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Middle East conflict

Next round of Gaza talks to be held in Doha on August 15 — advisor to Israeli PM’s office

On August 9, the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and the US published a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to resume talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in Doha or Cairo on August 15

TEL AVIV, August 14. /TASS/. The next round of talks on resolving the situation in the Gaza Strip is set to be held in Qatar on August 15, Dmitry Gendelman, an advisor to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told TASS.

"The next round of talks is expected to take place in the Qatari capital of Doha tomorrow (on Thursday - TASS). Mossad chief David Barnea will lead the Israeli delegation," he said.

On August 9, the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and the US published a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to resume talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in Doha or Cairo on August 15. The intermediaries also said they were ready to present a final draft agreement based on the principles set out by US President Joe Biden and supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2735.

In late November 2023, a temporary humanitarian ceasefire was brokered by Egypt and Qatar, which lasted a week. During this time, over 100 hostages were released, according to Israel. On December 1, the ceasefire was violated and hostilities resumed, continuing to this day. According to Israel’s latest data, 115 hostages still remain in Gaza.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, 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 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military operation in the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas military and political wings and free all hostages.

Middle East conflict

Qatar stops mediation efforts in Gaza ceasefire talks — news agency

According to the AFP, the Qatari authorities have already informed both the parties to the conflict and the US administration of their decision

Putin’s congratulations to Trump can be viewed as official — spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the US president-elect at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club

West allocates money to Kiev to detriment of aid to Africa — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also added that "Russia supports all those who need not imaginary patronage, but real defense"

Zelensky to try to rebrand himself as peacemaker after Trump's victory — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk explained that no one asks Zelensky's opinion anymore

EU’s Borrell to travel to Ukraine in upcoming days to discuss aid for Kiev

According to the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, the European Union must help Ukraine, regardless of what is happening in the United States

Battlegroup Center inflicts damage on units of five Ukrainian brigades — spokesman

The enemy lost up to 460 troops, Alexander Savchuk said

Beyonce leads Grammy nominations

Over 20,000 entries have been received across 94 categories. Beyonce earning 11 nods is followed by singers Billie Eilish and Charli XCX, rappers Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone, with seven each

FACTBOX: Developments in Kursk Region: Russian advance, Ukrainian losses

The battlegroup North repulsed 11 enemy counterattacks toward the settlements of Daryino, Zeleny Shlyakh, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

Russia to send Cuba diesel fuel and equipment worth $62 mln in aid

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko added that Russia will send repair kits for damaged power equipment

West brought situation to coup in Ukraine, forced Russia to begin special op – Putin

The West needs to rip Russia and Europe apart, especially Russia and Germany, France, Russian President said

Russian troops overtake forest belt, railway station in Kupyansk advance — military expert

Russian forces also expanded the liberated area north and south of Kruglyakovka and took over the Skorostnoi railway station, Andrey Marochko specified

Industrial enterprise, infrastructure damaged in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region

Earlier, three air alerts were announced in the Dnipropetrovsk Region

US defense contractors in Ukraine to repair F-16s, Patriots — TV

According to the official, these contractors will be located far from combat operations areas

Data on recon drone base in Finland near Russian borders must be verified — Kremlin

"If you recall their statements when they were joining NATO, they said that Finland will not deploy any elements of military infrastructure near our borders," Dmitry Peskov said

Press review: Trump’s foreign policy reshapes alliances while Germany’s coalition crumbles

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

Kiev conceals true casualties from Russian strike on Motor Sich Factory

Vladimir Rogov emphasized that all the victims were involved in the production of drone components

Some find Trump’s election win shocking because of legacy media’s lies, Musk says

The United States held its presidential election on November 5

Change of power in US increases likelihood of military coup in Kiev, expert says

According to Vyacheslav Smolenko, under the new administration, circles associated with the Democratic Party will remain sidelined in the United States

Trump’s leadership key to quick resolution of Ukraine conflict, says Erdogan

"More weapons, more bombs, or more chaos will not end this war," the Turkish leader argued

EU must achieve unity to survive — Borrell

It is reported that the EU must develop its own capabilities, including in defense

Russia not to mess around if Japan returns to cooperation – Putin

He underscored that Russia is ready to build relations with Japan "both for the next 5 and for the next 50 years"

Russia dealing with tragic consequences of Soviet foreign policy of mid-1980s — Putin

