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Middle East conflict

Hamas leaders believe Israel intends to drag US into confrontation with Iran

Basem Naim estimates that Israel intends to continue the conflict in the Gaza Strip until the upcoming US presidential election in November, expecting that the new US administration will be more inclined to support the Jewish state in the confrontation

NEW YORK, August 16. /TASS/. The Israeli authorities headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intend to drag the US into an open confrontation with Iran, Hamas official Basem Naim said.

"He [Netanyahu] is trying to achieve through this opportunity that came to him the ambitious goal that he has been seeking for 20 years, dragging the United States of America to fight with him in a battle of aggression against Iran," he told Newsweek magazine. Naim estimates that Israel intends to continue the conflict in the Gaza Strip until the upcoming US presidential election in November, expecting that the new US administration will be more inclined to support the Jewish state in the confrontation.

Tensions in the Middle East flared up again after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the killing of Fuad Shukr, a top commander of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement, in Beirut. Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah blamed the killings on Israel, vowing to take revenge. The Israeli authorities did not comment on Haniyeh’s death, while calling Shukr’s assassination a response to an attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams on the Golan Heights, which had killed 12 people. Hezbollah denies involvement in the incident.

Tajikistan’s Chief Mufti Abdulkodirzoda wounded in assassination attempt — police

The suspected assailant had been detained at the scene

Russian MFA warns more arms supplies to Ukraine could set off 'uncontrollable' escalation

Western countries "do not care anymore, apparently, what will happen to Ukraine and Ukrainians," Maria Zakharova stressed

Russian military has plan for pushing Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Region — Kremlin

Russia’s borderline Kursk Region came under a massive attack from Ukraine on August 6

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Kursk region — top brass

Real time footage shows how the howitzer exploded, the ministry noted

IN BRIEF: Trump, Harris talk Putin, trade jabs on Ukraine, Middle East in Tuesday's debate

Donald Trump mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s name six times and referred to Russia 10 times in the debate, while Kamala Harris mentioned Putin four times and Russia two times

Press review: US keeps itself at arm's length from Kiev and Russia, China flex naval power

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 11th

West only prepared to give money to Belarusian opposition for armed fighting — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader warned that the Belarusian authorities know about the opposition’s plans for a potential invasion

Murmansk Region beefs up security amid enemy drone strikes — governor

According to Andrey Chibis, three Ukrainian drones have been downed in the skies over his region

Syrsky to be fired over fallout from attack on Kursk Region, says Ukrainian politician

Ukraine’s former Interior Minister Yury Lutsenko said that the best Ukrainian units and equipment had been deployed to the Kursk Region

Russia’s Ocean-2024 naval drills of no threat to US, NATO — Pentagon

Washington believes that "China will be the only true participant, with a few other countries only observing"

Trump says Democrats will drag US into World War III

Trump said the Democratic administration has "millions of people pouring" into the US, which has led to serious problems

Russian diplomat says Nuland’s statements prove US played role in disrupting Ukraine deal

"The West has never been interested in a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis," Maria Zakharova noted

Ending Ukrainian conflict serves US interests — Trump

Putin accuses US of prompting arms race

According to the Russian leader, the United States is creating preconditions for a dangerous crisis situation in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region

Drones attack Russian regions: aftermath

According to the latest reports, a 46-year-old woman was killed in a drone attack in Ramenskoye of the Moscow Region

US moves toward escalation by considering possibility of Kiev strikes on Russia — diplomat

"The US has total control over Kiev, which cannot make any decision without the approval or support of the US and other Western allies," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov underlined

Putin invites Cabinet to consider restricting exports of uranium, titanium, nickel

The Russian leader reiterated that the government should "think about certain restrictions on supplies to the foreign market" of these and a number of other goods

Russia has no doubt Baku fully assesses risks of interaction with NATO — MFA

Maria Zakharova recalled that there was a large number of examples of the US infiltrating the national security sphere of other countries under the pretext of improving the situation there

China supports Russia as BRICS chair — top Chinese diplomat

According to Wang Yi, Beijing aims to turn BRICS into "the main channel for new forces to make their voices heard."

