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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon injured after Israel used white phosphorus — report

It is noted that in some of the incidents several facilities used by peacekeepers sustained damage, and Israeli soldiers forcibly entered a UNIFIL base

LONDON, October 22. /TASS/. The use of incendiary munitions containing white phosphorus by the Israel Defense Forces caused injuries to 15 UN peacekeepers, the Financial Times reported.

The newspaper cited a confidential report - prepared by a country that contributes troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL - outlining a dozen recent incidents in which the IDF attacked international forces in Lebanon.

According to the report, in some of the incidents several facilities used by peacekeepers sustained damage, and Israeli soldiers forcibly entered a UNIFIL base.

UNIFIL has criticized these incidents as a "flagrant violation of international law." The Israeli military did not respond to a FT request for comment, but Israel has rejected accusations that it deliberately targeted UNIFIL.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following an incursion of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7, accompanied by killings of residents of Israeli settlements near the border and taking hostages, including children, women and elderly people. In response, Israel declared a complete siege of the Gaza Strip and started delivering strikes on that area and parts of Lebanon and Syria. That was followed by an Israeli ground operation in the enclave.

On September 23, Israel started a military operation codenamed Northern Arrows against Hezbollah in Lebanon, carrying out widespread strikes at the group’s military sites. In a strike on September 27 Israel eliminated Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. In the early hours of October 1, Israel announced the start of a ground operation in the border areas of southern Lebanon.

Middle East conflict

Israeli attack did no damage to Iranian missile production — top defense official

According to Aziz Nasirzadeh, Israel's attempt to damage Iran's defensive and offensive potential was unsuccessful

World needs new order within BRICS framework — de Gaulle's grandson

According to Pierre de Gaulle, France should not miss the opportunity and find its place in the community

China launches Shenzhou-19 spacecraft with three astronauts aboard

Crew is led by Senior Colonel Cai Xuzhe of the People's Liberation Army Ground Forces, who spent six months on the Chinese orbital station in 2022

More than 40 Russian real properties seized in Finland — STT news agency

In particular, the list comprises real properties in Helsinki, Turku, Kirkkonummi, Siuntio, and Saltvik

Kadyrov vows retaliation for drone attack on Chechnya

"They 'bit' us, so we will destroy them. We will in the near future show them a retribution they have not even dreamed of," Ramzan Kadyrov said

Deliveries from Baltic Sea to Indian Ocean to be reduced to 14 days

Further plans are to integrate the North-South ITC with the Northern Sea Route

US media avoid supporting election candidates due to alleged Russian ties — MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the media landscape in the US is divided and has led itself into a dead end"

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister met with Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing

Wang Yi noted that China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners

Rheinmetall plant in Ukraine Russia's legitimate military target — Kremlin

Earlier, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced that the company was opening a plant in Ukraine specializing in the repair and production of armored vehicles

Orban accuses von der Leyen, Weber of conspiring against Hungarian government

According to Viktor Orban, they admitted that their aim is to replace the Hungarian government with a new ‘Jawohl government,’ just like the current Polish one

Moscow bars over 130 Australians from entering Russia — Foreign Ministry

The decision was made "in response to the Australian government's politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities, imposed as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West’"

Drone debris hits building in Nahariya in northern Israel — army

According to the report, local authorities have already started investigating the incident, and security forces are searching the area

IN BRIEF: What we know about Russia's liberation of Selidovo in DPR

According to the report, enemy defenses in the Krasnoarmeysk sector of the line of engagement collapsed after Ukraine lost the locality

Press review: BRICS unveils partner status and Russia ratifies key pact with North Korea

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 25th

Russian army has to liberate one third of Dzerzhinsk in DPR

This part has fully been blocked by our army, VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin said citing President Vladimir Putin

Xi-Putin meeting seen as key moment of BRICS Summit — top diplomat

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed to the importance of the new cooperation agreements reached by the two heads of state in Kazan

Russian army takes operational control of all roads to DPR's Kurakhovo — official

Denis Pushilin added that Ugledar was the only major town in the South Donetsk direction, as its location on elevated terrain allowed the enemy to observe the surrounding area for dozens of kilometers

Trump may reimagine Minsk accords on Ukraine if re-elected US president — media

If Trump returns to the White House, "he would act with vertiginous speed to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East," the newspaper notes

US not planning to change its posture due to Russia’s strategic nuclear deterrence drills

We've not seen anything in terms of Russian strategic forces and its posture that would compel us to change our posture, Pentagon Spokesman said