He pointed out that in the middle of the 1980s, the Soviet Union had called for ending ideological confrontation, overcoming the legacy of the Cold War, and removing the barriers preventing common integration and universal development

FACTBOX: What we know about collapse of ruling coalition in Germany

The German chancellor said he would call for a confidence vote on January 15, 2025, in the Bundestag, which could trigger a snap election before late March

Air balloon capable of increasing FPV drones’ range to 40 km to be tested in combat zone

The plan is to use the balloon to distribute a signal from a repeater so that drone operators can see farther and the vehicles can fly farther, the product’s engineer said

Putin expects next 20 years to be even more difficult

"Experts point to the threats stemming from new regional conflicts, global epidemics, the complicated and controversial ethical aspects of interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, as well as to the way traditions and progress go together," the head of state noted

Fifty Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions overnight

On-duty air defense capabilities eliminated and intercepted 50 Ukrainian drones, including 28 drones over the Bryansk Region, 12 drones over the Kursk Region, four drones over the Novgorod Region, two drones over the territory of the Smolensk Region

Hungarian PM denies allegations of being isolated in EU due to position on Ukraine

According to Viktor Orban, had Hungary really been isolated, it would have been unable to hold discussions with its allies, while discussions continue despite disagreements

Qatar stops mediation efforts in Gaza ceasefire talks — news agency

According to the AFP, the Qatari authorities have already informed both the parties to the conflict and the US administration of their decision

IN BRIEF: What President Putin told the Valdai discussion club

TASS has compiled a summary of the Russian leader’s remarks

Russia pounds Ukrainian military-industrial sector, army, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russia’s Battlegroup South repelled 11 Ukrainian army counterattacks and inflicted more than 4,420 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past week, the ministry reported

US to pressure Europe, which may turn to Minsk, Moscow — Belarusian leader

The Belarusian president did not rule out that in the future, the EU might unite and begin collaborating with Belarus and Russia

Trump's ideas on Ukraine to be more favorable to Moscow than Kiev — US expert

"Given the current status quo on the ground, the settlement is likely to favor Russia more than Ukraine," Michael Desch said

Europe unable to finance Ukraine conflict without US — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the number of people who think they need to adjust to the new circumstances is rising"

Results of Budapest summit do not convince EU not to get into US menu — diplomat

Kirill Logvinov added that "the election of the Republic president" in US "is able to speed up the European Union’s transformation"

No place for hegemony in new world order, Putin says

Putin stressed once again that Russia did not see the Western civilization as an enemy

US Department of Justice says Iran plotted to kill Trump

"The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - a designated foreign terrorist organization - has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on US soil," FBI Director Christopher Wray noted

Bloodshed in Ukraine to end soon, Musk says

The Axios portal reported earlier that Musk took part in a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Zelensky

Russia open to countries ready to build relations in multipolar world — senior official

Sergey Obryvalin noted that Russia "is not trying to use sectoral dialogue platforms as an arena for political machinations to distort the truth"

National Bank expects 500,000 people to leave Ukraine in 2024

The report points out that energy issues increased immigration in the summer

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

Elon Musk takes part in Trump-Zelensky phone call — Axios

The Republican reportedly promised to continue supporting Ukraine, but the sides did not delve into such details as Trump’s purported plan to end the conflict

Russia not rejecting dollar use — Putin

Russia is not struggling with the US currency but is thinking of creating new instruments in response to new trends of global economic development, he added

Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine sparks alarm in Kiev — newspaper

According to Corriere della Sera, the demilitarized zone could be patrolled by European troops, who would also be assigned the task of defending Ukraine, with US weapons supplies continuing

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

Russian troops cut off Zaporozhye-Kurakhovo highway — official

Previously, press officer of Ukraine’s 33rd Brigade Nazar Voytenkov said on Ukrainian Liberty (deemed foreign agent and undesirable in Russia) that Ukrainian forces may get surrounded under Kurakhovo on the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic

Israel not to tolerate threats similar to events in Amsterdam — Netanyahu

Previously, the Israeli media reported that at least 10 Israelis were injured in the attack in Amsterdam, which took place after the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine to Sudzha totals 42.4 mcm

On the previous day, the pumping equaled 42.4 million cubic meters

Europe interested in Ukraine as subject of confrontation — Iran’s top diplomat

"As far as our cooperation with Russia is concerned I am ready for talks with the Europeans," Abbas Araqchi said

