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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

At least 28 killed in shootouts in Damascus on December 8 — health minister

More than 450 received wounded, Syrian Health Minister Ahmad Damiriyah said

DOHA, December 9. /TASS/. At least 28 people were killed and more than 450 received wounded in shootouts in Damascus on December 8, when the city was seized by armed opposition units, Syrian Health Minister Ahmad Damiriyah said.

"There were 450 patients [hurt in shootouts] at the health ministry’s biggest hospital in Damascus," he told the Al Arabiya television channel. "I have information that 28 people were killed. I am speaking about Damascus only. Shooting started from early morning."

Syria’s armed opposition units launched a large-scale offensive on government troops in the Aleppo and Idlib governorates on November 27. Late on December 7, they seized several large cities, including Aleppo, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa, and Homs. On December 8, they entered Damascus while government troops withdrew from the city. The head of the Syrian government, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, expressed his readiness for a peaceful transfer of power in the country. According to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry, Bashar Assad resigned as president of Syria and fled the country, instructing for the peaceful transfer of power.

Tags

Middle East conflict

IDF says it thwarted attempts to violate Gaza ceasefire

Russian forces in final stage of liberating Lugansk region, expert says

Right now, Russian troops are fighting to liberate the remaining Kiev-controlled settlements in the republic

Lavrov, Kyrgyz foreign minister to discuss CSTO agenda under Bishkek's chairmanship

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova listed topics on the agenda, naming Eurasian integration, global and regional security, and the coordination of joint efforts on international platforms

West realizes peace in Ukraine hinges on tackling underlying issues — Lavrov

The foreign minister underscored Russia's continued commitment to achieving the goals of the special military operation and resolving the Ukrainian crisis by fixing its root causes

European Parliament votes to advise EU not to recognize presidential election in Belarus

Lawmakers also called for stepping up sanctions against Belarus, accusing its authorities of human rights violations

Russian forces to control Ukrainian army routes after seizure of Zapadnoye in Kharkov area

The Russian troops continue expanding the right-bank bridgehead towards Kupyansk

US wants lasting peace in Ukraine — top diplomat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the negotiating process will not be smooth and each party will have to make concessions

Gas pipeline damaged in Kakhovka after Ukrainian attack

No casualties have been reported

Zelensky goes on ‘witch hunt’ to shift blame for military failures — Ukrainian MP

According to Irina Gerashchenko, several Ukrainian generals have already been arrested and accused of defensive failures

Russian forces seek to trap Ukrainian troops near Novoyegorovka in ‘killzone’ — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian battlegroup has already found itself in a very difficult position but Ukrainian soldiers still have time "to catch the last train"

One of Hezbollah leaders dies in armed attack in Western Beqaa

According to Janoubia, the vehicle carrying the Shiite politician was ambushed near the village of Machghara

Ukraine’s army lacks strength to hold Krasnoarmeisk in Donbass area — ex-military officer

Igor Romanenko also highlighted that the situation in the Pokrovsk area "is indeed, difficult and is deteriorating"

Ukraine launches drones at two enterprises in Russia’s Belgorod Region

The roofing of a storage facility and two vehicles were damaged

Trump has no bargaining power to pressure Russia on Ukraine, says ex-Polish president

"The Russians are capable of waging the war for much longer, while the Ukrainians are running out of manpower and cannot do without assistance," Aleksander Kwasniewski said

Ukraine conflict unlikely to be resolved quickly under Trump, expert says

At the same time, Krissada Promvek highlighted a new trend in some European countries, which "have started to withdraw their support from Ukraine"

Press review: Putin, Xi talk after Trump’s inauguration as US reconsiders aid to allies

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 22nd

Israeli objectives in Gaza fall through, Thai expert says

"Hamas's resilience, despite significant losses, signals that Israel's strategies have not entirely neutralized the group’s influence or operations," Roostum Vansu specified

EU crazy if it thinks its troops can march on Red Square — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, the EU has already found itself on the losing side due to its strategy of supporting military action in Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia

West's illegal actions set stage for terrorism in Africa — Russian envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya also referenced reports from African states and European security agencies about weapons supplied by Western countries to Ukraine ending up in the hands of criminal and terrorist groups in various regions of the world

Trump may recognize reunified Russian regions, says US expert

Ukraine’s membership into NATO remains the main issue of the conflict, Christopher Helali emphasized

Putin, Xi Jinping hold talks, say Russia-China ties 'self-sufficient,' ready for new high