Ukrainian group of saboteurs trying to infiltrate Bryansk Region had ten men

Russia’s Federal Security Service said earlier that four saboteurs had been eliminated while trying to infiltrate the Bryansk Region on October 27

Putin participates in Russia’s strategic deterrence force training

The Russian president observed the drills from the Kremlin’s situational center

Multimillionaire who financed Zelensky in 2019 election dies in Odessa

In 2021, Forbes estimated Adnan Kivan's fortune at $240 million

Georgian people prevented their country from becoming second Ukraine, Hungarian PM says

Earlier, at a press conference in Tbilisi, following talks with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze, Viktor Orban congratulated Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party on winning the October 26 parliamentary elections

With loss of Selidovo Ukrainian defense in Krasnoarmeysk area collapses — military sources

According to the source, "the enemy lost a significant part of the garrison that had been expected to defend Krasnoarmeysk"

Ukrainian general criticizes Zelensky's dependence on Western aid

Dmitry Marchenko said that Vladimir Zelensky and his inner circle fail to recognize that the West pursues its own interests, particularly regarding the Ukrainian president’s "victory plan"

Nearly half of Americans disapprove of Biden's Ukraine policy

The poll was conducted from October 17 to 24, with over 3,000 American adults participating

Western mercenaries already in Ukraine, Lavrov responds to North Korea buzz

When speaking about relations between Moscow and Pyongyang, the foreign minister emphasized that Russia had repeatedly stressed that their partnership treaty was openly available, and "the full text has been published"

Russian forces liberate three communities in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East repelled a Ukrainian counterattack and inflicted roughly 125 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Decisions to seize Russian property made on claims of six Ukrainian companies

The court determined on October 29 that the decision on confidentiality would be made after the defendant informs about its intentions

Finnish, Romanian, British instructors train Ukrainian servicemen — prisoner of war

There were at least eight NATO countries helping with the training, Alexander Lukyanov added

Russian Defense Ministry shows footage of Sineva, Yars missile launches

The Sineva was launched from the Barents Sea and Yars from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome

Iran downs Israeli fighters, drones while repelling its attack — legislator

"Almost all drones and fighter jets launched by the regime were destroyed before they took any action," Zohrevand, who sits on the commission on national security and foreign policy at the Iranian parliament, told Iran’s state broadcaste

Ukraine's public debt reaches record $155.56 bln

It was noted that the total public debt in September increased by 0.56% in comparison with the previous month

Iran’s president threatens Israel with more powerful strike

"If Israel wants to undermine our security, we are also capable of damaging their security, and they will receive a much more powerful response than before," Masoud Pezeshkian said at a cabinet meeting

EU foreign policy chief recognizes Ukraine conflict sidetracked

"What is happening in the Middle East indicates that we have lost our sense of humanity," Josep Borrell said

Knesset adopts law banning UNRWA in Israel — radio

The bill followed reports about some of the agency’s employees possibly being linked with Hamas and their alleged connection to the Hamas attack on Israel last year

Putin signs law on Russia's exit from international sea exploration council

In March 2023, contrary to the provisions of the Convention, the Council decided to suspend Russia’s membership

US fails to notify embassy about detention of Russian reporters at airport — diplomat

"As a result, our colleagues were not informed and could not assist our reporters, as they were unaware of the situation," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Northern Fleet’s Admiral Gorshkov frigate enters Bizerte port in Tunisia - press service

According to the press service, the main purpose of the call is "participation of Russian sailors in the commemorative events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the stay of the Russian squadron in Tunisia"

Iraq interested in BRICS, too early to talk about it joining the association

According to ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev, when the US learns that Iraq has begun practical steps to join the association, they will try to prevent this

Russian aircraft destroy camouflaged enemy armored vehicle — Defense Ministry

The attacks were carried out in pairs at low altitudes

Pentagon facing difficulties in increasing munitions stockpiles due to assistance to Kiev

Failure to maintain, and potentially increase, these stockpiles risk operational capability and force readiness, the report reads

Gazprom raises investments to $16.84 bln for 2024

It was previously planned that Gazprom's investments in 2024 would amount to $16.14 bln

Georgian people don’t want their country to go way of Ukraine — Russian MP

According to Leonid Slutsky, all allegations about "Russia taking over Georgia" and "elections stolen by Moscow" are merely part of "the collective West’s attempt to Ukrainize the Georgian agenda and turn Georgia into the latest anti-Russian stronghold"

Russia bans entry to 9 New Zealand Defense Ministry, armed forces officials

Given that "Wellington does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian policy and continues to introduce new sanction measures, work on updating the Russian stop list will continue," the ministry said

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"

Lavrov discusses Russia’s vision for Ukraine settlement with BRICS ambassadors

Apart from that, the sides discussed ways of strengthening strategic partnership within BRICS in light of the association’s recent summit in Kazan

Repelling counterattacks, striking reserves, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the Ukrainian military lost more than 27,950 servicemen since the fighting began in the region

Ukrainian court involves Zelensky in lawsuit on scheduling presidential elections

According to Dubinsky, the court also rejected the Verkhovna Rada’s request to close the case due to the "political nature of the dispute."

