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Middle East conflict

Negotiators express ‘cautious optimism’ about Gaza — Israeli premier’s office

The statement also expresses hope that the "heavy pressure" on Palestine’s radical Hamas movement "from the United States and the mediators" leads to "the removal of its opposition" to the American proposal

TEL AVIV, August 18. /TASS/. Israeli negotiators informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about their "cautious optimism" regarding the ceasefire deal that would pave the way to the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli premier’s office said.

"The negotiating team briefed the prime minister on the status of the Doha talks. The group expressed cautious optimism regarding the possibility about advancing a deal, based on the May 27 plan, which contains components that are acceptable to Israel," the statement says.

The statement also expresses hope that the "heavy pressure" on Palestine’s radical Hamas movement "from the United States and the mediators" leads to "the removal of its opposition" to the American proposal, and "allow for a breakthrough in the contacts."

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. David Barnea, the director of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, represented Israel.

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.

Middle East conflict

Six UNRWA staffers killed in air strikes on Central Gaza’s Nuseirat

The organization said that it was the largest number of its staffers killed in a single incident

US’ Blinken admits Ukraine’s discussion of strikes at Russia may cause escalation

The US diplomat also noted that he discussed strikes at Russia during the meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his British counterpart and plans to report on the outcome of his negotiations to US President Joe Biden

Restrictions on Russian nickel exports may cause deficit, price surge worldwide — expert

This will hit especially hard industries using nickel to produce batteries and electric vehicles, Yaroslav Kabakov noted

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

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

Russia calls for resumption of Moscow-Baku-Yerevan trilateral group — foreign ministry

"The prompt resumption of full-fledged interaction within the trilateral working group will not only aid in restoring the transportation and communication systems of the South Caucasus but will also promote the socio-economic development of the entire region," Maria Zakharova stressed

Security officer of French consulate in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah injured in attack

The attacker has been apprehended, according to the local police

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

Ending Ukrainian conflict serves US interests — Trump

Bulgarian party suggests country leave EU, join BRICS — media

Revival also insists on delaying Bulgaria’s eurozone membership until at least 2043 and calls for a referendum on the issue

US announces $325 in new funding for Ukraine’s energy system, humanitarian support

I'm also announcing today $290 million in new humanitarian support to help provide vital services like safe drinking, water, food, shelter, medicine, to millions of people in Ukraine, Blinken said

Six UNRWA staffers killed in air strikes on Central Gaza’s Nuseirat

The organization said that it was the largest number of its staffers killed in a single incident

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

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

Russia demands immediate release of blogger Kirill Fedorov in Latvia — diplomat

Moscow considers the arrest of the blogger a violation of human rights

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

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

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

Expert does not rule out introduction of licensing on strategic metals exports in Russia

According to Maxim Khudalov, this policy will lead to an increase in prices for these metals on the world market

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

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

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 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"

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 plans to create 90 nm lithography machine — minister

The first commercial specimen of the lithographic printer operating on the 350 nm topology already appeared this year

NATO citizens contact Russian embassies for residence permits en masse — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that, starting on August 19, citizens of other states are allowed to apply to Russia, if they are being persecuted in their states for following traditional values

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

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

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 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

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

India ranked world's most populous country with 1.44 bln people — UN foundation

The last census was conducted in 2011 and put India's population at 1.21 bln

Iran criticizes UK, Germany, France over air service termination

According to Nasser Kanaani, Tehran will respond "proportionately"

16 Palestinians killed, 64 wounded in Gaza Strip in past day — health ministry

According to the ministry, the overall death toll since the outbreak of the current round of escalation in early October 2023 has reached 40,988

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"

Soyuz MS-26 takes new crew, including new TASS correspondent, to ISS

The spacecraft carries Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit

GoDaddy refusing to work with Russian users would not affect its domain industry

According to Andrey Vorobyov, the number of Russian administrators who have domains with GoDaddy is limited

S-500 system to be supplied to Armed Forces after 2015

Victor Gumenny said the advanced systems may solve the tasks of air-space defence and may fight hypersonic weapons

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

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

Ambassadors of friendly countries visit Russian ship in Angola

During the call at the Luanda port, the Baltic Fleet’s training ship Smolny will replenish water, fuel and food supplies and undergo technical maintenance

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

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

Ukrainian troops captured: situation in Kursk Region

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

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl confirms West’s plans to split up Russia

Some people in the Atlantic Council, and this is not only Americans, but also British, even German and Austrian scholars, said that Russia could be divided just as the Federation of Yugoslavia was divided

Talk of Kiev’s potential strikes inside Russia seeks to pressure Moscow — Russian diplomat

