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Middle East conflict

At least 34 killed in Israel's air raid on Beqaa Valley in Lebanon — TV

The deadliest air assault occurred in the town of Sohmor

BEIRUT, October 30. /TASS/. Israeli air force warplanes delivered massive strikes on a number of Hezbollah facilities in eastern Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley on Wednesday, killing at least 34 people, the Al Manar television reported citing the Lebanese health ministry.

The deadliest air assault occurred in the town of Sohmor, where at least 15 civilians were killed. Another ten people perished on the Salilbi farm, while six were wounded. Besides, nine residents were killed and two injured in the town of Bednayel.

Earlier in the day, evacuation was ordered from a number of districts in the provincial capital of Baalbek, some 95 km away from the capital of Beirut following a warning from the Israeli army spokesman.

Subsequently, six strikes were delivered on the city, housing a UNESCO World Heritage site - the Baalbek temple complex from the Roman period.

The republic’s Caretaker Minister of Culture Mohammad Mortada condemned the air raid on Baalbek on behalf of the Lebanese government. "Israel must be prevented from destroying ancient world heritage sites in Lebanon," he said.

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Middle East conflict

US base in east Syria comes under shelling attack — TV

Details of the incident are unknown at this point

Case against Ukrainian servicemen, enemy losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russia’s Battlegroup North repelled eight enemy counterattacks towards the settlements of Daryino, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka and Plekhovo

West imposes its ultra-liberal agenda on Georgia with threats — Russian MFA

"People are being subjugated and forced to do certain things at gunpoint," Maria Zakharova 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

FACTBOX: What we know about unification of Russia’s sports swimming federations

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev announced on October 1 his support for the initiative to unify the country’s federations of water sports

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

Retaliation against Kiev's strike on special forces university was prompt — Kadyrov

The Russian Defense Ministry's Air Force hit the unmanned systems control center of the General Staff in Kiev with two Geran drones

Google's fines to Russian government could soon exceed company’s value — experts

According to lawyer Ivan Morozov, Google's fines to the Russian government for administrative violations had reached 2 undecillion rubles

Russian nonprofit organization to sue FBI for spreading false claims about it

The Dialog ANO said it was ready to work with any countries and organizations

Russian Defense Ministry releases video of Bulava missile launch

The launch was carried out from the Sea of Okhotsk

Putin participates in Russia’s strategic deterrence force training

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

Russia’s public catering turnover up 8.4% YOY in 9M 2024 — statistics

The turnover had an uptick by 7.7% in annual terms to 305.9 bln rubles ($3.15 bln) this September, the statistical agency reported

Decision on Putin’s visit to G20 summit has not yet been made, Kremlin says

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov said that the issue of Putin’s visit was in the works

Next US president must strive for swiftest truce in Ukraine — Vucic

According to the Serbian leader, ending the fighting would be in the "very best interest of the West"

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

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

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

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

South Korean defense minister supports sending military experts to Ukraine

In his opinion, dispatching observers and analysts to the zone of the Ukraine conflict is an obvious task for the military

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

Norway actively militarizing against Russia, Foreign Ministry says

Maria Zakharova highlighted that the Norwegian Armed Forces are undergoing rapid modernization and that the military budget is significantly increasing

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

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

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

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

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

Russian parliament approves life sentence for repeat pedophiles

Currently, pedophiles can be sentenced to life only if they have a criminal record and the victim is under 14 years of age

Detention of Russian journalists in US unacceptable — Kremlin

"This treatment of journalists does not reflect well on the US authorities, especially given that all formalities, procedures, and entry permits were completed," Dmitry Peskov stated

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

No casualties or injuries were reported

Russia’s GDP growth totals 4% in 9M — ministry

According to the Russian Economic Development Ministry’s estimate, GDP growth went up to 2.9% in September 2024 from 2.4% in August

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"

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"

At least 50 people killed in Valencia, Spain due to flooding — newspaper

The storm has caused widespread problems across Spain, disrupting rail service and leading to canceled flights

