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Middle East conflict

Netanyahu's office denies reports of possible ceasefire in Lebanon

"This is a French-American proposal to which the prime minister has not even responded," the statement said

TEL AVIV, September 26. /TASS/. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports about a possible ceasefire in Lebanon.

Israel did not accept a ceasefire proposal from the US and France, according to a statement from the office.

"The reports about the ceasefire is incorrect. This is a French-American proposal to which the prime minister has not even responded," the statement said.

The office also rejected reports that the intensity of Lebanon-related fighting could ease.

"The reports about the alleged order to moderate the fighting in the north are also untrue. The prime minister instructed the Israel Defense Forces to continue fighting with all its might and in accordance with the plans previously that were submitted to him," the statement said.

Israel does not plan to wind down the military campaign in Gaza either.

"Fighting in Gaza will continue until all the war objectives are achieved," the office said.

Earlier, the White House issued a joint statement from the US, the EU and several other countries calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire on the Lebanon-Israel border. The New York Times later reported, citing officials, that the ceasefire proposal could be adopted in the coming hours.

Coalition’s strikes on Yemen hurt UN mediation efforts — special envoy

According to Hans Grundberg, sustainable peace in Yemen is achievable, but UN diplomats need de-escalation in the Middle East on the whole to work more effectively

Africa eyes Russia’s participation in construction of fertilizer plants — Energy Chamber

"We are working on building plants to produce fertilizers so we can do without food security issues," NJ Ayuk said

Glencore's exit from Russneft in final stages, deal could be completed this year

Swiss trader Glencore owned 23.46% in Russneft through the Rambero Holding structure

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

Nuclear arms to be used as soon as NATO attacks Belarus, Lukashenko says

According to the Belarusian leader, Minsk is getting ready for such a development

Some foreign mercenaries in Kursk Region already eliminated — army

Major-General Apty Alaudinov noted that it should not be surprising that many mercenaries had come from countries considered friendly to Russia

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

Firearms cache discovered along President Tokayev’s motorcade route in Kazakhstan — police

A criminal case has been initiated over this incident

IN BRIEF: Putin previews Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine

Right to nuclear retaliation is no message to the West

The key factor of the updated doctrine is that Russia retains the right for a retaliatory nuclear strike in response to an aggression with conventional forces and arms against it, Igor Korotchenko stated

Russian warplanes deliver strikes on eight militant hideouts in Syria

One Syrian serviceman was wounded by mortar fire

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

Netherlands decommissions F-16 planes, transitions to F-35s

This type of planes stayed on duty for over 45 years, and was useful both inside and outside of the country

Evacuation of Ukrainian troops from Ugledar urgently needed, military expert says

Vladislav Seleznev underscored that the Ukrainian troops are in a "critical shortage" of resources, necessary to counter the Russian forces on this swath of the frontline

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

Russian Foreign Ministry gives Israeli ambassador talking-to over critical remarks

According to the ministry, a rebuttal to Simona Halperin’s statements was posted on its official website

Ending dependence on Russian fossil fuels is hard to achieve goal for EU — Bloomberg

Despite Western sanctions, imports of Russian fossil fuels to the European Union stood at around $1 billion per month at the end of 2023

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

Russia and Africa discuss cooperation between power grid companies

The parties stressed importance of the active participation of Russian specialists in the implementation of infrastructure projects in Africa

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

Trump says he will visit Ukraine

The US Republican presidential candidate did not specify when he planned to make a trip to Ukraine

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

LNG export from Russia to reach around 35 mln tons in 2024 — Novak

The deputy prime minister said in early 2024 that export of Russian LNG fell by 1.9% in 2023 to 45.4 bln cubic meters from 46.3 bln cubic meters in the previous year

UN special envoy for Yemen plans to visit Moscow in October

Hans Grundberg will meet with representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry

Nearly half of those present in UN Security Council hall walk out before Israel’s address

israeli Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan was to address the council after Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour

Moscow court to hear case of 73-year-old American accused of fighting for Ukraine

Under the influence of Ukrainian media, Stephen Hubbard joined the Ukrainian military without fully understanding the situation

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

Russia's Su-35 backs up jets striking Ukrainian hardware, facilities in Kursk Region

"During combat missions, Su-35S fighter crews patrolled the assigned area and provided cover for bomber and attack aircraft, as well as army aviation helicopters, during air strikes on Ukrainian military facilities and equipment," the defense ministry stated

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

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

US trying to drive wedge between Russia, Ukraine for years, says Assange

He recalled numerous warnings on the part of Russia that the attempts to bring Ukraine into NATO might trigger a civil war in that country

