Conflict in Syria

9 Dec 2024, 13:16

Syrian refugees return home from Turkey — media

The TV channel stated that the gendarmerie has established a separate checkpoint five kilometers from the Cilvegozu border gate to ease the load on it and simplify the border crossing process

ISTANBUL, December 9. /TASS/. Lines of Syrian refugees eager to return home have emerged at the Cilvegozu checkpoint in Hatay province, southeastern Turkey, TV 100 channel reported.

The TV channel stated that the gendarmerie has established a separate checkpoint five kilometers from the Cilvegozu border gate to ease the load on it and simplify the border crossing process. No incidents have been reported. On Monday morning, there were several hundred people in the lineup, but by midday, the flow had already decreased.

According to the Turkish Interior Ministry, there may be over 2.9 million Syrian refugees in the republic. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier announced plans to facilitate the return of about one million refugees to Syria.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday that the republic's authorities will make efforts to safely return refugees who have fled Syria since 2011.

Tags

Syrian conflict

Iran's foreign minister has full authority for talks with US — adviser to supreme leader

According to Ali Shamkhani, "if Washington shows determination for a deal, the path to agreement will be clear."

Yesterday, 11:01

EU cracks down on dissent, defies democracy it once lectured Russia on — Kremlin

"They are departing from the very standards of democracy they have long proclaimed and sought to impart to other nations, including us," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 13:34

Zhuravka liberation brings Russian troops closer to Ukrainian army’s hub in Sumy Region

Yunakovka is a logistics hub for the Ukrainian army to supply its combat group in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

Yesterday, 18:00

US committed to settling differences with Iran diplomatically — State Department

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce added that the current American administration is determined to solve the problem "through conversations, summits and discussions, so that that is really the hallmark of this administration"

Two days ago, 06:39

Russian forces fighting to liberate last two communities in Kursk Region — defense source

Fierce battles continue in the village of Gornal and the farmstead Oleshnya

UK, Norway to provide Ukraine with military assistance worth $580 mln

The funds will be directed towards the supply of "hundreds of thousands" of drones to Kiev, as well as the repair and maintenance of vehicles and equipment

CIS foreign ministers meeting kicks off in Almaty

The meeting will be followed by separate Russia-Central Asia talks between the foreign ministers

Yesterday, 20:43

No serious changes in US-Russia relations without ceasefire in Ukraine — State Department

Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that interaction is necessary to achieve any result

Yesterday, 12:52

Russian-US consultations conclude in Istanbul after almost six hours

The meeting ended without any press statements

Yesterday, 23:03

Europe is in crisis and losing itself — Republika Srpska President

Milorad Dodik noted that "representatives of the current Brussels mainstream no longer feel safe, and the Europe they were entrusted to govern has been lost"

Early injection, large LNG supplies may help Europe avoid depleting gas reserves in winter

It is crucial to begin filling the storage facilities as early as possible and any unscheduled technical shutdowns could potentially put additional pressure on the injection season, ENTSOG said

Yesterday, 16:13

US duties against China increased to 145% — CNBC

According to the source, 125% import duties in respect of Chinese products announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday do not account the 20% tariff set earlier by the US leader for allegedly insufficient efforts of Canadian, Mexican and Chinese governments in combating fentanyl spread

Yesterday, 17:06

WHO's claims of looming pandemic overblown, says Russian expert

According to Vladimir Nikiforov, there is no evidence supporting the idea that a pandemic will break out in the near future

Yesterday, 13:15

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfield, weapons depots over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Lavrov advises Central Asian countries to 'outlast' Kaja Kallas in her position

"It will probably be much easier than tolerating damage to their own people," the top Russian diplomat noted

Yesterday, 11:56

Russian troops liberate over 4 sq km near Zaporozhye Region's Kamenskoye — politician

Vladimir Rogov said that the Russian forces are holding the initiative, and the advance continues

Yesterday, 10:39

Crime in the making: Diplomat slams EU diplomacy chief’s words about frozen Russian assets