Trade between Russia and China expanded by 7% year on year over the first 11 months of 2024, reaching more than $220 billion, despite a negative outside impact, the Russian leader said

US may impose duties of up to 25% against Mexico, China over fentanyl — Trump

According to US President, duties might imposed at February 1

Fico calls meeting of Slovak Security Council after intel points to impending coup d’etat

According to the Slovak prime minister, foreign "specialists" have already arrived in Slovakia

Drunken American goes on rampage in Moscow cafe over Trump’s inauguration

The 44-year-old American said he wanted Biden to stay in office, while his girlfriend backed Trump

Belgian court throws out von der Leyen’s vaccine transparency case

"The decision also applies to other parties that joined the lawsuit," the court said in a statement

Russian troops liberate Zapadnoye community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 40 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day, the ministry reported

Rubio takes oath of office as US secretary of state — White House press pool

The US vice president described Rubio as a "conservative of great principle and great vision"

Colombian mercenary fighting in Russia’s Kursk Region detained

The investigation has revealed that Boorjes took part in the armed conflict for a financial reward as part of Ukrainian forces

Iran’s intelligence minister warns against accords with the US

Esmaeil Khatib believes the United States is likely to intensify its pressures on Iran after the inauguration of President Donald Trump

Four wounded in stabbing attack in Tel Aviv — portal

According to Ynet, the attack was carried out by a 29-year-old Moroccan national with a US residence permit who entered Israel as a tourist

Chief of Russia’s General Staff visits Battlegroup Center command post

Upon completion of his work, Valery Gerasimov summed up interim results with military commanders of the Battlegroup Center and assigned them objectives for further actions, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russian authorities should respond to accelerated inflation — Putin

The head of state noted that there should be no imbalances in the credit sphere because the decline of activity in this sector may create risks for economic development on the whole

Kadyrov says drones destroyed Ukrainian firing positions equipped with Starlink

The operation was carried out in the Kharkov Region by servicemen of the West Akhmat battalion of the Russian Defense Ministry and the police department of Chechnya’s Kurchaloyevsky District

Plans to meet Putin, revoking 78 Biden’s orders among Trump's first statements, actions

The US leader also signed an executive order to create a government efficiency agency headed by billionaire ally Elon Musk

Russian army’s foothold on Oskol River’s right bank growing, expert says

"The enemy’s attempts to retain their positions there are not the same as, for instance, three or four months, half a year ago, when we could not even approach the Oskol River," Colonel Vitaly Kiselyov said

Trump signs orders to rename Gulf of Mexico, Mount Denali

In the order to rename the body of water, Donald Trump mentioned that it is the "largest gulf in the world" and stressed its economic significance

Trump becomes 'less precise' about China, Ukraine — former US legislator

Despite Trump’s calls on NATO allies to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP, many European countries "may find that the additional financial burden is simply too much to bear," Richard Black argued

Trump says people shouldn’t forget Russia ‘helped us’ win World War II

"I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin," the US President wrote on his Truth Social platform

Higher import duties in the US may re-orient goods to Russian market — experts

Assuming the extension of US foreign trade restrictions to other Asian nations, deliveries of goods from India and Vietnam may potentially grow

Trump aims at long-term deterrence of Russia — nominee

"I believe peace through strength is our strongest deterrence," Elise Stefanik said

Russia resembles one big family — American previously working for Moscow

Daniel Martindale also compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to the head of a family

Slovakia faces destabilization by those responsible for similar events in Georgia — party

Commenting on reports about "foreign experts" and their activities in her country, European Parliament member Katarina Roth Nevedalova said: "This is a question of national security, and we are in the process of assessing the situation"

Small chance of opportunities opens for Russia-US relations under Trump — Russian diplomat

"It’s important to understand who and what we are going to have to deal with, how to shape relations with Washington, how to enhance opportunities and minimize risks," Sergey Ryabkov said

Almost 70 people killed in Turkish hotel fire — interior minister

Ali Yerlikaya went on to say that firefighting crews responded promptly to the alert, and started putting out the fire at 4:15 a.m. local time (1:15 a.m. GMT)

Zelensky falls short of conservative values that Trump brings back — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk expects the US to become a much tougher and more determined actor in world politics during Trump's term

Talks between Putin, Xi Jinping important as US seeks to divide them — analyst

Alexey Maslov conceded that formally the virtual talks were unrelated to the inauguration of US President Donald Trump

Russian troops advance along three sectors of frontline, military expert says

Besides, Russian troops have "improved their frontline position" near Makeyevka in the Lugansk People’s Republic, Andrey Marochnko pointed out

