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Middle East conflict

Over 210 health workers killed in Lebanon since October 2023 — UN agency

According to the WHO, there have been 136 attacks on health facilities since October 2023

BEIRUT, November 19. /TASS/. At least 212 health workers have been killed in Lebanon since tensions escalated in the Middle East in October 2023, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report.

"Since October 2023, the World Health Organization says there have been 136 attacks on health facilities, resulting in 212 deaths among health workers, with 70 people having been killed just last week. These attacks have forced 21 of 178 hospitals - or 13% of all hospitals in Lebanon - to cease operations or reduce services, drastically limiting access to essential health care," the report reads.

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. On September 23, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Northern Arrows against the Lebanon-based Hezbollah Shia movement, carrying out massive airstrikes on its military targets. On October 1, Israel announced the start of a limited ground operation in the border areas of southern Lebanon.

Kiev won’t benefit from permission to strike Russia due to manpower shortage — expert

According to Jennifer Kavanagh, the decision to allow attacks on Russian territory won’t change the course of hostilities in the special military operation zone as Ukraine has no significant stockpiles of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Biden’s missile strike decision complicates Trump’s Russia policy amid growing tensions

According to expert Zheng Renyi, "if Trump stops aid, he will face strong domestic criticism for appearing weak and will likely lose support, especially from Republican hawks who back Ukraine"

US decision to allow strikes inside Russia could trigger global war — Serbian deputy PM

Aleksandar Vulin stressed that such an action leads to "devastating consequences for the global community"

Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon

Trump team fears negative impact of allegations against Hegseth — media

According to sources, many in Trump's team are reportedly disappointed

Russia sees 'freezing' of Ukraine conflict as unacceptable, Kremlin spokesman says

"The conditions that President Putin laid out in June remain fully relevant," Dmitry Peskov said

Abkhazia’s authorities, opposition take break in settlement talks

Abkhazia’s parliament was expected to consider the ratification of the agreement with Russia on the implementation of investment projects in Abkhazia by Russian legal entities, but the session was canceled after the lawmakers failed to agree upon its agenda

Russia to be excluded from international forum on nuclear reactors — UK Energy Ministry

The report highlights that UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk signed an agreement on cooperation in nuclear research and development on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku

Press review: Biden OKs long-range missile use as backlash to Scholz’s Putin call grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 18th

Trump may review Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia with US missiles

"I suspect most everything will be under review," a member of Trump’s transition team said

Kiev won’t benefit from permission to strike Russia due to manpower shortage — expert

According to Jennifer Kavanagh, the decision to allow attacks on Russian territory won’t change the course of hostilities in the special military operation zone as Ukraine has no significant stockpiles of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Russian medical institutions receive first homemade osteosynthesis implants

A trial batch of Russia's first bioresorbable rods was sent to hospitals in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novosibirsk

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

FACTBOX: Abkhazian opposition, authorities sign agreement, president resigns

TASS compiled main facts about the situation in the country

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

Russia inflicts damage on gas production facilities used for Ukraine’s defense industry

Energy facilities backing Ukrainian defense industry extensively attacked

G20 leaders adopt Rio de Janeiro Summit Declaration

The declaration does not contain any remarks that the statement was not approved by all countries

Borrell confirms US greenlit deeper strikes inside Russia

According to the diplomat, EU foreign ministers discussed the issue at their meeting

US military industrial complex seeks to unleash World War III — Donald Trump Jr.

