{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

Israeli troops force captured Palestinians to carry out life-threatening tasks — newspaper

According to the report, captured Palestinians were forced to scout the tunnel networks where fighters could still be still hiding and enter buildings rigged with mines to find hidden explosives

NEW YORK, October 14. /TASS/. Israeli troops in Gaza have used captured Palestinians as human shields, The New York Times writes.

The newspaper’s investigation found that "Israeli soldiers and intelligence agents, throughout the war in Gaza, have regularly forced captured Palestinians <...> to conduct life-threatening reconnaissance missions to avoid putting Israeli soldiers at risk on the battlefield."

According to the paper, captured Palestinians were forced to scout the tunnel networks where fighters could still be still hiding and enter buildings rigged with mines to find hidden explosives. "The practice, illegal under both Israeli and international law, has been used by at least 11 squads in five cities in Gaza, often with the involvement of officers from Israeli intelligence agencies," the newspaper notes.

The Israeli military said that such reports would be "examined by the relevant authorities," the New York Times adds.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking hostages. Hamas described its attack as retaliation for the aggressive actions taken by Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, launching air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.

Taiwan says 17 Chinese vessels, 125 aircraft approach island

On Monday, China’s People’s Liberation Army launched the "Joint Sword-2024B" exercise near Taiwan

Hezbollah militias hit Israeli military concentrations in southern Lebanon

Israel has been delivering massive airstrikes on Hezbollah military targets in Lebanon since September 23

North Korea to consider South Korean drones in its airspace as declaration of war

The North Korean foreign ministry said earlier that South Korean drones had entered North Korea’s airspace three times during October to scatter propaganda leaflets

Chinese drills near Taiwan involve blockade of key ports — statement

Taiwanese administration head Lai Ching-te said on October 10 that Taipei's efforts to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait were unchanged

Russian defense chief inspects Knyaz Vladimir strategic submarine

Belousov inspected the radio-electronic weapons unit and the missile pits with intercontinental ballistic missiles

Ukraine loses over 22,600 troops since start of hostilities in Kursk area — top brass

In total, the enemy has also lost 157 tanks, 72 infantry fighting vehicles, 98 armored personnel carriers, 909 armored fighting vehicles, 619 vehicles, 186 artillery guns, 36 multiple rocket launchers, the Russian Defense Ministry said

NATO to begin annual Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise on October 14 — Rutte

Steadfast Noon drills are held annually with the participation of dozens of aircraft from both nuclear and non-nuclear NATO states for simulating tactical nuclear weapons strikes

Mobilized Ukrainians mysteriously dying at recruitment centers — underground

Due to widespread public anger, many conscientious employees have left their jobs, only to be replaced by "total scumbags" with criminal records

West should not tell Bishkek not to cooperate with Russia — president

Sadyr Japarov took part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, which was held in Moscow on October 8

Putin relieves Russian Ambassador to US Antonov of his post — decree

The Russian diplomat returned to Moscow on October 6

Kim’s sister says warnings to Seoul are not mere rhetoric

"South Korean military bandits must refrain from flippant and reckless ventures", Kim Yo Jong said

IDF explains why its tank forced its way into UNIFIL post

According to the IDF, the Israeli military "maintained coordination with UNIFIL."

Hungarian PM plays hardball with EU on financial aid to Kiev, seeks to help Trump — media

Given the Hungarian premier’s stance, the current US administration is considering reducing its commitment to Ukraine funding

Georgian PM describes situation in Ukraine as disastrous

The posters, which were put up in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi and other cities, show destroyed homes, bridges, schools, churches and other buildings in Artyomovsk (called Bakhmut in Ukraine), Kharkov, Chernigov, Mariupol, Irpen and Donetsk

Zelensky becomes more open to talking with Russia as Ukraine’s position weakens — WaPo

It is reported that Kiev has signaled the importance of ending the conflict as Russia has gained ground on the battlefield

Netanyahu calls on UN chief to withdraw peacekeepers from Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces have repeatedly made this request, but were refused, and this was aimed at providing Hezbollah terrorists with a human shield, Benjamin Netanyahu said

Harris’ insults towards Putin a quintessence of US international relations model — Kremlin

Apparently, the top US political establishment has absorbed this kind of political culture, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Hamas militants blow up Israeli tank in northern Gaza — TV

Merkava Mk4 was blown up by a landmine west of the Jabalia refugee camp, Al Mayadeen reported

Bookmakers give Trump 53.7% chance of winning US election

However, the latest opinion polls show that Harris, who is running for the highest office from the Democrats, is ahead of Trump