Trump’s Greenland statements could ignite conflict inside NATO — expert

This would be the first major instance of a land grab between two NATO countries, Christopher Helali noted

Trump says he has good relations with Putin, likes Russia

"I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin," the US President wrote

Trump declares readiness to meet with Putin any time he wants

Presidents last spoke over the phone on July 23, 2020

New Russian fiber-optic drone wipes out Ukrainian combat vehicle in Kursk Region

The Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod FPV cable-controlled drone has been engineered by the Ushkuinik research and production center

Russia is making internal preparations for contacting Trump — deputy foreign minister

"When we probably hear something clearer and more concrete from Washington, then we will get down to coordinating schedules and technical matters," Sergey Ryabkov added

Russia’s engineer troops to receive latest equipment — top brass

During the special military operation in Ukraine, Russian engineer troops are effectively solving all the ten objectives of engineering provision, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Moscow, Beijing's positions on most issues identical — Kremlin aide

President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping also noted that the Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in 2024 were developing successfully

West to start preparing for new conflict with Russia after clash in Ukraine over — Times

Lt. Gen. Ralph Wooddisse, the commander of NATO’s allied rapid reaction corps, said the Russian armed forces will be a "whole lot better next time round" as its military has shown the ability to constantly adapt to battlefield challenges

Russia's top prosecutor reveals startling new details about 1918 Romanov family execution

According to Igor Krasnov, members of the royal family did not die immediately because they had diamonds and jewelry sewn into their clothes, and the bullets ricocheted off

Trump would be fine with Elon Musk acquiring TikTok

Trump also stated that he would be open to dialogue regarding the acquisition of TikTok by another major American entrepreneur

Rebels seize Bweremana city in eastern DR Congo — report

On Tuesday, rebels took control of Minova, an important commercial and industrial center with a population of more than 50,000

US may bolster dollar amid shifts in EU triggered by Ukraine conflict — Chinese expert

Discussing the prospects for resolving the Ukraine conflict, Gou Liwu suggested there is a high likelihood that Donald Trump's return to power in the United States could lead to a resolution of the conflict, but not within the short timeframe he promised during his election campaign

Ukraine’s General Staff describes frontline situation as tense

Ukrainian commanders of various ranks have been describing the frontline situation as very complex lately

Senior diplomat predicts ambiguity ahead for Russia-US ties after Trump’s inauguration

Sergey Ryabkov said that Donald Trump ushered in "a revolution of common sense" in his inaugural speech

Germany not the one to lecture others on freedom of speech — Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova referred to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos

Moscow notifies Tokyo of terminating agreements that set up Japan Centers in Russia

"The unprecedented unfriendly steps that has been taken by Tokyo against our country since February 2022 are contrary to the spirit and letter of the memorandums," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated

Last year was rather successful for Russian economy — Putin

Key macro indicators are in the positive zone owing to calculated and responsible action of the government and the business community, the president said

Snowden's spouse applies for Russian citizenship — lawyer

Anatoly Kucherena sees no problems that might prevent Lindsay Mills from obtaining citizenship

Western countries using ‘hidden veto’ to block UNSC resolutions — Russian mission

According to First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky, Western countries openly abuse their membership in the UN Security Council

Russia, Uzbekistan approve program of strategic partnership in military sphere

The documents were signed by Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and his Uzbek counterpart Shukhrat Halmukhamedov

Taiwan reports 14 Chinese planes, five vessels approaching island

Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense said that it have 'monitored the situation and responded accordingly'

Trump reverses 78 Biden-era orders

Following the signing, the US leader threw the pens he had used to sign the papers at the crowd, the media reported

Trump’s team prepares sanctions against Zelensky’s entourage — Ukrainian reporter

According to Diana Panchenko, these measures mark the beginning of the end for the "era of impunity" for Vladimir Zelensky

Melania Trump captures global mood with inauguration outfit — fashion expert

The First Lady’s outfit, designed by New York-based Adam Lippes, has drawn widespread attention for its sophistication and daring choices

Zelensky fears US will seal Ukraine’s fate behind its back

"I very much believe that the US won’t do that, although I’m not sure that earlier this did not happen," Vladimir Zelensky said

Death toll in Turkish hotel fire climbs to 76 — interior minister

According to Ali Yerlikaya, 52 of them have been identified and 45 bodies have been handed over to relatives