"The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives," he said

Ukraine admits responsibility for Odessa missile incident where civilians injured

Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shary commented on the statement by saying that Ukraine’s air force officials only agreed to recognize this because "the media started posting photos of Patriot wreckage"

Scholz to stick to his guns, vows not to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

"This is something for which I cannot and do not want to bear responsibility for," he added

Strikes on Ukrainian military sites to prevent launch of missiles — Russian lawmaker

According to Andrey Kartapolov, Russia "will definitely" respond to such a decision by Western countries

G20 leaders call for reform of UN Security Council

The leaders also called to increase the role of the Economic and Social Council

US approval of strikes on Russia derails hopes for peace talks — Slovak PM

"Those who support US President [Joe] Biden's decision are in favor of the start of World War III," Robert Fico noted

Le Figaro removes statement about France authorizing strikes against Russia

The newspaper has not yet responded to a TASS inquiry asking why the statement was removed

West to face 'devastating' response if it allows Kiev to strike deep into Russia — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukrainian social media accounts are meanwhile speculating that the Zelensky regime plans to present the received Western missiles as Ukrainian, changing the labels to use the weapons to attack Russia

Over 80 states join Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty — Brazilian President

The list, which was published by the alliance's press service, includes, in particular, Russia, China, the United States, the African Union and the European Union

Giving Kiev Taurus missiles tantamount to declaring war on Russia — German politician

Sahra Wagenknecht pointed out that the US decision to strike deep into Russia is another step towards a major war

UN’s Guterres calls to avoid escalation amid reports of US greenlighting strikes at Russia

The White House declined to confirm that permission for such strikes had been granted

Army specialists helping Rosatom secure Zaporozhye nuke plant - official

A regiment of radiation, chemical and biological protection troops has been additionally deployed to the plant

Lavrov arrives at G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Sergey Lavrov will address sessions on combating inequality, hunger, and poverty, as well as on the reform of global institutions

Decision to allow use of long-range weapons against Russia is ‘insane’ — Maduro

"The American imperialism has entered a phase of madness and revenge," the Venezuelan president noted

Biden sets stage for WW3 by letting use US weapons to attack deep into Russia — senator

Earlier, The New York Times reported, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized strikes from the territory of Ukraine deep into Russia with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

UK Defense Ministry mum on publications about Storm Shadow missile strikes on Russia

The New York Times reported on November 17 that Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

China’s new microwave weapon can scorch low-orbit satellites — expert

Engineers from China have surmounted obstacles and built a system consisting of seven emitting devices and their experimental firings have confirmed that it can effectively suppress signals of the US GPS and other satellites," Alexander Stepanov said

US communicates its decision to authorize Kiev to strike inside Russia 3 days ago — Axios

These weapons were authorized for use in the Kursk Region only, the news outlet said

Putin made Russia’s position on long-range missile strikes perfectly clear — Kremlin

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia, namely the Kursk Region

Secret prisons in Ukraine overseen by Western intelligence — former SBU officer

Alexander Mazur stressed that all the information is reported to the top officials

Trump likely to revoke Biden's authorization to attack deep into Russia — magazine

"Nevertheless, there is every possibility Trump will repeal the decision - indeed, his camp has already accused Biden of trying to 'escalate' the conflict", Lisa Haseldine pointed out

Ukraine loses up to 420 troops in Kursk area over day — top brass

The Russian troops destroyed two US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, one German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle and a German-made 155 mm PzH 2000 howitzer over the past day

Kremlin says decision to launch ATACMS missiles deep into Russia 'escalation of tensions'

Moscow's position should be absolutely clear to everyone, Dmitry Peskov pointed out

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Russian troops liberate Novoalekseyevka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted roughly 70 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made counterbattery radar station in its area of responsibility over the past day

Erdogan to present proposal to freeze Ukraine conflict on current lines at G20 — Bloomberg

The Turkish proposal envisages establishing a demilitarized zone in eastern Donbass and placing international troops there

US authorization of strikes inside Russia unlikely to change course of conflict — media

"The Ukrainian military has a limited supply of the missiles and firing a small number at targets in Russia would not make much of a difference," the analysts say

Russia should respond to Biden’s decision by running nuclear tests, expert argues

Russia has officially stated that it would not resume nuclear tests unless the United States did so first, Dmitry Suslov recounted