"I think this gives us a unique opportunity to analyze a crime before it was committed, not just after," Maria Zakharova said

Yesterday, 13:35

Urals oil price drops below $50 per barrel first since June 2023

The price of Urals oil was last below $50 per barrel on June 12, 2023

Israel, Turkey fail to reach agreement on Syria during negotiations in Azerbaijan

The talks are expected to resume following the conclusion of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which this year runs from April 12 to 19

Russia-US contacts insufficient, normalization still needed — Lavrov

The foreign minister emphasized that restoring the undermined trust in US-Russia relations "will take a long time"

Yesterday, 15:58

Louvre now proud holder of icon once owned by Nicholas II

The Louvre noted that "this icon will be the centerpiece of the museum's new department, given its historical significance and the fact that it is the work of one of the most renowned jewelers of the House of Faberge"

Two days ago, 14:19

Beijing won’t make concessions in trade war with Trump, US needs China — expert

Zhang Weiwei also claimed that in the first round of the trade war, 90% of the US tariffs against China were paid by American companies and consumers

Unlike Europe, US shows willingness to understand root causes of Ukraine conflict — Lavrov

The foreign minister emphasized that US leader Donald Trump had repeatedly made public remarks stating that "incorporating Ukraine into NATO was a mistake that played a crucial role in the current events, even though Moscow had been warning about it for years"

Yesterday, 13:07

Russia to harshly respond to Japan's participation in supplying Kiev with weapons — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that any steps by Japan to directly or indirectly participate in supplying Ukraine with arms and military equipment would be regarded as unequivocally hostile

Yesterday, 18:07

Russian, US delegations state need to immediately eliminate 'irritants' — envoy

"The Russian side emphasized the importance of the prompt return of Moscow's diplomatic property seized by the US authorities," Alexander Darchiev said

Yesterday, 17:10

US-China tensions very serious, even explosive — Lukashenko

"The Chinese somehow manage to smooth it out and keep this tension under control," the Belarusian president noted

Russia’s defense chief inspects Battlegroup West in special military op zone

Andrey Belousov chaired a meeting at the Battlegroup West’s command post where military commanders briefed him on the current situation, the maintenance of troops in the special military operation zone and enemy activity in the zone controlled by the battlegroup

US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Russia — Kremlin spokesman

The Kremlin would provide information in due course if Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Steven Witkoff, Dmitry Peskov said

UK considers deploying troops to Ukraine for five years

According to the plan under discussion in London and Paris, Western forces may be sent to Ukraine following a settlement of the conflict, acting as a "deterrent force" purportedly to prevent the resumption of hostilities

Press review: Russia, US move past Biden’s legacy as Kiev assures NATO of fight readiness

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 11th

Yesterday, 10:58

IN BRIEF: What we know about prisoner swap between Russia, United States

TASS has compiled the key details about the exchange

Two days ago, 14:41

MFA shocked by Ukraine offering ‘safaris’ to foreign nationals

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the Kiev regime has long turned war into a business"

Yesterday, 07:46

Some EU countries strongly oppose use of Russian assets for Ukraine’s needs — top diplomat

Kaja Kallas declined to name those countries

Yesterday, 18:01

Apple ships 1.5 mln iPhones out of India to avoid US tariffs — Reuters

According to sources, Apple has chartered six cargo planes to ship 600 tons of gadgets

Georgia seeks peace in relations with Russia despite territorial issues — prime minister

Irakly Kobakhidze emphasized that this approach is effective, contributing to the positive development of Georgia's economy

Yesterday, 19:37

Belarusian president calls US-China tensions 'explosive'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Russia, as part of the Union State, need to keep their eyes on other conflicts as well

Yesterday, 07:48

Russian Pacific Fleet warships wrap up visit to India

The Russian Navy was represented in the drills by the Pacific Fleet’s corvettes Rezky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and medium sea tanker Pechenga

Yesterday, 20:12

US State Department confirms ambassador to Ukraine to resign

Bridget Brink was ambassador at the embassy in Ukraine for three years

Ukraine’s military attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 75 UAVs in past day

