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Middle East conflict

Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza kill over 70 Palestinians — TV

According to the enclave’s Health Ministry, more than 42,500 Palestinians have been killed and 99,600 have suffered injuries in Gaza since October 2023

DUBAI, October 19. /TASS/. At least 73 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on the city of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, the Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV channel reports.

The WAFA news agency, in turn, said that the attack had wiped out an entire residential block. Dozens of people suffered injuries; many remain trapped under the rubble.

According to the enclave’s Health Ministry, more than 42,500 Palestinians have been killed and 99,600 have suffered injuries in Gaza since October 2023.

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. 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.

France in discussion with partners about inviting Ukraine to NATO immediately

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is on a two-day visit to Kiev

Anti-Russian sanctions hurt European exporters more than Russia — IRTP

According to President of the Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce Ferdinando Pelazzo, the main problem is related to the payment system - the European Central Bank is forcing European financial institutions to curtail operations in Russia

Press review: Kim Jong Un dynamites Seoul links and NATO, US lay plans to deter Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 16th

Press review: Zelensky's Victory Plan jumbled mess and SCO helps usher in new world order

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 17th

Russian Navy ships hold daytime rehearsal of Main Naval Parade off Kronshtadt

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the warships passed three times along the designated route in tactical groups, practicing assigned tasks

Ka-52M helicopter crews thwart Ukrainian troop rotation in Russia’s Kursk Region

The ministry also released footage of the attack

Russian air defenses shoot down another drone over Bryansk Region

Emergency personnel are working on the scene

Situation gets bleaker for Ukrainian military, US thinks about negotiations — news agency

Columnist Hal Brands pointed out that none of the plans of US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris so far provide an answer to how to "turn a deteriorating battlefield situation into a decent peace" for Kiev

Istanbul Agreements is only way leading to dialogue on Ukrainian settlement, says Putin

"The document exists, we have it. This is a draft treaty," the President noted

X continues to limit accounts after purchase by Musk — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov was responding to Musk’s post inviting users to share their impressions of the social media platform since he bought it

Lavrov arrives in Istanbul for 3+3 format meeting on Transcaucasian Region

The Russian top diplomat will held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event

G7 defense ministers highlight need to restore Ukrainian army’s combat capability

We welcome NATO’s and EU’s respective efforts, the declaration reads

Only Ukrainian commanders allowed to retreat in Krasnoarmeysk area — captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov surrendered as a prisoner of war in the area of the village of Pervomayskoye

Zelensky claims nukes only option for Ukraine if NATO denies it entry

The Ukrainian president said that he raised this issue during his meeting with US ex-President Donald Trump in September

BRICS summit, not US elections, will determine course of history — Russian official

Russia’s Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko believes that truly responsible leaders of sovereign states understand this, and the level of representation at the summit and the ever-growing number of applications for membership are clear proof of this

Attempts to cover up radicals point to US complicity in Kiev’s crimes — Russian envoy

Intoxicated by the US support, Ukrainian terrorists may attempt new atrocities. However, there is no doubt that the regime that has put down roots in Ukraine will get what it deserves," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Supply of munitions for special military operation currently sufficient — Zolotov

Viktor Zolotov also said the National Guard had started to take delivery of heavy equipment

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian S-300 anti-aircraft missile system in DPR — top brass

It is stated that as many as 40 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles were destroyed in that area in the past 24 hours

BRICS to become alternative to global financial institutes — Cuba’s envoy to UN

BRICS countries have common interests and huge possibilities for foreign trade, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ernesto Soberon Guzman said

Ninety-five Russian troops return home from Ukrainian captivity

According to the broadcaster, a special flight brought them to the Chkalovsky airfield outside Moscow, where buses were waiting for them

Russian Navy ships arrive in Iran for drills — top brass

It is reported that the practical part of the drills will be held in the waters of the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea

Kiev working on dirty bomb, Medvedev warns

Bild reported earlier that Kiev is seriously considering replenishing its nuclear weapon stocks

Russia and Indonesia gradually moving towards a visa-free regime — ambassador

In accordance with Russian legislation, this can be implemented only on the basis of a bilateral intergovernmental agreement, Sergey Tolchenov said

