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Middle East conflict

Israeli strikes on Baalbek-Hermel leave four dead, 38 wounded

There is currently no information regarding whether the casualties were civilians or members of armed groups

BEIRUT, September 25. /TASS/. Israeli Air Force fighter jets have resumed airstrikes on eastern and northeastern regions of Lebanon, targeting rear bases and ammunition depots of the Shiite Hezbollah organization, according to the emergency committee of the Health Ministry.

This morning's air raids resulted in four fatalities and 38 injuries. There is currently no information regarding whether the casualties were civilians or members of armed groups.

Lebanese public figure Mohammed Sahili told a TASS correspondent that during these strikes the Israelis use powerful bombs provided to them by the US. According to him, they use them to hit targets in mountain gorges and hard-to-reach areas on the border with Syria.

"More than 40 towns and cities in the Beqaa Valley, mainly in the vicinity of Baalbek and Hermel, were bombed," he said. "It seems that the Israeli command has staked on destroying the rear infrastructure of the resistance forces," he added.

On September 24, 12 people were killed and about 500 injured in eastern and northeastern Lebanon.

Shigeru Ishiba to lead Japan's ruling party, become country's new prime minister

A total of 368 incumbent LDP lawmakers voted in the second round, with regional party cells casting 47 votes based on the number of prefectures in Japan

Israeli Air Force attack 220 Hezbollah targets in past hours

The airstrike targets included "terrorist facilities," "rocket launchers used for shelling of Israeli territory," rocket and weapon depots, as well as Hezbollah personnel

Russia calls for halt to escalating violence in Middle East — senior diplomat

Sergey Vershinin also cautioned against "reckless rhetoric" as he referred to a recent remark by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant who warned that the Israelis are capable of sending Lebanon back to the Stone Age

Lavrov, top diplomats from post-Soviet security bloc hold consultations on UNGA sidelines

The parties considered a wide range of issues pertaining to global and regional security

Russia remains one of leading energy market players — Putin

National companies managed to shift deliveries of oil, petroleum products and coal over the last two years, the president stressed

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian army aviation and artillery struck the accumulations of Ukrainian brigades' manpower and equipment in the Kursk Region

Leader of Equatorial Guinea thanks Putin for help in strengthening defenses capabilities

"Our society has welcomed the presence of Russian experts," Obiang Nguema Mbasogo stressed

Russia, Laos wrap up joint military drills by defeating hypothetical terrorists — ministry

According to the ministry, the main phase of the exercise involved special forces units, tank crews, artillery crews, IFV crews, flamethrower units and operators of the Igla man-portable air defense systems of the Russian Armed Forces and the Lao People's Army, as well some of the forces of the assault and army aviation of the Russian Aerospace Force

Former Barcelona, Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic signs with CSKA Moscow FC

The contract is for one season with an option for a second year

Putin slams Germany's refusal to turn on Nord Stream 2 as lunacy, nonsense

If Nord Stream 2 is brought back online, 27.5 bln cubic meters of gas would immediately go to Europe, the Russian leader stressed

US to give Ukraine JSOW glide bombs — Biden

Politico reported earlier that the Biden administration was considering giving Ukraine JSOW munitions for its F-16 fighter jets

Russia’s 6th-generation warplane to serve as transition to unmanned aircraft — commander

Military aircraft developers are currently preparing scientific and technical groundwork for developing the sixth-generation fighter jet

Top Russian diplomat meets with UN secretary-general in New York

"Present-day geopolitical situation and emerging trends were discussed" and "the most pressing issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone were examined," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Polish authorities preparing mass evacuation plans for possible war

The Polish interior minister also said that Warsaw planned to annually allocate 0.15% of the country’s GDP on civil defense, particularly spending some 1.5 bln euros on the construction of shelters

Transnistrian military concerned over provocation at peacekeeper post

According to Belayakov, the post between the settlements of Cosnitsa and Vadul lui Voda was repeatedly crossed by a local, who shouted insults towards the peacekeepers and was filming on camera, which is prohibited at this location

Press review: Israel unleashes fury on Hezbollah and UN bigwigs meet in New York

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 25th

Kremlin to announce in due time which countries are on nuclear deterrence list

The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the changes to be made to the nuclear doctrine and, according to the Russian leader, "the range of countries and military alliances to which nuclear deterrence will apply has been expanded"

Cosmonaut Vagner snaps photos of once-in-a-lifetime comet

The comet is expected to reach the peak of its brightness in the Northern Hemisphere on October 12