Capture of Kruglyakovka in Kharkov Region blocks vital supply route for Ukraine — official

The Russian Defense Ministry reported about the liberation of the settlement on October 30

Over 3,800 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

In a separate development, the Russian reconciliation center carried out two humanitarian missions in the settlement of Al-Balouj, distributing 300 sets of food weighting almost 3 metric tons in total

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

US, allies discuss response options for alleged relocation of DPRK troops to Russia

Austin pointed out "unprecedented level of direct military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK," adding that this topic was discussed during the meeting

EC refuses to begin negotiations on accession to EU with Georgia

The EC recommendation is the key step for beginning of accession negotiations with a candidate state

Russian Defense Ministry shows footage of Sineva, Yars missile launches

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

Ukrainian authorities to close Krasnoarmeysk for entry, exit for defense purposes

Head of the city’s military administration Sergey Dobryak specified that 11,900 residents remained in the city

IN BRIEF: What is known about new US sanctions against Russia

Almost 400 companies from Russia and a number of other countries have been blacklisted

Russia may achieve all its goals in Ukraine in 2025 — newspaper

According to the report, the Ukrainian troops "are desperately trying to hold the line in the country’s east but are losing ground"

Russian aircraft destroy camouflaged enemy armored vehicle — Defense Ministry

The attacks were carried out in pairs at low altitudes

London supplies arms to Kiev via Black sea route — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the UK "clearly does not seek a resolution to the conflict and is making every effort to prolong it, thereby extending the suffering of the Ukrainian people"

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

Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office launches investigation over alleged election fraud

The Prosecutor's Office also noted that Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has been summoned for questioning on October 31 as part of the investigation

Russian Economy Ministry keeps average annual exchange rate at 96 rubles per dollar

Maxim Reshetnikov noted that the rate and rate forming were very volatile

Global gold demand up 5% in Q3 2024 to 1,300 tons — WGC

Global investment demand more than doubled in the period to 364 tons

Time is on Russia's side in Ukraine conflict — chief of Hungarian prime minister's office

Gergely Gulyas reiterated that Hungary was calling on the parties to the conflict to stop hostilities and negotiate

Hezbollah to agree to ceasefire only on acceptable terms

Naim Qassem stressed that "any talks on the settlement can only be held after a ceasefire"

Russian Su-35 fighters cover aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian army in Kursk area

One of the fighter jets uncovered enemy air defense sites by its weapons suite

UN General Assembly again calls on US to lift sanctions on Cuba

The United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961 in response to the nationalization of US property on the island, after which it announced a trade and economic embargo

IOC chief Bach politicizes Olympic Movement — Russia’s Zakharova

Maria Zakharova reminded the IOC president that with its special military operation, Russia "came to the rescue of peaceful citizens following the unconstitutional coup in Ukraine"

Forbes reveals this century’s 100 most influential Russians

The Forbes list stated that Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and current Russian President Vladimir Putin had the same amount of votes

Slovak prime minister looks forward to attending Moscow’s Victory Day Parade in 2025

Robert Fico emphasized that he has consistently paid tribute to the bravery of Soviet soldiers, particularly during celebrations of the Slovak National Uprising and the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s Carpathian-Dukla offensive earlier this year

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

US authorizes energy transactions for Russian banks

Energy-related transactions are understood as all the transactions related to production, refining, processing, transportation and purchase of oil

Zelensky complains many countries believe he ‘wants too much’

The Ukrainian President has repeatedly complained that Kiev does not receive all aid that it requests from its Western partners and that too much time passes between the approval of new military aid packages and their actual delivery to the Ukrainian forces

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

Kiev blasts Western media’s negative coverage of request for Tomahawk missiles — Politico

According to the report, US officials described this idea as "totally unfeasible"

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

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."