A civilian was injured in a drone attack on the Striguny-Novoaleksandrovka road section

Russian soldiers in Guyevo were confronted by Ukrainian elite units

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that units from the battle group North had liberated Guyevo

Yesterday, 12:14

Russian army hits two Ukrainian repair sites with Geran UAVs — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, one of the strikes hit a large industrial facility used by the Ukrainian army to repair military equipment

Yesterday, 16:33

Azerbaijan’s president says Western organizations plotted coups in his county

Ilham Aliyev noted that in 2005, there was an attempt to organize an "orange revolution" in Azerbaijan under the auspices of the US Department of State

Yesterday, 19:49

US may extend its pause in lifting import tariffs — Trump

President Donald Trump said that we'll have to see what happens at that time, answering the question whether the three-month pause announced on April 9 may be extended at the end of that period

Plane in Washington Airport clips another aircraft with members of Congress on board

According to the airline, the first aircraft was carrying four crew members and 76 passengers, while the second had four crew members and 67 passengers on board

Yesterday, 09:04

Russia dismisses innuendos about nonexistent threat by Bosnia’s top diplomat — diplomat

Maria Zakharova criticized Elmedin Konakovic’s statement as "clumsy to say the least"

Yesterday, 20:56

Expansion of cooperation between Russia, US not discussed in Istanbul — State Department

According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it is a technical meeting

Trump administration understands that Zelensky hates Russians — Lavrov

"The Trump administration has this understanding and it has repeatedly stated in public that Zelensky will have to accept the loss of land," Russia’s top diplomat said

Yesterday, 10:49

Ukrainian troops trapped between Dzerzhinsk and Dimitrov in Donetsk region, says DPR

Russian forces have made considerable gains in the area of Sukhaya Balka, including the settlements of Aleksandropol, Panteleymonovka and Valentinovka where Ukrainian troops are under intense pressure

Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia on April 14-18

Chinese leader will visit Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh at the invitation of Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni

Judge orders release of 11 Russians detained in Tunisia — lawyer

According to attorney Olfa Hajri, they have been officially released

Yesterday, 16:05

US oil supplies to China set to decline to almost zero due to Trump tariffs — Bloomberg

Crude supplies from the US "are by no means vital to China" - in the early months of this year added up to roughly 1% of the Asian nation’s total imports, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa Ltd, the agency reported

Yesterday, 20:32

Belarusian president warns trade war could escalate into military confrontation

He pointed to the Houthi situation as an example of how conflicts can spiral

At least 29 Palestinians killed due to Israeli strikes on Gaza over past 24 hours

Rescue operations are ongoing to locate those reported missing following an Israeli strike on a residential area in the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood in the eastern part of Gaza City on Wednesday, which left 35 people dead

RDIF CEO Dmitriyev meets with Trump’s envoy Witkoff in St. Petersburg

Kirill Dmitriyev had accompanied the US Special Presidential Envoy to his car before both departed

Lavrov to discuss preparations for 80th Victory Day anniversary with CIS counterparts

The agenda will also include issues related to cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as the strengthening of border security

Yesterday, 14:35

Western countries discuss sending troops to Ukraine after ceasefire

Although the US is absent from the meeting, NATO structures are actively involved in the discussion, especially on how to improve Kiev's capabilities on the battlefield, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pointed out

Yesterday, 18:11

Russian-US consultations make headway in normalizing work of embassies — ambassador

Alexander Darchiev confirmed that the delegations of Russia and the United States gave each other guarantees on the maintenance of diplomatic missions in both countries

Yesterday, 20:24

Helicopter crashes into river in New York — police

At least six people have died, the Associated Press news agency reported

Yesterday, 14:57

Paris aware of Ukraine’s military industry collapse, calls for more aid to Kiev — expert

Alexander Stepanov confirmed that Russia regularly carried out precision strikes against these enterprises, including with Iskander missiles and Geran drones, in an effort to hurt Ukraine’s arms production