Russia threatens no one, but will defend itself — MP about nuclear deterrence drills

According to Leonid Slutsky, it is not Russia who is provoking tension, "including in the nuclear sphere"

Illegal decisions on Russian property in Finland will not go unanswered — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the Russian Embassy in Helsinki has sent requests to clarify the situation

Chechen fighters to double efforts in special op area after drone attack at RUS — Kadyrov

Ramzan Kadyrov earlier said that an empty building at the Russian Special Forces University (RUS) campus was attacked by a drone and caught fire

US Army Ranger among mercenaries eliminated in Bryansk Region — expert

One of the destroyed mercenaries was linked with the 75th Ranger Regiment, which is a deep reconnaissance unit specializing mainly in staging acts of sabotage behind enemy lines and destroying military infrastructure facilities and airfields, Alexander Stepanov noted

Russian strategic deterrence forces drill helps maintain their management system — analyst

According to Igor Korotchenko, even though the use of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons is a response measure of last resort, "in today's world, nothing can be ruled out"

Israeli defense minister says Hezbollah now has 20% of pre-war rocket stockpiles

"There is a deep connection between our strike in Iran and what is happening to Hezbollah," Yoav Gallant noted

North Korea’s top diplomat leaves for official visit to Russia

The visit is part of a strategic dialogue agreement reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

Putin dismisses scope of 'bomb effect' in US on reports of North Korean troops in Russia

The Russian president said the satellite images were "a serious thing" but added that NATO troops had been directly involved in the Ukraine conflict for a long time now

Putin sets goal of extending life expectancy to top 80 years in Russia

According to the president, new national projects, including those aimed at preserving the health of Russians, will be started next year

South African military delegation arrives in Moscow to discuss cooperation

During the meeting, the sides reached agreements on further enhancing military cooperation in various fields

Defense official warns Iran to retaliate with 'devastating strike' against Israel soon

On October 26, the Israel Defense Forces said it had struck military sites inside Iran in response to "numerous continuous attacks"

Saboteurs neutralized in Russia’s Bryansk Region include Americans, Poles, Canadians — MFA

"These data are preliminary and will be updated," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Ukraine to mobilize an additional 160,000 citizens into armed forces

General mobilization was declared in Ukraine in February 2022 and has been extended several times since

Court arrests US mercenary for invading Russia's Kursk Region as part of Ukrainian army

According to the report, US citizen Daniel Bernard Rebar is accused of committing a terrorist act, engaging in mercenary activities, and committing murder and attempted murder of two or more persons

Putin hopes West heard his warnings on attacks deep into Russia

The Ukrainian army cannot use high-precision weapons independently, Putin noted

Ukraine admits number of deserted soldiers from Armed Forces of Ukraine surpasses 100,000

Earlier, military lawyer from the Center for Support of Veterans and Their Families Roman Likhachev said that more than 100,000 servicemen had voluntarily left their units

Georgia to recount ballots from random polling stations nationwide

The former Soviet republic held its parliamentary election, the first to utilize electronic ballot boxes, on October 26

Press review: Putin highlights GDP growth while the Russian military claims top rank

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, October 29th

Several months left before liberation of Donbass region, says DPR adviser

After Russian troops liberated the settlement of Ugledar, the Ukrainian army’s defense south of Krasnoarmeisk is collapsing, Igor Kimakovsky said

Russian diplomat slams US for violating obligations on media pluralism

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the illustrative action was aimed at unambiguously demonstrating the country’s readiness to use its repressive machinery at any moment in order to shut down access to the information that it finds inconvenient"

Georgia’s CEC asks prosecutor’s office to probe into ballot rigging claims

The Central Electoral Commission lamented that after announcing the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections it became "a target of ungrounded criticism"

FACTBOX: Drone attack on special forces university in Russia's Chechen Republic

No casualties or injuries were reported

Duma speaker suggests moving UN headquarters to Havana

Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized that the UN has not implemented effective measures to lift the embargo, which he claimed has caused over $164 billion in damage to Cuba