Russia to give military help to North Korea if it comes under attack — senior diplomat

Andrey Rudenko said clauses to that effect are contained in the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea that was submitted to the State Duma for ratification the day before

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace 16 times in past day

According to Oleg Ignasyuk, the coalition continues to create conditions for dangerous air incidents

Putin congratulates Russian figure skating star Shcherbakova on Olympic gold

The Russian leader wished Shcherbakova "new achievements and all the best"

Terrorists plan to stage provocations in Syria using toxic agents — Russian military

Terrorists reportedly plan to carry out a false flag operation together with members of the White Helmets pseudo-humanitarian organization in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone

Russian troops fight for native Russian territories during special op — Putin

He said it, commenting on the discussion moderator’s remark that Western states have already abandoned their idea to "defeat Russia on the battlefield

Indonesia is strong candidate for interaction with BRICS — Russian Ambassador

"It is quite possible that soon, when the government is already formed and political life in Indonesia has improved, decisions on the BRICS issue will be made," Sergey Tolchenov noted

Israeli Air Force conducts strike on command center of Hezbollah intelligence headquarters

A key Hezbollah terrorist stronghold in Beirut, the statement reads

Portugal’s Ronaldo world’s highest-paid footballer in 2024 — Forbes

Second on the Forbes list was Argentina’s Lionel Messi

Ukraine’s military created network of underpasses near Ugledar — Russia’s top brass

As Russian servicemen say, the enemy is poorly trained and only few fighters, largely foreign mercenaries, put up fierce resistance while the others try to retreat or surrender

Moving frontline 40 km away from Nikopol needed to start Zaporozhye NPP — Governor

The two cities are located on the right bank of the Dnieper controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Ukrainian energy situation to worsen this week — CEO

"From June 3 we can expect daytime blackouts," Vladimir Kudrytsky said

Ukraine’s losses, captives, strikes on reserves: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aviation and missile forces hit the enemy reserves in the Sumy Region

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy six militant bases, drone depot in Syria

According to Captain 1st rank Oleg Ignasyuk, aircraft of the so-called international anti-terrorism coalition led by the US continue to create dangerous situations

Economic growth to be in Russia, China, India and Saudi Arabia — Putin

"Forming of new centers of development" is the sign of time, the Russian leader underlined

Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza kill over 70 Palestinians — TV

According to the enclave’s Health Ministry, more than 42,500 Palestinians have been killed and 99,600 have suffered injuries in Gaza since October 2023

Share of non-oil and gas revenues in Russian budget reaches two-thirds — Finance Minister

At the same time, oil and gas revenues in the total federal budget revenues will amount to 27% in 2025, and 23% in 2027, Anton Siluanov said

Russia and Indonesia plan to hold first major naval exercises in November — ambassador

Sergey Tolchenov noted that in the future these exercises could be held "with a certain frequency," such as once every two years

North Korea discovers remains of crashed South Korean drone in Pyongyang — KCNA

The General Staff decided to keep the combined artillery units and the units "with important fire duties near the border" in full combat readiness, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense of the DPRK added

Top French diplomat confirms plans to provide Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine

Barrot, who is currently on a two-day visit to Ukraine, added that France continued training Ukrainian pilots and aircraft mechanics

Lavrov slams Kiev’s statements about developing nuclear arsenal as reckless

"You could spend an eternity analyzing what this man and his team say, but we realize that such attempts are in vain, unnecessary, and even counterproductive," the top Russian diplomat stressed

Russian troops liberate Zoryanoye settlement in Donetsk People's Republic

Russian air defense systems also destroyed 31 aircraft-type UAVs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia has unique icebreaker fleet and is developing it — Putin

The President recalled that Russia had seven nuclear icebreakers and 34 diesel ones

US will consider Russia adversary regardless of outcome of its elections — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister also added that US President Joe Biden's statements on nuclear arms talks with Russia are aimed at helping Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential elections

US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

According to Alexey Leonkov, if after the possible election of Trump as president of the United States "it is possible to carry out a provocation against a symbolic target, things may turn around for the United States"

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts up to 75 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

"Battlegroup North units inflicted casualties in the Liptsy and Volchansk directions on formations," the group’s Spokesman Yaroslav Yakimkin said

BNY Mellon intends to terminate depositary agreement for Russian retailer’s GDR program

The company has 90 days after receiving the resignation notice to appoint a new depositary and at least 90 days to terminate the program if no successor is appointed

G7 defense ministers call for boosting defense production in Western countries

The document emphasizes the need "to strengthen the defense industry, encouraging robust engagement and industrial cooperation with partners."

