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Middle East conflict

Israeli attack on Syria’s Al-Qusayr injures several civilians — news agency

According to the report, residential neighborhoods and an industrial zone in Al-Qusayr were shelled

BEIRUT, October 31. /TASS/. Several civilians have been injured as a result of the Israeli attacks on Syria's Al-Qusayr, the state-run news agency SANA reported.

The exact number of casualties was not given. According to the news agency, residential neighborhoods and an industrial zone in Al-Qusayr were shelled. The strikes caused material damage.

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 over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. 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, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis, launching air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.

Middle East conflict

Over 43,200 Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip since October 2023

"As many as 41 people were killed and another 131 were injured in Gaza in the past 24 hours," the enclave's Health Ministry stated

China urges US to recognize serious consequences of weapons supplies to Taiwan

According to Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, "the US is exploiting Taiwan to bolster its own defense industry"

Zelensky advises Ukrainian troops to retreat when heavily outnumbered

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

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"

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

Russia-North Korea agreements should not alarm anyone — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on the recent missile launch by North Korea, specifically not confirming whether Russia provided any technological assistance to its North Korean partners

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."

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

Central Bank chief says period of tight monetary policy new for Russian economy

The regulator raised its key rate by 2 percentage points to a record level of 21% per annum at its meeting of the board of directors on October 25

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

Finland charges Russia’s Torden of war crimes in Ukraine — media

The arrest warrant states that the alleged crimes occurred between 2014 and 2015

Berdyansk attack: three injured, schools temporarily closed

Governor Yevgeny Balitsky noted that the assailants utilized munitions heavily packed with explosives during the attack

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

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: 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

DPRK confirms it carried out a 'very crucial' intercontinental missile test — KCNA

Kim Jong Un, who oversaw the launch, delivered a speech on the site

Russia, DPRK sign agreement on cooperation in digital sphere

After the ceremony, a working meeting was held to discuss its implementation

Confrontational politics on way out, global shift toward diplomacy clear — Lavrov

As the Russian foreign minister noted, some politicians "do not want to understand this, do not want to acknowledge the facts"

Kiev announces new plan for second settlement conference

According to Vladimir Zelensky's press secretary Sergey Nikiforov, a three-point plan is being prepared

Almost 40 drones shot down over Russia in past day

11 drones were destroyed later in the day

Shelling of Berdyansk port slightly damages some structures — governor

On Thursday morning, the Ukrainian forces attacked Berdyansk with 10 unmanned aerial vehicles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia successfully puts spacecraft into orbit to serve its defense needs

The spacecraft was launched and orbited normally, the Russian Defense Ministry stressed, saying that it has already been taken under the control of ground-based facilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces

Range of North Korea-launched missile may exceed 15,000 kilometers — Japanese cabinet

Secretary General Yoshimasa Hayashi reiterated Tokyo's position that North Korea's missile launches "threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the entire world community"

Ukraine, Russia should begin peace talks without preconditions — Belarusian president

Alexander Lukashenko noted that once peace talks commence, it may be possible to achieve a ceasefire under certain conditions and subsequently withdraw troops from the front lines

Comprehensive partnership with Iran to be signed soon — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the treaty will outline the parties' commitment to closer cooperation in the areas of defense and in the interests of peace and security both regionally and globally

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

The United States will hold its presidential election on November 5

Russian Defense Ministry releases video of Bulava missile launch

The launch was carried out from the Sea of Okhotsk

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

Press review: US election set to shape politics while Kiev seeks 'energy deal' with Moscow

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 31st

Kremlin refrains from commenting on hijab ban in schools

In a decree on October 22, the Education and Youth Policy Ministry of central Russia’s Vladimir Region banned wearing attire or veils as religious symbols at local comprehensive schools

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

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"

Lavrov labels Zelensky's 'victory plan' as lunatic and unhelpful for peace in Europe

According to the top Russian diplomat, stability in this part of the Eurasian continent is achievable only if "long-term, reliable security guarantees" are provided

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

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

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

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

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian drone attack targets Berdyansk port, key details uncovered

According to Governor Yevgeny Balitsky, three individuals have been hospitalized with injuries of varying severity

Russian Ka-52M helicopters destroy Ukrainian manpower, equipment in borderline Kursk area

After the strike, the army aviation crews performed a missile-evasion maneuver at an ultra-low altitude by firing decoy flares to evade hits by enemy surface-to-air missiles

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

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

Case against US mercenary, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aircraft and artillery hit clusters of manpower and equipment of 14 Ukrainian brigades in the Kursk Region

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

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 troops liberate Yasnaya Polyana community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 810 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