Patriot air defense system unable to intercept Russia’s Kinzhal missile — top brass

It is noted that Kiev’s regular reports on alleged Russian missile intercepts aim to justify its over-expending of ammunition for Western-supplied air defense systems

Over 7,000 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

During the day Russian aerospace forces delivered airstrikes on two places of the deployment of militants who left the al-Tanf area, which is controlled by the United States

Technology opportunities of Russian agriculture to be strengthened — Putin

"To this end, we need to more broadly introduce domestic equipment and agricultural machinery, expand land reclamation, breeding, and genetics," the president said

No use training Ukrainian troops in France amid mass defections, expert says

Peer de Jong described the Ukrainian armed forces’ situation as a disaster

More countries realize BRICS guarantor of multipolarity — speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized that "BRICS participants and observers are not subjected to blackmail, absurd conditions for cooperation, or interference in their sovereign affairs, unlike the EU"

Taiwan slams China for 'military provocations,' undermining peace in region

On Monday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army launched the "Joint Sword 2024B" drills around Taiwan

China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier taking part in drills near Taiwan

The drills are aimed at coordinating the activities of vessel and aircraft crews, ensuring joint air control, and striking ground targets from the sea

Ukrainian troops steal agricultural equipment from occupied territories of Kursk Region

Korenevsky district head Marina Degtyareva also said that she was aware of the shooting of civilians during the evacuation of settlements and many other crimes of the Ukrainian armed forces

Russian farmers reliably provide country with foods — Putin

Over the past 10 years, agricultural output has increased by over 30%, the food industry has grown by over 40%, the president said

Finland concludes investigation into Russia's Torden for alleged war crimes in Ukraine

The National Bureau of Investigation specifies that the evidence gathered by criminal investigators will be handed over to prosecutors

Erdogan gives Putin vase for his birthday — Kremlin aide

The Russian president celebrated his 72nd birthday on October 7

Moroccan runner wins 2024 Moscow Marathon

Thanks to this result, Nedelin became the winner of the BRICS Marathon League

Defense contractor delivers batch of upgraded T-72B3M tanks to Russian troops

It is reported that the tank is equipped with a 1,000 hp V-92S2 high-power engine based on automatic powerplant and thermal control

Press review: Putin takes meetings in Kremlin and Russia's ace in the hole for peace talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 9th

Disabled man missing three fingers, unable shoot gun forced into Ukrainian army

"The command sits in the rear, playing their war games," Vladimir Gavroshenko told the ministry

EU foreign ministers to discuss anti-Russian sanctions on Monday

Ministers will also discuss the issue of countering circumvention of sanctions against Russia

US shares concerns with allies over China’s military drills near Taiwan — State Department

"We continue to monitor PRC activities and coordinate with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns," the statement said

Press review: US shuns Russia on Ukraine talks and Washington wavers on aiding Israel

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 10th

NATO’s involvement in Ukraine conflict may lead to nuclear escalation — German politician

If NATO becomes a party to the conflict in Ukraine, it will get to a point where Russia will carry out a strike on military facilities in NATO territory, German parliament member and leader of the BSW said

Over 100 Hezbollah militants killed in southern Lebanon in past week — IDF

According to the IDF, fifty Hezbollah missile launchers were destroyed and a 120-meter tunnel near the border was dismantled in the past seven days

Russian defense chief inspects Northern Fleet’s military, social infrastructure facilities

According to the ministry, the defense chief received a report about plans to build warehouses for rockets and missiles

Iran wants to have friendly relations with all countries of Middle East — president

The country wants to build friendly relations with Russia as well, Masoud Pezeshkian said

Serbia views BRICS membership as alternative to EU — deputy PM

The future lies in the values of entire humankind, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister said

Israel not to withdraw decision to declare UN Secretary General persona non grata — Katz

"An opinion poll indicated that 87% of the Israeli public supports this decision," Israeli foreign minister said

Venezuela delivers humanitarian aid to Lebanon via Syria’s Damascus — foreign minister

It contains of food, medicine and basic necessities

Harris holds slim lead over Trump in latest poll

The survey was held from October 4 through 8 among more than 2,630 respondents nationwide

BRICS summit in Kazan to mark emergence of new global order — media

In September, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that a report outlining options for creating alternative payment mechanisms for transactions between BRICS countries would be prepared by the summit in Kazan

Russian boxer Beterbiev becomes absolute world champion in boxing

Beterbiev defeated his compatriot Dmitry Bivol in the 12-round bout

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

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

Potential fall of Krasnoarmeisk to deal heavy blow to Ukraine’s economy — media

According to the media outlet, Russia’s offensive in the area "threatens to finally topple the city of Pokrovsk - and that carries both military and economic risks."

