydroelectric Power Plant damaged by explosions — news agency

According to the report, the part of the road leading to the HPP dam and the plant's machine room were damaged

Russia to retaliate Ukraine’s hostile actions in Kursk Region — Kremlin

The Ukrainian armed forces attacked Russia’s Kursk Region on August 6

France 'crosses a red line' by arresting Telegram founder Durov — Rumble chief

"Rumble will not stand for this behavior and will use every legal means available to fight for freedom of expression," Chris Pavlovski said

Russian commander reports presence of active NATO soldiers in Kursk area

Apty Alaudinov specified that he referred to active NATO servicemen

Western support for Ukraine’s attack in Kursk Region to impede talks, US expert says

As Richard Black noted, the Russian leadership since 2008 "tried desperately to fend off a war that had become increasingly unavoidable"

Frontline expansion on Kursk direction to turn against Kiev — retired SVR colonel

Andrey Bezrukov noted that the situation on the Kursk frontline has consolidated the society and Kiev was unable to create panic

West is losing right to free speech — US journalist

American author and journalist Matt Taibbi said that this is an incredibly serious moment in U.S. and European history

Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Belarus says it wasn’t asked by Ukrainian MFA to pull back troops from border

Perhaps, Anatoly Glaz suggested, "there is some kind of a cunning game here, designed for domestic consumption or to get applause from the West"

Press review: Telegram in flux as CEO arrested and US supports Ukraine's chemical warfare

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 26th

Strategic significance of Ukraine’s attack on Kursk Region minimal, US expert says

"Instead, President Putin remained stoic and steadfast. He moved reserves from other locations while doubling the intensity of his attacks in Donbass," Richard Black said

Too early to talk about BRICS common currency — Russia’s ex-PM

It is difficult to imagine that India and China have a common currency, Sergey Stepashin said

Russia requests UNSC meeting on Western weapons supplies to Kiev on August 30

According to the Russian defense ministry, Kiev’s overall losses in the Kursk Region amount to more than 6,200 troops and 73 tanks

IN BRIEF: What we know about massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

The strikes also hit storage sites of Ukraine’s West-provided air-launched weapons at airfields in the Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk regions

One of Kursk NPP’s power units removed to routine repair

Routine repair is an annual scheduled procedure carried out at power units of all Russian nuclear power plants for maintaining stable operating state of equipment for guaranteed safe power generation, according to the statement

French politician slams charges against Durov as insane

According to Phillipot, this is "a war on freedom of expression in general"

Ukrainian UAV attack on Saratov Region: aftermath

Four people were injured in a UAV attack, and one woman was hospitalized

Hezbollah explains why it delays retaliation strike on Israel

According to Hassan Nasrallah, on Sunday, Hezbollah decided to act separately from its other allies, being guided by "its own considerations, which will be disclosed later"

Captured Ukrainian soldier says goal was to create semblance of presence in Kursk Region

He and his fellow soldiers rode three armored personnel carriers to a settlement where they immediately came under fire from Russian soldiers

Russia doing best to maintain serviceability of SuperJet fleet — Rostec CEO

Sergey Chemezov added that domestic enterprises have designed its counterparts of spark plugs and filters for the aircraft

Criminal case opened over supermodel Vodianova's disabled sister being ejected from cafe

The cafe owner told Oksana Vodianova, suffering from autism and cerebal palsy, and her accompanying nurse to leave, claiming they were scaring away other customers

Additional missile/artillery armament arrives for Russian troops in Kursk area

The Russian Defense Ministry has received no new requests from the operational headquarters of the borderline Belgorod and Bryansk Regions, the report added

FACTBOX: Fire breaks out at Omsk Refinery

According to the latest figures, seven people were hospitalized

UAE keeping an eye on Durov case

The UAE also sent a request to the French government for urgent provision of all the consular services to him

Senior Russian diplomat clarifies Russia’s position on Ukraine to Indian ambassador

"The head of the Indian diplomatic mission was once again informed about Russia’s principled position on the conflict in Ukraine," the Russian Foreign Ministry noted

US plotting color revolution in Georgia — Russian Foreign Intelligence Service

The SVR press bureau emphasized that in preparation for the color revolution, "Georgian pro-Western non-governmental organizations are recruiting a large number of people to closely monitor the voting process"

Hainan Airlines launches direct flight from Moscow to Haikou

The Xinhua news agency said earlier that the province of Hainan was popular among Russian tourists this summer

IAEA head to personally assess situation at Kursk NPP on August 27

According to Rafael Grossi, the principles of nuclear security during armed conflicts, as well as the ones developed specifically for the Zaporozhye NPP, could also be applied to the Kursk NPP

Decision to detain Durov not political, says Macron

The French leader said that he sees "false information regarding France following the arrest of Pavel Durov"

Critical infrastructure damaged in central Ukraine’s Vinnitsa Region

Air raid sirens rang out across Ukraine for several hours this morning

Unrecovered bodies of European mercenaries litter Kursk fields — Russian MP

According to Viktor Vodolatsky, the West needed the Ukrainian incursion into the borderline Russian region of Kursk to test how well Russia’s border is protected

Telegram popularity growing in United States, France after Durov’s detention

The messenger climbs to the top position in the Social Media category in France by downloads from App Store

Pentagon recognizes advancement of Russian forces in Krasnoarmeisk direction

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said the U.S. to continue to communicate, consult with the Ukrainians to better understand their needs