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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

Trump warns about ‘all hell to pay’ if Gaza hostages not released before his inauguration

US President-elect also regretted that all the talk about hostages are not followed by any action

NEW YORK, December 2. /TASS/. US President-elect Donald Trump has warned about severe punishment for those responsible for holding hostages in the Gaza Strip unless a deal on the release of hostages is reached before he takes office.

"Please let this truth serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity," he wrote on the Truth Social network.

"Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America," he warned.

He also regretted that all the talk about hostages held "so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World" in the Gaza Strip are not followed by any action.

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (put on Russia’s list of terrorists and extremists) said in an interview with the Axios news portal earlier that Trump wants to settle the conflict in the Palestinian enclave before his inauguration.

Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that he cannot guarantee that the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal will be reached under the current administration.

Tags

United States Gaza Strip Donald Trump

Conflict in Syria

Russia, Turkey, Iran, Qatar may discuss Syrian developments on sidelines of Doha Forum

High-ranking officials will hold talks about the situation

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

The process, which can today be confidently called the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia, began after the 2014 coup, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Georgia’s special forces push protesters away from parliamentary building in Tbilisi

Members of the law enforcement have demanded that the protesters disperse, sometimes using water cannons

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

DPR records fewest weekly civilian injuries since February 2023

Five civilians died in Ukrainian strikes over the past week

Russian forces liberate 88 settlements during fall

Thus, the battlegroup Center liberated a total of 37 settlements, according to TASS calculations based on the Russian Defense Ministry's reports

Scholz during visit to Kiev declares commitment to decision not to supply Taurus

"This decision is related to the range of the missiles and the need to control the choice of targets," Olaf Scholz explained

Russia has workforce shortage problem — Putin

The problem can be solved through implementation of new technologies, including the artificial intelligence sphere, the head of state noted

Kiev failed to inform Ottawa Convention signatories about its plans to violate it

The Ukrainian delegation has not yet informed on this development, the convention’s Secretariat said

Russia, Hungary are advancing flagship projects — Lavrov

"We have experienced steady, long-term growth in trade turnover and investment cooperation in the economic sector, which benefits both our countries and peoples," the top Russian diplomat stated

Zelensky acknowledges Ukrainian army’s inability to reclaim lost territories

The Ukrainian president added that the conflict in Ukraine had entered "a difficult phase."

Netanyahu condemns Hezbollah’s shelling attack as blatant ceasefire violation

The IDF reported that Hezbollah had fired two projectiles toward the area of Mout Dov in northern Israel

Iran ready to assist Syria in combating terrorists — president

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, the ambitions of the US and Israel "are directed against the countries and peoples of the region," and the ongoing situation in Syria is "a manifestation of these ambitions"

German company Helsing launches production of AI-equipped drones for deliveries to Kiev

As the company notes, advanced on-board AI enables full electronic warfare and jamming resistance, capabilities developed and tested through Helsing’s extensive experience in Ukraine

Syrian jets destroy terrorist headquarters in Idlib, kill dozens of militants — report

According to the report, "dozens of militants were killed and wounded," including one of their leaders of Arab descent

German chancellor arrives in Kiev on surprise visit — media

According to the report, the visit was not announced earlier for "security reasons"

Russian tech firm to modify latest RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun for new ammo

The RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun will be operational in the Army, the Airborne Force and special operations units

Russian scientists start research in exclusive economic zone of Guinea

According to Mikhail Tarasov, scientists from the two countries held a meeting to agree on the program of upcoming research

Slovakia starts investigating possible preparation of terrorist acts against pipelines

Minister of Interior Matus Sutaj Estok noted that an organized group of suspects in the possible preparation of terrorist acts is showing interest in the area where the Druzhba oil pipeline are running

Syrian army with Russian air support destroys terrorists’ 5 command centers, 7 warehouses

The command expressed the readiness of "the Syrian army to continue coping with its tasks"

US senior official says decision on territorial concessions is up to Ukraine

According to Sullivan, Kiev understands that the conflict would be ultimately settled through talks

Houthis say they attacked target in Israel with hypersonic missile

According to the Houthi spokesman, the Houthis will double their armed attacks with the use of missiles and drones amid Israel’s continuing operation in the Gaza Strip