Russia, Congo to create joint venture for oil pipeline construction

The Russian government approved earlier the draft intergovernmental agreement on construction of the Pointe Noire - Lutete - Maloukou-Trechot oil product pipeline in the Republic of Congo

Presidential aide warns West against trying to kick out Russia from Baltic Sea

Nikolay Patrushev added that in violation of international rules, Russian ships are disconnected from the satellite communication network, which creates risks to the safety of navigation

Russian forces destroy long-standing Ukrainian stronghold — politician

"This is significant because the stronghold allowed Ukraine to control a fairly large area in the Orekhovo direction," Vladimir Rogov said

Presidential aide accuses West of trying to isolate Kaliningrad Region

"Work is underway to redirect diesel fuel, cement, crushed stone and other cargoes to the specialized tanker fleet, bulk carriers and dry cargo ships," Nikolay Patrushev said

Events in Lebanon stand in the way of peace in Yemen — UN special envoy

According to Hans Grundberg, it is affecting conflict resolution and the possibilities of making serious and strategic decision making

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

Digital ruble will not affect monetary policy mechanisms — Bank of Russia

The regulator noted that the issuance of the digital ruble will not lead to an increase in the amount of money in the economy

Congo discusses oil, gas cooperation with Zarubezhneft — minister

No agreement has been signed so far

China, Brazil's peace plan on Ukraine supported by over 110 countries — diplomat

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian also said that Beijing is willing to contact relevant parties and jointly promote a political solution to the crisis

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

US stops arms supplies to Ukraine — White House

"We have issued the last drawdown package that we had funding to support," Coordinator for Strategic Communications of the White House’s National Security Council John Kirby said

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

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

Almost 90% of oil supplies to Europe redirected to other countries — Novak

"We directed the greater portion to the Asia-Pacific Region, to Africa, to Latin America - where energy resources are in demand at present," the official said

Polish president admits that many Westerners want to resume business with Russia

Andrzej Duda, nonetheless, expressed support for the Kiev authorities' position that Ukraine "must regain control over its internationally recognized territories"

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

Israel determined to achieve complete victory in Gaza, PM says

Hamas has to "surrender, lay down its arms and release all the hostages," Benjamin Netanyahu stressed

Dagestan declares Saturday day of mourning for victims of explosion at gas station

State flags will be lowered throughout the region

Russia to boost gasoline production by 4 mln tons — Novak

The official stressed that the prices should not grow above inflation

Russian diplomat sees hostile US policy as obstacle to dialogue about New START

"If we are seriously talking about strengthening security, the anti-Russian policy first needs to be abandoned," Sergey Ryabkov emphasized

EU fears world war, interested in Brazil-China peace plan — newspaper

According to the sources, officials from a number of countries, including EU members, contacted Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York

Putin announces transition to national currencies in export payments

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

Drought-stricken Botswana to kill, eat 20,000 elephants unless Germany takes them — report

Mokgweetsi Masisi pointed out that Botswana was facing its "worst drought in 50 years," causing widespread famine among the people

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

Russian budget executed with $6.5 bln deficit in 1H — Accounts Chamber

The National Wealth Fund totaled $136 bln as of July, or 7% of GDP

Discord faces fine of up to $42,864 for violating the law on self-regulation

Since February 2021, Russia has had a law on self-regulation of social networks, which requires platforms to independently identify and block illegal content

Russia, Belarus to link border cities by railroads — Russian Deputy PM

Smolensk, Pskov, Vitebsk, and other cities are among them

Spiral of violence escalates beyond Israeli-Palestinian conflict — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreighn Minister, conflict at Lebanon-Israel border areas echoes in other parts of the region

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

Mexico to take part in ‘Friends of Peace’ platform set up by Brazil, China

Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena stressed that Mexico supported a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine and stands out "against the weapons buildup"

Russia says battlegroup West struck 4 Ukrainian brigades

Enemy lost up to 420 troops

Agreement between Russia, Congo on pipeline construction to be signed tomorrow — minister

The Russian government approved earlier the draft intergovernmental agreement on construction of the Pointe Noire - Lutete - Maloukou-Trechot oil product pipeline in the Republic of Congo

Russian stock indices in the green as Friday’s trading closes

The MOEX index rose by 1.02% to 2,858.56 points, the dollar-denominated RTS index went up by 0.69%, to 971.29 points

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Ukraine loses over 2,980 military personnel in responsibility zone of battlegroup West

The group’s units improved their positions along the front line, defeating formations from six Ukrainian mechanized, tank, and assault brigades, as well as two defense brigades and a brigade of the National Guard