IN BRIEF: What is known about aftermath of drone attack on Russia’s Saratov

First responders and representatives from the local administration were dispatched to the site of the incident

Soros family makes deal with Kiev to use Ukrainian land as toxic waste dump — journalist

"This agreement authorizes the disposal of chemical waste from companies linked with financier George Soros in the black soil of Ukraine," he said

Trump to push Ukraine to talks with Russia — Swiss expert

"Trump has repeatedly stated that he can bring this conflict to a close in 24 hours, but this is an exaggeration, though the US has very strong instruments of political, economic and financial pressure that it may use," Jacquet said

Lebanese army ready to defend country’s sovereignty — ambassador to Russia

"The Israeli aggression affects entire Lebanon, its population and even the Lebanese army," Shawki Bou Nassar said

Russia’s only candidate for post of US ambassadort still under considerations — diplomat

"This person currently undergoes through all of the formal stages of registration," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added

Countries of collective West virtually live on credit — Shoigu

"An increasing number of countries are abandoning the dollar and the euro as instruments of mutual payments," the Russian Security Council secretary pointed out

Houthis say they hit Israeli base with hypersonic missile

The movement’s military spokesperson said that "the Yemeni armed forces conducted a military operation and attacked the Nevatim Airbase in Negev"

Russian air defenses destroy two Ukrainian drones over Bryansk Region

There were no casualties or destruction and emergency services are working at the scene, the governor said

Battlegroup West’s artillery destroys Ukrainian MLRS Olkha — Russian Defense Ministry

After analyzing the intelligence received, a decision was made to destroy the enemy's combat vehicle, the report said

Bitcoin price hits fresh all-time high exceeding $77,000

By 10:45 p.m. Moscow time the Bitcoin price had extended gains trading at $77,109

Russia’s cooperation with North Korea impacts Euro-Atlantic security, NATO claims

The North Atlantic Council called on all countries "not to provide any kind of assistance" to Russia and "condemn all those who are facilitating and thereby prolonging" Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine

Americans were on the Moon but footage may have been filmed in advance — Russian cosmonaut

Sergey Prokopyev pointed out that the fact that US astronauts did land on the Moon "is confirmed by automatic probes and cannot be subjected to doubt"

Russian Navy should operate at least four aircraft carriers, expert believes

The US Navy currently operates 11 aircraft carriers

Kremlin redirects question on DPRK troops in special op area to Defense Ministry

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the satellite images published by Seoul, which allegedly indicate the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia, calling them "a serious matter"

Hezbollah attacks Israeli air base near Tel Aviv

According to the statement, the training camp of an Israeli airborne brigade in the Carmel settlement in the western Galilee came under missile attack

Tens of thousands to march 'on Washington' ahead of Trump's inauguration — newspaper

In January 2017, before the beginning of Trump's first presidential term, hundreds of marches of various sizes took place in many US cities, including Chicago (Illinois), Boston (Massachusetts), New Orleans (Louisiana), Miami (Florida), and Denver (Colorado)

Trump vows to settle conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration

He also pledged to prevent World War Three

Ukrainian lawmaker calls on Zelensky to step down

According to Artyom Dmitruk, Vladimir Zelensky's resignation "would be the best gift for millions of Ukrainians and the entire country because the deaths would stop"

Russian troops destroy group of foreign mercenaries in Kharkov area

Two militants sustained wounds incompatible with life and one militant was hospitalized in severe condition, Andrey Marochko specified

Nearly 20% Ukrainian servicemen gone AWOL from battlefield — The Economist

According to the journal’s estimates, Kiev may face acute shortages of personnel and ammunition within about six months

Russia warns Canada of retaliation for hostile actions, accuses Ottawa of provocations

"The Canadian authorities should exercise caution and refrain from harmful steps that could escalate confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized

Russian troops seize section of Seversky Donets-Donbass canal

Additionally, the division reported eliminating several dozen Ukrainian armed forces personnel

EU foreign policy chief Borrell arrives in Kiev for official visit

Borrel noted that this is his fifth visit to Kiev and the last one in the capacity of the EU diplomatic service’s head

Kiev regime supports terrorists in Africa — diplomat

According to the diplomat, Russia will continue fighting against this unacceptable practice on the African continent as well as in the rest of the regions across the globe

Ukrainian military to blow up experimental nuclear reactor at Kharkov Institute — ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that "on March 6, foreign journalists arrived in Kharkov to register the consequences of the provocation, followed by accusing Russia of creating an environmental disaster"