Russia, Republic of the Congo sign memorandum of naval cooperation

It is reported that the sides exchanged views on current issues of Russian-Congolese military and defense cooperation, discussed promising joint projects in the defense sphere and outlined ways to implement them

US approving strikes inside Russia not to alter outcome of conflict — Polish minister

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz added that this decision needed to be made much earlier to have any impact on the battlefield situation

Houthis say they attacked Tel Aviv, Ashkelon

According to Sarea, the Houthi drones "successfully hit their targets" in Israel

US State Department doesn’t confirm permission for deeper ATACMS strikes inside Russia

"I'm not going to speak to or confirm any policy changes," Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman told a news conference

UN calls for protecting civilians amid reports on US authorizing strikes inside Russia

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Russia could deploy new weapons if Ukraine hits Russia with US missiles, warns senior MP

"It is not out of the question that new weapons systems, which have not yet been used against Ukraine, could be employed," Vyacheslav Volodin said

German Defense Minister confirms plans to deliver 4,000 attack drones to Kiev — DPA

The deliveries are financed by the German government

Biden administration tries to prevent Trump from ending war in Ukraine — expert

Wang Wen called the next few months a "high-risk period" in the conflict

Over 300 DPR residents killed in attacks by Ukrainian troops since January

According to the report, a total of 1,539 people, including 125 children, received various wounds

Israel holds Iraq responsible for actions of pro-Iranian militias — Foreign Minister

Gideon Sa’ar said that he has sent a letter to the President of the UN Security Council

Ukraine loses almost 10,100 troops while trying to counterattack in LPR last week — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, from November 9 to November 15, the battlegroups North, West and South destroyed 32 Ukrainian tanks, 75 field artillery guns and over 320 different combat vehicles

G20 leaders concerned over humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, escalation in Lebanon

The G20 leaders also stated their support for a comprehensive ceasefire

Ukrainian army attempts to redeploy reserves to DPR — republic’s head

Denis Pushilin specified that the situation in Kurakhovo is hopeless for the Ukrainian army, however, the Ukrainian units have not been ordered to retreat

Scholz defends his phone talks with Putin as right move

At the same time, Olaf Scholz stated that "nothing has changed" in the Russian leader's position, which he said was "unacceptable"

US, West use Ukraine as ‘strike force’ against Russia, says North Korean leader

"The global situation is approaching the dangerous threshold," Kim Jong Un said

Putin, Trump have ways to get in contact with each other, Kremlin says

Trump said in an interview with NBC on November 8 that he had not yet spoken to the Russian president after his election win, but allowed for such a possibility

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

PREVIEW: Progress MS-27 to leave ISS to free up space for new cargo spacecraft

The spacecraft will engage its engines, which will allow it to leave the ISS orbit and enter the Earth atmosphere after a while

Long-range US missiles in Ukraine to be legitimate target for Russian troops — senator

The potential launch of long-range weapons from Ukrainian territory or elsewhere is defined in detail in Russia’s new nuclear doctrine, Viktor Bondarev noted

Case against Georgian mercenary, prisoners, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Twenty-four Ukrainian servicemen surrendered as prisoners of war over the past day

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

According to former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, the United States "is a direct party to the invasion and occupation of Russian soil," because it helped Kiev plan its incursion into the Kursk Region

Rising stakes and escalation: Reaction to US decision on strikes inside Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already clarified his position on US long-range missile attacks on targets inside Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

US-made projectile strikes to destroy ties between Moscow, Washington — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin added that these weapons "may cause damage but it will not change the situation on the battlefield"

US permission to strike deep into Russia unlikely to change Ukrainian conflict — NPR

US-based NPR broadcaster notes that the stock of such missiles in Ukraine is limited, since they have already been used during the conflict

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Russia has no plans to ‘tango on its own’ in relations with US — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that it wasn’t Moscow but Washington that initiated "the race of sanctions"