Ukraine uncapable of building nuclear weapons ‘now or in the future’ — expert

"Serious leaders understand that nuclear weapons are mass terror weapons not simply a bigger kind of bomb, and therefore nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought," Daryl Kimball said

Repelling Ukrainian counterattack and enemy losses: situation in Russia’s Kursk region

The losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction over the past day reached over 270 servicemen

Russia not threat to Hungary, rest of EU — Hungarian minister

"Hungary is a member of NATO, and NATO is rather powerful," Viktor Orban said

Zaporozhye NPP protective perimeter not destroyed by attacks of Ukrainian Armed Forces

Constant artillery shelling and drone attacks by Ukrainian forces have caused significant damage to the infrastructure surrounding the station

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

Russia looks forward to UN chief’s response to Russia-UN memorandum — diplomat

"This will reveal the UN officials’ true colors in ensuring global food security and addressing hunger," Maria Zakharova said

Ukraine cannot engage in talks with Russia from position of strength, as it loses — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister emphasized that this is why it is necessary to reach a ceasefire and start peace talks as soon as possible

Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Belgorod Region injures four civilians, including child

Gladkov added that one of the attacks caused two households to catch fire; 20 residential buildings and 14 cars suffered damage

Press review: Zelensky sees nukes as only alternative to NATO and Hamas loses its leader

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 18th

Russia uses yuan in settlements not only with China, but also with third countries — Putin

The Russian leader pointed out that it "helps strengthen the yuan as an international currency"

Russia ranks fourth globally by purchasing power parity — Putin

China is the largest economy of the globe by that parameter, the head of state said

Russian forces destroy two Baba Yaga bomber drones in Kharkov Region

The ministry also released footage showing the destruction of the drones

Libyan national detained in Germany on suspicion of plotting attack on Israeli embassy

Investigators said they believe the man is a supporter of the Islamic State group (banned in Russia)

Hezbollah fires some 200 projectiles into Israel on October 19 — Israeli army

"The IDF will continue to defend the State of Israel and its people against the threat posed by the Hezbollah terrorist organization," the army added

Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' plays on West's desire to defeat Russia — Lavrov

"We will not accept any option for Ukraine to remain in a position when it is used by the West in order to impose direct threats to Russia," the Russian Foreign Minister said

US provocations, Ukraine: Putin's remarks to BRICS media leaders

According to the Russian leader, Western countries, led by the United States, have caused the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and have started the war back in 2014

NATO number one threat to global peace, says French politician

It is stted that NATO considers the EU as "a registration office of its members"

Russian air defenses destroy fixed-wing drone over Bryansk Region

The governor added that emergency personnel were working on the scene

G7 reiterates concern about Russia's military cooperation with China, Iran, North Korea

The ministers alleged that China’s support was enabling Russia to carry out military operations in Ukraine

No plans to join NATO, send weapons to Ukraine, says Serbian deputy PM

According to Vulin, Belgrade is unwilling to join the anti-Russian hysteria

US aware when, how Israel will respond to Iran’s missile strike — Biden

Russia performs 95% of trading operations with partners in national currencies — Putin

Western countries thought that "everything will collapse" in Russia when abandoning the dollar use, the head of state pointed out

Russia’s Gerasimov, US’ Milley discuss international security — Defense Ministry

Valery Gerasimov and Mark Milley had a phone call on November 23

UNSC to hold two Russia-initiated meetings on Ukraine in late October — Russian mission

Apart from that, Russia’s mission has requested a meeting on Western weapons supplies to Ukraine and their impacts on the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