Over 120 drone attacks on DPR thwarted over past week — region’s security agency

One of the UAV attack drones was downed near an energy infrastructure facility

Daily death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon exceeds 50 — health ministry

The biggest number of casualties was reported from the Mount Lebanon governorate

Russian drones capture footage of Ukrainian soldiers firing on retreating comrades

It is noted that despite heavy losses, the Ukrainian barrier troops continue to kill their own soldiers with friendly fire

Four Israeli troops killed after Hezbollah drone strikes military base in north of Israel

According to the report, seven more soldiers sustained severe wounds

Ukrainian forces start withdrawing troops from DPR’s Dzerzhynsk — security forces

The source added that the Ukrainian military was acting in accordance with the known practice of withdrawing troops in small groups

Russia charges in absentia Ukrainian security chief with organizing terrorist act

Involvement of Vasily Malyuk in the terrorist act on the Crimean Bridge in 2023 is confirmed in particular by results of operational and search activities, law enforcement authorities said

Unsuccessful Ukrainian attacks and losses: what is known about situation in Kursk Region

The total losses of the enemy during the fighting in this area amounted to more than 22,600 troops

North Korea orders its artillery units near border with South Korea to prepare to shoot

The KCNA said that the North Korean military is also getting ready for a potential escalation with South Korea

Press review: Moscow doesn't trust Bern to mediate on Ukraine and Lavrov heads to Laos

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 11th

Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia refuse to be involved in Israeli attack on Iran — WSJ

According to the officials, Tehran warned via secret diplomatic channels that countries will become targets for its strikes, if their territories or airspace are used for an attack on Iran

Musk rejects charges of treason for not allowing Ukraine to activate Starlink near Crimea

"No matter what happens, I will fight for and die in America," Elon Musk said

Seoul doubts North Korea to 'start war'

It would be "suicidal" for Pyongyang, National Security Bureau Director Shin Won-sik said

Russian Su-34 jet hits Ukrainian stronghold, infantry in Kursk Region with glide bombs

The strike was carried out by air bombs with the unified glide/adjustment module

Spanish researchers say Christopher Columbus may have been Sephardic Jew

DNA analysis showed that the remains kept in the Seville Cathedral did indeed belong to the navigator

Israeli troops force captured Palestinians to carry out life-threatening tasks — newspaper

According to the report, captured Palestinians were forced to scout the tunnel networks where fighters could still be still hiding and enter buildings rigged with mines to find hidden explosives

Trump worries World War III could break out in coming months

The U.S. Republican presidential candidate again promised that if he wins the presidential election, he will be able to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, as well as "end the chaos in the Middle East"

Russia has proof of US’, UK’s involvement in sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines — diplomat

The publication of the evidence will depend on how the situation around the investigation unfolds, Maria Zakharova said

Russian military completes reconstruction of quay wall for Borei-class nuclear submarines

The ministry noted that the defense chief had inspected the Northern Fleet’s military and social infrastructure facilities

Kiev better accept that it will lose territories — Polish politician

"Currently, the Ukrainians are losing steam - the longer this war goes on, the worse the situation in Ukraine will be," Slawomir Mentzen stated

Ramstein group meeting unlikely to be held soon — TV

The TV channel noted that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has already announced another package of military aid to Kiev, which was supposed to be done at the group’s meeting

Ukrainian troops retreating, any talk about 1991 borders senseless — Ukrainian officer

Earlier, retired Colonel of the Ukrainian Security Service Oleg Starikov said that the Ukrainian army is faced up with a crisis in five areas, which may result in the penetration of the front

US narrows down targets of response to Iran’s attack — media

The broadcaster added that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had held a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, with the parties discussing broad strokes about an Israeli response

25 missiles fired at Israel from Hezbollah position near UNIFIL posts in Lebanon — IDF

One of the attacks resulted in the deaths of two soldiers

Russian forces liberate DPR’s Mikhailovka — top brass

The Russian armed forces have hit the infrastructure of a Ukrainian military airfield and drone warehouses over the past 24 hours, the Defense Ministry added

Some 14,000 missiles fired by Hezbollah at Israel since October 2023 — defense minister