OSCE aware of Sandu's resource use for victory, stays silent — foreign intel agency

"The leadership of the OSCE Secretariat believes that the Moldovan authorities will employ similar tactics during the second round of the presidential election on November 3," the SVR press bureau highlighted

Georgian Interior Ministry detains two people for mass ballot stuffing on election day

The Georgian Central Election Commission had to annul the election results at the polling station due to the incident

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

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"

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

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"

US base in east Syria comes under shelling attack — TV

Details of the incident are unknown at this point

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

Top Russian diplomat to attend Eurasian security conference in Minsk

According to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, the aim of the conference "is to have a frank and inclusive discussion"

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

Lebanon hopes for ceasefire 'in coming hours or days' — premier

According to Najib Mikati, he had just held a phone conversation with US Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security Amos Hochstein

General Staff reports challenges for Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk area

Sergey Dobryak, the head of the Kiev-controlled Pokrovsk Military Administration, announced on October 30 that the town would be sealed off from entry and exit to various neighborhoods and streets

Google should not restrict Russian TV channels broadcasting on its platform — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the fine of two undecillion rubles imposed on the company "is full of symbolism"

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"

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

Ukrainian military has severe shortage of troops, ammunition — Iranian analyst

"The West and its supporters are suffering significant damage from the advance of Russian troops in the special military operation zone," Ruhollah Modabber 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

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

Ending Ukrainian conflict in draw won't ensure everyone's interests — Lavrov

Earlier, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that the West has realized that it is necessary to try to negotiate a "draw" in the Ukrainian conflict

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

US White House believes DPRK missile launch fuels regional tensions

Washington called upon other countries to condemn North Korea’s actions

Zelensky’s request for US Tomahawk missiles irks Washington — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister is confident that Washington will put Vladimir Zelensky in place "every time he tries to drag the United States into a war against Russia"

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

Frontline developments leave Kiev regime 'quite nervous’ — Kremlin Spokesman

"Evidently, all the ‘peace plans’ and ‘victory plans’ — whether classified or not — are essentially attempts by Kiev to draw Western countries deeper into the conflict and legitimize that involvement," Dmitry Peskov noted

Hundreds of oppositionists protest against Moldova’s EU accession referendum

During the protest, Marina Tauber, deputy chair of the opposition bloc "Pobeda," submitted an appeal to the Constitutional Court to challenge the results of the EU accession referendum

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

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

FACTBOX: Western countries' military support for Ukraine

The total military aid to Kiev from February 2022 to August 2024, according to calculations by Germany’s Kiel Institute for the World Economy, amounted to $123.5 billion

Georgian prosecutors bring charges against organizers of ballot stuffing

Earlier on Thursday, the Georgian Interior Ministry said in a statement it had detained two persons for ballot stuffing at the 69th polling station in the Marneuli district

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"

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

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

Ukrainian army chief briefs US commander on difficult frontline situation

Alexander Syrsky asked General Christopher Cavoli to increase defense assistance for the Ukrainian army, citing Russia's equipment and troop superiority

West still tries to digitally interfere in Russia's affairs — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that modern technologies, while opening up additional opportunities, "also give rise to considerable risks"

Russian forces liberate 20-kilometer-long strip of land in south Donetsk area

Vladimir Rogov pointed out that Ukrainian forces were quickly leaving their positions

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

Ukrainian General Staff building damaged in Kiev — ex-lawmaker

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

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

Musk says Trump’s potential second term to be 'the most fun' for US

The next presidential elections in the United States will be held on November 5

South Korea, US to hold drills in response to DPRK missile launch

Seoul has not yet disclosed the information on the altitude of the flight

DPRK fires ballistic missile towards Sea of Japan — Yonhap

The launch was also reported by the Defense Ministry of Japan

Kiev regime attacks port of Berdyansk, presumably using kamikaze drones — city authorities

Vladimir Rogov, head of the Civic Chamber Commission on sovereignty, patriotic projects and support for the veterans, said the attack involved at least six drones

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

Apartment building damaged by gas blast in Russia’s North Caucasus

According to the report, 50 people were evacuated from the building

Foreign companies’ withdrawal from Russian market has minimal impact on inflation

Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina added that the regulator was forced to shift to tight monetary policy, which is a new situation for the country’s economy

Ukrainian defenses crumbling everywhere as reserves run out — official

Vitaly Ganchev added that it is too early to talk about the Ukrainian army’s complete exhaustion

Yerevan sees peace treaty with Baku close at hand

According to the top Armenian diplomat, Yerevan and Baku will soon notify each other of the ratification of the regulations for the work of the commissions on border delimitation

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

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"

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"

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

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’"