Harris, Zelensky discuss support to Ukrainian energy system — White House

They also addressed "the latest developments on the battlefield, and ongoing US military assistance to Ukraine," the statement says

Russian ambassador in US compares Zelensky’s visit to 'Hollywood show'

"Here they try to keep quiet that the main outcome of such a demonstration of America's 'leadership' is a further prolongation of the crisis," Anatoly Antonov said

Russia redirected 30-40% of gas supplies from Europe to other destinations — Novak

Supplies to the south and via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline increased

FACTBOX: Ukraine's failed attacks, losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 360 servicemen and 13 armored vehicles, including an infantry fighting vehicle and 12 armored fighting vehicles

Loud explosions heard near military airfield in western Ukraine

Basts were heard in the city of Starokonstantinov

Tuareg rebels in Mali receive support from Ukraine — representative

"We have long-standing and diverse relations with Ukraine," Attaye Ag Mohamed said, answering a question about the training of Tuareg militants by Ukrainian instructors, including in the use of drones

BRICS nations’ contribution to global economy surpasses G7 share, keeps growing — Putin

BRICS nations’ GDP growth is expected to reach 33.8% in 2028, the Russian President noted

Gazprom resumes gas supplies to China over Power of Siberia pipeline

"Scheduled preventive maintenance on the Power of Siberia gas pipeline was successfully completed in the period from September 19 to 26," the company said

Putin sends message to West with nuclear doctrine statements — Kremlin

"This is a message that warns these countries of the consequences should they participate in an attack on our country by various means, not necessarily nuclear," Dmitry Peskov said

Medvedev describes Russia’s nuclear doctrine review as ‘anticipated event’

In his opinion, the nuclear doctrine review may help to cool down heads of some of adversaries

Power consumption in Russia beat Soviet time record in 2023 — Putin

Growth of this indicator is the sure sign of economic growth, the head of state noted

Trump says will meet with Zelensky in New York on September 27

The US Republican presidential nominee said they will be meeting in Trump Tower

Russia still ready to resume gas supplies via Nord Stream to Europe — Novak

"It seems to me that there should be an international investigation that would be more objective, including Russia’s participation," the official said

Top Russian, Uzbek diplomats discuss efforts against ethnic hatred

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Sergey Lavrov and Bakhtiyor Saidov discussed a number of important bilateral matters and exchanged opinions on various regional and international problems

Press review: EP extends hand to Russia and Tehran ready to talk nuke deal with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, September 24th

Russia gets permanent observer status in Central American Parliament

The majority of members present in the hall voted to grant Russia the status

Two Russian strategic submarines arrive in Pacific fleet base

They were welcomed by Navy Commander-in-Chief Alexander Moiseyev and Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Fradkov

Top Russian diplomat calls for end to hostilities in Sudan

The sides "reaffirmed their mutual determination to maintain active foreign policy coordination within the framework of the UN and other international platforms," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement

Nord Stream terrorists must be found, made to answer for crimes — speaker

Investigations by Germany, Denmark and Sweden have as yet been fruitless, while Russia has been blocked from participating, Vyacheslav Volodin stressed

Russian watchdog chief says nuclear safety of Kursk, Zaporozhye NPP ensured

"The situation at the Kursk nuclear power plant is also stable. I can say that in terms of nuclear safety, everything is within the norm," he added

Serbian sniper says Russia fights against 50 countries led by UK, US, France

According to Dejan Beric, fighters from these countries and their equipment are directly involved in the conflict

Participants in CSTO exercise redeploying to Kazakhstan

Troops from the CSTO Collective Forces are heading from the Republic of Belarus, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan to a location where the exercise will be held as scheduled

BRICS foreign ministers discuss peace and security issues, upcoming summit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov represented his country at the meeting

Russia expands category of states subjected to nuclear deterrence — Putin

The head of state noted that the modern military and political situation is changing rapidly, and Russia must take it into consideration, including the emergence of new sources of military threats and risks for Russia and its allies

IN BRIEF: Putin previews Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine

Lavrov, Malian foreign minister sign joint statement on non-deployment of weapons in space

The statement was signed as part of a corresponding Russian initiative, which already has several dozens of signatories

Pact for the Future not adopted by consensus due to Western "experiments" — Lavrov

"The future of our peoples cannot be invented in a test tube with the participation of the UN Secretariat and Western lobbyists," the Russian foreign minister stressed

Iraq interested in Russia’s advanced technologies to treat cancer — health minister

"We hear that there is some vaccination and some new advanced technology in Russia," he noted on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly

Russia to assess in entirety each hypothetical case of nuclear weapons use — Medvedev

President Vladimir Putin outlined the basic parameters

Kiev's 2025 arms deliveries at risk due to lack of money from allies — news agency

According to the media, some allies are experiencing difficulties with financing and others are refusing to increase financial aid to Kiev

Putin announces transition to national currencies in export payments

The President noted that Russia's partners were interested in it to the highest degree

Israel intends to thwart all Hezbollah military shipments from Iran

According to Israeli Air Force Commaner Tomer Bar, "this goal becomes the first in the list of priorities"

Russian forces destroy APC with Lancet munition in border area of Kursk Region

The ministry said that objective monitoring of the strike was carried out by air reconnaissance means in real time

Five children injured in Mariupol after carelessly handling explosives — official

Denis Pushilin said three of the injured children are in serious condition

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories

The countries and territories mentioned in the list imposed or joined the sanctions against Russia after the start of a special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine

Russian prime minister approves list of countries imposing destructive attitudes

It includes the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and other states

Top Russian, Bolivian diplomats discuss investment projects, cooperation with BRICS

"The two countries underscored their commitment to defending the central role of the UN and the principles of the international law," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement

Almost all donors resume funding of Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA — UN chief

According to the UN chief, there currently is no alternative to UNRWA

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

Japan’s ruling party to elect new leader, who will become next premier

The record-high number of nine people put forward their candidacies

Top Hungarian diplomat calls EU sanctions policy against Russia 'total failure'

According to Peter Szijjarto, the EU's restrictive measures against Russia have in no way helped to achieve the intended goal of bringing the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine closer, and have also caused more damage to the economies of European countries than to Russia

DPR head says fighting for liberation of Ugledar goes inside city limits

According to Denis Pushilin, the enemy already started to downplay the military importance of Ugledar in the public domain amid the accomplishments of the Russian military

Ukraine seeks to explain details of Zelensky’s plan to US — White House

"Both presidents are planning to meet in Germany, when we head over there on the 12th of October," John Kirby said

West bolsters development of alternative platforms by its restrictions — Putin

"Closing the access to its platform, the West just gives a boost to development of alternative solutions: alternative logistics, insurance, systems of international payments and technological innovations," the Russian president said

Investigation of Ukrainian crimes: situation in Kursk Region

Over 8,000 residents have been declared victims of Ukrainian attacks on the Kursk Region, the press service of Russia's Investigative Committee said

IAEA mandate doesn’t allow it to name forces shelling Zaporozhye, Kursk plants — official

According to IAEA Deputy Director-General Mikhail Chudakov, the second reason is that Rafael Grossi is a diplomat, a UN diplomat, a Western diplomat, and he will never name the culprits unless there is 100% proof

Russian State Duma granted permanent observer status in PARLACEN

Most Central American Parliament lawmakers voted in favor of this measure

Independent configuration for foreign trade payments to be created in BRICS — Putin

This will create conditions for efficient and independent servicing of the entire foreign trade, the president said

UN chief urges Russia, US to resume nuclear disarmament

Guterres emphasized "the utmost transparency of all matters related to nuclear weapons" and called on all countries to reject their use in all situations

US defense secretary says Israel, Lebanon face risk of all-out war

Lloyd Austin said there is still a chance to settle the conflict through diplomacy

Russia creates multi-tier defense in Kursk Region — top brass

Apty Alaudinov stressed that even those units which the Armed Forces of Ukraine were trying to bring to this area were sustaining heavy losses

Communication with Robinson 44 helicopter lost in Russia’s Arkhangelsk Region

According to the preliminary information, no flight plan was sent to the air traffic control center

Western arms deliveries to Ukraine failed to change situation on battlefield — Szijjarto

These deliveries turned out to be useless, Hungarian foreign Minister said

China, Brazil to create 'Friends of Peace' platform to resolve Ukrainian crisis — MFA

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that it will be "an attempt by China, Brazil and countries of the Global South to achieve peace"

Updating Russia's nuclear doctrine does not require changes to legislation — senator

Viktor Bondarev emphasized that these changes were long overdue and constituted a response "to the constant growth of tension in the rhetoric and direct actions in support of Ukraine on the part of the Western countries"

Equatorial Guinea offers to host new Russia-Africa summit — president

"Equatorial Guinea has huge expertise and enormous organizational experience," Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said

Biden announces $5.5 bln in military aid to Kiev — White House

As of September 13, the Pentagon had $5.9 bln left in the Ukraine Presidential Drawdown Authority