This is an element of psychological warfare, which in turn is part of the hybrid war that Washington has waged against our country for a long time, Ryabkov said

Russia to develop anti-drone shrapnel ammunition

ertain positive results have been achieved but the moment when the ammunition may be authorized for official use is still far ahead

Tinder users in Russia to switch to domestic apps within 18 months — experts

According to Mamba CEO Andrey Bronetsky estimates, Tinder’s share in the Russian dating app market is 20-25%

Liberating settlements: developments in Kursk Region

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

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"

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"

FACTBOX: BRICS profile in brief, expansion stages

The BRICS+ countries account for 46% of the world's population (8.1 billion)

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Usmanov denies Navalny’s charges in video message posted on YouTube

Usmanov invited Navalny "to apologize and live a calm life"

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

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

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

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

Soyuz MS-26 deployed in orbit as it carries international crew to ISS

The spacecraft is expected to dock with the Rassvet module of the station’s Russian segment at about 10:33 p.m. Moscow time

Floods leave 324 people dead, missing in Vietnam

In response to the crisis, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged all ministries, agencies, and local authorities to mobilize their resources and efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas as swiftly as possible

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

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 embassy regrets UK parliament being drawn into ‘Russophobic campaign’

The Russian Embassy in London says that bilateral relations between the countries have reached their lowest point after the British government blamed Russia for Skripals' poisoning

Russia’s Privet-82 kamikaze drones undergo successful combat tests — designer

Staffers of the ministry’s main directorate of innovative development took part in the combat tests

US to continue shipping arms to Ukraine regardless of election outcome — Medvedev

"They made money on everything, they humiliated Europe, they pulled the industry to their soil, they have not lost anything," Russian Security Council deputy chairman added

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

The suspected assailant had been detained at the scene

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"

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

Defense minister says UK accelerating military support to Ukraine

"The support announced in April - including air defense missiles, equipment for F-16 fighter jets, AS90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and maritime guns - have now been delivered," the statement said

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"

Ukraine’s neo-Nazis hold 7,500 foreigners hostage — Russian Defense Ministry

The terrorist battalions keep using civilians and foreign citizens as human shields, Mikhail Mizintsev pointed out

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

Hamas rejects any new preconditions for Gaza ceasefire agreement, regardless of author

The radicals also underscored that Hamas considers the "post-war organization of Gaza an exclusively internal Palestinian affair"

Russia’s CEC views US presidential election as purely media project — member

According to Igor Borisov, he had an opportunity to verify it himself when he was an expert in 2012. In his words, manipulation, deception, non-admission of observers, bribery, and administrative pressure were recorded at those elections

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

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

Russia, Ethiopia talk interaction within UN Security Council, BRICS — Foreign Ministry

It noted that during the meeting the sides had a trustful exchange of views on the issues of interaction in the UN and other international organizations

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

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

Investments in Vorkuta gas chemical complex estimated at $2.25 billion

According to Minister for Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov, the project is an important component in the long-term strategy of the North's economic development

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

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

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

Google to deactivate BigQuery for Russia from September 9

Google Workspace and Google Cloud services continue working, the company informed

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"

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

Such actions set a dangerous precedent for air incidents and accidents, and escalate the general situation in Syria’s airspace

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

Russia’s battlegroup East hits strongholds, accumulation of Ukrainian manpower — top brass

The Russian armed forces improved their positions along the line of engagement, repelled one enemy counterattack and thwarted the enemy's attempts to conduct combat reconnaissance and reinforce the rotation at the forward positions

Press review: Kiev bets on own arms production and US, NATO bearing down on Latin America

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, September 9th

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

Israel eliminates six radicals, detains 23 suspects in West Bank

IDF soldiers "located and dismantled an explosives laboratory, an observational situation room, and a weapons manufacturing workshop

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"

Russia’s drone industry needs to crush enemy Ukraine — expert

"This year, the main goal of the Dronnitsa meeting is to search for ways to achieve systemic superiority over the enemy and create a consistent industry that will outstrip this enemy both in terms of quality and quantity," Alexander Lyubimov said

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

Russian air defenses down Ukrainian missile over Kursk Region

"We thank the fighters of the Air Defense Forces and defenders of the state border," region's acting Governor Alexey Smirnov said

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

Russian official highlights growing threat coming from Ukraine's jet-powered drones

According to Andrey Tabekin, experts are currently working on ways to jam such drones

Monument to nationalist leader Bandera destroyed in Lvov region

Police said they have started an investigation

Bank of Russia may either raise key rate to 20% or keep it as it is now — experts

Today, the experts' views are quite ambiguous and differ by about 300 bp regarding the upcoming meeting of the regulator

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"

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