Yesterday, 16:23

Aeroflot denies Moscow-Denpasar airliner’s return to Sheremetyevo due to faulty engine

"Under flight safety rules, the commander of that flight decided to return to the airport of departure after one of the plane’s systems activated a sensor unrelated to the engines," the statement reads

Yesterday, 15:26

Breakthrough Russian allergy vaccine could hit market by 2026 — FMBA

According to the statement, all pre-clinical trials for the vaccine are nearing completion, with its safety and effectiveness already confirmed, and the manufacturing process laid down

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: US and China launch trade war while Russia and the US hold new talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 10th

New York City mayor confirms six fatalities in helicopter crash

According to Eric Adams, all six individuals were recovered from the water, but none of them survived

Trump’s envoy Witkoff heading to Russia for a meeting with Putin — Axios

The flight carrying Witkoff departed from Fort Lauderdale in Florida and landed at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg

Yesterday, 19:52

Yura Borisov signs with one of biggest US talent agencies — report

The agency describes its clients as people whose voices and vision define culture and shape the world

Yesterday, 17:35

Ansar Allah leader says US could not weaken Houthi military capabilities

"The Americans could neither ensure secure navigation for the Israeli adversary, nor halt projectile and drone attacks against it," the Houthi leader stressed

Yesterday, 08:10

Russian troops completing mop-up operation in outskirts of Guyevo in Kursk area

"Our fighters are completing mopping up forest belts in the outskirts of Guyevo where hundreds of bodies of destroyed Ukrainian soldiers and military hardware can be seen," the source said

Yesterday, 15:41

Russia stresses priority of diplomatic property return in US — ambassador

Alexander Darchiev underlined that "the sides showed their mutual readiness to work on a corresponding roadmap"

Russia-US prisoner exchanges help rebuild trust, says Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, Moscow and Washington jointly initiated the recent prisoner exchange

Official does not see other than Russophobic candidates running for presidency in Ukraine

According to Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo, the Kiev regime has been blocking attempts in the media to raise the issue of a presidential election

Yesterday, 17:02

Out of US prison, Russia’s Petrov says he misses home in a video from security agency

The video also shows Arthur Petrov getting off the plane by airstairs after landing in Russia

Yesterday, 18:35

US would like to strike trade deal with China — Trump

The US leader said that he has "great respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping

French troops plan operations against Russia on border with Ukraine, Moldova — media

According to Colonel Guillaume Schmidt, the unit's commander, troops need to be prepared to continue combat actions even when satellite signals are jammed

Yesterday, 12:47

Bodies of 9 civilians found in Russia’s Kursk Region after Ukrainian shelling — agency

It has been established that no later than March, Ukrainian servicemen deliberately shelled residential houses in the village of Makhnovka

Yesterday, 23:05

Gold futures climb above $3,200 per troy ounce, first time since April 2

By 1:48 a.m. Moscow time, gold had extended its gains, trading at $3,212 per ounce, a 2.24% increase

Yesterday, 20:08

US seeks release of Hubbard, other Americans detained in Russia — State Department

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that the US swapped Russian Artur Petrov for Russian-American Ksenia Karelina

Yesterday, 10:57

Kremlin dismisses Zelensky’s accusations of Russia dragging China into Ukraine conflict

"China has always maintained a very balanced position," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 19:09

US hopes to reach agreement with Russia, Ukraine soon — Trump

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 7 that President Vladimir Putin supports a ceasefire in Ukraine, but before that some issues have to be resolved, which for now are hanging in the air

Delegates from 140 countries to discuss promoting dialogue at Antalya diplomatic forum

On April 12, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the forum

Yesterday, 16:45

IN BRIEF: What to know about outcome of Russia-US talks in Istanbul

The second round of consultations on normalizing the operation of their embassies lasted five and a half hours

US should appreciate Iran agreed to dialogue despite threats — Foreign Ministry

According to the Islamic republic's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian side intends to assess Washington's position at the talks on Saturday and then give its response

