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Middle East conflict

Hezbollah and Iran lower level of alertness in their rocket and missile units — NYT

At the same time, representatives of the Israeli authorities indicate that intelligence data is constantly changing, the newspaper adds

NEW YORK, August 17. /TASS/. Iran and the Shiite movement Hezbollah have lowered the combat readiness of their missile units amid talks in Doha on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, The New York Times wrote on Friday.

"By Friday, Israeli intelligence had assessed that Hezbollah and Iran had lowered the level of alertness in their rocket and missile units, according to five Israeli officials," the newspaper says.

According to the publication, Israel currently believes that a possible Iranian strike could be carried out later. At the same time, representatives of the Israeli authorities indicate that intelligence data is constantly changing, the newspaper adds.

Another round of escalation in the Middle East followed the violent death of Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the elimination of Hezbollah top military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah held Israel responsible and asserted that the attacks will be met with retaliation. The Jewish state never commented on Haniyeh’s killing, while it claimed that the attack on Shukr was in response to the strike on the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights which killed 12 people. However, Hezbollah denied involvement in the attack.

Another round Gaza ceasefire and hostage release consultation began in Doha on August 15. The Qatari side was represented by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. The United States was represented by CIA Director Willian Burns, and the Egyptian delegation was led by intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

The mediators said in their joint statement that the talks were held a in positive atmosphere and the sides agreed to hold the next meeting in Cairo next week. Technical groups will continue work on mechanisms of the implementation of key provisions of the future agreement, including those concerning the exchange of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, as we all the humanitarian situation in the enclave.

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Military drills

Belarusian Interior Ministry took situation in Kursk Region into account during its drill

The fighters practiced combating sabotage groups in several locations: not only on approaches to a city, but also within city limits

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"

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iran blasts US claims of arms shipments to third countries as lies, propaganda

"The publication of false and misleading reports about the transfer of Iranian weapons to some countries is simply an ugly propaganda to conceal the large illegal arms support of the United States and some Western countries for the genocide in Gaza," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani stated

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

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

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

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

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

Foreign aid to Ukraine a money laundering scheme, head of Chechnya says

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that there is no need to worry about hostilities currently happening on Russian territory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Kremlin spokesman says he cannot recall Putin ever talking to Kamala Harris

"When Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US President Joe Biden, Mrs. Harris was not in Geneva," Dmitry Peskov said

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

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"

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

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 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"

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"

FACTBOX: Drone attack on Moscow and other Russian regions

At least 14 drones were shot down by air defense forces during an attempt to attack Moscow and the Moscow Region, several dozen UAVs were destroyed in other regions of Russia

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

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

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

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

There are no countries hostile to Russia, there are hostile elites — Putin

The Russian leader noted that hostile elites were obsessed with the idea of dismembering Russia

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

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

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

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 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

Russia becomes largest economy in Europe, 'being right in hot pursuit of Japan' — aide

Maxim Oreshkin stressed that the gradual loss of all these elements leads to long-term stagnation of the European economy

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"

Ukrainian troops captured: situation in Kursk Region

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

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"

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

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

Iran criticizes UK, Germany, France over air service termination

According to Nasser Kanaani, Tehran will respond "proportionately"

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

BRICS countries may present instruments for mutual settlements at summit in Kazan

The key principles in designing the new financial system are decentralization of international interaction and the use of digital technologies, Andrey Mikhailishin said

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

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

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

Liberating settlements: developments in Kursk Region

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

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

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

No deaths or injuries were reported, Al Masirah reported

BRICS' constructive role increases worldwide — Chinese Foreign Ministry

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

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"

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"

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

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

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

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."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Khibiny Airport in Murmansk Region suspends flights — Russian aviation agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ending Ukrainian conflict serves US interests — Trump

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 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

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

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

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

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

Trump, Harris start debate by shaking hands

The presidential candidates also exchanged remarks before the speeches began

Ukraine pulling fresh forces to Kursk area — Russian officer

According to the commander of the Akhmat special forces commando unit Apty Alaudinov, there were no large-scale attacks on Wednesday

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

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