Trump threatens to curb Russia’s exports if no deal on Ukraine reached

The US president said he was ready to do "a very big favor" to the Russian side

Sahel Alliance nations establish 5,000-strong contingent to combat terrorism

According to Niger's National Defense Minister Salifou Modi, the activation of the new contingent is 'a matter of weeks'

Press review: Trump reveals his priorities as US president and Iran threatens to exit NPT

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, January 21st

Zelensky shocked by Trump’s decisions, tries to manipulate Europe — LDPR leader

Leonid Slutsky recalled that at the talks in Istanbul, settlement agreements were reached and "initialed by the head of the Ukrainian delegation David Arakhamia"

EU should give up sanctions against Russia — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban said that the sanctions only harm the European Union itself

Ukrainian commanders in Krasnoarmeisk form group of looters — Russian security officer

"There is evidence that it was organized by the command of the battlegroup stationed there, which is now managing the process," he said

Trump issues 'two sexes' order, upending gender ideology

The document criticizes gender ideology that classifies the category of sex as "a self-assessed gender identity" as wrong

Kursk governor condemns Ukraine's killing of civilians in local village as genocide

The Main Military Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee has launched criminal proceedings against the Ukrainian militants

Infrastructure facilities suffer damage in Kiev-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region

Air raid sirens went off in the Kiev-controlled part of the Zaporozhye Region five times on January 21 and once on January 22

Trump administration allows to deport illegal migrants without court order

It is reported that the expedited removal process has "long been reserved primarily for the area near the southern border," with its major flows of illegal migrants while now it can be used across the US

Syria terminates Tartus port management contract with Russian company

The 49-year-long agreement was signed between the Syrian government and Russia’s Stroytransgas company in 2019

Trump may tighten sanctions on Russia due to complexity of talks on Ukraine — expert

"The fact is that as soon as the Trump administration comes to the conclusion that the negotiations will be very difficult and that Russia has its own position," Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics Dmitry Suslov said

Slovak PM calls for postponing Kiev’s NATO membership for peace talks

Robert Fico reassured that Bratislava "supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union," noting that many of those who want the Ukrainian conflict to continue would be against Ukraine’s membership in the association

Ukrainian Armed Forces attack Energodar using four UAVs

"According to preliminary information, at least four UAVs attacked the town," the statement said

Russian troops liberate Volkovo community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 510 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Europe will have to boost LNG purchases in 2025, IEA says

Europe lowered LNG imports by 18% or by 30 bln cubic meters in 2024

Ukraine’s frontline to collapse in 100 days, if Zelensky does not negotiate — lawmaker

Alexander Dubinsky believes that Vladimir Zelensky lies the number of soldiers at the frontline is as large as 880,000

Syria’s defense minister says talks with Moscow over Russian bases still ongoing

The talks are conducted by the Syrian leadership and involve the Syrian Foreign Ministry, according to Murhaf Abu Qasra

Von der Leyen’s vaccine purchase transparency case to continue — plaintiff

"Today’s court decision will only grant Ursula von der Leyen a temporary respite from trial," Belgian lobbyist Frederic Baldan stressed

Trump instructs special envoy to resolve Ukraine conflict in 100 days — newspaper

Trump is determined to control peace talks himself, the Wall Street Journal notes

Orban says Ukraine shouldn’t dictate terms to Hungary, Slovakia

The Hungarian PM stressed that Kiev was in the position of a seeker of help

French court issues new arrest warrant for ex-Syrian president Assad — media

The warrant was issued at the request of France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, which investigated the death of 59-year-old Franco-Syrian national Salah Abou Nabout

Trump hopes to meet with Putin 'very soon'

US president also did not rule out the possibility of a complete cessation of arms supplies to Kiev

Tanks at Iranian oil storage facility holding 18,000 tons of oil ignite

According to the company’s statement, it was a small liquefied natural gas tank that ignited

Russian troops push for full control of Dzerzhinsk

According to the report, people from the main office of the Ukrainian armed forces keep complaining about an insufficient number of troops

Any day could be Zelensky’s final in office, Ukrainian lawmaker believes

Donald Trump claimed that he planned to resolve the Ukrainian conflict in the near future and on January 21, the US leader told reporters that "Zelensky wants to make a deal"

World needs shared prosperity, not 'golden age of America' — Medvedev

The dialogue between the heads of Russia and China, held after the US presidential inauguration is undeniable proof of the multipolarity of the modern world, the official noted

BRICS does not give consideration to Trump’s threats to impose 100% duties — Russian envoy

Moscow expects Jakarta, which joined the group as a full-fledged member not long ago, to take a similar position, Sergey Tolchenov added