China to increase duties on US goods from 84% to 125% starting April 12 — committee

Washington's excessive duties on Chinese products are "a significant violation of international trade and economic regulations", the Tariff Committee of the State Council of China stated

Head of Siemens division and his family died in Hudson River helicopter crash — TV

In addition to the Agustin Escobar family, the 36-year-old pilot was also killed

Total of 80% Russians trust Putin — pollster

56% of respondents said they approved of the Russian government’s overall handling of the country

Two days ago, 19:21

Russian MFA mocks Macron's shifting rhetoric, blames it on 'atmospheric pressure'

Maria Zakharova went on to say that before French President "started opening his nuclear umbrella over everyone, he was saying that he absolutely needed a place at the negotiating table"

Yesterday, 16:38

South Korea imposes sanctions against Russian company over alleged North Korea trade

The sanctions apply to an unregistered vessel called the Sunrise 1, operated by the Hong Kong-based company Xiangrui Shipping, as well as two Chinese citizens who work as managers at the shipping company

Over 80 cultural institutions destroyed in Russia’s Kursk border area

The exact number of damaged and destroyed facilities will become clear later, after the region has been fully liberated

Yesterday, 15:56

Pentagon sees threat to US in Russia, China, DPRK strengthening cooperation

"Together, these countries’ growing ties create a complex, interconnected challenge to US national security and regional stability," US Indo-Pacific Command chief Samuel Paparo noted

EU wants to continue war in Ukraine, so promises admission to union — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban reminded that the European Union was initially founded "as a peaceful initiative, not a military one"

Yesterday, 17:22

Western countries know nothing about democracy — Lukashenko

"No matter how much the Americans, the French, and others try to pretend otherwise, they’re not just spreading propaganda – it goes beyond that," the Belarusian leader stressed

Yesterday, 17:01

No European culture without Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky — Serbian director Kusturica

Emir Kusturica pointed to the fact that Russia is part of Eurasia, a powerful and resource-rich continent

EU to continue working on countermeasures despite US tariff ‘pause’ — Macron

The French president stressed that Europe intends to protect itself and achieve the removal of tariffs through a fair agreement with the United States

Two days ago, 09:33

France, UK preparing military intervention in Odessa — Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the proposed "coalition of the willing" as nothing more than "a meme"

Chinese company acquires strategic chemical plant in France supplying Defense Ministry

Wanhua Chemical Group offered to invest €10 mln into the plant’s production but also proposed to reduce the workforce from the current 300 employees to just 50-60

Yesterday, 19:41

US hopes Witkoff's meeting with Iranian representative to lead to peace — top diplomat

According to him, it will be an "important meeting"

Yesterday, 17:57

Lavrov's visit to Astana aimed at preparing most important events — Foreign Ministry

On April 10, during a working visit to Kazakhstan, the Russian foreign minister held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu

Iran, US can come to terms if only demand is Tehran giving up nuclear weapons — MFA

According to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi, if all participants in the talks in Oman demonstrate the necessary political will, a new agreement could be reached

Ukraine sustaining `colossal casualties’ in Oleshnya in Kursk region — security officer

The Ukrainian army has been struggling to control sectors of the settlement of Oleshnya toward which a group of paratroopers from near Yunakovka had been dispatched

Communication with Trump team shows US understands need for dialogue — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat noted that there are "many individuals" among both US Democrats and Republicans, "who don’t want the determination of President Trump and his team to normalize relations and resume dialogue on all issues, regardless of differences, to prevail"

Yesterday, 20:55

US may banish Chinese companies from American stock exchanges — Fox Business journalist

Shares of more than 300 Chinese companies are traded on the American stock exchanges, including Alibaba, Sinopec, JD.com and NetEase

Yesterday, 15:33

Trump's trade wars will strengthen 'economic symbiosis' of Russia and China — envoy

Boris Titov noted that Donald Trump has put the trade war with the entire world on hold, focusing on the confrontation with China