Trump, Harris start debate by shaking hands

The presidential candidates also exchanged remarks before the speeches began

Kiev seeks more terror while weakening on battlefield — Foreign Ministry

"Everything is unfolding exactly as we said before: the weaker the Kiev regime becomes on the battlefield, despite receiving massive financial and military support, the more it seeks revenge by engaging in criminal terrorist activities," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Soyuz MS-26 crew with new TASS correspondent to head to ISS from Baikonur spaceport

The launch of the Soyuz 2.1a booster is scheduled for 7:23 p.m. Moscow time from Baikonur's launch pad No. 31

Foreign mercenaries operating in Kursk direction particularly brutal — security source

It is the mercenaries that act the most brutally towards civilians, a source in security agencies said

No more illusions about talks with Kiev after attack on Kursk — activist

"We must not fall into this trap again just to be swindled by our Ukrainian 'partners,'" Zakhar Prilepin said

Russia finishing preparations for signing new interstate agreement with Iran — Shoigu

"We continue keeping an eye on issues of the practical implementation of top-level agreements," the Russian Security Council secretary underlined

Trump deals US democracy its worst blow since the Civil War — Harris

Kamala Harris also said that Republican presidential candidate has contributed to the start of trade wars

Iran criticizes UK, Germany, France over air service termination

According to Nasser Kanaani, Tehran will respond "proportionately"

Russia won’t account to US for cooperation with China — MFA

"We are building relations with China in a mutually beneficial way, in full compliance with international law and we are not going to give the United States an account," Maria Zakharova said

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"

Press review: UK may jettison Russian sanctions and Berlin eyes olive branch on Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 10th

Ukraine agrees to transit Russian oil purchased by European companies — Prime Minister

Denis Shmygal emphasized that Kiev was not in talks and did not plan to conduct negotiations with Moscow on extending agreements on the transit of Russian oil and gas

Ukraine’s army loses over 350 troops in Kursk area over past day — Russia’s top brass

The ministry noted that over the period of combat operations in the Kursk area, the enemy has lost over 12,200 personnel, 96 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles

US, OSCE ODIHR conspiring to discredit Georgian elections — SVR

According to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, "the plan is that 10-20 days before the vote, the OSCE ODIHR will publish an interim report concluding that the country lacks conditions to hold free and honest elections"

Rising number of dead foreigners in Ukraine proves West's involvement — envoy to UN

"We have warned from the beginning that those who help the Zelensky clique stay afloat will become our legitimate targets," Vasily Nebezya reminded

Russia to continue contacts with Hamas to release hostages — foreign ministry

Mikhail Bogdanov emphasized that this humanitarian task was in a top priority in contacts with representatives of the Hamas political wing in coordination with the authorities of a number of Middle East countries

Russian aircraft firm masters mass production of Su-57 fighter jets — top executive

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a Russian-made fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and naval targets

Rada admits Ukrainian army struggles in Kursk Region

On September 11, Major General Apty Alaudinov, deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ Main Military-Political Department and commander of the Akhmat special forces commando unit, reported that the Russian army had liberated several settlements in the Kursk Region

Russian Admiral Golovko frigate launches Kalibr missile during Ocean-2024 drills

The naval exercises that are being held in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean, Caspian, abs Baltic Seas involve more that 400 warships, submarines and auxiliary vessels

Kremlin hopes for interaction between Putin, Erdogan at BRICS summit in Kazan

Russia says its battlegroup North inflicted up to 180 casualties on Ukrainian troops

As a result of Battlegroup South units’ dynamic actions, the Ukrainian armed forces’ 72nd mechanized and 79th air assault brigades were defeated near Yelizavetovka and Katerinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Mi-28NM copter hits Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kursk border area — Defense Ministry

Reconnaissance confirmed the elimination of Ukrainian manpower and armor, the Defense Ministry said

Kiev to be given permission to attack Russia with Western missiles — Kremlin spokesman

"At the moment, the media is simply conducting such a campaign to formalize a decision that has already been made," Dmitry Peskov noted

West pushes Moldova towards catastrophe after testing it in Ukraine — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, "the anti-Russian rhetoric of the official Chisinau is taking on increasingly grotesque forms"

Analyst says Zelensky wages media war against Germany

Military expert Ralf Thiele said that he expected Germany to make as many vigorous diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine as it does in the Middle East

Israel used 2,000-pound bombs in strike on Palestinian refugee camp — newspaper

This is indicated by the size of the craters left after the explosions, The New York Times explains

Russian air defense weapons are world’s best — expert

According to CEO of the Complex Unmanned Solutions Center Dmitry Kuzyakin, neither China, nor the United States, nor any of the European countries now could even come close to repelling an overnight drone attack like the one that happened on the territory of Russia on September 10

Allegations on weapons deliveries to Russia from abroad are groundless — Kremlin

"We are developing our relations with a number of countries, we are cooperating in various spheres, and we will continue this cooperation in the interests of all involved countries," Dmitry Peskov added

Russia will not accept any ultimatums on Ukraine — senior diplomat

The deputy foreign minister added that an agreement between Russia and the West on the exchange of prisoners has not increased trust in relations

US working to lift restrictions on use of US weapons to attack on Russia — Biden

"We're working that out now," the US leader said

US military-industrial complex doesn’t want cash cow Ukraine conflict to end — expert