Number of people injured in Ukrainian attack on Kursk Region rises to 364

A total of 7,164 people, including 1,493 children, are staying at 96 temporary accommodation centers in the Kursk Region

Central Election Commission confirms Sandu's victory in Moldovan presidential election

According to the CEC, Maia Sandu won 55.33% of the vote in the second round, beating opposition candidate Alexander Stoianoglo

Trump sees possibility of talks with Putin

The president-elect went on to say that he had already talked to approximately 70 world leaders

Yemen’s Houthis say they shot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone

According to the source, the Houthis intercepted the drone with a surface-to-air missile known as the 358

Putin's speech at Valdai Forum gives a chance to end Ukrainian conflict — expert

"It has long been known about [the conditions for ending the conflict, which include] Kiev’s neutrality, determination of Ukraine's new borders along the division line, maybe with taking our new regions into account," Alexander Dynkin noted

Warsaw gave Kiev all it could, Ukraine has no right to complain — Polish Defense Ministry

On October 31, during a meeting with the heads of territorial communities and districts in the Zakarpatye Region, Vladimir Zelensky criticized Poland for its reluctance to deliver the promised MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine despite prior agreements

Ukraine terminates air service agreement with Iran

Ukraine’s decision means that after it opens its airspace, flights to and from Iran will not be resumed

Russia open to dialogue on Ukraine, but this does not change special op goals — Kremlin

"Putin has repeatedly spoken about openness to dialogue with all interested parties and all those who can contribute to the settlement of this conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia to boost gas export to 438 bcm by 2050

Gas output may reach 853 bcm in 2030, 965 bcm in 2036, and 1.107 trillion cubic meters in 2050

Ukraine loses over 300 troops in borderline Kursk area over past day — top brass

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian army’s losses amounted to over 300 personnel, two infantry fighting vehicles, an armored combat vehicle, six mortars, two electronic warfare stations and four motor vehicles

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

US expert sees Ukraine as biggest loser in wake of Trump’s election victory

"There are no European champions that can take the place of America as the alliance’s leader, so its future ability to stand up to Russia and China is in grave doubt," Francis Fukuyama noted

Russian Mi-28NM helicopter crew destroys Ukrainian stronghold in Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry noted the combat mission was aimed at providing support to ground troops

Press review: Trump’s victory stuns investors while Russia’s economy holds strong

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 7th

G20 parliamentary speakers don't mention Ukraine in final document — Russian senator

According to Konstantin Kosachev, this means that lawmakers "are capable of paying attention and dedicating their efforts to far more serious and important issues on the current international agenda"

Putin says West supported al-Qaida when it fought against Russia

According to Putin, Russia’s goal at the time was to use all means to hold the country together

Putin doesn’t expect Trump to offer alliance against China

Putin said he believes that Trump realizes that this issue is "very far from the realities in which we live"

US lifts ban on sending US contractors to Ukraine to service US-made weapons

According to Reuters, a small number of US defense contractors will be located far from combat operations areas and will not engage in fighting

Bolivian president says rapprochement with BRICS key achievement of his foreign policy

Luis Arce noted the importance of the status obtained by Bolivia in the context of the world’s move toward multipolarity

Pentagon confirms lifting of ban on entry into Ukraine for US military contractors

The Department made this decision "after careful risk assessment and in coordination with interagency stakeholders," the official 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, Ukrainian ombudspersons meet in Belarus

Russian Human Rights Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova noted that the sides "discussed further humanitarian cooperation in providing assistance to civilians, including efforts to locate those missing"

Biden, Harris aides blame each other for presidential election loss

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s contender, in the November 5 election

Putin announces era of radical, revolutionary changes

As the Russian leader noted, the society gets "to not only comprehend, but be direct participants of the extremely complex processes"

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

Europe won’t get through cold winter without Russian gas supplies — Srbijagas CEO

As Dusan Bajatovic underscored, amid difficulties with energy supplies, some European countries are resuming use of coal

Russian diplomat says White House likely works to cover up corrupt deals in Ukraine

"It is remarkable that US Department of State Inspector General Cardell Richardson was sent to Ukraine on November 4 to inspect the transparency and accountability of how it spent aid from across the ocean under the guise of supporting Kiev's Euro-Atlantic aspirations," Maria Zakharova said