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

Ukrainian armed formation trapped near Selidovo in DPR — security forces

"Heavy combat is underway with all logistics being cut off on that section of the frontline," the source said

Lavrov holds meeting with his counterparts from Group of Friends in Defense of UN Charter

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, leading a Russian delegation, has arrived in New York to participate in the 79th session of the UN General Assembly

Zimbabwe edging closer to joining BRICS, President Mnangagwa says

"The prospects are good because none of the BRICS members are anti-Zimbabwe," the Zimbabwean president maintained

Gazprom, Tanzania close to sign contract on joint projects — African Energy Chamber

NJ Ayuk noted that for the moment there are no disagreements between the party and the question is no longer about signing a contract but to expand it to a second phase and increasing the number of similar projects across the continent

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

Switzerland can not serve as neutral venue for talks — Russian envoy

Speaking about the recent decision of the lower chamber of the Swiss parliament to "recognize the famine in Ukraine as genocide," Sergey Garmonin noted that the Russian Embassy’s statement on the matter emphasized that "it is not based on any historical facts"

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

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

Hungarian PM rejects allegations that country would not defend itself if threatened

Viktor Orban also warned against drawing parallels between the events of 1956 and the conflict in Ukraine

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"

Elimination of mercenaries, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy lost more than 17,750 people during the fighting

Pollster says over 70% of Russians trust Putin

A total of 48.7% of those polled said they approved of how the Russian government was running the country, while 52.0% approve of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s job performance

Iran to take measures following Israeli strike on Beirut — president

Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the families of all people killed

FACTBOX: What is known about gas station explosion near Makhachkala

Dagestan’s Interior Ministry said that five people died in the explosion, and ten more were injured

Biden questions Zelensky’s decision to attack Russia’s Kursk Region — media

The US president is also "somewhat dubious about Zelensky’s 'victory plan,'" which the latter presented to him during a visit to Washington on September 26

Captured soldier urges countrymen to get out of Ukraine

Vasily Kozub surrendered without a fight when Russian troops entered his dugout

All goals of joint Russian-Lao military drills achieved — top brass

"During the exercise, the servicemen of our countries yet again demonstrated the combat brotherhood of peoples, their dedication to the traditions of mutual help and assistance, having displayed a high level of training, professionalism and skill," Lieutenant General Mikhail Nosulev said

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

Zelensky to leave US without permission to attack Russia with Western weapons — newspaper

According to the report, "no shift in Washington’s stance on the use of the long-range missiles was announced"

Ukraine conflict to drag on for years based on Korea scenario — Serbian president

Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that major US opinion polls had put the Ukraine conflict in ninth place in the top ten important issues

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah not hurt in Israeli attack — TV

The broadcaster said that the movement’s leadership would make a statement on Israel’s act of aggression against Lebanon in the coming hours

US creating NATO bases in Ukraine under guise of training centers — Belarusian president

"Unfortunately, the Ukrainian authorities don't care a bit about their own people and they don't hear our concerns," Alexander Lukashenko noted

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

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"

Russia highly values historical, fraternal ties with Turkmenistan — ambassador to Ashgabat

"This cooperation is built on the trusting relations between our heads of state, who meet regularly to discuss all areas of multifaceted interaction," Ivan Volynkin added

Lavrov offers condolences to top Lebanese diplomat over deaths in conflict with Israel

Sergey Lavrov and Abdallah Bou Habib held a meeting on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly

The West's climate agenda would lead to death of Global South’s economy — Russian ministry

It's necessary to create a new industry based on the climate, but one that will lead to growth, Russia’s First Deputy Minister of Energy Pavel Sorokin said

Brutal murder mystery of renowned Russian chanson singer solved after 17 years

Mikhail Krug was shot dead in his home in the Tver Region in June 2002

Ukraine’s poorly trained new recruits often flee their positions — newspaper

"The commanders estimated that 50 to 70% of new infantry troops were killed or wounded within days of starting their first rotation," the report said

Press review: Russia anchors global energy market and Israel balks at peace with Hezbollah

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, September 27th

Georgia vows to keep outside forces from meddling in election — authorities

Georgia will hold parliamentary elections on October 26

Russia sees interest in increasing gas supplies to Asia — Novak

The needs for energy resources are also growing in this region, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said

Israeli military still studying outcome of precision attack on Beirut

According to Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari, the IDF is "at peak readiness on all fronts"

Russia’s Arctic off-shore oil reserves will last for 32 years — Energy Minister

Russia ranks first in the world in gas reserves and sixth in oil reserves