Ukrainian General Staff building damaged in Kiev — ex-lawmaker

The air alert declared in Kiev overnight to Wednesday lasted about two hours

Russian forces evacuate 18 people from border areas in Kursk Region on Tuesday

"The people are now safe. They are receiving the necessary assistance," the statement said

Shenzhou-19 successfully docks with Chinese orbital station

According to Deputy Director of China Manned Space Agency Lin Siqiang, the ship's crew will conduct a series of scientific experiments in orbit

Defense Minister Belousov congratulates Russian troops with liberation of Selidovo

The minister sent his congratulations to the command and personnel of the 30th Guards Infantry Brigade, the 15th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Alexandria Brigade and the 433rd Infantry Regiment

Russia, Tanzania discuss opening regular cargo sea line — Economic Development Minister

According to Maxim Reshetnikov, Tanzania has a very powerful hub, but there are limitations on port capacity

Russian Defense Ministry releases video of Bulava missile launch

The launch was carried out from the Sea of Okhotsk

Musk predicts 'crushing victory' for Trump following early voting results

The United States will hold its presidential election on November 5

Former Ukrainian PM sees attack on Kursk Region as US test of chances of invading Russia

Nikolay Azarov emphasized that Washington was not worried about Ukrainian casualties when it sought to get a feel of how well Russia can defend its borders

Red Wings starts international flights using Tu-204/214 airplanes

The first flight from Moscow to Tel Aviv was made on October 28 and delivered 168 passengers to Israel

Nearly 90 residents evacuated from Lugansk after Ukrainian attack

They have been accommodated either at their relatives or at temporary shelters

Five people die, over 30 receive wounds after Israel’s airstrike on Sidon — portal

According to El Nashra, the number of casualties may increase as the debris-clearing operation continues

Ukrainian general criticizes incursion into Kursk Region

Dmitry Marchenko also recognized that the Russian Armed Forces were gradually ousting the Ukrainian forces from the region

Authorities flee Kupyansk in Kharkov Region as Russian forces close in

According to Vitaly Ganchev, his administration is keeping a close eye on the developments and is in touch with soldiers fighting in the Kupyansk area

Head of Chechnya reports UAV attack on Russian special forces university

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that investigators have already commenced their work to identify the culprits

Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacks 'vital target' in Israel — statement

"The movement confirms that operations aimed at destroying the enemy's strongholds will be significantly intensified," the militants said

Russia to achieve all special op goals, to ensure its security — top diplomat

"The collective West, led by the United States, has increased tenfold its efforts to systematically deter Russia, to unleash a full-scale hybrid war against our country, to inflict a so-called strategic defeat on it," Sergey Lavrov noted

Israel warns Tehran of using new capacities in case of another Iranian attack

According to IDF, the military has postponed strikes on a number of targets

Poland not to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine without NATO guarantees — Duda

The Polish leader stressed that MiG-29 fighter jets could only be transfered to Ukraine when Poland would be protected by Western aircraft

Russian diplomat says Donbass would look like Gaza if Ukraine, West had their way

Rodion Miroshnik also rejected Western statements that Russia has never offered terms for resolving the conflict peacefully

Slovak PM calls claims of Ukrainian divers sabotaging Nord Stream pipelines 'nonsense'

Earlier, German prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor who might be involved in the Nord Stream sabotage

Putin plans to discusses rural development with government

The Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut and the Governor of the Altai Territory Viktor Tomenko will make a report

Iran says Israel struck from US-controlled area in Iraq

On July 23, Reuters reported that there were around 2,500 US troops in Iraq

Five Russian properties seized in Finland

Among the seized properties are a residential house in the center of Helsinki and an office building in the Lauttasaari district, as well as three pieces of property on the Aland Islands

Around 75 missiles fired at Israel from Lebanon on October 29 — army

At least eight people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a building in the town of Sarafand in southwestern Lebanon

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

Structural changes taking place in Russian economy — Putin

The economy is changing to the side of development of branches with the high added value and skilled workforce, the head of state noted

Russian Embassy looks forward to reconsideration of decision to seize property in Finland

The Embassy sent a note to the Foreign Ministry of Finland, expressing a strong protest against actions of country’s authorities that grossly violate provisions of international law

Western leaders understand they picked wrong strategy on Ukraine — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister pointed out that a peaceful strategy is necessary, and Hungary welcomes Georgia’s position that the conflict in Ukraine will be resolved peacefully

Press review: Russia preps for NATO aid in Ukraine and Georgia's vote may not shift policy

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 28th