US funds 'Nazis, maniacs' in Ukraine, Israel — American journalist

Jackson Hinkle also pointed out that the US authorities are no friend of "freedom-loving American patriots"

El Dabaa NPP will turn Egypt into regional tech leader — Rosatom executive

"The El Dabaa NPP will meet Egypt's growing needs for electricity and ensure its energy security," vice-president of JSC Atomstroyexport Alexey Kononenko noted

Science financing in Russia may reach 2% of GDP even before 2030 — Putin

Russia plans to educate one million engineers in the next three years, the president noted

Oil pipeline from Hungary to Serbia to be built by 2026 year-end — Transneft

The new branch pipeline will be connected to the Druzhba oil pipeline

Russian fishermen reel in record number of iwashi sardines in 2024 — Association

The iwashi sardine is Russia’s second-most fished product by volume, topped only by the Alaskan pollock

Chinese MFA warns Germany against manipulations related to Ukraine issue

Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that his country "has repeatedly said that it strongly opposes any accusations and attempts to shift the responsibility to China"

Recent Putin-Scholz conversation positive thing even as Berlin supports Kiev — Kremlin

On November 15, the two leaders spoke over the phone at Berlin’s initiative

Putin postpones World Friendship Games indefinitely

The World Friendship Games were supposed to take place in Moscow and Yekaterinburg between September 15 and 19 this year in Moscow and Yekaterinburg

Pakistan, Russia in talks to build steel plant — National Assembly speaker

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Islamabad wants to get the ball rolling as soon as possible, the speaker noted

Trump's threats to BRICS states if they ditch dollar are untenable, says Indian expert

The expert explained that, theoretically, a common BRICS currency could protect the group from the dangers of dollar dominance

Peace efforts in Ukraine must be ramped up amid escalation risks — top Hungarian diplomat

"The last 1,000 days have shown that this war cannot be resolved on the battlefield," Peter Szijjarto said

Putin, Iranian president discuss situation in Syria

According to the Kremlin, unconditional support was expressed for the actions of the legitimate government in Syria to restore constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity

Georgian PM says forcing children to participate in rallies ‘immoral’

Earlier, representatives of opposition parties called on students as well as school teachers to go on strike, not to attend school and to take part in protests

Syrian Armed Forces begin advancing in several directions in Aleppo, Idlib, Hama — command

The statement noted that the army continues to bring troops to areas facing clashes with terrorists

Over 300,000 personnel undergo combat training for Ukraine operation — Russia’s top brass

Military instruction pays special attention to servicemen’s individual training

Transneft expects first oil deliveries by rail in Kozmino Port by end of year

Transneft - Kozmino Port de-mothballed two railroad discharge racks for four tracks with an option of emptying 144 railtank cars at a time

US to ship $725 mln worth of weapons to Ukraine, including anti-personnel landmines

According to the report, the aid package will also include anti-drone systems and HIMARS munitions

IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

Export of Russian pipeline gas to Europe up 15% over 11 months

Total November gas deliveries from Russia to Europe equaled 2.75 bln cubic meters compared to 2.8 bln cubic meters in October, and 2.5 bln cubic meters in November 2023

Western handlers beginning to dump Zelensky — Ukrainian politician

"Polls are now emerging where Zelensky is no longer at the top but in second or even third place," Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Syrian ministry says terrorists suffered heavy losses of troops, equipment in Hama

Syrian and Russian military aircraft acted in cooperation

Novaya Zemlya facility prepared for resumption of nuclear tests — Russian general

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS that Russia was considering a resumption of nuclear tests amid the United State’s policy of escalating tensions

Biden grants his son pardon on two criminal cases

According to the statement, the issue concerns Hunter Biden’s federal gun charges in Delaware and federal tax evasion charges in California

Russian ombudsman publishes list of 630 POWs Kiev refuses to take back

Tatyana Moskalkova pointed out that these POWs have been in Russian captivity for over one year

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian temporary deployment site in Nikolayev Region

It was destroyed with an Iskander missile system, the Defense Ministry said

Accords of undefined status cannot be subject of Ukraine talks — Russian senate speaker

Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that the Russian president had outlined all the conditions, "and it’s only on this basis that genuine talks can be held"

Mutual investments between Hungary, Russia gain 6% in first quarter of this year

Hungary remains an important European trade and economic partner of Russia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said

Hamas says 33 Israeli hostages killed since start of Gaza fighting, some still missing

Nine hostages died from October 9, 2023 through November 21, 2024 because of Israeli bombardments, Hamas said, warning Israel that it "may lose all the hostages who are still alive" if it "continues its aggression" in Gaza

Israel violates ceasefire 54 times in southern Lebanon — Lebanese parliament speaker

"Israeli bulldozers continue tearing down houses in border villages, artillery is shelling the area and aircraft are making flights inside Lebanon’s territory," Nabih Berri noted

Berlin details new military aid package to Kiev

German Deputy Government Spokesperson Wolfgang Buechner said the bulk of weapons supplies to Kiev had been announced in October

Pezeshkian tells Putin destabilization in Syria serves Israeli, US interests

The Iranian President highly praised the role that Russia and its leader play in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, for example in preserving the territorial integrity of Syria

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 27th

Syrian, Russian airstrikes in Aleppo, Idlib eliminate 400 terrorists — command

The command reiterated that rumors of militants taking Syrian territory under control were untrue, saying that the terrorists have already "started to abandon" their positions due to casualties suffered

Dollar losing appeal as reserve currency, Kremlin reiterates

Dmitry Peskov stressed it’s not just with BRICS countries that this trend can be seen

Press review: Ukrainian trace behind militants in Syria as protests in Georgia radicalize

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 2nd

US vs. China in South China Sea - tension more likely than full conflict

EU diplomacy chief sees Putin's global reach expanding

Kaja Kallas took up her post as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on December 1

Houthis say they attacked US destroyer, three support vessels in Arabian Sea

According to Sarea, coming under the attack were the Stena Impeccable tanker, the Maersk Saratoga container vessel, and the Liberty Grace bulk carrier

US, NATO’s aggressive policies may result in clash between nuclear powers — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that Russia was fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and "systematically sends sobering signals to the Western countries"

Medvedev says Zelensky's fate won't be pretty if Ukraine faces second Maidan

The Russian senior official was indignant over the fact that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry "condemned the crackdown on protests in Georgia"

Russia does not rule out trilateral meeting with Turkey, Iran on Syria — Foreign Ministry

On the morning of November 27, the extremist group Jabhat al-Nusra (banned in Russia) carried out a large-scale attack in northern Syria

Brazilian MFA dismisses Trump’s threats of 100% duties on goods from BRICS countries — TV

The future head of the White House would be wise to take the current state of the global economy into account, unnamed Brazilian diplomats believe, according to the publication

Russian senior diplomat, Syrian envoy discuss escalation in republic — MFA

The parties emphasized "a principled and unwavering position in favor of the need to respect the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria"

No plans to hold Putin-Erdogan call over developments in Syria — spokesman

The two leaders' previous phone call was held on November 24

Lawyers are working to solve problem with US sanctions against Gazprombank — Szijjarto

"Supplies of energy resources from Russia are playing an important role in providing for security of energy supplies to Hungary," the minister said

Putin describes ban on Russia’s use of US dollars as ‘complete foolishness’

The Russian president pointed out that this desision damaged the US economy and undermined the power of the United States across the world

Russia’s first newly-built Tu-160M ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber performs debut flight

Russia’s newly-built Tu-160M strategic missile-carrying bomber has 80% of its equipment upgraded

Georgian president will have to resign despite rejection — PM

On Saturday, Zourabichvili said that she would not resign despite the expiration of her mandate because the parliament is "illegitimate."