Bank of Russia releases schedule for key rate decisions in 2025

The first meeting of the Central Bank’s Board on the key rate will be held on February 14

US Department of Commerce introduces export restrictions against 40 entities

As US authorities said, the entities acted against the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States

Ukraine's withdrawal to 1991 borders unrealistic — retired SBU colonel

On October 18, President Vladimir Zelensky stated that Ukraine's borders will be influenced by various factors after the conflict ends, but Kiev will not legally recognize any territorial losses

Zelensky advises Ukrainian troops to retreat when heavily outnumbered

"We must save our soldiers and protect our people," the Ukrainian president emphasized

Russia holds 364 trade missions with countries in Caspian Sea region

The issues of development of the Caspian region play an important role for the global community as it accounts for 12% of energy exports, 7% of global grain exports, and almost 5% of ferrous and non-ferrous supplies, Vladimir Padalko said

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

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

Hungary's counterintelligence foils attempt to send weapons to Ukraine

Gergely Gulyas confirmed a report by the Magyar Nemzet newspaper that agents of foreign intelligence agencies were trying to arrange for a delivery of weapons from Hungary to the Ukrainian army

VEB.RF signs agreement with China, South Africa on credit lines in national currencies

The 16th BRICS Summit, which is the key event of Russia’s chairmanship in the association, is being held in Kazan on October 22-24

Early settlement of Ukrainian conflict does not serve EU interests — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the West "continues to make profit on the deaths of Ukrainians and the destruction of Ukraine"

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

Three Canadian NGOs deemed undesirable in Russia

The list now includes Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Russian-Canadian Democratic Alliance and Norman Paterson School of International Affairs

Ukrainian General Staff building damaged in Kiev — ex-lawmaker

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

Ukrainian army leaves most positions in Gornyak near Krasnoarmeysk — security forces

The enemy has left most positions in Gornyak

Kremlin gives no info on Erdogan-Assad meeting in Kazan

Dmitry Peskov added that preparations for the summit in Kazan "are now in their final stages"

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

Kremlin dismisses rumors on halting attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities as fake news

"Today, many fakes circulate that have no relation to reality. Even the most respected outlets do not hesitate to publish such fabrications," Dmitry Peskov said

West's demonization of Russia-North Korea relations unfounded — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, those who are intent on peaceful interaction with Russia have nothing to worry about

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

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

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

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

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

Putin gives helicopter to Zimbabwean president as gift

Putin and Mnangagwa had earlier held a meeting on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg

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

The United States will hold its presidential election on November 5

New US sanctions targeting Russian defense industry, energy sector — Blinken

"The Department of State is targeting sanctions circumvention by parties in multiple third countries, several senior Russian Ministry of Defense officials and defense companies, and those that support the development of Russia’s future energy production and exports," the US Secretary of State said

Israeli warplanes attacked Hezbollah sites in Baalbek, Nabatieh — IDF

According to military, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Kalashnikov arms producer to deliver Kub kamikaze drones to foreign customer

Kub guided loitering munitions designed to strike enemy armor and manpower have proven their worth in the special military operation in Ukraine

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

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

Press review: Russia strengthens nuclear triad while Ukraine awaits US strike approval

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 30th

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

Slovak PM says Zelensky’s peace plan not peaceful at all

Rather than trying to promote peace negotiations, Kiev suggests deploying nuclear weapons on its territory and requests deliveries of long-range weapons to conduct strikes deep into Russia, Robert Fico said

Trade turnover between Turkmenistan, Russia up 58% in 7M 2024 — official

For maintaining the positive dynamics of growth of mutual trade volumes a draft program for economic cooperation between the government of the Russian Federation and the government of Turkmenistan for 2025-2027 has been developed, Alexey Overchuk said

Russian forces liberate two communities in Donbass region, Kharkov area over past day

Battlegroup Center units liberated the settlement of Selidovo in the DPR and battlegroup West units liberated the settlement of Kruglyakovka in the Kharkov Region

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

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

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 97.05 rubles for October 31

The official yuan rate is fixed at 13.59 rubles, remaining almost flat

Death toll of floods in Valencia grows to 92

The storm caused numerous incidents and is considered one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history