The reason is that this conflict, according to Dominique Trencan, "generates huge profits" for the US military industry because of aid to Kiev and shipments of weapons to European countries

Germany has not passed information on Scholz peace plan to Russia — Zakharova

At the same time, Maria Zakharova said, in case of such a peace initiative from Germany "no one will give it a standing ovation," because it is Scholz, who alongside others "sends money and weapons to the Kiev regime"

US presidential debate mere dog and pony show — Russian diplomat

"Is that big news that we could see yet another show performed by people who clearly take no responsibility whatsoever for their words?" Maria Zakharova asked rhetorically

Ukrainians warming up to idea of negotiations with Moscow — WSJ

According to the newspaper, opinion polls in Ukraine indicate a gradual shift towards supporting negotiations with Russia

Harris' performance in debate with Trump resonates with voters — CNN poll

82% of the respondents said that the debate will have no bearing on who they vote for in the November election

Explosion rocks facility belonging to US embassy in Iraq — news outlet

No information has yet been given on the cause of the explosions

Kremlin calls on Trump, Harris to stop dragging Putin’s name into political squabbles

The United States remains "negative and unfriendly" toward Russia anyway, regardless of which of the two parties their presidential nominees represent, Dmitry Peskov argued

Liberating settlements: developments in Kursk Region

The Russian military also foiled Ukrainian attempts to attack the settlements of Cherkasskaya Konopelka, Borki and Fanaseyevka

Scholz says conference on resolving Ukrainian conflict with Russian participation needed

The German chancellor reiterated that "peace that respects Ukraine's integrity and sovereignty must be just, and not imposed or achieved by capitulation"

UK adds ten more Russian ships to sanctions list — Treasury

The tankers will be banned from UK ports and may be struck off from the UK Ship Register

Ka-52M helicopters hit Ukrainian manpower, equipment in Kursk border area — top brass

The ministry added that the attack was carried out with air-to-air missiles on reconnaissance targets of the enemy

US military-industrial complex may instigate new conflicts after Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out the "explosive growth of the American military-industrial complex’s income," but added that "the path of total militarization of the economy is a dead end," because "switching back to the peaceful track is oftentimes very costly"

Number of Ukrainian troops going AWOL on the rise — report

Other widespread issues in the Ukrainian ranks are drug abuse and alcohol and gambling addiction

Russia’s advanced radar in Kaliningrad to monitor entire territory of Europe — source

The first Konteiner radar went on combat duty in the Volga area region of Mordovia on December 1, 2019

Khibiny Airport in Murmansk Region suspends flights — Russian aviation agency

"The airport does not accept or dispatch flights," the regulator said

China ready to strengthen, enrich strategic ties with Russia — top Chinese diplomat

Wang Yi pointed out that against the background of unprecedented changes in the world, China-Russia cooperation "maintains the momentum for stable and healthy development"

Trump intends to impose significant tariffs if he wins the election

Trump has already proposed in his election program to introduce a 10% tariff on imports of all goods, with imports from China subject to a 60% tariff and cars produced outside the United States to a 100% tariff

US imposes sanctions against two companies, nine vessels from Russia — Treasury

The Sea River Service Limited Liability Company from the city of Azov and VAFA Wholesale LTD from Astrakhan were blacklisted

London must admit its anti-Russian sanctions policy failed — diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the sanctions are "inefficient, counter-productive for those that come up with them and imposes them on Russia"

Three enemy drones downed over northwestern Russia’s Murmansk Region — governor

As a precaution to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft, flights at Murmansk and Apatity airports have been temporarily suspended

Harris rejects Trump's claims about meeting with Putin days before special op start

During a televised debate, Trump claimed that Harris was sent to "negotiate peace," adding that Russia’s special military operation began "three days later"

Trump says he wants to end Ukrainian conflict

He also plans to settle the conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration if he wins the election

Russian army approaches Seversk to increase range of weapons used — military expert

Andrey Marochko noted that this development will allow Russian troops to "increase pressure" on the enemy and "expand the range of weapons used"

Palestine sits as state for first time at 79th session of the UN General Assembly

Palestine will be able to include its representatives in the list of speakers at meetings on Middle East issues, propose amendments and make procedural proposals on behalf of a group of countries

Houthis confirm two schoolgirls killed in US-UK strike at school in Yemen

Mohammed Abdulsalam called the incident a "brutal aggression" and a "horrible crime," claiming that Washington and London will not force the movement to stop supporting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

Russian army liberates four communities in DPR in one day

The Russian Defense Ministry said that the enemy also lost three motor vehicles, Polish-made 155mm self-propelled howitzers Krab and Bogdana, as well as a Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station

Transnistrians afraid of new war, don’t want Russian peacekeepers to be withdrawn — expert