US Congressman urges to impeach Biden for allowing strikes deep into Russia

"By authorizing long range missiles to strike inside Russia, Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War that endangers the lives of all US citizens," Thomas Massie said

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Colombia agrees with Russia to establish group on mercenaries situation — Foreign Minister

Luis Gilberto Murillo underscored that the Colombian authorities want their compatriots not to be involved in any conflicts in the world

Germany to start supplying Ukraine with 'mini-Taurus' attack drones in December — report

A total of 4,000 AI-powered drones are set to be transferred, several hundred every month

Xi Jinping, Putin lay foundation for next level of strategic partnership — top diplomat

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Beijing "is ready to work with Russia to further strengthen cooperation and cohesion"

China ready to boost cooperation with Russia within SCO — top diplomat

"China has taken over the SCO presidency and is ready to closely cooperate with Russia in order to take its activities to a new level," Wang Yi pointed out

Swedish minister in charge of gender equality suffers from bananaphobia

The phobia is so strong that special precautions need to be taken before her meetings

Over 25 tons of prohibited substances seized by police in Russia in 2024

According to the minister, illegal drug trafficking accounts for more than a third of organized crime in Russia, with drug dealers maintaining international ties

Putin has already voiced his position strikes inside Russia with US weapons — diplomat

Earlier The New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden has allowed to use US-supplied long-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, to strike inside Russia

Decision on strikes inside Russia seals US puppet Zelensky’s fate — commentator

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

President of Abkhazia Bzhania resigns

Aslan Bzhania filed a resignation "for the purpose of preservation of stability and constitutional order in the country"

US Department of State not commenting on other states’ decisions on strikes inside Russia

Earlier, Matthew Miller confirmed that the United States has authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Kremlin spokesman highlights need for ‘two-way process’ of sanctions lifting

US Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated for secretary of state by President-elect Donald Trump, was put on a Russian sanctions list in May 2022 and on China’s list in August 2020

White House dodges question about authorizing strikes on Russia with ATACMS

The New York Times reported on November 17, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes deep inside Russia

Russian LNG flows to France in record amounts — Bloomberg

However, Bloomberg notes that it is unclear how much of the Russian LNG imported into France is actually consumed there

Fico’s adviser says special military operation underway between US, Russia

Military and financial support provided to Ukraine is not a way of solving the crisis, Mazgut said

Russia awaiting Egypt's ratification of industrial zone agreement — minister

The intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Egypt was signed in 2018

Netherlands regrets leak of Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia

Meanwhile, the Netherlands has repeatedly stated that it imposes no restrictions on the use or range of weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, the country is supplying to Kiev

Russian, Egyptian diplomats discuss continuing confrontation in Palestine, Lebanon

The diplomats also discussed current issues on the international and regional agenda, including bilateral cooperation within the UN and BRICS, the ministry noted

Several people injured near Tel Aviv by falling fragments of intercepted missile

The Israeli police did not say however how many people were injured

Putin congratulates Gazprom on completion of work on Nord Stream 2

The gas pipeline is ready for operation, the Russian President said

Situation with strikes deep inside Russia dangerous, as West may get involved — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that "these strikes are carried out by those countries that give permission, because targeting, other maintenance is not done by Ukrainian servicemen"

Press review: Switzerland open to hosting Putin-Trump talks as NATO and EU back Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 15th

Amendments to Russia’s nuclear doctrine practically formulated, Kremlin Spokesman says

Russia will view an aggression from a non-nuclear state, carried out with participation or support of a nuclear state as their joint attack

Israel targeted component of Tehran's nuclear program when striking Iran — PM

However, Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the strike did not halt Iran's nuclear program entirely

Georgian president calls for new parliamentary elections

Salome Zourabichvili has also called on citizens to continue protesting the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections

Russian stock indices in the red on Monday — market data

The sentiment on global markets was generally negative as the week starts

Bundestag analyst says US okays deeper strikes inside Russia due to domestic politics

The New York Times reported on November 17, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes deep inside Russia