UN doesn’t encourage further escalation of Ukraine conflict — spokesman

Stephane Dujarric was commenting on a statement by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, who said it was necessary to maintain unlimited European support for Kiev

Putin praises pace of import substitution in scientific sector

The President stressed that Russia is not going to give up all imported scientific equipment, but key technologies must be domestic

Russian forces maintain initiative, block Ukraine from gaining foothold in DPR — official

Denis Pushilin noted that Russian forces are also steadily advancing in the Krasny Liman area in the north of the region

Ukraine may make territorial concessions to achieve peace — former NATO secretary general

"However, actually we do not see that this can be realized in the near future," Jens Stoltenberg noted

Syria downed Russia's plane because Israeli F-16s used it as cover — Russian top brass

The bombing raid was not far from France’s frigate The Auvergne

Israel fueling terrorism in Muslim world, Iran's president says

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pointed out that "the situation in Syria once again proves that stability and security in Syria can only be achieved through dialogue and a political solution"

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

US president's son above the law with his father's pardon, celebrity entrepreneur believes

Earlier, Musk pointed out that Biden's pardon of his son coincided with the period of Hunter's work at the Ukrainian energy company Burisma and ironically called it a coincidence

Russian MFA accuses US justice system of covering up Biden-Ukraine corruption link

Maria Zakharova pointed out that "the US judiciary didn't dare address" the corruption network established during Barack Obama’s presidency, where millions of dollars changed hands

Russian politician sees Stoltenberg’s statements as Western attempt to fool Russia

"The West only talks about negotiations, peace or truce when it smells defeat," Russian Civic Chamber member Vladimir Rogov noted

Russia offers world’s first hydrofoil cruise missile gunboat

The new Project 133RA gunboat has been named the Antares RA while Club missiles have been chosen as its main armament, the chief executive said

UN secretary-general calls for immediate end to hostilities in Syria

Antonio Guterres also called for the protection of civilian infrastructure and a safe passage of civilians that are fleeing hostilities

IN BRIEF: Pardon of US president's son, Hunter Biden

The statement indicates that the matter involves legal proceedings in Delaware and California

Trump wants to set 100% duties on BRICS goods if they create single currency

"There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US dollar in international trade and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added

Trump warns about ‘all hell to pay’ if Gaza hostages not released before his inauguration

US President-elect also regretted that all the talk about hostages are not followed by any action

Russia ready to consider Ukraine proposals based on sincere desire for peace — Lavrov

According to the minister, Russia's position is based on the will of the people who found themselves in the area of hostilities "after the Kiev regime declared them terrorists"

Syrian government army liberates several neighborhoods in Hama — agency

According to the news agency SANA, government forces regained control over the towns of Karnaz, Tal Meleh, Jalma, Jubbayn, Hayalin, and Sheikh Hadid

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

Peru refrains from supplying Ukraine with military equipment — Russian Ambassador

Igor Romanchenko admitted that Russian-Peruvian relations are currently going through difficult times

Hungarian PM sounds alarm over presence of US, French troops in Ukraine

Additionally, the news that Russia used its latest Oreshnik high-precision ballistic missile, which has significant destructive power, to destroy Yuzhmash, a Ukrainian defense plant in Dnipro (previously known as Dnepropetrovsk), is alarming, Viktor Orban stressed

Putin signs law on Russia’s federal budget for 2025-2027

According to the law, federal budget revenues in 2025 are expected to be 40.296 trillion rubles ($378.5 bln)

Ukrainian captives, losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the past day, the Ukrainian army lost more than 250 troops, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, two cars and four mortars

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV control posts over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 490 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Tokyo to push for renewing visits to Southern Kuril Islands — Prime Minister

Earlier, during parliamentary debates, Ishiba reiterated the government's claims to the southern part of the Kurils, which Tokyo calls the "four northern islands"

Romania, Poland, Germany, UK plan to divide Ukraine — Russia's foreign intel

"A total of 100,000 so-called peacekeepers are planned to be sent to Ukraine," the SVR noted

Lavrov dismisses West's ceasefire idea: 'not a path to peace'

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow is ready for an honest discussion

Two-week NATO drills begin in Estonia — newspaper

The maneuvers will involve some 2,000 troops from Great Britain, Latvia, the United States, France, and Estonia, mostly taking place in the latter’s northern and northeastern areas

Developments in Georgia look like attempt to stage color revolution — Kremlin

"This is Georgia’s purely internal affair, and we don’t interfere in such affairs," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 107.18 rubles for December 3

The official euro rate was reduced by 1.51 rubles to 112.80 rubles

Russia blocks US-drafted UNSC agenda for December over meeting on Ukraine

The United States took over the UN Security Council presidency on December 1