Hezbollah has less than third of its arsenals of missiles and projectiles

German Chancellor turning a deaf ear to Ukrainian President’s requests — newspaper

The Bild newspaper’s source also said that the decision of US President Joe Biden to postpone the meeting on Ukraine in Ramstein because of the Milton hurricane was just an excuse

EU arms producers facing lack of investment — newspaper

Micael Johansson, chief executive of Saab, noted that the industry "needs more long-term commitment from nations as it is taking on risk ramping up capacity without guaranteed long-term contracts"

Number of those hurt in drone attack on northern Israel up to 67 — TV

No sirens sounded in this area before the attack

One civilian killed in Ukrainian drone attack on village in Belgorod Region

The governor offered his condolences to the family

Kim Jong Un’s sister threatens ‘horrible consequences’ to South Korea for drone flights

Kim Yo Jong also commented on the "abrupt change" of the position of the South Korean military

Opposition forces winning parliamentary elections in Lithuania

The ruling conservative party has 10.73% of the voted

Russian forces hit Ukrainian energy facilities crucial for defense industry

Russian tactical aircraft, strike drones, missile forces and artillery units hit the energy infrastructure facilities ensuing the operation of the defense industry, as well as enemy troops and equipment in 146 areas

Germany’s military aid unable to save Kiev regime — senior Russian lawmaker

"All new German howitzers and tanks will be burnt on the battlefields of the special military operation, as Tigers (German tanks of World War II - TASS) were during the Great Patriotic War (the Eastern Front during WWII where the former Soviet Union fought against Nazi Germany - TASS)," Leonid Slutsky noted

US blocks UN Security Council’s attempts to achieve ceasefire in Gaza — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya also pointed out that Israel and the US contribute to the escalation in the Middle Eastern region

Ukrainian troops demoralized, routing on Avdeyevka direction — reconnaissance commander

According to the report, Russian troops slowly, but steadily, approach the city of Pokrovsk

TurkStream can help Europe if Kiev refuses to extend Russian gas transit — Szijjarto

This alternative route may help not only Hungary, but other countries of Central Europe, the Hungarian top diplomat noted

German Defense Ministry does not believe in Kiev’s counteroffensive capability

The ministry "does not believe that Ukraine will be able soon" to implement the counteroffensive, the Bild newspaper said

Kazakhstan Stock Exchange announces withdrawal of Moscow Exchange from its shareholders

KASE relationship with MOEX "was based on a Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed by the exchanges on October 10, 2018, and related agreements," the press release said

SpaceX launches Starship prototype

The previous launch was carried out in June

Hezbollah says its units hit Israeli Merkava tank in southern Lebanon

The incident occurred near the border village of Al-Quzah

Ukraine facing severe internal turbulence — commander

Apty Alaudinov is also convinced that the special military operation will be completed by the end of the year

Chinese military launches 'Joint Sword-2024B' drills near Taiwan — statement

Vessels and aircraft approached Island in close proximity

Major Middle East war is real, but it can be avoided — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

"We call on all parties to exercise restraint," Sergey Ryabkov said

Ukrainian attempts to counterattack to put country into agony — commander

"With such last steps, Zelensky will put an end to the state of Ukraine in the form in which we knew it before the start of the special military operation," Major General Apty Alaudinov said

Russia to rebuild everything destroyed in Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

"Special words of gratitude go to the agricultural workers from the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions and Donbass, as well as the border regions of the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions," the head of state said

Starship completes fifth test flight, splashes down in Indian Ocean

For the first time, SpaceX succeeded in bringing back and safely landing the Super Heavy booster, which descended from an altitude of more than 100 kilometers to sit on a launch pad, called Mechazilla

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

IRGC confirms destruction of numerous Israeli F-35s in Iranian missile strike

It was earlier reported that more than 20 Israeli Air Force F-35 aircraft were hit during an IRGC missile strike on Israel

US believes attack on Iran's nuclear facilities to make it boost its nukes — news agency

The Israeli Chief of the General Staff vowed to "choose the right time" to surprise Iran with an attack, while Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Hebrew warned that attacks on Israel will be ramped up

Chinese military simulates precision strikes on Taiwan

Taiwanese administration head Lai Ching-te said on October 10 that Taipei remains committed to keeping the status quo in the Taiwan Strait

Putin confirms that he looks forward to meeting with Erdogan in Kazan

According to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the Russian leader had a brief talk with the speaker of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly

Taiwanese military says 25 Chinese aircraft, 11 ships approach island

According to the Taiwanese military, 16 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone