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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza approaches 44,000

At least 50 Palestinians were killed and 110 injured in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the agency confirmed

CAIRO, November 19. /TASS/. Nearly 44,000 Palestinians were killed and over 104,000 others were injured in the blockaded Gaza Strip due to Israeli Defense Forces' attacks since the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict began in early October 2023, the Health Ministry of the Palestinian enclave wrote on its Telegram channel.

"The death toll from Israel’s strikes on the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in early October 2023 has exceeded 43,972, with 104,008 people injured," Gaza’s Health Ministry reported. At least 50 Palestinians were killed and 110 injured in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the agency confirmed.

Tensions escalated again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. In response, Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza with the objective of destroying the military and political structure of Hamas and rescuing all those abducted. Military actions in the Gaza Strip continue to this day.

Time's up for canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church — Zelensky

According to Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Zelensky delivered his speech behind closed doors, with no broadcasting

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

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

German defense minister says wrong time to discuss peace in Ukraine

Boris Pistorius claimed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz's phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin did not affect Moscow's position

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 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

G20 leaders adopt Rio de Janeiro Summit Declaration

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

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

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

Potential adversaries, criteria for use: Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

Russia will also engage in nuclear deterrence against those countries that offer their territory, maritime zones, airspace, and resources for aggression against it

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the special military operation is taking longer because it started against the Kiev regime and is continuing as a war between Russia and NATO

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 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

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

FACTBOX: What we know about disbanding of opposition protest in Tbilisi

Georgian opposition leaders have been demonstrating against the results of the parliamentary election since November 4

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

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"

Zelensky presents 10-point plan about country's future to Rada, omits several key points

The plan’s ten points are unity, the front, weapons, finance, energy, security, local governance, human capital, "cultural sovereignty," and social assistance to the military

Putin approves Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Biden’s decision to allow strikes on Russia fails to unite allies around Kiev — Bloomberg

The German leadership declined to follow the US’ example on long-range missiles, the news agency recalled

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

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

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

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

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

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

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

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

Georgian ruling party's secretary general calls country's president foreign agent

According to Kakhaber Kaladze, Salome Zourabichvili "has rulers, and she does do whatever they tell her to do"

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

President of Abkhazia Bzhania resigns

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

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

Lebanon, Hezbollah endorse US-backed ceasefire proposal with Israel

Aide Ali Hassan Khalil indicated that the next steps depend entirely on Israel, describing the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire as the most significant and serious to date

Russian forces advance 1.5 km in Novoselka area of DPR — official

Vladimir Rogov added that Velikaya Novoselka is a major logistics hub for the Ukrainian armed forces

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"

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

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

G20 leaders call for reform of UN Security Council

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

UK sanctions Russian youth organizations — document

All bank accounts of sanctioned entities and individuals will be frozen if they are found in the UK

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

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

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

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

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

Kremlin highlights need for in-depth analysis of Russia’s nuclear deterrence policy

"This is a very important document. Clearly, it requires in-depth analysis both in our country and, perhaps, abroad, too," Dmitry Peskov stressed

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

Russia says its forces downed 5 ATACMS missiles that Ukraine fired into Bryansk Region

According to the report, the missiles fell on the technical territory of a military site in the Bryansk Region, causing a fire, which was extinguished

Russian president to visit India — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that preparations for the visit which is of a great significance for Moscow will kick off soon

Russian troops liberate Novoselidovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored vehicles over the past day, the ministry reported

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

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

FACTBOX: Abkhazian opposition, authorities sign agreement, president resigns

TASS compiled main facts about the situation in the country

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

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

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

Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

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"

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

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"

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine released on schedule, says Kremlin

Earlier today, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ratifying the updated nuclear doctrine, Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence

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

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

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

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

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

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

Cable rupture in Baltic Sea caused by sabotage, German defense minister believes

Boris Pistorius is not "inclined to accept the explanation that the damage was caused by an anchor hitting the cable"

US State Department confirms US president authorized strikes deep inside Russia

Earlier, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to comment on reports that Washington had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

New doctrine means Russia can use nuclear weapons in Ukrainian conflict — analyst

"This document means a lot for the Ukrainian conflict," Vladimir Zharikhin noted

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine contains 'very important messages' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also noted that Russia has consistently maintained a responsible position and taken necessary steps to mitigate the nuclear threat and prevent the worsening of international relations

Governmental commission passes ban on cryptocurrency mining in some regions from December

The office of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that the Energy Ministry saw it as prudent to ban the mining of digital currency in areas facing critical regulatory and fiscal parameters

Ukraine will not compromise on territorial rights, Zelensky tells Rada

On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the country’s conditions for resolving the situation in Ukraine, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass and Novorossiya, and Ukraine renouncing its NATO membership ambitions

Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

The likelihood of a direct armed conflict with NATO is increasing because some individuals in the alliance are ready to raise the stakes ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Andrey Bystritsky emphasized

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

Top Iranian diplomat urges to 'prepare for war'

"We have announced that the recent Israeli operation against Iran is nothing but another aggression," Abbas Araghchi pointed out

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

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

Russian UAVs strike Zaporozhye infrastructure — official

The Russian Armed Forces carried out the attack at night

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

German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

Russia may retaliate with nuclear weapons if Kiev uses Western-made missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted the nuclear doctrine’s provisions that "aggression against the Russian Federation by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state is viewed as their joint attack"

Borrell confirms US greenlit deeper strikes inside Russia

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

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

New German government should focus on repairing and reactivating Nord Stream 2 — lawmaker

Sahra Wagenknecht underscored that the pipeline explosions were "a devastating blow to the [German] economy and an act of sabotage targeting German and European infrastructure"

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"

Biden’s decisions pushing world to global war, Hungary’s top diplomat says

"Two months, the most dangerous in decades, are ahead of us," Peter Szijjarto noted

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FACTBOX: What is known about Russian nuclear deterrence policy

The first Russian nuclear doctrine was ratified and published by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 21, 2000

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

Six European countries accuse Russia of allegedly attacking security architecture

"Moscow's escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are unprecedented in their variety and scale," the statement reads

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