"If you ask people whether anything should be done with the peacekeepers, I am sure 110% of them will say ‘no,’ peacekeepers should not be withdrawn. This is the answer that has not changed over the 32 years the peacekeeping mission has been deployed to the region," Elena Bobkova stressed

Russia’s strike on Kramatorsk eliminates two Ukrainian generals, 50 officers — top brass

It is noted that Ukrainian troops continue attempts to advance in three directions

Russia assumes Iran heard its position on Zangezur Corridor — Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

"We have provided all necessary explanations in this regard," Maria Zakharova stressed

Ukraine’s attack on Kursk unlikely to change strategic situation — Turkish MP

According to Hulusi Akar, the risk of escalation and instability in the conflict zone are growing daily and Ukraine’s attack on the Kursk Region has only expanded the zone of hostilities and created threats to nuclear security

Russia to take additional measures to support Cuba — Shoigu

The Security Council secretary noted that Moscow and Havana will develop their strategic cooperation in a wide array of areas

BRICS' constructive role increases worldwide — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang Yi also drew attention to the interest of a significant number of countries in BRICS

Moscow welcomes Brazilian, Chinese peace initiatives on Ukraine — Russian diplomat

"I will tell you that Russia has always expressed its readiness to resume negotiations," Sergey Ryabkov went on to say

Countries need to grasp consequences of hosting US military bases — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited Germany, which portrays itself as a democratic state with a well-developed legal system, as an example

Russian diplomat says Washington, London stand behind Ukrainian strike on Ramenskoye

According Maria Zakharova, attempts by Western governments and special services to push Russia’s non-systemic opposition toward destabilizing the internal political situation in Russia are doomed to fail

US, UK once again attack Houthi facilities in Yemen — TV

No deaths or injuries were reported, Al Masirah reported

End of Russian gas transit to weaken Kiev’s strategic position — Bloomberg

Nobody needs a renewal of the gas-transit contract quite as much as Kiev which risks losing up to $800 mln a year in transit fees, while greater efforts would be required for reaching a new agreement in the future, according to the report

Kremlin praises military success in repelling drone attacks

Dmitry Peskov did not specify whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was satisfied with how Russia’s air defenses were operating

Israel ready to let Hamas leader leave Gaza in exchange for hostage release — official

According to Gal Hirsch, he put forth this proposal a day and a half ago but refused to say which answer was given

Russia must be ready to repel military aggression from any direction — Putin

The Russian leader wished the participants of the exercise "success in accomplishing the assigned tasks"

Kremlin calls for critical approach to reports of drones flying into Russia from Norway

Dmitry Peskov cautioned "against treating reports of various digital media or media-like outlets as primary sources"

None of Russian regions can be disputed in talks on Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova commented on a statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who said that the return of Crimea was allegedly a provision of international law

West pushing Kiev’s terrorist regime to cross redlines — senior Russian MP

"The collective West has fallen in an agony of frenzy," Leonid Slutsky noted

Blinken says no guarantees on Gaza ceasefire deal

The top US diplomat emphasized that the US cannot force the Israeli leadership to agree to the proposed terms, but will continue to try to convince it of the wisdom of such a step

Ukrainian drone killed some Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region, captured soldier says

Earlier, Vitaly Panchenko said that fighters from the Akhmat Special Force destroyed two groups of Ukrainian servicemen who took part in the capturing and beating of Russian conscripts and civilians from the Sudzha District in the Kursk Region

Kiev pulling militants to stabilize situation near Kupyansk, Kremennaya — military expert

Kiev may have deployed Azov militants for reinforcement and for "stabilizing the situation at problem sectors of the front line," Andrey Marochko surmised

Finland suspends work of advisory council with Russia on Saimaa Canal

The main activities of the Advisory Board have mainly focused on determining the dates of the beginning and end of navigation along the Saimaa Canal, exchange of information on the situation in the Saimaa region

Ukraine’s General Staff says situation is difficult along entire front line

The most tense situation at the moment is in the Kurakhovo and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) areas of the Kiev-controlled part of the DPR

Ukrainian troops captured: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy has lost over 11,800 servicemen since fighting began in the region

Musk believes Harris to be in charge of US office already

The televised debate between Trump and Harris organized by ABC News was held on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Russia needs to establish contacts with Western intellectuals, French analyst believes

According to Karine Bechet-Golovko, in order to establish contacts, work will need to focus on specific individuals rather than hostile Western institutions, which will create certain difficulties

Scholz’ move to call for peace in Ukraine likely driven by domestic politics — analyst

Stefan Meister, a political scientist at the German Council on Foreign Relations, said that scenarios other than a "complete victory" for Ukraine also need to be discussed