Russia has long been ahead of countries considered developed — finance minister

In May, the World Bank updated its GDP data at purchasing power parity, taking into account data for 2021, Russia entered the top four economies in the world

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

BRICS countries working on their SWIFT alternative — Putin

Opportunities are also being explored of broadening the use of national currencies and creating instruments enabling to make this work safe, the Russian leader noted

Kremlin welcomes Scholz's readiness for dialogue with Putin

At the same time, the Kremlin has not yet received any real proposals from Germany or other Western countries to organize contacts with the Russian president, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Putin appoints Maxim Oreshkin as special representative for cooperation with BRICS

The document will enter into force after it is signed

Russian finance minister says revised list of firms for privatization submitted to cabinet

The ministry’s privatization target will probably be beaten, Anton Siluanov added

Russia ready to supply oil and gas to Indonesia — ambassador

"We are also ready to supply oil and gas, if there is interest, as well as Russian metals, fertilizers," the diplomat noted

Over 47,000 cholera cases registered globally in September — WHO

The number of deaths reached 580, the World Health Organization reported, noting new outbreaks of the disease in Niger and Thailand

Top diplomat to lead Nicaragua’s delegation to BRICS summit in Kazan

In June, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega pointed out that the country’s authorities were working on joining BRICS because the group stood for a multipolar world order

Hamas Rafah battalion commander killed in Israeli attack that eliminated Sinwar

The Israeli army’s press service said on Thursday that Sinwar had been killed during an Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza Strip on October 16

Berlin, Ankara exploring options to end Ukraine conflict, Germany chancellor says

According to Scholz, Germany and Turkey "are on Ukraine’s side."

IAEA depends on EU opinion and therefore not objective — Zaporozhye Region Governor

As for the IAEA, it is absolutely not an independent structure. Its salaries are paid by European officials

Russian strategic nuclear-powered sub Knyaz Pozharsky enters state trials

The Sevmash Shipyard floated out the strategic nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Pozharsky on February 3

Zelensky's military plan to lead to his defeat, Hungary not involved in this — Orban

It is reported that the defeated now want to move on to a victory plan

Russian air defenses down several aerial targets heading towards Belgorod

The governor added that drone debris had damaged five cars and a gas pipeline

Gazprom supplies 42.4 mln cubic meters of gas to Europe via Ukraine

The day before the pumping volume reached 42.4 mln cubic meters, while the average for October amounted to over 42 mln cubic meters

Further Russian offensive, Ukraine’s losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Russian military repelled 2 enemy counterattacks towards the settlements of Zeleny Shlyakh and Lyubimovka, the Defense Ministry reported

Khaled Mashal becomes new Hamas leader after Sinwar’s death — website

According to Lebanon's LBCI news website, he is now responsible for communication with the key parties involved in talks on the release of Israeli hostages

US should think of adverse effect for dollar from anti-Russian sanctions — Putin

All the countries of the world are now thinking of whether it is worth to use the dollar if the US limits the dollar use as a universal international settlement unit due to political considerations, the Russian president noted

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

Counterproductive to set deadlines for ending special military op — Putin

While speaking about the possibility of peace talks, the Russian leader said: "We are in favor of it. I have already explained how this can be achieved. If this is the other side's honest position - they should act, the sooner the better"

Russia successfully test-fires Kalibr cruise missile in Arkhangelsk region — top brass

The missile firing area was closed to civilian shipping and flights in advance by ships from the Kola Flotilla and the Northern Fleet’s hydrographic ships

France in discussion with partners about inviting Ukraine to NATO immediately

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is on a two-day visit to Kiev

Russia expects contract for Su-35 delivery to Indonesia to be implemented — ambassador

The ambassador noted that "no clear explanations" were given as to why the contract was frozen, but this is probably due to difficulties with calculations

First deal to sell Russian carbon units abroad completed

Chairman of Equity International General Trading, Salem Humaid Saif Almzaini, said that the company views the transaction as the first step to integration of the BRICS countries’ carbon markets

Russia hammers Ukrainian military-industrial sector, energy sites over week

Russian troops liberated five communities in the Donbass area and the Zaporozhye Region over the week, the ministry reported