Israeli opposition leader calls for ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon

According to Yair Lapid, Israel should partially agree to the ceasefire offer, proposed by the United States and France, but only for 7 days, in order to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its command and control systems

Calls for Russian-Ukrainian peace talks to be heard more and more often in West — Euractiv

An increasing number of European diplomats are growing increasingly worried that the tide might be turning on both sides of the Atlantic with regard to supporting the Kiev government, the portal reported

Russian diplomat informs UN head’s emissary about Kiev’s crimes against children

"The Russian side reaffirmed its commitment to full compliance with norms of the international humanitarian law in the course of the special operation, including with the goal of preventing casualties among children," Sergey Vershinin said

Global oil demand to grow by 1.5 mln barrels daily this year — Novak

The situation in the domestic fuel market will remain stable until the end of the year, the official stressed

US watchdog approves billionaire Soros’ purchase of over 200 radio stations — media

According to the newspaper, the commission’s three democrats voted for the move, while the two republicans voted against it

Nuclear triad guarantees Russia's security, sovereignty — Rosatom CEO

Alexey Likhachev recalled that this project was being implemented as part of the state defense order, which "Rosatom traditionally copes with 100%"

Ukrainsk liberated from Kiev troops is home to up to 3,000 civilians — DPR leader

Denis Pushilin specified that the servicemen are providing all the necessary assistance to the population

Press review: Putin sends nuke smoke signal to West and China shows off military might

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 26th

Two Russian nationals face money laundering charges in US

The US authorities believe that Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov were involved in operating money laundering services that catered to cybercriminals

Biden, Zelensky discuss diplomatic, economic, military aspects of Kiev’s ‘plan’

The two leaders "tasked their teams to engage in intensive consultations regarding next steps," the White House press service said in a statement

Drones for export: Russian display at ADEX 2024 show in Baku

ADEX 2024 international defense industry show opened in Baku on September 24. The Russian display for the first time features Lancet-E kamikaze drone. TASS reports about the exhibits

Anglo-Saxons always sought not only cold but also hot war with Moscow — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, in contrast to the Western approach, Moscow was very committed to ensuring that "the principles laid down in the UN Charter are really respected and put into practice"

Lavrov blasts France’s idea to limit veto power in UNSC as shameless move

"Britain and France themselves generally play along with those who want to force the process," the Russian foreign minister pointed out

Russia to keep winning, West understands no other language — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that people have become united in the face of the war

Ukrainian army loses most of its resources in Kursk Region — Russian commander

"They have realized they cannot move forward no matter what they do," Major General Apty Alaudinov said

Turkey ready to take part in Kiev-initiated peace conference, president says

The Turkish president stressed that "at this point, the parties aren’t close" to a peaceful solution

Israel secures $8.7 bln US aid package in support of ‘ongoing military efforts’

The Israeli Defense Ministry specified that the aid package comprises $3.5 bln for essential wartime procurement and $5.2 bln "designated for air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and an advanced laser system"

Russian warplanes deliver strikes on eight militant hideouts in Syria

One Syrian serviceman was wounded by mortar fire

US de-facto became party to conflict in Ukraine — Russian ambassador

Washington that needs hatred and combat clashes between fraternal peoples "for one purpose only - the strategic defeat of our country," Anatoly Antonov said

Russian armed forces liberate DPR’s Ukrainsk — top brass

Russia’s battlegroup Center wiped out up to 670 Ukrainian servicemen

Russian troops cut all supply routes for Ukrainian troops in DPR's Ugledar — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, Russian forces now control more than a third of the settlement

Zelensky's visit to Washington shows significant decline in his popularity — media

The report said that few US lawmakers attended the meeting with the Ukrainian president, and the leaders of Congress made no efforts to elevate the profile of his visit

Russian diplomat points Italian counterparts to reporter that violated Russian border

The Russian diplomat pointed to a number of media publications with the trip of the Italian reporter, who illegally crossed the Russian border with the Ukrainian troops in the Kursk Region

Bigger number of nuclear countries raises risks of nuclear weapons use — IAEA chief

Certain countries are trying to normalize the conversation of nuclear weapons and their proliferation, and it is the duty of the IAEA to prevent it, Rafael Grossi said

Gas production expected to gain 10% in Russia in 2024 — Novak

"We will have plus 60 bln cubic meters of gas production as compared to the last year," the official said

Russia intends to assert its frontrunner status in nuclear power — Putin

The Russian leader drew attention to the importance of ensuring the country's technological sovereignty and in all areas of the fuel and energy complex